tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37613216910791786882024-03-17T03:14:35.624-05:00Cycle like the Sedinsjamestobrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16607553979777452973noreply@blogger.comBlogger505125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-37298412781795292552012-07-08T14:14:00.001-05:002012-07-08T14:14:09.062-05:00Maybe the Ducks should go all-out adorable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJuHqW1Dyzs/T_nVHda4QbI/AAAAAAAAAco/o4-OXdULEaA/s1600/cuteduck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJuHqW1Dyzs/T_nVHda4QbI/AAAAAAAAAco/o4-OXdULEaA/s320/cuteduck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Image <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grave_eend_maasmuur.jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a>)</div>
<br />
When you put together a list of the NHL's most depressing teams, you'll probably see stuck-in-the-muck squads like the Minnesota Wild or Calgary Flames. (Well, the pre-Zach Parise/Ryan Suter Wild, at least.) Maybe you'll put the Florida Panthers on that list for the sake of longevity.<br />
<br />
You know what team is starting to rise in my own pity power rankings, though? The Anaheim Ducks.<br />
<br />
My guess is that the Ducks rarely get beat up much lately because they're just a few years removed from winning a Stanley Cup and still tend to squeeze into the playoffs every now and then. (Sure, this franchise might actually be dumb enough to burn the bridge with promising - and affordable - power forward Bobby Ryan, but the Ducks' slide toward mediocrity/outright putridity hasn't been well-documented.)<br />
<br />
There was a time when I detested the Disney-era jerseys, but Earl Sleek made a great argument that those goofy uniforms gave the team an identity. Considering the "glorified watermark/font" the team has been working with since that first Stanley Cup-winning season, Sleek might be right.<br />
<br />
Which recently made me wonder: <b>should the Ducks go all-out, balls-to-the-wall cute?</b><br />
<br />
To me, it's a no-brainer.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The most important point is that <b>ducks won't ever intimidate anyone as a mascot</b>. (Yes, Chris Pronger elbowing and stomping people while wearing a Ducks jersey was very intimidating, but that wouldn't change anyway.)</li>
<li><b>If the Buffaslug taught us anything</b>, it's that you can sell a bunch of jerseys with an off-beat design, absorb the disgust from fans and then go back to a more traditional look once the P.T. Cruiser-ugly-trendiness subsides.</li>
<li><b>Women will love it</b>: this is always a good thing, especially since you wouldn't have to pander with pink.</li>
<li><b>Sarcasm sells.</b> Can you imagine how many people might honestly troll Corey Perry by purchasing an cuddly Ducks sweater with Perry's name on the back? If nothing else, it would push the "attempted irony" button down, hard.</li>
</ul>
The Ducks are quietly becoming a rreal mess. To some, they're especially depressing because of their low budget, top-heavy roster* and even their bland uniforms. Wearing adorable jerseys won't make trading Ryan any less foolish, but it might earn them a little extra dough and inject a little fun into the mix. Thoughts?<br />
<br />
* - Seriously, they've totally botched the Bobby Ryan situation.CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-66482127427196470322012-04-11T04:52:00.003-05:002012-04-11T04:56:46.734-05:00Weekly Dose overflow: The 2012 Rotoworld Playoff Mock Draft<p><strong><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Note: The Rotoworld 2012 playoff pool's results and explanations ended up exceeding column length limits, so I decided to put full results here. Enjoy!</span></span><br /></strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Gus Katsaros</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><table class="mceItemTable" style="width: 488px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p>Round </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p> Pick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Player Name </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p> Pos </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p>Team</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> Pick Type</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Sidney Crosby </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Kris Letang </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">21</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Henrik Zetterberg </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">40</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Andy McDonald </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">41</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Alexander Steen </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">60</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> T.J. Oshie </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">61</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Rich Peverley </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">80</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Jason Spezza </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Ottawa Senators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">81</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Mike Fisher </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">100</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Martin Erat </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">101</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Chris Kelly </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">120</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Artem Anisimov </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">121</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Jannik Hansen </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">140</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Mikael Samuelsson </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Florida Panthers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">141</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Tuukka Rask </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">160</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Matt D'Agostini </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">161</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Colin Wilson </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">180</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Ian White </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">181</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Kyle Quincey </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">200</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="137"><p> Martin Biron </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="143"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><em>My thoughts:</em> Gus’ team is auto-drafted and heavy on contenders. Scary stuff, but goaltending might just be his undoing, with two backups. (Rask could make things interesting if something happens with Tim Thomas, though.)</p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Corey Abbott</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><table class="mceItemTable" style="width: 468px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p>Round </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p> Pick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Player Name </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p> Pos </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p>Team</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> Type</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Evgeni Malkin </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Jimmy Howard </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">22</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Pascal Dupuis </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">39</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Chris Kunitz </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">42</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Brian Elliott </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">59</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Kevin Bieksa </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">62</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Kevin Shattenkirk </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">79</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Shane Doan </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Phoenix Coyotes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">82</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Tyler Kennedy </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">99</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Niklas Kronwall </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">102</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Patrik Berglund </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">119</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> David Clarkson </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">122</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Dustin Brown </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Los Angeles Kings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p>MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">139</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Dave Bolland </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">142</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Jakub Voracek </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">159</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Mike Green </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">162</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Danny Cleary </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">179</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Jordin Tootoo </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">182</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Johan Hedberg </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">199</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Arron Asham </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><em>Corey’s explanation:</em></p><p> </p><p>“I went into the draft with Penguins on the brain and when I saw had the second overall pick, which would mean I could get Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin, I wanted to select complementary players to go with them. Goalies went fast so I chose Jimmy Howard, and a few other Red Wings, even though I have my doubts about their success against Nashville. My final eight picks were mostly value-based, as this is a deep draft and there aren't enough players to go around. I was pleased to get Dustin Brown in the 13th round. In addition to him, Mike Green in the 16th round, 159th overall, and Daniel Cleary, 162nd overall, have the ability to produce as well and could bring some late-addition scoring to my squad.”</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Jared Ostroff</strong></p><p> </p><table class="mceItemTable" style="width: 475px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p>Round </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p> Pick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Player Name </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p> Pos </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p>Team</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> Pick Type</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Henrik Lundqvist </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Brad Richards </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">23</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Zach Parise </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">38</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Ray Whitney </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Phoenix Coyotes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">43</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Radim Vrbata </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Phoenix Coyotes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">58</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Patrick Kane </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">63</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Marian Hossa </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">78</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Keith Yandle </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Phoenix Coyotes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">83</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Martin Hanzal </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Phoenix Coyotes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">98</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Valtteri Filppula </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">103</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Duncan Keith </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">118</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Oliver Ekman-Larsson </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Phoenix Coyotes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">123</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Jiri Hudler </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">138</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Scott Clemmensen </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Florida Panthers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">143</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Antoine Vermette </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Phoenix Coyotes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">158</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Gilbert Brule </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Phoenix Coyotes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">163</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Viktor Stalberg </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">178</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Brandon Prust </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">183</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Maxime Talbot </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">198</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Ruslan Fedotenko </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><em>My thoughts: </em>Jared has a strong team that follows the “pick teams and run with it” model. The only issue might be that the Blackhawks and Coyotes might cancel each other out. Then again, with free agency, he can fill some of the holes.</p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>My team</strong></p><table class="mceItemTable" style="width: 475px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p>Round </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p> Pick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Player Name </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p> Pos </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p>Team</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> Pick Type</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Roberto Luongo </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Ilya Kovalchuk </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">24</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Alex Pietrangelo </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">37</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Corey Crawford </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">44</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> David Krejci </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">57</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Danny Briere </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">64</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Michael Del Zotto </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">77</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Erik Karlsson </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Ottawa Senators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">84</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Jaromir Jagr </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">97</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Alexander Semin </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">104</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Patric Hornqvist </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">117</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Chris Stewart </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">124</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Mike Richards </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Los Angeles Kings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">137</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Sergei Kostitsyn </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">144</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Sergei Bobrovsky </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">157</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Brent Seabrook </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">164</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Sean Couturier </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">177</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Dennis Wideman </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">184</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Jamie Langenbrunner </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">197</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Tomas Holmstrom </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><strong>Michael Finewax</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><table class="mceItemTable" style="width: 468px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p>Round </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p> Pick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Player Name </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p> Pos </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p>Team</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> Pick Type</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Marian Gaborik </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Jaroslav Halak </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">25</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Martin Brodeur </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">36</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Ryan Callahan </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">45</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> David Backes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">56</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Alexander Edler </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">65</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Carl Hagelin </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">76</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Ryan Suter </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">85</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Ryan McDonagh </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">96</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> David Booth </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">105</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Jason Arnott </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">116</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Travis Zajac </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">125</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Mason Raymond </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">136</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Sami Salo </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">145</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Zack Kassian </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">156</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Marc Staal </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">165</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Nicklas Backstrom </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">176</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Kris Russell </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">185</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Maxim Lapierre </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">196</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Mike Rupp </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><em>Finewax’s explanation: </em>My draft strategy was to get one of Henrik Lundqvist or Roberto Luongo as I thought the Canucks and Rangers are going to meet in the Cup finals. When that didn't happen, I went to Jaroslav Halak and Martin Brodeur in the second and third rounds as I thought that hopefully having two goalies go past the first round was good strategy. My best value pick was Nicklas Backstrom in the 17th round (165th overall), especially since Alex Ovechkin went 54th overall. I have six Canucks, six Rangers and four Blues. If two of those teams go to the Cup final, I'm sitting pretty.</p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Editor’s note:</strong> Backstrom has to be the steal of the draft.