The Toronto Maple Leafs are still having trouble clearing cap space to sign UFA Mike Peca. They would love to move checking forward Matt Stajan, as they have been trying to do since last seasons trade deadline, again at the draft and throughout the off-season but have found no takers.
The Montreal Canadiens are said to be interested in re-acquiring veteran defenseman Patrice Brisebois. According to his agent an offer has been made, but it is too early to speculate on his return to the Habs.
The fallout from the Bruins recent acquisition of Carl Soderberg from the Blues in the Hannu Toivonen trade leaves them with a log jam at center. This is fueling rumors having the B’s moving prospect Ben Walter. It would make more sense for the Bruins to simply move Patrice Bergeron or Phil Kessel to wing to clear the jam at center.
Keep an eye out for the Red Wings looking into taking a chance on Peter Forsberg if he finds little interest from any of his former teams in bringing him back. That is of course if he even plans to come back at all.
It seems as though Rangers GM Glen Sather is playing hardball with forward Sean Avery in his arbitration brief that will be presented today at the hearing. Sather calls Avery “a reasonably effective player as well as a detriment to the team”. These comments have left Avery surprised and angry. Avery is looking for a salary in the neighborhood of $2.6 mil. and Sather is said to be offering $1.3 mil. Gotta love arbitration!
So the brothers Stall were among a group of disorderly bachelor partiers arrested in the morning on Saturday. As it may be an embarrassing incident for the Stall brothers and the league, at least they weren’t caught dog fighting.
Ducks GM Brian Burke may be upset with Kevin Lowe over the offer sheet, but “classless” it isn’t. “Legal” it is. So he should take his lumps, learn his lesson and move on. Being upset is okay, but remember how much time you had to re-sign your player before the offer was made, that is where you failed.
Here’s hoping that the Los Angeles Kings will handle things right with their leading scorer Mike Cammalleri. It would be a shame if they end up with ill feelings on either side going through an arbitration hearing. It would be wise of them to try to avoid such a thing and sign him before it’s too late.
Rumors have the Dallas Stars interested in bringing in Dave Taylor to fill a spot in the front office. It would be a wise move on their part as Taylor brings an excellent track record with him. It does seem weird though to think of Taylor being somewhere other than L.A.
On a personal note: I’m not liking the “new style” uniforms very much. What the hell am I going to do with the 40+ “instant retro” ones hanging in my closet? Oh, well “the times they are a changing” I guess I have to go with the flow. I still love my Quebec Nordiques jersey the best anyway!!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
LOWE GIVING GM'S A LESSON ON THE CBA
Pssst…..hey, NHL GM’s…..come over here…..yes, you…..come here, I’ve got something to tell ya…..Shhhh…..don’t look now…..I said don’t look now…..but…..there’s a guy over there who…..WILL SIGN YOUR GOOD YOUNG PLAYERS TO OFFER SHEETS!!!! SO TIE THEM UP EARLY TO CONTRACTS YOU CAN AFFORD BFORE YOU LOSE THEM OR HAVE TO PAY THEM OUTRAGOUS SALARIES JUST TO KEEP THEM!!!!
