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PIERRE MCGUIRE'S In the Crease

Rookie Brad Marchand has boosted the Bruins' offense. He scored no goals in just 20 games last year, but playing alongside vets Patrice Bergeron and Mark Recchi—who have taken Marchand, 22, under their wings—has brought focus to his game and paid off with 16 goals.... The Blue Jackets are playoff contenders because of winger Rick Nash. The NHL's most underrated star has been on a tear the last 15 games (eight goals, nine assists).... Penalty shots are supposed to reward a team with something more dangerous than a two-minute power play, but depending on the situation, many coaches would take the two minutes instead. The NHL's competition committee needs to consider giving coaches a choice.

PHOTO

DAMIAN STROHMEYER (MARCHAND)