<br /></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Jimmy Hascup</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><table class="mceItemTable" style="width: 468px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p>Round </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p> Pick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Player Name </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p> Pos </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p>Team</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> Pick Type</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Claude Giroux </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Jonathan Quick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Los Angeles Kings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">26</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Mike Smith </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Phoenix Coyotes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">35</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Jonathan Toews </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">46</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> David Perron </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> St. Louis Blues </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">55</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Shea Weber </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">66</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Anze Kopitar </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Los Angeles Kings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">75</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Logan Couture </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> San Jose Sharks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">86</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Braden Holtby </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">95</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Brandon Dubinsky </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">106</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Brian Campbell </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Florida Panthers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">115</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Drew Doughty </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Los Angeles Kings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">126</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Jeff Carter </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Los Angeles Kings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">135</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Dan Girardi </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">146</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Brian Boyle </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">155</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Justin Williams </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Los Angeles Kings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">166</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Brayden Schenn </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">175</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Kyle Turris </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Ottawa Senators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">186</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Anton Stralman </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">195</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Paul Gaustad </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><em>My thoughts:</em> Jimmy’s roster is chock full of value – especially if the Pacific Division teams handle themselves well in the postseason.</p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Marc Lapierre</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><table class="mceItemTable" style="width: 468px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p>Round </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p> Pick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Player Name </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p> Pos </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p>Team</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> Pick Type</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Marc-Andre Fleury </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Pekka Rinne </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">27</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Jordan Staal </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">34</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Antti Niemi </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> San Jose Sharks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">47</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Steve Sullivan </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">54</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Alex Ovechkin </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">67</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Joe Thornton </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> San Jose Sharks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">74</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Craig Anderson </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Ottawa Senators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">87</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Matt Cooke </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">94</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Paul Martin </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">107</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Matt Niskanen </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">114</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Michal Neuvirth </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">127</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Dan Hamhuis </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">134</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Adam Henrique </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">147</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Petr Sykora </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">154</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Andrei Kostitsyn </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">167</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Brooks Laich </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">174</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Craig Smith </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">187</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Marcus Johansson </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">194</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Mathieu Perreault </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><em>Marc’s explanation:</em> This might seem about as basic as it gets but it’s essential to know the unique characteristics of your league's scoring system as this will affect not only how you draft and who you pick but also how you set your lineup. NHL playoff pools are more about picking teams than players, but with our scoring system and league configuration, I decided to load up on goaltenders and hopefully take advantage of the daily transactions setting to accumulate a lot of points early between the pipes. Like everyone else participating tonight, my other goal was to target players on teams that I think will go deep in the playoffs and decided to go Pittsburgh in the East and Nashville in the West.</p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Brian Rosenbaum</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><table class="mceItemTable" style="width: 468px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p>Round </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p> Pick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Player Name </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p> Pos </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p>Team</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> Pick Type</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Tim Thomas </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Pavel Datsyuk </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">28</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Zdeno Chara </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">33</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Milan Lucic </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">48</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Johan Franzen </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">53</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Nicklas Lidstrom </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">68</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Joe Pavelski </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> San Jose Sharks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">73</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Patrick Marleau </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> San Jose Sharks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">88</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Dan Boyle </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> San Jose Sharks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">93</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Martin Havlat </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> San Jose Sharks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">108</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Ryane Clowe </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> San Jose Sharks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">113</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Brent Burns </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> San Jose Sharks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">128</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Todd Bertuzzi </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">133</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Dainius Zubrus </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">148</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Ray Emery </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">153</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Marek Zidlicky </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">168</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Brian Rolston </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">173</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Alexei Ponikarovsky </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">188</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Dennis Seidenberg </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">193</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Darren Helm </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Detroit Red Wings </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><em>My take:</em> Boy, that’s a formidable team, isn’t it? Rosenbaum loaded up on quality players from quality teams, with the only conceivable issue being perhaps that Ray Emery might not bring much value as a second goalie. How many people have a full rotation of netminders anyway, though?</p><p> </p><p><strong>Kevin Brown</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><table class="mceItemTable" style="width: 476px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p>Round </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p> Pick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Player Name </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p> Pos </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p>Team</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> Pick Type</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Daniel Sedin </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Henrik Sedin </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">29</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Ryan Kesler </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">32</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Cory Schneider </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">49</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Alexandre Burrows </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">52</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Patrick Sharp </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">69</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Derek Stepan </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New York Rangers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">72</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Chris Higgins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">89</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Kris Versteeg </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Florida Panthers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">92</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Jose Theodore </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Florida Panthers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">109</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Tomas Fleischmann </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Florida Panthers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">112</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Stephen Weiss </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Florida Panthers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">129</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Milan Michalek </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Ottawa Senators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">132</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Daniel Alfredsson </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Ottawa Senators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">149</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Sean Bergenheim </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Florida Panthers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">152</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Andrew Shaw </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Chicago Blackhawks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">169</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Jason Garrison </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Florida Panthers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">172</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Johnny Boychuk </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> AUTO</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">189</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Dmitry Kulikov </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Florida Panthers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">192</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="134"><p> Marc-Andre Gragnani </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Vancouver Canucks </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><em>Kevin’s explanation</em>: The strategy for playoff pools is simple - pick a couple of teams you feel comfortable with and load up as much as you can. By the time I picked in the first round, the best Penguins had already been taken so I turned my attention westward to Vancouver. After filling my roster with Canucks, I looked for value in the Eastern Conference and found the Panthers roster virtually untouched so I chose some of their top players and will now hope for an upset over the Devils, which is certainly possible given the fact they have home-ice advantage in the series.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Ryan Dadoun</strong></p><p> </p><table class="mceItemTable" style="width: 468px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p>Round </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p> Pick </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Player Name </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p> Pos </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p>Team</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> Pick Type</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">1</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> James Neal </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Pittsburgh Penguins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">2</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Tyler Seguin </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">3</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">30</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Ilya Bryzgalov </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">4</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">31</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Brad Marchand </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">5</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">50</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Patrice Bergeron </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">6</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">51</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Scott Hartnell </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">7</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">70</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Patrik Elias </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> New Jersey Devils </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">8</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">71</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Alexander Radulov </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">9</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">90</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Kimmo Timonen </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">10</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">91</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Matt Carle </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">11</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">110</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> David Legwand </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Nashville Predators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">12</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">111</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Wayne Simmonds </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">13</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">130</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Andrew Ference </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">14</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">131</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Benoit Pouliot </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">15</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">150</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Tomas Vokoun </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>G</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Washington Capitals </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">16</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">151</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Matt Read </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">17</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">170</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Lauri Korpikoski </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Phoenix Coyotes </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">18</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">171</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Jordan Caron </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Boston Bruins </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">19</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">190</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> Sergei Gonchar </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>D</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Ottawa Senators </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="53"><p align="right">20</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="41"><p align="right">191</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="127"><p> James van Riemsdyk </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="39"><p>F</p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="144"><p> Philadelphia Flyers </p></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="64"><p> MANUAL</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><em>Ryan’s explanation</em>: I went into this draft with one goal: Draft a goaltender in the first round before all the good ones are taken. Unfortunately, I got stuck with the last pick and, knowing my competition knows the value of a good goaltender, I immediately tossed out my plan. The big four in my mind - Luongo, Thomas, Lundqvist, and Fleury - all got scooped up before my first pick, so I decided to just grab the two best players available from the two teams most likely to go far: James Neal and Tyler Seguin. From there, because it would be so long before my next pick, my basic strategy was just to see what everyone else did. At this point I was searching for two or maybe three teams I could focus on. The goalies continued to be grabbed at a brisk pace, so when I finally got to go again, I took the best one still available - Ilya Bryzgalov - as well as Brad Marchand. With Bryzgalov on my team, I instantly became a Flyers fan and drafted accordingly. My fallback teams were Boston and, to a much lesser extent, Nashville. On rare exceptions, I deviated from those three to take a player I felt had gone undrafted for too long, such as Patrik Elias with the 70th overall pick.