He later met with some young fans outside of the locker room to sign some autographs. That's when I got the chance to ask him a few questions about his "upper body injury" and his journey back from it.

Keep in mind Ovechkin didn't indicate if the following "diagnosis" was from team doctors or his own evaluation.

Q. You're in good mood. Are you getting better?

OVECHKIN: I am better. But I will miss 4-5 weeks.

Are you serious?

I actually plan on starting practice on the ice next week.

I know that you did skate already.

Yes, but after I did that the doctors told me not to do that yet. And not to have a stick in my hands.

How do you feel about this all?

I think that it shouldn't be rushed. November has just begun. I need to heal up 100 percent and then play. There is no need to risk right now.

What's it like to watch the Capitals from the sidelines?

Of course it's tough. I want to be in the game. But there is nothing I can do.

Not long ago the Russian National team coach called you. To wish you well?

Yes, Vyacheslav Bykov called to ask how things were. But actually our conversation was right before the game against Columbus when I got injured...

Really? Maybe Bykov shouldn't call you anymore?

It's just a coincidence. Let him call me more often! It's great to know that national team coaches follow you. Once again, I was included in the list of 50 candidates for the Olympics, and a big thanks for that.

I met your friends outside who came over from Moscow to visit you...

They thought they'd see me play. And they see me amongst the injured. So they will have no hockey, but just a vacation in America. It's not that bad too, don't you agree?

This interview also ran on SovSport.ru this afternoon.

Darren M. from Silver Sevens, an Ottawa Senators blog, also writes for Punknews.org. He offered to ask Canadian punk band Propagandhi for their five reasons they love hockey, and any band that penned a song called "Dear Coach's Corner" (stream it here) is going to have something to say about puck.

Here are Chris Hannah (vocals/guitar) and David "The Beaver" Guillas (guitar) -- Chris pointed out that "three guys in Propagandhi love hockey [because] Todd (bassist) hates it" -- giving their 5 Reasons Why They Love Hockey via Darren:

1. The pace and the drama

DAVID: I like that it's fast-paced. Probably the quickest paced game that there is.

CHRIS: The speed and intensity. There's no other sport with that level of drama for me. And drama in general! Look at the Leafs -- that's a goldmine of drama.

(Ed. Note: Chris Hannah is a Toronto Maple Leafs fan)

2. The Jets/Oilers rivalry

DAVID: I have very fond memories of being a kid and driving into Winnipeg to see Dale Hawerchuk. I was a member of the Jets Fan Club, and Dale Hawerchuk was my idol. So we'd always come in and see games against the Oilers. I hated the Oilers, and I hated Wayne Gretzky. My brother loved Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers, so it was always fun, the two of us coming to the city.

3. Skating with the Winnipeg Jets

CHRIS: When I was 13 years old, I went to a practice with the Jets, me and some other kids. I can't remember who the back-up goalie was, but we were doing these come out of the corner, take the puck at the top of the circle and take a shot on an NHL goalie. He was just kicking away everything, easily, and I... I [expletive] slipped one by him! He went, "[Expletive!]" Then, I peed myself a little bit and skated to the bench, and just sat on the bench shaking.

I was so excited and he was mad. I also went on two 2-on-1s with Paul MacLean and scored both times.

4. Street Hockey

CHRIS: The democracy of street hockey is great. Anyone can play it.

DAVID: Yeah, it's true, anyone really can play it. Even though everyone says "oh, I suck," all you have to do is run around with a stick....

CHRIS: Or just put your stick in the way. Yeah, it's a great game. It's like soccer, a universal and accessible game.

5. Celebrations

CHRIS: Drinking beers and getting up on a friend's speaker and falling off when the Leafs score, which actually happens. (laughs)

DAVID: And watching that happen.

--

Check out Silver Sevens for more hockey talk with Propagandhi. Thanks to the band and Smallman Records for their support in putting this together, and to Darren for pulling it off.

Update this morning on Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward(notes), whose left leg was lacerated by the skate of Columbus Blue Jackets star Rick Nash(notes) (video here) last night, via Chip Alexander of the News & Observer: He'll remain in a Columbus hospital for another day, and GM Jim Rutherford is looking for outside help between the pipes.

From Canes Now:

"We'll have to see how it goes," Rutherford said today of Ward's injury and recovery time. "It appears it will be a fairly long period of time."

Rutherford said the Hurricanes are looking at different options: a trade, signing an available goaltender or calling up Justin Peters(notes) from Albany (AHL). "We're talking over the options. We don't have an answer right now," he said.

Ward was expected to return to Raleigh today but Rutherford said he would be kept another day as a precautionary move. "He's stitched up but he has to stay real stable," Rutherford said. "They want to be careful about infections and those things."

Michael Leighton(notes) is a placeholder at best, so acquiring a veteran if Ward's out for a lengthy period of time is imperative if this team's going to contend for a playoff spot this season.

Yeah, we said it: A team 10 points out of the eight seed, mired in a 12-game winless streak, devastated by injuries and that's looked simply terrible for most of the season can still contend in 2009-10. It's a team in the seventh ring of hockey hell right now, but it's also a team that uncorked a 13-1-2 streak back in February under Paul Maurice.

That at least offers a glimmer of hope as the Canes continue to skate out of quicksand.

It's a lengthy, grab-the-coffee-and-settle-in read, but worth your time if you're into the politics of hockey or if your lockout scars still ache. The single biggest issue dividing the players is escrow, and according to Friedman the players are going to have to sacrifice something significant in the next CBA negotiation (long-term contracts?) to rectify it.

Among Friedman's suggestions, in what he said is "the NHLPA's last chance to get it right":

Chelios must go. The former Detroit Red Wings defenseman has scorched the earth under association management, and Friedman suggests that he's too tied to old fights and is too divisive to remain a leader in a reconstructed NHLPA.

Get younger. Friedman writes that there's a generational shift in the association, helped along by the influx of younger, cheaper and faster players after the lockout. He's right, but good luck convincing players that have never had to fight for financial equality -- and have no respect for labor movements of the past -- to step up and lead. If you thought the lockout revealed how quickly the players would fold, they'll be spineless in a strike.

Find a leadership structure that works. As Friedman writes:

Right now, the constitution is crippling. The executive director reports to the 30 player reps. There is also an ombudsman, an advisory board and one retired player liaison for each of the six NHL divisions. I understand checks and balances, not wanting anyone to get too drunk with power, but this is too much.

[...]

There are so many possible structures. Maybe a hockey guy surrounded by lawyers. Maybe a labour lawyer surrounded by businessmen (that was the Goodenow model). Maybe a businessman surrounded by lawyers or hockey people.

So are agents "lawyers" or "hockey people"? Friedman's section on the influence of agents on the NHLPA is eye-opening, given word that they're very much involved in its resurrection.

One gets the feeling Friedman doesn't see them as a positive influence on the players' association, but their influence will be difficult to diminish; how many players are simply advocates on behalf of their representation, as was suspected when Sidney Crosby spoke out?

(Speaking of agents: Evidently they're not allowed to be public advocates for their clients or have freedom of expression in the eyes of the media. This Allan Walsh/Montreal media flap screams "new media jitters." We love it.)

So the NHLPA is given good advice that it will no doubt ignore. As Red Fisher wrote in the Gazette today:

The NHLPA has disintegrated into an embarrassing and scary case of fratricidal warfare. Embarrassing, because what you have now is one union brother against another. Laughable, because the players have made it abundantly clear their only strength is on the ice. Off it, they can't make a decent, three-foot pass. When a union is split into factions, it's little more than putty in the owners' hands.

And the clock is ticking.

The Sharks netminder was solid against the defending champions making 27 saves for his 49th career NHL shutout during a 5-0 San Jose victory. After facing just three shots in the first period, the Penguins tested Nabokov with 24 shots in the final two periods. Having taken a 4-0 lead early in the second period, Nabokov fought off a desperate Penguins team trying to break the shutout.

No. 2 star: Antero Niittymaki(notes), Tampa Bay Lightning

Another game, another solid effort by Niittymaki. His 36 saves silenced the Montreal crowd as the Lightning ended a four-game road trip with a 3-1 win. Niittymaki has now won two of his last three starts and lowered his goals-against average to 1.90 and improved his league-best save-percentage to .940.

No. 3 star: Mike Knuble(notes), Washington Capitals

No Alex Ovechkin(notes) or Mike Green(notes) didn't stop the Capitals offense from exploding for seven goals in a victory over the Florida Panthers with the 37-year old Knuble popping in two goals and adding two assists. Knuble's multi-goal game was the seventh time a Washington player has reached the feat so far this season. 

Honorable mention: Behind Dan Ellis'(notes) 27 saves and Cody Franson's(notes) second goal in the NHL, Nashville downed Los Angeles 3-1 ... Flyers rookie Mika Pyorala(notes) may not have scored his first goal of his young NHL career, but his tally in the shootout was enough to give Philadelphia a 2-1 win over St. Louis ... Jonas Gustavsson(notes) came up big in his third straight start by stopping 35 shots while Phil Kessel(notes) added his first goal in a Toronto jersey along with an assist as the Maple Leafs routed the Detroit Red Wings ... Along with Knuble's pair, Tomas Fleischmann(notes) fourth and fifth goals of the season ... Nigel Dawes(notes) had a hand in all three Calgary goals as the Flames upended the Rangers 3-1 ... In his first game since early October, Joe Pavelski(notes) potted his first goal of the season during San Jose's win over Pittsburgh ... Miikka Kiprusoff's(notes) 32 saves paced Calgary pasted the Rangers ... Despite two goals by Loui Eriksson(notes), Marek Zidlicky's(notes) goal near the end of the second period was the eventual game-winner as Minnesota got by Dallas 3-2 ... New Jersey extended their league-best road record to 8-0-0 ... Milestones on the night: Tim Connolly(notes) and Francois Bouillon playing in their 500th NHL games while Henrik Tallinder(notes) appeared in his 400th. Capitals rookie Mathieu Perreault(notes) scored his first career NHL goal. 

Did you know?: Craig Conroy(notes) is the only Calgary Flames forward without a goal through the team's first 15 games. (AP)

Dishonorable mention: Buffalo Sabres goaltender Jhonas Enroth(notes) didn't have a memory NHL debut allowing a goal on the first shot he saw and losing to Boston 4-2 ... Powerless power-play's tonight included Buffalo (0-for-7) and Detroit (0-for-5) ... Carolina extended their power-play drought to 0-for-30, while the Penguins are now 0-for-21 in their last four games ... Ottawa penalty-kill could have used an extra hand allowing all three goals on the in a 3-2 loss to New Jersey ... Finally, the struggling Carolina Hurricanes took another blow tonight when they lost goaltender Cam Ward(notes) after his thigh was lacerated by Rick Nash's(notes) skate:

Preview: Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m. EST. Looking for their fourth straight win, the Red Wings head into tonight's Hall of Fame Game. Three former Red Wings, Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille will be in attendance along with Brian Leetch and Lou Lamoriello for the pre-game ceremony. It'll be game No. 3 in the Phil Kessel(notes)-era for the Leafs who may see Jonas Gustavsson(notes) in goal for a third straight game.

Preview: New York Rangers at Calgary Flames, 10 p.m. EST. No Henrik Lundqvist tonight for the Rangers as Sean Avery(notes) and Dion Phaneuf(notes) meet on the ice for the first time since "those" comments. Avery even admitted that he called Elisha Cuthbert after the comments to apologize for them. Calgary looks for their first home win in three games before an east coast trip next week.

Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m. EST. Despite losing their undefeated road record after falling to Los Angeles on Thursday night, the Penguins enter HP Pavilion tonight wanting to end their west coast trip by taking four out of six points. Joe Pavelski(notes) is expected to return for the Sharks tonigh, who are undefeated against the defending Stanley Cup champions at home over their past eight match-ups.

Check out the Y! Sports scores and schedule page for previews of the other three games tonight.

Evening Reading

-Scotty Wazz on defending those Montreal Canadiens barber pole jerseys: "If you want to talk about the whole retro movement when it comes to the culture of sports-- fact of the matter is that nothing says more retro than the barber-pole jersey when it comes to hockey." [Wazz]

-Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek(notes) is done for the year after tearing an ACL. [Point Blank]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: The half dozen commenters who were unaware that the Clint Malarchuk injury didn't take place in the years between 2000 and 2009.

Bold Prediction: Nothing happens between Sean Avery and Dion Phaneuf. Also, Detroit slays the "Monster" in a rout.

Through the first 35 games last season, Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos(notes) scored just four times. Shackled to the bench and not seeing much ice time under then-Lightning coach Barry Melrose, it wasn't the type of start the 2008 No. 1 overall pick was looking for, especially after a summer of hype by the Lightning through their "Seen Stamkos" promotion. 

When Rick Tocchet replaced Melrose in November, it wasn't until mid-February when Stamkos began to be 'seen'. In his final 28 games, the Sarnia Sting alum potted 17 goals and finished with 23 on the year, six behind Vincent Lecavalier(notes).

With five minutes of added ice time this season compared to last, Stamkos is maturing before our eyes into a goal scorer and paying off the Lightning, who were on the verge of embarrassment last season watching their prized pick watch more hockey than play. Through Tampa's first 14 games, Stamkos is leading the team in scoring with 12 goals (six on the power-play) and five assists, including a goal in seven of his last eight games. His coming out party is helping Lightning fans from completely freaking out about Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis(notes) low goal totals.

So, why is Stamkos flourishing this season?

There's confidence, as teammate Ryan Malone(notes) explained, as well as the fact that he has a coach in Tocchet that is willing to allow his talent to grow, even through all of the growing pains that he may experience:

"He's a leader, a young leader for us,"

...

"He has his ups and downs, but he has bounce-back," Tocchet said. "He doesn't have a long period of bad games or bad shifts. He can bounce back and that's what I like about him. He can have a tough night, but he bounces back. He's resilient."

Stamkos' quick start is also making waves through Hockey Canada as Team Canada GM Steve Yzerman is trying to fill out his 23-man roster. Not invited to the orientation camp in Calgary this past August, Stamkos has put himself on the radar, but he's not ready to let himself think about Vancouver as he told Fanhouse's Susan Slusser:

"I wasn't thinking about it at the start of the season," Stamkos said of Vancouver 2010. "But with the start I've had and people talking about it, if I keep it up, a long-shot (selection) is a possibility. I'd love the opportunity to represent my country, but obviously my main focus right now is on this team and winning every night here."

Winning is something that Tampa's been doing a little better of this season. Currenrtly sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference with 15 points thanks to Stamkos and solid goaltending Antero Niittymaki(notes). If Lecavalier and St. Louis can find the back of the net again on a regular basis, the Lightning, the butt of jokes a year ago, could themselves valuable strides towards long-term success.

(No, the first decade of the 21st century doesn't technically end until 2011. Save your bellyaching. But we've had nine NHL seasons and one stolen from us since 1999-2000, and Yahoo! Sports has decided it's time to rank the best and worst of the last "decade." Enjoy, and snark freely in the comments.)

Some of these all-decade lists are lighthearted, nostalgic compilations of the last 10 years of NHL hockey; and some of them are what you're about to read.

The NHL has seen some truly gruesome moments since 2000. Lives were threatened. Careers were shortened. Reputations were ruined. We wish something a little more whimsical like Matt Walker's mangled finger could have made this list. But it didn't. 

Keep in mind that some of these injuries are ranked based not only on their severity but their impact culturally on hockey. Also keep in mind that the last 10 years have featured so many grisly incidents that the injury commemorated in the photo above is not, in fact, No. 1 overall.

These video highlights have been everywhere for the last 10 years, but please keep in mind that many are distrubing and not for all audiences. Here are the Top 10 Most Brutal NHL Injuries of the Last Decade ...

10. Patrick Thoresen's(notes) Groin, 2008

"Potentially ruptured testicle" is going to earn a player a spot on this list in any decade, as the then-Philadelphia Flyers winger attempted to block a shot by Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green(notes) in the 2008 Eastern Conference quarterfinals and ... well, he took one for the team.

As you can see, it was insult to injury: In a controversial moment, the refs allowed play to continue on the Capitals' third-period power play, and Green scored the game-tying goal in a contest the Caps would eventually win (though they'd lose the series in seven).

Thoresen? Tests later showed that the worst fears wouldn't be realized. He was released from the hospital, returned to the series in Game 3 and would play 14 total games in the postseason. That's testicular fortitude.

(Honorable Mention: Nicklas Lidstrom's(notes) "nearly catastrophic" testicle injury in 2009.)

• • •

9. Steve Yzerman's Eye, 2004 

In Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals in 2004, the Detroit Red Wings Hall of Famer took a puck off the eye when teammate Mathieu Schneider's(notes) shot deflected off of Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff(notes). To see a star player go down like this was nothing short of horrific.

Yzerman required 4-and-a-half hours of surgery at a Detroit hospital "to repair a scratched cornea and broken bone just below his left eye." He missed the rest of the postseason and returned after the lockout wearing a face shield, which was absent when the injury occurred. Images of Stevie Y's crimson eye became propaganda for those who wanted visors mandatory in the NHL.

(Honorable Mention: Braydon Coburn's(notes) mangled face after taking a puck to the mug in the 2008 playoffs.)

• • •

8. Chris Clark's(notes) Mouth, 2006

The Washington Capitals captain had kept all his teeth intact through 373 NHL games until a puck struck his face in a Nov. 2006 game against Boston. (Being a hockey player, he naturally finished his shift.) The aftermath, from the Washington Post:

Two of his top teeth are gone. Braces hold three others in place. His palate, meantime, was repaired with the aid of cadaver bone and a screw, inserted during three hours of surgery Thursday morning.

Other than attempting to eat Matt Pettinger's(notes) brains after practice one day, Clark didn't suffer any strange side effects from the cadaver bone implant.

• • •

7. Kurtis Foster's(notes) Broken Leg, 2008

In March 2008, the Minnesota Wild defenseman was chasing down an icing in a race with San Jose Sharks' winger Torrey Mitchell(notes). Contact between the two was made, and in a flash Foster's season was over.

Foster's femur snapped in half and his patella cracked. Doctors worked to repair it for 10 hours. As Foster recalled in a harrowing interview with the Star Tribune:

Trying to beat out an icing, Foster was pushed from behind by Mitchell. "All I remember is my kneecap taking everything," Foster said. "Once I realized my head, neck and back were OK, I tried to move my leg and in my mind it was moving, but when I looked at my leg, it wasn't moving. So I knew something was really wrong."

He returned to the Wild on March 7, 2009, and signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning that summer. Like Yzerman's, the injury sparked intense debate about rules changes, this time for players racing to ice the puck.

• • •

6. Kevin Bieksa's(notes) Calf Muscle, 2007

The Vancouver Canucks defenseman missed 47 games after the skate of then-Nashville Predators forward Vernon Fiddler(notes) sliced into his leg and lacerated his calf muscles during a Nov. 2007 game.

Blood filled Bieska's sock in a gruesome scene, and his career was feared to be over. But he worked through a long, experimental rehab process to get back on the ice and be a productive player for the franchise.

(Honorable Mention: Teemu Selanne(notes) slicing his own leg with his skate and missing over a month in 2008; and Jamie Heward(notes) getting sliced on the face by Mike Modano's(notes) skate in 2006.)

• • •

5. Patrice Bergeron's(notes) Concussion, 2007 

Any number of concussions in the last 10 years could make this list (Eric Lindros's in 2000 at the hands of Scott Stevens, for example), but few combine the brutal nature of the injury and the controversy about the legality of hitting in the game better than Bergeron's. The bright young star for the Boston Bruins was driven into the end boards from behind by Randy Jones(notes) of the Philadelphia Flyers in Oct. 2007, suffering a broken nose and Grade III concussion.

Bergeron would miss the remainder of the season and make a long journey back from post-concussion syndrome. Jones, meanwhile, only received a two-game suspension from the NHL, as discipline czar Colin Campbell said that Jones delivered "a hard check to a player who was in a vulnerable position" but didn't intend to injure him.

The Bruins' faithful disagreed with the brevity of that suspension, which manifested itself in March 2009 when announcer Jack Edwards cackled manically about a borderline check on Jones during a Flyers/Bruins game.

• • •

4. Bryan Berard's(notes) Eye, 2000

One of the most career-altering injuries on the list. In March 2000, while a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Berard's right eye was clipped by the stick of then-Ottawa Senators winger Marian Hossa(notes). (Apologies for the poor video quality.)

The eye was slit on sclera, and there was fear he'd lose it along with this career. After several surgeries (and a tidy $6.5 million insurance settlement), Berard had 20/600 vision in his eye which was elevated to an NHL-required 20/400 with the use of a contact lens. He missed a full season, rehabbed for a comeback, and played the rest of the decade through back injuries and an embarrassing drug test failure.

