LCS Hockey - Heroes and Weasels

Heroes and Weasels
by Michael Dell, Editor-in-Chief

Heroes and weasels and obscure references, too. Teasing and taunting all those that blew. Sarcasm and all the joy that it brings. These are a few of my favorite things.

HEROES

1. Manny Legace, Los Angeles Kings: October 18 was a dark day for the Los Angeles Kings. Not only did they blow a two-goal lead in the final minute of a 5-5 tie with Colorado, the Royalty also lost goaltenders Stephane Fiset and Jamie Storr to groin injuries. It's rare when a team loses its top two netminders in the same game. Rarer still is having a third-stringer come up from the minors and shut the door. But that's exactly what Manny Legace has done.

Legace, 25, was drafted 188th overall back in 1993 by the Hartford Whalers. Never really getting a chance with the Mighty Sea Mammals, Legace is most well known for being part of the silver-medal winning Canadian Olympic team of 1994. But that's all changing, as he's quickly making a name for himself with his spectacular play for the Kings.

At 5'9", 165 pounds, Legace is an acrobat in net. He jumps around like a monkey on a high wire. His flexibility and quickness is on a par with the likes of Mike Richter and Curtis Joseph. Legace is definitely fun to watch. He can bust out a once-in-a-lifetime memory at any moment. Last week against St. Louis he went left to right to make a miraculous sliding split save on a Jimmy Campbell one-timer. Campbell is still shaking his head.

In 10 games, Legace has posted a 1.97 goals-against average and a sparkling .934 save percentage. Sadly, those numbers haven't translated into wins. Taking away the two games that he split, the Kings have scored just 13 goals in Legace's eight starts. That's why his record is a mere 2-4-2.

The dilemma now is what to do with Legace once Fiset and Storr are healthy. After the way he's played, it would be kind of cruel to just send him back to the minors. There was some hype that Storr would be the number one guy this year, so would the Kings be willing to part with Fiset in order to get some scoring help and go with a young tandem of Storr and Legace? Tough call. But at least Legace gives them the option.

Mike Dunham

Mike Dunham
by Meredith Martini

2. Mike Dunham, Nashville Predators: Now that he's finally out from under Martin Brodeur's shadow, Mike Dunham seems to be enjoying the spotlight in Nashville. The 26-year-old netminder has stolen the show for the Predators, giving the young franchise a chance to win each time out. Dunham's 4-5-1 record and 2.69 goals-against may seem rather pedestrian, but keep in mind he's facing an average of 34 shots a game. That's a hefty workload. Yet he's still carrying a .922 save percentage.

Dunham's best performance may have been in a 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on October 22. Even though the Wings outshot the Predators 57 to 15 on the night, Dunham kept his club in the game and actually had the score 1-1 in the third before Detroit finally broke through. Fifty-two saves? Now that's a heroic effort.

3. Andreas Dackell, Ottawa Senators: The fact that Dackell is still alive is quite amazing. He was absolutely destroyed by Eric Lindros on October 29. Like a true hero, Dackell decided to take a hit to make a play. Unfortunately, big number 88 was the guy bearing down on him.

Dackell had just raced back into his own left wing corner to clear a puck up the wall when the E Train unloaded on him. It was a clean hit. Lindros didn't leave his skates, he didn't use his elbow or stick, and he didn't receive a penalty. He did, however, render the Swedish winger a lifeless corpse on the ice.

In an attempt to cushion the blow, Dackell ducked his head a split second before impact. It was the worst possible thing he could have done. Lindros ended up smashing Dackell's skull into the boards, driving the Senator's own visor into his head. Dackell dropped a few pints and was wheeled off the ice on a stretcher.

But following the game, even though his head was a swollen, stitched mess, all Dackell talked about was how happy he was that his teammates earned a 3-1 win. Aw, that's good stuff. Somebody hand the guy a Purple Heart.

4. Claude LaPointe, New York Islanders: LaPointe is a great story. A 12th-round selection (234th overall) of the Quebec Nordiques in 1988, not many people gave the scrappy 5'9" center much of a chance to make the big show. But LaPointe worked hard and surprised the masses by earning a spot with the Nordiques in 1990-91.

Serving as a checking line center and penalty killer, LaPointe played five seasons in Quebec and three games in Colorado before being traded to the Flames during the 1995-96 season. Sadly, he missed out on Colorado's Cup. The next season he ended up with the Islanders and seems to have found a home.

Ziggy who? LaPointe has been the Islanders' best player this season, recording six goals and nine points. Those numbers are swell, but his contributions can't be measured in statistics. He's been an absolute menace on the ice, working tirelessly every shift and using his speed to pressure the opposition into mistakes. He's just been all over the place for the Isles. Sure, he did miss on that last minute penalty shot against the Rangers, but at least he generated the chance. And that's been the trademark of LaPointe's game so far: he's making things happen.

5. Billy Guerin, Edmonton Oilers: Dude, how good is Billy Guerin? He's leading the NHL in goals with 10, including a league best seven on the power play. And he's not just scoring goals, he's scoring goals. See the difference there? Guerin has made more highlight reels than a water-skiing squirrel. There aren't many airlines that have gone coast to coast as often as Guerin this season.

