The Online Source for St. Louis Sports
ISSUE #69
April 24, 1996
Copyright © 1996 St. Louis Sports Online
Reproduction Prohibited Without Permission of Publisher [StLSports@aol.com]
St. Louis Sports Online is an online sports weekly that aims to provide
St. Louisans (and transplanted St. Louisans) with an additional source of
news, information, and humor about St. Louis-area sports events and St.
Louis-area sports teams.
ISSUE #69 contains features and updates about the Cardinals, Blues, and
Rams. The usual assortment of quotes, headlines, media news, interactivity,
and statistics are also found within StLSO #69.
Contributors to #69 include KMOX radio's Randy Karraker, StLSO senior writer
Jim Hunstein, V-100 on-air personality Brian Stull, Riverfront Times hockey
columnist Randy Hu, StLSO hockey correspondent Nancy Buchanan, and contributing
writer Mike Rainey.
St. Louis Sports Online can be reached at StLSports@aol.com and via FAX
(618-457-5691). Subscriptions to StLSO are free, and can be obtained by
sending a polite request to StLSports@aol.com.
St. Louis Sports Online is also available on the World Wide Web at http://itdcomm.com/stlsol/
St. Louis Sports Online APRIL.96.6
CONTENTS
1.0 StLSO News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News
2.2 Blues Banter by BRIAN STULL
2.3 Rams Report by JIM HUNSTEIN
2.4 StLSO Quote of the Week
2.5 StLSO Headline of the Week
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Rams Draft News by JIM HUNSTEIN
3.2 Blues Stories
3.2.1 Fuhr-ious by RANDY HU
3.2.2 Game Three Impressions by NANCY BUCHANAN
3.2.3 With Fuhr Out Casey Get's Chance To Shine by MIKE RAINEY
4.0 StLSO Recaps
4.1 Blues Summaries by BRIAN STULL
4.2 Cardinals Series-by-Series Recaps by JIM HUNSTEIN and MARK BAUSCH
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Cardinals Statistics (through 4.23.96)
6.0 StLSO Media Views
6.1 Simon Says by SCOTT SIMON
7.0 StLSO Interactivity
8.0 StLSO Editorial: Just the Facts, Man
St. Louis Sports Online APRIL.96.6
1.0 StLSO News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER
THE RAMS DRAFT
It it amazing that people are willing to judge a person's entire life on
one unfortunate, albeit violent and despicable incident.
RB Lawrence Phillips is the top draft pick of the St. Louis Rams...and was
clearly the best football player available in this year's crop of incoming
players. Last fall, the then-Heisman Trophy favorite broke into his ex-girlfriend's
home and beat her, then dragged her down the stairs by her hair.
Phillips was later convicted of misdemeanor assault and placed on probation.
Phillips did hurt someone, badly. He did not maim or kill anyone. He has
attended anger management sessions and according to the Rams he has abided
by all of the rules and regulations of his probation.
But despite his remorse over the episode, Phillips is treated like O.J.
Simpson rather than Lawrence Phillips in the local and national media. The
Post-Dispatch opines that he is a "time bomb", leaving no apparent
doubt that once again his anger will surface away from the football field.
ESPN complains that the St. Louis media lobbed "softball" questions
at Phillips in his introductory press conference, apparently wanting them
to grill a 21 year old kid on perhaps the biggest day of his life.
In my view, several questions must be asked before reaching our final decisions
about Phillips. Is what we do at the age of 20 or 21 a barometer for the
rest of our lives? I would say that I matured a bit all the time, and am
still working on it. My personal preference is that people not judge me
on what I did as a 21 year old.
If the idea of spousal abuse hadn't been burned into the public consciousness
by Simpson and Warren Moon, would this topic have been as scrutinized? Although
it should be, it probably would not have been.
Is the timing of a regrettable incident a factor in people's perceptions
of a choice? Keyshawn Johnson admittedly took...and sold...narcotics during
his teenage years, and everyone talks about how great a guy he is as the
Jets take him number one.
If Phillips' actions had occurred three years earlier, would HE have been
the top choice overall? Do people get angry? I've kicked walls and drove
cars fast in fits of anger. And as my wife tells me all the time, I have
to manage my temper.
Lawrence Phillips apparently does have an explosive temper, and like many
of us he must manage it. Was Phillips so much better, physically, than Tim
Biakabituka that the Rams had to take him? Most observers had Phillips clearly
rated as the best player available in this draft. At number six, St. Louis
had to balance his physical abilities with the baggage he brings. Although
last Wednesday they claimed the two were rated even on their board, Phillips
size and speed clearly made up the Rams' mind. I have no problem with the
choice, and the women I've talked to about the subject agree one-hundred
percent so far. He deserves a second chance.
The other choices were widely hailed by experts and others around the league.
Bobby Beathard of San Diego said the Rams had the best first day of the
draft in the league. Eddie Kennison of LSU is a track star who claims to
run a 4.3 forty. He was considered the best return man and the best blocking
WR in the draft. QB Tony Banks has awesome physical skills. Rich Brooks
hopes that he'll be ready to play in two years. H-Back Ernie Conwell of
Washington is an Alfred Pupunu/Clint Didier-type whom many say is as good
as Mark Bruener, the man he replaced at TE with the Huskies. RB Jerald Moore
from Oklahoma was rated in most lists' top-ten running backs. He has played
halfback and fullback, catches and blocks well, and will fill many roles.
The Rams picked up several players for depth on Sunday, including a backup
linebacker, a reserve offensive tackle and a fullback prospect. They have
a mini-camp scheduled for this weekend, with the Saturday afternoon session
open to the public. You can call the Rams at 877-3700 for more information,
and of course we'll have details on KMOX.
THE BLUES PLAYOFF RUN
The Blues can't count on anything in these playoffs. Even with a 2-1 edge
in the best of seven series against Toronto, the injury to Grant Fuhr is
devastating. Toronto gained a huge advantage when Nick Kypreos landed on
Fuhr and tore his knee up. That was a good tradeoff for the Leafs, even
if Kypreos had been suspended for the series rather than one game. Give
the Blues credit for showing a tremendous amount of grit in the first three
games, and that should not change. Al MacInnis has played well, and probably
annoyed Doug Gilmour as much as anyone in game three. Wayne Gretzky still
has a big game left for the playoff run, as does Brett Hull. Eventually,
however, the lack of a bigtime playoff goalie will kill St. Louis. It'll
be an interesting summer...to see who Mike Keenan picks up as a possible
replacement for Fuhr, should his career be over.
