Bleacher Report - Articles by Scotty Hockey

Preseason: Looking Good: Rangers Vs. Senators

Scotty Hockey — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:49:00 -0400

The Rangers looked pretty good in their preseason bout with the Ottawa Senators tonight and pulled out a 2-1 win. It is reason to be giddy as these guys took care of business against an opponent they were supposed to beat - Ottawa's B-team. The boys showed some good chemistry and worked hard, which is all one can ask for. Some observations:

*I have to start with the biggest shock for me in this one: Nik Zherdev was fantastic. He showed some flash with his stickhandling (even if he looked like Alex Kovalev in getting around three guys and losing the puck out of the zone), he skated hard and he backchecked! Backchecked! With his reputation coming from Columbus, that was the last thing I expected and I really hope he keeps it up.

*Zherdev's linemates both played solid. Markus Naslund had two shifts where he turned back the clock to before the lockout and played with the strength and quickness that made him a NHL star. Scott Gomez was wearing the C (Drury had it Saturday) but didn't appear to play with the same effort that everyone else did, but that is just how he plays before he pops up and makes outrageous plays. The three of them were good on the power play, which is where they will be needed the most, but they still went 0-for-7 with the man advantage ...

*But I am still excited because there was actually cycling on the Ranger power play. Cycling! By the Rangers! What a beautiful thing.

*High draft picks Artem Anisimov and Bobby Sanguinetti were practically invisible, while Doug Weise and Lauri Korpikoski were both solid. The Rangers signed Weise after Traverse City and tonight he showed why - he kept his skates moving, hit banged bodies and played his position, I'm a fan. Korpikoski, as we already knew, has NHL skills. His game-winning goal was a simple redirect through a stick-less Alex Auld but he swarmed the net and looked good coming off the boards.

*Jarkko Ruutu deserves a beating. That's all, just wanted to point that out ... again.

*There were two guys out there battling for the seventh defenseman spot in Brian Fahey and Thomas Pock. Fahey fell three times during one shift and had a few bad turnovers while Pock was quiet, yet steady.

*Two other defensemen need A LOT of work. Wade Redden seemed to coast through the game, did not play with the poise of a No. 1 blueliner and - if I am not mistaken - was the defenseman victimized on the 2-on-1 that resulted in the Sens lone goal. But as bad as he was, Dmitri Malik, oops, I mean Dmitri Kalinen was terrible. He turned over the puck, blew coverages, was knocked around by forecheckers ... he stank. Me'thinks he will follow in the grand tradition of Tom Poti and Marek Malik to draw the ire of the Garden faithful.

*It's funny, as much as I have professed my fandom for Voros, I don't think he will even have a spot on the team if Colton Orr keeps skating the way he has. Orr looks like a completely different player out there, we just need to see if he can still fight ...

*Brandon Dubinsky, by the way, continues to look like a different player - that Jagr guy. Dubi seems to be getting more comfortable with using his size to protect the puck and get through traffic to get off smart, high percentage shots.

*I managed to make it this far without talking about Petr Nedved but I just have to include him. What can I say? He partied like it was 1999. He definitely makes for an interesting conundrum - is he worth either bumping Selke candidate Blair Betts to the bench or sending Chris Drury back to the wing? Maybe, maybe ... I know I would rather see the latter as Bettsy is too important on the penalty kill and in the faceoff dot.

*There isn't much to say about the goaltenders, neither Hank nor Zaba were really tested.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Alex Auld - 28 saves.
2-Lauri Korpikoski - one goal.
1-Petr Nedved - one goal.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Christoph Schubert - The German was the best player on the ice for the Sens. He played smart in his own end, he played physically and he made the all-important solid first passes.
2-Zherdev - I was going to put Nedved in here because he showed NHL form, but Zherdev really did everything well on both ends of the ice, even venturing into the corners and working off the short boards. Totally shocked, totally impressed.
1-Dan Girardi - Everything that Wade Redden wasn't on this night, Girardi was. Girardi played really good positional defense, he stood up Sens as they came across the blueline, he joined in the attack ... he was the No. 1 defenseman on the Rangers.

New York Rangers' Captain Conundrum

Scotty Hockey — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:45:00 -0400

There is much debate of late over who will become the 25th captain of the New York Rangers.

From all that I have read—and I am not about to link all of the pieces, as both MSM and bloggers are weighing in on it left and right—everyone seems to think this is a two horse race: Chris Drury vs. Scott Gomez.

I find that remarkable, and completely disagree with either choice.

First off, let's look at why they are the leading candidates: Both have won Cups, both can put up some points, both are signed to well-paid, long-term contracts. The arguing points used by proponents of each against the other is that Drury is too quiet and Gomez acts too immature. Both statements are true, and that should disqualify each of them in the battle for the captaincy.

Markus Naslund and Wade Redden both have worn letters before, but both fall into the same category as Drury—leaders by example. Captains of that ilk work in Detroit, Colorado, and Ottawa—but they don't work here. History has proven that.

New York needs a cult of personality to lead them, and none of the aforementioned 2008-09 Rangers qualify for that. Mark Messier, widely acknowledged as The Captain, was one. Neither his predecessor (Kelly Kisio) nor his successors (Brian Leetch and Jaromir Jagr) had the power to force their will, to motivate, and to resuscitate others.

They were great, great hockey players, but they couldn't make those around them great.

And New York demands greatness.

Is that quality in the current Ranger locker room? In skill, perhaps but—at least at the moment and at least on the surface—not in personality. Drury and Gomez are both good hockey players and proven winners. But Drury keeps to himself and Gomez smiles in postgame interviews after losses. The short term solution for this is to spread three As around until someone steps up and brings the team with them.

Perhaps the captaincy could go to Staal, Girardi, Dawes, or Callahan—but not yet. The C brings with it a legacy and it should not be tarnished just because fans or pundits feel that somebody has to have it.

NHL Four-cast: Vancouver Canucks

Scotty Hockey — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:47:00 -0400

1. Why is this team worth watching?

I don't know about you, but identical twins always trip me out. And I have to say, Vancouver's pair is pretty damn good at hockey. Roberto Luongo, despite a 'down' season of 35 wins, 2.38 GAA and a .917 winning percentage, is still one of the best goaltenders in the league.

As I've mentioned before, I personally enjoy watching Willie Mitchell work. And it will be interesting to see if Kevin Bieksa can recapture his form from two years ago.

2. Are they better or worse than last year?

Hard to say, because you just don't know which Pavol Demitra is going to show up. Is he the slick playmaker that worked so well with Marian Gaborik, or is he a regular member of the injured reserve? He will expected to replace the oft-injured Brendan Morrison, just as Steve Bernier will be counted upon to replace Markus Naslund's offense—limited as it was last season.

Losing Matt Cooke to free agency will hurt but they still have the agitating Alex Burrows. They also brought in goon Darcy Hordichuk and former Leaf Kyle Wellwood, neither of whom will be counted on for anything more than minor contributions.

3. Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

Luongo is the only player worth a damn for your first round. The Sedins should offer up a point per game, especially if they mesh well with Bernier—but they can slip as far as the third or fourth rounds.

Don't get suckered in by Mattias Ohlund or Sami Salo—trust me, I have several times. They are just injured too often to be relied upon. If Bieksa can recapture his form, then he will get you solid stats across the board.

Two interesting youngsters to follow are defenseman Alex Edler and winger Mason Raymond. Edler will get you 25 or 30 points, but he needs to find some consistency. Raymond is fast as hell and a former college scoring star—with the right linemates and some power-play time, he could reach 60 points.

Burrows likely won't reach the 179 PIM he had last year with Hordichuk on board, so don't waste your time drafting him—just grab him for Vancouver's grudge matches against Minnesota.

4. Does any other NHL team have a worse reputation?

Think about it—most every memorable Vancouver moment is negative. Roger Neilson surrendering (and thus starting the annoying towel-waving phenomenon), breaking the Rangers' 54-year curse, Todd Bertuzzi, having the ugliest jersey in history—I admittedly and proudly own a yellow Flying V myself.

I mean, the only positive thing I can recall is the sendoff for Trevor Linden—which, to me, was as much about Calgary's class as it was anything else.

These guys need something good to happen, and soon. Perhaps Roberto Luongo will break Sam LoPresti's record 83 saves in a game?

Tampa Bay Lightning: NHL Four-Xast

Scotty Hockey — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:13:00 -0400

1) Why is this team worth watching?

Apparently this Steve Stamkos kid has a guaranteed roster spot and some sweeeeeet moves. Then there are mighty midget Marty St. Louis and Vinny04, who have been reunited with Vinny Prospal to make one of the best lines in the league.

Oh yeah, and they added former Crosby errand-boy Ryan Malone, aging pitbull Gary Roberts and the classy Olaf Kolzig, who I still can't believe Washington wouldn't re-sign. And keep an eye on the monstrous Evgeny Artyukhin (6'4", 254 lbs.), who has a wide variety of weapons in his arsenal.

2) Are they better or worse than last year?

They were woeful last season. I mean like, really, really woeful. Could they be any worse? Not really—although the Islanders managed to do it, so I guess the Bolts could have.

But they didn't. With new owners in town they went on a drunken spending spree and rebuilt their roster. And they did a decent job of it too. They will be in the hunt for a playoff spot, and should play some exciting, defenseless hockey under Barry Melrose.

Most pundits are jumping all over the fact that they didn't replace Dan Boyle—but they did get Andrew Hutchinson from the Rangers, and he had an incredible season in the AHL. He should work well to compliment and kick young Matt Carle into gear, just as Kolzig will mentor Mike Smith, and Gary Roberts will show Stamkos what it is to be a professional.

3) Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

The MVP linemates are all top flight, and Prospal may even fall to the mid-rounds of your draft.

It's hard to imagine that neither Radim Vrbata nor Malone will be able to repeat their solid stat lines from last season—but if Melrose does indeed go for all offense, all the time, who knows? Mark Recchi will be good for power-play points, as he always has been, but don't expect too much.

All of their plus-minus will suck. Well, maybe not all—Michel Ouellet somehow was a plus-11 last season, even though the Bolts blew. He also had 36 points in 64 games, so if he stays healthy and is placed alongside Stamkos, watch out. He will be a good late-round pick in deep drafts.

Stay away from their goaltenders, and, unlike the Tampa Bay owners, don't spend too much on Andrej Meszaros—at least until he proves himself. Meszaros received a ton of ice time in good situations with Ottawa, and managed just 36 points. You can turn to Paul Ranger instead—he should provide a cheap 35, maybe 40 points, if he stays healthy.

4) Why aren't more owners like Oren Koules and Len Barrie?

Because all of the other owners are old white guys with no sense of humour.

Koules and Barrie like hockey, so they bought a team. They like winning, so they spent some of their money to do it. They have strong opinions and have no problem voicing them.

And, most importantly, they are fans of the game and—at least for now—respect the other fans. Let's just hope it lasts.

Congrats, Corey Hirsch!

Scotty Hockey — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:06:00 -0400

Lost in the headlines today, buried under news that Chris Chelios gave Father Time the finger again and Florida locked up their No. 3 defenseman for six more years, was the announcement that Corey Hirsch was hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs as their goaltending coach.

Hirsch, who was most famously posterized (Or should I say stamped?) by Peter Forsberg in the '94 Olympics, is also a former Ranger. He was initially pegged as the goaltender of the future by the Blueshirts, but they had that Mike Richter guy and the coaches wanted an experienced back-up.

Hirsch was dealt to the Canucks for Nathan Lafayette, who subsequently played 25 games as a Ranger and had zero points. Hirsch went on to rack up frequent flier miles over the next 10 years playing for Syracuse, Milwaukee, Utah, Albany, Cincinnati, Portland, Philadelphia (AHL), Dallas, Washington, Timra, and Kassel. Well, it just goes to show that teams wanted him and saw something there worth paying for.

Now he is in Toronto where he will get to work with the Leafs prospects as well as Vesa Toskala. Hopefully Hirsch learns a thing or two from his pupil, who was lucky enough to learn under the great Warren Strelow.

Through all of his travels, Hirsch learned what it means to be a professional, and that is some knowledge that the woeful Leafs certainly could use.

Best of luck to him.

NHL Four-cast: San Jose Sharks

Scotty Hockey — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:42:00 -0400

1. Why is this team worth watching?

Evgeni Nabokov is a superstar—if he wasn't Kazakh he would be a household name. Joe Thornton may not come through in the playoffs but he is still one of the best pivots in the league.

Jody Shelley is a true heavyweight, Mike Grier is the definition of a professional and two more words: Jeremy Roenick.

2. Are they better or worse than last year?

Par for the course. They watched Brian Campbell go despite their best efforts and sold the farm to bring in Dan Boyle. Boyle is better, but they did mortgage a chunk of their future to get him, but that is a problem for a few seasons from now.

They did have to deal Craig Rivet, which was disappointing, but they added Rob Blake, who is still relevant after all these years.

Devin Setoguchi, Douglas Murray and Ryane Clowe all added more NHL experience but Setoguchi will have a tough time getting the ice time he needs, Murray won't be more than a third defenseman and Clowe is coming off of knee surgery.

3. Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

Thornton, Boyle and Nabokov are all top flight guys. You may be able to get Boyle later than usual because he had just 25 points in 37 games and was an awful -29, something that shouldn't be a problem this year.

Jonathan Cheechoo killed me last year, so screw him, but he should do better if Todd McLellan loosens the reins. Milan Michalek got his clock cleaned the last time we saw him so you are gambling if you think he will improve over last year.

And if you really want to roll the dice, Patrick Marleau is your man. Marleau is incredibly skilled, but has been the subject of rumour after rumour after rumour—it has clearly screwed with his mind but if McLellan gives him a vote of confidence, watch out.

