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March 16, 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.


IHL assumes operation of Cleveland franchise
MINOR PRO NOTEBOOK The transfer of ownership of the Cleveland Lumberjacks was completed Feb. 23 with an agreement between the new ownership entity, IHL Cleveland LLC, and the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, Cleveland’s Gund Arena and ousted owner Hank Kassigkeit. The International League had taken Kassigkeit to court Jan. 29 to prevent him from closing the franchise. Doug Moss, the league’s president and point man in the court-ordered mediation and settlement, and IHL chief financial officer Joe Fada will take a hands-on approach in operating the franchise. Manitoba Moose president Mark Chipman, one of 10 governors who have a stake in the solution, said Moss showed leadership in averting the crisis. Moss, meanwhile, said a prospective new owner in Cleveland already has identified himself and the IHL had begun background checks for a possible…


Hurricanes will be happy to grab final playoff position in East
The Carolina Hurricanes enter the final month of the season in a familiar position, wavering around the playoff lifeline. It looks like another down-to-the-wire finish for this team, which missed last year’s postseason by one point. The Hurricanes played their best hockey in January and February to put themselves in a situation where they can make the playoffs, but it probably won’t come as Southeast Division champions. Sneaking into the eighth and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference is a more likely scenario. With more than a month to go, the Hurricanes were already playing with a sense of urgency. STRETCH DRIVE ISSUES 1. Backup goaltending. Arturs Irbe has been used in goal almost exclusively When he missed a game with a groin injury, there was good reason for uneasiness. 2. Third…


NHL GAME SUMMARIES
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS KEY TO ABBREVIATION Statistics provided by National Hockey League: Players are listed by uniform number, name, games played (GP). minutes played (Min), goals-against average (GAA). wins (W), losses (L), ties (T), empty-net goals (EH), shutouts (SO), goals against (GA), shots against (SA) save percentage (SP). For goalies’ individual rankings see page 29.…


No shortage of grit, but who’s scoring?
The Toronto Maple Leafs maintained last summer they would sacrifice some success during the season in exchange for a more bountiful playoff. And there’s no doubt they have been delivering on the first part. The Leafs counted on getting more character and grit, but they’ve also become older and slower. The Leafs’ ability to score has been sporadic, their goaltending inconsistent and their defensive play almost abysmal. Because of that, the team that had visions of a Cup looks to most observers as though it will struggle in the playoffs. STRETCH DRIVE ISSUES 1. Defensive play. The much-publicized pursuit and failure to land Eric Lindros was a blow, but the Leafs need a defenseman more than Lindros and losing out on Rob Blake was a bigger setback. 2. Scoring from their big guns. At…