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Defenseman overcomes tough rookie year

By Brian A. Shactman
ESPN.com

Friday, February 23, 2001

Paul Coffey might be gone, but he hasn't been forgotten by Carolina defenseman David Tanabe. Last season, Tanabe entered the league as a wide-eyed rookie. But his 31-game stint was more than an introduction to the NHL. It was an indoctrination to being an offensive defenseman, as well as a tremendously humbling experience. And although Coffey's skills had diminished – especially on the defensive end – he was the master teacher. "He was amazing," said Tanabe, 20, of the now-departed C ...

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