Search for your favorite player or team

© The Hockey News. All rights reserved. Any and all material on this website cannot be used, reproduced, or distributed without prior written permission from Roustan Media Ltd. For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.


June 5, 2007

June 5, 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

Quick Hits

QUACKING UP After foiling 53 of 56 opposition power play opportunities through the first two playoff rounds, the Ducks gave up nine power play goals in 40 times shorthanded against Detroit. REAL HOMERS Wild center Wes Walz (left) beat teammates Mark Parrish and Keith Carney (right) in a home run contest before a May 12 Minnesota Twins game. MAYBE NEXT YEAR Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios ended the season one game short of tying Patrick Roy for most playoff games played in league history (247.)…

DEPARTMENTS

Solid center chipping in

Kyle Chipchura’s regular season stats were nothing special. As an AHL rookie, he scored 12 goals and 39 points for the Hamilton Bulldogs. But the fact he never missed a game and brought his hounding, checking style to every contest offers true insight into what Chipchura is all about. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound center has been terrific in the playoffs, notching four goals and nine points through 14 games. “He has really raised his game,” said Bulldogs coach Don Lever. “Whatever he’s got, he gives you.” Chipchura, 21, has a lot to give. When the Montreal Canadiens drafted him 18th overall in 2004, they knew they weren’t selecting a 40-goal scorer. But they also knew they were adding a big, strong center who exudes grit and leadership. He captained Team Canada to gold at the…

DEPARTMENTS

An extinct market?

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE next season will mark the 10th year of NHL hockey in Nashville. Time doesn’t usually go by so quickly when you’re mired in quicksand. Which is exactly why the NHL should welcome potential owner Jim Balsillie – he of the BlackBerry bucks – with open arms this time instead of wariness and conditions. Because Balsillie buying the Predators and moving them out of Nashville is the best thing for everyone involved (save for the Preds’ few devoted fans). And anyone who thinks Balsillie has purchased the Predators without the intention of moving them out of Nashville is dreaming. Billionaires become and stay billionaires because they loathe investing in money-losing propositions – and that’s exactly what the Predators are. In 1998, the Preds had 4,000 corporate accounts. This year, they…

DEPARTMENTS

Finding a stopper start of the process

LOOKING AHEAD The Panthers have 11 players signed for 2007-08 at a combined payroll of about $20 million. With a self-imposed budget in the $40-45 million range, this leaves more than $20 million to spend on 12-to-14 players. Key players under contract include forwards Olli Jokinen and Rostislav Olesz, and defensemen Ruslan Salei, Mike Van Ryn, Jay Bouwmeester and Branislav Mezei. While coach-GM Jacques Martin could retain restricted free agents Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton and Bryan Allen with qualifying offers, he may opt to secure one or more long term at a higher salary. Goaltending is the No. 1 off-season priority. The team could bring back Ed Belfour and/or Alex Auld, spend for a big-ticket free agent like J-S Giguere or trade for Manny Fernandez. Also, expect another scoring winger to be added.…