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November 20, 2017
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.
Jersey HOUND
IT’S NOT EASY FINDING sweaters from the early 1900s, but it’s very exciting when it happens. This spectacular specimen comes from the Vapriikki museum in Tampere, home of Finland’s legendary Ilves franchise. It was worn during the team’s inaugural season and since 1931-32, the ‘Lynx’ have been one of the nation’s most successful clubs, winning 16 championships and producing talents Tuukka Rask and Jyrki Lumme. First off, the golf collar/lace-up combo is interesting. On top of that, you’ve got some nice striping going on, plus the adorable mascot with its tongue hanging out on the chest. Pretty good for an effort from the ’30s.…
FRONT MEN WILL SING BACKUP
IT WAS PRETTY SHOCKING when lifelong San Jose left winger Patrick Marleau left the Sharks for Toronto this past summer, but that might’ve been just the first domino. While John Tavares – the biggest and best potential UFA – will make headlines with the Islanders until a new pact is signed, a host of older veterans who have been through the wars are also up for free agency in the summer of 2018. There’s a very good chance some new jerseys are going to be stitched. Joe Thornton, who nearly left San Jose at the same time as good buddy Marleau, will again need a new contract, and the Sharks will have to determine if ‘Jumbo,’ 38, is still worth the $8 million he commanded this season. Perhaps the money demand…
NIKITA KUCHEROV Vs. PATRICK KANE
GOING INTO THE SEASON, Patrick Kane’s position as the top small player in the game appeared to be secure. His pedigree is remarkable – two consecutive first-team all-star selections, a scoring championship, a Hart Trophy, key member of three Stanley Cup champions, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and a well-earned reputation as one of the game’s most exciting players and clutch performers. However, in hockey, nothing is static. Just as Connor Mc- David and Auston Matthews arrive to challenge Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Jonathan Toews, another small player has emerged to challenge Kane for his position. Nikita Kucherov was the most impressive player in the NHL in the early going, scoring eight goals and 12 points through seven games. Coming off a season in which he finished tied for fifth…
KEEPING THE TRAIN ON THE TRACKS
THE BLACKHAWKS’ doomsday clock ticks closer to midnight every year, with each new roster more radically overhauled than the previous season’s. It has become a fall tradition for prognosticators to predict the team’s empire to finally crumble. And yet it never does. Chicago GM Stan Bowman consistently executes salary cap wizardry to keep his franchise simultaneously competitive and on budget, from jettisoning Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien weeks after a Stanley Cup win to trading away young star Brandon Saad and replacing him in the lineup with an obscure Russian import named Artemi Panarin. Time and again, it appeared Chicago’s top-heavy roster, which devoted most of its money to a small core of star players, would collapse under the weight of its biggest contracts. Yet the team kept winning, adding Stanley…
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