</p><p>Overall, I'm not too unhappy with the teams I ended up leaning towards. Philadelphia and Nashville are considered risks and consequently, a fair number of their better players were available later. At the same time, they're both teams with a legitimate shot of moving forward. Boston is regarded as a safer bet, so by the time we got into the mid-to-late rounds, they had pretty much been picked clean, but I still got a couple of their better players like Seguin, Marchand, and Seguin. If playoff pools, I usually build teams to come in either first or last depending on if my primary gamble pays off. This team isn't that much of an extreme, but it does have that sort of sentiment. Overall, I'm okay with my team, but at the same time, my goaltending is a mess and that flaw will be tough to overcome.</p><p style="text-align: center;">****</p><p>Hopefully this little draft acts as a Mock Draft of sorts for you. Don't make fun of my picks <span style="font-style: italic;">too </span>much in the comments, though.<br /></p>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-42282500598471011402012-02-24T23:26:00.004-06:002012-02-25T00:05:51.175-06:00How I'd rebuild the Blue Jackets<span style="font-weight: bold;">Note: this is 100 PERCENT stream of consciousness.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">If there are fact errors, spelling mistakes, weird leaps of logic, well ... sorry but I'm not sorry. I'd love to hear feedback on the ideas though.</span><br /><br />I wasn't too hard on Scott Howson in my initial assessment of the Jeff Carter-Jack Johnson trade for the simple reason that Jeff Carter's sad panda routine backed Howson into a pretty bad corner.<br /><br />Since this is CLS and not PHT, I'm not going to go into agonizing detail to recap everything, but Howson turned Antoine Vermette and Carter into a solid set of picks. It got me thinking about the future of this franchise and how fun it would be to rebuild it.<br /><br />I use the word fun because a) it engages my inner team-building nerd and b) the franchise is so horrific that you'd be playing with house money.<br /><br />Most people would identify Steve Mason's disastrous situation as the biggest problem, but some Twitter convos spawned this horrifying realization that the Blue Jackets have this set of poor-to-flawed defensemen wrapped up for WAY too long.<br /><br />The Blue Jackets defensive core: James Wisniewski ($5.5M til 2016-17), Jack Johnson ($4.3M; 17-18), Methot ($3M; 14-15) and Tyutin ($4.5; 17-18).<br /><br />So that's just under $18 million for two gambling offensive defensemen and two mainly nondescript guys.<br /><br />Let's start with the trade deadline, then.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rick Nash trade</span><br /><br />Instead of focusing on what the Blue Jackets should get for Nash, Howson should focus on cleaning up his massacre on defense. Granted, it's pretty tough to imagine a team taking on more than 12 million for Nash + Tyutin, but that's what I would want.<br /><br />As much as I hate Wisniewski's deal, Tyutin's contract is borderline unconscionable.<br /><br />With that in mind, it might be more likely to make such a move in the off-season, especially if the CBA doesn't blow up and the salary cap rises again.<br /><br />Interesting idea: work out a deal with Philly that sends, say, JVR, Chris Pronger's scrambled eggs/dead contract space, Braydon Coburn and perhaps a pick for Nash and Tyutin.<br /><br />Coburn would likely be the best semi-sorta-jeez-I-guess responsible defenseman on the team, Pronger could help the Blue Jackets get to the cap floor and JVR would help to soothe some of that Nash grief, even if he's pretty damn inconsistent.<br /><br />(Damn, that almost sounds kinda reasonable right? I'd say getting Pronger off Philly's hands would be enticing and Tyutin could at least be a warm body.)<br /><br />***<br /><br />After that, I would:<br /><br />1. Fire the bejesus out of Scott Howson.<br /><br />2. Hire Rick Dudley.<br /><br />Dudley's firing was pure horse shit. He actually made some interesting moves for the Atlanta Thrashers and seems to have a keen eye on drafting talent.<br /><br />3. Hire a capologist<br /><br />That being said, hockey teams need to Moneyball it. Dudley doesn't get to add a contract unless it makes sense (not saying Dudley wastes money, just saying that EVERYONE does).<br /><br />4. Hire Craig Ramsay<br /><br />Make fun all you want, but Ramsay got a piss-poor Thrashers team fairly close to a playoff run.<br /><br />Oh yeah, and remember how many people snickered when they opted to move Dustin Byfuglien to defense again? Yeah, he's a two time All-Star, suckers.<br /><br />That's not the only reason I'd hire Ramsay, either. If you look at the Jets/Thrashers, the biggest strengths they had were in attacking defense. I don't care if you bring back Jacques Lemaire, you won't teach Wisniewski and Johnson to be <span style="font-style: italic;">great </span>in their end. So why not let them loose with a guy who made the most of a similar situation?<br /><br />5. Pay Lemaire a lot of money as a consultant<br /><br />Hell, why not overpay him to teach them as much as he can/give yourself a fallback plan if Ramsay's terrible, then? Again, Columbus' greatest assets are in defense right now - and that will only become more true if they trade Nash.<br /><br />6. Keep Steve Mason - so you can lose.<br /><br />6b. If he plays well, trade him.<br /><br />He has another year on his deal anyway, so let him get shellacked behind a horribly irresponsible defense.<br /><br />Of course, it's a contract year, so maybe he'd actually play well. Don't be fooled by that horse shit, though. If he plays out of his mind, trade him for assets. You know why?<br /><br />7. Because it's time to tank.<br /><br />The Blue Jackets are primed for a lottery pick, if not the No. 1 pick. They also will get a first round pick from Los Angeles in 2012 or 2013 - not to mention maybe another goodie for Nash and some other pieces from Vermette.<br /><br />So why not just really, really suck next season too and embrace the Capitals/Blackhawks/Penguins plan?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Proactive rebuttal</span><br /><br />Now, I know you'll quibble about two things:<br /><br />A) Finances<br /><br />Tanking will only make things worse at the box office, no doubt. Let's not ignore reality, though: the Blue Jackets are going to be bad again, so why take a half measure when you can set yourself up for a bright future?<br /><br />(Even if that bright future isn't in Ohio.)<br /><br />Besides, a cheaper team will at least mean less money spent, and maybe the NHL's next CBA will be easier on poor franchises cap floor-wise.<br /><br />B) Draft history<br /><br />"But the Blue Jackets have had high draft picks forever and they still sucked"<br /><br />Yeah, but that's because of incompetent management. Like I said, Rick Dudley's a proven entity at identifying talent, so they'd have a MUCH better chance of striking gold.<br /><br />I don't know about the 2013 draft, but I've heard the 2012 one is great. The sad truth is that getting the right pick in the right year can often mean everything. (I like John Tavares and Taylor Hall, but their franchises didn't get a Stamkos or Crosby - sometimes you have to get lucky.)<br /><br />***<br /><br />OK, so my plan might not be fool-proof and it's literally off the top of my head. So tell me what you think.CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-4870156598562630682012-01-29T16:09:00.005-06:002012-01-29T16:52:34.049-06:00A fool-proof guide to make the All-Star Game slightly interestingLook, you're never going to make All-Star games matter the way they did back in their heydays.<br /><br />Still, after noting the mute Ottawa crowd today, I thought there must be some way to add a little bit of sexiness to the event. I've made some of these points before - probably in more than one outlet - but this seems like a good time to bang that drum again. With that, here's my fool-proof guide to make the All-Star Game slightly interesting.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Striking while the iron is hot<br /><br /></span>Every league seems to schedule these events when the market is already saturated with their product.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>No one gives a damn about exhibitions like these in the middle of playoff races in the MLB, NHL and NBA. The NFL's Pro Bowl suffers from an almost laughable disparity in intensity from brutal postseason games to that exhibition. (Seriously, the Super Bowl has its work cut out for it following conference finals ... how can a bloodless event hope to compete?)<br /><br />So, my question is: why not hold these events when people are <span style="font-style: italic;">dying</span> for it?<br /><br />If you held the NHL All-Star Game a week before the season starts, it would be a way to feed those who have been famished from hockey after a long summer. It would be a big welcome back for players and we could catch up on what they did over the break. Everyone would be tanner and flabbier and generally fresher. By scheduling it around training camp, people would already be around.<br /><br />Oh yeah, it would also be a nice way to say, "Hey, the season's about to start!"<br /><br />(Sure, there might be some players who skip the event because it's before the season, but I'd bet it would be a little bit less frequent than the in-season bumps and bruises.)<br /><br />Yes, players might be rusty, but they shouldn't be exhausted. If you gave the NHL a "spring break" where everyone gets 2-4 days off when the All-Star Game would have happened, then you'd really be onto something.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Champs vs. All-Stars<br /><br /></span>One really cool wrinkle to the pre-season idea: you'd have the hindsight of a full season.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>That would be a more realistic representation of who the All-Stars would be, but better yet, we'd know who won the Stanley Cup.<br /><br />And wouldn't it be cool to give those champions a "last hurrah" in a salary cap age when most teams not named the Boston Bruins or Detroit Red Wings lose significant guys after winning it all?<br /><br />You could schedule the All-Star Game in the winning city and have that team unveil it's banner on national television. Imagine how cool it would be for the disassembled 2010 Cup-winning Chicago Blackhawks to get one more game together before splitting up? There would be times when it could get downright emotional. Picture, for a second, Mark Recchi playing his final NHL contest in the All-Star Game after a tearful pre-game ceremony.<br /><br />Even beyond the tugging-on-the-heart-strings stuff, a defending champion would have a chip on its shoulder and built-in chemistry. There would be plenty of guys who never imagined participating in an All-Star Game in their careers.<br /><br />I'd say the only time the Ottawa crowd cared today was when Senators did something well, so you know what would keep an audience involved? The ups and downs of their own team trying to beat a group of All-Stars.<br /><br />It would be as close to awesome as these things can get.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alternate ideas</span><br /><br />If you're not going to change the system, at least make logical tweaks. The No. 1 thing for me is to make sure that you spotlight the most interesting people - not the best players or nicest guys.<br /><br />The 2012 Fantasy Draft was bland because they went with Zdeno Chara and Daniel Alfredsson as captains, who brought a rice cake flavor to the event. If you're going to do it, have wacky guys like Scott Hartnell, Patrick Kane (yes, again), Tim Thomas and so on pick the teams. This year's version was all about not offending friends and teammates, which is as boring as it gets.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /></div><br />Yes, it's not that big of a deal that the All-Star Game is milquetoast, but why not make it better if you can? What would you do to make it better?CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-75594533413143737102011-11-21T19:08:00.005-06:002011-11-21T19:23:43.182-06:00Lambs to the Slaughter: Comparing the 2011-12 Isles to the 2000-01 Leafs<span style="font-style: italic;">(This bit is too obscure [I think] for PHT, so I thought I'd plop it here.)<br /><br /></span>I've <a href="http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/21/can-sidney-crosby-match-mario-lemieuxs-comeback/">already compared</a> Sidney Crosby's comeback to the one Mario Lemieux made back from retirement, but there's no doubt that they aren't perfect parallels. Crosby is much, much younger than Lemieux was and aside from an in-his-prime Jaromir Jagr, Lemieux didn't have anywhere near the team around him.<br /><br />But the biggest difference is that New York Islanders<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span>are way worse than <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/boxscores/200012270PIT.html">the 2000-01 Toronto Maple Leafs were</a>. Allow me to compare and contrast the situations just a little bit:<br /><br /></span><ul><li>The Maple Leafs trotted out borderline Hall of Famer Curtis Joseph as their goalie. The Islanders have Anders Nilsson in net. Yeah, that's a pretty huge difference.</li></ul><ul><li>Toronto had a (woefully convoluted) 18-12-4-3 record going into their automatic loss; the Islanders are likely to drop to 5-10-3.</li></ul><ul><li>The Leafs had Pat Quinn as their coach while the Isles employ Jack Capuano, who might just make it through his first full NHL season. Maybe.</li></ul><ul><li>Marc-Andre Fleury is just a liiiitttttllllle better than Garth Snow, who probably isn't smiling now that he's on the wrong end of a famous Penguins center's comeback.</li></ul><p>So, yes, Crosby <span style="font-weight: bold;">already</span> tied Lemieux's one-goal, two-assist performance, but it's probably fair to say that their efforts (and magic) are about equal.<br /></p>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-75545292736176401132010-03-16T09:52:00.002-05:002010-03-16T09:54:11.435-05:00Matt Cooke pie chart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/S5-bYRgPGbI/AAAAAAAAAXA/OnEhgO4rtkw/s1600-h/cookewinsbetuzzday.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/S5-bYRgPGbI/AAAAAAAAAXA/OnEhgO4rtkw/s400/cookewinsbetuzzday.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449244915459365298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge it yo.</div>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-83812346597488082302010-01-12T23:15:00.005-06:002010-01-12T23:23:27.372-06:00Rankin's (temporary spot while Joomla! gives me fits)<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"><p>So, Bloguin NHL is coming out with its Power Rankings ... which means that it's time for dumb stat-based fun! Hooray! (Throws confetti alone in a basement)*</p><p>* By the way, I've found that there are two groups of people who really get beat up by writers/tooshie-heads in general: "bloggers writing in their mother's basement" and "pimply faced teens." Any time a blogger or teen must be disparaged, they are disparaged in this exact way. It's like some form of cliche facism.</p><p>To mix things up, I decided to use a different "formula" to come up with the Power Rankings. Thankfully, for me, this formula still involved no critical thinking on my part. Unfortunately, I had to look at numbers and a spreadsheet. Blogging sucks, brah.</p><p>After the jump, CANDY and BOOBIES.</p><p>(OK, now imagine that you just clicked a Read More! link and were expecting Reese's peanut butter cups and D-cups ...)</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/S01XlgWtLeI/AAAAAAAAAWs/rFV6UTAFLIk/s1600-h/john_candy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/S01XlgWtLeI/AAAAAAAAAWs/rFV6UTAFLIk/s400/john_candy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426089427903262178" /></a><br /></p><p>John Candy ...</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/S01Xs616-8I/AAAAAAAAAW0/0WGayvTrryg/s1600-h/fridaynightlights2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/S01Xs616-8I/AAAAAAAAAW0/0WGayvTrryg/s400/fridaynightlights2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426089555272596418" /></a></p><p>... and Boobie Miles!</p><p>HA! Suckers!</p><p>Anyway, here's the dopey formula for this edition of the Power Rankings.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Ingredient One: </span>5 on 5 scoring (For minus Against)</p><p>Sure, special teams are important, but great teams win in normal situations. At least that's what some fat guy who smells like cheese* once told me.</p><p>* - This has never happened.**</p><p>** - Also, fat guys who smell like cheese are much like bloggers living in basements and acne-addled kids. So we're all hypocrites, really.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Ingredient Two:</span> Goals scored per game minus Goals against per game</p><p>Really, just to throw another number in there.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Ingredient Three:</span> Road Wins minus Home Losses</p><p>I think a team that can break even or better on the road, yet protects their house like a dude wearing overpriced underwear is usually a team that will do well in the playoffs.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Add them all together and you have the totals for this edition of the Power Rankings</span>.</p><p mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; ">***</p><p>I'm feeling kind of lazy, so I'm going to just throw up the spreadsheet tonight and then give you a nice, bold-faced list of the the ranked teams on Wednesday. Maybe.</p><p>(Not satisfied? What if I told you that there will be pithy comments? Ohhhh, now you're ripe!)</p><p>Anyway, here's what geography kids would call a "key."</p><p>The <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">bold</span> columns are the sums, so "<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">5 on 5</span>" is the result of a team's 5 on 5 goals for minus against. <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Diff/G</span> refers to a team's goal differential, per game. <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Tough W</span> is simply Road Wins minus Home Losses. Add 'em all up and you get the power rankings, or <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">PR</span>. PR is so important that it's in bold, it's highlighted AND <u>FUCKING UNDERLINED</u>! Holy shit!</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/S01XaicVMuI/AAAAAAAAAWk/-2yA4xKL0cI/s1600-h/rankins.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/S01XaicVMuI/AAAAAAAAAWk/-2yA4xKL0cI/s400/rankins.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426089239485166306" /></a></p><p>I think this list shows which teams are imbalanced (home dependent or PP dependent), which teams are resilient (lots of road W's) and who <span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">might</span> be built for a long playoff run.</p><p>Like I said, the following list will be translated into English tomorrow.</p><p>(But don't think I've forgotten about my other goober stats. I won't let you off that easily, already departed public. You WILL adopt special teams plus/minus, even if it kills your whole family.)</p></span>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-78489248382569919632009-11-15T19:07:00.002-06:002009-11-15T19:14:35.426-06:00We've Moved!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SwCnYAilLPI/AAAAAAAAAV0/RvazTYNJGCo/s1600-h/moving.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 359px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SwCnYAilLPI/AAAAAAAAAV0/RvazTYNJGCo/s400/moving.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404503583748336882" /></a><br />CLS is <a href="http://www.cyclelikethesedins.com/2009-articles/november/intro.html">now a member of the Bloguin team</a>.<br /><br />Our permanent home is at <a href="http://www.cyclelikethesedins.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">http://www.cyclelikethesedins.com</span></a>. Along with our new home, we also have a spiffy new logo. So please update your bookmarks and <a href="http://www.cyclelikethesedins.com/feed/rss.html">RSS feeds</a>. If you want to be <i>really</i> nice, you could even leave a comment on the new blog!<br /><br />Hope to see you there ...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cyclelikethesedins.com/">http://www.cyclelikethesedins.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cyclelikethesedins.com/feed/rss.html">The RSS feed</a>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-54293864264316460872009-11-13T02:38:00.007-06:002009-11-14T14:32:58.229-06:00Link Surfing In The Pacific Division<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WNpEaD7GR5U/Sv0pLBq_QyI/AAAAAAAAADw/kSWhaY-E7ns/s1600-h/015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WNpEaD7GR5U/Sv0pLBq_QyI/AAAAAAAAADw/kSWhaY-E7ns/s400/015.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403520397318505250" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">ARTHUR:</span><br />This is Arthur from <a href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Calling</a>. I never cleared a day or schedule with Gray from <a href="http://couchtarts.com/">Couch Tarts</a> (now at Bloguin), so you may be getting a double dose of the Pac today.