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.

June 18, 1999

The Hockey News June 18, 1999

There will be those who suggest-mostly Boston Bruins' and Toronto Maple Leafs' fans-Dominik Hasek's reign as the Vezina Trophy winner should end this season.Don't believe them.We can see our way clear to give Pittsburgh Penguins' superstar Jaromir Jagr the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, dashing the Buffalo Sabres' goalie's chance at a three-peat for that award.But try as we might there's no way not to bestow upon Hasek his third straight Vezina and fifth in the past six years. Sorry, Toronto's Curtis Joseph and Boston's Byron Dafoe.&ldquo;For anyone who thinks Dominik hasn't been as good this season as he was in the last couple, they're wrong,&rdquo; said Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff. &ldquo;He has been exceptional.&rdquo;The Dominator was not. however, quite as statistically dominant as in past years. Ron Tugnutt of the Ottawa Senators posted a better goals-against average (1.79) than Hasek (1.87), though the Senator played 21 fewer games. Eight goalies-including Vezina nominees Joseph (35) and Dafoe (32)-posted more wins than Hasek (30). And Dafoe, with 10 shutouts, edged Hasek, with nine, for the league lead.The only category where Hasek remained dominant was in save percentage. His .937 mark NHL, the confidence to play that style and Joseph repeatedly came up with big saves to steal games the Leafs had no business winning.Dafoe, meanwhile, posted terrific numbers (1.99 GAA, .926 save percentage, 10 shutouts and 32-23-11 record) that were an accurate reflection of his career year. was .011 better than Dafoe's .926 and was, in fact, the highest save percentage on record since the league began keeping that statistic.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-05393/7181572-1-eng-US/f0014-052.jpg" title="f0014-05" width="820" height="1402"><figcaption class="caption-body">Dominik Hasek</figcaption></div>Only three goalies-Guy Hebert of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Mike Richter of the New York Rangers and Joseph-faced more shots than Hasek.He was also more susceptible this season to highs and lows. From late October to Christmas, he was 17-2-4 and at the top of his game. After Christmas, he went 4-8-3 in a 15-game stretch when the Sabres scored three or fewer goals in 13 of those games.A groin injury cost him a month's worth of games, but he returned to give up only 18 goals in his final 12 starts of the regular season.If statistics tell only half the story on Hasek, they tell none of the story on Joseph. The first-year Leaf had a patently ordinary 2.56 GAA and .910 save percentage, but his performance had to be seen to be believed. He gave the run-and-gun Leafs, with the best offense in the NHL, the confidence to play that style and Joseph repeatedly came up with big saves to steal games the Leafs had no business winning.Dafoe, meanwhile, posted terrific numbers (1.99 GAA, .926 save percentage, 10 shutouts and 32-23-11 record) that were an accurate reflection of his career year.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-06310/7181565-1-eng-US/f0014-062.jpg" title="f0014-06" width="662" height="1543"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-07250/7181558-1-eng-US/f0014-072.jpg" title="f0014-07" width="660" height="1544"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-08207/7181551-1-eng-US/f0014-082.jpg" title="f0014-08" width="662" height="1546"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Hasek by Steve Babineau/SA)</figcaption></div><h2>NOW AND THEN</h2>Vezina Trophy chosen by NHL GMs1998-99 Honorable Mention: Ed Belfour, Dal; Guy Hebert. Ana; Ron Tugnutt, Ott 1997-98 THN Top Three: 1. DOMINIK HASEK, BUF; 2. Martin Brodeur, NJ: 3. Tom Barrasso. Pit &#9632;

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IN THIS ISSUE

VEZINA TROPHY: BEST GOALIE

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0035-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-01920/7183218-1-eng-US/f0035-012.jpg"></div> &#9632;

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NHL ROSTERS AND TRANSACTIONS

<div class="byline">Bob McKenzie Associate Editor</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-011692/7181468-1-eng-US/f0012-012.jpg" title="f0012-01" width="456" height="569"></div>Jaromir Jagr did something this season that hasn't I been done by an NHL player for quite some time.He dominated. Truly dominated.Forget 'The Dominator,' Buffalo Sabres' net-minder Dominik Hasek. He's a goalie.On the ice and statistically, the NHL had its first dominant skater since Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux were in their primes.&ldquo;My opinion is he's getting better every year and this year is no exception,&rdquo; said Pittsburgh Penguins' GM Craig Patrick. &ldquo;When he's feeling good and on top of his game, he believes he can do anything.&rdquo;More often than not in 1998-99, Jagr did just that. He won his third Art Ross Trophy with 44 goals and 127 points in 81 games. His 20-point margin of victory over Anaheim Mighty Ducks' Teemu Selanne is the greatest scoring leaders point difference since 1990-91, when Gretzky beat Brett Hull by 32 points.Only five NHL players, besides Jagr, have ever won an Art Ross Trophy by a margin of 20 points or more. The list includes Gordie Howe, Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr, Gretzky and Lemieux.Given today's low-scoring ways in the NHL, that 20-point schism is monumental.&ldquo;I think Jaromir had four or five (it was actually six) four-point games and one five-point game,&rdquo; said Penguins' coach Kevin Constantine. &ldquo;And I'm sure in most of those games, he was in on every goal we scored. He really separated himself from the rest of the pack.&rdquo;That pack includes superstars Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche, Selanne and Paul Kariya of Anaheim, Eric Lindros and John LeClair of the Philadelphia Hyers and Alexei Yashin of the Ottawa Senators.Jagr should be the prohibitive favorite to win his first Hart Trophy as NHL MVP. He was a runner-up in 1995, to Lindros, and last year, to Hasek.This season, the roles should be reversed with Hasek as the finalist, though it's worth noting the goaltender played almost as exceptionally this season as he did in his two previous Hart-winning efforts.No one else was close to those two.Yashin is the third Hart nominee and he unquestionably had a breakthrough year in leading the Senators to second place in the Eastern Conference.His 44 goals and 94 points put him in sixth place among NHL leading scorers, but just as importantly, the Sens' captain emerged as a real leader with a strong all-around game.But THN's preference as the third Hart nominee is Anaheim's Selanne. He had more goals (47), points (107). same-winning goals (seven, compared to Yoshi's five) and a better plus-minus rating (plus-18 compared to plus-16).<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-021345/7181461-1-eng-US/f0012-022.jpg" title="f0012-02" width="1945" height="2357"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Photo by Bill Wiper)</figcaption></div>Selanne had goals in 35 of 75 games and points in 60 of 75; Yashin had goals in 33 of 82 and points in 56 of 82.Philadelphia's Lindros also merits some consideration, but the clear-cut choice is the 27-year-old Jagr.This was his eighth consecutive season with 30 or more goals. He registered his 500th career assist against the Edmonton Oilers March 5 and his career rate of .78 assists per game is currently eighth-best in NHL history.He collected his 800th point in a terrific four-point game in a win over the Montreal Canadiens Jan. 31 and followed that up with a five-point night against the Sabres.Those efforts came slightly after his season-high 13-game point streak, when he scored eight goals and 25 points from Dec. 26 through Jan. 28. Jagr never went more than two games without a point and that happened only four times. There was, however, one 10-game stretch early in the season when he failed to register a goal.He is now the career leader for NHL points by a European and 25th among active NHLers.With the departure of Ronnie Francis-he signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in the off-season-Pittsburgh was expected to take a step back this year, but Jagr led the team into the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's eighth seed. In addition to his offense, he supplied tremendous leadership and elevated the play of his teammates.&ldquo;I remember a game against Buffalo when he stood up on the bench and said, 'We're not going to lose,' and then went out and scored the points to win it for us,&rdquo; Constantine said.&ldquo;Stu Barnes, Kip Miller, Jan Hrdina, Martin Straka, they're all good players, but like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir made them so much better. It's no coincidence players have career years when they play with Jaromir. That's a sign of a truly great player, the impact he has on others.&rdquo;But all the numbers don't begin to vividly illustrate just how spectacular Jagr was.&ldquo;The image that stands out for me,&rdquo; Constantine said, &ldquo;was the goal he scored against Philadelphia. He was tripped, he was prone on his belly and the puck was a few feet in the air a few feet behind him and he just reached back and knocked it out of the air and past Ron Hextali.&ldquo;I suppose there have been better or more phenomenal goals scored in the NHL, but I've never personally witnessed anything as spectacularly athletic as that one.&rdquo;&ldquo;He has meant everything to us,&rdquo; added Patrick.<h2>NOW AND THEN</h2>Hart Trophy chosen by Professional Hockey Writers' Association1998-99 Honorable Mention: Eric Lindros, Phi; Alexei Yashin, Ott1997-98 THN Top Three: 1. DOMINIK HASEK.BUF; 2. Teemu Selanne, Ana; 3. Jaromir Jagr, Pit<h2>THN'S PICKS: SNEAK PREVIEW</h2>Jaromir Jagr of the Pittsburgh Penguins is THN's Player of the Year and choice for the Hart Trophy. In this four-page story are our top three choices for each of the NHL's seven major regular season individual awards. You'l have to wait for June 24 for the NHLer announce its official choices at the annua awards gala in Toronto. THN chooses its coach of the year and executive of the year after the playoffs.<h2>HART TROPHY: Most Valuable Player</h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-03868/7181454-1-eng-US/f0012-032.jpg" title="f0012-03" width="631" height="1533"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-04506/7181447-1-eng-US/f0012-042.jpg" title="f0012-04" width="631" height="1530"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-05362/7181440-1-eng-US/f0012-052.jpg" title="f0012-05" width="635" height="1534"></div> &#9632;

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FEATURES

Jagr stands alone

<div class="byline">By Kevin Oklobzija</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0028-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-01978/7182932-1-eng-US/f0028-012.jpg"></div>The man who jokes he created a monster by giving up Wayne Gretzky's first NHL goal now will try to create NHL players out of the Washington Capitals' prospects.Glen Hanlon, a goalie for 14 NHL seasons, has replaced Mark Kumpel as coach of the American League's Portland Pirates, with Kumpel staying on as an assistant.Hanlon spent the past five seasons as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks. He wanted an opportunity to become a head coach and his former boss is giving him the chance.Capitals' GM George McPhee was Vancouver's vice president of hockey operations during Hanlon's tenure, and the two were teammates with the New York Rangers in the 1980s.&ldquo;He works hard and I respect his evaluation of talent,&rdquo; Hanlon said.The Pirates suffered through a miserable season, going 23-50-7 and using an AHL-record 63 players. Hanlon said it was important for Kumpel, his former teammate in Detroit, to stay as an assistant.&ldquo;It was important to myself to have someone that I knew as a friend,&rdquo; Hanlon said. &ldquo;In fact, Mark is responsible for knocking my two front teeth out in a collision on the ice in practice. If you see us both at opposite ends of the ice during practice, that's the reason why.&rdquo;BROTHER ACT: Glenn Patrick, younger brother of Pittsburgh Penguins' president and GM Craig Patrick, was named coach of the expansion Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.Patrick spent the past two seasons as an assistant with the Syracuse Crunch, who were affiliated with the Penguins and Vancouver Canucks. The previous three seasons he was a scout.A defenseman for eight seasons starting in 1970-71, Patrick, 49, played 38 NHL games for three teams. He previously coached in the International and East Coast leagues.WHAT A YEAR: While the Calder Cup final against the Rochester Americans is all that concerns the Providence Bruins, they've already left their mark in the AHL record book.After finishing the season with 56 wins and 120 points, second-most in league history, the Bruins set a record for total wins (67) and that was only through the Eastern Conference final.The Binghamton Rangers set the old mark of 64 in 1992-93, but they lost in the semifinals.BOHONOS CLEARED: Assault charges against center Lonny Bohonos were droppec by authorities in St. John's, Nfld., after he apologized for his attack on Fredericton Canadiens coach Michel Therrien during the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs.Therrien said he accepted the apology and considered the matter closed.Bohonos jumped Therrien, ripping the coach's coat and causing cuts on his face and neck, outside a St. John's bar shortly after midnight on May 1, the day of the fifth and deciding game of the series.Bohonos was angry about comments Therrien reportedly made concerning Leafs' forward Mark Deyell, whose career was likely ended when he was hit in his right eye by a high stick. Deyell is expected to regain 20 to 30 per cent of his vision.WELCOME BACK: Hall of Famer Jean Beliveau helped the Quebec Citadelles unveil their new uniforms, which are blue, gold and white and feature a billy goat as the logo.The goat is representative of the mascot of the Royal 22nd Regiment and is a part of Quebec City tradition. The Citadelles will be the farm team of the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens will cease operations in Fredericton, but the team did win its final game at the Aitken University Centre, 4-0 over Providence. The Bruins won the series in six games.Beliveau accepted the position as honorary president of the Citadelles. He played for the Junior A Citadelles in 1949-50 and '50-51.<h2>AHL PLAYOFFS &#9632;</h2>

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Hanlon leaves Canuck job for Pirates' coaching post

<h2>Stars, Sabres battle in final</h2>1. Bound for final Regular season champion Dallas Stars advance to Stanley Cup final against Buffalo Sabres.2. 67's No. 1 Host Ottawa 67's become third non-league champion to win major junior's Memorial Cup.3. Ronald Corey Classy Montreal Canadiens' president retires after successful 17-year tenure.4. Under review NHL to review video review policy with possible return to no harm-no foul ruling.5. Jamie Langen brunner Dallas winger bounces back from lousy playoff last year scoring nine goals in three rounds.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/c0002-0240/7180954-1-eng-US/c0002-022.jpg" title="C0002-02" width="437" height="619"><figcaption class="caption-body">Sergei Fedorov</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/c0002-0331/7180947-1-eng-US/c0002-032.jpg" title="C0002-03" width="434" height="621"><figcaption class="caption-body">J. Langenbrunner</figcaption></div><h2>Gloomy days ahead for Isles</h2>1. Island sinking New York Islanders selling off blue-chip players; outlook for next season looks bleak.2. Maybe if you scored Detroit's Sergei Fedorov gets no points against Colorado, then complains about ice time.3. Avs fizzle Colorado gets only three shots on goal in second period of Game 7 against Dallas, just one in first 15 minutes.4. Maple Leaf funny business Associate GM Mike Smith wants, deserves Toronto GM post, but left up in air.5. Bad form Colorado's Claude Lemieux pokes goalie Ed Belfour in Game 6, opening door for Stars' power play goal. &#9632;

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PLUS MINUS

<div class="byline">By Steve Dryden Editor-In-Chief</div>If the Hall of Fame gets its wish, there will be 99 reasons plus one to celebrate a century of hockey in November.The Class of '99 promises to be the most celebrated ever. Wayne Gretzky could be joined by Cam Neely (a personal favorite) when the Hall of Fame announces its latest slate of inductees June 23. The presence of Gretzky guarantees there will be attention showered on Hall proceedings like never before. Induction '99 is set for Nov. 22 and it will likely be preceded by the first-ever Hall of Fame Game Nov. 20 in Toronto.&ldquo;(The concept) has been received favorably by the league and the Leafs,&rdquo; said Hockey Hall of Fame president Jeff Denomme. &ldquo;I'm thinking that it will go forward.&rdquo;<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/c0002-0418/7180985-1-eng-US/c0002-042.jpg" title="C0002-04" width="462" height="577"></div>The Hockey News has championed such a game for years as a means to add luster and a sense of occasion to the annual event. If things can be worked out with the league, the NHL schedule-maker and Toronto Maple Leafs, the Nov. 20 game at Air Canada Centre will be one to remember. One distinct possibility is the Leafs and New York Rangers, Gretzky's last team, facing off in historic jerseys in a sure Saturday night TV ratings bonanza.It would be a nice touch if the Edmonton Oilers, Gretzky's first and most prominent team, were scheduled to play Nov. 23 and could come in a day early to witness the induction ceremonies. Interest in the Gretzky induction is certain to be so high, the Hall's board of directors may decide to move the ceremony to a 5,800-seat theatre at ACC. Otherwise, the induction will occur in the ambience-soaked Bell Great Hall, where honored members' plaques are hung, but only 165 seats are available.The 1999-2000 NHL season will be special for a host of reasons-among them the addition of the Atlanta Thrashers, plus an early start to the regular season (Oct. 1) and earlier finish to the playoffs (likely no later than June 13).But with two of the biggest events of the season set for Toronto, all eyes will be focussed on the English-language capital of the hockey world Nov. 20 and 22 and again the weekend of Feb. 5-6 for the mother of all All-Star Games. Toronto hockey fans have embraced Gretzky as one of their own despite the torture he has inflicted on their beloved Maple Leafs. A Hall of Fame Game, complete with a pre-game ceremony honoring the new inductees, could elicit a reaction from Toronto fans like the April 18 send-off accorded Gretzky in Manhattan. It's sure to be a good night for the NHL and No. 99 as 1999 closes in on a new century. &#9632;

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Hall of Fame Game closer to being reality

<div class="byline">By Bob McKenzie: Associate Editor</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0003-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-011744/7181016-1-eng-US/f0003-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">NO GOALUnder the no harm-no foul rule, this goal by Steve Heinze would have counted.</figcaption></div>It was just before what turned out to be the last game of the Eastern Conference final in Toronto and Colin Campbell was on the way to his seat.&ldquo;Where are you sitting?&rdquo; he was asked.&ldquo;As far away from the video replay booth as possible,&rdquo; cracked the NHL director of hockey operations.It was said in jest, but it was also fitting. Because if the NHL isn't trying to put distance between itself and video review, it most certainly is on the verge of disassociating itself from video review for crease infringement.For most of us, it can't happen soon enough.The subject will be a hot topic when the NHL GMs meet prior to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final June 15 in Buffalo. It's expected sentiment will run strongly for a GMs' recommendation to do away with video review for crease infringement and return to the no harm-no foul policy that gives the referee(s) discretion to decide when a goal should be disallowed.Mind you, the fix looks as though it's in.The NHL's powerful executive committee-comprised of commissioner Gary Bettman and some of the most influential and powerful owners/govemors-met in mid-May and basically agreed the crease rule has become more trouble than it's worth.There was not, however, any official action taken because of protocol-changes to hockey matters are supposed to originate with the GMs. Suffice to say, though, the GMs will know there's a receptive anti-crease infringement bloc out there and all that is needed for a rule change is a recommendation.The board of governors will meet June 22 in New York. If all goes as expected, crease infringement will be eliminated as a criteria for video review.&ldquo;We're at the point now where we've refined the rule to where, mechanically, it's working very well,&rdquo; Campbell said. &ldquo;Now, die only real issue with it is this: do you like the rule or do you not like the rule? That's what we're going to talk about (at the GMs' meeting).'Personally, I don't like it, but I don't have a vote.&rdquo; It's difficult to fathom support for keeping it.Despite shrinking the width of the crease this season, reviews in the first three rounds of the playoffs are double what they were a year ago. In the first 78 games of the 1998 playoffs, there were eight crease reviews, with four goals allowed and four disallowed. This year, in the same number of games, there were 16 reviews resulting in seven goals and nine no-goals.Statistics don't come close to quantifying the rule's negative impact. That is, a goal can't truly be celebrated until the referee gets verification from the video goal judge upstairs.On the night the Maple Leafs were eliminfttt'd'' by the Buffalo Sabres, with Campbell looking on, there were back-to-back crease calls on apparent Toronto goals. Sergei Berezin's was wiped out because Mats Sundin went hard to the net for a loose puck in the crease. Sundin put the puck back on net, but it rebounded out of the crease. Before Sundin could escape, Berezin put the puck in the net.Result: No goal on what should have been a classic playoff-style score.Not long after that, Toronto's Kris King scored a goal with teammate Tie Domi in the crease. Video review would have wiped out the goal except referee Bill McCreary took it upon himself, as is his right, to determine Domi was pushed into the crease by a Sabre defender. The goal stood.Whether Domi was pushed in is open to debate, but McCreary did something the majority of referees have disdained-make a judgment call on crease infringement. Too many have been willing to let the video goal judge decide the issue. If video review on crease calls is about to expire with this year's Cup final, the onus is back on the referees to make the judgment calls next season.&ldquo;The (crease rule) was put in to protect the goalies,&rdquo; Campbell said.&ldquo;It's done that, but other issues have arisen. We'll see what happens, but I think the sense now is that with two referees, there's a belief the on-ice officials can protect the goalies without having to disallow goals.&rdquo;Two referees are being used in all playoff games this year and were used in 270 of 1,107 regular season games. Campbell isn't sure how many two-ref games are in store for next season.Beyond the crease calls, there seems to be an unusually high number of goal controversies this spring, with video playing a role. The Colorado Avalanche had a goal disallowed, on video review in Game 1 at Dallas, ostensibly because the padding around the inside of the goal-frame base wasn't cut back far enough inside the post to allow the puck to fully cross the line.The referee was relying on video to make the right call, but instead, the video told the truth-the puck never crossed the line. No goal.In the Toronto-Pittsburgh series, the Pens scored a goal that may or may not have entered the net. Referee Kerry Fraser didn't initially signal a goal, but called one after video review showed part of the puck crossing the line. Again, the padding inside the net may have impacted on the path of the puck, but to the untrained eye, and certainly the Leafs, the video was inconclusive.While video reviews are sometimes quite controversial, there's no sentiment to do away with it entirely.&ldquo;There are always going to be some problems, no matter how well you do (video review),&rdquo; Campbell said. &ldquo;But the system is basically a good one.&rdquo;With one exception, that is, and the GMs and governors have the cure for what ails us. &#9632;

