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December 13, 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.


Upcoming In The Hockey World
Here’s what to look for in the coming weeks Tues., Dec. 13 Dallas Stars visit ex-coach Ken Hitchcock’s Flyers in Philadelphia Thurs., Dec. 19 NHL’s holiday roster freeze in effect until midnight on Dec. 27 Thurs., Dec. 26 Spengler Cup begins in Davos, Switzerland Thurs., Dec. 26 World Junior Championship begins in Halifax Sat., Dec. 28 Thrashers and ex-Bruin Byron Dafoe host Boston in Atlanta Tues., Jan. 21 11th ECHL All-Star Game in Estero, Fla. Thurs., Jan. 30 Canadian Hockey League’s Top Prospects Game in Kitchener, Ont. Sun., Feb. 2 53rd NHL All-Star Game in Sunrise, Fla. Mon., Feb. 3 AHL All-Star Game in Portland, Me. For the latest news, visit thehockeynews.com Next Issue December 20, 2002 Vincent Lecavalier has turned his game around. Tampa is better for it. The NHL’s underpublicized problem: Goalie pads are out of control. Get the scoop on NHL attendance-who…


BIG THREE GAMES OF THE WEEK
Sunday, December 15 Dallas at Chicago 8:00pmET Even when they’re just a so-so team, Chicago always plays extremely well on home ice. And though the Stars were unbeaten at home, they’re just a .500 team on the road. Monday, December 16 San Jose at NY Rangers 7pmET The Sharks and Rangers have been disappointments this season; the Sharks were labeled unassuming Cup contenders while the Rangers have big names and a big budget. Tuesday, December 17 Detroit at NY Islanders 7pmET New York goalie Chris Osgood will want to show his ex-Detroit teammates that he can be a show-stopper. But the Wings and Curtis Joseph are content with their arrangement. NHL TELEVISION DIRECTORY FOR UPCOMING GAMES…


A playoff positioning proposal
There have been a number of recent articles and suggestions-including ah editorial by THN’s managing editor Jason Kay-about expanding the NHL playoffs to include more teams. (THN 2002-03 Yearbook) I like the existing format, but if it was changed, it might be interesting to give the top seven teams in each conference a week off at the end of the regular season and have teams placing No. 8 through 11 compete in a one-week, double-elimination tournament for the eighth and final playoff spot. Such a structure would give fans an incredibly exciting end to the regular season and provide some teams with significant additional revenue before hitting the links for the summer. Dave Erskine,Toronto Rules change with calendar It seems to get clearer after each game that the NHL’s obstruction crackdown has achieved success. Games…

