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December 9, 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.
Remarkably resilient Kings overcome all nbstacles
Los Angeles reached the season s quarter pole atop the Pacific Division despite injuries to top players Jason Allison, Adam Deadmarsh and Ziggy Palffy and inconsistent netminding from Roman Cechmanek. Allison (whiplash) is improving and is set to return around Christmas. Deadmarsh (concussion) suffered a setback in mid-November when bumped during practice by teammate Jozef Stumpel. He hasn't skated since. Palffy was struck in the face by a puck while sitting on the bench during a Nov. 22, 2-0 win over Colorado. He was expected to return Nov. 30 at Dallas. As for Cechmanek, it hasn't been all bad. His goals-against average of 2.18 is decent and he shut out his former team, Philadelphia, in October. But a number of soft goal during November forced the team to bring in backup Cristobal Hue for…
EYE ON FIIROPE
Future and former NHLers are performing in Europe this season. Here are four such players with NHL rights in parentheses: • Josef Beranek, C, 34 (free agent). Beranek played 531 NHL games in nine seasons. He's the top scorer in the Czech league, with 28 points in 24 games with Slavia Prague. • Mika Lehto, G, 24 (Pittsburgh). Lehto was selected 224th overall by the Pens in 1998. He leads all Finnish league goalies with a .935 save percentage in 19 games with Tappara Tampere. • Steve Larouche, C, 32 (free agent). Larouche played 26 NHL games with Ottawa, the Rangers and Los Angeles. After 21 German league games, he leads Numberg with five goals and 20 points. • Pelle Prestberg, LW, 28 (Anaheim). Prestberg was chosen 233rd overall in 1998 by the Ducks.…
UNITED STATES LEAGUE
When the New York Rangers promoted Jet Ortmeyer from the American League in mid-November, the former Omaha Lancer (1997-1999) became the United States League's latest alum to play in the NHL. “I'm here because of injuries, but I'm going to chip in where I can,'' said Ortmeyer, an Omaha native and the first Nebraskan ever to skate in the NHL. “I don't want to give them any reason to send me down.” Said Rangers coach-GM Glen Sather: “He's working hard and has a great attitude, but that's something we've known all along.” After four years at Michigan, the Rangers signed the 6-foot-l, 175-pound right winger to a free agent deal May 22. “Jed's gone from Omaha to Michigan and now the Rangers and that road hasn't had many bends in it,” said Lancers coach…
WORTH NOTING
MILESTONES Mark Messier • C, 42 NY Rangers, Nov. 23 vs. Ottawa Becomes second NHLer to play 1,700 regular season games. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS Dan Fritsche • C, 18 Columbus, Nov. 20 vs. Detroit Cleveland native is first Ohio-born player to score for Columbus. NHL-record crowd Nov. 22 in Edmonton 57.167 fans watch outdoor game against Montreal in minus-19 C. Ed Belfour • G, 38 Toronto, Nov. 24 vs. Vancouver Passes Glenn Hall for fifth place alltime with 408 goaltender wins. Mathieu Biron • D, 23 Florida, Nov. 24 vs. Buffalo First NHL player since Phil Esposito in 1980 to score on his brother. Scott Stevens • D, 39 New Jersey, Nov. 26 at Anaheim Passes Larry Murphy for most games by a defenseman (1,616). NHL DEBUTS Grant McNeill • D, 20 Florida, Nov. 22 vs. Washington Pugilistic defense prospect moved up to right wing, played just 2:13. Ryan Kesler…
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