| Notebook: Golubovsky waits for chance to play Defenseman, 22, is not an option yet because of the talent ahead of him By Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News |
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| Blues vs. Red Wings When: 7:30 tonight. Where: Joe Louis Arena. TV / radio: Channel 50 / WJR 760 Update: The goalies are hurt, but the Blues continue to hang around and make things difficult for opponents. ... Al MacInnis leads the Blues in goals (seven) and points (12). Pierre Turgeon (10 points) and Pavol Demitra (nine) have started the season well. DETROIT -- He sits there every day, in a far corner of the locker room, dressing and undressing before and after practice. Yan Golubovsky works as hard as any of the Red Wings when the team does its drills, its skating, its weight-room work. He believes the time he spends every afternoon at practice is crucial. "For me, each practice is like a game," said Golubovsky, a defenseman who has yet to appear in a game this season. Golubovsky, 22, spent one weekend at Adirondack of the American Hockey League, shaking off game rust in anticipation of playing with the Red Wings. But he continues to anticipate, and cracking the lineup doesn't look likely any time soon. "It's tough just practicing when you want to play," Golubovsky said. "But this team has so much talent. It's good for me to watch and see how these guys prepare." Associate coach Dave Lewis said Golubovsky's lack of playing time isn't a reflection of his ability, but rather the experienced depth ahead of him. "He still has to beat out some people," Lewis said. "It's good experience for Yan to be here and see how this team goes about its work. It's difficult not playing. But he sees how these guys work on a regular basis, and that's important." Although not playing, Golubovsky said being in the NHL and watching is better than playing consistently in Adirondack. "It's such a different level of play, even in practice," he said. "The speed and strength is so much different. When you go to Adirondack, you notice it quickly. It's better for me to learn up here." Golubovsky said veteran players have encouraged him and told him to remain patient. He takes the encouragement to heart, but the desire to play is strong. "Everybody wants to play," he said. "I just have to wait." Leave a message for Ted Kulfan at (313) 222-4606. Copyright 1998, The Detroit News |