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February 5, 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.
Reese passes on sweeping floors for another chance at NHL glory
Jeff Reese hadn’t faced an NHL shot in 26 months. And the first one that came his way bathed him in red light. But nothing could cast a shadow on the 32-year-old goalie’s comeback with the Toronto Maple Leafs. “It’s been a long-road, a storybook road,” said Reese, after earning his first NHL victory since March 7, 1996. “Let’s face it, two months ago I was sitting on my couch watching this team and now I get a chance to play for them.” That unexpected opportunity came at St. Louis Jan. 21 in Toronto’s final game before the all-star break. Starter Curtis Joseph left the game after straining a groin muscle in the first period. That paved the way for Reese. Two minutes later Blues’ center Craig Conroy beat Reese on the first…
Speedy Medican gives Panthers much-needed blueline mobility
Anyone who can tell a skate from a plate knows how important Pavel Bure could be to the Florida Panthers. But only those who watch the Panthers or knew their defensemen understood immediately just how important swift blueliner Bret Hedican was in the big trade with the Vancouver Canucks. Along with the 28-year-old Hedican and Bure, the Panthers Jan. 17 acquired defense prospect Brad Ference and a third round draft pick for defenseman Ed Jovanovski, center Dave Gagner, goalie Kevin Weekes, left winger Mike Brown and a first round draft pick. (See pg. 8 for more on trade). Lack of speed on defense made the Panthers especially vulnerable to the simplistic, but effective dump-and-chase strategy. As you saw the forechecker close on Gord Murphy, Terry Carkner, Rhett Warrener or Paul Laus, it was…
Defense-minded Norstrom gets all-star recognition
It took a flurry of injuries to other players for NHL officials to figure out what the Los Angeles Kings already knew: that defenseman Mattias Nor-strom and left winger Luc Robitaille deserved invitations to the NHL All-Star Game. Norstrom was added to the World team for the annual NHL showcase at Tampa after Kenny Jonsson of the New York Islanders and Roman Hamrlik of the Edmonton Oilers had to withdraw. Robitaille was a late addition, getting the call after Detroit Red Wings’ captain Steve Yzerman broke his nose. The selection was the first for the 27-year-old Norstrom. Because most fans tend to look at offensive statistics when it comes to all-star voting, he will never get a groundswell of support at the ballot box. “Norstrom: one goal, three assists,” he said of his…
New Canucks happy with trade as GM Burke defends Bure deal
After months of speculation, rumors, and posturing, the Vancouver Canucks finally put an end to the Pavel Bure trade saga as they shipped the’Russian Rocket’ to the Florida Panthers Jan. 17 in a multi-player deal. The key was rugged 22-year-old defenseman Ed Jovanovski, the first overall pick in 1994. Vancouver also acquired center Dave Gagner, up-and-coming goalie Kevin Weekes, junior prospect Mike Brown and a first round draft pick either this year or next with Florida holding the option. Vancouver surrendered Bure, defensemen Bret Hedican and Brad Ference and a third round pick. “No other offer was comparable,” said GM Brian Burke, who inherited Bure’s adamant trade request from the previous regime managed by Pat Quinn. “This trade gives us help in the short term and the long term. If I thought…
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