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February 27, 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.
Attitude adjustment
The name hasn’t changed, but Vojtech Polak is a changed man this season. As a rookie a year ago, Polak displayed skills, but not necessarily passion, as he learned the pro game with the Iowa Stars. “He came with a sense of entitlement,” said Iowa coach Dave Allison. “A lot of young guys don’t know how hard it is, that in order for his skill to come out, his effort has to come out.” Effort by the 21-year-old Czech right winger hasn’t been questioned this season. He had 16 goals and 35 points through 42 games and was plus-2. Included was a four-goal game Feb. 3. A year ago, Polak scored 12 goals and 34 points in 60 games and was minus-5. “He really came back with a changed attitude,” Allison said. “He’s really…
PLUS/MINUS
‘LITTLE Z’ LIGHTS IT UP Detroit sniper Henrik Zetterberg fires eight goals and 20 points in a nine-game span as the Red Wings heat up in the Western Conference. NICE TIME TO GET HOT Ottawa goaltender Martin Gerber, who started the season poorly, shuts out Florida for his sixth victory in seven starts. DON’T LOOK NOW, BUT… The Tampa Bay Lightning, on the strength of Vinny Lecavalier, Martin St-Louis and goalie Johan Hol mqvist, suddenly look like champs again. TAKE THREE FOR SLASH Ottawa Senators goaltender Ray Emery is suspended three games for slashing Montreal’s Maxim Lapierre in the face with his stick. MONTREAL’S FREE FALL The Canadiens’ losing streak coincides with a one-goal-in-22-games slump for captain Saku Koivu – and zero-in-14 for Chris Higgins. SLUMPING SOPHOMORE Anaheim right winger Corey Perry suffers through a lengthy dry spell, going pointless in…
Got something to say?
SOUNDING OFF Right for the throat Mats Sundin sustained a major eye injury last season, yet refuses to wear a visor. Roberto Luongo took a puck to the neck, yet refuses to wear a neck guard. You would think after the near-fatal injury to Clint Malarchuk that all goalies would wear neck protectors, yet only half of them do. It took a serious eye injury for Al MacInnis to decide to wear a visor; unlike Sundin, MacInnis chose to keep it on for the rest of his career. After taking a puck to the neck recently (which shattered his throat guard) you can be sure Marc-Andre Fleury is glad he wears a neck protector. Lose an eye and you’re blind for life. Get your throat slashed and there’s a good chance you’ll…
Long road to recovery
SEBASTIEN SAVAGE still remembers the moment his life changed forever. “It comes back every day,” said Savage of the on-ice accident that left him paralyzed in October of 2005. A winger for the University of Moncton Blue Eagles, Savage got tied up with an Acadia Axemen player and crashed head-first into the boards. “It’s the worst scenario for me to think about,” he said. But Savage tries to remain positive about what he can do. He’s been living in an Ottawa apartment for eight months and works out at a gym three times a week. He can lift his arms and move his wrists and has some trunk movement as well. He can even get around in a manual wheelchair, although it’s tiring so he also uses a power chair. “Whenever I start moving…
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