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Fischler Report: Devils Are the Freshest Cup Contender
Stan Fischler shares an interview with Justin Bourne on his new book, analyzes the New Jersey Devils after getting Timo Meier, looks at the Red Wings and more.
DEVILS THE NEW, YOUNGEST FRESHEST CUP CONTENDER
The New Jersey Devils last won the Stanley Cup in 2003. They now could win it again exactly two decades later.
And Tom Fitzgerald now leads the NHL in the race for GM of the year.
Conceiving the monster deal that brings Timo Meier to Newark – Fitzgerald now has an arsenal that can beat either the Rangers, Hurricanes or Bruins – depending on how the standings shake out.
Already a fresh, vibrant and extremely NHL power, the Devils – with the possible exception of Fabian Zetterlund – essentially gave up no one of consequence and did it without altering the club's exquisite chemistry.
"Plus," one scout notes, "Fitz also picked up depth pieces to help down the immediate road. And he did it while keeping his crown jewels. His Devils have gone from bottom feeders to Cup contenders in a year."
No, question, whichever the East power, it will have a devil of a time beating Lindy Ruff's sextet. Exhibit A would be an NJ-Rangers "Battle Of The Hudson."
DEVILS VERSUS RANGERS: The Garden Staters have more team speed and skill. New York has the goaltending. Ruff's youngsters can handle the playoff pressure. With or without Patrick Kane, the Rangers are messing up the previous good chemistry.
DEVILS VERSUS HURRICANES: Another beauty, but with the above arsenal – especially the youthful energy – NJ gets the edge. If Carolina is forced to go with Antti Raanta, as they did against the Rangers last year, the C in Canes equals collapse.
DEVILS VERSUS BRUINS: Tough, tough and tougher. But Devils' speed and skill could be too much for the Bruins to contain. AND: The best teams often go down in the first round. See Tampa Bay, Toronto and even Detroit, 1953.
THE PERFECT FIT: POILE HANDS REINS TO TROTZ
The Predators ownership should hurry up and erect a statue of David Poile in front of Bridgestone Arena. No GM did more for a brand new franchise for more years than this admirable son of ex-NHL star Bud Poile.
As the only GM Nashville ever has had since the franchise's inception in 1998-99, David did what a ton of skeptics said could not be done. In a truly non-traditional market, he navigated the roughest of shoals and turned Music City into a genuine, all-sellouts hockey town.
Now, the estimable GM career, which began at age 32, is coming to an honorable conclusion. Nor am I surprised. When I interviewed Poile in this space a few months ago, he clearly hinted that this season would be it for him.
While all of the hockey seers were wondering where Barry Trotz would coach next, Poile knew that his original bench boss loves Nashville as a place to live and the Predators' managerial job would be a perfect fit for the team and for Barry.
As for David, what is there to say other than – apart from being a hockey gentleman and scholar – he's about the nicest, friendliest hockey guy you'll ever want to know. And, frankly, that's why I'm darn sad he's retiring.
WHEN THE ELITE MEET TO EAT THE PRETENDERS
No doubt about it, the Tampa Bay Lightning rank among the elite teams in the NHL. The Detroit Red Wings currently are pretenders to elite status.
So, what happens when the elite Bolts play the Wings, who were winners of five straight earlier in the month? What you get is a lesson out of Hockey 101: don't bet against a team that not long ago won two Stanley Cups.
Even when stinking out the joint – as they did last night at Little Caesars Arena – the visitors won 3-0. Or, as Tampa coach Jon Cooper generously said, "We played poorly."
So, if Detroit had a massive 84 shot attempts, how come the still sizzling Motor City lads go zilch for their efforts? We go back to Hockey 101 for the answer.
An elite team – to be elite – must have an elite goalie.
Andrei Vasilevskiy taught the young Wings a lesson. He set a personal regular-season shutout record with 45 saves. Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov and Alex Killorn got goals for Vas, who ate all the biscuits thrown at him.
Winners of seven out of nine games, coach Derek Lalonde's team still is sizzling. It's just that they're not elite hot.
EXCLUSIVE: JIM DEVELLANO REVEALS DETROIT'S SECRET WEAPONS
For the first four months of the season, the Red Wings were regarded as an admirable novelty. They were playing better than expected but – not even in management's eyes – not good enough to make the wild card. But in recent weeks, they've become a genuine wild-card threat. Hall of Famer,
Detroit's executive VP Jim Devellano explains why in our email interview:
THE OVERALL REASONS FOR WINGS SUCCESS: "It has been a matter of upgrades made by Steve Yzerman right across the board – in goal, on defense and up front. Plus, young reserves."
GOALTENDING: "Our surprising wild-card chase starts with the goaltender. Ville Husso has been a big improvement for us in the crease. And we got him from St. Louis for only a third-round pick. You include Husso with what we added on defense and you get a major plus at both positions."
DEFENSE: "Our front office did a terrific job with two, key free-agent signings. We got Ben Chariot from Florida and Ollie Matta from Los Angeles. Then, you add to that the two youngsters who are excelling on defense. That would be Filip Hronek and last year's Calder Trophy-winner, Moritz Seider."
FORWARDS: "Yzerman signed three veteran forwards who have contributed in a good way up front. And all were free-agent signings. We got Andrew Copp who had been with the Rangers, David Perron, ex-of the Blues, and Dominik Kubalik from Chicago."
DEPTH PLAYERS: "Up front, two of our young draft picks – centers Michael Rasmussen and Joey Veleno – have taken on bigger checking roles among the bottom six."
COACHING: "Steve Yzerman's decision to bring in Derek Lalonde from Tampa Bay and Bob Boughner from San Jose has made a difference. Each has made a seamless transition to the Red Wings. They've combined to add a new spark to an improving team."
BOTTOM LINE: "It appears, after six seasons out of the playoffs, the Red Wings are a much more competitive team and are on the rise."
I'M JUST SAYIN'
*Women's hockey star Chelsey Goldberg is orchestrating a Jewish Heritage Night prior to the March 14, Isles-at-Kings game.
*Chelsey's T-shirt spells out 'Chaim, translated: a good life; also good luck.
*The NHL should strike a trophy for "Best Over 35 Player." My choice for this year's winner would be Buffalo's ageless goalkeeper Craig Anderson.
*Beating Florida, 3-1, on Friday night, the 41-year-old Andy made 53 saves. Being Andy, he shrugged it off as just a good night's work.
*On Saturday night, the Devils feted their third Cup-winning team (2003) for the 20th anniversary.
*Among the honorees were Hall of Famers Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Scotty Gomez. Bobby Holik, who starred for the 1995 and 2000 champs, calls Sergei (All 3 Cups) Brylin the "best Devil of all."
*"That's not a putdown of the Hall of Famers," Holik explains, "It's because Brylin did everything – penalty-killing, power play, regular shift, you name it."
*In honoring the memory of his late father, one part Alex Ovechkin said can apply to most hockey parents. His line about his dad went like this: "He gave me everything; all his heart and all his time."
*Goalie GMs who, ironically, have goalie problems: Ron Hextall in Pittsburgh and Jim Rutherford in Vancouver.
*The good news in Raleigh is that Antti Raanta is winning a ton for the Canes. It's some of his all-time best goaltending.
*The bad news is that there's no way that Rod Brind'Amour can count on him in the post-season.
*Not only must Freddie Andersen get healthy, but he has to stay healthy if the Canes expect to beat the Rangers or anyone for that matter.
*No one can label the Devils (39-15-5) first-half wonders anymore. After John Tortorella's Flyers were spanked 7-0 Saturday night by New Jersey, Torts' comment was: "The Devils are that good."
EXCLUSIVE: JUSTIN BOURNE AND HIS COMPELLING NEW BOOK
It's called Down and Back: On Alcohol, Family, and a Life in Hockey and is available in paperback, audio, kindle and hardcover.
It took a heck of a lot of guts for Justin Bourne to write it because it's about him, his four-Cup-winning dad, Bob Bourne, and a battle with himself that, happily, Justin has won.
Before going on, let me say that Bob Bourne was one of my favorite Islanders. I covered the team since the fleet left wing was a rookie and through the dynasty years. I loved watching him in action and enjoyed our interviews.
I met and interviewed Justin for the first time while doing a Devils game in Phoenix and have known the family, including Justin's mom, Janice. The minute I heard that Justin's book was out, I asked if he'd do an interview. He agreed, and our email exchange follows, with the topics and Bourne's answers:
HIS DECISION TO WRITE THE BOOK
"I was two years into my sobriety when I started mulling the topic and began work a few months later. When considering the topics, a few things presented themselves: One was my Dad's hockey story – and mine to a much lesser extent – were interesting and unique.
"But, two, our struggles off the ice weren't public and contained common threads to which people could relate. I wanted to present a different view, that there's a vast grey area of hockey in which people are doing their best to both love the game of hockey and protect people as best they can. But with risks."
WHAT IT WAS LIKE WHEN HE HIT BOTTOM
"It was a period of time where I couldn't get sober, thanks, in part, to giving up on trying. I probably had alcohol in my system for five straight months. Everything I valued in life was deteriorating; my relationships, my work and my health. I was able to turn it around because my wife and mom gave me the opportunity to, and I had to leave Bri to go into treatment for a month. Our son was 2.5 years old and Bri had to keep working because my employer stopped paying me while I was gone. My mom flew into Toronto (from British Columbia) to offer support. Together, they allowed me the time I needed to get right."
HOW THE TROUBLES AFFECTED HIS PROFESSIONAL LIFE
"It affected the quality and frequency of my writing, but – more than anything – I earned a reputation as a flake. I'd make plans, and bail; pitch stories and not write them; get invited to events and not attend. I just couldn't be counted on. While I met the minimum requirements of the written portion of my work, I had shrunk my world and eliminated the chance to move up in the hockey world. Fortunately, Sportsnet believed in me and – fresh out of treatment – offered me opportunities to see what a better me could do."
RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS DAD, BOB BOURNE
"Unfortunately, Dad was fighting his own battle with drinking and was in and out of treatment for a run of years where it became tough to count on him. In some cases, I was uncomfortable not knowing what to expect when we would talk. He wasn't able to be present, but I was flaky at times too, and we were never really able to reconcile some tougher things from our past. The book has helped us tremendously. It's allowed us to have some tough conversations and have a better place with a fresh start. It's the best thing to come from this book.
HIS MOTHER'S ROLE IN HELPING JUSTIN
"Mom remains a gift. She's been there – often physically – despite us living a five hour flight away. She's been with me every step of the way, often, and whenever called upon. I'm forever grateful to her for helping me – and, in turn, my family – find the best version of what our life could look like."
HOW IT AFFECTED HIS MARRIAGE AND FATHERHOOD
"The trust had gone in my marriage. But Bri always believed that I could find the person she had married. I pushed her to a point where she almost left but she wanted to exhaust every chance we had to be a family. I thank the heavens above I was able to find help before it reached the worst-case scenario. She's been there every step, including both our kids – Charlie is six and Molly is almost three – while I spent a day a week writing the book for a long time. She's my rock."
WHAT THE RECOVERED JUSTIN BOURNE IS DOING THESE DAYS
"I'm a co-host with Nick Kypreos on the 'Real Kyper and Bourne' radio show and podcast from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET every weekday. I'm on Sportsnet's TV coverage twice a week, and I write two articles a week for Sportsnet.ca. I'm keeping busy."
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Bluelines: Who'll Win the Cup – The NHL's East or West?
Stan Fischler shares a debate on which conference will have the NHL's Stanley Cup champion this year, a conversation with an AHL team owner and more.
WHO’S BETTER – EAST OR WEST? TWO EXPERTS KNOW
It may appear that the next Stanley Cup champion will come from the East. But, then again, the defending titlists are from the West.
So, which half of the NHL is better? My two studious experts have a keen difference of opinion. Out of Seattle, Glenn Dreyfuss says it’s the West. In The Big Apple, Sean McCaffrey picks the other side. Let’s see who wins this year.
“I claim it’s the west,” Dreyfuss asserts. “So what if the top six teams are in the East? It merely means that two will be knocked out in the first round. And by the time the war of attrition reaches the Eastern Conference final, I pity the one team standing. Actually, they may not be standing but wobbling, punch-drunk from the brutal battle to reach the final.
“That will leave the East winner tenderized for devouring by any number of worthy West reps. It could be the Avs because “been there, done that,” Winnipeg because of Vezina candidate Connor Hellebuyck (50 saves in beating the Rangers on Monday), or Dallas because they’re better than they’re playing right now.
“There’s no ignoring Vegas, which started February with five straight wins, nor Edmonton, because of McDavid and Draisaitl or, for that matter, Los Angeles and Seattle, because no one can convince them they’re not supposed to be doing this well.
Put those facts altogether, and you get what? The Stanley Cup is staying in the same time zone.
“No, no and no,” McCaffrey argues. “The facts on the ice point to the East winning. Here’s fact one: there’s a reason why five of the top six teams projected to win the 2023 Stanley Cup reside in the East.
“Look no farther than the Lightning. Or, I’ll go one better, the Rangers. If either team was moved to the West, it would currently be on top of that Conference.
While the Stars and Golden Knights jockey over the first seed in the West, teams such as the Bruins, Leafs, Lightning, Hurricanes, Devils and Rangers have amassed higher win totals and better point percentages.
“And due to injuries, even last year’s super-team, perhaps the best of the hard cap era, the Avalanche, are struggling. The Eastern Conference has turned into an arms race, where there will be several credible Cup contenders eliminated in the first round, while inferior teams out West will advance during the best tournament in sports.
“Granted, whoever comes out of the West will be fresher than the one which survives the East. But that won’t matter much. The East’s rep will emerge more battle-tested for the final. That – among my other reasons – is why I believe that the Cup will return to the East. Amen!”
(The Maven’s Opinion: See me around the second week in June.)
THE RICH BRUINS GET RICHER – BUT JUST FOR NOW
As if Boston (44-8-5) isn’t dominant enough, GM Don Sweeney has turned his Beantowners into Meantowners.
Obtained from the Caps, Dmitry Orlov is a reliable shutdown D-man who can score. The other ex-Cap, Garnet Hathaway, gives coach Jim Montgomery right-wing depth. The sum has virtually ensured Boston will enter the playoffs as the favorite to dethrone Colorado. But that’s about as far as the B’s will go. The Maven says that Boston’s regular-season excellence guarantees nothing in the post-season. Zilch!
Here’s Exhibit A:
During the 1944-45 season, Montreal finished first with a stunning mark of 38-8-4 for 80 points. In the first playoff round, third-place Toronto (24-22-4) – 28 points behind the Habs – knocked off the Canadiens in six games.
The Maven predicts – come playoff time – that the behemoth Bruins will turn into Humpty Dumpty on skates and have a great fall. Could be as soon as the first round.
(All signs indicate that a white flag will soon be unfurled over Capital One Arena!)
I’M JUST SAYIN’
*Yikes! The Trade Deadline is just a week away, and Jakob Chychrun is getting rustier by the day as a healthy scratch.
*And, pray tell, if Kyle Dubas was smart enough to swipe Ryan O’Reilly from St. Louis, you can’t tell me that Ken Holland can’t figure a deal for Chychrun.
*Let’s not kid ourselves, King McDavid has as much say in navigating the Oilers as his GM. I wonder if McDavid is itchin’ for a Chychrun.
*On the assumption that the Flames continue imitating a rudderless plane, the real melodrama will be who in the high command gets axed?
*Something tells me it won’t be Darryl Sutter. (And it wasn’t Brent or Duane who told me.)
*If Milan Lucic is around next season, it tells me he has the best agent in captivity since the great Mark Gandler.
*Considering that the Canadiens are within swimming distance of the .500 mark, that tells me what we already knew – Marty St-Louis can coach.
*The decline and fall of Jacob Markstrom as a Flames goalie suggest that he’s never recovered from the post-season collapse against the Oilers.
* I feel sad for Jonathan Toews. Hopefully, there’s still more hockey left in Chicago’s captain. (One this for sure – he won’t be traded.)
*As for Patrick Kane, sorry to say, but he’s still unable to catch Chychrun in the Grand Rumor Race. (But it’s close.)
*Cale Makar’s injury is turning the Norris Trophy stakes into something as unpredictable as the Eastern Conference wild-card race.
EXCLUSIVE: A FLAGSHIP AHL OWNER SPEAKS OUT
The Syracuse Crunch set the standard for how an AHL franchise should be run. Full credit to its vibrant, creative and indefatigable owner Howard Dolgon. As boss of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s premiere development franchise, Howard addressed a number of questions in the following email interview lightly edited for clarity:
HOW THE AHL CHANGED SINCE THE CRUNCH JOINED IT
Pretty much unrecognizable. When the Crunch entered the league in 1994, there were 16 teams (we were admitted as 17, and a new Springfield team was approved a few minutes later to make it 18). The league was geographically based in the Northeast and eastern Canada. Of those 18 markets, only five exist with teams today – Syracuse, Rochester, Hershey, Springfield and Providence.
THE EFFECT OF DAVE ANDREWS’ PRESIDENCY
In 1994, Andrews became AHL president and, throughout his tenure, guided us through unprecedented growth and stability. He thoroughly vetted potential owners and markets, absorbed strong franchises from the now-defunct IHL, created a Pacific division to accommodate the NHL’s western-based teams and got our league to the same number of franchises (32) as the NHL. You’d be challenged to find a better sports executive than Andrews. He ran our league with a vision and passion and was never afraid to lean on owners for advice and guidance. The AHL’s hockey product is the second best in the world, and the excitement of our games provides the highest quality of product for our fans.
THE CRUNCH AS A TOP DEVELOPMENT TEAM:
To say we’ve learned a lot in our 29 seasons of existence would be an understatement. We understand that our primary hockey role is to develop future players for the Lightning. And no one is more proud than we are when watching former Crunch players like Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Brayden Point, Yanni Gourde, Alex Killorn and others lift the Stanley Cup in two of the last three seasons. It’s important for us to create the best and most comfortable environment for the players. When new players arrive, we make sure that their acclimation is easy and that we are always available to the players and their families for whatever needs might arrive throughout the season. The Lightning spare nothing when it comes to the quality of coaches, trainers, equipment managers, massage therapists, sports psychologists, etc. A player in Syracuse gets the same quality treatment as he does when competing for Tampa, except the climate’s a bit warmer in Florida.
SECRET TO GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH BOLTS:
It’s important to have regular dialogue with your NHL partners. I’m a four-hour car ride from Tampa, so I get to Lightning games every four to five weeks and get to spend time with the hockey folks as well as the executives who run the business side as we try to market our brands cohesively. And there’s probably not a Crunch game all season where a Lightning hockey staffer (scout or general manager) isn’t in attendance.
I’ve known Lightning GM Julien BriseBois since he was an AGM with the Canadiens before taking that same role in Tampa and then succeeding Steve Yzerman as GM and leading the Bolts to two consecutive Cups. We’ve got a great business relationship but maybe an even better personal one. So when we speak, it’s not always about hockey. Sometimes it’s about our kids, what we are watching on Netflix these days, combat sports, etc.
Mathieu Darche, one of the assistant GMs, was a player in Syracuse for three years when we were affiliated with Columbus, and I remember spending hours on bus road trips talking sports marketing with him. I knew he was a real bright guy with an infectious personality, and there’s no doubt that he’ll be running an NHL franchise in the not-too-distant future. Stacy Roest, another AGM for Tampa, runs the hockey operation in Syracuse on a day-to-day basis, so we speak regularly, and he keeps me updated on all player moves. When he’s not travelling and evaluating players, he’s around our team, and that’s important to our players and staff.
ADVICE FOR A NEW OWNER OF AN AHL TEAM:
First, I’d tell them that their life is about to get more exciting, which is great because there is nothing better than being part of the hockey world, and it’s important to enjoy the journey. But right after that statement, I’d tell them it’s time to get down to business. And that means establishing a trust and transparent dialogue with their NHL partner, building a staff that is focused on growing their brand, creating a solid partnership with the local government and community and then, perhaps most importantly, staging a product that – win or lose – will have their fan base yearning for more. It’s a work in progress. It has been that way with the Crunch for 29 seasons and will continue as we strive to be better every day.
BIG QUESTION: If the Rangers get Patrick Kane, will that make them better than the Bruins?
BIG ANSWER: Yes.
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Fischler Report: Lucky Ken Holland in Edmonton – Almost
Stan Fischler shares a conversation with NHL player agent Matt Keator, the Edmonton Oilers' need for a defenseman, Evander Kane and more.
LUCKY KEN HOLLAND IN EDMONTON – ALMOST
Ken Holland could be the ultimate lucky ducky of NHL GMs.
He's got the best forward in the world – the inestimable Connor 'Only An Occasional Minus' McDavid.
Plus, the best sidekick to the best forward in the world – Leon 'the Lion' Draisaitl.
And, finally, the best fugitive from Toronto, Zachary 'I'm Not Dr. Seuss But I Write Good Kids Books' Hyman.
Oh, yeah, I almost forgot: Evander 'Just Look At Me Now' Kane. But we'll get to him later.
Right this minute, Holland's team has the best – give or take the overly-stacked-to-the-gills Leafs – chance to finally bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada.
The Oilers are better than last year's edition because McDavid can do everything except play defense and stop pucks. And if they're better than last season's club that reached the Western Conference final, who's to say they can't make it to the Cup final?
Not I, sir.
Let's face it, Holland has forged a phenomenal hockey club, provided that you discount defensemen and goaltenders.
Right now, everybody in Alberta – short of Calgary – is wondering just what kind of magic Captain Ken will do before the beyond-the-blue-horizon trade deadline arrives.
We know he can't get a goaltender because he's made Jack Campbell the richest mediocre puck-stopper this side of the Lesser Antilles.
What that means is that he's got to relieve all the guess workers of their endless guessing and haul in Jakob Chychrun.
Seriously, it's Holland's job to find a way to save Chychrun from another year in the Arizona desert – and please don't tell me it's impossible.
What's more, it would be a philanthropic gesture to the good, loyal Edmonton hockey fans. I mean, how much longer should they have to put up with the machinations of Evan Bouchard and colleagues on that pseudo-defense?
Holland, please-please, do yourself and McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, insiders and your fans a favor – get it over with and get Chychrun.
As for Evander Kane, read on, dear friends of the Oilers, read on:
THE SECRET BEHIND THE OILERS' RISE IS – GUESS WHO?
Sure Connor McDavid continues to make jaw-dropping plays and Larrupin' Leon keeps scoring, but the new "key" to Edmonton's ascent is Evander Kane. My educated Edmonton-watcher, Glenn Dreyfuss, explains why:
With points in 13 of their last 14 games, Edmonton is holding down the first wild card in the Western Conference. Among the reasons why is the left wing wearing No. 91 who scores, hits, and agitates.
That's Evander Kane, who's been described almost every way during his 15-season career except "shy and retiring." The talented, volatile Kane is an attention magnet. In the last 14 months alone, along with his bankruptcy trials, Kane's gone from a stint in the minors to scoring two hat tricks for Edmonton in last year's playoffs, to celebrating a new four-year contract, to a surprise recovery from a gruesome November injury.
Here's the current way to describe Kane: difference-maker. After a skate blade lacerated his wrist in November, Kane was predicted to be out for three to four months. But there he was, back on the ice 70 days later. His wrist must be okay – Evander is averaging seven shot attempts per game.
"(Kane) brings a lot of intangibles that the average fan might not see," captain McDavid told Sportsnet. "He's big and strong and plays physical — a hard game that does a lot for our group.”
Added coach Jay Woodcroft: “He comes to the rink every day with juice."
Detroit's Tyler Bertuzzi must agree; in a game against Edmonton, Bertuzzi felt compelled to deliver a cross-check to Kane's chin.
With Kane back in the fold and producing, scoring goals in three straight games against Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia, it's the Oilers' opponents who have been taking it on the chin.
A RESPECTED PLAYER AGENT SPEAKS HIS MIND
Boston-based Matt Keator ranks among the most respected player agents in the intensely competitive repping business. Not surprisingly, one of the most revered NHLers, Zdeno Chara, has been a Keator client since his Islanders days. Red-hot Adam Fox, Chris Kreider and Blake Wheeler number among Keator's current players under contract. In an emailed interview lightly edited for clarity, Keator addressed the following subjects:
HOW AGENTING HAS CHANGED SINCE HE BROKE IN 26 YEARS AGO
Back then, players were not talking to agents until around their NHL draft years, and many waited beyond that. With the rise in NHL salaries, the intensity of player recruitment in all hockey countries has greatly increased. Higher salaries mean more commission for agents looking to make a living. Big corporate firms have increased their staff, and the recruiting of players has gotten younger and younger.
WHY AGENTING IS NOT AN EASY JOB
The biggest challenge is the day-to-day grind of managing players' and parents' expectations. So many are in a rush to be the first one to juniors, college and the NHL. The idea ultimately is not to be the first one of your age group to be in the NHL but to play the longest. This a journey, not a race. My longtime client, Zdeno Chara, is a good example of what it takes to get to the NHL and stay there for 20-plus years.
