from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

- So first, Ottawa owner Eugene Melnyk needed a hard cap so the Senators could compete for a Stanley Cup, then he needed a 50-50 split, and now it’s a downtown arena.

- All Star break Snapshots

Elite (Ahem) Eight: 1. Chicago; 2. Washington; 3. Los Angeles; 4. St. Louis; 5. Dallas; 6. Florida; 7. Tampa Bay; 8. Zed; uh, Rangers.

Most Pleasant Surprises:

1. Florida; 2. Devils; 3. Boston; 4. Carolina; 5. Arizona.

Biggest Disappointments:

1. Montreal; 2. Columbus; 3. Anaheim; 4. Minnesota; 5. Islanders.

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