4. How cool would it be if Jeff Friesen could really come back?

Very cool indeed. Now I don't think he can do it, considering the extent of injuries in his past and his age, but Owen Nolan pulled the same thing and he is back to being a solid NHL citizen.

At the most, Friesen makes it back and fills in Patrick Rissmiller's third/fourth line spot. At the least, San Jose did the right thing by giving a former player and a fan favourite at that a shot. Best of luck to him.

NHL Four-cast: St. Louis Blues

Scotty Hockey — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:22:00 -0400

1. Why is this team worth watching?

Did you know Brad Boyes had 43 goals last year? Dude can score. Manny Legacy? Dude can stop pucks. (I still don't understand why he was run out of Detroit.)

Barret Jackman and Jay McKee are two of the better defensive defensemen in the league. D.J. King is good at defending his teammates and Cam Janssen is insane.

2. Are they better or worse than last year?

Better. They did lose stellar penalty killers in class act Jamal Mayers and Ryan Johnson, but they replaced them with younger grinders in Matt Foy and Brad Winchester.

They gave the incredibly underrated Legace a safety net in Chris Mason, who flunked as a starter last year but was wonderful as a backup two years ago. (Some folks can't take the pressure I guess.) Plus, the kids they played last season have a year's experience and a new crop is already coming in. T.J. Oshie is a stud.

3. Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

Boyes is the only guarantee. Erik Johnson hasn't grown into a power play QB yet, but he is getting there. Andy McDonald has gotta do better. He can't be as bad as he was last year: -17 in 49 games? Eesh, but he did have 36 points.

If plus/minus doesn't scare you, the the over-the-hill gang of Paul Kariya and Keith Tkachuk should be good for the 60 or so points they put up last year.

David Backes is growing into a Tkachuk-esque player (some points, some PIM) and Lee Stempniak is only getting better. Keep an eye on them, and while you are at it take a peek at David Perron. He scored 27 points in 62 games and somehow put up a +16 on St. Louis. That's impressive.

Legace had five shutouts and 27 wins and probably will better each number as the young Blues mature.

4. If this on-going rebuild fails, if it doesn't result in a return to prominence (the kind that 25 straight playoff years gets you), will John Davidson have ruined his reputation in hockey?

I don't think so. Davidson built one incredible reputation around the league as an analyst after an above-average career. Many people complimented him for reaching out and taking this job, as crappy a gig as it seemed.

If he fails, and I don't think he will, then those same folks will still think he is a great guy. You can't wash away 30+ years with a few bad ones in this business—Cliff Fletcher just got rehired for crissake.

But if I'm right, and the team does bounce back and start making the playoffs (say, two, three years from now), then J.D. should be on the ballot for the Hall of Fame as a builder.

The Trial of Brendan Shanahan

Scotty Hockey — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:27:00 -0400

Hear ye, hear ye, will the First District Night Court of the Blogosphere please come to order!

The Honourable Harry T. Stone presiding.

Today we will hear the case of Brendan Shanahan v. New York Rangers. Mr. Shanahan will be represented by Mr. Scotty Hockey, while the Rangers will be defended by Mr. Glen Sather. The jury of New York Ranger fans will hear each of your arguments and decide the outcome of this case. Opening statements, please.

Scotty Hockey: Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that my client, Mr. Shanahan has been disrespected by the defendant New York Rangers and seek to prove that, beyond the shadow of a doubt, they need to tender him a contract. Thank you.

Glen Sather: I feel that we, as an organization, have done nothing wrong, have no need to offer up a deal and will not do anything of the sort.

Judge: All right gentlemen, I will begin hearing your arguments. The floor is yours, Mr. Hockey.

SH: Thank you. I would like to submit into evidence Prosecutor's Item No. 1, the NHL Official Stats and Media Guide. Within it you will find the details of my clients famed NHL career.

Take a listen to these numbers: 20 seasons played, three Stanley Cups won, 1471 points in 1667 games—including 120 in 160 for the defendants. And he got those while battling back from several major injuries that would have ended lesser players' careers.

GS: Your Honour, those numbers reflect the past, while we are an organization looking towards the future. Mr. Shanahan is 39 years old, there is no way he can duplicate those numbers now.

SH: I am just trying to present my client's history to show how much he has contributed in the past and the veteran leadership he can still provide.

Judge: I'll allow it. Want to see a magic trick?

GS: No. No, I don't.

Judge: Yeah, I guess you see a disappearing act every day with all of that money you waste. Zing!

GS: Not funny, your honour.

SH: [snickers] If it may please the court, I would like to summon a witness. Will Mr. Donald Brashear please take the stand?

Mr. Brashear, do you like the Rangers?

Donald Brashear: No.

SH: On the night of December 30, 2006, what were you doing?

DB: Playing the Rangers.

SH: We knew that. I meant, what were you doing during that game.?

DB: The usual - hitting people, slashing, spearing, starting scrums after whistles. It's what I do.

SH: And what happened when my client, Mr. Shanahan, confronted you over your actions?

DB: He beat me up.

SH: Excuse me? Did you say that a 37-year-old man beat you up?

DB: I'm not proud of it.

SH: Did you stop taking those aforementioned liberties? The hitting, slashing, spearing...

DB: Yes.

GS: Your honour, if I may cross examine?

Mr. Brashear, the next time your played the Rangers, and every time since, did you continue to act the fool? I mean, did you continue to cause disarray on the ice by attacking skill players and starting confrontations?

DB: Of course. If I didn't, I wouldn't still be in NHL.

GS: I rest. If I may call my witness, Ms. Cindy Crosby to the stand? Ms. Crosby, when your Penguins beat the Rangers in five games last season, where was Mr. Shanahan?

Cindy Crosby: I don't know.

GS: She doesn't know. She DOESN'T KNOW! That is because Mr. Shanahan was invisible on the ice!!!

SH: Objection! Many of the Rangers were invisible in that series!

Judge: Sustained. Prosecutor, just present your case, don't make outrageous claims.

GS: Sorry, your honour. I would now like to call Markus Naslund to the stand. Mr. Naslund, welcome to New York. Do you feel that you can still make an impact in the NHL?

Markus Naslund: I do. As you can see in that record book, I have played 14 seasons in the NHL and scored 823 points. I just got tired of Vancouver so I stopped playing as well.

GS: I find that hard to believe, as the captain of that team...

MN: Hey! It's tough when you are the only scorer and opposing teams key in on you.

SH: If I may cross, your honour? Mr. Naslund, you said you were the only scorer? Did you not play at times along the immensely talented Sedin twins?

MN: Well, yes. But...

SH: That is all. You may step down.

Your Honour and members of the jury, Mr. Naslund scored 194 points over the last three seasons, and had a minus-23 while playing in 245 regular season games. He also played in 12 playoff games and had just five points.

