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Page 4B SPORTS East Oregonian Saturday, December 9, 2017 Pro Hockey NHL seeing boost in scoring this season By STEPHEN WHYNO Associated Press The nets aren’t bigger, the goaltenders aren’t smaller and yet scoring is up signifi - cantly around the NHL. Through the fi rst two months of the season, goals are up more than 12 percent from the same time a year ago, including a whopping 14 percent increase on the power play and a 38 percent spike in short-handed goals. “That’s what the league wanted,” San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc Edouard- Vlasic said. “The league has done everything in their power to make there more goals out there, and that’s exactly what’s going on.” The uptick can be credited to a concerted crackdown on slashing by issuing more penalties and a league-wide move toward younger and more skilled players. The current pace of 6.01 goals per game would be the highest since 2005-06, when a series of rule changes were put in to open up the game and get more scoring to attract fans. “Teams try to go for it more,” said New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, whose goals- against average is 2.66, nearly 13 percent higher than it was at this point a year ago. “Most teams are trying to go for it, have this fast hockey, leave the zone quickly and it opens it up.” Deputy NHL Commis- sioner Bill Daly said general managers are pleased with the current pace, which has lasted beyond the typical high-scoring October as defenses settle in for the season. Stricter enforcement of slashing was designed to reduce hand and wrist inju- ries, though it has had a posi- tive effect on offense with defenders unable to whack at puck carriers’ sticks in an effort to stop them. “I do think that has created certainly more room for our players to be offensive,” Daly said. “I think over time, clearly since we increased AP Photo/Nick Wass, File In this Dec. 6, 2017, fi le photo, Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, center, of Russia, celebrates his goal with center Nicklas Backstrom (19), of Swe- den, and defenseman Matt Niskanen, right, during the fi rst period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Washington. Through the fi rst two months of the season, goals are up more than 12 percent from the same time a year ago, in- cluding a 14 percent increase on the power play and a 38 percent spike short-handed. the standard for hooking and holding and interference (in 2005-06), slashing has become a way to defend and an effective way to defend, and I think this year it’s a less effective way to defend.” Players have noticed, even if some are frustrated at the varying degrees of what rises to the level of a slashing penalty. Every referee is watching closely. “The last fi ve years, you could do so much more with your stick and probably now lots of players are afraid to use their sticks,” Los Angeles Kings forward Jussi Jokinen said. “I think everybody wants to see more goals, so scoring being up, I think it’s good.” Everyone except maybe the goaltenders may think so, but it’s not like they’ve been terrible. Four goalies who have played at least 20 games have a save percentage of .930 or higher. “The goaltenders, they haven’t been any better than they are right now and some of them are still getting lit up pretty good,” said Wash- ington Capitals coach Barry Trotz, who has the league’s leading goal-scorer in Alex Ovechkin. Certainly the emphasis on slashing has helped players such as Ovechkin, Calgary’s Johnny Gaudreau and New York Islanders star John Tavares, who can do wonders with even a few extra inches of space. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Josh Anderson, who scored 10 goals in his fi rst 15 games, said slashing is on everyone’s mind and “guys are not getting (their sticks) up into the hands as much as they used to.” Slashing and otherwise, there have been 173 more power plays than last season and teams are converting on 19.7 percent of them. Almost half the league is at or above 20 percent. The massive increase in short- handed goals has a lot to do with aggressive penalty kills stocked with offen- sive-minded players more likely to score. “That’s one more thing that the power play has to worry about,” Capitals winger T.J. Oshie said. “Now they don’t just have to worry about scoring goals. They have to worry about their turnovers, what plays they make, how risky they want to get because there is that chance if it goes the other way and it’s a 2-on-1, it could end up in the back of your net.” Los Angeles coach John Stevens said teams are in “attack mode” all the time now, and Trotz estimates that he spends three-quarters of time trying to fi gure out how to score more. But risk is also inherent in the NHL getting younger and featuring so many rookie scorers such as Arizona’s Clayton Keller, Chicago’s Alex DeBrincat and Vancouver’s Brock Boeser. The average age of an NHL player is 27 and Daly said the number has dropped over the past several years. He said more scoring is a byproduct as junior hockey and college programs get better at making players NHL-ready sooner. Team composition has also changed. There are fewer journeyman faceoff specialists and grinders, and more players kept for speed and skill. “Just the mold of all teams is kind of changing: They’re going for smaller, skilled guys rather than guys who are two-way forwards and stuff like that,” said Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, who is all of 27. “These young kids have unbelievable skill, too. It’s kind of crazy how much skill. They have things they grew up getting taught how to do those things, which we didn’t have access to when we were kids.” For all the offense so far, there are those who don’t expect it to keep happening. Goals were up through October last season and the NHL fi nished averaging 5.54 per game. DeBoer said teams often tighten their systems and structure after Christmas, making it more diffi cult to score. “I think it’s still early to say,” Blackhawks winger Richard Panik said. “The game is going to get tighter. It always does before play- offs.” Andy Nelson/The Register-Guard via AP In this July 31, 2017, photo, Oregon offensive coordina- tor Mario Cristobal gestures during practice in Eugene. CRISTOBAL: Held interim tag for three days Continued from 1B NBC Sports Northwest was fi rst to report Oregon had decided to promote Cristobal. Cristobal also released a statement saying he was honored to be named head coach. “The rich tradition combined with the incred- ible wave of momentum that has been created throughout the season and the recruiting process is something we believe will be unstoppable, and this will lead us to fulfi ll the great expectations of our great university and our fan base,” he said. He addressed the team in the early afternoon. “We’re just happy to fi nally have a coach and have a guy we all love,” Ducks safety Brady Breeze told reporters afterward. “I don’t think there’s a guy on the team that doesn’t like coach Cristobal, and just his knowledge of the game and the way he approaches all of us individually.” That Cristobal’s “interim” tag was only in place for three days shows the enthusiasm the program has for him. Dozens of players signed a petition backing him as head coach. Some players voiced support by using the hashtag #cristobALLIN on social media. Left tackle Tyrell Crosby tweeted Thursday night that more than 70 players had signed the petition. “We are all fi ghting so hard for him to be HC, because we all know he’d fi ght just as hard for us.” Crosby wrote. When Oregon hired Taggart to replace Mark Helfrich, he was the fi rst Oregon coach to come from outside the staff in more than four decades. Losing Taggart, the Florida native, after less than a year meant another coaching search, but this time the Ducks stayed in-house. Oregon went 7-5 this season, including 1-4 in games without starting quarterback Justin Herbert, who missed time with a broken collarbone. The Ducks face Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 16. The Ducks had also been doing well on the recruiting trail under Taggart and the hope is promoting Cristobal can help Oregon keep a promising class of high school commitments together. The Ducks wanted to name a successor quickly because of the early signing period, which begins Dec. 20. Oregon is set to host a group of recruits this weekend. EASTERN OREGON marketplace Place classified ads online at www.eastoregonmarketplace.com or call 1-800-962-2819 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, leave a voicemail and we’ll confirm your ad the next business day. Email us at classifieds@ east oregonian.com or fax: 541-278-2680 East Oregonian Deadline is 3 p.m. the day before publication 211 S.E. Byers Ave. 333 E. Main St. We accept: Pendleton, OR 97801 Hermiston, OR 97838 See www.eastoregonmarketplace.com for classified ads from all over Eastern Oregon 104 Special Notices 110 Announcements CLASSIFIED LINE AD DEADLINES East Oregonian 3pm the day prior to publication Hermiston Herald 10am Tuesday 1-800-962-2819 classifieds@eastoregonian.com 107 Public Notices PUBLIC AUCTION EZ Mini Storage 2315 Hwy. 395 S. Hermiston, OR 97838 Deanna Hendricks/ Andrew Kauffman J-27 166 Good Things to Eat Davis Orchards Fruit Stand 9am-5pm Closed Saturday All Apples & Pears. 53285 Appleton Road Milton Freewater, Oregon 541-938-7093 184 Personals Sale on site, 11AM December 18, 2017 Please call ahead to confirm 541-567-1003 classifieds@eastoregonian.com You can find your dream home... 204 Automobiles Check out our real estate listings in the classifieds! Contact Dayle or Grace at 1-800-962-2819 to place your classified ad! The Arlington School District will be holding a Sealed Bid Auction for a 2016 Dodge RAM 2500 Tradesmen, blue, 4 door, 4 x 4, tow package with approx.. 15,000 miles. There is a minimum bid of $35,000. Limited Availability. Sealed bids will be accepted at the Arlington High School office at 1200 Main Street in Arlington Oregon or mail to ASD-Attention Bids, PO Box 10, Arlington, OR 97812. If mailing in your bid please make sure the bid is sealed. The deadline for bids is De- cember 14, 2017 at 12:00 pm at this time the bids will be opened, in the AHS library and the high bidder will be announced. For more details, contact AHS at 541-454-2632 CLASSIFIEDS WORK! Find your new home in Classifieds 110 Announcements VuPoint Research is conduct- ing a research project. Must be a homeowner. Pendleton area. You will receive $75 if you par- ticipate. Contact Samantha at 503-977-6751 / email samantha. johnson@vupointresearch.com 360 Garage Sales 504 Homes for Sale 504 Homes for Sale 504 Homes for Sale Mother in law moved into assist- ed living- everything must go. 2 beds with frames, pottery wheel, dishes, misc. household items, large craft table, rocking chair, washer/ dryer, China set. Call with questions. 541-377-1986 15 SE 11th Street #22 Pendleton. Sunday December 10 9am-3pm Call the “Weekend & After Hours Realtor” to view homes at a con- venient time for you. Available on Short Notice, Special Financ- ing Program Information! Call Matt Vogler, 541.377.9470 John J. Howard & Assoc. (541) 377-9470 NEW LISTING 5.2 acres of mountain property 3 b/r 2 bath manufactured home with de- tached garage and large shop. Year round living. Secluded. $212,900 Call Cathy for more info (541) 215-0103. Garton & Associates (541) 276-0931 $142,000- 1160 +/- sq.ft. 3 bed- room 1 bath on one level. Newer siding, roof and many other up- dates. Call 541-379-7802. Garton & Associates (541) 276-0931 Clothing, furniture, Christmas decorations, lots of bikes and bins of knick-knacks. Clothing will be 5 items for $1.00. Furni- ture priced as marked and bins of knick-knacks are you name the price. 500 Harper Road Hermiston Saturday December 9 8:30am - 11:30am Sale will be inside if it rains. 