2002–03 NHL season

National Hockey League season March 2012 2002–03 NHL season National Hockey League Ice hockey October 9, 2002 – June 9, 2003 Draft 2002 NHL Entry Draft List of first overall NHL draft picks Rick Nash Columbus Blue Jackets Regular season Presidents' Trophy Ottawa Senators Peter Forsberg (Avalanche) Hart Memorial Trophy Peter Forsberg (Avalanche) Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy Playoffs 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs Stanley Cup 2003 Stanley Cup Finals New Jersey Devils Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Jean-Sebastien Giguere (Mighty Ducks) Conn Smythe Trophy 2003–04 2001–02 82 30 CBC, TSN, RDS (Canada)ESPN, ABC (United States The 2002–03 NHL season was the 86th regular season of the National Hockey League. The Stanley Cup winners were the New Jersey Devils, who won the best of seven series 4–3 against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. 2 League business Entry draft The 2002 NHL entry draft was held on June 22 and 23, 2002 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Rick Nash was selected first overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Rule changes The league approved the following rule changes:https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl-approves-safety-nets-hurry-up-face-offs-1.327297 NHL approves safety nets, hurry-up face-offs CBC.ca October 3, 2002 October 6, 2024 October 7, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102010/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl-approves-safety-nets-hurry-up-face-offs-1.327297 livehttps://www.espn.com/nhl/news/2002/0620/1397196.html Nets to hang at arenas; NHL takes over Sabres Associated Press ESPN June 24, 2002 October 6, 2024 December 3, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241203064513/https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/2002/0620/1397196.html live Following the death of Brittanie Cecil during the previous season, netting at both ends of the rink became mandatory, and the minimum height of the glass around the entire rink was raised to 5 ft m in. "Hurry-up" faceoff and line-change rules were implemented, similar to ones used by the American Hockey League. Except during the final two minutes of a game and after a goal is scored, the visiting team has five seconds to complete a line change during stoppages, and the home team has eight seconds. The linesman will then blow his whistle and drop the puck within five seconds, regardless if one or both teams' centres are lined up at the faceoff dot. If a centre is offside before getting properly lined up by the five seconds, he will get a warning before getting subsequent delay of game penalties. Arena changes The Carolina Hurricanes' home arena, Raleigh Sports and Entertainment Arena, was renamed RBC Center as part of a new naming rights agreement with RBC Bank. The Florida Panthers' home arena, National Car Rental Center, was renamed Office Depot Center as part of a new naming rights agreement with Office Depot. The Montreal Canadiens' home arena, Molson Centre, was renamed Bell Centre as part of a new naming rights agreement with Bell Canada. The San Jose Sharks' home arena, the Compaq Center, was renamed the HP Pavilion, in recognition of Compaq's parent company Hewlett-Packard (HP) retiring the Compaq brand. The Tampa Bay Lightning's home arena, the Ice Palace, was renamed the St. Pete Times Forum as part of a new naming rights agreement with the St. Petersburg Times newspaper. Regular season All-Star Game The All-Star Game was played on February 2, 2003, at Office Depot Center in Sunrise, the home of the Florida Panthers. The game returned to an Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format. Highlights The regular season saw several surprises. The San Jose Sharks, who many felt would be one of the elite teams in the West, stumbled early and badly disassembled much of the team. The two-year-old Minnesota Wild, on the other hand, got out to an early start and held onto their first-ever playoff berth throughout the season, winning coach Jacques Lemaire the Jack Adams Award. The most surprising team was probably the Tampa Bay Lightning, which many had predicted to finish last, winning their first Southeast Division title and making the playoffs for the first time in seven years. The most disappointing teams, other than the Sharks, were the New York Rangers, who finished out of the playoffs again despite bearing the league's leading payroll, and the Carolina Hurricanes, who finished last overall after a surprise run to the Stanley Cup Finals the year before. On January 8, 2003, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Michael Leighton gained a shutout in his NHL debut in a 0–0 tie versus the Phoenix Coyotes. Coyotes goaltender