COMPARING HIS COMPACT AGENCY TO LARGER ONES
I have a small and respected firm with only two people operating in it. Less is more for us as we have deep personal relationships with the four to six players a year we add at the NHL draft. Conversely, big corporate firms have increased their staff, and the recruiting of players has gotten younger and younger. Big firms will show up at the NHL draft with 30 to 40 players hoping that a few will make it. The advent of social media in the last 10 to 15 years has provided parents and players with more information. It has heightened their anxiety about competing against their peers in their pursuit of their NHL dream. The entire landscape has changed in all areas – and not always for the better.
HOW HE LANDED NORRIS-WINNER ADAM FOX AS A CLIENT
I first saw Adam play as a 15-year-old with the Long Island Gulls. What I saw back then in Adam as a hockey player is what you see today. He wasn't the fastest guy nor the biggest guy on the ice, but he was the smartest. He is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. He is so much fun to watch.
THE MAN WHO HELPS MATT FIND POTENTIAL CLIENTS
I have former NHLer Ian Moran. He's my director of development/player recruitment. He's a veteran of more than 600 career NHL games. Ian has a wealth of knowledge and contacts that help players maximize their potential on and off the ice.
GMs MOST EASY TO DEAL WITH – PLUS
The easiest ones are the ones secure in their jobs and know they have the support of their owners. Generally, the Hall of Fame players-turned GMs like Steve Yzerman, Joe Sakic and Ron Francis have the financial and career security that enables them to do their jobs fearlessly. Conversely, the hardest ones to deal with generally are the GMs who are under pressure and are operating day-to-day to survive. I've been fortunate to have strong relationships over the years with almost all the GMs and enjoy dealing with them.
HOW PARENTS WORK WITH AGENTS HERE AND IN EUROPE
In Sweden, they have a rule that agents cannot talk to players and their families until Jan. 1 of the year they turn 15. This is very young. But seeing that players in North America are hiring agents/advisors at an even younger age, I feel that the NHLPA needs this type of rule in place to help curb this issue. Many choose agents/advisors young as a status symbol and to say that they have representation. This is absolutely the wrong reason to rush this process. Hopefully, it will be addressed.
I'M JUST SAYIN'
* Credit Kyle Dubas for doing his due diligence. He has fortified his Leafs better than ever, with the exception of in the goal.
* If the Rangers and Oilers should meet in the Cup final, last Friday's New York win in Edmonton tells me it will be Blueshirsts with comparative ease. It's the goaltending!
* Considering Spencer Knight's uninspiring season in Florida, it's surprising the Panthers are gifting him with a long-term extension.
* New Jersey boasts the NHL's best quiet captain. Nice goin' Nico Hischier for your 100th career goal Saturday night at Pittsburgh.
*Had Jacob Markstrom been playing the kind of goal for which he's being paid, his coach wouldn't be annoyed by critics in Calgary.
* Tonight's contest to watch: Islanders at Pittsburgh. Desperation is the name of their games, but mostly on the Isles.
*Quite frankly, Detroit's high command did not expect the Red Wings to be in the wild-card race, yet there they are a not-so-long shot to make it.
*Kudos to Bruins boss Cam Neely – other than his dominant team – for his No. 21 to be retired by Cam's Junior club, the Portland Winterhawks, on March 18.
* Cam played two seasons (1982 to 1984) in Portland and amassed 64 goals and 82 assists for 146 points in only 91 games and 29 points en route to Portland's first Memorial Cup.
* Other than Don (five Cups) Metz, my all-time, most underrated Maple Leaf is Dick Duff, who just turned 87.
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Bluelines: Homestretch Heroics in the East's Wild-Card Race
Stan Fischler hosts a debate on who would win a playoff series this year between the Maple Leafs and Lightning, discusses the East's wild-card race and more.
HOMESTRETCH HEROICS
Once upon a time, the bromide was "The regular season really doesn't count."
Nowadays, it counts. It really counts. We have an adrenaline-filled homestretch where every wild-card battle in the East feels like a manic melodrama.
Check out last night's matches when Florida walloped Washington 6-3, and Detroit demolished Calgary, 5-2. Nor tonight's intense Penguins-Islanders clash at UBS Arena.
Only three points separate Detroit (60) and Pittsburgh (63), but the Penguins have games in hand on everyone, a whopping five more than Florida and four more than the Isles and Caps.
For the Isles, tonight's game could be a playoff-run make-or-breaker. Plus, Lane Lambert's sextet gets another run at the Pens on Monday at Pittsburgh. (Tomorrow night, the Isles will have their hands full in Boston.)
Florida is a team to watch, with five wins out of their last seven games.
"We were cooking," coach Paul Maurice said after last night's win. Sergei Bobrovsky has re-found his game in goal, and captain Aleksander Barkov is at the top of his game.
The Cats are home to Nashville tomorrow night; a biggie for both.
Or, as Isles defender Ryan Pulock puts it for all in the wild-card run: "This is desperation time – where every point matters."
LEAFS VS. BOLTS – WHO'LL WIN THE INEVITABLE PLAYOFF BATTLE?
It's a foregone conclusion that Toronto again will meet Tampa Bay in the first playoff round. Our Glenn Dreyfuss tells why the Leafs finally will prevail. Sean McCaffrey then follows with an emphatic nix to that nonsense. Read on:
"Yes," Dreyfuss insists, "finally this will be a super spring for the Leafs, leaping over the first-round obstacle that has foiled them for years – and years.
"The answer to why Toronto will win is in one word: Defense. After losing four seventh-game heartbreakers since 2018 – including the most recent one to Tampa – the Leafs knew they needed a full-team commitment to better defense.
"Toronto now has the sixth-best goals-against average. Tampa is 12th. Last year, the Lightning were top-six in defense, while the Leafs were – wait for it – 19th!
"Even more impressive, Toronto made this turnaround despite top defenders Morgan Rielly, T.J. Brodie and Jake Muzzin out for extended stretches.
"It's because both the 'D' and forwards have transformed the neutral zone from last year's racetrack into this year's quicksand. So put me down for Toronto to reach the second round – or further – for the first time since 2004."
And now, the no, again, for Toronto:
"It's easy to pinpoint why the Bolts will beat Toronto," Sean McCaffrey asserts. "Two words – Maple Leafs! Sure, Tampa has playoff-winning ways. And their core ranks among the greatest of the salary-cap era. Then there's Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Leafs' goaltenders are no match, nor is the coaching: Jon Cooper is the longest-tenured and most successful coach in the league.
"Let's face it: the Leafs should feature a 'Beware of Choking' hazard label on the front of their jerseys. Why? Because they haven't made it past the first round since 2004 – when Brian Leetch was on their blueline!
Oh, yeah, there's also that time-honored NHL botany tradition since 1967: the only Leafs that fall in the spring are the ones in Toronto!"
I'M JUST SAYIN'
* Marty Walsh, the new players' union boss, won't start a war with Gary Bettman for obvious reasons.
* One, the players never had it $o good.
* Two, the addition of Vegas and Seattle has ballooned the NHLPA "employed" list to record numbers.
* Three: Down the line – you never know – the league just might add another team or two. That would result in even more card-carrying NHLPA members.
* If the Rangers didn't want Patrick Kane – and for good reason – his recent ailment was the warning sign – you have to now wonder which team would be willing to gamble on this guy.
* Big Devils question: Does Tom Fitzgerald trade Damon Severson and promote wunderkind D-man Luke Hughes from Michigan to Newark?
* Whatever Fitzie decides to do, he’s my GM of the year.
* Nobody expects Kyle Dubas to deal for a money goaltender. That being the case, Toronto's GM once again will have realistically failed to fix the hole in the goals against dam.
* With all the unnecessary – and disgusting, I might add – talk about "tanking," weak teams continue to produce compelling wins.
* Exhibit A: Arizona beats Tampa Bay, 1-0, in a shootout on Wednesday night. Exhibit B is Columbus beating Winnipeg 3-1 last night.
* Studying the defending champ Avs all season long, I still can't figure out if they're even strong enough to get past the second playoff round. Or even the first, for that matter.
* Colorado's favorite team simply can’t get healthy. But the throng of injuries creates cap space.
* In the end, it could enable the Avs to get stronger as the trade deadline looms.
* An Adams Award dilemma: Granted that Jim Montgomery has done wonders in Boston. But he's got a loaded lineup, whereas Lindy Ruff has done more with less in New Jersey and rates Adams consideration.
* Outdoor games have been one of the most successful marketing moves under the Bettman administration, and the Stadium Series game tomorrow in Raleigh is another example.
* Really, it's hard to imagine, but Carter-Finley Stadium already is sold out for the Canes-Caps collision.
*The UFA who I like the most as a solid add is Max Domi.
*If the Montreal Maroons, New York Americans and Hamilton Tigers were around today, you could be sure they would be added to the Jakob Chyrhrun trade rumors. Why not? Everybody else is.
LETTER FROM VANCOUVER: RICK TOCCHET'S CANUCKS
British Columbia-based Jerry Hack, author of Confessions of a Hockey Nobody, carefully studies the Canucks. Here's his review of coach Rick Tocchet's work so far:
"The Canucks' analytics have been trending better under their new coach. But it's a very small sample size. The players haven’t had much practice time due to time constraints, so it’s difficult to implement a system in mid-season when you can’t practise.
"This Tocchet team is harder to play against, battling harder for pucks, finishing checks and playing more in the offensive zone. That can be attributed to the bump a team gets with a coaching change.
"The penalty kill is still as ugly as ever. Killing penalties is not rocket science. It’s hard work, smart players and goaltending. Thatcher Demko’s imminent return will hopefully improve the situation and make Tocchet a better coach.
"Are the Canucks better now? After watching them lately, my mind wanders back to a line a local sportscaster once said about the team: 'The Canucks were idle last night, unfortunately, they were playing the Red Wings at the time.'
"Bruce Boudreau was a great coach last year. So, what changed? My thought is we need Tocchet the player, not Tocchet the coach.
"And in losing 6-4 to the Rangers on Wednesday night, it seemed that New York only played as hard as it had to in order to win. That and the Canucks caught Igor Shesterkin on a night when he was ordinary.
"This Vancouver team has some pieces of the puzzle, but it needs more to up its skill level to reach the playoffs next season.
"My conclusion:" Tocchet is not the answer; we were better off with Boudreau. The order of the day now is to wait and see.
BIG QUESTION: Led by McDavid, could Edmonton win the Stanley Cup?
BIG ANSWER: Only if Andrei Vasilevskiy is the Oilers' goalie.
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Fischler Report: Why Tampa Bay Could Win The Cup – Not the Rangers
Stan Fischler's colleague disagrees with his take on the New York Rangers being Cup favorites, while Monday's report compares Huberdeau and Gaudreau and more.
WHY TAMPA BAY – NOT THE RANGERS – CAN WIN THE CUP
Not everyone agrees with The Maven's choice of the Rangers to win the Stanley Cup. New York's acquisition of Vladimir Tarasenko may be a good one. But that doesn't make the Blueshirts any better than two-time Cup champ Tampa Bay, argues Florida reporter Al Greenberg. Here he disputes The Maven and explains why the Bolts are better:
Despite what Stan Fischler wrote on Friday – that the Rangers will win the Cup – I respectfully disagree.
Tampa Bay has what New York does not have – a two-Cup championship pedigree. It's almost 30 years since the Blueshirts tasted champagne.
Granted that the Bolts’ runs to the Cup final over the last three years have been costly. No successful team in the cap era can retain its personnel indefinitely. But with its nucleus of stars tied into long-term deals, the Stamkos-Hedman-Kucherov-Vasilevskiy-Point aggregation is just as strong as it was when the team won the Cup in 2020.
The rest of the squad is not too shabby either, including the perfect combination of scorers, top defenders and their share of sandpaper.
GM Julien BriseBois has done Houdini-like magic with his cap space in making deadline deals in the last three seasons. Last year’s trades were particularly effective because Brandon Hagel had two years remaining on a cap-friendly contract, and he was able to re-sign Nick Paul to a long-term deal.
There is no reason not to expect more of the same this year. According to CapFriendly, the Bolts do not have enough cap to add a minimum-wage player without removing a body from the roster. First-round draft picks for the next two years were already traded in the Hagel deal, so BriseBois has little to offer. Players with expiring contracts, such as Alex Killorn, who will likely be lost after the season, are simply too valuable to give up in a deal.
The forward lineup is almost identical to the one that went to last year’s final. On defence the biggest loss was Ryan McDonagh, so they probably can use a veteran defender for depth. Arizona’s Shayne Gostibehere would be a great rental but is likely unaffordable. Anaheim’s Dmitry Kulikov has a more reasonable contract and might be affordable with some financial wizardry.
Then there is old favorite Luke Schenn on an expiring deal in Vancouver at under $1 million. He has served the Lightning like a warrior in the past.
Whether or not BriseBois pulls off another stunner, this team has the proven pedigree to do it all over again with its current cast.
Finally, a couple more reasons to doubt the Rangers' ability to go the route:
1. They need more sandpaper to run at the opposition. 2. They remain an East-West team when North-South is the way to go. (Sorry, Stan.)
GAUDREAU AND HUBERDEAU ARE MISSING THE POINTS
As Glenn Dreyfuss tells us, two of last season's standouts have had tough transitions with their new teams.
Calgary lost one 115-point scorer to free agency in the off-season (Johnny Gaudreau), but gained another through trade (Jonathan Huberdeau). Unfortunately, the changes of address haven't worked out for either star.
Last year, Huberdeau capped a decade in Florida with a league-leading 85 assists. Gaudreau, who had spent all nine of his NHL seasons with the Flames, had a league-best plus-64. Both finished top five in Hart Trophy voting.
Johnny Hockey's dropoff in Columbus is more understandable, as injuries have decimated the Blue Jackets. Gaudreau's possession metrics are below last season, largely due to limited offensive help. With a strong finish, he could still break the Jackets' single-season points record of 87. Columbus and Chicago are neck and neck for the fewest points in the NHL, so Gaudreau's best hope is for his team to win the Connor Bedard sweepstakes this summer.
Huberdeau, traded to Calgary in a multi-player off-season blockbuster, is on pace for half of last season's goals and assists. Just this week, an NHL.com headline blared, "Huberdeau Needs To Be Way Better." Of course, his Flames this season are down both Gaudreau and former linemate Matthew Tkachuk, who went to Florida in the trade. The culture changes from South Beach to the windswept prairies of Alberta can throw even a veteran off stride, but Huberdeau freely admits he needs to regain his confidence.
Huberdeau does have a path to redemption not available this year to Gaudreau: the playoffs. Whether Calgary makes the post-season may hinge on Huberdeau regaining his form.
As TSN analyst Mike Johnson put it, "They probably do need more depth at forward, but I think a lot of that could be cured with a very good and productive Jonathan Huberdeau. They have the bodies – they just need to play to their capabilities."
I'M JUST SAYIN'
* If you believe the bromide "Where there's smoke, there's fire," then talk of Jim Rutherford leaving the Canucks' hierarchy must be closely watched.
* De-Maven me if you will, but I can't think of which team would hire Barry Trotz next season.
* My assumption, of course, is that Trotz would not want to undertake an Anaheim rebuild.
* It wouldn't be the end of the world if Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane wind down their careers in Chicago.
* After all, how many Cup rings does a player need before retiring? Plus, the Blackhawk vets could work with the rebuilding kids.
* Some buyer will want to nab Kevin Hayes, having a career year in Philly. Then again, at age 30 for Kev, it could be downhill from here on in, don't-cha think?
* For those who like to look ahead and surmise, a Rangers-Devils playoff "Battle of the Hudson" looms as a doozie.
* There are many big reasons why the Devils have remained aloft in the new year. Start with Dougie Hamilton playing Norris Trophy-type hockey.
* End it with the return of Mackenzie Blackwood playing like a starting goalie even though he's now backup to Vitek Vanecek.
* Every once in a while, it's a good idea to remind ourselves that the regular schedule is a marathon, not a sprint.
* The biggest challenge confronting the Coyotes will emerge in May when the Tempe City Council meets to approve plans for a state-of-the-art arena.
* Assuming Tempe green lights the 16,000-seat rink, the ground will be broken, and building will begin in what's described as "a great location."
* For those critical of the Coyotes playing at 5,000-plus seat Mullett Arena, every game is a sellout even though every seat may not be occupied. What matters is the standing-room numbers.
* Patrick Kane saying he was disappointed that the Rangers traded for Vladimir Tarasenko is borderline ridiculous since he still has not made up his mind about whether he wants to leave Chicago.
* Chris Drury never wanted Kane in the first place. Tarasenko is more the Blueshirts' kind of right wing.
* Breaking News: The term "blockbuster" – as in "blockbuster trade," has just reached the cliché stage.
* What if it's a tiny deal, does it merely become "a grenade trade?"
* Nice Guys Get Gigs Dept. Happiness is Bruce Boudreau back at work doing TV commentary. The Canucks' loss is NHL-TV's gain.
* Adam Fantilli's "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" for Michigan on Saturday night was the first in college hockey since 2014 and only the seventh on our books.
* One Fantilli scouting report goes like this: "He's been a torrid scorer on the NCAA level and has everything. The question is whether he can do it at NHL speed."
* A while back, Evgeni Malkin was omitted from the top 100 NHL players list. A revised list should include him. Malkin leads all Russian players in points per game with 1.16 (min. 200 games).
* Habs owner Geoff Molson has seen the light. He's committed to building the Canadiens "the right way."
* Translated, that means patience will be the franchise's virtue. Being competitive for the long haul is Geoff's crusade.
* Calgary's quest for a new rink got a boost from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Her comment says it all: "I don't want to see 'Quebec Flames,' I can tell you that."
A KNIGHT, KNIGHTHOOD AND HOCKEY CHIVALRY
Like all his colleagues in the Goaltenders' Union, the Panthers' Spencer Knight could have had his new mask painted in any cockamamie manner. But Spence chose a different kind of artwork.
His face protector features paintings by young patients at the Hollywood, Fla. Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.
As website columnist and hockey analyst David Dwork of WPLG Local 10 in Miami pointed out, "This was Spencer's idea and honestly one of the coolest things I've seen an NHL goalie do with his mask."
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Bluelines: Why and How the Rangers Could Win the Stanley Cup
Stan Fischler shares a conversation with Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon, analyzes the New York Rangers after their big trade and more.
WHY AND HOW THE RANGERS COULD WIN THE CUP
The Rangers are now the Stanley Cup favorites. Period.
The Vladimir Tarasenko acquisition unequivocally makes them so. Not to mention the fact the Blueshirts have added another experienced backliner in Niko Mikkola.
What's more, the Rangers' already solid, top-to-bottom lineup isn't even affected. Losing Sammy Blais is inconsequential, and the draft choices? Not to worry. Good luck to the Blues. Meanwhile, Rangers GM Chris Drury has made his own luck.
And speaking of worry, what I consider the anticipated Blueshirt Blitz should give the high commands of Boston, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Toronto, New Jersey and the rest of the gang plenty to anguish about. Translated, they'd better beef up if they plan to challenge the New Yorkers. And here's why:
Figure the assets: 1. World Class goaltending; 2. A dynamic defense led by Norris winner Adam Fox and the bouncer, Jake Trouba; 3. Four well-balanced forward lines; 4. "They boast a rapidly maturing ‘Kid Line’ and 5. An experienced coach.
EXCLUSIVE: KELLY MCCRIMMON TOUCHES ALL HOCKEY BASES
Heading the Vegas Knights, one of the NHL's most successful franchises, GM McCrimmon addresses some compelling hockey issues. The subjects and Kelly's emailed replies follow with some light editing for clarity:
COMPARING COLLEGIATE PLAYERS WITH JUNIORS AND EUROPEANS
For starters, remember that NHL players can be found in any league in any country. We've seen many examples of this. Major junior hockey puts best on best in the 16 to 20-year-old age group. Junior hockey is a major supplier of players to the NHL. The schedules, style of play and rules all are very similar to the NHL. I spent the bulk of my career there and know it is a great development league.
College hockey has proven successful for players with a longer development curve. Fewer games mean more opportunity for training and allow a player to fully develop physically and mentally prior to turning pro.
Let's be honest, the CHL is made up largely of Canadian players, and certainly, there are some very good U.S.-born players. On the other hand, the NCAA is where most U.S. players grow up aspiring to play in the NHL. Similarly, there are very good Canadians who also choose this route.
As for the Europeans, it depends a little bit on the country. Many European countries do a real good job with player development, and there are European players who come to the CHL. As well – but to a lesser degree – there are European players who play college hockey in the States.
GENERAL MANAGERS WHO HELPED KELLY
I've had prior relationships with three NHL general managers who had been affiliated with the Brandon Wheat Kings, which I owned. They are Brad Treliving, Ron Hextall and Kevin Cheveldayoff. Of course, I spent many years with the Wheat Kings as well. I've known Brad, Ron and Kevin for a number of years.
From there, I give credit to the senior GMs – guys like Ken Holland, David Poile, Lou Lamoriello and Doug Armstrong. They have had great success in the NHL, but as well understand their responsibility to the game itself. NHL GMs, in a sense, are stewards of the game – we need to think outside our own organization about the game itself. I enjoy relationships with many others as well. For example, I admire the work Julien BriseBois has done in Tampa Bay. I admire the humility shown by Hall of Fame players like Ron Francis, Joe Sakic, Rob Blake and Steve Yzerman. I am impressed by the work of Kyle Dubas and Chris Drury, Don Sweeney, Jim Nill, I could go on and on, to be honest – there is something to be learned from every one of them.
Although he's now our president of hockey operations here in Vegas, George McPhee would be at the top of my list. Although I didn't have a prior relationship with him – rare in the game – I've been able to learn a great deal from George just by working with him. Very experienced, intelligent, highest integrity – there is a reason he was a very successful GM for many years.
ADJUSTMENT KELLY HAD TO MAKE FROM JUNIORS TO THE NHL
To me, the WHL is 'NHL Light.' It's a draft and develop league where scouting is the lifeline of a successful organization. There are trades and a trade deadline that is similar at both levels. Altogether, the schedules and style of play all mirror the NHL.
The biggest difference is the business side of the NHL, which is dictated by the salary cap, contract negotiations and understanding the CBA. That, along with the size of an NHL staff. There are a lot more people to manage. Needless to say, it's important to have the right people around you. When I was in Brandon, I owned the team as well and with that came the responsibilities any business owner would face.
HEALTH REPORT ON KNIGHTS GOALIE ROBIN LEHNER
Robin had two successful hip surgeries – staggered at the surgeon's recommendation – and is rehabbing in Las Vegas.
ADVANTAGES OF KNIGHTS LEFTY GOALIE LOGAN THOMPSON
The biggest advantage a lefty goalie has is that shooters are far less familiar or comfortable because there are far more right-handed goalies all the way through a player's career. It is one of the advantages of having one on your team – it gives your own players familiarity on a daily basis.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A CONTRIBUTING THIRD/FOURTH LINE IN A PLAYOFF RUN
Playoff success depends in large part on depth. A four-line team develops a certain identity that becomes winning hockey at playoff time. If your roster does not have that makeup – barring superhuman efforts from top players – it will likely, at some point, really hamper your chances of success.
I'M JUST SAYIN'
* Looking backward, Connor McDavid – style-wise – compares most closely to Hall of Famer Jean Beliveau.
* The Habs captain was the best all-around forward of his time – as the Oilers ace is today.
* A major difference is that Big Jean won 10 Stanley Cups, second all-time to teammate Henri Richard's 11.
* Instant love affair. That's the best way to describe Islanders fans' reaction to the Bo Horvat deal – and Bo.
* When he scored his first goal as an Islander on Tuesday, Horvat confessed he'd never received so enthusiastic a reception than the cheering at UBS Arena.
* Right now, there's no point getting excited – one way or the other – about Marty Walsh as the new NHL Players' Association boss.
* The time to care is over what he does and says about a week before the present CBA ends.
* Walsh is combative, but with a wink. A Washington insider tells me, "Marty will go 10 rounds with Gary Bettman, but he'd rather buy the commissioner a round of drinks!"
* How about Kris Letang scoring his second overtime goal in the last four games to surpass Erik Karlsson (31) for the most overtime points by a defenseman in NHL history (32)? And this intrepid guy had a stroke two months ago!
* John Tortorella won't win the Adams (best coach) Trophy, but he sure rates some votes.
* Getting the Flyers near .500 is a monumental achievement. And without Atkinson or Couturier.
* No team lost more, injury-wise, than Vegas when captain Mark Stone went down.
FINAL WORD ON ALL-STAR WEEKEND
As important as anything emanating from the all-star weekend were the benefits accrued for the State of Florida.
As NHL commissioner Gary Bettman points out, the festival brought "7,000-ish" visitors, which is unheard of for an all-star weekend. No less significant is the fact that the events generated $20 million to $30 million in revenue. Let's not forget – players and agents never do – that the NHL is in the business of making money.
As my man in Florida, Al Greenberg, noted, "As for the game, if you consider that it's a show and not a competition, everything is fine. Finally, you can't blame the league for taking care of its sponsors."
