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October 14, 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.
Isles Are Good, But Are They Good Enoughs
UNIONDALE, N.Y.— Another season, another step away from the Dynasty Days of the early 1980s. A year ago the New York Islanders lost Mike Bossy to injury. Now they have said good-bye to Denis Potvin, who retired after 15 seasons. Last season’s Patrick Division regular-season championship (39-31-10-88) might be misleading. The Islanders are good, but are they good enough? If it only takes 88 points to finish first in the Patrick again this season (and it might), the Isles have as good a shot as anybody. But that doesn’t mean they’re favorites or near-favorites for the Stanley Cup. Strengths: In goal and at center, the Isles have continued to exhibit steady excellence. Kelly Hrudey (17-5-0, 3.34 goals-against average and three shutouts last season) is one of the game’s five best goalies. Ageless Billy Smith…
Nobody Deserves To Win This Year’s Cup
THE ONLY TIME the NHL played a season to no decision was in 1918-19, when the Montreal-Seattle series had to be cancelled because of an influenza epidemic. The Buffalo Sabres asked for the same consideration before each game at the Spectrum of the 1975 finals against the Philadelphia Flyers, but were denied. So it’s going to feel awfully strange when the 1988-89 season ends without a Stanley Cup champion. Hey, 1 like a good asterisk as much as the next guy, but it’s just not going to seem right. The facts, however, are as plain as the nose on Tim Hunter’s face. There is not a single team in the National Hockey League good enough to win it all this year. I checked out all 21. And I don’t like any of them You…
Forwards, Not Defensemen, Bruins’ Concern
BOSTON—The Boston Bruins are out to prove their visit to the Stanley Cup finals in the spring of 1988 was no accident. The Bruins will do so only by proving their forward lines are the equal of their superb defense and high-quality goaltending. “We don’t match up with the Oilers’ first six forwards at all,” general manager Harry Sinden said, after the Bruins bowed to Edmonton in four straight games in the Stanley Cup final. “I'd like to somehow end up with two forward lines at least in that class.” How well he and coach Terry O’Reilly have succeeded will determine the Bruins’ finish in the 1988-89 race for the Cup. Strengths: Even with defenseman Gord Kluzak’s future clouded by an eighth surgical procedure on his knee, the Boston defense ranks among the best…
Hard Act To Follow
Vince Mulligan is gone, at least temporarily. but he won’t be forgotten by the University of Prince Edward Island’s hockey program. While Mulligan is on leave of absence from his job as Panther coach, former pro player/coach/general manager Bill MacMillan is faced with guiding the Panthers to a second straight Atlantic Universities Athletic Association title. Itcould happen —after all, the Panthers return 14 veterans —but UPEI must stave off a few strong challengers in the Moncton Blue Eagles, Acadia Axemen and Dalhousie Tigers. Look for Acadia and Moncton to emerge as divisional champions. Here’s a closer look at each team in predicted order of finish, with last year’s records in parentheses: KELLY DIVISION ACADIA AXEMEN (18-6-2) Coach: Tom Coolen. Outlook: The Axemen return 14 players from the team that was eliminated in the AUAA semi-finalsby UPEI,…
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