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March 27, 1992
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.
Rochester assignment Vaive’s idea
Rick Vaive is out to prove age 30 should not be considered the mandatory retirement age in hockey. Vaive, who was brushed aside by the Buffalo Sabres in October, asked to be assigned to the American League’s Rochester Americans if he wasn’t dealt by the March 10 trading deadline. He wasn’t traded, so the Sabres obliged. The 32-year-old right winger played the first minorleague game of his 14-year career March 11 against the Capital District Islanders. He didn’t score but played a strong game. Vaive was the first Toronto Maple Leaf to score 50 goals in a season (54 in 1981-82). He is 24th on the NHL’s all-time scoring list with 441 goals but had just one goal and five points in 21 games this year. “It seems when you turn 30 they look…
LeBlanc trial not by error
Even if Ray LeBlanc never plays another game in the NHL, he’ll always remember March 10. LeBlanc, the U.S. Olympic hero, made his NHL debut that evening at Chicago Stadium and led the Blackhawks past San Jose 5-l. LeBlanc was given a one-game trial in order to meet requirements for next summer’s expansion draft. The Hawks needed LeBlanc to play 60 minutes so they wouldn’t have to expose either Ed Belfour, Dominik Hasek or Jimmy Waite to Tampa Bay and Ottawa. The 27-year-old LeBlanc understood the situation and returned to Indianapolis of the International League the next day hoping he convinced somebody he’s an NHLer. “They promised me one game and they kept their promise,” LeBlanc said. “I understand the situation because they’ve got two good goalies. This is a very tough racket.” LeBlanc made…
Tigers gear up for playoffs with stunning streak
The Western League’s Medicine Hat Tigers believe it’s never too early to peak when you’re riding a 12-game winning streak. “People always talk about peaking too early,” Tigers’ coach Tim Bothwell said. “You don’t ever aim to peak too early. It just happens. But I don’t think we’re peaking too early. We’re peaking at the right time. It’s good to have a lot of confidence going into the playoffs.” The second-place Tigers will be especially confident should they meet the front-running Prince Albert Raiders in the East Division final. The Raiders were a sure bet to clinch the regular-season title but the second-place Tigers manhandled the Raiders all season. Medicine Hat defeated Prince Albert 7-4 March 4 to capture the season series 6-2-0. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to be the favorite or…
Gut feeling says strike will be averted
Is there going to be an NHL strike? I don’t think so. In fact, I’m 70 per-cent certain there won’t be a work stoppage. But only a part of me that believes a strike is not imminent, oh about 84 per cent, is willing to bet money on it. Another 20 per cent of me says there’s bound to be a strike. (A wise man, who happens to authorize my weekly checks, which by the way add up to considerably less than the NHL average of $379,000 per year, says every union has at least one strike in it.) And, for those keeping track, the remaining 10 per cent of me? Undecided. Fifty-six per cent of the time. Okay, so you’re all lost. Right? Now you know how I feel. After four days of studying the NHL’s…