As the commish said, "Part of being a sponsor is that you get to celebrate with us and have the weekend."
Considering all the fun and connections made at the parties and beach events, it successfully filled expectations.
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Fischler Report: Lamoriello Has Bo in Tow and May Not Be Through
Stan Fischler shares a 1-on-1 conversation with NHL on TNT's Kenny Albert on his play-by-play career, discusses the Islanders and Bo Horvat, and more.
WITH BO IN TOW, LOU MAY NOT BE THROUGH
Like an electric car ready for a long trip, Lou Lamoriello is proving his batteries are fully recharged. What’s more, he may continue speeding along the Trading Thruway. Time still is on Lamoriello’s side.
The long-term signing of Bo Horvat has energized an Islanders team that – in recent weeks – threatened to fade out of the playoff race.
“This is a spark,” said Mat Barzal, who could very well team up on a line with Horvat if one agrees to play wing. “Bo is going to do wonders for us.”
Among the prime reasons for choosing the Islanders, Horvat made clear, is his admiration of the franchise’s culture and organization. The blue-collar hard work theme was introduced by GM Bill Torrey and coach Al Arbour in the 1970s and has been retained ever since. In that sense, Horvat is the perfect fit for a Lamoriello sextet.
“Bo brings it every night,” added Lou, “and plays the 200-foot game.”
The vexing question – will he trade again? That will be determined by the trade deadline. It’s quite possible that the Isles boss will decide he needs more up front.
Having known Lou since 1987, I would not be surprised if he pulls off one more blockbuster before the trade deadline buzzer sounds.
KENNY ALBERT – ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST PLAY-BY-PLAY GUYS – SPEAKS OUT
A master play-by-play genius of all sports, Kenny Albert of NHL On TNT has succeeded Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick as the NHL’s top game-describer. In an exclusive interview with The Maven, Albert tells how he got to the top, among other sizzling subjects.
RATING THE FAN VALUE OF THIS SEASON
As exciting as ever. At the midway point, the league was scoring at its highest rate (6.4 goals per game) in over a quarter century. There are at least 10 to 12 teams that can legitimately challenge for the Stanley Cup. The game is as fast as it has ever been, and the NHL is loaded with young stars with amazing skills.
THE CHALLENGE OF FOLLOWING MIKE EMRICK’S ACT
I refer to Doc as “Hockey’s Vin Scully,” the legendary baseball announcer. Mike’s ability to paint a word picture while incorporating an incredible vocabulary – along with his encyclopedic knowledge of the sport and the passion he brought to every broadcast – made Doc a must-listen whenever he was at the mic. There is a reason he won nine National Emmy Awards for outstanding play-by-play.
I was Doc’s statistician during his brief stint as the backup radio voice of the Rangers in the 1980s. He was kind enough to listen to my broadcasts and share his thoughts and lend advice during my two seasons as radio voice of the AHL’s Baltimore Skipjacks (1990 to ’92). We were together at three Winter Olympic Games (2006, 2010 and 2014) and constantly swapped notes and pronunciations. For over a decade, Doc and I were colleagues with the NHL on NBC.
All play-by-play broadcasters have their own style. Doc was one of the many voices (in a variety of sports) I listened to as a youngster, and I tried to take a little piece from all of them. Among the aspects of our job that I learned from observing Doc: the value of preparation, as well as incorporating pertinent nuggets and anecdotes into the broadcast at the right time.
MAJOR INFLUENCES ON KENNY’S STYLE
My father (Marv) and uncles (Al and Steve) all did NHL play-by-play during my childhood, and I would listen to – and watch – as many games as possible. With three teams in the New York area, I was also blessed with the ability to listen to many other all-time greats as well, including Doc, Sam Rosen, Jiggs McDonald and Howie Rose. On the radio side, longtime Islanders voice Barry Landers was outstanding. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to fill in for Barry on several occasions between 1989 and 1992. I was a fan of Larry Hirsch, who called Devils games on radio during their early years, and our radio in the kitchen – if positioned correctly – would pick up the Hartford station with the great Chuck Kaiton calling Whalers hockey.
CURRENT PLAY-BY-PLAY DIFFERENCES COMPARED TO THE PAST
The biggest change is all about the amount of information available to help prepare for broadcasts and the ability to watch any game at any time.
When I began my NHL broadcasting career on a full-time basis in 1992, I relied on weekly publications (The Hockey News, Sporting News, etc.) as well as game notes and newspaper clips provided by the teams.
With the internet explosion beginning in the mid-1990s, all of a sudden, I could read articles from other cities on the same day they were published – and at the click of a button.
Back then, I would hardly ever have the ability to watch other games aside from the few that were nationally televised. I would study the names and numbers on paper, then see the teams for the first time during warmups.
These days, I can watch any NHL game on my phone, iPad or laptop – either live or whenever I have time. Watching a multitude of games and listening to other announcers is invaluable when prepping for my broadcasts.
AVOIDING THE PITFALL OF PLAYING FAVORITES
I have had a lot of experience through the years bouncing back and forth between national games and Rangers radio broadcasts. During NHL on TNT games, all of us have to play it down the middle. We don’t favor either team and try to call the game 50/50 – interspersing pertinent information about both teams equally and raising our excitement level on great plays and goals scored by both teams.
If I am working a game between the Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers, for example, some viewers may feel that I am favoring the Blueshirts, and my partner, Keith Jones, is favoring the Flyers, but I can promise you that is not the case.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2023 CUP-WINNER
I try to stay away from predictions because I am usually wrong. That’s why they play the games.
I was very fortunate to call the 2021 final on NBC (“Lightning strikes twice”), as well as seven others on national radio and the 2014 Cup final on MSG Radio. It will be an honor and privilege to call the Stanley Cup Final on TNT for the first time, along with my outstanding partners Eddie Olczyk and ‘Jonesy’ and our terrific production crew and studio team. Can’t wait!
ALBERT’S UPCOMING BOOK
It will be titled A Mic For All Seasons. And, no, I did not have a ghostwriter – I wrote this all by myself. It will be out in September.
I’M JUST SAYIN’
* The NHL has no expansion plans, but if it did, my choice would be Houston. (That’s because I know Quebec City, unfortunately, is out of the question in terms of the league’s requirements.)
* There are lots of capable captains sprinkled over 32 teams, but the one who gets the least attention on a big winner is the Hurricanes’ Jordan Staal. (I’d love the lad to captain my team any time.)
* Here’s proof for why patience is a virtue, vis-a-vis coaches: At the top of every pre-season poll, Seattle’s Dave Hakstol was fingered to get the hook. Now he’s up there for the Adams Award. (He could win it, too.)
* Jumpin’ Jack Hughes wants to extend the 3-on-3 overtime to 10 minutes to limit the shootout. (Enough already, I love the shootout.)
* Crosby and Ovi teaming up with Ovi Jr. to win the Breakaway Challenge was show business at its best. (Thank you, NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer, for super creativity.)
* The Great 8 said during media’s availability that he would like to grab a beer with Sid once they both retire to look back at their careers. (That should be turned into a two-man documentary.)
*A stick tap to Long Island’s Sonny Milano for staying with it. After being released from a PTO in Calgary, he signed a minimum deal in Washington, began the year in the AHL, and now earned himself a three-year $5.7-million contract extension. (That’s a case of justice triumphs.)
POSTSCRIPT ON ALL-STAR WEEKEND
The Maven’s Man in Sunrise, Al Greenberg, was there, and here’s his capsule commentary:
“For a few days, South Florida was the unlikely capital of the hockey world. Kudos to the NHL, Panthers, Broward County, the cities of Fort Lauderdale and Sunrise and a multitude of corporate sponsors for putting on a first-class event.
“The week was capped with the All-Star Game on Saturday before a sold-out crowd, allowing the fans to see the best of the best perform. The events spotlighted a non-traditional market where, thanks to the Panthers’ long-range efforts, hockey interest is booming.”
P.S. There were a ton of wonderful, human-interest sidebar stories. One of my favorites was the schmoozing of arch-rival (Rangers versus Islanders) goalies Igor Shesterkin and Ilya Sorokin. Off the ice, they’re best friends. I learned that Ilya is the godfather of Igor’s child Timothy. Their song, Friendship, That’s The Perfect Blendship.
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Bluelines: Bruce Boudreau Speaks on His Sudden Change of Pace
Stan Fischler shares his conversation with ex-Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau and discusses a Jack Hughes comparison, the Bo Horvat trade and more.
A CONVERSATION WITH BRUCE BOUDREAU
Bruce Boudreau is ready, willing and able.
The dismissed Vancouver coach has returned to Hershey, Pa. where he and his wife, Crystal, operate a junior hockey team. But British Columbia still is in the rearview mirror of his mind.
Boudreau is unwinding and, hopefully, awaiting a job offer – be it another NHL coaching gig or, perhaps, a return to television.
Knowing Bruce since the late 1970s when he was a Maple Leafs rookie, I gave him a call the other night to get a line on how an old pal is doing. We chatted about several topics, and Boudreau's answers follow the subject headings just ahead.
HIS SUDDEN CHANGES OF PACE:
"It's been like going from 90 miles an hour to zero. From excitement to boredom. I was lucky to have my wife Crystal, who has been a big part of my support, helping out. And I know I left Vancouver with the support of my players. The young guys were behind me and so were the vets. The reaction of the players made me feel good. They all knew what was going on."
HIS REACTION TO THE DISMISSAL:
"I was angry when I was fired because I hate losing a job. I always want to finish what I start."
INTENSE ADMIRATION FROM VANCOUVER FANS:
"I can't explain it because I've never seen anything like it. Never. Not anywhere. I think that part of it stems from the fact that I gave them hope. They had gotten to know me long enough and they appreciated the fact that I was honest with them. I believe that they took a liking to me because they saw me as a regular, normal guy – like them – who just happened to be doing the job that I loved."
HIS PREFERENCES – COACHING VETS OR YOUNG GUYS:
"It really doesn't matter to me. I felt that when it came to the young guys, that I got the best out of them and that I was able to communicate with them. As for the veterans, I've been around coaching long enough that I know how to work with them as well. Frankly, I feel that I can coach any kind of team."
MESSAGE TO THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FANS:
"I had never coached in Canada before, and I was curious about how our crowd would react because I'm a guy who likes passionate fans. Well, they really showed me passion and terrific support. They didn't sit on their hands, especially near the end. The experience of their emotions in my favor made me very thankful for the backing I got. It means something special to me, and I'll always remember and appreciate it."
LEAVING BRITISH COLUMBIA FOR THE STATES:
"I felt that it was important that I got out in a hurry and return to Hershey. I didn't want to hang around and have to answer questions and all that stuff. What was done was done and that was that. It would have been tough for me had I stayed there any longer."
HIS HERSHEY JUNIOR TEAM:
"I watched a practice and the first thing that came to mind was 'Well, how do I fix this?' It was good to see the young guys and would have been even better had they been winning. I like seeing the smiles on their faces."
FEELINGS ABOUT REACHING THE 600-WIN MARK:
"Sure, I've thought about it, but it's not something that I'd dwell on now. But when I get older, I'll sit back and come to the conclusion, 'You know, I did pretty good at what I was doing.' Right now, though, it's not the biggest thing on my mind."
BRUCE'S FUTURE:
"One thing is certain and that is, I don't want to retire and move down to Florida. Now I have to figure out what's next but I do want to keep working. And, yeah, I'd love to coach again but there's another option and that's the possibility of going back to the NHL Network – that is if they'd want me back. Right now, who knows – I just have to figure out what's next."
I'M JUST SAYIN'
* There are many reasons to fear the Lightning in the Cup derby. Coach Jon Cooper has one of the best: "We dig deep."
* I love the way William Nylander has emerged as a Queen City star.
* Oft-forgotten Bobby Hull fact: The Golden Jet and his buddy, Stan Mikita, were the first to exploit the extremely curved "Banana Blade."
* When Hull connected with the Banana Blade, the puck made like a knuckleball. It drove the maskless goalies nuts. It was scary.
* Major Junior Player to Watch: Portland Winterhawks center Chaz Lucius. He's a natural goal-scorer who's exploding in the WHL with an exceptional release. Winnipeg is lucky to have drafted him.
* Speaking of Winnipeg, the Jets' Josh Morrissey is an awfully dark horse bet for the Norris Trophy. His problem: he doesn't play for the Rangers, hence no Big Apple build-up.
* Somebody's gonna want an experienced backup goalie next season. Of these two UFAs – Cam Talbot and Antti Raanta – I'd go with Cam.
* Right now, the Devils are in a prime zone, better than anyone expected. So, why should Tom Fitzgerald mess with chemistry and go after Timo Meier?
* Since every NHL team but Arizona has been mentioned with "interest" in Jakob Chychrun, maybe he should just remain a Coyote.
* The late Senators owner Eugene Melnyk paid $92 million for the Ottawa franchise in 2003. His daughters, Anna and Olivia, could get more than five times that amount when the franchise is sold.
* When the NHL Players' Association began searching for a Don Fehr replacement, ex-Canucks GM Mike Gillis was rumored as a top candidate.
* More than half a season has elapsed, and Gillis' name still is being mentioned, although U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh appears to be the leading candidate, with an NHLPA meeting reportedly planned in Florida during all-star weekend.
COMPARING JACK HUGHES TO CONNOR MCDAVID
Let's start with the obvious. The Oilers captain has climbed to the level that's labelled "incomparable." And it's now undeniable. Or, as one critic puts it: "McD is a thoroughbred, the most dangerous player in the league. His speed and strength is already legendary."
No argument from The Maven on that. But McDavid's sheer litany of genius moves leads us to exciting comparisons. There already have been McDavid-Matthews debates, not to mention McDavid-Marner. And on and on.
But the latest is worth considering now that Jumpin' Jack Hughes has Devils fans doing handstands. My Argus-eyed Devils scout George Falkowski isn't about to make any outrageous claims that Hughes is as good as King Connor. No, Georgie is too smart for that. But he offers this:
"Jack is growing up before our eyes. He makes the most of any available space on the ice. When it comes to playmaking, his vision is otherwordlly. His ability to find even the smallest opening on opposing goalkeepers is becoming a nightly treat."
As for the best part of Hughes' game?
"We're just beginning to find out how good he can be. Just four years into his career it's safe to say the Devils never had a player with his offensive gifts. There's no telling what he might accomplish."
BO HORVAT AND THE ISLANDERS
The former Canucks captain is precisely the player Lou Lamoriello needed. Bo is a gifted scorer, an unselfish leader and all other good things. The trick next is for Lamoriello to sign him. If Horvat stays, he would be key to New York's turnaround. Bottom Line For Lou: So far, so good. Futures? We'll know by next March. Playoff team? Horvat contract?
Meanwhile, the Isles have a talent as well as a character player. Covering the Canucks for Sportsnet, Iain MacIntyre had seen enough of Horvat to offer this appraisal: He "conducted himself daily with unswerving loyalty, dignity and thoughtfulness as the team’s captain."
YAYS AND BOOS:
YAY TO WAYNE GRETZKY for enthusiastically rooting for Alex Ovechkin to break The Great One's record. (And the neat thing is, Gretz means it.)
DOUBLE DISH FOR THE COMMISH
Within this week, Gary Bettman celebrated his 30th consecutive year on the NHL job as well as a high business honor.
Winning the Sports Business Journal's Lifetime Achievement Award is huge. And for anyone wondering why major league hockey's supreme leader got the prize, here goes:
* He thinks big;
* He's willing to take risks;
* He sticks to his principles;
* He's grown the NHL from 24 to 32 teams;
* League revenue has climbed from $400 million to a record $5.2 billion;
* He successfully planted teams in non-traditional markets;
* The Winter Classic has become a winning classic;
* The European market has grown;
* The on-ice product never has been better.
This helps explain why he's the longest-running commissioner of the four major sports.
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Fischler Report: Toronto Maple Leafs Are the New York Yankees of Hockey
Stan Fischler discusses the Toronto Maple Leafs and their Cup chances this year, the talk of tanking in the NHL, the unsung heroes of the Devils and more.
For better or for worse, and whether Torontonians like the comparison or not, their Maple Leafs are the New York Yankees of hockey.
No matter what they do – even when it's nothing – the Leafs are worth at least three stories a day. It's the nature of being the hockey kings of Canada's Queen City – if not the entire country of Canada.
Like the Yankees, the Leafs matter, even in Portage La Prairie, Prince Albert, Cole Harbor and all points east and west.
As a matter of fact, the only difference between the American League Yanks and the Leafs is that the Bombers win a World Series every decade or so.
Never mind decades, Toronto has not hailed a Stanley Cup in more than a half-century, since 1967 if you're counting. That's so far back that Conn Smythe still wore spats over his shoes.
But give the Leafs' faithful credit for their infinite patience. Long ago, they borrowed – from baseball's long-gone Brooklyn Dodgers – the best mantra of all 32 NHL teams. "Wait 'til next year."
But wait a minute, this is next year, and I have on the highest authority that a Leafs' Cup is finally a real possibility. None other than His Eminence Barry Trotz is talking up Toronto. The man who appears to be waiting for the New York Americans to come back before he accepts another coaching gig is lovin' the Leafs.
When Trotz recently spoke with The Athletic's Sean Gentile, the NHL's coach-in-waiting and normally prudent Manitoban told us to be aware – as in beware – of the Maple Leafs. Of course, while no one can be quite sure where is "where" with Sheldon Keefe's combatants, Trotz does give us some tasty hints.
"No one gives Toronto any credit for how good defensively they've been," Trotz told The Athletic. "We're starting to recognize it, but I saw it last year. The thing I saw with them last year is the commitment level in the playoffs. Their stars were blocking shots."
He also praised Mitch Marner's game.
"He's first on the forecheck, first on the backcheck. When your stars are doing it, you're going to have a chance to have success."
See, see, Barry thinks he sees a Cup on his Yonge Street Ouija board. But on second look, Trotz returns to earth with this: "I don't know if it'll happen this year, but it'll happen."
Yeah, there remain perennial problems at Scotiabank Arena – and neither Ryan O'Reilly, Patrick Kane or Timo Meier will make them go away. As always, the migraine-makers are in the crease.
How can Stanley happen this year with those big "ifs" – no, not stiffs – in goal? If Ilya Samsonov isn't hurt, then it's Matt Murray down.
Yeah, the Leaf defense has held up admirably, if not heroically, but what will it be like at April attrition time? As my clear-eyed Toronto buddy, Rob DeMundo, put it, 39-year-old dependable Mark Giordano "will be running on fumes in April."
But far be it for The Maven to put a damper on Toronto's eternal dream. I only wish that the sage Trotz had been more positive.
But telling us, "I don't know if it'll happen this year," is milquetoast. Why not come out and say, "Yes, they'll do it."
Ah, I know why, because "Wait 'ti next year" is more like it.
I'M JUST SAYIN'
* My favorite goal so far this season was Mitch Marner making the entire Rangers team look invisible with his OT score last Wednesday.
* Nothing personal, Super McDavid, but Jack Hughes is moving in on your highlight reels.
* Jumpin' Jack won an OT game the other night with an unreal radar pass while down on his knees and a checker all over him.
* Next game against Dallas, he personally scored the OT-winner on a speed-produced semi-breakaway, followed by a fastest-gun-in-the-west wrister.
* Every coach in captivity would buy a book by Jim Montgomery if it was titled, This Is How I Did It.
* On any morning, any week, I wake up and read of yet another goalie injury. But Fred Anderson, again? Matt Murray, again?
* If it isn't their crazy devotion to the injury-inducing "Butterfly" causing the mishaps, please tell me what it is?
* My vote for the least visible GM in history – Patrik (He's In Vancouver) Allvin.
* Speaking of the Canucks, the franchise's mishandling of Bruce Boudreau will hurt the club's re-signing of key players and certainly won't help attract free agents.
* Definition of "What's The Rush?" The season is already more than half over, and the Players' Association still hasn't found a successor to Don Fehr.
* ESPN's gurus insist that the Blues are forcing GM Doug Armstrong to trade his top pending UFA players.
* That wonderful, eventual Devil defenseman Luke Hughes had a four-goal night for Michigan against Penn State.
* The Michigan Daily called it "One of the greatest performances in college history." That explains the grin on Tom Fitzgerald's mug.
SINGING SWEETLY FOR NEW JERSEY'S UNSUNG HEROES
The Devils continue climbing the NHL's Mount Elite.
More than halfway through the season, their ascent can no longer be called an accident. This team is for real, and most of the reasons are obvious. And a few are not.
Beyond the Jack Hughes-Nico Hischier-Dougie Hamilton-Vitek Vanecek core, there's a solid trio of unsung heroes. The best of the "unknowns" is Swiss blueliner Jonas Siegenthaler, the defenseman's defenseman.
"He's as steady as they come," said MSG Networks' Leo Scaglione, Jr., "and almost invisible on most nights. And that's a compliment. Jonas has helped Dougie Hamilton reach his highest heights since signing with New Jersey."
Up front, right wings Nathan Bastian and Tomas Tatar – along with center Mike McLeod – have provided useful depth. McLeod is the face-off specialist, Bastian delivers grit while Tatar offers offense and essential leadership for the young team.
Their current record (32-13-4) is at least partly due to the unsung heroes.
SPOTLIGHT ON SEATTLE AND VANCOUVER
Thanks to our Northwest correspondent Glenn Dreyfuss for this.
NHL hockey in the Pacific Northwest is represented these days by the iconic theatre masks – one joyful, one miserable.
In Seattle, the Kraken's .643 winning percentage is best in the Pacific Division.
"We don't care what the outside world thinks or believes," said Kraken coach Dave Hakstol. The Kraken's January ledger: 11-3-1.
"The number of miles we've travelled, the competitive games we've been in, this has been a hell of a month," he said.
Shrewd additions by GM Ron Francis took center stage in Seattle's 3-1 win over Columbus, completing a 3-1-1 homestand entering the break. One goal each came from Alex Wennberg, a free-agent acquisition, and Eeli Tolvanen, plucked off waivers. Both are former first-round draft picks.
"In Nashville, I didn't play for a month," said Tolvanen, who's scored eight goals in 15 games with the Kraken. "Getting trust from the coaches means a lot."
Added Wennberg, who reached his 600th NHL game: "We've put ourselves in a great situation. We're scoring goals, we're working on the special teams to be better, and the goaltending has been unreal."
The Canucks, meanwhile, have been making news for all the wrong reasons. Rob Simpson of vancouverhockeyinsider.com says not to be distracted by the recent botched coaching change.
"Weigh it however you want – salary cap, management, coaching – to me, it's on the players," said Simpson.
Rob says of the Canucks roster, "There's some overpaid athletes, there's some bad chemistry, there's questions regarding commitment." Vancouver has lost eight of their last 11. "It's been ugly. The PK stinks, the D-zone stinks, there's a lot of fixing to do."
Speaking with me on Hockey Time Machine, Simpson predicted between now and the trade deadline, "(Canucks president) Jim Rutherford and (GM) Patrik Allvin are entering a very busy season."
BIG QUESTION: Are the Bruins peaking too soon?
BIG ANSWER: Yes, and it's beginning to happen.
YAYS AND BOOS:
YAY TO JAROSLAV HALAK AND SEMYON VARLAMOV, the vet Rangers and Islanders backup goalies, whose last two games were pure gold.
BOO TO THE 'TANK' TALKING MEDIA TYPES who can't stop promoting a myth that teams will dump to get Connor Bedard.
(See below.)
A SENSIBLE ANSWER TO THE 'TANKING' TALK
There's been too much reckless talk among supposedly prudent journalists about the tanking-to-get Connor Bedard issue. I prefer commissioner Gary Bettman's answer, candidly delivered when he recently met the media in Montreal. It bears repeating, so here goes:
"Nobody tanks because we have a weighted lottery," Bettman asserted. "You're not going to lose games to increase your odds by a couple of percentage points. That's silly. And, frankly, suggesting tanking I believe is inconsistent with the professionalism that our players and coaches have.
"Nobody tanks. Our players and our coaches do their best to win. And, again, just because you may finish with the worst record in the league, you've got something like a 75-percent chance that you're not going to get the first pick."
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Bluelines: Gary Bettman Approaches 30 Years as NHL Commissioner
Stan Fischler shares his thoughts on Gary Bettman ahead of his 30th anniversary of becoming the NHL commissioner on Feb. 1.
Next Tuesday, a New York City kid who made good will celebrate his 30th anniversary since taking office. Big Apple natives, like me, are proud of him.
That man is NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
It's hard to believe he's still there. I recall when, in 1993, nobody believed he'd last so long. Some said not even 15 years.
But the commish has survived – and thrived – through three decades for a reason. Gary Bettman has done more good for the game than all the previous presidents put together.
And that goes for Frank Calder, Red Dutton, Clarence Campbell, John Ziegler... everybody. And he's still riding high for a reason.
For 30 years, he's endlessly pleased some of the world's toughest businessmen – the NHL owners. They are Gary's bosses and could have fired him at any time.
They wouldn't dare because their franchises keep going up and up in value. If you're an owner, what's not to like?
