NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW

Think of Wayne Gretzky’s signing with the New York Rangers as the revival of an old Broadway show.

By reuniting the NHL’s all-time scoring leader with Mark Messier, his teammate on the great Edmonton Oiler teams of the 1980s, the Rangers hope to have a Stanley Cup-winning hit next spring. But some revivals are too dated to stand the test of time and that may be true of Gretzky and Messier, who will both turn 36 in January.

Gretzky, however, insists that no longer having to carry a franchise will rejuvenate him.

“When I go to the rink now, I know that the pressure’s not all on my shoulders,” said Gretzky, who scored 102 points in a tumultuous season during which the Kings traded him to St. Louis. Unhappy with Coach Mike Keenan there, Gretzky rejected a free-agent offer from the Blues and signed with the Rangers for about $5 million a year for two years.

“I accept the responsibility and the pressure that goes with the territory,” he added. “But I know with guys like Messier, [Brian] Leetch and [Mike] Richter, it will make the game more fun.”

Gretzky, who wrenched his back during the World Cup and played only one exhibition game, rejects the widespread belief that play in the East is far more physical than in the West.

However, he acknowledged that checking is generally tighter in the East.

“Hockey is hockey, and I really believe the only thing is, the [East] is a little more defensive-minded,” he said. “I really don’t think when you play against the Colorado Avalanche or Detroit Red Wings you say, ‘It’s not going to get physical.’ The Western Conference is physical. That’s understated.”

Whether Gretzky can be effective when subjected to closer checking is a question that makes the Rangers’ move a gamble and leaves the conference at least a four-team race.

The Florida Panthers were the surprise of the NHL last season, advancing to the Cup finals in only their third season. John Vanbiesbrouck’s goaltending and a staunch work ethic were their key assets, but they’re developing some skill players and should again be a force. Five-time NHL scoring champion Mario Lemieux, who considered retiring after the Pittsburgh Penguins lost to the Panthers in the conference finals, skipped the World Cup to save his strength for one more run at the Cup. And the Philadelphia Flyers, who also fell victim to the Panthers, still have the “Legion of Doom” line of Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Mikael Renberg to terrorize goalies.

Here’s a look at how the Eastern Conference shapes up.

ATLANTIC DIVISION

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Coach: Terry Murray, third season.

1995-96: 45-24-13, 103 points (first in conference).

What’s new: The CoreStates Center, across the street from the Spectrum.

Who’s new: Right wing Scott Daniels (free agent).

Outlook: Center Eric Lindros (47 goals, 115 points) got his first playoff experience last spring as the Flyers lost to Florida in the second round. He must take them farther if he’s going to become the franchise player everyone projected. Mikael Renberg is expected to be ready after abdominal muscle surgery and John LeClair (51 goals, 97 points) is coming off a superb performance for Team USA in the World Cup. Pat Falloon played well (22 goals in 62 games after being acquired from San Jose) but the Flyers need more contributions from their second and third lines. Finnish defenseman Janne Niinimaa may an impact player.

*

NEW YORK RANGERS

Coach: Colin Campbell, third season.

1995-96: 41-27-14, 96 points.

Who’s new: Center Wayne Gretzky, right wing Patrick Flatley (free agents), defenseman Jayson More (trade with San Jose).

Outlook: Gretzky, still a brilliant playmaker, has lost the half-step that helped him elude checks. He will get hit--and hurt--more often than he’s used to, but the travel is easier than in the West so it may be a wash. Mark Messier (47 goals, 99 points) probably has one big season left in him. With Pat Verbeek’s 41 goals gone via free agency, the Rangers need Alexei Kovalev to step up and Luc Robitaille to rebound from a 23-goal season. The Rangers’ defense is old and slow, but goalie Mike Richter, spectacular at the World Cup, can save the day if necessary. Defenseman Brian Leetch, another World Cup standout, will again contend for the Norris Trophy.

*

FLORIDA PANTHERS

Coach: Doug MacLean, second season.

1995-96: 41-31-10, 92 points.

Who’s new: No off-season acquisitions.