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video under review

<div class="byline">-Mike Brophy</div>As he listened to caller after caller answer the question incorrectly, Ken Hitchcock couldn't take it any longer.&ldquo;I knew the answer,&rdquo; said the Dallas Stars' coach. &ldquo;Besides, I really wanted a copy of the Gretzky magazine.&rdquo;Hitchcock was driving his children to their golf camp on an off-day during the Stars-Colorado Avalanche Western Conference final when he hit a traffic jam. During his one-hour wait, a local radio station asked its listeners to name the three Hall of Famers involved in the series. At stake was a copy of The Hockey News' collector's edition of The Great One and a one-year subscription to THN.&ldquo;Everybody guessed (Dallas GM) Bob Gainey and (Colorado assistant coach) Bryan Trottier, but nobody guessed (Colorado assistant coach)Michel Goulet,&rdquo; Hitchcock said. 1 couldn't take it so I phoned in and got through. Everybody was telling me how amazing the Gretzky magazine was and I wanted to get a copy of it.&rdquo;Now he's got one. &#9632;

Avs' Goulet helps Stars' Hitchcock win prize

<div class="byline">By Herb Zurkowsky</div>In a city with two million hockey experts, there are suggestions Ronald Corey jumped before he was pushed. But Corey insists he made the decision to resign as president of the Montreal Canadiens for family reasons.&ldquo;It's time to move on,&rdquo; he said at a packed Molson Centre news conference May 31. &ldquo;I'm almost 61 and I still have a few good years left. But I want to find a more private challenge, one that will let me spend more time with my family.&ldquo;Seventeen years in charge of the Canadiens is enough. It takes quite a man to do 17 years in Montreal.&rdquo;The former marketing executive with Molson Brewery was appointed president in November, 1982. Under his direction, the Canadiens won two Stanley Cups, in 1986 and 1993, and reached the final in 1989.Corey was instrumental in getting former players back into the Canadiens' fold. Maurice Richard and Guy Lafleur, both of whom were at odds with the organization at one time, now are employed by the Canadiens as goodwill ambassadors.Corey's greatest legacy will be construction of the Molson Centre, which opened in March, 1996. The 21,273-seat arena was privately financed at a cost of $270 million.However, Corey made mistakes along the way. In the summer of 1990, he reportedly ordered the trade of Chris Chelios following off-ice misbehavior. The all-star defenseman was sent to Chicago, along with a second-round draft choice, for an aging Denis Savard in a deal that is remembered as a disaster.&ldquo;I have had many good years and some tough ones,&rdquo; Corey said, his voice cracking but never breaking. &#9632;

Habs' president Corey steps down

<div class="byline">By Bob McKenzie Associate Editor</div>In space travel, there's nothing more spectacular than the re-entry phase. The same cannot be said of the NHL entry draft.While an unprecedented total of 59 previously chosen, but unsigned, prospects will re-enter the 1999 draft, few are expected to make a big splash June 26 in Boston.A survey of NHL scouts by THN suggests only one player re-entering the draft-Ottawa 67's defenseman Nick Boynton-has a decent chance at being chosen in the first round.&ldquo;He's a possibility,&rdquo; one scout said of the 6-foot-2, 210-pound defenseman who was named MVP of the Memorial Cup.But Boynton, chosen ninth overall by the Washington Capitals in 1997, will not go as high this time. Some scouts said he could slip into the second round. If so, the Caps could redraft Boynton. The Caps have four early second round picks, 29th, 31st, 34th and 37th (compensation for losing a first round prospect to re-entry).The Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche are the other teams receiving compensatory second round picks. The Kings get the 15th pick in the second round (43rd) because their 15th overall selection in 1997, Ottawa center Matt Zultek, is re-entering. The Avalanche get the 26th pick in the second round (54th) because their 26th overall pick in 1997, Kingston Frontenacs' defenseman Kevin Grimes, is re-entering. Zultek is a possible second-rounder. Grimes is a consensus mid-to-late round pick.More often than not, players reentering the draft get chosen lower than they did the first time. And it's likely they'll earn less money than they turned down originally. There are exceptions, but that's the trend.It looked as though there would be a bountiful crop of quality re-entries, but there were a flurry of signings just before midnight June 1. Those included the Calgary Flames signing center Daniel Tkaczuk, Carolina Hurricanes signing defenseman Nik Tselios, Dallas Stars signing left winger Brenden Morrow and Buffalo Sabres signing defenseman Brian Campbell.The 59 players are re-entering because they either weren't given contract offers by the teams that drafted them or they refused contract offers.Boynton turned down deals from two teams. He was unable to come to terms with the Caps. The week before the June 1 re-entry deadline, Washington gave the Chicago Blackhawks permission to negotiate with Boynton.If the Blackhawks and Boynton had come to terms, Chicago would have traded the 23rd overall pick-obtained from the Detroit Red Wings in the Chris Chelios trade-to Washington.Re-entering the draft is a calculated risk because the player begins to lose leverage. There are no more opportunities to re-enter the draft. If they don't sign with their new club within two years, they can become unrestricted free agents, but they would have to play an overage year of major junior and then a year of low-level minor pro or an amateur national team program. Most are not prepared to do that. So if Washington chooses to re-draft Boynton, the Caps could offer Boynton even less and have greater leverage in the negotiations.JULIEN APPOINTED: Hull Olympiques' boss Claude Julien has been named coach of Canada's national team for the 2000 World Junior Championship in Sweden.Julien, 39, was an assistant last season. He guided the Quebec League Olympiques to a Memorial Cup title in 1997. Assistants are Geoff Ward of the Ontario League's Guelph Storm and Todd McLellan of the Western League's Swift Current Broncos.A roster for the August evaluation camp was released June 4. (See pg. 35.)Brampton Battalion (OHL) coach Stan Butler will head up Canada's national under-18 team.DUE SOUTH: The Canadian television hockey series Power Play has been picked up by U.S. network UPN and will broadcast 13 episodes starting Monday (9 p.m., EDT), June 14.Alliance Atlantis said it's the first Canadian drama series to be aired on a U.S. network at prime time. Power Play follows the exploits of a New York agent who returns to his hometown, Hamilton, Ont., as GM of the pro Steelheads.<h2>PUCK BRIEFS</h2><h3>Playoff scoring up from 1998</h3>Scoring is up in the 1999 playoffs compared to last year's post-season, but still down slightly compared to the regular season.Through 77 post-season games, teams were averaging 5.22 goals per game, down one per cent from 5.27 during the regular season.That's insignificant compared to 1997-98 when scoring dropped four per cent from 5.28 in the season to 5.05 in the playoffs. &#9632;

Boynton rebuffs offers, back in draft

The Czech Republic is on top of the world again after winning its second world title in four years.The Czechs beat Canada in a dramatic overtime shootout in the semifinal, then beat Finland in overtime to claim the gold medal in Lillehammer, Norway. And they did it without two of the game's best players, Dominik Hasek and Jaromir Jagr.The Czech Republic surprised the hockey world in 1998 when it won a gold medal at the Nagano Olympics.The Hockey News is making a deposit each issue to our Millennium Time Capsule to mark the final year of the millennium. This week THN deposits another Czech championship.Jan. 8Russian Gold MedalWorld Junior ChampionshipJan. 15Tear DropDoug Wickenheiser's deathJan. 22Panthers' Jan. 20 Game SheetPavel Bure's Florida debutJan 29AU-Star TruckWayne Gretzky all-star MVPFeb. 5Hall of Fame StickShawn Heins' 106 rn-p-h shotFeb. 12BluelineLarry Murphy, Ray Bourque GPFeb. 19Eight Stanley Cup BannersLeafs won eight Garden titlesFeb. 26Unproven ResumeRookie coach Dirk Graham firedMarch 5Small TalkCalgary explains Theo Fleury dealMarch 12Roberto LuongoTop Future Watch prospectMarch 19America's Scoring KingPhil Housley passes Joe MullenMarch 26Ken Holland's Phone BillDetroit's deadline dealsApril 2Gretzky's 1,072 PucksWayne Gretzky sets goal standardApril 9Ottawa's 24-point Season100-point year puts '92-93 to restApril 16NHL Record BookWayne Gretzky calls it a careerApril 23Rocket PowerTeemu Selanne goal championMay 7Carolina Sweater No. 3In memory of Steve ChiassonJune 4Czech ChampionshipGold medal at Worlds &#9632;

THN's Millennium: TIME CAPSULE

I was proud to see how Detroit Red Wings' fans reacted to the disappointing six-game defeat against the Colorado Avalanche that ended our two-year reign as Stanley Cup champs.Many cities' fans would depart in silence or possibly even boo their hometown heroes, but not in Hockeytown. With a minute left in the last game, the 15,000 or so fans rose to their feet-not to leave, but to show their support for the team whose success had spoiled them in recent years.People applauded and began a &ldquo;Let's go Red Wings&rdquo; chant. The ovation didn't stop when the horn sounded, but continued until the last Red Wing, Darren McCarty, shook hands and disappeared into the tunnel.Although many Detroit supporters are disappointed right now, it is comforting to know we didn't take for granted what the team gave us.And that is why Detroit is called Hockeytown.John Arends, Allen Park, Mich.<h2>Loss benefits NHL</h2>Unquestionably, the Detroit Red Wings' quarterfinal defeat is the best news for the NHL.The idea a team could, at the trading deadline, acquire four impact players and then go out and capture the Stanley Cup is reprehensible. If the Wings had won after such a maneuver, the future of the league would have been irrevocably harmed.It would encourage teams to stagger through the regular season and then make moves at the deadline that would change their entire lineup. Fans would have a difficult time recognizing all the new faces and no one would give the least amount of countenance to the regular season roster.Thankfully, the Wings were not rewarded for their late March acquisitions and perhaps other clubs will now think twice before making wholesale moves at the trading deadline.Cliff Kobland, North Syracuse, N. Y.<h2>Get over it, McCarty</h2>When Darren McCarty refused to shake Claude Lemieux's hand after the Colorado Avalanche eliminated the Detroit Red Wings, he only proved Lemieux is more of a man.Darren, try to get over what happened to Kris Draper-you've been fighting his fight for too long. Maybe Lemieux hit Draper a bit too hard, a bit too awkwardly. Maybe Lemieux turtied the first time you fought him. And-maybe Lemieux has moved on, which is what you, Draper and the rest of the I Red Wings should do.When you refused to shake his hand, Darren, you brought something to hockey that all the other pro sports have had for years: unsportsmanlike behavior.I hope other players do not imitate your poor judgmentM. Holmquist&nbsp;San Leandro, Calif.<h2>Top 16 should qualify</h2>The NHL needs to change its playoff format. Instead of the No. 1 seed vs. No. 8 in each conference, the league should allow the top 16 teams into the playoffs and have inter-conference matchups starting in the first round.We would be treated to a good Stanley Cup for a change, rather than having the best two teams go at it in the Western Conference final. The last time the top two teams played for the Cup was in 1989 when Calgary beat Montreal; 10 years is too long.It's too bad the playoff system is the way it is because it looks like we'll see the same thing in the final we've seen the past four years-a four-game sweep.Tony Ducey, Garnish, Nfld.<h2>Two many refs</h2>I think it's time to get rid of the two-referee system.After watching many playoff games, I'm convinced the refs are just getting lazier. They rely on the other guy to make the call and when he doesn't, it's too late. Put the responsibility back on just one guy and then he knows the onus is on him alone to make the calls. It is the poorest officiating I've ever seen.Remember Game 6 in the Toronto-Philadelphia series? Two refs couldn't see Jody Hull almost got his head knocked off, but one calls a questionable elbow (on John LeClair moments later).It's time to rethink that idea and stop changing the game so much.Jeff Malone, Forked River, N.J.<h2>Flying low</h2>Why are Ed Snider, Bobby Clarke and Roger Neilson so upset?The penalty call on John LeClair late in Game 6 and Eric Lindros' injury gave you exactly what you wanted-more excuses for your underachieving team. Never mind your power play was non-existent and Toronto outhustled the Flyers throughout the series-blame the ref for another first round knockout.Bobby, just buy some more free agents, trade away more young talent and then bash other GMs for doing the exact same thing. You've managed to mess up a promising young team just like you messed up the Canadian Olympic squad.Bob Hug, Milford, N.H.<h2>Enough, already!</h2>The playoffs are on, but I'm already looking forward to next season-another expansion team (Atlanta Thrashers) and more minor leaguers in the NHL.This should really improve the quality of play, should it not?The superstars are too spread out. It's easy to check one star on a team.I say we cut back to 16 teams. Stop trying to sell the game where it does not belong. Keep it where it's wanted.Ari Silvasti, Phoenix, Ariz.<h2>Pulling for Pittsburgh</h2>It will be a sad day for the NHL if the Pittsburgh Penguins fold or move to another city.Once again, it seems the Penguins' fate is in the hands-and pockets-of Mario Lemieux. Just as No. 66 led Pittsburgh to back-to-back Stanley Cups, 'Super Mario' can lead this team into the future if his plan is accepted by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.Meanwhile, despite the problems off the ice, the Penguins made the playoffs and beat the Eastern Conference's first-place team, the New Jersey Devils, in the first round.I would like to express my support for the players, coaches, and staff of the Penguins and especially for Mario Lemieux.Keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh and keep going for the Cup.Eric D. Greene, San Antonio, Tex.<h2>New trophies needed</h2>One suggestion for an award in Wayne Gretzky's name was a trophy for the player with the most assists, but that isn't the top prize, as a Gretzky trophy should be.Instead of renaming the Hart Trophy, the NHL should create the Wayne Gretzky Trophy and give it to the player who has the best performance in the regular season and playoffs, as Gretzky was great all year long. While they're at it, the league should add the Bobby Orr Trophy for the highest-scoring defenseman and make THN's Intimidation Quotient an award named after Gordie Howe.Greg Erlendson, Eddystone, Man.Fax us your comments at&nbsp;(416) 340-1641&nbsp;or write to&nbsp;Letters, THN, 777 Bay St, I Suite 2700, Box 148, Toronto, Ont, M5G 2N8&nbsp;in Canada. In the U.S., write to&nbsp;Letters, THN, P.O. Box 904, Buffalo, N.Y., 14240-9947. E-mail us at mccaigs@transcontinentaLca Include hometown as well as home and business phone numbers. THN&nbsp;reserves the right to edit submissions. &#9632;

Wings' fans show class with ovation for heroes

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0006-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-011870/7181191-1-eng-US/f0006-012.jpg"></div> &#9632;

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ELSTON

<div class="byline">By Mike Brophy Senior Writer</div>If it seems like rookie Jamie Storr has been around forever, well, that's because he has been in the NHL for parts of five seasons.The 23-year-old Los Angeles Kings' goalie remained eligible for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie this season despite playing 32 games over four previous seasons.Storr played 17 games last season when he was named to the league's all-rookie team. He retained freshman status this year and could be named to the league's all-rookie team again this season June 24.How can that be? A player maintains his rookie status until he plays more than 25 games in one season or six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons. Oddly enough, Storr played five games in each of his first three seasons, thus barely maintaining his rookie status. In any case, he is The Hockey News' choice as goalie on our 1998-99 NHL all-rookie team.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-011702/7181222-1-eng-US/f0007-012.jpg" title="f0007-01" width="778" height="1129"><figcaption class="caption-body">Marian Hossa</figcaption></div>Storr said he didn't feel like a rookie this past season, even though that was his status.&ldquo;Even the year before, once I got rolling with the team I felt comfortable and really confident,&rdquo; Storr said.One way in which his rookie status was not recognized was at the team's annual rookie dinner, in which the rookies pick up the tab for a hefty-priced meal. &ldquo;I got nailed my first year when Wayne (Gretzky) was still on the team,&rdquo; he said.Here is THN's all-rookie team:G-Jamie Storr, Los AngelesStorr had a 12-12-2 record, 2.40 goals-against average and .916 save percentage this season. He was 9-5-1 with a 2.22 average and .929 save percentage last season as the NHL's top rookie goalie.D&mdash;Tom Poti, Edmonton The Oilers figured Poti could make a mark in his rookie year, but never imagined he'd become such a key contributor so soon. He had five goals and 21 points in 73 games and led the team with a plus-10 rating.D-Sami Salo, Ottawa The hard-shooting blueliner looks like a future quarterback for the Senators' power play. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder had seven goals and 19 points in 61 games.F-Chris Drurv, Colorado With 20 goals (and 44 points in 79 games), Drury was the highest goal-scoring Hobey Baker Award winner (top U.S. college player) since Neal Broten, the original winner in 1981. Drury's strong play continued into the postseason as the left winger scored four game-winning goals in 19 playoff games for the Avalanche, tying the NHL rookie record.F-Milan Hejduk, Colorado The left winger scored 14 goals and 48 points in 82 games to lead all rookies in scoring. He is considered to be one of Colorado's most defensively responsible players.F-Marian Hossa, Ottawa A late starter (due to a knee injury), Hossa might develop into the best of the rookie class. The right winger had 15 goals and 30 points in 60 games. &#9632;

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Storr NHL's too rookie goaltender…again

<div class="byline">By Mike Brophy Senior Writer</div>There's something intriguing about a clear-cut underdog with a ticket to the Stanley Cup final explaining, with unabashed exuberance, his team's chances for success.&ldquo;Here's how I see it,&rdquo; said Buffalo Sabres' enforcer Rob Ray. &ldquo;Dallas and Colorado kicked the crap out of each other to get to the final. They have to be hurting and we're healthy. Then you take (Dominik Hasek). We didn't play him in two games against Toronto and it's not like we relied on him in the games he did play. When you take all that into consideration, I think we have a chance.&rdquo;Listening to Ray speak with such overwhelming conviction, you can almost be drawn into believing the Sabres have a hope of winning their first Stanley Cup.But then reality sets in. They have chance at winning a game, perhaps. But the Cup? Against a powerhouse like the Dallas Stars? Dream on.What Ray says is true: The Sabres best from the West. The two conference finals were played on completely different levels-the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche way up here; and the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs down there.And Dominik Hasek or no Dominik Hasek, this is yet another David versus Goliath scenario. are as healthy as they've been all season. And indeed, they have the best goalie in the world in Hasek, who can cause an entire city a sleepless night all on his own. The only question is, will it be the opposing city or the city of Buffalo?<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-011763/7181260-1-eng-US/f0008-012.jpg" title="f0008-01" width="515" height="719"></div>The reality of this year's Cup final, just as it has been the past few years, is this: It would take a miracle for the Eastern Conference champion Sabres to knock off the best from the West. I he two conference finals were played on completely different levels-the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche way up here; and the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs down there.And Dominik Hasek or no Dominik Hasek, this is yet another David versus Goliath scenario.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-021345/7181253-1-eng-US/f0008-022.jpg" title="f0008-02" width="1172" height="1445"><figcaption class="caption-body">Buffalo's Alexei Zhitnik will be put to the test in the Stanley Cup final. (Photo by Brian Babyneau/SA)</figcaption></div>&ldquo;I don't really see it that way,&rdquo; said Sabres' coach Lindy Ruff, &ldquo;though I'm sure many other people do. We're the new kids on the block; we don't have the respect we deserve yet. We're getting there though.&rdquo;The most amazing thing about the Sabres is, the organization was in shambles just two years ago when popular GM John Muckier was ousted and coach of the year Ted Nolan was canned. There was a rift in the dressing room the size of the Niagara River and, as always, any moves that could be made to help the Sabres rise were tempered by budgetary constraints.Yet, GM Darcy Regier and Ruff, who both came on the cheap, have been miracle workers and the Sabres have won five playoff rounds.In March, the Sabres added a proven scorer in Stu Barnes (though he struggled upon arrival) in return for Matthew Bamaby-who had become a distraction-and solid defenseman Rhett Warrener to what was already a solid nucleus. The Sabres also rented veteran left winger Joe Juneau, an unrestricted free agent whom they have no intention of resigning, for the playoff run.Under Ruff, the Sabres place a great deal of emphasis on their play behind their own blueline. Having Hasek certainly helps in this regard, but the play of veterans Alexei Zhitnik and Richard Smehlik is not to be taken for granted.Buffalo can also match any team in the league in terms of overall speed. This became evident in the playoffs when Ruff, perhaps uncharacteristically, took the shackles off the forwards in the neutral zone, allowing them to venture from their lanes and play with more creativity.&ldquo;You give up the odd scoring chance by doing so, but it really opened things up in terms of generating scoring chances for our team,&rdquo; Ruff said.There were, however, some very real concerns entering the final.The Sabres had boosted their goals per game to 2.9 in the playoffs from 2.5 in the regular season, but they never faced a team as strong defensively as the Stars. It will be a huge challenge for the Sabres to penetrate the Dallas defensive zone.And, of course, there's Hasek, who has been known to unravel under pressure. The Sabres simply cannot afford for Hasek to become unglued and you can bet the Stars will test his mental makeup. No individual in the series will mean as much to his team as Hasek. &#9632;

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Give Sabres credit, if not hope

