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December 29, 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.
Suhonen might be fed to the dogs if Blackhawks’ struggles continue
With things going from bad to worse with the Blackhawks, rumors were swirling that first-year coach AIpo Suhonen’s job was in jeopardy. While GM Mike Smith publicly supported Suhonen, the decision to keep the coach might not be his to make. The Hawks seem headed for a fourth straight season out of the playoffs, home losses were mounting and attendance was sagging — making owner Bill Wirtz and senior vice president Bob Pulford unhappy people. “Of course, they are not satisfied or happy with what’s going on,” said Suhonen. “I feel bad we haven’t played better. I’m worried and frustrated. All we can do is work our way through these things day in and day out, just keep doing the process.” Suhonen is the team’s fifth coach in the last four years and few…
Leclaire logical pick for next great goalie
Halifax Mooseheads’ netminder Pascal Leclaire knows all about the goalie pipeline that runs from the Quebec League to the NHL. Listing Patrick Roy, Jocelyn Thibault, Marc Denis and other French Canadian greats that patrolled QMJHL creases before him, it’s clear Leclaire wants to be mentioned, if not compared, with those players some day. “I look at those guys and I see they’re performing at that level, but I don’t compare myself to anybody,” said Leclaire, eligible for the 2001 NHL draft in Miami Considered a blue chip prospect since he was 16, Leclaire solidified that reputation at the 2000 Memorial Cup. He split time with Los Angeles Kings’ prospect Alexei Volkov during the regular season, but was named the starter for the tournament. He responded by leading the underdog Mooseheads to two tournament wins…
Dumont turns deal into absolute steal
The trade that brought Doug Gilmour and $3 million to the Sabres from the Chicago Blackhawks for maligned winger Michal Grosek was considered lopsided on those details alone. Now factor in the play of winger J.P. Dumont, whom the Sabres claimed they needed to sweeten the pot. Dumont has been the most productive player in the deal. He led the Sabres with 13 goals and 23 points through the first 28 games and had scored five straight Buffalo goals in a two-game stretch. “I don’t want to talk about it,” Dumont said of the streak. “I just don’t want that to go away. The kind of game I play is in front of the net, and I want to keep doing that.” Dumont took off after moving from right wing to left, where he…
Offense tame when McLennan plays
At first, it seemed a little odd. Slowly, it turned into an interesting coincidence. Now it seems like a full-blown conspiracy. How else can you explain what happens to the Minnesota Wild’s offense when goalie Jamie McLennan is in goal? In his first 16 starts this season, McLennan was 1-12-3. But those woeful number don’t tell the whole story These numbers do: In those games, the Wild scored a mere 21 goals, six in a 6-5 victory against Tampa Bay in October. That means, the Wild supported McLennan with only 15 goals in his other 15 starts. On the other hand, Manny Fernandez was supported with 39 goals in his first 17 starts. So what’s the deal? Does the Wild have something against McLennan? “Coincidence,” said Wild coach Jacques Lemaire. “Total coincidence. What does…
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