A flawless execution of Plan B

Sporting News, The, August 4, 2003 by Kara Yorio

Mighty Ducks general manager Bryan Murray was under fire just a few weeks ago. Paul Kariya had walked away when the Ducks, who were hoping to sign him for less than he made last season, didn't make him a qualifying offer. No Kariya meant no Teemu Selanne, who would have been Anaheim's next target. Murray's Plan A was a bust, so he went to Plan B--and what an alternative it was.

Murray signed former Lightning forward Vaclav Prospal and prize ex-Red Wings center Sergei Fedorov. Analyzing the Ducks' summer is not a matter of Kariya vs. Fedorov. It's a two-for-two comparison. Instead of Kariya and Selanne, the Ducks have Prospal and Fedorov.

Prospal is 28 and just reaching his prime. He can play center or wing and had 79 points in 80 games last season. That is a sign of things to come.

Selanne is 33 and wanted to reunite with Kariya, his teammate in Anaheim from 1996-2001. That combination would have guaranteed the Ducks one line with great chemistry, but Selanne wanted only a one-year deal. He may go home to play in Finland next season if there is a work stoppage, and there would be no guarantee on his return to the NHL.

Instead of getting Kariya and Selanne together for a single-season run, Murray gets Prospal and Fedorov for at least two. (Fedorov has the option on the contract after the first two years.) Not only has Murray set up his team for the 2003-04 season but for whatever there is of the next. He has given the Ducks more size, more strength up front and a player who brings the experience of three Stanley Cup championships. Murray has improved a power play that with a little more pop--which is to say any at all--could have been the difference between being a Stanley Cup finalist and a champion.

Although Fedorov turns 34 in December and Kariya turns 29 in October, Fedorov remains the better all-around player. He is a better playmaker, puck carrier and defensive forward. He shines in big games, whereas Kariya disappeared for all but one game when he was desperately needed in the Stanley Cup finals. Fedorov was the league MVP in 1993-94 and twice was named its top defensive forward.

When he was the Red Wings' G.M., Murray signed Fedorov. Their relationship was important in getting the deal done in Anaheim. Though Fedorov has a reputation for wavering levels of intensity, Murray knows how to get the best out of him. Fedorov wants to be the guy, and Murray and coach Mike Babcock are willing to give him the ice time and responsibility to meet that desire. Last season, Fedorov had 36 goals and 83 points in 80 games. He has the ability to contend for the Hart Trophy again.

But will Fedorov enjoy Babcock's structured system? Kariya wanted out of it, and there no doubt will be problems along the way for Fedorov and Babcock. But they won't be insurmountable. What Babcock must learn is some players need a little more rope than others. He is smart enough not to make that same mistake with one of the game's best players.

Now, Murray needs to get Petr Sykora and restricted free agent Jean-Sebastien Giguere signed and in camp on time. If Giguere can handle the attention he'll get next season (as well as the new regulations for the size of goaltender pads) and keep the Ducks in games, Murray has given it enough offense to win. The defense is deep and more experienced. Heading into training camp, the Ducks are better than they were last season. The team generally considered to be a fluke last season is a legitimate contender now, and Murray is the reason.

Catch up with NHL news with audio clips from Insider Kara Yorio on SportingNewsRadio.com at http://radio.sportingnews.com/audiovault.> SPEED READ

* August is arbitration season in the NHL. Some advice to those in management: While ripping your player to an independent arbitrator to try to bring down his salary, start working on a method of bringing back his confidence when it's all over. These hearings have brought bitterness--and even a few tears--in the past. Thin-skinned players should stay home.

INSIDE DISH

The league's new rule limiting goaltender pads to 38 inches in height was a necessary first step, but the punishment for breaking it is not harsh enough. When a win could mean the difference between home playoff games and no home playoff games, wouldn't a team risk the relatively small $25,000 fine by allowing a goalie to put back on the old pads? A multigame suspension also is necessary for the teams and goalies to take the rule seriously.... The NHL estimates that one-third of the league's goaltenders will be affected by the new rule and will have to change equipment. The Panthers' Roberto Luongo, the Mighty Ducks' Jean-Sebastien Giguere and free agent Garth Snow are three who are expected to need new pads.... The big names are signed, but some quality free agents remain. At left wing alone there are Magnus Arvedson, Ray Whitney and Martin Rucinsky. The Thrashers took Slava Kozlov off the market, when they re-signed him last weekend. Thrashers G.M. Don Waddell had been prepared to look at alternatives, beginning with Whitney.... Devils LW Jay Pandolfo was a key scorer against the Senators in the conference championship, but he lost his touch in the Stanley Cup finals. The reason: Pandolfo played with a broken left thumb after getting slashed in Game 1 against the Ducks. He had surgery in June and is expected to be ready for camp.... A new season's schedule always presents days to circle on the calendar. Homecomings highlight the early months of the 2003-04 season. D Derian Hatcher hits Dallas on November 12, C Sergei Fedorov returns to Detroit on December 3, and LW Paul Kariya comes back to Anaheim on December 19.--K.Y.