updated 2:40 a.m. ET April 25, 2004

Contraction is the only thing the NHL and NHLPA agree on. Neither side wants it. But we do.

Few hockey people will discuss it on the record. Kings general manager Dave Taylor sums up the biggest argument against the "c-word".

"That would cost some jobs," Taylor says. "I'm not real sure how that would affect scoring. (But) you'd have better defense and better goaltending on all the clubs."

Sure, but the best defensemen and goaltenders would be up against the best of the offense. If that doesn't translate into scoring, at least the battles would be great.

The game is better when the field is limited. Look at the Olympics and the World Cup. Face it: The league overexpanded. The on-ice product is diluted, and contraction is the solution.

The three best consequences of contraction:
* Fewer games and less traveling would mean less fatigue for players, fewer injuries and a higher caliber of play.
* A need for fewer officials, which would eliminate the inconsistent and less qualified.
* The fringe players would be cut loose.

Contraction would not end the trap. But it would mean more talented players per team to capitalize on offensive opportunities.

The NHL sure needs it. In 1992-93, the last season the league had 24 teams, the top 10 scorers all had at least 123 points. Since then, only three players — Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr (twice) — have scored more than 122 points. And scoring is down again this season.

Sure, we're ignoring the business and personal side of contraction, but the on-ice product would improve, and that's the whole point.

So who gets cut? The Sporting News' scoring system determines that. Our recommendation: Fold the six teams with the lowest scores and let the dispersal draft begin.

Contraction Power Poll
1. Red Wings. This Original Six team has won three Stanley Cups in the last decade, has won in the regular season, has an owner committed to winning and has intense fans. The building might be old, but it is never empty. Detroit is Hockeytown.

2. Avalanche. This successful team has had a full building since moving to Denver. Management is committed to winning. The team's score suffers a bit because this is a relocated franchise.

3. Maple Leafs. This Original Six team is in a city that lives and breathes hockey, has legendary heroes and has plenty of Cups. Their score is brought down a notch by a lack of recent playoff success and infamous management conflicts.

4. Flyers. One thing's for sure: The Flyers aren't going anywhere. Their fans are passionate, they have loads of tradition and they always are successful in the regular season. Now about the playoffs . . .

5. Stars. The Stars bring the North Stars' history and success, in addition to two berths in Cup finals in the last decade. Even if Big D always hasn't been a hockey town, its fans are paying attention. Ownership goes after the top players, though Tom Hicks wants to sell.

6. Canadiens. What can be said? If they would have had more success and hadn't changed ownership in the last 10 years, the Habs could have scored a perfect 50.

7. Blues. This stable organization has good fans and loads of regular-season success, plus the longest current streak in pro sports for making the postseason. Now if only the Blues could win in the playoffs.

8. Devils. The Devils win — three Stanley Cups in 10 years — but don't draw fans or media interest. Their building is old, and the team has threatened to move at least twice in the last decade. Good management counts for a lot here, however.

9. Oilers. Wayne Gretzky's legacy keeps the team going. The exchange on the Canadian dollar and the uncertainty of small-market teams have hurt stability, but a passionate following, front-page coverage and an incredible past merit a top 10 spot.

10. Canucks. This team didn't draw when it wasn't as good, but the media coverage of hockey in Canada never wanes. The team needs playoff success but has become a regular-season power because of the competence of its GM and coach.

11. Bruins. Bruins fans don't fill the Fleet Center as often as they used to, but there's never an empty seat for the Beanpot. A great history and tradition are taken down by a recent lack of success, particularly in the playoffs.

12. Rangers. An Original Six team reduced to a joke, the Rangers most often are cited as the reason salaries have escalated. But good fans, serious coverage in the biggest media market and a long history carry it through.

13. Senators. Bankrupt last season but seemingly financially stable now, the Senators lose a little for a lack of playoff success and for having a GM carousel. But this team is built well.

14. Sabres. Another team pulled out of bankruptcy, the Sabres get medicore media attention and don't get a high rating for fan passion. Other than the last two full seasons, however, the team has been good. The lack of stability in ownership pushes their score down.

15. Kings. They had Gretzky, don't forget. The Staples Center often is full, and there is a significant following. If only the team had more seasons like 1992-93. Media interest is lukewarm.

16. Wild. This is the "State of Hockey," which has welcomed back the NHL with open arms. The Wild just need a little more talent. Coaching and management are top notch and stable.

17. Sharks. The Sharks are limited in several key categories, but they are a quality team and have better fan interest than they are given credit for. The Shark Tank is one of the loudest buildings in the league.

18. Blackhawks. This Original Six team has dropped to unthinkable lows because of penny-pinching ownership. But there is a foundation of good players, and fans wantto see a winner. The past keeps this team in our future.

19. Flames. Despite small-market financial troubles and a revolving door for coaches, the Flames stick around thanks to fan and media interest and a Cup in their history.

20. Islanders. The dynasty of the early 1980s keeps this team from falling too far. The building is bad and ownership turnover has been embarrassing, but things are looking up.

21. Capitals. The Caps survive with regular-season success, one trip to the finals and solid ownership, even though the plan has failed and fans are losing interest.

22. Coyotes. A new building and Gretzky's involvement, plus the Winnipeg Jets' history, helps this team survive in the desert.

23. Lightning. Significant recent improvement and surprisingly good fan interest keep this team afloat. Management has shown a commitment to winning recently.

24. Thrashers. The Thrashers make the cut because of exciting talent, stable management, a good coach and an upward movement. But hockey is dangerously close to failing again in Atlanta.

Contracted
25. Penguins. Even Mario Lemieux can't save the Penguins, who are hurt by the lack of a new arena, little fan interest and the selling of their best players the last few years. Even the past isn't so sterling, if those early 1990s are eliminated.

26. Hurricanes. The trip to the finals was a mirage. There are good people in this organization, and they would find jobs elsewhere. Fan interest isn't serious enough to survive the low points, however.

27. Mighty Ducks. One trip to the finals doesn't give a team enough tradition to keep it when nothing else is there. Paul Kariya is gone, and so are the Ducks.

28. Blue Jackets. No history, no tradition and no success. Which is all too bad, considering the team has good fans, a couple of potential stars, solid owners and a new building.

29. Panthers. One trip to the finals is worth something, but the level of the product has fallen, and the fans don't care. The arena is pretty new but closer to the swamp than Miami.

30. Predators. They could make the playoffs this year, but that isn't enough. Again, no history, no tradition, no success and evaporating fan and media interest.

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