Western Nhl Conference

Sporting News, The, Oct 16, 2000 by Paul Grant

WHO'S HOT

Two things we learned last weekend: 1) Luc Robitaille's still got it. He had five points in the Kings' first two games. Lucky? Hah! 2) There's a guy playing for Chicago named Reto Von Arx. And he can put the puck in the net! Twice, in fact, to help the Hawks bounce the Blue Jackets. Where does Mike Smith find these guys?

WHO'S NOT

Say it ain't so, Joe. Mr. Sakic was next to invisible in his first two games with the Avs, notching five shots, one crossbar and a zero on the scoresheet vs. the Stars and Oilers. Meanwhile, everyone's favorite NHL center, Peter Forsberg, is oh-fer-three in goals to shots. Somebody tell these guys the season has started.

CHALKDUST

Apparently Jeremy Roenick wants to stay in the Sun Belt. J.R. scored two goals, both during 5-on-3 advantages, in the Coyotes' first two wins. Roenick is on pace to score 82 power-play goals (O.K., it's early, but he had six last season). Phoenix, next-to-last on the power play last season (11.9 percent and 0-for-21 on 5-on-3s), was 4-for-12 in two games. It's on pace to ... never mind.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Wayne Gretzky's team stops Sunday in L.A. The Great Owner is probably longing for his days in La-La Land when all he had to worry about was sunscreen and Marty McSorley's temper. Now, as head-honcho-in-waiting for the Chaotic Coyotes, Wayne's having trouble just getting into his own locker room. A little free advice: Sell your rookie card and close the deal. Please.

STICKS & STONES

Sure Patrick Roy's a good goalie. Sure he deserves all those wins. But remember this: Terry Sawchuk stacked his wins in shorter seasons, played virtually every game, didn't wear a mask and stopped slap shots with old catalogs strapped to his shins. (Note to editors: Have researcher check that last one.)

DROPPING THE GLOVES

"This is the first time I've seen hockey live, and I don't know the rules, but it's definitely exciting." --Satomi Ogawa, the 1999 Miss Universe, after the Predators-Penguins game.