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Thu Oct 22, 2009 1:41 pm EDT

Puck Headlines: Detroit fans blast ESPN; NHL's best bargains

By Greg Wyshynski

Here are your Puck Headlines: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

• ESPN's John Buccigross couldn't have pissed Detroit off more if he had written that unicycles should replace cars and that Chuck Daly was overrated. Bucci opined recently that (a) Pavel Datsyuk(notes) and Henrik Zetterberg(notes) aren't in their primes any longer and (b) that the Detroit Red Wings' dynastic run is at an end less than five months after playing for the Stanley Cup. Triple Deke (PG-13 language) wrote: "Bucci has broke ground on an entirely new dimension of absurd." George James Malik of Snapshots reduced that to "Bull. All of it." We think 'Marleau To The Kings' would have been right in saying Datsyuk and Zetterberg have flat-lined in production. But they're still in their primes, no doubt. [Snapshots and Triple Deke]

• Chris Chelios(notes) is ready to make his debut for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL and has one simple hope for the game: That the Chicago hockey fans refrain from booing him. [Sun Times]

• Spector on the potential for either Jean-Sebastien Giguere(notes) of the Anaheim Ducks or Josh Harding(notes) of the Minnesota Wild being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who evidently have some goaltending issues. [THN]

• Max Talbot(notes) on Pittsburgh Penguins teammate Marc-Andre Fleury(notes) and his Canadian National Team chances: "It is certain that in his mind he wants to be in the Olympics and he notably won his duel against Cam Ward(notes) last week." [PSAMP]

• Nice piece by John Grigg of The Hockey News on the NHL's best bargain players, with names like Zach Parise(notes) of the New Jersey Devils and Ryan Kesler(notes) of the Vancouver Canucks making the cut. [THN]

• Your Peter Forsberg(notes) update: He'll play in a tournament in early November (which won't affect his League eligibility) and then is expected to make a decision on the NHL. While Adrian Dater doesn't believe it'll be with the Colorado Avalanche, he asks if they'd rather have Forsberg or Darcy Tucker(notes) skating with Duchene and Svatos. (Correct answer: Ryan Smyth(notes).) [All Things Avs]

• Mike Heika pulls back the curtain on one of the most clandestine and nefarious practices in a National Hockey League arena every game-night: The selection of the three stars. [Dallas Stars Blog]

• Fantastic stuff from David Staples on the alleged bias against French-Canadian players in the NHL: "Given the fierceness of the competition, and the great rewards that go to those who win at the NHL game, if there are dozens and dozens of French Canadians players who can help NHL teams win and aren't getting that chance because of discrimination that would be astonishing, utterly astonishing." [Cult of Hockey]

• Sergei Kostitsyn(notes), who left the Hamilton Bulldogs and was suspended by the Montreal Canadiens, is un-suspended by the Canadiens and returns to the Hamilton Bulldogs. Pat Hickey of the Gazette: "If you thought Hamlet was a confused young man, you've never met Sergei Kostitsyn." [Gazette]

• The Grand Rapids Griffins: Your home for wayward players. The Hartford Wolf Pack ship winger Patrick Rissmiller(notes) to Michael Nylander's(notes) new team. [Griffins]

• Seth from Empty Netters on the DirecTV/Versus dispute, looking back at some recent words from Gary Bettman on the issue and coming down on the side of DTV. While in Vegas, we were accused by a couple of commentors of being in the tank for Versus because I've done some work for Comcast. Full disclosure: I've appeared on Comcast SportsNet many times, but have taken one check from them in about three years for working on a Capitals postgame show. If you'd like to go through the archives of my writing to see if I've been a cheerleader for Versus during that time, I'm fairly certain you won't find any pom-poms. [Empty Netters]

• On Right: An Oscar wins the Lester Patrick Award. [NHL/Kukla]

• Joe from Mile High Hockey takes a very comprehensive look at the Colorado Avlanches' good fortunes in a post called "Road Trips, Revelations and Realism" that only sounds like the title of a Muse song. [MHH]

• Stu Hackel of the New York Times with some interesting news on the NHL and concussions: "There seems to be less hockey-specific head trauma research, but during TSN's telecast of the Canucks-Hawks game, Darren Dreger reported that the N.H.L. is considering developing research of its own, having contacted Rick Greenwald, president of Simbex, a New Hampshire company that, according to its web site, specializes in 'products and services aimed at injury prevention and mobility for older adults and disabled individuals.'" [NYT]

• James Mirtle, on the Leafs beat, finds Luke Schenn(notes) ready to lay out the next reporter who asks him about a sophomore slump. Godspeed, sir. [Globe & Mail]

• Ron Wilson's not digging the media relations thing lately. [@reporterchris]

• More great news for Carey Price(notes) fantasy owners: Jaroslav Halak(notes) will get back-to-back starts for the Montreal Canadiens and face the New York Islanders tonight. [@walsha]

