PIERRE MCGUIRE'S In the Crease

Sabres wing Drew Stafford had a career-high 26 goals through Sunday. His improvement stems from his decision to shed 10 pounds in the off-season, which has made him quicker and stronger... . Devils winger Zach Parise hasn't played since undergoing surgery in November to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. But he may return to help New Jersey in its improbable playoff run. Parise, 26, has been rehabbing aggressively while working out with Diane Ness, his private skating coach... . Wisconsin's Mike Eaves is a top NHL coaching prospect. An excellent communicator and a shrewd tactician, Eaves, 54, became the first U.S.-trained coach to win gold at the World Juniors, in Helsinki in 2004.

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TIMOTHY T. LUDWIG/US PRESSWIRE (STAFFORD)