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December 1, 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.
Nothing offensive about the defense
The Chicago Blackhawks were getting little production out of their defense despite coach Alpo Suhonen’s desire to have them be a big part of the attack. Through 19 games the only defenseman with a goal was Jaroslav Spacek and he scored his two with Florida before being traded for Anders Eriksson. Eriksson had two goals before he left. “Our defensemen should be able to score,” Suhonen said. Boris Mironov’s play and conditioning is a concern. He had no goals and five assists in 19 games and was minus-4. “I’m not worried about my points,” Mironov said. “I’m worried about winning games.” ANALYSIS Steve Sullivan’s offensive exploits are a bright spot in a difficult season. He led the team with 18 points in 18 games. “I’m playing about 20 minutes a game and you’re going to get chances,”…
Osgood benched as Legace shines
Just 5-foot-8, the the legend of Manny Legace grows with every game he plays. A 27-year-old career minor-leaguer who twice went on waivers last season has blossomed into a go—to goalie. While starter Chris Osgood struggled to a 4-5-0 record and was benched, Legace’s record was 7-1-1. Over two seasons with the Wings, Legace was 11-1-1. “You have to go with the hot goalie,” said coach Scotty Bowman. Said Osgood: “It just shows - (the coaches have) faith in me,” he said. “No question, Ozzie’s still the No. 1 guy” ANALYSIS Grinders Mathieu Dandenault and Kirk Maltby have responded to being put on scoring lines. Skating with Martin Lapointe and Brendan Shanahan, Dandenault, who had been scoreless, notched two goals against San Jose Nov. 15. Maltby was hot, so the Wings put him with snipers…
Torpedo guns down trap
Sweden has exported the Volvo, Bjorn Borg, Abba — and the neutral zone trap. While the trap has at times held the NHL in an iron grip, Sweden has moved on. It is now into the ‘Torpedo,’ an exciting system that is the brainchild of Mats Waltin, coach of the Swedish champions, Djurgarden of Stockholm. Waltin, 47, has support from above in the form of Anders Hedberg, the new GM of the Swedish national team. The former Winnipeg Jet and New York Ranger is using his recently appointed position to brand the trap as politically incorrect and make the hockey world embrace the Torpedo. Waltin has scrapped the traditional setup of two defensemen and a forward line comprised of two wingers and a center. Instead, the former rushing defenseman and member of Team…
PLUS MINUS
The Best of the Hockey World NHL HITS BACK The NHL’s 20-game suspension of Phoenix left winger Brad May - for his slash to the face of Columbus’ Steve Heinze - fits the crime. SMYTH SIZZLES Edmonton’s Ryan Smyth becomes the first player to score all three goals in a 3-0 win twice as his Oilers defeat St. Louis. HOT START Rookie goalie Evgeni Nabokov sparkles early with a 10-2-2 record, 1.79 goals-against average and .933 save percentage The Worst of the Hockey World WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Just as the Marty McSorley aftermath is dying down, Brad May swings his stick baseball-style into the face of Steve Heinze. TAKE TWO Washington defenseman Joe Reekie is suspended two games for elbowing Phoenix center Jeremy Roenick in the head. OFFENSE STIFLED Ottawa suffers back-to-back shutouts in the midst…
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