Scoring race neck and neck

0 Comments | USA TODAY, January, 2008 | by Kevin Allen

When Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson analyzes his chances of winning the scoring title, he is more concerned about birth dates than scoring rates.

"I'm 35, and most of the other guys are 20 to 23," Alfredsson said during All-Star weekend. "It's a long year, so odds are not in my favor."

True to his word, Alfredsson tweaked his hip during Tuesday's win against the New York Islanders. He had added to his league-leading total with an assist but sat out the third period, saying he didn't want the injury to get worse.

He plans to test the hip in practice today, adding intrigue to what could be one of the closest scoring races in league history.

"I think there are five guys who can win it," said former NHL coach Jacques Demers, an...