Hull Fired Up Over Changes

When asked if it was nice to not have former St. Louis Blues coach/general manager Mike Keenan around anymore, Brett Hull politely said, “I won’t comment on that,” then broke into a huge smile.

Hull has scored five goals in the last three games. Before that he had gone two weeks without a goal as the tension mounted with Keenan.

“My mind is clear,” he said. “There are no more distractions. There’s no more foul language. When you’re mentally free and easy, you can play so much better. It’s a lot more upbeat around here now. Mike was an intimidating type of guy. I think 95 percent of the guys were scared to death of him. It wasn’t just me (who didn’t get along with him). It was a lot of guys.”

Veterans spark Rangers turnaround

The New York Rangers are following the lead of their veterans back into the thick of the Atlantic Division race. Wayne Gretzky entered the weekend third in the league’s scoring race with 52 points (14 goals, 38 assists), and Mike Richter has been displaying the goaltending prowess he showed while leading the U.S. to the World Cup crown.

Gretzky has scored in 31 of 38 games this season. The last Ranger to win a scoring title was Bryan Hextall in 1941-42.

Richter is unbeaten in 11 straight (10-0-1). He was 6-9-1 before his hot streak.

Coffey wanted chance at Stanley Cup

Paul Coffey said he forced his trade from Hartford to Philadelphia for one reason: to give him another opportunity to win the Stanley Cup.

“They offered me more money and an extra year to play (in Hartford),” Coffey says. “But, what we all play hockey for is to win championships and put yourself in that position.”

Meanwhile, Coffey has been living with Eric Lindros until he can find a home for himself and his family.