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January 22, 1999
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.
Drake’s suspension suspiciously short
Steve Dryden is exactly right when he says that Dallas Drake’s suspension should have been longer for his hit on Doug Bodger (THN, Jan. 15). How could Colin Campbell give Drake only four games for a hit that could have ended Bodger’s career, but Matl Johnson gets 12 games for a knockout punch from behind? Johnson got exactly what he deserved for his cowardly shot, but Drake should have gotten at least 15 games for what he did because, yes, it was premeditated and everyone knows it. There is one other thing that the NHL needs to address: Allowing teammates of the suspended player to reimburse him the salary he is going to lose because of the suspension. The Kings players admitted to doing that for Matt Johnson. If that is the…
Patrick gets job of saving franchise
Nearly two decades ago, Pittsburgh Penguins’ GM Craig Patrick played a prominent role in the U.S. Olympic hockey team’s run to the gold medal, which came to be known as Miracle On Ice. Now he’s hoping to star in the sequel: Miracle Off Ice. Penguins’ co-owners Roger Marino and Howard Baldwin expanded Patrick’s duties Jan. 6, naming him team president and corporate executive officer. With the promotion, Patrick is now in charge of the day-to-day business operations of a bankrupt franchise that has lost the equivalent of 3,700 full season ticket packages the past two seasons and is $127 million in debt. Patrick’s mission is to make the franchise viable again-and to make sure it stays in Pittsburgh when it emerges from bankruptcy. In nine-plus seasons as Penguins’ GM, Patrick has won two Stanley…
Coach Cullen one of hockey’s true heroes
In his previous life, John Cullen often took the ice first, bag of pucks in hand, and left the ice last. In this life, John Cullen often takes the ice first, bag of pucks in hand, and leaves the ice last “Nothing has changed,” Cullen joked recently, looking at the bag of pucks in his hand. Actually, a little has. Before Cullen was an NHL center, a two-time All-Star Game participant who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning over 10 NHL seasons. Now Cullen is again a big part of the All-Star Game extravaganza, only this time as an asSstant coach for the Lightning following his battle with, and brief, but courageous return from, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Cullen, stricken with cancer late in 1996-97, overcame chemotherapy, radiation…
Modin in scoring mode after streaky stretches
Fredrik Modin has recently become Toronto’s shooting star. This time, though, the Maple Leafs hope the fireworks don’t fizzle after a few games. That has been the big left winger’s NHL history- Modin, beginning with a Dec. 30 tilt against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, scored goals in four straight games. Skating with Mats Sundin and Steve Thomas on Toronto’s No. 1 line, the left winger played with the confidence his game lacked this season. Modin powered to the net, banged in the comers and frequently uncorked the heaviest shot on the team. “I feel better than I ever have,” Modin said. “We’re playing some good offensive hockey.” The 24-year-old was fourth in team scoring with 12 goals and had 20 points after 39 games. While Modin’s outburst might be the breakthrough the Leafs have…
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