Stan Fischler
Bluelines: Milbury set to use Witt, Lundmark out
Oct 18, 2005
 Brendan Witt appears to be the most likely “name” defenseman to be dealt. It’s just a matter of when and where. The Islanders could use Witt, although Mike Milbury denies he’s dealing. Then again, Toronto and Montreal might be interested.
Just two weeks into the season, general managers are discovering a couple of facts that will inspire immediate trades. These include: 1. Speed is here to stay; 2. Overweight fat cats – try Keith Tkachuk, Brett Hull, e.t. a.l. – are doomed – or they retire. 3. Referees are dedicated to enforcing the rules. Constant benching signaled the end of Jamie Lundmark's tenure with the Rangers. It’s not impossible that the Rangers' 1999 ninth overall selection will be accompanied by Tom Poti, whose skill level could attract him to the Bruins and Brian Leetch. The NHL is teaming with the North American Sports Network (NASN) bringing games to Europe. “NASN will make our sport a priority on its air,” says Ken Yaffe, head of the NHL’s international unit. Neat Story Dep’t.: Todd Bertuzzi met – at an Edmonton hotel -- a teen whose father was recovering from a stroke. Upon hearing that the boy lacked tickets for the game, Bert phoned and bought a pair with his credit card.  | | Will Witt end up on Long Island? (AP) | If you’re wondering where the next Sid Crosby is coming from, try John Tavares, a 15-year-old underager already playing Major Junior Hockey and looking, well, like Sid The Kid. Where Are They Now Dep’t.: Theo Fleury has landed in Northern Ireland, playing for the Belfast Giants “How many guys are lucky enough to get the chance to play with someone they idolized growing up,” remarks defenseman Todd Kelman, a longtime Flames fan. In his debut, Theo collected two “Gordie Howe” hat tricks by amassing four goals, three assists and, two fights. Player to watch: With his booming slap shot and newfound knack for defensive coverage, Sami Salo has been monikered the “The Finnish Al MacInnis” by Curtis Joseph. The visor issue is getting out of hand. If an NHLer doesn’t want to wear one, just leave him alone. Let it be his prerogative. “We’re pros,” says Brian Berard, who knows a bit about eye injuries, “and the choice should be ours, I wear one (for medical reasons) but I hope (the NHL) does not make them mandatory.” Tommy Albelin continues skating with the Devils without a contract. TA tells us he has not yet discussed futures with Lou Lamoriello. Best nickname for Sid Crosby’s baby-sitter, Mario Lemieux, comes from the Toronto Sun’s Mike Ulmer, who calls the Whiz Kid’s boss, “The 40-year-old Wheez-Kid!” Winless at 0-2-4, Ed Olczyk has another chance to get off the schnei in Pitt on Thursday vs. Devils. The Penguins’ problem: They’re a one-line team. Plus, three offense-minded defensemen fail to solve problems in the D zone. And, offensively, the defensemen are near zip. Sergei Gonchar -- in six games -- has one assist and is minus-6. He’s also taken the club’s most penalties. An added question: Can Lemieux and John LeClair maintain the necessary speed in the new high-octane league? A Toronto-Atlanta feud would have been unthinkable years ago but we’ve got a doozie now. Darcy Tucker is blaming Bob Hartley for Andy Sutton’s whack-job on Little Lord Tucker. “Hartley,” says the Leaf, “should be accountable.” The Hartley version: “Tie Domi came in and started the whole thing!” We can’t wait ‘til they meet again (November 19). Sabres’ owner Tom Golisano is making political news. The billionaire businessman has changed his party affiliation to Republican for a possible gubernatorial run in New York State. Golisano brands himself a reformer in the John McCain mold. Best Beneficiary of New Rules: Jason Spezza. It’s not his style to gloat but John Ferguson has reason to revel. Toronto writers unfairly ripped him in pre-season for bad adds. So, Eric Lindros (5-2-7) and Jason Allison (2-6-8) are doing just dandy. Leafs (3-1-2) are making Fergie look fine. Lindros stepping in for Mats Sundin, so easily, borders on amazing. Jeff O’Neill hasn’t hurt either!  | | Lundmark's days on Broadway appear to be numbered. (AP) | Islanders owner Charles Wang is revving up his campaign for a new arena as part of a vast Lighthouse entertainment complex in Nassau. “It will ultimately determine whether the Islanders stay in Nassau, move east to Suffolk or maybe even to Brooklyn,” says Newsday columnist Shaun Powell. We’re betting that Wang’s plan will get the green light. Wayne Gretzky has the best analysis of Brett Hull’s vocal chords: “Brett said all the things that the rest of us thought!” Good Moves Dep’t.: Sabres’ decision to retire the numbers of Pat LaFontaine and Danny Gare. Each combined rare skill while being among the nicest guys in our biz. Ditto for the Kings holding a special “Adam Deadmarsh Night” on March 20 at the STAPLES Center. Smart Move Dep’t.: John Tortorella’s keeping detailed logs on referees. Tampa’s coach has the insight you want in a mentor. Definition of “Beautiful music on ice:” Paul Kariya and Steve Sullivan working offensive magic. As if Roberto Luongo doesn’t have enough to do, he’s now emceeing his own radio show with Steve Goldstein. To those NHLPA members who still have a beef over the new CBA, remember the deathless words of Brendan Shanahan: “Don’t feel sorry for us. We’re still doing very well.” This should make Gary Bettman happy: The NHL Fans Association endorse the league’s new rule changes. Don’t be surprised if one of the biggest names in the game makes a major career move within the year. All we can say is that when it happens, it will be a blockbuster.
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