My client, however, played in 222 games, had 189 points, was a plus-29—and did it while playing alongside several players less talented than the Sedins. Dawes, Callahan, Drury, Prucha..

GS: But Naslund is younger and faster.

SH: And has never won a damn thing! Not to mention younger is meaningless when you signed the guy for just two years...

Judge: [banging gavel] Stop your bickering. You sound like Dan and Ms. Sullivan. Bailiff Bull, can you step in and separate these two?

Geez. Once you two calm down you can offer up your closing arguments.

GS: It's my team and I can do whatever I want. Piss on old-time hockey and piss on Shanahan. We don't need him, we have Mr. Naslund now. Suck on that, Scotty.

SH: Ladies and gentlemen, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup this year. On their roster was a certain Chris Chelios. Chelios, an elder statesman who had already won two Cups, didn't play every game and scored just 12 points. But he was there when his team needed him and he provided the guidance needed to get that team to the promised land.

This isn't an either-or thing with Mr. Shanahan and Mr. Naslund. We are stuck with Mr. Naslund after the drunken spending spree of Mr. Sather this summer, so he will get plenty of minutes on the ice. But his presence doesn't render Mr. Shanahan useless. He wants to play in New York, and he will do so at a discount.

GS: Bah! I already picked up Patrick Rissmiller and Dan Fritsche to fill out the roster and be useless grinders. I don't need Shanahan!

Judge: Mr. Sather! You already closed! Another word and I will hold you in contempt of court!

GS: [stamps feet, chomps on cigar]

Judge: I thought so. So I leave it to you, Ranger fans of the jury, to deliberate and determine a verdict. Place it in the comments and we will determine the sentence at a later date.

[Gavel]

NHL Four-cast: Pittsburgh Penguins

Scotty Hockey — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:59:00 -0400

1. Why is this team worth watching?

Did you enjoy Beijing? If so, the Cole Harbour Crybaby is one helluva diver (and, I must grudgingly admit, a decent hockey player).

Brooks Orpik is capable of more rock 'n' roll shifts like this, that Kris Letang kid is a shootout ace (even if he is a little weasel the rest of the time), and that Malkin guy ain't half bad.

2. Are they better or worse than last year?

Worse. Gone are key wingers Ryan Malone and Marian Hossa, who were replaced by two Islanders—Miroslav Satan and Ruslan Fedotenko—because when you think scoring, you think Islanders (/sarcasm).

Gone is the Conkblocker, who picked up the team on his back for several months, and in his place is Dany Sabourin, who isn't very good. And gone is the league's best enforcer, Georges Laraque. In his place? Eric Godard.

3. Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

There is that Evgeni Malkin guy, and that Sidney Crosby girl. Sergei Gonchar puts up huge points from the blueline every season. Remember, Ryan Whitney is out for a while. His replacement on the power play will likely be Letang, who does have some good skills and should have a breakout season.

Petr Sykora slowly, but steadily puts up his 50 points per year. I am not sold on Jordan Staal, but I will allow that he may have just had a sophomore slump last season. Staal should do better than 28 points and minus-5, but I don't expect a return to the 29 goals he scored his rookie year.

Marc-Andre Fleury won over a lot of fans with his play during the postseason, but keep in mind that he did it after missing months of action with injury. He put up some great numbers, though, and will be relied upon to play 65 or so games, so he is still worthy of a second-starter position on your team.

4. Is this the year Cindy Crosby finally becomes a man?

Nope. She is too wrapped in a cocoon of sycophants who worship the ice she skates on. Sadly, they include a legion of parasites who depend on her happiness for their livelihood: Commissioner Gary Bettman, NBC, Versus, Pittsburgh, even Don Cherry...someone to get in Cindy's face and explain to her that it isn't honorable to dive, it isn't honorable to take cheap shots and it isn't honorable to run to the refs demanding protection.

Killin' Time: Friday Night Edition

Scotty Hockey — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:35:00 -0400

Some Friday night randomness:

*As I mentioned in the last blog, I will be heading to Switzerland for the two Ranger games so if there is anyone in Bern, or has been there, please feel free to share your knowledge. According to the Times, SC Bern won their regular season opener in front of a packed house. Judging by the highlights, they play a end-to-end game, have choreographed fans and play the Rocky theme when they score.

*Speaking of the Rangers, they have a whole section of their website dedicated to training camp coverage. As they don't let fans into the training center, I am sorry to have to steer you elsewhere for coverage - Dubi at Blueshirt Bulletin is already on the beat. I have to ask, why did they offer Petr Nedved a tryout at camp and not Brendan Shanahan?

*And how great is this? If only Rozy really spoke out, and did so in that manner ... maybe we wouldn't hate him ...

*The Pensblog rules sometimes:

*Glad to see that no matter the continent, Chris Simon is still a brainless goon.

*Yahoo's Fantasy Hockey is finally up and running. A word to the wise, do your own pre-ranking because the default is ridiculous. ESPN finally made their game free but considering all of the problems I have had in the past over there - especially when I actually paid for teams - I would recommend sticking with Yahoo.

*Speaking of Yahoo, on Puck Daddy Sean Leahy pointed out that Montreal may have an outdoor game next year. That's awesome, and something I would definitely want to go to, but when will they say enough is enough with the outdoor games? Do we want it every year, would it be too much of a good thing?

*Just seven more teams to go in the Four-casts. I should be able to get that done in two weeks, right?!? I'd better get crackin' ...

New York Rangers to Play Limited Rookies in Exhibition

Scotty Hockey — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:34:00 -0400

NHL.com put up a preview article for the Victoria Cup, the match between the New York Rangers and Metallurg Magnitogorsk in Switzerland on October 1st. The full text is here but the best news is this:

In order to foster the best competition, Szemberg said a provision was added to the contract stating how many rookies or minor-league players the Rangers would be allowed to play. That alleviates any concern that New York would treat the exhibition as a showcase for some of their up-and-comers while resting some of their regulars.

"This is specified so a team can't come with their America Hockey League lineup," Szemberg said. "When discussing this, the Rangers and the NHLPA people said, 'We are not bringing over a minor-league team.' We realize that if the Rangers want to test a promising rookie, why shouldn't they? But, they must not test 11 promising rookies."

*Whew*

I had pulled out my new Hartford Wolfpack jersey to bring with me to Switzerland but I can rest assured that I will indeed be watching at least some of the big boys. And you can expect my usual post-game insight/ramblings here from Bern as I will be there for both the exhibition against SC Bern and the Victoria Cup.

As I mentioned before, I had to pass on Prague because the Rangers couldn't guarantee tickets without me buying a $3 or 4k package...Booooooo.

Phoenix Coyotes: NHL Four-Cast

Scotty Hockey — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:56:00 -0400

1 - Why is this team worth watching?

There are so many reasons. I heart Dan Carcillo. Dave Strader and Darren Pang are probably the best announcing pair in the NHL. Gretzky freaks out with the best of them. Shane Doan holds the flag as the last Winnipeg Jet with the franchise. He is joined by a ton of young talent and play a fun up-tempo game.

