In The Crease

One reason that Red Wings general manager Ken Holland rewarded
Brett Hull, 38, with a one-year, $5 million contract extension
last week is Hull's play with young linemates Pavel Datsyuk, 24,
and Henrik Zetterberg, 22. Since that line was put together on
Jan. 8, it had 106 points in 37 games through Sunday. The trio
may be Detroit's top offensive line next season.... The career of
Rangers goaltender Mike Richter, who is suffering from severe
postconcussion syndrome after being kneed in the head during a
game against the Oilers on Nov. 5, is in jeopardy. (His 2001-02
season was cut short when he was hit in the head with a shot and
sustained a fractured skull.) On some days Richter feels fine,
but on others he gets dizzy if he engages in rigorous athletic
activity, like riding a stationary bike.... How important is
captain Michael Peca to the Islanders? With Peca on the sideline
rehabbing from a torn left ACL, New York began the season
5-10-1-0. Since his return the Islanders were 29-22-9-2.