Sorry about the Warner Brothers intro, I just got back from my vacation (a week without computer access and only cartoons on the T.V.). So, I just caught up with the news of Kevin Lowe striking again with an offer sheet to the Ducks Dustin Penner. It seems that Lowe is the only NHL GM who is willing to play hardball against his cronies. First he signs the Sabres Thomas Vanek to an ungodly amount of money that was matched; now he sends Penner an offer that will drive Brian Burke to drink. In the first case with Vanek, I was shocked that the Sabres matched at first, but after looking at their situation I realized they had little choice. They had the space to do it and after losing their top two forwards to free agency, they had to mach the offer. In the Ducks case with Penner, well, there may be a bit of nasty name-calling and ill feelings first, but in the end it makes little sense for the Ducks to match the offer. Unless, of course, Selanne and Niedermayer both decide to retire freeing up the cap space to match the offer to Penner. Like it or not, offer sheets are a part of this current CBA and Kevin Lowe isn’t doing anything wrong by exercising his right to use it. The message boards everywhere are full of fans complaining that Lowe is driving up salaries by signing these players to offer sheets with high price tags, but really he isn’t. The salaries of the players is FIXED at 55% of revenues for next season, the only place it drives up is the salaries of players comparable to Penner. So people, please remember that overall salaries ARE NOT rising, only the salaries to a particular group of players. The money paid to Penner comes out of the pocket of another player (most likely of lesser talent) on whichever team signs him. This is how the CBA is suppose to work. It is set up this way to make sure that top and 2nd tier players get the value they are worth, while at the same time making sure the less talented players and veterans on the decline don’t get overpaid. All Lowe is guilty of is exposing a weakness of his fellow GM’s and trying to profit from it. He saw Reiger in Buffalo in a tight spot and tried to squeeze him for Vanek, he caught Burke napping and put the squeeze on him for Penner. What this should do is wake up all other GM’s to the fact that he is poaching for players and they better get their house in order before he comes your way (hey Lou, get Parise signed soon). Personally, I applaud Lowe for bucking the tired old trend and trying to explore new avenues in acquiring players to play for his team. It is this sort of thing that the league needs to force the GM’s to do their job well. Lowe may be making more enemies than friends these days, but one thing is for sure, he’s awake and he’s going to make sure all others are as well.
Sorry about the Warner Brothers intro, I just got back from my vacation (a week without computer access and only cartoons on the T.V.). So, I just caught up with the news of Kevin Lowe striking again with an offer sheet to the Ducks Dustin Penner. It seems that Lowe is the only NHL GM who is willing to play hardball against his cronies. First he signs the Sabres Thomas Vanek to an ungodly amount of money that was matched; now he sends Penner an offer that will drive Brian Burke to drink. In the first case with Vanek, I was shocked that the Sabres matched at first, but after looking at their situation I realized they had little choice. They had the space to do it and after losing their top two forwards to free agency, they had to mach the offer. In the Ducks case with Penner, well, there may be a bit of nasty name-calling and ill feelings first, but in the end it makes little sense for the Ducks to match the offer. Unless, of course, Selanne and Niedermayer both decide to retire freeing up the cap space to match the offer to Penner. Like it or not, offer sheets are a part of this current CBA and Kevin Lowe isn’t doing anything wrong by exercising his right to use it. The message boards everywhere are full of fans complaining that Lowe is driving up salaries by signing these players to offer sheets with high price tags, but really he isn’t. The salaries of the players is FIXED at 55% of revenues for next season, the only place it drives up is the salaries of players comparable to Penner. So people, please remember that overall salaries ARE NOT rising, only the salaries to a particular group of players. The money paid to Penner comes out of the pocket of another player (most likely of lesser talent) on whichever team signs him. This is how the CBA is suppose to work. It is set up this way to make sure that top and 2nd tier players get the value they are worth, while at the same time making sure the less talented players and veterans on the decline don’t get overpaid. All Lowe is guilty of is exposing a weakness of his fellow GM’s and trying to profit from it. He saw Reiger in Buffalo in a tight spot and tried to squeeze him for Vanek, he caught Burke napping and put the squeeze on him for Penner. What this should do is wake up all other GM’s to the fact that he is poaching for players and they better get their house in order before he comes your way (hey Lou, get Parise signed soon). Personally, I applaud Lowe for bucking the tired old trend and trying to explore new avenues in acquiring players to play for his team. It is this sort of thing that the league needs to force the GM’s to do their job well. Lowe may be making more enemies than friends these days, but one thing is for sure, he’s awake and he’s going to make sure all others are as well.
Friday, July 20, 2007
THINGS THAT MAKE ME GO HMMM...
Buckle up people it’s going to be a bumpy ride this morning. The coffee is weak (very irritating) and I had an awful nights sleep the day before I start my vacation. With that said, I figured I’d take this opportunity to take a trip Around The Rink and point out some things I’ve noticed recently that made me go hmmm….
Mikka Kiprusoff rejected a contract offer from the Flames and is talking about testing the market next year. It looks like Iron Mike is already making waves with his top goaltender. Where have we seen this before??
Let me get this straight. Nashville Predators owner Craig Leipold wants to sell the team citing profit losses due to the lack of local corporate support, now a corporate lead team of local investors and city officials want to buy the team to keep them in Nashville? What’s wrong with this picture??
