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November 8, 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.
Veteran-laden Leafs confounded by losses
The Maple Leafs have a lineup that features an average age of 29.7 years and tenure of 586 NHL games, but they weren’t acting their age during the infancy of this season. The Leafs’ 2-51 start to the season, their worst in five years, was not the most troubling aspect of their situation. Nor was the fact they were frittering away points against inferior teams. Most concerning was that coach-GM Pat Quinn seemed to have no idea how to get his veteran squad back on track. “I don’t have a magic answer,” Quinn said after Toronto was defeated 4-1 on home ice by Florida Oct. 23. “There is no magic elixir.” Although the Leafs looked to many as though they lacked passion, Quinn insisted that wasn’t the case. He also insisted the Leafs…
Longevity, excellence helps Roy break record
Wnen ne came io Colorado in 1995, some of the whispering around the NHL was that Patrick Roy might be close to the end of his career. His unceremonious exit from Montreal, partly attributable to some less-than-stellar play in goal, made some people wonder. Seven years later, those who wonder at Roy now do so not only at his longevity, but his continued excellence. Roy tied the league record for games played by a goalie Oct. 22 against Edmonton, equaling Terry Sawchuk’s mark of 971. He broke the record two nights later in Phoenix. All that remained for Roy was Sawchuk’s minutes record of 57,194, which he was 488 shy of entering the Oilers game, and Sawchuk’s shutout record of 103. But that will be Sawchuk’s for a long time, as Roy was still…
Barrasso, Rucinsky bolster Blues’ lineup
The Blues had been attempting to add left winger Martin Rucinsky to the lineup for several weeks. The move to bring Tom Barrasso aboard happened much quicker, as their need for goaltending became crystal clear even during a midOctober winning streak. The Blues agreed to deals (pending physicals) with both unrestricted free agents, who were expected to join the team in time for the Oct. 30 game vs. Nashville. Rucinsky, 31, could be reunited with Czech national teammate Petr Cajanek or find himself on Doug Weight’s line. “The way the game is being called, the way it rewards skill and speed, he really adds to our top nine forwards,” said coach Joel Quenneville. “We’re capable of doing a lot of things because of our depth up front now.” Both Barrasso and Rucinsky received incentive-laden…
WEST COAST LEAGUE
Five days after R.J. Enga signed his new contract with the Colorado Gold Kings July 27, he got quite a shock. That’s when he was told the Gold Kings were going to fold. Enga, 30, had spent four seasons with the team and had settled in Colorado Springs with his wife, Katie, who is expecting the couple’s first child. “We’re all excited, and then a week after that I’m unemployed,” he said. Enga, who had scored 165 goals in Colorado, quickly signed with WCHL power San Diego. He is off to a good start and is an early MVP favorite.…
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