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May 17, 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.
GM Lowe can kick back and relax
After two of the most hectic off-seasons in club history, Edmonton GM Kevin Lowe finally has a fairly easy summer. The Oilers only have nine free agents and most of them are of the foot-soldier variety. That’s a far cry from the 13 of two seasons ago, when the likes of Ryan Smyth, Doug Weight and Janne Niinimaa needed deals, or the 12 last year. The only high profile players who need to be signed this time are right winger Anson Carter, who’ll want a substantial bump from the $1.9 million he made last season, defensemen Eric Brewer and Jason Smith… After waging five straight post-seasons wars with the Dallas Stars, the Oilers are now sharing a dressing room with a handful of Dallas players at the World Championship. Four…
U.S. owner best thing for Canadiens
Is anyone complaining now about an American owning the Habs? George Gillett Jr. has been terrific. He’s committed to improving the team. Way to go, George! Zack Carruthers,Duncan, B.C. Olympic hockey is better than the playoffs. Anybody disagree? Herbert Richter,Albuquerque, N.M. Shame on Islander fans! What if Canadians booed the U.S. anthem? I’m not a fan of any team; I love the game. But one thing is certain: I’ll never be an Islander fan! Elisabeth Bender,Sandusky, Ohio NHL refs are the most inconsistent in sports. I’m sick of games hinging on bad calls and non-calls. Call the penalties as they’re written or skip the rules altogether! James Piscitelli,Brooklyn, N. Y Jarome Iginla for MVP? Give me a break! Calgary didn’t even make the playoffs! Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi were mere points behind Iginla and Vancouver made the…
Lang willing to listen to Pens’ offer
Even though the Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time in 12 years, GM Craig Patrick isn’t planning major changes. Patrick knows that his four best players - Alexei Kovalev, Mario Lemieux, Martin Straka and Robert Lang - shared the ice just twice in 82 games. “I’d be happy to start the season with everybody healthy with the people we have,” Patrick said. “We’re going to be not only a competitive team, but a team that will compete at a very high level next year…There’s no particular area that’s weak.” Some might argue that defense and team toughness are weak areas, but if Patrick agrees, he isn’t letting on…Two of the biggest decisions facing Patrick are the plights of Lang and backup goalie Jean-Sebastien Aubin. Lang made $2.9…
Worlds lacking star names
KARLSTAD, Sweden - Both Canada and the United States came to the 2002 World Championship with less than their best available players. Traditionally, these countries send NHLers from teams that didn’t make the playoffs or who were knocked out in the first round. What is most disappointing this year is an inordinate number of star players could have played, but declined invitations. Canada’s gold-medal Olympic team could have been at least half re-created had players decided to come. Notable absentees in Karlstad include Eric Lindros and Theoren Fleury from the Rangers, Paul Kariya (Anaheim), Jarome Iginla (Calgary), Martin Brodeur, Scott Niedermayer, and Joe Nieuwendyk (New Jersey), Simon Gagne (Philadelphia), and Ed Jovanovski (Vancouver). The rate of absenteeism for the Americans is even more pronounced. Some 15 players from the 23-man roster of Team…
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