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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.
Oilers ahead of schedule despite awful special teams
The Edmonton Oilers are proving all the experts wrong- and not in a good way. So much for the theory a hockey team needs solid special teams to be successful. The Oilers have somehow managed to finish ahead of schedule at the quarter pole despite the fact they didn't have Mike Comrie and their power play and penalty-killing unites ranked 24th and 30th in the league. “It's amazing our record is as good as it is with our special teams,” said center Ethan Moreau. “It's amazing what we could do if our special teams were even top 15. We'd be at the top of the league.” As it is, they're still ahead of where most analysts picked them to be at this point. “We're getting a lot of good young players that are really…
Not all retro created equal
Nostalgia: a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. That notion was reinforced on an arctic night in Edmonton when warm memories and fuzzy feelings were conjured in spite of the “cold-enough-for-ya?” weather. The Heritage Classic was a rousing success, the palpable lack of interest in the United States notwithstanding. At the same time, a few truths came creeping back. The burning sting of thawing feet and the accompanying tears as dad rubbed furiously to kickstart circulation. The inevitability of bad ice, surfaces that typically had more chips than a Lays convention. And the realization that we played outside only when we couldn't play inside. Whether the NHL moves forward with suggested similar evenings in ensuing years remains to be een. (See pg. 6 for more.) What's clear is some…
PLUS MINUS
CLASSIC FANS Nearly 60,000 in Edmonton brave the bitter cold to attend the Heritage Classic and most stay 'til the end. BREAK UP THE DEVILS The defending Stanley Cup champions from New Jersey rip off a 12-game undefeated streak. WEISS MAN Florida's Stephen Weiss scores five goals and 10 points in 10 games upon his recall from the minors. CHECKING OUT Calgary's Krzysztof Oliwa is suspended two games for cross-checking Montreal's Darren Langdon in the face. HAWKS OR DOVES? Chicago Blackhawks go winless through eight consecutive games (eight losses, one tie). SILENT GUNS Carolina's Jeff O'Neill (two goals), Rod Brind'Amour (two) and Ron Francis (four) need to score if the Hurricanes are to get going.…
Tortorella stands firm on no contract talks
Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella said he won't enter negotiations with Lightning CEO Tom Wilson for an extension to his contract until the season is done. Wilson said he wants to extend the contracts of GM Jay Feaster and the r coaching staff before the end of the season. Tortorella, whose contract is up after the season, first took his stance last summer when he was rebuffed after asking for contract extensions for himself and his staff. ' Speaking only for himself, Tortorella said on Nov. 25, “Once the season starts, it's this hockey team. That other stuff, the individual stuff, if you let that seep in, you're not doing enough work in the locker room.” Speculation was the New York Rangers might be interested in Tortorella. He was a Rangers assistant and interim coach…
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