Quest for the StanleyCup starts with playoffs

by Paul Moser assistant sports editor

The hockey season is heating up. There are only a handful of games left for each team in the National Hockey League.

As the action heats up to see who plays in the playoffs, the question arises: who will be the one drinking from the cup of Lord Stanley, considered by many to be the pinnacle of sports?

Here is how the playoffs look like they will turn out.

shots Chicago Blackhawks

The loss of Jeremy Roenick was devastating to this team of feisty veterans. The departure of Ed Belfour has given Jeff Hackett the opportunity to grab the Hawks reigns 1:1ndlead them into the playoffs. Chicago will once again bail out in the first round this year. By the way, is

Chris Chelios finally showing his age?

Hartford Whalers

Two words--no scoring. Geoff Sanderson and Keith Primeau are the premiere players on a team of "who-the-heckare-these-guys."

The late season acquisition of defenseman Steve Chaisson is a plus, but not enough to give Hartford a "g~t out of firstround free" card.

Montreal Canadiens

So much for tradition. Mark Recchi is the best player in a group of scorers and finesse players. Patrick Roy would look pretty good in the bleu, blanc, et rouge right now, non? of the Pack

Florida Panthers

John Vanbiesbrouck is the X factor. He will carry this team as far as they can go, and as Vanbiesbrouck goes, so go the Panthers.

New York Rangers

The Rangers are Mark Messier's team, not Wayne Gretzky's. The only problem is the team's health. Richter will have to duplicate his performance in the World Cup for the Rangers to have a chance in the playoffs.

Anaheim Mighty Ducks

Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya are superstars on a rejuvenated Ducks team. Guy Hebert needs to stand on his head for this team to have a legitimate shot beyond the first round.

Phoenix Coyotes

The Coyotes prospered from Chicago's demise in picking up the tough and talented Roenick. Along with 50-plus goal scorer and captain Keith Tkachuk and red-hot goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, they should make some noise in the post season.

Dallas Stars

The Central Division winners have a 40 goal scorer in Mike Modano and an all-star defenseman in Derian Hatcher, but this team is placing their hopes on the aging and often injured Andy Moog. Moog's health and endurance are the key to the Stars' success.

Edmonton Oilers

The upstart, youthful Oilers mostly lack experience, but not scoring or size. Curtis Joseph is a veteran performer, but has been a question mark in the playoffs. Look out. because this team may blow right past one or two teams.

Pittsburgh Penguins.

Mario Lemieux will be playing in his last NHL playoffs this year. With returning Jaromir Jagr and a focused Lemeiux, the Penguins will probably advance to the second round.

Best Bets.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche are the defending cup champs and have a strong chance to repeat. Now that the defending c_:hampshave all of their players healthy and ready to make a cup run, beware. This team is so deep and so good, they compiled the best record in the NHL without Peter Forsberg for most of the season.

Detroit Red Wings

Brendan Shanahan. Will this man finally push the Red Wings to the cup? Sergei Federov also has to step it up in the playoffs. The other question is, can Chris Osgood win a cup? They have a good shot but will bow out to Colorodo.

New Jersey Devils

This team took a year off and is now just as good as ever, perhaps better. The acquisition of Doug Gilmour has proved to rejuvenate the Devils' scoring. The Devils are the hottest team in the league and have one of the best goalies in Martin Brodeur.

Philadelphia Flyers

My personal cup favorite. The Flyers have it all: offense, team defense and goaltending. The emergence of Ron Hextall in the last string of games has really given the Flyers confidence about their cup chances. Eric Lindros and John Leclair are among the best in the game and will be a tough duo to stop in the playoffs.