"Thanks to the commissioner, we have a system whereby 32 teams are able to compete financially," Red Wings executive VP Jim Devellano recently told me. "And the NHL never has been healthier in that regard."
There were nasty labor battles and media types going after Bettman's tuchus from the get-go. They ripped him for this and that, but you still see him at his NHL office because we have the most robust league in its long history.
The union should love him. More players than ever have big league jobs and are making more dough than anyone could have conceived.
Devellano: "The most important and valuable thing the commissioner has done is to get a hard salary cap. He had to convince the owners to shut the business down a full year. No other sports league has had the balls to do it, and now, the NHL is in a good place."
Bettman was hired to grow the game, and the success rate gives him an A-plus. The so-called "non-traditional" markets such as Tampa Bay, Nashville and Carolina, just to name a few, have become hockey hotbeds. So will Arizona when the Tempe referendum is approved. And once the new Coyotes arena goes up, it will be Vegas and Seattle hockey boom towns all over again.
"Gary hit it out of the park with expansion to those two outstanding markets in Las Vegas and Seattle," added Devellano. "The NHL has more TV coverage of our games across many platforms and now is popular in the Deep South and western outposts. Mission accomplished."
At age 70 – and very much a family man – the commish easily could wave "sayonara" to his job. But he likes his gig or, as the very respected sports entrepreneur Joe Cohen once told me, "Gary can be commissioner as long as he wants."
He wants. He wants. And why shouldn't he? "I like my work," he has reiterated time and again right up to now."
The Bettman effect includes his ability to deal with any form of third degree.
Exhibit A was available prior to his watching the Canadiens-Bruins game at the Bell Centre last Tuesday night.
Confronted by a bilingual media mass, the commissioner immediately disarmed them by opening with this line: "I have no news to break." Nor did he. Then he went on to explain why he still likes his job.
"I'm here because I like coming to Montreal to watch games. This is a place that has great passion for hockey. The history and tradition here are unrivalled, and it's always fun to be here for a game."
That's the enthusiasm of a genuine fan. But the press had questions, and they don't fool around in Habtown. They hit him with all guns blazing, and he fired back, candidly addressing all topics.
And I do mean all. They ranged from the possibility of teams "tanking" to the Habs playing an outdoor game. Bettman nixed that because there's no adequate stadium for that in the Montreal vicinity.
Quebec City as a 33rd franchise always comes up, and – with a 32-team NHL – his answer made sense. "We're not in an expansion mode."
The reply that I especially loved was in response to the controversy surrounding video reviews for goalie interference, with coaches saying they're not clear on what the rule is anymore.
"People sometimes say they don't understand something,” Bettman said, "when they don't like the result. It's a judgment call. We're very comfortable with the way calls are made, particularly with video review."
Then, a pause: "You shouldn't be using the coaching challenge unless you're certain that a mistake was made – not that you'd like to see a different result."
Plus, he picked wisely within his high command. The very able deputy commissioner Bill Daly has been with Bettman for 27 years and is given wide powers by his trusting buddy.
Former colleagues who spent years working with Bettman invariably wax ecstatic about his virtues. One of them is Jessica Berman, now commissioner of the fast-growing National Women's Soccer League.
"I'm in awe of his ability to continue to serve as commissioner with such distinction," Berman told me. "Gary is loyal, thoughtful and absolutely committed to excellence in everything he does.
"The health of the NHL as a sports property, and the success of its 32 clubs across North America, is all the evidence you need to understand what Gary has done over the last 30 years."
Not surprisingly, he's had his critics, but they've had a pop-gun effect. What's there to kick about? The game is faster, more exciting, more artistic and more creative than at any time in history.
And with more superstars, including the latest Babe Ruth of Hockey, Connor McDavid, not to mention Auston Matthews, Patrice Bergeron, Adam Fox, Cale Makar, Steven Stamkos, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby... you get the point.
Bettman's batting average leads his counterparts in all the leagues, and, from my viewpoint, he's sharper than ever. I know from firsthand experience. Try this tale:
Several years ago, the commish and I were having lunch. In the middle of the meal, I beefed to Gary about the officiating.
"Wait a minute," he said, and then pulled a white envelope out of his pocket while extracting a letter.
"I'm going to read this to you," he went on, "and then I want you to tell me who wrote it." So, he read it, and I instantly knew this was a powerful critique of officiating with an urgent demand for improvement.
"Now, tell me who wrote it." he asserted. And I said, "Brian Burke."
Bettman shook his head, handed me the missive and pointed to the signature.
The letter was written in 1933, some 90 years ago, and signed by Lester Patrick, who then was the distinguished boss of the New York Rangers.
"You see," Gary Bettman chuckled, "nothing changes!"
Happy 30th, commissioner, and stay onside.
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From the Archives: How the Amerks Almost Ruled New York
The New York Americans came before the Rangers, but the newer New York team had the success. Stan Fischler looks at the attempts to improve the Amerks.
For one season, 1925-26, the New York Americans ruled The Big Apple. They got there first, one season before the Rangers arrived. The Rangers would win three Stanley Cups, while the Amerks went for the goose egg during the 17 years of their existence.
Yet, in less than two decades, the Americans became as beloved to New York hockey fans as the Brooklyn Dodgers were to the baseball faithful. The fact that the Americans were owned by gangster Big Bill Dwyer – king of the bootleggers – added to the club's magnetism during the roarin' twenties followed by the Great Depression.
With their star-spangled uniforms and crest, they had better visual appeal than the Rangers. Stars such as captain Billy Burch became popular enough to do cigarette ads such as Lucky Strike, "It's fine tobacco."
The Amerks' leader, Hall of Fame defenseman and later coach, Red Dutton, was a colorful character, much more so than his Rangers counterpart, the occasionally dour Lester Patrick. Lester never got an award from a uniformed Greyhound Bus Driver, but Red did.
The Amerks' finest hour occurred in the 1937-38 season when Dutton's rough and tumble skaters played the more aristocratic Rangers in the best-of-three first playoff round.
"The press called us 'The Bowery Boys,' " chirped Lorne Carr of the Amerks. "They tagged us with a blue collar identity."
Among the most memorable aspects of the series was the Americans' lineup. When Patrick declared the Blueshirts defenseman Ching Johnson was washed up, Dutton signed him for the 1937-38 season, and Johnson still had the goods.
With Johnson on the blueline along with ex-Toronto blueline Hall of Famer Hap Day, Dutton had an experienced, motivated defense with former Detroit Red Wings prospect Earl Robertson solid in goal.
"We had an excellent forward line," said Dutton, "With Lorne Carr, Sweeney Schriner and Art Chapman."
The Rangers-Amerks playoff packed the 15,925-seat old Madison Square Garden on Eighth Avenue just off Times Square.
"The crowd was equally divided," noted Bruce Jacobs, editor of Sport Life magazine. "Half rooting for the Rangers and the other half for the Amerks."
Tied at one win apiece, the teams went at it for the rubber match. The Blueshirts nursed a 2-0 lead into the third period but a late Americans rally tied the match.
Remarkably, the rivals battled through four overtime periods without a goal.
Finally, at 49 seconds of the fourth OT, Lorne Carr beat Davey Kerr in the Rangers net, and the Amerks moved on to the semifinal.
Unfortunately, they were upset by the Black Hawks, who went on to win the Stanley Cup.
Always looking to bolster his team, Dutton found another Hall of Famer on the Used Defenseman Lot. This time, it was ex-Bruin star Eddie Shore who – helmet and all – showed up for the 1938-39 season, as seen at the top.
Alas, the Amerks never were able to match the heroics of 1938, and by 1941, Dutton needed some sort of attendance boost. His gimmick was to change the team name to Brooklyn Americans, although the club would continue to call The Garden its home.
By this time, the Second World War was in its fourth year, and a number of Dutton's players had enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. With his lineup decimated, Dutton requested that his club be given a furlough for the duration of the conflict.
The league agreed, and not long after, Dutton was named NHL president upon the death of Frank Calder in 1942.
At war's end, Dutton re-applied for admission so his Amerks could resume play. He had hoped to build a rink in Downtown Brooklyn where Barclays Center now stands. But to his dismay, his bid was rejected by the league governors.
And that's how the once seven-team NHL became "The Original Six."
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Fischler Report: Thoughts on Vancouver's Questionable Swap
Stan Fischler gives his opinion on the firing of Bruce Boudreau while the Fischler Report also compares Adam Fox and Brian Leetch, rates commentators and more.
Thoughts on Vancouver's Questionable Swap
Rick Tocchet is the new coach of the Canucks, but Bruce Boudreau exits as the real hero in Vancouver.
Boudreau's executioner, formerly 'Gentleman' Jim Rutherford, continues because sometimes guys get rewarded for blundering. Rutherford is Exhibit A.
Once upon a time, Rutherford was everybody's friend. But the appointment of Tocchet – a somewhat questionable choice – does nothing to erase the stain on the Canucks' management right now.
Journalists who I read and have known and admired Rutherford in the past – me included – are wondering what's come over the man who was supposed to put the Humpty-Dumpty Canucks back together again.
"I didn't like what Rutherford has been doing to Boudreau all season long," said Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun. The New York Post's Larry Brooks called Rutherford's treatment of his former coach as "cruel and unusual punishment." And, from The Athletic, Sean McIndoe writes: "The Canucks treatment of Boudreau over the last few months went from comical to bizarre to outright cruel where it's been for weeks... The Canucks look awful in this."
Rutherford's management group arrived in Vancouver as a puzzle-solver and emerges today as a problem-maker.
By contrast, Bruce arrived in Vancouver as a puzzle-solver and converted the Canucks into an emphatic winner last season.
What Rutherford – significantly hired after Boudreau – should have done was reward the coach with a contract extension.
Instead, Bruce was gifted with applesauce.
Rutherford effectively told his team it was playing for a lame-duck coach, and the results were there for everyone to see. Rutherford took the blades off Bruce's skates and told him to take 10 laps around the rink.
Rick Tocchet is now the head coach, and that gets no cartwheels of joy from me.
No matter, Boudreau will return to the junior teams he owns in Hershey and Minnesota secure in the knowledge that he gave Vancouver his best shot.
Rutherford returns to his desk with his personal choice behind the bench.
I liked Rick Tocchet from way back, but that was as a player.
Is he a capable NHL coach? We still don't know. All we know is that Rutherford is off the hook – for now – and the Canucks will get on with their business.
That's hockey!
I'M JUST SAYIN:
* The scratching of Matt Dumba last Wednesday against Carolina leaves me wondering if this is the end of his time in Minny.
* Matt Boldy's new big, fat deal is good news for Cole Caufield's agent. Even though he's out for the season, there's no doubt the crafty Hab will be the next young skating bank.
* Sorry about our old pal Max Pacioretty who tore his Achilles for the second time in five months. Does that mean that Don Waddell will make a big splash at the trade deadline?
* It figures that Don Waddell will try for a big pre-deadline deal.
* While nobody's been paying close attention, Luke Richardson and his sidekick, Derek King, have won five of seven for Chicago. Ask the Blues, 5-3 losers on Saturday.
* If any NHL coach is a book to be written, then it has to be Boston's Recovery Boy, Jim Montgomery. He's redefined "comeback" into "comeback."
* Frans Nielsen was once the best Dane in the NHL. Waiter, a cheese Danish, please, for Winnipeg's Nikolaj Ehlers, who's topping Frans as the king of Copenhagen.
* The Jets are just glowing over Nik's 17 points (four goals and 13 assists) in his last 12 games for the no-kidding-around-contending Jets.
* The pre-season line had Ottawa finishing fourth in the Atlantic, one notch ahead of Boston. Which prompts the question: is the Sens' defense that bad?
* If Ottawa continues to play under .500 hockey, you'd have to figure that D.J. Smith is in trouble – and with a capital T.
* Smith's ace-in-the-hole is the same as it was in November, when his lads produced a 12-6-2 mark and Brady Tkachuk looked like the second coming of Tim Stutzle.
* Definition of Rush To Judgement: King McDavid is the greatest ever. Ahem! He hasn't even reached the Cup final yet.
* I'm happy for Freddie Andersen, who's back and now 4-0-0. And I'd be even happier if he's A-1 healthy at playoff time. So would Rod Brind'Amour.
FRONT-RUNNING DEVILS GM PRAISES THE DEFENSEMEN
New Jersey has been at or near the top of the Metropolitan Division all season. Glenn Dreyfuss says some of the reasons are less obvious than others.
Everyone knows the Devils possess two of the brightest young center-ice stars in the game in No. 1 overall picks Nico Hischier (2017) and Jack Hughes (2019). In addition, Vitek Vanecek, Mackenzie Blackwood and Akira Schmid have capably handled the goaltending chores – a relief following the seven-goalie circus necessitated by injuries last year.
What some may overlook, says Devils' GM Tom Fitzgerald, is the dependable defensive corps he's assembled.
"We wanted to get bigger and more mobile on the back end," Fitzgerald said. "We got the commitment from ownership to get Dougie Hamilton (6-foot-6, 230 pounds, 2021 free agent) a couple of years ago. Damon Severson (6-foot-2, 205, drafted by New Jersey in 2012) on the right side is a hell of a defenseman.
"We made trades (in 2021) for Ryan Graves (6-foot-5, 220, from Colorado) and Jonas Siegenthaler (6-foot-2, 218, from Washington). And then we went out and got Brendan Smith (6-foot-2, 200, 2022 free agent). We do have a couple of young prospects also coming on the back end."
Even with Jersey's surprising first half, the team can't afford to relax. "We're in the toughest division. It's a dogfight every night. You can't let your guard down or somebody's going to pass you."
To keep ahead of their Metro rivals down the stretch, Fitzgerald is willing to buy, but not to rent.
"You're always on the lookout for a hockey trade, for somebody you can control. Not just give up really good future assets for a rental, and then they walk on. I believe in building a team in the summer, and then if you can add to it with some length on contracts that you can control, I'm all in. Maybe there will be opportunities to do that."
(Fitzgerald's comments came in a video with Rob Simpson at seattlehockeyinsider.com.)
WHO'S BETTER? BRIAN LEETCH VERSUS ADAM FOX, VIA NEIL SMITH
Neil Smith still follows the NHL from his new perch, working for UBS. Here he tackles a fascinating question:
"Two different eras. I think they both have a little bit of ice in their veins. And by that, I mean, you see the way Fox scored that goal last night (last Thursday against Dallas). He took the time to go to his backhand and lift it up and in, and Brian would have also taken the time to do that. Somebody else would have just shot the puck as quickly as they could, and it would have gone wide.
"Fox always knows where everybody is and knows time and space the same as Leetch did. The only thing different about them was that Leetch could do those end-to-end rushes. It was at a time when you could do that. I don't know if you can do that anymore because of the way the defense plays. It's hard to take the puck end-to-end. They both have those instincts that they see the game so much better than everyone else.
"Leetch did it for a really long time, and so for Adam, he'll have to keep doing it year after year to be able to be in that category. But right now, I love the way he plays – he's such a smart player. Brian might have been a little bit more physical too. Leetch could hit. And I haven't seen Adam really hit."
By the way: Speaking of the Rangers/Stars game, back in the pre-digital days, Miller's last-second equalizer probably would have come after the buzzer. Back then – 00:00 meant game over – with no tenth of seconds to be had.
THAT WAS THE WEEKEND THAT WAS:
FRIDAY: The Penguins righted themselves, 4-1, while the Senators wronged themselves.
SATURDAY: 2018's Cup rematch had the Golden Knights finishing on top over the Capitals, thanks to the contribution from their depth players.
SUNDAY: Clayton Keller's hat trick and Karel Vejmelka's 35 saves helped the struggling Coyotes beat one of the top teams in the league, the Golden Knights.
MONDAY GAME TO WATCH: Kings at Canes. Two solid teams with playoff aspirations. The winner of this one will finish higher than the other.
WE'RE NOT LYIN' ABOUT THIS ROARING CAT
Today's cheer goes to AHL chattel and the Panthers' third string goalie, 30-year-old Alex Lyon – who had not played in an NHL game in over a year.
First, he was called upon to relieve the injured Sergei Bobrovsky after only 2:01 against Montreal. With Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight injured, Lyon drew a start against Minnesota. The result – he stopped 52 of 57 shots in those two games and helped injury-riddled Florida earn four desperately needed points.
Florida coach, Paul Maurice, was not surprised. Lyon was signed for just such emergencies and showed confidence when thrust into service.
"His personality's what you see in the net," Maurice said. He's scrambling, he's fighting for pucks. Every time he makes a save, the bench goes crazy, and it seems to be right now, very possibly the energy we need."
Lyon enjoyed the moment.
"To me, this is fun and this is where you get to test your true mettle."
BIG QUESTION: How should Jim Rutherford have better handled his inevitable firing of Bruce Boudreau?
BIG ANSWER: He shouldn't have fired him.
YAYS AND BOOS:
YAY TO NCAA HOCKEY PLAYERS for boasting a 98-percent graduation success rate in women's hockey and a 90-percent graduation success rate in men's hockey.
BOO TO LADY LUCK for being so unkind to injured-again Max Pacioretty and Josh Norris.
YAY TO THE UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE for developing 49 of this year's Hobey Baker nominees.
WHO SAID IT? "I've been fired more times than Custer's pistol." (Answer below.)
HOCKEY OF TOMORROW MOVES AHEAD TODAY
The effervescent and ever-hustling Debbie Elicksen has news from Calgary, where she's touting a new group.
"Hockey of Tomorrow (HoT), a vibrant media and community platform where fresh voices cover hockey's positive impact stories and the people changing the game.
"Its latest move is a formal partnership with Hockey Europe. The platform will get exclusive access and co-operation to cover all tech, cultural and social impact news that comes out of the Swedish Hockey League, SM-liiga, Czech Extraliga, Deutsche Eishockey Liga, Austrian Hockey League and the National League from Switzerland."
THE BEST NHL ANNOUNCERS – LOCAL AND NATIONAL
Play by play and color broadcasters are as much a part of the teams for which they work as the players. Our Sean McCaffrey has heard them all, and here are his top five commentary tandems. He follows that with his national ratings:
THE LOCALS:
5. Edmonton Oilers (Jack Michaels and Louie DeBrusk): Maybe I'm biased here – because I love the "old school" takes, especially from Gene Principe, who handles all of Edmonton's intermission segments. Another reason for my bias? DeBrusk was once part of a trade that brought Mark Messier to New York.
4. New York Islanders (Brendan Burke and Butch Goring): Burke does a masterful job of handling the play-by-play, while Goring's enthusiasm, including his frequent "toy department" references, really shines through.
3. Vegas Golden Knights (Dave Goucher and Shane Hnidy): Perhaps it's the atmosphere that Sin City provides, but in any event, these two liven up an already colorful environment. It helps that the team has been strong.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning (Dave Randorf and Brian Engblom): the recent two-time Cup champs have a championship broadcasting team. What I really like is that this pairing remains loose and fun. That said – Tampa's radio man, Phil Esposito, is the real MVP.
1. Seattle Kraken (J.T. Brown, John Forslund and Eddie Olczyk): Maybe it's Seattle's winning ways, which helps pump this trio up in my eyes and ears, but team No. 32 has the best home broadcast in the league.
THE NATIONALS (including ESPN, TSN, Sportsnet and TNT – play-by-play and color):
5. Kevin Weekes: Known more for his social media postings and for his role as an insider, when the former goaltender calls games, he's always informative. I always pick up something new whenever listening to his sage words of wisdom. His humorous personality is also a bonus.
4. Brendan Burke: The Isles' regular play-by-play man is 16 years younger than Albert, and if Kenny ever becomes the full-time successor to Sam Rosen on Rangers broadcasts (as he should) and decides to spend more time at home – then perhaps Burke will become the lead voice at TNT – a job he would have earned. Of course, it's tough to see Albert walking away from a national gig during his prime years.
3. Keith Jones: Maybe it's due to his longevity, or his role with the much detested around-the-league Flyers, but whatever the event – many fans have soured on 'Jonesy' in recent years. Not me. I still find him entertaining and, more important than that – knowledgeable.
2. Eddie Olczyk: My Ranger fandom and love of the ponies may be a reason for this high-ranking, but there's also a reason why 'Edzo' has been a successful color analyst ever since his retirement as a player in 2000.
1. Kenny Albert: No one does it better. Perhaps his most impressive feat from his future Hall of Fame career? Calling three games in one day, and all by his lonesome, as he did during the pandemic 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs for NBC.
ANSWER TO WHO SAID IT? Former NHL coach Tom McVie.
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Bluelines: Which NHL Clubs Have Glasses Half-Full or Half-Empty?
Stan Fischler & Co. discuss Pierre-Edouard Bellemare setting a record among NHLers from France, optimistic and pessimistic NHL teams, Regina's Cup win and more.
A SEXTET OF SIMPLY STAMKOS AND FIVE OTHER THOUGHTS:
1. Imagine: Steven Stamkos cleared 500 goals, played on multi-Cup-winners and still gets so little attention compared to the McDavid cartel.
2. If the Lightning can somehow douse the attrition bug, then the Bolts cannot be ruled out of Cup-thinking. Not with their goaltending.
3. Jim Rutherford should have figured out the Vancouver salary cap mess before he took the job. He's acting as if it just sneaked up on him overnight.
4. The Bruins' 3-1 win over the Rangers last night featured Jeremy Swayman in goal, which proves that Boston has two No. 1 goalies.
5. As rebound seasons go, you have to like Tarasenko in St. Louis, DeBrusk in Boston and Scheifele in Winnipeg.
6. My Cup favorite today: Boston, because Don Sweeney has built a team for a tough, long playoff run.
EXCLUSIVE: THE BOLTS' FRENCH CONNECTION'S STILL FULL OF VOLTS
A veritable ferret on the trail of a good story, our Glenn Dreyfuss found an electric one in Tampa Bay.
Last month, Lightning center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare played his 608th game, a record among the dozen-ever NHLers born in France. Glenn Dreyfuss spoke with him following Tampa's recent victory in Seattle.
The rest of the NHL won't like hearing this, but the Lightning are still such a complete team – even their bottom six forwards can lead them to victory.
One of Tampa's heroes in snapping Seattle's eight-game winning streak on Monday was unheralded fourth-line center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. "From now on, this is money time," Pierre-Edouard said afterward. "In the season and playoffs, you have to have everybody help the team at times."
Only seven currently active NHL players are older than the native of Le Blanc-Mesnil, Fra., who turns 38 in March. He didn't even break into the NHL until the age of 29 with the Flyers.
Bellemare, one of Tampa's top penalty-killers, said getting lots of help is the key.
"Keeping the shifts short," he said. "That keeps your legs fresh and your confidence up. It's important not just to kill it, but to frustrate the power play, so they force it when they shouldn't. Then you know you have them on the ropes."
Although Bellemare alertly broke up a third-period 3-on-2 with Seattle looking for the tie, he insisted it was a high-risk, if necessary, play.
"I put my body in the way. Lucky enough, (the puck) went right into my mitt."
What if he'd whiffed? "I'd be f'd," he said with a smile.
Tampa defenseman Ian Cole knows better.
"We have confidence in our guys up and down the lineup. The way we play, it's a five-man team defense. We rely on our forwards to do a lot of work, and they're so good at it."
Cole further noted, "The fourth line can really drive play in the offensive zone. 'Belley' works his tail off."
Added Lightning coach Jon Cooper: "Depth helps you win games. When 'Kootch' or 'Stammer' aren't getting points, you need somebody like 'Belley' to get it for you."
For his part, Bellemare remains modest to a fault. When I asked about his technique on a high-skill, deft deflection for Tampa's first goal against Seattle, he made another deflection.
"I'm not that good at doing that," he said.
As our interview ended, I kidded Bellemare that if he ever "got good," to go along with his supposed luck, he'd become an outstanding player.
"I know, right?" he answered. "But I might be 50 years old by then!"
Lightning opponents only wish that were true.
THE GLASS IS HALF-FULL AND HALF-EMPTY – GUESS WHO?
Our most superior analyst Gus Vic takes a good, hard look at a few perplexing teams with arresting results. Read on:
In the spirit of avoiding overreacting, we have a half-season of sample size, so I don't believe we're jumping the gun here. Let's start with the glass half-empty.
GLASS HALF-EMPTY DEPARTMENT:
Colorado Avalanche: I still believe the defending champs will find their way. They have had to deal with a disproportionate amount of injuries. However, they are dropping an increasing number of games to opponents that are clearly beatable. While Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen remain brilliant, I'm noticing Nathan MacKinnon's fire is rekindled. I also cannot overstate the loss of Nazem Kadri to Calgary – a move that isn't exactly working out for the Flames or the Avalanche.
Florida Panthers: As suggested a couple of weeks back, this team is toast. It couldn't hold a lead in Vegas and lost again on Tuesday. Their Russian roulette multi-goal comebacks last season should have been red flags. After all these games, I'm still trying to figure out exactly what system Paul Maurice is implementing. It looks like a "Where's Waldo?" search. The cold truth is this: It will take approximately 97 points to make the Eastern line. The Panthers would need 48 points – .686 hockey in their final 35 games – to reach that number. Given the teams they need to pass, it won't happen for the Cats. And how about that albatross of a $10-million AAV for Sergei Bobrovsky for three more seasons beyond this one?
