Western conference.(evaluation of National Hockey League teams)

Central Division

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS: Winning through hard work is a simple idea, really, but coach Brian Sutter has brought more to the team than just a work ethic. He has prepared the players well, given them roles and made them accountable. Maybe this same group that got Alpo Suhonen fired last season has found someone worth listening to and is ready to win. LW Eric Daze, D Boris Mironov and G Joceiyn Thibault are pet projects with the intense Sutter, and it shows in the way they've played. Thibault's record ranks among the best in the league, believe it or not. GRADE A-

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: Inexplicably, LW Geoff Sanderson, RW David Vyborny, C Espen Knutsen and C Robert Kron are not scoring. Because of a lack of production and confidence, the team failed to win its first game at home until November 13. That's worse news than it first appears--the club was better than .500 at Nationwide Arena last season, remarkable for an expansion team. The defense has been as physical as expected. But D Rostilav Klesla has been a terrific rookie. Veteran Ron Tugnutt has struggled in goal, but luckily Mare Denis has blossomed. GRADE: D

DETROIT RED WINGS: Intimidate--that is what a lineup of future Hall of Famers that includes C Steve Yzerman, RW Brett Hull, LW Lue Robitaille, D Nicklas Lidstrom, D Chris Chelios and G Dominik Hasek can do to the opposition. The team has skill, patience and confidence. If the Wings lull you into their game, you're finished. And they have the resumes to do it, even if their defense is a little old, slow and bruised. GRADE: A

NASHVILLE PREDATORS: Early on, coach Barry Trotz's job reportedly was in danger. The major disappointment, however, has been the lack of development in top draft choices C David Legwand and RW Scott Hartnell. Injuries further slowed Hartnell's progress in the first quarter of the season. Only C Cliff Ronning and LW Martin at have provided offense. And when you consider that the goaltending of Mike Dunham and Tomas Vokoun has been spotty, it's understandable why the Predators have struggled. GRADE: D+

ST, LOUIS BLUES: Goaltending can either breed confidence or frustration in the rest of the team. For the Blues, it's dear the team has no confidence in Brent Johnson or Fred Brathwaite. LW Keith Tkachuk, RW Pavol Demitra and C Doug Weight have been great up front, but the problem has been the transition through the zones--and that starts in goal. The defense has been in a state of disarray, and waiving high-priced bust Sean Hill and acquiring 36-year-old Mare Bergevin are strong evidence of that. GRADE: D

Northwest Division