2003-04 NHL Notebook
An occasional look at trends, news and nonsense from around the NHL and its media community. 2003-04 edition.
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2003-04 NHL All Stars Named
June 10/04 - They did not get far in the playoffs, but the New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs provide four of the 12 players named to the NHL First and Second All Star Teams for 2003-04. The All Stars were named during Thursday night's NHL Awards ceremony.
June 10/04 - They did not get far in the playoffs, but the New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs provide four of the 12 players named to the NHL First and Second All Star Teams for 2003-04. The All Stars were named during Thursday night's NHL Awards ceremony.
2004 NHL Free Agents
May 31/04 - It promises to be the biggest free agent crop in NHL history. Here are the players who will be on the open market in the summer of 2004.
May 31/04 - It promises to be the biggest free agent crop in NHL history. Here are the players who will be on the open market in the summer of 2004.
Three Defensemen for the Hall of Fame
June 9/04 - Ray Bourque, Paul Coffey and Larry Murphy are among the most exciting and influential defensemen of all time, largely because they spent as much time creating goals as they did preventing them. They represent the class of 2004 at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
June 9/04 - Ray Bourque, Paul Coffey and Larry Murphy are among the most exciting and influential defensemen of all time, largely because they spent as much time creating goals as they did preventing them. They represent the class of 2004 at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Ottawa Looks to California for a New Coach
The Ottawa Senators will be a more physical and more creative team the next time they take the ice. That's the word from Bryan Murray, who was hired yesterday as Ottawa's new head coach.
The Ottawa Senators will be a more physical and more creative team the next time they take the ice. That's the word from Bryan Murray, who was hired yesterday as Ottawa's new head coach.
Martin St. Louis Caps Off a Career Year at NHL Awards
June 10/04 - Martin St. Louis concluded a hockey season for the ages on Thursday night by going home with a mittful of trophies. Here are all the 2003-04 NHL Awards, announced during Thursday's ceremony.
June 10/04 - Martin St. Louis concluded a hockey season for the ages on Thursday night by going home with a mittful of trophies. Here are all the 2003-04 NHL Awards, announced during Thursday's ceremony.
Iron Mike and Stoic Jacques Take Over in Miami
May 26/04 - As expected, Mike Keenan has been named general manager of the Florida Panthers. Jacques Martin becomes the team's fourth head coach in less than seven months.
May 26/04 - As expected, Mike Keenan has been named general manager of the Florida Panthers. Jacques Martin becomes the team's fourth head coach in less than seven months.
Panthers' Youth Movement Gets GM Fired
May 24/04 - Tired of seeing too much future and not enough right now, the Florida Panthers are starting over. Rick Dudley has been fired as general manager,
May 24/04 - Tired of seeing too much future and not enough right now, the Florida Panthers are starting over. Rick Dudley has been fired as general manager,
NHL Cuts New Television Deals with NBC and ESPN
May 20/04 - In the last few years, media analysts have warned that the NHL was about to disappear from network television. Now comes news that the NHL has signed two American television contracts for the 2004-05 season. The deals aren't worth much. But if you're a fan looking for a game, that hardly matters.
May 20/04 - In the last few years, media analysts have warned that the NHL was about to disappear from network television. Now comes news that the NHL has signed two American television contracts for the 2004-05 season. The deals aren't worth much. But if you're a fan looking for a game, that hardly matters.
Does 2004 Mark the End of an NHL Era?
Trends on and off the ice suggest the NHL might be in for a major overhaul after the 2004 Stanley Cup is handed out. For fans, the biggest changes could be in the look, sound and feel of an NHL game.
Trends on and off the ice suggest the NHL might be in for a major overhaul after the 2004 Stanley Cup is handed out. For fans, the biggest changes could be in the look, sound and feel of an NHL game.
No Saturday Night Hockey!
With so many weekend afternoon games scheduled during the 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Canadian fans are deprived of their traditional Saturday night hockey fix.
With so many weekend afternoon games scheduled during the 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Canadian fans are deprived of their traditional Saturday night hockey fix.
