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December 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.
Inside the Numbers
Situational statistics THE MINNESOTA WILD’S commitment to defense-first hockey is reflected in its per-game rankings – 21st in goals per game, second in goals against per game. But there’s more to the Wild than meets the eye. Offensively, it’s an opportunistic squad, scoring 42 percent of its goals with its secondranked power play unit. Minnesota coach Jacques Lemaire relies heavily on burgeoning star Mikko Koivu to take the first faceoff on Wild power plays. But Sidney Crosby’s league-leading 102 meant he’d taken 80 percent of them for Pittsburgh through Dec. 11. Between the pipes, it’s no surprise that starters from two of the league’s stingiest teams were leading the way while killing a penalty. Incidentally, from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11, Tim Thomas went 443 consecutive minutes without allowing a power play goal. Highlighted player/team…
Pit Martin 1943-2008
→ “A HELLUVA TRAGEDY” is how Chicago teammate Stan Mikita described the death of Hubert ‘Pit’ Martin, 64, who died Nov. 30 when his snowmobile plunged through the ice on Lake Kanasuta near his hometown of Rouyn-Noranda, Que. Martin was part of one of the most lopsided trades ever, in which Boston sent him, Gilles Marotte and Jack Norris to Chicago in 1967 for Phil Esposito, Ken Hodge and Fred Stanfield. But Martin is remembered for much more than just that historical footnote. “He was a helluva hockey player,” Mikita said. “The way that trade turned out, it was basically a 3-for-1 deal. But Pit had a great career.” Indeed, the center had 324 goals and 809 points in 17 seasons. His 627 points as a Black Hawk rank seventh in franchise history. He…
Starting from 5
FIVE Before becoming an NHL star, Esa Tikkanen scored 35 points for Finland in three tournaments. FOUR Vladimir Ruzicka’s total of 35 points for Czechoslovakia is highlighted by 25 goals. THREE Pavel Bure scored 12 goals in 1991 and a record 27 total. His 39 points are the most by a Russian. TWO Robert Reichel totaled 40 points, including 21 in 1990 playing with Jaromir Jagr and Ruzicka. ONE In 1993, Peter Forsberg tallied a tournament-record 31 points and scored 42 overall.…
Just about Miller time
DURING HOLIDAY BREAKS at Michigan State, Drew Miller sometimes visited his brother, Ryan, and watched him play goal for the Rochester Americans. He got a first-hand look at life in the American League and absorbed from his brother how pro hockey’s ups and downs would feel. And then, as a rookie himself, life in hockey seemed so easy. The quick and skilled left winger enjoyed a solid rookie pro season with the AHL’s Portland Pirates (16 goals, 36 points in 79 games) and, in June of 2007, Miller was part of Anaheim’s march to a Stanley Cup. Miller played in three NHL playoff games and had his named etched on the Cup, right there with Chris Pronger and Teemu Selanne. And now here he is, a third-year pro at age 24, still in the…
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