THE CARDINALS COME HOME
The Cardinals had a spectacular weekend in Philadelphia with their back-to-back
1-0 shutouts. Tony LaRussa said he couldn't remember being involved in such
a situation. The Cardinal bullpen was sensational as six pitchers combined
for the Friday night win, then NL Rookie of the year Alan Benes (you heard
it here) went eight strong innings Saturday. With the return of Mark Petkovsek
(apparently a starter, not a reliever) and the imminent return of Mike Morgan
(after May 1) the pitching should only improve. LaRussa is still wrestling
with the leadoff spot, saying he doesn't think he can use Brian Jordan there.
Jordan must protect Ron Gant. Royce Clayton could be the man, if he can
keep getting on base. Eventually this lineup will explode and the Redbirds
will go on a nice run of 15, 16, 17 wins out of twenty. And it will happen
soon.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Randy Karraker is KMOX's primary sports reporter, and can
be heard hosting various Sports Open Line shows throughout the week. In
addition, Karraker also co-hosts the Sunday Night Trivia Show (with KMOX
movie reviewer Harry Hamm), which normally begins just after Sunday's 8:00
pm news.
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News
*From StLSO ISSUE #67: "Ray Lankford is on fire at the plate. Prior
to the Pittsburgh series, Lankford's average (.327) and power numbers (three
doubles, a triple, and three homers) suggest that he is thriving under the
tutelage of hitting coach George Hendrick".
An update: Lankford has one hit in his last 19 at-bats, and his average
has dropped to .273. Says Tony La Russa: "I've been really impressed
with him. He'll be a hell of a winning player."
*Mark Petkovsek is scheduled to start Wednesday night vs. the Mets. Since
the Cards have three days off in an eight-game stretch beginning Monday,
it is likely that Petkovsek will see bullpen duty after Wednesday's game.
*The Cards 1-0 back-to-back shutout wins over the Phillies were their first
back-to-back shutouts since 1989.
*Cards second sacker Luis Alicea is batting .197...with 1 RBI and 5 doubles
sprinkled among his 15 hits.
*Catcher Pat Borders leads the club in hitting, picking up 17 hits in only
47 at-bats (.362 BA)
2.2 Blues Banter by BRIAN STULL
After stating all season long that he was gearing this team for the playoffs,
Mike Keenan was given a chance say "I told you so" after Sunday's
victory. Instead the coach/GM responded by praising his players:
"The whole idea here is to do well and to play hard in the playoffs
and be successful. I understand that change is hard to appreciate and to
accept and that's part of the process, I've got no axe to grind with anyone......(The
players) will give you everything they have and that's all you can ask for....Your
talking about some of the greatest players in terms of playoff experience
that have ever played in this league."
FOR EVERY ACTION THERE IS AN...: Obviously Brian Burke of the NHL has a
problem grasping the basics laws of physics as does referee Paul Stewart.
If a player is cross-checked one way and dives the opposite way, something
is wrong. Burke explained that Nick Kypreos' one game suspension for injuring
Grant Fuhr was partially the result of Chris Pronger cross-checking Kypreos
before the collision.
BACK IN ACTION?: Grant Fuhr skated for ten minutes on Sunday morning and
has said he would like to try playing with a custom-made brace due in Wednesday.
If the mobility from side to side is there, Fuhr said he can play as he
can't worsen the damage to his knee.
ROCKIN' THE HOUSE....: The record setting crowd that packed into the Kiel
Center made their presence felt. Cheers of "Let's Go Blues" and
Gilmour taunts rang out through the national anthems and the rest of the
game. Several Blues players commented on what a great atmosphere the fans
generated. And that was without Kypreos on the ice, wait til Tuesday.
2.3 Rams Report
As outlined by the P-D's Jim Thomas (in the 2.23.96 edition), a few grumbles
can be heard regarding several of the Rams' top draft choices. According
to Thomas--
*"[First pick Lawrence] Phillips could be an off-the-field disaster
waiting to happen."
*"Some draftniks believe [second first-rounder and LSU wide receiver]
Eddie Kennison lacks the lateral quickness to be elusive in the open field."
*"[Second-round pick Tony] Banks [a QB from Michigan State] is being
viewed by many as a 'reach' pick"
*"[Second second-round pick Ernie] Conwell [a tight end from Washington],
the team's probably starting fullback, hasn't played that position since
junior high"
2.4 StLSO Quote of the Week
"It's not as though Lawrence [Phillips] is an angry young man all the
time and a threat to society," said Nebraska head football coach Dr.
Tom Osborne. "But there are occasions every four to five months when
he becomes a little explosive."
2.5 StLSO Headline of the Week
From the 4.21.96 Post-Dispatch: "La Russa Samples New Leadoff: Clayton"
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Rams Draft News by JIM HUNSTEIN
St. Louis has a new right of Spring. The early hopes for spring is when
the Cards head south for spring training. The season is just around the
corner when they come north. Maybe it's the Stanley Cup playoffs. For golfers,
the Masters is a sure sign that you'll have to call early for tee times.
For me, it's when I re-re-read Ball Four and treat my baseball glove.
But now, the St. Louis sports fan has another harbinger of Spring. The NFL
Draft. This is probably the second most important event in football, behind
the Super Bowl. This one is much more fun because it's not a blow-out every
year and nobody is ever too wrong in their opinions.
And the Rams felt they were more right than anyone. The newest Bighorns
from the first round are controversial Nebraska RB Lawrence Phillips and
WR/PR/KR Eddie Kennison from LSU. On the strength of those two picks, "this
is a very, very successful first round," said Coach Rich Brooks. "We
came out of it with the two players we coveted most. These guys bring us
unbelievable flexibility and, I can't underscore this enough, speed."
