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May 19, 1995
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.
All pain means no gains in Dallas’ hurtin’ season
Good luck has not been in large supply for the Dallas Stars this season. Unless, of course, you consider they were lucky to make the playoffs. Defenseman Derian Hatcher sustained a third grade tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in the final game of the regular season May 1 against the San Jose Sharks. The Stars lost that contest 31 and the loss cost them the seventh seed in the Western Conference. It also cost them Hatcher, one of their top players, for at least three weeks. “It has been a trying year,” Hatcher said. “There has been a lot of ups and downs. It seems like mostly downs.” Hatcher’s injury adds to a long list that have crippled the team this season. Defenseman Richard Matvi-chuk, center Peter Zezel…
Slip back no major concern
Last year, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim were on the fringes of a playoff race. This year, they were eliminated with two games left in the regular season. “Next year,” Anaheim coach Ron Wilson said lightheartedly, “we have a chance to lose in the first round.” The Ducks’ 16-27-5 record in the 48-game season wasn’t as successful as their 33-46-5 first season, but the team made progress adding such budding stars as left winger Paul Kariya and defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky. “We made a lot of changes and added a lot of good young players,” said right wing Joe Sacco. “It was a tough transition, but we stuck with it and made a good run at the playoffs.” The big story of the Ducks’ season was the debut of Kariya, who led the team in…
Esposito vows to keep ‘snubbed’ Hamrlik in town
More than anything, Roman Hamrlik wants to return to the Tampa Bay Lightning next season. Hamrlik is beginning to wonder, though, if the feeling is mutual. After losing out to goalie Daren Puppa as the team’s most valuable player-an honor that Hamrlik says would have earned him a $50,000 bonus-Hamrlik questioned whether the Lightning will be willing to make a long-term financial commitment to him when he enters the free-agent market this summer. “It’s only $50,000, but what does that say?” Hamrlik asked. “If they don’t want to pay $50,000, then maybe they don’t want to pay to keep me.” GM Phil Esposito, who votes for post-season awards along with coaches and other members of management, said contractual consequences aren’t taken into consideration. “Does Roman realize that by giving it to Puppa, it’ll probably cost…
Fleury shows up when it counts
The temptation is to predict the Calgary Flames can only win a playoff round if they get a superior performance from Theo Fleury, their leading scorer. The theory does not take into account, however, the Flames received superior series from Fleury in each of the past two playoff years-and it still wasn’t enough to get them out of the opening round. He had 12 points in six games in 1993 against the Los Angeles Kings and nine points in seven games in 1994 against the Vancouver Canucks. It didn’t matter that on the day the opening round ended, he led all playoff scorers. By the time they got around to crowning the Stanley Cup champion, he’d dropped out of sight. No one takes the Flames’ annual playoff exits harder than Fleury. Fleury joined the…
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