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January 20, 2004
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.
Goaltending concerns at forefront as Rangers make push for playoffs
The first half of the Rangers season concluded with serious concerns about struggling No. 1 goalie Mike Dunham and a team-wide inability to stay out of the penalty box, but for the most part the team has performed adequately. With continued improvement in defensive awareness and consistent application of a work ethic, they should compete for one of the three playoff spots that appear open in the Eastern Conference. MID-SEASON GRADES A Greg de Vries, D. Most reliable defenseman-if not player-on team. A Jussi Markkanen, G. Backup making spirited chal-lenge for No. 1 netminding job. A-Mark Messier, C. Veteran leader has been remarkably productive when used properly. B+ Darius Kasparaitis, D. Mean, effective and disciplined. B+ Matthew Barnaby, RW. Straps on hard hat every night. B Bobby Holik, C. Dominant when given defined role. B Eric Lindros, C. Locker…
NHL TEAM REPORTS
How Grades Are Determined Mid-season grades in NHL team reports on pgs. 20-29 are assigned by team correspondents using the following criteria: GRADE A+ to A- 1. Stars delivering on perform-ance/salary expectations. 2. Very good players delivering beyond expectations. 3. Good/role players delivering well beyond expectations. GRADE B+ to B- 1. Stars performing below per-form ance/salary expectations. 2. Very good players delivering on expectations. 3. Good/role players delivering beyond expectations. GRADE C+ to C- 1. Stars performing far below per formance/salary expectations. 2. Very good players deliverin below expectations. 3. Good/role players delivering on expectations. GRADE D+ to D- 1. Stars performing outrageously below perform-ance/salary expec-tations. 2. Very good play-ers delivering far below expectations. 3. Good/role play-ers delivering below expectations.…
Humble all-starter Irbe to miss classic
You’d think a guy with two NHL All-Star Games on his resume would shudder at an assignment to the minors and laugh at being named an ECHL all-star. But from the moment he arrived in training camp with the Johnstown Chiefs, Arturs Irbe has been the consummate pro on the ice and a joy to behold for the community off the ice. Irbe, 36, was named starting goalie for the Eastern Conference in the ECHL All-Star Game Jan. 21 in Peoria, but likely won’t make the trip. He sustained a wrist injury and had surgery Dec. 11. Reports indicated Irbe would be out until mid-February. “I had a decent run, but I don’t think I have been in this league long enough to earn my stripes,” said Irbe to the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat. Irbe is…
POWER PLAYERS
Sergei Goncha Washington Defenseman 25 PP points Robert Lang Washington Center 24 PP points Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa Right winger 22 PP points Marian Hossa Ottawa Right winger 20 PP Points Doug Weight St. Louis Center 20 PP Points Keith Tkachuk St. Louis Left winger 19 PP points Mats Sundin Toronto Center 19 PP points Chris Pronger St. Louis Defenseman 19 PP points Joe Sakic Colorado Center 18 PP points Radek Bonk Ottawa Center 18 PP points…
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