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In Praise of the Old Man Aug 13, 2002 Sarah Green
Towards the closing of last season, Chris Chelios' Motor City teammate Brett Hull was quoted as saying, "I'd rather be old and smart than young and dumb".

Well, I don't think Brett's giving quite enough credit to the Jarome Iginlas out there (young people aren't all necessarily doobers), but the essence of his statement rings true enough to those of us with a little silver in our hair. The Red Wings have several players who could be considered remarkable relics of the 80's in their lineup, but my favorite by far is defenseman Chris Chelios.
hockeyfights.com Awards Jun 28, 2002 David M Singer
The NHL has their own awards, and we've always debated our own. This year we made it official. A vote for the things we were watching for this year that the NHL ignores. Do we love 50 goals? Sure, but that's covered. Who's the toughest team? Who's our favorite rookie? Well, I've got your votes, your thoughts, and then at least a little interpretation of it all.
Hockey Supremacy Jun 4, 2002 Dwight Wakabayashi
The 2002 Stanley Cup Final is set. Goliath is in one room in the form of the Detroit Red Wings, the big money boys representing Hockeytown U.S.A. The Red Wings all grab their weapons from the stick rack that stands at the entrance of the dressing room. The sticks are all patterned for the big names. First, the lightweight, smooth, pattern designed for the graceful passer and puck-handler, "Lidstrom" reads the weapon. The next is a little heavier, much sturdier, designed to crack, smash and inflict significant pain, "Chelios" is the brand on that one. The next is designed with multiple modes, for the player who does a little bit of everything; "Fedorov" is the pattern. The last two are the most vaunting weapons this team can produce. One is designed to fire with blinding speed and accuracy, "Hull" the name on the shaft. The last one is designed much like the "Fedorov", though it has been reinforced for the past three weeks of battle. It has been designed a little stiffer and stronger to use as a crutch for the wounded leader, the captain of the troops who is battling on one leg "Yzerman" is the pattern. They take to the ice weapons in hand. A true hockey Goliath made and trained for this moment.
Waky Hockey - The Final Four May 16, 2002 Dwight Wakabayashi
Moments and musings from Round 2 as the tension and momentum mounts in the race for The Cup: Sitting at 5-3 after the first round, I was only able to keep status quo as I went 2-2 in my second round predictions. The West was good to me but the East was the beast and left me at .500 for the round. I'm focused and determined, and even though the bright sun of Kits Beach here in Vancouver beckons louder and louder each day to abandon this winter mission, I can't. The Cup is still up for grabs.
From New Acquaintances to Old(er) rivals May 2, 2002 John Lebow
In what was definitely one of the most exciting first round series to watch, the Toronto Maple Leafs were taken to seven games by the New York Islanders, and pulled out the win when it mattered. In the most boring playoff series of the first round the Ottawa Senators trapped the hapless Flyers into submission in five games (at least it was short).
Win But Don't Whine May 1, 2002 Dwight Wakabayashi
I'm back for round two folks, but I must say at this point, I'm not too impressed with anyone involved in the National Hockey League right now. We saw some things in round one never seen before in the NHL, and I'm afraid to say they are not good things for the league. Let me just start by saying that there isn't a bigger fan, student, and supporter of the game of hockey then I am. I have watched, played and studied the game since I was dropping pucks in my diapers. I grew up on it. I have learned so many of life's lesson's being involved in this game I could write a book called "Zen and the Art of Hockey." My hockey life started on the heels of Henderson in '72 and I have been fortunate enough to grow up in the Gretzky era. Hockey is in my blood, and boy is my blood boiling. The game is messed up on so many levels right now. Please, let me vent and explain.
Isles-Leafs Could Mean New History Apr 25, 2002 John Lebow
Some playoff series this year are rooted in history. Boston and Montreal have faced each other more times than any other teams in the NHL. Ottawa and Philadelphia have never faced each other in the playoffs. Toronto and New York last faced each other 21 years ago, but they just missed each other 9 years ago.
The Overrated Apr 24, 2002 Alexis Nicgorski
There are many teams and many players in every professional sport that are overrated. The Eric Lindros effect on the Rangers was overrated. The promise of Alexander Daigle was overrated. The Sedin Twins were figured out and overrated. Granted there are those in this league that are all they are cracked up to be, and due to time and unforeseen pucks to the foot, have not been filled their potential. Peter Forsberg, chronic with injury, when he plays a shift his presence is felt. He makes a difference every shift. Michael Peca and Alexei Yashin have catapulted the Islanders into the playoffs. For Yashin this is the second team he has done this for.
Surprise, Surprise Apr 21, 2002 John Lebow
Well, the playoffs are under way and some things haven't exactly gone according to plan. Just ask Dominik Hasek and the Detroit Red Wings, Presidents Trophy winners who haven't played a game of any meaning in more than a month.

