TIMES’ RANKINGS

Team (Record): Comment

1. Dallas (6-1-2): Hull gets going, so do Stars.

2. Phoenix (5-2-1): Put act together, went 3-0-1 on road.

3. Detroit (6-4-0): Getting used to Bowman again.

4. Ottawa (6-3-0): Winning is best revenge on Flyers.

5. Edmonton (6-4-0): Weight’s loss doesn’t leave them thin.

6. New Jersey (5-4-0): Devils need Niedermayer.

7. Buffalo (4-3-2): Scrappy Sabres on 2-0-1 surge.

8. St. Louis (4-3-2): MacInnis big gun in 3-1-1 push.

9. Philadelphia (5-4-2): Lindros line not getting help.

10. Carolina (4-4-3): Irbe keeps them respectable.

11. Toronto (5-4-1): Watch out for falling Leafs.

12. Mighty Ducks (3-3-3): Defense shines in 3-0-3 streak.

13. N.Y. Islanders (6-5-0): No Ziggy, but won four of five.

14. Pittsburgh (4-3-2): Keeping heads above water--on the ice.

15. N.Y. Rangers (3-4-3): Richter solid in 3-0-3 streak.

16. Vancouver (5-5-1): Messier, Mogilny perking up.

17. Tampa Bay (4-6-1): Lightning strikes, wins four of six.

18. Florida (3-4-3): Rookie Parrish only good sign.

19. Kings (4-5-2): Offense is homely at home.

20. Washington (3-4-3): Scored more than two only once.

21. Chicago (4-5-1): Goals scarce in three-game losing streak.

22. Boston (4-5-2): Can’t beat anyone except Montreal.

23. Nashville (3-5-1): Dunham, anthem singers their stars.

24. Montreal (3-5-2): Outscored 18-4 in 0-3-1 slump.

25. San Jose (1-6-2): At least they won’t be winless.

26. Calgary (3-5-2): Fleury of goals, but not enough.

27. Colorado (3-6-1): Did the wrong Lacroix leave town?

GAME OF THE WEEK

DETROIT RED WINGS at PHOENIX COYOTES

When--Friday. Time--6 p.m. PST. TV--ESPN.

Story line--A repeat of their first-round playoff series, won by Detroit in six games. The Red Wings are nearing the end of a stretch in which they play six of seven games on the road. They’re only 2-3 since Scotty Bowman resumed coaching and have lost back-to-back games, falling to St. Louis and Dallas. However, winger Brendan Shanahan and center Steve Yzerman are enjoying excellent starts. Each has 13 points, tying them for second in the scoring race. Shanahan is tied for second in goals with seven. Goalie Chris Osgood leads the league with six victories. Phoenix returns home after a 3-1-1 trip which began with a loss at Dallas but ended with three consecutive victories. They gave up only three goals in those last three games.

NUMBERS GAME

Mark Messier, a recent entry to the 600 club, on Sunday scored his 602nd goal, tying him for eighth in NHL history. Here are the NHL’s top all-time scorers: *--*

Player NHL seasons Goals *Wayne Gretzky 20 886 Gordie Howe 26 801 Marcel Dionne 18 731 Phil Esposito 18 717 Mike Gartner 19 708 Mario Lemieux 12 613 Bobby Hull 16 610 *Dino Ciccarelli 18 602 *Mark Messier 20 602 Jari Kurri 17 601 Mike Bossy 10 573 *Steve Yzerman 16 566 Guy Lafleur 17 560 *Brett Hull 14 557 John Bucyk 23 556

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*-active