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October 22, 1999
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
Experts, Bruins both look bad
One national publication picked the Boston Bruins to finish first in their conference and make it to the Stanley Cup final this season. Other prognosticators have ranked the team to wind up among the best in the league. However, if that is going to happen, a great many factors are going to have to change. The Bruins stumbled badly out of the gate, losing their first three games. It is the worst start by the team since the 1965-66 season and is only the seventh time in club history they have begun the year 0-3-0. The day after the Bruins' 4-3 loss to the Senators in Ottawa Oct. 7, in which the Bruins blew a 3-1 lead, the tension in the air was thick at the club's workout. Coach Pat Bums lit…
Shannon enjoying important roll
By the end of last season, Darryl Shannon was considered a spare part on a near-title team. This year, he is a vital piece of an expansion franchise. A move up or a move down? It’s all a matter of perspective. “I wasn’t happy to be unprotected in the expansion draft, but I was very happy to get the opportunity to come here,” said the Atlanta Thrashers’ defenseman. “I was happy to leave a situation where I wasn’t wanted.” The thought of a relatively balmy January after NHL stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and Buffalo also had its appeal. The Sabres’ decision to protect younger, speedier defensemen ahead of Shannon in the June expansion draft is paying early dividends in Atlanta. Shannon had a solid training camp and pre-season and stood out in the team’s…
Healthy lineup gives coach Wilson options
Line combinations for Washington sometimes didn't last a full period last season, never mind a complete game. Ineffective play was one cause, but the primary one was a devastating series of injuries which shredded the Capitals. This season, coach Ron Wilson is dealing with the luxury of having healthy bodies tripping over each other. That presents Wilson with the opportunity to alter lines or defensive pairings when he sees a chance to improve the team, which is precisely what happened after Washington's season opener, a 4-3 loss to the Panthers in Florida. The changes cost rookie Glen Metropolit his job. The 25-year-old center was out of position and couldn't keep up with speedy linemate Peter Bondra. Metropolit, whose performance in training camp earned him an NHL shot, was assigned to Portland of…
Valicevic finally earns shot at 28
There was a time, not so long ago, when Rob Valicevic looked at his hockey career and thought, “Maybe I should move on, concentrate on taking care of my family and find something else.” His patience was running out. He had ridden the buses in the East Coast League, had played in the American and International Leagues, had waited and waited for his chance. Valicevic didn’t debut in the NHL until last year and didn’t know what the future held for him in Nashville when the 1998-99 season ended. “You think about it, you wonder if there is going to be a spot for you somewhere,” Valicevic said. “For everyone who plays the game, the NHL is the dream. It just takes longer for some of us.” The 28-year-old’s time appears to have arrived.…
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