Colorado’s Hejduk hoping his hands are back

Originally published on EuroReport.com in 2001

By Lucas Aykroyd

When Milan Hejduk fired home two goals in the opening period of a 30 November clash with the Vancouver Canucks, it must have felt like he’d gotten the Rocky Mountains off his shoulders.

The fourth-year Colorado Avalanche sniper had gone 15 games without scoring, a shocking departure from his pace of the last two seasons, in which he finished with 36 and 41 goals respectively.

“When you aren’t scoring, you hear it from everyone: ‘Why aren’t you scoring?'” said Hejduk. “I didn’t feel good about it at all. It’s tough. But now I’m feeling more relaxed.”

A game against the Canucks was just what the doctor ordered for the 25-year-old Czech winger. Hejduk has put up bigger numbers against Vancouver than any other NHL team, with 16 goals in 21 career meetings.

“I should have taken the puck home after this game,” Hejduk said with a grin. “It was as if I didn’t know how to celebrate anymore! I hope I’m back.”

One theory about Hejduk’s woes is that his line with Joe Sakic and Alex Tanguay has faltered due to facing the opposition’s top checkers night in and night out. But Hejduk won’t make excuses, even considering the absence of Peter Forsberg.

“I think we haven’t driven to the net or put enough pucks on the net,” said Hejduk. “So many times we were just rushing too much. Sometimes when you’re not getting scoring chances you just have to be more patient.”

Of course, it’s been a shock to see the Stanley Cup champions struggling to crack the Western Conference’s top eight in the early going. It’s a far cry from the jubilation Hejduk experienced when he showed the coveted trophy to a crowd of 5,000 back home this summer. But again, Hejduk preaches patience.

“It is tough for us, but it’s still early in the season. We’re not panicking. There are lots of games left. We know we’re a good team and we’ll be better than we’ve showed so far.”

The 5-11, 185-pound native of Usti-Nad Labem is expected to play a key role on the Czech Republic’s Olympic team in Salt Lake City. And it’s natural to suspect that Hejduk is happy with Patrick Roy’s decision not to appear in goal for Team Canada.

Not only does it increase Hejduk’s chances of capturing a second straight Olympic gold medal (he played four games for the Czechs at Nagano in 1998), but it also means the NHL’s all-time leader in wins among goalies will be well-rested when the Avs kick off their drive for another Cup.

“I was kind of surprised, but obviously he’s got his reasons for it, and this is his decision,” said Hejduk. “Everybody’s behind Patrick.”

While Hejduk hasn’t gone into depth about Olympic strategy with the Czech braintrust, coach Josef Augusta and general manager Ivan Hlinka, he’s excited to be going. He was one of the first eight players named to the squad.

“I should have a little different role from what I had in Nagano. I’m looking forward to going there and playing there. I’ll be seeing my friends, and it should be a lot of fun.”

In the meantime, Hejduk will hope that his improved individual play can translate into team success. He’s already accomplished some remarkable feats at a young age.

Hejduk tied for second in playoff scoring with Patrick Elias last year (7-16-23 in 23 games), and he’s tied for fourth with Brett Hull on the list of active players who took the fewest games to score 20 career game-winning goals (202 games, while Joe Nieuwendyk of Dallas leads the way with 160).

It’s that kind of masterful play that inspired a hockey-loving Denver couple to name their dog “Hejduk” recently.

But you have to know Milan won’t be dogging it when the big games are on the line.