Hockey
Monday Ice Water Cooler…
It is indeed the week before training camp, well for a few teams anyway. Most teams start around the 20th or so but hey that is just twelve short days away. So what am I doing you may ask? Quite a bit! Here is what is on tap for this morning…as it fades into the afternoon.
The Pominville talk has heated up a bit again….and the numbers again being suggested are in the 5-6 million dollar range. Now is Pominville ultimately going to sign in the near future? I do not know. Is the dollar range believable? Now that I can confirm to be true as it has been mentioned in the past by several reliable sources. Buffalo must take a more aggressive approach in keeping its free agents and now is the time to do it!
So it has become obvious that the Los Angeles Kings do not need to trade for Mr. Khabibulin to get above the salary floor. So with one less dance partner, where will Khabibulin go? I am surprised that Chicago hasn’t explored the KHL option or maybe they have and basically Khabibulin said no way in hell. The problem is with Khabibulin is there is only one year left on his contract, and his age (35) is an issue as well. This is a goalie that has had a very strange career. Keep in mind, that between late 1999 and early 2001, he was out of the NHL. The numbers are not bad at all but the last three years have not been so great obviously (something about a big contract bust). He could probably use a change in scenery but Chicago just has to find the right dance partner. Those dance partners are few and far between right now.
That Toronto Center is still in the news as teams are getting ready to move on without that old captain guy. Montreal, Vancouver, New York Rangers and more appear to be poised to make other moves as it gets closer to training camp. Montreal may even bring in a guy like Brendan Shanahan, Vancouver was looking at a trade for Mathieu Schneider, and the Rangers were exploring several options including maybe Glen Murray. Nothing can be confirmed but one thing is apparent, teams have had enough of waiting. They are getting downright impatient now.
Enjoy your Monday folks and don’t forget your hockey pucks!
Happy Labor Day To The Readers….
This has been in the works for awhile and I know this post will be shorter than usual but the podcast on BlogTalkRadio is going to be launching a spinoff (an actual fantasy hockey show) for the masses.
Here is more on it and some ideas we have….more to come as I get the info.
Now of course every fantasy show has to have informative segments. It is a natural staple to any and all fantasy hockey fans out there. That is prevalently obvious. How to get to that point is a bigger question and what to come up with that will satiate that person is even more difficult. This may be the easiest time of the year to a point because most drafts have not started yet (thank you Yahoo for your unscheduled screw up).
So far this is what I have come up with on a preliminary scale. Things are always subject to change but these are some of the concepts that I have well, for a lack of a better word, brainstormed.
- Sinkers, Floaters, And Risers
- Drafting Do’s And Don’ts
- Ask The Experts
- Trade Rumors (they impact fantasy too)
- Rapid Fire
I am sure there will be more as the season approaches. Thanks to my partners in crime for the ideas that have been floated about. Now of course we are going to need a title, logo, and theme song for the new show but this can be done in very short order.
So stay tuned fantasy hockey fans, a show will be coming very soon to help the masses in all things fantasy. Be patient!
When In Pain….There Is Always Hockey.
Sadly, the writer of the blog is day to day with a high ankle sprain. Why would this be hockey worthy? Well only because he was playing hockey on a basketball court that really isn’t meant for hockey naturally. I now do understand why they say hockey is not meant to be played in the desert.
In what was a normal play where I was just playing the Right Winger coming up the side, I simply hit a gap on the court surface and my ankle naturally went several ways it wasn’t supposed to. Amazingly, I did not go down though I probably should have in order to draw a penalty. Technically, the opposing player did have his stick between my legs….I could have drawn an obstruction penalty maybe. Then again, I am not Sean Avery. I will admit I play the game honest and with pride.
Gamely, I played on. In retrospect, I probably shouldn’t have. I popped my sneaker off when I got home only to find my ankle looked like a small grapefruit. Fortunately spraying it with air compressor freezing spray works pretty well until you can put ice on an injury…who knew? The best part of playing hockey almost your whole life is you learn these little tricks of the trade to get by when you know you have an injury that by all rights should be far more serious. Call it luck or whatever you will….I will not be able to walk too good for several days but this could have been far worse. Whew!
