NHL TOP TO BOTTOM

Team: Comment

1. St. Louis (36-11-6-2): Mellanby scores in Blues’ debut.

2. Colorado (35-11-8-2): Four consecutive losses.

3. Detroit (32-16-5-4): Goaltending still an issue.

4. Ottawa (30-15-8-2): Tell us McSorley isn’t coming.

5. San Jose (30-15-10-0): Nolan suspension will hurt.

6. Dallas (30-19-4-1): Still waiting for Stars to make move.

7. New Jersey (28-13-10-3): Will Devils catch Ottawa?

8. Vancouver (28-19-5-4): Potvin out of net; Cloutier in.

9. Philadelphia (28-18-9-1): Will Clarke trade Lindros?

10. Toronto (26-19-8-4): Doesn’t match up to league powers.

11. Pittsburgh (27-19-6-2): Lemieux’s back acting up.

12. Buffalo (28-20-5-1): Capable of catching Maple Leafs.

13. Phoenix (25-16-12-2): Still on Stars’ heels in Pacific.

14. Edmonton (26-23-8-1): Most waiting for Oilers to fold.

15. Washington (27-19-9-1): Won three consecutive on trip.

16. Boston (24-21-6-5): Better than the rest.

17. Kings (24-23-8-1): Must get a goalie in Blake trade.

18. Nashville (24-25-7-2): Just how do the Predators do it?

19. Carolina (24-21-6-2): Irbe among league’s best goalies.

20. Calgary (20-21-10-4): Flames making Hay in Northwest.

21. Chicago (22-26-5-3): Amonte, Sullivan a joy to watch.

22. Minnesota (20-23-8-3): Expansion record of 33 wins in sight.

23. N.Y. Rangers (23-29-4-1): Will Fleury be dealt soon?

24. Montreal (19-29-5-3): Terrific victory over Buffalo.

25. Columbus (18-28-6-4): Overshadowed by expansion Wild.

26. Atlanta (17-28-9-2): Audette fifth in scoring race.

27. Florida (14-28-8-7): Out of Southeast cellar at last.

28. Ducks (16-31-7-4): Battle is now for top pick in draft.

29. Tampa Bay (15-33-5-3): Another contender for top pick.

30. N.Y. Islanders (14-34-5-3): A mortal lock for the top pick.

Game of the Week

TORONTO at PHILADELPHIA

When--Thursday. Time--4:30 p.m. TV--ESPN2.

* Story line--Philadelphia General Manager Bob Clarke, a Broad Street Bully even in middle age, appears determined to keep unsigned restricted free agent Eric Lindros under lock and key for the rest of this season. Lindros desperately wants to play and would like Clarke to trade him to the Maple Leafs. Toronto is desperate for a player of Lindros’ ability, although Coach-General Manager Pat Quinn has expressed concern about Lindros’ history of concussions. The fact is, the Maple Leafs don’t measure up to other NHL powers and could use an impact player like Lindros. Or King defenseman Rob Blake. Maybe if you added those two and Teemu Selanne of the Ducks, the Maple Leafs might have a shot at their first Stanley Cup championship since 1966-67. Philadelphia also is a few bricks shy of being a championship contender. Check out goaltender Roman Cechmanek, who won’t make you forget Bernie Parent, but is still worth watching.