Definitely a difference-maker

Sporting News, The, March 20, 2000 by Larry Wigge

Bourque and Andreychuk both are in that situation this year. But Bourque will be a big performer for the Avalanche, and Andreychuk shapes up as a big contributor as well.

No guarantees of Stanley Cups in Colorado. Not with Dallas, Detroit and St. Louis to contend with in the West. But this team is 10 times better today with Bourque in the lineup.

Bottom line--The Avalanche is right back in the playoff hunt in the tough Western Conference.

More important, Colorado kept Bourque away from fellow contenders Detroit, Dallas, St. Louis and Philadelphia, who have to settle for getting help for their defensive units by trading for someone such as Tampa Bay's Petr Svoboda or Ottawa's Igor Kravchuk or by signing free agent Mark Tinordi, who is recovering from ankle surgery. --L. W.

Associate editor Larry Wigge covers hockey for THE SPORTING NEWS. E-mail him at wigge@sportingnews.com.