NHL UPDATE

New Jersey Devils - Cuirrent Record - 32 - 15 - 3 Current Scoring Leader - Zach Parise 29 Goals, 29 Assists, 22 +/- Rating The Devils have been a real suprise this year. Martin Broduer's absence, their starting gaol-tender, looked to be a real body blow to these perenial contenders, but Scott Clemensen (22-9-1 on the season) has been more than servicable. Acquring veteran forward Brendan Shannahan from their crosstown rivals looked like a risky move, but Shannahan has shown he has plenty of gas in the tank to help the Devils contend once more for the Stanley Cup. The window is closing for this aging lineup. Boston Bruins - Current Record - 38 - 7 - 6 Current Scoring Leader - Marc Savard 20 Goals, 41 Assists, 28 +/- Rating The Bruins are back in business in a big way. Last year Patrice Bergeron went down with a season ending injury, pretty much leading the organisation to look to 08-09. Now, with a healthy Bergeron the Bruins are a top the Eastern Conference with team chemistry at an all time high. With strength through the lines and Bergeron, Savard and Kessel all playing well it will be interesting to see if the Bruins make any moves as teh trade deadline approaches. New York Rangers - Current Record 29 - 18 - 4 Current Points Leader - Nikolai Zherdev 13 Goals, 28 Assists, 6 +/- Rating The Rangers are not looking good for a playoff birth. They are currently in the mix but erally need to improve on Power Plays. Currently converting only 14.8% of their chances - good for last in the East. Pittsburgh Penguins - Current Record - 24 -22 - 5 Current Leader - Evgeni Malkin 21 Goals, 54 Assists, 17 +/- The Pens are in a real dogfight for a playoff spot, and are led by the young duo of Sindey Crosby (20G, 48 A) and Evgeni Malkin. Missing the experience and leadership of Sergei Gonchar has posed problems on defense - losing 4-5 at Toronto and 3-4 in OT to the Devils recently.

Look for this team to continue to improve in the years to come and after last years appearance in the Stanley Cup teams are always weary of Crosby and the Penguins. Pittsburgh still lack a couple of scorers on the wing who can take advantage of Crosby's phenomenal playmaking ability. Miroslav Satan and Petr Sykora just havent been getting it done.

However, expect them to see them make a strong run and make it into the playoffs once more.

Washington Capitals - Current Record - 34 - 15 - 4 Statistical Leader - Alex Ovechkin 36 Goals, 29 Assists, 14 +/- Rating Alex Ovechkin is a top runner for the Hart Trophy. Not only is he a stat leader, but he has elevated his team to a true contender. Once dibbed Ovie and the Ovieacheavers, the Caps are now a threat and are being mentioned in the same breath as Detroit, Boston and Montreal. Everyone is excited to see if these boys can take it to some of the more fancied playoff teams, and a Pens Caps series is at the top of everyone's wishlist this spring.