UKRAINIAN PRO HOCKEY UPDATE

by Ihor Stelmach

Record-setting Red Wings best in regular season

Fedorov, from Larionov and Kozlov - a power play goal. Fetisov and Konstantinov patrolling Detroit's blueline. Moscow Dynamo or the Soviet Red Army? Naw, it's the Russian contingent on this year's President Trophy (most total points) winning team, the Detroit Red Wings. Paced by the NHL's third-highest scoring offense (almost four goals/game) to go with the league's stingiest defense (2.20 goals against), the Wings set a new NHL standard for most victories (62) and total points (131) in a regular season. Could this be the year they actually survive the first and maybe even the second rounds of the playoffs and truly emerge as Cup favorites?

In recapping the recently completed 1995-1996 National Hockey League regular season, four other teams join Detroit as the best of the rest.

The league's offensive powerhouse in Pittsburgh boasted three of this season's top four scorers in Super Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr and veteran Ron Francis. Philadelphia's Flyers were led by young captain Eric Lindros, sniper John LeClair and a great year in goal by Ron Hextall. The Rangers finished strong down the stretch with a solid veteran squad led by the sport's ultimate team leader (Mark Messier) and healthy No. 1 goaltender (Mike Richter). The league's second best scoring machine really believed they were but a proven netminder away from a serious Stanley Cup run. Captain Joe Sakic and high-scoring centerman Peter Forsberg added defense to the mix with the mid-season acquisition of Patrick Roy. Unfortunately they did not outlast the high-flying Penguins.

Here's a capsulized version of this past regular season by division, teams listed in order of their finish, best to worst. Ukrainian pro pucksters are capitalized with their final scoring stats in parentheses (GP-G-A-PTS-PIM) and (GP-MINS-GA-W-L-T-AVG).

Finishing first in the Eastern Conference's Northeast Division were those terribly offensive-minded Pittsburgh Penguins. Drake Berehowsky (1-0-0-0-0) and Greg Andrusak (1-0-0-0-0) were minor league call-ups for one match each due to blueline injuries. These guys can score, but have a very suspect defense.

A surprising second were the Boston Bruins who greatly benefited from two trades that netted them a proven goalie (Bill Ranford) and an aggressive scorer (Rick Tocchet).

A big management shake-up awoke Les Habitants in Montreal to a third-place divisional finish. The Canadiens have several talented young forwards with a thoroughly injured defense in front of young goaltender Jocelyn Thibault.

The second-best team not to qualify for the playoffs this year were the Hartford Whalers. Oddsmakers say they're out of Hartford due to lack of corporate and civic support. Andrei Nikolishin (61-14-37-51-34), a Ukrainian born in the Russian coal mines of the Arctic Circle, proved to be a genuine diamond in the rough. Though smallish in stature (5'11", 190 lbs.), "Niko" is a speedy skater not afraid to muck it up in the corners or along the boards. He can shoot (14 goals in 61 games) and he can set up his linemates (37 helpers). Alexander Godynyuk (3-0-0-0-2) and his hefty contract ($800,000 per) were exiled to the faraway lands of the Minnesota Moose (IHL).

The league's most penalized team prepares to move into cozier confines in Buffalo. The Sabres moved their big contract players and have surrounded franchise players Pat LaFontaine and Dominik Hasek with a lot of youth. Included is offensive defenseman Alexei Zhitnik (80-6-30-36-58).

Two coaches and a general manager removed, the Ottawa Senators managed a club record for most points in a season (41). The Sens still were the worst in the 26-team NHL. Major need: a couple of young defensemen, preferably through the draft. Winger Pat Elyniuk (29-1-2-3-16) survived a demotion to the AHL by finishing the season with the parent club.

Philadelphia ruled the Atlantic Division despite only having one scoring line. Dale Hawerchuk (82-17-44-61-26) was a perfect pick-up in a trade with St. Louis. With the injury to winger Michel Renberg, Hawerchuk took over Renberg's spot on the No. 1 "Legion of Doom" line with Lindros and LeClair. Russ Romaniuk (17-3-0-3-17) helped cover for several injured forwards. They lost to Florida 4-2 in the conference semifinals.

The Rangers survived a multitude of injuries at every position to finish a surprising second. But, the Rangers got no further than round 2, defected by the Penguins 4-1.

Two of the biggest surprises of the year are found in the expansion state of Florida. Rat-throwing Panthers fans saw their young team ride the coattails of netminder John Vanbiesbrouck and 30-goal man Scott "Rat" Mellanby to an unbelievable 92-point season. Dave Nemirovsky (9-0-2-2-2) will be a major player here next season.

Defense is the appropriated department in Washington. A rock solid blueline corps in front of second-year standout goalie Jim "Ace Detective" Carey (eight shutouts), ranked third in the NHL in goals against. Peter Bondra (67-52-28-80-40) is being mentioned as one of the true candidates for most valuable player to his team. Steve Konowalchuk (70-23-22-45-92) slumped offensively in the second half, but posted very respectable totals. Great goaltending and defense can easily steal a series in the playoffs. The Capitals definitely have both.

Surprise number two in expansion Florida was found in Tampa Bay. A bunch of no-name, over-achieving skaters picked 1995-1996 to all have career years, careening the Lightning past the defending Stanley Cup playoff champion New Jersey Devils. Playing a key offensive role on this squad was veteran Brian Bellows (79-23-26-49-39), a power-play specialist.

