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September 2, 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.
CHICAGO
SUMMER GRADE A– With a better power play, the Blackhawks might have made the playoffs last season. What they needed most was a quarterback and they fulfilled that need by signing defenseman Brian Camp-bell as a free agent. Campbell gives the Hawks the weapon they didn’t have on the blueline to balance the firepower down low in Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Martin Havlat. The Hawks also solidified themselves in goal with the surprise signing of free agent Cristobal Huet. GM Dale Tallon has insisted Huet and Nikolai Khabibulin will split the duties, but moving Khabibulin remained highly likely. SCHED GLANCE The highlight of the schedule is the Jan. 1 Winter Classic against Detroit to be played outdoors at Wrigley Field. But before that, the Hawks must take advantage of a…
LET ’ER RIP, BUT HAVE RESPECT
WE’VE PROBABLY SENT THIS MESSAGE BEFORE, BUT it bears repeating: At The Hockey News the relationship we have with our audience is paramount. We love to hear what you think we’re doing right and we also appreciate your, ahem, constructive criticism. We’re all about a vibrant dialogue…to a point. Occasionally we receive letters I’d be embarrassed to show my mom. They’re laced with rage and profanities and go straight into the deleted bin. With that in mind, we thought we’d provide some tips on how to get your letter published in our pages: 1. Be respectful. Disagree with us all you want, point out our factual errors, but don’t get personal and don’t use profane language. 2. Be brief. Take a look at our Letters page and you’ll notice most of the ones…
WASHINGTON
SUMMER GRADE B Youthful Washington focused on re-signing a bevy of in-house free agents, but dipped into the market by inking ex-Avalanche goalie Jose Theodore to a two-year, $9-million deal. Rising defensive star Mike Green averted offer sheets and cashed in for four years and $21 million, while versatile forward Brooks Laich parlayed a career season into three years and $6.2 million. Defenseman Shaone Morrisonn, center Boyd Gordon and winger Eric Fehr re-upped, so the Capitals return largely the same workaholic cast. Center Sergei Fedorov’s one-year, $4-million contract could create salary cap issues. SCHED GLANCE The Caps need to succeed early. Ten of Washington’s final 15 games are on the road, thanks to the circus and the NCAA Frozen Four. It will be surreal seeing goaltender Olaf Kolzig – for 16…
NEW JERSEY
SUMMER GRADE B– The Devils never did replace departed first-line center Scott Gomez last year and that glaring hole hurt them all season, so GM Lou Lamoriello was determined it wouldn’t happen again. By signing free agent Brian Rolston, they acquired a top center and a quarterback for their struggling power play. They also added some strength and depth in the middle by signing pivot Bobby Holik, who perfectly fits the Devils’ style and played the New Jersey system from 1992 to 2002. SCHED GLANCE More important than being both the season and home opener, New Jersey’s Oct. 10 match-up comes against the Islanders, who took six of eight meetings last season (6-1-1) from the Devils. For a team unaccustomed to leaving its own time zone, a six-game road trip spanning…
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