So why does it take professional hockey players so long to come back from these injuries? Because well their body is a like a finely tuned machine for one. I am not in the hockey shape that I once was and I probably will never be again. But I am used to these things happening because my ankles are not the greatest. So they do ironically heal faster than say a Sidney Crosby. Something that may keep him out six weeks might only keep me out six days because I don’t have to perform at as high of a level. While players now have state of the art methods to keep them in tip=top conditions, I don’t. In some ways not having those options available may be the best thing honestly.
Now that sounds crazy but it really is true. I can take my time, heal the injury, and go on my normal business. I still think all these treatments and things only exacerbate the waiting for a player. Now these are multi-million dollar investments and naturally the risk of injury is great. So these teams do have to baby these players while you and me, well we just get an ace bandage, some ice, and rest…then we suit up the next week like nothing happened in most cases.
So while I recuperate nicely in my air conditioned house, I will think some more about how lucky I am to be able to play the sport I love and not worry about being waited on hand and foot by trainers and worse. Maybe a bad ankle really is the least of my worries and maybe I should worry about hockey more. Ah, I can feel the pain displacement helping already!
Toss Me Another Cold One!!
How can some keep throwing rumors out there on a dartboard if they are not even worth the paper they are printed on. Too many times in the rush to get the story out…the homework never gets done! It is a lot like a person who goes to take a multiple choice test and thinks they passed it because they finished the test so fast. They later find out that they tanked it and wonder why.
I get so sick of hearing the same BS, garbage rumors on a daily basis. Now I do understand it is late August and training camp is weeks away…but let’s try to come up with something a little more original here. This isn’t too difficult. Do a little research, think outside the box, and before you know it there is a nice neat post that goes up on your site. Just like that!
Anyone else think a team like Anaheim got hosed by Versus? Maybe just a little. How can a team like Minnesota get on Versus 8 times to Anaheim’s 1? Maybe the folks at the channel got out their space-time continuum matrix and figured out the best thing is to show Anaheim Vs. Buffalo so they can cover the Miller Brothers for 2 1/2 hours. Next time would it be so hard to ask for them to get an Anaheim-San Jose matchup? Come on Gary, next time….try harder! Cup winners should get a little love even if you hate their style…hell we know Detroit does. What makes this a little more of a gray issue is that Bettman has brought teams into markets that were considered a little off the beaten hockey paths and yet most of the same hockey markets are still catered to…go figure!
So as I chug down yet another beer in this early part of a Saturday…I think to myself for as good as the game is….it sure could be improved some more. Maybe another drink will make it that much more clear for me and maybe it won’t. One thing is for sure, the NHL has come quite a ways since the lockout but it has an even tougher road ahead before it can compete with the other three professional sports. Now I will take that next drink…thanks!
Monday Ice Water Cooler
Sorry about the lateness and the brevity of this post. But it is time for the Monday Ice Water Cooler. This week the introduction of Point/Counterpoint has debuted. Also, with our surprise for Hockey Around The Horn and our new primetime slot on the podcast (7 pm PT)…it is going to be an interesting week. Hell if I had money on it, but sadly I don’t, I would be willing to say as the season approaches, we will have much more to wet your appetite.
Also, a special thanks goes out to the fine folks at The Sports Bar. The duo from Southern California runs a hell of a show twice a week. You can catch them on Sunday evenings around 6 or 7 pm PT. The poor guys put up with me as I was trying to frantically get home yesterday from a BBQ. The segment that I was on for was well done and they are a good listen for those who want a sports view that is never dull.
Some news on the Joe Sakic front finally….funny this always comes out the day I say something to the effect that it is dead silent. Thanks to Sportsnet, we have some more word with Captain Joe. The decision is supposed to come in the next few weeks. Personally I still think he is going to give it one last kick in the can as honestly, do you really think he is going to go out the way he did last year? I sure as hell do not think so!
