Defense buffaloes Bisons

John Paris is finding out how the other half lives and isn’t quite sure if he likes it. Last season, his Granby Bisons posted the fourth best defensive record in the Canadian Hockey League, but failed to make the playoffs. This season, Granby’s goals against are up, but the Bisons managed to stay unbeaten through six lines. Apparently, that’s not good enough. How many unbeaten teams actually have team meetings about picking up the play? “Before the meeting even started, the guys were talking about needing to tighten up,” Paris said. “We were used to being involved in the 2-1, 3-2 hockey games. This year, the guys are banging in five, six goals a game. They’re hungrier and want to score more, but they’re not making the transition back to defense. They’re smart…

LaFontaine rumors haven’t dampened spirits

Despite numerous Pat LaFontaine trade rumors, the New York Islanders didn’t feel overwhelmed as they started the season. In fact, they enjoyed their underdog status. “People can say what they want,” center Rob DiMaio said after the Islanders’ surprising 4-3 opening night victory over Boston. “We have an inner confidence that we can stick together through the good and bad.” At practices and meetings during the final days of pre-season, coach Al Arbour—a seasoned motivator—rallied his players by reminding them of the low expectations set by nearly all hockey observers. In doing so, he deflected the team’s attention from the LaFontaine trade talks that began after general manager Bill Torrey notified all teams that the star center was available. “We’ve just got to keep going. We can’t get caught up in all the…

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