ELSTON

NHL SUMMARIES

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PRO FILE

JOHN DRUCE Born: April, 29. 1962, Toronto, Ont. Height: 6-feet. Weight: 185 pounds. Team: Washington Capitals. Position: Right wing. Acquired: Washington’s 2nd choice, 40th overall, in 1985 entry draft. Career highlight: “Scoring the winning goal in overtime last year against the Rangers (a 2-1 series clinching win in the Division Finals). It was the biggest thing I’ve ever done in pro hockey. Last year’s playoffs were overwhelming. I was never a goal scorer before and it was a shock.” Boyhood heroes: “Bob Gainey. I liked his defensive style, the way he blanketed other players. I’ve tried to pattern my style after him.” Biggest disappointment: “Not winning a game in the Boston series (Conference Championship) last year. We played so well and then we couldn’t score.” Most respected opponent: “I can’t say any one team because…

GOALIES HAVE PUT REBELS ON THE DEFENSIVE

The Roanoke Valley Rebels get downright defensive when talking about first place in the East Coast League’s East Division—defense is what got them there. The Rebels allowed a league-low 3.63 goals per game in getting off to a 5-2-1 start. Gus Morschauser, an assigned pro from the Vancouver Canucks, had a league-leading 2.72 goals-against average in two games and Bill Horn was third with a 3.00 GAA in six games. “Their numbers aren’t deceiving,” Rebels’ coach Claude Noel said. “The team has played well as a whole, but the goaltending has been outstanding. They’ve been tested.” The netminding tandem has benefitted from the play of Bill Whitfield, an all-star defenseman last season, and solid backchecking by the forwards. But they have had moments of brilliance. “They allow us to make mistakes in the neutral…