<br /><br />San Jose<br />First, I refer you to the <a href="http://couchtarts.com/2009-articles/november/recapping-the-sadness.html">Couch Tarts post</a> on last night's game with the Stars. The letdown is emblematic of the Sharks season so far. The team is definitely on top of a competitive division, but they look far more mortal than the squad that came roaring out of the gates last year. (Also, I take credit for this win, as I benched Turco on my fantasy team, thus thoroughly jinxing San Jose's sticks for the final stanzas of the game).<br /><br />Los Angeles<br /><a href="http://theroyalhalf.blogspot.com/2009/11/keeping-up-with-joneses.html">The Royal Half muses</a> on a guaranteed win for the Kings, though there seem to be a lot more of those this season.<br /><br />Dallas<br />Scott Glennie talked to <a href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/2009/11/10/1124403/scott-glennie-talks-to-defending">Brandon of Defending Big D</a> this week. He's the future of pure scoring in the Pacific Division.<br /><br />Phoenix<br />I'm not ashamed to say that I don't know what's happening with the Coyotes, despite the fact that the Desert Dogs were the Ducks' opponents on each of the last two Saturdays, and despite the fact that James Wisniewski controversially Manny-Pacquiao'd Shane Doan in that first meeting. I know this is two weeks old, but I have no links, just this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe width="480" height="289" frameborder="0" src="http://www.nhl.tv/team/embed.jsp?&id=50350"></iframe> </div><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Every time I see the video above, I swear I hear Marv Albert saying Boom-shakalaka. I enjoy it only because I remember this video:<br /></span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gH68TlyTTaM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gH68TlyTTaM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Anaheim<br />The Ducks are on fire sale watch right now, beset by rumors of players headed out the door for little more than a change of locker room scenery. And much of this week's smoke damage came from Giguere, who threw <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_13751868">a few heavy quotes</a> to diligent and diligently under-appreciated beat writer J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News. Giguere clarified everything later, but damage has certainly been done.<br /><br />Anaheim fans are doing a bit of trainspotting these days, but instead of cars, we're watching passengers. Who's coming? <a href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/2009/11/4/1115126/the-rumor-mill-ducks-the-primary">Chris Higgins</a>? <a href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/2009/11/8/1122420/youngman-reports-preliminary-talks">Vesa Toskala</a>? Who's going? Jiggy? Hiller? Niedermayer? Coach Carlyle? And now that <a href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/2009/11/12/1143519/nhl-reinstates-samueli">Ducks owner Henry Samueli is back</a>, what are the chances he fires Bob Murray, the only guy who insists nobody's going anywhere?Anaheim Callinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136410235455457786noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-12194176049043820802009-11-13T00:30:00.005-06:002009-11-13T00:46:22.777-06:00CLS' #unpublishedNHLbooks entries<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/Svz_C6Q2P7I/AAAAAAAAAVk/pqwz6Cfn_Fc/s1600-h/semin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/Svz_C6Q2P7I/AAAAAAAAAVk/pqwz6Cfn_Fc/s400/semin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403474078402494386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://cyclelikesedins.blogspot.com/2009/04/magic-of-ms-paint.html">Inspiration for "Fight Club" by Alex Semin</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Originally I was planning on compiling a "Greatest Hits" of the entire Twitterverse, but that task quickly became overwhelming. Just scroll through the entries in the <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a> feed and you'll see that it's a pretty mind blowing compilation of brilliance (along with squabbles between Penguins, Red Wings, Maple Leafs and Senators fans, etc.). <div><br /></div><div>By no means do I think that mine are the best, but there are a few borderline gems (in my opinion). Feel free to share your favorite(s) in the comments or even share a few of your own if you still think Twitter is just about sharing your grocery lists and news about bowel movements.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, here's a full stream of these fake book ideas. Don't hesitate to admonish/glorify any particularly great/terrible pieces of imaginary literature. (<a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins">My Twitter Feed</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><ol id="timeline" class="statuses" style="margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; font-size:1.2em;"><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status" id="status_5660250684" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.1em; background-color: rgb(247, 247, 247); "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">50 Easy Insect Recipes by Ray Emery <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5660250684" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 21:30:27 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 9 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 9px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: visible; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li class="last-on-page" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">Delete</a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status" id="status_5660196984" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.1em; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5660196984" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">The Fax of Life by Dale Tallon <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5660196984" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 21:28:22 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 9 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 9px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: hidden; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li class="last-on-page" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status" id="status_5660142370" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.1em; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5660142370" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">"Fight Club" by Alex Semin </span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5660142370" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 21:26:14 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 9 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 9px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: hidden; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li class="last-on-page" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status" id="status_5660090575" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.1em; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5660090575" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">"Empty Net" by Patrik Stefan <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5660090575" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 21:24:14 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 9 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 9px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: hidden; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li class="last-on-page" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status" id="status_5659930904" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.1em; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5659930904" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Modern ILLiterature by Jacques Demers </span></span><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span></span><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><br /></span><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a>I assume someone's already done "Cents and Sensibility" by Patrick Kane, right? <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5659930904" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 21:17:55 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 9 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 9px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: hidden; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li class="last-on-page" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status" id="status_5659777156" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.1em; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5659777156" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5659777156" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 21:11:52 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 9 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 9px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: hidden; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li class="last-on-page" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status" id="status_5659419158" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.1em; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5659419158" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><br />(I ate) The Three Musketeers by Kyle Wellwood<a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span></span><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a><p>"Les Miserables" by Vesa Toskala and the Carolina Hurricanes<a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5659419158" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 20:57:53 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 10 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 9px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: hidden; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li class="last-on-page" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status" id="status_5659344639" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.1em; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5659344639" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5659344639" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 20:54:54 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 10 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 9px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: hidden; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li class="last-on-page" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status" id="status_5659246747" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.1em; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5659246747" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">"Crime and Punishment" by Colin Campbell <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5659246747" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 20:50:57 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 10 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 9px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: hidden; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li class="last-on-page" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status last-on-page" id="status_5659099875" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204) !important; line-height: 1.1em; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5659099875" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">"The Blindside" by Scott Stevens <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5659099875" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 20:44:55 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 10 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 9px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: hidden; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li class="last-on-page" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); "></a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status latest-status" id="status_5659010128" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 1.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.5em; border-top-width: 0px; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5659010128" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size:1.77em;">"Turn the Lights off, my head hurts" by Eric Lindros<a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5659010128" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 20:41:14 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 10 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span><ul class="actions-hover" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 24px; right: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); float: right; visibility: hidden; height: auto; font-size:0.764em;"><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; float: left; position: relative; "><span class="del" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: none; display: block; float: left; line-height: 16px; "><span class="delete-icon icon" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 15px; height: 15px; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: -112px 0px; "></span><a href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins#" title="delete this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); line-height: 16px; "></a></span></li></ul></span></li><li class="hentry u-cyclelikesedins mine status" id="status_5658928077" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.5em; position: relative; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 1.1em; "><span class="status-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; min-height: 0px; width: 425px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="actions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 8px; line-height: 1.25em; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a id="status_star_5658928077" class="fav-action non-fav" title="favorite this tweet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); background-image: url(http://s.twimg.com/a/1258056589/images/sprite-icons.png); width: 15px; height: 15px; display: block; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden; background-position: -32px 0px; "></a></div></span><span class="entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">"Season on the Brink" by the Phoenix Coyotes<a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23unpublishedNHLbooks" title="#unpublishedNHLbooks" class="tweet-url hashtag" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(34, 118, 187); ">#unpublishedNHLbooks</a></span><span class="meta entry-meta" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); height: auto; font-size:11px;"><a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/cyclelikesedins/status/5658928077" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Nov 12 20:37:53 +0000 2009'}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">about 10 hours ago</span> </a><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">from web</span></span></span></li></ol></span></div>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-25411284048188107502009-11-12T08:15:00.002-06:002009-11-12T10:24:47.097-06:00NW Division Link Time<span style="font-family:arial;">Hello everyone, <a href="http://www.vancitycanuck.blogspot.com/">I'm back</a> again for this week's links from the NW Division. Please enjoy as I continue to search out the best of the NW Division blog writers.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Low on Oil thinks that <a href="http://www.lowonoil.com/2009-articles/november/team-canada-olympic-hockey-team-roster-evaluation-2010.html">Penner may be earning himself a spot</a> on the Team Canada Olympic roster...<br />-I would think that they are mistaken, but interesting read anyways.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />One of the writer's for Hitting the Post, aptly named </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://hittingthepost.blogspot.com/2009/11/wrt-on-road-surprises-at-every-mile.html">Wild Road Tripper is following the Wild</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> on their roadtrip. They started in Toronto, will miss Tampa Bay, but be in DC for the Capitals game for Friday's nights game.<br />-Love the idea of hockey game roadtripping. The best part about the post is that when they hit Canada, because everyone up here clearly knows someone who knows someone who played with someone in the NHL:<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />The customs inspector played hockey with the brother of </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Cal Clutterbuck</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" > and still plays locally in and around Niagara Falls with his cousin, and also has met </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Owen Nolan</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >, another Niagara region native. "You have tickets?" he asked. "Yes, sure do" was our reply. I thought for a minute that we were going to do a live version of 'Leafs Lunch'.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Hit the Post travels down to St. Louis and <a href="http://hitthepost.blogspot.com/2009/11/stlou-day-2-snacks.html">discovers that 'all you can eat snacks'</a> really mean all you can eat popcorn, peanuts, ice cream, cheeseburger, turkey sandwich, dibs ice cream treats, pepsi, diet pepsi, sierra mist....</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Mozy19 from Canucks Hockey Blog <a href="http://canuckshockeyblog.com/?p=2190">compares Forsberg vs Sundin</a> and makes a case as to why it IS a good idea for the Canucks to try to sign him.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span>And for you stats heads out there (not me), Five Hole Fanatics explains <a href="http://www.fiveholefanatics.ca/2009/11/note-on-scoring-chances.html">how to calculate your own team's </a></span></span><a href="http://www.fiveholefanatics.ca/2009/11/note-on-scoring-chances.html"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span>scoring</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span><a href="http://www.fiveholefanatics.ca/2009/11/note-on-scoring-chances.html">chances</a> yourself, which sounds to me as exciting as learning derivatives in Math 101...but hey, to each their own.</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span><b style="font-family: arial;">Do you think that you've written something worthy of next week's list? Are you a reader of a smaller blog and feel it deserves some attention? Drop me an e-mail at </b><span style="font-family:arial;">thevancitycanuck [at] gmail.com</span><b style="font-family: arial;"> and maybe you'll end up in the next NW Links around the League.</b>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04777904539341451094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-9004342391293709422009-11-11T09:50:00.002-06:002009-11-11T11:54:12.659-06:00Northeast Division RoundupGreetings, hockey fans. This is Meaghan from the illustrious (humour me) Ottawa Senators blog known as <a href="http://www.nothingbutmemory.net/red/">Sens at Land's End</a> with the first of what should be many whirlwind tours of blogs covering the NHL's Northeast Division.<br /><br />Without further ado:<br /><br />Let's begin with one of the teams furthest from my heart, the Montreal Canadiens. Topham over at Habs blog Lions in Winter has thoughtfully taken on the now infamous Allan Walsh-Jaroslav Halak vs. Carey Price Twitter incident in a post puntastically titled "<a href="http://www.lionsinwinter.ca/2009/11/price-of-being-twit.html">The Price of Being a Twit</a>."<br /><br />Over in the Barilkosphere, Down Goes Brown claims to have revealed <a href="http://www.downgoesbrown.com/2009/11/nhl-suspensions.html">the NHL's top secret flow chart for handing out suspensions</a>. I'm not sure I believe the document posted is authentic, but it seems quite accurate. (This isn't strictly speaking a story about the Leafs, but I imagine a team that truculent will at some point encounter Colin Campbell and his magical wheel of justice.)<br /><br />With the Sens being <s>the best</s> <s>the most interesting</s> my favourite team in the league, I was able to find a huge amount of fascinating, high quality material about them. It was hard for me to narrow it down to just one story to post here, but in the end I thought The 6th Sens' piece about the potential ripple effects of <a href="http://the6thsens.com/2009-articles/november/yzerman-to-ottawa.html">the Steve Yzerman to Ottawa trade that never happened</a> was the most timely, with Yzerman's well-deserved induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame having taken place on Monday.<br /><br />Most Bruins blogs appear to be focused on happy things this week. David Krejci has recovered from the dreaded swine flu, and everyone is generally feeling joyful because the Bruins have won their last two games and may finally be getting on track. However, According to Cameron Frye uncovers the darker side of Boston, making the disturbing discovery that <a href="http://cameronfrye.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/evil-patrice-bergeron-is-actually-good/">Patrice Bergeron may have been replaced by his evil twin</a>.<br /><br />Finally, the entire Buffalo Sabres blogosphere is evidently too shocked over the fact that Adam Mair was <a href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/2009/11/9/1123849/adam-mair-placed-on-waivers">placed</a> on <a href="http://www.thegoosesroost.com/2009/11/waiting-for-high-noon/">waivers</a> this <a href="http://sabretoothshouse.blogspot.com/2009/11/adam-mair-on-waivers.html">week</a> to write about much else.