And their third pick, #42 overall, they got the quarterback they wanted
the most, Tony Banks from Michigan State. He was the first passer chosen
all day and the number one guy on Brooks' short list of four NFL-caliber
quarterbacks. With their second second round pick, #59 overall, the Bighorns
opted for TE/FB Ernie Conwell from Washington.
The Rams used the draft to debut their new offensive scheme and new direction
for Coach Rich Brooks. This will be more of an outside game. To that end,
the Bighorns traded one big name and drafted the two new ones. Along the
way, they ended up with several additional picks.
The Rams war council, sequestered in their offices at Mathews-Dickey, had
these Phillips and Kennison at the top of their charts. Both are speed burners
who can break away from the defense in the open field, necessary attributes
because the Rams want to add impact to an offense that finished 25th overall
last year in the NFL, including 25th in rushing.
The Rams divested themselves of a portion of the reason for their low rating
by trading RB Jerome Bettis and their third round pick (#72) to Pittsburgh
for the Steelers' second round pick (#59) and their fourth rounder next
year. "Jerome has been a very, very good player in this organization.
He's produced significant numbers for the Los Angeles (sic) Rams,"
said General Manager Steve Ortmayer. "This [trade] will be good for
Jerome and for this club. Pittsburgh feels he'll fit in perfectly there."
Despite having one of the most enviable pick positions in the draft other
than #1, the Rams even managed to improve their overall draft strength.
They chose Phillips with their #6 pick, the one they got for Sean Gilbert
from the Redskins. They also had the #13 pick and they traded that to the
Bears for their first, third, and sixth round picks. Brooks said they felt
their choice for #13, Kennison, would be available at #16. He was since
no wide receivers were taken in between. Plus they had more picks down the
road.
The draft, being held in New York, started with the usual gaggle of trade
rumors flying around the league. One had the Rams trading RB Jerome Bettis
for a second and/or fourth round pick. Another had CB Todd Lyght and the
#13 pick going to Jacksonville for their #2 pick. But the only trade they
made was with the Bears.
NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue opened the draft and the festivities began
with the Jets immediately taking WR Keyshawn Johnson (6-3, 220) of USC,
much to the delight of the gathered NYJ fans. Johnson was pretty much a
consensus #1 pick.
The Rams-Jaguars trade never materialized and Jacksonville used every bit
of their allotted 15 minutes to pick LB Kevin Hardy (6-4, 245) of Illinois.
Hardy won nearly every award a linebacker can win including the Butkus Award.
Arizona, still trying to live down the George Boone era, still managed a
minor upset with DE Simeon Rice (6-5, 259), the second Fighting Illini in
a row. (This is the first time since 1993 that teammates have gone back-to-back
in the first round and only the fifth time in draft history.) Most prognosticators
had the Desert Birds taking OT Jonathon Ogden of UCLA or Phillips.
Thus the decision fell to the Baltimore Ravens (nee Cleveland Browns) and
they used the #4 overall pick on Ogden (6-8, 318). (The general feeling
in the Rams' press room was that we wished just anyone would pick Phillips
so ESPN would quit talking about every aspect of his life and grilling every
team representative on why they didn't take him.) The Crows indicated they
would play Ogden as a 318-pound pulling guard instead of tackle. The Giants,
flush with running backs, opted for DT Cedric Jones (6-3, 275) of Oklahoma.
Jones is legally blind in his left eye, not that that means anything.
Which brings up the Rams' first pick of the draft and Phillips was still
available. The question became whether a team owned by a woman would allow
a player who has admitted to beating women to be drafted. In fact, Georgia
Frontiere was at the draft in New York working the phones for deals. Whether
she had input or not, the Rams chose Phillips. The last time the Rams picked
a running back in the first round was Jerome Bettis in 1994. Phillips is
considered to be one of the best athletes in the draft and its surprising
that he lasted this long.
The third-year junior is 6-0, 230 pounds,with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash.
He averaged 6.2 yards per carry in his Cornhusker career and 7.7 ypg in
his senior year. He is a dazzling open field runner with home run speed.
He also has the size and strength to be a formidable inside rusher. He joins
fellow Huskers and old pals S Toby Wright and his former and once-more blocking
lineman OT Zach Wiegert.
After the Rams, the Patriots chose WR Terry Glenn (5-10, 184) from Ohio
State and Carolina picked RB Tim Biakabutuka (6-0, 205), whom many thought
would be the Bighorns' pick had Phillips gone earlier, from Michigan. Then
Houston made the first trade of the draft, giving their pick to the Raiders
for the Oakland first (#17 overall), second (#48), and fourth (#109) round
picks. The Raiders grabbed TE Ricky Dudley (6-6, 248) from Ohio State. The
Bengals then took OT Willie Anderson (6-4, 324) from Auburn, the Saints
took CB Alex Molden (5-9, 186) from Brooks' old Oregon, and the Buccaneers
took DE Regan Upshaw (6-3, 256) from California.
Then it was the Rams' turn again and they decided trade this pick to the
Bears for Chicago's first (#18 overall), third (#83), and sixth (#201) round
picks. They had made it clear that they would only trade this pick if they
could get another first round pick. So for the #13 pick, they get #18 and
two others. And they ended up with the guy they wanted anyway.
The Bears used this pick for CB Walt Harris (5-11, 191) from Mississippi
State. Then Seattle traded the #14 pick to Houston for their #17 pick. The
Oilers grabbed Heisman Trophy winner RB Eddie George (6-0, 225) from Ohio
State, who they feared would go to #16 Minnesota. The Broncos went for defense
with LB John Mobley (6-1, 231) from tiny Kutztown, a Division II school
in Pennsylvania. The Vikings followed suit with LB Duane Clemons (6-5, 260)
from California. Seattle then traded the #17 pick (Doesn't anyone want this
pick? Oakland had it originally, then they dealt it to Houston, who sent
it to Seattle, who gave it to Detroit.) Not to be out done and sensing a
run on backers, the Lions chose LB Reggie Brown (6-2, 241) from Texas A&M.
With the overall #18 pick, the one they got from the Bears, the Rams chose
to bolster their receiving corps with WR Eddie Kennison from LSU. Kennison
is 5-11, 191 pounds and averaged nearly 16 yards per catch last season.
He needs to practice his routes since he spent spring practices at school
running track. Brooks said he has the size to be more durable than other
wide receivers available.
