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June 22, 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.
Lowly Caps grateful for end to awful year
The Capitals couldn’t wait for the season from hell to end, missing the playoffs for the second time in three years. The head coach was fired and virtually every player with any market value was traded for prospects in a massive exercise in costcutting. In the end, a few NHL regulars were left to lead a group from the minors and the waiver wire. There was almost no offense and very little NHL caliber defense which, almost dropped the team into the league cellar. With the end plainly visible months ahead of the end of the regular season, the core of the Capitals’ youth movement was dispatched to Portland of the American League to play together as a unit, in the hopes of molding a brotherhood that will lead the franchise in seasons…
Kiprusoff vs. power play
Tampa Bay’s power play was as powerful as the Hulk in this year’s Stanley Cup final. At even strength, Calgary goalie Miikka Kiprusoff and the Flames handled the Lightning well, allowing only six 5-on-5 goals in seven games. However, the power play was a different story. In 34 odd-man situations, the Bolts struck seven times in as many games, including the Game 4 winner - the result of a 5-on-3 situation. Of these tallies, cross-crease one-timers and high-percentage shots from the slot accounted for most of the goals. The majority of scores were icelevel shots. (See graphic at left.) WHERE KIPRUSOFF WAS BEATEN Of the 13 goals scored on Calgary goalie Miikka Kiprusoff in the Stanley Cup final, most beat him down low. 1.Game 1 St-Louis slapshot beats Kiprusoff on short right…
Division crown new, early playoff exit not
After an 11-year wait, the Canucks finally captured a divisional title, but their inability to get out of the first round of the playoffs left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. The Canucks closed out the regular season with six consecutive victories to wrest away the Northwest Division crown from Colorado, who had owned it since moving from Quebec City in 1995. There was considerable rejoicing over this feat, accomplished without the services of suspended power forward Todd Bertuzzi for the final 13 games. It was felt the display of character and determination would propel Vancouver to great heights in the playoffs, but the Canucks could not put away the even omh, determined Calgary Flames, who beat them in seven. Two weeks later, GM Brian Burke lost his job. SUMMER GLANCE The most…
Stunning turnaround in play sharpens Sharks’ hunger
The Sharks exceeded all pre-season expectations by reaching the third round of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Despite a disappointing exit at the hands of the Calgary Flames, the future looks bright. “We just want to make sure that nobody’s satisfied, that we’re hungry - and I think we are,” said coach Ron Wilson, who along with assistants Tim Hunter and Rob Zettler were told by GM Doug Wilson they will have contracts next season. “We got close enough to see that it’s pretty good up here, you get some attention and it’s fun.” San Jose rebounded from a lost 2002-03 campaign that included a last-place division finish and management changes to post a clubrecord 104-point regular season, a Pacific Division title and two playoff series wins before…
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