<br /><br />And that's what's what in the Northeast this week. If you have any suggestions for posts I might link to in next week's roundup, shoot me an email at <span style="font-weight: bold;">sensatlandsend [at] gmail [dot] com</span> and let me know. I'm sure there are tons of worthy blogs I'm not aware of, and I'd appreciate any tips pointing me in the direction of great material.Meaghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008852773734299060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-12652890087704493602009-11-09T19:47:00.004-06:002009-11-10T09:19:20.453-06:00Central Division Schtuff.Wow, quiet week, apparently. Main stories? Hm.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/blues/story/280E77FC74C4AC568625766800113ACC?OpenDocument">Outstanding summary of Hull's career and what he means to both St. Louis and hockey.</a> The complete speeches of the gentlemen inducted into the hall are available at <a href="http://www.nhl.com/">NHL.com</a>. Hull's was pure class, as was Yzerman's. Congrats to the two reps most associated with the Central Division.<br /><br />As a Thrashers fan as well as a Blues fan, I'm pretty sensitive to rumors of teams moving and reports of impending doom. <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-2566-Sports-Business-Examiner%7Ey2009m11d9-Can-the-Blue-Jackets-survive-in-Columbus">Apparently there're rumblings out of Columbus that the team is in financial trouble</a> and could be looking at a move without a tax hike for the residents of the city. Well, Mike McLean over at The Cannon <a href="http://www.jacketscannon.com/2009/11/9/1123124/are-the-jackets-really-going-to">takes a look at the situation</a>. Welcome to club of writers that has to defend their team constantly. Enjoy.<br /><br />Apparently <a href="http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2009/11/8/1121455/jason-williams-breaks-right-fibula">Jason Williams has broken his right fibula</a>. Personally, I think it's karma for putting <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&ved=0CAcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthrashers.nhl.com%2Fclub%2Fnews.htm%3Fid%3D434407&ei=_sj4SrTqJsH9nQfOvcS8Ag&usg=AFQjCNGYg0lyRqU-mR3eCc2aDBwJIo6RPw&sig2=jo-8avN4nhbEdn--28AkBw">Beyonce on a locker room playlist</a>. But that could just be me.Laura (aka Hildymac)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17828781535917718952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-60090711405407506882009-11-07T07:47:00.000-06:002009-11-07T07:47:00.034-06:00Links around the Web, since the league didn't do much for me this week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvUmfCiC6BI/AAAAAAAAAVE/GSUKjkvVUas/s1600-h/arod.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvUmfCiC6BI/AAAAAAAAAVE/GSUKjkvVUas/s400/arod.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401265642798245906" /></a>I am not a baseball fan. Of all the "major" sports, America's ex-pastime is the one I have the most difficulty commenting on. Really, the most pointed analysis I provided in the Yankees' run to the World Series was "<b>C. C. Sabathia</b> reminds me of a brontosaurus when he extends his neck."<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvUokw3KSqI/AAAAAAAAAVU/_DQXZie9rlU/s1600-h/sabathia.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvUokw3KSqI/AAAAAAAAAVU/_DQXZie9rlU/s400/sabathia.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401267940157442722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvUoiAQWN-I/AAAAAAAAAVM/6KjyBPjc8fU/s1600-h/brontosaurus+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 296px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvUoiAQWN-I/AAAAAAAAAVM/6KjyBPjc8fU/s400/brontosaurus+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401267892750006242" /></a></p><p>Maybe I'm just seeing things.<br /></p><div>That being said, I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy about the Yankees' championship victory. It was as if the blond haired evil skiing high school quarterback steals the leggy blonde, but <b>John Cusack</b> is nowhere to be found. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Vance </b>from <b><a href="http://www.banginpanger.com">Bangin Panger</a></b> brought <a href="http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/11/05/the-yankees-payroll/">a great blog post by </a><b><a href="http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/11/05/the-yankees-payroll/">Joe Posnanski</a></b> to my attention ... it accurately captures my feelings of unrest. Even Chicago Blackhawks fans should be glad the NHL went with a salary cap after reading a piece like that.<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvUp5BQ8loI/AAAAAAAAAVc/fy3OVuXJ6kc/s1600-h/kimboslice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvUp5BQ8loI/AAAAAAAAAVc/fy3OVuXJ6kc/s400/kimboslice.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401269387669575298" /></a></p><p>Although <i>ESPN the Magazine</i> is at best the ugly stepchild of <i>Sports Illustrated</i>, they had an offer for a $3/year subscription so I thought, "Why not?"<br /><br />I'm not sure if you'll be able to read these because they're "Insider" stories (let me know in the comments), but the <a href="http://search.espn.go.com/player-x/player-x/4294600468">"Player X" columns</a> have been some of the more interesting/odd pieces <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=4593563">I've read in a while</a>.</p><p>On a bittersweet note, it'll be pretty shocking if the magazine survives my 3 year, $9 commitment ...</p><p>By now you've already seen <b>Ohlund</b>'s vicious (but perfectly legal) hit on <b>Phil Kessel</b>, but it's been a slow week in me caring about the hockey blogosphere so let's bask in its barbarism:<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bov63RMMIUQ&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bov63RMMIUQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></p><p>Daaaang.</p><p>It would be useless - and quite futile - to point out a specific post; instead, I will just implore you (if you're a blogger, a writer, a business person, if you have a pulse) to take a look at <b><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/">Seth Godin</a></b><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/">'s blog</a>. You might feel better about yourself, but you'll probably also feel the need to do a little soul searching.</p><p>I know I'm far from being done with that, myself.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p><b>Did you write something interesting this week? Or maybe you read something that simply should not be allowed to float off into the wild blue irrelevant? E-mail me your links at </b>cyclelikesedins@gmail.com. <b>Please?</b></p><p></p></div>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-53123924424517002432009-11-05T07:50:00.002-06:002009-11-05T10:00:12.100-06:00Links! Links! Thursday NW Division Link Time<span style="font-family:arial;">Thanks to James for giving me the keys to CLS, I'm pretty sure he's gonna regret it. My name is <a href="http://www.vancitycanuck.blogspot.com/">Vancity Canuck</a>, and you may know me from previous CLS writings or <a href="http://www.vancitycanuck.blogspot.com/">my other blog tHB</a>. I'm gonna start off small here with a little tour around the Northwest division. I didn't realize that signing up to find some stories about the NW Division would actually require me to </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >read about other teams</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> besides the Canucks.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Let's start our tour, shall we?</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mOk0Guc2cKI/SvJpAYfhBjI/AAAAAAAAATw/hizTOmJmDrk/s1600-h/jonas-gustavsson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mOk0Guc2cKI/SvJpAYfhBjI/AAAAAAAAATw/hizTOmJmDrk/s320/jonas-gustavsson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400494358466201138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The KB has compiled a list of </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/kurtenblog/archive/2009/11/03/list-getting-to-know-your-backup-goalies.aspx">Getting to Know Your Backup Goalies</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. If you haven't ever read the Kurtenblog before, well let me introduce the j-ckasses that are paid to write about sports and chat on messenger by the MSM. In this week's list they introduce the Swedish backup, who learns that "</span><i style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">The biggest difference in the NHL is how all the players can skate forwards and</i><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" > backwards.</span><span style="font-family:arial;">"</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mOk0Guc2cKI/SvL2dPS8DII/AAAAAAAAAUA/SI4_p9ysbao/s1600-h/kevin_sorbo_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 290px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mOk0Guc2cKI/SvL2dPS8DII/AAAAAAAAAUA/SI4_p9ysbao/s320/kevin_sorbo_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400649885353249922" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jibblescribbits has also complied a list! Their is about </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://jibblescribbits.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-flames-received-their-flu-shots.html">Why the Flames received their Flu shots</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. As a Canadian, Albertans seem like they would be the type to do </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >anything for Kevin Sorbo's Nerdy Little Brother, Jay Bouwmeester</span><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Hitting the Post did not have a list. Disappointing. But they did address the question: is their team the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://hittingthepost.blogspot.com/2009/11/minnesota-wild-least-intriguing-team-in.html">Least Intriguing team in the NHL?</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> So what about this Wild team is interesting, right now? Their answer: nothing. Nada. Nathan. Nil. Bopkus. At least we're all on the same page.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Low on Oil looks at being an </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://lowonoil.com/2009-articles/november/edmonton-oilers-hitting-the-ground-running.html">Oilers fan and compares it to Myth Busters, exes and Mac Ads</a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />And if you want to read the latest issue of Tigerbeat, or Teen Beat or whatever they have Lipgloss/Tswizzle's face all over, I put together a collection of underage, androgynous faces of popstars and teen actors attending recent hockey games, so I ask the question </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://vancitycanuck.blogspot.com/2009/10/is-nhl-celebrity-trendy-these-days.html">is the NHL celebrity trendy</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> these days? Maybe I should have asked the question: why are these people famous?</span> <p style="font-family: arial;"><b>Do you think that you've written something worthy of next week's list? Are you a reader of a smaller blog and feel it deserves some attention? Drop me an e-mail at </b>thevancitycanuck [at] gmail.com<b> and maybe you'll end up in the next NW Links around the League, I promise to be relatively nice.<br /></b></p>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04777904539341451094noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-2096877694969628862009-11-05T07:46:00.000-06:002009-11-05T07:46:00.109-06:00CLS shares its "NHL BCS" (First Week of Nov.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvJ1TkurT4I/AAAAAAAAAUM/zbElJiZGMAA/s1600-h/bcs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvJ1TkurT4I/AAAAAAAAAUM/zbElJiZGMAA/s400/bcs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400507882308063106" /></a><b>I've been throwing some fun little statistics at you lately, but numbers are only fun when they lead to people writing angry comments. That (along with porn and pirating music/movies/ships) is what the Internet is for, right?</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>So to cause you a conniption or two, I took the composite average of each teams rankings in the four categories</b> (Net Goals, True PP, True PK and Special Teams Plus/Minus). <b>Granted, some stats are more important than others ... and it is still a small sample ... but let's see where each team stacks up.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The Excel Spreadsheet will be listed at the bottom of this post so you can see for yourself.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Please Note: these rankings are based on stats taken before Tuesday's games, just like the stats from yesterday's post.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Final Note: This is a COMPLETELY impartial list based strictly off the numbers. There may be Power Rankings based on projections and opinions in the future, but for now this is just rankings along with commentary.</b></i></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>(The commentary is delightfully biased, however.)</i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">The Elite</span></b></i><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvKJc_zabqI/AAAAAAAAAU8/JFtt8DH3yzw/s1600-h/demers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvKJc_zabqI/AAAAAAAAAU8/JFtt8DH3yzw/s400/demers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400530034427063970" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>1. San Jose Sharks</b><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Average: 5</span></b></p></div><div>My fearful Stanley Cup pick is doing pretty well so far. They're the second ranked team in Net Goals and Special Teams Plus/Minus. Maybe they won't stay at #1 all season but they're likely to be an elite team in just about any numerical system barring catastrophes.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Philadelphia Flyers</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 5.25</div><div><br /></div><div>Much like last year, the Flyers stand out once you consider True PP and True PK. They're also pretty damn solid at 5-on-5, to boot. So far people who chose a SCF run for Philly are looking fairly bright.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. New York Rangers</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 5.5</div><div><br /></div><div>Their True PP and Net Goals Scored could be altered quite a bit if <b>Marian Gaborik</b> cannot stay healthy and their young D slows down. Still, their strong showing is a sign that Torts knows what he's doing.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Colorado Avalanche</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 6.25</div><div><br /></div><div>While only being solid on the PP, the Avs have been an elite team in the other three categories. Who knows how long they can keep this up, but so far the numbers say "top 10 team."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Atlanta Thrashers</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Average: 7</div><div><br /></div><div>An Ilya-free team could drop precipitously, but the chink in Atlanta's armor has been Net Goals instead of Penalty Kill. Can their out-of-nowhere strong goaltending continue? Who knows.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Strong Contenders</span></i></b><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvKJV6C1gmI/AAAAAAAAAU0/6jetclVAe_s/s1600-h/tippetcoyotes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvKJV6C1gmI/AAAAAAAAAU0/6jetclVAe_s/s400/tippetcoyotes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400529912622056034" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">6. Pittsburgh Penguins</span></p></div><div>Average: 10.5</div><div><br /></div><div>Injuries to <b>Evgeni Malkin</b>, <b>Sergei Gonchar</b> and others will probably mean that the Penguins' numbers will fall a bit (or dramatically) across the board. It's still pretty impressive that the Penguins have managed a 7-0 road record, so far.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. (tied) Phoenix Coyotes</b></div><div>Average: 11.25</div><div><br /></div><div>The only below average unit appears to be their Penalty Kill (seventeenth best True PK%). Phoenix might not be playing a crowd-pleasing style, but winning is a good thing, too. Good luck 'Yotes.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. (tied) Calgary Flames</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 11.25</div><div><br /></div><div>A highly efficient (third best True PP) powerplay is what makes the Flames dangerous so far this season. I'd also like to say "not employing Mike Keenan" is another strength in their favor.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. Columbus Blue Jackets</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 12.75</div><div><br /></div><div>Oddly enough, the Blue Jackets are a little bit weak in Net Goals Scored (19th best) while having strong special teams. Don't be shocked if this club makes the playoffs again this year.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>10. Chicago Blackhawks</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 13.75</div><div><br /></div><div>A surprisingly tepid PP (ranked 20th in True PP) underscores just how scary this group will be whenever they get healthy returns from <b>Captain Serious</b> and <b>Marian Hossa</b>. The <b>John Madden </b>acquisition looks like a smart move.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>11. (tied) Ottawa Senators</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 14</div><div><br /></div><div>The <b>Heatley</b>-free Senators are pretty weak with a man advantage (25th in True PP) but sport the best True PK in the league. Hell, they've only allowed seven PP goals while scoring four shorthanded!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>11. (tied) New York Islanders</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 14</div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps the biggest hole in this ranking system, the Islanders have at least shown a notable friskiness so far this season. They've managed to stay in a lot of games with efficient special teams but lack the talent level to do much 5-on-5. You cannot ask NYI to do much better than 5-5-5 in 15 GP.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>13. (tied) Vancouver Canucks</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 15</div><div><br /></div><div>The Canucks' numbers are all over the place, but ultimately they're fittingly middle-of-the-road. It's going to be tough for Vancouver to make the playoffs this year, let alone win their division, with the schedule and obstacles (<b>Luongo </b>injury) they are facing.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>13. (tied) Minnesota Wild</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 15</div><div><br /></div><div>The Wild make it this high because of their absolutely excellent PK and a respectable PP. The bottom line, though, is that they're 27th in the NHL in Net Goals Scored. Middle-of-the-road is probably their ceiling at this point.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>15. Washington Capitals</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 16.75</div><div><br /></div><div>There was a time when it seemed like Washington might compile the greatest PP unit ever. That unit slowed down considerably, but the Caps rank highly in Net Goals Scored (7th) and should be a top-1o team in these rankings by the end of the season. Even if Ovie misses a few weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">16. (tied) Buffalo Sabres</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 18</div><div><br /></div><div>Buffalo is playing over their heads right now, with the sixth best ranking in Net Goals Scored despite mediocre special teams numbers. Let's hope <b>Ryan Miller</b> and friends can keep it together, though.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Ham and Eggers</span></i></b><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvKJSs6oBiI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QJ6MMhC5NMU/s1600-h/smythkopitar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvKJSs6oBiI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QJ6MMhC5NMU/s400/smythkopitar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400529857558349346" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">16. (tied) Edmonton Oilers</span></p></div><div>Average: 18</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite finishing with the same average as Buffalo, the Oilers are the quintessential mediocre NHL team. They rank middle of the road in all four categories. They average one point earned per game played (15). Yawn.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>18. New Jersey Devils</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 18.25</div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing surprising about these Devils, really. My guess is they make it to the playoffs and then find their thin defense unable to support anything more than a second round run at best. Still, with all the turnover in this decade it's amazing this team can keep up year after year.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>19. (tied) Los Angeles Kings</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 18.5</div><div><br /></div><div>The Kings ultimately are brought down by a fairly awful penalty kill (28th ranked True PK%) but are around the top third in the league in Net Goals Scored and True PP. The Kings really could be primed for a playoff run this season.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>19. (tied) Dallas Stars</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 18.5</div><div><br /></div><div>Dallas is in an odd spot this year. Yes, they do have some serious talent but this team is far from elite. It's ultimately unclear what direction the Stars want to take. Is simply making the playoffs the only goal year after year?