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NHL QUICK SHOTS: A fast glance at the league

JANUARY 22 QUICK SHOTS
By Josh Brewster

FAREWELL TO A GOOD GUY:
DAVE ANDREYCHUK at the end of the line.

Tampa Bay dispensed with DAVE ANDREYCHUK this month.  A great guy from the get go, he was one of Scotty Bowman's prime picks way back in the early 1980's, when the legendary coach plucked Andreychuck, Phil Housley, John Tucker, Norm Lacombe and others in his fruitless quest to make the Sabres into a contender. 

But Housley and Andreychuk stood out, heads above the quality of the Buffalo club throughout the early to late-80s. 

Five times Andreychuk lit the lamp for 30 or more; twice he hit for 40 or more.  In February of 1993, the Sabres traded Andreychuk with Daren Puppa and a 1st round selection (Kenny Jonsson) in 1993 to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Grant Fuhr and 5th round selection (Kevin Popp) in 1995.

He would go on to score 54 goals for Buffalo and the Leafs; in 1993-94, he surpassed 50 again, scoring 53 for Toronto.

From there, he would bounce to New Jersey, then Boston, Colorado, Buffalo again, then Tampa Bay.

In Tampa, Andreychuk would steer a team of young stars to the Holy Grail.

The way the 'Bolts bid farewell to Dave, paying the remainder of his contract, was first class, thanks to GM Jay Feaster.  After three decades in the NHL, Andreychuk deserved it.

Next stop, the Hall of Fame.

FROM BAD TO WORSE IN CHICAGO

With Nik Khabibulin injured, it just goes from bad to worse in the Windy City.   The Hawks looked so good on paper.  Too bad they play the game on ice.  Props to GM Dale Tallon for his efforts, but things are going south in a big way in the Windy City.

CARTER THE BEST TRIPLET YET

With A 22.5% shooting percentage, a swagger in his stride and his thirst for action in front of the opposition's net, RW ANSON CARTER (48GP/18-14-32PTS) is resurgent in the pacific northwest. His cup of coffee in Los Angeles didn't work out, but adding him as the Third Sedin, if you will, has been just the tonic the exciting Carter needed.

With 18 goals, he's on pace for 31, which would eclipse his 2001-02 career best of 28 with Edmonton.

Carter has been the best compliment to the slowly emerging Sedin twins, LW Daniel (48GP/11-28-39PTS) and C Henrik (48GP/12-33-45PTS) who have finally broken through with Carter's help, comprising the club's solid second line.

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