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January 23, 2007

January 23, 2007

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.

DEPARTMENTS

‘Savoir’ Perreault sparks Coyotes

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER The Coyotes were 3-9-0 when they signed free agent center Yanic Perreault. Since the Oct. 30 deal, Phoenix has gone 16-11-2. Despite missing the first 12 games, Perreault led the team with 13 goals at the midpoint. Several were dramatic game-winners that sparked a hot streak in early January. Although defenseman Zbynek Michalek is reliable night after night, coach Wayne Gretzky often calls Perreault the team’s “savior.” MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER Goalie David LeNeveu was supposed to challenge Curtis Joseph for the starting job in camp. He didn’t come close. In fact, Mike Morrison beat him out for the backup job and LeNeveu, once dubbed the goalie of the future, began the season in the AHL and has played poorly. The Coyotes recalled him near the end of October,…

DEPARTMENTS

Nolan’s time in Moncton part of TV documentary

New York Islanders coach Ted Nolan is featured in a television documentary that will be broadcast across Canada on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Nolan’s life story is the focus and the film follows last season’s journey when he guided the Moncton Wildcats to the QMJHL championship and a berth in the Memorial Cup final. Nolan was named NHL coach of the year with Buffalo in 1996-97, but parted ways with the team under murky circumstances following that season. After a seven-year coaching hiatus, he returned to guide the Wildcats in 2005-06. “He’s a compelling character with a compelling story to tell,” said Mathew Welsh, director of the documentary. “The journey he’s gone through is quite interesting. He achieved great heights, then had a great fall and had to dig deep to climb…

DEPARTMENTS

Blindside justice

Alex Ovechkin gets egregiously crosschecked by the Rangers’ Colton Orr, who gets suspended for five games. Colin Campbell states Orr’s actions were “reckless and dangerous… The action is unacceptable.” Apparently Ovechkin’s frightening blindside check of Daniel Briere, out of the play and about to enter his bench, was less reckless and dangerous, and more acceptable. Briere was lucky not to be seriously injured, but Ovechkin gets no down time from the league. Obviously as far as Campbell is concerned, Orr missing five games is acceptable to the league. He’s basically a nobody. Ovechkin, however, is ‘gold’ for the NHL. He therefore warrants a slap on the wrist. Pathetic. ALLAN SUCHINSKY, SILVER SPRING, MD. Bergie’s team Far be it from me to anger a Slovakian giant, but Patrice Bergeron is the franchise in Boston…not…

DEPARTMENTS

Comley gets win No. 700, trails only Parker, York

After a Jekyll and Hyde first half of the season, Michigan State’s game at Miami Jan. 6 was a big one on both a team and personal level. The second-place Spartans needed a win to stay close to the first-place RedHawks and with several players ill, Michigan State beat Miami 4-1 to give coach Rick Comley his 700th career win. “It’s special when it’s a good win like this,” Comley said. “It was a gutsy effort, because this was a very tired, beat up, sick hockey team. I am very proud of them. (No. 700) is very nice, but the win was very important.” Comley, who turns 60 Jan. 20, is in his 34th season coaching college hockey. He is the fifth college coach to reach 700 wins and is…