Am I the only one who thought it strange that Rick Tocchet and Janet Gretzky were among celebrities that took part in the World Poker Tournament? Very curious don’t you think??
Based on being overpaid for his performances the last several seasons, why on earth is Alexei Yashin whining about interested teams “low-balling” him? For that matter, why is any team interested in him??
With the Bruins recently picking up Peter Schaefer in a trade, do they really need P.J. Axlesson? Smells to me like another move pending. Hmmm….
What are Eric Lindros, Mike Ricci, Trevor Linden, Tony Amonte, Peter Bondra, Ed Belfour and Jason Allison waiting for?
The Edmonton Oilers, brought to you by Rexall Pharmaceuticals?
Am I the only one who found it eerie that Brent Sutter was hired as coach of the Devils on Friday the 13th?
Will the Victoria Cup be a big splash or a big dud? Does anyone in the U.S. even know about the Victoria Cup?
How come no one is praising the Capitals for their off-season moves??
What the hell am I going to do for a week at a cabin on a lake in upper Vermont without cell phone and computer access?? A ton of fishing I guess.
Mikka Kiprusoff rejected a contract offer from the Flames and is talking about testing the market next year. It looks like Iron Mike is already making waves with his top goaltender. Where have we seen this before??
Let me get this straight. Nashville Predators owner Craig Leipold wants to sell the team citing profit losses due to the lack of local corporate support, now a corporate lead team of local investors and city officials want to buy the team to keep them in Nashville? What’s wrong with this picture??
Am I the only one who thought it strange that Rick Tocchet and Janet Gretzky were among celebrities that took part in the World Poker Tournament? Very curious don’t you think??
Based on being overpaid for his performances the last several seasons, why on earth is Alexei Yashin whining about interested teams “low-balling” him? For that matter, why is any team interested in him??
With the Bruins recently picking up Peter Schaefer in a trade, do they really need P.J. Axlesson? Smells to me like another move pending. Hmmm….
What are Eric Lindros, Mike Ricci, Trevor Linden, Tony Amonte, Peter Bondra, Ed Belfour and Jason Allison waiting for?
The Edmonton Oilers, brought to you by Rexall Pharmaceuticals?
Am I the only one who found it eerie that Brent Sutter was hired as coach of the Devils on Friday the 13th?
Will the Victoria Cup be a big splash or a big dud? Does anyone in the U.S. even know about the Victoria Cup?
How come no one is praising the Capitals for their off-season moves??
What the hell am I going to do for a week at a cabin on a lake in upper Vermont without cell phone and computer access?? A ton of fishing I guess.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
COULD THE RANGERS HAVE MADE A MISTAKE?
I woke up this morning and somewhere between my second and third cup of coffee it hit me. What if the New York Rangers made a mistake with their big Free Agent signings and recent moves? Wait let me explain. On paper, the Rangers roster looks to be much improved with the additions of Scott Gomez and Chris Drury, but what did they really get for the amount of money spent on these two players? I guess what I’m trying to say is, what has Gomez done to warrant such a big payday? His best season came in 2005 – 2006 (a contract year mind you) where he posted 33 goals and 51 assists for 84 points. After that he reverted back to his normal output of less than 15 goals and under 70 points. In fact, the ’05 – ’06 season was the only one in his NHL career that he passed the 20-goal mark. Is it just me or does a $7.357 million cap hit each season for the next 7 years seem like a hefty price for a player that may not reach higher than 60 points a year? Granted, the Rangers are more offensive minded than the Devils and that should play in Gomez’s favor as does playing on a line with more talent. The Rangers are banking on those two points in the hopes that he returns to the form of his ’05 – ’06 campaign. It is a big risk to take, because if he fails they are stuck with him, as his contract would be hard to move. What about Drury you ask? Well, he