The Canadian Champion, Friday, January 27, 2006 - A19 *5 orts l alchatonsearch.com HRaydar back among AHL's top gunners Recent tear has Admirais' veteran Winger seventh in league scoring By STEVE LeBLANC The Champion Darren Haydar may flot have been named an Amnerican Hockey League ail-star this season, but he's certainly playing like one these days. Currently riding an eight-gamne point streak, the 26-year-old Milwaukee Admirais' assistant captain sits seventh in league scoring. having moved up another notch with a second-period assist in Tuesday's 4-2 homne-ice loss to the Sas Antonio Ramnpage. With 19 goals and 29 assista in 44 gamnes, the offensively-reliable right winger is about to hit the 20-goal and 50-plateau for the fourth straight season since turning pro. And with two-and-a-half months left in the season, he's got an excellent shot at surpassing the 29 goals and 75 points he amnassed during his freshman campaign - which was highlighted with AHL Rookie of the Year honours. -I can't put my finger on just what's going right personally, but we've gotten a few guys back fmmn Nashville recently and that*s really helped the team." remarked Haydar, whose Admirals sit third in the Western Conference at 28-12-3-1. Despite bis ongoing productivity. the tîve- foot-nine-inch, 166-pound Miltonias really has- n't been on the Predators' radar since re-signing to a one-year deal st summer. Even after former Milwaukee teammate Simon Gamnache waa placed on waivers and picked up by the St. Louis Blues in late November, Haydar bas had no dealings with the parent club - which just doesn't seem to, have him in itsplans. "Nashville's got their players, and 1'm not one of tbem," be admitted. -MIere's stdI balf-a-sea- son left and t'd like to think l've still got a Dere H.ydar - mm hem~ I action et the Ricoh Collsoum agmt tMm now romaetd Toroto Roodruanoro lea àblg rs why #» MUwmdts Admiris me .njoyln a sucoosafu Jaumy FR. phtb by GRAI flE >I chance to make their lineup, but I don't know. But then Nashville's domng great right now. It's a tough team to crack." Since a rather quiet stant to the season, Haydar bas gradually been picking up steans and bas 33 points ini 26 garnes since the start of December. TMat's particularly impressive since under line-shuffling-prone head coach Claude Noel, Milton's MIL hopeful tinds himnself playing with different teansmates on ahmost a nightly basis. "Sometimes it changes fromn sh¶ft to shift, but that's the nature of tIs level and you've got to, leamn to adjust," said Haydar, whose teammnates this season include fellow former Milton Merchant Rich Peverley. While flot quite as deep as thetr Calder Cup championship squad of 2003/04, the Admirais have won seven of their last 10 gamnes and look poised to distance thernselves from last year's disappointing playoff run - which ended with a seven-gamne first-round loss to, the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. "We're starting to play a simpler gane and limit our turnovers," Haydar noted. "If we cas continue this we've got a good chance at going far." Milton fans have a couple of opportunities su see the veteran AHELer play close to home in the spring. Haydar and Milwaukee will visit Hamailton's Copps Coliseun March 22 to taike on the Buldoga and will wrap up a late-season Swing thmough Canada March 26, when they battle the Toronto Marlies at the Ricoh Coliseum. e;&Advantoge 0tIler0py Of huSton Specialties: "Manual Therapy " Womnan's Health, Including Post Breast Cancer rehabititation, Pre- and Post-Natal Care, Osteoporosis "Running & Sport Injuries "One Hour Assessments " Thirty Minutes of Hands On Treatment Proven Treatment for: "Post Surgical Rehabilitation "Tendonitis, Sprains and Strains " Neck and Back Pain "Repetitive Strain Injuries "Osteoarthritis Et Osteoporosis "Motor Vehicte Et Work Related Injuries