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January 31, 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.
New York’s minute man
About a month ago, Islanders coach Peter Laviolette pulled Adrian Aucoin aside and thanked him. He congratulated him, too. Lots of players turn their careers around after being stuck in a bad situation, but it’s safe to say no one saw this coming. And coming. And coming. Watch the Islanders play and you’ll get the drift. If Aucoin isn’t already on the ice, he’s coming. Three years ago he was fighting to stay in the lineup in Vancouver, hovering around the 18minute mark on the nights he did play. These days, Laviolette and Isles defense coach Jacques Laperriere routinely let him log nearly double that amount. “The only number that’s going to scare me now is if it’s 40,” Laviolette says. “If it’s 34 or 35 I won’t even blink.” For someone such as…
Trade deadline ends; O’Sullivan still a Dog
The big buildup to the Ontario League trade deadline fizzled. Mississauga was shopping 17-year-old center Patrick O’Sullivan, but never got a deal done. The IceDogs and London talked up until 15 minutes before the Jan. 10,6 p.m. deadline, but the Knights weren’t willing to part with 17-year-old right winger Corey Perry. There was also speculation Erie would move blueliner Carlo Colaiacovo, a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, but GM Sherry Bassin said during the World Junior Championship that Colaiacovo was staying in Erie. Center Chris Thorburn, acquired by Plymouth from Saginaw, scored a goal and two assists in a 4-3 win over Sarnia Jan. 11. Rookie winger Zach Tranmer, acquired by London Jan. 9 from Barrie for defenseman Chad Thompson, scored his first OHL goal a few hours later in a 2-1 Knights win over…
Isles carrying Yashin as pivot not producing
Alexei Yashin’s slump hasn’t been a focal point on Long Island because the team has been winning. But the center’s mysterious scoring slide is too hard to completely dismiss. Yashin, who has not clicked regularly with any of his linemates over his two seasons in Long Island, had scored just five goals in a 32-game span through Jan. 15. While his 10 goals in 44 games overall pro-rated to a career-low 18 over an 82-game season, his minus-21 rating, one of the poorest in the league, might be even more trou-bling. “For me, I’m still more concerned with the team’s results…but of course, everyone wants to produce and score some goals,” said Yashin, in his second season of a 10-year, $90million contract. The Isles had potted 60 goals-and compiled 24 points (10-5-22)-despite getting just two…
SNAPSHOTS
• Now that Rick Tocchet has joined Tony Granato’s coaching staff in Colorado, it won’t be long before Scott Parker redis-covers the confidence and playing time that went missing under Bob Hartley. • Speaking of Hartley, defensive-zone schemes are one of his strengths and he’ll need all his muscle to turn around Atlanta. The kids are in for a rough ride if they don’t perform. • Take it easy hopping on that Ranger bandwagon. From Jan. 21 to Feb. 25, they play 17 games-13 on the road. • Who is happiest Darryl Sutter is in Calgary? Yep, that would be the same 37-year-old Dave Lowry who had played 22 games this season, all in the minors, until his Jan. 14 recall. • It’s official: Owen Nolan’s post-Olympic hangover has now hit a full calendar…
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