• The New Jersey Nets draw forever closer to spending a few years at the Prudential Center with the Devils before moving (in theory) to Brooklyn. [Star Ledger]

• Jon Mirasty(notes), one of our favorite goons, loves him some Denny's. [Crunch]

• Finally, Marc Rechlicz of the Johnstown Chiefs and Myles Stoesz(notes) of the Trenton Devils threw down at center ice recently; the reason you're about to see it here is for a great punch that knocks'em both down. [Hockey Fights]

Related: Hockey Fans, Goons and Pugilism, Gary Bettman, Commissioner for Life, Puck Videos, Rumors, scuttlebutt, innuendo

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56 Comments

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  1. 6ixty8ight
    1. Posted by 6ixty8ight Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:11 pm EDT

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    In regards to the Empty Netters post on Versus vs. DirecTv, I love that Bettman has DirecTv and is unable to get all these games that the rest of us are missing. Also, the post made me think that I should be calling and emailing Comcast and VS about when they're going to get their act together and get back on DirecTV. I see it as much their issue as anyones. Then again they probably wouldn't give a damn because they have no souls and no interest in appeasing their customers.
    DirecTV Comcast/VS
  2. HotStacey
    2. Posted by HotStacey Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:13 pm EDT

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    as painful as it is to say a lot of times players' points peak the same year as they win the cup which is what happened with a number of DET players for 07-08. it happened with sakic and a lot of other guys - some years they're just "on" and then they inevitably return to earth. they'll still be good but the pens are a steamroller now.
  3. Sean N
    3. Posted by Sean N Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:17 pm EDT

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    The day I need hockey insight from Buccigross for it is the day I take my own life in the most disgusting manner possible.
    Do think the wings were better 2 years a go than they are now? sure I do..but they are still one solid gockey team. and I really think they're pacing themselves this year.
  4. knucklehead
    4. Posted by knucklehead Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:25 pm EDT

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    John Buccigross is about as knowledgeable as Steve Levy...I buy the magazine to look at the pictures. Next thing you know former NBA stars will be calling NASCAR races.
    Gary Thorne and Bill Clement should kick both of their asses.
  5. Sara
    5. Posted by Sara Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:26 pm EDT

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    I used to really enjoy reading Bucci but something happened to him a couple of years ago and he turned bitter. Sometimes down-right hateful. Complete waste.
  6. Dynamo38
    6. Posted by Dynamo38 Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:27 pm EDT

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    I wonder if Halak ever storms the locker room screaming "THE PRICE IS WRONG!!!"
  7. Mat
    7. Posted by Mat Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:28 pm EDT

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    Must be a rough time of the month to be a Red Wing. Obviously their blood has been boiling for a while, Bucci's column just helped the flow of anger to reach the surface. He has a point, though. This year Datsyuk & Zetterberg can't last long without looking bloated, tired, and as if their hormones are out of whack. You have to wonder if (or when) they'll be changing to lighter pads between periods. They sure are absorbing a lot of blows. It's a wonder Babcock can keep the other men straight.
    At least Applicator can be inserted into their lines to make things run a little smoother. But they may want to call up Midol sometime mid year to calm the inevitable wrath.
  8. David B
    8. Posted by David B Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:31 pm EDT

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    Zetterberg and Dats are still top ten players they are just starting slow.
  9. Pensfan71
    9. Posted by Pensfan71 Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:36 pm EDT

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    Carey Price is THE most overrated goalie in the league. Being good in juniors does not mean anything at this point.
  10. habs1rule
    10. Posted by habs1rule Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:37 pm EDT

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    Will someone please tell ESPN's John Buttisgross to name me another team with four Stanley Cups in the last twelve years, going from the Yzerman-Federov era, to the present, without high draft picks and just missing out on a couple of more championships in that time frame. Maybe the only thing declining with this reporter is his hairline.
  11. Spencer
    11. Posted by Spencer Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:38 pm EDT

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    Hey Wysh, I've done a little reading on the Versus assertion that DirecTV agreement is basically a no-cost proposition. That is only true if DirecTV moves Versus to one of their premium tiers, in essence making customers pay more for getting Versus. Considering that the only programing that Versus has that is worthy of a premier tier is their hockey coverage (which as we all know is lacking), and their MMA coverage (via WEC), I don't see that as a no-cost upgrade.
  12. miah
    12. Posted by miah Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:38 pm EDT

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    It's obvious the entire Detroit team is still feeling the aftershocks of "handshake-gate". I suppose they were hoping some of Sidney's greatness would rub off on them. Poor Kris Draper.
  13. badsadmadam
    13. Posted by badsadmadam Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:39 pm EDT

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    I would agree that the Wings's dynasty is over, or at least that this is the beginning of the end. I would not, however agree with Zetterberg and Datsyuk being past their prime. They are still two of the best players in the league. How can these two facts both be true? What made the team so great was that they didn't have to rely solely on these two. Now they will be leaning on them more than ever.
  14. Kyle T
    14. Posted by Kyle T Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:46 pm EDT

