Nhl Western Conference

Sporting News, The, April 2, 2001 by Paul Grant

WHO'S HOT

OK, fair is fair. Last week, we pointed out how awful Brett Hull had played offensively. The ink had barely dried on that one when Hull fired in four goals in one game, finishing the week with eight goals, 10 points and a plus-7 in four games. This is the Hull fans pay big-ticket bucks to see every night. If he can maintain the pace to keep the aging Stars from falling out of the playoffs, we'll shut up.

WHO'S NOT

Until a win Saturday, Sean Burke was playing coyote ugly. In seven starts since signing a new contract and the trading of Nikolai Khabibulin, the potential Hart winner was 0-5-1 (with one nodecision), and his save percentage was .888. Oh, and that's Wayne Gretzky you see sweating in the owners' box as his team fights for a playoff spot.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME

The Blues have seen tough times, even losing at home in OT to the powerful, organized Islanders. But their chances got a whole lot better with the return of Al MacInnis. Not only does his rocket from the point scare the sweat out of opposing goalies, his presence allows Scott Young to shift to the left point and his forehand. Until Chris Pronger returns.