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By Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, 9/7/2003 [Boston Globe]

Felix Potvin hasn't played a second of hockey in a Bruins uniform, but
one of his former general managers believes the 32-year-old netminder
will be a very solid fit in his new city.

"I think it's a strong signing," said Vancouver GM Brian Burke. "I think
it gives the Bruins a tandem of guys who -- between [Steve] Shields and
him -- can both start and they can sort it out. I think it creates a
great competition among the goaltenders there. First off, he's a great
kid. He's a very dedicated worker, a very dedicated dad, his work habits
are impeccable, and he played well for us for long stretches."

Potvin's run with the Canucks lasted parts of just two seasons. In
1999-2000, he was dealt to Vancouver from the Islanders after seven-plus
seasons in Toronto. His first year, he was 12-13-7 in 34 games with a
2.59 goals-against average. The next year, he was 14-17-3 in 35 games
with a 3.08 GAA before being dealt to the Kings on Feb. 15, 2001. Potvin
may have celebrated Valentine's Day in what many believe is the most
gorgeous city in North America, but there weren't many valentines coming
his way at the end.

"I don't think the problem with Felix Potvin in Vancouver was Felix's
alone," said Burke. "I think it is a really hard place for goalies. It's
a goalie graveyard here. The crowd loves goalies when they're playing
well and turns on them when they're not, and it's hard to get back out
of that. The crowd turned on Felix and then the clock was ticking and I
had to move him.

"Our team is a lot better now than when Felix played here, but there
were some lapses [on Potvin's part], too. Mike O'Connell did his
homework on this. He talked to me about Felix at length. I gave him my
candid assessment. I do believe Felix can help Boston. He's an upgrade
in terms of his character and personality to any team."

When hockey fans think of tough towns to play in, the obvious ones are
Toronto and Montreal, the equivalent of New York and Boston in baseball.
Burke would argue that Vancouver is worse.

"In my five years, we've used 14 goaltenders here," he said. "So it
surely can't be Felix's fault alone. It's hard here. It's funny because
goalies who play well here are deified. I told Felix when I traded for
him, `You've got to get used to the tightrope here. When you're playing
well, you're a god here in Vancouver and when you're not playing well,
it's a tough place to play.' "

Burke has strong roots in New England and has been a frequent visitor
because his children attend school locally. Because of that, he has a
far better feel for the Bruins than other Western Conference GMs. He
wouldn't say it's a cakewalk by any means, but he believes Potvin can
handle whatever is thrown his way.

"I think the fans in Boston can be as unforgiving as fans anywhere,"
said Burke. "In terms of games I watch, that's my second team. I see
more games in Boston than I do anywhere else. I think fans everywhere
can be as sour as sour can be. But I think the target when we played
poorly in Vancouver was always the goaltender. I do think Felix has
played a lot of good hockey in his career and I think he's got a lot
left. He's still relatively young and avoided major injuries. I do think
it gives Boston a good tandem and a good chance to compete. I'm
impressed with this."