It has been a slow last week or so but do not worry as it will be ramping up as the weeks go by. Next Sunday, we will have a special interview with Doug Stolhand from Puck Podcast. I am sure there are various things we will all learn on the art of podcasting and the sport of hockey as to how the two relate. It will be an interesting interview that I highly look forward to.
Finally, I want to see what materializes this week in the hockey world because in all honesty….it can’t be any slower than it was last week or can it?
So Many Things…So Little Time.
This will be quick but it needs to be said. I have had enough with all the Mats Sundin talk!!!!!!
Just do us a favor Mats….either stay quiet in Sweden and play there or try and sign with someone already. Now why do I say this? It is simple….if there was a way on not how to handle this….Sundin would get a perfect 10 from this judge.
Sundin’s agent, JP Barrie is like the equivalent of The Music Man. Does anyone really believe all these teams are interested and for that matter, can afford Mats Sundin’s services? I sure as hell don’t think so! If that was indeed the case, he would have signed with someone by now or he would be closer to a decision that he has apparently made but will not divulge. Does that seem weird to you? It sure does to me!!
So to make this quick and simple….I do have a message for Mats….if you do have that decision all ready like some sources in Sweden claim you do….then do the world a favor……let us know! Because if you had half the class of a man like Joe Sakic, you would have kept a little more quiet.
That’s my take!
Manic Monday….
The budget apparently didn’t allow for a picture this afternoon sadly or maybe that was the hangover. I can not confirm that for 100% certainty. However, it would not hurt to recycle a video….so here goes…….
This is basically a thanks to my co-host Rick who did a fantastic job!
For those who didn’t get to listen on in last night….you can either check out the player on the right side of the blog or go right to Blog Talk Radio. Last night we talked a considerable amount on overspending on free agents, Sundin and Sakic, and of course the brewing mess that is the Radulov saga. We also touched on the lighter side of being a hockey fan, ranted about the Brodeur-Nabokov debate and Rick even managed to set Tampa Bay on fire…well not literally.
In the end, we closed up with comments from our chatters, emails, and some phone calls. The show closed with a simple goodbye and a look ahead to next week’s two hour show. That and the ant marching band sent us off. Stupendous job by everyone that was involved and next time don’t be so shy.
Now are there are going to be any more arbitration hearings? For thse of you who didn’t hear just yet. Jay Bouwmeester got a 1 year deal from Florida today…so scratch his name off the list. Yes many thought, including me, that his case would go to arbitration for sure but of course when you assume….yes you know what happens. So the trade speculation maybe can start in January instead of right after the hearing. Isn’t that nice?
Next up is Vermette…that is IF it goes that far. I am wondering if he gets a deal from Ottawa now at the eleventh hour. At this point, it would not surprise me in the least. I am officially putting out this question for Danada so he can comment on it here….what will it ultimately take for Vermette to sign and why?
After these arbitration hearings, if there are any more…I haven’t heard the latest from Filppula and Koistinen but they may be signed soon enough too for all I know….I am sure everyone will turn their eyes back to the Sundin and Sakic sagas….and the Radulov issue again. Hockey, like many sports, is cyclical in nature and often the longer something lingers….the more it gets exposed and disected to the point where you just want to hack up the next reporter that brings it up. Scary? But that is how it can get at times.
With the dog days in full force, it is seemingly hard to find a story or something to write on but really in all honestly, it isn’t. Just dig a little deeper than the next person and you will be surprised what you find. Stay cool out there and enjoy the rest of your Monday!!
Hockey Around The Horn Episode 10
Greetings everyone…it is time once again for Hockey Around The Horn!!!!!!!!!
As your host I simply wanted to thank all four panelists for their participation. Now let’s see what happens.
Today we have a Devils fan, Rangers fan, Philly fan, and Edmonton fan. Please don’t do the which one of these does not belong thing….pretty please?
