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April 4, 2006
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.
IN THE NEWSROOM
Taylor pulls a ‘Lou Lou’ When the Kings fired Andy Murray with just 12 games to go in the regular season, the staff at The Hockey News noted the similarities between GM Dave Taylor’s move and the one made by New Jersey’s Lou Lamoriello in 2000. That year, the Devils were first in the Atlantic with just eight contests remaining when Lamoriello slew-footed Robbie Ftorek. Larry Robinson was promoted and the Devils won the Cup. This year, the Kings were nine points above the .500 mark when Murray was replaced with John Torchetti. Could history repeat? Don’t bet on it. There are numerous and significant differences between the situations, including: Torchetti has yet to prove he’s in Robinson’s neighborhood; five words – Mathieu Garon vs. Martin Brodeur.…
Jagr first to hit 100
New York Rangers star Jaromir Jagr became the first NHLer this season to reach the 100-point plateau against Toronto March 18. He also tied Mike Gartner’s team record for goals by a right winger when a March 22 hat trick against the Flyers raised Jagr’s total to 49. Jagr scored his 24th power play goal that night, eclipsing Vic Hadfield’s old mark (23) and went into the season’s final 13 matches just three goals shy of Adam Graves’ 1993-94 franchise record of 52, and just five points off the record 109 established in 1971-72 by Jean Ratelle. NORTHEAST DIVISION BOSTON Goalie Tim Thomas, who almost singlehandedly kept the B’s in the playoff race as a 31-year-old rookie, was rewarded with a three-year deal. “They were loyal to me; I wanted to be…
Young Capitals gang to grow up together
EYE ON 2006-07 There are few teams in a better position to make huge waves in the free agency pool than Washington. But the question is, will they? The likely answer: no. The team is committed to rebuilding through its own system, with time apparently not a factor, and will add key free agents only when there is an immediate need. The Caps’ payroll this season is expected to be $ 25 .5 million, not much more than the $ 21.5 million cap floor. With the floor expected to rise to $ 29 million next season, Washington will probably spend about $ 34 million. The Caps need a first-line center, a right winger and at least two capable defensemen. Jeff Halpern is about to become unrestricted, and potential restricted free agents include…
Gagne’s goal rush could double his fun
EYE ON 2006-07 Don’t get the Flyers wrong. They’re ecstatic Simon Gagne is enjoying a career year. It’s just that when it comes time to pay the 25-year-old star next season, the smiles will get a little thinner. Gagne, who has 39 goals in 5 8 games and is earning $ 2 million this season, could command twice that much as an unrestricted free agent bolstered by his first 40-plus goal campaign. The Flyers also must offer contracts to other young stars such as Joni Pitkanen and Kim Johnsson. So while Philadelphia will end this season with double-digit millions in cap space – they’re committed to about $ 28 .2 million for 2006-07 – that surplus could shrink. The Flyers will have to decide if they can afford to re-sign unrestricted free agents such as…
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