ADAM PROTEAU
The Hockey News
Bill: In between nearly overdosing on leftover Halloween candy Wednesday night, I managed to catch TSN’s revamped Domi segment – which I would’ve titled “Me, Myself, Tie,” if only anyone had asked. You’re right, he certainly was better than any previous outing.
Finding a way to play to Domi’s strengths is yeoman’s work by TSN managing editor of hockey, Steve Dryden. Steve knows a thing or two about working with beginners; eight years ago, when he was Editor-in-Chief of The Hockey News, he gave me my first real journalism job. Only he knows if he’s regretted it ever since.
However, there’s no question Peter Forsberg must be regretting signing a two-year deal with Philadelphia. The Flyers captain, normally one of the league’s more genial elite players, unveiled his best Bobby Knight impression in the third period of Philly’s ugly 5-2 loss to Tampa Bay last night, then played Harry Houdini after the game when he dodged reporters.
In fairness, the franchise’s woes have to be especially hard on Forsberg, who hasn’t played on a team that has lost more than 28 games in a single season at any time in his professional career. That streak is almost certain to end this year. As a matter of fact, it could end by February.
Forsberg has a no-trade clause in his contract, but with the Flyers on the verge of a major rebuild job – and since it’s unlikely he’s enough of a glutton for punishment to re-sign with the team next summer – would he allow himself to be dealt to a contender? And if the answer to that question is yes, wouldn’t it make sense for interim GM Paul Holmgren to trade him sooner than later, before the oft-injured star is sidelined again?