Vancouver Canucks: Jim Rutherford stirred the pot with his steaming – "I Take The Blame" press conference the other day. But he still leaves us waiting for him to drop the chute on Bruce Boudreau. Coach Boudreau looked like a savior last season, and the new year had all sorts of promise with J.T. Miller armed with a newly minted deal. Instead, the Canucks have become the poster children of coughing up multi-goal leads. Their sniper captain needs to be traded, and the club appears to have zero direction.
GLASS HALF-FULL DEPARTMENT:
Seattle Kraken: The expectations a season ago were unrealistic for the Kraken, given they were expected to ride the inaugural season success of the Golden Knights. This time, Dave Hakstol has taken Ron Francis' personnel and created a lunch pail work ethic with some offensive pop further bolstered by goaltending they didn't have a season ago. As long as Hakstol continues to receive buy-in to stay the course, he will be a finalist for the Jack Adams.
Philadelphia Flyers: Thanks to John Tortorella, this club has overcome an 0-7-3 stretch with injuries and still managed to become remarkably competitive. Torts' messaging and commitment to the process have been impressive and could wind up being his finest body of work, Stanley Cup 2004 notwithstanding. There's been growth, some impressive victories and, with that, a belief in what's being preached.
Honorable mention: It's impossible to ignore New Jersey's fresh elite status. If one could peel back the curtain from a season ago, you could see their potential, which was clearly being compromised by minor-league goaltending. Jack Hughes went from promising to immense, and the puck-stopping has been more than adequate. This is one heckuva good story.
NOT SOLD ON THEM DEPARTMENT:
Carolina Hurricanes: This is a sexy team which recently fired 67 shots at Nashville. To be frank, these numbers appeared to be grossly inflated the way the official scorers in Boston Garden used to magically hand out assists as if it was Monopoly money. Still, the Hurricanes attack and attack hard, but I'm not sold on either their back end or goaltending, regardless of whether Freddie Andersen is around or not. It's fun to say Pyotr Kochetkov, but I'm not buying him, Antti Raanta or Andersen. I've never had the confidence that 'Andy' has what it takes to win a playoff round. I'm not pushing my chips to the center of the Raleigh table here, either.
Vegas Golden Knights: Vegas appeared more dangerous out of the gate than now at the midway point. Bruce Cassidy is clearly the right man for the job, but I'm not certain how well this team would hold up against an Eastern Conference schedule. The personnel is above the league average but oversold. Goaltending is unproven, and it always appears the Golden Knights are battling through injury, starting with captain Mark Stone.
I'M JUST SAYIN'
* Remembering Adam Larsson as a disappointing Devil and a not-too-hotsy-totsy Oiler, his starring role on the Kraken blue line is gratifying because he hung tough.
* Here's a scout's fascinating Kraken comment: "Seattle has a Tampa Bay look."
* I hope Tom Fitzgerald doesn't trade one of the Devils' prospects for a rental. Jersey's future is bright, but the Devils are still a year or two from the Cup Final.
* Another high-risk contract for a young and unproven player is Minnesota's Matthew Boldy.
* It worked well for Buffalo with Tage Thompson and the Devils with Jack Hughes. Will it work with Boldy? I'm betting on Bill Guerin's smarts.
* One of the best ballet shows on ice features Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon spinning in their opponent's offensive zone.
* Don't eulogize the Avs so fast when they have those two in their lineup. I see them knocking off one of the teams in the west currently in a playoff spot.
* The league should schedule more afternoon games as they did on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It will grow the game outside of North America. Fans in Europe and the Far East could watch games during what for them would be "normal" hours.
JIM RUTHERFORD: BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE IN VANCOUVER
Our man in the south, Alan Greenberg, heads west to discuss the deteriorating situation in Vancouver.
Can things possibly go more wrong for the Vancouver Canucks this season? This is a team with star power, but the immediate future looks bleak.
The team racked up some horrible losing streaks, including a recent seven losses in eight games. Their star players have been subject to trade rumors, and the coach is walking close to the end of the plank. That's the very same Bruce Boudreau who came in a little over a year ago to bring a new voice where others failed.
As if losing isn't enough, the Bo Horvat situation has become a major distraction. He is having a career year, and the team cannot meet his salary demands for a contract extension under its cap constraints without crippling the team.
In a recent media session, president of hockey operations, Jim Rutherford, openly admitted, "Until we (control the cap), we're not going to be able to make the changes that we needed to make." He said they were "stuck" with bad and immovable contracts with no immediate solution. His terminology went from "retool" to "major surgery," hinting at a multi-year time frame.
An example of what Rutherford is dealing with would be 31-year-old Oliver Ekman-Larsson, under contract through 2026-27 at $7 million per season. Ekman-Larsson was a recent healthy scratch.
As for Horvat, unless Rutherford can pull off a "sign and trade" deal, such as the one that sent Matthew Tkachuk from Calgary to Florida, the Canucks will get little value in return. The team shopped J.T. Miller before signing him to a seven-year $56 million extension, which kicks in next year. Like most long-term deals involving players over 30, it will likely not age well.
On ice, the goaltending has been less than stellar. Thatcher Demko struggled before he went down with a lower-body injury on Dec. 1. Neither Spencer Martin nor Collin Delia has proven themselves as NHL goalies. The team has the league's worst penalty kill and is ahead of only Anaheim in goals-against average.
After the loss in Florida last week, the fourth straight and seventh in 10, J.T. Miller, rarely at a loss for words, summed up the team's feeling.
"It's not just Bruce (Boudreau). We all have a job to do," he said. "We want to win for each other because when you play for each other, you win more games. It becomes contagious as we did last year. It just sucks right now."
The road ahead looks tough for the Vancouver faithful. The good news is they are heading toward being a player in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes.
THE UPSET TO END ALL UPSETS, 116TH ANNIVERSARY
Everybody loves an upset, as the Montreal Canadiens discovered two years ago. But for those interested in the Mother of All Upsets, you have to turn the calendar back to pre-NHL days and nights when the Kenora Thistles became the talk of Canada. This was pure fantasy becoming Cup reality.
And, by the way, you can read all about them in a super-duper book called Engraved In History authored by esteemed historian and the pride of Owen Sound, Ont. – Eric Zweig. The subtitle sums it up: "The Story of the Stanley Cup Champion Kenora Thistles."
Saturday marks the 116th anniversary of this most amazing of all upsets. Unlike Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, Kenora was a relatively small city of about 6,000, give or take a dozen. (it's not that much bigger today.)
Yet it produced a team – the Thistles – which defeated the strong Montreal Wanderers on Jan. 21, 1907, for Lord Stanley's mug.
Zweig exquisitely details how it happened and who the hometown-developed heroes were at the time. And for those interested in the pre-NHL era, Eric explains how the Stanley Cup was contested among the champions of Canada's amateur hockey leagues.
Some Hollywood producer should read Zweig's volume. There's got to be a movie in Kenora, the smallest community to win the Cup.
But don't wait for that to happen – grab a copy of "Engraved In History" before it sells out.
THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS
MONDAY: Jake Oettinger became a serious Vezina candidate with his 20th win for the Stars, a brilliant shutout against Vegas.
TUESDAY: The Wild put their last start behind them with a 4-2 win over the Capitals. Captain Jared Spurgeon led the way with two goals.
WEDNESDAY: Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle are worth watching any night. The Penguins watched them lead Ottawa to an OT win in Sens-land.
THURSDAY: Austin Matthews scored two goals in the Leafs' 4-1 win versus the Jets, and he's heating up at the right moment for them, scoring in four straight contests.
FRIDAY GAME TO WATCH: Ottawa at Pittsburgh. This will be a good opportunity for the Pens to really get back on track.
REVISING RANGERS' REVISIONIST HISTORY
Arguably the best hockey story of all-time dates back to the 1928 Cup final between the Rangers and Montreal Maroons. The tale unfolded when New York's coach-GM Lester Patrick's goalie, Lorne Chabot, was badly injured. With no substitute available, the 44-year-old Lester donned the goalie pads and won the overtime game against Montreal. The feat was a huge catalyst for the Blueshirts, who went on to win their first Stanley Cup.
That the long-retired Patrick valiantly beat the Maroons was all the more amazing because, as a player, Lester was a defenseman – not a goalie.
Egad! But now we have a somewhat altered version of Patrick's legendary feat.
Thanks to my buddy, and fellow historian, George Grimm, the glorious Patrick tale wasn't such a remarkable effort after all.
According to Grimm, former Rangers GM Neil Smith told George of a chat he once had with Original Ranger Murray 'Iron Man' Murdoch, one of Lester's aces.
As it happened, Murdoch played in that fateful game and explained to Smith that Patrick was not a totally inexperienced goalie. Grimm put it this way:
"Murray told Smith that when Lester went into goal for Chabot, it wasn't such a big deal because Lester used to play goal in practice all the time so that the (only one goalie) Rangers could have a second goalie for a scrimmage."
P.S. The other eminent Rangers historian, Sean McCaffrey, points out that New York Hall of Famers Bill Cook and Frank Boucher also confirmed Murdoch's story regarding Lester's goaltending experience.
BIG QUESTION: Could the Devils win the Stanley Cup?
BIG ANSWER: (From New Jersey radio analyst Chico Resch) "They have the foundation of a team that one day could challenge for the cup."
YAYS AND BOOS:
YAY TO JIM RUTHERFORD in Vancouver for admitting that, as boss, "I'm disappointed in the job that I've done."
BOO TO JIM RUTHERFORD. (See above.) And for the poor treatment he's given his embattled coach, Bruce Boudreau.
YAY TO STEVEN STAMKOS for scoring the 500th goal of his career Wednesday night and being an ideal role model and leader of a classy team.
WHO SAID IT? "The doctor told me, if I see two pucks, take the one on the left." (SEE ANSWER BELOW)
JERRY HACK'S FAVORITE GOALIES (PART 2)
By actual count, author-humorist Jerry Hack played goal for more than 50 teams. With that in mind, I asked him to pick his all-time favorite – but not necessarily the best – goalkeepers. The following are his top three-and-a-half:
3. Tim Thomas. It pains me to put Thomas on this list because of my disdain for the Bruins. During the 2011 playoffs, my Canucks were odds-on-favorites to win the Stanley Cup for the first time. During that run, they made it to the final, and it scared me how emotionally invested I was in the team's success. Meanwhile, the Bruins – led by Thomas – made their own memorable run. As a pro, Thomas originally was an afterthought who became a human highlight reel. His acrobatic style and competitive nature led him to make saves that defied the laws of physics. In Game 7 of the final in Vancouver, I noticed Thomas lined up at the blueline for the anthems. He had this confident grin that annoyed me no end. We all know what happened next. He caused my Canucks to lose the Cup. Therefore, I can't help but admire Thomas.
2. Maron Turxtall. I couldn't decide between Marty Turco and Ron Hextall, so I made them into one goalie, Maron Turxtall. Hextall revolutionized the position because his puck-handling skills were unrivalled. His "This is War" style of playing made fans love to hate him, and his unshakeable confidence endeared him to those who struggle with such things. You could hate him, but you had to admire him. Marty Turco took Hextall's puck-handling prowess to the next level. Turco was a playmaker and the ultimate "thinking man's goalie." My favourite Turco story took place in Montreal against the Canadiens. While Turco was on the bench in the backup role, a fan made him a $5 bet, which Turco won. The $5 bill the fan gave Turco had "Canadiens rule" written on it. The two decided to double down, and Turco lost. When he returned the bill, he had changed it to read, "Turco Rules!" If I had to choose a goalie in a must-win situation and these two were my only options, there would be no wrong choice.
1. Andy Brown. I never saw him play, yet the reason why he tops my list is that Brown represents the end of an era. He was the last goalie in the NHL to play without a mask. I played street hockey without a mask as a kid, but we played with a tennis ball. No matter how hard a 10-year-old shoots a tennis ball, it will not kill you. A vulcanized rubber puck, on the other hand... well, you know the rest.
ANSWER TO WHO SAID IT: Kings high-scorer Charlie Simmer said it after returning from an eye injury.
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From the Archives: Aftermath of the Greatest Maple Leafs Trade
Trading five players for one center after a Cup-winning season was a risky move for the Toronto Maple Leafs. As Stan Fischler recalls, it was well worth it.
Early in November 1947, a few learned hockey people thought Maple Leafs boss Conn Smythe was downright nuts.
A dozen or so others merely seconded the motion.
They all raised the same question: How crazy is it for Toronto to trade five – count ’em, five – competent regulars to Chicago for just one NHL caliber player?
No matter if the player happened to be Maxwell Herbert Lloyd “Max” Bentley of Delisle, Sask., a center of considerable skill.
No matter that Black Hawks owner Bill Tobin tossed in a minor leaguer of no consequence named Cy Thomas just to make Second World War hero Major Smythe happy.
The Toronto Globe and Mail wasted no time calling it “The Greatest Mass Trade In Hockey History.”
Essentially, the staggering 5-for-1 exchange was similarly hailed as crazy by innumerable publications and broadcasters, and the reason was obvious. Smythe gutted almost a third of his 1947 Stanley Cup-winning team for a skinny center.
At the offensive end, Toronto gave away a formidable unit, “The Flying Forts” Line. It comprised center Gus Bodnar and wings Gaye Stewart and Bud Poile. All three had grown up in Fort William, Ont., now part of Thunder Bay.
The defense pairing was not too shabby, either. Bob Goldham and Ernie Dickens helped the Leafs to the 1942 Stanley Cup and still were young, rugged major leaguers.
“We got a lot of talent,” said Black Hawks president Bill Tobin. “We gave up a great one in Bentley, but this should make us a well-rounded competitive hockey club.”
On paper, it certainly did. More to the Leafs’ point, it put the onus on Smythe to justify his dramatic – and potentially dangerous – move to both the fans and the press.
“We needed a first-class center to round out a championship team,” Smythe explained. “Now, we have Bentley with Syl Apps and Ted Kennedy. That’s strength down the middle.”
Nor was it a mad impetuous move. Smythe had done his research, including conferring with coach Hap Day who already had won three Stanley Cups for Toronto.
“Before he made the deal,” said Day, “Conn came to me and asked which player caused us the most trouble, and it was Max Bentley.”
Now that the exchange was completed, Day had to determine where and how to play Maxie. His first line included Syl Apps centering Bill Ezinicki and Harry Watson. Then there was the equally successful Kid Line featuring Ted Kennedy between Vic Lynn and Howie Meeker.
Day decided to align his new prize with big, gritty Joe Klukay and veteran Nick Metz, who moved from his normal center position to the wing. Every Leaf was enthused about the deal, but none more than goalie Turk Broda.
“Max has the greatest shot in hockey,” Broda said. “A flick of the wrist and, brother, it’s gone. He lets it go ankle high, close to the post, and a goalie hasn’t a chance.”
As a 15-year-old Leafs fan, I couldn’t wait to see Max in action against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. In the meantime, I began following Bentley through the papers and radio since we didn’t have TV in those days.
The hockey-playing adjustment for Max was challenging. For years, he had lined up in Chicago with older brother Doug on one wing and Bill’ Wee Willie’ Mosienko on the other flank. The dipsy-doodling trio was known as the Pony Line.
In addition, Chicago’s style was giddyap hockey without a special accent on defense. Bentley’s new coach, Hap Day, was a former defenseman who considered checking as valuable as scoring. It was an eye-opener for Max.
“I thought I knew about the fundamentals,” Max said to author Jack Batten in the latter’s book, The Leafs In Autumn. “But when I got to Toronto, I learned from Hap Day that there was more to hockey than I ever dreamed of.”
Day also was interviewed by Batten for The Leafs In Autumn and was as surprised about Bentley’s skills as Max was with Day’s strategy.
“Max did more things with the puck than anyone I’ve ever seen,” Day said. “He had difficulties breaking into our system but he kept the puck so much of the time he was on the ice, it didn’t matter.”
The trade happened on Nov. 3, 1947. Exactly a month later – Dec. 3, 1947 – the Bentley-led Maple Leafs invaded (old) Madison Square Garden.
I was sitting in the low-price end balcony, which nevertheless afforded some of the best views of the action. However, before the official puck-drop, the Garden toasted the Rangers patriarch Lester Patrick with a “night” in his honor. Lester would retire after 43 years in the ice game.
But frankly, I was less interested in the Patrick testimonials and more focused on my Leafs, especially Max Bentley. Nobody disappointed me, and there was action aplenty, including a few fights. That’s not to mention spectacular and futile saves by Rangers goalie Sugar Jim Henry, including one on the Leafs’ right wing, Howie Meeker.
The headline in the New York Daily News – “Leafs Thrash Rangers, 4-1” – told only part of the game story. A Toronto-New York series often erupted in high-sticking duels and fights.
“As far as the rough stuff went,” wrote Dick Young in the Daily News, “the Rangers did all right. But when it came to scoring, they were a bunch of little men who were never there.”
Other teams who faced the Leafs following the Bentley trade had a similar reaction. As Smythe had hoped, the deal propelled his club to first place.
And, despite their five new additions, Chicago remained in the NHL cellar.
Just two days after I had seen the Leafs in Manhattan, they choo-chooed to the Windy City, where Max once had been a hero. Well, he was again in December 1947 but with a different team, as noted in the Toronto Telegram headline:
“Max Bentley Paid Off Against His Old Club.” The subhead added a bit more detail: “Drove Home Winning Tally For Leafs At Chicago In Rough And Ready Game.”
This time the Hawks had tied their foe 2-2 until late in the third period. Here’s how reporter Bob Hesketh reported the winner:
“Max Bentley’s clincher was the best of the night. Goalie Emile Francis didn’t have much of a chance against the high-flying Max who took a pass from Joe Klukay, and needled his way into position.”
In another game against his former mates, Maxie enjoyed a hat trick while motoring the defending Champs to a 12-5 decision. In his superb oral history, The Toronto Maple Leafs, author Eric Zweig summed up what Bentley meant to the Leafs.
“They finished the season in first place with a record of 32-15-13 for 77 points,” noted Zweig. “In the end, they were five points ahead of Detroit, who finished 30-18-12.”
While Chicago finished last, the Leafs won their second-straight Stanley Cup; another would follow. Smythe called the 1947-48 edition the best team he ever managed.
“We had the Murderers’ row of hockey with three 25-goal centermen,” he concluded. “I have had some great stars on other teams, but I never had a team like this.”
And it was all because Smythe had the courage to make a 5-for-1 deal for the one and only Max Bentley, who never let him down.
Me either!
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Fischler Report: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff Reflects at Mid-Season
Stan Fischler's report has an exclusive interview with Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, a look at the Kraken, Panthers, goalies, commentators and more.
SIX POINTS ABOUT SIZZLING SEXTETS
1. In every game – and in every way – the Kraken resemble first-year Vegas.
2. And, yes, they just could go to the Stanley Cup final. Seattle, that is.
3. Moreover, nobody seems to have figured out a game plan to beat them.
4. It’s becoming less of a secret now that the Rangers also have the making of a finalist.
5. The Blueshirts’ problem is that the persistent team across the Hudson in Newark also means business.
6. Whether his Capitals win or lose, Alex Ovechkin remains a remarkable running story.
EXCLUSIVE: KEVIN CHEVELDAYOFF INTERVIEW (Part 1)
What’s come over the high-flying Jets? Their insightful GM has the answers. The topics follow with Chevvy’s replies:
PICKED TO FINISH LOW BUT RIDING HIGH:
We have not accomplished anything yet. When we sat down as a group at the beginning of the season, the players were very open and honest with each other about what they wanted to accomplish as a group. They collectively asked themselves what they were capable of and challenged themselves to show that we were better than last year.
Hockey is a very unique sport. It truly is about the team that can come together and play as a cohesive unit, block out the outside noise and play for each other. As (coach Rick Bowness) has said from the beginning, coaches lead good teams – players lead great teams. We have battled through some key injuries, and players have stepped up and performed well, and we have battled through ‘Bones’ missing the first part of the season with COVID. Hopefully, we can keep on grinding away and keep pushing forward as a group to see what this team is truly capable of.
THE SPECIAL ‘KNACK’ OF RICK BOWNESS:
‘Bones’ recently just passed another milestone in his coaching career, appearing in his 2,600th game behind the bench of a NHL team. It’s hard to even put that into the proper perspective. To say that he has “seen it all” would be an understatement, and yet, he is quick to tell you that he is still learning and growing each day.
If you ask him why he is still coaching, he would tell you it’s because he loves the game so much and that he has one singular goal to accomplish – he is driven to win a Stanley Cup.
Right from the first time that ‘Bones’ and I got serious about his interest in coaching our team, it was easy to see what has made him a very successful coach and such a wonderful person to be around – it’s his ability to communicate. ‘Bones’ is very direct and very honest in his assessment, and he believes in addressing things head-on and not let anything fester. He is open to having dialogue, and whether it’s with his players or his staff members, he is looking for their input and their opinions. He has evolved with the game, and he empowers his players to be leaders. There is a mutual respect amongst the group.
A LOOK AT THE PIERRE-LUC DUBOIS DEAL
P.L. is having a tremendous season for us, and he is still a young, powerful player growing into his game. He has been a big part of the start that this group has had this year. We were very excited to get him because we envisioned a one-two-three punch of Scheifele, P.L. and Adam Lowry giving us size, strength, and skill down the middle. We are hopeful that we can get healthy in our top nine and see what we can do with them as the drivers of our offense. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but it’s nice to have the strength in that area.
CONNOR HELLEBUYCK AND WHAT HE MEANS TO THE JETS
Connor has been fantastic for us. Period. He is a real competitor and challenges himself to get better year over year. He wants the net and wants the work. He and our goaltending coach Wade Flaherty have a very good understanding of each other and have mapped out how they would like things to go. Dave Rittich has won some big games for us this year and will also be relied upon down the stretch. I am sure it’s gratifying for Connor to hear his name being mentioned in the Vezina conversation and deservedly so. However, I do know that he will be the first to say that there is only one thing on his mind that drives him to be the best, and that is to try to win a Stanley Cup. As an elite goaltender in this league, he gives us a chance to win every night, and we are very fortunate to have him.
MOST PLEASANT SURPRISE ON THE JETS
While every season begins as a blank canvas, it is always great to see how talented athletes push themselves to even greater heights. When ‘Bones’ took over as coach, one of the first conversations that he had was with Josh Morrissey.
Bones challenged Josh to push himself to an even higher level than he had previously achieved, because ‘Bones’ believed Josh had even had more to give. Rick told Josh that he believed he could be in the Norris conversation, and Josh has responded with a great first half of the season and his first All-Star Game nomination.
The last few seasons have been tough on Josh personally as he stood beside his father, who was battling cancer, and I’m sure that he must be looking down and smiling as he sees how Josh has helped this team get off to the start that we have had.
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE GAME
When we sit down at the GM meetings, each year, there is always a great deal of discussion as to where the game is at and what can we do to make it better. Needless to say, those conversations are robust and wide ranging. I like so many things about where the game is currently at. It’s fast, it’s skilled and it’s a very tough league to win in. We have made so many advancements in areas like video review and coaches challenges, etc., all of which have come with a great deal of discussion and careful deliberation, and I think that has helped the league get to a place to arrive at the “correct call”.
One area that technology may allow for continued improvement might be in unlocking the potential of the player and puck tracking system to help improve clarity and accuracy of things like high-sticks, pucks struck with high sticks, goal/no-goal, etc., through reading the height of the puck from the ice surface, the acceleration/deceleration because of contact, or perhaps noting change in speed or angle of the puck as it exits the playing surface, which might indicate if it hit the glass or not. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but hey, you never know!
THE KRAKEN ARE KINGS OF THE ROAD IN 2023
Seattle’s 8-5 victory Saturday in Chicago completed the first perfect 7-0 road trip in NHL history. Glenn Dreyfuss has the details.
Hannibal and General Sherman never led marches more dominant than Seattle’s record-setting two-week rampage through North America.
Along the way, the Kraken laid waste to the league’s No. 3 team, Toronto (5-1), and handed No. 1 Boston its first regulation loss on home ice. The 3-0 shutout also marked the first time the Bruins had been blanked.
Seattle’s road show received boffo reviews from vanquished opponents. “They made their opportunities count,” said Darnell Nurse in Edmonton. “Their push just outworked us,” said Mitch Marner in Toronto. “A lot of guys playing to prove something,” said Nick Suzuki in Montreal. “That’s a really, really good hockey team,” said Don Granato in Buffalo.
As Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark added, “Their game speaks for itself.”
Seattle raised its gaudy road record to 16-4-2, second best on the circuit. An upcoming homestand will reveal whether that mojo travelled back with them. Seattle has won only half its games at Climate Pledge Arena (10-8-2). If the Kraken beat visiting Tampa tonight, they will equal the win total from their entire expansion season.
Kraken notables include left wing Jared McCann; a Chicago hat trick raised McCann’s team-leading goal total to 22. Not bad for a guy Toronto acquired from Pittsburgh for the express purpose of exposing him in the expansion draft.