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>21. Detroit Red Wings</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 18.75</div><div><br /></div><div>These stats were taken before <b>Chris Osgood </b>managed a nice shutout of the fledgling Boston Bruins, but it doesn't take away from the fact that the Red Wings have left a lot to be desired in their own end. Their PP is still pretty damn deadly, though. They'll be OK. Will they be great? That remains to be seen.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Government Cheese</span></i></b><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvKJOQwmudI/AAAAAAAAAUk/bmwvTriV_aA/s1600-h/thomasdown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvKJOQwmudI/AAAAAAAAAUk/bmwvTriV_aA/s400/thomasdown.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400529781280651730" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">22. Toronto Maple Leafs</span></p></div><div>Average: 21.5</div><div><br /></div><div>Toronto is an odd duck in these stats: the <i>best </i>True PP% and the <i>worst</i> True PK% on one team. Let's face it, though, those special teams numbers won't really mean much if Toronto remains the fourth-worst team in Net Goals.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>23. St. Louis Blues</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Average: 21.75</div><div><br /></div><div>Quietly one of the league's most disappointing teams.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>24. Carolina Hurricanes</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 23.25</div><div><br /></div><div>The <i>worst</i> team in the league in Net Goals and that's before the team was shutout. Yikes. Their plight shows that you shouldn't make team building decisions based off of nostalgia.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>25. (tied) Boston Bruins</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Average: 25</div><div><br /></div><div>An absolutely abysmal special teams and a general lack of firepower (not to mention some crucial injuries) leave the Bruins among the dregs of society. The truth is that this team is somewhere between their current state and their euphoric year in '08-'09. My bet is that they make the playoffs, but it's going to be tough.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>25. (tied) Nashville Predators</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 25</div><div><br /></div><div>Is there a team more in need of a top draft pick than the Predators? All those years of barely making/missing the playoffs left them with a shallow pool of genuine NHL talent. Time to tank, I'd say.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Just Ugly</span></i></b><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvKJK6ZdpYI/AAAAAAAAAUc/80S6_EgTGLw/s1600-h/markov.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 245px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvKJK6ZdpYI/AAAAAAAAAUc/80S6_EgTGLw/s400/markov.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400529723738400130" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>27. (tied) Montreal Canadiens</b></p></div><div>Average: 25.25</div><div><br /></div><div>All that money spent for a team that will need to fight and claw desperately to secure a 7th or 8th seed. Without <b>Andrei Markov</b>, the Canadiens don't even have a particularly effective PP.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>27. (tied) Anaheim Ducks</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 25.25</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been an ugly season for the quackers so far. With the league's worst special teams plus/minus and some serious blueline issues, the Ducks will need even better work from their 14th-best powerplay. Anaheim managed a near-miraculous run to the playoffs last year, but can they really affordable to dig such a big hole with Los Angeles and Phoenix emerging and Dallas showing some life?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>29. Tampa Bay Lightning</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 26.25</div><div><br /></div><div>A real oddball team. <b>Steve Stamkos</b> looks like the real deal while I'm starting to wonder if <b>Vincent Lecavalier</b> is really overrated.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>30. Florida Panthers</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Average: 28.5</div><div><br /></div><div>What happens to Florida if <b>Vokoun</b> walks? This team is grasping at straws as is, but without Vokoun's elite-ish goaltending they would be in some serious trouble. Then again, I guess they already are?<p>Here's the spreadsheet:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvJ35OA1pJI/AAAAAAAAAUU/NFQVrVW26Hk/s1600-h/powerrankingsnov4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvJ35OA1pJI/AAAAAAAAAUU/NFQVrVW26Hk/s400/powerrankingsnov4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400510728068506770" /></a></p></div>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-76144385935447211472009-11-04T07:51:00.000-06:002009-11-04T07:51:00.771-06:00Return to Stat Nerdia: An Update on True PP, True PK, Net Goals and Special Teams Plus/Minus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvDglJKrTDI/AAAAAAAAATk/AgAY9tT9mPE/s1600-h/nerd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvDglJKrTDI/AAAAAAAAATk/AgAY9tT9mPE/s400/nerd.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400062881937706034" /></a><p>The sample size is still pretty small, but I thought it would be a good time to take another look at two of the stats I made up (True PP and True PK) as well as where each team ranks in Net Goals and Special Teams Plus/Minus. The original posts can be found <a href="http://cyclelikesedins.blogspot.com/2009/10/special-teams-plus-minus-net-goals-in.html">here</a> and <a href="http://cyclelikesedins.blogspot.com/2009/10/simple-stats-that-i-dont-see-often.html">here</a>. Each screen capture will have an explanation of the stats that are included. Click on them to get a better look.</p><p><b style="text-decoration: underline;">Net Goals</b> (all stats taken before Tuesday's games)</p><p>Net Goals refers to a simple formula: a team's <b>total goals for</b> <i>minus</i> a team's <b>total goals against</b>.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvDlM4SxqFI/AAAAAAAAAUE/5GCcWMEgqlQ/s1600-h/nov2_netgoals.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvDlM4SxqFI/AAAAAAAAAUE/5GCcWMEgqlQ/s400/nov2_netgoals.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400067962649552978" /></a></p><p><b style="text-decoration: underline;">Special Teams Plus/Minus</b> (all stats taken before Tuesday's games)</p><p>(<b>Powerplay Goals For</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">subtracted by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>Shor</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><b>thanded Goals Allowed</b>) </span>minus<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "> (<b>Penalty Kill Goals Allowed</b> </span>subtracted by<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "> <b>Shorthanded Goals For</b>) is the formula for Special Teams Plus/Minus.</span></span></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvDlJP0rE1I/AAAAAAAAAT8/HmcPhdkKP7Q/s1600-h/nov2_specialteamspm.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvDlJP0rE1I/AAAAAAAAAT8/HmcPhdkKP7Q/s400/nov2_specialteamspm.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400067900246266706" /></a></p><p><b>True PP%</b></p><p>To simplify things, True PP% is a lot like PP% except it factors in the Shorthanded Goals a team allows along with the PP goals it scores.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvDlEPIsN3I/AAAAAAAAAT0/j3KN9OgAqnQ/s1600-h/nov2_pptrue.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvDlEPIsN3I/AAAAAAAAAT0/j3KN9OgAqnQ/s400/nov2_pptrue.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400067814162446194" /></a></p><p><b>True PK%</b></p><p>Much like True PP%, except this considers the SHG a team scores along with the PP goals it allows.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvDk6W2HUBI/AAAAAAAAATs/-VoPv_OkAek/s1600-h/nov2_truepk.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvDk6W2HUBI/AAAAAAAAATs/-VoPv_OkAek/s400/nov2_truepk.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400067644433322002" /></a></p>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-72036691435463330782009-11-03T10:52:00.010-06:002009-11-03T11:58:51.494-06:00A Tribute to Bridesmaids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBlBGJ4oqI/AAAAAAAAASc/V4__zUTNMW8/s1600-h/pastel-bridesmaid-dresses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBlBGJ4oqI/AAAAAAAAASc/V4__zUTNMW8/s400/pastel-bridesmaid-dresses.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399927022723572386" /></a><b>As newspaper pages yellow and hairs become gray, time tends to remember only the winners and people who break other people's necks. It takes a Super Bowl savant to even remember the losers, let alone the many teams that couldn't even get there.</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>This post could just be a one-shot deal, but the hope is to find out about missed dynasties and could've been champions from days of yore. So please let us know about some of the most interesting Hypothetical Champions from hockey's elder years too.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Recent</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b> Memorable Almost Champions from Hockey and Otherwise</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The St. Louis Blues </b>of the 90's</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBnEf4TbSI/AAAAAAAAAS0/y65aPTM98sk/s1600-h/hullblues.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBnEf4TbSI/AAAAAAAAAS0/y65aPTM98sk/s400/hullblues.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399929280192015650" /></a><p>OK, so this squad never got especially close to a Cup but that's part of what makes their completely failed dynasty perplexing. <b>Brett Hull </b>- <b>Al MacInnis</b> - <b>Chris Pronger </b>- <b>Adam Oates. </b>They had all four of those HoF-caliber performers for big chunks of their primes but could never really put together even a deep playoff run. Perhaps those teams weren't constructed well or simply lacked goaltending, but it still is pretty stunning those guys didn't break through the Dallas/Detroit/Colorado gamut at least once.</p></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b>The Drury-Briere Buffalo Sabres</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Awww, now this one is still pretty sad. Sabres fans are frowning and muttering "Open Wounds, James. Open Wounds." Let's take you back, though: after teetering on the edge of bankruptcy and contraction the Sabres suddenly became hotter than Emma Stone. With a solid goaltender in <b>Ryan Miller</b>, a makeshift band of defensemen lead by "Tepid" <b>Teppo Numminen</b> and line after line of flighty forwards, it was pretty difficult to <i>not</i> love those Sabres. Even with their goofy old logo:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBldbkKOEI/AAAAAAAAASk/_139RdH-cFQ/s1600-h/sabres1.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBldbkKOEI/AAAAAAAAASk/_139RdH-cFQ/s400/sabres1.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399927509507258434" /></a><p>And their even more terrible new logo:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBli51IykI/AAAAAAAAASs/Z5w-j_IBcD8/s1600-h/buffaslug.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBli51IykI/AAAAAAAAASs/Z5w-j_IBcD8/s400/buffaslug.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399927603530877506" /></a></p><p>Still, despite those logos, it was pretty much impossible to root against the Sabres until they played against your favorite team.</p><p>Sadly, a big part of what made those Sabres team so difficult to play against (rolling line after line of quality forwards) is what made them so difficult to sustain in a small market, salary cap world. Their most important forwards went on to be grossly overpaid; with Briere and Drury going to other teams and <b>Vanek</b> staying in Buffalo for a crap ton of money.</p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Basketball Teams</b></span></p><p><b>The Barkley Era </b><i><b>and</b></i><b> Steve Nash Phoenix Suns</b></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBtPGChzRI/AAAAAAAAAS8/rTYuTiKfuLs/s1600-h/barkley.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 308px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBtPGChzRI/AAAAAAAAAS8/rTYuTiKfuLs/s400/barkley.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399936059303906578" /></a></p><p>This one hits close to home. As a kid, I didn't choose sports teams based on geographical convenience but rather who captured my immature imagination. Naturally, the brash, bald and bold <b>Charles Barkley</b> captured my attention like no basketball player before him.</p><p>Those Barkley-<b>Kevin Johnson</b>-<b>Thunder Dan</b> Suns teams were outrageously fun to watch. If you want to find the key to my heart, make sure that you find a solid and charismatic coach, an explosive and quirky offense and a largely terrible defense. Is that a formula for a championship? Almost definitely not. But perfect defense and coaching usually kills fun (see: Devils, New Jersey and Spurs, San Antonio).</p><p>After Barkley was traded away, I thought that a basketball team would never captivate me in the same way again. <b>Jason Kidd</b> lobbing alley oops to <b>Shawn Marion</b> was entertaining but ... eh. <b>Stephon Marbury </b>nearly killed basketball for me.</p><p>Just as I thought I'd never care again, floppy haired banger of Elizabeth Hurley <b>Steve Nash</b> came along and captained the priceless "Seven Seconds or Less" Phoenix Suns. And it was good.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBtbwtl8aI/AAAAAAAAATE/_1epvuh05u4/s1600-h/steve_nash1jpg.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBtbwtl8aI/AAAAAAAAATE/_1epvuh05u4/s400/steve_nash1jpg.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399936276917252514" /></a></p><p>You can conspiracy theorize all you want, but those teams ultimately fell short because they didn't want to pay to get to the top and because they couldn't play defense. So what? They were a joy to watch and I miss them terribly (since Steve Kerr murdered them with terrible decisions).</p><p>Seriously, though, fuck you Steve Kerr.</p><p><b>The Webber-Ugly Dude Sacramento Kings</b></p><p>Much like the Nash Suns, the <b>Chris Webber</b>-<b>Mike Bibby</b>-hairy European Sacramento Kings were a lot of fun to watch. Also a lot like those Suns teams, the Kings probably had as many flaws as strengths.</p><p>If nothing else, the Kings will always make me smile when I remember that <b>Shaq</b> referred to <b>Vlade Divac</b> as "a flopping bitch." Good times.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBtz1X4urI/AAAAAAAAATM/rZLLr3MSqAw/s1600-h/divac.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SvBtz1X4urI/AAAAAAAAATM/rZLLr3MSqAw/s400/divac.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399936690485246642" /></a></p><p><b>The Cuban-Nowitzki</b> <b>Mavericks</b></p><p>It's crazy how close that team came to a championship before getting absolutely screwed in the Finals. But let's face it, they're done.</p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Football Teams</span></p><p><b>The Jim Kelly Buffalo Bills</b></p><p>No sense kicking this dead horse anymore. No sense bringing up <b>Scott Norwood</b>'s name. That would just be mean.</p><p><b>Late 80s Bengals/Browns</b></p><p>The state of Ohio actually came pretty close to winning a Super Bowl. For the Browns, it was their epic choking and <b>John Elway</b> that kept them from glory. For the Bengals, it was <b>Joe Montana.</b></p></div>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-75865477975388736632009-11-02T17:23:00.005-06:002009-11-03T07:37:12.615-06:00Tuesday's Tour Around the CentralYou know it's a slow news week when you do a Google News search for the Blue Jackets and every single thing that pops up has to do with Ovechkin and his wonky shoulder. And, as an afterthought, how they came from behind to win their game Sunday.<br /><br />Anywho, let's see what's out there in America's Heartland - and Nashville.<br /><br />Our friends (and by friends I mean fellow smartasses who also write a gameday newspaper - they're like Game Time's cousins or something) over at Second City Hockey <a href="http://www.secondcityhockey.com/2009/11/1/1110294/one-month-in-what-do-we-know">have a recap of what you can tell about the Blackhawks after one month in</a>. Kudos to them for not doing what a lot of other Hawks sites are doing - "Wooooo! We're in FIRST!" is not an in-depth analysis. Because, um, there are like 65 or so games left. Gimmie substance, please.<br /><br />Hockey's Future has the top 10 organizational rankings out, and the <a href="http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11515/hockeys_future_organizational_rankings_fall2009110/">Blue Jackets are 4th</a> (Blues are 1st and the Preds are 2nd, so the Central should be tough for some time to come). Nikita Filatov is their number one prospect and apparently will be a contender for the Calder this year. Someone might want to mention that to Ken Hitchcock.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fromtherink.com/2009/10/30/1107266/part-6-final-thoughts-on-nashville">Mirtle wrote an excellent six part series on the viability of the Nashville Predators</a> as a hockey market. Excellently researched - as a fan of the Thrashers, I appreciate someone taking the time to visit Nashville to see what's going on there first hand. I'm fairly tired of people writing stuff that usually sounds like:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"(Insert non-traditional market team here) doesn't have the fan base to succeed. Their attendance is awful. They need to win in the playoffs or else (insert big name star) is going to leave in free agency. Since they're located in the south, the team will automatically finish in the bottom of their Conference. Oh, and LOL @ rednecks!"</span></span><br /><br />MLive.com is hoping that the <a href="http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2009/11/red_wings_hope_to_have_turned.html">Red Wings have turned a corner</a>. That's odd - so do I. Into a wall.<br /><br />And finally, continuing the injury bug that has been harassing the Blues for the past few seasons, Andy McDonald does his best impression of me in high heels and <a href="http://www.stlouisgametime.com/2009/11/1/1109720/andy-mcdonald">takes a header into the boards</a>:<br /><br /><center><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vhcG5-yQ1Q8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vhcG5-yQ1Q8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></center><br /><br />Thank God he appears to be ok so far, though he probably won't play Thursday as a precaution. No word yet on Sunday at Atlanta.Laura (aka Hildymac)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17828781535917718952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-45218061486897447292009-11-01T13:18:00.008-06:002009-11-01T15:23:46.689-06:00Links around the League (Nov. 1)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/Su38OEG8yMI/AAAAAAAAASU/VTPXdj2Heqc/s1600-h/sausage_links.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/Su38OEG8yMI/AAAAAAAAASU/VTPXdj2Heqc/s400/sausage_links.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399248846838352066" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Things look like they may pick up around CLS lately, so keep your eyes open and your RSS feeds refreshing.</span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I announced this fairly recently, but just to clarify CLS will begin collecting interesting stories from the league (and its divisions) with the hopes of eventually doing so on a daily basis. The goal isn't to match <a href="http://www.kuklaskorner.com/">Kuklas Korner</a>, <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy">Puck Daddy</a> or any of the other blogs who provide links posts but rather to try to find a) things that fall through the cracks or b) things that are too weird/crucial/hilarious to ignore.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">For the first week, however, I'm going to share links to posts from years past that made me more interested in hockey blogging or stuck with me for one reason or another. This will also hopefully provide a decent (though by no means rigid) guide for our other contributors.</span><br /></b><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/Su3tfzwCyUI/AAAAAAAAAR0/T3Un-cIGGHo/s1600-h/beard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/Su3tfzwCyUI/AAAAAAAAAR0/T3Un-cIGGHo/s400/beard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399232659010537794" /></a><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://battleofalberta.blogspot.com/2006/06/many-faces-of-sacamano.html">Sacamano's Epic Beard Piece</a></b></p><p>On some level, the Oilogosphere's coverage of Edmonton's Cinderella run to the SCF may not ever be matched for its sheer hilarity and insane genius. One could devote many a post (and many links) to the great portions of comedy that resulted from that special time but it ultimately just makes me sad that most of those guys are long gone.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/Su3vjsPNk_I/AAAAAAAAAR8/s1DkUM2Hbwk/s1600-h/crosby%3Dheel.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 321px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/Su3vjsPNk_I/AAAAAAAAAR8/s1DkUM2Hbwk/s400/crosby%3Dheel.