Pierre McGuire's In the Crease

Paul Stastny's productive summer: The Avalanche's sophomore forward worked out twice a day with a trainer, lost 12 pounds (he's 6 feet, 205) and got engaged. The early return? Eight points in three games.... Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf, 22, will thrive under coach Mike Keenan. Phaneuf responds to a firm hand, and Keenan loves star defensemen with an edge. Phaneuf is playing close to 30 minutes a game.... Senators defenseman Luke Richardson, 38, is in his 20th season. If that doesn't make him feel old, this will: Teammate Nick Foligno, a rookie winger, is the son of Mike Foligno, Richardson's teammate in Toronto in 1990--91. After Richardson was dealt to Edmonton, the Folignos, including Nick, then four, rented Richardson's Toronto home.