And let's face it, even when they are bad, you never know what wonderful things can happen.

2 - Are they better or worse than last year?

Definitely better. Phoenix shipped two mediocre defensemen to Florida for Olli Jokinen, who will easily put up a point per game alongside Doan. He will be a better scorer than Radim Vrbata, who jumped ship to Tampa, and probably the best playmaker the team has had since Alexei Zhamnov or even Dale Hawerchuk.

And while it may have hurt to deal away Keith Ballard, the Coyotes turned around and picked up a more-than-adequate replacement in Kurt Sauer. Brian McGrattan will be their first heavyweight since Georges Laraque left, and he should help keep Carcillo in the lineup.

3 - Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

Ilya Bryzgalov had a 2.42 GAA and a .921 save percentage with Phoenix last year. He is incredible—and incredibly underrated in most drafts. Carcillo was a stud last season, grabbing points and PIM, and even with McGrattan he should do well again.

Jokinen and Doan are both quality, and Peter Mueller should only improve upon his 54-point rookie campaign. All of the hype around Kyle Turris is well deserved—he is definitely a early candidate for the Calder, especially with Doan and Jokinen around to show him the ropes.

4 - Do they have the funniest promotion in the NHL?

Perhaps. On November 29th, the night they play the San Jose Sharks, the Coyotes will give out winter gloves. Winter gloves, in Arizona! Yes, the desert temperatures can dip to the low 40s—but they are giving out winter gloves. In Arizona!

Congrats, Trevor Linden!

Scotty Hockey — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:35:00 -0400

The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they will retire Trevor Linden's No. 16 this season. As I mentioned in the past, I have always been a fan of his and this honour is well deserved.

However, it comes on a night when the Canucks play the Edmonton Oilers, a rival. That just makes me angry. I am still dismayed over the Rangers' choice of nights to put Adam Graves in the rafters of the Garden.

I was looking at the schedule and the random Feb. 3 date against the awful Atlanta Thrashers ensures that Graves' former teammates Craig MacTavish, Kevin Lowe, and Wayne Gretzky won't be around to partake in the festivities (Edmonton plays Chicago and Phoenix plays Nashville). Even worse, John Davidson won't be available to MC them (St. Louis plays Columbus).

It isn't a knock against Sam Rosen, but John Davidson proved to be the better orator of the two, and he was around for all of Graves' great NY years.

Had the Blueshirts done the right thing and scheduled it on Nov. 10 against Edmonton, then all four of those guys could have been around to honour the consummate Ranger.

What a shame.

New York Rangers:NHL Four-Cast

Scotty Hockey — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:21:00 -0400

1. Why is this team worth watching?

Did you enjoy high school science class? You know all of those chemistry experiments where you get to see if the light bulb goes on or stuff bubbles and blows up? That's the 2008-09 New York Rangers. There are a slew of new faces and with them comes a new philosophy on the ice.

What's worth watching is seeing how the formula works out. Will the alchemy work and create Stanley's silver—or will it just fizzle out?

But if seeing red goo ooze out of a paper mache volcano isn't enough for you, then tune in for Nik Zherdev, who can be incredible when he wants to be.

2. Are they better or worse than last year?

It is so, so very difficult to say. My initial instinct is worse, but the building blocks are there to make something great—it will just take them all coming together lego-style to create a winner. The foundation is still the same, but at this point, who can really say what will be built on top of it?

3. Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

As I said, the foundation is still the same. Henrik Lundqvist has been a finalist for the Vezina Trophy three years running and there is little reason to think it won't happen again this year. It's true that the only crease-clearer on the team in Tyutin, but Tom Renney's defensive philosophy remains.

That being said, one hopes that the reigns will be loosened for the mercurial Zherdev, who can flourish alongside Scott Gomez if he works hard. Even if Zherdev bags it, Gomez should be good for the same 70 points he got while sleepwalking through last season.

Little Leaguer Chris Drury, Brandon Dubinsky, and Michal Rozsival should all benefit from a new, more aggressive power play bereft of Jaromir Jagr's puck-hogging, time-wasting possession.

As for the big signings—Markus Naslund and Wade Redden—I would say wait and see since they both appear on the down-swing of their careers, but they may be rejuvenated in a new setting. Then again, they may just be happy to collect their over-inflated paychecks—but at least Naslund is saying all the right things.

4. If they are my favorite team, why am I so down on them?

What can I say? I'm a pessimist by nature. If you look at the recent Stanley Cup winners you can see that all of them were built from within.

Instead of fostering that development, Glen Sather reverted back to the open-wallet policy and that scares me. But no matter how much I disagree, they are the still Rangers and I love them. Awwww.

Broadway Burnaby: What If Joe Sakic Had Signed with the New York Rangers?

Scotty Hockey — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:54:00 -0400

Joe Sakic re-signed with the Colorado Avalanche yesterday with a one-year contract worth $6 million that will bring him back for his 20th NHL season.

It is scary to think that Sakic was thiiiiiiisss close to being a Ranger 11 years ago. Unfortunately, the Avs matched the Rangers' offer sheet, and New York was doomed to seven years without the playoffs.

Had Sakic headed for Broadway, who knows what would have happened? At the least, New York would have remained competitive against the stifling Devils system. Sakic would have been the crown jewel in a rebuilt Ranger roster and found immediate comfort thanks to the signings of his Colorado teammates Mike Keane and Brian Skrudland.

Sakic could have also helped keep Theo Fleury on a leash, and perhaps Valeri Kamensky wouldn't have been as big of a bust.

And the Rangers wouldn't really have missed the five first-round draft picks that would have gone Colorado's way, as they pissed them away by drafting Manny Malhotra (1998), Pavel Brendl (1999), Jamie Lundmark (also '99), Dan Blackburn (2001), and Hugh Jessiman (2003). They didn't have first rounders in 2000 and 2002.

Now, I am not about to say that the signing would have brought Lord Stanley back to Broadway, but I am sure that the Avs would not have won the 2001 Cup. Sakic had 118 regular season points and 26 more in that magical runfFor Ray Bourque.

Bourque left Boston to take one last run at a championship. If Sakic was in New York, maybe he would have chosen the Rangers. Could you imagine a Blueshirt blueline with Bourque and Leetch? And think about a one-two punch down the middle with Sakic and Messier, who had returned from Vancouver by then. How scary would that have been?

But I have to say, even scarier is the thought that the Rangers' offer of three years and $21 million was extravagant at that time. Let's say that it would have beem worth it, and take the dream of Sakic as a Ranger a step forward and say that his addition would indeed have brought another Cup to New York.

Now, there is nothing that can replicate the boom in popularity that breaking the curse at 54 years brought to the NHL, but another Ranger Cup would have served the league much better than the wins in Colorado, Dallas, and even Detroit.