Center Matty Beniers, age 20, is putting up Calder-worthy numbers (17-19-36 through 42 games, plus-14, just one minor penalty all season). Right wing Daniel Sprong, not a lock to even make the team, then delayed by passport woes, has made up for lost time: he already has a career-tying 14 goals on a bargain-basement contract.
Save for a long-term injury to goalie Chris Driedger, the Kraken might not have even claimed Martin Jones from the off-season reclamation pile. All Jones has done is tie for second in wins (21), registering back-to-back shutouts in Montreal and Boston.
Most importantly, Jones has infused his teammates with confidence.
“I haven’t seen it get quite out of hand that quick,” said Max Domi in Chicago. Between 9:30 and 13:11 of the first period Saturday, Seattle scored five times on five shots.
The Kraken ride an eight-game winning streak, their third heater this season of five or more victories. Their 5-on-5 dominance has masked flaws – a middling power play, porous penalty kill and inability to win faceoffs.
The great Miami Dolphins teams of the 1970s relied on their famously dubbed “no name” defense. The second-year Kraken are doing Miami one better: virtually an entire roster of high-achieving no-names. The rest of the league would be well advised to learn those names fast.
I’M JUST SAYIN
* Apart from Quinn Hughes, the Canucks defense should be re-spelled sieve.
* Quinn’s 200 career points in 242 games are the fastest by a defenseman in Canucks history.
* Young Brother Jack Hughes must get some Hart Trophy thoughts: that is, Mr. McDavid permitting.
* Erik Karlsson is first in the league at even strength points, and Sidney Crosby is tied for third – it’s Deja Vu (2013) all over again.
* The Maple Leafs are very good. It’s just that the Bruins are better.
* This is not an impossibility: Devils versus Kraken in the final.
* A word to Connor McDavid: Because you dislike the shootout, don’t go around telling us: “No one wants to see the game end in a shootout.” Lots of people love the shootout.
* Dean Evason’s limited practices for his Wild is a creative concept. Watch how fast it’s copied elsewhere.
* How about a Rumor Derby. Who gets mentioned more in gossip trade talk, Erik Karlsson versus Jakob Chychrun? Looks like the Coyote is ahead, 4528-4521.
* On Jan. 3, 2019, the Blues were 11 points out of a playoff spot, and you know what happened that June.
* Is there a latter-day 2019 Blues in the NHL house this year?
FLORIDA PANTHERS: LOST SEASON OR INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE?
After winning the President’s Trophy last season and setting a franchise record for points, the Florida Panthers have gone downhill. Our Snowbird in the Sunshine State, Alan Greenberg, offers his analysis.
What happened?
Last season, the Florida Panthers won the Presidents’ Trophy, set a franchise record with 122 points (seventh highest in NHL history) and were on their way to greater things before being swept in the Atlantic Division final by Tampa Bay. It was a regular season in which everything on the ice went right. When Joel Quenneville resigned as coach, Andrew Brunette took over, and the team didn’t lose a step.
The Cats averaged 4.11 goals per game and registered 11 wins when trailing entering the third period. Last year’s “Cardiac Cats” became this year’s “Wimpy Cats.” They have yet to win a game when trailing after two and have been outscored in the third period by a 65-46 margin. At the mid-season, they had more regulation losses (19) than all of last season (18). They are mid-pack in goals per game and bottom half in goals against.
GM Bill Zito’s reclamation projects were the work of genius. Gus Forsling, Radko Gudas, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett, Anthony Duclair and Mason Marchment played the best hockey of their careers. Other acquisitions, such as Sam Reinhart and Brandon Montour, also had great seasons. There was a fun atmosphere around Sunrise.
Last season started with the Cats winning 11 of the first 12 games. They have yet to put together a three-game winning streak this year.
Zito could have done what his cross-state rival in Tampa Bay did in a similar situation. The Lightning brass didn’t panic, change coaches or disassemble the team. They tweaked and added more grit.
Zito, on the other hand, took a calculated risk and overhauled the team, starting with the coach, making them more playoff ready. Everyone knew it would be a temporary step back, but the mediocrity which followed will be second-guessed for years.
To be fair, cap limits forced the departures of a few excellent players. The losses of Marchment, Frank Vatrano and Noel Acciari were significant. Their replacements do not have the same offensive potential, although Eric Staal has recently found a spark. The deadline acquisitions of Claude Giroux and Ben Chiarot last season came back to haunt them because of the cost in draft picks and young prospects.
So how else did this train wreck of a season happen?
The deal which brought Matthew Tkachuk to Florida was impressive and will help in the long term, but it just about killed this season. The loss of premier defenseman MacKenzie Weegar in the transaction was irreplaceable. The Cats would have lost Weegar after this year anyway for lack of cap space. Still, he is a first-pairing defender who was especially impressive during Aaron Ekblad’s injury absences. The defensive collapses and penalty-killing deficiencies this year without Weegar are apparent. On the positive side, the power play has been hot recently, going at a torrid 34.5 percent since the holiday break.
The trade also put the Cats in a horrendous cap crunch. The combined final-year contracts of Weegar and Jonathan Huberdeau did not equal Tkachuk’s new salary. As a result, the Panthers had to dress less than 20 players on multiple occasions this year.
Injuries and illnesses keep mounting. The Panthers were behind the eight ball before the season began when Duclair, a 31-goal scorer last year, required off-season Achilles surgery and will miss more than half of the season. Superstars Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad missed significant time and haven’t been up to their usual standard while playing. Gudas and Patric Hornqvist, who add toughness, were out with concussion issues. Hornqvist is still out. His LTIR cap saving may be needed to reinstate Duclair when he is ready.
Goaltending has reverted to mediocre. Last year, $10-million goalie Sergei Bobrovsky had a comeback season, flashing his prior brilliance. This year, he has been erratic, and his save percentage has been below .900. Backup Spencer Knight also had a charmed year but has had his ups and downs this year.
Coach Paul Maurice’s style is far different from the high-flying styles of Quenneville and Brunette. Maurice emphasizes defense and play along the boards. The players either can’t adjust or simply have not bought in.
The next month will be critical to determine if Zito will be a deadline buyer or seller. With a shortage of cap space and no first-round picks for three seasons, Zito will be bargaining from weakness.
The off-season will be a different story. With Knight’s new contract kicking in ($4.5 million per year), the Cats will have the most expensive goaltending combination in the NHL. On the positive side, the NHL anticipates a rise in the cap. In addition, major dead cap space (more than $5 million) from the buyouts of Keith Yandle and Scott Darling will be gone. It is improbable that Hornqvist will not return, adding another $5.3 million to the till.
As the man said, “There’ll be better days ahead.”
THE WEEKEND THAT WAS:
FRIDAY: The Jets zoom, 4-1, over Pitt. Mark Scheifele had two red lights and an A.
SATURDAY: Torts’ Flyers – 3-1 over Caps – are stealthily moving up the ladder.
SUNDAY: Two underdogs don’t want to lose even to hot teams: Habs, 2-1 over Rangers, and Canucks, 4-3 over Canes in a shootout.
MONDAY: Game to watch: Philly at Boston. This game will be a barometer. It will tell us precisely how much Torts has done to improve the Broad Streeters.
BIG QUESTION: Who’s better – Cale Makar or Adam Fox?
BIG ANSWER: At this minute – the Ranger.
YAYS AND BOOS:
YAY TO MARK SCHEIFELE for moving into a tie with Ilya Kovalchuk for the second all-time points leader on the Thrashers/Jets franchise.
YAY TO BRUCE BOUDREAU, who’s enduring one of the worst losing streaks of his NHL coaching career (seven of last nine) but remains his usual calm and unflappable: “I just wake up every day and go to work until they tell me not to.”
JERRY HACK’S ‘FAVORITE’ GOALIES
Author of the fabulously funny Memoir of a Hockey Nobody: They Said I Couldn’t Make the NHL, So I Went Out and Proved Them Right!, the whimsical ex-netminder brings back memories with this Rogue’s Gallery of Goaltenders. Here’s Part 1.
Being a netminder and an ardent Canuck fan, I am legally obligated to name Vancouver goalies. Dunc Wilson, Glen Hanlon, Richard Brodeur, Curt Ridley, Kirk McLean and Roberto Luongo are some of the ‘tenders I enjoyed watching. That said, I’m listing six (actually seven) that I most enjoyed and admired.
6. Gary Smith. ‘Suitcase’ first entered my world as Tony Esposito’s backup in Chicago. He came to Vancouver in May 1973 in a trade for all-star defenseman Dale Tallon. Smith played 66 games during the 1973-74 season and was the team MVP, but it was the next season that stands out. He single-handedly muscled the Canucks into the post-season for the first time in their history. When I played road hockey with my friends, I was Gary Smith. He was always a good goalie, but for that one season, he played like a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
5. Mike Smith. In November 2006, I had just played a game and heard the Dallas Stars practising in the arena. I ambled down to check out Marty Turco. There were five players and the backup goalie playing a game of “5 on 0”. Mike Modano rushed the puck into the zone and four others came in behind him. The goalie stopped Modano’s attempt, and the others went after the rebounds. But they couldn’t score! The goalie was stoning their rapid-fire onslaught. It took 10 or 12 shots to finally beat him. This goalie showed his competitive nature as he was mad at himself when he finally allowed one to get by him. From that moment on, I was a Mike Smith fan.
4. Arturs Irbe. ‘The Little Latvian’ had two memorable runs in the playoffs, in 1994 for the San Jose Sharks and 2002 in Carolina. He spent one forgettable season in Vancouver, where he was by far the best goalie they had of the five they used that year. But management decided not to re-sign him, deeming him to be “too short.” The reason he makes my list is not just because of his ability but because of his courage. When Soviet troops and tanks invaded his country, he put up barricades to protect critical infrastructure. Every goalie has courage, but how many have the courage to defend their country from formidable invaders? Irbe did. For that, he is a national hero in Latvia, and he has my eternal respect. (Check out Jerry’s top three on Friday.)
WHO SAID IT? “That’s the problem with being picked for this thing. You have to play.” (Answer below.)
A RARE PLAY-BY-PLAY GUY – HE EVEN DID THE CLEVELAND BARONS
You can count on one finger the number of teams called by the fellow who did radio play-by-play for the New Jersey Devils, NHL Cleveland Barons and Tampa Bay Lightning. In Part 3 of this series, the inimitable Larry Hirsch tells The Maven what it was like to broadcast for the near-bankrupt Barons.
“Cleveland was my first NHL gig, but the Barons were in financial difficulty. At one point in the season, I found out that the players were not being paid, but I had to keep the fans informed. So, I get a message from team captain Bob Stewart that the players were going to go on strike due to non-payment before our next game in Toronto.
“Fortunately, the issue was settled when the Gunn Family bought the team and all was well. But, not quite, because my ‘Dream Job’ came to an end when the Barons merged with the Minnesota North Stars and I was out of a job.”
But the irrepressible Master Blaster got off the canvas, got the Devils’ first play-by-play job and eventually wound up in Tampa Bay doing the Lightning.
Knowing that Larry has followed the careers of many hockey play-by-play men, I asked him to pick his choices for the very best in the business. He starts with Doc Emrick as kind of them all and then moves on as follows:
1. Win Elliott. (He did the Rangers in the 1950s.) “My enthusiasm as a broadcaster developed listening to Win do Ranger hockey.”
2. Danny Gallivan. (A Canadian legend who did the Habs games for years.) “Danny was the consummate NHL broadcaster. He was exciting and his call was spot on.”
3. Jiggs McDonald.(He did the Kings, Atlanta Flames and Islanders.) “Jiggs became America’s ideal play-by-play guy. He was the ultimate professional and a classy fellow through and through.”
4. Bob Miller. (Kings) “A Hall of Famer.”
5. Gene Hart. “Another in the line of legendary voices of Philadelphia.”
6. Rick Jeanneret. (Buffalo) “My kind of announcer. Crazy but great. ‘May Day, May Day!’ Great call.”
6B: John Forslund. (Hartford, Carolina, Seattle). “He’s the best on TV today. ‘That’s Kraken Hockey!’ ”
P.S. The Maven believes Kenny Albert is the best play-by-play man going today and has been for a while.
ANSWER TO WHO SAID IT? Goalie Don Beaupre, after an All-Star Game in which he gave up six goals.
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Bluelines: The Four All-Time Best European Hockey Players
Stan Fischler and his crew touch on many topics, including the top four European hockey players and Part 2 of an interview with Leah Hextall.
SIX POINTS:
1. The NHL's answer to "It's A Wonderful Life" would be no coaches fired this season.
2. The NHL's answer to "It's NOT A Wonderful Life" would be Connor McDavid leading in every conceivable scoring category but Edmonton missing the playoffs.
3. This could happen: About 4,000 trade rumors later, Jakob Chychrun could celebrate his 35th birthday as captain of the Coyotes.
4. Right about now, Ondrej Palat should be making the Devils an even better team.
5. Nu? I'm still waiting for the Players' Association to produce its successor to Donald Fehr.
6. It's about time we got around to applauding Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon for his swell job rehabbing the Golden Knights.
EXCLUSIVE: A CONVERSATION WITH LEAH HEXTALL (PART 2)
ESPN play-by-play voice Leah Hextall recently spoke with our Glenn Dreyfuss about several NHL topics. In the second half of their conversation, Hextall discusses the Big-League game and women's pro hockey.
Glenn Dreyfuss: The NHL has great individual stories this year.
Leah Hextall: "I feel very privileged just as a hockey fan, let alone a broadcaster. I grew up watching Wayne Gretzky, and I never thought his record would come close to being touched with Ovechkin. I just called the game McDavid played and scored five points, and he is out of this world. I feel like every year the game gets faster."
GD: What do you see regarding the evolution of the women's pro game?
LH: "I look at what the WNBA has been able to do, how well known the players are, broadcast deals, shoe deals. There is such an ability in the women's game to have the same success. It breaks my heart that there doesn't seem to be any traction on that."
GD: Why do you think that is?
LH: "The commissioner (Gary Bettman) has said that as long as there's a league for women, the NHL doesn't want to come in and be 'the bully.' I can appreciate that, but the NHL owners need to say, 'It's time for women to have a league,' just like the WNBA, where they (owners) all put money into it. Women are fighting so hard for opportunities to play and need sustainability and infrastructure like the NHL. It takes money and resources, so it's not just a three-year league that folds."
GD: It seems like within the women's game, there's been an inability to speak with a unified voice.
LH: "I don't think that's an unfair criticism, but it's two groups that are extremely passionate about finding women a proper place to play that's sustainable, and that they can make a living playing off of. I understand the PWHPA (Professional Women's Hockey Players Association) saying, 'The NHL says as long as there's a women's league, they won't get involved.' But you can't ask the PHF (Premier Hockey Federation) to just fold, because what if the NHL doesn't come in?
"I believe there's a way to get it done if the 32 NHL owners said, 'It's time for a women's league.' We want that for little girls growing up."
THE WORLD'S FIRST LONG ISLAND ALL-STAR TEAM
Long Island's foremost hockey historian, Joltin' Joe Dionisio, has followed the growth of stickhandlers in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. It moved him to the following neat X-Ray of the best. Remember, you don't have to be a Long Islander to like Joltin' Joe's picks, although, historically speaking, he's been right 99 44/100th percent of the time. And if you don't believe it – then ask him!
Tage Thompson's meteoric rise has me wondering — might he go down as the top Long Island hockey product in NHL history?
For anyone who mistakenly thinks Ronkonkoma is a type of sushi — and not an LIRR railroad station — this debate might seem trivial. After all, there are scads of famed skaters from New York State, like Patrick Kane, Joey Mullen or Dustin Brown.
But for my fellow Long Islanders, who grew up skating at rinks in Kings Park, Long Beach, New Hyde Park and Great Neck, the title of "Greatest Long Island NHLer" is as revered as Montauk Point's lighthouse.
To solve this argument, I compiled my top 10 most notable players either born or raised on America's most overpopulated island. This explains why comedian Alan King famously coined the Long Island Expressway "The world's largest parking lot."
Sure, Thompson was born in Arizona, but the son of Islanders' minor-league coach, Brent Thompson, learned his craft with the Long Island Royals and P.A.L. Junior Islanders.
(Honorable mention goes to Richie Hansen, the first LIer to play for the Islanders, Kevin Labanc because, yes, Brooklyn is on Long Island, Shane Pinto, twins Chris and Peter Ferraro and Erik Nystrom.)
10. Rob Scuderi, Kings — Two-time Cup-winner
9. Val James, Sabres — Excluding MSG emergency netminder Joe Schaefer, James became the first Long Islander to reach the NHL in 1981. He's also the first U.S.-born Black NHLer.
8. Keith Kinkaid, Devils — Winningest LI goalkeeper, with 70 victories.
7. Mike Komisarek, Canadiens — Rugged blueliner notched 679 PIMs in 551 games.
6. Sonny Milano, Capitals — Co-star of Trevor Zegras' legendary flip pass.
5. Chris Higgins, Canadiens — Three-time 20-goal scorer for Habs.
4. Kyle Palmieri, Islanders —2019 NHL all-star.
3. Charlie McAvoy, Bruins — 2022 second-team NHL all-star… and nephew of my former hockey teammate, Mike McAvoy.
2. Tage Thompson, Sabres — His 18-month explosion is too small a sample size, so I'm not prepared to place him atop this list… yet. But I predict when we "Gauge the Tage" in 20 years, he'll surpass Mr. Fox as Long Island's greatest.
1. Adam Fox, Rangers — Norris Trophy winner at age 23.
I'M JUST SAYIN'
* Sam Ersson didn't even make the Flyers' three-goal depth chart in training camp, and now, he's the Flyers' best goalie. (4-0-0).
* Meanwhile, Martin Jones was the third man on Seattle's goalie depth chart at camp and could be No. 1 if Phil Grubauer goes sour.
* This was supposed to be a step-up season for Blue Jackets goalkeeper Elvis Merzlikins. Sorry, but it's been a step back. Pretty big step at that.
* Speaking of disappointments, Seth Jones never evolved into a Norris Trophy-winner as some thought could happen. Perhaps he would have been better off remaining one more year in the juniors with Portland rather than leaving the Winterhawks so soon.
* This is the time of year when the defending champion Avs should be making their move. Watch for more up-tempo play, and remember what our Gus Vic says: "It wouldn't shock me to see them back in the conference final."
* Judging by the Kraken's bite, Ron Francis must get plenty of GM-of-the-year votes.
* Sergei Bobrovsky had one heck of a season in 2021-22, but he's been a shade of his last year's performance. Hence, now's the time for Spencer Knight to live up to his early glorious notices.
* Team Canada's gold medal OT goal-scorer, Dylan Guenther, will be a compelling study from here to the finish line. Arizona's rookie right wing has shown a natural scoring touch and high-end skill. The sky's the limit for this ace.
* Pardon the comparison, but Jack Hughes looks more like a latter-day Patrik Elias. There never was a Devil forward better than the crafty Czech.
* The new NHL catchword – along with "structure" and "detail" – is "foundation."
* Asked about the Jets' successful penalty kill recently, coach Rick Bowness shot back: "The most important thing is the foundation."
* Maybe he means he's got one of the best goalies in the league.
* Beyond starry Jack Hughes, New Jersey has more goodies. Nico Hischier is every bit as sharp as Jumpin' Jack.
* Then there's Jesper Bratt, Dawson Mercer, Miles Wood, Yegor Sharangovich and just back, Ondrej Palat.
THE FOUR ALL-TIME BEST EUROPEAN PLAYERS
Historian Alan Greenberg has completed his research. See if you agree, and check out the fifth-to-eighth best here and the ninth-to-12th best here.
4. Teemu Selanne – 'The Finnish Flash' averaged more than a point a game over a 22-year, 1,451-game NHL career. He scored 76 goals as a rookie with Winnipeg. He has a Stanley Cup to his credit and four Olympic and two World Cup medals.
3. Niklas Lidstrom – Twenty seasons with the Red Wings and 1,564 NHL games. Four Stanley Cups and was the first European to captain a Cup-winner. Seven Norris Trophies and a 12-time all-star. It doesn't get much better than that.
2. Jaromir Jagr – He deserves recognition for longevity alone. The most NHL games for a European player (1,733). His NHL stats are staggering. Among his accomplishments are two Stanley Cups, five NHL scoring titles, one MVP and seven first-team all-star selections. He is the highest-scoring European player, second only to Wayne Gretzky in all-time NHL scoring.
1. Alex Ovechkin – Almost a no-brainer. By the time he hangs them up, he will likely be the NHL's all-time goal leader. He has a Stanley Cup, an Art Ross Trophy, eight Rocket Richard Trophies, three Hart Trophies and eight first all-star nominations. He has the added quality of being a (very) heavy hitter, not normally found in top scorers. Enough said.
Al Greenberg's note to readers: I'm sure there will be a disagreement with my choices, so I offer honorable mentions to some of the other European greats: Jarri Kurri, Peter Forsberg, Igor Larionov, Peter Stastny, Mats Sundin and Daniel Alfredsson, among many others."
BIG QUESTION: Will the Rangers dare trade disappointing former top draft pick, Alexis Lafreniere?
BIG ANSWER: No way! For one thing, the high command wouldn't look too good if the left wing was moved, and for another, the kid still could mature into a big winner.
NCAA PROSPECT TRENDING DOWN
The Canadian 18-year-old center Adam Fantilli is dominating the NCAA league, ranking second in points per game with 1.63. But he was underwhelming in the world juniors considering the expecations put on him.
The 6-foot-2 power forward was originally thought to be a second-overall pick in this year's Draft. But not with five points in seven games.
Throughout the tournament, he displayed physicality and high-end puck skills but seemed out of place compared to others. He will still be a relatively high draft pick, but he's not quite NHL-ready at this time.
THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS:
MONDAY: Kings look like a playoff team with a 6-3 win over the Oil Cans. McDavid, one goal and a minus-1.
TUESDAY: Devils beating – seemingly the unbeatable – Canes 5-3 in Raleigh makes a point. Minus oft-injured Fred Andersen, Carolina has to worry about goaltending.
WEDNESDAY: John Tortorella's Flyers rebuild is taking shape faster than some thought. Ask the formerly hot Caps who got slapped down.
THURSDAY: The No-Joking-Around Kraken have become serious Cup contenders. The 3-0 win over the formerly tough Bruins in Boston says it all.
FRIDAY: Game to watch: Jets at Penguins. Winnipeg is for real, while Pittsburgh is impossible to figure out. It will be a compelling match.
HOTSHOT AUTHOR PICKS HIS FIVE ALL-TIME FAVORITE GOALS
Goalie-Author Jerry 'Red Light' Hack knows all about goals. After all, in his long career, he's given up a ton. But here, he describes his five favorite goals of all-time. See if you agree. And if you haven't read it yet, get a copy of his superb book, Memoir Of A Hockey Nobody. You'll love it!
5. May 18, 1971. Stanley Cup Final, Game 7, between the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago Stadium. Dennis Hull and Danny O'Shea had scored to put Chicago up 2-0.
I was nine years old, and my sister Marlene (R.I.P.) introduced me to hockey on television that year. We were rooting for Montreal as we viewed the series as Canada versus USA.
Late in the second period, as we were sure Montreal would never be able to overcome the deficit, Jacques Lemaire took a drop pass from Jacques Laperriere (I loved that name) deep in his own end and skated the puck up the ice. As he crossed center, he wound up for a slap shot and scored on a surprised Tony Esposito. At that moment, we knew the Canadiens could come back and win, and they did.
4. Nov. 26, 2005. Madison Square Garden, New York. It was the first season that the shootout was introduced to break ties in the NHL. After 13 rounds of penalty shots, journeyman defenseman Bryan Muir scored for the Washington Capitals on Henrik Lundqvist at the start of round 14. Jason Strudwick was tasked with keeping the Rangers alive and snuck one past Capitals goalie Olaf Kolzig. When Matt Bradley was stopped by Lundqvist, it set the stage for the most unlikely event.
Marek Malik, a defensive defenseman who scored six goals in the three years he played for the Rangers, was up next. When your spot in the shootout is behind Jason Strudwick, you know nobody in the free world expects you to score.
Malik skated in on Kolzig, dropped the puck, stuck his stick between his legs, put the puck on his forehand behind him and ripped a trick-shot top corner on a stunned Kolzig. It is my all-time favorite shootout goal, and I was a diehard Ranger fan for that one night. Malik simply looked into the crowd and raised one hand like he had scored a thousand goals. The reaction of the commentators puts the cherry on top.
3. Jan. 17, 2008. Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. With Columbus leading 3-2, Rick Nash took a high-sticking penalty, allowing the Phoenix Coyotes to tie the game.
With less than 30 seconds remaining in the third period, Mike Peca got possession of the puck. He fed it up ice to Nash, who found himself up against Coyotes defensemen Derek Morris and Keith Ballard. After doing a "double-dangle" on Morris, he twisted Ballard into a pretzel before going around him. Phoenix goalie Mikael Tellqvist reached out with the paddle of his stick on the ice and knocked the puck away from Nash, but it bounced up and hit him on the shinpad. Nash spun around, found the puck sitting in the crease, and slammed it into the open net.
