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Same Old Islanders? Think Again Apr 7, 2001 Barclay Poole
As the 2000-2001 NHL season draws to a close, the New York Islanders are once again buried in the bowels of the league. Seven straight seasons have passed since the Islanders made a playoff appearance and GM Mike Milbury remains with the team despite a constant demand from fans and media for his firing. Seems like a pretty bleak time to be an Islander fan, right? Wrong! If you have been loyal enough to keep supporting the blue and orange the past decade, hold on tight because the team is about to make a run.
Blues Still Lacking Mar 19, 2001 Barclay Poole
For Blues fans, the past year has been an emotional roller coaster. The end of the 1999-2000 season saw the "high" of first overall in the league and a President's Trophy. But fans came crashing back to reality as the San Jose Sharks gobbled up the Blues in the first round, eliminating hopes of the team's inaugural Stanley Cup.
Deadline Deals Tighten Competition Mar 15, 2001 Barclay Poole
The NHL trade deadline has passed. Rumors and "what ifs" can now be replaced with updated rosters and line combinations. Although this year's deadline may be remembered most for the names that did not move, a number of key acquisitions were made. As we move toward the playoffs, several teams used the trade deadline and the preceding weeks to position themselves as contenders for Lord Stanley's Cup.
Will The Bruins Make The Playoffs? Feb 24, 2001 Dan James
With only about 20 more games left, I am wondering if the Boston Bruins have what it takes to make the playoffs. Without the services of Byron Dafoe down the stretch, I do not think the Bruins have the playoff quality goaltending they will need to overtake the teams ahead of them. Even if the Bruins do make it, Dafoe needed several weeks to really begin to get back to his near Vezina form and it might be too late for the Bruins once he does return. As I watch this team, I look at a hockey team that has so much talent. The Bruins have done a great job building a young team that could really be a force in a few years if they decide to keep them together. But why aren't they jelling now?
Can Dallas Survive? Feb 22, 2001 Marie Wilson
This season has been less than stellar for the Dallas Stars. After having their names immortalized on the coveted Stanley Cup in 1999 and forcing the New Jersey Devils to a Game Six in 2000 before losing, Dallas has been off to a slow start in the 2001 season. Their speed seems to have diminished, despite General Manager Bob Gainey stating he wanted the Stars to get younger and faster. They also have yet to replace center superstar Guy Carbonneau, who took an office job in Montreal.
Halfway Home - The Western Conference Review Feb 7, 2001 Mark Weddington
The All-Star break is over and that means it's time to separate the men from the boys. In the Western Conference, the elite four is slowly becoming the elite seven and the players available to pad the playoff run are going to spell the difference.

This column will review the Western Conference and assess each team; it's status at the midpoint and what each team needs to claim the conference flag.
To Shield Or Not To Shield Jan 18, 2001 Barclay Poole
The National Hockey League, once again, seems to be in the middle of a minor dilemma. A recent eye injury to Blues winger Pavol Demitra has sparked discussions about whether or not visors should be mandatory on all players. Demitra was the unlucky recipient of an accidental high stick in a recent game that nearly claimed his eyesight. This, combined with last year's similar incident to Bryan Berard of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has initiated media and fans alike to call for the added protection. Sounds warm and fuzzy, but such a change would certainly not eliminate these "freak" incidents and in the long run, would be detrimental to the game.
The Best Hockey Secret in the World Jan 12, 2001 Sheldon Warner
From December twenty-sixth to January sixth of the past year some of the greatest players under 19 in the world were gathered to participate in the International World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Moscow. This tournament is an annual event that is held to showcase the best hockey talents of ten nations.
Save The Island Jan 9, 2001 Barclay Poole
Several months ago, a ray of hope seemed to shine down on Long Island. New ownership arrived with the promise to spend money. The team won the draft lottery and gained the first overall pick in the draft. Mike Milbury was able to place several key trades and improve the talent level of the club, while at the same time drafting players like Rick DiPietro and Raffi Torres. Such events brought great optimism to Islander fans and a turnaround seemed eminent after a disastrous decade.
Kings Look Up Dec 29, 2000 Eric Gazin
The L.A. Kings are one of those teams that flounder around in the standings, looking confused one night, and on the verge of greatness on other nights. Thursday's game against the St. Louis Blues might have been an off game for the Blues, but the torn and tattered Kings, behind unknown goalie Steve Passmore, defied all odds and pounded the Blues for three periods and won 5-2, snapping a 11 game unbeaten streak for the Blues and their own 5 game losing streak.
I Missed The Game Dec 26, 2000 Wes Williams
"I missed the game and missed the challenge of competing. I am excited by the challenge of attempting a comeback. I look forward to the chance to get back on the ice with the players." - Quote by Mario Lemieux at a recent press conference. All the talk in the NHL has been the return of hockey great, Mario Lemieux.
Determining The Value Of A Fighter Dec 18, 2000 Malcolm MacMillan
What determines the value of a fighter in the NHL today? Currently, you've got fighters making everything from half a million to almost two million dollars a year. What sets this value? Can a $1.5 million a year fighter get the job done better than a $500,000 fighter, or three of them, for that matter? And, when was the last time anyone saw a fighter holdout, then not agree on a salary and miss the year?
Last Call For The L Dec 11, 2000 Alexis Nicgorski
I am sick and tired of sports reporters saying or alluding that the Flyers need Eric Lindros to start winning. They do not need Eric Lindros. One reporter said the Flyers are a middle of the road team without Eric. The sports reporters are using the lack of Eric as a scapegoat to blame the Flyers woes on. Well, they are wrong. They don't need Eric Lindros; they need offense.
Putting A Number To Greatness Dec 7, 2000 Stephen Cook
The Hockey Hall of Fame was created to embrace the very best athletes the sport has to offer. It was a shrine built in tribute to our heroes, built to forever capture the magnificence and celebrate the accomplishments of hockey's truly elite. Adorned in its hallowed hallways are testimonials dedicated to athletic, national and cultural icons like Maurice Richard, Jean Beliveau, Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr and Bobby Hull. However, a disturbing trend has surfaced in recent years, one that was exemplified on November 13, 2000 when Joe Mullen was designated for enshrinement.
Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Bruins? Nov 23, 2000 Joe Tasca
I know what you're thinking. Nobody's afraid of the Bruins. Hell, who could be? They've gotten off to a horrid 6-10-2-2 start and there's no end in sight. I can honestly say, however, that there is a large group of long-suffering individuals that cringe every time a puck is dropped to start a Bruins game: their fans.

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