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October 15, 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.
Tkachuk, management at odds over contract
The Phoenix Coyotes suspended captain Keith Tkachuk indefinitely after the All-Star left winger and NHL’s reigning goalscoring leader refused to play in any games until his contract is negotiated. Tkachuk, who is under contract for three more seasons, officially became a holdout when he told GM Bobby Smith he wouldn’t play in the club’s final pre-season game Sept. 27 at Dallas. Tkachuk reported to training camp amid reports he was contemplating a holdout, but he vehemently denied that. He had been practising with the team daily, but was kept out of the lineup in what Smith originally said was the club’s decision. However, Smith said he “was only covering” for Tkachuk who never had any intentions of playing. Now, it appears the Coyotes’ top player will sit until the club makes him one…
Espo makes quantum leap
18. High Five April 14, I960, Toronto. Another season for the Montreal Canadiens, another Stanley Cup. A 4-0 win in Game 4 to complete the sweep over the Toronto Maple Leafs makes it a record five championships in five years. The Canadiens lose only five games combined in the final series over that time. Ten men play on all five Stanley Cup winners: Jean Beliveau, Jacques Plante, Doug Harvey, Dickie Moore, Henri and Maurice Richard, Bernie Geoffrion, Tom Johnson, Jean-Guy Talbot and Bob Turner. The first seven of the group make the Hall of Fame. Despite Montreal’s domination, there is no movement among NHL rivals to break up the Habs. “What good would it do?” asks New York Rangers’ coach Muzz Patrick. “Most of their better players wouldn’t play anywhere…
NHL ROSTERS AND TRANSACTIONS
No battle for back-up
In the end, training camp and the pre-season turned out to be a charade for goaltender Corey Hirsch. The 25-year-old redhead was finished with the Vancouver Canucks the moment management signed Arturs Irbe Aug. 5. There was considerable lip service paid to the battle between Hirsch and Irbe for the job backing up No. 1 man Kirk McLean, but really there was no battle at all. Irbe was next to horrendous during the pre-season, surrendering 11 goals in 120 minutes. Hirsch was next to excellent, surrendering just four goals in the same number of minutes. Yet, when it came time to protect a second goalie for the waiver draft, Irbe received the nod. So much for losing your job on the ice. “It doesn’t surprise me,” Hirsch said. “It’s their decision, not mine. They…