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January 28, 2000
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.
GM Holland pulls Larionov deal off table, future with team unsure
Blame the changing economics in hockey and on the Detroit Red Wings, which is what GM Ken Holland did. Or point to a recent slump that cast doubt on Igor Larionov’s continued effectiveness. What is clear is negotiations have ended between the Red Wings and Larionov, the 39-year-old Russian legend, just as he was on the verge of signing a two-year, $4.3-million contract extension. “There’s been a stoppage in my contract,” an unusually terse Larionov said. “I’m not happy about it. That’s all I can say now.” His future with Detroit is uncertain at best. “The talks have stalled and I’ve stalled them,” Holland said. “We’re going to let this sit for a while. I don’t know where this is going.” Holland said he backed away from the deal because of the increase in Red Wings’…
Steady Salo rebuilds career since escaping Long Island
A year ago Tommy Salo felt like he was in hockey purgatory. Now, he’s going to the All-Star Game. What a difference a year-and 2,000 miles-makes. After five frustrating seasons on Long Island, where habitual losing and a negative atmosphere stripped the game of all its fun, Salo is reborn with the Edmonton Oilers. It shows in that goofy permanent grin he has plastered on his face and it certainly shows on the ice, where he has been Edmonton’s most consistent player. Through Jan. 13, Salo was 12-13-8, with a 2.32 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. The latter number ranked sixth in the NHL. “He’s probably our best player,” said teammate Ethan Moreau. “I can’t think of a bad game he has played for us.” Salo, the only Oiler in the All-Star…
Pettinger leaves college for chance with Calgary
Matt Pettinger has a new team, but he doesn’t need to be introduced to the coach. Calgary Hitmen bench boss Dean Clark coached Pettinger at the 2000 World Junior Championship in Sweden. Shortly after that tournament, Pettinger opted to leave the University of Denver Pioneers and join the Hitmen. (See pg. 29 for more.) “He’s a world-class guy who had a heck of a tournament over there,” said Clark, who was an assistant to coach Claude Julien with the national junior team. “He left school because he has the opportunity to play on a good club here. He also was looking for more ice time. He wasn’t getting as much as he would have liked at Denver. “He opted into the (NHL) draft, so this is an opportunity for him to get more…
Irbe unhappy he’s left off invitation list
Arturs Irbe won’t argue with those who say he hasn’t played as well this season as in 1998-99, when he became the Carolina Hurricanes’ No. 1 goalie and finished with six shutouts. Still, he was stung after being denied a return trip to the All-Star Game. “It would have been an honor to go back,” Irbe said. “I suppose I needed to get off to a stronger start this season the way I did last season.” Irbe finished second in fan balloting for World goalies with 382,949 votes. The Buffalo Sabres’ Dominik Hasek, sidelined with a groin injury, had 528,492 votes. Irbe was 14-14-7 with three shutouts, a 2.57 goals against average and a .904 save percentage on Jan. 12, the day Olaf Koizig of Washington and Tommy Salo of Edmonton were named World…
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