Two factors led to the Avalanche's acquiring hard-nosed
defenseman Bryan Marchment from the Sharks last Saturday: He
earned the respect of Colorado coach Tony Granato and
player-personnel director Michel Goulet when he played with them,
in San Jose and Chicago, respectively, and he has the ability to
hound center Mike Modano of the Stars, the team with the best
record in the West through Sunday.... The Maple Leafs' Tie Domi,
who has had his best all-around season, lost the respect of
players around the league for his March 4 attack on Senators wing
Magnus Arvedson. In the waning moments of a 4-1 Toronto loss,
Domi sucker punched Arvedson, who is a nonfighter. Domi was
suspended for three games by the league.... If the Sabres are
sold to businessman Tom Golisano, expect general manager Darcy
Regier to be replaced. The best bets to fill that spot are player
agent Steve Bartlett or former Rangers general manager Neil
Smith.
