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Keep it clean Avs coach doesn't want to see a repeat of dirty '99 series
Posted: Wednesday May 10, 2000 07:04 PM
DENVER (AP) -- 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. "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]," 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."
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