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True Grit Oct 23, 2001 John Lebow
There have been a lot of things following Toronto Maple Leafs forward Shayne Corson recently. His past is no longer one of them. In a recent article in Sports Illustrated, Corson came forward admitting that last year, his first with the Leafs, was the toughest of his career.
Canucks Playing a Risky Game Oct 22, 2001 Dwight Wakabayashi
The Vancouver Canucks have started the 2001-2002 season by playing a risky game. In a trend that seems to have been magnified in the new season, the Canucks continue to play up or down to their scheduled opponent. While "playing down" to an opponent is something that the talent laden teams in the league such as the Detroit Red Wings, or the Colorado Avalanche can get away with, a lunch-bucket brigade such as the Vancouver Canucks cannot.
Islanders Off and Running Oct 21, 2001 Barclay Poole
For seven straight years, losing has been engrained into the heart of the New York Islanders hockey club. Both on and off the ice, crippling blows were dealt that prevented the once proud franchise from moving forward. Instead of goals, wins and playoff appearances, the Islanders only claims to fame were bad owners, shoestring budgets and a dwindling fan base. Barring a miracle, it seemed losing was becoming a persona the organization could not shake.
Fighting Has a Place In the Game Oct 20, 2001 Dwight Wakabayashi
Does fighting have a place in the game of hockey? The question has been asked far too many times, and the debate goes on. When wondering why the fighting debate has lasted so long without a clear cut answer, you have to separate fights into different types, weighing each one carefully to determine if it can be eliminated from the game.
North of the Border - Top of the Standings Oct 16, 2001 John Lebow
Amazing what winning can do for you. Rob Bryden is no longer worried about moving his Ottawa Senators elsewhere. Vancouver Canucks GM Brian Burke is reaping the benefits of building a strong, fast team that is always exciting to watch, even in a loss. The Calgary Flames are riding high on the back of Roman Turek, as well as the new acquisitions of Dean McAmmond and Rob Niedermeyer.
Goaltending For Blues Still An Issue Oct 11, 2001 Barclay Poole
The St. Louis Blues have risen to prominence over the past few years. Two seasons ago they were on top of the world after finishing first overall during the regular season. Last year, after a very strong regular season, the Blues stormed into the conference finals, only to be ousted by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche. Unfortunately the relatively successful seasons the Blues have had possess one common denominator - no Stanley Cup.
Leafs Season Looking Unclear Sep 30, 2001 John Lebow
As the season is about to start, things may not be all right in LeafLand. Come the beginning of the season, there will be more questions than answers for the Toronto Maple Leafs. From the goaltending behind Joseph on up, the lineup that will be iced by Pat Quinn this season could be great, or not.
Hot Vegas Hockey Sep 28, 2001 Eric Gazin
Preseason hockey when it is 100 degrees doesn't always feel quite right. Then again, when it is being played in Las Vegas, it doesn't seem so strange. Where else can you sit next to your favorite players at a blackjack table? Last Saturday, the 22nd, the Kings squared off against the Sharks, at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas. No, they didn't move the slots and tables aside and displace all the senior citizens from their slots. They have a 12,000-seat arena with a regulation rink they break out when the Kings make their now yearly trek to Vegas.
Hunting for Gold Sep 25, 2001 John Lebow
What was originally a two-day orientation session became a four-day "don't call this a training" camp. Players came to Calgary, played a little golf, and practiced hard. Team Canada has only one colour in mind come Salt Lake City - gold. The last time Canada won gold in men's ice hockey, I was not even close to a twinkle in my father's eye, seeing as how he was 5 years old in 1952.
Game On? Sep 12, 2001 David M Singer
In the aftermath of the most horrific event of my lifetime, all sporting events across America were cancelled or postponed. Thoughts and prayers were diverted from games to lives in an instant. Barry Bonds chase for the home run record seemed inconsequential and I forgot the check the spreads for the upcoming NFL games. Some NHL teams sent me training camp rosters, but the only release that stood out was from the Los Angeles Kings.

Two scouts, one a former NHL player, were aboard Flight 11 from Boston, the plane that struck one of the Twin Towers. As the sports world gets put on pause for a few days, I wonder how long it will be until we see sports again. Should there be a long mourning period or shall we start the games again quickly? One wonders if speed will put our minds at ease and remind us that life as it was must continue here in order for this country and others like it to still thrive.
And How Was Your Off-Season? Sep 10, 2001 John Lebow
Well, there have been some interesting deals around the league during this pretty exciting off-season, and instead of looking at the faces and numbers, I would like to talk a bit about the General Managers of this fair league.
Yashin Contract Latest Milbury Controversy Sep 7, 2001 Barclay Poole
Mike Milbury is no stranger to controversy. His tenure as New York Islanders GM has seen last place finishes, questionable trades, and at times, downright nasty contract negotiations. Whether his fault or not, Milbury could do no right to help raise his team from the NHL cellar. That is, until this summer.
Saku Koivu Diagnosed With Cancer Sep 6, 2001 John Lebow
Flying to Montreal from Finland to begin pre-season preparations, Saku Koivu began to become extremely ill.

"He was pretty pale, not looking well at all, kept saying he had pains in his stomach, and vomiting." Canadiens forward, Brian Savage, who was on the same flight as Saku, told the media Wednesday. Reports in Montreal as early as Monday had Saku Koivu, the star-crossed captain of the Canadiens suffering from a ‘mysterious illness’.
Question Mark or Strength? Aug 13, 2001 Barclay Poole
To say the New York Islanders are a rejuvenated franchise would be an understatement. Gone are the days of a shoestring budget, semi-pro rosters and dwindling fan interest. The addition of superstar centermen Alexei Yashin and Michael Peca have filled out what appears to be a very solid roster. But hopes of entering the playoffs for the first time in 8 years and possibly making a run will hinge on one key area that remains a question mark - goaltending.
Hockey Train to San Diego Aug 6, 2001 Eric Gazin
O.K., I am still bitter about the Kings getting all the way to Game 7 vs. the Avalanche, tied going to the third period, and then falling short. Yeah. the Kings had no business getting that far, but they were playing on air and didn't give a rip what all the hockey pundits had said. So what does a bitter King's fan do during the summer, besides wish for a big name free agent (like a Turgeon or Jagr) to move into Rob Blake's Manhattan Beach digs?

I was taking Amtrak from Los Angeles to San Diego a few weeks ago to do some ocean fishing. Maybe a 3-day trip fighting fish would take my mind away from hockey (unless we were catching Sharks!). Before getting to the fish, I had a chance for one final hockey mix with 2 unlikely people in an unusual location.

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