NHL's CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

The Holidays are upon us so it is time for my annual “NHL’s Christmas Wish List”. Sit back, relax and take a moment to lighten the load in this busy time of year. I wish all of you a safe and happy Holiday season. Enjoy!

Dear Santa,
In lieu of presents under my tree, this year I would like for you to give gifts to those who are in need. Please do the best you can to fulfill the following wishes listed here.

Thank you,
Gregsky

Please bring more power to the power play in Toronto, Nashville, St.Louis and Edmonton.

For the Caps just enough legs to actually skate for 60 minutes.

For Chris Simon a job in Ultimate Fighting so he can use all of his “talents” and not get suspended for them.

For Gary Bettman a visit from the ghosts of hockey past, present and future in the hopes that he will see the light and do some good for the league before it is too late. (I know, but it’s worth a shot)

More of whatever it is in the water in Detroit that makes the Red Wings so good.

Less of whatever it is in the water in Phoenix that makes them so bad.

A ton of consistency for the Lightning and Penguins so their stars can shine.

A rear view mirror for Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews so they can see Nicklas Backstrom coming. (Remember objects are closer than they appear)

Better judgment for Jiri Tlusty the next time someone wants to take his picture.

For the Rangers a chemistry set so they can find a formula to feel comfortable playing together.

Just one moment of peace away from the media for Saku Koivu.

Someone who is willing to step up for the Sabres in the 2nd half.

Enough gas for Kovalchuk and Zetterberg to score 50+ goals by seasons end.

A new muskrat pelt mullet for Brian Engblom his current one is looking a bit shabby these days.

For the Flames 10 more games just like the last 10 they played.

For the Devils more goals for than against in the 2nd half.

Some defensive help for the Canes so they can win those close ones.

Some road wins for the Lightning and Kings.

And finally for the League to dump the failed experiment of those hideous RBX jerseys that everyone hates and to remember that some things don’t need to be fixed.

SCATTERED THOUGHTS

The coffee is strong, the eyes are tired, the brain is scattered and the fingers have a mind of their own. I’ve been at 6 different rinks in the last 3 days where I have watched some entertaining action on a few different levels and enjoyed every minute of it. Right now though, just when I need to write, I find my thoughts racing around like Bobby Orr on a penalty kill (hard to catch). With that said, the best I can do today is put down some random thoughts as they come to me and shoot from the hip or in this case the lip.

If the Panthers miss the playoffs color Jacques Martin gone, but please people stop the talk of trading Jokinen it’s not going to happen.

As smart as it would be for the Leafs to move Mats Sundin don’t expect it to happen as Sundin himself has said he wants to finish his career as a Maple Leaf.

Saw the U-18 Team USA in action against UMass the other night and even though they were outmatched and out-muscled by the older and more experienced UMass squad, the kids were fast and moved with precision on the ice. The future of U.S. Hockey looks bright.

Tip of the hat to Wes Walz. Thanks for the memories and best of luck in your life after hockey.

Will we actually see CuJo in an NHL jersey this season? Stay tuned.

Out of the top 10 in scoring so far, only Zetterberg (#5), Alfredsson (#6) and Stillman (#7) are on a team with a winning record.

The Blues, Bruins and Blackhawks have been pleasant surprises this year where as the Caps, Sabres, Flames and Kings have been well, not so pleasant.

The Stars have finally found the scoring touch and it has translated into wins.

Tough decisions lie ahead for the Lightning. Do you trade your leading scorer for the sake of the future? Do you trade your top D-man for help in the net? Do you fire your coach? Will any move have an impact on the sale of the team? Choose wisely my friends.