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April 22, 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.
Momentum key in playoffs
It’s a curious thing, this playoff prediction business. It’s incumbent, of course, for every media outlet (including this one) and hockey fan on the continent, to make them. They do it year after year, always providing good sound logical reasons for their decisions. But, they don’t get it. The logic is bogus. Nobody, it seems, has bothered to check out the statistical evidence. You’re the lucky ones, however, because we have. And all without attending an Anthony Robbins seminar. HOME-ICE ADVANTAGE: It is the most overused and misunderstood prognostication tool in history. Listen carefully: In order for a team to have home-ice advantage there has to be an advantage. The dumbest thing you’re going to hear in this year’s playoffs is that a team has lost home-ice advantage after losing a game at home. If they…
Joe returns good as new for shot at Stanley’s mug
He made his return a little behind schedule-the original prognosis was only three to four weeks-but Joe Nieuwendyk did meet his primary objective of getting back in the Calgary Flames’ lineup before the end of the regular season. After missing 17 games with a tom medial collateral ligament in his right knee, Nieuwendyk returned for games against the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings in the second week of April. The Flames’ captain was centering a line with Michael Nylander on the left side and Theo Fleury on the right and the unit looked like a keeper. Nieuwendyk said the big adjustment was getting used to game situations after two weeks of practices. “There’s a lot to think of when you’re out there,” Nieuwendyk said, “and over a six- or seven-week absence, you…
Slick gunslinger Modano can now be called a star
The Dallas stars have impressed in their inaugural season in the Lone Star State and no player has been more spectacular than center Mike Modano. Modano has broken through this season as a bona fide star and was flirting with the magical 50-goal mark as the season came to a close. The 23-year-old, the team’s leading scorer, picked up his 49th goal April 10 in the Stars’ 2-2 tie with the St. Louis Blues. It represents a career high for Modano, whose previous high was 33 goals, which he notched in each of the last two seasons. The top pick in the 1988 entry draft would have been a lock for 50 goals, but missed eight games with various injuries. If Modano reaches the 50-goal mark, he will become the first member of the Stars…
PLAYOFF SKINNY
BOSTON BRUINS Primary Strength: The Bruins feel they have the best one-through-four defense in the NHL. That is assuming Ray Bourque and Al Iafrate return to too form following late-season knee injuries. Crucial Weakness: In spite of a 14-game undefeated streak this season, veteran goalie Jon Casey has been inconsistent. Backup Vincent Riendeau started games late in the season and may be the No. 1 man in the playoffs. Need to know: Injured Cam Neely had 13 game-winning goals this season. All the other Boston forwards had 18. Outlook: The best Boston can hope for is to win one round. BUFFALO SABRES Primary Strength: The Sabres played a strict, defense-oriented playoff style most of the season and benefited from the excellent goaltending of Dominik Hasek. Crucial Weakness: Coach John Muckier doesn’t have a…
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