<div class="byline">By Mike Helka</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-011667/7181298-1-eng-US/f0009-012.jpg" title="f0009-01" width="521" height="724"></div>The irony of Ed Belfour's story is so thick it drips like oil from an Amarillo gusher.Belfour, the orphaned goalie looking to find a home, stands on the threshold of the greatest moment of his hockey life-having a chance to win the Stanley Cup and finally silence his critics.But standing between Belfour and the Cup is a Czech goalie who Belfour once flicked away like a harmless gnat. And now, standing behind Belfour is a Czech goalie ready to push Belfour's career into oblivion.Dominik Hasek is the ghost of Belfour's past-the one-time teammate and backup goalie who has since eclipsed Belfour in stature and respect. Roman Turek could be the ' ghost of Belfour's future, a prospect; whose star is shining so brightly it i could chase Belfour from his new &gt; Texas home at the end of June.Dickens couldn't create this kind of 7 drama.And yet this is what Belfour's life has come to. 10 win the Stanley Cup, Belfour must defeat his former backup Hasek, the man many consider to be the best goalie in the world.If he's unsuccessful, he'll have to contend with Turek. The 29-year-old Stars' backup is ready to become a No. 1 goalie. His agent Rich Winter said so entering the 1998-99 season. His 16-33 record, 2.08 goals-against average and .915 save percentage confirmed it during the season.And here's the rub: the Atlanta Thrashers will be stocking their team with an expansion draft at the end of the month and the Stars plan to protect only one goalie&mdash;Belfour or Turek. So do the Stars keep the prospect with tons of talent, believing he might possibly be the next Hasek, the man with the potential to steal games and Stanley cups I or do they stay with Belfour, the 34-year-old veteran who is playing the best hockey of his career and could possibly backstop the Stars for a few more very productive seasons?<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-021162/7181291-1-eng-US/f0009-022.jpg" title="f0009-02" width="1172" height="1451"><figcaption class="caption-body">Ed Belfour has been a good fit in Dallas since signing in 1997. (Photo by Andre Pichete/BSS)</figcaption></div>Whatever happens, give Belfour credit for what he has accomplished in Dallas. In only his second season in a Stars' uniform, he has put to rest just about every doubt the Stars ever had about him. He has been steady. He has been intense. He has been hardworking. He has not deflected blame. His numbers have been impressive and he seems to be a good fit.&ldquo;I think with Eddie, he likes it here, he has made a home here and he wants to stay here,&rdquo; said coach Ken Hitchcock. &ldquo;And I think you can see that in his comfort j level here. He has accepted this as his family and that's something I think he's really been looking for.&rdquo;Belfour thought he had a | family in Chicago. With the Blackhawks, he won two Vezina Trophies and three Jennings Trophies. He was so good, the Hawks had no trouble dealing Hasek in 1992. But Belfour now says he was a little too intense, a little too protected by coach Mike Keenan.&ldquo;I think one of the things back then was Mike didn t want me to be bothered with talking to the media or anything like that. I think that probably hurt me a little,&rdquo; Belfour said.What hurt him more, he said, was the Hawks decided to start breaking down a 1994-95 team that was &ldquo;this close&rdquo; to being really good, he said.Two not-so-happy years later, in 1997, the Hawks traded Belfour to the San Jose Sharks, where he stayed briefly before jumping to the Stars as an unrestricted free agent.Belfour arrived with a reputation for being difficult, but Hitchcock has noticed a metamorphosis.&ldquo;The player we got here last year was somewhat confrontational at first. Not in an angry sort of way, but he just wanted to prove to everyone that his way was the right way,&rdquo; Hitchcock said. &ldquo;But he has really become comfortable here, and you can sense that in him. Hey, we've even seen him whistling around here.&rdquo;And his teammates have noticed.&ldquo;I think we all feel for Eddie and we all know what he has been through,&rdquo; said defenseman Craig Ludwig. &ldquo;I think he wants to take all of that stuff in the past and stick it&hellip;well, stick it somewhere. And for us, we'd love to help him do that.&rdquo; &#9632;

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COLUMNS

Belfour gets chance to be ghostbuster

<div class="byline">By Bob McKenzie Associate Editor</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0010-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-011736/7181336-1-eng-US/f0010-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Joe Nieuwendyk and Mike Modano center Dalla&rsquo; two-pronged attack.</figcaption></div>If a small-market, low-budget, seventh-seeded team (in a city where the radio talk show hosts have been ragging on the greatest regular season goalie of alltime) can get to the Stanley Cup final, it's not too much to ask to make it last more than four games, is it?The immediate issue is not whether the Eastern Conference champion Buffalo Sabres can beat Western Conference winner Dallas Stars, who scored a 41 win over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 7 June 4 to earn a Cup final berth.It's whether the NHL showcase is destined to be another dud. In each of the last four years, the brooms have been out. Sweep. Sweep. Sweep. Sweep.But thanks to the improbable Cup finalist Sabres, and a variety of other circumstances, The Hockey News is predicting no sweep this year.That's not to suggest the Sabres will upset the favored Stars, but every indication is it will be the first final to be hotly contested since the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks went to Game 7 in 1994.Certainly, on paper, it looks like the Sabres are at a clear disadvantage.&ldquo;Everyone kept asking me who we wanted to play in the final-Dallas or Colorado,&rdquo; said Buffalo Sabres' coach Lindy Ruff before Game 7 of the Western Conference final. &ldquo;I told them, 'I don't want to play either one.' &ldquo;It is precisely that type of self-deprecation the Sabres will play up. All the better to sneak up on the Stars.The Sabres are young and inexperienced, with an average age of 26, compared to Dallas' average age of 30, but that could be a detriment to the Stars in a long series.Though the Sabres are a physical team, THN's scouting report says the Stars are more physical. (See chart on this page and detailed breakdown on opposite page.) Though the Sabres are a skilled, team, the Stars are more skilled. The one area where Buffalo has a distinct advantage is team speed. Overall, the Stars accumulated 355.5 points compared to Buffalo's total of 348.0. Colorado, by the way, had 358.5 points.A Stars' victory is not a lock, not like the Detroit Red Wings over the Washington Capitals last year.There are a number of circumstances that will contribute to a competitive series. They include:&#9723; The Dominik Hasek Factor The Dominator has been the NHL's most dominant individual for three years, but has not yet established himself as a bona fide playoff hero.If Hasek doesn't have the ability to steal a series-his save percentages in the first three rounds ranged from .967 (vs. Ottawa Senators) to .918 (vs. Boston Bruins) to .926 (vs. Toronto Maple Leafs)-he is capable of stealing a game or two.A full week off before the final should have given his injured groin time to heal.For the record, Hasek did not lose four games in a row this season. His worst string was a three-game losing streak in February.It will be a great goaltending battle. Dallas' Ed Belfour has had to five with the stigma of not being able to win it all. Despite impressive career numbers, especially in wins, and earning two Vezina Trophies (1991 and 1993) as the NHL's best goalie, Belfour has never been considered an elite goalie.Hasek has received that acclaim, but not unconditionally. He has been portrayed more as a playoff flake than playoff hero.Both need a Stanley Cup to round out their resumes and earn the ultimate Joe Nieuwendyk and Mike Modan center Dallas' two-pronged attack. validation as great NHL goalies. Only Belfour has been to the final in a significant role-his Chicago Blackhawks were swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992. And in a strange coincidence, that too represented Hasek's only final appearance; he relieved Belfour in Game 4 of the final. Destined to a secondary role behind Belfour, Hasek was traded during the off-season to Buffalo where he has emerged as the game's No. 1 goalie.&#9723;The Fatigue Factor Dallas was physically and emotionally drained after the seven-game Conference final alone. And that was on top of an already grueling path to get there.Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final will be Dallas' 18th of the playoffs. In the first round, the Stars swept the Edmonton Oilers. In the second round, the Stars won a six-game series over the St. Louis Blues, but four of the games went into overtime. The third round against Colorado was a war to the bitter end and will be remembered as one of the best series of the decade.Buffalo, meanwhile, swept the Ottawa Senators, beat the Boston Bruins in six games and rolled over the Toronto Maple Leafs in five. The Sabres are as healthy and rested as any finalist could hope to be.Travel also has to be taken into account.The Stars made one round trip from Dallas to Edmonton, two round trips to St. Louis and two round trips to Denver. Buffalo, meanwhile made one round trip to Ottawa, two round trips to Boston and two round trips to Toronto. That's a 40-minute flight (to Ottawa), a 55-minute flight (to Boston) and a 90minute bus ride (to Toronto).&#9723; The Killer Instinct Factor Dallas hasn't' shown one this spring.Though the Stars swept Edmonton, all were one goal games. Against St. Louis in the second round four of the six games went into overtime. The Star: are a team that has to work hard to get its goals.Buffalo has a reputation as a tight defensive team-the Sabres' goals-against average of 2.09 was second only to Dallas in the regular season-but gave up the fifth most shots in the entire league.In fact, since the Ottawa series, the Sabres hat been playing a more aggressive, pinching style that revealed the team's offensive styling. Of the 16 playoff teams, only the Phoenix Coyotes scored fewer regular season goals than Buffalo. In the playoffs, though, Buffalo had 1 players with three or more goals.But they had yet to face a team as tenacious as Dallas.The Stars ate up the Avs in the dramatic seventh game. Jamie Langen brunner and Mike Keane, with a pair of goals typical of the Stars' foot sol diets, staked Dallas to a 3-0 lead and then the Stars' vaunted defense shutdown the high-powered Avalanche.The Stars, whose offense flows from turnovers, always think defens first.There'll be a lot of talk about Buffalo's speed advantage, but the Av were much quicker than the Stars and Dallas prevailed.Super pest Mike Peca of the Sabres will no doubt go head-to-head with Stars' center Mike Modano-as he did with Ottawa's Alexei Yashin Boston's Jason Allison and Toronto's Mats Sundin-but Joe Nieuwendy has been more of a pure offensive threat than the Stars' captain and the two-pronged attack will give the Sabres fits.The Sabres are good, very good and coming together at just the rig! time. But the Stars are a pressure-treated team that experienced bitter play off defeat two years ago in the first round and got to the Final Four last year only to fall to the Red Wings.Dallas entered the final as the favorite to become the first President' Trophy-winning team to win the Cup since the New York Rangers in 199z Even more important than who wins for hockey fans is that 1999 feature another 1994 reprise-a thrilling seven-game finale.<h2>THE PAPER CHASE: DALLAS DOMINATES</h2>The Dallas Stars outpoint the Buffalo Sabres 355.5 to 348.0 in The Hockey News' annual Stanley Cup Scouting Report. (See pg. 11.)THN measured each team's capabilities in five key areas: size, skill, skating, spirit and hockey sense. The cumulative scores for the top 21 skaters are listed. Teams can earn a maximum of 105 points in each category. Dallas finished ahead of Buffalo in four of five categories. Skating was the exception.Not included are goaltending scores or the impact of coaching.<h3>THN SCOUTING REPORT</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-021272/7181329-1-eng-US/f0010-022.jpg" title="f0010-02" width="917" height="1259"></div> &#9632;

f0010-01

Don't expect sweep

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-011561/7181409-1-eng-US/f0011-012.jpg" title="f0011-01" width="391" height="495"><figcaption class="caption-body">Steve Dryden Editor-in-Chief</figcaption></div>Pre-season pick: DetroitWhere I went wrong: Overrated contribution of depth players and Sergei Fedorov's commitment.Final, final, final pick: Buffalo in seven games.Why: Twenty-one guys named Moe have won me over with courage, conviction and closeness.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-021113/7181402-1-eng-US/f0011-022.jpg" title="f0011-02" width="389" height="497"><figcaption class="caption-body">Bob McKenzie Associate Editor</figcaption></div>Pre-season pick: DetroitWhere I went wrong: Thought Wings could maintain motivational edge but they lost it and trade deadline moves were fool's gold.Final, final, final pick: Dallas in six games.Why: No team is as hard on the puck as the Stars; they're due.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-03750/7181395-1-eng-US/f0011-032.jpg" title="f0011-03" width="388" height="491"><figcaption class="caption-body">Mike Brophy Senior Writer</figcaption></div>Pre-season pick: Philadelphia Where I went wrong: No Eric Lindros in playoffs; too many moves by GM Bob Clarke during season. Final, final, final pick: Dallas in five games.Why: Buffalo doesn't have the fire power to penetrate Dallas' stingy defense.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-04582/7181388-1-eng-US/f0011-042.jpg" title="f0011-04" width="582" height="954"><figcaption class="caption-body">Derian Hatcher</figcaption></div><h2>BUFFALO SABRES</h2>CoachLINDY RUFFGeneral ManagerDARCY REGIER<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-05465/7181381-1-eng-US/f0011-052.jpg" title="f0011-05" width="2099" height="2302"></div><h2>DALLAS STARS</h2>CoachKEN HITCHCOCKGeneral ManagerBOB GAINEY<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-06400/7181374-1-eng-US/f0011-062.jpg" title="f0011-06" width="2095" height="2284"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-07360/7181367-1-eng-US/f0011-072.jpg" title="f0011-07" width="1248" height="2424"><figcaption class="caption-body">Fiercely competitive Michael Peca leads by example.(Hatcher by Rocky Widner; Peca by Dan Hamilton/VPS)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0011-01

STANLEY CUP PREDICTIONS

Ken Hitchcock for coach of the year. It may not be the most fashionable plea you'll hear.The Jack Adams Award, more often than not, goes to the coach responsible for guiding his team to a big improvement from one year to the next or for turning a pretender into a contender.Hitchcock's Stars have been a too team for three years now, so touting him for the Adams is unquestionably a tough sell.Heck, even Hitchcock's players were rolling their eyes when the Dallas Stars gave him a three-year contract extension this season.Something about him being a relentless son-of-a-gun who refuses to back off even an inch in his pursuit of excellence.But there comes a time when there has to be a reward for getting results. And for THN, that time is now. It's one thing to vault into the league's elite; it's quite another to stay there.Hitchcock guided Dallas to first place overall for the second straight year, with a 51-19-12 record. This year's edition of the Stars were the first 50-win team since the Detroit Red Wings (with an NHL-record 62 wins) did it in 1995-96.Along with this season's Devils, Dallas and New Jersey became the first teams to record three consecutive 100-point seasons since the Edmonton Oilers' six-year streak that ended in 1987.Critics would suggest Hitchcock has more to work with than the other Adams Award nominees-Jacques Martin of the Ottawa Senators and Pat Quinn of the Toronto Maple Leafs-and an honorable mention such as Kevin Constantine of the Pittsburgh Penguins. And certainly the Stars' big payroll and marquee talent can't be ignored. But injuries kept right winger Brett Hull out of the lineup for 20 games, center Joe Nieuwendyk for 15, and defensemen Rich Matvichuk for 18 and Shawn Chambers for 21.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-011679/7181520-1-eng-US/f0014-012.jpg" title="f0014-01" width="811" height="1395"><figcaption class="caption-body">Ken Hitchcock</figcaption></div>More importantly, Hitchcock kept the pedal to the metal even after the Stars were playoff disappointments the previous two years. Now that's a hard sell.For the record, the Stars remain an improving (regular season) team, going from 104 to 109 to 114 points. That's not as flashy as Martin taking the Senators from 77 to 83 to 103, but it's quite an accomplishment nonetheless.Certainly, Martin did a terrific job with a low payroll team that platoons goalies and had a number of injury problems. And Quinn's first year in Toronto, going from 69 points to 97, was the biggest surprise of the season, though it isn't unusual for teams to experience big jumps in a coach's first year.Martin would be a worthy winner of the Adams Award, but Hitchcock should be recognized this season for high-end consistency.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-021261/7181513-1-eng-US/f0014-022.jpg" title="f0014-02" width="660" height="1546"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-03866/7181506-1-eng-US/f0014-032.jpg" title="f0014-03" width="659" height="1544"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-04587/7181499-1-eng-US/f0014-042.jpg" title="f0014-04" width="660" height="1542"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Hitchcock by Jim Mclsac/BS)</figcaption></div><h2>NOW AND THEN</h2>Adams Award chosen by NHL Broadcasters' Association1998-99 Honorable Mention: Kevin Constantine, Pit1997-98 THN Top Three: 1. JOEL QUENNEVILLE, STL; 2. Pat Burns, Bos; 3. Larry Robinson, LA &#9632;

f0014-01

ADAMS TROPHY: BEST COACH

To have one elite rookie on a team is something special. To have two of them is extraordinary.And so it was for the Colorado Avalanche.U.S. collegian Chris Drury, a Hobey Baker Award winner with Boston University, and Czech Olympian Milan Hejduk were critical components of the Avalanche's renaissance as an NHL powerhouse.The only difficulty where these two are concerned is deciding which one should win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's premier first-year player.Difficult as that choice is, the honor should go to the 22-year-old right-hand shooting American, who played all three forward positions.&ldquo;If he wins (the Calder), and he should, he might be the first player to win it playing most of the season out of position,&rdquo; said Avalanche color commentator Peter McNab.Drury starred in college as a center, but spent the better part of the 1998-99 season on left wing. He was the most consistent producer of all NHL freshmen, never hitting the &ldquo;collegian wall&rdquo; that took Vancouver Canucks' right winger Bill Muckalt out of the running.Drury was third overall in rookie scoring with 20 goals and 44 points in 79 games, although he was second in goals to Florida Panthers' right winger Mark Parrish (24). A model of consistency, Drury's longest pointless streak was six games.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-011544/7181624-1-eng-US/f0015-012.jpg" title="f0015-01" width="804" height="1397"><figcaption class="caption-body">Chris Drury</figcaption></div>Hejduk, who led all rookies with 48 points-including 14 goals-in 82 games was a little streakier. He was prone to more stretches without points, including a season-high eight-game drought. And his game isn't quite as flashy as the big-play style of Drury.But the 23-year-old right winger, who mostly played alongside Joe Sakic, demonstrated a completegame maturity far beyond his years and experience.After watching Hejduk play in his first NHL preseason game, Sakic said he &ldquo;loved&rdquo; playing with him because he's so smart with and without the puck.Ottawa Senators' right winger Marian Hossa is the other Calder nominee and a worthy selection even though he missed the first 20 games of the season recovering from knee surgery. He had 15 goals and 30 points in 60 games and was plus-18 playing on the Senators' checking line.A case could also be made for New Jersey Devils' center Brendan Morrison (13 goals and 46 points in 76 games), whose points-per-game average (.61) was higher than Hejduk's (.59) or Drury's (.56), though it's difficult to overlook Hossa's complete game.In any case, it's a two-man race between the pair of Avs' aces.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-021083/7181617-1-eng-US/f0015-022.jpg" title="f0015-02" width="667" height="1545"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-03768/7181610-1-eng-US/f0015-032.jpg" title="f0015-03" width="657" height="1552"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-04564/7181603-1-eng-US/f0015-042.jpg" title="f0015-04" width="664" height="1545"></div><h2>NOW AND THEN</h2>Calder Trophy chosen by Professional Hockey Writers' Association1998-99 Honorable Mention: Brendan Morrison, NJ1997-98 THN Top Three: 1. MATTIAS OHLUND, VAN; 2. S. Samsonov, Bos; 3. Derek Morris, Cgy &#9632;

f0015-01

CALDER TROPHY: BEST ROOKIE

As defensive forwards go, 1997 Selke Trophy winner Michael Peca of the Buffalo Sabres is good. Very good.Defending Selke titlist Jere Lehtinen of the Dallas Stars is excellent. Simply outstanding.But as good as the last two winners of the award were in 1998-99, they weren't quite as good as the guy the Ottawa Senators call 'The Machine.'The expectation is 27-year-old Swedish left winger Magnus Arvedson will claim the Selke Trophy this season as the NHL's premier defensive forward.Playing on the Senators' checking line with center Radek Bonk and rookie Marian Hossa, Arvedson emerged as a dangerous two-way threat.The second-year NHLer scored 21 goals and 47 points in 80 games, but also managed to record a plus-33 rating, fourth-best in the NHL.Arvedson was an even or plus player in 63 of 80 games played. Only twice all season was he a minus-2; the other 15 occasions he was minus-1.A strong case could also be made for Lehtinen, who played six fewer games than Arvedson. Lehtinen was never worse than minus-1 in any game and was an even or plus player in 61 of 74 games.Playing on Dallas' No. 1 line, the left winger put up slightly better offensive numbers (20 goals and 52 points) and was a plus-29.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-05390/7181676-1-eng-US/f0015-052.jpg" title="f0015-05" width="804" height="1400"><figcaption class="caption-body">Magnus Arvedson</figcaption></div>Meanwhile in Buffalo, center Peca enjoyed a career year offensively, scoring 27 goals and 56 points in 82 games.But the improved offense came at the expense, albeit slightly, of his stellar defensive game. Peca was a plus-7 on the season, but there were 23 occasions when he was a minus player. He was still good, often matching up against the other team's top player or line, but not as defensively proficient. The Sabres needed him to generate more offense.Arvedson, therefore, is the best choice.&ldquo;He is like a machine,&rdquo; said Ottawa assistant coach Mike Murphy. &ldquo;I was completely unfamiliar with him at the start of the season, but he's a premier player in this league.&rdquo;Murphy said the strength of Arvedson's game is his outstanding skating-"he's speedy and powerful"-and a savvy defense-first mentality.&ldquo;He's an excellent penalty killer,&rdquo; Murphy added. &ldquo;He blocks shots, works the comers and boards hard and kills you with his speed.&rdquo;When the Senators wanted to go power against power in a matchup, Arvedson was moved from the checking line to the No. 1 unit with Alexei Yashin.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-06319/7181669-1-eng-US/f0015-062.jpg" title="f0015-06" width="666" height="1546"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-07277/7181662-1-eng-US/f0015-072.jpg" title="f0015-07" width="666" height="1544"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-08247/7181655-1-eng-US/f0015-082.jpg" title="f0015-08" width="662" height="1542"></div><h2>NOW AND THEN</h2>Selke Trophy chosen by Professional Hockey Writers' Association |1998-99 Honorable Mention: Craig Conroy, St. Louis1997-98 Top THN Three: 1. CRAIG CONROY, STL; 2. Jere Lehtinen, Dal; 3. N. Sundstrom. NYR &#9632;

