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March 2, 2009
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.
Emery of memory
AS THE 2008-09 SEASON dwindles, Ray Emery is again making news. The mercurial goaltender has performed well after wearing out his welcome with the Ottawa Senators. With one month to go in the KHL’s regular season, Emery has sparkled with Atlant Mytischi. In 32 games, he owns a 20-6-0 mark, a 2.03 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and was selected to play in the All-Star Game. However, all has not been rosy in Russia for the controversial netminder. Emery flew home for a short vacation between Feb 3-11 while the league took a break for international events. But a contract dispute kept him from returning when the second place overall team resumed workouts. Emery’s agent, J.P. Barry, said the dispute revolved around the KHL’s exchange rate, fixed at 24 rubles per American dollar. The…
Not all wins created equal
WHAT’S IN A WIN? From a goaltender’s perspective, it’s the stat that matters most…at least, that’s what the majority of them will tell you to your face. It’s among the key reasons why Patrick Roy is atop many experts’ lists as the greatest goalie ever and why Martin Brodeur, who still stands to surpass Roy’s 551 all-time mark this season, is re-energizing that debate. It’s why we’re shining the spotlight on Miikka Kiprusoff in Eric Duhatschek’s Overtime (pg. 50), as the Flames netminder flirts with a new single-season standard and possibly even the 50 ‘W’ plateau. It’s also a point of contention, and has been, since 2005-06. When the NHL decided to eradicate ties, wins (and goalie losses) instantly became more bountiful. Three of the top four single-season victory totals have come since the…
Don’t blame butterfly
Ifyou’re a fan of NHL goaltenders named Rick, Kari and, this year, Roberto, you’re well acquainted with lower-body injuries. But those in the know say blame the game, not the player. Butterfly goaltenders have been around in one form or another since the 1950s. Their philosophy is simple: Create as much blocking surface as possible; use your body more than your limbs; and, let the puck come to you. It was during the 1980s and ’90s that the phenomenon known as Patrick Roy turned an entire generation of netminders into butterfliers, relegating stand-up goaltending into a relic. “In my mind, the butterfly is the only way to (play),” said Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury. The only way because it’s all he’s ever known, because it’s effective and because it’s safer. “It’s more compact,” said Jon Elkin, the…
POLL RESULTS
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