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March 21, 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.
Gearing up for Cup run
Before Doug Gilmour’s magic carpet even landed in New Jersey, the Devils were good enough to be considered one of a halfdozen teams with a shot at winning the Stanley Cup. With Gilmour, Dave Ellett and the boost in confidence that came along with those two veterans, only the defending champion Colorado Avalanche figured to enter the playoffs with lower odds than the Devils. Pivotal factors: 1. Gilmour’s injured eye. X-rays showed no structural damage, but Gilmour expected to miss the better part of a week while the Devils held their breath for the aftereffects after he was hit by a puck March 5. 2. Dave Andreychuk’s slump. At one point, the big left winger went nine games without a goal. His confidence needs to be high entering the playoffs. 3. Ability…
NHL guarding against drug scandal
NHL vice-president Brian Burke never said that any elite NHL players are taking steroids, but he hinted banned substances are a concern for NHLers taking part in the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. The issue of banned substances came up when Burke was in Toronto March 6. He was discussing issues involved in assigning a new deadline for naming rosters for the Games. All athletes are subject to drug testing at the Olympics. Burke said the NHL received an extensive list of banned substances-which includes many over-the-counter drugs-from the International Olympic Committee and advice on how to ensure that NHLers are clean once the Games begin. “We have gotten some proposals on how best to attack it and (potential players) are probably going to be approached prior to the end of the…
Entire Kings’ team feeling pain from goaltender Fiset’s groin pull
Just as the Los Angeles Kings’ playoff drive kicked into high gear and their winning streak reached a season-high five games, it came to a screeching halt. Goaltender Stephane Fiset, so instrumental in the team’s resurgence, sustained a groin/abdominal strain March 4 in a game against the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings felt the pain, losing their next two games and jeopardizing their chances of making the playoffs for the first time in four years. Fiset was listed as week to week, and the same uncertainty applies to the Kings’ post-season hopes. Pivotal factors: 1. Fiset’s fitness. If Fiset is lost for any length, can the Kings count on Byron Dafoe or Jamie Storr to lead a playoff charge? 2. Power play. It has ranked at or near the bottom of the league most…
Look to stars for destiny
The New York Rangers’ realistic chances for a Stanley Cup run seemed to evaporate when they hit an eight-game winless streak (0-6-2) during which they were barely competitive in the six losses. If there is a hope, it is that the Rangers’ core players are genuine stars and that when those stars are on, the Rangers can beat any team. Pivotal factors: 1. Goaltending. The Rangers offensive inconsistency means Mike Richter can’t be anything less than sensational. 2. Penalty killing. Opponents were scoring at a 20.4 per cent clip on the power play, which spells playoff doom. 3. Mark Messier’s ailing back. The Rangers crumble when he’s out for any extended period. Hardware hopefuls: Brian Leetch, Norris, Lady Byng; Richter, Vezina; Niklas Sundstrom, Selke. Needs: A winger who can produce on one of the…
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