TIMES’ RANKINGS

No. Team (1997-98 record): Comment

1. Detroit (44-23-15): Champeens till dethroned.

2. Dallas (49-22-11): Hull will make Stars shine.

3. Washington (40-30-12): East champs set for encore.

4. Philadelphia (42-29-11): Lindros must deliver.

5. Colorado (39-26-17): Kids will help Forsberg, Sakic.

6. New Jersey (48-23-11): Ftorek loosens reins.

7. St. Louis (45-29-8): Last season tough act to follow.

8. Kings (38-33-11): Must take next big step up.

9. Buffalo (36-29-17): Hasek looms large again.

10. Boston (39-30-13): Burns’ crew matures.

11. Montreal (37-32-13): Thibault the man in goal.

12. Carolina (33-41-8): Signing Francis a key.

13. Pittsburgh (40-24-18): Jagr must do it alone.

14. Edmonton (35-37-10): Speed, youth to build on.

15. Ottawa (34-33-15): Yashin’s breakthrough season.

16. San Jose (34-38-10): Kids turning out all right.

17. Phoenix (35-35-12): Bad chemistry, bad defense.

18. Chicago (30-39-13): Long way back to the top.

19. Toronto (30-43-9): Punchless offense dooms Leafs.

20. Tampa Bay (17-55-10): Finally, there’s hope.

21. N.Y. Rangers (25-39-18): Too old, not deep enough.

22. N.Y. Islanders (30-41-11): Coliseum is least of woes.

23. Mighty Ducks (26-43-13): Kariya, Selanne deserve better.

24. Florida (24-43-15): New arena, old problems.

25. Vancouver (25-43-14): Can Keenan and Burke work together?

26. Calgary (26-41-15): Painful rebuilding process.

27. Nashville (expansion team): Howdee! And good luck.

INSIDE INFORMATION

Boston Bruin defenseman Ray Bourque is beginning his 20th season with the club. He has the longest tenure with his original team of any active player in professional sports. *--*

Player Team Debut Ray Bourque Boston Bruins Oct. 11, 1979 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles Aug. 10, 1981 Tony Gwynn San Diego Padres July 19, 1982 John Elway Denver Broncos Sept. 4, 1983 Bruce Matthews Tenn. Oilers Sept. 4, 1983

*--*

Source: NHL

GAME OF THE WEEK

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS at NEW YORK RANGERS

When--Friday. Time--4:30 p.m. TV--ESPN.

Story line--Flyer General Manager Bob Clarke warned Eric Lindros over the summer that it’s time for him to be the franchise player everyone projected he would be, but that’s more easily said than done. However, Lindros was having a good exhibition season until he suffered a strained groin muscle Sunday. He’s expected to play in this game. The Rangers missed the playoffs last season and didn’t improve much over the summer. They re-signed goaltender Mike Richter but lost center Pat LaFontaine to retirement, and they’re hardly fearsome up front. Want to feel old? Wayne Gretzky is starting his 20th NHL season and 21st as a pro.