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April 26, 2002

April 26, 2002

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

Canes reach Step 1, hut work not done

There was no celebration, just vindication when the Carolina Hurricanes clinched their second Southeast Division title in four years. Few outside North Carolina picked the Hurricanes to win the Southeast, but with a 4-2 triumph over Tampa Bay April 10, the Hurricanes eliminated the heavily favored Washington Capitals. "To get into the playoffs, whether you win your division or not, that's what we wanted," said center Rod Brind'Amour. "That's the first step and we did that and worked hard for that. It has been a grind for us all year, but we're looking for bigger and better things." For the first time in three seasons, the Hurricanes didn't wait until the final weekend of the season to clinch a playoff spot. While it took them until the final week to get an invite,…

NHL TEAM REPORTS

Madden’s low totals sink hopes for Seike

Can poor offensive numbers prevent a player from winning a defensive award? John Madden thinks so. Last year’s Frank J. Seike Trophy winner, Madden wondered whether his lack of goalscoring would short-circuit his shot at winning a second straight season. “I think I’ve played as well defensively as I did last year. I just don’t have the offensive numbers,” said the New Jersey Devils center, whose 13 goals were 10 fewer than he scored last season. “Jay Pandolfo has also been a big part of my success and he got injured. And Turner Stevenson, who I played with, got injured. “I’m not making a case for myself, but I still think I have a chance to win.” Madden won the Seike last year with a plus-24 rating. After scoring the only goal in a…

NHL TEAM REPORTS

Injury to Dagenais symbolic of season

Right winger Pierre Dagenais epitomized the Florida Panthers over the last month of the season: a rookie called up from the minors who used increased ice time to become productive, then suffered an injury. Against Atlanta April 10, 4:27 after scoring his fifth goal in six games and second consecutive game-tying goal, Dagenais’ right ankle got scrunched under him when Thrashers defenseman Ken Sutton nailed him. Season over. Dagenais was a goal-scorer in junior and in the minors. When the Panthers picked him up off waivers in January from New Jersey, he became a reluctant rifleman. “When I got here, I was playing with new guys…I was nervous and you don’t want to make mistakes,” Dagenais said “I’m still a little nervous, but I feel better.” His quick release and scorer’s hands have had…

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Summaries