Outlook: Although surprise is no longer a weapon, they still have speed, depth and a rising skill level. If MacLean can persuade them to work as hard defensively as they did last season, they can go far. Ed Jovanovski may become a perennial Norris Trophy candidate. They would benefit from more scoring punch--Scott Mellanby led them with 32 goals and 70 points last season--but having right wing Ray Sheppard for a full season should help and center Rob Niedermayer (26 goals, 61 points) has enormous potential.

*

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Coach: Jim Schoenfeld, fourth season.

1995-96: 39-32-11, 89 points.

Who’s new: Defenseman Phil Housley (free agent).

Outlook: Always good defensively but a goal short offensively, the Capitals may struggle unless they trade a defenseman for a scorer. Center Michal Pivonka (16 goals, 81 points) and right wing Peter Bondra (52 goals, 80 points) are their offense, and injuries to winger Steve Konowalchuk (rib cartilage) right wing Pat Peake (shattered heel) and Joe Juneau (broken wrist) could leave them well behind the field before Thanksgiving. Jim Carey (2.26 goals-against average, .906 save percentage) had a splendid season but faltered in the playoffs for the second straight year. They can’t stand pat in a tight conference.

*

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Coach: Terry Crisp, fifth season.

1995-96: 38-32-12, 88 points.

What’s new: The Ice Palace, replacing the cavernous ThunderDome.

Who’s new: Goalie Corey Schwab (trade with New Jersey).

Outlook: A team of misfits and castoffs, the Lightning made the playoffs for the first time last spring and pushed the Flyers to six games in the first round. This season, though, Crisp may run out of magic. They have a lot of older forwards and a mishmash on defense. Defenseman Roman Hamrlik (16 goals, 65 points) and winger Alexander Selivanov (31 goals, 52 points) are their future, but there’s little talent around them.

*

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

Coach: Jacques Lemaire, fourth season.

1995-96: 37-33-12, 86 points.

Who’s new: Defenseman Lyle Odelein (trade with Montreal), goalie Jeff Reese (trade with Tampa Bay).

Outlook: Torn by dissension and stale offensively, they became the first team since the 1970 Montreal Canadiens to miss the playoffs a year after winning the Cup. It wasn’t the fault of goalie Martin Brodeur (2.34 goals-against average, .911 save percentage in an NHL-record 4,434 minutes). Between so-so seasons from Steve Thomas (26 goals, 61 points) and John MacLean (20 goals, 48 points) and Lemaire holding back offensively gifted defenseman Scott Niedermayer, they ranked 25th in goals scored and their power play was 24th. Dealing Stephane Richer (20 goals) for Lyle Odelein makes no sense unless their next trade is for a productive center.

*

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Coach: Mike Milbury, second season.

1995-96: 22-50-10, 54 points.

Who’s new: Left wing Craig Fisher (free agent).

Outlook: There’s some talent here, but the playoffs will be out of reach for a while. They can build around right wing Ziggy Palffy (43 goals, 87 points) and defensemen Kenny Jonsson and Bryan Berard, but they must develop a defensive system and hope 20-year-old goalie prospect Eric Fichaud matures fast. Milbury, also the general manager, gets little money from the club’s owners to spend on players, so his trade options are limited. On the bright side: They’re phasing out their hideous fisherman-logo uniforms.

NORTHEAST DIVISION

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Coach: Ed Johnston, fourth season.

1995-96: 49-29-4, 102 points.

Who’s new: Center Kevin Todd, defenseman Craig Muni and left wing Dan Quinn (free agents), defenseman Kevin Hatcher (trade with Dallas).

Outlook: Mario Lemieux (69 goals, 161 points in 70 games) wants to go out a winner. He may succeed if General Manager Craig Patrick--never averse to making a deal--can find some defensive help. Hatcher adds muscle and has a good shot. Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr (62 goals, 149 points) and Ron Francis (27 goals, 119 points) were 1-2-4 in the scoring race, with Petr Nedved (45 goals, 99 points) 14th. Throw in Tomas Sandstrom (35 goals, 70 points in 58 games) and it’s easy to see why they led the NHL with 362 goals. However, Nedved and Bryan Smolinski (24 goals, 64 points) are holding out and defenseman Neil Wilkinson (stomach muscle surgery) is out eight weeks.

