In The Crease

Scouts say Boston University freshman goalie Rick DiPietro would be the first netminder taken in June's NHL draft, provided he enters it. Observers are impressed with his puckhandling, skating and desire to win. If DiPietro stays with the Terriers another year, he'll have more competition in the 2001 draft because highly regarded junior keepers Pascal Leclair of the Halifax Mooseheads and Danny Blackburn of the Kootenay Ice will be eligible for selection....

If the Predators fall farther out of the postseason picture—through Sunday they were 12 points out of the last playoff spot in the Western Conference—don't be surprised to see defenseman Bob Boughner dealt to a Cup contender. Boughner, 28, is an intense and physical player who is being heavily scouted by playoff-bound teams....

Hardy Nilsson, coach of Djurg�rden in the Swedish Elite league, has used a system this season that has intrigued NHL coaches and scouts. He has deployed four forwards and only one defenseman for even-strength situations, with lots of success. (The team was in first place in its division.) This alignment has helped Djurg�rden come out of its zone quickly (the extra forward adds speed), control the puck longer and average 10 more shots per game than last year. The defense has not been hurt because the offense dictates the pace. Some NHL clubs, such as the Red Wings and the Sharks, use this setup on power plays, but it shouldn't be long before some coach tries it at even strength....

Rookie defenseman Brian Rafalski, 26, is another example of the outstanding work of the Devils' scouting department. At 5'9" and 180 pounds, Rafalski was undrafted after playing four years at Wisconsin; he toiled in Europe for four seasons before New Jersey showed interest and signed him as a free agent in June. He made the Devils out of camp, has been paired with captain Scott Stevens for most of the season and has efficiently run the Devils' potent power play.