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November 22, 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.
Again, Stray Cat Boisvert must find another home
Jean-Michel Boisvert has worn out his welcome with yet another team. The 20-year-old center was sent home by the Shawinigan Cataractes after failing to live up to management’s expectations. It is the third time in the last year Boisvert has changed addresses. He was traded by the Halifax Mooseheads to the Sherbrooke Castors last Oct. 31 after a trade demand and was moved again during the Christmas trade period to the Cataractes. Shawinigan coach-GM Denis Francoeur wouldn’t confirm rumors it was poor conduct in the dressing room and off the ice that led to Boisvert’s release. But when a team that is second-to-last with a 3-11-3-3 record cuts a player capable of 100-plus points, it’s clear there is more to the situation. “I don’t like to criticize a kid publicly, no matter what,” Francoeur…
A game well-chronicled
More than 25 years into covering the NHL, some thoughts, recollections and observations from a mind less stable than the boards at the old Buffalo Aud: □ Twenty years ago, a cerebral hemorrhage ended Normand Leveille’s career. Every October since then, I think of the young kid with the big smile and the killer shot and wonder what might have been. □ He wasn’t much to watch around the net, but what a joy it was to see Russ Courtnall eat up open ice. □ Two guys who deserve first-class bookings to the Hall of Fame: Butch Goring and Terry O’Reilly. If we need to discuss this, let’s book the debate at your optometrist’s office. Just wave the white cane so I know who you are. □ Ranger fans need to relax a little.…
After eight years away, Dahlen lights up Stars
In the ways that count most, the Ulf Dahlen that rejoined the Dallas Stars this season looks amazingly similar to the model that was with the franchise from 199094. Dahlen still has a vacuumlike tendency to suck up every puck in the corner. He continues to work wonders around the net, creating goals from positioning and hands. And he is still using the curiously open skating style, “the 10 and 2” skate positioning that gives him an advantage working in the offensive zone. “I played against him a lot the past couple of years,” said Bill Guerin, noting Dahlen scored 23 goals in Washington last season. “He gave me headaches.” Signed in August to a one-year, $1.5-million contract, Dahlen has rewarded the Stars with seven goals, second on the team to Mike Modano.…
Rookie coach playing dangerous risk-reward game
When a door closes with Eric Lindros inside it for all but nine minutes of a 3-2 home loss, another one opens. Mark Messier says this is an opportunity for Eric to show it’s not all about Eric, never mind that the Rangers, hardly a team as deep as the ongoing search for meaning in their new coach’s vague words and strange combinations, will go only as far as Lindros can take them. “I’m not saying it’s not hard when things are going tough for a player of his stature,” Messier said, “but I need to make sure he understands his aura and glow have to be strong, his personality up.” In difficult times, Lindros must shine, never mind he wants to tell a rookie coach to stick it where the sun doesn’t.…
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