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October 17, 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.
Pepe factor could creep in
Stephane Yelle, Rene Corbet, veteran Jari Kurri, rookie Josef Marha and injured Mike Ricci (also due back in November) provide the up-front depth, along with the transformed blueliners. The possibilities are staggering. With something to prove again, it’s not unreasonable to think Roy could be the NHL’s top goalie, Sakic and Forsberg could be one-two in the scoring race and, with an emphasis on defense, the Avs could improve on last season’s rank of No. 5 overall. Not that there aren’t any perils. There’s no telling what impact the Olympics will have on the Avs. Crawford is coaching Canada. As many as 11 Colorado players could be playing in the event. Fatigue, injuries, distraction-no one knows the extent of each. Economics and human nature could also come into play. Because the Avs are paying…
Rebounding Renberg off to good start
Mikael Renberg may be a reluctant savior, but as long as he produces, Tampa Bay Lightning fans won’t mind. Obtained in the off-season from the Philadelphia Flyers as part of the Chris Gratton transaction. Renberg led the Lightning with six goals in five pre-season games and notched two in a 4-2 opening night win over the Carolina Hurricanes Oct. 1. “I’m not here to replace Chris Gratton, but I know the fans can’t help but make comparisons,” Renberg said. “That’s why it was good to get a goal early.” Renberg, 25, faces something of a comeback year. After averaging more than a point a game his first two seasons in the NHL, he suffered a series of injuries and saw his production slip accordingly. He missed 31 games in 1995-96 with a pelvic…
Young Broncos surprise by bolting to quick start
The Swift Current Broncos have embarked on i rebuilding program which is, well, swift. Swift Current jumped out of the gate by winning its first three games of the 1997-98 Westem League season. “There are 69 games left,” cautioned Broncos’ assistant coach Jamie Reeve. “(But) guess we’ve got to be happy. We haven’t beer mistake-free, but we’ve made (fewer) mistake: than the opposition. At this point of the season so far so good.” Good enough to be undefeated in the early going. “I don’t think we’re fooling anybody ant saying we’re going to go 72-and-0,” said coach GM Todd McLellan. “We had a good start and players remembered things they worked on in practice. That has to carry on.” The Broncos, who finished second in the East Division last season, were expected to experience growing pains…
Daniels, Simpson bid to replace enforcer Peluso
Left wingers Reid Simpson and Scott Daniels spent the past few seasons fighting to stay in the NHL, but the two physical forwards seemed destined to battle each other for the job as New Jersey Devils’ enforcer. Simpson appeared to have the job as Mike Peluso’s successor until the Devils claimed Daniels from the Philadelphia Flyers in the waiver draft. There was room to keep both players on the roster at the start of the regular season. However, with the Oct. 2 signing of Brian Rolston and continued attempt to sign Group II free agent Bill Guerin, Simpson and Daniels faced a numbers game. “I think there is room for both of us,” Daniels said. ‘’All the teams in the East have two guys who do most of the fighting. All I can do…
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