The afore mentioned Devils became the first champions in over 20 years to not make the playoffs the next season. Martin Brodeur's standing on his head in goal was not enough. Late season trade for Dave Andreychuk (76-28-29-57-64 with Toronto and N.J.) was beneficial, yet not enough. Defenseman Kenny Daneyko (80-2-4-6-115) showed his usual grit and competitiveness while patrolling and clearing out the crease areas.

New G.M./coach Mike Milbury had a sound first season of rebuilding the once-storied legacy of the New York Islanders. Write it down. This will be a mighty proud franchise once again in a couple of years.

Around in the Western Conference, enough said about the superlative season enjoyed by those Motown Red Wings. These boys are the prohibitive Stanley Cup favorites. Strength everywhere you look: three top lines, six strong defensemen, goalie Osgood.

The Blackhawks have to be characterized as a mild surprise, on the basis of attaining 94 points. A team with three top players: goaltender (Ed Belfour), defense (Chris Chelios) and forward (Jeremy Roenick). Throw in one of the league's top rookies (Eric Daze) and a bunch of grinders. Definitely second best in this division.

Toronto changed coaches and transacted many trades in an effort to upgrade for the playoffs. Getting Wendel Clark was a smart move. Giving rookie Mark Kolesar (21-2-2-4-14) some playing time late in the campaign could prove fruitful.

Mike Keenan did little but create chaos in his first year in St. Louis. Team Keenan relied on an aging Grant Fuhr in nets (played all but a few games), rid himself of any promising youth in favor of "been there/done that" aging forwards, and decided Wayne Gretzky (80-23-79-102-34 with Los Angeles and St. Louis) was the key to going anywhere this playoff season.

The Jets treated their fans to the playoffs in their finale season in Winnipeg. Youngster Oleg Tverdovsky (82-7-23-30-41 with Anaheim and Winnipeg) mans one power-play point and has prospered in a new offensive system. Superstar-in-the-making power forward Keith Tkachuk (76-50-48-98-156) notched the 50-goal plateau with another fantastic season. Veteran Eddie Olczyk (51-27-22-49-65) rejuvenated himself during his second stint in Winnipeg. Hey - an NHL roster with three high-performing Ukes!

And, finally, sorry were the Stars in Dallas. Arguably the most disappointing performance turned in this past regular season, as a talented club played hockey consistently poorly at both ends of the rink. Defender Richard Matvichuk (73-6-16-22-71) seems to have gotten over prior knee ailments and was one of the Stars' few positives. Back-up goalie Darcy Wakaluk (36-1875-106-9-16-5-3.39) wasn't really that bad! Winger Brent Fedyk (65-20-14-34-54) was somewhat of a disappointment after being obtained from Philly.

Avalanche! This Colorado club continued its winning ways for the second consecutive season, earning 104 points in 1995-1996 - second best over all. Goalie Roy could have been the missing piece to a potential Stanley Cup puzzle. Stalwart Curtis Leschyshyn (77-4-15-19-73) continues to anchor a formidable blueline corps.

Calgary, Vancouver and those Disney Ducks were all within one point of each other in the final standings. The first two made the playoffs.

The Flames are led by mini-might Theo Fleury and the gutsy Gary Roberts. Todd Hlushko (4-0-0-0-6) saw brief action early on.

Vancouver has captain Trevor Linden, 50-goal scorer Alexander Mogilny and old-man-river Dave Babych (53-3-21-24-38) still slapping away. Jim Sandlak (33-4-2-6-6) had a brief second go-round with the Canucks, while ex-Ranger Joey Kocur (45- 1-3-4-68) was brought in for extra toughness.

Those Ducks came close, but no ultimate quack.

Edmonton turned in an okay season, considering they went with all youth for a couple of years now. Enough fan support for the Oilers to return to Alberta next year.

Los Angeles pulled the plug and started cleaning house as evidenced by their reluctance to keep the Great One a crowned King. Team spirit Kelly Hrudey (36-2077-113-7-15-10-3.26) did great, considering there was no one in front of him. He's all but gone from L.A., too. He'll make some team a seriously good back-up. Dimitri Khristich (76-27-37-64-44) benefited from a change of scenery and needs to be put on the top line and left alone. All-around forward Gary Shuchuk (33-4-10-14-12) showed flashes of productivity.

After a season where they amassed 47 points (second worst), Sharks' management will begin 1996-1997 by asking their fans if they know the way to San Jose.

NHL Ukrainian Scoring Leaders

Goals
1	M.Lemieux, Pitt.	69
2	J.Jagr, Pitt.	62
3	A.Mogilny, Van.	55
4	P.BONDRA, Wash.	52
5	J.LeClair, Phil.	51
6	J.Sakic, Col.	51
7	P.Kariya, Ana.	50
8	K.TKACHUK, Win.	50

Assists
1	M.Lemieux, Pitt.	92
2	R.Francis, Pitt.	92
3	J.Jagr,Pitt.	87
4	P.Forsberg, Col.	86
5	W.Gretzky, LA-StL	79
6	D.Weight, Edm.	79
7	B.Leetch, NYR	70

Points
1	M.Lemieux, Pitt.	161
2	J.Jagr, Pitt.	149
3	J.Sakic, Col.	120
4	R.Francis, Pitt.	119
5	P.Forsberg, Col.	116
6	E.Lindros, Phil.	115
7	T.Selanne, Win-Ana	108
8	P.Kariya, Ana.	108
9	S.Fedorov, Det.	107
10	A.Mogilny, Van.	107
11	D.Weight, Edm.	104
12	W.Gretzky, LA-Stl	102

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, May 19, 1996, No. 20, Vol. LXIV

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