On one hand is the $900,000 salary of Vancouver Canucks starting goaltender Dan Cloutier. On the other rests the $8 million salary of Dominik Hasek. So far, with his team stealing both games in Detroit, Dan Cloutier (Save% .930) has outplayed Hasek (Save$ .822).
Babych Sues Flyers Mar 31, 2002 John Lebow
The most intriguing story to come out of the NHL the past few days had nothing to do with a playoff spot. Dave Babych, released by the Philadelphia Flyers in March of 1999, is suing Comcast, owners of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Arthur Bartolozzi, the team's doctor, for "improper and fraudulent medical advice, motivated by corporate strategy of pressuring injured players to return to the ice."

Babych blocked a shot with his left foot, breaking a bone on April 8, 1998. Two weeks later, at the start of their playoff run against the Buffalo Sabres, Babych was told by then-coach Roger Nielson to dress for the first game. The next season, Babych played in half of the games before taking another shot to the foot, this time resulting in three additional broken bones. That lead to his release in March, effectively ending his career.
Deals At The Deadline II Mar 20, 2002 John Lebow
I didn't mention the Rangers at all in analyzing the smaller deals - that's because they didn't make any. On Trade Deadline Eve (a magical night, featuring the ghosts of GM's past), The Rangers nabbed superstar Pavel Bure from the Florida Panthers, along with a second round pick in the draft this summer in Toronto. They didn't give up too much in Igor Ulanov, who has been a healthy scratch more than a couple of times, blue-chip prospect Filip Novak, a first rounder this summer, and a 4th round pick next summer. The Rangers also have the right to swap picks with Florida in the second round of the 2002 draft.
Deals at the Deadline I Mar 19, 2002 John Lebow
The most coveted item at the National Hockey League's trade deadline wasn't a scorer, goalie, or even a solid defenseman. The most traded type of player in the days leading to the deadline, and in deadline itself were enforcers.

Starting with the deal that sent Andre Roy and a 6th round pick to Tampa Bay for Juha Ylonen, a total of 6 Enforcers (with at least 5 NHL fights this season) have found new homes (Roy, Jamie Pushor, Billy Tibbets, Rick Berry, Bill Lindsay, Darcy Hordichuk).
Realistic Hopes Mar 7, 2002 John Lebow
I can admit when I'm wrong. The last time I discussed all the Canadian teams, The Calgary Flames, along with the Montreal Canadiens were the toast of their conferences. Were at or near the top, and neither were expected to be. The Ottawa Senators were looking to solidify a solid place in the middle of the pack, along with the Vancouver Canucks. The Toronto Maple Leafs still hadn't found the groove for all the new bodies acquired in the off-season to fit into. The Edmonton Oilers were finding life without Doug Weight just fine, thank you.

I know...it's been a while since I've reviewed all the Canadian teams, but now with just over a week to the trade deadline, it seems fitting to look at the wants and needs of all these teams.
Injury Bug Catches Leafs Mar 2, 2002 John Lebow
The hockey gods had to even out the playing field. For the past two and a half seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been the healthiest team in hockey. How quickly things change.

In the fourth period of a 4-1 win against Carolina, Curtis Joseph tried to get up after stopping a shot. His trapper seemed to get caught in the mesh, but it didn't look serious, until Joseph skated to the dressing room right afterwards. He broke the metacarpal bone in his ring finger; an injury that Pat Quinn has said will have their number one goaltender out four to six weeks.
The New Rivalry Feb 23, 2002 John Lebow
This was supposed to happen four years ago. In 1998, Canada was still reeling from their shocking loss to the Americans at the World Cup of Hockey in 1996. With that in mind, the prohibitive favourite of nearly every hockey tournament stocked its' team specifically to deal with this new American menace to Canada's national identity. Shayne Corson, Rob Zamuner - career mucks and grinders suddenly had a spot on the national team of the nation with the deepest talent pool.

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