* THE MCDAVID PROTECTION PROBLEM: The three-game suspension levelled against Oilers captain Connor McDavid had Edmonton media types shedding dinosaur tears. "Why doesn't
the NHL protect its superstars?" was their ridiculous theme. The answer is that marquee names such as Rocket Richard, Bobby Hull and Gordie Howe always had to put up with rough stuff because it's the nature of the game.
And when it came to skinny Wayne Gretzky, his boss Glen Sather signed toughie Dave Semenko – among others – and THAT is how the Oilers protected The Great One. In fact, Semenko did it so well, he even wrote a book. It's called "Looking Out For Number 1."
McDavid should buy a copy, read it and then tell his boss Stan Bowman to find him a new Semenko.
- THE BOW-WOW SIDE OF TORTS: The Flyers visit to MSG always inspires John Tortorella stories. Reader Mark Linde tells a neat Torts' tale: "When Tortorella was coaching the Rangers he used to walk dogs at the Harrison (New York) Pet Rescue grounds with
- my daughter Tamara," Linde recalls. "During their dog walks, Tamara discovered that under Torts' gruff, tough exterior – that's shown of him behind the bench – is a really nice, caring guy who enjoyed long, talkative walks with my daughter. I believe she's still in touch with John's son." (The Maven knows firsthand what Tamara experienced.)
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DEVILS GOALIES BEDEVILED: No team over the last decade has suffered more goaltending issues than the Devils. GM Tom Fitzgerald finally solved the problem last summer by making a deal for the very competent Jacob Markstrom. And it worked, as proven by New Jersey's lofty perch in the standings thanks to Marky's fine crease work.
What Fitz could not solve is what seems to be an uncontrollable disease that – for better or worse; likely worse – The Maven calls "Goalie-itis." Or, just about anything that results in a puck-stopper's injury. Markstrom will be out for a few weeks and backup Jake Allen will have to be the saviour – with a little help from Nico Daws.
The Hockey News Yearbook not only picked New Jersey to lead the Metro Division but earmarked the Devs to reach the Cup Final. Right now, coach Sheldon Keefe has to keep his club above playoff waters; forget about first! (It's up to Jumpin' Jake!)
WHEN WILL THE J.T. MILLER SHOE DROP? The Rangers need a first-class center if their "Stanley Cup Or Bust!" theme is to be revived. Meanwhile, the Canucks would love to dump J.T. Miller on Seventh Avenue and West 33d Street. Now that the New Yorkers are streaking, Chris Drury's in no rush.
By contrast, the Canucks are now hockey's answer to the exploding dirigible Hindenburg. The Vancouver folks have to do something pronto, but questions remain, will Zac Jones be enough of a lure for Van GM Patrik Allvin? And who else must be tossed in The Rangers package. (Shhhhh! Blueshirts are in position to pull off a steal!)