Now because it is really hot out….let’s get right to those questions……
Icebreaker
Considerable attention has been given to the Lightning this off season with all the moves they made, what move will have the most immediate impact in Tampa Bay?
I firmly believe that the biggest move the Tampa Bay Lightning made was bringing in Barry Melrose to be their head coach. Yes, he’s been away from coaching for 13 years, but this guy has been paying close attention to the game and the ins and outs of the league. I believe he knows the NHL better now than if he was coaching all these years. He was at ESPN as a hockey analyst. One of my fellow hockey fans at ArmchairGM mentioned this to me and he made a good point. He said Melrose got the shaft in Los Angeles. I tend to agree. He continued to explain that after Melrose took over the Kings and got them to the conference finals in his first season, his team was weak in goal with Kelly Stauber and that despite having one of the highest scoring teams in the NHL, they didn’t get as far as they did in 1993. Then Kings fans may remember Wayne Gretzky bolting for St. Louis in early 1996 and Melrose later wound up at ESPN. Based on my observation, Melrose is a no nonsense coach, but also is a player’s coach. If you give him your maximum effort, you’ll be rewarded. So I think how he coaches this revamped roster will be under a microscope and how he fares with it will have the biggest impact when it is all said and done. — cityhockeyfever
Drafting Stamkos 1st overall because he will be a mainstay in the lineup and compliment St. Louis and Lecavalier for many years. Secondary scoring is very crucial in todays NHL and Stamkos is such a versatile player he can fill many roles and play with alot of different types of players and that is something that is very valuable to a team.
– Devrickus
The “Mullet Day” promotion. Seriously, I think Tampa has enough talent to make the post-season, I just don’t think they have any balance and overpaid for too many guys. I think they are not going to make the playoffs because they have no ‘D’ and Kolzig is not good enough anymore to overcome that. — CraigSimpson
Radim Vrbata will be an impact player for the Bolts next year. He’s got some serious skills that are underrated. All the offseason attention is on Stamkos, Lecavalier and the new owners, but Vrbata is going to be a good player.
–Realdeal
News of the Week
1. With Radulov signing to play in Russia what measures should the Board of Governors take to prevent more of the NHL stars from going and playing overseas?
With a peace agreement between the NHL and Russia, it’s a better situation right now than it was just days ago. The NHL Board of Governors has got to make sure there is an amendment in place where any violations of a legally binding NHL contracts are dealt with swiftly. Players like Alexander Radulov should be suspended indefinitely for violating that contract, period. The problem is, I cannot say what specific measures should be taken yet outside of suspensions until there is a formal transfer agreement in place. — cityhockeyfever
The NHL board of governors need to put a stop to this and quick, otherwise you will see a huge drop-off in talent coming in from overseas for a host of different reasons. A) NHL teams wont draft players from overseas and cool.gif Some of the talent will stay overseas and it will hurt the overall competitiveness of the league. As for measures they can take, it seems logical to work something out with KHL (which I thought was already done) but more importantly these players need to honor their contracts. — Devrickus
I don’t think the Board of Governors can do much about it, other than come to a transfer agreement with the Russian league. The reality is, older European or Russian stars that just aren’t worth the big money or long term deal they want will definitely see Russia as an option. I still don’t think too many young guys will be going, and very rarely will you see a North American star player go over there. They’ll take guys like Yashin and Emery, but nobody really wants them here anyway. Radulov is really the only guy that’s gone over there that’s worth something. You can argue Jagr, but he’s a shell of the player he once was and he’s not worth the dough for three years that he wants. — CraigSimpson
I don’t think that they can prevent them from playing overseas if they have no contract. What they can do is, let the players know that this league is the biggest and best in the world, and the only one that you can win the Stanley Cup in.
–Realdeal
2. Gary Bettman recently had to step in to try and put a stop to the long running feud between Brian Burke and Kevin Lowe, did he act right in doing so or should he had let it play itself out?