f0015-05

SELKE TROPHY: BEST DEFENSIVE FORWARD

There has always been someone better. That has been the story of Al Maclnnis' quest for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman.Until now.The St. Louis Blues' 35-year-old defense-man-he turns 36 in July-is the clear-cut favorite to win his first Norris this year.If he earns the honor, he'll be the oldest winner since a 37-year-old Doug Harvey won it as a Montreal Canadien in 1962.&ldquo;No one else is close this season, as far as I'm concerned,&rdquo; said St. Louis coach Joel Quenneville. &ldquo;He was in a class by himself.&rdquo;The numbers support Quenneville's claim. Maclnnis led all defensemen in points, with 62, and shots on goal, with 314. In fact, only Paul Kariya, Jaromir Jagr and Alexei Yashin-all forwards-fired more shots than Maclnnis. As well, his 20 goals were second only to Vancouver Canucks' Adrian Aucoin, who potted 23.But as good as Maclnnis was offensively, he had a much greater dimension to his game than just his world-class slapshot from the point.The only defenseman with a better plusminus rating than Maclnnis' plus-33 was Toronto Maple Leafs' Alex Karpovtsev (plus-39). In fact, Maclnnis was tied for fourth in overall<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-011463/7181728-1-eng-US/f0016-012.jpg" title="f0016-01" width="814" height="1389"><figcaption class="caption-body">Al Maclnnis</figcaption></div>He also averaged an astonishing 29.1 minutes of ice time per game.&ldquo;He continually got us out of trouble,&rdquo; Quenneville said. &ldquo;His puck movement was incredible. His defensive play was terrific. I've seen him play well before, but I never saw him play as well for as lone as he did this year.&rdquo;His timing was, finally, impeccable. In 1990 and 1991, Maclnnis starred for the Calgary Flames, but Ray Bourque of the Boston Bruins shone more brightly and edged him for back-to-back Norrises.While Maclnnis elevated his game this year, other Norris contenders took a step back.Last year's winner, Rob Blake of the Los Angeles Kings, battled through injuries and suspension and didn't reach his elite level of last season. Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings, a nominee this season, wasn't as good as he was a year ago.And Maclnnis' towering teammate Chris Pronger also struggled with injuries and suspension. His game failed to meet last season's incredibly high standards, which allowed Bourque to slide in as a Norris nominee.New York Rangers' Brian Leetch also had his moments, but didn't display the consistency necessary to win the Norris.From start to finish, it was Maclnnis' vear.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-021128/7181721-1-eng-US/f0016-022.jpg" title="f0016-02" width="654" height="1536"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-03842/7181714-1-eng-US/f0016-032.jpg" title="f0016-03" width="660" height="1537"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-04624/7181707-1-eng-US/f0016-042.jpg" title="f0016-04" width="664" height="1539"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Maclnis by Jim Mclsac/BS)</figcaption></div><h2>NOW AND THEN</h2>Norris Trophy chosen by Professional Hockey Writers' Association1998-98 Honorable Mention: Brian Leetch, NYR; Chris Pronger, STL1997-98 THN Top Three: 1. CHRIS PRONGER, STL; 2. Nicklas Lidstrom, Det; 3. Rob Blake, LA &#9632;

f0016-01

NORRIS TROPHY: BEST DEFENSEMAN

Finally, a defenseman is nominated for the Lady Byng Trophy as the NHL's most sportsmanlike player and along comes the Wayne Gretzky retirement.Which is to suggest including Gretzky among the Byng nominees makes it difficult to imagine anyone other than 'The Great One' winning his final piece of NHL hardware.Too bad.It's not that THN is philosophically opposed to Gretzky receiving yet another honor. But we've been campaigning for years for a defenseman to win the Byng and this year it looked as though the politicking was going to pay off.Detroit Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom, one of the premier blueliners in the league, collected just 14 penalty minutes in 81 games this season. It's a remarkable achievement, given that Lidstrom is an outstanding 1-on-l defender who plays with grit, but well within the rules of the game.No defenseman has won the Byng since 1954, when Detroit's Red Kelly earned the honor. In fact, Lidstrom is the first defenseman to be nominated for the award since Kelly captured it. Since then, it has usually gone to the highest-scoring star forward with the fewest penalty minutes who isn't going to win another major award.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-05452/7181780-1-eng-US/f0016-052.jpg" title="f0016-05" width="820" height="1388"><figcaption class="caption-body">Nicklas Lidstrom</figcaption></div>In that tradition, Gretzky and Teemu Selanne of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim are the other two nominees this season.Gretzky would seem to be a shoo-in to prevent Lidstrom from winning this year. With nine goals, 62 points and 14 penalty minutes in 70 eames, Gretzky was not among the top 25 NHL scorers this season. Realistically, if he hadn't announced his retirement during the final week of the regular season, it's doubtful he would have been nominated for the Byng.The way THN sees it, Gretzky's career has been so brilliant it does not require a gratuitous Byng honor-he has already won it four times and been runner-up on five occasions.Simply, there are other players more deserving of the Byng this season.Lidstrom is one.Philadelphia Flyers' left winger John LeClair, who wasn't even nominated, is another. LeClair plays a strong physical game, standing his ground in front of the net while taking incredible abuse, and scored 43 goals and 9C points with just 30 penalty minutes in 76 games.Anaheim's Selanne, who totalled 30 penalty minutes in 75 contests, would be another worthy choice as he led the league in goals (47) and was second to only Pittsburgh Penguins' Jaromir Jagr in points (107).<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-06380/7181773-1-eng-US/f0016-062.jpg" title="f0016-06" width="652" height="1533"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-07350/7181766-1-eng-US/f0016-072.jpg" title="f0016-07" width="662" height="1538"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-08313/7181759-1-eng-US/f0016-082.jpg" title="f0016-08" width="663" height="1539"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Lidstrom by Bruce Benet/BS)</figcaption></div><h2>NOW AND THEN</h2>Lady Byng Trophy chosen by Professional Hockey Writers' Association1998-99 Honorable Mention: Wayne Gretzky, NYR; Joe Sakic. Col1997-98 THN Top Three: 1. NICKLAS LIDSTROM. DET; 2. T. Numminen, Pho; 3. S. Niedermayer, NJ &#9632;

f0016-05

LADY BYNG TROPHY: MOST SPORTSMANLIKE

<div class="byline">By Mike Gibb Staff Writer</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0017-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0017-011314/7181818-1-eng-US/f0017-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Mighty Ducks Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya are candidates for the 1998-99 THN All-Star Team.</figcaption></div>We here at The Hockey News have thrown down the gauntlet and placed in your hands the responsibility of choosing the best of the best.On the next page is a ballot listing, in alphabetical order, top candidates at each position in the annual THN Readers' Choice All-Star Poll. The names are strictly a guide-feel free to add players you would want on your Dream Team. (See pg. 18 for ballot.)And while there is a significant turnover between last year's list and this season's-more than half the names are new-one player is like the houseguest who wouldn't leave.Pittsburgh Penguins' right winger Jaromir Jagr is looking to extend his reign as the player with the longest current streak of appearances as a THN allstar. He has been on either the first or second team for the past four seasons and is a lock to extend the streak to five.Jagr, this season's selection as THN Player of the Year, captured the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer in dominating fashion, taking home the scoring title by 20 points over Mighty Ducks of Anaheim right winger Teemu Selanne, who is looking to be selected to the THN all-star team for the third consecutive season.While Jagr is a perennial favorite, there are also a few chances to reward players who had breakthrough years.Ottawa Senators' goalie Ron Tug nutt and Boston Brums backstop Byron Dafoe have both been chosen as candidates for the first time.Tugnutt, a backup most of his career, flirted with the season record for lowest goals-against average in the modern-day era before settling on a league-best 1.79 (Toronto Maple Leafs' Al Rollins set the mark of 1.77 in 1950-51 and Chicago Blackhawks' Tony Esposito matched it in 1971-72).Dafoe, a seven-year pro who had seven shutouts before this season, was the sole netminder to reach double figures this year, posting 10 shutouts. He finished second in save percentage (.926) and third in average (1.99).<h2>THN All-Star Ballot on pg. 18</h2>Five of last year's first-teamers are back: Colorado Avalanche center Peter Forsberg, Philadelphia Flyers' left winger John LeClair, Jagr, Detroit Red Wings' defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom and Buffalo Sabres' goalie Dominik Hasek. The exception is Los Angeles Kings' blueliner Rob Blake, who didn't make the ballot.Last year's second team consisted of Wayne Gretzky (retired), Phoenix Coyotes' left winger Keith Tkachuk, Selanne, Boston Bruins' defenseman Ray Bourque, St. Louis Blues' rearguard Chris Pronger and New Jersey Devils' goalie Martin Brodeur.We'll announce the Readers' Choice All-Stars in the August issue.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-011347/7181811-1-eng-US/f0018-012.jpg" title="f0018-01" width="4236" height="2362"></div> &#9632;

f0017-01

All-stars all up to you

<div class="byline">By Chuck Carlton</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0019-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0019-02910/7181856-1-eng-US/f0019-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Brian Leetch took himself off the open market when he re-signed with the Rangers (Photo by Bruce Benet/BS)</figcaption></div>Imagine the summer movie season without Phantom Menace, Austin Powers battling Dr. Evil again and Julia Roberts providing the obligatory romantic comedy.Then you have an idea what the NHL's crop of unrestricted free agents will look like July 1.Theo Fleury and Vincent Damphousse still remain, lending star power for the moment. After that comes roleplayer central. It's not a wasteland. It's just not enticing.Numerous solid veterans abound, but nothing that will cause GMs to mortgage the luxury suites. Just a couple of months ago, things were more intriguing.Brian Leetch was still unsigned, a premier offensive defenseman available for a steep price. Then the Big Apple's big bucks-four years at $35 million, a new threshold for blue-liners-convinced him to stay a New York Ranger.Mark Recchi was to have joined Fleury in demand, but he signed a five-year, $25-million deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. And Adam Graves, who could have become unrestricted, resigned with the Rangers.Also, Carolina Hurricanes' defenseman Steve Chiasson was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent, but was killed in a car accident May 3.&ldquo;It really doesn't have that many marquee names,&rdquo; said San Jose Sharks' GM Dean Lombardi of the unrestricted free agency pool. &ldquo;You have Leetch off the board and Recchi as well.&rdquo;And following last summer's mega-signings-remember Ron Francis (Carolina Hurricanes), Brett Hull (Dallas Stars), Doug Gilmour (Chicago Blackhawks), musical all-star goalies, and a bunch of defensemen who eventually disappointed?-teams may be more cautious. Of the top signees, only Toronto Maple Leafs' goaltender Curtis Joseph really met expectations.&ldquo;A lot of free agents didn't pan out to the level a lot of teams thought,&rdquo; said Detroit Red Wings' GM Ken Holland.&ldquo;Some did, but a lot didn't. More and more teams are financially to the point where they're stretched out. Right now, the odd player is going to be appealing and have a real bidding war.&ldquo;It's going to be an interesting summer to see what contract money is there and has the market changed. At some point, it has to slow down.&rdquo;This might be the year-especially if Fleury and Damphousse don't make it to market, a distinct possibility.Fleury, the munchkin-with-attitude, has seen his stock climb even higher since being traded to the Colorado Avalanche from the Calgary Flames. In 15 regular season games with the Avalanche, he had 10 goals and 24 points. He finished with 40 goals, the fourth time he has hit that plateau. Fleury is only surprised at those surprised by his success.&ldquo;I scored 50 goals playing with Doug Gilmour (with the Flames in 199091). Since that time, I haven't had an opportunity to play with a centerman like that,&rdquo; Fleury said during the playoff run. &ldquo;To say I'm playing over my head, I think I can play better than I've played.&rdquo;Because of Colorado's talent. Fleury might take less to stay than the $8 free agents a few years ago and immediately everybody thought they made teams different and substantially better,&rdquo; said Florida Panthers' GM Bryan Murray. 'We've learned that's not the case. You have to have a nucleus of players. We're criticized and analyzed for players who don't meet expectations.&ldquo;It might be better to sign your guys and develop your own guys and then sign one player instead of going overboard financially.&rdquo;Several forwards could help would-be contenders. Colorado's Valeri Kamensky, who rebounded from a 14-goal regular season with a strong playoff performance (when not sidelined with an arm injury), provides skill on a second line. So does Joe Juneau, who helped the Buffalo Sabres to the Stanley Cup final.Wingers Joe Murphy (San Jose) and Pat Verbeek (Dallas) could also attract interest and Bob Carpenter (New Jersey Devils) and Bob Corkum (Phoenix Coyotes) each bring a defensive conscience.However, with Leetch gone, there's probably no top-two defenseman available. Ulf Samuelsson (Detroit), Sylvain Lefebvre (Colorado), Stephane Quintal (Montreal) and Mark Tinordi (Washington) are dependable if unspectacular. The goaltenders are marginal, with Kirk McLean (9-10-4 in Florida) the top prospect.While Group II (restricted) free agents seldom get offer sheets, both management and the Players' Association will be looking closely at negotiations for several players. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim left winger Paul Kariya and Detroit defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom could receive contracts that make them among the highest-paid players at their positions. million annually agents and GMs think he'll receive on the open market. He has already ruled out the New York Rangers because of Wayne Gretzky's retirement and has expressed a fondness for his current surroundings.&ldquo;I like it here,&rdquo; he said.If he decides otherwise, the Sharks and Los Angeles Kings could be among teams bidding for his services.Damphousse struggled with the Montreal Canadiens (12 goals, minus-7 in 65 games), but then went to San Jose at the trading deadline and impressed with seven goals in 12 games.Lombardi was still trying to sign him to a long-term contract, believed to be close to Recchi numbers.Beyond those two is an abundance of missing pieces as opposed to building blocks. That's not necessarily bad, &ldquo;I remember when we first had (unrestricted)<h2>RESTRICTIONS APPLY</h2>Now that Eric Lindros has signed, Paul Kariya is the lone megastar entering the summer as a restricted free agent. Here's a list of prominent Group Ils.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0019-03607/7181849-1-eng-US/f0019-032.jpg" title="f0019-03" width="930" height="1307"></div> &#9632;

f0019-02

Summer crop lacks sizzle

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0019-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0019-011248/7181887-1-eng-US/f0019-012.jpg"></div>Theo Fleury is the big fish in this summer's free agent pond. He will get a healthy raise from his current $2,400,000 stipend. Here are the most prominent unrestricted free agents, listed in order of 1998-99 compensation (U.S. funds). &#9632;

f0019-01

Unrestricted and available

<div class="byline">By Adrian Qatar</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-011137/7181918-1-eng-US/f0020-012.jpg" title="f0020-01" width="218" height="214"></div>Joel Quenneville could not have said it any better back in 1996, when the then-Colorado Avalanche assistant coach termed defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh a &ldquo;wild card.&rdquo;He's wild, all right. And, a card. Combined, the Latvian-born &ldquo;offenseman&rdquo; is one unique player.He can win you a game just as easily as he can lose you one. The Avs prefer to take their chances on Ozolinsh winning more than he loses. The fact is, the Avs wouldn't have advanced as far as they did in the post-season without him. Ozolinsh had four goals and 12 points in 18 playoff games after recording seven goals and 32 points in 39 regular season games.&ldquo;He gives us such an extra dimension,&rdquo; said captain Joe Sakic.&ldquo;He's so dangerous with the puck. You don't know what he's going to do with it.&rdquo;That can be a scary proposition for opponents, but also for Avs' fans. Ozolinsh is prone to the occasional turnover and missed defensive assignment. He also overpasses at times and gets down on himself easily.But Ozolinsh also has the ability to score sneak attack goals after getting behind the opponent's defense and for spotting open teammates to set them up for excellent chances.He has scored plenty of clutch goals over the years for the Avalanche-it was his overtime winner in 1996 that beat the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference semifinal-and is a well-respected and well-liked member of the dressing room.It was no coincidence the Avs won 12 games in a row when Ozolinsh returned from a contract holdout midway through the season. And Ozolinsh helped the Avs overpower the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings before losing to the Dallas Stars in Game 7 of the Western Conference final June 4.The self-deprecating Ozolinsh deflects most of the credit, however.&ldquo;Oh, no,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It's not because of me, that's for sure. Sometimes, in spite of me.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: The Avalanche lost the services of the NHL's rookie scoring leader, left winger Milan Hejduk, for the remainder of the playoffs in Game 4 of the Dallas series. Hejduk sustained a broken collarbone when he was hit from behind into the boards by Stars' defenseman Richard Matvichuk&hellip; After losing Game 6 to the Stars, the Avs' record at home in the playoffs dropped to 3-6. No team in NHL history has ever won the Stanley Cup with six or more home playoff losses&hellip;Right winger Theo Fleury missed Game 5 against Dallas (a 7-5 victory) because of a stomach virus&hellip;Left winger Chris Drury's fourth winning goal of the playoffs tied the NHL record for rookies set in 1986 by teammate Claude Lemieux, who was then a first-year player with Montreal&hellip;Goaltender Patrick Roy on the thrilling, but tense 7-5 win in Game 5 at Dallas: &ldquo;If the 60 games I played during the year were like this, I would not have played 14 years in this league.&rdquo; &#9632;

f0020-01

NHL TEAMS

Colorado willing to take chances with blueline 'wild card' Ozolinsh

<div class="byline">By Ken Campbell</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-02778/7181949-1-eng-US/f0020-022.jpg" title="f0020-02" width="216" height="214"></div>After a season that was more success ful than even the most ardent optimist could have envisioned, the Toronto Maple Leafs came up short in their quest for a title. And if associate GM Mike Smith comes up short in his quest for a change of title, the main architect of the team will be gone.It's widely believed Smith will leave the team when his contract expires June 30 if he is not given the GM's job outright by GM-president Ken Dryden. When asked May 31-the night the Leafs were eliminated from the Eastern Conference final with a 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in Game 5-whether Smith would be retained, Dryden said: &ldquo;I can't say. It's just not something for tonight.&rdquo;Dryden did say the day after the Eastern Conference final a decision would be made quickly, but Dryden rarely breaks any speed records with decisions involving the Leafs.Compheating matters is the fact Dryden's contract has just one year left. Smith, meanwhile, has been largely credited with making the moves that transformed the Leafs from a non-playoff team last season to one that was the most improved in the league, led the NHL in goals in the regular season and won two playoff rounds.The Leafs have a unique management situation with both Smith and assistant GM and director of player personnel Anders Hedberg reporting to Dryden. Smith meets and speaks rarely with either Dryden or Hedberg and sits alone at games while the rest of the Leafs' management team sits in another suite at the other end of the press box.Whoever is in charge of the on-ice product next season will likely have to bring in more grit and toughness. They were overpowered in the conference final by the Buffalo Sabres' speed and hitting game, which forced the Leafs into several turnovers that led to goals. In fact, at one point during the series, coach Pat Quinn said his &ldquo;pretty guys&rdquo; couldn't get the job done.&ldquo;We need to be a team that plays better in the pits and in the 1-on-l battles on the boards and in front of the net,&rdquo; Quinn said.NOTEBOOK: Fourteen players who appeared in the playoffs for the Maple Leafs are scheduled to become free agents July 1, but the only two who are unrestricted are right winger Garry Valk and defenseman Dallas Eakins. The most challenging to sign among their restricted free agents will be defensemen Bryan Berard and Dimitri Yushkevich and center Steve Sullivan&hellip;Kristm and Steve Sullivan's first child, Aidyn, already has the timing to be a good player. He came into the world June 1, the day after the Leafs were eliminated in the Eastern Conference final by Buffalo&hellip;Right winger Steve Thomas suffered a separated right shoulder and a broken right clavicle in the Leafs' second-round victory over Pittsburgh, but he didn't miss any of the Buffalo series. &ldquo;That was the most courageous thing I've ever seen a player do,&rdquo; said left winger Kris King&hellip;The Leafs enter the June 26 draft in Boston with the 24th pick, the lowest they have ever selected in the first round. &#9632;

f0020-02

Smith helps engineer turnaround, but will he be back next season?

