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December 16, 1998
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.
Quick start for Khristich
First-quarter statistics like those compiled by Dmitri Khristich would normally attract a lot of attention. When the numbers are put up by a quiet man who tries to deflect attention, though, it’s left to others to express how well the 29-year-old right winger has performed for the Boston Bruins this season. “You can tell he’s determined,” said coach Pat Bums. “When he has that face on him, he can really play the game. Dima’s in that zone. He’s in a groove right now where he’s playing very well.” Byron Dafoe’s top drawer goaltending, Ray Bourque’s standard top-notch play, holdouts by Anson Carter and Kyle McLaren that were eventually settled and a short-lived comeback attempt by Cam Neely have kept the spotlight off Khristich. After 23 games he was Boston’s most productive player. Khristich led…
Third Canadian player dies in Europe
A third Canadian hockey player has died in Europe in the past nine months and the deaths have unnerved international officials. Chad Silver, 29, of Brandon, Man. was found dead in bed in his Zurich Switz., apartment. He played for the Zurich Lions and died of a massive heart attack two days after suffering t concussion in a league game. Teammate Dan Hodgson, who found the body along with coach Kent Ruhnke and player Adrian Plavsic was in shock and fought back tears as he talked about the teammate he called his best friend. “He was an unbelievable guy, t super guy,” Hodgson said. In October, former NHLer Stephan Morin of the Berlin Capitals collapsed and died on the bench in front of his teammates during a game. An autopsy determined he had heart…
Upset Recchi denies trade request made
He might be frustrated by his team’s poor play, but Mark Recchi denies he wants to end his association with the Montreal Canadiens. “What?” Recchi asked incredulously over media reports he requested a trade. “You guys are blowing things way out of proportion. I don’t know who’s trying to stir things up. “I know it’s Montreal and you guys have a job to do, but it has gone too far. Everything we say and do gets magnified to a different level.” Recchi, who turns 31 in February, will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and is one of Montreal’s few marketable commodities. Rumors are the least of Recchi’s problems. While stretching his ironman streak to 565 consecutive games, the gritty right winger has endured a stubborn case of pneumonia…
IMPECABLE SABRES
Keep this one to yourself-the man has a reputation to protect-but checking center Michael Peca has been given the green light to think offense first this season. Well, occasionally. “If we’re on the road and trying to get the right line matchups is hurting the flow of the game or our momentum, I’m giving Mike a more offensive role than his usual checking assignment would allow,” said Buffalo Sabres’ coach Lindy Ruff. “It’s not a problem because he’s so responsible (defensively) all the time anyway. But he’s still at his best when he gets an assignment.” Which is more often than not. Those green-light nights occurred maybe four times in the Sabres’ first 20 games. The rest of the time, Peca, with linemates Dixon Ward and Vaclav Varada, went up against, and bettered,…
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