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PIERRE McGUIRE'S IN THE CREASE

The big reason the Coyotes are battling for a playoff spot has been the play of underappreciated winger Radim Vrbata. The sniper has scored 22 goals, second best in the West. It's a shame he wasn't selected for the All-Star Game... . Two players to watch in college hockey: Dan DeKeyser of Western Michigan and J.T. Brown of Minnesota-Duluth. Both are undrafted free agents on the watch lists of several NHL clubs. When the two schools squared off in Kalamazoo, Mich., earlier this month, members of the Lightning's front office were on hand to see Brown score twice, in two games... . Kyle Turris has been super for the Senators since he was traded from the Coyotes last month. The third pick in the 2007 draft, he has blossomed into an ideal second-line center (nine points, +10 in 13 games since the trade).

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CHRIS PONDY/ICON SMI (VRBATA)