501 Open Houses DOWNUNDER???????!!?? Sign up for your Tour to Aus- tralia in April 2018. This will be your trip of a lifetime. The tour is made to fit the group! Referenc- es available! Call Kerry 541-377- 6855 or email your questions to kjcbaird@gmail.com Turn Here Realty 541-377-6855 YOUR DREAM HOME is right here in the Classifieds! Check our real estate listings. 504 Homes for Sale 3 bed, 1 bath, attached garage, patio, fenced yard. Cute home waiting for you. $143,500. Call Cathy for more info 541-215-0103 Garton & Associates (541) 276-0931 $96,950- 3 bed, 2.5 bath home in Weston. Great starter home for families or couple. Basement has 1 bedroom and 1/2 bath, plus lots of storage. Call Jerry 541-969-6378 cell. #16641934 Coldwell Banker Whitney 541-276-0021 $149,900- 3bed, 2+ bath home w/ hardwood floors, fireplace with gas insert. Updated kitch- en: granite, stainless applianc- es. Gas HVAC. Large covered patio, single garage. Vicki 541- 969-9441 cell. #17653169 Coldwell Banker Whitney 541-276-0021 $177,900- 3 bed, 2 bath w/ master suite, new master bath- room. Deck, dog kennel, play structure. Updates include roof, HVAC, windows, exterior doors, garage door, electrical. Jef 541- 969-9539 cell. #17688085 Coldwell Banker Whitney 541-276-0021 How Much is your Home Worth? Call Matt Vogler, The Week- end and After Hours Realtor, for a free Market Analysis. 541.377.9470. More Listings needed to meet current buyer demand! John J. Howard & Assoc. (541) 377-9470 Pendleton - $105,900- NEW! Sherwood Sweetie!! Great 1st home or rental! 2 bedroom on one level. F/A heat. Covered patio.Storage shed for those ex- tras! MLS#16530010 CALL: MARGE LAPP Pendleton Southgate Realty (541) 276-1957 $69,900- PILOT ROCK BUNGA- LOW. New flooring, carpet, inte- rior paint. Some new windows, new hot water tank. Newer metal roof. Seller licensed Broker in Oregon. Marsha 541-377-5152 cell. #17395833 Coldwell Banker Whitney 541-276-0021 $125,000- 4 bedroom, 2 bath home w/ vaulted ceilings, open floor plan. 1 car garage with extra space. Lots of parking. A pond, hot tub, sheds, ken- nel. Dawn 541-310-9563 cell. #17337579 Coldwell Banker Whitney 541-276-0021 $89,000 –Ukiah two bedroom, 2 baths. 1848 Sq Ft. Could be 4 bed. Detached shop. Large lot. Valley/Mountain view. Priced to sell quickly. MLS# 17233330 Rocky Mikesell Blue Jeans Realty “Our office is wherever you are” 541-379-8690 Only $79,900-.CHURCH for home or business---Make this one your own special place--currently used as home --Cathedral ceilings in the Great Room, Kitchen, bedrooms, bo- nus rooms.... #17615728 Water St Weston. Turn Here Realty & Travel 541-377-6855 Pendleton - $149,900- Invest in the West! Triplex! Well estab- lished Two 1 bedroom units & One 2-3 possible bedrooms on large main floor. Small deck. Private yard w/garden area & patio. Off street parking. MLS# 15428504 Call Marge Lapp Pendleton Southgate Realty (541) 276-1957 REDUCED- $210,000 – 2,326 Mfg Home on 1.28 Acres in Pilot Rock. Large 3 Bay Shop/Hay Shed/Tack Room. Corrals and more. Plenty of room on this property. MLS# 17435209 Rocky Mikesell Blue Jeans Realty “Our office is wherever you are” 541-379-8690 check out the employment Classifieds today! CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS! $175,000 - Ukiah 3 Bed 2 Bath Home. Very nice throughout. 210x100 Lot. Detached garage. Garden area. Fenced Yard. Vinyl Siding. Very nice home. MLS# 17230137 Rocky Mikesell Blue Jeans Realty “Our office is wherever you are” 541-379-8690 $125,000- Ukiah/ Country living set in the mountains. Remod- eled cabin like home. Large deck to enjoy the views and wildlife w/ large yard, large shop. Carolyn 541-786-0822 cell. #17660017 Coldwell Banker Whitney 541-276-0021 Almost New...2014 Stick built beautiful home backing onto open field in Pilot Rock-high ceil- ings, lovely cabinetry, kitchen island, 3 Bed 2 bath $169,500. #17450356. Call 541 377 6855 or drop by the office- TURN HERE REALTY --Court Ave--- 541-377-6855 Elk Meadows Holiday Sale 15% off Sale 10-13 acre sites starting now at $109,650 including power and water. Easy commute to La Grande or Pendleton. Meacham Rocky Mikesell Blue Jeans Realty “Our office is wherever you are” 541-379-8690 GET A JOB...