• • •

3. Richard Zednik's(notes) Neck, 2008

The fact that this all-time ghastly scene isn't at No. 1 is a testament to the all-time ghastly scenes that ranked ahead of it. Because few hockey fans will forget the first time they witnessed the Florida Panthers' winger getting his throat slashed by the skate of teammate Olli Jokinen(notes) in Feb. 2008:

This video capture that flew around the Web said it all. The official diagnosis was a slashed carotid artery, and Zednik lost five pints of blood.

He was eventually discharged from the hospital, missed the rest of the 2007-08 season and returned the following year for the Panthers. Over 20,000 fans sent get-well messages to the Panthers' Web site for Zednik. Like other incidents on this list, it sparked a League-wide debate, this time regarding neck guards for NHL players.

• • •

2. Steve Moore's Neck, 2004

We're running our all-decade lists through the end of December. Sadly, this will not be the last time you see this tragic moment in NHL history mentioned as a low-point for the League.

It was March 8, 2004. The Vancouver Canucks were looking for vengeance after Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore checked captain Markus Naslund(notes) near the head in a previous game. One game had already passed between the teams, but this contest would find Todd Bertuzzi(notes) viciously attacking Moore from behind because ... well, the courts haven't determined that yet:

You know the aftermath: The sucker-punch fractured Moore's vertebrae, cut his face and gave him a concussion; his NHL career was finished. Bertuzzi, after tearfully apologizing, was suspended indefinitely by the NHL as the incident received coverage from ESPN to The Today Show. Bertuzzi ended up missing 20 games along with the locked-out NHL season. Visit CBC Sports for complete coverage of this landmark incident that's still being litigated in the courts.

• • •

1. Trent McCleary's Tracheotomy, 2000

Yes, it takes an emergency, life-saving tracheotomy to top this horrific list.

Trent McCleary was a center for the Montreal Canadiens. In Jan. 2000 against the Philadelphia Flyers, he went down to block a Chris Therien shot and took a puck to the throat.

According to Web MD:

McCleary very quickly got to his feet and skated toward the trainer. Because the puck had collapsed his windpipe he could not breathe. He was carried off the ice, and lost consciousness while in the tunnel. He easily could have died that night, but he was rushed to a hospital, and had an emergency tracheostomy within 10 minutes of leaving the arena. He remained in critical condition before being upgraded to stable condition on Feb. 1.

The injury cost McCleary his hockey career, after his air passage was 15 percent narrower than before.

Let's hope we don't see any of these reoccur in the next 10 years.

Puck Daddy's Best & Worst of the Decade lists will run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through the end of 2009. (Yes, that includes holidays; cynical appraisal never sleeps.)

 

No. 1 Star: Jonas Gustavsson(notes), Toronto Maple Leafs

Congratulations to the Leafs, who are now clearly the 29th-best team in the NHL after defeating fellow cellar-dweller the Carolina Hurricanes, 3-2, with a three-goal rally (video). Gustavsson was outstanding on several of his 34 saves, including 18 he made in the third period against a still-determined Canes team.

No. 2 star: Chris Stewart(notes), Colorado Avalanche

Another marathon shootout for the Avs and the Chicago Blackhawks, who went nine rounds earlier this season. This time, it was an eight-rounder; this time, Colorado skated away with the extra point, as Stewart's blast (video) beat Antti Niemi(notes) (19 saves) and Dustin Byfuglien's(notes) shot buzzed wide of Craig Anderson(notes) (29 saves) to give Colorado the 4-3 win and a 6-0 home record.

No. 3 star: Cory Schneider(notes), Vancouver Canucks

Had the Canucks defeated the Dallas Stars, Schneider would have been the hands-down No. 1 star; alas, the Stars won, 2-1, wasting a 45-save effort from the young netminder in his trading block audition sixth NHL start.

Honorable mention: Yann Danis(notes) made 23 saves against his old team, and Brian Rolston(notes) had the game-winner in the New Jersey Devils' 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders. ... The shorthanded Washington Capitals got a three-point night out of Brian Pothier(notes), two goals from Brendan Morrison(notes) and 28 saves from Jose Theodore(notes) for a 4-1 win at the Florida Panthers. ... Big night for the Philadelphia Flyers grunts, as Daniel Carcillo(notes) scored his first two goals of the season and Ian Laperriere(notes) had two helpers in their big 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. James van Riemsdyk's(notes) third of the season ended up being the game-winner. ... Brad Richards(notes) (6) and Brenden Morrow(notes) (7) provided the offense for the Stars' win over Vancouver. ... Patrik Elias(notes) played 16:01 and was a minus-1 with two shots in his first game back from injury for the Devils. ... Another great night for Colorado rookie Ryan O'Reilly(notes), as he collected some garbage in front of Antti Niemi for his first goal and then potted his own rebound on a breakaway for his second. He also led the Avs with six shots.

Did you know?: Bryan McCabe(notes) played in his 1,000th career NHL regular-season game, becoming the seventh Panthers player to reach that mark.

Dishonorable mention: The Hurricanes haven't scored on their last 25 power plays, which is one of the reasons they're now the worst team in the NHL. ... Cory Stillman(notes) and Steven Reinprecht(notes) were both a minus-3 for the Panthers; Chris Butler(notes) and Tyler Myers(notes) where minus-3 for the Sabres, although Myers scored a power-play goal. ... Mike Green(notes) and Jeff Schultz(notes) went down with injuries for the Capitals. ... Finally, in honor of Movember, David Clarkson(notes) gave Tim Jackman(notes) a mustache just 30 seconds into the Islanders/Devils game.

Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m. EST. Both teams enter the game with seven points, so they're playing for last overall in the NHL. Jonas Gustavsson(notes) is in goal against the Staal-less Hurricanes. Chemmy on PPP said it: On Nov. 6, it's a must-win for Toronto.

Preview: Philadelphia Flyers at Buffalo Sabres, 7:30 p.m. EST. The flu has officially joined the Flyers lineup just in time to face the Sabres, who are 8-2-0 in their last 10. Interesting take in the Buffalo News about the Sabres on the draw, after dominating the Islanders by the ridiculous margin of 39-8. Watch The Game Live Via Hockey Night on Y! Sports.

Preview: Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche, 9 p.m. EST. Second City Hockey isn't exactly high on beat writers calling out the Hawks after a rough game earlier this week. Matt Duchene(notes) was questionable but will play. Left Wing Lock is thinking Antti Niemi(notes) vs. Craig Anderson(notes) in the goalie battle. 

Check out the Y! Sports scores and schedule page for previews of the other three games tonight.

Evening Reading

• SI: "Next year's draft could very well go down as the deepest talent pool since 2003." Congrats, Bruins. [SI]

• Chris Neil's wicked hit on Victor Hedman(notes) of the Tampa Bay Lightning gave the rookie his first NHL concussion. (Will he remember his first time?) Hit was clean, by the way. [Lightning Strikes] 

• Interesting blog about how the Minnesota Wild's primary beat writer complained about how players deal with the media. [Hockey Wilderness]

• Really in-depth roundtable on Alexander Semin(notes) of the Washington Capitals, including whether to re-sign him after the season. [Japers Rink]

• Florida Panthers fans were ready for a major announcement about the team's ownership structure; instead, they got a partnership with Jet Blue. Surprise! [Litter Box Cats]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: Puck Buddy Anna on the Crosby urinal cakes post:

So...it would be more appropriate to chant, "Crosby is a great young player with lots of accomplishments but we dislike him because we're jealous and petty!"

That may be true, but "Crosby sucks" is more concise. See, it's an efficiency issue.

Bold Prediction: Elias scores in his return for the Devils.

Levy, a lapsed puckhead from The Great Lockout Purge of 2005, called us today to ask if there were any players in the NHL that would fit that description: A star player who will "will end his career with utter disappointment" by not hoisting the Stanley Cup.

We tried to talk him out of this first one. It didn't work:

For nothing other than cheap heat, I'll say Alexander Ovechkin. Sure he's the most exciting player in the league and he's transcended the sport to become a, gulp, household name, but that doesn't mean he's going to win anything. His team is good, but he has a guy named Crosby playing in his conference, and that guy has a guy named Malkin playing with him. Of course, Greg Wyshynski from Yahoo's Puck Daddy thinks I'm nuts, but what have the Caps ever won? Can they afford to keep this team of budding stars around Ovechkin?

The last point was a fair one, but odds are that Ovechkin gets his Cup before his contract expires in 2021. After all, it's on Ted Leonsis's to-do list.

The other names we mentioned to Levy were Joe Thornton(notes) of the San Jose Sharks, an underwhelming playoff performer on an underwhelming playoff team; Daniel Alfredsson(notes) of the Ottawa Senators; Roberto Luongo(notes) of the Vancouver Canucks, in yet another attempt to reverse-karma our way to a correct Stanley Cup prediction; and Henrik Lundqvist(notes) of the New York Rangers, because he's going to retire before 2048. 

Writer Jeff Hale on Twitter suggested Jarome Iginla(notes), who's only 32 but locked into a team with a very top-heavy cap. Any other stars that you think will fall short of the ultimate prize, before inevitably Mike Gartner'ing their way into the Hall of Fame? (*cough*Mats Sundin(notes)*cough*).

For the 2009-10 season so far, these were the numbers crunched:

Top 15 teams in power-play conversion percentage: 120-77-27

Bottom 15 teams in power-play conversion percentage: 98-85-29

For the killers, it went like this:

Top 15 teams in penalty-killing conversion percentage: 121-76-17

Bottom 15 teams in penalty-killing conversion percentage: 97-86-39

It isn't exactly "BREAKING NEWS! MUST CREDIT PUCK DADDY" that teams that are really, really good on the power play and the kill win more games, on average, than teams in the lower part of the special teams rankings. There are always anomalies -- the Pittsburgh Penguins (12-4-0) are 22nd in the NHL on the power play, while the Toronto Maple Leafs (1-7-5) are second -- but it's common sense that this is going to be the trend annually.

The interesting number, at least to me, are the 39 overtime losses (hence, charity points) for the lower half of the League's penalty killers.

One theory was that these teams with lousy penalty killers are blowing leads in the final 20 minutes and then eventually losing in OT, as the momentum shifts to their opponents. Here's a comparison between the teams with the most overtime losses after leading for two periods, and the bottom 15 killers heading into tonight's games, via NHL.com:

Seven of the 12 teams that have lost in OT after leading after two periods are also among the NHL's worst penalty killers. Coincidence?!

Yeah, probably. NHL.com doesn't break down its special teams stats by the period, so it's difficult to figure out whether these teams are giving up late leads via pathetic penalty killing, or losing in OT on the dreaded 4-on-3 kill.

Again, I'm sure there are stat-heads out there that can read something into how the best killers have 24 more wins than the bottom 15, and how the bottom 15 have 22 more charity points than the top 15. (Or whether any of this trends annually.)

That is, something beyond the fact that mediocrity breeds mediocrity, and that some hockey teams that are totally deficient in some key areas are being propped up by charity points. All due respect to Marc Crawford, but his Dallas Stars are second-to-last on the kill (74.5 percent), 1-6 in overtime and yet they're eighth overall in the Western Conference. Where would they be if losses were, you know, losses?

Outdated sports cards happen. Always have, always will. That's why traded sets became a cottage industry during the 1980s in baseball cards.

The latest set of Upper Deck hockey cards available at McDonald's around Canada are no exception, as Saku Koivu(notes) is presented as a Montreal Canadiens captain and Dany Heatley(notes) of the San Jose Sharks is featured on three cards: Twice as an Ottawa Senators winger, once as one of the prides of Canada. Koivu is listed as an Anaheim Ducks player in Upper Deck's official 2009-10 sets, while the Heatley trade apparently happened too late -- he's a Senator there as well.

Of course, there's a slight difference between depicting a player in his old uniform that management decided to let go, and featuring a player in a jersey he metaphorically threw in the garbage towering over the city of Ottawa. The back of the Heatley card is now unintentionally hilarious:

His latest hit being the $4 million bonus he was paid while demanding a trade.

Couldn't help but notice something about this Heater and the City card, up in the top left corner. We're sure it's a complete coincidence that in a random, non-alphabetical checklist, Heatley ends up as the "H8" card. Just like the player number for Miroslav Satan(notes) is completely random here on Yahoo! Sports. Uh-huh.

Stick tap to the National Post for the story.

• Really interesting analysis being done by the MSM and the blogs on the Colorado Avalanche's attendance woes, as the first-place team had a record-low crowd earlier this week. Adrian Dater asked for, and received, a ton of feedback from fans about why they do or do not attend games. [All Things Avs]

• Jibblescribbits, meanwhile, has two posts on the issue that put the blame squarely on the Avalanche's poor marketing, both of their players and of their ticket affordability: "The casual Denver sports fan right now has no clue how good the Avs are, and they have no idea that there are some great ticket specials." [Jibblescribbits]

• Twenty-one-year-old Robert Hughes, a center for the AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers, was arrested on charges of a first-degree criminal sexual act and a third-degree criminal sexual act after a game in Bridgeport. [AP]

• Patrick Kane(notes), Patrick Sharp(notes) and Dustin Byfuglien(notes) are called out as the Chicago Blackhawks struggle offensively. Toews and Hossa will probably help. You know, a little. [Between the Circles]

• The Vancouver Canucks are seriously looking at Peter Forsberg(notes). Because after October, consistent injuries are sort of the norm over there. [Globe & Mail]

• Bringing Jaromir Jagr(notes) to the Edmonton Oilers remains something on associate coach Tom Renney's mind, but is that a good thing? [Illegal Curve]

• Josh Sacco, a.k.a. Lil' Herb Brooks, will do the "Let's Play Hockey" intro at the Minnesota Wild's game against the New York Islanders on Nov. 20. Better yet: He's going to Vancouver for the Winter Olympics. That. Is. Awesome. [Tennessean]

• Craig Anderson(notes) is doing his best to ignore chatter about being a goalie for Team USA in 2010. Leahy silently weeps at the idea that his Puck Daddy post from Thursday sadly went unread in the Colorado locker room. [NHL]

• The New York Islanders release details of their game-worn jersey sell-through program, as "prices for the jerseys will be set on market value for each individual player." Which is a polite way of saying that Jon Sim's(notes) sweater might be a shade more affordable than John Tavares's.(notes) [Islanders]

• Is Rich Peverley(notes) the new Mike Richards(notes)? And if Mike Richards was the new Bobby Clarke for the Philadelphia Flyers, does that make Rich Peverley the new Bobby Clarke or the old Mike Richards? A post that threatens the space-time continuum. [Bird Watchers Anonymous]

• Sidney Crosby(notes) has gone from pedestrian in the shootout to 4-for-4 this season for the Pittsburgh Penguins. [NHL]

• Pensburgh does some detective work into whether Crosby is playing through an injury while Evgeni Malkin(notes) is on the shelf. [Pensburgh]

• Zach Bogosian(notes) of the Atlanta Thrashers is one of a few dozen hockey players participating in Movember, the world-wide initiative in which men grow their 'staches to create awareness for men's health issues like prostate cancer. We'll have more on this later, but seriously: Isn't there something a wee bit Gillooly-ish about Bogo's facial hair? [From The Rink]

• Even if you despise these teams, the following sentence wouldn't have been believed back in late September: "The two worst teams in the NHL will square off on Friday night in Carolina when the Hurricanes host the Toronto Maple Leafs." [CBC Sports]

• Nailed it: "Paul Maurice is the Willy Loman of the NHL. Great with words, not so great at delivering results." [Bitter Leaf Fan]

• Thanks to the flu and injuries, the Edmonton Oilers are a team in big, big trouble writes Terry Jones. [Edmonton Sun]

• Nothing like a cramped airplane to really get those flu germs circulating, as they did for the Philadelphia Flyers. Yuck. [Philly.com]

• Tough talk for Minnesota Wild management, currently and formerly, about the team's pathetic start to the 2009-10 season. [Star Tribune]

• Making the case for Doug Gilmour to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. [Simmons]

• Alex Ovechkin(notes) will miss both games against the Florida Panthers for the Capitals this weekend. He felt "the same" after Caps practice today. [WaPo]

• Patrik Elias(notes) will be in the lineup for the New Jersey Devils tonight, in a story completely overshadowed by the much anticipated showdown former Islanders backup goalie Yann Danis(notes) and his former team. [Fire & Ice]

• Follow-up on the blown call that may have cost the Dallas Stars a victory earlier this week. [Dallas Stars Blog]

• Finally, good little scrap between the San Antonio Rampage's Ryan Donally(notes) and the Peoria Rivermen's Anthony Peluso(notes), who rallied for the tie. [HockeyFights.com]

When the headline is "Saving the Jackets" in the Columbus Dispatch, panic sets in for Columbus Blue Jackets fans. When the team president tells that newspaper that "time is of the essence" and that "the current ownership group is not in a position to continue to deal with the arena's structural (financial) problem," there's a natural inclination to place the Jackets on the same rack as the Phoenix Coyotes as endangered franchises.

This isn't meant to downplay the importance of these times for the franchise, but when the dire predictions are coming from an owner with an unfriendly arena lease and the president of the Columbus Chamber, the region's economic growth and development organization that supports the arena, they carry the whiff of hyperbole for the sake of public pressure.

Rather than predict apocalypse, what the Chamber's report did was evaluate the Blue Jackets' economic viability, and that of the arena district, via a study by Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Professor Stephen A. Buser. From the Chamber:

The report offers nearly 20 options in three categories: continuation of the existing ownership structure; implementation of public-private partnerships; and alternative private ownership structures. "I've looked at NHL franchises across the nation, and it is clear that there are forms of public-private partnerships that have been successfully employed in other cities might be equally beneficial if employed in the case of the Columbus Blue Jackets and the operations of Nationwide Arena," said Buser.

The report also details the economic growth that has occurred since the Columbus Blue Jackets came to Columbus and the Arena District was developed. According to the report the Arena has spurred economic growth in and around the district and more than $630 million had been invested in district as of 2006. At least 170 businesses employed more than 5,500 workers with annual wages of more than $350 million. Over a 10-year-period (1998 to 2008), property values increased by 267 percent.

So yeah, there are some very good reasons for local businesses and politicians to keep the Blue Jackets in Columbus. But how can the city keep them, and keep them viable?

For that answer, we turn to Columbus lawyer Jeff Little on The Hockey Writers, who penned what is by far the most interesting and insightful review of this Blue Jackets dilemma we've read. First, on the report:

Being a small-market town, and having competition from the nearby Schottenstein Center at Ohio State, operations for non-hockey events lose approximately $4 - $5 million per year, and a similar amount is paid for utilization of the arena.  Add in another $2 million per year that would otherwise be coming in for naming rights, and the Blue Jackets are at a $12 million annual disadvantage over other teams.  Buser observes that hockey operations themselves are approximately break-even, when NHL revenue sharing is considered.

Here's Little on the future:

It seems likely that the ultimate solution will involve a combination of approaches.  Buser noted the success of Nashville's model, where the government owns the Arena, and the Predators retain some of the key revenue items.  And something similar could be orchestrated here.  Combined with an increase in hotel taxes and a potential "special district" designation, there are a number of vehicles available to the participants.  As intended, the Buser Report lays out those options in admirable detail.  Whatever solution is chosen, it can be reasonably anticipated that every effort will be made to avoid a public tax impact requiring voter approval.  The grumpy Columbus constituency reacts poorly to funding requests, even for schools, and to count on an exception here could be risky. Ironically, just this week Ohio voters approved the construction of casinos in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and Columbus.  Notwithstanding the fact that the tax revenue derived could be a boon to local government, Columbus was the only one of the four targeted communities where a majority voted against the initiative.  The casinos will be built, but the message should be noted.

Reactionary responses notwithstanding, today' report does not represent a setback, nor is it the culmination of an effort. Instead, as intended, it forms the foundation for the serious building of a consensus solution that will make sense for all concerned. 

It's important to remember this is part of a much longer process whose politics are getting amplified during hockey season. Please recall back in May when the team backed a controversial "sin tax" to help facilitate the sale of the building, one that failed to garner local support. This study was born out of that effort.

(Interesting, by the way, that the only player the Jackets spoke with about this issue is Rick Nash(notes). Talk about a franchise player, huh?)

Again, this isn't to diminish the severity of the issues. The Blue Jackets are losing money and asking for economic assistance in an economy whose national unemployment rate just crossed the 10-percent threshold today. States are hurting, counties are hurting, businesses are hurting and fans are hurting. Current revenue streams from taxes are, right now, off the table. The road to solving these issues is much clearer than, say, in Phoenix, it's not a slam dunk.

One major, major difference between the two situations: Columbus is a franchise that's in its second year of upswing and serious playoff contention.

Mirtle took some time away from his bang-up work on the Leafs beat for the Globe & Mail (congrats privately and now publicly on that, sir) to return to the "shaky U.S. franchise" beat on From The Rink, painting with the usual broad brush. We never said winning solves everything for a struggling franchise; we've consistently said that it's impossible to diagnose the strength or weakness of a particular market when the team in that market hasn't enjoyed any playoff success. (James is fond of graphs; here's a representation of the number of playoff games the Blue Jackets competed in from inception to 2008.)