This is the second receiver from LSU for the Rams; that's where Todd Kinchen
is from. Kennison is supposedly one of the best blocking receivers in the
draft. He's also a speed burner, a four-time track All American. And he
will compete with Kinchen for punt and kick returns. Brooks said Kennison
doesn't have Kinchen's arm for those laterals, but "I'll be shocked
if he isn't out there for the first kickoff."
After the Rams, the Colts took WR Marvin Harrison (5-11, 181) from Syracuse,
the player most observers felt was the top choice for the Bighorns. Then
the Dolphins took DE aryl Gardener (6-6, 320) from Baylor. Seattle finally
made a selection instead to trading it away and chose OT Pete Kendall (6-4,
292) from Boston College. The Buccaneers used the 22nd overall pick for
DT Marcus Jones (6-5, 258) from North Carolina, giving them two big defensive
linemen in the first round. Detroit followed up with OG Jeff Hartings (6-3,
288) from Penn State and Buffalo took WR Eric Moulds (6-1, 202) from Mississippi
State.
At this point, the Bettis to Pittsburgh trade rumor resurfaced with "an
announcement due soon", according to ESPN. Then Philadelphia took OT
Jermane Mayberry (6-3, 321) from Texas A&M-Kingsville, Baltimore took
LB Ray Lewis (6-0, 235) from Miami, Green Bay took OT John Michaels (6-6,
282) from USC, and Kansas City took S Jerome Woods (6-2, 202) from Memphis.
Pittsburgh disdained a draft pick trade for Bettis (at least for now) and
took OT Jemain Stephens (6-6, 338) from North Carolina A&T. They also
then announced the trade. Dallas finished up the first round by trading
the #30 pick to Washington for the Redskins' second and third round picks.
Following are the remainder of the Rams' picks:
Round 2, #42 overall: QB Tony Banks (6-4, 222) from Michigan State. He's
the first quarterback taken in this year's draft. Brooks called Banks' arm
a howitzer. As if St. Louis doesn't have enough competition at quarterback
with newly signed free agent Steve Walsh, incumbent veteran Mark Rypien,
not to mention Dave Barr and Jamie Martin, Banks was a shortstop in the
Minnesota Twins farm system. He assured local media that he won't try out
for the Cardinals until he makes the Pro Bowl. The word on Banks is that
he looks and plays like Randall Cunningham, but Banks himself says he's
a pocket passer. Brooks says he's physically ready to play: "We wouldn't
have expended a 42nd pick on a player who won't be ready for three years."
Round 2, #59 overall: TE Ernie Conwell (6-1, 253) from Washington. He was
drafted as a pure H-back and lead blocker in a 2-back set. He is also a
long snapper. And he can catch the ball out of the backfield as well as
being the short yardage guy. What kept him available is that he's listed
as a 6-1 tight end and most teams want a guy at least 6-3. But what makes
him valuable is his strength and explosive speed. He can squat 600 pounds
and bench 500 pounds and run a 4.63 40. And he's currently ranked about
4th or 5th in the NCAA in shot put and has a shot (so to speak) at the Olympics
trials.
Round 3, #83 overall: FB Jerald Moore (5-9, 228) from Oklahoma. He brings
yet another explosive back to the offense, especially for short yardage
situations or blocking in 2-back sets. He can bench almost what he squats,
both well over 400 pounds. Sound familiar? That's what they got Conwell
for, although Conwell is a better receiver out of the backfield. But Moore
is pure backfield and gained more than 1,000 yards last year as a single
back with OU. He's a natural runner with a low center of gravity, which
makes him hard to tackle, but also hard to throw to even though he reportedly
has soft hands. He didn't perform at the combine due to a bum toe and hamstring.
When at full speed (there's that word again) he runs the 40 in 4.45.
Round 4, #109 overall: LB Percell Gaskins (6-0, 216) from Kansas State.
AKA Boog, short for Boogie Man, not the former baseball slugger. The Rams
finally go to defense and probably for a coverage guy. Gaskins has great
acceleration and a good nose for the ball. He reacts quickly and comes out
of a back pedal quickly and easily. He could see some time at defensive
back in dime situations. The Rams, if nothing else, are creating an awesome
track and field team. Kennison is the sprinter, Conwell puts the shot, and
now Gaskins is primed for high jump. His best jump is 7-5 1/4. And he says
he might want to try the decathlon. He runs a 4.45 40.
Round 5, #141 overall: OT Fred Miller (6-7, 305) from Baylor. It took this
long for the Rams to add to their offensive line, which many thought was
one source of Bettis's problems the last year and a half. He has great upper
body strength and long arms to keep the defense away. But he's a little
light down below but that, of course, can be overcome with proper weight
training. And he has the right size frame on which to build. He is an above
average blocker who is developing a feel for angles and position. His downside
is that he doesn't pick up stunts very quickly and he can be bull-rushed.
Miller is not going to come in and start, but he adds depth in the event
of injury. For the first time in the draft, the Bighorns did not take a
speedster; Miller's time in the 40 was 5.38.
Round 6, #175 overall: FB Derrick Harris (5-11, 250) from Miami (Florida).
Another fullback? Yes and no. He also played linebacker and tight end for
the Hurricane. He went there under the promise of them using a 2-back set
but they never did it and Harris had to scramble to get clock. He started
out at FB in a redshirted 1991, moved to LB in 1992, back to FB in 1993,
then to TE in 1994, and back again to FB last year. On the other hand, he
was willing to play anywhere just to play, so the kid has heart. (Or maybe
he just can't quite cut it at any one place.) He also has bulk and plans
call for him to be lead blocker for Phillips. Lest anyone think the Rams
have gotten away from the track and field team, Harris is a four-time Big
East shot put champ.
Round 6, #187 overall: TE Heyward Clay (6-3, 268) from Texas A&M: He
lit up in 1995 with 19 passes for 235 yards and 3 TDs. That's up from 10
catches the previous three years. He's not an imposing blocker but more
of a receiving tight end so look for him in two-tight end sets to release
and go over the middle. Maybe. Keep in mind this is a pretty low draft pick.
He has very long arms. Tragically, he is not a trackman. He describes himself
as a big man who likes to mix it up inside.
