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April 22, 2008
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.
2 MINUTES IN THE BOX
What was your ‘welcome to the NHL’ moment? My first game was in the playoffs last year against Detroit. On my first shift, Chris Chelios was leading the rush on the wall. I skated towards him but didn’t close in time, he chipped it to Todd Bertuzzi who went in and scored. First shift, minus-1. Worst hotel you’ve ever stayed in? Lincoln, Nebraska, when I played in the USHL – there were bugs and roaches in the tub. Who is your road roommate and how is he? I room with Kent Huskins. He’s quiet, likes to read, doesn’t control the TV remote, so it’s good. Who has booed you? Back in junior, the fans in Sioux City did not like me. Favorite junk food? My dad’s a cop, so I’ll say donuts. If you could play for any team in…
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
WHO WILL WIN THE HART? SOME CRITICS say the three-star selections after games are not a true assessment of the action because they’re chosen by media, not pro scouts. Can we predict the winners of the NHL awards with those star selections? First, the award winners are chosen by media, the same media making the three-star selections (except for the Vezina, which is chosen by the GMs). Second, last year’s Hart Trophy finalists (Crosby, Luongo, Brodeur and Lecavalier) were among the top 10 players with the most three-star selections. And the rookie with the most stars also won the Calder (Malkin), Brodeur who finished with 27 stars (two less than the leader, Roloson) won the Vezina, the defenseman with the most stars won the Norris (Lidstrom), and yes the player with…
POWERING FORWARD
JAMES NEAL SAYS HE KNEW the adjustment from the Ontario League to the pro game would take time. There would be new systems, increased defensive responsibilities and opponents who are just as strong, but even bigger. He didn’t expect to dominate. At least not at first. But as the AHL season was winding down, Neal was cranking up his game for the Iowa Stars. Since returning from a knee injury that kept him out of the lineup for six weeks, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound left winger was living up to advance billing. A power forward who excels in traffic, Neal scored nine goals and 15 points in a 17-game stretch from mid-February to late March. That’s quite a turnaround from the first three months, when he produced just one assist in his first 12…
TAMPA BAY
MVP Vincent Lecavalier, C. With a second straight season of at least 40 goals and 90 points, Lecavalier was Tampa Bay’s most potent offensive weapon. Still, it was a difficult year for him. Lecavalier’s production slowed in the second half, though it is unclear how much his chronically aching wrists had to do with it. We may not have seen Lecavalier’s greatest this season, but he was far and away the best Tampa had to offer. SURPRISE Mike Lundin, D. He was supposed to spend his first season out of the University of Maine in the AHL. But injuries and a lack of depth opened a spot and Lundin stepped up with poise and a good stick. It was a bumpy ride at times (he needs to get stronger), but Lundin…
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