If the Rangers won at the turn of the century, would we still have lost the 2004-05 season to a lockout? Would the lockout have come even earlier or would it have not happened at all?

Something to ponder.

New Jersey Devils: NHL Four-Cast

Scotty Hockey — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:46:00 -0400

1. Why is this team worth watching?

Did you enjoy the Games in Beijing? If so, then get ready! The second-best diver in the world will be in the crease for the Devils. Fatso puts on a show every night—the overrated, classless ass.

Other than Mmmmaaaarrrrttttyyy, the less-famous John Madden is really a defensive genius, and Brian Gionta proves that members of the Lollipop Guild can make the NHL. And

if those three are enough to convince you to watch these guys, then have fun with the other thousand or so Devil fans who sit in the empty Prudential Center. Hey, I never said these four-casts were going to be unbiased—this is a Ranger blog, after all.

2. Are they better or worse than last year?

Better. Bobby Holik is happy to be back in Jersey—I can't imagine why, after his stint in Atlanta—and you can expect him to play well. Holik, when used properly, is the best shut-down center in the league—and that includes Madden, Draper, and Datsyuk.

Brian Rolston also is making a return to the Garden State and he will add a little offense.

3. Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

I said Rolston adds a little offense. That is it. Do not expect him to improve on his 59 points from last year—when he wasn't in New Jersey. Zach Parise should be good for 70 points and Patrik Elias, aka Hepatitis B, should hit the 65 mark.

If Gionta can find any chemistry with Rolston, then he could regain his 30-goal form. Jamie Langenbrunner showed signs of breaking out in Coach Sutter's system, so keep an eye on him.

If you are in a deep league and PIM is one of many categories, then David Clarkson is worth picking up—20 points, positive plus/minus, and plenty of penalties as the only tough guy on the team.

John Oduya should continue to improve across the board and get 30 points, plus-30, and 50 PIM.

As for a dark horse, Noah Clarke played one NHL game and scored one goal. He has a injury-filled, yet solid AHL resume, that had 230 points in 314 games.

4. What are five ways that the Devils can sell out the Prudential Center?

1. Play the Rangers 41 times.

2. Have John Bon Jovi or Bruce Springsteen play during the intermissions.

3. Install slot machines in the arena, since New Yorkers aren't willing to go all the way to Atlantic City.

4. Free tickets for the mentally challenged.

5. Cheap beer, E, and bad techno music could bring da guidos in from da Shore.

Steve Zipay Has Rangers' Prospect Team Roster

Scotty Hockey — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:45:00 -0400

While I feel that Newsday is inherently biased towards the Islanders—seeing as the Isles are a major advertiser and the Mausoleum holds the most viewed ads for Newsday—they do have Steve Zipay, who breaks most Blueshirts news before anyone else on his blog.

Today Steve had the roster for the Ranger prospect team that will play in the Traverse City Prospect Tournament. While they may not be good enough to win the championship again, it will be interesting to see how they play since there are a lot of questions there.

Does Artem Anisimov or Bobby Sanguinetti have the skill to play in the NHL? Was Michael Del Zotto worth a first round pick? Did the wheels fall entirely off of last year's second pick, Antoine LaFleur? How have Tommy Pyatt and Ryan Hillier bounced back after injury-marred seasons?

We will certainly find out, and if not at Traverse City, then during the preseason, which Zipay found out will be broadcast in its entirety. That includes all six games over here and the two games in Switzerland, which is awesome news for us Ranger fans.

On a personal note, I will likely be attending those games in Switzerland, but not the season-opener in Prague which I spoke about so much in the past. The Rangers aren't making game tickets available for the NHL Premier games, just ridiculously priced packages that cost more than season tickets. I'll have to pass...

Nashville Predators: NHL Four-Cast

Scotty Hockey — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:25:00 -0400

1 . Why is this team worth watching?

Well, I watch to see former Ranger Jed Ortmeyer (get well soon!)—but for someone not in the Jed fanclub, you should tune in to see Jordin Tootoo. Tootoo is the Little Ball of Hate for the new generation, and is a little crazy to boot.

Other than that—well, I don't know what to tell you. They play some up-tempo hockey, but don't necessarily have the guns to pull it off—at least not yet.

2. Are they better or worse than last year?

Worse. They gave away puck-mover Marek Zidlicky, goaltender Chris Mason, and tough guy Darcy Hordichuk, while acquiring a few minor leaguers and some draft picks. And you can't forget that sniper Alex Radulov jumped ship to go to home.

That adds up to one unhappy fan base. All five of those guys must be pissed!

3. Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

J.P. Dumont and Jason Arnott are both good for 70 points, while the streaky Martin Erat should come in around 60. Ryan Suter is on his way to becoming a top-flight defenseman, and is good for numbers across the board—points, plus/minus, and PIM.

Shea Weber will get a lot of ice time as well, and he likes to shoot the puck. Dan Ellis put up some magical numbers last season so it will be interesting to see how he handles the burden of being a starter.

If Steve Sullivan can actually make it back to the NHL from the back problems that kept him out of the league last year, then he will certainly be worth grabbing. But he is no Mario, so I don't think we will see him again—and that is a shame, because he was a helluva player.

4. What should we re-name this team ('cause Predators is lame)?

Back in the early '80s there was a minor, minor league hockey team in Nashville named the Southern Stars. Why the hell didn't they go with that? It would have been fantastic and endearing—and I would imagine that the jersey wouldn't end up on a zombie somewhere.

Five Ways Reggie Dunlop Would Change the NHL

Scotty Hockey — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0400

Puck Daddy is making its way around the world with their list of five things, but somehow they have omitted a very important person's opinion—the former player/coach of the Charlestown Chiefs, Reggie Dunlop.

I looked him up and got his list. Here's what he had to say:

Thanks, kid, for asking me. That Wysh-whatever-the-hell-his-name-is didn't give me a call, but I got good ideas, ya know? Look what I did for the Chiefs! Champions of the Federal League! How about that?

Sure the team went down the tubes, but the mill closed. What can you do? You'd better watch out, 'cause that kind of thing could hit the NHL, what with the economy and stuff.

Now, I never saw myself in one of those nine-to-five jobs, but I can brainstorm with the best of 'em.

The Minnesota Night Hawks are kicking some heads in, and that's 'cause of ole Reg here. So here is how I'd do it:

1. Personal bounties on the heads of opposing players. Fans go f**kin' wild when your boys are out to kill.

2. Let 'em know there's gonna be blood in there, you know, better advertising. That old bastard McGrath never listened, but put some tits in there! Sure, I'm sexually liberated, I don't care who's gay. But tits are good, tits draw!

If people aren't showin' up to Saturday night games, threaten to move and put a "For Sale" sign right on the poster. Let 'em know you mean business!

And those writers who follow the team? The good ones like Dickie Dunn? They can help you out by capturing the spirit of the thing.

