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March 12, 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.
Weekes signs new contract, now seeks first NHL victory
Rather than wait until the summer months, the Vancouver Canucks signed Group II free agent goaltender Kevin Weekes to a three-year contract Feb. 24 and brought him to Van-couver immediately. Weekes, another piece of the Pavel Bure trade with the Florida Panthers, had been playing for the Detroit Vipers of the Inter-national League. “I’m pleased to get it done,“said Weekes, a 23-year-old Toronto native. “Sometimes it takes a while for good things to happen.“ Canucks’ GM Brian Burke has been attempting to sell Weekes as Vancouver’s goalie of the future, despite the fact Weekes had never won a NHL game. Weekes appeared in 11 contests for the Panthers last season and was 0-5-1. “From the day we made the Bure deal, the hype machine was working overtime, but we don’t expect him to be…
Tugnutt cracks elite
He’s the No. 1 goalie in the NHL. Sort of. Now, if only Ron Tugnutt could secure the No. 1 job with the Ottawa Senators. Tugnutt’s sizzling 1.65 goals-against average was the best of any NHL regular goalie. He was well on track to shattering the modem era record of 1.77 set in 1950-51 by Al Rollins of the Toronto Maple Leafs and tied in 1970-71 by Tony Esposito of the Chicago Blackhawks. Tugnutt’s spectacular play was one of the reasons why the Senators held down first place in the Northeast Division. Yet, as the playoffs draw near, Tugnutt, who had a .932 save percentage in 31 games, is still sharing the crease with Damian Rhodes. Rhodes had played 32 games with a 2.53 GAA and .904 save percentage. “Both of them are not very…
Failure to win at home focal point of prolonged slump for streaky Avs
First, they couldn’t win. Then, they couldn’t lose. Then, they couldn’t win again. Is there any figuring out this wacky 1998-99 Colorado Avalanche edition? After winning a franchise record 12 straight games, the Avalanche began a new streak, this time of the winless variety. After a 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins Feb. 24 at McNichols Sports Arena, the Avs stretched their winless streak to seven games (0-3-4) and evened their home record on the season to 12-124. “We have to go back to the drawing board,“said captain Joe Sakic. “I don’t know what the difference is from before, but we’re not winning right now.“ After achieving a tie for the fifth-longest winning streak in NHL history, the Avs began sliding back into some bad, old habits again. They stopped hitting with regularity. They…
Not many reasons to be wild about Harry
Mike Brophy glorifies Boston Bruins’ GM Harry Sinden (THN, Feb. 5) for a 13-year-old trade-Barry Pederson for Cam Neely and No. 1 draft pick (Glen Wesley). Big deal. Sinden made a good trade. When Wesley was entering his prime years and wanted fair market value, Harry wouldn’t pay-Harry never does. I wonder why, with all the extra revenue from the relatively new FleetCenter, the Bruins aren’t competing. They have among the highest ticket and concession prices in the NHL, yet they have one of the lowest payrolls. The disparity is appalling. Every organization has a right to make money, but the Bruins should put a picture of Jesse James on their tickets. Anyone can trade above-average talent to bad teams and receive high draft picks in return. They key is to sign your…
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