*

MONTREAL CANADIENS

Coach: Mario Tremblay, first full season.

1995-96: 40-32-10, 90 points.

Who’s new: Right wing Stephane Richer (trade with New Jersey).

Outlook: Center Vincent Damphousse (38 goals, 94 points) has emerged as a leader, unlike Pierre Turgeon (38 goals, 96 points). Finnish center Saku Koivu had a solid rookie season (20 goals, 45 points), as did right wing Valeri Bure (22 goals, 42 points). The defense is young, with highly touted David Wilkie and Craig Rivet expected to get a lot of ice time. Goalie Jocelyn Thibault, who had the unenviable task of succeeding Patrick Roy, acquitted himself well (2.83 goals-against average, .913 save percentage). Tremblay is often too emotional, which can wear on players.

*

BUFFALO SABRES

Coach: Ted Nolan, second season.

1995-96: 33-43-7, 73 points.

What’s new: The Marine Midland Arena; new uniforms, colors (red, white, silver and black) and logo.

Who’s new: Anatoli Semenov (free agent).

Outlook: Nolan did a good job in building a hard-working, scrappy team that averaged a league-high 26.8 penalty minutes a game. His only scoring threat is center Pat LaFontaine (40 goals, 91 points)--although center Derek Plante (23 goals, 56 points) is progressing--and his defense has more holes than a screen door. Goalie Dominik Hasek’s league-leading .920 save percentage was nearly miraculous. Their right side is weak because Donald Audette hasn’t recovered from knee surgery, and Matthew Barnaby is holding out and Jason Dawe signed only a few days ago. The biggest problem may be philosophical differences between Nolan and General Manager John Muckler that had them at odds all last season.

*

BOSTON BRUINS

Coach: Steve Kasper, second season.

1995-96: 40-31-11, 91 points.

Who’s new: Right wing Sheldon Kennedy, defenseman Barry Richter and left wing Troy Mallette (free agents), center Trent McCleary (trade with Ottawa) and right wings Jeff Odgers and Rob DiMaio (trades with San Jose).

Outlook: Losing Cam Neely, who retired because of a leg injuries, will hurt morale as much it hurts their offense. Right wing Rick Tocchet is also a battler but has back problems. After Tocchet and Adam Oates (25 goals, 92 points) they’re thin up front. On defense, Ray Bourque, who will be 36 in December, will again play 40 minutes a game. He needs support or the Bruins’ 29-year playoff streak, a record in professional sports, will end.

*

HARTFORD WHALERS

Coach: Paul Maurice, first full season.

1995-96: 34-39-9, 77 points.

Who’s new: No off-season acquisitions.

Outlook: Winger Brendan Shanahan resigned the captaincy and asked to be traded, citing doubts over the money-losing club’s future in Hartford. His announcement won’t help their situation. Brawny and productive--he had 44 goals and 78 points last season--Shanahan could bring enough in a trade to bring the Whalers close to their first playoff berth in five years. Left wing Geoff Sanderson (34 goals, 65 points) and right wing Nelson Emerson (29 goals, 58 points) are dependable, but the defense is spotty and not physical enough.

*

OTTAWA SENATORS

Coach: Jacques Martin, first full season.

1995-96: 18-59-5, 41 points (worst in league).

Who’s new: Left wing Denny Lambert, goalie Ron Tugnutt, left wing Sergei Zholtok (free agents); center Shawn McEachern (trade with Boston).

Outlook: They hinted they won’t be doormats by recording half of their 18 victories in their last 30 games last season. Right wing Daniel Alfredsson (26 goals, 61 points) was the rookie of the year and Alexei Yashin (39 points in 46 games after holding out) and Radek Bonk (16 goals, 35 points) are skillful. Goalie Damian Rhodes (2.77 goals-against average, .906 save percentage) was impressive. But their defense is mediocre and their power play last season hit on a league-worst 12.3% of its chances. They’re a few years from contending.