brings a steady 60 – 70 point output each year along with leadership qualities that you just can’t put a price on. Although, the Rangers price will be $7.05 million per season for the next 5 years for a player who is starting to pass his prime years of playing. Drury will be 31 years old before the puck drops for the 2007 – 2008 season and one has to wonder how much he has left in the tank for the next 5 years. The Rangers could very well be stuck with a player who is in the decline (in terms of production) more so than one on the upswing. I guess it boils down to weather or not you would rather have Drury or Michael Nylander on your roster. Factor in that Jaromir Jagr, Martin Straka and Brendan Shanahan are a year older as well and I think you can start to see my concerns. Another factor in this is weather or not there will be any chemistry between the players mentioned. Once again, on paper they look imposing, but how it translates to the on ice product remains to be seen. The recent trade of Matt Cullen to the Hurricanes and the impending demotion of Darius Kasparaitis to the minors, frees up much needed cap space to re-sign Sean Avery and Marcel Hossa, but leaves a hole at center on the third line. Another head-scratching move was the re-signing of #1 goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to only a 1-year deal. Granted, they had to let him file for arbitration to avoid any offer sheets and were smart to work out a deal before the hearing, but to only sign him for a year is questionable. Only time will tell if the moves pan out in the Rangers favor in the form of a winning season or if it ends up just an expensive bust at best. The Rangers have a history of overpaying for declining talent, here’s hoping (for the fans sake) this won’t become just another chapter.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
BRUINS AND SENATORS SWAP PLAYERS
7/17/2007 - The Boston Bruins traded Shean Donovan to the 
Ottawa Senato
rs in exchange for Peter Schaefer. The versatile winger from Yellow Grass brings speed and playmaking ability to the Bruins who were in the market for scoring help on the wing. Although he lacks size, he uses his speed in all three zones well and is an excellent penalty killer. More known for being a set up guy than a goal scorer, Schaefer does add depth to a Bruins roster that needed to fill a hole. He should fit in well with the Bruins on either the first or second line. In Donovan a Timmins, Ontario native, the Senators get a speedy checking line forward with good size, who works hard down low and plays tough in the corners. He doesn’t put up huge numbers, but does the little things that are important to any club’s success and usually stays out of the penalty box. More importantly though, shedding Schaefer’s $2.1 million contract works for the Senators. They desperately needed to clear some cap space to be able to give Ray Emery his deserved raise that he is expected to get through salary arbitration. Overall this deal works out great for both clubs and fans of each team should be pleased with the acquisitions.
Ottawa Senato
rs in exchange for Peter Schaefer. The versatile winger from Yellow Grass brings speed and playmaking ability to the Bruins who were in the market for scoring help on the wing. Although he lacks size, he uses his speed in all three zones well and is an excellent penalty killer. More known for being a set up guy than a goal scorer, Schaefer does add depth to a Bruins roster that needed to fill a hole. He should fit in well with the Bruins on either the first or second line. In Donovan a Timmins, Ontario native, the Senators get a speedy checking line forward with good size, who works hard down low and plays tough in the corners. He doesn’t put up huge numbers, but does the little things that are important to any club’s success and usually stays out of the penalty box. More importantly though, shedding Schaefer’s $2.1 million contract works for the Senators. They desperately needed to clear some cap space to be able to give Ray Emery his deserved raise that he is expected to get through salary arbitration. Overall this deal works out great for both clubs and fans of each team should be pleased with the acquisitions.
