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January 22, 1988
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.
Fuhr Hiqhlv Praised, But Not Highly Paid
EDMONTON—We may never know how good Grant Fuhr really is, as long as he’s Wayne Gretzky’s teammate. But depending on how long Gretzky’s sprained right knee keeps him out of action, Fuhr could well break No. 99’s string of eight Hart Trophies. “I don’t see how you can’t consider him for MVP,” Hartford center Ray Ferraro said, in the wake of Fuhr’s 5-1 victory over the Whalers Jan. 9. “He’s unbelievable. And he’s started all but one game (42 of 43).” Trouble is, the people Fuhr would like to impress most of all haven’t been listening. “I’m trying to prove a point,” Fuhr said of his dazzling performance, “but the message is either falling on deaf ears or blind eyes…or both!” Fuhr’s been involved in testy contract regneotiations with Oiler general manager-coach Glen Sather. Fuhr…
Simpson At Loss For Words, Inept Isles Simply At A Loss
UNIONDALE, N.Y.—Denis Potvin and Neal Coulter separated themselves from their teammates outside Gate 24 of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. They were going home. The rest of the New York Islanders, picking up a connecting flight from Edmonton to Pittsburgh, probably wished they were, too. But there was still one final stop, Pittsburgh Jan. 12, on the three-game road trip that began badly Jan. 8 in Calgary (a 7-4 loss) and got worse a night later (a 5-1 loss to the Oilers) in Edmonton. Potvin, his hyperextended neck still in a foam brace, and Coulter, his broken left thumb in a cast, were flying back to New York to recuperate. “It feels so-so,” Potvin said of his neck, which was injured in Calgary when he dove to thwart Joe Nieuwen-dyk’s breakaway and smashed his neck…
New Whalers Injured, But GM Unconcerned
HARTFORD—While whispers of “damaged goods” circulated in Hartford, Whaler general manager Emile Francis stood up for Calgary counterpart Cliff Fletcher. “Calgary gave us its doctor’s report and we were aware of the extent of injuries (to recently-acquired Carey Wilson and Neil Sheehy),” Francis said. “I’ve got no arguments with him (Fletcher) at all.” Wilson arrived in Hartford with a hyperextended knee. He was scheduled to be fitted for a knee brace in New York. Sheehy arrived with a groin pull. Neither played in their first week with Hartford. The two were key parts of the ‘major surgery’ Francis promised for so long in Hartford. The Whalers shipped 21-year-old defenseman Dana Murzyn, the fifth overall selection in the 1985 draft, to Calgary for 25-year-old center Wilson and tough 27-year-old defenseman Sheehy. Binghamton winger Shane Churla was…
Hawks Regroup After Loss Of Wilson
CHICAGO—The team that can’t afford to lose its best defenseman has lost its best defenseman. Veteran Doug Wilson, the Chicago Blackhawks’ blue line leader, is out for the season after major surgery on his left shoulder. Wilson underwent arthroscopic surgery Jan. 8 in Los Angeles, performed by Dr. Frank Jobe. The arthroscopy revealed several stretched ligaments in a “loose” shoulder, and major surgery was performed to tighten the ligaments. Dr. Louis Kolb, the Hawks’ orthopedist who consulted on the surgery, said Wilson, 30, “should be back to normal by training camp” next year. “As far as I understand, it’s a matter of rehabilitation and getting back and ready to play,” said Hawk coach Bob Murdoch. “It won’t be this year. I don’t know how long the rehabilitation takes.” Wilson left the Hawks’ lineup Dec. 5,…
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