Kukla's Korner

The Traveling Circus

Blog: KK Hockey By Paul

12/05/05 at 11:06 AM ET | Comments (0)

from the Toronto Sun,

The circus is in town tomorrow night -- and for a change, it's not under a blue and white tent. The Los Angeles Kings have been the talk of the West Coast this season, producing some Slap Shot style headlines as well as light up the goal lamps to challenge for the Pacific Division lead. So far on their first Eastern Conference swing, there has been a brawl in Ottawa and a tension filled visit to Montreal. That's where loose cannon Sean Avery had to answer for his derogatory comments about "French guys in our league with a visor on, running around and playing tough and not back anything up."

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Hatcher Adjusting- Looking At Olympics

Blog: KK Hockey By Paul

12/04/05 at 10:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

Hatcher has adjusted more easily to the new offense-friendly rules than many had anticipated. He's plus 7 on a Flyers team that has shown itself to be one of the Eastern Conference's best teams. Second, although the game is changing, toughness is still an issue in international competition, particularly in a USA vs. Canada matchup. Hatcher remains one of America's most physical players, capable of handling the bulk and strength of Canada's Joe Thornton or the Czech Republic's Jaromir Jagr. Also, Atlanta Thrashers general manager Don Waddell is Team USA's general manager and he is known to appreciate Hatcher's abilities as a leader and his passion for wearing the U.S. jersey.

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Auditions

Blog: KK Hockey By Paul

12/04/05 at 08:31 PM ET | Comments (0)

from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

Saturday night in the desert, there was a brief intersection of young Olympic dreamers and Olympic decision-makers who are on the clock. Eric Staal, Paul Mara and Keith Ballard -- all bright lights hoping to burn just a little brighter on this night -- show a little bit more given a rare opportunity to impress opposing coaches who just happen to be the head coach of the U.S. Olympic team (Peter Laviolette) and the executive director of Canada's Olympic squad (Wayne Gretzky). "I don't think one game is going to make or break you," insisted Staal, the 21-year-old sensation who entered Saturday's game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Phoenix Coyotes tied for eighth in NHL scoring. "But obviously you want to leave a good impression."

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Roenick Uncomfortable

Blog: KK Hockey By Paul

12/04/05 at 03:43 PM ET | Comments (0)

from the Daily Bulletin,

Jeremy Roenick is nothing if not candid. Even when it comes to criticizing himself. Before the Kings left for an important four-game road trip Tuesday, Roenick publicly said what others have been whispering for weeks: that he's playing some of the worst hockey of his NHL career. "I haven't felt comfortable on the ice since day one," Roenick said. "Is my game where it was three years ago, or two years ago? No. Will it be? You know, I really don't know."

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Drury Starting To Click In Buffalo

Blog: KK Hockey By Paul

12/04/05 at 03:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

from the Buffalo News,

The Buffalo Sabres entered the summer of 2003 with one major goal. They wanted to add a top-six forward, a guy who could play on the first two lines and enrich the offense. In Chris Drury, they got so much more. "I think early on I was a little rusty," Drury said Saturday from the hotel after a team bowling outing in lieu of practice. "I didn't feel all that sharp the first eight, 10 games. Maybe there were a few in there that were OK, but overall it wasn't great. I think since the eight- or 10-game mark, I just feel so much better. It's clicking."

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It Is More Than A Sweater

Blog: KK Hockey By Paul

12/04/05 at 02:45 PM ET | Comments (0)

from the Edmonton Sun,

"I never saw that guard again, but I'll never forget how his face lit up when he saw that Smoke Eaters crest. "We were liberated from the prison camp on VE-Day, and when I got back to Trail, I still had the sweater with me. I wore it until it was falling to pieces, then I cut off the crest and gave it to Jimmy Morris for a keepsake. "I think my old German guard would have liked that."

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Road Trip

Blog: KK Hockey By Paul

12/04/05 at 02:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

from the Morning Sentinel,

I've always loved hockey, but I was a little skeptical about dedicating a week and good portion of my bank account to following a sport that betrayed its adoring fans for a year. After watching a few Bruins contests, I realized the NHL's rule changes to open up the game were probably a good thing. I love the shootout, and the up-and-down action had me on the edge of my seat for the first time in years. I used to fall asleep watching a half-period of the old clutch-and-grab pre-lockout NHL. The wheels started turning.

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Pointing Fingers At Boston & Chicago

Blog: KK Hockey By Paul

12/04/05 at 12:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

from Al Strachan of the Toronto Sun,

For years now, there have been two dysfunctional franchises in the National Hockey League -- the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks. Year after year, they bumble along in their own inimitable fashion, progressively ruining what were once great hockey markets, dating back to the six-team era.

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A Great Man, A Roll Model

Blog: KK Hockey By Paul

12/04/05 at 12:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

from the Stockton Record,

At 23, Derek Campbell had to do a thesis during his senior year in college on anything he wanted. As a Black hockey player who wants to play in the National Hockey League someday soon, finding a topic back then was easy: He wrote about his hero, Willie O'Ree. The same Willie O'Ree many consider the Jackie Robinson of hockey. After spending several weeks studying the life and career of the man who broke the NHL's color barrier 47 years ago, Campbell found himself filled with admiration. "Willie O'Ree is a great man," said Campbell, now a member of the Stockton Thunder. "If you understand what he did, you can't help but admire the man."

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Changes Likely For Team USA

Blog: KK Hockey By Paul

12/04/05 at 12:28 PM ET | Comments (0)

from the Salt Lake Tribune,

The yearlong lockout in the National Hockey League not only deprived many nations of a season to evaluate players for their Olympic teams, but it also resulted in rule changes that emphasize skating and finesse, and might help players better prepare for the international style of play at the Olympics. And, perhaps most important, the Americans seem poised to head in a different direction under new coach Peter Laviolette and general manager Don Waddell, turning to younger, less-heralded players rather than some of the big-name veterans who played in the past two Olympics. "When you get to the Olympic Games, the future is now," said Dave Ogren, the executive director for USA Hockey. "The margin for error is very, very thin."

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