Top Cap ‘Olie The Goalie’ gave team chance to win every time he played

Olaf Kolzig, take your bow “I remember a lot of games early in the season,” said Washington Capitals’ captain Dale Hunter, “where we would have been out of it by the end of the first period if it hadn’t been for Olie. He gave us the chance to win.” In one of the most improbable stories of the season, Kolzig has been named the Caps’ most valuable player for 1997-98, after posting a record of 33-18-10, a save percentage of.920 and a goals-against average of 2.20. Kolzig started the season in his customary spot-at the end of the bench, watching the starter. But Bill Ranford was hurt 2:29 into the first period in Toronto Oct. 1. That left the door open for Kolzig and he slammed it shut. “You get big goals from…

Milbury’s role big question

After the New York Islanders finished out of the playoffs tor the fourth straight season, coach-GM Mike Milbury planned a Florida vacation to mull over what he wants to do next season. Club sources said new owners Steven Gluckstem and Howard Milstein want Milbury to remain as coach with reduced GM duties. The sources said Milbury would prefer to concentrate on his GM’s duties and give up coaching. Either way, Milbury has his work cut out to make this team better. Overachievers Defenseman Kenny Jonsson added an offensive dimension (14 goals, 40 points) while logging 25 to 30 minutes a game. Defenseman Rich Pilon stayed healthy for a career-high 76 games, while still playing tough. Underachievers Center Bryan Smolinski had two goals and seven points in his final 25 games. Center Robert Reichel had two…

AMERICAN LEAGUE

(OT) denotes overtime game Team affiliations are listed in parentheses under names…

FINAL 1997-98 REGULAR SEASON STATISTICS