In The Crease

John D'Amico, who was the NHL supervisor in the replay booth for
last Friday's Flyers-Sabres' no-goal controversy, was also in
charge during another contentious replay incident. On March 18
the Hurricanes were denied the tying score late in a game
against the Canadiens despite video footage that clearly showed
the goal should have counted. Had the call gone the right way
and had Carolina held on for a tie (Montreal won 3-2), the
Hurricanes would have edged Buffalo for the final playoff berth
in the Eastern Conference....

If the Bruins fire coach Pat Burns as expected, former Boston
forward Dave Poulin may have the inside track on the job. The
41-year-old Poulin, who has coached Notre Dame to a 71-99-22
record over the last five years, has the intelligence and
charisma to be a successful coach in the league....

Colin Campbell, the NHL's dean of discipline, sent the wrong
message by suspending Capitals wing Chris Simon only one game
for cross-checking Penguins defenseman Peter Popovic in the face
last Thursday. Any attempt to strike a player in the head with
the stick should be met with a far more severe punishment....

One reason the Oilers dropped the first two games to the Stars
in the playoffs was the absence of hard-hitting forward Mike
Grier, who was out with a triceps injury. Grier drives to the
net and finishes his checks as well as anyone in the league. His
physical play could have helped neutralize Dallas's 6'5",
230-pound defenseman Derian Hatcher (above), who had 23 hits in
the series's first two games....

The Maple Leafs must be thrilled that they acquired forward
Darcy Tucker, who was obtained from the Lightning on Feb. 9. Not
only did Tucker score the winning goal in Game 1 against the
Senators last week, but he also plays an aggressive,
in-your-face game.

COLOR PHOTO: JEFF MITCHELL/REUTERS