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May 10, 2010
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.
Heads Up!
THERE ARE ABSOLUTES and then there is the NHL. Before the 2009-10 campaign began, John Tavares seemed like a natural to become rookie of the year, Tim Thomas was Boston’s rock in net and Henrik Sedin was great, but not amazing. But with the regular season finished, those truths have been turned on their heads. Nevertheless, marquee names still ruled in many categories when we at THN sat down to fete the best of the season. In the following pages, you’ll find a steady diet of Sid, Ovie and Ryan Miller, plus some new names. This year, we included votes from THN staff, NHL experts and you, the fans, courtesy our polls at THN.com. BEST GOALIE – PATRICK ROY AWARD BUFFALO – It’s the look in Ryan Miller’s eyes when he gives up…
PROTEAU TYPES WELL-BEHAVED
WITH RESPECT TO Andy Sutton’s now in famous rant at a Pittsburgh reporter – and with all due respect to, er, myself – I’ve never thought once of referring to myself as a hockey expert. A hockey observer? Sure. A hockey writer? That’s what I tell the tax man. But a hockey expert? Nope. To me, the word ‘expert’ connotes infallibility; and if a decade of covering the hockey world has taught me anything, it’s that nobody–not owners, not GMs, not coaches, not players, and certainly not journalists – can speak with absolute certitude about what has transpired or what will transpire on the ice. Nevertheless, I’m sure Sutton understands that a chief reason the NHL continues to rake in megabucks is because fans invest so much emotional and intellectual energy in its product…
Road Warrior
Who is your road roommate and what is a typical night like? Vladimir Sobotka and he’s a great roommate. We usually go back to the room and watch a movie and hang out. What is your favorite road arena? I actually like playing in Toronto. Who has the best road dressing room? Minnesota. I didn’t actually play there, I sat out. But the dressing room is big, it’s nice and comfy and it’s a brand new arena. They even have a training room for the guys who are sitting out. What’s your favorite road city to visit? Edmonton, because I’m from there. It’s nice to see the family. What’s the best heckle you’ve ever heard? There was one in the minor leagues. I think our tough guy was puck handling and somebody said, “That’s the first time I’ve ever…
PACIFIC DIVISION
ANAHEIM MUCH OF GM Bob Murray’s off-season focus will be on rebuilding a blueline corps that not so long ago featured Chris Pronger, Francois Beauchemin and the multi-talented Scott Niedermayer. Defense was the Ducks’ strength when they won the 2007 Stanley Cup, but it has been in transition since last summer when Pronger was traded to Philadelphia and Beauchemin left for Toronto as a free agent. Murray won’t know the extent of his needs (or the flexibility of his budget) until Niedermayer determines whether he’ll play again next year. Both Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne aim to let Murray know about their plans at some point in May. If one or both need to be replaced, the Ducks will shop the open market, the priority being a premium defender in the Anton Volchenkov or Dan…