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November 8, 2005
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.
Poti getting tired of same old message
Scratched for the second time in 10 games, Tom Poti complained he was being scapegoated by coach Tom Renney. “Why does he have to do it through me?” asked Poti, when told the coach said he was sending a message to the team by not dressing him for an Oct. 22 game in Buffalo. “It seems like the last time he sent a message through me, too. I don’t feel I should be the guy who’s made an example of all the time.” The 28-year-old defenseman was first scratched from the lineup for the third game of the season at New Jersey Oct. 8. He responded with a series of strong, involved games before falling off. Renney suggested Poti must play far more physically. “There are parts of the game that are uncomfortable…
Blues’ Backman emerges as primary offensive force
It’s not unusual for a defenseman to be among the top scorers for the Blues. But with Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis gone, St. Louis’ big blueline threat is Christian Backman. The 25-year-old had seven points in the first eight games. “His reads have been great,’’ said coach Mike Kitchen. “He moves forward with the puck. I always say he doesn’t know how good he’s going to be.” Backman spent the lockout at home in Sweden, where he won the league title with Frolunda. “I think it was good that I kept playing,’’ he said. “I played a lot of good games and played in the world championship. But if I’d played here, who knows, maybe I’d be even better.” NEWCOMER IMPACT The Blues have gotten good return on one of their few free…
Penalty killing woes depressing for Ducks
If the Mighty Ducks are to be any kind of factor in the Stanley Cup playoff race, they’re going to have to figure out a way to survive while shorthanded “For whatever reason, we’re inept at killing penalties,” said first-year Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle. After surrendering one power play goal in each of their first two games, the Ducks gave up at least two in their next six outings. Through 10 games, they hadn’t blanked an opposition power play. It was little wonder they ranked 28th in penalty-killing efficiency. “We have to make some changes in our mindset in those situations,” Carlyle said. “We have to become stronger, win more 1-on-1 battles. And when you have opportunities to clear pucks, you have to get ’em down. We have to sacrifice more. We have…
Undisciplined Hawks need to smarten up
The Blackhawks were getting a good look at the crackdown on obstruction – from the penalty box. The Hawks were shorthanded 75 times in their first nine games (8.3 per game), straining the penalty killers and goalie Nikolai Khabibulin. “It’s definitely a problem,” said defenseman Adrian Aucoin. Coach Trent Yawney threatened to sit players who weren’t conforming to the new rules, while GM Dale Tallon admitted complaining to the league about the number of 5-on-3s against the Hawks. The Hawks were shorthanded by two men 16 times compared to three 5-on-3 advantages for them. “Some have been deserving and some haven’t been, but that’s no excuse,” Yawney said. NEWCOMER IMPACT Jaroslav Spacek was the least heralded free agent signed by the Hawks. But he’s having a big impact, especially with Aucoin in and out…
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