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"Free" Agency? Jul 6, 2001 Barclay Poole
The National Hockey League has no doubt benefited from this summer's unrestricted free agency period. Big names being signed and even bigger trades have kept the game in the news long after the ice has melted away. But all the hype about the term "unrestricted" has been a bit misleading. Many of the top-notch free agents should have come with the following footnote: "Don't be fooled by the term unrestricted. There are only a handful of teams with deep enough pockets to afford us."
The Eve Of Destruction Jul 4, 2001 Joe Tasca
This summer has been a strange one for me thus far. It suddenly hit me yesterday. It's July and I have yet to have a day off work. Even today, Independence Day, I had to get up at 4:30 this morning to talk on the radio. As glorious as some people think it is, it's just another day on the job for me. As much as I enjoy working in radio, it's hard to relish waking up at an hour when most other college students are going to bed.

Speaking of enjoyment, that's a feeling I have not experienced very much in recent years when I turn on my television to watch an NHL hockey game. The reasons are simple, though difficult to explain to the average hockey fan.
Show Him the Money Jun 28, 2001 David M Singer
After waiting season after season for some real backing from his owner(s), Islanders GM Mike Milbury has finally been given the green light to spend some money. In doing so, Milbury made three trades over draft weekend that significantly increases the Islanders payroll, but more importantly makes the Islanders look like contenders and hushes some of the "Mad Mike" critics.
Off-Season Wish List Jun 26, 2001 Barclay Poole
The Stanley Cup may have just recently been awarded, but hockey is destined to live on through the coming months. The "big names" that are available via trade and the most potent unrestricted free agent market the league has ever seen are sure fire bets to keep the NHL in the headlines long after the ice has melted. Such a buyer's market could have huge implications on next season. The following are some of my personal wishes for the upcoming summer months.
Pierre Lacroix: The Gambler Cashes In Jun 18, 2001 Barclay Poole
After 22 years, Ray Bourque can finally call himself a champion. The smile on his face as Joe Sakic handed him the Stanley Cup spoke volumes about the passion NHL'ers have for hockey's greatest honor. In an instant, the 1612 regular season games played, 410 goals, and 1169 assists were quickly replaced by a more important stat - 1 championship. It would be tough to find a more relieved man in Colorado than Bourque, but Pierre Lacroix certainly comes close.
Time For the Fun To Begin Jun 11, 2001 Barclay Poole
Though the process at times seemed eternal, there is no denying the entertainment of this year's NHL playoffs. The underdog Toronto Maple Leafs made a nice run, intriguing but not satisfying Canadian fans. Mario Lemieux, the league's most beloved player, helped his team to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars put on a battle General Patton would be proud of. Roman Turek and the Blues were taught a lesson on the importance of goaltending by Patrick Roy, while the Devils and Avalanche provided an exciting 7-game final. But as good as the playoffs were, they are in danger of being upstaged by what looks to be an unbelievable offseason.
Don't Count the Avalanche Out Just Yet May 25, 2001 Barclay Poole
Hold up here a moment - Back in early March, after they had just acquired all-world defenseman Rob Blake, weren't the Colorado Avalanche picked by just about everybody to walk away with the Stanley Cup? How quickly we forget...Even though they have lived up to expectations so far, the Avalanche enter the Stanley Cup Finals as anything but the favorite.
Blues Roar Whimpers Out Again May 22, 2001 Barclay Poole
Finally, after fifteen long years, the St. Louis Blues can say they reached the conference finals. Though, in the end, their playoff hopes were dashed by the Colorado Avalanche in 5 games, the Blues were within striking distance of the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1986. Blues fans must be happy with such a season, right? I doubt it.
Deadline Deals Paying Dividends May 7, 2001 Barclay Poole
Let's face it. National Hockey League general managers have a tough job. One day they can be on top of the world, while the next can find them at the head of the unemployment line.

As we get deeper into the playoffs, top GM's seem to shine through. After all, it is their player acquisitions that can push a roster over the top. This season has provided numerous examples of deals that have reaped big rewards.
Blues Rising to the Occasion Apr 30, 2001 Barclay Poole
Fifteen years is a long time to wait in between conference finals appearances. Heck, even the league's last place New York Islanders visited such an event only 8 years ago.

But the current St. Louis Blues roster seems very unconcerned about years past. They have the upper hand on the Dallas Stars and are within reach of visiting their first conference final since 1986.
Clarke-Lindros Standoff Produces No Winners Apr 24, 2001 Barclay Poole
A loud laugh was heard around the National Hockey League on Saturday afternoon, moments after the Philadelphia Flyers 8-0 loss and series ending defeat to the Buffalo Sabres. Unofficial reports had the laugh originating from the home of restricted free agent Eric Lindros.
10 Reasons Why the Kings Beat the Red Wings Apr 24, 2001 Eric Gazin
How often have any of you met an L.A. King's fan? As rare a species as we are in L.A., think of all those times the Kings pay a visit to your home arena. The few that are L.A. transplants might be bold enough to dust off their old purple and gold jersey from the Triple Crown Line days of Dionne/Taylor/Simmer, but you won't hear a peep out of them. Here is a prediction that this is about to change.
Kings March Back To Victory Apr 19, 2001 Eric Gazin
What is the role of an enforcer during the playoffs? Does it help or hurt that the extracurricular activities have been completely muted? Given that there are plenty of players from all walks of life taking stupid penalties: Felix Potvin punching a Wing in the back of the head in Game 4, Martin Lapointe taking 3 minors in the same night, and Ian Laperriere taking 3 minors in Game 3; why do not we see even a little more rough stuff after the whistle?
Playoffs and Heroes Go Hand-In-Hand Apr 16, 2001 Barclay Poole
Heroes are made, not born. There is no better source than the grueling battles that take place each year in the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The pursuit of hockey's holy grail motivates athletes like no other prize. Superbowls are nice and a World Series trophy is fine, but can there be anything better than having your name engraved on the Stanley Cup, the most historic trophy in sports?
Time For the Drought to End? Apr 11, 2001 Barclay Poole
What's going on here? Four Canadian hockey clubs have qualified to play in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs? Have our calendars backed up 10 years or have we catapulted into a time where the Canadian dollar is healthy and small market teams can handle player salaries? Probably neither. We just happen to be in an era when most Canadian GM's are doing a wonderful job drafting, evaluating talent and getting the most out of fewer dollars.

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