The Fans Speak Out

Hockey Digest, Jan, 2001

Don't miss the Swiss

As a Swiss ex-pat living in the United States, I am extremely proud that my fellow countrymen are making an impact in the NHL this season. Since most people here seem to think that Switzerland is only the land of cheese, banks, and cuckoo clocks, I hope that the Swiss threesome will change some perceptions of my homeland here. Already in his first NHL game Reto Von Arx of the Blackhawks scored two goals--not bad for the 271st pick in the draft. I spoke with my parents recently and Von Arx and the other Swiss players have the streets of Zurich abuzz.

Anne Chapusiat Cloquet, Mn.

Carrying a soft stick

Oh great, another NHL rule change that will slow down the game. The new stick rules are just an unnecessary knee-jerk reaction to a league that cares more about public relations than its fans. Why do we need these sort of laws in the game?

Alex Handy Toronto

Picking winners

I think that your picks for the NHL Finals were ridiculous. Just because the New Jersey Devils won the Stanley Cup last year doesn't mean that they will win it again.

And the St. Louis Blues do not have what it takes to go to the Finals. The New York Rangers, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Phoenix Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, and Montreal Canadiens will all do much better than you predicted.

Jeff M. Nichol via e-mail

Thanks for pegging the New Jersey Devils to win again. Why is it when a young, talented team wins a title it is seen as an anomaly, but when an older team wins, it is because it is deserved? The Devils did deserve to win last year--and they will continue to win because they have the best organization in the NHL.

Larry Hankinson Dallas

I agree that the New Jersey Devils are going to win the Stanley Cup, but there is no way that the St. Louis Blues are going to meet them in the Finals. For starters, the Blues defense will not be as good as it was last year. There is no chance that Chris Pronger can repeat his performance from one year ago, when he was selected as the league's best defender and its best player. Remember Rob Blake? His career took a tumble after he won the Norris Trophy, and I think that Pronger's will as well. Plus, Al MacInnis can't continue to defy age and play at a high level. There has to be a breaking point, and this season will be it. And once the Blues' backbone of Pronger and MacInnis is weakened, so is the team itself.

Chris Lincoln York, Pa.

Expanding the wealth

I have just finished your November issue and I'm sick and tired of people sending in letters complaining about the the addition of teams to the NHL. Thirty teams is not pushing the envelope at all. If you have any doubts, look at the talent level in the NHL compared to the National Football League or the National Basketball Association (and don't even get me started on baseball).

There can't possibly be a lack of talent in the NHL. With only five players on a line--and four lines a team--and two goaltenders on 30 teams, that is a total of 660 players on NHL rosters. If scouts can't find enough talent: in all of Europe, the United States, and Canada to fill their general manager's plate then maybe they need to look for another job.

Plus, more teams means more players, more fans, and possibly more new stadiums. And that all means more capital and more jobs, which is good for the league and its cities. Expansion will bring more talent, excitement, and dollars to the league--as long as the fans are willing to be a little patient. Any way you look at it, expansion is a good thing. Just watch your team and enjoy the game.

Todd Beattie Elizabeth, N.J.

Impeach this Senator

I please ask every hockey fan around the country to make this season as uncomfortable as possible for the Ottawa Senators' Alexei Yashin. Nothing violent or petty, of course, but lets not let up with the boos and jeers. Players such as Yashin shouldn't be able to get away with the handcuffing of teams, teammates, and fans that the former Senators captain attempted to do when he tried to weasel out of fulfilling his contract. Yashin n is spoiled and petulant, and we fans don't need to take this sort of behavior.

Arnold Park San Jose

Patrick's day

Congratulations to Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy for breaking the NHL's all-time record for wins by a goaltender. I never saw former Detroit Red Wings great Terry Sawchuck play, and have been told he was a magnificent player, but I can't imagine that he was any more wonderful than Roy. The Avalanche goalie has persevered, changed the way the position is played, and continuously been a winner--not only in regular-season games but also in Stanley Cup competition. He is truly one of the league's all-time greats, and is getting well-deserved attention. Congrats to Patrick! Here's hoping there are many more wins--and maybe another Cup.

Jennifer Mazzoti Denver

HOCKEY DIGEST welcomes letters from readers. Name, city, and state must be included. Mail to: The Fans Speak Out, HOCKEY DIGEST, 990 Grove Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201-4370. E-mail to: hoc@centurysports.net