Winning in the playoffs is not a cure-all, but it's still the most effective way to get fans and more importantly businesses to buy your product. The more successful the Jackets are, the more fans frequent the arena district -- and the harder local businesses will fight to "save the Jackets."

The Royal Half reports that some enterprising Los Angeles Kings fan decided to once again turn the porcelain spotlight on Sidney Crosby(notes) during last night's 5-2 Kings victory over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins:

Allusion to diving? Check. Infant iconography? Check. We're always amazed at the level of intense thought that goes into something as frivolous as this; the notion that this guy and D.C.'s infamous propagator of "Pee-Pics" actually take the time to laminate their creations is as laudable as it is disturbing.

(This bicoastal work couldn't be from the same steady hand, could it? Jokes about diving and crying just seem beneath the comic genius that gave the world "I'm Thirsty" at a Washington Capitals home game.)

We're probably not alone in saying that Crosby's performance in the playoffs last season impressed the hell out of us, not only from a numbers perspective but with his toughness in going to the net. Despite that, the mold for mockery has been cast for NHL fans and old memes die hard; perhaps that's why some in the Pittsburgh media are calling for a rebranding of Crosby's nickname.

He may have been golden last night in LA, but he gave Penguins fans the silver last summer -- as The Royal Half was reminded after the Kings' win:

As we exited the Staples Center he said to us... "it's not like the Penguins aren't going to make the playoffs." And as we stood on a street corner with Pens fans, decked out in Penguin wear, a car drove by and said "Screw Pittsburgh!" When I repeated what the car had screamed out... one of the Pens fans looked at me and said "I couldn't hear him because our Stanley Cup rings are clogging my ears." I smiled at the dude and had the horrible pangs of jealousy fill my body. Goddamn I hope I can use that line one day.

Hey, stealing jokes from Patrick Roy isn't a sign of greatness. Finding Anze Kopitar's(notes) face circling a urinal drain ... now that's when you've arrived.

No. 1 star, Anze Kopitar(notes), Los Angeles Kings:
The league's leader in points scored two more goals on Thursday night to help the Kings pin the first road loss of the season on the Penguins, who had won seven straight on foreign ice. Kopitar has 13 goals and 26 points in 16 games as Los Angeles is riding its longest points streak of eight games (6-0-2) since November of 2000. After scoring just 27 seconds after the opening faceoff, Kopitar's second of the night tied the game 2-2 6:17 into a third period in which the Kings scored four unanswered goals. A plus-2 with three hits, Kopitar put seven shots on goals (five other attempts were wide) and won 13 of 23 faceoffs during a forward-leading 22:51 of ice time.

No. 2 star, Jonas Hiller(notes), Anaheim Ducks:
The Ducks' netminder made 40 saves for his fifth career shutout and Anaheim's first blanking since Jan. 17 of last season. Hiller was making his fourth straight start, and spearheaded Anaheim's perfect 5-for-5 night on the penalty kill.

No. 3 star, Jason Spezza(notes), Ottawa Senators:
The veteran center finally found the back of the net for the first time this season and he picked a fine time to do it – scoring 4:17 into sudden death on the power play to send the Senators past the Lightning. Spezza added two assists, too, to enjoy his second three-point game of the season. Spezza put four shots on goal, blocked one shot and won 10 of 18 draws.

Honorable mention: Anaheim's Teemu Selanne(notes) scored two goals, including the game-winner on a power play, and passed Hall of Famer Jean Beliveau to move into 38th place on the all-time scoring list (1,221 points). … Raffi Torres(notes) has eight goals already with two more in Columbus' win. … Rangers goalie Steve Valiquette made 26 saves and Ales Kotalik(notes) chipped in three points during a win at Edmonton. … Ilya Bryzgalov(notes) made 31 saves for a Phoenix win in Glendale. … Evgeni Nabokov(notes) stopped 36 of 37 in regulation before falling in the shootout. The San Jose goalie has permitted only seven goals in the last seven games. … Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg(notes) and Montreal's Michael Cammalleri(notes) each scored shootout winners. … Lars Eller(notes) scored his first goal in his first career game making the 20-year-old the 12th St. Louis Blues' rookie to score in his NHL debut. … Kyle Brodziak(notes) scored two goals in Minnesota's loss. … Alex Burrows(notes) had goal and an assist to support Andrew Raycroft's(notes) 28 saves for Vancouver. … Dion Phaneuf(notes) scored Calgary's game-winning goal in overtime. … Wondering why Patric Hornqvist(notes) at a minus-2 is in this category? He's here because the 22-year-old Nashville forward cranked 10 shots on goal and had 10 shot attempts.

Did you know?: The Sharks have won only four times in 34 all-time regular-season games in Detroit, yet San Jose has won three of nine Stanley Cup playoffs games – including a Game 7 – at Joe Louis Arena.

Dishonorable mention: The Bruins scored a goal for the first time in three games, and only one goal. They went 192:06 between goals, and came within 52 seconds of getting blanked for a third straight game for the first time since Eddie Shore and the 1928-29 team, which did go on and earn Boston its first Stanley Cup the same season. … Chicago's Patrick Kane(notes) and Patrick Sharp(notes) missed consecutive breakaway attempts in the second period against Phoenix. … Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom(notes) was pulled for the first time this season after allowing four goals on 17 shots. … A season-low crowd of 10,878 was announced in Atlanta for the Thrashers' game against the Blue Jackets.

Preview: San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings, 7:30 p.m. EST.

A slow start has turned into the Red Wings grabbing a point in each of their last eight games and putting up a 5-1-3 record in that span. Defenseman Brian Rafalski(notes) is expected to return after battling swine flu while Jonathan Ericsson(notes) is still questionable. San Jose, winners of six in a row and the NHL's highest scoring team, will have to best Chris Osgood(notes) who's won his last two starts and stopped 49 of 50 shots.

Preview: Chicago Blackhawks at Phoenix Coyotes, 9 p.m. EST.

‘Hawks captain Jonathan Toews(notes) will miss his fifth game in a row after a concussion at the hands of Vancouver's Willie Mitchell(notes). With their dads in tow, the Blackhawks will be looking for their seventh straight win over the Coyotes and to pad the attendance numbers at Jobing.com Arena.

Preview: New York Rangers at Edmonton Oilers, 9:30 p.m. EST.

Oilers assistant coach Tom Renney on facing his former team: "It's not quite the same unit, but I'm going to have a hard time looking at the logo and not identifying with it. I'm going to see faces, familiar faces, and be happy to see them again and all that kind of stuff. And I want to beat them."

Check out the Y! Sports scores and schedule page for previews of the other seven games tonight.

Evening Reading

-Bob Hartley has told RDS that Peter Forsberg(notes) has agreed with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL. That's a quick turnaround after what Ak Bars Kazan VP Ravil Shavaleev said about Russian reports yesterday that Forsberg was signed: “I read that we have supposedly agreed with Forsberg. However, we have conducted no negotiations with him, and I’ll tell you more: We haven’t even thought about inviting him.” [Slap Shots]

-Whoa. "The Columbus Blue Jackets could leave central Ohio if the team can't fix an economic model that is causing losses of $12 million a year, according to a report issued today by the Columbus Chamber. But a deal to keep the hockey team here and the Arena District alive -- the team and the district generated $30 million in taxes last year -- probably will include asking for public dollars, and soon." [Dispatch]

-David Krejci(notes) is the latest player to be affected by swine flu. And thus another member of my fantasy team, "The Best Bellows!" finds themself out of action.[Boston Globe]

-Not long after calling out Nashville Predators fans for low attendance numbers, Denver Post columnist calls out his constituency about their failure to fill the Pepsi Center last night against Phoenix. [All Things Avs]

-Will Wayne Gretzky make an appearance in Toronto this weekend during the Hall of Fame inductions? [Globe & Mail]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: From Tom who is being sarcastic or has questionable taste in hockey jersey designs:

"The Oilers "Spawn" jersey is hands down the best third jersey ever created!!!!" 

Bold Prediction: Phoenix will break 7,500 in attendance tonight, but lose to Chicago.

Remember Kevin Dallman(notes)? You're forgiven if you don't. His NHL career lasted 154 games between the Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings, with whom he played from 2006-08.

He was a serviceable spare-part defenseman, on the road to becoming a journeyman shuttled between the NHL and the minor leagues. That was until he made the bold career decision last year to sign with Barys Astana of the newly formed Kontinental Hockey League, where he scored 58 points in 53 games, including 28 goals. He was an all-star, a team captain and recipient of the first-ever best defenseman award from the League.

Dallman's stats were treated by some as evidence that the KHL isn't exactly the highest level of competition, and at one point the plan for Dallman was to post killer numbers in the Russian league and then return to North America.

But the KHL experience exceeded his expectations, as did living in Kazakhstan with his wife and two children. Dallman signed a contract extension that he doesn't intend to break.

We spoke with this NHL ex-pat about the still-mysterious Russian league and how a North American handles playing in it; about his decision to leave for the KHL as a free agent; about the perceptions of his peers about the KHL and its bad PR; as well as fast food, puck bunnies, music and why Kazak fans are better than NHL fans.

Q. You're in Kazakhstan. What percentage of "Borat" was accurate?

DALLMAN: You know, where we are in the capital of Astana, it's really nice. Really modern. Building a lot of new apartments, a lot of great hotels. It's really Americanized. All the restaurants have English menus, English food. There are KFCs and in Russia there's a McDonalds and Burger Kings.

On the outskirts, there are still some places that are pretty [undeveloped], but that's like any other city, even in North America.

So to answer your question: It's nothing like the movie.

In "Pulp Fiction," they talked about what a Big Mac was called in France. Does a Big Mac taste the same in a McDonalds in Kazakhstan as it does in America?

(Laughs) There isn't a McDonalds in Kazakhstan but there's a McDonalds in Russia. I had a Big Mac two days ago, and it tastes exactly the same.

Take us back to your decision to leave for the KHL. You were a free agent in the Kings system, right?

I finished off the year in LA, and finished off kind of strong. We shopped around a little bit and there were a few teams interested. San Jose and Chicago wanted two-year deals like I had in LA; the first year a two-way [contract] and the second year one-way.

Then an offer came from Riga in Latvia, and an offer came from [a few Russian teams]. It was a lot of money, and I knew some other guys were coming over to the KHL. It was a chance for me to come over and get away from American hockey and the NHL, where I wasn't playing as much and getting lost in the shuffle. I'd come over, prove myself, be a go-to guy and then come back after one year.

Then I had a great year last year, everything took care of itself, and I'm here from a few more years.

How do you end up being headhunted by the KHL? Were they scouting you?

They obviously did some scouting because they put out a contract, but my agent has a Russian agent and he shopped around for me. They did background, and the rest is history.

What were the most difficult aspects of the transition to playing in Kazakhstan?

The time change is 11 hours, which was hard at first. And not so difficult for me in the hockey world, but for my wife -- the language barrier is tough. Not so much in Kazakhstan, but here in Russia there's no English.

What was it like breaking the news to your family that they'd be moving overseas?

My wife just wanted me to do whatever I wanted. I was here for two and a half months before she came over. I told her it was really nice. She still didn't believe me until she got here.

So having played in the KHL for a bit, what are the major differences in styles with the NHL?

Because the ice surface is so much bigger, you have a lot of time [to make play]. You don't get hit as much. The players over here are really skilled and fast. In the NHL, you get hit a lot. There are a lot of big players, the ice surface is smaller, and there's no time or space.

There are a few North American coaches over here that bring a North American style.

When you started to get a feel for the level of talent over there, were you like 'Oh sure, I could lead the League in scoring as a defenseman here'?

I knew there were skill players here, but I thought it was a more of a defensive league than an offensive league when I was first coming over. But then when I started off really hot, things just kept going. I never thought I was going to lead the league in points or set league records. It just kept going and going.

It would be hard to repeat that season.

One of the interesting things about you is that you're the captain of the team. You've got a few other North American guys on the roster, but what's it like being the captain of a mostly Eastern European team?

It was really weird how it happened. We were maybe 15 games into the season, and they started healthy scratching our captain last year. One day I came in for the game, and I had a 'K' on my jersey. I was like, "What the heck?" The coach came over to me and said "cap-tain," and everyone started clapping. And that was it.

It's definitely difficult because of the language, but I have guys like Maxim Spiridonov who played in Hamilton with the Bulldogs, and he speaks both. It's easy with those guys around.

Do players like you and Jozef Stumpel(notes) who played in the NHL carry a bit more cache in the locker room?

Oh, definitely. When they see what we do in practice, they try to copy it. They always ask us questions, especially with a guy like Stumpel who played 16 or 17 years in the NHL; he gets a ton of respect, not only from guys on our team but from guys on the other teams.

What was it like playing the KHL All-Star Game outdoors in Red Square?

It was cold. Minus-20 or something.

I had come in early with the team president and owner and coach, and we walked around Red Square when it was all lit up. It was a great site. I came in the next day for the skills competition, and the fans were crazy. I'm sure they were all drunk.

What are the differences between KHL and NHL fans?

Some of the teams in the smaller cities in Russia don't get as many fans, but the top teams in the brand new rinks get tons of fans. And our fans are great; they're so loud. Our rink holds 6,000 people, it's sold out every night and they're just bonkers. I find them a lot louder than when there's 17,000 people in an NHL rink back home.

Now, you're a married dude, so you're exempt from the details on this question, but are there KHL puck bunnies?

There are a lot of KHL puck bunnies. (Laughs.) Lots of girls who wait for us after the game. I wouldn't say in greater numbers than the NHL.

When you talk to guys back in North America about the KHL, what is it they don't get about the League? What are their misconceptions?

Most of them get it. A lot of them have played international hockey. But when I go home, there's a lot of "how's Borat do'in?" (laughs).

Did you get a ton of questions after Alexei Cherepanov died after a KHL game?

No, honestly I didn't. I'm sure a lot of guys on the Omsk team did. But I never got asked anything about that, no.

When you were in Los Angeles, what was it like being on the same team as Sean Avery(notes) back then?

(Laughs) I liked Aves, he's a good guy. He's got his guys that he picks on, but I wasn't one of them. I hung out with him quite a bit; he's a good guy.

Your favorite and least favorite NHL jerseys?

My least favorite would be Atlanta Thrashers. My most favorite would be Detroit Red Wings.

Your most favorite and least favorite KHL jerseys, sir?

My least favorite would have to be Atlant, because they're bright yellow. My favorite would be Dynamo Moscow. They're kind of like the Leafs jerseys.

What's on your iPod these days?

Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson(notes), Bob Marley.

Your adult beverage of choice, sir?

Water. (Laughs). Vodka water.

It seems like you're a guy whose mind was changed about the KHL after competing there, huh?

I was going to come here for one year and prove I could put up numbers if I got the ice time. But I changed halfway through the year, when I got the captaincy. My agent heard there were a few teams interested if I wanted to come back and break my contract. And I said, "No, I'm having too much fun over here."

Finally, do you see a time when the bigger Russian names in the NHL will come and play for the KHL instead, like Ilya Kovalchuk(notes) for example?

I could see it, but I don't know when. We're getting guys now, but it's the older guys. Maybe if they keep coming over, the younger guys will follow suit.

(Ed. Note: No Puck Headlines today due to some scheduling conflicts; stay tuned for a Puck Daddy interview later this afternoon.)

Canadian conspiracy theorists are huddled in front of their computer banging away on blogs and message boards, explaining how Sergei Gonchar(notes), Evgeni Malkin(notes), Andrei Markov(notes), Alexander Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk(notes) are just resting up for the Olympics.

Poolies don't care about the reason a star player misses a game -- we just scramble to compensate. One month into the campaign and we're doing a lot of "compensating." Joining the Russians named above on the injured list are Roberto Luongo(notes), Daniel Sedin(notes), Johan Franzen(notes), Simon Gagne(notes) and Eric Staal(notes) among others.

Injury replacement of the week: Rich Peverley(notes), Atlanta Thrashers

Atlanta has been winning hockey games because they have secondary scoring. Peverley, a Nashville castoff, has been putting up monster points no matter where the Thrashers put him. If they sat him in the press box for a game, he would still show up on the scoresheet with an assist, two shots and a plus-1 rating. His ice time has gone up two minutes per game in Kovalchuk's absence and is now seeing shifts with Nik Antropov(notes), Todd White(notes) and/or Bryan Little(notes). His numbers have only been getting better (six points in three Kovalchuk-less games). In many leagues, he has right wing eligibility.

Are you drunk?

Strangely, no. I actually believe, completely sober, that this undrafted late-bloomer can be a point-per-game player this season.

The Keepers

Nathan Horton(notes), Florida Panthers: If you listen carefully you can actually hear the sound of people swinging their right leg back up onto the bandwagon. After he posted just three points in the first nine contests, the fickle people known as "fantasy hockey owners" bailed on him faster than a team scores on Carey Price(notes). Three games and seven points later, those owners look pretty sheepish for waiving/dropping him. The European hangover is behind him now and Horton will go on to set career highs. Mark it.

Jakub Voracek(notes), Columbus Blue Jackets:  Voracek's ice time is starting to creep upwards. After going the first nine games without seeing 17 minutes of ice time in any one of them, he has reached that mark three times in five games since. He has eight points in his last eight games. A 20-year-old breaking out offensively in a Ken Hitchcock system is about as sure a thing as the Leafs winning in overtime, but 60 points is still a nice 21-point jump and I think he'll get there.

Pavel Datsyuk(notes), Detroit Red Wings: Another guy who started slowly, but unlike Horton, Datsyuk has a proven track record of big numbers. His average of 92 points over the last four seasons is almost unrivalled. He began the year with two points in five games, but even if he started off with two in 20 you should never doubt him. 

Tomas Kaberle(notes), Toronto Maple Leafs: After ringing off 12 points in four games and earning first star of the week, Kaberle has shot up to the top of the defensemen scoring race. He's in his prime and certainly has the ability to maintain that spot. Count on him being one of the five highest scorers at his position this campaign.

The Sleepers

Jeff Tambellini(notes), New York Islanders:  When the Isles recently went six games undefeated in regulation, it was because of strong goaltending and secondary scoring. Prior to that, nobody was scoring after Matt Moulson(notes), Kyle Okposo(notes) and John Tavares(notes). During those six games, Tambellini tallied six goals and eight points, giving the Isles another dimension. The 25-year-old's Achilles heel is his consistency, but if he can keep bringing it, he'll keep getting the ice time.

Braydon Coburn(notes), Philadelphia Flyers:  It's not his point total that draws my attention, although he does have three in his last three. It's his power-play time. For three games in a row now, Coburn has logged more PP time than either of Matt Carle(notes) and Chris Pronger(notes). While it probably won't last, it does speak to the fact that Coach Stevens will be giving all four of his big guns (Kimmo Timonen(notes) is the other) an equal piece of the PP pie.

Ondrej Pavelec(notes), Atlanta Thrashers: With Kari Lehtonen(notes) now on the shelf for another 6-8 weeks (back surgery), Pavelec will continue to man the nets.  The team has been winning, even without Kovalchuk, so by the time Lehtonen returns Pavelec could already have 20 wins. If he can keep his SP above 0.920 then Lehtonen's odds of stealing his job back will match Eric Belanger's(notes) odds of winning the scoring title.

Dennis Seidenberg(notes), Florida Panthers: He leads the Panthers in ice time, but is stuck on the second power-play unit. Still, the ice time gives promise that he'll top last season's career high of 30 points. Dimitri Kulikov will be a great hockey player, but he's not ready to run the top PP unit yet and his minutes will slowly shift over to Seidenberg.

Bench ‘em or Drop ‘em

David Backes(notes), St. Louis Blues:  Before you condemn him for just two points in 12 games, keep in mind that a year ago he had five in 16 to start. Of more concern is his low PIM total. His penalty minutes dropped in the final two months of last season, so one has to wonder if his 150 PIM days are a reflection of youth. The Blues have lost seven of 10 games since returning to North America. That won't last and when it stops, the likes of Backes, Paul Kariya(notes) et al will pick it up. It should be any day now. Bench him.

Tom Gilbert(notes), Edmonton Oilers:  Jason Strudwick is out-producing him. Gilbert will eventually come around, but it would seem that Pat Quinn's system does not use his talented defensemen as much as his predecessors did. So when Gilbert does shake this slump, it's a stretch to think he will improve upon last campaign's 45 points. Bench him.

Marc-Andre Bergeron(notes), Montreal Canadiens: Grabbing Bergeron off the WW after the Habs called him up from his conditioning stint was akin to going on a honeymoon. Three points in three games. Then you get home from the honeymoon and realize you are married. Pointless in five, minus-5 and down to 11 minutes of ice time. Drop him.