Zac Bierk earned his first career shutout, although it was not his NHL debut. It was the first—and with the abolition of ties two years later, the only—time that two goalies in the same game both earned their first career shutouts.Hockey's Book of Firsts, p.19, James Duplacey, JG Press, 978-1-57215-037-9 At the midpoint of the season, the Canucks led the Western Conference and Ottawa led the East. Vancouver stumbled somewhat over the stretch and lost the Northwest Division title to Colorado and the Western Conference to Dallas. Ottawa continued to dominate, having the best season in franchise history and winning both the Eastern Conference and the Presidents' Trophy. The season was also marred by financial difficulties. Despite their success, the Ottawa Senators were in bankruptcy protection for almost all of 2003, and at one point could not pay the players. Owner Rod Bryden tried a variety of innovative financing strategies, but these all failed and the team was purchased after the season by billionaire Eugene Melnyk. The Buffalo Sabres also entered bankruptcy protection before being bought by New York businessman Tom Golisano. The financial struggles of the Pittsburgh Penguins continued as the team continued to unload its most expensive players. The season was marked by a great number of coaches being fired, from Bob Hartley in Colorado to Darryl Sutter in San Jose and Bryan Trottier of the New York Rangers. Worries over the decline in scoring and the neutral zone trap continued. The season began with an attempted crack down on obstruction and interference, but by the midpoint of the season this effort had petered out. Standings Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime Losses, GF = Goals For, GA = Goals Against, Pts = Points Eastern Conference Western Conference NHL Source: NHL Official Guide and Record Book 2009 2009 NHL 156 McCarthy, Dave Playoffs right|200x200px|2003 Stanley Cup playoffs logo 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs Bracket In each round, teams competed in a best-of-seven series following a 2–2–1–1–1 format (scores in the bracket indicate the number of games won in each best-of-seven series). The team with home ice advantage played at home for games one and two (and games five and seven, if necessary), and the other team played at home for games three and four (and game six, if necessary). The top eight teams in each conference made the playoffs, with the three division winners seeded 1–3 based on regular season record, and the five remaining teams seeded 4–8. The NHL used "re-seeding" instead of a fixed bracket playoff system. During the first three rounds, the highest remaining seed in each conference was matched against the lowest remaining seed, the second-highest remaining seed played the second-lowest remaining seed, and so forth. The higher-seeded team was awarded home ice advantage. The two conference winners then advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, where home ice advantage was awarded to the team that had the better regular season record. Bracket Awards The NHL Awards presentation took place in Toronto. Presidents' Trophy: Ottawa Senators Prince of Wales Trophy: (Eastern Conference playoff champion) New Jersey Devils Clarence S. Campbell Bowl: (Western Conference playoff champion) Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Art Ross Trophy: Peter Forsberg, Colorado Avalanche Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings Calder Memorial Trophy: Barret Jackman, St. Louis Blues Conn Smythe Trophy: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Frank J. Selke Trophy: Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars Hart Memorial Trophy: Peter Forsberg, Colorado Avalanche Jack Adams Award: Jacques Lemaire, Minnesota Wild James Norris Memorial Trophy: Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings King Clancy Memorial Trophy: Brendan Shanahan, Detroit Red Wings Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Alexander Mogilny, Toronto Maple Leafs Lester B. Pearson Award: Markus Naslund, Vancouver Canucks Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy: Milan Hejduk, Colorado Avalanche NHL Foundation Player Award: Darren McCarty, Detroit Red Wings NHL Plus-Minus Award: Peter Forsberg & Milan Hejduk, Colorado Avalanche Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award: Marty Turco, Dallas Stars Vezina Trophy: Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils William M. Jennings Trophy: Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils; Roman Cechmanek and Robert Esche, Philadelphia Flyers All-Star teams First team   Position   Second teamMartin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils GMarty Turco, Dallas StarsAl MacInnis, St. Louis Blues DSergei Gonchar, Washington CapitalsNicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings DDerian Hatcher, Dallas StarsPeter Forsberg, Colorado Avalanche CJoe Thornton, Boston BruinsTodd Bertuzzi, Vancouver Canucks RWMilan Hejduk, Colorado AvalancheMarkus Naslund, Vancouver Canucks LWPaul Kariya, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Player statistics Regular season Scoring leaders Note: GP = Games Played, G = Goals, A = Assists, Pts = Points Player Team GP G A Pts Peter Forsberg Colorado 75 29 77 106 Markus Naslund Vancouver 82 48 56 104 Joe Thornton Boston 77 36 65 101 Milan Hejduk Colorado 82 50 48 98 Todd Bertuzzi Vancouver 82 46 51 97 Pavol Demitra St. Louis 78 36 57 93 Glen Murray Boston 82 44 48 92 Mario Lemieux Pittsburgh 67 28 63 91 Dany Heatley Atlanta 77 41 48 89 Zigmund Palffy Los Angeles 76 37 48 85 Mike Modano Dallas 79 28 57 85 Sergei Fedorov Detroit 80 36 47 83 Source: NHL.Dinger 2011 156 Leading goaltenders Note: GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals against average; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage Player Team GP MIN GA GAA W L T SO SV%Marty Turco Dallas Stars 55 3203 92 1.72 31 10 10 7 .932Roman Cechmanek Philadelphia Flyers 58 3350 102 1.83 33 15 10 6 .925Dwayne Roloson Minnesota Wild 50 2945 98 2.00 23 16 8 4 .927Martin Brodeur New Jersey Devils 73 4374 147 2.02 41 23 9 9 .914Patrick Lalime Ottawa Senators 67 3943 142 2.16 39 20 7 8 .911Patrick Roy Colorado Avalanche 63 3769 137 2.18 35 15 13 5 .920Tomas Vokoun Nashville Predators 69 3974 146 2.20 25 31 11 3 .918Manny Fernandez Minnesota Wild 35 1979 75 2.24 19 13 2 2 .924Ed Belfour Toronto Maple Leafs 62 3737 141 2.26 37 20 5 7 .922Jean-Sebastien Giguere Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 65 3775 145 2.30 34 22 6 8 .920 Playoffs Scoring leaders Note: GP = Games Played, G = Goals, A = Assists, Pts = Points Player Team GP G A Pts Jamie Langenbrunner New Jersey Devils 24 11 7 18 Scott Niedermayer New Jersey Devils 24 2 16 18 Marian Gaborik Minnesota Wild 18 9 8 17 John Madden New Jersey Devils 24 6 10 16 Marian Hossa Ottawa Senators 18 5 11 16 Mike Modano Dallas Stars 12 5 10 15 Jeff Friesen New Jersey Devils 24 10 4 14 Markus Naslund Vancouver Canucks 14 5 9 14 Sergei Zubov Dallas Stars 12 4 10 14 Andrew Brunette Minnesota Wild 18 7 6 13 Wes Walz Minnesota Wild 18 7 6 13 Coaches Eastern Conference Atlanta Thrashers: Curt Fraser, Don Waddell and Bob Hartley Boston Bruins: Robbie Ftorek and Mike O'Connell Buffalo Sabres: Lindy Ruff Carolina Hurricanes: Paul Maurice Florida Panthers: Mike Keenan Montreal Canadiens: Michel Therrien and Claude Julien New Jersey Devils: Pat Burns New York Islanders: Peter Laviolette New York Rangers: Bryan Trottier and Glen Sather Ottawa Senators: Jacques Martin Philadelphia Flyers: Ken Hitchcock Pittsburgh Penguins: Rick Kehoe Tampa Bay Lightning: John Tortorella Toronto Maple Leafs: Pat Quinn Washington Capitals: Bruce Cassidy Western Conference Mighty Ducks of Anaheim: Mike Babcock Calgary Flames: Greg Gilbert, Al MacNeil and Darryl Sutter Chicago Blackhawks: Brian Sutter Colorado Avalanche: Bob Hartley and Tony Granato Columbus Blue Jackets: Dave King and Doug MacLean Dallas Stars: Dave Tippett Detroit Red Wings: Dave Lewis Edmonton Oilers: Craig MacTavish Los Angeles Kings: Andy Murray Minnesota Wild: Jacques Lemaire Nashville Predators: Barry Trotz Phoenix Coyotes: Bobby Francis San Jose Sharks: Darryl Sutter, Cap Raeder and Ron Wilson St. Louis Blues: Joel Quenneville Vancouver Canucks: Marc Crawford Milestones Debuts The following is a list of players of note who played their first NHL game in 2002–03 (listed with their first team): Patrick Sharp, Philadelphia Flyers Martin Gerber, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres Jordan Leopold, Calgary Flames Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets Steve Ott, Dallas Stars Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings Ales Hemsky, Edmonton Oilers Jarret Stoll, Edmonton Oilers Jay Bouwmeester, Florida Panthers Alexander Frolov, Los Angeles Kings Cristobal Huet, Los Angeles Kings Joe Corvo, Los Angeles Kings Mike Cammalleri, Los Angeles Kings Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Minnesota Wild Francois Beauchemin, Montreal Canadiens Anton Volchenkov, Ottawa Senators Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators Ray Emery, Ottawa Senators Dennis Seidenberg, Philadelphia Flyers Jonathan Cheechoo, San Jose Sharks Matt Stajan, Toronto Maple Leafs Last games The following is a list of players of note who played their last NHL game in 2002–03, listed with their team: Player Team NotabilityTom BarrassoGoaltender Tom Barrasso retired after playing 19 NHL... St. Louis Blues 3-time NHL All-Star, Calder Memorial Trophy winner, Vezina Trophy winner, William M. Jennings Trophy winner.Craig