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May 2, 2006

May 2, 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.

DEPARTMENTS

Return of Rucinsky will bolster Rangers

RECENT PLAYOFF HISTORY If 1997 qualifies as “recent,” the Rangers could go into their first round matchup against New Jersey infused with confidence, given that their second round, five-game upset win over the Devils that year was the Blueshirts’ last appearance in the playoffs. The 2005-06 Rangers insist that ending the franchise’s seven-season playoff drought is only a first step. They say they’re not happy just to be at the dance, although the season-ending five-game losing streak that cost them first place in the Atlantic indicates otherwise. POST-SEASON SLEEPER Martin Rucinsky began the playoffs in street clothes, still recovering from the broken finger that sidelined him for the final 12 games of the year. But the veteran winger will provide a big lift to the team upon his return. A stabilizing…

DEPARTMENTS

Hungry Sharks plot revenge on West

RECENT PLAYOFF HISTORY San Jose is making its seventh playoff appearance in the past eight seasons and is a team on the rise. The Sharks have been known to upset higher seeds – most notably Presidents’ Trophy-winning St. Louis in 2000 – and in 2003-04 they made it to the third round for the first time. They had home-ice advantage against Calgary, but lost all three games at home at the hands of Darryl Sutter and Miikka Kiprusoff, the team’s ex-coach and ex-goalie. POST-SEASON SLEEPER Ville Nieminen was acquired from the Rangers at the trade deadline for just this time of the year. The feisty winger is an excellent role player who provides energy, determination and spark. Coach Ron Wilson has employed him on the penalty kill, which has dramatically improved…

DEPARTMENTS

Tkachuk symbolic of terrible season

THE GOOD The Blues’ disastrous campaign turned out to be a season-long training camp, with almost every prospect in the system getting a chance to see the NHL. Winger Lee Stempniak – in his first pro season – and defenseman Dennis Wideman each staked a claim as a legitimate NHL player. The Blues also got a good, long look at Curtis Sanford, who now looks to be their goalie of the future. THE BAD Keith Tkachuk started the season by getting suspended for reporting to camp overweight and missed a good stretch of the season after accidentally spearing himself. Barret Jackman’s sophomore slump came a year late, and all of the defense struggled. THE UGLY The top two goalies, Patrick Lalime and Reinhard Divis, were disasters. Fourth-liner Aaron Downey complained about his…

IN THIS ISSUE

Easy rebuild? Don’t buy it

Off-the-cuff reflections to open the first playoff season of the new NHL, where the only bummer going in is that Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, to say nothing of Rick Middleton and Gilbert Perreault, won’t be part of it. • Speaking of cuffs, have you seen Crosby’s? He’s got ‘Darryl87’ stitched onto his gloves. His Rimouski teammates gave him the nickname after he scored eight points in his first Quebec League exhibition game in the fall of 2003 – you know, like Darryl Sittler (six goals, 10 points on Feb. 7, 1976). • Unless Detroit has wiped out the Oilers by the time this lands in the mailbox, there are 16 teams in the playoffs, a bit more than half the league. There is talk of moving up to 20 playoff teams,…