<div class="byline">By Cammy Clark</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-01900/7181980-1-eng-US/f0021-012.jpg" title="f0021-01" width="215" height="215"></div>Matt Cullen used to be a student at his father's summer hockey school in Moorhead, Minn., attending both the morning and afternoon sessions. Now the 22-year-old returns to the Blue Line Hockey School as a bit of a celebrity.After all, not many players get the opportunity to center the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim's two superstars. But Cullen found himself playing between Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne towards the end of 1998-99 and during two of four playoff games against the Detroit Red Wings.Cullen has the wheels to keep up with those speedsters, and he has the offensive skills to play with them. But the biggest reason coach Craig Hartsburg felt comfortable playing the youngster between his two best players was Cullen's improved defensive play.&ldquo;Especially playing with Paul and Teemu, you have to play good defensively,&rdquo; Cullen said, &ldquo;because you don't want those guys spending time in our own end.&rdquo;Cullen struggled early last season, his second in the NHL, learning Hartsburg's new systems and adjusting to the emphasis on defensive play.&ldquo;It was almost like starting all over again,&rdquo; Cullen said. &ldquo;I learned a lot last season. It was frustrating at times. I was expecting to do better point-wise (11 goals, 25 points in 75 games).&ldquo;But I learned a lot defensively, not to make too many turnovers. I am getting comfortable with my game.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: The Ducks increased season ticket prices 3.5 per cent, or an average of $1.42 per ticket. But the potential increased revenue of about $1 million isn't likely to cover even the raise left winger Paul Kariya will probably get. Kariya made $8.5 million last season and becomes a restricted free agent July 1. It's likely his new contract will pay him at least $10 million per season. GM Pierre Gauthier declined to comment directly on the progress of contract talks with Kariya's agent, Don Baizley, but reiterated he thinks a new deal will be worked out before training camp begins. &ldquo;That's what both sides want,&rdquo; Gauthier said&hellip;Kariya is recovering on schedule from the broken foot he suffered in Game 3 against Detroit. &#9632;

f0021-01

Student status changes, but Cullen still learning

<div class="byline">By Jeff Schultz</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-03303/7182011-1-eng-US/f0021-032.jpg" title="f0021-03" width="460" height="602"><figcaption class="caption-body">Don Waddell</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-02522/7182018-1-eng-US/f0021-022.jpg" title="f0021-02" width="214" height="213"></div>Contrary to popular belief, Atlanta Thrashers' GM Don Waddell actually has set a deadline for naming a head coach.&ldquo;I can guarantee we'll have somebody in place by training camp,&rdquo; Waddell said.What the Thrashers won't likely have, Waddell concedes, is a coach in place before the expansion and amateur drafts June 25 and 26, respectively, in Boston. That means whoever is behind the Atlanta bench next season will have had zero input on the bulk of the team's roster.But Waddell doesn't feel that will pose a problem.&ldquo;That could actually be viewed as a positive,&rdquo; he said. Waddell, aided by assistant GM Les Jackson and his scouting staff, will make the expansion draft selections and he reasons not naming a coach prevents any draft room conflicts.&ldquo;You could make the point that it's better to go to a (coaching candidate) and say, 'Here's the players we drafted. What can you do for us?' The bottom line is it would be unfair to have a coach in the room if we didn't allow him any input. But if he had input and there's a problem, what do you do?&ldquo;I'm not going to be reactive to a date. Believe me, it there was somebody out there right now we wanted to hire, I would. It would be a lot easier to sleep and I'd be getting a lot fewer phone calls every day.&rdquo;Waddell has been doing background checks on &ldquo;30-some&rdquo; coaches. He estimates only two to four will be brought to Atlanta for extensive interviews. The first was scheduled to be former Phoenix Coyotes' coach Don Hay. Waddell and Jackson also recently met in Toronto over lunch with former Buffalo Sabres' coach Ted Nolan and Ottawa Senators' assistant Mike Murphy, but have not yet committed to interviewing either.NOTEBOOK: In a nostalgic signing, the team hired equipment manager Bobby Stewart, who had been with the Atlanta/Calgary Flames organization since 1973&hellip;GM Don Waddell reiterated his belief that Patrik Stefan was the best player in the draft, but wants team physicians to examine the center because of his history of concussions&hellip;Waddell agreed to meet with Mike Keenan at Keenan's request when both were in Toronto, but repeated the well-travelled coach is not now, nor ever will be, a candidate: &ldquo;He's a very good coach. But is he the right coach for the Atlanta Thrashers? No."&hellip;With the NHL's decision to retire Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 league-wide, the Thrashers have retired a number before ever signing a player. &#9632;

f0021-03

No pressure to sign coach before taking part in draft

<div class="byline">By Mike Loftus</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-04219/7182049-1-eng-US/f0021-042.jpg" title="f0021-04" width="217" height="213"></div>He was revived a year ago by the Boston Bruins' rise from the NHL cellar in 199697 to a playoff spot and Ray Bourque is no less encouraged by what happened in 1998-99.Bourque doesn't doubt the young Bruins will continue to grow in 19992000 and beyond, but isn't sure how long he'll grow with them. The future Hall of Fame defenseman's contract runs out after next season and he says he won't consider a new deal until the present one expires. At that point, he'll be a 39-year-old unrestricted free agent.&ldquo;Right now, I'm not looking beyond next year,&rdquo; Bourque said. &ldquo;I'm not going to be signing any kind of extension this summer or any time next year.&rdquo;That was the scenario last September, when Bourque came to training camp with one year left on his contract. During a one-hour negotiating session, the deal was extended through 1999-2000, with the coming year valued at a reported $6 million.Bourque went on to record 57 points (tied for second among NHL defensemen), a nine-point improvement over 1997-98. He led Boston's power play with 39 points (sixth in the NHL), backboned the NHL's most effective penalty-killing unit and continued to routinely play 30 minutes or more per game.He also moved ahead of Gordie Howe into third place on the all-time NHL assists list (1,083) and finished the year tied with Carolina Hurricane Paul Coffey for the lead in career goals by a defenseman (385). The native of Montreal also holds franchise records for games played (1,453), assists and points (1,468).The one thing missing, of course, is a Stanley Cup ring, but Bourque repeated he won't consider his career incomplete without one.&ldquo;A Cup would be great,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but it's not all about a Stanley Cup; it's about competing, trying to go out and do your best.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: The Bruins reached a contract agreement with defenseman Eric Van Acker, a ninth-round draftee in 1997, at the June 1 deadline&hellip;Defenseman Ben Clymer, who was at the University of Minnesota when Boston drafted him in 1997 but left school to play for Seattle (Western League) this season, is seeking unrestricted free agent status because he remains unsigned. The Bruins contend they still own rights to Clymer, the first pick of the second round in 1997 (No. 27 overall), so the matter is headed for arbitration&hellip; Buffalo became the fourth straight team to eliminate the Bruins and then reach the Stanley Cup final. The others were Washington (last year), Florida (1996) and New Jersey (1995). &#9632;

f0021-04

Bourque won't look beyond next season

<div class="byline">By Jim Kelley</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-06127/7182080-1-eng-US/f0021-062.jpg" title="f0021-06" width="449" height="598"><figcaption class="caption-body">Dominik Hasek</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-05157/7182087-1-eng-US/f0021-052.jpg" title="f0021-05" width="213" height="216"></div>The unwritten rule sug gests small-market team aren't supposed to make it to the Stan ley Cup final.The Buffalo Sabres have broken that rule.Yes, a team that minds its pennies, its options and how they both impact on the bottom line is playing for the Cup.The Sabres defeated Northeast Division champion Ottawa Senators in the first round, sixth-seeded Boston Bruins inthe second and fourth-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs in the third. During the run they swept the Senators, beat the Bruins in six and the Leafs in five.&ldquo;It's not always the most talented teams that win,&rdquo; said Sabres' winger Rob Ray, a veteran on the fourth line who's occasionally a healthy scratch. &ldquo;It's the hardest-working teams and the guys that are going to sacrifice. Obviously it's not the highest-paid team in the world. We want to throw it back in other teams' faces and say, 'We can play with you guys.' &ldquo;That could all change during an offseason of contract negotiations, but for now, the Sabres believe that if they play as a team they can beat anyone. So far, it's been impossible to deny.&ldquo;They don't get a lot of credit for how good they are, said Leats coacn Pat Quinn. &ldquo;There's always the talk of the goaltender (Dominik Hasek), but that's a real good team out there. They really come after you.&rdquo;Hasek missed the first two games of the series with continuing groin problems, but the Sabres still managed a split with backup Dwayne Roloson in goal.&ldquo;This isn't just a great bunch of guys who play for each other,&rdquo; said left winger Geoff Sanderson, a standout in the Toronto series. &ldquo;All they ask here is for your best and if you don't give it you feel like you're letting your teammates down. It's a great way to play.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: The Sabres were six-for-25 with the extra man against the Leafs, continuing to get power play production from a unit that was largely ineffective during the regular season. The Sabres also scored two shorthanded goals against Toronto&hellip;With Dwayne Roloson in net, Buffalo beat the Maple Leafs 5-4 in the first game before losing 6-3. Roloson played in 18 games during the regular season. Winning Game 1 was pivotal for the Sabres as they are unbeaten at Marine Midland Arena (7-0) in the playoffs and needed only to win their home games to put Toronto down 3-1&hellip;The Sabres came out of the series with no major injuries. Center Wayne Primeau twisted his knee, but was expected to recover for the final. &#9632;

f0021-06

Small-market franchise defies odds by making final

<div class="byline">By Eric Duhatschek</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-07109/7182118-1-eng-US/f0021-072.jpg" title="f0021-07" width="215" height="211"></div>It took them until the last minute of play. 11:59 p.m. (EDT) June 1, the deadline for signing the draft class of 1997, but the Calgary Flames finally did get Barrie Colts' center Daniel Tkaczuk under contract.By signing Tkaczuk, picked sixth overall, the Flames retained one of the top prospects in their organization, but not without undergoing a major shift in the franchise's philosophy. Tkaczuk essentially received the bonus structure sought by his agent, Boston-based Jay Fee.&ldquo;To be honest, this is a deal that I'm not crazy about from a business standpoint,&rdquo; said GM Al Coates, &ldquo;but the overriding factor here is he is a good player. We've invested two years in him already and we made a commitment to our fans in Calgary that when we draft these guys, we're going to get them signed.&rdquo;Losing Tkaczuk for only a compensatory second-round draft pick would have represented a serious setback.Ultimately, the two sides were not haggling over Tkaczuk's base salary. Some time ago, the Flames had agreed to pay Tkaczuk $925,000 (U.S.) per season for three years, the maximum allowed under the NHL's entry-level salary cap. At issue was a schedule of bonuses that could add millions to Tkaczuk's pay.Coates called the bonuses in Tkaczuk's contract, &ldquo;substantial,&rdquo; but added: &ldquo;We're talking about the sixth player overall in the draft.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Popular equipment manager Bobby Stewart, who has been with the Flames' organization since the 1973-74 season, is leaving the team to assume a similar post with the expansion Atlanta Thrashers. For Stewart, the move represents a homecoming of sorts. He joined the Atlanta Flames in their second NHL season after spending the previous six years working for the Montreal Jr. Canadiens. Stewart and his wife, Sherri, who is a native of Atlanta, moved to Calgary with the Flames in the spring of 1980&hellip;Mike Kelly, the Flames' co-ordinator of scouting, will leave the organization following the 1999 entry draft to become the Ontario League Windsor Spitfires' president and GM. &#9632;

f0021-07

Last-minute deal keeps Tkaczuk in organization

<div class="byline">By Todd Graft</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-011028/7182149-1-eng-US/f0022-012.jpg" title="f0022-01" width="218" height="215"></div>Almost since he took over as coach of the Hartford Whalers in November of 1995, Paul Maurice has heard the speculation about his job security.But on the heels of leading the Carolina Hurricanes to their first playoff appearance in seven seasons, Maurice is on the verge of gaining a measure of security by signing a three-year extension with the club that he led to just its second division title in 20 years.&ldquo;There won't be any negotiations,&rdquo; said Maurice, who does not have an agent, &ldquo;I'll be more than happy to sign it. There are other considerations other than trying to get as much money as you possibly can.&rdquo;GM Jim Rutherford said the deal should be signed by the middle of June.At 32, Maurice ranks as the youngest head coach in major professional sports, even though he holds the fourth-longest tenure in the NHL.In 1998-99, Maurice helped the Hurricanes to their first winning season since 1990 and 86 points, which ranked as the second-highest total in club history. In nearly four full seasons, Maurice has a record of 128-143-45.Maurice was the league's lowest-paid coach last season at $300,000. The new contract is expected to pay him roughly $500,000 annually.&ldquo;He's a very good coach. He's very intuitive,&rdquo; Rutherford said. &ldquo;I've never met anybody who can put his finger on a problem as quick as he can and he fixes it as quick as he can.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: The Hurricanes came to terms on a multi-year contract with 1997 first-round pick, defenseman Nikos Tselios. The deal was signed June 1. the last possible day before he would have re-entered the draft. &ldquo;This is a great weight off my shoulders,&rdquo; said Tselios. the 20-year-old cousin of Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios&hellip;GM Jim Rutherford has been in search of one thing for the past two seasons and it remains a priority. &ldquo;We're still looking for a defenseman with offensive skills.&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We may have to look at moving one of our top players to get one of those."&hellip;Assistant coach Tom Webster, who had been with the Hurricanes since 1996-97, accepted the head coaching position with the Windsor Spitfires (Ontario League) in late May. &#9632;

f0022-01

No hardball negotiations in Maurice deal extension

<div class="byline">By Mike Helka</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-03510/7182180-1-eng-US/f0022-032.jpg" title="f0022-03" width="459" height="600"><figcaption class="caption-body">J. Langenbrunner</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-02719/7182187-1-eng-US/f0022-022.jpg" title="f0022-02" width="216" height="213"></div>Jamie Langenbrunner stood in the Dallas Stars' dressing room in January and cursed his luck. He was in a drought, a long, drawn-out goal-scoring pox.And just when Langenbrunner could feel his mouth get dry, when he could feel his hands start to tighten, he let out a little laugh.&ldquo;You know, last year I started out hot and finished horrible,&rdquo; Langenbrunner said. &ldquo;Maybe this year, it'll be the exact opposite.&rdquo;Six months later, Langenbrunner couldn't be more right. The 23-year-old right winger had nine playoff goals, including three winners, in 17 games.After meandering through a minefield of expectations and struggles, Langenbrunner finally is realizing the scoring potential so many have seen in him the past three years.&ldquo;It's fun, it's great,&rdquo; Langenbrunner said before the Stars eliminated the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference final in seven games. &ldquo;This is what you grow up dreaming about, pretending in the basement that you're scoring goals in the Stanley Cup playoffs.&rdquo;It was the kind of statement you'd expect from a kid playing an adult's game. It was the kind of statement Langenbrunner hadn't made enough.&ldquo;It was a struggle, particularly during the regular season,&rdquo; Langenbrunner said of scoring 12 goals in 75 games. &ldquo;Rut von stick with it and good things happen.&rdquo;The good thing for Langenbrunner was, after being used at all three forward positions, he finally found a home in the Stars' lineup, alongside center Joe Nieuwendyk.&ldquo;I think we hurt him somewhat early by making him go back and forth from left to right (wing),&rdquo; said coach Ken Hitchcock. &ldquo;He's on the right side now and we like him there.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Center Benoit Hogue tore the medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee in Game 2 against Colorado. He was holding off on having surgery on the off chance he could play in the final&hellip;Right winger Brett Hull scored his 130th and 131st career playoff points May 30 against Colorado, surpassing his dad Bobby Hull for 29th on the all-time playoff list&hellip;The Stars were a different team in the post-season. During the season, they struggled in the third period, but in the playoffs, they outscored opponents 24-10&hellip;Center Guy Carbonneau. 39, played in his 200th career playoff game May 30 to move to seventh place on the all-time list. Goaltender Ed Belfour played in his 100th career playoff game the same day. &#9632;

f0022-03

Langenbrunner shines followina difficult season

<div class="byline">By Tim Sassone</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-04344/7182218-1-eng-US/f0022-042.jpg" title="f0022-04" width="219" height="213"></div>It's going to be another summer of uncertainty for Eddie Olczyk.For the second straight off-season, Olczyk is an unrestricted free agent. Last year he got his wish and signed with the Chicago Blackhawks shortly before training camp. He'd love to resign with his hometown Hawks for another season, but he isn't sure he is in GM Bob Murray's plans.&ldquo;I don't know what's going to happen, but I know what I want to happen,&rdquo; Olczyk said. &ldquo;We'll just have to let things play out.&rdquo;It's no secret the Hawks want to continue to get younger, but there still might be a place for a versatile veteran such as Olczyk, who turns 33 in August. Olczyk was one of the Hawks' best forwards late in the season under new coach Lome Molleken, who gave him a lot of responsibility.The season definitely ended better than it started for Olczyk, who was sent to play for the International League's Chicago Wolves in November after Murray questioned his work ethic.&ldquo;Eddie's a leader in our room and probably one of our more vocal guys,&rdquo; Molleken said late in the season. &ldquo;He has really helped out some of our younger players.&rdquo;Murray hasn't given any indication about Olczyk's future, although it did sound like he wanted to bring the popular veteran back.&ldquo;Late in the year he did exactly the things we expected him to do when we signed him,&rdquo; Murray said. &ldquo;You need guys like that who know and understand their roles.&rdquo;Olczyk, who had 10 goals and 25 points in 61 games for the Hawks, figures he has at least one or two more years in him.&ldquo;I know I can still contribute,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Look at a guy like (Detroit Red Wings' defenseman) Larry Murphy. Everyone thought he was done a few years ago and now look at him. You just have to find the right fit.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: GM Bob Murray hasn't ruled out trading the fourth overall pick at the entry draft, particularly if one of the three clubs drafting ahead of the Hawks wants to get both Swedish twins, Daniel and Henrik Sedin&hellip; Murray planned to have the Hawks' medical people examine Patrik Stefan in case the highly touted Long Beach Ice Dogs' (International League) center with a history of concussions slipped to No. 4, which Murray doesn't expect to happen&hellip;Dirk Graham, fired as Hawks' coach in February, will return to his old job as the organization's pro scout, replacing Phil Russell. Russell will be one of the cocoaches with the Hawks' new IHL minorleague affiliate in Cleveland. &#9632;

f0022-04

Olczyk wants to stay, but is he in plans?

<div class="byline">By Chuck Carlton</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-06207/7182249-1-eng-US/f0022-062.jpg" title="f0022-06" width="462" height="608"><figcaption class="caption-body">Scotty Bowman</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-05261/7182256-1-eng-US/f0022-052.jpg" title="f0022-05" width="218" height="216"></div>Scotty Bowman has always viewed coaching as a craft and a challenge.It's never seemed like a punch-the-clock, nine-to-five job.&ldquo;I like it; I've done it for so long,&rdquo; said Bowman, who confirmed May 28 he will return for his 28th NHL season and seventh with the Detroit Red Wings.&ldquo;I started coaching in 1956, even though it wasn't an NHL team. I've had the opportunity to not coach-I've been a scout, a director of player personnel and been on TV-and I missed it. Once it gets into your blood, you miss the enthusiasm.&rdquo;Getting Bowman back was one of two major off-season priorities for GM Ken Holland.The other is convincing Norris Trophy finalist Nicklas Lidstrom not to return to his native Sweden.Although Bowman will turn 66 in training camp and the Red Wings were eliminated in the second round by the Colorado Avalanche, he took little time making a decision.His health is much better than a year ago, when he underwent balloon angioplasty to clear a blocked heart artery and also had knee replacement surgery. He'll get a chance to add to his eight coaching Stanley Cups-a mark equaled only by the late Toe Blake-and his record 1,096 wins.As he has for the past three years, Bowman signed a one-year contract, this one worth slightly more than $1 million.Bowman acknowledges his time behind the bench is growing short. He remembered some advice from an old friend, the late Bob Johnson.&ldquo;He used to use a golf analogy,&rdquo; Bowman said. &ldquo;He'd say, 'My coaching career is on the back nine.I just don't know what hole I'm on.'&ldquo;I think that's the same with me, too.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: While left winger Brendan Shanahan lobbied to remain a Red Wing, contract negotiations this summer could determine his future. He's an unrestricted free agent after next season. &ldquo;Well, I think it would be bad from a business aspect to think a year from now this guy (Shanahan) will walk out the door and you get nothing for him,&rdquo; said GM Ken Holland. &ldquo;Saying all this, we'll see what happens. I believe Brendan wants to stay here. We want to keep him. Again we come full circle-to economics."&hellip; Center Sergei Fedorov, who failed to score in the Colorado series, blamed his poor production on his role and a lack of ice time. &ldquo;Personally, I felt I could do more things on the ice, and I could use more ice time,&rdquo; he said. &#9632;

