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October 31, 2006
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.
Kaberle’s shoulder has Canes on edge
BIGGEST NEED While the Hurricanes struggled to score early before righting the ship, they don’t expect offense to be a persistent problem, not with players such as Eric Staal, Erik Cole and Justin Williams in the lineup. A bigger concern is on defense, as Frantisek Kaberle may miss the season after shoulder surgery. The Canes have a regular top five, but are searching for a fit in the sixth and seventh ‘D’ spots. David Tanabe, Andrew Hutchinson and Anton Babchuk have all been given a chance in that position, but none have taken hold of the job – perhaps because all three are predisposed to offense first. The problem was bigger before. The Hurricanes attempted to address it by trading Oleg Tverdovsky and prospect Jack Johnson for defenseman Tim Gleason and center Eric…
Back end improving, but still a concern
BIGGEST NEED While the Predators’ defensive performance has improved by leaps and bounds since the first two games – when they surrendered a combined 14 goals – the biggest weakness is still on the blueline. Part of the problem is simply a lack of experience, as Kimmo Timonen was the only top-six Predators defenseman that began the year with more than two seasons of NHL experience. That can sometimes lead to crossed-up assignments in the defensive zone or the failure to move the puck quickly and efficiently. Another problem is an over-eagerness to join the rush. Marek Zidlicky, for instance, is a very talented blueliner, but, at times, fails to take care of his own end of the rink. One solution is to trade for a veteran defenseman, but Nashville may be content…
Boughner not bothered by impending competition
Windsor Spitfires co-owner and coach Bob Boughner isn’t worried his team will face gate competition in a few years. Just days after city council approved a new arena to replace the 81-year-old Windsor Arena, Ice Track Corporation purchased the dormant Cincinnati AHL franchise and plans to have the team playing in a new 6,500-seat arena in neighboring Tecumseh in 2008-09. The AHL’s board of governors granted conditional approval to the sale. Windsor will also build a 6,500-seat arena that will become the Spitfires’ new home. “It’s really not that big of a concern,” said Boughner, who along with Warren Rychel purchased the Spitfires last spring. “I just really don’t think there’s a market for an AHL team in Windsor. “I know a lot of people who are just waiting for a new rink to…
Shallow defense leaves Habs prone
BIGGEST NEED Today’s NHL puts a premium on players who can skate and have skill, but there’s always a place for the enforcer. The Habs lost their guy indefinitely when winger Aaron Downey sustained a concussion against Calgary Oct. 17. Flames blueliner Robyn Regehr caught Downey with a massive – and legal – shoulder-to-the-head hit. Downey lay motionless on the ice for a minute and spent the night in a Montreal hospital. Meanwhile, injuries to Francis Bouillon and Mathieu Dandenault left the Habs with only six healthy defensemen. Bouillon (knee surgery) isn’t expected back until December; Dandenault is out indefinitely with a torn left hamstring. That leaves Montreal with no room to maneuver on its blueline and without NHL-caliber depth. It’s also the reason why, on most nights, Montreal’s goalies could sue for…
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