Steve Mason(notes), Columbus Blue Jackets:  In the last 10 contests, the sophomore is 4-4-2 with a SP of 0.872 and he has given up close to four goals per game. Meanwhile, Mathieu Garon(notes), the backup, has a 2.58 GAA and 0.920 SP.  This may be a sophomore jinx, but I believe in the Ken Hitchcock system and how it helps goaltenders. He'll get out of it. Bench him.

("Sleepers, Keepers , Bench'em or Drop'em" is a weekly fantasy hockey column written by Darryl "Dobber" Dobbs, an honest-to-goodness expert on such matters and founder of DobberHockey.com. His column will run on Puck Daddy every Thursday.)

 

(No, the first decade of the 21st century doesn't technically end until 2011. Save your bellyaching. But we've had nine NHL seasons and one stolen from us since 1999-2000, and Yahoo! Sports has decided it's time to rank the best and worst of the last "decade." Enjoy, and snark freely in the comments.)

It's been an exciting and confusing 10 years for NHL fashion, and not just because hockey fans' Jersey Fouls have become the subject of academic discourse on blogs.

First, the NHL welcomed three expansion franchises with their own distinct looks: The Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2000), the Columbus Blue Jackets (2000-01) and the Minnesota Wild (2000-01). Two of those franchises are represented in the lists below.

In 2007, the Reebok EDGE Uniform System revolutionized the hockey sweater with a sleeker design, less water retention and more flexibility. They've continued to evolve, although not to the point where the hideous piping seen on jerseys like those of the Florida Panthers has been phased out.

The introduction of the RBK Edge sweaters caused a momentary interruption in the League's third jersey program, but it was back in full force later in the decade with a slew of "retro" and "heritage" jerseys. Among the best: The Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders dipping back into the 1980s; and the Winter Classic sweaters of the Penguins and the Blackhawks.

There were plenty of hits ... and while none of them reached the pinnacle of awful that was the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Wild Wing jersey from the 1990s, there were plenty of misses, too.

Here are the 5 Best, followed by the 5 Worst, NHL Jerseys of the Last Decade. Please suggest your own, or debate our picks, in the comments.

First, a disclaimer: The jerseys had to debut during the 2000s, and there was more weight given to reinvention than recollection. In other words, we were most interested in teams that went in bold new directions rather than ones that slapped a commemorative patch on a previously worn sweater - with one obvious exception.

The 5 Best NHL Jerseys of the 2000s are as follows:

5. Edmonton Oilers

Designed by "Spawn" creator, comic book artist and then-part-owner of the Oilers Todd McFarlane, these jerseys were like a modern remake of a classic film that dazzles critics but alienates some audiences. McFarlane's Web site explained his artistic vision in 2001, when the sweaters debuted:

Though the new logo is bold, dynamic and industrially modern, it's rooted in respect for the traditions of hockey's past. The new design's key element - the oil drop - is taken from the original Oilers logo. The five rivets encircling the oil drop represent the five Stanley Cups the team has won since its 1979 National Hockey League debut. The 10 gear teeth (five each on both the inner and outer rings) represent each of the Oilers' 10 team captains, who include such legends as Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier.

It was bold, and perhaps too bold: By the end of the decade, the Oilers had course-corrected back to the classic orange and blue of the 1980s championship teams as a third jersey. If anything, the color scheme was more impressive than McFarlane's logo design, which looked sharp but not necessarily iconic. 

4. Washington Capitals

Like the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier in the decade, the Washington Capitals upgraded a classic look after entering the 2000s with a pedestrian group of sweaters. The piping, the alternative logo and the colors all worked, helping to spark a "Rock The Red" campaign the fans embraced ... even if the white jerseys look ridiculously better than the home reds.

3. NHL All-Star Game Jerseys, 2003

These sweaters from the game held in Sunrise, Fla. are a reminder that simplicity is never a bad thing. The first all-star game since 1997 to feature the Eastern Conference vs. the Western Conference, the jerseys had some really sharp features: Numbers on the waistline; team logos and country of origin flags on the shoulders; and an NHL logo on the front that would resemble the "NHL 2.0" logo the League adopted after the lockout.

2. St. Louis Blues

For a franchise that once created a third jersey so wretched that Mike Keenan banned the team from wearing it, this 2008 model was widely celebrated as one of the most well-conceived and aesthetically pleasing alternate sweaters in recent NHL history. It incorporated the iconography of the St. Louis Gateway Arch while still prominently displaying the Blue Note logo. Solid stuff ... if not exactly original. Which brings us to:

1. Minnesota Wild

The Wild's initial jerseys were striking, especially the all-green look of their solid sweaters. But this third jersey that debuted in 2003-04 remains perhaps the most successful in League history in concept and execution. The colors are spot-on, the design is iconic and it was eventually adopted by the team as its home jersey later in the decade. Often imitated, never duplicated.

Speaking of never duplicated, let's home none of these ever are: The 5 Worst Jerseys of the 2000s.

5. Atlanta Thrashers

A random quilt-like patchwork surrounding a giant number where a logo should be, these 2008 third jerseys were quickly reviled by fans around the League. Our initial take stands:

The font on the front of the jersey is still pretty snappy, but its quirky design emphasizes the "T" and "R" while de-emphasizing the "H" in "Thrashers"; the result is a subtle and unfortunate optical trick that pushes the eye to see "Trashers."

Please keep in mind these maroon and gold jerseys debuted while Atlanta was attempting to establish "Blueland" as a marketing rallying cry for fans in their arena.

4. NHL All-Star Game, 2000-2001

An unbalanced, unsightly design whiff that looked like the template for a better jersey. The colors are OK, but it's a completely forgettable jersey for a game whose threads are made for collectors. Five-year-old Colorado Avalanche fan Brandon Barban, moments after this photo was taken: "Your jerseys suck. Oh, and nice hair, Sakic ..."

3. Buffalo Sabres

An angry cashew. Donald Trump's hair. A possessed chipmunk. The Sabres' 2006 decision to completely revamp their uniforms for the second time in 10 years was met with widespread anger, universal scorn and inexplicably high merchandise sales (go figure). Sabres fans continue to fight the good fight against the "Buffaslug," including the blog Sabres, Not Slugs that is "dedicated to eliminating one of the worst logos on professional sports."

2. Dallas Stars

When these third jerseys debuted in 2003, the Stars offered the following justification for the look:

"The new logo depicts a constellation of individual stars aligning to form an unstoppable force of nature, a charging bull. Get it? A constellation of stars aligning to form an unstoppable force? "

That celestial reasoning did nothing for most Stars fans, whose intense loathing the of jerseys was immediate.

But the reason they're the second-worst jersey of the last decade is simple: It's because at no point during the market research for this new sweater did the Stars realize their logo was a diagram of the female reproductive organs, from the uterus to the fallopian tubes. Needless to say, the fans did.

In Men's Vogue, Sean Avery(notes) labeled these as the worst hockey jerseys of all time. Let it never be said the man doesn't know his fashion. 

1. Montreal Canadiens

If you don't believe these are the worst jerseys of the last decade, you're either under the influence of hallucinogens or a professional barber.

Worn as part of the Habs' centennial celebration, these throwbacks to the 1912-1913 team from the National Hockey Association were reintroduced last season and the laughter was deafening. Based on the fan reaction, they should have put the words "Epic Fail" inside of the leaf on the front.

(Oh, and the Habs rocking a sweater with a Maple Leaf on the front is a fail, in and of itself.)

We offered a meek defense after their debut:

Sure, they look like men's beachwear from the 1800s. Yes, they less resemble a hockey sweater than something you'd lick in the Wonka factory. But forget, for a moment, that the Canadiens already have an iconic sweater they wear every game -- pretend this was the only jersey they skate out in. Isn't this look even a little bit awesome? Wouldn't this be just as iconic? Or is it better left in an era without the benefit of digital television?

The masses agreed with that last statement. In a decade when old looks became hip new ones for many teams, this monstrosity deserved to be buried in the past. 

Dishonorable Mention: The Nashville Predators' third jerseys and at least half of what the Vancouver Canucks wore in the last 10 years. Thanks to NHL Uniforms for the trips down memory lane.

Puck Daddy's Best & Worst of the Decade lists will run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through the end of 2009. (Yes, that includes holidays; cynical appraisal never sleeps.)

1998: Mike Richter, Guy Hebert, John Vanbiesbrouck

2002: Mike Richter, Tom Barrasso, Mike Dunham(notes)

2006: Rick DiPietro(notes), Robert Esche(notes), John Grahame(notes)

Team USA's No. 1 netminder was an obvious choice all three years, and known in advance. Richter was still the man after his performance in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. In '02, DiPietro was the man to take the torch from Richter and was USA Hockey's shining beacon of light in goal. We all know how that story's gone since the games in Turin.

The choices for backups went from "best American goaltenders that are available" to "best American goaltenders who play on a regular basis" as the years went on.

For 2010, USA Hockey will have its deepest goaltending trio between Ryan Miller(notes), Tim Thomas(notes) and Craig Anderson(notes), who stamped his place on the roster with a red hot month of October. The battle now for the next three and a half months will be about which one will watch from the press box at GM Place and which two will dress.

Coming into this season the debate was between Miller and Thomas for the No. 1 job; but if Anderson continues to carry the Colorado Avalanche, how can his place in the argument be denied?

Team USA's potential strength in goal is even impressing Canadian journalists like Sportsnet's Mike Brophy:

If we had told you at the start of the season Team USA would have an edge over Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, would you have believed it?

Didn't think so.

But isn't that exactly what has unfolded thus far?

...

All of that said, if it comes down to goaltending in the Olympic tournament, I like Team USA's chance of winning a medal.

I might not have said that a month ago.

Mr. Brophy must not have spoken to Ryan Kesler(notes) anytime soon to get his thoughts on Team USA's medal chances.

While USA goaltending is on the rise, Team Canada has questions that need to be answered in their own goal.

Roberto Luongo(notes) and Martin Brodeur(notes) were expected to battle for the No. 1 job while Cam Ward(notes) was to be the No. 3 guy. Since the Canadian Olympic orientation camp in August, the script has been flipped. Luongo's currently injured, Ward is playing himself off the team and it's been Marc-Andre Fleury(notes) who's manifested his own destiny by winning 10 of his first 12 starts.

The next 57 days will determine who makes the final cut for USA and Canadian Olympic squads. Hockey Canada will announce their 20 skaters and 3 goaltenders on Dec. 31st, the same day that the US and Canada face off in the final group game of the World Junior Championships. The next day during the Winter Classic at Fenway Park in Boston, USA Hockey will announce their roster.

What we thought in August has already changed now that we've reached November. With a little over a month and a half until the final rosters are revealed, and with the current injury crisis in the National Hockey League, who makes the final 23 for both teams will likely include some surprises -- and some extraordinarily tough decisions for both Brian Burke and Steve Yzerman.

The roster announcement dates for the other countries can be found at the IIHF Web site

No. 1 Star: Jarome Iginla(notes), Calgary Flames

The Flames got some breaks against the Dallas Stars, and Iginla made the most of them. His first goal of the game came on a 3-on-1. His second goal, the OT game-winner, came after a borderline delay-of-game penalty on Loui Eriksson(notes), in which he cleared the puck over the glass while outside of the defensive zone. Iginla's blast on the power play beat Marty Turco(notes) (20 saves) for the overtime win, 3-2. He also had the primary assist on Daymond Langkow's(notes) game-tying goal at 19:11 of the third.

No. 2 star: Tomas Vokoun(notes), Florida Panthers

Vokoun weathered a 21-shot salute in the first period by a desperate Carolina Hurricanes team on the road, and ended up making 32 saves in shutting out the Canes, 3-0. Steven Reinprecht's(notes) ninth of the season was the game-winner.

No. 3 star: Ryan Miller(notes), Buffalo Sabres

Four days ago, the New York Islanders shut out the Sabres. Ryan Miller returned the favor with a confident 24-save performance, as Buffalo snapped the Islanders' 4-game winning streak with a 3-0 victory. Derek Roy's(notes) first goal of the season was the game-winner; Thomas Vanek(notes) and Paul Gaustad(notes) had the other tallies.

Honorable mention: Special stick tap for Curtis McElhinney(notes), as the little-used Flames backup was outstanding in goal (38 saves) in Calgary's win -- including stopping a Brenden Morrow(notes) penalty shot. ... Nicklas Bergfors(notes) scored a pair of power-play goals in the third period, at the New Jersey Devils defeated the Ovechkin-less Washington Capitals, 3-2. ... Milan Hejduk(notes) had a three-point night, including goals to open and close the scoring, in the Colorado Avalanche's 4-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes. Peter Budaj(notes) made 28 saves in his first start of the season. Colorado is undefeated (5-0) at home. ...Don't look now, but the San Jose Sharks have won eight of nine after Dan Boyle's(notes) shootout goal gave them a 3-2 SO win at the Columbus Blue Jackets. Joe Thornton(notes) and Dany Heatley(notes) had goals in regulation. Rick Nash(notes) scored his 10th for Columbus. ... Marty Biron stopped 36 of 39 shots in a losing effort for the Isles, and earned a roughing minor for going after Patrick Kaleta(notes). ... Steve Mason(notes) stopped 36 of 38 for the Jackets.

Did you know?: Carolina has seven points through 14 games, matching the worst start in franchise history, set in 1992-93 and 1993-94. (AP)

Dishonorable mention: Missing their star player, the Capitals' taking four penalties in the third period on the road had Coach Bruce Boudreau rightfully steamed after the game. ... Carolina was 0-for-5 on the power play. ... Rob Blake(notes) was injured in the second for the Sharks and didn't return. ... Finally, a record low crowd of 11,012 in Denver watched the Avs pull into a tie with Pittsburgh for the NHL point lead (24).

Preview: Phoenix Coyotes at Colorado Avalanche, 9 p.m. EST. In September, claiming that this matchup would be the game of the night on Nov. 4 may have been grounds for institutionalization. Yet here we are, with the Yotes fifth in the West at 18 points and the Avalanche still first in the conference with 22. Colorado is 4-0-0 at home. Peter Budaj(notes) gets the start after the battle with swine flu. Watch The Game Live Via Hockey Night on Y!

Preview: Washington Capitals at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. EST. The Capitals play their first game since Alex Ovechkin's(notes) "week-to-week" injury, facing a Devils team that would probably much rather be playing in Washington tonight because they're undefeated on the road and because everyone in North Jersey will be watching the Yankees anyway. Watch The Game Live Via Hockey Night on Y!

Preview: Calgary Flames at Dallas Stars, 8:30 p.m. EST. Dallas has activated center Mike Modano(notes) and right wing Jere Lehtinen(notes) from injured reserve. Meanwhile, an Alberta Health Services staff member has been canned for giving the Flames preferential treatment for H1N1 vaccinations. "The decision to allow preferential access to the Flames and their families was a serious error in judgment on the part of the staff involved," said Stephen Duckett, president and CEO of the AHS board. No kidding?

Check out the Y! Sports scores and schedule page for previews of the other three games tonight.

Evening Reading

• The twisted mind of Rudy Kelly presents scenes from the Los Angles Kings' father/son dinner. Had no idea Raitis Ivanans's(notes) father is actually a bear, but it makes sense.[Battle of California]

• "Internet reports" have the Chicago Blackhawks interested in Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle(notes). The gist of the story is on-point: Marian Hossa(notes) is inching back, and the cap issues are on the front burner. [Kuc, via Second City Hockey]

• Good news for the Hawks: Jonathan "Lloyd Christmas" Toews is practicing again. [ESPN Chicago]

• Round 545,192 in the "Is Chris Osgood(notes) overrated or underrated?" debate. [Snapshots]

• How much are the Olympics playing on the mind of Vincent Lecavalier(notes) during his horrendous start? [LeBrun]

• Eric Duhatschek takes a look inside the Dany Heatley(notes) bonus grievance filed by the Ottawa Senators, and how the timing of it is interesting with regard to the NHLPA. [Globe & Mail]

• New York Rangers forward Dane Byers(notes) was handed a one-game suspension by the NHL on Wednesday while Coach John Tortorella was fined $10,000 for that weird non-brawl against the Vancouver Canucks last night. [CP]

• Meanwhile, Vancouver's Shane O'Brien(notes) will have a disciplinary hearing for using his stick to make contact with Ranger Sean Avery(notes). [TSN]

• Shawn Horcoff(notes) is out about a week. [Sportsnet]

• The Boston Bruins have been shut out two games in a row. "According to Bob Waterman at the Elias Sports Bureau, the Bruins only once have been blanked in three straight games, which happened in 1929 (the same year the Bruins won their first Cup)." Wait, so should Bruins fans be rooting for or against a shutout against the Habs on Thursday? [Bruins Blog]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: From Mr. Corey Atkinson on Twitter, regarding Team Canada's goalie for the Olympics:

"Honestly, I would think even Joey MacDonald(notes) could beat Cam Ward(notes) right now."

Bold Prediction: You want bold? We'll give you bold: Brodeur ties the shutout record tonight.

From the News-Sentinel, it appears the IHL frowns upon their officials getting tossed like rag dolls by goons (in which case Colton Orr(notes) is lucky to be a marginal NHL player):

International Hockey League Vice President of Hockey Operations Brad Jones suspended MacMillan 15 games on Monday for his part in Saturday's altercation against Muskegon. MacMillan left the penalty box and pushed a linesman out of the way to fight Lumberjacks' Jason Lawmaster.

Muskegon's Robin Big Snake was suspended for 12 games and MacMillan, Big Snake and Lawmaster all received undisclosed fines. During their suspensions, the players continue to count against a team's salary cap and 20-man active roster. They continue to receive their salaries.

"It's not a surprise," MacMillan said. "I knew I was getting suspended, but I'm a little disappointed by the fact that Lawmaster gets no suspension out of this. I wouldn't have changed anything I did besides not touching the official."

As mentioned, the Komets are upset that Lumberjacks player Lawmaster wasn't suspended for his actions in the fight. During that brawl, the Komets' Lincoln Kaleigh Schrock also fought Muskegon's John DiPace as well.

Robin Big Snake. Jason Lawmaster. Lincoln Kaleigh Schrock. Sorry, but when did the IHL become the character list from a cheesy 1980s sci-fi fantasy film?

Stick tap Digg.

Ice time at your local rink can be hard to find. Sometimes, due to programming, your chance to hop on a fresh sheet with your buddies is only available in the wee hours of the morning or very, very late at night.

Everyone plunks down his or her money to cover the cost for an hour's rental; and before you know it, an hour has passed and you're getting kicked off by the cranky rink attendant.

If you're in the mood to get away from the Zamboni fumes and stale coffee, and will be in the Boston area this December, then maybe renting out the Winter Classic rink at Fenway Park will be a nice change of pace, no? 

That is, of course, if you're willing to sell a kidney or two.

As the Boston Globe's Kevin Paul Dupont found out:

"That one-hour ice rental at a local rink in and around Boston typically would cost upward of $300. At Fenway, the going rate will be $7,500 or $10,000 for each one-hour session. That is not a typo. The going rate will be as high as 33 times more than what a prime-time hour would cost at one of the area's better rinks. And according to Sam Kennedy, executive vice president and COO of the Red Sox as well as president of Fenway Sports Group, there has been no shortage of folks lining up to reserve the time."

Kennedy goes on to say the exorbitant rental fees do not equal the Red Sox making a killing on selling ice time, as Dupont reports that the NHL will charge Fenway Park $16,000 a day when the rink will be used for "entertaining and marketing purposes."

One of those "entertaining" purposes will be for open skates to the public, likely the only chance Joe Hockey Fan will get to skate on the same ice that the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins will play on come Jan. 1, as well as the Hockey East doubleheader a week later.

The rental fees are striking a nerve with local hockey programs and beer-leaguers who would be interested in shelling out a bit more for a chance to skate at Fenway, but after doing the math realized that "a bit more" is just too costly.

Kennedy, in an attempt to relate to Joe Hockey Fan, sympathized with those who can't afford the rental fees, but stated the clear goal of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity:

"I can tell you that the interest [in one-hour rentals] has been overwhelming,'' said Kennedy. "The price has not been a deterrent whatsoever. Hey, I still play beer-league hockey, so I hear you loud and clear over how some people might compare these prices. But this is geared, really, to our corporate base."

Thousands of beer leaguers just channeled their inner Billy Walsh and shouted, "Suits suck!"

There's no question that the hit from behind on 16-year-old Kitchener Rangers defenseman Ben Fanelli by Erie Otters forward Michael Liambas was irresponsible and dangerous. A fractured skull, facial fractures and the news shared in the CBC clip above from Saturday that he was "breathing on his own" indicate the level of devastation on the play.

The 20-year-old Liambas was assessed a match penalty for his hit, and the gruesome scene (video) and subsequent injuries naturally pointed to supplemental discipline from the OHL.

But suspended for the rest of the season? On a play that observers like Elliotte Friedman see as a symptom of the current game's rules and speed than anything malicious?

