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October 1, 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.
Hatching a new plan
Dallas Stars’ captain Derian Hatcher wants to remember last season as motivation to make sure this one is different. Hatcher was only occasionally the feared physical force that keeps opposing forwards away from the goal like an invisible fence. He hoped for a breakout offensive season, but finished with two goals in 80 games. When the Stars were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, Hatcher was a disappointing minus-7. Curiously, he hasn’t yet been named to the United States Olympic team. “I think last year I had one of my most up-and-down years in a long time,” Hatcher said. “I don’t want to have that…(I want to) get back to my consistent play.” He’s coming off arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, done just before training camp, which will limit him…
Isles will try shotgun
There wasn’t much pool lounging for Roman Hamrlik this summer. That’s because the Islanders’ sudden willingness to spend enough money to at least be in the running for a playoff berth for the first time since 1993-94 went beyond the major acquisitions of star centers Alexei Yashin and Michael Peca. Their plan included sending personal trainers to Europe to spend the final two months of the summer working with Hamrlik and others to ensure the team’s top players were in peak physical condition when training camp opened in September. “Believe me, it was no vacation,” said Hamrlik, shortly after arriving in Lake Placid, N.Y. for training camp. “I’ve never worked like that in a summer and hopefully it pays off.” Hamrlik, 27, actually posted the second-highest point total (46) of his nine-year NHL…
A Russian’s evolution
The Detroit Red Wings are a constellation of stars, but one - Sergei Fedorov - has the pure talent to shine brighter than the rest. “He is kind of the ace up our sleeve,” said captain Steve Yzerman. Despite a poor playoff, one that attracted criticism from within the team and without, Fedorov played better than he had in a long time last season. He had 32 goals and 69 points, and was selected to play in the All-Star Game for the first time since 1996. In doing so, he might have built a foundation for the future, changing his training regimen, equipment and mental approach. After the 1999-2000 season, Fedorov noticed he needed more time to recover after games. He studied himself and figured out why. “Conditioning is a very important part of my…
Friesen better, but worse
Jeff Friesen is baffled. He knows he has become a better hockey player over the past three seasons, but the numbers suggest otherwise. Friesen appeared to be a budding offensive star when he produced 28 goals and 62 points for San Jose in 1996-97, then followed up that effort with a career-high 31 goals and 63 points the following season. Somehow, though, en route to rounding out his overall game, Friesen lost his scoring touch. After he generated just 12 goals and 36 points in 64 games last season, the Sharks packaged Friesen and goaltender Steve Shields for sniper Teemu Selanne. Friesen managed 12 points in 15 games with his new club, but finished with only 14 goals, the lowest total in his seven-year NHL career. “A lot of negative things went on…
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