Hartley lobbying referees already
Associated Press
DENVER -- In the eyes of Colorado Avalanche coach Bob
Hartley, no one was more valuable to the defending Stanley Cup
champion Dallas Stars last year than defenseman Richard Matvichuk.
The analysis should not be taken as a compliment.
Playing the role of protective father, Hartley said Wednesday he
expects the NHL's two-referee system to deter Matvichuk from
delivering any cheap shots when the Avalanche and Stars face off
Saturday in the Western Conference finals.
|  | | Bob Hartley hopes that a second referee will help eliminate dirty play. |
"For once, I truly believe that Matvichuk won't be able to get
away with what he got away with last year," Hartley said.
In Game 4 of the 1999 conference finals, Matvichuk broke Milan
Hejduk's collarbone with a clean check into the boards, and Peter
Forsberg injured his left shoulder on a Matvichuk hit that Hartley
called "definitely an attempt to injure."
The Avalanche won the game but lost the best-of-seven series
4-3. When asked if he was lobbying for some protection in advance
of the Colorado-Dallas rematch that starts Saturday, Hartley took a
verbal shot at Matvichuk.
"I'm not lobbying. I just feel sorry that he didn't get the
Conn Smythe (Trophy)" given to the Stanley Cup MVP, he said. "I
felt that with all the destruction that he did, I think he should
have maybe got that trophy."
Whether he was posturing, lobbying or simply venting, Hartley
can take comfort in knowing that Hejduk, Forsberg and fellow
forward Joe Sakic are healthy and playing well.
Hejduk, who led the Avalanche with 36 goals, and Sakic each have
two goals and four assists, while Forsberg has five goals and five
assists.
"We realize the people we have to zero in on," Dallas forward
Joe Nieuwendyk said. "It's no secret that Forsberg is a key player
and Sakic is a key player. Matvichuk and (Derian) Hatcher are going
to see a lot of those guys."
Nieuwendyk agreed with Hartley that two referees should reduce
the number of vengeful hits that are common in the playoffs. "I
think it takes away cheap penalties behind the plays."
While Hatcher and Matvichuk cover the blue line for Dallas, the
Avalanche are optimistic that Ray Bourque will be reunited with
Adam Foote on Colorado's first line of defense.
Bourque, seeking his first Stanley Cup in 21 seasons, missed the
last two games of the conference semifinals after injuring his left
knee. He has been able to skate in the past week but has not taken
part in contact drills with the team.
"The medical staff will let us know later on during the week if
he's going to be available, but he feels great," Hartley said.
"He's skating very well. There's no pain." |
