Stan Fischler
Bluelines: Kovalev sweepstakes beginning
Jan 24, 2003
 Complaints about ref inconsistency continue unabated. Latest beef comes from Michael Peca. "It's frustrating," says the Isles' captain. "The referees seem dictated by emotion at times to teach you a lesson. They don’t offer explanations and they leave you wondering what's going on."
The ascent of Ryan Miller in goal means the Sabres can deal either Mika Noronen or Marty Biron. And should Darcy Regier want to trim salary, Alexei Zhitnik, at $3.5 million per season, is a likely trade subject.
If you're looking for a wonderful kids book about our favorite sport, try "Casey's Dream -- A Hockey Story" by Joseph J. Healey and Rike Hecker. Healey's a Brooklynite now living in Marin County.
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| Mario Lemieux may not be able to hold on to Alexei Kovalev. (AP) |
Who will deal for Alexei Kovalev and will it be before the All-Star break? That's the question in Pittsburgh as Craig Patrick seeks to avoid a repetition of the Jaromir Jagr disaster. Toronto, Philly, Dallas, Islanders and Rangers are considered top suitors for Kovy.
We like Bob Hartley's philosophy: "There's always good things to come out of a tough situation."
One of the nicest surprises of the season has been Barret Jackman. The Blues defenseman already is being compared to Scott Stevens. "His character and demeanor are outstanding for a kid," says teammate Scott Mellanby. "He's going to be in a leadership role some day."
Speaking of underrated rookie defensemen, how about Atlanta's Mike Weaver? Even though he's only 5-9, the freshman plays with impact and an edge.
After Joe Sakic appeared on the nationally televised "Jim Rome Radio Show" the interview was described by Toronto Sun columnist Steve Buffery as "dry and boring." Buffery adds that NHLers are the most sincere guys in sports, noting, "Unfortunately, the way sports sells nowadays is by trash talking and being controversial, but other than Brett Hull, hockey guys just aren't up to it."
Oklahoma City (CHL) remains one of the most successful minor league cities. Average attendance is more than 7,900. Laredo (6,699) is runner-up.
What's the difference between Czech and Slovak players? The Devils' Jiri Bicek, from Kosice, Slovakia, offers this appraisal: "Czechs are more skilled and in control of the puck. They react quicker."
Talk about fame being fleeting, Gordie Howe went to visit the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena just before a game but a security guard would not allow Mr. Hockey in. "So, I went around the other way in the back door," says Howe, "I didn't say anything, because the guard was just doing his job."
The Penguins have an underrated winner in Michal Sivek.
Trent Klatt on teammate Todd Bertuzzi: "I don’t want this sounding bad, but Bert knows how good he is."
Diving continues to plague the NHL. "We have to find a way to embarrass the divers," says Colin Campbell.
Phil Esposito says Bettman, Inc. should recruit more retired players -- ages 28-30 -- to become refs. "Take a year and train them," Espo suggests. "They have a feel for the game."
Japanese forward Takahito Suzuki of the Checkers has become an ECHL ace while putting up billboards in Charlotte. The winger has inspired an ad campaign which includes the Japanese flag, the Checkers logo and the words "Suzuki Attacks."
Could Markus Naslund be going the way of Dominick Hasek? The Swedish-born Canuck hints that when his current contract expires in 2005 he may return home with his family. "I'm not going to be one of those guys who plays until he's 36 or 37," says Naslund.
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| Former Rangers bench boss Ron Low misses coaching. (AP) |
Ron Low, currently scouting for the Rangers, says he wants to get back to coaching again. Low's close pal, Butch Goring, is looking to get back into the NHL by way of Germany, where he's behind a bench in Krefeld.
Keep your eye on a Steve Yzerman comeback -- sooner rather than later.
The beneficiary of Michel Therrien's firing should be Mariusz Czerkawski, who never gained Therrien's trust but shined in his AHL stint under Claude Julien.
Adam Foote wants the touch-up icing rule changed. "It's unnecessary," says the Avalanche defenseman. "There aren't enough scoring chances that come off it, compared to the players who get injured." And he's right!
Our man in Vancouver, Ron Spence, offers this: "Todd Bertuzzi has learned restraint when hassled by rivals, but there is one thing that will get him going -- an attack on his captain. Bertuzzi joined the fray when Kurt Maltby and Chris Chelios went after Markus Naslund. It's his new weak link."
The Edmonton Oilers are relying heavily on Mike York while Mike Comrie is out with a broken thumb. "We would be in big trouble if we didn't have York right now," says head coach Craig MacTavish.
Max Afinogenov (concussion) is due back momentarily.
Count Mike Keenan among those curious about the Habs' recent coaching move. "It's the fourth consecutive coach they've hired without NHL experience," says Keenan. "Who knows what the thinking is." As usual, Mike is right!
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