with Mark Messier. I can't
 
 MS> I think Vancouver is a contender all of a sudden with Mark Messier. 
 
     Er, no.  Having two heart and soul guys like Linden and Messier 
helps, but they still have two Russians that play only when they feel 
like it, and they have signed a Swede defenseman to a huge contract 
which means in my mind he's going to be a big bust.
 
 MS> I can't  believe that Colorado matched the Ranger's offer to Sakic. 
 
     They had to.  Sakic is the heart and soul of that team.  Forsberg 
may be talented but he's no leader.  Without Sakic the Av's are only 
pretenders.
 
 MS> I think that the  Ranger's are out of it.
 
     Probably won't make the playoffs this year even with Gretzky.
 
 MS> Montreal could be in if they make a couple good  trades. 
 
     Yeah, like Richer for Kariya, and Thibault for Brodeur!  
They need a lot more help than that.  This strictly a rebuilding year 
for them.
 
 MS> Edmonton would be in if they had the money. 
 
     Still a class organization from top to bottom.  I'm a big fan of 
their AHL farm team Hamilton Bulldogs. Watch out this year for forwards 
Joe Hulbig and Steve Kelly, defenceman Brian Muir, and Goaltender Steve 
Passmore.  Shame the Oilers let go of Dennis Bonvie, he really could 
have added some grit to their team...
 
 MS> Ottawa still has a couple  years before they become contenders. 
 
     Yeah, but they're going to be fun to watch.  I was hoping to see 
them in an exhibition game here in Hamilton against Buffalo, 
unfortunately those plans are now out the window.... :-(
 
 MS> Toronto is haveing major problems. They  can't even find a coach 
 MS> that's willing to work for them!!! 
 
     Er...Mike Murphy is still coach of the team...
 
 MS> Calgary is slowly going down the drain.
      Hey!  You still have Jarome Iginla playing for you guys.  I still 
can't believe how Dallas got suckered in that trade...
                                              Sincerely Yours
                                              
                                              David G. Riess
                                              EchoHockeyGhod
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