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April 1, 1994
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.
Tulsa title-bound again?
The Tulsa Oilers are primed to defend the Central League’s Bill Levins Memorial Trophy, just ask an opposing coach. “They have it ail up front,” said Mike McEwen of the Oklahoma City Blazers. “Then add the hottest playoff goalie.” Forwards Doug Lawrence. Luc Beausoleil and Craig Coxe will lead the Oilers’ attack against the Blazers. The return of goalie Tony Martino from Europe solidifies the defensive game. Tulsa finished the regular season in second place with a 37-23-4 record, two points ahead of Oklahoma City. Blazers’ defenseman Guy Girouard is the league’s top defenseman. The other best-of-seven semifinal series pits regular-season champion Wichita Thunder against the Dallas Freeze. Both begin March 23. The Thunder are led by leading scorer Paul Jackson, who had 71 goals and 135 points in 59 games, Ron Handy and Brent…
Essensa gets no support
If Bob Essensa thought the Winnipeg Jets’ defense was merely a rumor, imagine what he thought of the Detroit Red Wings’ high-powered offense after three starts and three losses. The NHL’s most dangerous guns were shooting blanks, scoring five goals in three starts for their new goalie. “He was all excited when he came here, with our offense,” Keith Prim-eau said. “But it has just been the opposite for him. We’ve got to get him some goals.” Exactly why they were suddenly having problems scoring was a mystery to Detroit’s snipers. “I couldn’t tell you,” snapped Ray Sheppard after a 4-2 loss to the Jets and former teammate Tim Cheveldae March 19. “We’re snakebit. We hit three posts tonight.” Sheppard was stalled on his march toward the 50-goal plateau and blamed himself, in part, for…
Smooth Dahlen added for drive
The San Jose Sharks improved their offense for the stretch drive by acquiring right winger Ulf Dahlen from the Dallas Stars. The Sharks traded defensemen Doug Zmolek and Mike Lalor March 19 to acquire Dahlen, who has scored at least 35 goals in each of the past two seasons. The Sharks also received a conditional draft pick, a late-round choice in 1994 or 1995. No other Shark has scored as many as 35 goals in a season. The Sharks expect the 27-year-old to give them a much-needed boost in their quest to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time ever. “We had to add more scoring punch,” said director of hockey operations Dean Lombardi. “We can’t take that next step without scoring more goals.” That was painfully obvious when the Sharks produced…
Gainey trades for defense
They came, they played, they won and they’re in the playoffs. Life isn’t so bad for defensemen Mike Lalor and Doug Zmolek, the two newest Dallas Stars. Less than 24 hours after the pair had been traded from the San Jose Sharks for right winger Ulf Dahlen and a future draft choice, they were in uniform and helping the Stars to a 2-1 overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks March 20. The victory put the Stars in the playoffs after a year’s absence. The deal took many Stars’ players by surprise because coach-general manager Bob Gainey decided to trade away much-needed offense in favor of two defensive defensemen. Dahlen was third in team scoring at the time of the deal. Gainey said life without captain Mark Tinordi, who sustained a season-ending broken leg…
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