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Fearless Flyers Philly's Clarke isn't afraid of bold deadline dealsPosted: Monday March 10, 2003 10:35 PMUpdated: Monday March 10, 2003 10:41 PM
For the second year in a row, we didn't have to wait until deadline day for a blockbuster deal. Pavel Bure was shipped from South Florida to the Big Apple last year on the eve of the trade deadline, and oft-tinkering Flyers general manager Bobby Clarke made a bold deal to snag disappointing Coyotes right wing Tony Amonte on Monday. Clarke is never satisfied with his team -- as six head coaches in the past seven seasons will attest -- so he made sure to make a splash in the hopes of salvaging another potential-filled season for the Flyers. There isn't much brotherly love floating around Philadelphia, as the Flyers have only three goals in three games and are five points behind the Atlantic Division-leading Devils. They have scored only 159 goals in 68 games (2.34 per game) this year and needed to get either Amonte or Jarome Iginla to improve their moribund offense. This is the same team that napped through its first-round series against Ottawa, scoring an NHL-record-low two goals in the 4-1 series loss to the Sens and getting shut out in three consecutive games. Ken Hitchcock is a defense-first coach, but even he had no idea he was getting into this mess. Clarke isn't afraid to go after an available piece to fill a hole in his team's puzzle. Last year at the deadline, he acquired center Adam Oates from the Capitals for top goalie prospect Maxime Ouellet and 2002 first-, second- and third-round picks, then proceeded to let Oates walk in free agency after he disappointed in the playoffs. That would have been a high price to pay for a future franchise cog, let alone a six-week rental. Amonte has three years left on his contract, so fans don't have to worry about his being a rental for the stretch run and postseason. But his declining offensive numbers should be a worrisome red flag. Amonte's $6 million salary would have been a bargain if he was still a 40-goal scorer, but he is three seasons removed from that and is slowing down in a hurry. Bill Guerin is a natural comparison to Amonte, as they are both 32-year-old Massachusetts-born right wingers. Guerin's contract isn't a bargain at $9 million a year, but he is a late bloomer while Amonte appears to have played his best hockey in his mid-20s. A return to his old scoring ways would be key for a postseason run for Philadelphia. Amonte had only 13 goals and 23 assists in his 59 games with Phoenix, along with a disappointing minus-12. Amonte was plus-84 for his career coming into this season, and only once before in a full season did he finish with a negative plus-minus, going minus-22 on a bad Blackhawks team in 2000-01. Amonte played well with Jeremy Roenick for Team USA in the World Cup and Olympics, so the Flyers hope a reunion will jumpstart these former Blackhawks linemates offensively. The duo played two-plus seasons together in the Windy City, combining for goals in 1995-96. If John LeClair completes his recovery from a dislocated right shoulder and Simon Gagne comes back from yet another groin injury, the Flyers could be a frightening team in the playoffs. But without those two, even with Amonte now in tow, Philly wouldn't have what it takes to compete with Ottawa, New Jersey and Toronto.
Stars shoot for the sky with pair of acquisitionsThe Dallas Stars also made a bold statement Monday about how serious they are about bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Lone Star State. Stu Barnes and Lyle Odelein aren't going to win any postseason awards, but they are the type of role players needed for depth on a championship team. Barnes has played in 78 career playoff games and netted seven game-winning goals, so his postseason clutch play will be a big addition to the Stars' third or fourth line. Odelein has 84 postseason games under his belt and sports a ring won with the Canadiens in 1993. With Guerin out for the rest of the regular season, Barnes can play the wing on one of the top two lines, if needed. Once Guerin is back for the postseason, Barnes is versatile enough to drop down to be a skilled player on a checking line. Dave Tippett will love having this kind of versatility. Jon A. Dolezar covers the NHL for SI.com.
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