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November 9, 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.
CARPENTER TAKES FALL FOR TEAM IN DISARRAY
It was as inevitable as death and taxes. The Toronto Maple Leafs were dying a slow, painful death and general manager Floyd Smith’s patience was being taxed to the limit. As the losses continued to mount, the axe that was poised over coach Doug Carpenter’s throat drew closer to the jugular. Finally, after consecutive losses to division rival St. Louis, Smith swung the hatchet. Unable to make the blockbuster deal many observers felt was necessary to jolt the Leafs out of their coma, Smith fired Carpenter. In a terse, 35-second statement made just outside the coach’s office at Maple Leaf Gardens, Smith announced Oct. 26: Carpenter had been “relieved of his duties” and that assistant coach Tom Watt would take his place on an interim basis and that a decision on a full-time coach…
HOT SHOT GOALIES MAKING GOALS SCARCER
The International League’s reputation as high scoring, shoot out the lights league is dying a quick death this season. The major factor for the decrease in goals is that there are many more top goalies in the league than before. “You can see that the quality of goaltenders is far better,” said Kansas City coach Doug Soetaert. “There are more guys that can go up and play that No. 2 role in the National Hockey League. Before, maybe the IHL had two or three of those guys. Now, everybody’s got one.” IHL goalies managed five shutouts through the first 35 games and eight times they held the opposition to one goal. Through the season’s first three weeks, IHL games featured an average of 6.77 goals per game and only three teams—Peoria, Kalamazoo and Fort…
SIDELINED BABYCH MAY BE OUT—FOR GOOD
It was the case of the weak wrist. Or Was it the one of the weak-wristed, indecisive player? Dave Babych ended several days of speculation Oct. 29: when he underwent surgery on his right wrist. The operation to repair a long-time problem will keep Babych out of hockey for approximately three months. Babych, however, could be out of the Hartford Whalers’ lineup for good. “This is the biggest decision of my career,” said Babych, 29. “It’s been on my mind for months. I was told it was up to me.” Although the coaches and training staff confirmed Babych was not held out of any game because of the wrist injury, he was scratched six times in the Whalers’ first 12 games. The Whalers’ hierarchy, irritated by Babych’s indecision, probably wouldn’t have played him in…
ANOTHER BRUIN GOES AWOL
BRUINS Defenseman Stephane Quintal was assigned to Maine Oct. 28: but failed to report to the American League Mariners. Quintal played in nine of the Bruins’ first 10 games before being sent to the minors. “I think he wants to know what his future is with the organization,” said Steve Freyer, Quintal’s agent. Quintal isn’t the first Bruin to go AWOL this year. Left winger Robert Cimetta was still sitting on the sidelines. Cimetta left the team during training camp when he, too, was assigned to Maine. He has asked to be traded…Center Ken Hodge Jr., son of the former Bruins’ star, played his first game as a Bruin Oct. 27: against the Chicago Blackhawks (a 5-4 win). Hodge was playing with the Mariners where he compiled 7-10-17 stats in eight…
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