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October 4, 1991
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.
NORDIQUES
LINDROS HOLDS THE KEY… The 1991-92 season could be a breakthrough one for the Nordiques if several pieces of the puzzle fall into place. First and foremost, Eric Lindros, the first pick overall in the June draft and the most highly-regarded player to come out of junior since Mario Lemieux, must come to terms with team management. A happy Lindros, with his pockets full of money and a head full of assurances, will come out of the gate flying and inspire his new teamates. Lindros has proved with his strong performance at the Canada Cup that he can play at the highest level in the world. He will have to maintain that level if the Nords hope to improve. Center Joe Sakic has recovered admirably after being cut by Team Canada. The 22-year-old center has…
A TALE OF TWO SEASONS
It was a summer of Collective Bargaining Arguing, a summer during which an old dynasty crumbled and a new phenom waffled. As trading camp unfolded with numerous veterans balking at reporting because of contract hassles, it seemed certain that the NHL was on the verge of a season of discontent. Or was it? Barring a players’ strike or lockout, the NHL can look ahead to some positive signs, too, as it celebrates it’s 75th anniversary. Reunited with winger Jari Kurri, the Great One, Wayne Gretzky, is gung-ho again in L.A. In Pittsburgh, Mario (Magnifique) Lemieux seems healthy again while in Toronto, a front-office savior in the form of Cliff Fletcher may have arrived to turn around the Maple Leafs. Overall, competition promises to be fierce as easily a dozen teams have Stanley Cup pretensions Clearly, the NHL…
NORTH STARS
EXPERIENCE ON STARS’ SIDE… The North Stars came within two victories of the Stanley Cup last season so it’s difficult to imagine a better ending for the soon-to-be hockey season. However, no one’s imagination will be stretched far enough to suggest there weren’t ways to achieve a better regular season. It’s hard to forget last year’s 1-62 start or the 27-39-14 finish. For the Stars to improve this season, the following things must happen: Brian Bellows needs to play like he’s paid—very well. Bellows only scored 12 goals in the team’s first 49 games last season and then scored only 10 in 23 playoff games. He will be paid about $700,000 this season and needs to play like one of the league’s best. Goaltender Jon Casey finished last season with a 21-20-11 record…
PENGUINS
TALENT NOTA CONCERN… When you’ve done the unthinkable, pulling off the improbable doesn’t seem like such a challenge. Which is why it’s not out of the question that the 1991-92 season will end with another Stanley Cup rally at Point State Park in Pittsburgh. Not when you look at the Penguins’ lineup and see a concentration of talent that includes Mario Lemieux, Paul Coffey, Mark Recchi, Kevin Stevens, Tom Barrasso, Ron Francis, Larry Murphy, Jaromir Jagr and Joe Mullen. Factor in the varied contributions of guys such as Ulf Samuelsson, Phil Bourque, Bob Errey and Bryan Trottier, among others, and suddenly the events of last spring don’t seem so outlandish, after all. Character and commitment, two qualities rarely associated with Pittsburgh hockey, were abundant last season. If that holds true, the Penguins at least will…
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