In this play, Nash displayed an unrivalled level of determination and skill. Whenever I feel defeated, I remember this goal and Nash's "never give up" attitude.
2. April 30, 1994. Calgary Saddledome. As a lifelong, diehard Vancouver Canucks fan, I am obliged to list this goal as one of my favorites. In the 1994 playoffs, my beloved Canucks were down to the Flames 3-1. They came back to tie the series 3-3, with both games being decided in overtime.
In Game 7, the Canucks and Flames again went to the extra time. Nothing was decided in the first overtime, but Canucks netminder Kirk McLean made possibly the greatest save in Canucks history. He robbed Robert Reichel with a "two-pad-stack" save that barely kept the puck from crossing the goal line and keeping the Canucks' hopes alive. In the second overtime, Canucks defenseman Jeff Brown took a cross-ice pass from Dave Babych on his own blueline and spotted Canucks superstar Pavel Bure streaking toward the Calgary zone. He made a picture-perfect pass, and Bure was alone on Flames goalie Mike Vernon. With his blazing speed, Bure caught Vernon a little flat-footed and deked to his forehand, depositing the puck into the open side.
I was at a local watering hole with about 100 other Canuck fans. When Bure went in on the breakaway, we all rushed to the screen. It was sheer pandemonium for about five minutes and party time for the rest of the night. I don't know if I've ever been that happy.
1. Sept. 28, 1972. Luzhniki Ice Palace, Moscow, USSR. "Henderson has scored for Canada!"
WHO SAID IT? "I didn't play in the NHL, because I wanted to walk away a winner." (ANSWER BELOW)
YAYS AND BOOS:
YAY TO TSN for delivering at least 10 NCAA hockey games during January, including four women's contests.
YAY TO THE MONTREAL CANADIENS for providing their players with a French teacher for those who expressed a desire to learn the language.
HOW THE MASTER-BLASTER PUT THE DEVILS ON THE MAP (Part 2)
The original Devils' play-by-play announcer Larry Hirsch – to put it mildly – was electrifying. His broadcasts won him a wide audience – so wide that one author-fan, Larry Berger, suggests that a Master Blaster banner adorn The Rock's ceiling. Here's why.
This may seem crazy. Since when would a team raise a banner for Larry Hirsch, a former play-by-play announcer?
But this is the New Jersey Devils' 40th anniversary, and one broadcaster helped put the Garden State skaters on the map back in the 1982-83 season. It was Larry Hirsch, alias 'The Master Blaster.'
Larry Berger, a video production veteran of Chestnut Ridge, N.Y., remembers when Hirsch's dulcet tones on radio station WMCA brought the baby franchise to life with vim, vigor and vitality.
So passionate is – and was – Berger about the Devils somehow honoring Hirsch that he wrote a story in the Bergen (New Jersey) record on Larry and his qualifications for such an honor.
"His exuberance and sheer volume in which he called Devils games during the mid-1980s," wrote Berger, "earned him the moniker, 'The Master Blaster.' "
Hirsch was so emotionally involved in his broadcasts that he almost accidentally killed himself falling off a table while announcing. And suppose you're wondering what he was doing on a table while a game was nearing a climax. In that case, I'll let him tell you as he told Matthew Blittner in the latter's fine oral history, Unforgettable NJ Devils.
The game took place on Nov. 2, 1985, at the Meadowlands. We pick up with the Rangers leading 5-2 in the third period. Then, the Devils rallied and tied the game, 5-5, sending it to the climactic extra session.
Hirsch: "In overtime, they dropped the puck, and Devils' forward Peter McNab gave the puck to Mel Bridgman from the right circle. Bingo! 6-5, game over! At that point, I was in such a lather. I was at such a peak when I called the goal I climbed up on the table in the press box. My hands were spread out, and I was pumping my fist.
"It was a moment of insanity, but it was one of those moments in hockey where you just let it all out. And when I got home that night, I turned on the TV and sportscaster Warner Wolf was showing me standing on the table."
The fact is that Hirsch could have killed himself, falling backward and hitting his head on the concrete floor. But he was lucky that his engineer Carl Infantino intervened and grabbed Larry by the legs to prevent a disaster.
"It was just unbelievable," Infantino recalled. "But that was Larry. The passion was in his play by play. You could tell the love he had for the team and the growing number of fans. The bottom line was that Larry was a showman. He made people enjoy the game."
Added Hirsch: "The fans loved it because I became one of the fans. I did the play by play as if I was playing the game myself. And in this case, it was one of the few times in my life when time stopped."
Nor was it easy on Hirsch's nervous system. A frantic game between the Devils and Buffalo Sabres once nearly did him in. At the final buzzer, all the radio listeners heard was Larry groaning, "...I am drained!"
He once was challenged by a visiting, veteran play-by-play announcer who objected to Hirsch's effusive antics, especially doing stand-up broadcasts.
"The guy came up to me and asked if I stand for every game and I said yes," Hirsch said. "Well, he said he objected to me being my animated self."
Later, a heated post-game conversation took place in the Devils' press room. Larry's critic upped his IQ (Insult Quotient), and the Master Blaster returned serve with enthusiasm.
"I told him to get out of my face," Larry remembered, "and then he came at me, flexing his muscle to engage – before people stepped between us. In my 30 years of broadcasting, that was the only time I came close to blows with a play-by-play guy." (He later told me he was sorry the entire confrontation took place and is not proud of it.)
Meanwhile, Hirsch-admirer Larry Berger envisions a banner from the ceiling with an image of Larry's radio headset. Berger believes it would be an appropriate way to honor the Master Blaster. Now 73 and a longtime resident of Tampa Bay, Hirsch has been invited to speak at an upcoming Devils Fan Club meeting. One question he'll certainly be asked will be his reaction to Larry Berger's banner-hoisting idea.
"The history of the franchise cannot be fully and accurately told without the contributions of one of its pioneers and most important figures during its formative years," Berger said.
"Hirsch brought to life the muckers and grinders like Merlin Malinowski and Tapio Levo through vivid and colorful descriptions. Oh, that voice. He was a screamer, but not a homer. The way he called the games was infectious."
Then, a pause and a final memory: "Oh, that voice!"
(Part 3, Monday. Hirsch Picks his five all-time favorite announcers and what it was like to broadcast the NHL Cleveland Barons games.)
ANSWER TO WHO SAID IT? Gold Medal Team USA captain Mike Eruzione on deciding not to join many of his 1980 Olympic teammates in the NHL.
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From the Archives: Hockey Art of Yesteryear
The art of hockey players battling it out was one of the best parts of team programs and magazines. Stan Fischler shows off a gallery through the ages.
One of the beautiful parts of following the NHL – way back when – was the amazing artwork that accompanied team magazines, guides and programs, as well as daily newspapers.
Nationally known artists such as Norman Rockwell, Burris Jenkins Jr. and Willard Mullin were some of the more renowned craftsmen who painted and drew hockey scenes dating back to the mid-1920s.
Many of the team program drawings depicted the speed and creativity of the game without naming any particular player. But caricatures in newspapers usually zeroed in on a stickhandler or goalie in the news at that time.
A rarity was the program magazine created by a Madison Square Garden artist for New York's first NHL game on Dec. 15, 1925. The New York Americans played host to the Montreal Canadiens in what was a gala event, not unlike the first night at the opera.
The program Garden cover seen above was unique in at least two respects. For starters, it featured a boxer on the right side and a circus lion on the left while birds flew in between. The other oddity was that the visiting Montrealers' name was misspelled on the cover as Canadians instead of Canadiens. Not that it mattered, but the program magazine was dubbed a "Historical Book."
By their second season (1926-27), the Americans had a nifty nickname – 'Amerks' – and serious competition from a second Big Apple sextet, the Rangers. The Amerks program (shown below) featured their then-popular star-spangled uniforms and sold for 15 cents.
"Rangers and Americans programs were almost as colorful as the teams themselves," said the late historian and collector Tom Sarro whose program photos are shown here. "Players from both the Rangers and Americans were featured on the covers."
For the 1930-31 season, the Garden marketing folks decided to capitalize on what had become a fierce Rangers-Americans rivalry. A player from the Amerks and Blueshirts was portrayed on the program cover – notice fans in the upper right corner – while on the cover of MSG's own Hockey Magazine, a caption under the picture features a table of contents. Stories on such stars as Frank Boucher of the Rangers and Red Dutton of the Americans were among those mentioned.
[gallery ids="14987,14988"]
New York newspaper broadsheets allowed their top artists to be loaned to the Garden for even more realistic drawings. "Naturally," said historian Tom Sarro, "the artists had to be evenhanded so players from both teams were equally represented."
An example of that was Burris Jenkins' action drawing (see below) with two players from each team battling around the Rangers goal mouth. Jenkins worked for Hearst's New York Journal-American and was commissioned to do several Garden programs.
When designing a program for the Rangers farm team, the Rovers, the Garden decided to go for realism and simply ran a photo of the arena's marquee along with the teams involved in that particular Sunday afternoon doubleheader. (This Rovers program is from my scrapbook. The marquee dates back to the Garden's premiere in 1925.)
Dubbed "The Dean of American Sports Cartooning," Willard Mullin of Scripps-Howard's New York World-Telegram newspaper was a big fan of hockey. But he didn't confine his work to New York players.
The drawing from Feb. 24, 1943, plays up Boston Bruins Hall of Fame center Bill Cowley, who was visiting The Garden for a Rangers-Bruins contest. Mullin's cartoons were known for an assortment of clever sidebars seen here in the Cowley presentation.
"I tried to get Mullin as much as I could," said Rangers publicist Herb Goren, "because he was the dean of all the sports cartoonists."
When I worked as Goren's assistant during the 1954-55 season, Mullin was an occasional visitor to our office.
Willard also was a keen boxing fan and was commissioned that season to do a Rangers program cover with a fight theme since the new Rangers coach, Murray 'Muzz' Patrick, had been a Canadian amateur heavyweight champion.
In the cartoon cover seen below, Muzz is depicted as the fight trainer with two cotton sticks in his mouth. The eager Ranger – it looks a lot like defenseman Ivan 'The Terrible' Irwin – can't wait to slug it out.
"The picture confused some folks," Goren recalled, "because they didn't understand why those sticks were coming out of Muzz's mouth. After all, not everybody was a fight fan."
Hockey-oriented artists had a field day with the two New York teams through the 1941-42 season, after which the Americans went out of business. Meanwhile, the Rangers continued employing Burris Jenkins Jr. and Willard Mullin for the program covers.
One of my favorites by Jenkins – pictured below – is an arresting Ranger skating hard; so hard, in fact, that he seems to be leaping off the page.
With the coming of the high-tech revolution and other computer possibilities, the hockey portraits went the way of the New York Americans. Now they've become collectors' favorites, just a handsome relic of the past.
I miss the works of Rockwell, Jenkins and Mullin a whole lot. Just as much as I miss those wonderful star-spangled guys we called "Dem Amerks!"
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Fischler Report: Why Returning to Juniors is Right for Wright
Stan Fischler shares the first part of a conversation with ESPN's Leah Hextall, thoughts on Shane Wright's development, how to fix the Penguins and more.
SIX SHOTS ON GOAL, INCLUDING A FEW ‘GOADS’
1. The Jets are to be taken seriously. Exhibit A was last night’s 7-4 rout of Vancouver. Kyle Connor’s hat trick and Pierre-Luc Dubois’ four assists were Exhibits B and C.
2. As a top overall draft pick, Alex Lafreniere might have to find his game in Hartford!
3. The difference between Connor McDavid and Cale Makar on Saturday night was this: the Avs ace scored the OT-winner and McDavid was a minus-3.
4. With two goals and an assist on Saturday – defeating the Rangers – Jack Hughes is this tiny bit closer to moving into the NHL’s elite circle.
5. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff took a gamble hiring the much-travelled Rick Bowness as the coach. It’s turned out to be one of the best moves of the off-season.
6. Brad Marchand is as good at throwing tantrums – after a missed ref call – as he is at getting away with non-good housekeeping behavior. That’s why I call him a latter-day (Hall of Famer) Ted Lindsay.
EXCLUSIVE: A CONVERSATION WITH LEAH HEXTALL
This past June, ESPN play-by-play voice Leah Hextall courageously spoke about the vile, sexist comments she’s been subjected to. Our Glenn Dreyfuss caught up with the trail-blazing broadcaster in this first of a two-part interview.
Glenn Dreyfuss: What new ways of thinking were you hoping to inspire at The Coaches Site conference?
Leah Hextall: “Whenever someone female gets a job, our hockey audience has been trained to believe, ‘Well, they’re getting that job as a token,’ instead of, ‘They got that job because they worked really hard and they’re qualified.’ We have to own that because we didn’t open the doors of opportunity to diversify earlier than we did.
“That’s the reason I spoke this summer, because maybe I can get people at the grassroots level who coach a team or run an organization to think, ‘I should find out if there’s someone I should be looking at.’ I’m hoping that trickles up into the highest levels of the game.”
GD: You’ve benefited from working with a mental skills coach and shutting out the negativity of social media.
LH: “As a society, we’ve decided there is no decorum anymore, even if it’s hurtful or threatening to someone’s personal safety. I’ve experienced that. I made the decision to not be online very much. You have to stay healthy on the mental side of things.
“I had trouble letting a mistake go. This season has been a world of difference. I have strategies now to refocus on what I’m doing in the moment. I work my tail off, because it’s not about being a woman anymore – it’s about being a play-by-play. I can see myself getting better this season, and I have the tapes to prove it.”
GD: (Leah’s cousin, Ron Hextall, GM in Pittsburgh, was a star NHL goalie.) Since Ron played goal, have you spoken to him about the benefits of a strategically short memory?
LH: “I understand why so many athletes, especially goaltenders, work on their preparation, their routine, to get past things. What Ron has said to me, seeing me attacked on social media is, ‘You just need to pay attention to those that matter. You can’t listen to the noise. Head down, work hard, do the job.’”
GD: What’s the best way for men, be they fathers, fans or in the hockey business, to be allies? Not just for women already in the profession like yourself, but for girls who want to follow in your footsteps?
LH: “The bottom line is to look at the people around you. If everybody looks the same and has the same background, then you’re not going to win. You can’t win by ignoring 51 percent of the population. You can’t win without diversity of thought within your organization.
“I consider myself part of the hockey community that needs to do better. We do the window dressing – weeks that celebrate diversity, women’s history month, a female broadcast – but we aren’t doing enough of the long-term work to set a path, so that young girls understand they have the opportunity to be a GM or coach of a hockey club at any level.
“Make sure you have different voices, different perspectives in the room. Say, ‘OK, this person might not be the most qualified, but they are qualified, and I’d like to speak to them.’”
(Next Friday: More straight talk from Hextall. Furthermore, see the story at the bottom about why her story has a personal feel.)
EXCLUSIVE: 30-SECOND 3D DEGREE WITH DETROIT’S EVP, JIM DEVELLANO, ON HIS RED WINGS
Maven: What’s the best thing about your hockey club?
Jim Develleano: We’re an improved team.
Maven: Why and where?
JD: Steve Yzerman made some good summer signings. Start with goalie Ville Husso and two defensemen, Olli Maatta and Ben Chiarot, who’ve upgraded the blueline.
Maven: What about offense?
JD: Dominik Kubalik and Andrew Copp have helped up front.
Maven: And young guys?
JD: There’s been continued development of our draft picks. Michael Rasmussen and Joey Veleno have taken a step upward as well.
Maven: Overall assessment?
JD: We are getting closer to becoming a playoff team.
I’M JUST SAYIN’
* For sheer down-to-the-wire melodrama, the world juniors was a five-star winner.
* But is there any logic in having 3-on-3 hockey to settle a world juniors gold medal game? I still can’t figure it out. What the heck was the rush, guys?
* As for those still beefing on behalf of Team USA over their two cancelled goals, there’s no realistic protest available other than “Grin and bear it.”
*The Devils’ defense will be one the best in the league for years to come. Exhibits A and B were available at the world juniors. Namely, Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec are whiz-bang aces-in-the-making.
* Should one of them sign on with New Jersey later this season, GM Tom Fitzgerald will have to do some serious thinking. After all, Damon Severson – who scored the OT-winner on Saturday – is heading toward free agency.
* Go figure: The Canes are that good, yet their leading scorer, Martin Necas, is 46th best on the league point list.
* Credit Canes’ GM Don Waddell with building a super-depth team. One issue could be the lack of a game-changing star for the playoffs.
* John Tortorella has had almost half a season to judge his Flyers. We’ll judge Torts on how he and Philly fare in the second half.
* My headline of the week ran in the Winnipeg Sun: “We Were A Pack Of Pissed Off Guys.” And the sub-head: “The Jets Turned Their PK Into a Game-Winner.”
WHY RETURNING TO JUNIORS IS RIGHT FOR WRIGHT
Despite four goals and three assists in Team Canada’s run to the World Junior Championship, Shane Wright won’t be immediately returning to the Seattle Kraken. Glenn Dreyfuss tells us why the talented teenage center is headed back to the junior ranks.
Kraken GM Ron Francis made the decision and even informed Shane’s parents before Wright captained Team Canada to the gold medal.
“If he came back to us he would be playing limited minutes,” Francis explained in a KJR-FM interview, “and we don’t think that’s best for his development.”
While Wright has officially been returned to his junior team in Kingston, Ont., Francis says he’ll soon be relocating again.
“He’ll likely get traded to a competitive team, and potentially compete for the Memorial Cup.”
This year’s tournament won’t conclude until June, so the Kraken are prepared not to see Wright again until next season’s training camp.
For Wright, the disappointment of early-season benchings in Seattle has given way to a series of successes. Wright scored four goals in five games with AHL Coachella Valley, then returned to the Kraken for one game and scored his first NHL goal. He scored again in the world juniors championship game on his 19th birthday.
Francis observed Wright in person at the world juniors.
“He’s doing all the little things it takes to win a hockey game,” Francis said. “He was playing a hard 200-foot game.”
About not immediately returning to the NHL, Francis told Wright, “in no way, shape or form are we unhappy with you. This is part of the process.” The GM said Wright, in response, was completely on board.
Wright’s positive attitude may surprise those who witnessed his supposed stare-down of the Montreal table at last year’s draft. (The Canadiens passed on Wright with the first-overall pick, and he fell to Seattle at No. 4.)
Wright also made a favorable impression with the AHL Firebirds.
“They held a rookie dinner at the end of his conditioning stint,” Francis revealed. “We didn’t want him to go, because he was coming back to Seattle the next day. The players were adamant that they wanted him to be a part of it. So he endeared himself to his teammates.”
IRAD CHEN ON HOW TO GET THE PENGUINS HEALTHY
Pittsburgh’s recent slide suggested the Pens had lost their identity. If true – and I believe it is – then GM Ron Hextall should take action.
The club must return to its successful fast-game strategy. But, to do so, changes are a must. If I were Hextall, I would attempt the following moves to clear cap space to bolster the roster:
1. Trade Brian Dumoulin. He’s off of his game, seems very slow and, more often than not, makes the wrong play. In the past, he skated on the first pair with Kris Letang. So far this season, he has negatively affected Letang’s game and has since been demoted to the third unit.
2. Ty Smith could replace Dumoulin. The former first-round draft pick was brought in from New Jersey in exchange for John Marino and was then forced to play in the AHL to start the season due to cap reasons. Smith is a puck-moving, smooth-skating defenseman who is just what the Pens need.
3. If coach Mike Sullivan wants more of a veteran presence, he can use depth defensemen Chad Ruhwedel or Mark Friedman – or both – more often.
4. Trade Kasperi Kapanen. He has played better since returning to the lineup after being a healthy scratch earlier in the season. But he’s stuck earning $3.2 million playing in the bottom six. It seems as if KK will never gain coach Sullivan’s trust again.
Assuming Hextall gains cap space, Ron should aim for the best trade target – Vancouver’s Bo Horvat.
The Penguins’ ownership group wants to win another cup in the Crosby- Malkin era. So I say they trade for Horvat.
With Horvat in the lineup, Sully can slide him into the second line with Malkin and demote Zucker to the third line. He can spread the depth and place Horvat at the third-line center and then move Jeff Carter to the wing to create the best one-three center position in the league. He could also shift Malkin to the wing and employ Horvat as a second-line center.
Granted, getting Horvat won’t be easy, but the Penguins must get faster and more depth as soon as possible.
That said, goaltending will ultimately determine the Penguins’ season, especially if they make the playoffs.
YES, IT’S POSSIBLE TO STOP MCDAVID – BUT NOT EASY.
With all the McDavid madness engulfing the Oilers every time he steps on the ice, the Maven wonders if there’s any wizard out there with a formula for punching the air out of McD’s tires.
One of my very smart consultants said it’s virtually impossible because no player in the league can match McDavid’s speed-plus.
Meanwhile, George Falkowski went directly to the history books. He learned that – yes, it was possible to stop the otherwise indomitable Mario Lemieux – and the Bruins’ indefatigable Steve Kasper was the man who turned LeMagnifique into just Magnif.
“Plus,” added George, “I recall when Cam Neely was a holy scoring terror for Boston during the mid-1990s. At the start of the 1995 playoff with New Jersey, coach Jacques Lemaire put Claude Lemieux on Neely and drove Cam nuts. The Devs won that series with ease, thanks, in part, to Lemieux on Cam.”
Ah, but is there a Claude Lemieux in the league with the determination to deflate McDavid?
THAT WAS THE WEEKEND THAT WAS
FRIDAY: Winnipeg beats Tampa Bay, 4-2, and Pierre-Luc Dubois gets his 18th and 19th goals. Guess we know who won the Dubois deal, don’t we?
SATURDAY: Edmonton’s No. 1 goalie Stu Skinner goes down to make an OT save, and Cale Makar skins Skinner going up with the shot for the game-winner.
SUNDAY: The Caps just got a boost with Tom Wilson and Nick Backstrom back in the lineup, coupled with a 1-0 win over Columbus last night.
MONDAY GAME TO WATCH: Oilers at Kings. Want to see real two-way 200-foot NHL forwards? Watch Zach Hyman and Anze Kopitar.
INTERESTING HOCKEY PERSONALITIES: HOW BROADCASTER LARRY HIRSCH SOLD THE DEVILS TO JERSEY FANS, & SAVED THE FRANCHISE (PART 1 OF 2)
Hall of Famer – and one-time Lightning GM – Phil Esposito once said, “Once we get you (Florida fans) to the arena, we got you!”
It was the exciting and excitable broadcaster Larry Hirsch who got New Jersey fans to Meadowlands Arena to see the brand-new Devils. By doing so, Hirsch helped create, save and then build one of the NHL’s strongest fan bases.
Hirsch did such a phenomenal job that hockey historian Larry Berger – writing in the Bergen Record – recently proposed that Hirsch’s name belongs on a banner atop Prudential Center with other Devils legends.
“I feel strongly about telling younger fans about his impact on the Devils and sports fans in the Tri-State Area in general,” said Berger.
That’s strong stuff, but I can vouch for both Berger and Hirsch since I, too, listened to the inimitable and indomitable Larry Hirsch. He became
known as ‘The Master Blaster’ and the first broadcasting hero in New Jersey.
“Hirsch was a legend, so much so that I used to record his broadcasts,” Berger said. “Larry’s impact was huge, and his contributions to the Devils development should be honored.”
New Jersey’s original (1982-83) players, such as goalie Glenn ‘Chico’ Resch, knew how much Hirsch meant to the team in terms of fan development.
Now the Devils’ radio analyst, Resch told Berger: “We needed visibility, whether it was a player or a personality. Larry took it upon himself to promote the team, and he did a great job of it.”
In author Matthew Blittner’s oral history, Unforgettable Devils, Hirsch revealed how he captured the fans, but only after club owner Dr. John McMullen was swayed by the Master Blaster’s sales pitch and hired him on the spot.
“I guaranteed to Doc Mac that his Devils would become the No. 1 rated team,” Hirsch recalled. “I said, ‘Give me three years and your team will be the most listened to team on radio.’ Then, I took the recommendation from our PR man, Larry Brooks, that Fred Shero be my analyst. That was good because Fred and I got along like peas and carrots. I crowned myself ‘Master Blaster’ and Fred became ‘Doctor Hockey.’ ”
From the get-go, Hirsch pulled off the hustle of all hustles.
“I gave out our phone number to get fans to call in and ask questions,” he remembered. “It was all about fan participation. Through the list we got names and handed them over to the ticket department. I said it would take three years, but we were No. 1 after that first year. We were the most listened to because I got the fans involved.”
This minor miracle only could have happened because Hirsch had the knack. That included an impeccable knowledge of the game, pure passion in his delivery and the motivation that went with competing with the magical Rangers and champ Isles.
Hirsch emerged as a broadcasting rock star with gimmicks that worked in no time.
“When I started the broadcast, I’d tell our listeners, ‘I’m putting you in Row A, Seat 1.’ Then, I did the play-by-play as if I was playing the game myself. One critic said that I had two languages at the same time – English and Body English. And when the games were over, we had fans 50 or 60 deep around our broadcast booth. They couldn’t get enough of me and Fred.”