And last but not least (maybe), Round 7, #222 overall: DT Chuck Osborne
(6-1, 281) from Arizona. With all the talent the Rams have on their defensive
line, he'll have a tougher time making the team than most seventh rounders.
He's got good credentials having made 43 tackles and 7 sacks, so he should
fit into a back-up role. He's the only draftee with a Missouri connection
having some cousins in Kansas City.
3.2 Blues Playoff Preview
3.2.1 Fuhr-ious by RANDY HU
The National Hockey League is spinning a disturbing tune these days and
the hits just keep on coming. Like a drinking establishment at happy hour,
cheap shots are aplenty.
During the early moments of Game 2 in the St. Louis-Toronto playoff series,
Blues defenseman Chris Pronger cross-checked Maple Leaf thug turned actor
Nick Kypreos, who in turn dove headfirst into goalie Grant Fuhr. Any Stanley
Cup dreams the Blues had this year came crashing down with him. Fuhr tore
ligaments in his right knee which ended his season and may have him limping
out to pasture.
Incredibly, former goon turned referee Paul Stewart didn't penalize Kypreos
for the "complete cheap shot", as described by Fuhr. In addition,
Leaf gnat Doug Gilmour was busy carving up the Blues dynamic duo, Wayne
Gretzky and Brett Hull, all night without retribution. Stewart has always
craved the spotlight with his self-serving whistle and changed the momentum
of the game back and forth continually. If you think he's pathetic, he was
one of a select few referees who were rewarded to officiate the playoffs
for their performance during the regular season. If the NHL is to attract
new fans to the sport, they must upgrade the quality of the referees and
have them enforce the letter of the law, not just the spirit of it. Lack
of backbone starts at the top with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, infraction
sheriff Brian Burke and director of officials Bryan Lewis. Together, they
have been as inconsistent as their zebra counterparts on the ice. They insist
that there is not a double standard for certain players, but that's usually
said with a nod and a wink.
"Running the goalie is a strategy that the Leafs use and it knocked
out one of the best players in playoff history," said Keenan. "Kypreos
went to the net hard and the cross-check by Pronger gave him carte blanche
to knock Fuhr over", explained ESPN analyst Barry Melrose. "Kypreos
did what he had to do and he tried to hurt Fuhr." Of course, Kypreos
and Leaf coach Nick Beverley deny any wrongdoing. Today's power forwards
are bigger, stronger, faster, and are crashing the net with more frequency.
Hockey has never been a sport for wimps, but it has become increasingly
violent and dangerous. We're not talking cuts and bruises here, but career
threatening injuries to backs, necks, hips, knees, and shoulders.
Keenan suggests that there is a league-wide conspiracy against the Blues
because of their free spending ways and opposition to obstruction penalties,
but he has been publicly ripping the refs all year and what goes around,
comes around. Does it surprise anyone that players are seriously injured
and nothing is done about it? Acts of gutless violence by players such as
Kypreos, Doug Gilmour, Kelly Buchberger, Mark Messier, Kirk Muller, Dave
Manson, etc., go unpunished and as long as there is little or no deterrent,
the dirty hits will continue. During the course of any game, amateur surgery
is routine and anything short of dismemberment goes unnoticed.
The Blues have two options without Fuhr: overachieve, knowing that shaky
backup goalie Jon Casey will need extra support or roll over like a limp
octopus. All year, the inconsistent Blues played more like a group of individuals
looking for an easy path to the Cup, than like a team. You can't totally
blame them for the lack of team chemistry because Keenan never gave them
the chance to gel with his constant makeover mentality. But, the lack of
retaliatory strikes against Kypreos and Gilmour shows the soft underbelly
of the Blues. If anything, the injury to Fuhr gives Keenan a convenient
excuse if the Blues fail in the playoffs.
As former Blues coach Emile "The Cat" Francis used to say, "If
you can't beat'em in the alley, you can't beat'em on the ice." The
Blues ought to take note, you win with character, not characters.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Randy Hu is the hockey columnist for The Riverfront Times.
He can also be heard Wednesday mornings on all-sports KFNS (590 AM)
3.2.2 Game Three Impressions by NANCY BUCHANAN
Sunday night Shayne Corson made setting up a goal look easy. Just a minute
and twenty seconds into overtime he skated down the ice along the left boards
carrying the puck with a Toronto defender right beside him. As he got close
enough to take a shot himself, it was clear he was too well covered. Right
before the two players would have crashed into the corner, Corson casually
passed the puck to the front of the net. Glenn Anderson skated into position
just as the puck reached him, again with a Toronto player covering him well,
but in an instant Anderson put the puck in the net, raised his stick in
celebration and flashed the biggest smile of the night. Anderson's goal
meant that the Blues beat Toronto 3-2 to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Brian Noonan had the second biggest smile of the evening when he scored
the first Blues' goal in the second period. Noonan skated down the right
side of the ice, again handling the puck well while being covered by one
Toronto player. About half way between the blue line and the goal line Noonan
wound up and took a low percentage shot that surprised Toronto goalie Felix
Potvin.
So now the Blues have learned a second way to score against Potvin (besides
shooting into the top shelf of the net).....Shoot the puck as soon as possible
once you carry it into the Toronto zone. Maybe Potvin plays his best with
crowds around the net or on plays that take a long time to set up. Anderson's
and Noonan's goals caught him somewhat asleep.
Quickies from Game 3......
*The Blues were disciplined, taking only five minor penalties to Toronto's
nine......
*Toronto star Doug Gilmore let himself be irritated by the Blues and went
to the penalty box twice to think about it.....
*Jon Casey made a believer out of this fan (at least for one night)....
*Neither team was particularly impressive with their passing......
*Christer Olsson blew his big chance in his first ever NHL playoff game.
He made several mental errors trying to carry the puck into the Toronto
zone on the power play......maybe it was just nerves and Olsson will settle
down if he gets to play Tuesday.........
*Is Toronto playing the best hockey they are capable of?......
*These veteran Blues know how to play patient hockey.....they do not get
rattled.......
*Can the Blues maintain their concentration Tuesday if Kypreos is reinstated
into the Toronto lineup? ......or will the Blues focus on retaliation?.......
