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May 15, 1987

May 15, 1987

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.

NHL

Hanlon Sensational In Leading Comeback

DETROIT—Jacques Demers called it “the miracle that wasn’t supposed to happen.” The Detroit Red Wings, down two games twice in the series at 2-0 and 3-1, completed a remarkable comeback behind goaltender Glen Hanlon to win the Norris Division playoff title and advance to the Campbell Conference finals against the Edmonton Oilers. In the seventh and deciding game, Hanlon blanked the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second time in five days—both by 3-0 counts—at Joe Louis Arena. Hanlon was in goal for all four Detroit victories and gave up a total of seven goals in five games. “When you’re in agroove like I am, things slow down a bit for you,” Hanlon said. “You almost see the play before it happens.” It had been 21 years between playoff shutouts by a Detroit goaltender. Roger Crozierdid…

NHL

Whalers Unapologetic For Early Playoff Exit

HARTFORD—Like a cat on a hot tin roof, the Hartford Whalers have been treading softly. Maybe too softly. “We had a great season, made a little money and won the Adams Division regular-season title,” said Howard Baldwin, the team’s chairman and managing general partner. “The playoff series was disappointing, but I’m certainly not discouraged.” Those who expected the Whalers to be downcast after dropping four straight games to Quebec in the opening round of the playoffs don’t know the club’s front-office personnel. From Baldwin to general manager Emile Francis to coach Jack Evans, the immediate off-season tone was obvious: “We had a great year. Lay off.” Growing pains were among the most popular explanations for the Whalers’ unexpected demise. And… “It wound up being the wrong guys with the puck at the wrong time,” Francis said. “The (Quebec)…

Columnists

Capitals Don’t Deserve Choker Label

Facts and opinions: Fact: Herb Brooks signed by the North Stars. Opinion: Brooks landing the Minny coaching job is as natural as Bobby On getting into the Hall of Fame. Brooks is as special to U.S. hockey as his mentor, Johnny Mariucci, was in decades past. For purely selfish reasons, I’m delighted that Brooks is back. He’s a superb ad for the NHL and a godsend to we media blokes. If he turns the North Stars into winners, all the better. Fact: NBA adds expansion teams in Miami, Minnesota, Charlotte and Orlando. Opinion: This figures to stir up “expansionitis” among some NHL governors who like to bring up the names of Dallas, Seattle, San Francisco and Hamilton as potential additions to the fraternity. It would be a wonderful idea for travel agents, airlines, and…

NHL

Murphy Will Be Back, But Pact Not Signed

LOS ANGELES—Negotiating with a head coach, or a prospective head coach, has become an annual postseason ritual for the Los Angeles Kings. In 20 National Hockey League seasons, the Kings have gone through 14 head coaches, six in the past six years. Continuity behind the bench has not been this team’s strong suit, a fact of the franchise’s life that has contributed to its 20-year record of 592-742-244. The Kings have won more games than they’ve lost only five times, just twice in the last 10 seasons. Only two coaches, Bob Pulford and Bob Berry, have lasted as long as three seasons. In 1987-88, the Kings will begin a season with a coach other than the one they started the previous season with for the ninth time. Mike Murphy, 35, figures to be that man when…