Although scoring is down considerably in the NHL this season, several clubs are upset with the calibre of their goaltending.
Colorado Avalanche officials, for instance, have had it with Jose Theodore and Peter Budaj and are seeking a replacement in trade talks with, among others, the Ottawa Senators. The Sens have lost confidence in Martin Gerber but Avalanche execs consider him an upgrade over Theodore and Budaj, making a Colorado-Ottawa trade a possibility.
Also unhappy with their goaltending are both Alberta-based clubs. Dwayne Roloson has worked his way into the Edmonton Oilers doghouse. And, in Calgary, coach Mike Keenan has been all over Miikka Kiprusoff, pulling him three times and even suggesting the Flames would have more wins if not for his shaky performances.
For more on hockey, read my latest NHL Report at www.metronews.ca.
• The CFL wants to improve its on-field officiating, understandably, but losing George Black seems counter-productive. In his four years as the zebras chief, Black was sensible and responsible for considerable progress … Also a class act at CFL headquarters was ex-commissioner Jake Gaudaur, who died this week at 87. Gaudaur, in his wonderfully quiet style, did what his successors couldn’t —- keep the goofy owners in line … He was the Tiger-Cats’ second choice for GM (Winnipeg Blue Bombers GM Brendan Taman was first), but Bob O’Billovich is a shrewd hiring. Obie, my former co-panellist on CFL telecasts at TSN, has been around Canadian football for 40 years, although he failed as the Argonauts GM because of poor coaching choices. Selecting the right coach in Hamilton is crucial. Obie’s leaning towards keeping Charlie Taaffe … New Argos coach Rich Stubler, nowhere near predecessor Michael “Pinball” Clemons in terms of flamboyance or amicability, is making it his priority to bring back aging linebacker Mike O’Shea.
•And I exposed myself as the dummy I am when I reported here Wednesday that the Raptors played Monday at the Rogers Centre. The game, of course, was at the Air Canada Centre. Thanks to those who felt the need to e-mail me about my blunder. I deserved and enjoyed your shots.
In three-plus decades as a columnist and broadcaster, Marty York has built a network of solid contacts and a renowned reputation for his hard-hitting, groundbreaking style. The tradition continues in Metro Sports.