This is really such an embarrassing drama between bickering hockey executives. I mean really, Brian Burke got all hot and steamed for Kevin Lowe legally signing Dustin Penner to an offer sheet that was under the guidelines of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and Lowe later called Anaheim a pathetic hockey market? Give me a break. Gary Bettman asking them to quit the public feud is fine, but something has to give here. Either Burke and Lowe shut up or they should get fined for feeding the media their wet appetite for more drama like a daytime soap opera. — cityhockeyfever
I am always against airing dirty laundry so as much as I hate to admit Gary made the correct move. Nothing good is going to come from 2 well-known GM’s going at each others throats in the public eye. It makes their organizations look bad as well as the league as a whole. — Devrickus
I’ve said it before, probably too much, but I thought the League bungled this whole affair completely. Burke fired salvo after salvo for a year and they never tried to muzzle him. Lowe finally chimes in after being prodded by a radio host and finally responds to all the crap Burke has been spewing and then they issue the decree to shut up. Why didn’t they tell Burke a year ago to shut it if they didn’t like this kind of banter? Lowe never would have had to respond and Burke would have been fined several times if he didn’t shut his trap. I honestly think the League was concerned about having some backroom dirty laundry aired, so that’s why they finally stepped in. Overall, I understand why they did it, but you can get a lot of free press over things like this, too. — CraigSimpson
I think he was right for stepping in. The childish nonsense needed to stop. These two are grown adults arguing over something so pointless. It’s not like anyone broke any rules. Just because someone is unhappy is no reason to bash someone else through the media. — Realdeal
3. So now the “free agent frenzy” is about done, what team did the most to improve their position?
In my mind, I think the best teams that made the least amount of moves are the ones who fared the best. The Red Wings kept Brad Stuart in the fold and despite Dallas Drake retiring, they only had to add just two important pieces. One, they upgraded themselves up front with Marian Hossa. Then they got a backup goalie in Ty Conklin. He was outstanding in net while Marc-Andre Fleury was sidelined by injury. Conklin kept Pittsburgh in the hunt for the Atlantic Division title. So him being on a team like Detroit may be a blessing in disguise. Another team that’s a close second as far as terms of free agent signings was one that only needed to get a single player signed on the dotted line. That’s the Anaheim Ducks and extending his time with that club for another five years. He is a part of that core group there and keeping him in Anaheim was obviously their top priority. — cityhockeyfever
In my humble opinion, I would have to say New Jersey. I understand that will come off as a homer pick but allow me to explain. 3 major needs the Devils needed coming in to FA were 1)PP QB 2) Puck moving D-man 3) OFFENSE. I feel the addressed each one of those needs in very different ways. 1) PP QB - Brian Rolston immediately bolsters a very power-less powerplay with 39 pp goals over the past 3 seasons. 2) I feel the Devils have what it takes in-house to address this need. Anssi Salmela who they just signed out of the Finnish Elite League (same place they got Brian Rafalski) where he scored 16 goals last season as a Defenseman to lead the league. Along with Salmela, we have Matt Corrente who, from all accounts, is going to be an outstanding puck moving defenseman with alot of grit and intensity. Along with those 2 guys we have Paul Martin. Alot of people don’t really know much about Paul but us Devils fans that get to watch him night in and night out understand how important he is to this team. Around the midpoint last season he really started to assert himself in the offensive zone and things really started to pick up for him and the team at that point. He was a stalwart at both ends of the ice for us in the playoffs and is ready to make the jump to the next level this season. I expect great things from him this season. 3) OFFENSE - Obviously Brian Rolston is going to be tremendous help to this team. I don’t really know how much of an impact Holik will have but by not resigning Brylin, and Asham has opened up some holes for some of our up and coming youngsters who definitely have a scoring touch that is sorely needed on this team. The 3 guys that will get serious looks and should be on the team are, Peter Vrana, Nicklas Bergfors, and Matt Halischuk. Sometimes by not going out and spending ridiculous amounts of money and standing pat and letting some of your kids gets in the lineup turns out to be the best move. I think the Devils are in the best shape they have been in for a few years. — Devrickus
