THN SCOUTING REPORT II

COLORADO DOMINATES The Colorado Avalanche isn’t just the NHL’s best team on ice, as the defending Stanley Cup champions, it’s also the best team on paper according to the first THN Scouting Report. The Avalanche ranks first in all six categories, including overall team score with a total of 317.0 (see pg. 14), well ahead of the runner-up Detroit Red Wings (301.0). All team totals were determined by adding individual scores of the top 12 forwards and six defensemen. Colorado was best in all five categories, including one (Team Size) that it shared the lead with the New Jersey Devils. The Red Wings were second in Team Skill and Team Hockey Sense and placed third in Team Skating and Team Spirit. TEAM SIZE TEAM SKILL BEST TO WORST From Patrick Roy to Troy Crowder, here…

Manson tries to ignore persistent trade rumors

The Phoenix Coyotes recently attempted to make two trades to bring in an established defenseman, but failed. Dave Manson is aware of this. That’s because the rumors had the veteran defenseman being one of the players shipped out in the deal. GM John Paddock insisted Manson’s name wasn’t involved in any talks, but that didn’t stop the speculation. “I’ve heard the rumors,” Manson said. “And if it happens, what are you going to do? I’d like to end my career here (in Phoenix). All I can do is do my job to the best of my ability, but there’s going to be nights when things don’t go well. That’s part of the game.” But did Manson have too many off nights? He was minus-10 through 20 games and had no goals and only…

Lakers get early start in reaching peak form

Under former coach Jeff Jackson, it was a ritual for Lake Superior State to get into a groove in February and peak down the home stretch. In Jackson’s six seasons up to 1995-96, the Lakers were 77-12-8 from February on for an.835 winning percentage. But the torrid streak began earlier this season under first-year coach Scott Borek. After getting off to a 2-5-1 start, the Lakers won 10 straight games. That catapulted them into first place in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association standings with a 9-2-0 record. “I hope we’re not starting too early,” joked Borek, Jackson’s assistant last season and the former coach at Division III Colby College in Maine. “It’s necessary for our team to believe in itself. We’re not done with our adversity.” The key to the hot streak was improvement…

VANCOUVER CANUCKS