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399234924736517106" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thepensblog.com/pensblog/january-2009/ways-the-penguins-can-save-their-season.html"><b>Why Sidney Crosby should embrace the role of villain</b></a></div><p></p><p>One of the reasons I run a general NHL blog instead of a Penguins-related blog is that Pensblog covers the bases I would attempt to as a Penguins fan: they write over the top, offensive and funny things about the Penguins and include professional wrestling references. This post is my favorite of theirs and is generally just full of genius. Bonus points for the hilarious Photoshop of a bloodied <b>Mike Richards</b>.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/Su33j0SIILI/AAAAAAAAASE/Xfl_x_QaIyI/s1600-h/elvis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/Su33j0SIILI/AAAAAAAAASE/Xfl_x_QaIyI/s400/elvis.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399243722989248690" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://battleofcalifornia.blogspot.com/2008/07/helpful-guide-for-greatest-american-dog.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://battleofcalifornia.blogspot.com/2008/07/helpful-guide-for-greatest-american-dog.html"><b>Rudy's Off-Season post about Dogs (and hockey)</b></a></div><p></p><p>I never actually watched a single episode of the show Rudy was talking about, yet I'll always go back to this post as a rebuttal for people who say that they can't write anything interesting during hockey's off time. This is one of the best posts to come out of BoC and it was during a dead time in the year. Rudy: "It's like someone put a camera inside my head and filmed my dreams."</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2009/6/24/922606/a-new-approach-to-which-nhl-teams">Bird Watchers Anonymous with an in-depth look at drafting</a></b></p><p>Anyone who wants to contemplate how much of a crapshoot drafting can be needs to look no further than this exhaustive take on how each NHL team fares in the draft. It's also a great example of making deep stat analysis digestible for the unwashed masses.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Five-Reasons-Blogger-Justin-Bourne-Loves-Hockey?urn=nhl,195145">Five Reasons Justin Bourne Loves Hockey</a></b></p><p>Puck Daddy often hits Internet-wide features out of the park and one of the best ones is their "Five Things I Love about Hockey" specials. What makes this piece especially interesting is that it takes a very humanistic approach to what makes hockey great and is written almost at a Ken Dryden's <i>The Game-</i>level. This shows that players can come up with some truly great stuff every now and then.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p><b>Do you think that you've written something worthy of next week's list? Are you a reader of a smaller blog and feel it deserves some attention? Drop me an e-mail at </b>cyclelikesedins@gmail.com<b> and maybe you'll end up in the next Links around the League.</b></p><p></p>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-31208357283292653202009-10-29T21:50:00.005-05:002009-10-29T22:11:02.771-05:00Hits to the Head (and all the headaches that come with making rules about them)<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cIXcGOr4-04&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cIXcGOr4-04&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Part 1</span></div><div><br /></div>You may not recall this, but <a href="http://cyclelikesedins.blogspot.com/2009/02/about-cycle-like-sedins.html">the original concept of CLS</a> focused on dissecting the NHL's biggest issues in a round table format. Instead, the blog morphed into something that is often much better.</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Still, though, now that the blog features two brainy contributors in <a href="http://sacrificethebody.blogspot.com/">Joe</a> and <a href="http://theroyahalf.blogspot.com/">Chris Kontos</a>, we'll occasionally take such an approach with various issues.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>In this case, Joe e-mailed me after a weekend full off controversial hits. Here's the first part of our discussion.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div><b>JOE:</b></div><div>James, we're not even a whole month into the NHL regular season, and already it seems that we've hit our yearly quota for incidents in which someone made a outright dirty hit, or at least made one which was borderline dirty. I got into this discussion <a href="http://wingsvducks.blogspot.com/2009/05/pac-said-keep-ya-head-up.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">last spring with Art and Daniel</a>(and hey, we're even hijacking their gimmick!) on the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6yUTn7PpDs&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Brown/Hudler hit</a> during the DET/ANA series, and then again with Art when Kronwall broke Marty Havlat in the DET/CHI series. The other day, Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/After-weekend-of-brutal-hits-player-safety-zeal?urn=nhl,198284" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">said his piece</a> on reactions to the recent <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUNPTXkcxOQ&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Mike Richards/David Booth</a> hit, comparing it to this hit by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFLbg-PnMeQ&feature=player_embedded#" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Willie Mitchell on Jonathan Toews</a>. I'm sure both of us agree on such blatant cheap shots as this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6yUTn7PpDs&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Ruutu shot on Darcy Tucker</a>, which resulted in a 3 game suspension, but that black and white turns to gray really quick when you start looking at some other more controversial hits. Obviously we want a contact sport, but at the same time, there is a definite problem in the league with regards to headshots, even those delivered legally by the letter of the law like Richards', though the clean/dirty aspect of it, despite its legality, is definitely up for debate. Where do you think that line should be drawn, and how should it be enforced? Is a full ban on hits to the head the answer?</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm just going to slip these in here, for reference, examples, general viewing enjoyment, and probably to stir up some folks in the comments as well, in addition to the previously linked hits:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqanH27U338" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Nik Kronwall/Marty Havlat</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srGmFfnhzdE" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Nik Kronwall/Mike Ribiero</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwWHCoxN2xk&feature=related" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Dion Phaneuf/Kyle Okposo</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhepQWlvQKs" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Doug Weight/Brandon Sutter</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVeqzYgTELk" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Scott Stevens/Eric Lindros</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYQf9cxzJFg" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Stevens/Slava Kozlov</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMEVC4NpL6c" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Stevens/Ron Francis</a>,<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chONBM-2X9s" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Stevens/Shane Willis</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiDJ1y7cGIw" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Stevens/Paul Kariya</a>.<p><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RMIAWYiQUpM&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RMIAWYiQUpM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"></span></p><p><b>James:</b></p><div>Oh boy is this ever a loaded issue. I guess the first point that needs to be made is that, unlike Joe, I don't have a frame of reference beyond street hockey. I am an anti-athlete. Watching me play sports is an exercise in unintentional comedy.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">I can't even skate backwards without looking like an idiot.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">So, from my personal perspective, it's difficult to be <i>too</i> hard on some of those gray area hits. Hockey is a ridiculously fast sport and to assume that they are ALL deliberate attempts to injure is probably misguided. In particular, hits against the boards (while often being the most dangerous from a neck injury/concussion standpoint) can go from painful to dirty while a player has already committed to the check.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">That being said, these ARE world class athletes we're talking about. The Sports Guy Bill <a href="http://goog_1256756972848/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Simmons had an interesting take on </a><b><a href="http://goog_1256756972848/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">Bruce Bowen </a></b><a href="http://goog_1256756972848/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">of the </a><b><a href="http://goog_1256756972848/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">San Antonio Spurs </a></b><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070516" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">being accused of being a dirty player</a>:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; padding-left: 1ex; ">"Bruce Bowen is a cheap player. There's no debate. He's not some clumsy power forward who can't stay out of his own way (like Mark Madsen), or even some uncoordinated center who can't remember to keep his elbows near his body (like Shawn Bradley). He's a world-class athlete who has complete control over every inch of his body at all times.</blockquote><div> </div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; padding-left: 1ex; "><p>As anyone who's ever played basketball knows, with the exception of clumsy people who probably shouldn't be playing in the first place, there are no accidents on a basketball court.Your feet just don't coincidentally land under someone else's feet as he's shooting a jump shot, and you don't just coincidentally kick someone in the calf as he's going up for a layup or dunk. These things don't just happen. They don't. The only room for error happens when someone's trying to block a fast-break layup or dunk, takes a roundhouse swipe and inadvertently ends up hitting his opponent's head instead of the ball (like we saw with Matt Barnes when he clocked Matt Harpring Tuesday night). When Jason Richardson nails Memo Okur at the end of Game 4 because he's pissed that Okur was driving at the tail end of a guaranteed win, or Baron Davis elbows Derek Fisher in the same game because he's ticked that the Warriors blew a winnable game ... those aren't accidents."</blockquote><p style="margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 13px; margin-left: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 13px; margin-left: 0px; ">Before we get into defining what a dirty hit really is, I have to ask you Joe: does it matter <b>whom</b> the offender is? Should guys who seem to continually blur the line between legal and illegal ... who have a tendency to take advantage of other players ... should the <b>Scott Stevens, Dion Phaneufs</b> and <b>Mike Richards</b> of the world be under special consideration?</p><p style="margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 13px; margin-left: 0px; ">In other words, can we fairly judge the <i>intention</i> of a hit and should reputation be taken into account?</p><p style="margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 13px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qwWHCoxN2xk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qwWHCoxN2xk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><p><b>JOE:</b></span></p><div>I don't think reputation should be considered at all in the actual penalty. If Pavel Datsyuk, who may actually be Lady Byng, makes a dirty play, he ought to be called just the same as anyone else. Conversely, while Nik Kronwall may be universally reviled for having a tendency to leave his feet when hitting, you can't tell me he doesn't make a lot of legal, clean hits as well. The ice itself is not the place for refs to have to make even more subjective calls about reputations and intents. Reputation and prior incidents should only be an issue during the supplemental discipline process, for players who are refusing to learn from past issues. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hand in hand with avoiding subjectivity on the ice, intent should also be tossed out the window by the refs, and only considered within the supplemental discipline process. Refs have a hard enough time doing their jobs, and adding more subjective considerations to their calls is only going to make things worse, both in terms of calls missed and phantom calls made. Besides that, I think intent is a pretty shady area in which to judge anyways. Rarely does anyone ever mean to break someone's neck or end someone's career or change someone's life. The intent is usually to make someone think twice, to be hesitant in going into the corners, to help wear someone down. I think we both agree that particular intent is legit, and a good part of the game, but its the execution that sometimes goes a little too far, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the last few years, there has been a lot of talk along the lines of eliminating hits to the head. In the OHL, all hits to the head are deemed illegal, and in the AHL, any hit to the head which is deemed to be intentional is an automatic match penalty. The thinking behind those rules was that the acceptable intent of hitting someone, as I just mentioned, can still be fulfilled without hitting the player in the head. Hits to the head are then thought to serve no constructive purpose in the game, outside of attempting to inflict an injury on your opponent. On the other side, many people contend that such crackdowns wouldn't work, because you'd have Zdeno Chara getting penalties all the time for hitting the likes of Marty St. Louis in the head, or that such restrictions go too far and remove too much physicality from the game. Where should that line be drawn?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>James: What do you think, fair readers?</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Stay tuned for Part 2!</b></div></span><p></p></span></b></div></div></span></div>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-28292545657383454682009-10-28T02:10:00.004-05:002009-10-28T03:46:06.914-05:00On Visors<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you haven't seen it already, you should definitely check out </span></span><a href="http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/pat-dapuzzo-reveals-anguish-depression-after-skate-severs-his-face/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">this fantastic piece</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> posted by NHL FanHouse's Chris Botta. Pat Dapuzzo, a former NHL linesman of 24 years, shares what I'm sure is just a very small part of his experience after having his career ended and his life changed in a freak accident. If you're squeamish, the embedded video on the article may not be for you, but what happens in that video is that Philadelphia Flyer Steve Downie was being hipchecked along the boards by a New York Ranger. Dapuzzo was caught between the boards and the hipcheck, and as Downie pinwheeled over the hitter, his skate stabbed Dapuzzo across the face. The injuries are recounted in the article by Dapuzzo, the most startling of which being that his nose had to be reattached. It's a great piece, but one quote in particular cut to an issue whose answer seems so obvious that I've never been able to understand why it's even a question:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "><blockquote><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"This is a fact: all this happened to me because I wasn't wearing a face shield."</span></span></b></blockquote></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of the things we all love about pro athletes (</span></span><a href="http://battleofcalifornia.blogspot.com/2008/06/other-sports-are-ridiculous.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">not you, Paul Pierce</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) is their toughness, and this is particularly true with hockey players. No sport emphasizes or lionizes sacrificing your body for the team like hockey does. The passion and commitment that it takes to drop in front of a Chara/Pronger/MacInnis type blast from the point is one of the greatest things in sports. A large part of the rationalization for making those sacrifices is that the pain is temporary: the bruise will heal, the teeth can be replaced, you can get a shot before the game, and that at worst, the bone can be set and put in a cast to heal. Really, most injuries a hockey player is going to take in their career are things that can be healed and fixed, and allow the player to live a normal life after their career. Perhaps the most glaring exception to this is a person's eyes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've been watching sports for years, and I've been on the internet for just as long. I've seen a lot of pretty gruesome injuries, but I can only remember one incident in a sports game that made me instantly gasp in horror, during the live play. In Game 5 of the Wings/Flames series in the 2004 playoffs, </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuKce4hLB7U"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a point shot by Mathieu Schnieder deflected in front of the net</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, redirecting upwards into </span></span><a href="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/writers/stephen_cannella/10/20/inside.nhl/p1_yzerman1.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the left eye of Steve Yzerman</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. That was easily one of the scariest things I've ever seen. Yzerman was lucky - he was able to recover, and even come back for another year after the lockout. Seeing that video, its not hard to imagine how it could've been even worse. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eye injuries cost Brian Berard his career. An eye injury forced Al MacInnis into an early retirement. Ducks prospect Jordan Smith lost his career to an eye injury, an incident that prompted the AHL to require visors for all players. There are plenty of examples out there, and even more close calls. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Considering that their bodies and abilities are their living, the fact that most NHL players don't wear visors is simply astounding to me. That the NHL BoG has not forced the issue in an attempt to protect their investments is even more surprising, given their sole motivation comes from dollars and cents. There seem to be 3 reasons, in my mind, why the NHL hasn't made the jump. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The first issue is obviously concern about impeded vision on the ice from the visor. Somehow, many of today's young stars see just fine with a visor, and besides that, there's always the tinted visors to reduce glare. Second, is that "the code", as given to us by the likes of Mike Milbury and Don Cherry and other assorted irrelevant people, demands that you not be a pansy and wear protection... except for shin pads, padded pants, a cup, shoulderpads, elbow pads, and a helmet. Just don't put on that visor, or you might as well </span></span><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2174664"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">go back to France</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Third, and less talked about, I think has to be a confidence and denial issue among players as well. With such skilled players, part of the problem has to also be an issue of overconfidence as well. Sure, an NHL player can deflect a puck or dodge or flinch away from a shot coming his way. It makes it easy to think you can avoid an injury in any situation. Unfortunately, it's never as cut and dry as a straight shot into your eye. On Yzerman's injury, the puck deflected significantly, less than 20 feet away from him. Bryan Berard and Al MacInnis were both injured by sticks, not pucks. Such freak accidents are fortunately uncommon, but the fact is that they still happen, and they are frequently the sort of incidents the victim couldn't dodge or avoid. Coupled with that, the attitude of "It will never happen to me" is definitely a part of the choice not to wear a visor. No one ever plans on suffering a catastophic injury. Of course, no matter how hard you look the other way, such things still happen. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mandatory use of visors obviously wouldn't prevent every injury. Dany Heatley's left eye remains permanently dilated from an injury that occurred while wearing a visor. Pat Dapuzzo still would've had his face slashed by Downie's skate, but the injuries would certainly have been reduced significantly. But a $50 visor would likely mean Bryan Berard still pulled an NHL paycheck. Wearing a visor, Yzerman may still have been hurt, but at least most of the damage would probably be restricted to his mouth and cheekbones, as opposed to his cornea. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Even in the rec leagues I play in, I wear a visor. As we all know, shit happens. High sticks, deflected shots, or any of a million others things. Losing some teeth, I can deal with that. Even getting my nose broken again, or facial fractures, that can be dealt with. Not pleasant, but you can deal with it. Losing my vision? That's not something that I can deal with, its not something that can be fixed. That a 22 year old who has no material investment in his hockey ability can grasp that idea, while guys making a career out of the game continue to take avoidable career and life altering injuries is mind blowing. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12892367633984292438noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-28159381140864750162009-10-26T07:13:00.001-05:002009-10-26T18:58:07.239-05:00Jersey purchasing advice from someone who never buys jerseys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuTunCIXimI/AAAAAAAAARM/zRaJYcwdyLE/s1600-h/ricky-hockey-jersey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuTunCIXimI/AAAAAAAAARM/zRaJYcwdyLE/s400/ricky-hockey-jersey.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396700607850973794" /></a><br /><b>I saw some photo of a Packers fan wearing a Aaron Rodgers jersey and it made me think about how nice (but risky) of a gesture that is. That made me think further: what jersey(s) should fans of each NHL team consider?</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Here is my criteria:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. A solid crossroads of obscurity and talent</b></div><div><br /></div><div>It's not very exciting to wear a Crosby jersey if you're a Penguins fan or an Ovechkin jersey if you're a Caps fan ... so you want to get a sweater that's a little more unique. That being said, you don't want to wear the number of a guy who can barely play 10 minutes a night. Finding a good compromise between the two is ideal.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Longevity</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a big one in a sports atmosphere where players change colors so often. Trying to find a guy who either has a longterm deal or is unlikely to leave is a key component to finding the right jersey.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. General Goodwill</b></div><div><br /></div><div>More in line with your fellow fans, general goodwill is measured by how your peers would react to that jersey.</div><div><br /></div><div>Optional Categories:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Sentimentality</b></div><div><br /></div><div>To contrast #2, some players build up enough goodwill that you can permit people to wear a rosterly outdated jersey. This does not apply to guys who leave on bad terms (so just go ahead and burn that <b>Heatley</b> Senators jersey or that <b>Pronger</b> Oilers jersey).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Hilarity</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Special bonus points go for players who were horrible. You get instant respect from me if you rock a <b>Tommy Salo</b> Team Sweden jersey, a <b>Roman Cechmanek</b> LA Kings jersey or something of that ilk.<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuTuqLi6ErI/AAAAAAAAARU/y8SuQ1oLPso/s1600-h/tommy+salo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuTuqLi6ErI/AAAAAAAAARU/y8SuQ1oLPso/s400/tommy+salo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396700661917815474" /></a></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Anaheim</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Teemu Selanne</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jonas Hiller</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Guy Hebert</div><div style="text-align: left;">Steve Rucchin</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Atlanta</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bryan Little</div><div style="text-align: left;">Colby Armstrong</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Boston</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Milan Lucic (even though it's pretty obvious)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Zdeno Chara (breaks the rules because he's super tall)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bobby Orr (obvious ... but it's Bobby effin Orr)</div><div style="text-align: left;">P. J. Axelsson (judging from Cornelius's man crush)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Buffalo</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thomas Vanek</div><div style="text-align: left;">Derek Roy</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chris Drury</div><div style="text-align: left;">Daniel Briere</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Calgary</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jarmoe (he's just too bad ass)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Robyn Regehr</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Theo Fleury</div><div style="text-align: left;">Al MacInnis</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Carolina</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chad LaRose</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rod Brind'amour</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ron Francis - Hartford Whalers edition</div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuTuxH2P9OI/AAAAAAAAARk/zWl8KpW_g28/s1600-h/Ronny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuTuxH2P9OI/AAAAAAAAARk/zWl8KpW_g28/s400/Ronny.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396700781184283874" /></a></p><p><br /></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Chicago</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brent Seabrook</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kris Versteeg</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jeremy Roenick</div><div style="text-align: left;">Stan Mikita</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Colorado</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Craig Anderson</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kyle Quincey</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pretty obvious, right?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Columbus</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Antoine Vermetteg</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jan Hejda</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Dallas</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">James Neal</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brenden Morrow (he's just too bad ass)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Neal Broten - North Stars</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mike Modano - in his prime (just kidding)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sergei Zubov</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Detroit</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Darren Helm</div><div style="text-align: left;">Johan Franzen</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">There's about a million</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Edmonton</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sam Gagner</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ales Hemsky</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Again, lots. See: the 1980's</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Florida</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">David Booth</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tomas Vokoun</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bieser</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuTuuFFYOuI/AAAAAAAAARc/OOAx3TL-OmU/s1600-h/mikita.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuTuuFFYOuI/AAAAAAAAARc/OOAx3TL-OmU/s400/mikita.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396700728902826722" /></a><p><b>Los Angeles</b></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dustin Brown</div><div style="text-align: left;">Drew Doughty</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kelly Hrudey</div><div style="text-align: left;">Luc Robitaille</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Minnesota</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Miikko Koivu</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brent Burns</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Montreal</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Andrei Markov</div><div style="text-align: left;">Michael Cammalleri</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">C'mon</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>New Jersey</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Zach Parise</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Scott Stevens</div><div style="text-align: left;">Scott Niedermayer</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>New York Islanders</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">John Tavares (before fans come back out of the woodwork?)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kyle Okposo</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">See: Edmonton</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>New York Rangers</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ryan Callahan</div><div style="text-align: left;">Michael Del Zotto</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ottawa</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anton Volchenkov</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mike Fisher</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Alexandre Daigle :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Philadelphia</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mike Richards (because he's so bad ass)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Braydon Coburn</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Someone who hurt a lot of people</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pittsburgh</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Max Talbot</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tyler Kennedy</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Beyond the obvious ...</div><div style="text-align: left;">(to me anyway)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Straka, Kovalev, Wregget, Kasparitis, etc.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>San Jose</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">M.E. Vlasic</div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe Pavelski IF he re-signs</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>St. Louis</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">T.J. Oshie</div><div style="text-align: left;">Erik Johnson</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Adam Oates</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brett Hull</div><div style="text-align: left;">Al MacInnis</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tampa Bay</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Steve Stamkos</div><div style="text-align: left;">Victor Hedman</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Toronto</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Luke Schenn</div><div style="text-align: left;">Phil Kessel</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mats Sundin</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wendel Clark</div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuTvtdH9afI/AAAAAAAAARs/WDMNZrbdqNE/s1600-h/wendelclark3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuTvtdH9afI/AAAAAAAAARs/WDMNZrbdqNE/s400/wendelclark3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396701817687861746" /></a></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Vancouver</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ryan Kesler</div><div style="text-align: left;">Alex Burrows</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Trevor Linden</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pavel Bure</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Washington</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nicklas Backstrom</div><div style="text-align: left;">Howeverhespellshisfirstnamenow Varlamov</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Departed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Olaf Kolzig</div><div style="text-align: left;">Petr Bondra</div></div>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-70679607680945910452009-10-24T16:18:00.010-05:002009-10-24T19:01:13.988-05:00Addicted to Vampires? Take a look at Nashville pro sports ...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuOIyU3Yw6I/AAAAAAAAAQE/ecchylNeaws/s1600-h/twilight-cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuOIyU3Yw6I/AAAAAAAAAQE/ecchylNeaws/s400/twilight-cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396307176695841698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuOIvV8ESBI/AAAAAAAAAP8/iDje957EQ9E/s1600-h/trotz.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuOIvV8ESBI/AAAAAAAAAP8/iDje957EQ9E/s400/trotz.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396307125444298770" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuOImHRtYrI/AAAAAAAAAPs/lHLbIzI8EV8/s1600-h/fisher.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuOImHRtYrI/AAAAAAAAAPs/lHLbIzI8EV8/s400/fisher.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396306966889718450" /></a>We live in a sports culture of "what have you done for me lately?" Although the trend <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Adams_Award#Winners">hasn't been consistent in the NHL lately</a>, it's not uncommon for a coach to win an annual award one year and find themselves in the unemployment line merely two years later. In a salary cap age, it's more understandable for owners to <i>expect</i> coaches to catch lightning in a bottle.<div><br /></div><div>That's what makes Nashville's NHL and NFL teams unique; both of their coaches have basically lead their teams since they came to Tennessee.* Forgive my horrific pun, but I feel the urge to re-define the region as Tennessee-vania.</div><div><br /></div><div>* Apparently Barry Trotz was a scout for the Predators' first season, though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, obviously if the Titans' current meltdown continues, Fisher might find a pink slip attached to a stake in his heart, but it really is stunning that the two made it this far in the same city. After all, Fisher is the longest tenured NFL coach and Trotz is the second longest tenured coach in the NHL.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, here's Trotz' career stats via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Trotz">his Wiki page</a>:<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuOQWa8pQtI/AAAAAAAAAQc/kWHrpbp7xsk/s1600-h/Barry+Trotz.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuOQWa8pQtI/AAAAAAAAAQc/kWHrpbp7xsk/s400/Barry+Trotz.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396315493385192146" /></a></p><p>And now, Jeff Fisher's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Fisher">from his Wiki page</a>:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuONxLGAAbI/AAAAAAAAAQU/cZpGQpAEolI/s1600-h/Jeff+Fisher.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuONxLGAAbI/AAAAAAAAAQU/cZpGQpAEolI/s400/Jeff+Fisher.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396312654451048882" /></a></p><p>Of the two coaches, Fisher's bulletproof tenure makes the most sense (instantly at least). He lead the Titans to a notably competitive Super Bowl match up against the St. Louis Rams, managed an unexpected 13-3 record last season and has only four seasons with a losing record in his 15 year reign. Only Andy Reid (who started in 1999) can reasonably compete with Fisher in two treasured categories: longevity and mustache dominance.</p><p>Trotz's run seems the most vampiric (and in general, the guy conjures up images of various D & D inspired creatures). On one hand, Trotz managed to squeeze points out of teams that were among the league's worst in star (and fire)power. You cannot fault him for failing to transform Nashville into a juggernaut.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuOUR0-TNPI/AAAAAAAAAQk/WvLRmiMRhUU/s1600-h/true+blood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/SuOUR0-TNPI/AAAAAAAAAQk/WvLRmiMRhUU/s400/true+blood.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396319812518622450" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Which form of the undead is more exhausted: vampires or zombies?</span></p><p>That being said, many franchises would get antsy with his results. While he managed to break them into the playoffs for four seasons, the team was knocked out in the first round each time and never even made it to a Game 7. They've never won their division and some might say the main reason they were No. 2 in the Central for those years was because their other division mates rarely managed to muster even the slightest competition. Over the years, the Predators ceiling has been "frisky."</p><p>Such middling results kept the Predators from getting many premium draft choices and you wonder how many elite players are on that roster ... who beyond <b>Shea Weber</b> will truly threaten greatness? Oddly enough, Trotz shares a lot in common with Lindy Ruff, the only guy who has been sitting behind a bench for a longer period of time. Buffalo is off to a great start - and like Nashville - has a nice array of competent players. However, you wonder if the team could benefit from tanking for a season or shaking things up.</p><p>My question is: is the city of Nashville that loyal? Is everyone just so preoccupied with fixing the Vols that they don't even care what happens with their pro coaches? Or could it be that Fisher and Trotz feast on human blood and sleep upside down every night?</p><p>I must know.</p></div>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761321691079178688.post-802340124199586152009-10-21T22:55:00.004-05:002009-10-21T23:09:28.343-05:00State your case: An Oilers Refinery's Edmonton Oilers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/St_ZSrow8AI/AAAAAAAAAPc/LHIijAQ3Kzs/s1600-h/souray%2Bweb%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/St_ZSrow8AI/AAAAAAAAAPc/LHIijAQ3Kzs/s400/souray%2Bweb%2B3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395269793587720194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In fake alternate universe hockey, you don't have to deal with messy divorces</span>.</div><div><br /><b>As they trickle in, we'll post "state your case" arguments for the fake GMs in the League Re-Draft. I'll also occasionally make awful pun names for the fake teams. You're welcome.</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Previous "State Your Case" Posts</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://cyclelikesedins.blogspot.com/2009/09/cls-redraft-thoughts-and-reflections.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Joe (Sacrifice the Body)'s Detroit Red Wings</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://cyclelikesedins.blogspot.com/2009/10/state-your-case-clssports-and-city-fake.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The CLS/Sports and the City Toronto Maple Leafs</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>(Make sure to check out <a href="http://www.oilersrefinery.tk/">An Oilers Refinery</a>, which along with having great Oilers analysis, also has one of the coolest banners of any hockey blog. Ever.)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>An Oilers Refinery's Edmonton Phoilers<p>Parise-Zajac-Ruutu<br />Bertuzzi-Horcoff-Kotalik<br />Moreau-Brind'amour-Chipchura<br />Reddox-Nichol-Lisin<br />Gillies<br /><br />Rivet-Souray<br />Gilbert-Witt<br />Eminger-McKee<br />Delmore<br />Peckham<br /><br />DiPietro-Emery</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/St_Zs0RJudI/AAAAAAAAAPk/PLmjawQoqvg/s1600-h/parisegoober.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 278px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a4fuPt_jP-U/St_Zs0RJudI/AAAAAAAAAPk/PLmjawQoqvg/s400/parisegoober.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395270242581199314" /></a></p><p>It's pretty hard if you're trying to reinvent the wheel and perfecting something that's already an art was quite a task. Trying to build a better NHL team than NHL GMs can is a lot easier in a video game that it is when you're up against other inquiring minds and pseudo-GMs in my follow CLS quasi-bloggers. But, nonetheless, one cannot go into a draft without a strategy of their own.<br /><br />In my draft strategy, it was simple: I would take the best player available with the first pick.<br /><br />After that, I picked according to ranking of importance.<br /><br />I tried to take centers who could win faceoffs and defenseman that had great dollar worth, foot speed, and either great passing or great hitting ability. By loading up on these commodities, it was easy to trade from a position of strength to acquire the other things I needed, such as goaltending and wingers.<br /><br />Also, it was important (in my opinion) to push hard for the players I thought would define the kind of hockey I wanted to see played. This would ensure that a certain leadership core was represented on this team and that a certain team culture could emanate from the players on the team. Exciting but responsible hockey.<br /><br />For me, it was important to build a team that was not just about scoring goals, or being tough.<br /><br />I needed a team that was a hybrid, something that could roll four lines and hound the other team.<br /><br />Faceoffs, hitting and speed are key to this strategy.<br /><br />I may not score a lot of goals with a team like the one I built, but I will be annoying to play against.<br /><br />And that, in itself, is a joy of its own.</p></div></div>CLShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17585680012264282505noreply@blogger.com1