*Peter Zezel is making a name for himself and is once again becoming a St.
Louis favorite......
*Brett Hull and Geoff Courtnall, where were you?
3.2.3 With Fuhr Out Casey Get's Chance To Shine by MIKE RAINEY
Now the Blues playoff fortunes in 1996 hinge largely on the performance
of veteran goalie Jon Casey. It can now be said that the Blues will go only
as far as Casey will take them. After Grant Fuhr's season was ended prematurely
by Maple Leafs ruffian Nick Kypreos, Casey is now the main man in the Blues
net. Coach Mike Keenan loves to refer to Casey's exploits in the 1991 playoffs
when he led the Cinderella Minnesota North Stars to the Stanley Cup Finals.
That year he was in goal as the North Stars first defeated Keenan's Blackhawks,
who had the NHL's best regular season record. Next he backstopped the Stars
to a 6 game victory over the Blues, who had the league's second best record.
Finally Casey and his mates beat the defending Stanley Cup Champion Edmonton
Oilers, who at that time were still led by Mark Messier. The storybook run
ended when Casey met Mario Lemieux and the explosive Penguins in the Finals.
That all happened five years ago, and Casey isn't the same goalie anymore.
After last season Casey was offered a termination contract by the Blues.
That means he had one month to explore the free agent market and sign with
another team. But other teams were not exactly beating down Casey's door,
so he came back to the Blues for one more season, and will be an unrestricted
free agent after the playoffs. He failed to make the Blues roster out of
training camp this season, and languished in Peoria for nearly five months.
Keenan said this was to keep him sharp, but he couldn't have expected Fuhr
to play in 78 games when the Blues broke training camp in September.
If Casey has a solid playoff run with the Blues he could earn an NHL job
next season, possibly even with the Blues. If not he might start bouncing
around the IHL with the likes of former Blues Greg Paslawski, Gino Cavallini,
and Tony Hrkac...just to name a few. We will now see if Casey is still an
NHL caliber goaltender. After all it was just two years ago he won 30 games
for the Boston Bruins. He was average at best in Game 2 after Fuhr went
down, and the game winning goal he allowed to Mats Sundin in overtime was
weak. He was steady but not spectacular in Game 3, as the Blues played airtight
defense in front of him while allowing the Leafs only 21 shots. Fuhr's misfortune
has given Casey a golden opportunity to extend his NHL career. This could
be his last chance.
4.0 StLSO Recaps
4.1 Blues Summaries by BRIAN STULL
GAME ONE @Toronto
The 1996 Stanley Cup playoffs began for the St.Louis Blues in Toronto against
the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. The outcome was good for the visitors
as the Blues came away with a 3-1 victory to go up one game in the best
of seven series.
Toronto jumped out in front during a power play at 9:49 of the first period,
as Mats Sundin was able to beat Grant Fuhr to make it 1-0, but the Blues
took advantage of a power play about six minutes later as Shayne Corson
got position in front and then buried the pass from Wayne Gretzky to tie
things up at one goal apiece.
Both Felix Potvin and Fuhr turned away all attempts in the second period
and the game stayed grid-locked until 11:13 of the third period when Brett
Hull teamed up with Corson and Gretzky to knock in the go-ahead goal. Just
over a minute later, Steve Leach added an insurance goal for St.Louis, going
top-shelf with a rebound over Potvin to make it 3-1.
GAMENOTES: Toronto outshot St.Louis 34/29.....The Blues were 1/3 on the
power play, the Maple Leafs 1/5....Referee for the game was Rob Schick and
attendance was 15,746.
GAME 2 @ TORONTO
The St.Louis Blues hoped to take a 2-0 lead in the playoffs as game 2 opened
in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. Instead the Blues fell victim to some
questionable calls by referee Paul Stewart and lost their star goaltender
Grant Fuhr for possibly the rest of the series as they lost in overtime
5-4.
At 9:16 of the first period, Toronto got a rush and as Nick Kypreos charged
the net, Chris Pronger came over and cross-checked him towards the boards.
Kypreos, however, dove towards the net and crashed over Grant Fuhr. The
collision tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and he was
forced to leave the game. Referee Paul Steward whistled Pronger for the
cross-check, but did not hand out any additional penalties, much to the
bewilderment of St. Louis.
Jon Casey entered the game and was greeted by Mike Gartner tallying the
first goal of the game at 10:24. Just over four minutes later, Wendell Clark
added to the lead with a goal to make it 2-0. The Blues responded with a
power play goal from Shayne Corson, who deflected an Igor Kravchuk shot
past Felix Potvin to make it 2-1 at 16:51. Then Toronto struck again, as
Doug Gilmour intercepted a clearing pass off the boards and flipped it over
to Sundin for the goal and a 3-1 lead.
The Blues controlled the second period and at 3:50, Craig McTavish and Tony
Twist set up Charlie Huddy, who blasted home a goal to make it 3-2. Murray
Baron then added a goal from the top at 18:26 to tie it 3-3.
The game wore into the third period and then during a power play Brett Hull
found an opening near the left post and knocked in a rebound Potvin couldn't
control and the Blues were on top 4-3. Enter referee Paul Stewart once again,
at 13:14 Rob Pearson was hooked and spun into the net by a Toronto player.
Stewart called Pearson for goaltender interference and then added a ten
minute misconduct for arguing. This led to a power play goal from the Leafs
as Kirk Muller sank the pass from Larry Murphy and the game went to overtime.
At 2:52 of the overtime, Stewart whistled the Blues for too many men on
the ice and St.Louis was once again shorthanded and Toronto capitalized
as Mats Sundin got the game winner at 4:02 for the 5-4 victory.
GAMENOTES: St.Louis had 34 shots, Toronto 39......Both teams had two power
play goals STL 2/8, TOR 2/9.
GAME 3 @ ST.LOUIS
The St.Louis Blues returned home to the Kiel Center as their playoff against
the Toronto Maple Leafs continued Sunday evening and the largest playoff
crowd in Blues history (20,516) watched their home team come from behind
for an overtime 3-2 victory.