Berubehttps://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/craig-berube-named-flyers-head-coach/c-685799 https://web.archive.org/web/20170118225227/https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/craig-berube-named-flyers-head-coach/c-685799 dead January 18, 2017 Craig Berube Named Flyers Head Coach Calgary Flames Over 1000 games played.Pavel Burehttp://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/don-cherry-says-bure-retired-early-because-he-took-chances-1.2336046 Don Cherry says Bure retired early because 'he took chances' September 8, 2016 October 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161001213524/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/don-cherry-says-bure-retired-early-because-he-took-chances-1.2336046 live New York Rangers Olympic silver and bronze medalist, 7-time NHL All-Star, 2-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, Calder Memorial Trophy winner.Sylvain Cotehttp://thirdstringgoalie.blogspot.ca/2014/04/1992-93-washington-capitals-sylvain.html 1992-93 Washington Capitals Sylvain Cote Jersey September 8, 2016 September 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160917034748/http://thirdstringgoalie.blogspot.ca/2014/04/1992-93-washington-capitals-sylvain.html live Washington Capitals Over 1100 games played.Ken Daneykohttps://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/12/sports/hockey-after-3-stanley-cups-devils-daneyko-retires.html HOCKEY; After 3 Stanley Cups, Devils' Daneyko Retires February 18, 2017 December 27, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171227063110/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/12/sports/hockey-after-3-stanley-cups-devils-daneyko-retires.html live New Jersey Devils Bill Masterton Trophy winner, over 1200 games played.Adam Deadmarshhttp://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2005-09-22-deadmarsh-retirement_x.htm Adam Deadmarsh retires from NHL due to concussions September 8, 2016 October 30, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161030002055/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2005-09-22-deadmarsh-retirement_x.htm live Los Angeles Kings Olympic silver medalist.Kevin DineenKevin Dineen confirms retirement CBC Sports 2002-11-06 CBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20201115210629/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/kevin-dineen-confirms-retirement-1.347763 2020-11-15 live http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/kevin-dineen-confirms-retirement-1.347763 Columbus Blue Jackets Over 1100 games played.Theoren FleuryJohnson George https://calgaryherald.com/sports/Fleury+says+knew+over/2044522/story.html Fleury says he 'knew it was over' Calgary Herald 2009-09-28 2009-10-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20091003013959/http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Fleury%2Bsays%2Bknew%2Bover/2044522/story.html October 3, 2009 dead mdy Chicago Blackhawks 7-time NHL All-Star, over 1000 games played.Doug GilmourDoug Gilmour announces retirement CBC Sports 2001-05-12 CBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20201115210523/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/doug-gilmour-announces-retirement-1.277672 2020-11-15 live http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/doug-gilmour-announces-retirement-1.277672 Toronto Maple Leafs 2-time NHL All-Star, Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, over 1400 games played.Adam Graveshttp://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/rangers/2009-02-03-graves_N.htm Rangers retire Adam Graves' No. 9 jersey September 8, 2016 April 28, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150428074814/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/rangers/2009-02-03-graves_N.htm live San Jose Sharks Bill Masterton Trophy winner, King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner, over 1100 games played.Phil HousleyHERE'S WHY IT TOOK SO LONG FOR HOUSLEY TO MAKE HHOF GRADE Toronto Maple Leafs Olympic silver medalist, 7-time NHL All-Star, over 1400 games played.Uwe Krupphttp://www.greatesthockeylegends.com/2016/04/uwe-krupp.html Uwe Krupp April 25, 2017 April 26, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170426153624/http://www.greatesthockeylegends.com/2016/04/uwe-krupp.html live Atlanta Thrashers 2-time NHL All-Star.Kirk MullerMuller returning to Habs as associate coach CBC Sports 2016-06-03 CBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20201115210845/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/kirk-muller-associate-coach-montreal-canadiens-1.3613867 2020-11-15 live http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/kirk-muller-associate-coach-montreal-canadiens-1.3613867 Dallas Stars Over 1300 games played.Shjon PodeinWhere