Mind you, all this success grew while the Devils were buried at the bottom of the NHL. But all the Master Blaster did was intensify his appeal. As for his announcing style? Well, one description would simply be inimitable.
“I combined the Canadian-American way of broadcasting,” he explained. “I presented the game so that every listener could feel the thrills and excitement.”
But it was much more than that. The Master Blaster provided arresting antics that tantalized fans. Likewise, some of them antagonized at least some visiting broadcasters. On one occasion, Larry and a prominent out-of-town play-by-play man nearly came to blows while each was sitting almost side by side doing a game. That near bout was as arresting as the action on the ice.
(Next Friday: How Larry Hirsch almost killed himself announcing a game.)
WHO SAID IT? “That was not me. I must have entered someone else’s body!” (ANSWER BELOW.)
BIG QUESTION: (Via Sportsnet) Is Jakob Chychrun the trade target for Edmonton?
BIG ANSWER: I’m sick and tired of a thousand Chychrun rumors, so the answer is ‘No.’
YAYS AND BOOS
YAY TO MORGAN RIELLY on his engagement to figure skater Tessa Virtue.
YAY TO VITEK VANECEK for giving New Jersey big wins in goal despite being a back-up.
YAY TO 32 NHL COACHES for not getting fired. (Yet.)
A CYNIC’S VIEW OF THE WORLD JUNIORS
Not everyone is doing cartwheels of joy over Canada’s Gold Medal in the World Junior tourney. Our Sean McCaffrey, who just recapped the Rangers at the halfway mark of the season, puts it bluntly:
“I despise these tournaments with young players because after every goal scored by any of them, every fan and pundit anoints them as ‘the second coming of Wayne Gretzky.’ Sure, the tournament is great for the fans, but, as far as the games translating to NHL success? Hardly!”
GOOD FOR LEAH, BUT HOW ABOUT THE FORGOTTEN HEROINE?
It is a fact of life that in 1971 a female reporter covering a Rangers game could not work in the press box with male counterparts. It said so in plain English on the press credentials. “Ladies Not Permitted In The Press Box.”
My wife, Shirley, was assigned to cover a Rangers-Leafs playoff game at Madison Square Garden and was denied access to the press box. Rather than accept the gender boycott, she took her case to the NY Human Rights Commission – and won.
It was a landmark victory that the media ignored at the time. I wonder whether ESPN’s Leah Hextall or any female broadcasters know Shirley’s significant victory on behalf of women in the hockey business.
I bring this up for two reasons:
1. I now have a gifted 14-year-old granddaughter who plays defense for a team in Thun, Switzerland – on a boys team.
2. Avigail Fischler would like to become a pro hockey player, and I would like her to succeed, which makes me very interested in the success of women’s hockey so that Avigail can fulfill her dream. Hence, Leah Hextall has meaning for Avigail.
Hextall represents a woman who battled to reach a position normally reserved for men. I hope that, someday, Leah can convey her thoughts to Avigail.
ANSWER TO WHO SAID IT? Low-scoring Vancouver defenseman Harold Snepsts remarked getting two assists in one game.
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Bluelines: Mike Emrick on Sidney Crosby's Greatness
Stan Fischler's crew shares the final part of a chat with Mike Emrick, the hockey world's support for Damar Hamlin, the beauty of the Winter Classic and more.
SIX PUCK POINTS FOR POSTERITY
1. At the rate the Kraken are winning – 5-1 over Leafs last night – ultra-low-key Dave Hakstol is the coach of the year.
2. Kudos to the Canadians for their gold medal, and a tip of the hat to the Czechs for their comeback. Too bad overtime wasn’t 5-on-5.
3. Alex Ovechkin has redefined amazing. And then redefined it again.
4. Always overflowing with class, Wayne Gretzky does it again, wishing Alex Ovechkin well in his quest to break the Great One’s record.
6. The Winter Classic at Fenway Park was too good to be true, but it was true. That’s how good it was.
EXCLUSIVE: MIKE ‘DOC’ EMRICK ON THE RECORD
In his concluding interview with our editor Irad Chen, the dean of North American hockey announcers, Doc Emrick, offers fascinating opinions and compelling facts. Listen up, and you’ll be transfixed.
TODAY’S GAME COMPARED TO YESTERYEAR
“As much as the guys from 50 years ago – those heart-beating guys who didn’t have many teeth – will say it’s a different kind of commitment. Yeah, it was, but the game is so much faster now. I’m not one of those grumpy old guys who think the game is not better today – I think that the athletes are in so much better condition and are bigger and stronger, and it takes a different kind of skill set to play in today’s game. But there are great things to say about both eras. I have great admiration for the guys who sacrificed their life and limbs to play in the 1970s when games sometimes would go three to three-and-a-half hours, and there would be bench clears and all of that. There was a gallantry of being a gladiator at that time. That’s the game I grew up watching. I once talked to Barry Trotz about this subject and he told me: ‘It still takes courage to play the game, but it’s a different kind, and now, you have to have courage to drive to the net, to block shots. The courage that you needed back in the days was to survive the night. It’s a different kind of courage, but you still have to have it.’”
BOLD PREDICTION FOR THE SEASON
“It always seemed like I was dodging making predictions. But I would never make predictions for the playoffs for at least two weeks after the trade deadline because it would take a little while to see how the acquisitions had settled in. Even at that point, I don’t think that two weeks is enough to determine whether they would be successful or not. Only once did I actually get lucky and come up with the winner, it was in 1988. It was very easy to pick the Oilers to win since they probably were the best team I’d ever watched with all of the Hall of Famers on that team.”
INSIDE SIDNEY CROSBY’S GREATNESS:
“I just marvel over what Sid’s doing right now. It’s just remarkable being among the league’s 5-on-5 points leaders at the age of 35 when he’s supposed to be in the twilight of his career, but he’s certainly not. Peter McNab told me that one of the things his dad always said, is that if you look at high offensive players in their late 20s, then that is when they are most productive. Counter to this here is Sid at 35 (and Ovi at 36) and look how productive they have been and continue to be. So that either means that they are just superhumans or that philosophy isn’t relevant anymore. The thing about him is his work ethic, and he had that from the very beginning. One of the things that Mike Sullivan used to say about Sid is how he would always find things in his game to work on that he could be better at.”
SPECIAL MEMORY ABOUT WORKING WITH THE MAVEN
“Stan’s jokes were so stark and so good that they were the highlight of our production meetings. The jokes originated in 1995 when we did games in the AHL during the lockout. Stan was our host, and Peter McNab and I did the games in Albany. Stan would lead off the games with his jokes until he felt he had run out of encores. Whenever I would see Stan from time to time, all I would do was just give the punchline, then we would laugh because I heard the jokes before (sometimes he repeated them). He knew I appreciated the joke itself and I remembered it so well that all I had to do was to give the punchline.”
I’M JUST SAYIN’
* The Kraken has a potential Norris Trophy candidate – though certainly not a winner – in Adam Larsson. He’s finally looking like being a high draft pick was no Devils mistake.
* If there’s one guy – more than any other – who can propel Ottawa into a playoff berth – it’s Tim Stutzle.
* Florida’s crumbling Panthers have a surprise issue – the goaltending is subpar – if not just terrible.
* Or, as Al Greenberg says, “the Panthers have the most costly and least effective goaltending duo in the league.”
* If there’s good news in Sunrise, it’s Matty Tkachuk’s superior play.
* The Devils always have dreamed of having another Scott Niedermayer.
* He’s on his way – only this time – the magician’s name is Luke Hughes.
* As one scout puts it, “Luke skates and passes like ‘Nieder.’”
* Columbus is a bust for a team projected to finish fourth in the Metro.
* Not that anyone really cares, but Zach Hyman is a better post-game interview than his captain.
* Doesn’t matter who’s in goal for the Wild; Minny means business, and that means a hot homestretch run in the Central Division.
* Juuse Saros’ team-record 64 saves win over the Canes last night is almost enough for us to forget he’s succeeded the one and only Pekka Rinne.
* Speaking of “forgetting,” the incomparable Alex Ovechkin also could make us forget that there’s a T.J. Oshie around to save the odd game for the Caps – last night versus Columbus – every once in a while.
WHY THE WINTER CLASSIC REMAINS AS VIBRANT AS EVER
Peripatetic George Falkowski knows Boston like he knows his left thumb. Although he’s witnessed many Winter Classics, the latest Fenway event really touched his sensitive bone. Here’s why in Georgie’s own words:
It wasn’t too many years ago that the hockey world began to hear some whispers about the annual Winter Classic. Some began to call it a “gimmick.” Others said its unique quality had run its course. Sure, hockey fans remembered, and with great clarity, the amazing first game at Buffalo, the giant crowd at Michigan and the first visits to Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
But how many could recall last year’s game? Or the one the year before that? Had the novelty finally worn off?
Following Monday’s magnificent show at Fenway Park – there’s no doubt – the Classic is here to stay.
I worked for the New England Sports Network (NESN) from 1985 to ’95 and attended countless Red Sox and Bruins games. This year’s game got me “right in the feels” and was perfect from start to finish.
It began with the Bruins and Penguins arriving wearing 1930s baseball uniforms honoring the Red Sox and Pirates.
(Fittingly and perhaps lost in all the grandeur of the day, the Boston Americans beat the Pirates in the first World Series – in 1903.)
The pregame ceremonies were flawless, capped when the greatest Bruin of them all, Bobby Orr, fired the “first puck” at former Red Sox catcher and World Series champ, Jason Varitek. The old ballpark was dressed to the nines, the weather (and ice) was perfect and the neatest part of the day was the game’s timing. It began with sunshine breaking through, warming the crowd, and ending with Fenway’s bright lights glowing on Boston’s winning goal late in the third period.
Fans and viewers got to enjoy a day game AND a night game – all within a few hours.
The broadcast and newer technology (the use of drones, specifically) also brought the game home as never before.
It was a day to celebrate the greatness of hockey, two of its premiere franchises, the history of Boston sports and at one of North America’s few remaining sporting cathedrals.
In a word, perfect!
HOCKEY SUPPORTING DAMAR HAMLIN
Rallying behind the prayers and hopes for his recovery, football player Damar Hamlin, the hockey world is helping out. In Buffalo, our Max Borsuk adds the following:
Coming into an important Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the sports world stood still for a far more important reason after Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, suffered a cardiac arrest on the field before needing CPR and hospitalization to save his life.
Whether you are a football fan, a hockey fan or not even a sports fan, the world came together to support a young man fighting for his life.
From many worldwide expressing their support on social media to people donating nearly $7 million to a GoFundMe for Hamlin’s “The Chasing M’s Foundation” community Toy Drive – either way – thoughts and prayers for Hamlin were on the country’s mind Monday night.
In the hockey world, the Sabres showed their support for Hamlin by wearing shirts saying “Love for 3” before their game against the Washington Capitals.
NHL Hall of Famer, Chris Pronger, who suffered a similar incident, showed his love and support for Hamlin. Pronger was hit with a slapshot in the chest during the 1998 Stanley Cup Playoffs before collapsing to the ice and needing CPR to regain consciousness.
“Prayers that Damar Hamlin can have the same outcome that I was fortunate to have with my incident,” Pronger said in a tweet. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Damar, his family, teammates and the greater NFL community during this incredibly scary time.”
Growing up in Western New York my entire life and seeing the support for Hamlin when he truly needs it, I am proud to be a Buffalonian and pray for a full recovery for Hamlin.
#PrayforDamar
YAYS AND BOOS
YAY TO JIM NILL for recognizing Joe Pavelski’s value to the Stars and gifting him with a year’s extension worth $3.5 million.
YAY TO JOE PAVELSKI for his warmly sincere response to his new pact. It’s refreshing to hear an honest pro utter the three little words: “I am grateful.”
YAY TO BOBBY ORR and the other notable Bruins who made the opening Winter Classic ceremonies so much more awe-inspiring.
AN OFT-OVERLOOKED FACTOR COULD MEAN A PLAYOFF BERTH
The turn of the calendar means the annual flurry of trade deadline speculation and deals is fast approaching. Glenn Dreyfuss says that’s not the only place teams will be looking for reinforcements.
By the evening of March 3, we’ll know which GMs have fortified their rosters with trades for a potential playoff run. But if you don’t want to wait, check out the long-term injured reserve (LTIR) lists.
Getting your player back from injury can be as good as someone else’s rental. Consider these examples. Winnipeg winger, Nikolaj Ehlers, played two games this season before succumbing to sports hernia surgery. Toronto defenseman, Jake Muzzin, lasted four games before a neck injury felled him. Knee injuries have sidelined Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog and Washington winger Tom Wilson all season.
There’s no telling if Ehlers, Muzzin, Landeskog and Wilson will return to their former form or how long it will take. The Jets, Leafs, Avalanche and Capitals would sure like to find out.
Meanwhile, connecting team performance to man-games lost is inexact – it depends greatly on the value of the players on LTIR, and how well their replacements back-fill in their absence. Still, it’s surprising how little can be predicted from the raw numbers.
For instance, through Dec. 28, Washington has lost a league-high 248 man-games, according to nhlinjuryviz.blogspot.com. Yet the Capitals recorded two five-game winning streaks in December. Colorado (191 man-games lost), Vegas (152) and Toronto (151) have also held their own (although Colorado began to slip lately) while missing many of their own.
To be sure, conference leaders Dallas (14) and Boston (62) have benefited from sparkling health. But it’s no guarantee; the Rangers (26) and Flames (30) have sputtered. And deep bites of the injury bug have been painful to the Flyers (203), Red Wings (190) and Blue Jackets (188).
ANOTHER BATCH OF THE BEST ALL-TIME EUROPEANS
Our Al Greenberg is getting closer to The Big Three. But the following stickhandlers belong with the best. Read on and see for yourself.
8. Borje Salming – The first Swedish player to become a true NHL star. He added the physical element not previously associated with European players. He spent 16 seasons with Toronto, becoming the highest-scoring defenseman in their history. A six-time all-star and a Hall of Famer.
7. Dominik Hasek – The Dominator is probably the best European goalie to ever play in the NHL. Six Vezina Trophies, two Hart Trophies, two Stanley Cups with Detroit and Olympic gold for Czechoslovakia. A career .922 save percentage and 2.20 goals-against average in 735 NHL regular season games.
6. Slava Fetisov – His best years were in the Soviet Union. His NHL career was relatively short, but he won two Stanley Cups as a member of Detroit’s Russian Five unit and 13 gold medals in international play. He was a hard-nosed defender, a leader and an innovator on and off the ice.
5. Sergei Fedorov – Three Stanley Cups with Detroit, two Selke Trophies and one Hart. He averaged close to a point per game in the regular season and playoffs in 18 NHL seasons. He’s third in all-time points for a Russian player and a Hall of Famer.
(Next Monday: The big four, all-time best Europeans.)
WHO SAID IT? “Well, he’d better learn how to yodel!” (ANSWER BELOW.)
BIG QUESTION: Can the Avalanche repeat as Stanley Cup champs?
BIG ANSWER: Not a chance. What you see is what you’ll get. Over and out.
THAT WAS THE WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS:
MONDAY: Boston’s 2-1 Winter Classic victory over Pittsburgh makes one wonder when – make that if – the Bruins bubble will burst.
TUESDAY: McDavid scores, McDavid is minus-1. But Seattle wins 5-2 and stays ahead of the Oil Cans.
WEDNESDAY: New Jersey’s 5-1 win over the Wings signals an end to the Devils’ down-slide. They’ll stay high if surprise star goalie, Vitek Vanecek, stays healthy.
THURSDAY: The Canucks aren’t dead yet. The 4-2 win last night over Colorado tells me that the Avs – among other things – miss Nazem Kadri.
FRIDAY: Game to watch – Tampa Bay at Winnipeg. A pair of elite teams trying to remain elite. Plus a fine battle of first-rate goaltenders.
WHY IT SEEMS AS IF NHL COACHES HAVE TAKEN ‘NO-FIRING ME’ PILLS
Remember at the season’s start when certain seers had prepared a short list of coaches to be fired. How right they were not. A half-season has almost elapsed, and even Cousin Brucie Boudreau still has his gig. Our Sean McCaffrey, as always, is probing the causes.
GMs are showing a historic display of patience, which was not the case during the past two years. So, what’s going on?
At first glance, it may seem as if the pandemic – and the losses that NHL owners incurred – would be the easy explanation.
However, following the 2021-22 campaign events, 10 different teams entered the 2022-23 season with new bench bosses. Both big and small market teams alike made changes.
With 32 NHL teams, nearly a third of the league switched coaches this past summer.
Furthermore, and aside from these 10 coaching changes, the 2021-22 campaign saw six other teams look for new suits behind their benches – the Rangers (Gerard Gallant), Canadiens (Martin St-Louis), Canucks (Bruce Boudreau), Oilers (Jay Woodcroft), Coyotes (Andre Tourigny) and Blue Jackets (Brad Larsen).
More numbers for you? The NHL features 16 teams in the playoffs – one team for every coaching change made during this recent time span.
Coincidence? Correlation? You be the judge!
Judging by how the Maple Leafs climbed to the league’s top five teams, you have to think that Sheldon Keefe is immune from a pink slip. Think again.
Should his club continue its epic “streak” during the first round of the playoffs – then I wouldn’t answer the phone if I was Sheldon Keefe!
WHITBY DUNLOPS’ HALL OF FAME CAPTAIN
Hall of Famer Harry Sinden, for 28 years GM of the Bruins, is the subject of Glenn Dreyfuss’ final entry in a series about the rivalry between Russian squads and a Canadian senior team. They spoke on a recent Hockey Time Machine program.
Two of Harry Sinden’s three top hockey memories are easy to guess. The first is coaching the Bruins in 1970 to their first Stanley Cup in 29 years, winning series against the Rangers, Blackhawks and Blues.
“We had Bobby Orr and they didn’t,” Harry said with a grin.
The second, after leaving the Bruins, was coaching Team Canada to victory in the 1972 Summit Series.
“As I said at the time, I was the only one available who might fit that role,” said Sinden, still smiling. “Everyone else was at training camp with their teams.”
Harry’s other greatest memory likely will surprise you: serving as captain and star defenseman for the Whitby Dunlops OHA senior team. With Sinden, Whitby in 1957 and 1958 won back-to-back Allan Cups, symbolic of the best team in senior hockey.
“Senior hockey was a tremendous brand. Today, we have 700 players in the NHL. In a six-team league at the time, there would be 110. A lot of good players didn’t even leave home to begin a minor league career, with hopes of getting to the NHL. They got a job and stayed home. All the guys worked during the daytime, sometimes had to go to work the next day after playing.”
Sinden and the Dunlops hosted the first game ever played by a Russian team in Canada.
“Everything was so mysterious about the Russian team, how they played, what they looked like, their equipment.”
The key to Whitby’s 7-2 victory at Maple Leaf Gardens, after quickly falling behind 2-0, was a change in style.
“We had to be more checking-conscious, and not let them have so much time and space.”
Several months later, his Dunnies captured the 1958 World Championship for Canada in Oslo, Norway. Mostly, they steamrolled opponents – until the gold medal rematch with Russia. Tied 2-2 after two periods, Whitby pulled out a hard-fought 4-2 victory.
Newspapers all over Canada carried the photo of Sinden kissing the championship trophy.
“That was one of the proudest moments I’ve ever had. A goodly number of Canadian soldiers had made their way up from Germany for that game. The fact the soldiers were there made it a special time.”
Sadly, Canadian senior hockey was in decline – the Dunlops folded in 1960.
“The NHL started the EPHL, a developmental league. That spelled the end of senior hockey at that level.”
Oddly enough, while commuting to play in that same EPHL, Sinden fortuitously shared train rides with Bruins GM Lynn Patrick.
“He was scouting the NHL playoffs,” Harry recalled. “I was working at General Motors. On those trips after a game, we talked a lot about hockey. He got the idea I’d be interested in coaching. Boston’s team in the EPHL was Kingston. After those associations on the train, that started my coaching career as a player-coach with Kingston.”
ANSWER TO WHO SAID IT? Bruins GM Harry Sinden’s reaction to Joe Juneau’s threat to play in Switzerland rather than Boston.
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From the Archives: A Rare Goaltending Marathon at the Garden
It’s hard to believe a high-level goalie playing twice in a day. Stan Fischler recalls the man who played for the New York Rovers and Rangers merely hours apart.
I couldn't believe it, and I doubt that you would have believed it had you been in my shoes on Feb. 12, 1945.
At age 12 – soon to be Bar Mitzvah'd on my 13th birthday in a few weeks – I was sitting in old Madison Square Garden on a Sunday afternoon, doing what I usually did every week.
I watched a hockey double-header in the fifth row of the end balcony. The Jamaica Hawks beat the Sands Point Tigers in the Met League opener, 11-6. Then, following the intermission, there was the "big" game.
It featured the hometown New York Rovers against the Washington Lions, battling in the Eastern Amateur Hockey League. (By the way, they were not really "amateurs." Those guys got paid.)
The Rovers happened to be the NHL Rangers' farm team. Over the years, many Rovers graduated to the NHL and became stars with the Blueshirts.
In those days, the Rangers games didn't start until 8:30 p.m., and since I had to get up early for school at P.S. 54 in Brooklyn the next day, I wasn't allowed to stay up late and watch the NHL guys play their night game at the Garden.
Not that I cared. I just loved the afternoon action and knew I could listen to the Rangers game on WHN Radio at home that night. Besides, I was a big fan of the Washington Lions and had several favorites on that team.
To my delight, the game was terrific. Although Rovers' netminder Doug Stevenson gave up four goals, New York rallied with three late in the third period, and it wound up a 4-4 tie. (I exited the Garden onto Eighth Avenue, knowing I got my "moneys worth" with a Police Athletic League freebie.)
One thing did fascinate me about the Rovers that afternoon. Mind you, this was February 1945, and the Second World War was still blazing in Europe and the Pacific. The Nazis would be defeated in May, and V-J Day would not signal the war's end with Japan until August.
But I learned from the Rovers' program that goalie Doug Stevenson had spent two years in the Canadian Army and was only recently discharged. I mused over that fact on the subway ride home, never imagining I'd hear about Doug Stevenson again.
How wrong I was!
When I tuned in to the Rangers game at 8:30 that night, play-by-play guy Bert Lee and his color commentator, Ward Wilson, discussed an unusual occurrence. The Blueshirts' regular goalie, Ken McAuley, had suffered a knee injury and would miss his first game in two seasons.
"In the nets for New York," chirped broadcaster Lee, "is a 26-year-old out of Edmonton – Doug Stevenson."
Doug Stevenson!
I couldn't believe my ears. This is the same palooka I'd seen give up four goals to Washington a few hours ago. And now he will face the defending Stanley Cup champion, the Montreal Canadiens.
Talking to myself, I was saying, "poor Stevenson will be up against Montreal's great Punch Line of Elmer Lach, Rocket Richard and Toe Blake. Tough stuff."
Of course, it would be nice if I could put a Hollywood ending on this tale of two goalie games in one day – but the facts won't let me. But, yes, there was a kind of happy ending.
The New York Daily News headline in my scrapbook summed it up neatly: "Canadiens Defeat Rangers, 4-3; 15,981 See Rookie Goalie Star."
Yes-siree. That rookie goalie was none other than Doug Stevenson, who had tied Washington just a few hours earlier. (Check out the Rovers story on the bottom right – "Rally By Rovers Tie Lions 4-4" – also from the same Daily News.)
The beauty part here is that – even in defeat – Stevenson was sensational against a first-place Montreal team whose record was 31-6-3 entering the match that night.
Writing in the Daily News, reporter Hy Turkin led off his story with these words:
"Though he never did get to see action during his two years in the Canadian Army, young Doug Stevenson spent the most exciting day of his life on Garden ice yesterday.
"In the afternoon, he goaltended for the Rovers, who finished in a 4-4 tie. With a few hours rest, he made his pro debut with the Rangers."
My scrapbook also featured a photo from the night game with the caption: "Rookie goalie turns back Canadien charge." In the picture seen at the top, the Punch Line was storming Stevenson, who foiled their assault.
"Stevenson was sensational," reported Turkin. "His greatest feat was blanking Rocket Richard who had counted twice the night before to tie the modern record for goals in one season."
It would have been wonderful to write that Stevenson's feat propelled him to eventual NHL goaltending stardom, but that wasn't to be, as author George Grimm noted in his fine book, Guardians Of The Goal.
"Stevenson saw action in four games with the Blueshirts in 1944-45," wrote Grimm, "and lost them all. In March 1945, he was loaned to Chicago to replace their injured starter Mike Karakas.
"He played two games for the Black Hawks that season and two more the next before returning to the minors. He spent the remainder of his career playing for teams in the PCHL and WHL and retired in 1956."
But for one afternoon and evening in Manhattan 78 years ago, Doug Stevenson did what no puck-stopper ever did – he played a league game at The Garden in the afternoon – and then became a headliner for the Rangers that same evening.
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