Monday, July 16, 2007
INTRODUCING MY SON JAKE
I usually try not to write much about my son Jake. Mostly to save him from any embarrassing remarks that sometimes we as parents seem to do. Although I admit sometimes I suffer from PPS (Proud Papa Syndrome), when it comes to Jake’s game I tend to stay on the objective side (he would be the first to agree with that). Over my lifetime I have watched many kids develop their game as they march up the ranks. On the ice I view Jake as just another one of those kids. After practices and games he is indeed my son, but when he is on the ice he is subject to the same standards and critique I hold for everyone. With that said, I would like to introduce Jacob Hill. Jake was born during the playoffs in 1993 in California. He arrived just in time to see the Canadiens defeat the Kings in the final (well, okay so he slept through most of it, but he was in front of the set). A year later we both watched Messier end the 54-year drought for the Rangers and the love affair with the game began. That summer we relocated to Massachusetts so he could grow up in the same area as I did and be a
round more family. Fast-forwarding through his pre-teen years, at 12 years old he landed on a peewee team from nearby Amherst. In his first year with Amherst, he was named team captain for their tournament, won an award for showing leadership on and off the ice and his team went to the championship game in their league. Although they lost in a shootout, it was one of the best games of youth hockey I had ever witnessed. Jake had a great season under a great coach, who referred to Jake as “Exactly what this association and the game of hockey is all about.” He still views that season that he coached Jake as his proudest ever as a coach. Last season at 13, he made the jump to the bantam level where he faced some adversity (the team only won a handful of games and never really gelled as a team), but he still managed to put together a good season personally finishing second on the team in scoring while playing all three forward positions. Out of necessity, his defensive game tightened up and he became one of the better two-way players on the team. This actually fit in well for Jake, because he takes pride in his two-way game. He isn’t the type of kid who feels he needs to be the star of the team. He is just as happy preventing a goal or getting an assist as he is scoring a goal. He plays a sound positional game and has remarkable vision on the ice. He loves to make the smart play and will take a hit to make sure the play happens. This spring and summer he has been working hard to improve on a few areas of his game to be ready for next season. He is hoping to make the top bantam team in his league and try out for his high school varsity squad. Now 14 years old (5’9 – 150lbs.) he hopes his work ethic, leadership, playmaking ability, speed, size, smarts, vision and shot (well over 60 mph.) will bring him to the next level. In school, he maintains an A average while taking challenging courses (a condition per my order for him to continue to play) as he already understands how important a role education plays in a hockey players future. He still has a few rough edges to his game that he needs to work on, like shooting more (as he tends to look for making the perfect pass) and being more aggressive (as he doesn’t like to take penalties). He has been working on those aspects and has made strides to correct them. He has good hands down low around and in front of the net, he’s tough to move when he parks in front of the net and scores 
most of his goals from there. After this upcoming season he plans to try out for the NTDP (National Training and Development Program) as he has a dream of one day playing on a U.S. National team and wants to see where he stands. I’m not sure he is quite ready for that yet, but I admire his drive and dedication. Who knows, with the way he is working (and growing) by the end of the next season he might just be at that point. As a Father I will do what ever it takes to help him as he tries to realize his dream and he knows it. I am proud of all Jake has accomplished so far as each year he challenges himself in all aspects of his life. He is a humble kid who is mature beyond his years and is turning into a heck of a hockey player each and every year, I couldn’t ask for more.
round more family. Fast-forwarding through his pre-teen years, at 12 years old he landed on a peewee team from nearby Amherst. In his first year with Amherst, he was named team captain for their tournament, won an award for showing leadership on and off the ice and his team went to the championship game in their league. Although they lost in a shootout, it was one of the best games of youth hockey I had ever witnessed. Jake had a great season under a great coach, who referred to Jake as “Exactly what this association and the game of hockey is all about.” He still views that season that he coached Jake as his proudest ever as a coach. Last season at 13, he made the jump to the bantam level where he faced some adversity (the team only won a handful of games and never really gelled as a team), but he still managed to put together a good season personally finishing second on the team in scoring while playing all three forward positions. Out of necessity, his defensive game tightened up and he became one of the better two-way players on the team. This actually fit in well for Jake, because he takes pride in his two-way game. He isn’t the type of kid who feels he needs to be the star of the team. He is just as happy preventing a goal or getting an assist as he is scoring a goal. He plays a sound positional game and has remarkable vision on the ice. He loves to make the smart play and will take a hit to make sure the play happens. This spring and summer he has been working hard to improve on a few areas of his game to be ready for next season. He is hoping to make the top bantam team in his league and try out for his high school varsity squad. Now 14 years old (5’9 – 150lbs.) he hopes his work ethic, leadership, playmaking ability, speed, size, smarts, vision and shot (well over 60 mph.) will bring him to the next level. In school, he maintains an A average while taking challenging courses (a condition per my order for him to continue to play) as he already understands how important a role education plays in a hockey players future. He still has a few rough edges to his game that he needs to work on, like shooting more (as he tends to look for making the perfect pass) and being more aggressive (as he doesn’t like to take penalties). He has been working on those aspects and has made strides to correct them. He has good hands down low around and in front of the net, he’s tough to move when he parks in front of the net and scores 
most of his goals from there. After this upcoming season he plans to try out for the NTDP (National Training and Development Program) as he has a dream of one day playing on a U.S. National team and wants to see where he stands. I’m not sure he is quite ready for that yet, but I admire his drive and dedication. Who knows, with the way he is working (and growing) by the end of the next season he might just be at that point. As a Father I will do what ever it takes to help him as he tries to realize his dream and he knows it. I am proud of all Jake has accomplished so far as each year he challenges himself in all aspects of his life. He is a humble kid who is mature beyond his years and is turning into a heck of a hockey player each and every year, I couldn’t ask for more.Saturday, July 14, 2007
MEDIA PRAISE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
CAUTION: I didn’t get much sleep last night and I woke up with a burr in my saddle. The following is a direct result…..