The Blues were without goaltender Grant Fuhr, who was injured early in game
2, and Jon Casey made the start against Felix Potvin. The Leafs took the
lead at 16:04 of the first period on a power play goal from Kirk Muller,
who stole the puck from Chris Pronger behind the net and then skated to
the left circle and snuck the shot past Casey.
Doug Gilmour helped with the second tally for Toronto, intercepting a power
play pass from Al MacInnis and worked into the zone. Christer Olsson came
back to tie up Gilmour, but Mark Kolesar banged the puck past Casey to make
it 2-0 at 3:53 of the second period.
At 10:28, Brian Noonan accepted a pass from Pronger and streaked up the
left boards and then blasted a shot from just outside the top of the left
circle to beat Potvin and make it 2-1. Then the Blues got a short-handed
goal of their own as Peter Zezel grabbed an errant pass from Mathieu Schneider
in front of the net and flipped it over Potvin to tie things 2-2 at 12:31.
The game stayed knotted at 2-2 despite some great chances from both sides.
Casey robbed Gilmour, who had just gotten out of the penalty box for a breakaway,
and Potvin stoned Brett Hull from point-blank range as the third period
raged on. Towards the end of the period, Christer Olsson caught a stick
in the face on a clearing attempt which opened up a gash over his right
eye. Olsson left a trail of blood as he left the ice, but no penalty was
given because of lack of intent on the swing.
At 1:24 of the overtime period, Corson brought the puck in over the Blue
line near the boards and worked in holding off the Toronto defender and
then sent the perfect cross-ice drop pass to Glenn Anderson in front for
the winning goal. The goal was the 93rd career playoff goal for Anderson
and gave the Blues a 2-1 lead in the best of seven series.
GAMENOTES: The Blues outshot Toronto 40/21 and only allowed 13 shots after
the first period.....The Leafs were 1/4 on the power play, St.Louis 0/8.....Don
Beaupre played :25 of the second period after Noonan scored before Potvin
was sent back in....the referee was Dan Marouelli.
4.2 Cards Series-by-Series Summaries by JIM HUNSTEIN and MARK BAUSCH
4.2.1 Cards and Pirates Split at Busch
RESULTS: Splitsville; 2 games each in the 4-game set
SCORES: Cards won the first game 6-4 and the third game 6-1; the Pirates
won the second game 13-3 and the fourth game 6-2.
GOING IN: Cards were 7-5 and tied for first in the NL Central with the Reds.
COMING OUT: Cards were 9-7 and fell to second place behind the hot Cubs,
who had won 3 in a row.
HITTING: 3B Gary Gaetti missed two of the games after fouling a ball off
his foot but homered in the fourth game, his second of the year. SS Royce
Clayton is making the most of Ozzie's absence; he was 5 for 8 with his first
dinger in the first two games. RF Brian Jordan came out hot in his first
two starts of the year in the third and fourth games; he was 4 for 8 with
2 RBI and 2 runs scored. CF Ray Lankford and LF Ron Gant each had a homer
in the series. That's four apiece and they lead the team. Gant is among
the league leaders in RBI.
BASERUNNING: Clayton is also making noise on the basepaths. In addition
to the hitting, he stole three bases and leads the team with 6 and is only
one off the league lead. Lankford and 2B Luis Alicea had the only other
swipes. Gant is also among the league leaders in runs scored. The Cards
averaged 4.5 runners left on base in the series.
STARTING PITCHING: It's getting there. Let's hope it gets there before it
gets to us. The aces are getting trumped but the second line guys are holding
strong. Alan Benes started the series with his second win (who'da thunk
he'd be the staff leader?), but bro Andy got his lunch handed to him the
next day giving up 5 earned runs and 12 hits in 5 innings. Donovan Osborne
made his '96 debut with a win on a 6 2/3-inning outing. But Todd Stottlemyre
got hammered in the fourth game giving up 6 runs on 11 hits in 5 innings.
RELIEF PITCHING: As was the case last year, one of the strong parts of the
Cardinals. After faltering a bit at the beginning of the season, they're
settling down. The bullpen ERA was 1.77 heading into the debacle of the
second game. In fact, the pen was unscored upon in the other three games.
Tom Urbani got scorched for 5 earned runs in only 1/3 of an inning and rookie
Rich Batchelor gave up 1 run in 3 1/3 innings in mop up. That would cost
both pitchers as they would be sent down by the end of the series. In the
other three games? 9 2/3 scoreless innings. The only Redbird save in the
series went to Rick Honeycutt, his first. He was perfect in 1 1/3 innings
in the first game.
FIELDING: Call it AB's revenge. The brewery's last official act as owners
of the Cards was to replace the plastic with grass. So now the Cards are
one of the worst fielding teams. They had three errors in the second game
alone. In the series, Alicea and Gaetti each got their third Es while Gant
and Borders each got their second.
CATCH-ALL: The catcher threesome may not materialize for a while. Tom Pagnozzi
strained his right knee in his first game back. That's his "good"
knee, by the way, not the one with three surgeries under it's cap. No ligament
or cartilage damage was reported and Pags was available to play.
OVERALL: The Cards finished the homestand 6-4. To make room for Osborne
on the roster, Batchelor was sent to Louisville. Then Mark Petkovsek came
off the DL and Urbani was given the Southwest Special - a trip to Louisville.
As many problems as some of the starters are having, it's better this way.
Andy B. and Stottlemyre are veterans who know this is a temporary thing
and they'll be fine soon. Better to have the kids hot so they can build
up some confidence early. And even still, the Cards are only a half game
out of first. Once the entire rotation is up to snuff, maybe the porous
fielding will shape up. Plus, the Redbirds now have their much ballyhooed
outfield of Gant, Lankford, and Jordan in place. Put Clayton and Gaetti
as bookends and that's a formidable line-up to face. FInally, it's better
to trail the Cubs in the standings. Not that they'll definitely fold, but
Houston (currently in last place but only 2 games out) is the team the Cards
need to stay above.
UP NEXT: 3 games versus the Phillies in Philadelphia
4.2.2 Cards Take Two of Three From Phillies; Two By 1-0 Score
RESULTS: Cards take two of three
SCORES: 1-0 and 1-0 (both St. Louis wins) and a 4-2 Philadelphia victory
GOING IN: 9-7, second place in NL Central behind the Cubs (?)
