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November 15, 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.
Time ticking in Vancouver
It’s academic now, but during the craziest part of this summer’s NHL free agent feeding frenzy, Vancouver GM Dave Nonis had to consider the possibility of a different direction for the Canucks. That decision hinged on the Canucks’ ability to re-sign unrestricted free agent Markus Naslund and represented a profoundly radical step for the organization. Without Naslund, the Canucks would blow up the core assembled by Brian Burke over the past five years. Without Naslund, Nonis would have gone after Scott Niedermayer and rebuilt the Canucks around their blueline. In the end, Naslund reupped, which meant the team’s fortunes would again revolve around the big line of Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi and Brendan Morrison. And, the Canucks could charge into the new NHL relatively unchanged by the new world order. But for a few…
Mantha determined to fight suspension
Windsor Spitfires coach-GM Moe Mantha has appealed his suspension and may take his fight with the OHL to the courts. Mantha hired prominent Toronto lawyer Brian Greenspan, who once represented Alan Eagleson in his case against the NHLPA. Mantha was suspended the rest of the season as GM and 40 games as coach after a September hazing incident on the team bus sparked two fights in practice. Commissioner David Branch handed down the suspension. The appeal will be heard by the board of governors. Rookie Akim Aliu, who refused to participate in the hazing, was jumped by veteran Steve Downie at practice. Mantha wasn’t on the ice when the first fight broke out. Mantha also said he didn’t know four rookies were ordered to strip naked and jam into the bathroom on the bus. “There is…
Erratic Blue Jackets continue to struggle
The Blue Jackets’ wild inconsistencies continue, much to coach Gerard Gallant’s dismay. On Oct. 28, the Jackets took a franchise-record 53 shots on goal in a 2-1 win over Minnesota, perhaps the most offense-minded game they’ve ever played. The next night in St. Paul, they totaled 16 shots in a lifeless 3-1 loss, followed by a 5-1 beating in Edmonton three nights later. Gallant was asked if scratching a veteran might do the trick. “I can’t make 12 of 13 healthy scratches,” he said. Gallant has been with the Jackets since they joined the NHL in 2000-01. If they’ve been consistent in any area, it’s losing on the road. They’re 35-114-7-7 away from Nationwide Arena. “We just don’t play hard enough,” he said. IT’S A FINE LINE Rick Nash returned to the lineup Nov. 1…
Surgery possibility for Nieuwendyk
The Panthers were waiting on the status of Joe Nieuwendyk after the veteran center visited an orthopedic specialist in Cleveland about his problematic back. Two weeks to the day after leaving the Florida lineup with back spasms, Nieuwendyk traveled to meet with Tony Miniaci of the Cleveland Clinic Oct. 31. One of the options being considered was back surgery, which would likely end Nieuwendyk’s season and threaten the 39-year-old’s career. Nieuwendyk has been struggling with back problems for several years, most recently missing four games of Toronto’s 2004 playoff run. He was signed by Florida to a two-year contract worth $4.5 million last August. IT’S A FINE LINE After some experimenting following Nieuwendyk’s departure, coach Jacques Martin has settled on a top line of center Stephen Weiss and wingers Nathan Horton and Olli…
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