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December 28, 1968
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.
Ruel Critical Of Esposito But Rookie Comes Through
MONTREAL, Que. — It’s almost a month since Tony Esposito made his debut in the NHL, taking over the Montreal net after Rogatien Vachon suffered an eye injury in the second period at Oakland. He had little chance on the first shot that beat him but appeared woefully weak when Bill Hicke flipped a backhander into the high corner over his right elbow. It wound up as the winning goal in the Seals’ 5-4 upset. The rap was launched that the 25-year-old ex-college netminder is a long way from major league calibre. The criticism increased when he didn’t budge on brother Phil’s second goal at Boston, again when he was beaten on easy shots by Chicago and Toronto and louder still after home-ice struggle with St. Louis. Until then, Coach Claude Ruel staunchly defended…
Wings Taking No Chances, Employ 3-Goaler System
DETROIT, Mich. — Sid Abel wasn’t a sailor during his military stint but, with club owner Bruce Norris’ blessing, he’s adapting an old navy war cry to get the Red Wings into playoff position: “Damn money, full speed ahead!” The Red Wings, you see, have obligated themselves to the three goalie system and the salaries of Roger Crozier, Terry Sawchuk and Roy Edwards aren’t lightweight. It wasn’t exactly by choice that Abel embarked on this course, rather it was a combination of things. Crozier came down with a severe case of Hong Kong flu, Sawchuk had a broken finger and infection set in around the pin that was put in the finger and Edwards was mighty reluctant about coming up to the NHL for a fast cup of coffee and trip back to the…
Six-Team Playoff Poses Problems, IHL Governors May Revise Format
DES MOINES, La. — Last summer at the annual meeting the International League board of governors voted for a sixteam playoff at the finish of the regular season, thus eliminating only one team. And now they have a problem on their hands. Nobody seemed to have a system for staging a playoff of six teams. So they are meeting in Des Moines to solve the problem. To start with, it would appear that three initial series would be necessary, which would force one winner to sit idly by while the others two are coming to a decision. One suggestion offered was seven-game playoff between the first and sixth place clubs, with the remaining four engaging in shorter series. But this would not cessarily solve the problem of one or more teams standing by…
Kelly Reported Headed Back To Maple Leafs As ‘69 Coach
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Just as the up-and-down Los Angeles Kings were concluding an “up” cycle, rumors broke out anew that they will lose their coach, Red Kelly, to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This is an old story, first reported late last season. It is possible. Kelly has done well in less than two seasons as coach. He is completing a two-year contract. He wound up his playing career in Toronto, is popular there, lives there, and he and his wife, Andra, prefer it to Los Angeles. He has shown patience and won the respect of the youngest team in the league, and Toronto is rebuilding with young team. His technical ability might be more sternly tested in Toronto and he might be under more pressure in that city. Although successful, even this season…
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