This ruling is going to light powder kegs on both sides of the debate regarding supplemental discipline for injurious body checks. Coming up, the OHL's justification and a passionate defense of Liambas's play as a clean hit.

From the OHL:

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of its review of an incident which occurred in the game played in Kitchener on Friday, October 30th, 2009 between the Kitchener Rangers and the visiting Erie Otters.

The incident in question involved player Michael Liambas of the Erie Otters who was assessed a match penalty for boarding as the result of his hit on Kitchener Rangers player Ben Fanelli who sustained an injury to the head on the play.

In making the announcement as the result of the review, Commissioner David Branch stated that..."players must understand they shall be held accountable for their actions. We must all work towards improving the level of respect players have towards opposing players and the game in general."

"It is the position of the Ontario Hockey League that player Michael Liambas of the Erie Otters Hockey Club be suspended for the balance of the 2009-10 playing season including playoffs."

Take another few looks at the hit in question:

Victor Fernandes, a writer for GoErie.com, predicted a minimum of 20 games for Laimbas yesterday; but, at the same time, defending his actions:

The hit was clean.

Liambas didn't appear to strike Fanelli on the head. Instead, Liambas appeared to hit Fanelli around the shoulder and neck area. Liambas also didn't leave his feet or raise his elbow to make the hit.

It was a hard hit. Liambas, one of the league's most feared players, doesn't know how to hit any other way. He earned a roster spot with the Otters three years ago through his physical, aggressive play. Through that same style, he has remained in a league that, like the NHL, has showcased greater skill, more scoring and less need for enforcers since implementing offensively oriented rules a few years ago.

Of course, checking in this league -- and in this sport -- has grown into more than simply separating a player from the puck, a thought Steve Bienkowski, the Rangers' chief operating officer, said Monday -- the same day he saw footage of the hit for the first time.

The focus shouldn't be on "seeing how hard we can hit people," Bienkowski said. But he added, "(I) can't read what's in a player's mind. I'm not going to put words in (Liambas') mouth."

Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News had a suburb alternative take on the matter the other day:

A lot has to go wrong for something so violent to happen and anytime it does, the call comes out from across the landscape for rule changes and inward reflection. But what could be done?

The play by Liambas was illegal. He revved up from about the blueline and hunted Fanelli down. That's charging. It's a penalty and not a difficult one to detect. In my opinion, the issue is closed right there.

Both writers make their points, and make them well. We agree with Kennedy that it's a dirty hit, even if some split-second movements by Fanelli put him in a prone position. Liambas charged him and Fanelli's back was to the Otters player when the hit was made. There was a real danger that a boarding major would occur based on that approach, and it did.

That said: A season-long suspension, even for a player with some history of these things (ask John Tavares(notes) of the New York Islanders about this hit) is overkill. It's penalizing the aftermath instead of the play itself, and that's exactly what's wrong with supplemental discipline at all levels of hockey.

The suspension is for what was witnessed on the ice after the hit on Oct. 30, and what's currently written on a hospital bed chart as a 16-year-old kid is in stable but critical condition.

It's not for the actual play, which is reckless as hell but not a clear attempt to injure by Liambas. Go watch the Tavares hit if you want to see that.

Take away the injuries and the aesthetics, and is that hit worth a Bertuzzi-like mega-suspension for Liambas? Is it worth the end of Liambas's junior hockey career?

No, it isn't.

Alas, Dave is traveling in support of his spiffy magazine, but the good news is that it opens up a spot on the panel for a true blogging visionary: Please welcome Toronto Maple Leafs satirist Down Goes Brown to our weekly rumors, scuttlebutt and innuendo chat at 1 p.m. EST.

Topics include Peter Forsberg(notes), the Carolina Hurricanes' struggles and the latest hockey whispers. Bring your questions, bring your speculation and, above all, bring the funny. We'll supply the cynical answers and abrupt shifts in tone.

• Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL is going after former Colorado Avalanche star Peter Forsberg(notes), and Jeff Klein of the New York Times indicates that Foppa may be charmed by the riches the Russian league can offer him beyond those in a capped NHL. In either case, we just hope to see Forsberg in one more Olympic run for the Swedes, before they lose to the U.S. [Slap Shot and Denver Post]

• Forbes warns the NHLPA not to allow a group of agents to set the agenda for the membership: "By pushing their individual agendas the agents are undermining the majority of players. The players better fix this quickly or the next CBA will be a debacle." [Forbes]

• The Calgary Flames claim did nothing wrong in securing H1N1 vaccinations, which are in short supply in Alberta. Team president Ken King has said the hockey players are "at an elevated infection risk due to their physical contact." We're sure immune deficient children, pregnant women and the elderly are cool with that. [Sun Media]

• Tapeleg on the Flames' line-jumping for the shots: "The Calgary Flames deserved to be at the front of the Swine Flu inoculation line. If the Flames are sick, the entire economy of Calgary would crumble. After the CFL, what do they have? Is there any other excuse for the Red Mile? Bars would close left and right. People would have to read... books. Shudder." [Jerseys And Hockey Love]

• Carolina Hurricanes star Eric Staal(notes): He was Iron Man. [Canes Country]

• Down Goes Brown, who will be joining us for our Rumors Chat at 1 p.m., on Phil Kessel's(notes) debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs: "The Leafs' game plan for Kessel is apparently to play every second shift, generally ignore his linemates, and shoot at every opportunity from every angle. And here's the thing: I don't think that's a bad plan." [DGB]

• Pierre LeBrun was also impressed with Kessel, who brings an offensive dimension to "a Leafs lineup essentially devoid of top-six, high-end offensive talent." But he also calls Kessel a "star" on multiple occasions. Is Phil Kessel really a star in the NHL? [ESPN]

• Former Detroit Red Wings brawler Darren McCarty(notes) said he's one of those people who can walk away from the game and be content with it, but hasn't officially retired yet. [Snapshots]

• Coach Scott Gordon of the surprising New York Islanders responds to criticism of his team's physical play with the old 'size doesn't matter' spiel: "I think there isn't enough credit given to our players. It's not a question of being bigger. I think we have guys who are more willing to finish hits." [NY Post]

• Chatting with Pittsburgh Penguins power forward prospect Eric Tangradi(notes). [Pens Universe]

• Great look at the Chicago Blackhawks' "cap crisis," in an effort to separate fact from fiction. [Kukla]

• Puck Buddy Dave D. from Vancouver sends over this cruel, unusual and ultimately hilarious Leafs fan gift from River City Sports. "The fact that the players appear somewhat contemporary is a fail. I'd be more forgiving if the players looked as though they were from the fifties or sixties. One thing I do find funny is that it is severely discounted, meaning no one is buying it. Just like in real life."

• Buffalo Sabres have called up goaltender Jhonas Enroth(notes) from Portland after backup keeper Patrick Lalime(notes) hurt his groin. [Sabres]

• Sleepers and studs for the U.S. Olympic hockey team. Has James van Riemsdyk(notes) of the Philadelphia Flyers played himself into the conversation? [The Hockey Writers]

• The dates are set for the unveiling of Olympic hockey rosters. [LA Times]

• Also from THW, a chat with Columbus Blue Jackets pest Derek Dorsett(notes): "Whether it was mini-mites or novice or whatever it was, I was always gritty. It comes from my background; where I grew up, how I grew up and the family I came from." [THW]

• Kevin Allen of USA Today: "Although nothing imminent, I'm aware of a NHL team mulling whether to sign Chris Chelios(notes). He's +7, 4-1-5 in 5 AHL games, playing big minutes." [Kausatoday]

• Calgary puts Jarome Iginla(notes) and Olli Jokinen(notes) back together after that chemistry experiment already failed. In their defense, we keep pouring vinegar into our baking soda volcano to no avail, too. [Sun Media]

• If the Phoenix Coyotes are going to see their woeful attendance turn around, they'll need a committed owner and continued success on the ice. Of course, live pole dancers would probably help, too. But we imagine the NHL's not going for that. [Arizona Republic]

• No Patrik Elias(notes) against the Washington Capitals for the New Jersey Devils. [NHL]

• Finally, Sidney Crosby(notes) of the Pittsburgh Penguins discusses the best save of last night made by a non-goalie:

It's something that didn't even cross our minds when we first blogged about the Blackhawks' costumes on Monday because this wasn't an instance of offensive caricature or simmering bigotry. But upon reflection, the image was obviously a sports media pinata for a columnist to either feign outrage or sound the politically correct siren; Ernest Wilkins of the Chicago Tribune's Red Eye did one of the two earlier this week, focusing on Kane:

It's not a good look, You've got a lot of people and kids looking up to you, and I refuse to believe that a #1 overall pick in one of the "Big 4" leagues with the media relations department of that caliber at your disposal is silly enough to believe that no one would have a problem with you doing some "extreme tanning".

It's interesting being a Black (feel free to sub in Latino/Woman/actual Penguin at your will) hockey fan sometimes. We don't see a lot of players that look like us, and we want more people out there to look up to out there on the ice. Stuff like this doesn't help.

Forgetting, for a moment, that turning this into an issue is completely asinine, we don't necessarily want to discount Wilkins's feelings as a black hockey fan. After all, we just blogged about the alienation of gay fans who come to the arena and suffer silently through homophobic slurs. We can't conceive how one is as intolerable as the other -- especially when the former happened at a private function rather than the rink -- but Wilkins wrote what he wrote, and we'll respect it.

That said: Are we seriously headed to apology-ville for this benign stuff?

Red Eye has decided to turn this manufactured controversy into a cottage industry of content. Along with Wilkins's piece, the Blackhawks photo has been blogged about in at least three other places on the publication's Web site.

There was Mike Kiley on Blackhawks Confidential:

No matter that Kane was simply acting out by his costume that he looked up to Pippen as a boy. No matter that neither Burish nor Kane intended any malice. They will be seen as poster boys for bad behavior depending on your point of view, and these are varied when it comes to race.

Everything would have been fine except for Kane and Burish coloring their skin. The history of blackface in entertainment is demeaning. You can google plenty of history on the subject and learn more, which is something I wouldn't be surprised never crossed the minds of two pro athletes just trying for fun by dressing in a sports motif for Halloween.

So do we condemn them simply for the blackface? I don't. But I'm not African-American and I haven't seen that practice through an African-American's eyes. So I don't presume to judge what they see.

There was George Ofman, adding the Blackhawks to Michael Phelps's bong as Orwellian moments in sports journalism:

If you happen to be a Blackhawks hockey player at a Halloween party, better make sure your costume doesn't offend anyone. Remember, Big brother is watching. And so is the rest of the world. And then everyone has a comment, like me only this is not about race.

It's about Big brother.

There was Kara Kyles, too, adding a note about the Hawks to a piece that covered a recent blackface controversy on "America's Next Top Model." She supplied "a handy dandy guide that might help avoid future trading-races drama"; note that the Blackhawks followed two of her three rules.

Today, Julia Keller of the Chicago Tribune piled on, tying the Hawks to gay slurs and Bob Griese saying Juan Pablo Montoya was "out having a taco." Seriously:

The controversies are also a sign of society's robust health. We debate these words and behaviors -- are they heinous and unforgivable or just dumb and obtuse? -- because we don't really know just how to feel about them. And sports is both mirror and lamp. The mirror shows us where we are; the lamp leads us up and out.

Were many people really, deep down, offended by the Blackhawks' blackface, Griese's silly slip, Gooden's alleged insult or Johnson's reported slur? Doubt it. But we still have to argue about it. These incidents give us a chance to talk about things that are sometimes hard to talk about: race, ethnicity, sexuality.

Actually, it's easy to talk about in this case: Burish and Kane have nothing to be sorry about, nothing to regret and nothing to be ashamed of. If the Blackhawks issue an apology under the weight of media scrutiny for something that didn't occur anywhere near the rink, it would, in our estimation, be more detrimental to the conversation about race in this country than anything Burish or Kane did to their faces.

And if we're really going to get morally outraged over race, shouldn't the PC police Commit To The Indian first?

Once that situation was defused -- and it did look like it was going to boil over a few times into an old school 1970s sprawling slugfest -- the action moved to the benches, where Canucks defenseman Shane O'Brien(notes) decided to nudge Sean Avery(notes) with his lumber. From CBC Sports:

Because of the line changes, there were 10 Rangers against seven Canucks on the ice, and it resulted in five 10-minute misconducts, including one to Shane O'Brien for poking New York agitator Sean Avery with his stick from the benches, and a minor penalty to Kesler. "I could comment in a multitude of ways but I've already talked to [general manager Mike Gillis] about it and he told me he was going to deal with it," Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault said.

Clearly, the scars of 1994 have yet to heal. Not mentioned by the CBC: Avery snatched the harpoon from O'Brien and tossed it onto the ice while his mouth continued to move at the speed of sound.

The misconducts at 4:21 of the third were given to the Rangers' Dane Byers(notes) and Dan Girardi, and the Canucks' Kevin Bieksa(notes), Alex Burrows(notes), Kesler and O'Brien. Here's the video from TSN of this strange, hypnotic non-brawl; the Avery/O'Brien fun is about 2:45 into it:

Meanwhile, on the fighting front, check out Darren Dreger of TSN this morning writing about the lack on instigator penalties this season: "Heading in to Tuesday's games, an instigator penalty had been called in 8 of 117 fights. That's one for every 14 fights or 6.8%. Although slightly higher than last season's 5.9% rate ..."

No. 1 star: Chris Osgood(notes), Detroit Red Wings

Osgood has been challenged by Red Wings coach Mike Babcock and Tuesday he delivered with his 50th career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Bruins. The embattled Detroit goalie did his best work in the first period when he stopped Marco Sturm(notes) on a point-blank chance, then corralled the rebound with his glove after receiving an assist from the post. In all Ozzie made 29 saves as he moved within six wins of 400 career victories. After all the finger pointing that followed his rough October (3.10 GAA, .889 save pct.), Osgood was in dire need of an effort like this.

No. 2 star: Kris Letang(notes), Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins aren't supposed to win in California and certainly the loss of Sergei Gonchar(notes) is expected to catch up with the reigning Stanley Cup champions, but neither obstacle was a factor in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Ducks. Pittsburgh blueliners combined for six points, led by Letang, who scored his first goal of the season and added an assist on Pascal Dupuis'(notes) game-winner as the Pens improved to an NHL-best 12-3-0. Letang led all Penguins skaters with 23:46 of ice time, sharing team-high honors in both shots (3) and blocked shots (3).

No. 3 star: Ryan Kesler(notes), Vancouver Canucks

Kesler racked up three assists in a wild 4-1 win over the Rangers and is currently the highest-scoring American-born player in the NHL with 16 points. Kesler could have been the goat. He somehow got the extra penalty in what was a 10-on-7 melee in the third period. The Rangers would score moments after that penalty expired, but Kesler, who has five points in two November games, would provide the primary assist on both the game-winning and insurance goals.

Honorable Mention: Pavel Datsyuk(notes) had the primary assist on both Detroit goals, including a pretty drop pass to Tomas Holmstrom(notes) for the icebreaker. Datsyuk has multi-point efforts in four of six games. … Phil Kessel(notes) was held off the scoresheet in his Maple Leafs debut, but he was plenty active in putting 10 shots on goal. … Ryan Malone's(notes) overtime goal was his fourth game-winner of the young season for the Lightning. … Tampa goalie Antero Niittymaki(notes) stopped 40 shots to up his save percentage to .940 on the season. … Thashers defenseman Mark Popovic(notes), a five-year veteran, scored his first NHL goal in his 51st game. … Pittsburgh tied an NHL record with its seventh straight road win to start the season. … Anaheim's Corey Perry(notes) scored his 100th and 101st career goals in the loss to the Pens.

Did You Know?: Pittsburgh's 4-3 victory in Anaheim was just its second win in California since January, 1999.

Dishonorable Mention: The Bruins have not scored in 133 minutes while being shut out in back-to-back games for the first time since 2007. … Toronto has surrendered the first goal in 12 of 13 games. … Montreal fans were not sure what to make of the announcement that Carey Price(notes) had been named the Molson Cup player of the month for October. … The Rangers haven't won in Vancouver in 12 years.

Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m. EST. Former Mighty Duck of Anaheim Dan Bylsma and former Anaheim Duck Chris Kunitz(notes) go back to Cali as Stanley Cup champions. Good news for Anaheim? Pittsburgh is 1-11-3 with a tie since Jan. 16, 1999 in the Golden State, via the AP. The bad news? The Ducks are on a 1-4-1 skid. Rules the Sports Judge: "This is a fragile and confused team right now, trying to steer themselves out of a wet paper bag." Watch The Game Live Via Hockey Night on Y!

Preview: Boston Bruins at Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m. EST. Your Versus game of the night. The Wings are starting to turn the corner a little bit, even as they lose Brian Rafalski(notes) and Jonathan Ericsson(notes) tonight with flu-like symptoms. Hub Hockey wonders if the Bruins pattern of .500 hockey will continue. James Murphy is live-bloggin' it on NESN.com, if that's what you're into.

• Check out the Y! Sports scores and schedule page for previews of the other three games tonight.

Evening Reading

• James Wisniewski(notes)? Not a happy scrappy puppy about this two-game suspension: "I made a hockey play. There's a lot of opinions out there that say that's a clean hit. And then to hear all four referees tell me it was a clean hit. They had a pretty good view of it too." [Ducks Blog]

• Last week, we linked to a story about a Swedish team getting in trouble for "hopping the line" for H1N1 vaccine. Clearly, the Calgary Flames did not read that story. [AP]

• Wait ...Phiiiiil? Phil Kessel(notes)? Thought that was you! It's Ned... Ned Ryerson! "Needlenose Ned"? "Ned the Head"? C'mon, buddy! (This has nothing to do with the Pension Plan Puppets post on the Leafs tonight. We have Bill Murray on the brain for some reason.) [PPP]

• The D.C. City Council passed a resolution that declared that November 3, 2009, is "Washington Capitals Day" in the District. Now, how are they going to fit an entire council table on the bandwagon? [Capitals]

• Michael Del Zotto(notes) of the New York Rangers is your rookie of the month. [CP]

• After some accusations from Bruce Boudreau, Columbus Blue Jackets Coach Ken Hitchcock confirms that (gasp!) his team was looking to hit Alex Ovechkin(notes) early and often: "That's the name of the game. Why, is that against the rules now?" [Puck-rakers]

• Stan Fischler would like you to rank goalie masks. [MSG]

• John Grigg's story on the Philadelphia Flyers' happy cap accident via injuries is a good read. [THN]

• Guy Lafleur will speak about his new criminal record on a DVD. Hope there are bloopers. We love'em. [CBC Sports]

• Carey Price(notes) wins the Cup. No, not that one. [Canadiens]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: From Mike in the comments on the top teams of the 2000s post, this could be a comment of the year contender --

"It would be more interesting to know the top 10 'worst' teams to win a Cup in the last decade."

Think about it.

Bold Prediction: Another shootout for the Canadiens, but a win for the Thrashers.

There was a brawl between fans of the Canucks and Avalanche outside GM Place after the game let out. After taunting each other, a friend of one of the Avalanche fans grabbed a couple of beer bottles and hit a Canucks fan over the head.

When a witness tried jumping in to break up the fight he was stabbed in the neck with a bottle. Both victims have minor injuries.

The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Colorado Avalanche, 3-0, on Sunday night in a game that ironically didn't feature a fighting major. The Vancouver Province provided the update today:

The minor injuries were treated at hospital, but there were no arrests, Vancouver police spokesman Const. Lindsey Houghton said Monday. "When we don't have the co-operation of victims, it makes it extremely hard to proceed with charges," he said.

So someone gets stabbed in the neck with a beer bottle, considers it merely a flesh wound and decides not a press charges? Admittedly, we haven't been to Vancouver in a few years; when did it become the city equivalent of "Road House"?

It just seems so out of character for Canucks fans to ... oh, wait, no it doesn't. (PG-13 language on YouTube page).

As we noted yesterday in the Puck Headlines, that's what happened to Vincent Lecavalier(notes) this week with the Tampa Bay Lightning, as Coach Rick Tocchet made him the center between noted Art Ross threats Drew Miller(notes) and Stephane Veilleux(notes).

Lecavalier's offensive struggles this season have been well-documented -- he has 1 goal and is a minus-8 for the season -- but Tocchet took aim at the totality of Vinny's game:

"Not finishing checks, cheating a little bit, the little things that I will not let...It's unacceptable," Tocchet said. "That's the one thing I came into this year, if I see your game slipping - if you're not scoring, I can live with it - but if you're turning away from checks, and not battling down low defensively, if you're constantly on the ice and teams are getting chances against you, videos don't lie. This is something we're going to correct the next day, it's not going to be corrected next week. We've got to attack it."

