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November 16, 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.
ODDITIES
New NHL coaches Doug Risebrough (Calgary) and Bob Gainey (Minnesota) bring to 15 the number of players Scotty Bowman once tutored who became head coaches themselves. That includes two other current coaches—Al Arbour (Islanders) and Rick Dudley (Buffalo)—and three current general managers—Serge Savard (Montreal), Rogie Vachon (Los Angeles), and Glen Sather (Edmonton).…
PIETRANGELO PICKS RIGHT FORK IN THE ROAD
During the off-season, it seemed likely Frank Pietrangelo would spend the 1990-91 season in Italy. And little more than a month ago, it appeared’a safe bet he would be unprotected in the waiver draft. But today, Pietrangelo has moved past Tom Barrasso and Wendell Young to become, at least temporarily, the Penguins’ No. 1 goalie. Pietrangelo entered the second month of the regular season with five consecutive victories, a 5-1-0 record, and the growing confidence of his teammates. Not bad for a guy who was a longshot to be around this year. “He’s shown he’s an NHL goaltender from Day 1 this year,” defenseman Jim Johnson said. “It seems like he’s got his confidence and knows he can do the job. He’s improved every year since he’s got here, but I’ve seen the biggest improvement…
GRETZKY CAN’T TOUCH HOWE
A few blunt comments on some pointed items: Remarkable as Wayne Gretzky’s recent 2,000 point milestone may be, it remains inferior to Gordie Howe’s efforts. The difference? When Howe performed for the Detroit Red Wings, goals and assists lacked the cheap, inflationary quality of the contemporary game. That, however, is only one difference. The inescapable factor is the physical side. Howe could take it; Gretzky can’t. Nothing says it more vividly than a recent episode at Nassau Coliseum. Gretzky was legitimately checked into the boards by Islanders’ defenseman Richard Pilon. No big deal. It was a hefty rap, the kind every coach likes delivered. The Great One went down, embellishing his descent with his dyingswan routine to which we have become accustomed. In less than a minute, Gretzky was back on his feet cavorting…
GOAL ORIENTED
There has been a surprising turnover in the NHL goaltending ranks this season. The reasons range from suspension to injury to that old favorite, the numbers game. More and more nights, you’re saying,”Who?” after the public address announcer discloses the identity of the starting netminder. Of the 78 goaltenders who played at least one game in the NHL last season, 24, virtually one-third, have been absent for all or part of 199091. In just the first month, 14 rookie goaltenders—among them the rookie of the month for October, Chicago’s Ed Belfour—had made at least one game appearance. Philadelphia’s Ron Hextali is hurt again. Edmonton’s Grant Fuhr is waiting for a commutation of his one-season suspension for substance abuse. Blackhawk Greg Millen is in limbo and Glen Hanlon is in San Diego. Brian…