In The Crease

There are only six German players in the NHL, but expect an increase soon, thanks in part to the Sharks. Director of scouting Tim Burke and consultant John Ferguson have spent a lot of time in Germany, and in June 2001 they drafted three highly regarded players: forward Marcel Goc, defenseman Christian Ehrhoff and goalie Dimitri Patzold....

Don't be surprised if the Sharks deal captain Owen Nolan and the Coyotes ship out defenseman Teppo Numminen before the March 11 trade deadline. Nolan has not lived up to expectations, and the 34-year-old Numminen, who makes $4.7 million, would be a salary dump....

The most underrated defensive forward in the NHL may be the Flyers' Michal Handzus, who was acquired from Phoenix in the off-season on the recommendation of new coach Ken Hitchcock. Handzus, who also had 15 goals through Sunday, should be a Selke Trophy candidate.