Inside THE WEEK IN SPORTS

THE NHL
How playoffs shape the free-agent market--Bellows's
comeback--League should have suspended Marshall

BASEBALL
Five first base flops--Demise of former star Avery--Martinez's
return--however brief--to Montreal

THE NBA
The T-Wolves' tough choices--What should the Sixers do about
Coleman?--Kings are set to sign top European

COLOR PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPH BY DAMIAN STROHMEYER GETTING A LIFT Derek Plante (left) and the Sabres were riding high after beating Vladimir Malakhov and the Canadiens in Games 1 and 2 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series. [Derek Plante and Vladimir Malakhov in game]