f0022-06

Bowman to guide Red Wings into the new millennium

<div class="byline">By Mario Annicchlarico</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-07178/7182287-1-eng-US/f0022-072.jpg" title="f0022-07" width="219" height="212"></div>It figures to be another challenging off-season for Edmonton Oilers' GM-president Glen Sather.Despite the fact the Oilers will receive a $2.5-million (U.S.) NHL subsidy for selling more than 13,000 season tickets, Sather still has a relatively small budget with which to work. That means he'll have to be creative in getting players to sign on the dotted fine.&ldquo;It makes it more difficult. You're always dealing from behind the eightball, same as when you're making a trade,&rdquo; Sather said. &ldquo;You can never afford to get into the realm of somebody like a (Vincent) Damphousse. We have to take players we can afford.&rdquo;Sather has already started chatting with some of his free agents, including defenseman Roman Hamrlik, whose agent Mike Barnett was in town earlier this spring.&ldquo;He has indicated to me what he would like to have and I've indicated to him what I would like to pay him. I'd like to pay him what I paid him last year,&rdquo; laughed Sather, who shelled out roughly $2 million (U.S.) for his top defenseman.&ldquo;I really think Hamrlik is a good player, but I really don't see him being in the upper echelon in this league right now. I think he will at some point in time, but not now.&rdquo;Other key Oilers needing new contracts are forwards Bill Guerin, Ryan Smyth and Mike Grier and goaltender Tommy Salo.NOTEBOOK: Coach Ron Low's future with the Oilers was still unclear. &ldquo;I really haven't concentrated much on that,&rdquo; said GM-president Glen Sather. Low's contract expires this summer and there have been reports Atlanta GM Don Waddell might ask for permission to talk to Low regarding potential employment. &ldquo;I haven't talked to him.&rdquo; said Sather of the expansion Thrashers' GM. &ldquo;1 can't say until I do talk to him, but 1 have never held anybody back, yet."&hellip;Don't expect the Oilers to trade at the June 26 entry draft. &ldquo;In order to trade up you've got to give up something to get something,&rdquo; Sather said. &ldquo;That's a difficult route to take because you're talking about quality players you've been developing for the last four years.&rdquo; &#9632;

f0022-07

Edmonton's small budget means long summer ahead

<div class="byline">By David J. Neal</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-01919/7182318-1-eng-US/f0023-012.jpg" title="f0023-01" width="215" height="214"></div>Predictably, when the Florida Panthers set up what amounted to a Pavel Bure Physical Therapy Media Day in mid-May, i was all smiles.&ldquo;He's well ahead of schedule,&rdquo; said Mary Ann Towne, Bure's physical therapist. &ldquo;The doctors are extraordinarily pleased.&rdquo;Bure, who blew out his right knee it March, smiled as he said, &ldquo;The right knee is stronger than the left. The doctor said it's the best he has ever seer after six weeks.&rdquo;TV cameras zoomed in on South Florida's most pivotal knees going through exercises. Bure spent about two minutes on the treadmill. While balancing on his right leg, he lifted his left foot and bounced balls off a trampoline.As television, it ranked somewhere below late-night C-SPAN, but above watching Major League Baseball': Florida Marlins.The big question about the Panthen next season is really the big question about Bure's right knee, which under went reconstructive surgery March 29 for the second time in four years. Tom cartilage and a tom anterior cruciate ligament were repaired.Bure had 13 goals in 11 games after being traded from the Vancouver Canucks to Florida, who averaged 3.5 goals per game when Bure played compared to 2.6 through the 82-game schedule.'The Russian Rocket' is expected to be ready for take-off by late training camp or the start of the season.NOTEBOOK: The Panthers raised ticket prices for the sixth straight season. Though the per game increase was weighted towards the lower bowl, where most of the season ticket holders are corporations, it still soured several fans. One season ticket holder was told jokingly by one of the team's telephone salesmen he should consider it a &ldquo;Pavel Bure tax,&rdquo; a comment that was repeated on a radio call-in show. Bure's contract will pay him $47 million over five seasons, possibly $58 million over six&hellip;Right wing prospect Ivan Novoseltsev signed a three-year contract May 31 worth $2,625 million. A 1997 fourth-round pick, Novoseltsev had 57 goals and 96 points in 68 games for Sarnia Sting of the Ontario League and could crack the Panthers' lineup in 1999-2000. &#9632;

f0023-01

Bore ahead of schedule in rehab of injured knee

<div class="byline">By Helene Elliott</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-03422/7182349-1-eng-US/f0023-032.jpg" title="f0023-03" width="452" height="603"><figcaption class="caption-body">Dave Taylor</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-02600/7182356-1-eng-US/f0023-022.jpg" title="f0023-02" width="217" height="211"></div>As the playoffs heated up, the Los Angeles Kings stepped up their search for a coach to replace Larry Robinson.GM Dave Taylor's first interviews were with former Buffalo Sabres' coach Ted Nolan and Long Beach Ice Dogs' (the Kings' International League affiliate) coach-GM John Van Boxmeer. Both were interviewed in late May. Taylor also brought Montreal Canadiens' assistant coach Dave King to Los Angeles June 1 and scheduled a talk with Detroit Red Wings' associate coach Dave Lewis.Taylor had dinner with Nolan during the Memorial Cup and they attended a game together, sparking reports in a Toronto newspaper Taylor had offered Nolan the job. Taylor said Nolan is a contender, but no offer had been made.&ldquo;I liked him,&rdquo; Taylor said of Nolan. &ldquo;I've known him just generally. I just wanted to spend some time with him. We just talked in general terms.&rdquo;Nolan was hopeful of getting a second interview. &ldquo;I believe I have some things to offer,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I coached against some of those guys in junior hockey and I coached Garry Galley and Donald Audette at Buffalo. I'd like the job. There are some young players there I'd like to try to mold.Van Boxmeer, who has coached, many of the Kings' young players at s Long Beach, appeared to be the top) contender. However, Taylor planned to speak to at least one more person before starting the second round of interviews.One name that could be scratched was Glen Sather, who was rumored to be in the running for a managerial position and was supposed to bring Ron Low with him as coach. Tim Leiweke, the Kings' president, squelched the Sather rumors.Also not on the Kings' list is Jim Schoenfeld, who was fired May 24 by the Phoenix Coyotes.NOTEBOOK: The Kings opted not to sign left winger Matt Zultek, the 15th over-all pick in 1997. As such, the 6-foot-3, 2181 pounder is eligible to re-enter this year's draft and the Kings will get a compensatory choice in the second round, the 43rd pick&hellip;GM Dave Taylor talked to Larry Kelly, the agent for defenseman Aki Berg, but no deal was close&hellip;Defenseman Richard Seeley, a 1997 sixth-round draft pick, signed a three-year deal&hellip;The Kings reached a two-year affiliation agreement with Lowell of the American League. The Kings next season will oversee all aspects of the r team's operation, including placing 12 prospects on the roster. The New York Islanders will supply the rest of the players. In 2000S 01, the Kings will supply all the players. &#9632;

f0023-03

Nolan, Van Boxmeer among candidates for coaching job

<div class="byline">By Herb Zurkowsky</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-04297/7182387-1-eng-US/f0023-042.jpg" title="f0023-04" width="217" height="212"></div>They get a table on the arena floor every year, but the Montreal Canadiens don't do drafts particularly well.So, given the choice of coming up with a blue-chip prospect with the 10th overall choice at this year's draft or trading the pick away, they chose the latter, sending the selection to the New York Islanders for their captain. Trevor Linden.The 29-year-old center, who had 18 goals and 29 assists in 82 games last season, was then immediately signed to a four-year contract believed to be worth $15 million (U.S.). Linden had been scheduled to become a restricted free agent July 1.Canadiens' GM Rejean Houle said the team didn't want to pass up the opportunity to land a proven veteran such as Linden.&ldquo;The first four or five choices this year are very good, but we feel that acquiring Trevor Linden gives us a better player than we would get with the 10th pick.&rdquo; Houle said.But Vancouver Canucks' GM Brian Burke, whose team also was in the running for Linden, said &ldquo;the price tag made no sense,&rdquo; because the 10th pick will be a &ldquo;stud.&rdquo;That, of course, remains to be seen. In the meantime, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Linden addresses some of the issues facing Montreal. He provides the Canadiens with a big, talented center and should also give the team a healthy dose of leadership.&ldquo;Trevor will bring a lot to our team, not only with his presence in the dressing room, but also on the ice,&rdquo; said coach Alain Vigneault.Linden broke into the NHL with Vancouver in 1988 and recorded six seasons of at least 30 goals before being traded to the Islanders in 1998. But his play has deteriorated of late and he has failed to score 20 goals in four of his last five seasons.&ldquo;Going to Montreal is exciting because it's the center of hockey,&rdquo; Linden said. &ldquo;A chance to come back to Canada is something I value.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Center Saku Koivu came away from the World Championship with a pair of souvenirs, but could have done without one of them. Koivu captured a silver medal as part of Team Finland, but missed the second game of the final against the Czech Republic because of a broken bone in his hand&hellip;The Canadiens reportedly have offered to double the $900,000 salary of rugged defenseman Stephane Quintal, who's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Quintal, a Montreal native, has said he'll accept less than market value to remain with the team, but he wants something in return-some assurance the Canadiens are serious about winning now. &#9632;

f0023-04

Habs think Linden better than 10th pick

<div class="byline">By Jeff Legwold</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-01996/7182418-1-eng-US/f0024-012.jpg" title="f0024-01" width="219" height="216"></div>Center Sebastien Bordeleau is on the mend.His condition has improved enough from a serious neck injury that doctors are now allowing him to ride a bike, run on a treadmill as well as some tight weightlifting as he continues on the road to a full recovery.Bordeleau, who said his new workout guidelines were &ldquo;good because I was getting bored,&rdquo; underwent surgery in April to repair two cracked vertebrae in his neck. He suffered the injury April 12 when he was checked by Los Angeles Kings' defenseman Sean O'Donnell. Bordeleau skated off the ice following the hit and has said he never lost feeling in his extremities.However, X-rays soon revealed the extent of the injury and Bordeleau underwent surgery April 13.A piece of bone was removed from his hip and held in place with a titanium plate, then used to fuse the two vertebrae.The 24-year-old, who the Predators selected from the Montreal Canadiens in the expansion draft, had his careerbest NHL season, finishing with 16 goals and 40 points in 72 games. While he is expected to play hockey again, it is still unlikely he will be ready for the opening of training camp.He will have to wear a neck collar for another month or two according to Predators' team physician Dr. Michael Pagnani, who said that each day it is &ldquo;more and more likely&rdquo; the operation was a success.NOTEBOOK: Goalie Mike Dunham will not need surgery to repair the groin injury that kept him out of the lineup for about half of the season. Dunham had been considering surgery as an option, but visited a specialist in Worcester, Mass., who said it would not be necessary. The injury was improving with stretching and a workout schedule. Dunham is staying in Nashville for the off-season and has been seen skating several times already&hellip;Defenseman Jay More, who missed virtually all of last season because of the after-effects of a concussion. has seen little improvement. He is still suffering from dizziness and nausea when he attempts to work out. The Predators are hoping to know more about More's status for next season by the entry draft. &#9632;

f0024-01

Bordeleau makes strides after serious neck injury

<div class="byline">By Rich Chere</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-03447/7182449-1-eng-US/f0024-032.jpg" title="f0024-03" width="462" height="606"><figcaption class="caption-body">Larry Robinson</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-02678/7182456-1-eng-US/f0024-022.jpg" title="f0024-02" width="218" height="216"></div>At 6-foot-4 and with a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame, Larry Robinson casts a very large shadow.Consequently, if New Jersey Devils' coach Robbie Ftorek wasn't looking over his shoulder after the club's first-round loss in the playoffs, he is now.Robinson, who served as Jacques Lemaire's assistant coach during the 1995 Stanley Cup championship season before _ spending the last four years as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, was hired May 26 as Ftorek's assistant and, perhaps, his eventual successor.&ldquo;I'm not coming here trying to take anybody's job; Robbie is the boss,&rdquo; said Robinson, who signed a three-year coaching contract with an additional two years as a consultant. &ldquo;I have no ego in wanting to be head coach.&ldquo;I feel we can bring a championship back to New Jersey. I want to enjoy the game and I don't think I had as much fun (in L.A.) as I thought I'd have.&rdquo;Two top projects will be defensemen Scott Niedermayer-a potential Norris Trophy contender with Robinson's guidance-and Sheldon Souray.&ldquo;Robbie Ftorek is the head coach,&rdquo; GM Lou Lamoriello said. &ldquo;Anytime you have someone like Larry Robinson, who can add to an organization with his experience, I don't think you have any choice but to make a move. This will just give Robbie a tittle extra help. I don't look at this as a change. I look at this as an addition.&rdquo;Lamoriello said assistant coach Viacheslav Fetisov and goaltending coach Jacques Caron would be retained.Robinson left the Devils right after they won the Cup to take his first job as head coach. The Kings missed the play offs this past season and his contract was not renewed, but Robinson may not have wanted to return.NOTEBOOK: Left winger Dave Andreychuk, an unrestricted free agent July 1, was scheduled to meet with GM Lou Lamoriello about his future with the Devils. Lamoriello would not say whether an offer would be made, but indicated &ldquo;we're going to go with some of our kids.&rdquo; In their attempt to build a new arena in Hoboken, John McMullen and the Devils got a powerful ally when Cablevision Systems said they would equally split the cost of the $206 million, 18,500-seat building&hellip;Center Sergei Nemchinov, who played 10 games for the Devils after being acquired in a late-season trade, kept a streak alive in that he has never been a healthy scratch from a regular season NHL game&hellip;Defenseman Lyle Odelein was rumored to be on the trading block. &#9632;

f0024-03

Robinson returns to post as Devils' assistant coach

<div class="byline">Jim Smith</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-04290/7182487-1-eng-US/f0024-042.jpg" title="f0024-04" width="217" height="212"></div>In their 27th season, it appears the New York Islanders will adopt the front-office philosophy and on-ice appearance of an expansion team.They continued the ownership-imposed salary-dump which began before the trading deadline by sending captain Trevor Linden to the Montreal Canadiens May 29 for a first-round (10th overall) 1999 draft pick.&ldquo;I'm sure financial considerations will be a factor in any other moves we make this summer,&rdquo; said GM Mike Milbury, who previously unloaded veterans Tommy Salo, Robert Reichel, Sergei Nemchinov and Ted Donato.It appeared right winger Ziggy Palffy, the Islanders' only legitimate gate attraction, would be the next to go. NHL sources said Palffy was being shopped and the Isles were targeting the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers as possible trading partners. Palffy signed a five-year, $25-miltion deal in January.&ldquo;I think he will be traded,&rdquo; an NHL source said.Club officials said the Isles had income of about $30 million and expenses of more than $50 million last season when they were 24-48-10 and missed the playoffs for a fifth straight season and fourth since Milbury's arrival. Co-owners Steven Gluckstem and Edward and Howard Milstein indicated via front-office sources if Nassau County officials do not agree by July 1 to build a new arena to replace Nassau Coliseum, the team will cut costs drastically.The Isles finished the season with a $25.6-million payroll. They do not plan to renew the contracts of Craig Janney, Mike Hough and Joe Sacco, thereby deleting $3.1 million. Milbury indicated he cannot afford to resign unrestricted Group VI free agent Mark Lawrence, who earned $325,000, and said he gave Lawrence's agent Pat Morris permission to field offers from other clubs.NOTEBOOK: Goalie Wade Flaherty, who stood to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, signed a one-way, two-year, $1-million contract. Flaherty played the past two seasons on a two-way deal which guaranteed him $150,000 per season. He will be exposed in the expansion draft&hellip;The club was looking to make a trade for a second forward to expose in the expansion draft besides right winger Steve Webb, whom it had to resign&hellip;The team lowered the price of its $36 tickets to $32 and increased the number of $15 seats from 300 to 2,300&hellip;The Isles signed 6-foot-4, 200-pound Czech center Petr Mika, 20, to a two-year deal. He figures to open the 1999-2000 season with Lowell in the American League. &#9632;

f0024-04

Linden gone, star Palffy could be next

<div class="byline">By Rick Car piniello</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-06159/7182518-1-eng-US/f0024-062.jpg" title="f0024-06" width="458" height="605"><figcaption class="caption-body">Brian Leetch</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-05194/7182525-1-eng-US/f0024-052.jpg" title="f0024-05" width="218" height="218"></div>The New York Rangers spent nearly $35 million to miss the playoffs.And the Rangers knew they would have to spend millions more to keep themselves from falling off the hockey map. The alternative, the potential loss of captain Brian Leetch to free agency, would have made them much, much worse.&ldquo;I didn't focus on the doomsday theory,&rdquo; said Rangers' president-GM Neil Smith. &ldquo;But the doomsday theory was obvious. If we lose Brian Leetch, we should turn out the lights.&rdquo;So on May 24, the Rangers officially signed Leetch to a four-year contract that will pay him annual salaries of $6.5 million in 1999-2000, $7.5 million in 2000-2001, $8.5 million in 2001-2002 and $9.5 million in 20022003. With a signing bonus paid out over the four years, the entire package is worth just under $35 million. Leetch will make more than any defenseman in NHL history.What turned out to be the dealmaker was a no-trade clause. Leetch got the third no-trade clause the Rangers have given out (free agent signees Wayne Gretzky and Bruce Driver got the others) and both sides said that was the clincher.Leetch, 31, said he was embarrassed by the amount of money he will make. He turned down a crack at unrestricted free agency and probably total financial lunacy so that he could stay where his heart is and where he has played his entire NHL career. Now he wants one thing-to get back to respectability after two non-playoff seasons.&ldquo;All along I had prepared for playing the season without a new contract and for going into June or even July without it getting done, but the one thing I hadn't prepared for was actually signing,&rdquo; Leetch said.NOTEBOOK: The prognosis on the surgery for goalie Dan Cloutier's chronic groin injury was good, and he is expected to be 100 per cent by training camp&hellip;Goalie Mike Richter and defenseman Mathieu Schneider, who both live in New York City, attended the press conference to announce defenseman Brian Leetch's new contract. Richter cut short a vacation that included stops in Tibet and Thailand&hellip;There was no progress to report on Group II (restricted) free agents Schneider, Chris Tamer, Rumun Ndur, Mike Knuble, Jason Doig, Jan Mertzig, PJ. Stock, Mike Maneluk, Christian Dube or Daniel Goneau. Dube may play in Switzerland next season unless he is traded or claimed by Atlanta in the expansion draft. &#9632;

f0024-06

Leetch pleasantly surprise! contract completed early

<div class="byline">By Bruce Garrloch</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-07135/7182556-1-eng-US/f0024-072.jpg" title="f0024-07" width="219" height="211"></div>For the second straight summer, the Ottawa Senators' GM could bolt to a sunnier destination.After losing Pierre Gauthier to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim last year, sources say Rick Dudley is on the verge of accepting an offer to become president of the Tampa Bay Lightning.Neither side would confirm the talks. Dudley went underground and refused to discuss the subject with the media while Ottawa president Roy Mlakar wouldn't issue a denial when asked about the reports.&ldquo;We've heard these rumors before,&rdquo; Mlakar said.&ldquo;This is nothing new.&rdquo;All that stood in the way of Dudley's departure was working out the details of a compensation package which would allow him out of the the final two years of his contract with Ottawa.Dudley, 50, who worked under new Lightning owner Bill Davidson with the Detroit Vipers of the International League Delore joining tne senators, received permission to speak with the Lightning, but can't accept a deal until negotiations on a package are completed.Newspaper reports in Ottawa and Tampa indicated the Senators wanted one of forwards Rob Zamuner or Darcy Tucker along with a draft pick in return for Dudley, but the Lightning believed it was too high a price to pay.NOTEBOOK: Defenseman Lance Pitlick was awarded his unrestricted free agency by the league head office and will be allowed to shop his services around July 1. Pitlick, 31, an Ottawa alternate captain who had been listed as a restricted free agent throughout the year, appealed to NHL legal counsel Bill Daly and won the ruling, which centered around service time. &ldquo;Obviously. I'm pleased, but I just hope that this can help to spur some discussions with Ottawa.&rdquo; Pitlick said. &ldquo;I hope I haven't played my last game in that uniform because I want to be there."&hellip;Left winger Andreas Johansson, who had 21 goals last season but was a healthy scratch in the playoffs, will have his contract renewed for next year by the Senators. &#9632;

f0024-07

Dudley appears primet to leave for Tampa Bay

<div class="byline">By Wayne Fish</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-01893/7182587-1-eng-US/f0025-012.jpg" title="f0025-01" width="216" height="216"></div>Despite seven seasons together, Eric Lindros and the Philadelphia Flyers are still looking at the future one year at a time.That was the impression left after Carl Lindros, Eric's father and agent, announced June 3 there would be no long-term contract for his son, who faced the possibility of becoming a restricted free agent July 1.Instead, the Lindros family said it would accept the one-year, $8.5-million agreement Eric and team chairman Ed Snider shook hands on last fall.&ldquo;Now's not the time to be thinking about a long-term contract,&rdquo; Carl Lindros said.Asked to comment on Snider's remarks that, given Eric's history of injuries, it would behoove the player to seek a multi-year guaranteed contract Carl said, &ldquo;I agree. We just don't thin) it's an appropriate time.&rdquo;Snider sounded perplexed by the decision.&ldquo;I think it's to our advantage and their disadvantage,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;God forbid something should happen to Eric.&rdquo;Unlike last summer, when team GM-president Bob Clarke expressed concern over Lindros' pending free agency, the Flyers don't sound too worried about other clubs making offers for their franchise player.&ldquo;Every team out there knows that if he were to become a free agent, we would match,&rdquo; Snider said. &ldquo;We have the financial resources to match anything.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Center Eric Lindros received a clean bill of health from Dr. Larry Kaiser, the surgeon who treated him for a collapsed lung suffered late in the season. Lindros was examined May 27 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania&hellip;GM Bob Clarke expressed pessimism over initial talks with unrestricted free agent right winger Craig Berube. Berube's agent, Larry Rauch, is said to want a substantial increase for his client over last year's $700,000 salary&hellip;Clarke, a native of Flin Flon, Man., became a naturalized U.S. citizen recently&hellip;The Flyers' training staff indicated defenseman Eric Desjardins' rehab from knee surgery is on or ahead of schedule and he should be ready for the start of training camp. &#9632;