The NHL Goalie Scam
Is anyone getting tired of watching these bulky monsters swallow pucks every night? The goalies have hijacked the NHL, and its long past time that the league took its game back.
Is anyone getting tired of watching these bulky monsters swallow pucks every night? The goalies have hijacked the NHL, and its long past time that the league took its game back.
Another Weekend of "Slap Shot" Hockey
Mar. 22/04 - Did anyone really think the soul-searching that followed the Todd Bertuzzi scandal would result in a safer, more empathetic NHL? Last weekend's scorecard included a chop to the face in Toronto, a stab to the groin in Pittsburgh, and a brawl in Calgary that would make a European soccer hooligan proud.
Mar. 22/04 - Did anyone really think the soul-searching that followed the Todd Bertuzzi scandal would result in a safer, more empathetic NHL? Last weekend's scorecard included a chop to the face in Toronto, a stab to the groin in Pittsburgh, and a brawl in Calgary that would make a European soccer hooligan proud.
A Manufactured Crisis: The NHL's "Image Problem"
March 19/04 - Fairly or not, the issue of hockey violence continues to define the NHL's public image. To many North Americans, the game is seen as little more than roller derby on skates. That's a problem for the NHL. But why should hockey fans care?
March 19/04 - Fairly or not, the issue of hockey violence continues to define the NHL's public image. To many North Americans, the game is seen as little more than roller derby on skates. That's a problem for the NHL. But why should hockey fans care?
Todd Bertuzzi's Season Is Over
March 11/04 - Todd Bertuzzi of the Vancouver Canucks has been hit with one of the longest suspensions in NHL history. Bertuzzi will not play for the remainder of this season, including the entire Stanley Cup playoffs.
March 11/04 - Todd Bertuzzi of the Vancouver Canucks has been hit with one of the longest suspensions in NHL history. Bertuzzi will not play for the remainder of this season, including the entire Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bruins Win Gonchar Sweepstakes
Mar. 3/04 - The Boston Bruins pinch their pennies as carefully as any team, so rumors of a trade for Sergei Gonchar were considered pure fantasy. But the Bruins are going for it, raising the ante in the closest Eastern Conference race in many years.
Mar. 3/04 - The Boston Bruins pinch their pennies as carefully as any team, so rumors of a trade for Sergei Gonchar were considered pure fantasy. But the Bruins are going for it, raising the ante in the closest Eastern Conference race in many years.
Will Alexei Kovalev Answer the Call in Montreal?
Mar. 2/04 - For Alexei Kovalev, Montreal presents an interesting challenge. In a trade no one anticipated, the Canadiens acquired Kovalev on Tuesday. Which Kovalev will show up to play for Les Glorieux? How will he handle the fish bowl life of a Montreal hockey player?
Mar. 2/04 - For Alexei Kovalev, Montreal presents an interesting challenge. In a trade no one anticipated, the Canadiens acquired Kovalev on Tuesday. Which Kovalev will show up to play for Les Glorieux? How will he handle the fish bowl life of a Montreal hockey player?
Robert Lang Joins The Detroit Red Wings
Feb. 27/04 - Ken Holland told reporters his team needed at least one more forward. Today, the Red Wings' GM made his move.
Feb. 27/04 - Ken Holland told reporters his team needed at least one more forward. Today, the Red Wings' GM made his move.
The Number-One Rule of NHL General Managers: Blame The Coach
The St. Louis Blues fired their coach yesterday. So did the Phoenix Coyotes. In each case, you could argue that the man who should be fired is not the coach, but his boss in the general manager's office.
The St. Louis Blues fired their coach yesterday. So did the Phoenix Coyotes. In each case, you could argue that the man who should be fired is not the coach, but his boss in the general manager's office.
Wrenched Knees, Broken Bones, Cracked Heads
Feb. 17/04 - The NHL injury parade continues. The league's leading scorer, highest scoring defenseman and top Norris Trophy candidate are among those recently joining the disabled list.
Feb. 17/04 - The NHL injury parade continues. The league's leading scorer, highest scoring defenseman and top Norris Trophy candidate are among those recently joining the disabled list.
