from Stan Fischler of The Fischler Report,

* You'd need a team of shrinks to figure out why there remain hockey journalists in Canada who still resent Bettman. Then again, I'm not a shrink and I know why although Gary is head and shoulders the best leader the NHL ever had.

* There's a lot to learn from the annual NHL Disaster Area known as Edmonton. Lesson Number One is that no matter how many flashy top draft picks a team has, it guarantees them nothing. And nothing is what Oilers fans have been receiving in return for their congenital loyalty.

* These days you never can rule out the Red Wings as they strive for a playoff berth but this year? I don't know. If ever there'll be a test for the Mike Babcock-Tom Renney coaching staff it will be getting the Motor City skaters into the playoffs this Spring.

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