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October 17, 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.


Habs’ top horses bring different skills
THE FIRST LINE There might be more talented players on the roster, but Montreal is starting the season with center Saku Koivu between Chris Higgins at left wing and Michael Ryder on the right side. At least they won’t require an introduction, as the triumvirate played together last season. The three players each provide a unique component. Koivu is the playmaker, while Higgins, entering his second full season with Montreal, has speed. The 23-year-old is a skilled forward who hit his stride as a two-way threat in the second half of last season after GM Bob Gainey replaced Claude Julien as coach. Ryder, meanwhile, is the triggerman. New coach Guy Carbonneau will keep the line together as long as possible. He’ll avoid teaming Koivu with Alex Kovalev, since both want the puck. Placing…


Plying his trade
MICHEL PETIT WAS involved in more than his fair share of deals, but the biggest one of all almost didn’t include him. On the second day of 1992, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames hooked up for a 10-player swap headlined by 50-goal man Gary Leeman heading west, while future Leaf legend, Doug Gilmour, landed in Toronto. Petit was one of the five players the Leafs sent to Alberta, but had Toronto coach Tom Watt had his way, Petit would have been around for the Gilmour-led Leaf resurrection. “Tom Watt did not want to trade me,” Petit says. “The guy supposed to go was Bob Rouse, but Calgary didn’t want Rouse.” Legend has it Watt apologized to Petit for having to trade him, but explained it was the only way the monster…


To the Point
SWEET LOU HITS SOUR PATCH If you’re keeping score at home, give Lou Lamoriello a mulligan on 2005-06. The undisputed king of swing on the NHL GM circuit, Lamoriello shanked several of his shots last season, missing on Vladimir Malakhov, Alexander Mogilny and Dan McGillis. In the process, he put the Devils in salary cap peril and was forced to deal away a first round draft pick to San Jose, and needed a favorable (and somewhat controversial) ruling on Mogilny’s health status in order to come in under the league’s $44-million salary cap. Through all the turmoil, however, Lamoriello was able to coax a first-place divisional finish from his team and win a playoff round before bowing out to the eventual Stanley Cup-champion Carolina Hurricanes. And this season, the Devils have…


Women’s loops stand united
CANADA’S NATIONAL Women’s League took a huge step towards pro status. After months of wrangling over a myriad of details, the NWHL is finally home to both the Eastern and Western leagues. Five teams in the Western league, including the U.S.-based Minnesota White Caps, compete with the East’s seven teams. In the playoffs, four teams (two from each league) face off for the newly minted Clarkson Cup donated by former governor general of Canada, Adrienne Clarkson. Each league will operate as a separate entity. It costs about $200,000 to run a team and the entry fee for the WWHL is $10,000. The East fee was $20,000, but will likely change to reflect the new national presence. Players are not paid, but travel costs are covered. Another significant change is player representation. Hayley Wickenheiser (West) and…