The guy's just been amazing. He's playing with a great deal of confidence and is embarrassing people with his speed. He's been a nightmare for defensemen. Step up and he'll fly around the outside. Get in his way and he'll run you over. Back off and he'll lace one under the bar before your goalie can even flinch. It looks like Guerin has finally developed into the player everyone always knew he could be.

And the most astonishing thing is that Guerin's been doing all this without the help of Dougie Weight, who has missed most of the season due to a contract holdout and a knee injury. Who knows what he'll be able to accomplish once he gets a chance to play full time with the superstar center?

6. Arturs Irbe, Carolina Hurricanes: Chomp, chomp, chomp! Irbe like wall! Chomp, chomp, chomp!

Yes, good ol' Arturs Irbe has rediscovered his old San Jose swagger with the Carolina Hurricanes, supplanting Trevor Kidd as the team's number one goaltender. Irbe's been playing some of the best hockey of his life the last few weeks and is among the league leaders with a 1.47 goals-against average and a .945 save percentage. His five wins, including two shutouts, have carried the Canes all the way to the top of the Southeast Division.

Irbe's hot streak has come right on the heels of LCS Hockey including him on our "Thanks, Expansion!" list. Coincidence? Doubtful. Arturs... or Archie, as he's known to his friends, probably used our slap in the face for inspiration. No need to thank us. It's our job, it's what we do. Chomp, chomp, chomp.

7. Wendel Clark, Tampa Bay Lightning: Don't look now, but the men with lightning bolts on their pants are actually a pretty good team. Even without LCS hero Johnny Cullen, the Bolts have been on a tear of late, raising their record to 6-6-2. One reason why has been the play of Wendel Clark.

Mr. Wendel leads all Tampa Bay scorers with nine goals. That's a might powerful number considering Clark had 12 in 47 games for the Leafs last season. Wendel still owns one of the most devastating shots in hockey. His wrister could stop a bull. Then again, so could his mustache.

As long as Clark keeps shooting, he'll keep scoring. Unless, of course, he gets injured. But what are the odds of that? I mean, they can't be anymore than, oh, two to one. Yes, Clark has spent more time on the shelf than Peter Falk's Emmys. He's around doctors more than a stethoscope. He always wears one of those plastic yellow bracelets around his wrist "just in case." Hey, I'm just sayin' he's hurt a lot, that's all.

Clark is also a notorious fast starter. He usually goes buckwild the first few weeks of the season and then hits a severe cold snap. Cash in on him while you can in your hockey pools. He could go at any minute, Gilbert.

Martin Straka

Martin Straka
by Meredith Martini

8. Martin Straka, Pittsburgh Penguins: If you only remember him as the little guy that bounced around between Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Long Island, and Florida early in his career, you don't know Martin Straka. The diminutive Czech has matured into a tremendous two-way player during his second stint in the Steel City. And it's about time he starts to receive the attention he deserves.

What Straka lacks in size - he's listed at 5'9", 184 pounds - he makes up for in skating. He's all speedy quick. And we're talkin' Joe Sakic, Paul Kariya quick, not just the black-and- white label quickness you can pick up at the Piggly Wiggly. Defensively, he just out motors the opposition, working hard to get in proper position and to chase down any loose pucks. He never takes a shift off. His speed and relentless work ethic have made him the club's top penalty killer. The combination also allows him to draw a ton of penalties.

Once the play goes the other way, Straka uses his explosive acceleration to stretch the defense and open up space for his linemates. Marty has a nice wrist shot in tight but his true talent lies in making plays. He can pass like a champ. He has had some problems on occasion finishing plays, but has gotten off to a good start with four goals and nine points in his first 12 games.

Straka's a real sparkplug for the Penguins. Without him around, the club would take a serious hit at both ends of the ice. It's about time Marty Straka's name starts to get mentioned in discussions of the league's most underrated players.

9. Mattias Ohlund, Vancouver Canucks: Quick, name the top six defensemen in Vancouver. If you said Mattias Ohlund you're correct. Ohlund does the work of six men along the Canuck blue line... maybe even seven if one of the guys is Phil Housley.

Ohlund missed out on the Calder Trophy last year but could have a Norris Trophy nomination in his future. He's just Mr. Everything for Vancouver. He's among the league leaders in minutes played - logging nearly 30 a game - and is also near the top of the scoring charts with three goals and 11 points. And how hard does Ohlund shoot a puck? Well, it was one of his drives from the point that broke teammate Todd Bertuzzi's leg. At least he keeps it low.

10. Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins: The Czech Wonder Kid had a lot to prove. His security blanket, Ron Francis, was no longer around to protect him. The C was now stitched on Jagr's sweater. He had to be Pittsburgh's leader whether he was ready or not. Well, so far so good.

