Hockey Newsletter - Feb. 2, 2000
Rod Bryden holds another news conference
Is this getting tired or what? I do believe the man has had more press conferences than the Sens have had games this season! And what was it all about this time? Well, a ticket price hike, of course. Since the people have spoken and you're not entitled to milk the government, throw it back at those mean old fans and make 'em pay!
"We are giving our fans and corporate sponsors the final say on if we stay or go... we now have to look to our revenues to see if this team is viable." If you can bear to watch this guy again, check out the news conference at:
(expired link)
Mr. Smith goes to Washington
Over the 24-year history of the Washington Capitals, one distinctive trait has clung to their jockstraps like an albatross. Injuries. It always seemed that at any time during the season, the Caps' training room was packed to the max, while a b-team of unknowns struggled on the ice. And by playoff time, they were pretty much dead. Not this year. No sirree, they're as healthy as a horse... errr... as a team of healthy horses. So what makes this year different from the others? Well, the crack CTVSportsnet.com research team took a look inside that training room and found a new face... Mr. Greg Smith. He became the Caps' head trainer this year and he must be working wonders. Not only is Washington's injury slate clean as a whistle day in day out, but individual players are also starting to dominate the NHL award sheets:
Goalie Olaf Kolzig was named NHL Player of the Month for January, posting a 11-1-2 record, 1.68 goals-against average, two shutouts and a .936 save percentage and leading the Capitals to the NHL's longest undefeated streak this season (10 wins, one tie.)
Defenceman Sergei Gonchar was named Player of the Week as he led the NHL in scoring through this period -- 3 goals 4 assists for 7 points in four games -- and posted a plus/minus rating of +5. Looks like Mr. Smith can work wonders in the Capital City. It is an election year, isn't it?
Who's hot...
* Toronto Maple Leaf forward Steve Thomas. Stumpy was edged out for Player of the Week honours by the afore mentioned Sergei Gonchar, but his play will not go unnoticed by CTVSportsnet.com! All season long he has struggled to make the numbers he did last year as the Leafs' Prodigal Son. Critics thought he might just be past his prime. Well. In 4 games this week, Thomas scored 5 goals, 3 of them game-winners, and helped the Leafs out of their middling slump. Not bad for a washed-up old guy, eh?
* The Montreal Canadiens. For real this time. Les Glorieux are 5-1-2 in their past 8 games. And a couple of those wins came against some bigshots like Detroit, Carolina and Pittsburgh and young goalie Jose Theodore recorded 2 shutouts in that stretch. In an absolutely ridiculous season that has seen their top scorer break his neck, a journeyman winger break his larynx -- his life hanging in the balance for 45 minutes -- this team has put up some unbelievable defensive numbers. They've allowed fewer goals than 7 of the top-10 teams in the league; Theodore is tied for 2nd in shutouts with Roman Turek, Ron Tugnutt and Fred Brathwaite; and though they ain't anywhere near the top of the standings, it should be noted that 16 of their 25 losses this year were 1-goal games. So maybe it's time for these guys, most of whom have taken one for the team this year (hang in there, Trent,) to get some respect, even if it comes from the backhand.
Who's not...
* The San Jose Sharks. Are we repeating ourselves? Yup. We assumed the Sharks would chomp their way out of the CTVSportsnet.com doghouse this week with games against Vancouver and the Islanders... but no! They lost both games (well, they got a regulation point against the Isles... whatever!) Going into Tuesday's game against Pacific Division rivals the Coyotes, the Sharks had lost 4 in a row and had only 2 wins in the past 10 games. If it weren't for the possessed play of team captain Owen Nolan, these guys would be ready for relegation!
In the corners
Goodness but it's a tough year to be a hockey player! Have there ever been so many injuries? Oh sure, Dominik Hasek finally pulled up his girdle and stepped on the ice (he stopped 29 shots in a tie with Anaheim in his first game back,) but what team -- besides the afore mentioned Capitals -- hasn't missed a slew of top players? This week's All Star addition to the shelf is St. Louis Blues' centre Pierre Turgeon.
And what is it with the groin? Has it always been a common NHL injury? Maybe the macho North American players never wanted to talk about it, never wanted the trainers touching them... ummm... down there. But since Jaromir Jagr and Dominik Hasek have made the strain so fashionable, well, everyone can admit they have a problem... ummm... down there.
Recent groin count (prominent groins only):
Marty McInnis
Curtis Leschyshyn
Sean Hill
Joe Sakic
Patrick Roy
Darren McCarty
Peter Popovic
(Look, ma! No Hasek!)
On the boards:
There was some chatter in the fan forums this week about which Canadian city deserves an NHL franchise. Hamilton? Regina?
Kick Ass Canadian says:
"If Columbus and Nashville can get teams, I don't see why Regina or Hamilton can't get one!"
D.W. responds:
"Why would anyone even think this up? In 5-10 years we will be lucky to have 2-3 teams left in Canada and I can guarantee you one of them won't be Regina or Hamilton."
And native Hamiltonian Did Henley says:
"I am from Hamilton and I know there is absolutely no way that we'll ever get a NHL team, and being a die-hard Leafs fan I wouldn't cheer for the Hamilton team. There are many reasons why we wont get it:
a) Current Canadian teams are barely staying afloat in larger markets than Hamilton (ie Montreal and Vancouver) so putting a team in Hamilton would be financial suicide for the NHL and the potential team owners. As well, the team wouldn't be able to afford the multi-million dollar free agents because of their lack of money
b) The Buffalo Sabres would not allow it... it is a well known fact that 25-40% of the fans at the Marina every night are Canadians, and they want more Canadian fans, the Sabres have billboards all around Hamilton advertising their tickets. Also this is technically "Leafs Region" because we get to see local Leafs games on TV.
c) Copps Coliseum doesn't have enough private boxes or seats for Gary Bettman's NHL. Bottom line it doesn't matter if Copps fills up every night for a NHL game, The Sens sell out every night and they are still threatening to move."