Forwards:
Richard Park
Andy Hilbert
Bill Guerin
Jeff Tambellini
Jon Sim
Shawn Bates
Mike Sillinger
Ruslan Fedotenko
Miroslav Satan
Mike Comrie
Defensemen:
Bruno Gervais
Chris Campoli
Radek Martinek
Brendan Witt
Freddy Meyer
Marc-Andre Bergeron
Goalies:
Wade Dubielewicz
Rick DiPietro
Take a good look at that list. This is the current roster of the New York Islanders. This is the roster that they will put on the ice in the toughest division in the east next season. This is the same roster that was highly touted recently in newspapers around the nation. The press release spewed praise all over GM Garth Snow for his great job in replacing all of his UFA’s who left in the first days of July. Take another look at that list. Does that look to you like the kind of roster that will even come close to competing in the toughest division in the east? To put things in perspective, let’s look at who left and who the replacements were.
Jason Blake 40 29 69 - Replaced by Jon Sim 17 12 29
Ryan Smyth 36 32 68 - Replaced by Ruslan Fedotenko 12 20 32
Viktor Kozlov 25 26 51 - Replaced by Mike Comrie 20 25 45
Alexei Yashin 18 32 50 - Replaced by Bill Guerin 36 20 56
Tom Poti 6 38 44 - Replaced by ???
Sean Hill 1 24 25 - Replaced by ???
So now you see why I question that press release and the praise of Garth Snow. I’m not even mentioning that Zednik and Asham could also be departing before the start of next season. Take another look at that first list. Now don’t you think that the players that left were key in bringing the Islanders to the playoffs last year? Does the current roster strike you as a playoff caliber team? I sympathize with the fans of the Islanders. This once proud franchise that was a dynasty in the 80’s has deteriorated into a club that is only a step better than some AHL teams. The fans deserve better than this. The press should be questioning not praising Snow. The only thing this roster will achieve is a good chance at a #1 overall draft pick next year. Maybe that is just what this team needs, a payoff at the end of what could very well be a dismal season. I’m just not so sure the fans are looking forward to that or having to wear paper bags over their heads when they don their jerseys in public. Now that I have spread some sunshine, I feel much better. My work here is done.
Forwards:
Richard Park
Andy Hilbert
Bill Guerin
Jeff Tambellini
Jon Sim
Shawn Bates
Mike Sillinger
Ruslan Fedotenko
Miroslav Satan
Mike Comrie
Defensemen:
Bruno Gervais
Chris Campoli
Radek Martinek
Brendan Witt
Freddy Meyer
Marc-Andre Bergeron
Goalies:
Wade Dubielewicz
Rick DiPietro
Take a good look at that list. This is the current roster of the New York Islanders. This is the roster that they will put on the ice in the toughest division in the east next season. This is the same roster that was highly touted recently in newspapers around the nation. The press release spewed praise all over GM Garth Snow for his great job in replacing all of his UFA’s who left in the first days of July. Take another look at that list. Does that look to you like the kind of roster that will even come close to competing in the toughest division in the east? To put things in perspective, let’s look at who left and who the replacements were.
Jason Blake 40 29 69 - Replaced by Jon Sim 17 12 29
Ryan Smyth 36 32 68 - Replaced by Ruslan Fedotenko 12 20 32
Viktor Kozlov 25 26 51 - Replaced by Mike Comrie 20 25 45
Alexei Yashin 18 32 50 - Replaced by Bill Guerin 36 20 56
Tom Poti 6 38 44 - Replaced by ???
