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April 29, 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.
ASK THE EXPERTS
THN, With certain problems in the NHL ticking fans off, what are the things that can have the NHL commissioner removed from his post, and what are the official legal steps to find a suitable replacement? Cameron French, Williamsburg, Ont. Cameron, Commissioner Gary Bettman serves at the will of the NHL board of governors, made up of the league’s 30 team ownerships. So unless the owners want him gone (which is not the case right now), there isn’t really anything legal that can be done. THN, I have been a hock ey fan and player for 40 years and I never quite understood why centers get kicked out of the faceoff circle. Could you outline the rules surrounding this for me? Joe Goodwine, Burlingame, Calif. Joe, There are five reasons a center can get kicked out of the…
WASHINGTON
COMEBACK PLAYER Jeff Schultz, D. His uneven 2006-07 wasn’t a bust, but the rookie was usually good for a bad mistake each game. Demoted to Hershey this October, he returned and flourished alongside Tom Poti, whose steadying presence allowed Schultz to focus on defense. His plus-12 led Caps blueliners and he’s gradually asserting himself offensively. GO AWAY PLAYER Steve Eminger, D. Eminger played in only 20 games and Washington refused to trade its insurance policy. The likely departing RFA never blossomed into the defenseman Washington envisioned when he was picked 12th in 2002. Eminger didn’t complain. He stayed prepared and ready whenever he was needed. With Karl Alzner and Sami Lepisto in the wings, he’s expendable.…
CAROLINA
COMEBACK PLAYER Sergei Samsonov, LW. In the 86 games before he joined the Hurricanes, Samsonov scored nine goals and had 21 assists. In 38 games with Carolina, he had 14 goals and 18 assists. A January re-entry waiver claim, Samsonov resurrected his career and may have found a home with the Canes, after playing his best hockey since 2001-02. GO AWAY PLAYER Jeff Hamilton, C. The Canes put Hamilton through waivers once they decided they’d rather spend his salary elsewhere next season. A free-agent signing, he got off to a hot start (15 points in 22 games), but his production and playing time diminished and he found himself in the AHL by February. Hamilton played well in a late-season call-up, but the Canes will try to move him.…
Doing it Alz for the Hitmen
The WHL’s best player does not boast gaudy stats. His regular season totals consisted of seven goals and 36 points in 60 games, but Karl Alzner’s varied contributions cannot be ignored. The 19-year-old’s efforts helped the Calgary Hitmen finish atop the Eastern Conference standings. Alzner chips in on offense, provides airtight defense and offers exemplary leadership. There are nights when the Hitmen captain seldom leaves the ice, not even for infractions; he was assessed only 15 penalty minutes this year. Alzner’s attributes were also enjoyed by Canada’s golden World Junior Championship team (which he captained in 2008) and the Washington Capitals, who drafted the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder fifth overall in 2007.…
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