i think that there is a difference in a way that a hot player will be likley to snipe a corner, also hold on to the puck with greater control. but i would not rely on it. example, if ron barr indicates in his pregame analysis that joe murphy is hot, come in the zone and rip a slapper right by the Philly goalie to win the game on the 5-gaol mercy rule. thats my take on the Ron Barr situation.