Rumors, moves, injuries and newsmakers...

Zubov hurt again; Byfuglien is red-hot; Hasek yanked; Leclaire set to return; Smyth demoted; LaRose shines for the 'Canes; and more...

FOOTE IN THE DOOR 
The Colorado Avalanche have taken a trip down memory lane this season. Out to prove that a winning formula doesn't go stale after seven seasons, the 2001 Stanley Cup champions recycled two of their most potent ingredients--Peter Forsberg and veteran blueliner Adam Foote.

Without question, the signing of Swedish superstar Forsberg garnered the most attention, but it is Foote's savvy and leadership that may be the most crucial to Colorado's impending playoff run. After all, despite Foppa's hardware and accolades, it was the bruising defender who was described as the heart and soul of the 1996 and '01 championship squads.

Hard-nosed, physical play has become synonymous with the name Adam Foote. In scouting reports, Kelowna Rockets (WHL) defenseman Luke Schenn--a projected top pick in this year's draft--is described as being "Adam Foote-esque."

The 36-year old Foote has become the blueprint for a winning defenseman. His 234 points are second only to Sandis Ozolinsh among defensemen in franchise history. Perhaps it is Foote's undying dedication for the game that makes him so valuable. So dedicated, in fact, that after hearing about his trade from Columbus to Colorado on February 26, Foote hopped on the next plane to Calgary to meet up with his new Avalanche teammates. No. 52 appeared on the bench with 6:26 remaining in the first period...and left the game with a bloody nose.

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SAVING CAPTAIN RYAN 
Avalanche assistant captain Ryan Smyth has been demoted to the third line alongside David Jones and Tyler Arnason. INTEL: Smyth is seemingly still reeling after suffering a mild concussion and shoulder injury at the hands of Kings defenseman Jack Johnson. The gritty winger has no goals in eight games since his return. Avs coach Joel Quenneville will reduce his offensive responsibility and have him play a more defensive role.

DRAPER DONE? 
The Detroit News reports that Kris Draper could miss the final two games of the regular season, after missing Wednesday's contest against the Chicago Blackhawks. INTEL: "You're always concerned," coach Mike Babcock told reporters. "It didn't feel good today. He came in here yesterday and said it didn't feel good." Draper underwent off-season surgery to repair a nagging groin injury.

LECLAIRE-ITY 
Columbus goaltender Pascal Leclaire should return Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. INTEL: This is nice closure for Leclaire, who had a career year and finally proved worthy of the No. 1 role. He has not, however, shed the stigma of being injury-prone. The 2001 first-round draft pick has a sparkling 2.22 goals-against average to go along with a .919 save percentage.

FEEL-GOOD FREDDY 
The Columbus Dispatch reports Blue Jackets winger Fredrik Modin will return to the lineup Thursday for the divisional battle with Detroit. INTEL: This has been yet another injury-plagued season for the hard-shooting Swede. Modin has shown that he can be a game changer when healthy, even leading the 2004 World Cup of Hockey with eight points in four games. However, he has appeared in just 23 games this season with the Jackets, battling a laundry list of injuries.

SERGEI STILL SORE 
Dallas Stars coach Dave Tippett told Dallas Morning News reporters that defenseman Sergei Zubov experienced a setback in his return, and will now be re-evaluated on Friday. INTEL: Zubov's stability would sure help a falling Stars squad, especially in a probable first-round match-up against the defending champion Anaheim Ducks. Philippe Boucher and Mattias Norstrom may have to log big minutes in the playoffs if Zubov can't return.

FALLEN LEAF 
Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin will miss the final two games of the regular season due to a groin tear. INTEL: Have we seen the last of captain Mats in a Maple Leafs uniform? Sundin becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and, while the sentiments of interim GM Cliff Fletcher are that the team wants Mats to return, age, cap space, and possibly retirement stand in the way of No. 13 wearing blue and white again.

KING MICHALEK 
San Jose Sharks winger Milan Michalek has three goals in his last three games against the Kings, going into Thursday's game in Los Angeles. INTEL: It is uncertain whether or not Michalek will even play, however, as coach Ron Wilson may rest most of his top players.

PEVERLEY HILLS 
The Predators' fourth line of Rich Peverley, Jordin Tootoo and the well-traveled Brandon Bochenski combined for six points on Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. INTEL: Nashville has blasted the Blues 17-9 over their past four meetings. Moreover, The Preds haven't lost to the boys from the Show Me State at home since 2004.

NO MORE STAAL-ING 
Carolina center Eric Staal wasted no time in breaking his two-game pointless streak, scoring 32 seconds into the game as the Hurricanes defeated the Lightning 5-2 on Wednesday. INTEL: Staal woke up just in time, since the 'Canes only have one game remaining to decide their playoff fate.

DAINIUS DELIGHT 
Devils hulking center/winger Dainius Zubrus potted his 13th goal of the year Wednesday in a 3-2 shootout win over the Boston Bruins. INTEL: The 6-4, 226 pound power forward's numbers are way down from his 52-point campaign with Washington last year. This is partly due to the defense-first system in New Jersey. It's all offense for Zubrus against Boston this year, however, as he also registered a goal and an assist on January 5 against the Bruins.

CARTER NOT A PENS FAN 
Philadelphia center Jeff Carter can't like the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 20 career games against the state rivals, Carter now has 27 PIM. In addition, Carter scored the go-ahead goal Wednesday night, only to see it wasted in a 4-2 loss to the Penguins. INTEL: Despite all the trade talk at the deadline, the Flyers hung onto Carter and it has paid dividends. With 29 goals, the versatile center is finally living up to the hype.

LaROSE IS BLOOMING 
Hurricanes winger Chad Larose notched a hat trick in a 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. INTEL: LaRose now has four points in two games against the Bolts. BUFF BYFUGLIEN 
Chicago Blackhawks winger/defenseman Dustin Byfuglien scored his 19th goal in the second period against the Red Wings on Wednesday. INTEL: Byfuglien is now the league leader in goals among eligible defensemen, though he has spent most of the second half of the season on the wing.

CROSBY SHOW RETURNS 
Sidney Crosby stole some of the spotlight from sidekick Evgeni Malkin on Wednesday, scoring two goals and adding an assist in a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. INTEL: 'Sid the Kid' sure wouldn't mind playing Philly in the postseason--he has 34 points in 19 games against the division rivals.

DORMANT DOMINATOR  
Dominik Hasek allowed three goals on six shots Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks, and was subsequently replaced by Chris Osgood. INTEL: Let the goalie controversy in Motown begin. Coach Mike Babcock gets to choose between two proven playoff goaltenders. While most teams would love to be in this situation, it is enough to be a distraction in the Wings locker room.