COMING OUT: 11-8, first place, one-half game in front of the North Siders
HITTING: Four runs and 21 hits in three games says it all. John Mabry had
five of the hits...Royce Clayton four, and Gary Gaetti three--so the infield
was doing its part. Needless to say, the Cards flychasers weren't swinging
the hot bat.
BASERUNNING: St. Louis managed no stolen bases, but Cardinal runners (McGee
and Clayton) were thrown out twice attempting to steal.
STARTING PITCHING: Mark Petkovsek threw four shutout innings Friday night,
and Alan Benes doubled that on Saturday. Benes only allowed two hits. Andy
Benes allowed four runs (three earned) in six innings pitched on Sunday.
RELIEF PITCHING: The Eck picked up two saves, and Tony Fossas, TJ Mathews,
Rick Honeycutt, and Cory Bailey did the bridge and set-up work that preserved
Petkovsek's start for Eckersley on Friday night.
FIELDING: Alicea had two errors during Sunday's game.
CATCH-ALL: Two wins out of a three-game series in which you score four runs
is quite an accomplishment.
OVERALL: Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is waiting for his outfielders
to hit on all cylinders.
UP NEXT: A two-game series in Montreal.
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Cardinals Statistics (through 4.23.96)
5.2.1 Cards Hitting Statistics
BA SLG OBA G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E
Smith .400 .400 .400 2 5 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Borders .362 .426 .362 15 47 3 17 20 3 0 0 4 0 10 0 0 2
Sweeney .316 .368 .458 15 19 4 6 7 1 0 0 2 5 3 0 0 0
Sheaffer .297 .378 .366 14 37 4 11 14 3 0 0 4 4 4 1 1 0
Clayton .296 .469 .372 21 81 9 24 38 7 2 1 14 11 20 7 3 3
McGee .293 .414 .328 15 58 7 17 24 4 0 1 11 3 11 0 1 1
Jordan .286 .400 .306 9 35 5 10 14 4 0 0 6 1 10 1 0 0
Mabry .281 .359 .338 19 64 5 18 23 2 0 1 6 6 12 0 1 1
Lankford .273 .506 .313 20 77 11 21 39 4 1 4 11 5 17 2 1 0
Gaetti .250 .383 .270 16 60 5 15 23 2 0 2 4 2 11 1 0 3
Gant .234 .484 .400 21 64 14 15 31 4 0 4 16 18 12 2 1 2
Bell .206 .324 .250 14 34 2 7 11 1 0 1 1 2 8 0 0 1
Bradshaw .200 .200 .385 9 10 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 1 0
Alicea .197 .263 .265 20 76 9 15 20 5 0 0 1 6 17 1 0 5
Pagnozzi .125 .125 .111 4 8 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0
Holbert .000 .000 .000 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mejia .000 .000 .000 8 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0
5.2.2 Cards Pitching Statistics
W- L ERA G GS CG GF SH SV IP H R ER HR BB SO
Eckersley 0- 1 0.00 10 0 0 9 0 5 10.2 9 2 0 0 0 13
Petkovsek 0- 0 0.00 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.0 3 0 0 0 2 3
Mathews 1- 1 0.66 10 0 0 3 0 1 13.2 6 4 1 2 6 14
Parrett 1- 1 1.38 10 0 0 4 0 0 13.0 8 2 2 0 8 10
Fossas 0- 2 1.64 12 0 0 0 0 0 11.0 11 2 2 0 4 8
Alan Benes 3- 0 2.42 4 4 1 0 0 0 26.0 20 12 7 2 10 28
Batchelor 0- 0 2.45 1 0 0 1 0 0 3.2 4 1 1 0 0 1
Andy Benes 1- 2 3.86 5 5 0 0 0 0 32.2 29 17 14 5 10 23
Bailey 2- 0 4.05 11 0 0 1 0 0 13.1 11 6 6 1 10 16
Osborne 1- 1 4.63 2 2 0 0 0 0 11.2 10 6 6 2 2 7
Honeycutt 0- 0 5.40 9 0 0 2 0 1 6.2 7 4 4 0 4 8
Stottlemyre 1- 1 5.79 5 5 0 0 0 0 28.0 28 19 18 6 12 18
Urbani 1- 0 7.71 3 2 0 0 0 0 11.2 15 10 10 3 4 1
Barber 0- 0 15.00 1 1 0 0 0 0 3.0 4 5 5 0 6 1
Busby 0- 1 18.00 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.0 9 13 8 4 4 4
95 Winter 95 Fall 94 Winter
1. KMOX-AM (News/Talk) 14.1 14.4 13.8
2. WIL-FM (Country) 8.3 9.3 8.9
3. KEZK-FM (Soft AC) 7.3 7.0 8.3
4. KMJM-FM (Urban) 6.8 7.5 7.4
5. KSHE-FM (Rock) 5.6 6.4 5.4
6. WKBQ-FM (CHR) 4.5 4.1 4.0
7. KYKY-FM (AC) 4.4 5.3 5.7
KRPT-FM (Modern Rock) 4.4 4.8 4.0
9. KLOU-FM (Oldies) 3.9 4.0 3.6
WKKX-FM (COUNTRY) 3.9 4.2 4.3
11. KFUO-FM (Classical) 3.5 2.7 2.7
12. KIHT-FM (70's) 3.4 2.9 2.9
13. WRTH-AM (Nostaglia) 3.0 1.9 2.2
14. KSD-FM (Classic Rock) 2.7 3.4 2.3
15. KXOK-FM (Urban AC) 2.3 3.1 2.3
16. WEW-AM (Nostaglia) 1.8 1.2 1.5
17. KATX-FM (Soul) 1.6 1.0 1.2
WVRV-FM (Alternative) 1.6 1.5 2.1
19. WIBV-AM (Talk) 1.5 1.0 1.7
20. KATZ-AM (Urban Talk) 1.4 1.5 1.3
21. KSD-AM (Talk) 1.3 1.5 1.0
WCBW-FM (Contemp. Christian) 1.3 1.3 1.4
23. KFNS-AM (Sports) 1.0 1.2 1.0
6.1.3 KSD'S Bender Dismisses Nebraska Football Player's Assault On Woman