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October 11, 1991

October 11, 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.

DEPARTMENTS

A MEMORABLE EFFORT THAT’S ALREADY FORGOTTEN

Had Team USA won the gold medal at the Canada Cup it would have raised that old philosophical question about whether a tree that falls in the forest makes any sound if no one hears it. While the Americans reached the finals of the Canada Cup with more wins than any other nation, their achievement went largely unrecognized in their own country. Compared to the attention given the 1980 Miracle On Ice team, the 1991 Canada Cup version of Team USA was ignored. The only miracle about this team will be if anyone in the U.S. remembers who was on it a year from now. The most unfortunate part is that what Team USA accomplished at the Canada Cup was arguably greater than what that miracle team did more than a decade…

THE NHL

CAPTAIN KIRK BEAMS IN TO IMPROVE INTENSITY LEVEL

The central figure in the soap opera on St. Catherine St. is gone, replaced by a golden boy from central casting. Stephane Richer, the enigmatic former 50-goal scorer who alternated between brilliance and indifference, was traded to the New Jersey Devils along with Tom Chorske Sept. 20 for hardworking Kirk Muller and veteran goal tender Roland Melanson. So, the Habs, not known for their scoring prowess to start with, embark on the hunt for their 24th Stanley Cup light one 50-goal scorer. The Habs are hoping a revived Denis Savard and a healthy Sylvain Turgeon will pick up the slack and Muller will give them an intensity that has been lacking some nights. If that’s the case, the Habs will indeed be a step closer to that 24th Cup. Training camp developments: The Richer-Muller deal sent…

THE NHL

VERBEEK, CULLEN, NEEDED TO PREVENT FREE-FALL

From Mark Messier to Kevin Stevens to Scott Stevens to Eric Lindros, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, New Jersey and Quebec have each had major personnel crises during the preseason. But don’t forget the plight of the Whale. One week before the beginning of the regular season, free-agent John Cullen and option-year holdout Pat Verbeek were not close to signing with Hartford. They’re also the two best players on the team. Training camp developments: Cullen, who wants to be recognized among the top-five paid centers in the NHL (at least $1,085 million), flatly rejected an offer of $800,000 a year. Verbeek waltzed out a week into camp, demanding $1.3 million. The Whalers have offered $700,000. And free agent Todd Krygier, calling for $250,000 a year, refused to show up. Whalers’ general manager Ed Johnston said he didn’t have time…

DEPARTMENTS

LITTLE CAUSE FOROPTIMISM IN CBA TALKS

Any hopes the NHL would have worked out a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NHL Players’ Association were dashed exactly one week before the start of the season when negotiations broke off between the two sides. There did not appear to be any bitterness, nor were there any threats of an imminent walkout or strike, but it was clear the two sides had reached an impasse on the sticky issue of free agency. No date was set for the resumption of face-to-face negotiations. “I’m very disappointed the talks broke off,” said NHL president John Ziegler. “I can’t make any further comment, because I have a responsibility not to jeopardize the proceedings. If I start to comment beyond what has been agreed upon, I would put the proceedings in jeopardy.” According to one source…