41.   The defensemen are better.

42.   The defensemen are big and physical.

43.   The defensemen are another year older and some have been less effective.

44.   The defensemen have been only marginally better.

45.   The Flames moved within a goal of the Kings when All-Star defenseman Phil Housley was an unassisted power play goal with Glen Murray off for holding.

46.   The protected defensemen are captain Rob Blake, Mattias Norstrom and Aki Berg.

47.   The Red Wings came up with three outmanned rushes in which the Stars defensemen were excellent in keeping the pressure off goalie Ed Belfour.

48.   The problem is, the high-quality defensemen available are themselves fighting injuries.

49.   The young defenseman is a lot of fun to watch.

50.   The three wingers are restricted free agents, as is defenseman Jiri Slegr, who is going to arbitration.