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April 25, 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.
Special teams play big role
Detroit goaltender Manny Legace turned toward the back wall of the Red Wings dressing room and pointed a finger at four signs posted there. The postings tabulated the NHL rankings in five major categories – overall standings, goals for and against and power play and penalty killing. “That’s what counts,” Legace said. “At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.” Especially the latter two departments. Scotty Bowman posted those signs when he arrived as coach of the team in 1993 and since then they’ve spelled out a daily reminder of the significance of special teams to long-term success. And when the intensity is ratcheted up during the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Wings, like every other team, understand the difference between moving on or going home may come down to performance in odd-man…
Eyes in the NHL sky
I always felt those guys, at the NHL level, are really, really, really important. Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock You know many of them by name. Perhaps you have even cheered for them in their previous incarnation as NHL players, such as former fiery Flyers goalie Ron Hextall; whiz kid Dean Lombardi, the ex-GM who helped build the San Jose Sharks; or, the well-travelled member of hockey’s first family, Ron Sutter. They may have dropped off the radar screen in your world, but trust me, they are integral parts of the teams that employ them as pro scouts. The information they gather on the hockey trail could prove to be the difference between losing a playoff series or advancing to the next round. “It’s probably different than it was in the past,” says Dallas coach…
RANGERS
HOW THEY BEAT YOU It’s this simple: The Rangers beat you with Jaromir Jagr scoring and setting up goals, and with Henrik Lundqvist stopping them. They’ve derived confidence and poise all season from their wonderful freshman goalie. With that added to the inspiration provided by Jagr, the Broadway run is dependent on its marquee stars. HOW THEY'RE EXPOSED The Rangers are challenged by teams that come at the defense with a hard forecheck and by teams that create traffic in front of Lundqvist. If Jagr is shut down, support players will be obligated to contribute. QUESTION MARK The Rangers are one of the least physically imposing teams in the NHL. If the playoffs resemble the traditional battle-zone competition of the past, there is a question about the team’s ability to prosper in…
LIGHTNING
HOW THEY BEAT YOU For the Bolts to win, they have to outscore opponents. And they have the horses to do it. The top six forwards (Vinny Lecavalier, Martin St-Louis, Brad Richards, Fredrik Modin, Vinny Prospal and Ruslan Fedotenko) are as strong as any in the league. Plus, rookie Ryan Craig and Dmitry Afanasenkov have shown some pop. HOW THEY’RE EXPOSED Goalie John Grahame has played well in stretches, but has been inconsistent for the most part. His tendency to give up a soft goal is disconcerting. QUESTION MARK St-Louis struggled most of the season, but started to pick up his game in the last month. If he can regain his Hart Trophy form, the Bolts will be a dangerous team again, even if the goaltending is shaky. KEY STAT Playoff hockey is…
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