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May 21, 1982
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.
Players, Not Coach, Blamed For Oilers’ Ouster
EDMONTON—Are you ready for something a little different? What we have here is an upset playoff loss that hasn’t left the coach’s job on the line. Some of the players, however, can’t boast of similar security. Edmonton Oiler’s Peter Pocklington, who was wounded in the left arm by a policeman’s bullet during an 11hour hostage drama at his exclusive Edmonton home last month, issued what amounts to a vote of confidence to manager-coach Glen Sather. The often outspoken owner instead pinned Edmonton’s first-round playoff upset at the hands of Los Angeles Kings on the young Oilers, maintaining they were not sufficiently dedicated to the cause in an all-out attempt to win the Stanley Cup. “It may have been a gross waste on how players think about themselves and winning,” said Pocklington, although he refused…
HOCKEY WORLD
Excellence Personified ONE HOCKEY TOPIC no cynic can argue about is—watching the Islanders is a treat. This is a team that personifies excellence in sports, a category that isn’t overcrowded these days. Even if you’re not an Islanders’ fan you have to admit that nobody does it better. Like the great Montreal teams that won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1976 through ‘79, these Islanders can play any way the opponent chooses. Wanna skate? The Islanders can oblige. Hit? Check? Go a few rounds? Name it, the Islanders can do it. What makes the Islanders’ story even better is, their success hasn’t expanded their helmet sizes. Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Bob Nystrom, John Tonelli, Clark Gillies, Bob Bourne… they and many others on the team Manhattan wishes it could claim are good, solid…
Canadiens Find Some Solace In Report Cards
MONTREAL—The final marks are in. A little earlier than they probably should be, but it’s getting to be a habit to grade the Canadiens performances in early spring. No gifts this year, although generally the individual performances were better. Goaltenders 1. Rick Wamsley— Won the No. 1 job in training camp, lost it and regained it again in January. A hard worker who is serious about the game. Grade: B+ 32. Denis Herron—May like to be No. 1, but for now is the best No. 2 goaltender in the NHL. Despite his good performance, there is no guarantee he will be with this group next year. There is some question as to whether he wants to be. Grade: B 33. Richard Sevigny— A victim of circumstance. When he played, he did a better than adequate job.…
Calgary To Improve From Within
CALGARY—One could never accuse Cliff Fletcher of acting impetuously. When the Calgary Flames completed their least successful season since the expansion year, 1972-73, it would have been understandable if Fletcher, the club’s general manager, had made some moves—any moves—to shake up his team immediately. Instead, Fletcher went to Finland to scout the World Hockey Tournament, sent assistant GM David Poile to Oklahoma City and except for refunding playoff ticket revenues, essentially shut down the operation at home. Then several weeks after Vancouver eliminated the Flames in the first round of the playoffs, Fletcher talked about changes, changes that would come from within. “Even our severest critics would agree that the trades we made [for Mel Bridgman and Lanny McDonald] helped the hockey club,” said Fletcher. “I’m not saying we won’t make any trades, but…
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