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May 16, 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.
Smith doesn’t need attention to lead
CAPTAIN’S LOG Jason Smith isn’t the most prominent Oilers defenseman – Chris Pronger gets all the headlines, as well he should – but the captain’s contributions on and off the ice can’t be overstated. Smith and Pronger form the anchor of Edmonton’s defense and penalty killing, both of which were effective in eliminating Detroit. Smith is their most physical presence, using his well-timed hits to fire up the crowd and plant seeds of doubt in opposing forwards. He has never been one to generate a lot of attention in the media, but he has everyone’s undivided attention in the dressing room. He plays hurt, plays tough and he’s willing to sacrifice himself as readily as he’s willing to sacrifice an enemy forward. Warriors like Smith are important during the regular season, but…
Johnson set pace, others didn’t follow
CAPTAIN’S LOG Greg Johnson’s attempts to exact discipline from his teammates and goodwill from the referees were fruitless in the Predators’ five-game first-round loss to San Jose. Five different sets of referees worked the contests and each time the Predators were called for 5-to-10 penalties. Nine of the 17 goals Nashville allowed were while shorthanded, including three while it was two men short. Johnson, who was named captain at the start of the 2002-03 season, never has been the most outspoken person in the dressing room. He sets a good example in terms of professionalism and preparation. Johnson accumulated just 10 penalty minutes in 68 games during the regular season, yet Nashville was the most penalized of the West’s eight playoff teams. In the playoffs the Predators averaged 17.6 penalty minutes per…
Cat scratch fever hits Jackman again
PACK YOUR BAGS There was the hope, if not the expectation, when the Panthers acquired Ric Jackman from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline that he could become the offensive defenseman and power play quarterback the team had been sorely missing all season. Jackman got his chance, playing in 13 straight games. But after he netted just one goal and one assist in that span while proving inconsistent defensively, he was a healthy scratch in five of the last seven matches. READY FOR PRIME TIME Left winger Jon Sim’s defensive deficiencies kept him from getting regular shifts in Dallas and Philadelphia. But on a team that struggled to score goals, he had 10 goals and 18 points in just 32 games after being acquired from the Flyers in late January for a…
Upgrade at backup on menu for Hawks
PACK YOUR BAGS If there’s one change the Blackhawks are sure to make it’s at backup goaltender, where Craig Anderson has struggled to win consistently. The Hawks even waived Anderson midway through the season only to bring him back after stints with Boston and St. Louis when Nikolai Khabibulin got hurt. “We need someone experienced who knows how to prepare and handle that role,” said GM Dale Tallon. In 56 appearances with the Hawks since the 2002-03 season, Anderson was 21-29-8 with a .892 save percentage. READY FOR PRIME TIME Forward Mark Cullen has a good opportunity to win a job – providing he signs as a restricted free agent. Cullen had seven goals and 18 points in 29 games with the Hawks and gave coach Trent Yawney the kind of…
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