In The Crease

Is it a coincidence that during the Rangers' recent revival (3-0-1-0 in their last four games through Sunday), in which they've finally shown grit and determination, No. 1 center Petr Nedved has been out of the lineup with an injury?...Here are two of the NHL's nastiest feuds: 1) Penguins wing Matthew Barnaby versus Sabres wing Rob Ray. Although Barnaby and Ray were best friends when they both played for Buffalo, their battle began after Barnaby accidentally broke one of Ray's new sticks in practice last year. They fought each other when their teams met last month. 2) Canadiens center Shayne Corson versus Canucks defenseman Ed Jovanovski. This started last season after Jovanovski made disparaging remarks about Corson's family. They had a vicious brawl during a game this season....

For the first time this decade the NHL will hold an expansion draft behind closed doors when the two franchises that begin play in 2000-01, the Columbus Bluejackets and the Minnesota Wild, stock their rosters on June 23. Insiders say that with two clubs participating, the draft should run more efficiently with no media present to slow the process.....

With the recent spate of serious eye injuries-including those sustained by Manias Ohlund of the Canucks, who has been sidelined all season after getting hit in the eye with a puck, and Canadiens farmhand Trent McCleary, who needed surgery for a blocked tear duct after getting kicked by a skate blade—the league should stipulate that players entering the league wear visors. The players would need to make no adjustment, because all amateurs are required to wear some kind of eye protection before reaching the NHL....

Even though Canadiens center Trevor Linden has been a disappointment on the ice this season (two goals in 25 games), he has been a solid behind-the-scenes guy who has helped injury-riddled Montreal's young players keep a positive attitude.