NOW YOU KNOW

How Stanley Cup winners fared in regular seasons from 1970-2004 (Carolina had the fourth-best record this season; Edmonton the 14th):

* Best record...16 of 35 champions

* 2nd-best...five

* 3rd-best...two

* 4th-best...three

* 5th-best...three

* 6th-best...two

* 7th-best...three

* 9th-best...one

World Features Syndicate