Rising Imports

After years of being abused like a fleet of rented Yugos (Hardy
Astrom, left, was a prime example), European-born goalies such
as Dominik Hasek (above) have taken their places among the NHL's
best. Here are the stats of some pioneers and their stellar
successors.

The First Wave

PLAYER, NHL TEAMS COUNTRY NHL CAREER W L T GOALS-
AGAINST AVE.

Hardy Astrom, Sweden 1977-78 to 17 44 12 3.74
Rangers, Rockies 1980-81

Jiri Crha, Czechoslovakia 1979-80 to 28 27 11 3.97
Maple Leafs 1980-81

Markus Mattsson, Finland 1979-80 to 21 46 14 4.11
Jets, North Stars, 1983-84
Kings

Kari Takko, Finland 1985-86 to 37 71 14 3.90
North Stars, Oilers 1990-91

Sergei Mylnikov, U.S.S.R. 1989-90 1 7 2 4.96
Nordiques

The Latest Wave

Dominik Hasek, Czechoslovakia 1990-91 to 186 130 55 2.29
Blackhawks, Sabres present

Arturs Irbe, Latvia 1991-92 101 124 40 3.14
Sharks, Stars, to present
Canucks, Hurricanes

Mikhail Shtalenkov, Russia 1993-94 to 44 66 14 3.03
Mighty Ducks, Oilers present

Nikolai Khabibulin, Russia 1994-95 to 110 98 26 2.81
Jets, Coyotes present

Tommy Salo, Sweden 1994-95 to 57 85 16 2.79
Islanders present

Stats through Sunday

--David Sabino