Senator Bondra Heads To Ottawa
Faced with a rash of injuries at forward, the Ottawa Senators summoned the very best help available. It’s a one-sided deal that costs the Senators nothing more than a minor-league player and a draft pick.
Faced with a rash of injuries at forward, the Ottawa Senators summoned the very best help available. It’s a one-sided deal that costs the Senators nothing more than a minor-league player and a draft pick.
The NHL Financial Mess: Whose Problem Is It, Anyway?
Feb. 13/04 - Let's assume for a moment that the latest study into NHL finances is irrefutable, that Arthur Levitt's report is a sound analysis of accurate numbers. Why should the players be the scapegoats?
Feb. 13/04 - Let's assume for a moment that the latest study into NHL finances is irrefutable, that Arthur Levitt's report is a sound analysis of accurate numbers. Why should the players be the scapegoats?
NHL Rule Changes Target Those Big, Fat, Roaming Goalies
Feb. 11/04 - Goalies are the primary target in the significant rule changes proposed by NHL general managers. Rules intended for next season include a major restriction on puck handling by goaltenders. We assess the possible impact of the new ideas.
Feb. 11/04 - Goalies are the primary target in the significant rule changes proposed by NHL general managers. Rules intended for next season include a major restriction on puck handling by goaltenders. We assess the possible impact of the new ideas.
The NHL Contraction Myth
Feb. 10/04 - Many hockey fans see it as the cure for what ails the NHL. But is there any reason to believe the NHL game would improve with the subtraction of a few teams?
Feb. 10/04 - Many hockey fans see it as the cure for what ails the NHL. But is there any reason to believe the NHL game would improve with the subtraction of a few teams?
Eric Lindros And The "R" Word
Feb. 4/04 - The New York Times takes a little liberty with today's headline: "For the First Time, Lindros Says He May Retire." The oft-concussed Ranger never mentions the word "retire" in the ensuing article.
Feb. 4/04 - The New York Times takes a little liberty with today's headline: "For the First Time, Lindros Says He May Retire." The oft-concussed Ranger never mentions the word "retire" in the ensuing article.
Marc-Andre Fleury: From Penguin To Eagle
Jan. 29/04 - Marc-Andre Fleury was trying to save games for the worst team in the NHL, and the strain was starting to show. So the Pittsburgh Penguins did the right thing, sending their rookie goaltender back to junior hockey.
Jan. 29/04 - Marc-Andre Fleury was trying to save games for the worst team in the NHL, and the strain was starting to show. So the Pittsburgh Penguins did the right thing, sending their rookie goaltender back to junior hockey.
Eric Lindros and Dany Heatley: A Tale of Two NHL Poster Boys
Jan. 29/04 - It was a night for NHL fans to remember that storybook endings are found only in storybooks. "The New Face of the NHL," returned from career-threatening injuries and a life-altering mistake. A man they used to call "The Next One" went down with his eighth concussion.
Jan. 29/04 - It was a night for NHL fans to remember that storybook endings are found only in storybooks. "The New Face of the NHL," returned from career-threatening injuries and a life-altering mistake. A man they used to call "The Next One" went down with his eighth concussion.
Sizing Up The Jaromir Jagr Deal
Jan. 23/03 - Jaromir Jagr has finally been traded to the New York Rangers. Washington receives winger Anson Carter in return. Jagr remains one of hockey's most dynamic players, but this is little more than a desperate deal by two desperate, floundering teams.
Jan. 23/03 - Jaromir Jagr has finally been traded to the New York Rangers. Washington receives winger Anson Carter in return. Jagr remains one of hockey's most dynamic players, but this is little more than a desperate deal by two desperate, floundering teams.
NHL Ticket Prices and the Average Fan
There has been a good deal written and said about the state of the current NHL “product.” But just about all of it comes from sports writers, not fans. Hockey fans would rather see something done about NHL ticket prices.
There has been a good deal written and said about the state of the current NHL “product.” But just about all of it comes from sports writers, not fans. Hockey fans would rather see something done about NHL ticket prices.