Sean Hill 1 24 25 - Replaced by ???
So now you see why I question that press release and the praise of Garth Snow. I’m not even mentioning that Zednik and Asham could also be departing before the start of next season. Take another look at that first list. Now don’t you think that the players that left were key in bringing the Islanders to the playoffs last year? Does the current roster strike you as a playoff caliber team? I sympathize with the fans of the Islanders. This once proud franchise that was a dynasty in the 80’s has deteriorated into a club that is only a step better than some AHL teams. The fans deserve better than this. The press should be questioning not praising Snow. The only thing this roster will achieve is a good chance at a #1 overall draft pick next year. Maybe that is just what this team needs, a payoff at the end of what could very well be a dismal season. I’m just not so sure the fans are looking forward to that or having to wear paper bags over their heads when they don their jerseys in public. Now that I have spread some sunshine, I feel much better. My work here is done.
Friday, July 13, 2007
PENGUINS BEGINING TO RESEMBLE OILERS OF THE EARLY 80'S
If you want an example of how to put together a championship team, look no farther than the Pittsburgh Penguins. This team reminds me of the Edmonton Oilers of the early 80’s, the young core growing together under the guidance of a few key veterans and the phenom leader with all the talent in the world. It took three years for the Oilers to make it to the finals and only one more to win the cup. I can see this Penguins team running along the same parallels already. Just like the upstart Oilers of 1979-80, the young Pens lost in the first round of the playoffs this past season and have made adjustments to go deeper next season. The free agent signings of Sydor and Sykora, the re-signings of Crosby, Roberts, Recchi, Whitney, Christensen, Scuderi, Talbot and Armstrong give this team another couple of years to make strides toward the ultimate goal. The burning question about this team is weather or not they will be able to keep the core group of Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Esposito and Fleury together long enough to realize the dream. Having Crosby resign for $8.7 million a year for the next five years is a step in that direction. He very well could have asked for the maximum of $10 million and have been worth every penny. With the Salary Cap rising each year, this contract will be a bargain in a few short years and allow the Penguins to afford to resign Malkin, Staal, Esposito and Fleury if they so desire. Ray Shero and company has quietly gone about building this team the right way adding key pieces to the puzzle each year. Under the guidance of coach Michel Therrien these Penguins will learn just what it takes to be champions, step by step, just like the mighty Oilers did in the early 80’s. The puck drops on October 5th for this squad to begin another chapter in their journey to the Promised Land, a date with destiny and perhaps the start of a dynasty.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
RANDOM THOUGHTS IN THE MORNING
I Woke up this morning a little dazed and made some unbelievably strong coffee (3 too many scoops, I think), I can almost chew it. Anyway, now that it is pumping through my veins, I am sitting here (twitching) with nothing to do but think. So I figured I’d put some of my ramblings on a post and let you in on the madness (lucky you). DISCLAIMER: Remember, if the following seems incoherent or from another planet DO NOT adjust your computer screen it is only the coffee talking.
Just sitting here wondering …..
If the St. Louis Blues win the Stanley Cup and no one is there to see it, do they really win?
With Nylander and Kozlov now helping Ovechkin, will he score 60 goals next season?
If the Bruins continue to tank for the next two years they could have a shot at John Tavares, is that the plan??
Will any team really fork out upwards of $6 million for Sheldon Souray and his –28?
Do we all agree that $8.7 million per year is a fair price to pay for the best player in hockey?
Do we all agree that $10 million is too much to pay Vanek next year?
Will Owen Nolan really be the answer to the Flames scoring woes?
Now that Jeremy Roenick has retired, are we going to have to listen to him and Brett Hull on NBC?
If I continue to drink this sludge will it give me an aneurysm?
Does anyone still think Vincent Lecavalier’s contract is too expensive?
How long will it be before Patrick Roy is coaching in the NHL?
How bad can Ted Nolan’s luck can get?
Is Barry Melrose’s hair really a helmet?
Will someone tell Brian Engblom that his hairdo isn’t working for him? Please? Anyone?
Will Kleenex sponsor the Hall of Fame induction ceremony during Messier’s speech?
What will be the next stupid camera trick Versus uses to put viewers “in the game”? The puck cam? The skate cam? Oh God, not the jock cam??
