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December 22, 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.
Habs better suited to Western Conference where skating, not checking, rules the day
Do the Montreal Canadiens play in the wrong conference? It would be easy to come to that conclusion. The Canadiens will be hard-pressed to avoid missing the playoffs in the Eastern Conference tor the third consecutive season. The conference is known for its tight-checking, suffocating defensive style. The Canadiens, a freewheeling team that relies on its skating skills to succeed, fare better when playing Western Conference opponents. They were 4-2-2-0 against the West, but only 5-14-1-0 in games against Eastern teams. “Against the West, you know it’s going to be an open game,” said defenseman Patrice Brisebois. “We like to play against them because we can use our speed. Against the East, it’s bigger guys and the trap. We have to adjust to that and find a way to win those games. “It’s…
Coach changes plans to rest Irbe, will let him play while he’s hot
Arturs Irbe has been seeing the puck well. That means opposing teams will be seeing more of the Carolina Hurricanes’ goalie. Irbe’s resurgence during November caused coach Paul Maurice to cast aside plans to give Irbe more nights off. He was playing too well to pull from the lineup. “We have lots of time between games (in December),” Maurice said. “With Archie, if I don’t play him he works harder. He almost gets more tired when I don’t play him.” So Irbe, who played an NHL-high 75 games last season, will continue playing. Irbe put together a stretch of seven games out of 10 in November when he allowed one goal or no goals. Through 23 games Irbe was 10-8-3 with a 2.29 goals-against average and .911 save percentage. He said he doesn’t want to…
Gilmour suffering, return date up in air
Doug Gilmour is convinced he would be back at some point this season. He just isn’t sure when — or for how long — as he continues recovering from recurring muscle problems in his back, pelvis and abdomen. Gilmour saw a deep-tissue specialist in Toronto, but was unable to set a date for his return to the Sabres. He had been out of the lineup since Nov. 24 and could be plagued all season with pain in his mid-section. Tests results showed Gilmour, 37, is suffering from inflammation throughout the area. He left the lineup Nov. 24 with one goal and 10 assists in 19 games. He’s still planning to postpone his retirement until after the season.” “I’ve never had this before,” Gilmour said. “We’re trying to stay patient, but I’m not patient. I…
Murphy facing uncertain future
If Joe Murphy isn’t in the Washington Capitals’ lineup after sustaining cuts to his face and neck in a barroom skirmish. it won’t be because of medical reasons. The 15-year NHL veteran was placed on waivers Dec. 8, one day after getting cut in a Manhattan nightclub. Murphy was involved in an incident with another man shortly before 5 a.m. Dec. 7, according to New York City police. The other man was reportedly upset his girlfriend was conversing with Murphy. The player was treated and released from hospital. The cuts to Murphy weren’t serious enough to keep him out of the lineup. Police said the woman’s boyfriend was arrested. A day later, the Caps placed Murphy, 33, on waivers. If he wasn’t claimed within 72 hours, Washington could assign him to Portland (AHL) or…
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