f0025-01

No long-term deal for Lindros as captain inks one-year pact

<div class="byline">By Bob McManaman</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-04229/7182618-1-eng-US/f0025-042.jpg" title="f0025-04" width="447" height="602"><figcaption class="caption-body">Jim Schoenfeld</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-02574/7182625-1-eng-US/f0025-022.jpg" title="f0025-02" width="214" height="211"></div>In the end, Jim Schoenfeld stuck to his guns and refused to turn over his holster.Phoenix Coyotes' GM Bobby Smith wanted his coach to consider changing some of his philosophies, to become a little more &ldquo;daring and creative,&rdquo; and accept Smith's advice the team needed to hire an assistant coach who could work exclusively with Phoenix's sagging power-play units.However, Schoenfeld wouldn't budge and he was subsequently fired May 24 after posting a 74-66-24 in two seasons with the team.&ldquo;You can walk the corporate line and nod your head a lot, but it's a situation I feel very strongly that there are certain ways to do the job,&rdquo; Schoenfeld said, adding he and Smith &ldquo;differed strongly on the direction of the team.&rdquo;Said Smith: &ldquo;It became clear that we just weren't on the same page.&rdquo;The Coyotes, coming off an impressive regular season (39-31-12) but disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the St. Louis Blues, now will be searching for their fourth coach in five years.One of the choices to replace Schoenfeld is Coyotes' assistant coach John Tortorella, whom Smith has repeatedly called a &ldquo;serious candidate.&rdquo; Through early June, Tortorella had already had two formal interviews with Smith, who was preparing to meet with at least three other candidates before the June 26 entry draft in Boston.&ldquo;I have great respect for John and his hockey ability,&rdquo; Smith said.Gordie Roberts, an assistant coach the past two seasons, will be retained but his duties now will solely focus on his other title as the team's director of player development.Goalie instructor Benoit Allaire, meanwhile, has two more years left on his contract.NOTEBOOK: Defenseman Jyrki Lumme underwent surgery to repair a damaged rotator cuff and a tom biceps muscle. The operation was termed a success and Lumme is expected to be ready when the team opens training camp in the fall&hellip;Center Robert Reichel. who becomes a Group II (restricted) free agent July 1, reportedly has a standing offer to be a player-coach with the Czech national team. Nevertheless, the Coyotes were preparing to make him a substantial offer&hellip;The Coyotes are sending 10 of their top prospects to Helsinki, Finland, in July to participate in a two-week training session with Jokerit of the Elite League. Among those making the trip are center Daniel Briere and goalie Patrick Desrochers. &#9632;

f0025-04

Schoenfeld keeps principles, but loses job with Coyotes

<div class="byline">By Joe Starkey</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-03368/7182656-1-eng-US/f0025-032.jpg" title="f0025-03" width="215" height="211"></div>An arena lease that many believe helped drive the Pittsburgh Penguins into bankruptcy was rejected June 4 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.The move by Judge Bernard Markovitz might have paved the way for the group headed by retired Penguins' superstar Mario Lemieux to take over the team before the end of June.Under the lease, the Penguins paid between $6-$7 million in rent to Civic Arena landlord SMG. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called the lease &ldquo;onerous&rdquo; and said it was among the league's worst. The lease, negotiated by then-Penguins' owner Howard Baldwin in 1991 as part of his purchase of the team, was to have run until at least 2007.Markovitz was convinced that the lease was of no economic benefit to the team or its many creditors.Lemieux, in his proposal to take over the ailing franchise, did not want to pay more than $500,000 in rent. His group offered SMG $15 million to buy out the lease several weeks before Markovitz's ruling. SMG rejected that proposal, a move they might come to regret.SMG attorney Daniel Shapira said the Penguins would not be evicted from the arena and he did not think the ruling would affect SMG's plan to own the team with Fox SportsNet Pittsburgh, which televises Penguin games.That plan, however, had not been approved for a vote by creditors as of June 4. Lemieux's plan was the only one on the table. It called for a minimum cash infusion of $65 million and a new arena by 2003. Creditors are to vote on the plan June 17. It gained momentum in late May when Lemieux waved the right to $7.5 million in back wages and converted $20 million in back wages into equity in the team.&ldquo;We won't save the Pens without Mario Lemieux,&rdquo; said Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy.NOTEBOOK: About 100 Penguins' fans attended a Save the Penguins rally on the steps of the City County Building May 28. The rally was organized by Jason Karsh, a Los Angeles-area writer and die-hard Penguins fan who launched an Internet petition drive to save the bankrupt franchise. The drive garnered 63,000 signatures nation-wide and was presented to Mayor Tom Murphy&hellip;The Penguins' restricted free agents include forwards Alexei Kovalev, Martin Straka, Matthew Barnaby, Robert Lang and Kip Miller and defensemen Darius Kasparaitis. Jiri Slegr and Ian Moran. Straka made only $500,000. or a little more than one-third of the league's average salary of roughly $1.3 million. &#9632;

f0025-03

Judge's ruling gives Lemieux bid new life

<div class="byline">By Dave Luecklng</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-01989/7182687-1-eng-US/f0026-012.jpg" title="f0026-01" width="217" height="217"></div>Although Geoff Courtnail was able to return to the lineup after missing 57 games with post-concussion syndrome, the veteran St. Louis Blues' left winger plans to spend the off-season clearing his head.&ldquo;I'm sure my brain will welcome it,&rdquo; he said, with a laugh.Courtnail, 36, played the final three games of the regular season and all 13 playoff games, but said he didn't always feel quite right because of the post-concussion syndrome that had sidelined him for four months.&ldquo;I felt good when I was playing, but there were some days where I didn't feel 100 per cent,&rdquo; said Courtnail, who had five goals and 12 points in 24 regular season games and two goals and six points in the playoffs. &ldquo;Some days, I felt great. Other days, I felt sluggish. I felt things that I hadn't felt before.&rdquo;One feeling, in particular, troubled him.&ldquo;Sometimes, I had trouble really feeling intense,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Sometimes, I couldn't get it. It was like I couldn't get fired up for the games as much as 1 could in the past. Some nights, I felt great, like, 'Let's go.' It's weird. I used to feel fired up for every game.&rdquo;The reason for this change, Courtnail suspected, was the lingering effects of his concussion.&ldquo;It probably has something to do with my head,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;These four months off will give my head a chance to rest and get completely clear.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Defenseman Ricard Persson is expected to undergo surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back&hellip; Left winger Pascal Rheaume underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair a problem with recurrent dislocations&hellip;Defenseman Jeff Finley signed a two-year contract&hellip;Defenseman Marc Bergevin (abdominal surgery) and right winger Jim Campbell (groin surgery) are doing well in their rehabs, according to GM Larry Pleau&hellip;Although the Blues failed to advance beyond the second round, goalie Grant Fuhr noted they had company in their misery-the two-time Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. &ldquo;They spent more money to feel like this, that's the most positive thing,&rdquo; Fuhr said. &#9632;

f0026-01

Summer gives Courtnail time to shake off head injury

<div class="byline">By Dan Wood</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-03528/7182718-1-eng-US/f0026-032.jpg" title="f0026-03" width="458" height="608"><figcaption class="caption-body">Vince Damohousse</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-02666/7182725-1-eng-US/f0026-022.jpg" title="f0026-02" width="218" height="216"></div>As June 1 came and went, the San Jose Sharks neared a self-imposed deadline for resigning potential unrestricted free-agent center Vincent Damphousse.While the Sharks maintain exclusive negotiating rights to Damphousse until July 1, they want the situation resolved in short order.If San Jose doesn't get Damphousse's signature on a new contract, GM Dean Lombardi planned to pursue trade options before the June 26 entry draft.&ldquo;I don't think there's any question (Damphousse) would like to play for us, but everything has a price, 1 guess,&rdquo; Lombardi said.Through agent Bob Sauve, Damphousse, 31, submitted two contract proposals to the Sharks. One was for a five-year deal, the other for four. Both reportedly included annual salaries in the $5-million range.&ldquo;It's more than we expected,&rdquo; Lombardi said. &ldquo;Then again, the way things are going in this market, nothing really surprises me anymore.&rdquo;Damphousse, whom San Jose acquired in a deadline-day trade March 23 from the Canadiens, earned $3,275 million last season.Sharks' management spent more than a week huddling to determine the organization's strategy regarding Damphousse. Among the matters weighed was whether meeting Damphousse's asking price would handcuff the club's ability to pursue another top-flight player, either via a trade or free agency.Damphousse completed last season with 19 goals and 49 points in 77 games, his lowest fullseason point total in 11 years.After struggling with Montreal, Damphousse had 18 points, including 10 goals, in 18 regular season and playoff games with the Sharks.NOTEBOOK: The Sharks signed right winger Adam Colagiacomo, a 1997 fourth-round draft pick, just before the June 1 NHL deadline. Colagiacomo, 20, would have gone back into the draft this year had he not signed&hellip;San Jose was unable to come to terms with rugged right winger Adam Nittel. a fifth-round pick in 1997&hellip;Defenseman Brad Stuart and right winger Jonathan Cheechoo. San Jose's top two selections in the 1998 entry draft, received medical clearance after being injured during the Memorial Cup. Stuart, who sustained a concussion while playing for Calgary (Western League), and Cheechoo, who suffered a sprained knee with Belleville (Ontario League), were both expected to be ready for training camp. &#9632;

f0026-03

Sharks aim for Damphousse, but not sure he's affordable

<div class="byline">By Tim Buckley</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-04374/7182756-1-eng-US/f0026-042.jpg" title="f0026-04" width="217" height="212"></div>The Bill Davidson era in Tampa Bay is underway&hellip; well, almost.The NHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale of the Tampa Bay Lightning and its lease to the Ice Palace from Art Williams to a group led by Davidson May 20.But before Davidson and his Palace Sports & Entertainment Inc. group take control, the deal-worth approximately $115 million-must close. That should happen by July 1.&ldquo;We're extremely pleased to have the approval of the NHL&hellip;and we're excited about working with the Art Williams group to close the sale so we can start preparing for next season,&rdquo; said Tom Wilson, Davidson's point man on the purchase and the Lightning's next governor.After approval was granted, Wilson fended off rumors Ottawa Senators' GM Rick Dudley would become Lightning president and/or GM. Dudley has ties to the Palace group, working previously as GM of the International League's Davidson-owned Detroit Vipers. When Davidson nearly bought the Lightning last year, Dudley was reported to be in line for the GM's job then and Vipers' coach Steve Ludzig apparently was the top candidate to coach the Lightning.The Lightning's new owners-to-be supposedly spoke with the Senators about allowing Dudley out of his contract in Ottawa so he could come to Tampa Bay, but the deal reportedly hit a roadblock when the Senators insisted on an impact player-perhaps Lightning captain Rob Zamuner or leading scorer Darcy Tucker-as compensation for letting Dudley go.Once the sale closes, the Lightning's front office will be permitted to sign various restricted free agents who have already agreed to new contract terms and a decision will be made regarding the dual titles held by coach-GM Jacques Demers.Demers wants to continue working both jobs, but it remains uncertain if the new owners will allow that.NOTEBOOK: Former Los Angeles coach Larry Robinson met with the Lightning regarding an assistant coaching position before taking a job with New Jersey&hellip; Retired defenseman Kjell Samuelsson may be hired to help tutor Tampa Bay's defense, while assistant John Cullen, whose contract is expiring, has expressed a desire to return&hellip;Despite being dealt to Detroit, ex-Lightning goalie Bill Ranford twice flew to Tampa on off-days before the Wings were eliminated to honor previously planned charity obligations. Because Detroit opted to buy out the final year of Ranford's contract, the Lightning are on the hook for the $2-million buyout cost as part of an agreement made when the trade was completed. &#9632;

f0026-04

Davidson prepares to start new era

<div class="byline">By Elliott Pap</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-06225/7182787-1-eng-US/f0026-062.jpg" title="f0026-06" width="456" height="606"><figcaption class="caption-body">Patrik Stefan</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-05274/7182794-1-eng-US/f0026-052.jpg" title="f0026-05" width="217" height="216"></div>Vancouver Canucks' GM Brian Burke doesn't appear to be keeping secret his desire to draft Czech center Patrik Stefan.Burke and his scouting staff are very high on the 6-foot-2 Long Beach Ice Dog (International League) despite the two concussions that have seen Stefan's stock take a slight dip. The Hockey News projects Stefan to go at No. 3, which is where Vancouver will select June 26 in Boston (barring any trades).&ldquo;If he's there at three, then we're taking him,&rdquo; Burke said. &ldquo;But, frankly, I don't think he will be there.&rdquo;The Canuck GM seemed unfazed by Stefan's injuries and is attempting to trade up to make sure he can select him. With the Tampa Bay Lightning most likely to pick right winger Pavel Brendl, Burke may only have to swap spots with the Atlanta Thrashers.&ldquo;We have some indication Stefan's injury is not as severe as initially reported, but if he drops to three, that's a lovely problem for us,&rdquo; Burke said. &ldquo;This kid is a pretty special player and the medical reports are going to have to be pretty damaging before we'd pass on him.&rdquo;If Burke can't pull off a deal that will net Stefan, there is always the possibility he will try for both Sedin twins, though he doesn't believe that's a likely scenario. He is assured of getting at least one if Brendl and Stefan go 1-2. He also insisted he will not trade away his pick to enable someone else to select both Sedins. Daniel Sedin is rated No. 2 by THN and brother Henrik No. 4.Burke is apparently willing to part with robust defenseman Bryan McCabe to make some noise in Boston. Defense is the only position where Vancouver has any depth, especially with the recent signings of 1998 first-rounder Bryan Allen and 1997 second-rounder Ryan Bonni.NOTEBOOK: The Canucks signed 1997 second-round pick Harold Druken, a center, three hours before the June 1 deadline or he would have re-entered the draft&hellip;GM Brian Burke admitted holding extensive talks with the Islanders about re-acquiring center Trevor Linden. However, Burke would not part with his 1999 first-round pick (No. 3 overall), nor did he like the $15-million (U.S.) it took to lock up Linden for four years&hellip;Rookie defenseman Bryan Allen received the full cap of $975,000 (U.S.). In the first two years of his deal, he will be paid $487,500 in the form of a signing bonus and an equal amount in salary. In the final year, he will receive all his money in salary, setting him up for a nice qualifying offer heading into his second contract. &#9632;

f0026-06

Burke hoping for Stefan with No. 3 overall choice

<div class="byline">By Dave Fay</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-07197/7182825-1-eng-US/f0026-072.jpg" title="f0026-07" width="216" height="212"></div>When the Washington Capitals begin play this fall, they will be owned by somebody other than Abe Pollin, the man who gave the team life at the start of the 1974-75 season.Pollin has sold 100 per cent of the Caps and pieces of the remainder of his sports empire to a three-man group headed by Ted Leonsis, an executive with America Online. Others are Jonathan Ledecky, a Washington entrepreneur, and commercial real estate developer Dick Patrick. The sale includes minority ownership in the NBA Washington Wizards and the 18-month-old MCI Center.The sale price is believed to be between $150 million and $200 million, with the Caps going for $85 million. Patrick-part of hockey's royal family-had been involved with Pollin as a limited partner since 1982 and will continue as team president, but will also take a more active role in running the team.News of the sale was greeted enthusiastically by Washington area fans, many of whom felt they had been treated shabbily during recent years as the team moved from its original home, the Capital Centre in suburban Landover, Md., to the new downtown location. Washington Sports and Entertainment, the marketing and ticket-selling arm of Polliris empire, actively courted corporate and governmental accounts while paying less attention to individual ticket buyers.NOTEBOOK: The Caps decided to allow defenseman Nick Boynton, the team's first-round pick in 1997 (ninth overall), to re-enter the draft. GM George McPhee said he could not come to a contract agreement with Anton Thun. Boynton's agent. McPhee also said Chicago, which was willing to trade for Boynton's rights, also failed to reach an agreement with the Ottawa 67's blueliner&hellip;The Caps pick up a compensatory second-round pick (37th) for Boynton, which gives the club one first-round pick (seventh) and four in the second round&hellip;Washington hired former NHL goalie Glen Hanlon as coach of the Portland Pirates (American League). Hanlon had been a coach in the Vancouver system the past five seasons. &#9632;

f0026-07

Sale of Capitals to group meets with fan approval

<div class="byline">By John Packett</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0027-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-01937/7182863-1-eng-US/f0027-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Kevin Hilton scored in double overtime of Game 7 giving Mississippi the Kelly Cup.</figcaption></div>Want to know how the Mississippi Sea Wolves surprised the rest of the East Coast League by winning the Kelly Cup?Consider one little vignette that occurred against the Pee Dee Pride in the Southern Conference final.During the second overtime period, Sea Wolves' goaltender Travis Scott became ill and started vomiting in the crease.&ldquo;I had 51 shots on me the night before and I was feeling the effects of it,&rdquo; said Scott, who refused to leave his post even though he was sick and dehydrated. &ldquo;It was bad at the time. I really wasn't feeling that well, but I couldn't do that to Chuck (Thuss, backup goalie) or the team or to myself.&ldquo;I knew if I had five or six minutes to get some air and some wind, I'd be all right.&rdquo;Scott stayed in the game and even though Mississippi lost in the third overtime period, the Sea Wolves took the series 4-1 and carried that never-say-die attitude into the Kelly Cup final, where they rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Richmond Renegades 4-3 for the ECHL championship.Scott was named playoff MVP after the Sea Wolves capped their comeback when Kevin Hilton scored a power-play goal at 10:31 of the second overtime in Game 7 before a sellout crowd of 9,150 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss., May 30.A 6-foot-2, 185-pound native of Kanata, Ont., Scott finished the playoffs with a 14-4 record and 2.01 goals-against average, outdueling Richmond s Maxime Gingras, who went 12-5 with a 2.31 average and playoff-record five shutouts in leading the Renegades to their second ECHL final.Ricnmono appeared tieaaed tor its second title when the Renegades took a 3-1 lead with a 1-0 victory in Game 4.&ldquo;After that game, Bruce (Boudreau, Mississippi coach) came in the dressing room and we I were all down and hanging our heads,&rdquo; said Hilton, who had four game-winning goals in the playoffs. &ldquo;He asked us, 'Does anyone in this locker room think this series is over?'&ldquo;He looked at every one of us and every one I of us said, 'No.' Then he said, 'Because I sure as hell don't.'&rdquo;The Sea Wolves proceeded to become the first I team in ECHL history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals.Mississippi won the next two games, including a 7-3 decision in Richmond in Game 6, but I found itself trailing 3-1 going into the third period of Game 7.&ldquo;I came into the dressing room knowing I Richmond hadn't lost a game leading after two periods (in the playoffs) and they're such a good defensive team,&rdquo; Boudreau said.&ldquo;But the guys were all sitting there believing they could win.&rdquo; 1Goals by Kelly Hurd and Bob Woods, the second coming with only 2:23 remaining, forced overtime.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-02598/7182856-1-eng-US/f0027-022.jpg" title="f0027-02" width="510" height="528"></div>It was the sixth extra session of the playoffs for Mississippi, which went 5-1 to set a league record for most overtime wins in one playoff season.&ldquo;In the dressing room before the first overtime, guys said, 'We've been here before, we know what it takes,'&rdquo; Hilton said. &ldquo;I think (Richmond) had played only one overtime game. So we definitely had more experience at it than they did.&rdquo;Prior to this season, however, the Sea Wolves had very little playoff experience. Mississippi had never won a playoff game before this year. The Sea Wolves were swept by the Birmingham Bulls in their first season of existence (1996-97) and didn't make the playoffs last year.&ldquo;If there was ever a time when you should award two trophies to the champion, I think both teams deserved it,&rdquo; Boudreau said. &#9632;

