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January 24, 2003

January 24, 2003

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.

IN THIS ISSUE

You spoke, we’re responding with exciting, new format

The Hockey News has gotten the tap on the shoulder and we’re about to change on the fly. In our ongoing attempt to improve the world’s leading hockey publication, we’ve developed a new look and feel that has us as excited as a rookie about to play his first NHL game. Only we’re armed with 55 years of experience that we’re taking into battle. The new-look version of The Hockey News is based on feedback we’ve received from you, the readers, over the past year-and-a-half. It will be launched next week (Jan. 31 cover date, Issue No. 21) and, as we endeavor to provide you with relevant hockey information you won’t get elsewhere, we will remain true to our roots. Your favorite components, such as NHL team reports, Plus/Minus and the cover story…

ON THE COVER

Halftime HERO

The easy thing to do would have been to simply crown Mario Lemieux the NHL’s first-half MVP. Trust us, we gave No. 66 plenty of consideration. Super Mario has been superb, perhaps better than even he anticipated, while taking a lead in the scoring race that will be awfully hard for anyone to overcome. His 20 goals and 68 points had him on pace for 41 and 138, high numbers reminiscent of the good ol’ days. But–and you knew this was coming–his Pittsburgh Penguins were not in a playoff position at the halfway point (though they were close). And when it comes time to vote for the Hart Trophy at the end of the year, whether or not each contender’s team is in the playoffs will be just one consideration. Jarome…

NHL TEAM REPORTS

Power play bright spot for up-and-down Pens

The Pittsburgh Penguins were about where most people thought they’d be–flirting with.500, but out of a playoff position–at the halfway point of the 2002-03 regular season. But few could have guessed how they would get there. Pittsburgh (17-16-3-5 in its first 41 games) got an incredible first-half performance from Mario Lemieux (68 points in 40 games) and was the streakiest team in the NHL. The Pens had three five-game unbeaten streaks and a four-game winning streak that started immediately after a 10-game losing streak. “It was a 20-point lesson,” said right winger Ville Nieminen. Pittsburgh also had a sevengame winless streak, a leaguebest power play and nearly 200 man-games lost to injury. A+ Mario Lemieux, C. Best player in the world. A Dick Tarnstrom, D. Norris numbers when healthy. A Martin Straka, UN. More than a…

IN THIS ISSUE

ATLANTIC COAST LEAGUE

The Jacksonville Barracudas reached a three-year deal with Rob Downey, who is the GM of Spectacor Management Group. Spectacor will operate a yet-to-be constructed arena in the city. In a surprise move, Bryan Wells, who formed the eight-man Jacksonville ownership group and had been the team’s GM, resigned. “It was a mutual decision,” said Barracudas owner Larry Laviolette, who is looking for a new partner…Savannah, Ga., is on track to become the ACHL’s first expansion city and begin play in 2003-04.…