3. No fashion shows, no radiothons, no recycled jockstraps. Do it up first class all the way.

4. Get some good guys in stripes out there. They aren't running some goddamn dance floor. They are supposed to be callin' the game!

5. And play old time hockey. Toe Blake, Dit Clapper, Eddie Shore...we aren't clowns, we are hockey players. Sure, folks come out to see freaks in f**kin' sideshows, but it's still hockey. Play like the greats, and they will come.

You stick with Reg. I'm on a roll...

Montreal Canadiens: NHL Four-cast

Scotty Hockey — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:36:00 -0400

1. Why is this team worth watching?

Because they are pretty damn good—and if destiny has anything to say about it, they will win the Stanley Cup in their Centennial season (even though there is controversy over this as they don't turn 100 until December 4, 2009 and the lockout robbed a year).

But whatever, they decided to celebrate it and have more Cups than anyone else—so what better way to celebrate than to add another one?

Along the way, you should also watch Long Island boy Mike Komisarek, who is steadily becoming the best defensive defenseman in the NHL. Komisarek plays his position strongly, blocks shots and makes some huge hits. They really need to start giving out the Rod Langway Award.

2. Are they better or worse than last year?

Better. I don't think Alex Kovalev will slack off like some pundits are predicting and they added Alex Tanguay to help carry the offensive burden. They also added big Georges Laraque, the top tough guy in the NHL and a gentleman to boot.

The Kostitsyn's are only getting better and Carey Price now has some actual experience under his belt—even though I think he will prove to be a modern-day Steve Penney.

It's true that Mark Strait has left to piss his career away with the Islanders, but I wouldn't be shocked if they make a deal to replace his offense from the blueline by the deadline.

3. Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

Tomas Plekanec is one of the most underrated players in the NHL. He works hard, goes to the net and does well on both sides of the ice. He should put up a point per game this season, as should Kovy and Tanguay. The Kostitsyns should be good for 60 points or so, as should Andrei Markov—a solid offensive defenseman.

Buyer beware their goaltenders, as Price could well be supplanted by Jaroslav Halak, who subbed in for a game in the playoffs. And don't be shocked if Marc Denis bounces back to push them both, because he used to be a helluva goaltender when he had no pressure in Columbus.

4. Is there any way they can top last year's come back?

I really don't think so. As a Ranger fan, it was one of the most horrifying things I have ever seen, utterly disgraceful. As a hockey fan, it was one of the most remarkable. Watch out NHL—no five-goal lead is safe when the Habs are around.

Minnesota Wild: NHL Four-cast

Scotty Hockey — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:58:00 -0400

1. Why is this team worth watching?

Marian Gaborik can put the puck in the net, at least when his groin is feeling alright. Brent Burns is growing into a all-around defensive dynamo. And you just can't beat the Boogeyman.

2. Are they better or worse than last year?

Worse. Andrew Brunette is solid, but Brian Rolston is gone and they didn't even bother replacing Pavol Demitra—a player who Gabby clearly enjoyed playing with.

Marek Zidlicky should add to an already mobile defensive corps—but who knows? He could get injured early and often like Kim Johnsson or Kurtis Foster.

Antti Miettinen, Mark Parrish and Owen Nolan will be fine additions to their system but none of them bring anything new to the table. Edmonton should give them a run for the division title this season.

3. Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

Even without Demitra, Gabby is good for a point per game. He has all-world talent—and one shudders to think what numbers he would put up away from Lemaire's system.

Burns will get you points and PIMs from the blue line, while Zidlicky and Foster should just get points—figure 40 or so for each.

Mikko Koivu was headed for a huge season before the Ohlund incident last year, so who knows just how high he can go? I will definitely be targeting him in some of my drafts.

Pierre-Marc Bouchard also has a ton of offensive skills, but he signed a big deal—so beware of complacency.

Niklas Backstrom is one of the top goaltenders in the game and has the assistance of the Wild's not-so-wild system, so he should be among the first goaltenders taken (Brodeur, Giguere, Lundqvist, Nabokov, Osgood, then him).

4. Will the Wild ever be as beloved as the North Stars?

Inside Minnesota, sure. The team sells out every game with what I hear is a fantastic crowd of hockey fans.

But outside of Minnesota? Not so much. They play some pretty boring hockey and have no characters. There are no boy-model Modanos, no gold-medal Brotens, no missing Links and no tit f--ker Bellows.

Sorry guys, we still love the North Stars.

NHL Four-cast: Edmonton Oilers

Scotty Hockey — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:56:00 -0400

1. Why is this team worth watching?

They are young, they are fast and they have skills. However, you may want to wait to tune in, as they headed to shootouts 19 times last year—and won 15 of them. That's insane, but so were some of the moves that were made. And just look at/listen to the crowd, purely amazing.

2. Are they better or worse than last year?

Better. They picked up a great puck-mover in Lubomir Visnovsky, who will join a healthy Sheldon Souray on what should be a top flight power play. Erik Cole replaces the grit lost in the Raffi Torres-for-Gilbert Brule deal, and adds skill and experience.

Brule was a top draft pick, but has yet to show that talent in the NHL, so I wouldn't expect much there. As this is a Ranger blog, I am of course going to mention Jason Strudwick. Struds may not play regularly, but he is a classy, intelligent veteran who will add poise and character to a pretty young roster.

3. Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

Ales Hemsky has the skill and now the support to pick up 80 or 90 points, and he will be probably still be available in the late second or third round. Shawn Horcoff will be with him every step of the way, as long as he can maintain his health.

Souray, who got hurt early last season, should be back—with his incredible slapshot in tow. Visnovsky will also get a good number of points from the point, as will Tom Gilbert, who is only getting better.

As for the kids—Gagner, Cogliano, Penner and Nilsson—they may all get 50 or 60 points, but they are still learning—so those numbers will come at the cost of plus/minus.

Garon will probably be the clear-cut starter this year, instead of platooning with Roloson, but who knows how he will handle the workload? He is stellar in the pressures of the shootout, but when given the chance to start back in Los Angeles—well, he was not so good.

4 . Are the Oilers the hippest team in the league?

Very debatable, but they do go a long way with their awesome Oilers Guitar Hero Summer Tour. Rock out and get a chance to hang out with a player? How cool!

Thought of the Day: Alexander Radulov Situation a Petty Dispute?

Scotty Hockey — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:07:00 -0400

Is it me, or is the NHL being petty over this Alexander Radulov situation? Now the Continental Hockey League wants to offer compensation, and the NHL is stubbornly refusing and again demanding that Radulov return to the States.

To the best of my recollection, and please correct me if I am wrong, the Penguins didn't offer any compensation when they got a lawyer to help Evgeni Malkin break his contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk and come to Pittsburgh.

It just doesn't seem right. The NHL is coming off as the petty spoiled child in this one now that a prized toy was taken out of the box by another kid, so they are resorting to throwing a tantrum.

Four Questions for the Chicago Blackhawks

Scotty Hockey — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:30:00 -0400

Why is this team worth watching?

