Sergei Zubov

As training camp arrives, every NHL team is facing a pressing question. We've looked at the Central, Northeast, Atlantic, Southeast and Northwest. This time, let's lightly turn our thoughts to the Pacific.

The mailman has evaded the pit bull in the yard again, so I am compelled to address some of your more bracing epistles. Letter-opener, please...

To the front-runners go the spoils: This savvy lineup is a three-Wing circus

Deliberately stepping on leg of Jarkko Ruutu, Penguins: 30 games, Dec. 2007 High stick to face of Ryan Hollweg, Rangers: 25 games, March 2007

Although we're only at the quarter pole of the 2007-08 campaign, players are beginning to distinguish themselves as contenders for the NHL's season-end hardware. Here's a look at the Fall favorites: