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November 19, 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.
Bourque’s future still uncertain; Allison forced to rest injured arm
If their first nine games were a night-mare, the next five were a sweet dream. Not until they tore the October page from their calendars did the Boston Bruins actually settle into something like reality, NHL-style. First, there was renewed speculation about the possible retirement of captain Ray Bourque, which was followed quickly by Boston’s first significant injury of 1999-2000. The Bruins handled both situations well, blocking them out during a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils Nov. 4 that extended their winning streak to five games after an 0-5-4-0 start. Bourque, 38, and in the last year of a contract extended in September, 1998, said after Boston’s playoff elimination in May he wouldn’t consider another extension until after this season. He made repeated comments to the same effect, but the…
Sens on lookout for help as two blueliners shelved
The Ottawa Senators’ blue-line took a big hit when defensemen Igor Kravchuk (injured knee) and Sami Salo (broken wrist) went down indefinitely. With two dependable rearguards side-lined for a lengthy period. GM Marshall Johnston was looking for help. Until he finds some, the four healthy veterans will have to pick up the slack. “When you lose two guys like that, you have to expect other people to play bigger roles,” said coach Jacques Martin. “The fortunate thing here is that most of the guys play the same amount of ice time. Other guys are going to have to step up.” The pressure is on regulars Wade Redden, Janne Laukkanen, Chris Phillips and Jason York. “Not having those two guys is definitely a big loss,” said Redden, who normally plays 20 minutes a game. “That’s…
Can sniper sustain his Savage attack?
Brian Savage, on his annual tear through the month of October, is enduring his own personal version of Groundhog Day-the movie where Bill Murray relives the same day over and over again. Savage’s October streaks have become second nature for Montreal Canadiens’ fans, who now shrug “been there, done that” when the right winger begins the regular season as one of the NHL’s best snipers. More than a quarter (30) of Savage’s 113 career goals have been scored before Halloween. The Sudbury, Ont., native was leading the NHL in goals through Oct. 31 with 10 in 12 games. Overall, he had 10 goals and 16 points in 14 games. Savage has been the lone bright spot among Montreal’s red light-fearing forwards (1.79 goals per game, last in NHL), scoring 40 per cent…
Canucks successful on ice, but struggling at turnstiles
Although the Vancouver Canucks were up in the standings, sitting first in the Northwest Division in early November, their attendance was down dramatically at GM Place. The Canucks, despite a 7-4-2-1 start, drew the four smallest crowds in the five-year history of the facility during October, hitting a new low Oct. 30 against the Nashville Predators with only 11,793 in the pews. They also attracted just 12,693 for the Calgary Flames, 13,321 for the Chicago Blackhawks and 13,701 for the Carolina Hurricanes. Capacity is 18,422. Overall, they were averaging 14,236, down nearly 1,000 fans a game from this time last season (15,190). Their single-game low prior to this season was 13,906, set a year ago. “I don’t think the Vancouver Canucks can chastise the fans for not coming when we’ve given them so…
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