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October 26, 2009
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
Vancouver
WHO’S THAT GUY? That was the question Canucks fans were asking when Sergei Shirokov, a 5-foot-10 left winger from Russia, showed up at the team’s informal workouts prior to the start of training camp. Young Russians rarely sign two-way deals because they don’t want to play for peanuts in the minors, but Shirokov – drafted 163rd in 2006 – took that chance. Then he dazzled at rookie camp and during the pre-season — collecting seven points in four games — and earned a spot on the second line. The 23-year-old speaks limited English, but there was no misunderstanding he was chasing his NHL dream. “First game, special,” he said. “My wish was always to play NHL.”…
New Jersey
WHO’S THAT GUY? Ilkka Pikkarainen’s dream to play in the NHL looked to disappear four years ago when the big right winger finished his third season in the AHL, packed his bags and returned to Finland. Drafted 218th overall by the Devils in 2002, he didn’t make enough progress at Albany to figure in the team’s plans. But that changed after three strong seasons in the Finnish League. The Devils brought the 6-foot-2, 215-pound winger back and Pikkarainen, 28, made his NHL debut Oct. 5. “He has good size and can skate,” said coach Jacques Lemaire. “He goes to the net. He’s big, protects the puck well and has a lot of energy.” Pikkarainen’s next goal is to climb the depth chart.…
FAN SHOOTOUT
STEVE WILSON FROM ATLANTA ASKS What sparked the Thrashers’ strong play at the end of last season and do you think the momentum will carry over? We had a new coach and it’s not supposed to take that long to get used to a new approach, but i don’t think everybody was on the same page for a couple months. After Christmas everyone figured it out and we played like a team. Hopefully this year we’ll have a good start with everybody playing the same game. JOSH JACKSON FROM STEVENSVILLE, ONT., ASKS Who is the hardest player in the league to play against? Alex Ovechkin. He’s a complete hockey player. He can be tough, skilled…You never know what you’re going to get from him. DEVON SHEPHERD FROM STONY PLAIN, ALTA., ASKS What has been…
STRICTLY STRUCTURE
SOME TIME IN THE not-so-recent past, a word crept into everyday hockey-speak that you just didn’t hear a decade ago, but now pops up in virtually every conversation with an NHL player or coach. That word is “structure” (pause for a deep meaningful shudder). I suspect Toe Blake never talked about structure; I don’t recall Bob Johnson, one of the great teaching coaches of all-time, ever mentioning it either. Up until a generation ago, coaches tacitly acknowledged the improvisational element to the game of hockey played at its highest level. Sure, there were rudimentary principles of defense, but the game took many unpredictable twists and turns – and coaches were OK with that. When Mike Keenan arrived in the NHL back in 1985, he was considered progressive. When he left in 2009, he…
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