NHL

TWICE AS NICE

by Lindsay Berra

Everyone has heard of the sophomore jinx, including these six second-year hockey A-listers. But because each is such an integral part of his club, slacking off isn't an option. With the race for the Calder behind them, all are poised to lead the chase for a different trophy.

Sam Gagner, 19, C
2007-08: 13 G, 36 A
He was iffy to make Edmonton's roster last September. But as the Oilers made a final (and ultimately futile) push for the playoffs, Gagner, displaying soft hands and vetlike vision, and fellow youngsters Andrew Cogliano and Robert Nilsson combined for 50 points and spurred the club to a 14—5—1 record in its last 20 games. Now the Kid Line, anchored by Gagner, is expected to be the team's engine. "There's every reason to think they're going to not only pick up where they left off, but be more prolific," says coach Craig MacTavish.

Patrick Kane, 19, RW
2007-08: 21 G, 51 A
Jonathan Toews, 20, C
2007-08: 24 G, 30 A
An elusive playmaker with great passing ability, Kane (No. 88) led all rookies in points last season and skated off with the Calder. Toews is a two-way workhorse (plus-11) who, despite missing 16 games with a sprained knee, led all rookies in goals scored. Together they have Chicago thinking playoffs, thanks to their scoring ability and team-first 'tudes. Kane was willing to shift to center this season to help solve the Hawks' thinness down the middle (the team eventually thought better of it), while Toews will wear the "C" as the third-youngest captain in NHL history.

Brandon Dubinsky, 22, C
2007-08: 14 G, 26 A
His knack for cycling the puck down low landed him a job as Jaromir Jagr's center last year. With Jagr gone, early predictions for this season had Dubinsky as the Rangers' No. 3 pivot, behind Scott Gomez and Chris Drury. But the 6'1'', 210-pound Dubinsky's bullish preseason play earned him a spot in the top six, prompting coach Tom Renney to move Drury to the wing. "Playing with Jagr helped me find a confidence level in my game I never had before," Dubinsky says. Clearly, it's a confidence that Renney shares.

Carey Price, 21, G
2007-08: 2.56 GAA, .920 SP
GM Bob Gainey rolled the dice by dealing top stopper Cristobal Huet to the Caps at the trade deadline. Price made the gamble look like a mortal lock when the Canadiens won the Northeast title, though he faltered (.856 SP) in the team's Round 2 playoff loss to the Flyers. Price, who despite his size plays an agile butterfly style, blamed baby fat for his playoff fatigue. But he's lost nearly 30 pounds, and he's ready—and expected—to carry the Habs to Cup No. 25. "He's a lot stronger, physically and mentally," says coach Guy Carbonneau. "He'll be just fine this year."

Peter Mueller, 20, RW
2007-08: 22 G, 32 A
The 6'2'', 205-pound Mueller is best with the puck on his stick, using his size, reach and hand-eye coordination to make good things happen in the attacking zone. He finished third in rookie scoring last season on a team starved for offense. This year, he'll have more help; the righthand shot will switch to right wing to play on the Coyotes' top line with captain Shane Doan and newly acquired playmaking C Olli Jokinen. Watch for Mueller's point total to spike—right along with Coyotes fever.

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