2004-05 NHL Notebook
News and analysis from the 2004-05 NHL season, beginning with the search for a new NHL collective nargianing agreement.
The Jock Talk Void: Why Are Sports Interviews So Boring?
"It was a big game. Two big points. As long as we work hard we can compete every night." Why do multimillion-dollar athletes so rarely say anything worth hearing? They have their reasons.
"It was a big game. Two big points. As long as we work hard we can compete every night." Why do multimillion-dollar athletes so rarely say anything worth hearing? They have their reasons.
Why Are Sports Interviews So Boring?
"It was a big game. Two big points. As long as we work hard we can compete every night." Why do multimillion-dollar athletes so rarely say anything worth hearing? They have their reasons.
"It was a big game. Two big points. As long as we work hard we can compete every night." Why do multimillion-dollar athletes so rarely say anything worth hearing? They have their reasons.
"Bizarre" Murder Conspiracy Sends Mike Danton to Prison
Nov. 8/04 - Mike Danton's NHL career likely came to an end yesterday, as he was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for attempting to have his agent murdered. In handing down the sentence, the judge said he had never seen "a case as bizarre as this one."
Nov. 8/04 - Mike Danton's NHL career likely came to an end yesterday, as he was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for attempting to have his agent murdered. In handing down the sentence, the judge said he had never seen "a case as bizarre as this one."
Who's In Your Hockey Hall of Fame?
Nov. 7/04 - The Hockey Hall of Fame has made some questionable decisions over the years. A panel of 21 historians recently revisited the game and came up with a Hall of Fame list that excludes nearly half of the players in the "real" Hall, while adding 11 new names
Nov. 7/04 - The Hockey Hall of Fame has made some questionable decisions over the years. A panel of 21 historians recently revisited the game and came up with a Hall of Fame list that excludes nearly half of the players in the "real" Hall, while adding 11 new names
What's the Big Deal About Curt Schilling?
Oct. 30/04 - He pitched through pain to help the red Sox win. But hockey fans must be wondering what all the fuss is about. NHL players plow through this sort of stuff as a matter of routine.
Oct. 30/04 - He pitched through pain to help the red Sox win. But hockey fans must be wondering what all the fuss is about. NHL players plow through this sort of stuff as a matter of routine.
NHL Better Off With Smaller Rink
Oct. 27/04 - Those who complain about the quality of NHL hockey often point to the size of the rink as a big problem: too small, like playing in a phone booth, no room for creativity, etc. But one of hockey's smartest players thinks otherwise.
Oct. 27/04 - Those who complain about the quality of NHL hockey often point to the size of the rink as a big problem: too small, like playing in a phone booth, no room for creativity, etc. But one of hockey's smartest players thinks otherwise.
NHL Labor Talks Produce Another Collective Shrug
July 22/04 - After every meeting, the NHL vice president makes hopeful noises, while his counterpart at the Players' Association insists that there is nothing to be optimistic about.
July 22/04 - After every meeting, the NHL vice president makes hopeful noises, while his counterpart at the Players' Association insists that there is nothing to be optimistic about.
The NHL in 2004: A League in Limbo
July 22/04 - In the NHL's summer of uncertainty, nobody knows what to do. Teams don't know whether to pursue free agents, or how much to offer them. Some players are looking to Europe, and others might be tempted by a new league. Most sit and wait.
July 22/04 - In the NHL's summer of uncertainty, nobody knows what to do. Teams don't know whether to pursue free agents, or how much to offer them. Some players are looking to Europe, and others might be tempted by a new league. Most sit and wait.
Heatley Indicted, Danton Pleads Guilty
July 16/04 - One of the top young hockey players in the world faces up to 20 years in prison after being charged in the death of team mate Dan Snyder.
July 16/04 - One of the top young hockey players in the world faces up to 20 years in prison after being charged in the death of team mate Dan Snyder.
Planning and Hoping: 2004-05 NHL Schedule Released
July 14/04 - The arenas may well be dark come October. But for now it's business as usual for the National Hockey League. The schedule is set, with games due to begin on Wednesday, October 13.
July 14/04 - The arenas may well be dark come October. But for now it's business as usual for the National Hockey League. The schedule is set, with games due to begin on Wednesday, October 13.
NHL's Chief Referee Resigns Under Bizarre Circumstances
July 13/04 - As if the business of NHL refereeing wasn't already complicated enough, the Toronto Globe and Mail has uncovered evidence of financial shenanigans in the official's locker room.
July 13/04 - As if the business of NHL refereeing wasn't already complicated enough, the Toronto Globe and Mail has uncovered evidence of financial shenanigans in the official's locker room.
Pro Sports Blackmail: Just Say No
July 12/04 - The millionaires who own sports franchises can extort corporate welfare from other states and other cities. But their sleazeball tactics will not work in New Jersey.
July 12/04 - The millionaires who own sports franchises can extort corporate welfare from other states and other cities. But their sleazeball tactics will not work in New Jersey.
NHL Free Agents: Another Bruin Makes His Escape
July 8/04 - It's still early days in the 2004 free agent rummage sale. But one thing is clear: the Boston Bruins will be a very different team the next time they take the ice.
July 8/04 - It's still early days in the 2004 free agent rummage sale. But one thing is clear: the Boston Bruins will be a very different team the next time they take the ice.
Russian Say It's Time for NHL Cheapskates to Pay Up
July 7/04 - Tired of nurturing young stars and getting so little in return when they flock to North America, Russian hockey teams are raising the stakes.
July 7/04 - Tired of nurturing young stars and getting so little in return when they flock to North America, Russian hockey teams are raising the stakes.
Senators Hope Hasek Can Dominate Again
July 6/04 - He didn't look much like "the Dominator" last season. But the Ottawa Senators think Dominik Hasek can still stop pucks.
July 6/04 - He didn't look much like "the Dominator" last season. But the Ottawa Senators think Dominik Hasek can still stop pucks.
NHL GMs Rifle Through Free Agent Bargain Bin
July 5/04 - Wary of marquee names carrying big price tags and foolish expectations, NHL teams are opting for value and economy in the early days of the 2004 NHL free agent season.
July 5/04 - Wary of marquee names carrying big price tags and foolish expectations, NHL teams are opting for value and economy in the early days of the 2004 NHL free agent season.
American Hockey League Embraces Change
July 5/04 - Looking for more flow, and maybe more offense, at the hockey game? Try watching the American Hockey League next season.
July 5/04 - Looking for more flow, and maybe more offense, at the hockey game? Try watching the American Hockey League next season.
Jocks for Sale: NHL Free Agents Ready for Market
July 1/04 - Over 300 top-drawer hockey players are available to the highest bidder as of today. But will anyone buy what they're selling?
July 1/04 - Over 300 top-drawer hockey players are available to the highest bidder as of today. But will anyone buy what they're selling?
2004 NHL Entry Draft: Results From the First Three Rounds
June 27/04 - It will be remembered as the Alexander Ovechkin draft. But like every such event, the 2004 player derby will surely produce a few hidden gems. Here are the results from the first three rounds of the 2004 NHL Draft.
June 27/04 - It will be remembered as the Alexander Ovechkin draft. But like every such event, the 2004 player derby will surely produce a few hidden gems. Here are the results from the first three rounds of the 2004 NHL Draft.
Bertuzzi Charged With Assault
June 24/04 - One of hockey's most disreputable traditions continued today, as Todd Bertuzzi became the latest player to face criminal charges for his actions on the ice.
June 24/04 - One of hockey's most disreputable traditions continued today, as Todd Bertuzzi became the latest player to face criminal charges for his actions on the ice.