That was on Sunday; yesterday, Tocchet spoke about Lecavalier again to the Tampa Tribune, specifically about his desire to line up with longtime partner in crime Marty St. Louis. Tocchet basically said the team is not Vinny's sandbox anymore:

"Vinny is still playing 20 minutes, he's still playing first-unit power play and he'll get shifts with Marty once in a while, he might get shifts with Ryan Malone(notes)," Tocchet said. "There is still plenty of ice time for him to get with certain people, but I'm looking for a two-way game from him and that's the way we are built, it's not two guys and the Tampa Bay Lightning, it's the Tampa Bay Lightning and that's the way it's got to be if we are going to compete, it has to be."

If this were John Tortorella placing Vinny Prospal under the bus, it probably doesn't merit too much scrutiny. But this is Rick Tocchet placing Vinny Lecavalier under the bus. Will it work?

After yesterday's loss to the Philadelphia Flyers -- the Bolts face Kessel and the Leafs tonigth -- Raw Charge wrote that the move to the third line "backfired on the entire team," even if Lecavalier played better hockey. From Raw Charge:

The first rule of trying to manipulate your team is you've got to really know your team. And while Martin St. Louis(notes) might be the heart and soul of the Lightning, Lecavalier is their identity. He's their top guy, their star, their captain. And if he's not on their top line in that role, no matter how poorly he may or may not be playing, then suddenly they're not who they think they are anymore.

[...]

The bottom line is that Lecavalier was moved to the third line, and the team crumbled like a bunch of stale cookies. St. Louis played particularly poorly - for him. He was still better than half the league, though. He did snap his 11-game point scoring streak, however.

Jon Jordan of HockeyBuzz is troubled by the fact that Lecavalier has looked ineffective for pretty much the entirety of 2009:

Any way you look at it, something's up with the big guy. To me, he just looks a step or two behind out there this year; not physically, really, as in a step or two slower than in his better days, but just kind of blah overall. ... Actually, it's the same way he looked for much of last season, which is baffling when you factor in just how badly he wants to put all that distracted him a year ago behind him.

Puck Buddy "The Skating Penguin" has been corresponding with us about this situation in Tampa, and made this point the other day on email:

"I think the Bolts should've unloaded VL4 before that huge bonus & no-trade clause kicked-in this July, because, sooner-or-later, this will be Stamkos'/Hedman's team."

While we don't necessarily agree with that, the first month of Lightning hockey has certainly provided the "Trade Vinny" contingent with a few "I-told-ya-so's."

• Phil Kessel(notes) prepares to make his debut tonight for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Glad to see Tomas Kaberle(notes) is keeping expectations in check by saying Kessel's proven he can be a 50-goal scorer in the NHL. [Globe & Mail]

• In praise of Kessel's ability to handle the pressures of being a "savior" and the intensity of the Toronto media spotlight before Phil Kessel actually feels the pressures of being a "savior" and the intensity of the Toronto media spotlight. [Toronto Sun]

• Admittedly, we haven't spent much time thinking about Jacob Jake Voracek of the Columbus Blue Jackets. That might have to change now that we know he's grown his hair to vintage Jagr proportions and bugs the hell out of his teammates by singing "Bette Davis Eyes." [Disptach, via Puck Update]

• Damien Cox still believes Phoenix Coyotes fans were buying tickets to watch Wayne Gretzky make angry faces. [The Spin]

• From Dead Man Walking to Future Colour Guy, the Kurtenblog's hilarious guide to backup goalies. [KB]

• Alex Ovechkin(notes) speaks to a massive media gathering in DC after the Washington Capitals announced he was "week to week" with an upper body injury. On traveling with the team: "Get some nachos, coke and enjoy the game." Here's video of AO's presser. [Capitals Insider] 

• Ted Leonsis on life without Alex Ovechkin for the Washington Capitals: "The players will all rally around the coach and the jerseys that they wear. This is a team. They play for each other and for our passionate fans. The players will want to thank Alex for his MVP talents and we hope to NOT miss a beat. We will test our mettle now." [Ted's Take]

• Pavel Bure either has the worst or sexiest hockey card ever. One of the two. Or both. [Rock The Red]

• Patrik Elias(notes) will most likely return for the New Jersey Devils over the weekend, as he's back in practice and completely out of shape. [NY Post]

• "Vancouver has already lost 75 man games to injuries, a number that is on pace to dwarf last year's total of about 209 games." [Sun Media]

• Lowetide on the Edmonton Oilers turning into the wrecked car from "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." [Lowetide]

• We highly recommend George James Malik's blogging on the NHLPA mess, including whether or not Paul Kelly should return to the players association. [Snapshots]

• Interesting conversation with former New York Rangers Coach Tom Renney upon his return to NYC. [NY Daily News]

• Leafs Coach Ron Wilson doesn't blame Colin Campbell for following the rules on dangerous hits by guys like Andrew Ladd(notes) and Mike Richards(notes). He blames the rules. [Toronto Sun]

• Are the Toronto Raptors dissing the Leafs? From Puck Buddy Heather F.: "The Maple Leafs marketing team has taken to spray painting Leafs Logos with the words ‘Spirit is Everything' all over the city. It looks like someone has decided to vent their frustrations with the so far pretty dismal season with spray paint of their own. I'm pretty sure this isn't a marketing ploy by the Raptors, as they're owned by the same company and I've only seen this on one street corner so far."

• Lepore has a Puck The Media mailbag that includes interesting chatter about hockey ratings. [Puck The Media]

• William Houston on why CBC's "Battle of the Blades" is an overwhelming success. If they can keep only this thing going long enough to get Brashear involved .... [Truth & Rumours]

• Nashville Predators minor leaguer Ben Eaves(notes) suddenly retires. [Short Shifts, via On The Forecheck]

• How insane was fantasy hockey in the first month of the season? "Unheralded Phoenix goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov(notes) posted more shutouts (3) than Vincent Lecavalier(notes), Jason Spezza(notes), Jonathan Cheechoo(notes), Chris Higgins, Zdeno Chara(notes), Daniel Sedin(notes), Milan Lucic(notes), Nik Antropov(notes), Derek Roy(notes), and Ryan Getzlaf(notes) had goals ... combined." [NHL.com]

• The Philadelphia Flyers could be without Simon Gagne(notes) for two months. So, situation: normal then ... [Philly.com]

• No Brian Rafalski(notes) nor Jonathan Ericsson(notes) for the Detroit Red Wings against the Boston Bruins tonight. Flu-like symptons. Uh-oh. [Bruins Blog]

• Finally, via DayWalk3r, here are the top plays of last week via TSN:

Bruce Garrioch broke the story in the Ottawa Sun, indicating that Melnyk filed the papers during the summer and that the long-shot tactic could simply be a way to aggravate Heatley after the San Jose Sharks winger handcuffed Ottawa in the offseason with his trade demand.

From the Sun:

Sources say Melnyk contends in the paperwork filed at the NHL's New York headquarters, that Heatley's camp -- including agents J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine -- gave the Senators permission to speak with the Oilers and the two-time, 50-goal scorer should have accepted the deal to Edmonton.

It's believed Melnyk not only claims the decision by Heatley to kill the deal cost him $4 million, it also hurt the club's ability to sell season tickets because of the uncertainty in the Senators camp.

More analysis from The 6th Sens.

Now, there's obviously some validity to the latter claim ... which is quickly undermined by the fact that the Senators gave Heatley a no-movement clause that put the puck in his end of the rink if he demanded a trade. The entire grievance, in fact, is centered around the contractual conditions the Senators gave Heatley upon his signing an extension: A $4 million bonus on July 1, 2009, and the no-movement clause.

It doesn't matter if Barry and McAlpine gave the Senators permission to speak to the Oilers or the Orlando Rollergators; Ottawa gave Heatley the right to exercise a veto and gave him a bonus to collect as long as he was a Senator -- both of which he did. In fact, the bonus the Senators promised him actually harmed their ability to trade him.

In the battle of dumb versus selfish, the winner is selfish.

Barring any bombshells lingering off the record, this would appear to be a slam-dunk case for NHLPA lawyers. Provided, of course, that Chelios doesn't scare them all away.

[Stick Tap to Puck Buddy James R. for the Heater tip.]

His opinion piece for USA Today called "It's time to end the use of gay slurs in hockey" is going to get some deserved attention.

Bourne discusses how he contributed to "hockey's culture of homophobia and prejudice against gays" as a player; the lack of any openly gay male players in professional hockey; and concludes that "it's time to acknowledge we've been unfair to the gay community, that the culture of our sport can be misogynistic, homophobic and cruel."

From USA Today:

There hasn't been progress on this issue for years. When I ran the idea for this column by my uncle, a sportswriter and editor, he mentioned a piece he wrote 20 years ago after the general manager of a major junior hockey team in Canada said something like: "We don't have any weak-wristed players in this locker room."

Twenty years later, this attitude has yet to be shucked from hockey. We can't wait another two decades ignoring the small but consistent strides of progress that the world outside sport is making.

We need to make a change now, because kids who move away from home to play junior hockey at 16 or 17 are still impressionable. If they don't encounter a good role model, the seeds are sown for a person, who after trying to fit in, thinks it's OK to drink, treat women a certain way and use homosexuality as a punchlines.

Does hockey have a problem with intolerance, and is it time to take a stand?

First off, let's cut to the chase: Questioning another man's masculinity is a societal norm for provocation. The issue is whether you can separate the more benign ridicule (see the Mike Milbury "Pansification" flap from last season) from the defamatory insults that keep gay players trembling in the closet or out of professional sports altogether.

(And yes, let's remember that this is a pro sports issue as much as a hockey one.)

Bourne regrets his contribution to the homophobia in hockey, but it's a problem that goes beyond the locker room. Please recall the controversy at Madison Square Garden last spring, where the anti-gay environment at New York Rangers game forced protests from gay hockey fans. But again, there are varying degrees of offensive behavior. It's one thing to chant that "Team X Sucks" from the stands; it's another to bellow a gay slur at an opposing player from the cheap seats.

That isn't to say there isn't a closed-minded, homophobic culture in hockey, because there is. Horrific stories like Theo Fleury's molestation as a junior player likely cloud the issue further, as the intolerant all too easily see crimes like molestation as "symptoms" of homosexual behavior, disgusting and misguided as that is.

How do you change that mindset? With bravery and patience.

Bravery, in the hope that, as Bourne suggests, a few gay players decide to come out publicly, suffer the slurs and show the hockey world that a 90-point center is still a 90-point center no matter to whom he comes home to every night. The moment that taboo is broken, there's no going back. It'll just take an extraordinary individual to break it.

Patience, in the hope that as the generations change in professional sports, so will the levels of acceptance. It's happened throughout history with race; sexual preference is a slower process, complicated by religious dogma and political discourse.

At first, the timing of this column seemed a tad odd: The rest of the hockey world is talking about how to remove reckless, violent hits from the game, and Bourne's writing about gay rights. That's until you realize that both issues center on fundamental changes to the philosophy of those who play, manage and work within the game.

We've always said that legislating fighting or hits to the head out of hockey will only do so much; that it will take future generations of players removing them through natural selection for the culture to change. Taking a stand against bigotry of gays in hockey is noble, but this is a generational issue; patience is as much a virtue as tolerance in this fight.

Look, Bourne's heart is in the right place. But it's going to take more than just "we are the change we've been waiting for" declarations to move hockey culture past ignorant intolerance. The one thought we couldn't escape in reading Bourne's piece: Would he have written it while he was an active player? To that, we quote his final words in the column: "It's better late than never."

 

(No, the first decade of the 21st century doesn't technically end until 2011. Save your bellyaching. But we've had nine NHL seasons and one stolen from us since 1999-2000, and Yahoo! Sports has decided it's time to rank the best and worst of the last "decade." Enjoy, and snark freely in the comments.)

Puck Daddy's Best & Worst of the Decade lists will run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through the end of 2009. (Yes, that includes holidays; cynical appraisal never sleeps.)

First off, know this: Immortality in the National Hockey League is not measured by the Prince of Wales or Clarence Campbell trophies for conference champions. We'll have a separate entry in our End-of-Decade Rankings for those elite teams that fell short of the ultimate prize.

But to determine the best NHL team of the 2000s, the field must be narrowed to the nine squads that had their names etched on the Stanley Cup during that time.

Yes, "Top 9," thanks to the lockout that killed the 2004-05 season. In fact, hockey is unlike any other sport that will be covered in Yahoo! Sports' "Best of the Decade" projects: The NHL was literally two different leagues before and after the work stoppage, from parity to economics to the very philosophy of how to build a winning team. That's reflected on several of our lists, including this one.

Here are the Top 9 NHL Teams of the Last Decade ...

9. 2005-06 Carolina Hurricanes

A Southeast Division champion with 112 points in the first regular season following the lockout, Peter Laviolette's group had four 30-goal scorers including Eric Staal's(notes) 45-goal, 100-point career year.

Outside of their star center, it was a solid but unspectacular team, and was carried through the postseason by rookie goalie Cam Ward's(notes) Conn Smythe performance (.2.14 GAA, .920 save percentage). Had the Buffalo Sabres not been missing four defensemen in Game 7, Carolina may not have advanced. Had Dwayne Roloson(notes) of the miracle Edmonton Oilers not suffered a knee injury in the Finals, Carolina may not have won the Cup.

But they did, they're here, and someone had to be ninth. Kudos to Canes management for figuring out how to win in NHL 2.0 before anyone else did.

8. 2003-04 Tampa Bay Lightning

In the last season before the lockout, the Bolts were division and conference regular season champions (106 points), with a Hart Trophy winner in Marty St. Louis (38 goals, 94 points). Nikolai Khabibulin(notes) recorded five shutouts in the postseason, Brad Richards(notes) won the Conn and the Lightning rallied from a 3-2 deficit to the Western Conference No. 6-seeded Calgary Flames to win the Cup.

St. Louis, Richards, Vincent Lecavalier(notes), Cory Stillman(notes), Dan Boyle(notes), Dave Andreychuk ... this team had some players. Like the Canes, they struggled to the win the Cup; and as Martin Gelinas can attest, they also got their share of breaks. But the Lightning were a little better in a different era than the Carolina Cup team.

7. 2002-03 New Jersey Devils

This was the Pat Burns-coached Devils squad that went seven games with the Ducks in the Cup final. They were division champs with 108 points, good for second in the conference. This was a stifling defensive team in front of Martin Brodeur(notes), backstopped by the holy trinity of Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer(notes) and Brian Rafalski(notes).

A perfect example of a very good hockey team that probably wouldn't have hoisted the Cup under NHL 2.0 rules changes.

6. 2008-09 Pittsburgh Penguins

After Dan Bylsma took the helm, this Penguins team was a force of nature, streaking to 99 points and fourth in the conference. They had 100-point seasons from Evgeni Malkin(notes) and Sidney Crosby(notes), who both continued their dominance in the postseason (36 points for Geno in a Conn Smythe effort, 31 for Sid). Marc-Andre Fleury(notes) also shut up the critics, once and for all.

A well-constructed team by GM Ray Shero that whose sum was greater than its parts. They get knocked down a few pegs here because it's as much about the journey to the Cup as winning the Cup, and the Penguins were middling until Bylsma captured lightning in a bottle. Plus, the five teams ahead of them were a little deeper.

5. 2007-08 Detroit Red Wings

An incredible regular season that saw the Wings win the President's Trophy with 115 points ended with the team's second Stanley Cup of the decade. Henrik Zetterberg's(notes) 27-point playoff run, combined with shutdown defense, was subtly astonishing.

The question we know you're asking: Why is this team ranked ahead of a Penguins team that essentially defeated the same group the following season?

Top to bottom, this is a better team than the Penguins' squad that won the Cup, especially when you compare the blue lines. They were all a year younger, faster and more durable; and had the Chris Osgood(notes) that played in this run (14-4, 1.55 GAA) been the one that faced the Penguins in the rematch, we may have been talking about a third Detroit title in the 2000s.

Plus, no Marian Hossa(notes). Hence, they won the Cup in 2007-08.

4. 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks

Pacific Division champs with 110 points, it's amazing to look at all the bright young offensive talent in the lineup below Teemu Selanne's(notes) ridiculous 48-goal, 46-assist season: Corey Perry(notes), Ryan Getzlaf(notes), Dustin Penner(notes), Chris Kunitz(notes), Andy McDonald(notes), Travis Moen(notes). But the backbone of the team was J.S. Gigeure in goal, and Chris Pronger(notes) and Conn Smythe winner Scott Niedermayer on defense. 

A stout, truculent bunch that Brian Burke can wistfully reminisce about as his Maple Leafs enter their fifth decade without a Cup.

3. 1999-00 New Jersey Devils

This was arguably the best Devils team in franchise history, and yet it took a coaching change with eight games left in an already-successful 103-point regular season to turn it into a champion. Lou Lamoriello flipped Robbie Ftorek for Larry Robinson, and the affable coach led the team through a wild postseason that included rallying from a 3-1 deficit to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Lindros-concussed conference finals and five overtimes in the final two games of their Stanley Cup win over the defending champion Dallas Stars.

What a lineup: They had Patrik Elias(notes), Scott Gomez(notes), Petr Sykora(notes), Jason Arnott(notes), Claude Lemieux(notes), Alex Mogilny, Bobby Holik(notes) and Randy McKay up front; Conn Smythe winner Stevens, Niedermayer, Rafalski, Ken Daneyko, Colin White(notes) and Vladimir Malakhov(notes) in front of Brodeur.

2. 2000-01 Colorado Avalanche

We said "arguably" in the last entry because some consider the 2000-01 Devils even better than the Cup champs, which makes this Avalanche team look all the more impressive in overcoming them in a seven-game final.

Thanks to the media saturation and the unfortunate presence of his retired number in Denver, everyone remembers this as the Ray Bourque Cup team, but that's shortchanging the juggernaut. It had 118 points to win its division and the President's Trophy, in a year that saw Joe Sakic(notes) win the Hart and the Pearson with a 118-point campaign.

The assemblage of talent on this roster, deftly managed by Bob Hartley, was extraordinary: Sakic, Peter Forsberg(notes) (back when he'd give you 73 games), Milan Hejduk(notes), Alex Tanguay(notes), Chris Drury(notes), Adam Deadmarsh, Bourque, Rob Blake(notes) and a slew of quality role players. Tying to all together was 35-year-old Patrick Roy, who had a 2.21 GAA in the regular season and a 1.70 with four shutouts in the playoffs.

A scary good team. Just not as scary as these guys ...

1. 2001-02 Detroit Red Wings

Unless you're one of those fans that blindly hates everything with a Winged Wheel, this one is indisputable. These Red Wings were a 116-point monster in the regular season that finished second in offense and defense; touting four 30-goal scorers in Brendan Shanahan(notes), Sergei Fedorov(notes), Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille, with Nicklas Lidstrom(notes) winning this second Norris Trophy as best defenseman. The grand master, Scotty Bowman, orchestrated it all from the bench.

As we mentioned in the opening, it's almost unfair to compare this traveling all-star team with any from the capped era. They won the Cup with a payroll around $65 million, and the roster read like one a kid with a video game would put together: Along with the five players mentioned earlier, there was Steve Yzerman, considered on the wane until he led the team in playoff scoring; Igor Larionov, Chris Chelios(notes), Tomas Holmstrom(notes) and Pavel Datsyuk(notes). Their foot soldiers were in their prime, too, like Darren McCarty(notes), Kris Draper(notes), Kirk Maltby(notes).

Back-stopping it all was 37-year-old Dominik Hasek(notes), who had a 2.17 GAA in the regular season and a 1.86 in the playoffs. How big-game was the Dominator? He had five shutouts in the regular season and six in the postseason.

The Wings teams in the 1990s that had Yzerman, Fedorov and Shanahan in their primes were a little better, but this 2001-02 Detroit team is clearly the best of the 2000s and one of the best of the last two decades. If you needed validation of that, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in about 15 years and see how many players from this roster have entered into immortality.

Mr. Smyth went to the desert and had himself a night. In front of a sparce Phoenix crowd (announce attendance: 5,855), Smyth scored twice, including the empty-net insurance marker with with :39 seconds remaining in a 5-3 Kings win. "Captain Canada" also assisted on LA's first goal and Justin Williams'(notes) game-tying goal in the third period. 

No. 2 star: Brendan Witt(notes), New York Islanders

Brendan Witt almost never scores, but tonight he doubled his pleasure popping in two second period goals in a 3-1 Islanders in over Edmonton. It had been 92 games since the Islanders blueliner had scored, dating back to January of 2008.  New York's win now gives them a 5-1-2 record in their past eight games and into seventh in the Eastern Conference.

No. 3 star: Mike Richards(notes), Philadelphia Flyers

Ending his six-game goal scoring drought, the Flyers captain netted two goals and added an assist during Philly's late-matinee rout of the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2. Richards was one of three Flyers to net three-points on the night joining Jeff Carter(notes) (2 goals, 1 assist), Scott Hartnell(notes) (1 goal, 2 assists) and James van Riemsdyk(notes) (3 assists).

