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Tickets from ticket master
It isn't good to be the Kings. They headed into training camp hoping last season's injuries were behind them. Instead, two-thirds of the first line still is ailing -- LW Adam Deadmarsh from a concussion and C Jason Allison from whiplash that is causing concussion-like symptoms. It appeared neither would be ready for the start of the season, a situation that cripples the offense. The last time the duo went through a season relatively healthy, they totaled 48 goals and 136 points in 2001-02. In limited action last season, Allison had 28 points in 26 games; Deadmarsh had 17 points in 20 games. The good news is that with G Roman Cechmanek, who posted a 1.83 regular-season goals-against average in '02-03, the Kings might not need a lot of goals to win. But prolonged absences by Deadmarsh and Allison would seriously hurt the Kings' chances of becoming a force in the Western Conference. . . .
It's early, but so far, so good with C Sergei Fedorov and the Mighty Ducks. He even has taken on the roles of team leader and mentor to young Russian forwards Alexei Smirnov and Stanislav Chistov. . . .
Putting aside the
tremendous off-ice implications of the car accident in which Thrashers C Dan
Snyder suffered fatal injuries and RW Dany Heatley, who was driving and faces
charges, was injured, there are major on-ice implications for Atlanta. The team's
legitimate hopes for making the playoffs are dashed. Heatley is the Thrashers'
best player, and LW Ilya Kovalchuk cannot carry the team offensively in his
absence. Coach Bob Hartley will have to decide whether he wants to move RW Shawn
McEachern up to the first line or keep the second line of Kovalchuk, C Patrik
Stefan and McEachern together. C Tommi Santala could step into Snyder's spot
as fourth-line center. . . . Ticketmaster
The grievance filed by the NHLPA about the new regulations on the size of goaltending
pads is at a standstill. While goaltenders complain and the union contends its
members were not asked for adequate input, the regulations stand. A year ago,
this would have gone to arbitrator Joan Parker. But this offseason, the NHL
exercised its right to dismiss Parker. So, the grievance will sit until a replacement
is found. . . .
With RW Miroslav Satan signed, the Sabres have improved their chance to be a surprise team in the East. To fulfill it, they will need a breakout season from G Martin Biron, as well as good seasons from Cs Chris Drury and Tim Connolly, RW Maxim Afinogenov and C/LW Ales Kotalik, last season's standout rookie. . . .
The Rangers are making a big mistake not finding a permanent roster spot for 20-year-old D Fedor Tjutin. It would require some maneuvering, even a trad -- anyone want D Dale Purinton or D Vladimir Malakhov? -- but it would be worth it. Tjutin has skill and promise and would be an upgrade over some of the Rangers' veteran defensemen, even though he would have to battle the ups and downs all young players do. . . . Ticketmaster
Sidney Crosby, the 16-year-old center sensation for Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL, has not been a disappointment early in the season. Crosby -- pegged by Wayne Gretzky himself as the player who might break his scoring records -- had 10 goals and 18 points in his first eight games of the season and was named offensive player of the week two weeks in a row.