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November 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.


SPIRIT OF PHILADELPHIA
With all the glamor surrounding Scott Gomez, Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, I’ve come to the conclusion (after viewing a Nov. 2 Flyers win over Washington) that Mike Richards is without a doubt the early season MVP whom is directing the Flyers back toward respectability. After Philadelphia was badly outplayed and outshot in the first period, he promptly came out in the second and fought (receiving 13 stitches on his nose), came back and scored the game-winning goal and killed penalties. He is reminiscent of Bobby Clarke in talent, drive, heart and character.…


BEST OF THE REST HARDCORE HOCKEY
ECHL Burying every Chanse Games like this don’t happen very often, let alone periods like the one Dayton right winger Chanse Fitzpatrick had against Trenton. Pointless entering the game, Fitzpatrick netted league records of five goals and four power play goals in the third period of a 5-1 victory. “Everything I touched went into the net,” Fitzpatrick told The Dayton Daily News. “It was unbelievable.” In addition to breaking single-period records for goals and power play tallies, Fitzpatrick tied the single-game mark for power play goals. Fitzpatrick, 23, netted a power play goal 52 seconds into the period and later had three power play goals in 2:31. – MIKE MASTOVICH NORTH AMERICAN LEAGUE Offensive and observant Phantom Fireworks owns the Mahoning Valley Phantoms. On the ice, the team stirs up fire-works all on its own; especially…


SNAPSHOTS
DON’T EVER ACCUSE former Flyers GM Bob Clarke of holding a grudge. As guest panelist on a TSN broadcast, Clarke cast the deciding vote on whether or not Eric Lindros should be inducted into the Hall of Fame. “Yes,” Clarke said. “For seven or eight years his skill level was right up there with Gretzky and Lemieux.” TORONTO COACH Paul Maurice has no problem calling out Matt Stajan, Alex Steen or Ian White, but is reluctant to point the finger at veterans when they make errors. For the Leafs to improve, that must change. BUFFALO’S DARCY REGIER ranked No. 4 on the first ranking of NHL GMs by The Hockey News last season. But having failed to sign Chris Drury and Daniel Briere and with his team in a tailspin, he has…


INSIDE THE NUMBERS
→ DON’T STAND SO CLOSE TO ME LET’S START with the fact that more than half (56 percent) of the goals scored so far this season have come from the slot (within 20 feet of the net). The league’s average save percentage from that distance is only .810, compared to .943 when the shots come from anywhere else. Nashville’s Dan Ellis has done a remarkable job so far this season, with a .947 save percentage when opponents shoot from the slot (first chart). Meantime, the Blue Jackets’ Pascal Leclaire has been almost perfect on shots from beyond 20 feet (second chart). And, Henrik Lundqvist of the Rangers has saved the day more than once if you consider that one-third of the shots against the Rangers have come from the slot (below). SPOTLIGHT…