Will there actually be a team stupid enough to sign Yashin?
Will Chris Chelios still be playing when he’s 50?
If the Maple Leafs win the cup will the Toronto media be speechless?
Is playing in Edmonton really that bad??
Who will breakdown first? Sutter, Keenan or Kiprusoff?
If the Kings make the playoffs, will their fans quit whining about Lombardi?
Are the Flyers really a worst to first kind of team yet?
If I keep drinking this sludge, will my hair fall out?
Will anyone be able to stop the Rangers power play?
Will Kevin Lowe still have a job this time next year?
Will next season be our last chance to go see Joe Sakic play?
If they bring back Peter Puck for next season, can they get Mike Emrick to do the voice?
Will Sidney Crosby get more than 130 points next season?
How many times will Pronger get suspended next year?
Has the ringing in McAmmond’s ears stopped yet?
Should I make another pot of coffee?
Does anyone else get a headache when you look directly at one of Don Cherry’s suits?
Can we add Don Cherry’s wardrobe to the list of the New 7 Wonders of The World?
What is it going to take to get Glenn Anderson into the Hall?
Will Doug Willson show Souray the way to San Jose?
Is Ryan Smyth really the answer for the Avs?
Will we ever decide exactly what is a “distinct kicking motion”?
Why does it take 2 sets of eyes now to miss the same calls 1 set used to?
I’m getting dizzy and the screen is starting to talk back to me….I think I need to go lie down….what does a coma feel like?
Just sitting here wondering …..
If the St. Louis Blues win the Stanley Cup and no one is there to see it, do they really win?
With Nylander and Kozlov now helping Ovechkin, will he score 60 goals next season?
If the Bruins continue to tank for the next two years they could have a shot at John Tavares, is that the plan??
Will any team really fork out upwards of $6 million for Sheldon Souray and his –28?
Do we all agree that $8.7 million per year is a fair price to pay for the best player in hockey?
Do we all agree that $10 million is too much to pay Vanek next year?
Will Owen Nolan really be the answer to the Flames scoring woes?
Now that Jeremy Roenick has retired, are we going to have to listen to him and Brett Hull on NBC?
If I continue to drink this sludge will it give me an aneurysm?
Does anyone still think Vincent Lecavalier’s contract is too expensive?
How long will it be before Patrick Roy is coaching in the NHL?
How bad can Ted Nolan’s luck can get?
Is Barry Melrose’s hair really a helmet?
Will someone tell Brian Engblom that his hairdo isn’t working for him? Please? Anyone?
Will Kleenex sponsor the Hall of Fame induction ceremony during Messier’s speech?
What will be the next stupid camera trick Versus uses to put viewers “in the game”? The puck cam? The skate cam? Oh God, not the jock cam??
Will there actually be a team stupid enough to sign Yashin?
Will Chris Chelios still be playing when he’s 50?
If the Maple Leafs win the cup will the Toronto media be speechless?
Is playing in Edmonton really that bad??
Who will breakdown first? Sutter, Keenan or Kiprusoff?
If the Kings make the playoffs, will their fans quit whining about Lombardi?
Are the Flyers really a worst to first kind of team yet?
If I keep drinking this sludge, will my hair fall out?
Will anyone be able to stop the Rangers power play?
Will Kevin Lowe still have a job this time next year?
Will next season be our last chance to go see Joe Sakic play?
If they bring back Peter Puck for next season, can they get Mike Emrick to do the voice?
Will Sidney Crosby get more than 130 points next season?
How many times will Pronger get suspended next year?
Has the ringing in McAmmond’s ears stopped yet?
Should I make another pot of coffee?
Does anyone else get a headache when you look directly at one of Don Cherry’s suits?
Can we add Don Cherry’s wardrobe to the list of the New 7 Wonders of The World?
What is it going to take to get Glenn Anderson into the Hall?
Will Doug Willson show Souray the way to San Jose?
Is Ryan Smyth really the answer for the Avs?
Will we ever decide exactly what is a “distinct kicking motion”?
Why does it take 2 sets of eyes now to miss the same calls 1 set used to?
I’m getting dizzy and the screen is starting to talk back to me….I think I need to go lie down….what does a coma feel like?
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