Therien to clear Hawks crease

[Pointman]

Hawks have acquired one of the strongest CPHL blueliners Chris Therien form Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Ruslan Salei.

“Hawks defense obviously lacked size”, said Hawks GM Pointman. “And this in particular led us to goaltending woes. We didn’t have a guy, who could clear the front of the net and let goalie see the shot. Hawks are probably the only team in CPHL, whose goaltender never ever won one of three stars. Now we have a guy, who will clear the crease and handle opposition’s big forwards. He also has very good discipline for #1 Dman and after all Hawks added one more 72 OV guy.”

Ruslan Salei is very good blueliner himself, but clearly couldn’t fit into Hawks line-up. He posted terrible –7 in 7 games and led the team in penalty minutes despite playing only 7 games of 15.

“Ruslan is very good dman, who clearly needed a change of scenery”, commented Hawks GM.

[Nehkara]

Associated Press

PHOENIX -- This morning Phoenix Coyotes GM Eric Olson held a short press conference to announce the acquisition of Ruslan Salei in exchange for Chris Therien. Therien had proved rather unreliable when given significant ice time and was considered the team's 5th defenseman. Salei brings in similar defensive abilities to Therien and a much better offensive potential, and the ability to play a lot of minutes. Also, Salei has a mean streak which is sorely lacking on the Coyotes and is sometimes needed to punish teams that are taking advantage of the Coyotes' star players.

The move also saves the Coyotes' a small amount of salary, and Salei is 3 years younger than Therien. Overall, a smart move by the Desert Dogs.

[Pointman]

It turned out to be a good example of how lateral trade can turn the team around. Actually, lateral trade can make BOTH teams better and I hope Salei made an impact in Phoenix.

With dominating presence of muscleman Therien, Hawks limited mighty Oilers and Senators to 2 goals each in back-to-back nights. It was great achievement coz Hawks allowed more than 2 goals in all but one game this season. Chris Therien posted amazing +2 and 2 points in 3 games against contenders Thrashers, Oilers and Senators. With Therien clearing the crease, Hawks goalies now can see incoming shots, thus improving saving percentage from .869 without Therien to .910 with Therien. Team’s GAA is 3,8 without Therien and 2,6 with him.

Hawks GM Pointman said, that Therien is as valuable for Hawks as Radek Martinek for Panthers. It should be said, that Hawks GM has deep respect for Martinek especially after Martinek’s shocking +3 in 3-4 loss a week ago, which is likely CPHL record.