are they now: Shjon Podein St. Louis Blues King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner.Paul Ranheimhttp://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11347 Paul S. Ranheim September 8, 2016 September 16, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160916093835/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11347 live Phoenix Coyotes Over 1000 games played.Mike Richterhttps://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/05/sports/hockey-after-2-concussions-richter-is-forced-to-retire.html HOCKEY; After 2 Concussions, Richter Is Forced to Retire February 18, 2017 July 9, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160709042920/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/05/sports/hockey-after-2-concussions-richter-is-forced-to-retire.html live New York Rangers 2-time NHL All-Star.Patrick RoyROY SAYS HE'S 'COMING HOME' AS NO. 33 JERSEY IS RETIRED AT BELL CENTRE Colorado Avalanche 11-time NHL All-Star, 5-time William M. Jennings Trophy winner, 3-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner, 3-time Vezina Trophy winner, over 1000 games played. 2003 trade deadline 2002–03 NHL transactions Trading deadline: March 11, 2003.NHL trade deadline: Deals since 1980 | Habs Inside/Out https://web.archive.org/web/20090216033716/http://habsinsideout.com/main/3969 February 16, 2009 Here is a list of major trades for the 2002–03 NHL trade deadline: March 11, 2003: Anaheim traded D Mike Commodore and G Jean-Francois Damphousse to Calgary for C Rob Niedermayer. March 11, 2003: Chicago traded D Phil Housley to Toronto for Calgary's fourth-round pick in the 2003 Entry Draft (if acquired) or Toronto's ninth-round pick in 2003 and fourth-round pick in 2004. March 11, 2003 – Chicago Blackhawks trade Steve Thomas to Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for 2003 fifth round draft pick (Alexei Ivanov). March 11, 2003: Edmonton traded RW Anson Carter and D Ales Pisa to NY Rangers for RW Radek Dvorak and D Cory Cross. March 11, 2003: Edmonton traded D Janne Niinimaa and a conditional second-round pick in the 2003 Entry Draft to NY Islanders for LW Brad Isbister and LW Raffi Torres. March 11, 2003: Florida traded RW Valeri Bure and a conditional pick in the 2004 Entry Draft to St. Louis for D Mike Van Ryn. March 11, 2003: Los Angeles traded D Mathieu Schneider to Detroit for C Sean Avery, D Maxim Kuznetsov, Detroit's first-round pick in the 2003 Entry Draft and second-round pick in 2004. March 11, 2003: Los Angeles traded C Bryan Smolinski to Ottawa for the rights to D Tim Gleason and future considerations. March 11, 2003: Montreal traded C Doug Gilmour to Toronto for Toronto's sixth-round pick in the 2003 Entry Draft. March 11, 2003: NY Islanders traded G Chris Osgood and the Islanders' third-round pick in the 2003 Entry Draft to St. Louis for C Justin Papineau and St. Louis' second-round pick in the 2003 Entry Draft. Broadcasting Canada This was the first season of the league's Canadian national broadcast rights deals with CBC and TSN. CBC continued to air Saturday night Hockey Night in Canada regular season games, while TSN's coverage included Wednesday Night Hockey and other selected weeknights. Stanley Cup playoff coverage on cable expanded beyond the first round, with TSN allowed to televise all-U.S. games up to the Conference Finals. CBC still aired all playoff games involving Canadian teams, as well as exclusive coverage of the Stanley Cup Finals. United States This was the fourth year of the league's five-year U.S. national broadcast rights deal with ESPN and ABC. ESPN and ESPN2 aired weeknight games throughout the regular season. ABC's coverage included the All-Star Game and five weeks worth of regional games on Saturday afternoons between January and March. During the first two rounds of the playoffs, ESPN and ESPN2 aired selected games, while ABC had Saturday regional telecasts. Each U.S. team's regional broadcaster produced local coverage of first and second-round games (except for those games on ABC). ABC's weekend telecasts continued into the Conference Finals, while ESPN had the rest of the third-round games. ESPN then aired the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals before the rest of the series shifted to ABC. See also List of Stanley Cup champions 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs 2002 NHL entry draft 2002–03 NHL transactions 53rd National Hockey League All-Star Game NHL All-Star Game NHL All-Rookie Team 2002 in sports 2003 in sports References Dinger Ralph 2011 The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 2012 Dan Diamond & Associates 978-1-894801-22-5 Toronto, ON registration https://archive.org/details/nationalhockeyle0000unse_u6g5 Notes External links Hockey Database NHL Official Website 2002 1 1