The NHL Entertainment Rankings
Jan. 6/04 - Forget assignments, accountability and playing the system. That's coach talk. Hockey fans want entertainment, and the winning teams often fail to provide it. The NHL Entertainment Rankings identify the true champions of the game: the teams that give us something to cheer about.
Jan. 6/04 - Forget assignments, accountability and playing the system. That's coach talk. Hockey fans want entertainment, and the winning teams often fail to provide it. The NHL Entertainment Rankings identify the true champions of the game: the teams that give us something to cheer about.
A Curious Trade: Mike Comrie Is A Flyer
Dec. 16/03 - Mike Comrie's brief, eventful tenure as an Edmonton Oiler has ended. The player once projected as the team's next great centerman will now try to work out a new contract with Philadelphia.
Dec. 16/03 - Mike Comrie's brief, eventful tenure as an Edmonton Oiler has ended. The player once projected as the team's next great centerman will now try to work out a new contract with Philadelphia.
Marc-Andre Fleury Belongs With His Junior Hockey Peers
Dec. 8/03 - Marc-Andre Fleury deserves a break from the role of teenaged saviour. Pittsburgh Penguins’ fans might not like it, but sending him away will benefit the NHL's youngest goaltending star and his team.
Dec. 8/03 - Marc-Andre Fleury deserves a break from the role of teenaged saviour. Pittsburgh Penguins’ fans might not like it, but sending him away will benefit the NHL's youngest goaltending star and his team.
NHL Injury List: Where The Stars Meet
Nov. 28/03 - Injuries are playing havoc with the 2003-04 season. It's starting to look like any player with decent hands who can stay healthy for 82 games has a shot at the scoring title. From the forwards currently on the limp, you could probably build the most explosive hockey team in the world.
Nov. 28/03 - Injuries are playing havoc with the 2003-04 season. It's starting to look like any player with decent hands who can stay healthy for 82 games has a shot at the scoring title. From the forwards currently on the limp, you could probably build the most explosive hockey team in the world.
NHL Gets A Lesson In The Power Of Spectacle
Nov. 24/03 - The snow, the darkness, the tuques. So powerfully did the setting resonate with the hockey faithful, that people came away thinking Saturday's outdoor NHL game was much better than it actually was. The NHL's Heritage Classic was a classic event featuring ordinary hockey.
Nov. 24/03 - The snow, the darkness, the tuques. So powerfully did the setting resonate with the hockey faithful, that people came away thinking Saturday's outdoor NHL game was much better than it actually was. The NHL's Heritage Classic was a classic event featuring ordinary hockey.
Outdoor Game Represents Blown Opportunity By The NHL
Nov. 17/03 - The hockey world is buzzing in anticipation of the first outdoor game in NHL history. But when the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens take the ice under the prairie night sky, only Canadians will be in on the fun, because the game they call the Heritage Classic will not be televised in the U.S.
Nov. 17/03 - The hockey world is buzzing in anticipation of the first outdoor game in NHL history. But when the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens take the ice under the prairie night sky, only Canadians will be in on the fun, because the game they call the Heritage Classic will not be televised in the U.S.
NHL Misery Rankings
Oct. 27/03 - Enough of those ubiquitous NHL power rankings. This week's NHL notebook checks out the unhappy and powerless at the other end of the scale. Also, ever notice how hockey writers are all for fiscal sanity, except when it comes to the hometown team?
Oct. 27/03 - Enough of those ubiquitous NHL power rankings. This week's NHL notebook checks out the unhappy and powerless at the other end of the scale. Also, ever notice how hockey writers are all for fiscal sanity, except when it comes to the hometown team?
It's October. Is Your Team Losing?
Oct. 15/03 - There is only one meaningful trend in the early days of the NHL season, as the New York Rangers well know. This is the time of year when losing is far more significant than winning.
Oct. 15/03 - There is only one meaningful trend in the early days of the NHL season, as the New York Rangers well know. This is the time of year when losing is far more significant than winning.