Jagr has been phenomenal for the Arctic Birds, leading all NHL scorers with 19 points in his first 12 games. The surprising thing is that he's been acting as the set-up man, collecting 14 assists, including many of the spectacular variety. He's even had that Mario Lemieux aura about him on a few occasions, where it seems he can do whatever he wants on the ice. Jagr's not scared to dominate a game.

While he started the season skating with Martin Straka and Stu Barnes, Jagr has demonstrated a tremendous chemistry of late with German Titov and countryman Robert Lang. The skilled trio throws the puck around like the Harlem Globetrotters at times, with Titov often employing a ladder and a bucket of confetti to highlight their antics.

Jagr's play has helped pace the Penguins to a 5-3-4 record and a share of the Atlantic Division lead. His real test, tho', will come when the team struggles and looks for him to show the way. Will he step forward and take the heat or fold and bitch about the coaching?

A couple final notes about Jagr. He actually tried to throw the first check of his career a little over a week ago in Edmonton. It didn't go so well. Jagr slammed into his good buddy Roman Hamrlik, fell to the ice, and had to leave the game with bruised ribs. Oh, that wacky kid. I shudder to think what might of happened if he wasn't 6'4", 230 pounds.

And last but not least, it seems Jaromir has given up his gay sailor wave after scoring a goal. He still takes his right glove off, but now he just holds his fist in the air in sort of a Black Panther salute. It's a nice improvement. Way to stick it to the man, Jags. Fight the power.

HONORABLE MENTION

P.J. Axelsson

P.J. Axelsson
by Meredith Martini

P.J. Axelsson, Boston Bruins: Poor P.J. The Swede's had no luck lately. It started on October 28 when Dave Manson belted him with an elbow... no, not the People's Elbow, just your ordinary illegal shot to the chops. Axelsson was face down on the ice for some time. Manson was handed a three-game suspension. Axelsson suffered a concussion and missed one game.

A few nights later on November 3 against the Buffalo Sabres, P.J. got whacked again. Axelsson was skating at center towards his own zone when he glanced over his left shoulder and spun a loose puck back the other way. When he turned around he was greeted by a stiff open-ice check from Matthew Barnaby. Ring up another concussion. Barnaby caught him with an unintentional elbow and the hit was a tad late. While he didn't get whistled during play, Barnaby later received a four-game suspension from the league.

Two concussions in such short order are no joke. Axelsson is still on the shelf. Here's hoping he gets all healthy like soon. And let's just pray when he comes back the Bruins aren't playing Darius Kasparaitis.

WEASELS

Patrick Roy, Colorado Avalanche: LCS Hockey loves itself some Patrick Roy, but c'mon? This is a little ridiculous. Maybe Patrick has his Stanley Cup rings in his eyes? But even that wouldn't explain some of the goals he's given up this season.

Roy has looked just awful in compiling a 2-7-1 record, an inflated 3.39 goals-against, and a brutal .871 save percentage. Some are attributing his struggles to the new restrictions on goaltending equipment. Others blame the sad state of the entire Avalanche team. I, on the other hand, just think that Roy doesn't give a rat's ass. He's the type of guy that needs a challenge. Once you get so good at something, as Roy is at goaltending, you almost have to sabotage yourself in order to keep things interesting. Hey, he's just trying to make it fun.

The good news is that Roy has played a bit better of late, allowing only two goals in each of his last two starts. The bad news is that there's still a long way to go. I have faith that he'll turn it around. After all, he's Patrick Roy for a reason. But in the meantime you might want to keep an eye on your chickens...

Chris Osgood, Detroit Red Wings: You're Chris Osgood? You're a dork. I've never been a big Osgood fan. I don't know, I think it's something about him being a punk wanna be. Just because he rolls with Darren McCarty and Brendan Shanahan doesn't mean he's a bad ass by association. He needs a beating.

Exhibit A occurred on October 31 when Detroit went head-to-head with Dallas. The Stars captured this first meeting of the season between the powerhouses 3-2 on the strength of two goals by Brett Hull, the second coming off a sick one-timer at 14:00 of the third that nearly tore the net off its moorings.

Seeing how one of these two clubs will likely win the Cup this year, it was a rather heated affair. Osgood was in net for the loss and tried to hamper the Dallas celebration by removing his catching glove and gesturing that the Wings have two Cups. That's great, Ozzie... real clever. The Stars were going to hold up fingers for every soft goal Osgood allowed in last year's playoffs but discovered that they didn't have enough hands.

Then last week in yet another Detroit loss, this time a 3-1 defeat at the paws of the Coyotes, Osgood once again wore the crown of the weasel. Rick Tocchet skated past the Detroit crease and accidentally brushed Osgood with his stick. Apparently so filled with anger that he forgot he was a Mary, Osgood proceeded to push Tocchet and instigate a scrum. Oh boy.

So at what point in life did Osgood lose touch with reality? There are like four or five guys, tops, that are as tough as Tocchet. And guess what? Osgood's not one of 'em. Luckily for the Jester of Oz four of his teammates rode to the rescue before Tocchet even realized that Osgood wanted some. Chris, next time you want to commit suicide just jump off a building. The ground wouldn't hit as hard as Tocchet.