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April 6, 1990
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.


PLAYOFF PROSPECTS DIM WITHOUT IAFRATE
Two days after he was honored for his dedication and perseverance to hockey by being nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy, Toronto Maple Leafs’ defenseman Al lafrate learned his season had come to a sudden end. The seriousness of the injury wasn’t expected to be known until March 29 but he will likely be lost for the season. It is suspected he has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. His season, which easily rated as the finest of his six-year career, came to an end with 1:51 left to play in regulation time against the Quebec Nordiques March 24. In neutral ice, lafrate became entangled with Nordiques’ left winger Mike Hough and suddenly, inexplicably, Iafrate’s legs split apart. He then twisted awkwardly, landing heavily on the ice as his right…


WILL REALITY BE PAINFUL?
Distinguishing reality from fantasy can be taxing at this time of the year. Just ask the Winnipeg Jets. Three months ago, they couldn’t convince anyone the franchise had turned the corner and was headed for the top third of the NHL. Now, it’s difficult to sell people on the idea the Jets are still rebuilding and visions of a Stanley Cup dancing in their heads aren’t realistic. Such is the nature of sport. But the Jets have played well enough down the stretch to feel the effects of those inflated expectations. “First of all, there should be increased expectations,” said coach Bob Murdoch, co-architect of the Jets’ revival. “When we started in September, the players didn’t know what to expect, the coaches didn’t know what to expect and the fans didn’t know what to…


CONSISTENT INCONSISTENCY A CONCERN FOR MURRAY
If nothing else, the Washington Capitals have become extremely predictable under coach Terry Murray. Since he took over the club Jan. 16, the Caps have followed a pattern—play a few games very well followed by a few more that are very forgettable. It developed into a formula that never seemed to change much. Win two, lose two, win three, lose two, win one, lose two, and so on. The one consistent factor was the team wasn’t consistent. “That’s so difficult to explain,” said Murray, “and I don’t have the answer. That’s been a problem since I’ve been here. The pattern’s been to play good for two, take a couple off, play good again and when our backs are against the wall and you have to win a game, we go out and…


CARTER FIRST BOSTON NATIVE TO WIN AWARD
Since the American talent market blossomed early last decade, Boston Bruins’ lineups have been liberally sprinkled with players who grew up within a subway ride of Boston Garden. But this season, for the first time in 22 years, a Boston kid won the Bruins’ coveted Seventh Player Award, which goes to the player who performs at a level beyond expectations. “It’s quite an honor,” said left winger John Carter, who was raised in the north suburban town of Woburn and this season emerged as a very useful two-way performer for the Bruins. Carter had already reached career-highs in goals (15) and assists (20) with four games left in the season. Carter, who was also plus-16 in 72 games, was honored before the Boston-Minnesota game March 24 at the Garden, receiving a new car…