f0027-01

Sea Wolves claim ECHL title

<div class="byline">By Brendan Savage</div>It took one of the greatest playoff comebacks in United League history to topple a budding dynasty.The visiting Muskegon Fury won their first Colonial Cup May 14 by scoring four unanswered goals in the final 13 minutes of Game 6 to rally for a stunning 6-5 victory over the twotime defending champion Quad City Mallards. The Fury took the best-of-seven series 4-2.Muskegon defenseman John Vary scored a power-play goal with 19.2 seconds remaining for his first career hat trick while also capping a rally that saw the Fury erase a 5-2 deficit in the final 12:41.&ldquo;We were trying not to get down, to stay positive and stay focused,&rdquo; Vary said. &ldquo;The biggest thing is they didn't expect us to keep coming at them. But that's the strength of this team.&rdquo;Steve Gibson's second goal of the game early in the third gave Quad City a 5-2 lead and all indications pointed toward a Game 7 showdown the following night in Muskegon.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-03396/7182901-1-eng-US/f0027-032.jpg" title="f0027-03" width="411" height="586"><figcaption class="caption-body">John Vary</figcaption></div>But the Fury's Chad Grills, who lost in the league final to Quad City while with the Flint Generals the previous two seasons, scored at 7:19 of the third period to start the comeback. Defenseman Vadim Podrezov made it 5-4 with less than six minutes left, Paul Willett tied it at 17:15 and Vary connected after Quad City's Kevin Kerr was whistled for slashing Joakim Wassberger with 45 seconds to play.&ldquo;What happened was our team wasn't willing to pay the price,&rdquo; said Quad City coach Paul Gillis, whose club had won eight straight playoff series. &ldquo;We took bad penalties and retaliated. We didn't have the discipline to win.&rdquo;Indeed, Muskegon tallied four times on the power play in Game 6 after going 3-for-43 in the first five games of the series.The Fury, who also won the regular-season championship by finishing one point ahead of Quad City, captured Muskegon's first title since the Lumberjacks won the International League crown 10 years ago.It was the second straight championship for Fury coach Rich Kromm, who was an assistant with the Chicago Wolves when they won the IHL's Turner Cup last spring.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-04269/7182894-1-eng-US/f0027-042.jpg" title="f0027-04" width="410" height="589"><figcaption class="caption-body">Chad Grills</figcaption></div>None of Muskegon's players gained more satisfaction from the title than Grills, who was playing in the finals for the fourth straight year and didn't join the Fury until being traded in February.&ldquo;This is the greatest feeling, even though we won it in Flint (in 1996),&rdquo; Grills said. &ldquo;All we said was get the puck to the net. What a comeback.&rdquo;Muskegon center Sergei Kharin. the UHL's oldest player at 36, was the playoff MVP after finishing with seven goals and 24 points in 18 games. In the finals, Kharin had two goals and four assists, including three helpers in Game 6.Quad City, which set UHL records this year with three straight seasons of at least 50 wins and 100 points, was seeking to become the first team in the league's eight-year history to win three straight Colonial Cups. &#9632;

f0027-03

Fury-ous rally gives Muskegon Colonial Cup

<div class="byline">By Kevin lole</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0028-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-02652/7182963-1-eng-US/f0028-022.jpg"></div>A strange situation is brewing in Cleveland, where the Lumberjacks will have not one, not two, but three head coaches next season. Or, as the 'Jacks are calling Perry Ganchar, Phil Russell and Blair MacDonald, co-coaches.Owner-GM Larry Gordon opted to make the moves after Cleveland missed the playoffs.Ganchar was the coach-by himself-for the past two seasons, but will now share the workload with Russell and MacDonald, who once before coached the Lumberjacks.MacDonald was the coach and Russell his assistant in Muskegon, Mich., in 1987-88, leading the Jacks to a 57-18-7 mark and the Turner Cup championship. They were named the league s Coaches ot the Year that season.&ldquo;We have put together something very unique in hockey,&rdquo; Gordon said. &ldquo;We are supplying players with the guidance and coaching that they would normally not receive until they reached the NHL. The backgrounds of this staff will be a tremendous asset in the development of our players.&rdquo;Gordon also severed his working relationship with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning were purchased by Detroit Vipers' owner William Davidson in March and will affiliate with the Vipers next season.Also, the Lumberjacks signed veteran forward Jock Callander to a one-year extension in the hope that he will become the IHL's all-time leading scorer in a Cleveland uniform.Callander, 38, has 1,366 IHL points, trailing only Len Thomson, who has 1,382.WISEMAN WINS MVP: Houston Aeros Brian Wiseman won the scoring championship and led the team to the league's best regular season record, resulting in his winning the Gatschene Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP.Wiseman, 27, had 21 goals, a league-high 81 assists and 109 points, along with a 15-game scoring streak. Chicago Wolves' Steve Maltais was second in the voting done by league coaches.OTHER AWARDS: Wiseman wasn't the only Houston player honored. Greg Hawgood won the Governor's Trophy as the top defenseman, Dave Tippett was named coach of the year and left winger Jeff Christian won the John Cullen Trophy as comeback player of the year.Tippett led Houston to the league's top record (54-15-13). Christian missed more than half of 1997-98 with a back injury, but rebounded to post career-highs in goals (45) and points (86).Michigan K-Wings' goalie Marty Turco was top rookie. He had a 24-17-10 record, 2.61 goals-against average and .920 save percentage.Milwaukee Admirals' winger Mark Mowers, who had 14 goals and 36 points in 51 games, was the league's top American-born rookie, winning the Ken McKenzie Trophy. The award is named after the co-founder of The Hockey News.BOURNE AGAIN: The Utah Grizzlies hired exassistant coach Bob Bourne as their new coach-GM, replacing Butch Goring, who became coach of the New York Islanders.Bourne had a fine performance despite a mediocre team with Las Vegas, leading the Thunder to a 35-39-8 record. He became available when Las Vegas' franchise decided not to play next season and be inactive.I-OPENERS: Manitoba's captain Scott Amiel retired after 18 pro seasons and may become the Moose's assistant coach. Gilbert Delorme, who held that post last season, resigned to take a job with the expansion Montreal Rocket of the Quebec League&hellip;The Victoria Spiders secured their needed $55 million (U.S.) in financing and, pending approval from the city, can start construction on the Pacific Coast Net Place and begin play in 2001-02. The franchise has been inactive since the end of 1995-96, when it was in San Francisco.<h2>IHL PLAYOFFS &#9632;</h2>

f0028-02

Cleveland to experiment with bench triumvirate

<div class="byline">By John Packett</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0028-03" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-03466/7182994-1-eng-US/f0028-032.jpg"></div>Another East Coast League team has felt the sting of a stiff fine for salary cap violations.The Tallahassee Tiger Sharks became the fourth team in the past three years to be slapped with a major fine by ECHL president and CEO Rick Adams. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, the violations included illegal signing bonuses, incentive bonuses and a cash fund that was raised through merchandise raffles at the Leon County Civic Center.The league doesn't announce the amount of its fines but the Democrat said the Tiger Sharks were fined $30,000. Jeff Brubaker, the team's coach and director of operations, was fined an additional $1,000.Adams said Tallahassee was spared the maxi mum fine of $50,000 because it was a &ldquo;first-time offender&rdquo; and cooperated fully in the investigation. It also puts Tallahassee in a situation where any future offenses will result in even stiffer penalties, Adams said.&ldquo;I am surprised and disappointed it happened and it is our intention to prevent this from happening again,&rdquo; said co-owner David Elmore, whose club joined the South Carolinatingrays, Louisiana IceGators and Pensacola Ice Pilots as salary cap violators who have been fined by the league.In another team development, Larry Kish was expected to be named GM of the Tiger Sharks. He served as vice president and GM of the New Orleans Brass for the past two seasons. Prior to that, Kish was GM for the Raleigh IceCaps and Wheeling Nailers.COACHING CHANGE: lacksonville Lizard Kings' coach Brian Curran resigned May 25 to return to Monroe (La.), where he will direct the Moccasins of the Western Pro League.Curran guided the Lizard Kings to a 35-33-2 record and a berth in the playoffs during his one season in Jacksonville. The Lizard Kings lost 20 to New Orleans in the wild card round. Curran was a player-assistant coach for the Moccasins in 1997-98 and his wife is from Monroe.The Lizard Kings lost another member of the front office when Shawn Hegan, vice president of business operations, resigned.COAST LINES: Tommy Benizio has returned to the Roanoke Express as GM. He served as the team's marketing director in 199697. Benizio replaces Tony Mancuso, who resigned in April.<h2>ECHL PLAYOFFS &#9632;</h2>

f0028-03

Salary cap cops come down hard on Tiger Sharks

<div class="byline">By Rick Mayoh</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0029-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-01864/7183025-1-eng-US/f0029-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">CUP CHAMPS: Ottawa left winger Ma Zultek netsRhe GT winne against Calgary goalie Alexandre Fomitchev. (Photo by Canapres)</figcaption></div>As they joyously cannonballed into the Rideau Canal in their long underwear-after first gulping from the Memorial Cup, of course-many of the Ottawa 67's realized the most important accomplishment of their careers was already behind them.&ldquo;It's probably going to be the biggest goal of my life,&rdquo; said Los Angeles Kings' 1997 first-round pick Matt Zultek, reflecting on the goal that decided the 81st major junior championship by the narrowest of margins.His backhand under the glove of acrobatic Calgary Hitmen goalie Alexandre Fomitchev 1:58 into overtime ignited a celebratory explosion in Ottawa's 10,525-seat Civic Centre, capping a thrilling 7-6 shootout between two of junior hockey's finest defensive teams May 23.&ldquo;Someone in this room will be a hero,&rdquo; was Ottawa coach-GM Brian Kilrea's dressing-room exhortation before overtime. It is fitting it was Zultek who clinched the second national title in Kilrea's 23 years with the club. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound left winger, who did not sign with the Kings and is going back into the June 26 draft along with teammate Nick Boynton, had told Kilrea during the game he was so nervous, he couldn't shoot.&ldquo;Don't worry about it,&rdquo; came the response from the winningest coach in junior hockey, who will return for at least one more season. &ldquo;I'm so nervous I just called a guy's name to go out on the ice and I cut him three years ago.&rdquo;Boynton, the tournament MVP and 67's captain, said the team dedicated the Cup to Kilrea.&ldquo;Next to my parents, he has been the most important person in my life,&rdquo; said the Washington Capitals' 1997 first-rounder. &ldquo;It's like we're his kids. This bonds the team together for life.&rdquo;But not everyone shared in the elation of the perennially well-disciplined 67's. The tournament's host team was dubbed 'The Bank Street Bullies' during the nine-day competition, which drew a Cup-record 84,200 fans.&ldquo;They have some good players,&rdquo; Hitmen coach Dean Clark told the Calgary Herald. &ldquo;But they ran over (Quebec League champion Acadie-Bathurst Titan goalie Roberto) Luongo about four times. They took out (Calgary star defenseman Brad) Stuart (with a Lance Galbraith elbow) in our game. They took out (Ontario League champion Belleville Bulls' top scorer Justin) Papineau (with a Luke Sellars' elbow). I don't think there's any place for that.&rdquo;Galbraith was suspended two games and Sellars one. Both apologized, saying they didn't intend to hurt their opponents. But both played in the final while San Jose first-rounder Stuart, possibly the WHL's best defenseman, sat out with a concussion and that could have been the difference.The imposing Hitmen, with only three skaters under six feet, couldn't seem to find their best game on the ice, despite possessing the tournament's top power play and penalty-killing units.Meanwhile, the 67's journey to Ottawa's third Cup (67's 1984, Ottawa-Hull Canadiens 1958) was, as the Grateful Dead sang, a long, strange trip.The anatomy of this Cup win goes back to Kilrea's rebound from health problems and his return from a one-year coaching retirement in 1994-95, when the 67's finished in last place under former Ottawa star and rookie coach Peter Lee.The 67's vaulted to a surprising division pennant in 1995-96, came within two wins of the 1997 Memorial Cup, before losing the OHL final to the Oshawa Generals and then fell to Guelph in the 1998 final.The stars were aligned properly for the 67's this season. In THN's major junior season preview issue (Sept. 25, 1998), Ottawa was picked to win the Memorial Cup. We had Calgary rated No. 4.Ottawa was one of the Canadian Hockey League's top-ranked teams the past three years and the OHL's best when new owner Jeff Hunt won the right to host the Cup after 40 games this season.But then injuries to Jeremy Van Hoof and Sellars on the blueline took their toll. OHL MVP and top defenseman Brian Campbell also missed six games. After Belleville's gritty, perpetual-motion machine sidelined the 67's in five games during the second round, many dismissed Ottawa's Cup prospects. A five-week layoff, the longest ever by a host club, appeared to be insurmountable, no matter how creative Kilrea's drills were.&ldquo;We got healthy, so I guess it helped us,&rdquo; Kil-rea said.There also was the matter of Chicago Blackhawks' 1998 first-rounder Mark Bell and Boynton being charged with assault following an alleged incident involving a cab driver three weeks before the competition began.Ultimately, this is a story about winning ugly. Ottawa blew a 4-0 lead against Belleville in a 5-4 double-overtime loss during the round-robin. Belleville won five of its last seven games in a fierce, 15-game rivalry against Ottawa this season, but the 67's ground out the one that mattered most, a 4-2 decision in the Cup semifinal.Ottawa also squandered a 4-1 advantage in the championship game.But nobody can question the 67's relentless search for a way to win. The team with the bye had won eight of the previous nine Cups.Although Ottawa's sputtering first line of Zultek, Bell and Cup scoring champion Justin Davis cranked it up with 11 points in the final, it was third-line center Joe Talbot who epitomized that desire throughout the competition. Talbot claimed a spot on the all-star team after finishing fourth in Cup scoring and striking twice shorthanded.He couldn't savor the win long. Reality closes in quickly on junior players.&ldquo;I wish I could stay here and party with the boys, but I have to work (assembling sheds in Sudbury) and the family needs the vehicle I have,&rdquo; he said, one night after the final. &#9632;

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Hosts with the most

<div class="byline">-Rick Mayoh</div>Ottawa's Memorial Cup win is the first by a non-league champion host team since 1993, when Ontario League finalist Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds captured the Cup by beating the Peterborough Petes 4-2 in the final.This season, the 67's (48-13-7) won the Ontario League's East Division and finished one point behind the Barrie Colts (49-13-6) for the Eastern Conference pennant, before falling to the Belleville Bulls in five games in the conference semifinal.The Cup's round-robin format, involving the champions of the Quebec, Ontario and Western Leagues, began in Ottawa in 1972. Orval Tessier's Cornwall (Ont.) Royals, backstopped by Richard Brodeur, defeated Roger Neilson's Petes 2-1 in the championship. Although Cornwall was the QMJHL champion, it was not allowed to participate in the Ontario or Quebec drafts and iced a team consisting mostly of free agents and waived players.Ottawa's first Cup champion, the 1958 Ottawa-Hull Canadiens, featured future Montreal stars Ralph Backstrom, Bobby Rousseau and Gilles and J.C. Tremblay. The club was coached by Scotty Bowman and managed by Sam Pollock.EMPTY-NET BYE: The Calgary Hitmen gained the bye into the Cup final based on Brad Moran's empty-net goal in a 3-1 win over the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, the first Maritime major junior team to compete in the tournament.If Moran had not scored the empty-netter in the final minute, Ottawa would have received the bye based on a goal-differential formula. Calgary, Ottawa and Belleville completed the round-robin with 2-1 records. The club with the bye had won the previous six Cups.The team with the highest percentage after goals scored were divided by the sum of goals scored and goals allowed advanced. Calgary's ratio was .611, Ottawa's .591 and Belleville's .524. But without Moran's goal, Calgary's ratio dropped to .588. &#9632;

Non-chamoion' 67's duplicate feat of 1993 Greyhound

<div class="byline">By Rob Vanstone</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0030-04" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-04312/7183087-1-eng-US/f0030-042.jpg"></div>The Kamloops Blazers have severed ties with coach Marc Habscheid after an immensely successful 1998-99 season. Blazers' GM Mike Moore announced June 1 the Western League team would not renew Habscheid's contract.Habscheid, 36, guided Kamloops to a 48-11-13 record and the Western Conference title, before losing in the league final to the Calgary Hitmen.&ldquo;The organization is in a rebuilding phase with the potential loss of 10 veterans,&rdquo; Moore said. &ldquo;We have a two-or three-year period in which we will be developing our youth. We were unable to gain a confidence in Marc's ability to commit to this time frame. He has other aspirations to move along in his career.&rdquo;Moore said he had the impression Habscheid coveted a job in the pro ranks. Habscheid indicated such an ascent is not his top priority.&ldquo;I love the WHL,&rdquo; Habscheid said. &ldquo;It's a great league and I'm not above it. I'd love to get back into this league.&rdquo;He had a .646 winning percentage over two seasons in Kamloops.Habscheid was informed of the Blazers' decision one day after his two-year contract expired.&ldquo;1 was surprised, but there's no sour grapes at all,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It's a business and they're entitled to do what they want.&rdquo;SUTTER IN CHARGE: Former NHLer Brent Sutter assumed ownership of the Red Deer Rebels May 31, purchasing the franchise from the Simpson brothers-Terry and Wayne.Terms of the deal were not disclosed, although the salnric is rumored to be in the $3-million (Cdn.) range. The Simpsons paid a $500,000 expansion fee for the Rebels, who made their debut in 1992-93.Sutter will succeed Terry Simpson as coach and director of operations. Wayne Simpson will remain GM until July 15 to help with the transition. Assistant coach Peter Anholt will be retained.&ldquo;I'm really excited about this,&rdquo; said Sutter, 37, who resides near Sylvan Lake, Alta. &ldquo;I've lived around Red Deer in the summer months. It has always been my home away from home.&rdquo;Sutter, who played for the New York Islanders and Chicago Blackhawks, had 363 goals and 829 points in 1,111 games before retiring after 199798. He spent last year scouting for Chicago.NOTEBOOK: Calgary coach Dean Clark has been rewarded with a three-year contract extension after guiding the Hitmen to the WHL title&hellip;Calgary center Brad Moran had at least one point in each of 21 post-season games. He was named playoff MVP&hellip;The Prince Albert Raiders extended coach Kevin McClelland's contract through 2001-02. GM Rick Valette signed another three-year deal.<h2>PLAYOFFS</h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-02651/7183080-1-eng-US/f0030-022.jpg" title="f0030-02" width="764" height="915"><figcaption class="caption-body">Montreal's offense will be led by center Alain O'Driscoll.</figcaption></div> &#9632;

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Kamloops cuts ties with Habscheid

<div class="byline">By Gordie Sutherland</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0030-05" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-05229/7183118-1-eng-US/f0030-052.jpg"></div>The Montreal Rocket won't be intimidated.The Quebec League's newest team may be a little shy on talent for its inaugural season in 1999-2000, but the Rocket will have an abundance of toughness thanks to its selections during the May 26 expansion draft.Benoit Beausoleil from the Acadie-Bathurst Titan and Jacques Lariviere from the Moncton Wildcats were among the tough wingers drafted by Rocket GM Serge Savard Jr.&ldquo;A lot of teams are looking for players like Beausoleil and Lariviere,&rdquo; said Savard, who plucked two players from each of the league's existing 15 teams. &ldquo;If you look at last year, there were a few teams with a lot of talent, but they had a tough time on the road. They were getting pushed around.&rdquo;Savard also nabbed a legitimate scorer and a proven goalie, taking center Alain O'Driscoll from the Titan and netmindei Frederik Brind'Amour from the Sherbrooke Castors.The two are among seven Montreal players who are eligible to return as overagers. The Rocket is permitted to use five 20-year-olds in its first season, instead of the standard three.O'Driscoll scored 35 goals and 77 points this season while Brind'Amour had a 3.51 goals-against average in 2,788 minutes.Twenty-year-old winger Randy Copley from the RouynNoranda Huskies is another notable pick, though the New York Rangers' prospect may turn pro.HOSTS PREPARE: The Halifax Mooseheads need a makeover if they hope to win the Memorial Cup on home ice next May.The rebuilding began with the signing of overage defenseman Joe DiPenta, who spent the past two years with the Boston University Terriers and was to return there as the team's co-captain next season. Halifax coach Bob Mongrain relentlessly pursued DiPenta since last Christmas.&ldquo;I said, 'Get ready for 40 minutes a game,'&rdquo; Mongrain said.The Mooseheads drafted DiPenta in 1996 and the NHL's Florida Panthers selected him 61st overall in 1998. He's from Cole Harbour, N.S., a 20-minute drive from Halifax.BLANKED AT CUP: Owner Leo-Guy Morrissette called the Titan his best team in 15 years of junior, but the QMJHL champs failed to win a game at the Memorial Cup in Ottawa.Bathurst was outscored 12-3 in losses to the host Ottawa 67's, Belleville Bulls and Calgary Hitmen.The Titan, however, can take some solace in becoming the first Maritime team to win a league title.NOTEBOOK: Montreal has hired Daniele Sauvageau as a part-time assistant coach. She was let go by the national women's team at the end of the season&hellip;The Drummondville Voltigeurs hired Michel Georges as their GM in May. Georges is the formet GM with the Vai d'Or Foreurs and replaces Gaston Drapeau.<h2>PLAYOFFS &#9632;</h2>

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Rocket launch season with physical touch

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0032-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-01959/7183156-1-eng-US/f0032-012.jpg"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-01976/7183149-1-eng-US/f0034-012.jpg" title="f0034-01" width="4289" height="936"></div> &#9632;

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IN THISD ISSUE

NHL STATISTICAL REPORT

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0034-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-02670/7183187-1-eng-US/f0034-022.jpg"></div> &#9632;

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NHL PLAYOFF GOALTENDING STATISTICS

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0036-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-01883/7183249-1-eng-US/f0036-012.jpg"></div> &#9632;

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NHL PLAYOFF STATISTICAL REPORT

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0038-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-01863/7183280-1-eng-US/f0038-012.jpg"></div> &#9632;

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AMERICAN LEAGUE

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0039-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-01811/7183311-1-eng-US/f0039-012.jpg"></div> &#9632;

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June 18, 1999

VEZINA TROPHY: BEST GOALIE

NHL ROSTERS AND TRANSACTIONS

Jagr stands alone

Hanlon leaves Canuck job for Pirates' coaching post