BETTMAN SAYS LEAGUE TO STAY THE COURSE ON NEW RULES

     NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he was "surprised" by
comments by Wayne Gretzky suggesting the league is already going
back on its commitment to enforce non-obstruction rules.  Gretzky
had claimed the league was "in disarray over different
interpretations of the new rules."  Bettman said last night "we
were surprised (by Gretzky's comments).  Obviously we're going to
have to go back and look ... I saw the (TV) interview, it was
between periods, they were losing and maybe he was a little
frustrated.  But I want to assure him, our fans, and all the
players that we intend to stay the course" (TORONTO STAR, 10/25).
     DON'T GO CHANGING:  Reaction to a possible league change
from three periods to two halves is not a big hit with Red Wings'
players.  Darren McCarty: "Its awful.  Hockey is three periods,
with two intermissions to refuel the popcorn and soda."  Steve
Yzerman: "Hockey is a great game that has been played for 100
years.  I don't see any reason at all to change it" (DETROIT
NEWS, 10/25).