Because Jon Toews can do this, and because Pat Kane can do this, and because new addition Brian Campbell can do this. The Blackhawks are a young, exciting team. You need to Commit To The Indian as they revive an Original Six franchise.

Are they better or worse than last year?

Much, much better. The kids are a year older, Crazy Khabibulin has a motivated backup to challenge him, and Soupy has come from San Jose.

Denis Savard has them playing exciting hockey and I am more than willing to say that I am jumping on their bandwagon. After the Blueshirts, I root for Original Six teams—and these guys are making it really easy to join the fan club.

Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

Expect good offense—upwards of a point per game—from Campbell, Kane, Toews, and Pat Sharp. I would add Marty Havlat to that list, but he is such a huge injury risk that you never know. If he stays healthy for an entire season, he could score 100 points easily—too bad that's a big IF.

Robert Lang will be available later and will get 50 assists. On the blue line, Dustin Byfuglien, James Wisniewski, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook would fit in great as second or third defensemen to get 40 points, some PIM, and a solid plus/minus.

You would be taking a big risk drafting either Khabibulin or Huet early, because no one knows how many starts either will get or when they will come.

What will the Winter Classic be like?

It will be extremely difficult to get tickets. People are considering buying season tickets just for that game, then reselling it to pay for the season tickets.

While I didn't want it in New York, you can be sure I will be doing my damnedest to get to Wrigley. After going to Buffalo and experiencing that wonder, you can be sure the Chicago version will be impressive. And it should have better ice, as the league will have longer than a week to build the rink.

Congrats, I Guess ...

Scotty Hockey — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:21:00 -0400

Today it was announced that former Rangers Brian Leetch and Mike Richter will be enshrined into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame alongside Cammi Granato and Brett Hull as the Class of 2008.

I guess that's a good thing? I mean, any time a player is recognized for his (or her) achievements it is an honour but the U.S. HoF is virtually a nonentity. It is a real Hall and it exists in Eveleth, Minnesota ... where??

Hmm, Toronto ... Eveleth ... something just doesn't match up there.

And the induction dinner, which may or may not be seen on the NHL Network (my money is on not) - is at the University of Denver of all places.

Are these guys even trying?

I know USA Hockey is fiercely proud of the grassroots nature of hockey in America, but something like their Hall of Fame should be made into a big deal, or it won't be treated as such. Like I said, congrats to all involved, but give me a call when Leetch and (maybe) Richter join Mess in the real Hockey Hall of Fame.

NHL Four-cast: Boston Bruins

Scotty Hockey — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:55:00 -0400

1 - Why is this team worth watching? They do play boring hockey thanks to former Devils coach Claude Julien but you never know when Milan Lucic will channel his inner Cam Neely and go nuts. The scary thing? He is still learning how to play in the NHL ... and their Ice Girls are pretty nice to look at.

2 - Are they better or worse than last year? I would say slightly better. The Bruins bought out Glen Murray, who has slowly been getting worse as he gets older, but they didn't necessarily replace him by signing the enigmatic Michael Ryder. They did steal Blake Wheeler, and the kid has to be considered an early candidate for rookie of the year but, as with any rookie, who knows? Having Patrice Bergeron back from that concussion he got from that sick hit should help.

3 - Who should YOU draft in fantasy? Marc Savard and Zdeno Chara are no-brainers. Bergeron claims to be in good shape which should translate into a point-per-game and he will slip under many people's radars. Lucic will get you numbers across the board. David Krejci should put up some good power play points as will Phil Kessel, who has something to prove in the last year of his contract. The opposite should be said for Dennis Wideman and Ryder, who both got raises, something that often leads to complacency - and they weren't that great to begin with. Tim Thomas may scramble alot to make big saves, but he still ended up with 28 wins and a .921 save % so he is a worthy second goaltender.

4- Who don't the Bruins ever want to face again? Montreal. Aside from the Ghosts of the Forum, the Habs, who beat them in a surprisingly close seven-game first round series last year, scored 58 goals against the Bruins in the 15 games they played over the course of last season.

Killin' Time: Monday Night Edition

Scotty Hockey — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:59:00 -0400

Some Monday night randomness:

I found myself watching the 2007 World Yo-Yo Championship tonight on television. While I had to admit it was pretty damn incredible, and wonder if the guy can repeat this year, I really, really miss hockey.

While I am a big fan of Dubi's work over at Blueshirt Bulletin, I have to disagree with his new BB+ area. It's a subscriber-specific segment of his site that has a lot of great stuff, but every post he makes on the main site refers back to it.

I, of course, am a subscriber so I get to see it—but I can imagine how annoying that could be for everyone else.

It's cool to have it, but to make a new post talking about it on the main site daily is like sticking your finger up to the poorer fans out there. I just hope that his game reports will remain on the free side so everyone can enjoy his good work.

Lest I forget, Freddie Sjostrom re-signed with the Rangers today. Shoe (for lack of a better nickname) made a good impression in his 18 games as a Ranger. He worked hard, skated fast and knocked in two goals; that raised his total to 12 on the season—a number he could and should double this coming year.

With his buddy Henrik in net, he is comfortable as a Ranger and should have a good grasp of the system by the time the puck drops in Prague. He should get bumped up to the third line with Brandon Dubinsky and will get a lot more scoring opportunities as a result. I still want one of those hats he has on his website (anyone in Sweden wanna hook me up??).

Over at Puck Daddy, Greg found a great conversation with our former captain and AO. The writers talked about Jagr's great wit while he was here—it just is a shame he rarely shared that with the fans. As for AO, I still think we could have had him.

Jay Bouwmeester re-upped with the Florida Panthers with a one-year deal. Bouwmeester, a 24-year-old defenseman who plays more than 27 minutes per game and hasn't missed a game the last three years, will reportedly make between four and five million dollars for the season. He averaged .45 points per game and was minus-five on one of the worst teams in the league.

Meanwhile, the Rangers signed the two-inch shorter, 31-year-old Wade Redden for six years, for $6.5 million per year. Redden, who has only played all 82 games in a season once (his rookie year of 96-97), averaged .48 points per game and was plus-11 while playing on one of the best teams in hockey. He also ranked 11th on the list of players on the ice for the most five-on-five goals against (thanks Mirtle). Hmmm, good job Glen.

While trying not to cry at that last one, at least we can all laugh at the Islanders' new third jersey. While not quite the fisherman, or the pumpkin jersey, it's still pretty lame. Potvin sucks, DP swallows.

Now that I lowered myself to their depths, I want to redeem my soul a bit and point you to Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic who, as Puck Daddy pointed out , is getting money together to help a woman fighting non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. While the EBay items are all a bit expensive, I want to remind everyone that they can always give any amount of money to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, who I keep permanently linked on the right side of the blog. They are a really good charity who do really good work for the fight against cancer and I proudly support them myself.

And on that note, g'nite folks, I gotta go find my Duncan ...