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The Canadian Chamnpion, Friday, May 3, 2002-B1 * Le.afs dispose of Webb 's Isianders in seven But Milton native makes a big hit in his NHL playoff debut By STEVE LeBLANC The Champion Steve Webb had probably hoped to end his bithday in more upbeat fashion. The Milton native tumed 27 Tuesday and non doubt had thoughts of marking the occa- sion with advancement to the second round as bis New York Isianders headed in gane seven against the hometown Maple Lcafs. But Toronto rallied from an early deficit to prevail 4-2 and win a last-man standing marathon series that was as physically pun- ishing - and as verbally abrasive- as any in recent memory. Nevertheless, New York's veteran right winger bas to be feeling pretty gond about is individual impact against the Leafs. Thriving on hatred from hockey enthusi- asts throughout southem Ontario, Webb helped is Long Island mates match mus- cle with Toronto by Ianding twn dozen hits - including il in gane three, when the momentum began 10 swing in New York's favour. Though an NH-L playoff newcomer with- nut any outside expectation to dling to, thse hard-hitting forward proved 10 lie a key ingredient in the Islanders' respectable though short-lived mun - their first of the post-season in seven years. Without scoring or fighting, Webb grabbed the attention of fans and oppo- nents alike - stealing some of thse spot- light normally reserved for standout marks- men or more well-known disturbers. Not ton shabby for a guy The Sports Forecaster wrote "won't ever play on a reg- ular basis in thse NHL" less than a year ago. That's not exactly an isolated analysis when il comes 10 the 6-font, 208-pounder - who follows John Tonlu as a Milton native wlso went on to play with thse Islanders. He lived and played hockey here until he was 12, wisen is family moved t0 Peterborough, and bas recently bought a home here in thse new Mattamy subdivi- sion. But continued efforts like those delivered over the past two weeks will go a long way toward making him tise kind of beloved enforcer tisaI bas brought fellow Peterborougis Petes alumnnus Tie Domi notoriety and job security in TO. And tisat couldn't come at a better timne for Webb - whose contract with tise Islanders is up tbis spring. But remaining an NHL regular will greatly depend on is success at sidestep- ping a couple of serious liabiities. While Webb bas significantly improved is skat- ing since being picked up by New York six years ago, he continues to be injury-prone and bas a tendency t0 take bad penalties. But tisen wisat hockey bad boy doesn't? Milton native Steve Webb levels Toronto Maple Lest Darcy Tucker with a thunderous check during game six in Long Island Sunday. The 6-toot, 208-pound right winger was aso onl the recelving end of numerous hits during round one, Including this gamne-one $hot (at left) by Wade Belak. Webb has struggled to develop wlth New York in reent years, but a personally- strong showing againat Toronto has boosted his chances of reslgn- ing wIth the Isianders and becom- ing an NHL mainstay. Photos courtesy of The Toronto Star THE MARTIAL ART THAT HAS IT ALL CALL OR VISIT US 310 MAIN ST. 905-878-1074 or 905-632-3100 CLASSES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY ADUJLTS - CHILDREN - MALE - FEMALE FIT TO FIGHT AEROBIC KICK BOXING CLASSES SPALDING. ----Çp---& tIClarke"s Golf www.clarkesgolf.com Fuily stocked Proshop & promotional produets New & Used Equipment.dmlb Repairs done on site 0 Trade Ins Always Welcomed y ' Vet, Windshirta, Golf Shhis, ý Golf Jeweflery, Baa, Rails'I 18 Theimpon Rd, Unit 74k*, Mlitmn EfAIv e. Ojfl kde GOLF 1