Honorable mention: van Riemsdyk's three assists give him 13 points through ten games and place him atop the rookie scoring list ... Steven Stamkos'(notes) goal gives him eight in his last six games ... Rookie David Laliberte(notes) became the fifth Flyer in franchise history to score in his first two NHL games ... Dwayne Roloson(notes) made 22 saves for the Islanders improving his record to 4-0-1 in his last five starts ... Drew Doughty's(notes) third goal of the season with 4:51 remaining broke the Coyotes backs and gave Los Angeles a 4-3 lead after going down 3-1 midway through the second period ... Anze Kopitar(notes) took back the NHL's points lead with a goal and two assists ... Despite the loss, Phoenix captain potted a goal and added an assist ... Scottie Upshall(notes) scored his 50th career NHL goal.

Did you know?: The Flyers have scored first in 10 of their 12 games (AP).

Dishonorable mention: The Coyotes defense couldn't prevent the Kings comeback being outshot 12-4 in the third period and allowing three goals ... Matthew Lombardi(notes), Denis Grebeshkov(notes),  Taylor Chorney(notes), Todd Fedoruk(notes), and Vincent Lecavalier(notes) were all minus-3 ... Mike Smith(notes) allowed 5 goals on 18 shots before being chased.

Preview: Los Angeles Kings at Phoenix Coyotes, 9 p.m. EST. Second place in the Pacific Division is up for grabs between two of the League's most surprising teams. The Kings' special teams have been aces in two previous meetings (1-1) against the Yotes. Of course, none of that matters now that the NHL owns Phoenix and will fix all its games and stuff.

Preview: Edmonton Oilers at New York Islanders, 7 p.m. EST. If this were 1983, we'd watch this instead of watching the World Series. Aw, who are we kidding: We're still watching this instead of watching the World Series. The Isles are 4-1-2 in their last seven. Wonder if the Tambellini's have a friendly father/son wager.

Evening Reading

• Elliotte Friedman offers more analysis on that brutal hit on Ben Fanelli. [CBC Sports, and the hit is here.]

• From the Washington Capitals: "Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin(notes) suffered an upper-body strain in Sunday evening's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and his status is week-to-week, the team determined Monday. ... He was examined and treated by the team's medical staff and underwent an MRI exam on Monday. The two-time reigning most valuable player will travel with the Capitals this week to continue to receive medical treatment." Week-to-week is a very strange term. Is that a gentleman's way of saying "month"?

• Wolverine Lloyd Christmas Jonathan Toews(notes) is still out with a concussion. [Sun Times]

• The Chicago Blackhawks' TV ratings are bizonkers. [NHL]

• Mirtle checks in on the U.S. Olympic team's prospects. Has Craig Anderson(notes) moved ahead of Jon Quick(notes) on the goalie depth chart? [From The Rink]

• The NHL gives ye olde official statement on buying the Phoenix Coyotes. [NHL]

• Defenseman Shea Weber(notes) could miss two weeks with a foot injury for the Nashville Predators. [Preds]

• David Booth(notes) of the Florida Panthers is also making slow progress back to the rink after that Mike Richards(notes) hit. [Sun Sentinel]

• From the NHL: "Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski(notes) has been suspended for two games, without pay, for delivering a forearm blow to the head of Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan(notes) in NHL game #189, October 31, the National Hockey League announced today. The incident occurred at 7:12 of the first period. No penalty was assessed on the play. Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Wisniewski will forfeit $28,497.40.  The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund." The play in question ... Tito Santana would be proud:

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: Max Powers isn't exactly optimistic about Alex Ovechkin's career:

"He's the Dan Marino of hockey. Lotsa numbers, just not the one that counts. I could see his whole career going that way, lol."

Hey, if it means Ovie on the CBS NFL studio show, we'll take it.

Bold Prediction: Tony Gonzalez gets the five points we need to win the week in fantasy football.

"Oh yeah, and go where, Jonathan? Where are we gonna go?"

"I'll tell you where, Adam. Someplace warm. A place where the beer flows like wine. Where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I'm talking about a little place called Assssssspen."

Jonathan Toews(notes) and Adam Burish(notes) are both injured for the Chicago Blackhawks, which meant they could enjoy Halloween like average citizens do. No, not half-in-the-bag (we assume), but in costume: Toews as Lloyd and Burish as Harry from "Dumb & Dumber" (video from the Hawks here), in an image we tweeted over the weekend. The only think missing is a bulldog mated with a Shih-Tzu.

The blog No Qualified To Comment ... er, commented:

Does a couple of idiots dressing up like a couple of idiots mean that there's locker room chemistry?  I'm not sure, but at least they are having fun.

Oh, the fun didn't end there. Coming up, more Blackhawks costume hilarity, plus fans in St. Louis, Washington, New Jersey and Pittsburgh get in on the Halloween spirit. Oh, along with Los Angeles Kings ice girls. You'll want to see that.

And here ... we ... go.

From friend of Puck Daddy Sarah Spain and her still-new blog No Spain, No Gain comes this image of "Adam Burish as Dennis Rodman, Patrick Sharp(notes) as Coach Quenneville & Patrick Kane(notes) as Scottie Pippen." Thank god someone ID'd Sharp's costume; we would have pegged it as an extra from the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" video.

Also from No Spain, No Gain, this is Mr. Toews once again as Canadian comic book icon Wolverine (classic outfit ... nerd). Please note the irony that this character has incredible healing powers. Toews is posing with another mutant whose abilities seem limited to looking like the love child of Joe Dirt and Garth Algar. Party on indeed.

Halloween at The Rock in Jersey, with photos taken on Oct. 29. No one show this kid the standings.

The Devils have a huge Halloween gallery here, including lovely Jersey women and the prerequisite Sidney Crybaby costume. For shame!

This is Howler, the Phoenix Coyotes' mascot (and now Gary Bettman's pool boy after today's ruling), dressed up as a Hanson Brother for Howl-o-ween (see what we did there?). Why he's wearing Eric LaSalle's hair from "Coming To America" is anyone's guess.

This photo was taken at the St. Louis Blues' game against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 31 and ... well, it's either the best baby with grandma costume or the worst Quatto costume we've ever seen.

Yikes ... if only there was something to erase this from our minds ...

This was not it. (Via the St. Louis Blues' official Web site.)

OK, we do admit a begrudging respect for anyone who dresses up like beer pong and gets the right cheap brew as part of the costume. But if only there was something to erase this from our minds ...

Ah, yes. Thank you, St. Louis Blues. Thank you, thank you and thank you. Especially if, as we imagine, they're actually Cylons.

From Getty Images: "Pittsburgh Penguins fans pose for a photo on the concourse before the start of NHL play between the Minnesota Wild and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Mellon Arena on October 31, 2009." They gave no indication why they're made up to look like basketballs.

From Capitals Outsider's Halloween gallery  comes this Washington Capitals two-fer. Our motto in action: Dress for the beer you're drinking.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles ...

... Andrew Raycroft(notes) began inexplicably humming the tune to "Hit Me Baby One More Time."

And finally ...

.... HELLLLLLO, NURSE! </Anamaniac'd>

More Halloween fun on the Faceoff.com site, with some great photos from the past. Thanks to many a'Twitter follower that helped with this gallery, including Frozen Notes, Puck Central, BlinkFink182 and Muffy Crane.

IMG Worldwide, one of the most powerful sports and entertainment marketing agencies on the planet, believes its newest client Alex Ovechkin's(notes) celebrity has transcended the sport of hockey.

"Correct," said David Abrutyn, IMG's senior vice president and managing director of global consulting. "We believe that given the performance on the ice, and given his personality and general demeanor, that he's really broken through. There are going to be some significant opportunities from a marketing standpoint to raise his profile to that of other superstars in other sports."

So if there's a commercial with Kobe and Tiger promoting a car or an energy drink or an iPod, does Alex Ovechkin get to join them on the Mount Rushmore of sports celebrity?

"That's a great aspirational standpoint," said Abrutyn.

"We'd like to see him in more national advertising campaigns and national promotion -- from Canadian perspective because of the passion for hockey in that country; from a U.S. perspective, because of his ability to [break] through; and when you get into the global hockey markets, we'd like to see Alex marketed in the same way that other global superstars are."

To some, the news that Ovechkin has signed with IMG will be a blip on the radar, a brief note in the business section. To hockey fans, it should mean something much, much more significant: It's a premier marketing company indicating that the NHL has potentially produced its first global crossover superstar since former IMG client Wayne Gretzky.

IMG Hockey was a division of the company that used to have a presence in both marketing and player representation, including Gretzky. The hockey division is now CAA's hockey division, and Ovechkin is the first hockey client for IMG in the last three years.

"This is really about signing a major global superstar as much as it is about hockey, but clearly Alex is a hockey player, so it's a return to hockey in some respects," said Abrutyn.

Why Ovechkin? His success on the ice, insofar as records and scoring titles, has made him a star. The MVP trophies and other hardware have made him a star. His highlight-reel moments have made him star, according to IMG.

"Alex is without question the most exciting player in the game today. The frequency with which he appears not only on SportsCenter but on YouTube and other media distribution points for his spectacular goals and hits has established him," said Abrutyn.

But there are other NHL players that have won awards and posted significant stats -- Sidney Crosby(notes) and Evgeni Malkin(notes) of the Pittsburgh Penguins, forever in this conversation with Ovechkin, are the two most prominent.

The difference, at least in part to IMG? Ovechkin is a bigger goofball.

"I think the personality is a great asset that he brings to the equation from a brand-building standpoint," said Abrutyn. "You're touching on something that not only hockey fans but other people recognize as something unique about Alex -- that natural personality that he brings helps him break through that other hockey players haven't."

Who knew this was a harbinger of things to come?

From a "global superstar" perspective, Ovechkin is positioned uniquely as an athlete whose celebrity in Eastern Europe and North America is growing by the season.

"If you look at other sports ... if you look at Yao Ming and where he's from, and what other NBA players from other countries have accomplished as well as golfers and tennis players, Alex is positioned to have success in North America and in other hockey countries," said Abrutyn.

Ovechkin's current sponsorship deals are with CCM, his own apparel company, Energizer Canada and a hockey memorabilia deal. The Energizer sponsorship was through the NHL, and IMG intends to both develop deals independent from the League for Alex and to work with League sponsors for opportunities.

"Alex has an ability to do things on his, but one of the starting points is going to be 'what are the companies that are invested in hockey as a sport?' Whether that's at a team level in Washington or at a League level," said Abrutyn.

Terms of Ovechkin's IMG deal weren't disclosed, but Abrutyn said the Ovechkin camp liked "the fact that some IMG clients like Tiger and Arnold Palmer have been with us a long time." (So when Ovechkin hits the hockey senior tour ...)

How big can Ovechkin's celebrity grow globally? Put it this way: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter ... these athletes are icons, but have done something Ovechkin has not yet accomplished.

"Everyone knows his one remaining goal, at least as it relates to an NHL perspective, is to bring the Stanley Cup to Washington," said Abrutyn.

"That would create even more opportunities for him."

So now Ovechkin isn't just pushing to make the Washington Capitals Stanley Cup champions for the first time; he's trying to go from local Hair Cuttery spokesman to being inside a Happy Meal in China.

No pressure.

• Our End of Decade series begins on Tuesday. You've been warned.

• After nearly six months of court battles, PR nightmares and angry Canadian fans, the NHL officially purchased the Phoenix Coyotes for discounted rate of $140 million after the court signed off on the deal. Now comes the fun part: Finding an owner willing to keep a team drawing fewer people than "Amelia" in Glendale. [The Arizona Republic]

• Rick Tocchet sends a message to Vinny Lecavalier, dropping him to a line with Drew Miller(notes) and Stephane Veilleux(notes) against the Philadelphia Flyers today, and saying that the star's defensive game and hustle have fallen as his offense has. Can you remember the last time a star of that magnitude was dropped to a what's basically a checking line? [Lightning Strikes, stick tap to The Skating Penguin.]

• As Sean Avery(notes) prepares to return to Calgary for the first time since the "sloppy seconds" affair, Sun Media columnist Eric Francis wants an apology from the New York Rangers winger: "If the classless New York Rangers mouthpiece has a shred of decency in him, he'll publicly apologize to Dion Phaneuf(notes) and girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert for his stunningly offside comments of a year ago." [Sun Media]

• The update on Alex Ovechkin's(notes) injury: He arrived at the Washington Capitals practice facility on an off day, presumably for treatment on his day-to-day "upper body" issue. [Capitals Insider]

• Guess who's back? Back again? Foppa's back. Tell a friend (that the Flyers are scouting him). [TFP]

• Fantastic take by Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News on Michael Liambas' hit on Ben Fanelli that left the Kitchener Rangers defenseman in critical condition with skull and facial fractures. Writes Kennedy: "No matter what any of our thoughts are on head shots, fighting in hockey, hard plastic elbow pads, etc., the only person who can truly do anything to prevent an injury in this case is Liambas." [THN]

• Second City Hockey takes a critical look at the first month of the Chicago Blackhawks. Pearl of wisdom: "Tomas Kopecky doesn't do anything.  I mean at all." [SCH]

• Gunaxin's "20 Hockey Teams w/ Bizarre Names" is recommended. The Thetford Mines Isothermic? For realz? [Gunaxin]

• The Ottawa Sun: "No sign of Jason Spezza(notes) on the ice today at the Bell Sensplex. No timetablee (sic) for his return." [Sun]

• Jay Feaster takes a gander at the state of Team Canada one month into the season, and wonders if dark horses Brad Richards(notes) and Dustin Penner(notes) have a shot. [THN]

• How did Markus Naslund(notes) end up with No. 19? "It was given to me. I had no choice." Oh. [The Puck Report]

• Patrik Elias(notes) is back and practicing with the New Jersey Devils, and could be back this weekend. The Devils with two scoring lines teams have to worry about? What a concept. [In Lou We Trust]

• Erik Johnson(notes) and Alex Pietrangelo(notes), the St. Louis Blues' struggles are not your fault, sirs. [Post Dispatch]

Via Patrick Hoffman, is the schedule to blame for the glut of hockey injuries? [KK]

• Move over Craig "Leering at Ice Girls" Anderson: Jonathan Quick picks a perfect time for a stretch. [H/T Jason H.]

• Jonathan Willis takes on the latest NHLPA "body count." Ron Pink, who finished ahead of us on the Hockey News list of power and influence, is out on the advisory board. No. 99, here we come! [Hockey or Die]

• BD Gallof also has a great NHLPA take, Coen Bros. style. [Hockey Independent]

• Your 3 Stars for the month of October in the NHL: No. 1 Craig Anderson(notes) of the Colorado Avalanche; No. 2 Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals; No. 3 Ilya Bryzgalov(notes) of the Phoenix Coyotes. Look, Anderson has been a game-changer for Colorado and Bryzgalov has been great for what is a great story. But Ryan Miller(notes) is 8-1-1 with a 1.86 GAA and a .936 GAA. Maybe the field was just too crowded. [NHL]

• The NHL 3 Stars for last week: Tomas Kaberle(notes) of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pekka Rinne(notes) of the Nashville Predators and Evgeni Nabokov(notes) of the San Jose Sharks. [NHL]

• The resurgence of Pavel Datsyuk(notes) is a welcome development for the Puck Daddy fantasy team. [Snapshots]

• Could the underachieving Carolina Hurricanes trade the underachieving Chad LaRose(notes) to one of the Western Conference teams scouting him?  [Canes Country]

• Finally, in honor of "This Is It," it's a goalie and the "Thriller" dance. You've not lived to you've seen a moonwalk on ice in full pads. [H/T Curl]

From the Globe & Mail:

The high-scoring forward, acquired by general manager Brian Burke from the Boston Bruins before the start of the 2009-10 NHL regular season, practised this morning on a line with Matt Stajan(notes) and Jason Blake(notes). Kessel, who has been recovering from shoulder surgery, will be in the Toronto lineup when the 30th-place Leafs host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night at the Air Canada Centre.

Down Goes Brown has already christened the line "Two Cancers and a Prancer," and with that all further jokes about it are pointless.

Kessel's debut with the Leafs comes at an emotionally fragile time for Coach Ron Wilson, who showed over the weekend that he's about had it with having to talk about what's been an unknown quantity for the team since the preseason. From Sportsnet:

The losing and the Phil Kessel speculation is clearly grating on Wilson.

"Phil hasn't played in six months," Wilson said after Saturday night's loss in Montreal, when innocently asked a legitimate question about Kessel's status. "I know everybody is going to think he's going to score six goals on the first night. I don't expect that, if he does play on Tuesday. We've just got to remember that he hasn't played in six months. He hasn't even had an exhibition game or anything under his belt, so we'll be very patient when he does play."

See, what Wilson did there is called "tempering expectations," which is something his general manager and the Toronto media did not do after the Leafs' success in fake games during September. Perhaps he knows even a rusty Kessel (that sounded dirty) makes this offense better than 23rd in the NHL (2.45 goals per game on average).

Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star is correct when he writes that "Kessel is the kind of game-breaking forward the team has lacked since Mats Sundin(notes) left." Yet he's probably also correct in writing that, "Shoulders aren't like cats. They only get two lives." Although admittedly we've never really given much thought to the whole feline/rotator cuff comparison.

Under normal circumstances, yesterday's 5-1 defeat to the San Jose Sharks would have been an understandable loss to a good hockey team, no matter how badly the Carolina Hurricanes looked at times.

But going from an Eastern Conference finalist to a team one Toronto Maple Leafs win away from being last in the NHL after one month of action is anything but normal. It's damn peculiar, in fact; especially when everyone from local media to Coach Paul Maurice to the players themselves are at a complete loss for a proper diagnosis:

Wasn't this a team touted in preseason as deep and talented enough to make a Stanley Cup run? Carolina (2-8-3) stands 14th in the NHL's Eastern Conference and has the fewest points (seven) after 13 games of any team in the franchise's NHL history.

"It's not any one consistent thing through the bunch of games," Maurice said. "It's a different fire each day."

In the nine-game losing streak, the Canes have lost in a shootout and in overtime. They have been outscored 38-17, with the disturbing tendency to allow one goal, then quickly give up another. "Sometimes, it would be easy if you could say it's just this thing or that thing, and then fix it," Brind'Amour, the team captain, said. "The frustrating thing about the streak is we've had games where we've outplayed the opponent and played well."

So what ails the Canes, and is there any fixing them?

Some of the issues this season:

The Hangover: No, not the cool parts where the guys are having the time of their lives in Vegas. The Hurricanes are like that other part of the movie, where a naked Ken Jeong leaps out of the trunk of the car and onto Bradley Cooper's face.

Seriously, though: We're talking about a team that exceeded expectations last season, received more than a few pundits' predictions for Stanley Cup contention in the preseason, and then saw this thing snowball into a disaster out of the gate. Fighting their own issues along with the weight of those expectations must be exhausting.

But beyond that is a reality check: Some Hurricanes played simply played some of the best hockey of their career last season, and haven't come close to that level this season. And yes, we're looking at you, Chad LaRose(notes).

The Goaltending: It's easy to forget that Cam Ward's(notes) outstanding season in 2008-09 (39 wins, 2.44 GAA) came thanks to the defensive tweaks Maurice made after he was hired during the season. The Hurricanes were better in front of Ward, the goalie gained confidence and was lights-out for the duration of the season and into the postseason.

Now? His confidence is shot and his stats have ballooned (3.07 GAA, .900 save percentage). He's playing in back of a defense that has more minuses than a thermometer at the Russian Vostok Station, and it's clear that Maurice believes commitment to defense is an issue:

"I just thought our close-quarter fight wasn't good enough," Maurice said. "It's not with this group of men, and it's not a matter of them not wanting to be in it. They just position themselves physically, and mentally, with the idea 'I'm going to strip this puck and go the other way and break this thing open, and then I can feel good about myself.'

"We have to respect the other team more. There are times when the best you can do for your hockey club is put somebody on their butt, and we have to be prepared to do that."

Yes, there need to be more bodies on butts. This is clear.

Eric Staal(notes): Missing Erik Cole(notes) for 10 games no doubt affected Staal, who is off to just a putrid start (3 goals, 2 assists in 13 games). But after he left the Sharks game with an upper body injury, more than a few observers have wondered if Staal isn't battling through some other ailments that are hindering his play. As he goes, so go the Canes as currently constructed; and a star player with a .056 shooting percentage is one hurting his team.

The Coaching: Is Maurice to blame? The Mo magic from last season's run is invisible this season, as the team looks disorganized and ineffective. How much of that falls on the coach? Example: As Bob from Canes Country noted yesterday, Aaron Ward(notes) and Joni Pitkanen(notes) failed on an elementary breakout pass from behind the net.

When the problems are that fundamental between two teammates, what can Maurice do to break that cycle? Besides take an aluminum bat and smash their car windows to get their attention?