A tie between Detroit and Jersey. Not surprising, the two far and away best GM’s in the League continue to get it done. Let’s face it - Holland didn’t have much to do, but he got Hossa for way less than Hossa could have got elsewhere, plus he re-signed Lilja and Stuart to maintain his depth at D. I don’t have a lot of use for Conklin (mainly because I still harbour ill will towards him for costing us a Stanley Cup 2 years ago), but he’ll be an adequate backup for next to nothing by today’s standards. And Lou continues to plug holes when it seems like Jersey is about to fall off. They aren’t the team they were a few years ago, but getting Rolston for $5M per was a coup, plus signing all the guys they have, I think they’ll be better next year, and they weren’t that bad this past year, though Marty carried them through quite a bit. The only contract I question is Holik, but its only a one year deal for $2.5M, so its not a big gamble. And I’m sure Lou will shore things up before the season starts. — CraigSimpson
My vote is for Chicago. Not only did they land the best defenseman on the market (even if he was overpaid), they also signed Huet to play goal for them. Ladd was also a nice acquisition, and he will surprise some people. Not only are they going to improve in the standings but they are proving to their fans that they want to win. If they trade Khabibulin for some players, they will be the clear cut winners. — Realdeal
Over/Under
100 points by Marian Hossa on the Red Wings?
Under 100 points… While Detroit proved in the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals that they can match up evenly with Pittsburgh by putting Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk against the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, they’re not quite that same run-and-gun team that the Penguins are. Marian Hossa certainly can approach the 100-point plateau with a fantastic season for the Red Wings, but I just don’t see him getting there. — cityhockeyfever
Under — Devrickus
Under. He’ll be productive, I just don’t think he’ll be a 100 point guy, and he’s only hit the 100 point mark once in his career anyway. Yes, he’s got a better supporting cast than he’s ever had, but that also means a reduction in ice time.
–CraigSimpson
I’m going to go out on a limb, and say under. I think he’ll be close, though. He’s only had 90+ points twice in his career and failed to reach 70 points last year (although he missed ten games). He only averaged just over a point a game with Pittsburgh (including playoffs). I say between 85-95, if he doesn’t lose any games to injury.
– Realdeal
Out of Bounds
Would you rather go on to own NHL records and have a Hall of Fame career not winning a Cup or be a career 3rd or fourth liner with a ring?
I would rather be a third or fourth liner on a Cup-winning team than worry about individual records or awards. There’s nothing more rewarding that being a contributor at any role for a championship team. It’s been proven you can be a prolific scorer and never win it all. — cityhockeyfever
To me its all about the Cup. Hockey is a team sport, so no matter how many personal accolades you get, it doesnt matter if you don’t win the cup. Growing up playing hockey, it is EVERY kids dream to hoist the Stanley Cup over their head. — Devrickus
No question, I’d want the ring as a third or fourth line player. I guarantee you, Marcel Dionne would trade every trophy or record he’s had for a Stanley Cup ring. — CraigSimpson
I’d rather be a 3rd or 4th line guy with a Cup. Of course, I’d love to own records and be a HOF, but the ultimate prize is the Cup. As long as I contributed to a Cup win, I’d be happy. — Realdeal
Showdown
1. Wrigley Field has been named the next venue for the outdoor game, who should be the Hawks’ opponent and why?
I think Detroit was the perfect choice as Chicago’s opponent for the second edition to the Winter Classic. Why do I think so? For one, it’s a long time Original Six rivalry going back decades, not just years. The Red Wings are the defending champions and one of the marquee teams in all of the NHL, so it’s a natural choice. Both cities appreciate their hockey and with the Blackhawks on the rise, what better time than now to make these two teams be on that big stage.
–cityhockeyfever
I like the choice of Detroit. They are the defending cup champs and will definitely put on a good show. Plus Detroit is a big hockey market so it will draw good ratings as well. It is a win win for the league. I just hope they dont start doing the Winter Classic every year. It will lose its luster very quickly. — Devrickus
Either the Leafs or Wings. It has to be an original six matchup in my eyes, and those are the two teams I’d pick from.
