We’ve learned a few things about the Western Conference this season. Among them: The Sharks seldom lose, the Blues cannot beat the Kings and once-mighty Stars have taken a long hard fall.

Just look at what’s happened in Dallas:

• Captain Brenden Morrow suffered a season-ending knee injury.
• Goaltender Marty Turco has struggled. The once-stingy Stars have allowed four or more goals 11 times this season.
• Top offensive defenseman Sergei Zubov has played just 10 games (scoring just four points) due to chronic hip trouble. Fans are starting to wonder if Zubov will pack it in for the season – or for his career.
• Agitator Sean Avery earned a six-game NHL suspension for popping off about his ex-girlfriends dating rival players. This latest incident left the franchise pondering whether to keep him around this year. Would the Rangers take him back if the Stars took back Michal Rosival?
• Injuries have limited winter Jere Lehtinen to three games played this season.
• Defenseman Stephane Robidas is sidelined by a broken jaw.
• B.J. Crombeen went to the Blues on waivers. After scoring one goal in 15 games for Dallas, he has scored five goals in 12 games in St. Louis.

The Dallas Morning News explored the widening gap between the Stars and the Red Wings, who remain as powerful as ever.

AROUND THE RINKS: Here is a comprehensive look at NHL rookie this season, led by Blues center Patrik Berglund . . . If the Flyers have to move Mike Knuble to make cap room for Mats Sundin, the Blues ought to find a way to add him. He is an excellent power-play threat in front of the net . . . The Rangers figure to make a strong pitch for Sundin, too, and that team is more than ready to shed players to make room for him . . . The Penguins have fnally gotten goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury back from his mysteries “lower body” injury . . . On the other hand, Canucks goaltender Robert Luongo will miss more time with his groin muscle injury . . . Panthers forward Nathan Horton. out for six games and counting wiith a heel fracture, is the subject of much trade speculation . . . The Capitals are glad to get top offensive defenseman Mike Green back . . . Wild winger Marian Gaborik has actually resumed skating and Predators winger Steve Sullivan is also back on the ice . . . Speaking of Nashville, other teams are taking a keen interest in defenseman Ville Koistinen, who isn’t getting much ice time with the Preds.