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February 28, 1997
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.
Kings’ GM continues to preach patience
Wayne Gretzky is fighting for a scoring title; the Los Angeles Kings are fighting for their lives. Even with Mario Lemieux pulling away from the pack and Gretzky mired in the longest goal-scoring slump of his illustrious career. The Great One is flourishing while the Kings flounder. One year after trading Gretzky to the St. Louis Blues for forwards Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif and Roman Vopat, a fifth round draft choice last year (defenseman Peter Hogan) and a first round pick in 1997, the Kings are in the early stage of a rebuilding program. Johnson and Vopat are projected as useful NHLers and the Kings should get a decent player with the Blues’ No. 1 pick, albeit one who won’t be on the scene for a few years. Considering Gretzky was leaning toward…
Holden back in top form after clearing his chest
Josh Holden had to sink below C-level to get back to being an A-level player in the Western League. The Regina Pats’ center hit the 40-goal mark in his 43rd game of the season-one in which Holden has encountered, and apparently overcome, his share of adversity. The WHL issued Holden two-game suspensions following spitting and puck-throwing incidents. He also missed five games after spraining a thumb in a fight. Such behavior prompted the Pats to strip Holden of his captaincy. Defenseman Gerad Adams assumed that role. “Taking the ‘C’ off Josh helped,” said Pats’ assistant coach Leo MacDonald. “Truthfully, some guys are ready to be captain and some aren’t. Josh wasn’t ready. “He was keen. He worked hard at it and he wanted the responsibility. Taking off the ‘C’ has allowed him to focus on…
Sharks bring back Errey to help spark playoff run
The San Jose Sharks are reaching back in an effort to move forward. GM Dean Lombardi plucked former Sharks’ captain Bob Errey off waivers Feb. 8 in hopes of igniting a playoff run. “He comes to play every night, plays in traffic, goes to the net, gets pucks out, does all the little things,” Lombardi said. “He plays hard.” Errey, 32, captained the Sharks in 1993-94, the season they set an NHL record for biggest points turnaround and came within a win of making the Western Conference final. Though Errey left San Jose under difficult circumstances, he’s thrilled to return. “I’m elated.” said Errey, whose 1995 trade to Detroit for a fifth round draft pick was, according to Lombardi, a mistake. “I think 1 had some unfinished business when I left here.” Eirey was traded…
Letdowns at crunch time prove costly for Whalers
The Hartford Whalers have always stated they have a team which should make the playoffs. GM Jim Rutherford hasn’t hesitated to say some of his players have underachieved this season. Playoff teams, however, find ways to win big games. So far, the Whalers certainly haven’t been able to do that. For whatever reason, during their most recent slump, the Whalers were physically weak and mentally inept in the third period of games. To wit: □ Geoff Sanderson gave Hartford a 2-1 lead at Montreal Feb. 8 with 4:23 left in the game. Nearly two minutes later, Stephane Richer tied the game and an unchecked Brian Savage was allowed enough open space in overtime for the game-winner as the Whalers lost 3-2. □ Feb. 12 at the Hartford Civic Center, Andrew Cassels tied the game with the…
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