– CraigSimpson
It should most definitely be Detroit. Not only are they the defending Cup Champions, but the Hawks and Wings have a long rivalry dating back to the beginning of the NHL. In addition, the League can market some of the players on Detroit that people who aren’t into hockey wouldn’t recognize. For instance, instead of seeing Crosby & Ovechkin, they can get to know Datsyuk, Zetterberg & Hossa. — Realdeal
2. Mats Sundin is sitting on the fence on whether to return or not, what will his decision be?
Mats Sundin has indicated he wants to continue playing and that was evident in that TSN interview where his agent made that known. Sundin still wants to play in Toronto, but I don’t see him returning there. I think it will be another Canadian city. I can see him going to either Montreal or Vancouver, but if he really wanted to play with the Canucks, he would’ve taken that insanely generous 2-year, $20 million offer long ago. Another rumored team in the New York Rangers I just don’t see them being in the mix since they are very close to the salary cap and already have four centers on the roster. If they felt that offering anything more than one more guaranteed season for 36-year-old Jaromir Jagr was too much of a risk, what makes me believe signing Sundin who is two years older would be less of one? — cityhockeyfever
I think, in the end, Mats will end up back in Toronto. I dont think he wants to move his family all the way out to Vancouver and I think his loyalty to the Leafs runs too deep for him to jump ship to their most hated rival.
– Devrickus
My gut tells me he won’t be back. From what I’ve seen from him, he doesn’t care about the money, he has plenty of it. He wants the right situation for him and his family, and I think now that he knows he’s not going to Toronto, he’d rather hang them up than play somewhere else and uproot the family. If he’s going to uproot, he’ll do it once and go back to Sweden. He’s a class guy and I think he’s going to go quietly into the sunset. Like Sakic. :)
– CraigSimpson
I think he will return to the NHL. He still has the skill to play at a high level, and teams are still very interested in him. He wants to win a Cup, badly. There are some teams that he could put over the hump. I think he has a year or two before he hangs them up. As for which team, who really knows what Mats is thinking.
– Realdeal
Once again I wanted to thank our panelists and now it will be up to the judges and the fans to determine this month’s winner. There are some really good answers here so I expect it to be tight. May the best panelist win!!
Someone Let The NHL Schedule Out….
It is now out of the bag……
It will be an interesting season this year with everyone playing each other at least once. I will enjoy the Pittsburgh-Washington battles..and the two Avery Vs. Brodeur matchups. Naturally, the Rangers Vs. Stars meeting will also have extra meeting as the super pest faces his former team. There are so many storylines with the new err back to the future schedule.
Sometime around Thanksgiving or a little after, Martin Brodeur (barring injury) will surely approach and break Patrick Roy’s goaltending victories mark (551). Brodeur has 538 right now…and well 14 wins should be about as automatic as Tiger Woods on Sundays. I was hoping the Devils would have a West Coast trip at that time but no…they will have a trip in early January…right around my wife’s birthday (Jan. 8th).
Finally, all I want to see this year is some more physical hockey. With all the changing addresses, maybe my hope will be fulfilled. Now maybe it won’t but I am hoping for a very interesting season, I look forward to The Winter Classic in Chicago, and of course the start of the season in Europe with Ottawa, Pittsburgh, NY Rangers, and Tampa playing two games each. Enjoy!
The NHL Arena Podcast….
Just 12 days to go……
Oh god help us all!
Well wait he may not be able to……..really.
July 27th…8pm PT….mark your calendars…and well lock the kids in a safe part of the house…..the first ever The NHL Arena podcast will hit Blog Talk Radio and well the world may never be the same.
The first 2 shows will be 60 minutes and will simply consist of me and Rick ranting about anything and everything that is NHL and hockey.
Future shows will be 120 minutes and down the road we will be able to have some guests on the air with us.
But first things first…here is the little site…..
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thenhlarenaprogram
Be there!!!!!
Sincerely,
Chris
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