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    HotStacy, Do you watch hockey? Pay attention at all? The Wings players didn't peak in 2007 they've been high for a number of years. Pavel Datsyuk over the last four years has gone 86,86,97,97. Zetterberg has averaged over 60 year after year despite injuries. Franzen finished 2007-2008 strong and then went on to post outstanding numbers the next year. It's ignorant to imply that they were a one year wonder, there's a reason half of the team has multiple Stanley Cup victories. Then you say Pittsburgh is a steamroller? Yes they won the cup, but that doesn't mean you're that much better than everyone else, heck the Wings won the cup the year before Pittsburgh. It's difficult to repeat, we know that being the last team to actually do it, you should.
  15. acardillac
    15. Posted by acardillac Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:56 pm EDT

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    Red Wings fans get their panties in a bunch if their pizza orders messed up.
  16. Svipal
    16. Posted by Svipal Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:04 pm EDT

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    The entire TV distribution in the US is a terrible mess. I have cablevision, which offers the "center ice" package, but it does not incude the NHL network. FIOS has the NHL network, but I don't know if it offers the center ice package. I think you need Direct TV, Versus, and Cablevision to make sure you get every game. Makes no sense. Never mind the fact that the NHL receives nothing from NBC and get treated like an info-mercial.
  17. A Yahoo! User
    17. Posted by A Yahoo! User Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:08 pm EDT

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    I'll believe that Z and Datsyuk are past their prime and that the WIngs run is over when the playoffs start and they're not in them. The Wings look really bad right now but there are too many talented people in that organization to write them off so early.
  18. Tacks
    18. Posted by Tacks Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:12 pm EDT

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    I thought sophomore slump actually implied a good rookie year?
  19. M P
    19. Posted by M P Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:12 pm EDT

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    Um, am I crazy, or are we just 7 games in and both guys are coming off injury... flat-lined in production?? Really? Are the Avs the greatest team to ever play then, with Quincey handily winning the Norris? Is it October or March? I'm so confused...
  20. Michael
    20. Posted by Michael Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:32 pm EDT

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    I got cablevision and the NHL network comes with the Center Ice package.
  21. Pensfan71
    21. Posted by Pensfan71 Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:39 pm EDT

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    @Paul B we'll see about that.. Pens are the champs until someone beats them. And so far this season, I haven't seen anyone that can.
  22. josephirving56
    22. Posted by josephirving56 Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:45 pm EDT

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    Let me tell you folks in USA how hockey goes in Alberta (home of both Oilers and Flames). We get access, but it is very costly, not for marginal fans. First, of course, you need a decent TV. Then you need either a digital or HD cable box or satellite package. These alone will get you the CBC games, TSN games and the odd one shown by NHL. Now, to get the balance of your team's games you think that the Center Ice pkge. does it. It does not. For example the Oilers are showing something like 16 PPV games; these games are BLACKED OUT on the Center Ice pkge. You have to cough up another 15-16 bucks per game if you want to see them. So while we get good access to the games, if you wish to partake 100%, you almost need a second mortgage on your home. Good luck in your search for games. I was told that Direct wants more money per subscriber from VS than they were paying, and that therein lays their particular problem. Don't know if that is the case.PS I forgot to add that Rogers Sportsnet shows most of our games.
  23. beer_man_beer_here
    23. Posted by beer_man_beer_here Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:48 pm EDT

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    LOL at you idiots...
  24. Brian
    24. Posted by Brian Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:50 pm EDT

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    I agree with Buccigross to the extent that male athletes' prime is 26-28 or thereabouts. That's why Ali's situation was such a shame. He was deprived of boxing just as he was entering his prime. Advances in nutrition and training/conditioning have helped some individuals remain at an elite level past those ages, and depending on the sport and style of the player you might argue that a player is in his prime in his 30s (like Bernard Hopkins). However, that is extremely rare. It is completely reasonable to say once an athlete reaches the age of 30, he is no longer in his prime. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are still elite players, they are just not in their respective athletic primes. We'll have to see how that translates into points, contribution, finding a way to win, etc. After all, Ali still had that magic in Zaire even if he was past his prime.
    It is too early to tell whether the Red Wings are on the downhill slope, but the recent history of the organization says that they are always potentially dangerous.
  25. Pat
    25. Posted by Pat Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:51 pm EDT

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    I'm stunned at Sergei Kostitsyn's continued employment. No player who publicly requests a trade should be kept anywhere near the club he wants to desert (or even its farm team... ESPECIALLY not its farm team). He'll poison any locker room atmosphere faster than Scott Hartnell's helmet fumes.
    Local rumors have both K bros going to LA for Frolov... oh shut up SHUT UP!
    Is it too late to trade him for Shanahan?

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