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March 7, 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.
Dismal performance plagues entire team
After six consecutive years out of the playoffs, the early-season optimism of October gave way to the same sad storyline soon after-the Flames are awful again, lumbering along at the bottom of the Western Conference, facing a seventh year of answering the same question: What went wrong this time? The answer: Just about everything. Special teams were abysmal, goaltending was below par, the defense proved mistake-prone and not enough forwards contributed the necessary or timely scoring. NEEDS The Western Conference’s lowest-scoring team, Calgary’s need for improved offense revolved around virtually all areas of the game. They also needed more offense from defense and additional scoring from secondary sources. ABOVE & BEYOND Center Stephane Yelle anchored the third line all season and gave the Flames everything they’d asked from him-a strong faceoff man, and…
Amerks’ trio playing with skill, fists
The Rochester Americans are on their way to a rare on-ice trifecta if left winger Jason Botterill continues to score goals, center Chris Taylor continues to set them up and Sean McMorrow keeps dropping the gloves. Botterill was leading the American League in goals (34), Taylor was the leader in assists (43) and McMorrow, a rookie right winger, was the penalty-minute king with 259. (That included 165 PIMs through 33 fights.) Only once in the AHL’s 67 years has one team had the leader in all three categories. The 1944-45 Calder Cup-champion Cleveland Barons swept with Lou Trudel leading in goals (45), Tom Burlington in assists (60) and Pete Bessone in PIMs (100). “It’s not something we’re thinking about,” Taylor said. “I’d trade my assists for wins.” WELCOME HOME Having grown up in neighboring…
NHL TEAM REPORTS
It’s late February-and there is still meaningful hockey being played in Nashville. Granted, the Predators need a great stretch drive to make the playoffs for the first time in their five-year history. They were tied for 11th in the West, 10 points out of eighth. A little more offense would help, though, because they’ve been getting the goaltending. Tomas Vokoun, who spent four-plus years as Mike Dunham’s backup, took over the No. 1 job when Nashville shipped Dunham to the Rangers in mid-December. (Vokoun and Dunham are the only goalies to ever record wins for the Preds.) The 26-year-old Czech responded by starting 32 of 33 games, going 14-9-4, and surrendering more than three goals just three times in that span. Overall, he’s 19-18-7 with a 2.27 goals-against average and .916 save percentage;…
TRANSACTIONS
Transactions include NHL personnel moves from Feb. 14-20. Injuries include projected return date. ANAHEIM MIGHTY DUCKS TRANSACTIONS None. INJURIES K. Sawyer, LW, concussion, day-to-day. A. McDonald, C, post-concussion syndrome, indefinite. D. Bytsma, RW, bruised left knee, indefinite. ATLANTA THRASHERS TRANSACTIONS Feb. 14 F. Cassivi, G, recalled from Chicago (AHL). Feb. 15 B. Simon, RW, recalled from Chicago. Feb. 18 M. Hnilicka, G, recalled from Chicago. Feb. 20 D. Rhodes, G, assigned to Greenville (ECHL). INJURIES S. McEachern, LW, sore back, day-to-day. L. Bartecko, RW, strained groin, day-to-day. B. Dafoe, G, strained groin, indefinite. P. Nurminen, strained groin, indefinite. A. Sutton, D, sprained ankle, indefinite. BOSTON BRUINS TRANSACTIONS Feb. 19 I. Huml LW, recalled from Providence (AHL). INJURIES R. Zamuner, LW, broken right foot day-to-day. S. Samsonov, LW, right wrist surgery, indefinite. S. O’Donnell, D, sprained right…
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