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February 9, 2001

February 9, 2001

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.

NHL TEAM REPORTS

Tanguay aiming for strong playoff

Alex Tanguay is determined to be a major contributor for the Colorado Avalanche in this season’s playoffs. Tanguay, 21, had a stellar rookie season in 1999-2000, but his playing time dwindled in the playoffs. He was demoted to the fourth line during the Western Conference final against Dallas. The sophomore left winger is enjoying a fine 2000-01 campaign with 19 goals and 50 points in 49 games and a plus/minus rating of plus-29. Last year, he finished with 17 goals and 51 points and was plus-6 in 76 games. Playing on the Avs’ super-productive line with Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk, Tanguay was named the NHL player of the week for Jan. 15-21. “Alex has a gift, the sixth sense of any good scorer,” said coach Bob Hartley. “He finds that open space in front…

NHL TEAM REPORTS

Zholtok trying to remain positive in midst of mind-boggling drought

Last year, Sergei Zholtok could score in his sleep for Montreal. Now the only time he can find the net is in his dreams. After potting a career-high 26 goals for the Habs last year, Zholtok had just one in his first 46 games this season, way back on Nov. 25. He put up goose eggs in his first 14 games with the Oilers after coming over in a trade for Chad Kilger and wound up in the press box for a spell. “I was looking at videos and I don’t think there’s a big difference in what I’m doing,” said the 28-year-old Latvian. “It’s mostly confidence. Last year, I didn’t go more than four games without a goal. It was a really good feeling. This year is different.” Different as in awful. “Whatever…

DEPARTMENTS

INSIDE REPORT

Avs train abroad The Colorado Avalanche will travel to Stockholm, Sweden, and Helsinki, Finland, in September for the NHL Challenge Series. The weeklong series begins Sept. 11 and features a four-day Avalanche training camp and three preseason games against some top European pro teams. “We’ll expose more fans around the world to NHL action,” said NHL executive vice-president and chief legal officer Bill Daly. Charity auction More than 100 hockey items are available in the Hockey Fights Cancer online charity auction. It coincides with All-Star Game festivities and concludes Feb. 5. Items include game-worn equipment. Also featured is the Visions of Hockey collection, 12 original pieces of hockey-themed artwork. Last year’s auction raised more than $400,000 for cancer societies. Fans can view auction items on www.hockeyfightscancerauction.com. Ottawa Dreams Youth players in the Ottawa area are…

IN THIS ISSUE

Kraft starting to cook in Wilkes-Barre

The NHL is a great place to be, unless you’re not playing. That’s why Milan Kraft wasn’t upset when the Pittsburgh Penguins assigned him to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Jan. 14. After riding the bench for all but six or seven minutes a game during December, the 21-year-old rookie relished the chance to play a dominant role with the farm team. The club was happy to have him, too. Kraft scored four goals and seven points in three games, earning player of the week honors as the baby Pens battled Rochester for first in the Mid-Atlantic Division. Now just imagine what the rookie center will do when he becomes accustomed to playing the starring role again. “When we get him in top condition, we’ll see what kind of fun we can Overall, Kraft scored seven goals and 14 have,”…