Canadiens Goalie Scorns Schedule
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Andy Moog lashed out Wednesday at a compressed Olympic-year NHL schedule that he says is overtaxing players and leading to a rash of injuries.
Moog told the Montreal Gazette that fans are being shortchanged because players are getting injured or are unable to offer top performances because they are overtired.
“The players have this schedule, the Olympics, the All-Star game in Vancouver and, if that isn’t enough, all of us have letters telling us we might be getting an invitation to the world championships if our teams don’t make the playoffs,” Moog said.
Atlanta thrashes magazine
Atlanta’s National Hockey League expansion team is battling a skateboarding magazine over the right to be called the Thrashers.
More than a year before the team takes the ice, it has filed a federal lawsuit in Atlanta against the owner of a San Francisco-based magazine named Thrasher and seeks a court order allowing the team to use Atlanta Thrashers as its name.
So far, the team has failed to negotiate a financial arrangement that would compensate the 17-year-old magazine which has a trademark for the name and sells other merchandise using it.
The team, owned by Turner Sports, had planned to unveil its logo next month. Ted Turner selected the name after the Georgia state bird, the Brown Thrasher.
McKay gets new pact
New Jersey Devils right wing Randy McKay said he’s signed a new four-year contract worth almost $2 million per season.
McKay, who would’ve become a free agent after the season, agreed to the pact over the weekend.
The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed forward Doug Brown to a three-year contract.
Elvis tickets available
Los Angeles Kings’ fans who come to tonight’s game against the Buffalo Sabres dressed like Elvis Presley will get in free as the team celebrates the late rock ‘n’ roll legend’s 63rd birthday.
The Kings have about 4,000 tickets available for the game.
On the ice
Felix Potvin’s strong goaltending and three straight second-period goals lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Former Spokane Chiefs star Ray Whitney scored both goals for the losers.