Bernie Geoffrion

It was once the most thrilling—and for goalies the most menacing—play in the game. But in today's high-octane NHL, there's rarely enough time or space for the ballyhooed blast from the past

AT FIRST, Bernie (Boom Boom) Geoffrion's nickname was not an entirely complimentary reference to his slap shot, a novelty he helped popularize in the NHL. Bestowed on him by a sportswriter when young Bernard played...

THE ODD WAR

•Dave Green, Cincinnati Bengals' punter, quoting his mother: "Your average would be better if you didn't have to kick to the cemetery corner."

This time it is in appreciation of a joyous new Ice Age in Atlanta, where the expansion Flames are off and blazing and the neophyte fans are up and cheering