The Management: OK, maybe Jim Rutherford's pimp hand -- strong as it is -- should have reached into the free agent pool for some upgrades, especially on the blue line. The return of Aaron Ward via trade (minus-8) has been a bust. The Hurricanes' team speed as always been an asset in the past, but this team has looked plodding at times. Is that a lack of motivation or a GM that's sacrificed speed for the continued presence of several veteran players?

The Special Teams: The penalty kill (81.4) is around the same level of effectiveness (80.4 last year). The power play (15.3 percent conversion rate) has taken a tumble from last season (18.7). It's the man advantage that's hurting them; consider that in the losses of 2 or fewer goal margins, the Hurricanes are 3-for-23 on the power play. (That's including an 0-for-8 against the Flyers.) When they need a PPG in a big spot, they aren't getting one.

The Fragile Psyche: Like Chip Alexander of the News & Observer pointed out in the excerpt near the start of the article, this is a team with a fractured psyche that goes from bad to worse in 5 minutes flat. Their problems are mountainous, and they have no idea how to scale them.

Are there solutions? Would kicking Paul Maurice upstairs in favor of Ron Francis kick start the team? Would trading Ray Whitney(notes) spark a rally?

Would shelving Staal for a period of time inspired the rest of the supporting cast to figure out their issues without their star on the ice? Because he's due to miss some time with the injury, snapping his consecutive games streak at 349 consecutive regular-season games.

The real problem: Time is running out. The rest of the conference is gaining points while Carolina plummets, and there's more than just a chance at the Cup on the line for this franchise, as Triangle Business Journal reports:

Unfortunately for Carolina, neither its prices nor the prior season's performance have translated into an attendance boost so far in the 2009-10 campaign. As of Oct. 25, Carolina had played four home games that drew an average of 15,629 fans - or 84 percent of capacity, according to data compiled by SportsBusiness Journal.

As of the same date a year ago, the team had played two home games that drew an average of 18,680. Carolina's average attendance in its 41 regular season home games a year ago was 16,572.

"They've seen things fall off somewhat considerably," says Tripp Mickle, a reporter who covers the NHL for SportsBusiness Journal, which is a sister publication of Triangle Business Journal.

That's bad news for a team that needs to generate a lot of revenue to offset the $51 million it will spend on player payroll this year - a $2 million boost from last season and the highest amount in the franchise's history.

As if this team needed another reason to panic.

 

Hello, this is a feature that will run through the entire season and aims to recap the weekend's events and boils those events down to one admittedly superficial fact or stupid opinion about each team. Feel free to complain about it.

I woke up on Sunday morning (we'll call it morning anyway, it was pretty close to noon) and started going through the inter-nettery I'd slept through. Most of my regular sites were quiet, it being Sunday morning and all. Same with Twitter.

Then I stumbled across this tweet by USA Today's Kevin Allen: "This morning I count 110 NHL regulars injured or ill and there are more I don't know about. That's roughly 18% of NHL players sidelined."

Eighteen percent? I knew my fantasy teams had taken a beating over the last week or two but the scope of that is just crazy. One out of just about every five players is so hurt or sick that they can't play. Let that sink in. Your favorite NHL team probably has four guys missing games right now.

And the names on these guys, too: Evgeni Malkin(notes). Ilya Kovalchuk(notes). Marian Hossa(notes). Marc Savard(notes). Jonathan Toews(notes). Valtteri Filppula(notes). Jason Spezza(notes). Dany Briere. Simon Gagne(notes). Sergei Gonchar(notes). TJ Oshie(notes). Andy McDonald(notes). Phil Kessel(notes). Johan Franzen(notes). David Booth(notes). Andrei Markov(notes). Daniel Sedin(notes). Patrik Elias(notes). Roberto Luongo(notes). Marian Gaborik(notes) just came back from injury for Sunday's game. Mike Green(notes) was questionable. And then Alex Ovechkin(notes) went and got himself hurt against Columbus.

Those, by the way, were off the top of my head, and that doesn't count guys who have, had, or will get the freaking swine flu. So what gives?

(Coming Up: Sidney Crosby(notes), hockey goon, pummels another foe; Sabres souring on Myers; Brad May's(notes) bench injury; mocking Habs fans; praising Pavelec; the mess that is Carolina; and when bloggers admit their teams' vulnerabilities.)

Well lucky me, I found my answer nice and quick when, in the course of my preparation for this column over a nice cup of tea, I was provided an answer by Bryan Murray who, for once, seemed like he was actually on the ball for, like, half a second.

His theory that this is all predicated on the incredible speed of the game is probably true. They had a feature on Hockey Night in Canada's After Hours (or maybe one of the intermission breaks, I'm not sure) showing a number of guys crashing headlong into the end-boards over the last two days. They were all going at phenomenal rates of speed when they lost their footing. The footage was legitimately scary.

"It's the game," Murray said Friday, when asked about why so many top NHL players have been hit by injuries early this season. "Without the red line (allowing two-line passes), with the stretch passes, it's a faster pace. Some guys are getting blindsided, guys are looking back for passes and other guys are coming at them from the side. We've built so much speed into the game, but as a result, there's now more contact at different spots on the ice."

Yes, Bryan Murray is, in a roundabout way, advocating for the game to be slowed down, even going so far as to mention the stupidest rule in NHL history: the two-line pass (no relation). His hypothesis was intriguing, his solution, as usual, was idiotic.

The problem is that there's nothing the League can do to cut down on player injuries that wouldn't slow the game down and make it quote-unquote "less exciting." And the League, being so phobic of doing anything that might alienate the casual sports fan (the hardcore fan not so much), wouldn't do anything like that, right?

With all those superstars out now, it is at least in an interesting situation: Somehow slow the game down -- and I'm not making any proposals on how to do that -- to make things slightly safer, or keep it the way it is and endanger players' health and careers. As Dany Alfredsson says in that article, the game is only going to get faster over the next few years. Close to 20 percent of the league is hurt already, and again, a lot of those players are legitimate superstars.

The fact is the league has painted itself into a corner. Can't slow the game down, can't keep guys safe. The answer here is that there is no answer.

Kinda sad, isn't it?

What We Learned

Anaheim Ducks: Anaheim Calling said early Saturday that the Ducks' success is predicated upon the play of its bottom six, with almost all their most important points over the last few games coming from the third and fourth lines. That night the Ducks lost in OT to Phoenix with only Corey Perry(notes) and Teemu Selanne(notes) getting goals. Coincidence?! ... Probably, yeah.

Atlanta Thrashers: The Thrashers did a pretty cool thing last week, inviting a number of bloggers to come talk to some team representatives like Chris Thorburn(notes), Coach John Anderson, GM Don Waddell and a pair of broadcasters. The most shocking revelation is that John Anderson isn't necessarily against Ilya Kovalchuk taking four-minute shifts.

Boston Bruins: One big reason the Bruins barely escaped October above .500 (a loss to the Oilers on Saturday would've left them 5-6-1) was that Zdeno Chara(notes) actually had an impressive game for probably the first time this season.

Buffalo Sabres: The honeymoon is over for Tyler Myers(notes) and Sabre fans, who were literally begging the team to keep him up for the remainder of the season like a week and a half ago. "He has made some suspect plays the past two nights and he single handily gave away the Islanders first goal. He hung is goalie Ryan Miller(notes) out to dry and put the Sabres behind the eight ball," says Die by the Blade. When you lose 5-0 to the Islanders, it's usually the 19-year-old's fault.

Calgary Flames: The Flames had maybe the most drawn-out homestand of the entire season and did more or less nothing with it. They went 3-2-0, with losses in two straight, and now have to play 10 of 14 in November away from home. Not the way to set a tone.

Carolina Hurricanes: Michael Leighton(notes) missed practice Friday because his wife gave birth to their daughter that morning. Fair enough. So why did Paul Maurice give him a start the next day on the road, against a very good team in Philly? Who knows, but Maurice sticks by his decision for some insane reason. Leighton gave up a six-spot on just 28 shots. The ‘Canes are still winless on the road, and losers of nine straight.

Chicago Blackhawks: A reasoned statement from a blog that a player from the team the blogger supports should be suspended for his borderline-legal hit? I've gotta get Ripley's on the phone. Kudos to Jim Neveau here.

Colorado Avalanche: More reasonable posting comes from Jibblescribbits, who says that yeah, the Avs really have been incredibly lucky to this point.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Nikita Filatov(notes) left practice with a bruised back on Saturday and didn't play yesterday against the Penguins, though Ken Hitchcock said he probably wouldn't have even if he was healthy.

Dallas Stars: Looking for someone to blame for the Stars' 4-2 loss to the Predators on Halloween? How ‘bout Mike Ribeiro(notes). Didn't do anything constructive and, in one instance, did something outwardly terrible. The Stars had a 5-on-3 power play and Jerred Smithson(notes) broke his stick, and Ribeiro just couldn't do anything with all the extra space. Said Marc Crawford: "That was probably the turning point of the game. Mike Ribeiro had probably three or four chances to make the play, and he didn't make them." Not good.

Detroit Red Wings: Brad May got hit in the eye with a teammates' stick while sitting on the bench Saturday and remained in Calgary for observation because the eye filled with blood. Now they're going to make him wear a visor. Don Cherry and I say, "WHAT A WIMP!"

Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers' shutout to Boston on Saturday makes that nine periods in a row without a goal. Good work, guys!

Florida Panthers: It's been a long road for Victor Oreskovich(notes). After two years of junior A hockey before two years of college and then two years of major junior, he quit the sport for two years because he was understandably burnt out. Then he went to a tryout this summer with the Panthers (for Pete DeBoer, his coach in Kitchener), caught on with their AHL team and earned a call-up on Saturday.

Los Angeles Kings: Justin Williams(notes) will be back tonight on the top line alongside Anze Kopitar(notes) and Ryan Smyth(notes). Meanwhile Randy Jones(notes) won't be added to the lineup for awhile.

Minnesota Wild: How you know Marek Zidlicky(notes) had a night he'd like to forget? He got his lunch handed to him by Sid Crosby.

Any time you come away from a fight with Crosby knowing you bit off more than you could chew, you probably should not be allowed to fight any more.

Montreal Canadiens: Q: Will I ever, ever get sick of this?

A: No, I will not.

Nashville Predators: I don't know if it's a good thing that the guy leading your team in hits is 5-foot-8.

New Jersey Devils: Congratulations, I guess, to Jacques Lemaire, who threw David Clarkson(notes) out there in the fourth round of a shootout and actually saw what looked to be an odd plan work out.

New York Islanders: Granted, the Isles have taken three straight, with two good wins against the Rangers and Capitals before destroying Buffalo, 5-0, behind a Jeff Tambellini(notes) hat trick; but it might be a bit early to start comparing them to Godzilla since they're still last in the division.

New York Rangers: Yesterday's 1-0 result was the fifth game between the Bruins and Rangers to end with that scoreline out of the last nine. You get the feeling that the whole "Marian Gaborik provides all the offense while Henrik Lundqvist(notes) stands on his head" thing is going to be a recurring theme on Broadway this year.

Ottawa Senators: It's not often you see someone praising a team for scoring once, and losing, while putting 51 shots on net. And yet here we are. True fact: If you put 35 shots on net and score once, you ran into a hot goalie. If you put 51 shots on net and score once, your offense isn't working.

Philadelphia Flyers: I love articles in which the headline tells you everything you ever wanted to know about the subject.

Phoenix Coyotes: Paola Boivin argues that because of who Wayne Gretzky is, he should be able to come out of this whole Phoenix fiasco just as deified as he was when he entered into it. Yeah, that makes sense.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Another Green Man sighting.

San Jose Sharks: Goalscorers for the Sharks in their 5-1 win over Carolina: Patrick Marleau(notes), Marc-Edouard Vlasic(notes), Kent Huskins(notes), Brad Staubitz(notes) and Douglas Murray(notes). A real murderer's row of Rocket Richard candidates there.

St. Louis Blues: Andy Murray came up another reason for the Blues' possible underachievement: shift length. "When our shifts are long, that's not our identity," Murray said. What does that even mean (apart from a 4-0 loss to Florida)?

Tampa Bay Lightning: Vinny Lecavalier was on the receiving end of a serious message-sending by Rick Tocchet yesterday. Demoted to a line with Drew Miller(notes) and Stephane Veilleux(notes)? Yikes.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Vesa Toskala's(notes) career with the Maple Leafs summed up in one shootout attempt --

Even I could have looked that bad.

Vancouver Canucks: In "really surprising news" news, Daniel Sedin will not meet his own very ambitious timetable for return from a broken ankle. But hey, the cast is off and he doesn't have to scratch his foot with a fork any more.

Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin is day-to-day with what the Caps are calling an "upper-body injury" but is more likely a "left shoulder injury." More troubling is that he wasn't even trying to lift a bottle of Gatorade to his mouth with the left arm.

Play of the Weekend

There wasn't really a sparkling individual effort on one play in particular this weekend, so what the hell, here's Steve Reinprecht's natural hat trick in the first period on Friday night.

Gold Star Award

Ondrej Pavelec(notes) made 50 saves in one game. That'll do it.

Minus of the Weekend

Paul Maurice's Carolina Hurricanes are officially the worst team in the NHL that isn't the Maple Leafs. And at least the Leafs have looked like they were getting it together over the last week or so. The 'Canes haven't won since Oct. 9 and have given up 28 goals in the last six games, including 11 in back-to-backs this weekend, and Maurice has no answers whatsoever.

Perfect HFBoards trade proposal of the week

User "Lindy4Prez" would like to get rid of Derek Roy(notes). Why? "He doesn't fit in Lindy's new system but is still scoring at nearly a PPG clip." This is sound reasoning. So he made these TWO proposals in just over an hour here and here.

To NJD: Derek Roy

TO BUF: Travis Zajac(notes)

And...

To NYR: Roy(4.0), Sekera(1.0)

To BUF: Dubinksy(1.85), Girardi(1.55)

These are both great.

Signoff

There's only one man I've ever called a coward, and that's Brian Doyle Murray.

Ryan Lambert publishes hockey awesomeness pretty much every day over at The Two-Line Pass. Check it out, why don't you? Or you can e-mail him here and follow him on Twitter if you so desire.

No. 1 Star: Henrik Lundqvist(notes), New York Rangers

King Henrik earned his 150th NHL victory and 21st career shutout in the Rangers' 1-0 victory over the Boston Bruins, stopping 29 shots. He turned aside 14 shots in the third period, including solid work during a four-minute penalty kill for the Rangers.

No. 2 star: Raffi Torres(notes), Columbus Blue Jackets

There were a few heroes for the Jackets in their wild 5-4 OT win at the Washington Capitals, but it was Torres's two third-period goals that earned Columbus the regulation tie. His wraparound at 13:36 beat a stick-less Jose Theodore(notes) (27 saves); after Quintin Laing's(notes) goal gave the Caps the lead again, Torres tapped in a Derick Brassard(notes) feed at 19:37 with Steve Mason(notes) (32 saves) pulled. Oh, and he may have inadvertently knocked Alex Ovechkin(notes) out of the game with an upper body injury, too.

No. 3 star: Mason Raymond(notes), Vancouver Canucks

Getting the first goal against the Colorado Avalanche and Craig Anderson(notes) was important for Vancouver, and Raymond provided it with a rebound tally in the first. In the second, he started the play that led to Ryan Kesler's(notes) fifth of the season. Vancouver won, 3-0, sending Colorado to their first consecutive regulation loses this season.

Honorable mention: The San Jose Sharks prolonged the Carolina Hurricanes' misery, winning 5-1 on five consecutive goals after Brandon Sutter(notes) opened the scoring. Kent Huskins(notes), Brad Staubitz(notes), Douglas Murray(notes), Marc-Edouard Vlasic(notes) and Patrick Marleau(notes) had the tallies. Evgeni Nabokov(notes) had 25 saves. ... Andrew Raycroft(notes) played behind a stout Vancouver defense and was helped by a couple of posts, but earned his first shutout since 2007 with 18 saves. ... Marian Gaborik(notes) scored his 11th for the Rangers' lone goal, returning from injury. ... Nicklas Backstrom(notes) scored for the Capitals on a sick passing play. Teammate Brooks Laich(notes) stepped up with a pair of goals after Ovechkin's injury. ... R.J. Umberger(notes) had two goals, including the OT winner for Columbus.

Did you know?: The Rangers are now 9-3-1 when Gaborik plays, and 6-2-1 when he scores a goal.

Dishonorable mention: "We're all taken aback," said Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice after his team dropped to 2-8-3 on the season. No kidding. ... Boston was 0-for-5 on the power play, and hasn't scored with the man advantage since Oct. 22. ... Finally, Mike Green's(notes) detractors are going to be replaying this Rick Nash(notes) undressing on a continuous loop.

(Monday Update: The Capitals said late Monday afternoon that Ovechkin was "examined and treated by the team’s medical staff and underwent an MRI exam," and is currently listed as "week-to-week.")

In the second period of the Washington Capitals 5-4 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Alex Ovechkin(notes) fell to the ice awkwardly after getting twisted up with Raffi Torres(notes). He got up, favoring his left side, and immediately skated to the Capitals bench before heading to the locker room.

The Capitals are calling it an "upper body" injury, and at one point during the game GM George McPhee was saying Ovechkin could return. But he missed most of the second period and all of the third, remaining in the trainer's room. He's officially "day-to-day"; the team has an off day on Monday so the next bit of news should come on Tuesday morning.

Abram Fox of DC Sports Box reported that "Ovechkin was dressed in a suit, not showing any signs of a sling" and wasn't in pain. He also had a transcript of Ovechkin's presser on District Puckhouse, beginning with a reference to a dust-up with Jason Chimera(notes) and Jared Boll(notes) that earned all three minors for roughing:

Q. What happened there along the boards? It seemed to me that Chimera was angry from the hit in the first period and he kind of bumped you.
AO: Yeah, it was just a moment in the game, so nothing happened, he hit me and I hit him. It was a battle there, but nothing happened.
Q. Did someone grab you? How did you get hurt?
AO: I can't tell you how I get hurt. But it's day-to-day, but you know just in case I can go back on the ice.
Q. So you don't think it's very serious?
AO: I don't know.
Q. What is it?
AO: [laughing] You think I'm going to tell you?

Capitals Outsider posted video of Ovie's postgame session with the press:

The scuttlebutt from those at the game is left shoulder, but nothing's official yet. Keep in mind that Ovechkin's missed a grand total of four games in his four previous NHL seasons.

Today is the 50th anniversary of Jacques Plante strapping on a goalie mask in a game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, which is remembered by Stan Fischler in a Hockey News piece.

The commemoration has given us some really inspired looks at goalie masks, from Stu Hackel's in-depth piece on Plante for the New York Times to Elliotte Friedman's Inside Hockey report about mask painting on "Hockey Night in Canada" to TSN's amusing fan vote on the best mask in the NHL today.

It's worthy celebration, because the goalie mask is fascinating aspect of hockey culture that has -- like hat-tricks and slap-shots -- seeped into different genres of popular culture.

But that doesn't even begin to mine the depths of the goalie mask's peculiar juxtaposition with the sport from which it was born. Its existence is a fascinating contrast with the established doctrines and perceptions of professional hockey, and flies in the face of those of professional sports as well.

From the moment Plante donned one to protect his injured mug -- check out more about Plante on The Copper & Blue -- the goalie mask has been an essential piece of safety equipment in hockey. Seeing a goaltender wear one is to be reminded instantly that rubber pucks flying at speeds in excess of 100 mph are tiny black agents of maiming.

But masks don't look like shoulder pads or shin guards or anything other piece of equipment that serves to protect. Over the years, they've become personalized statements of artistry.

They reveal something psychologically about the man behind the mask, whether it's Vesa Toskala's(notes) desire to be ferocious or Martin Brodeur's(notes) conservative understatement or Ray Emery's(notes) love of pugilism. In the case of Chris Osgood(notes) of the Detroit Red Wings, his no-frills mask reflects his flash-less, blue collar approach.

Like a tattoo or a sticker on a car, they tell us everything from a players' attitude to his pop culture preferences: Kari Lehtonen's(notes) Heath Ledger-as-the-Joker, Patrick Lalime's(notes) Marvin the Martian and Steve Valiquette's Spider-Man tributes immediately come to mind.

(Again, for these masks in all their glory, head to TSN. And check out The Goalies Archive for more.)

This evolution is absolutely stunning in the context of "team first," "it's the logo on the front not the name on the back" hockey culture. Players who appear to self-promote are frequently lambasted by the establishment as "putting themselves before the team," and yet Jason LaBarbara will probably be known as the guy with Eddie Vedder, Metallica and the Ultimate Warrior on his mask by as many people who know him as the Phoenix Coyotes' backup goalie with nary a criticism.

(From In Goal Magazine.) 

The goalie mask is also something unique to hockey. The NFL would disband a franchise that allowed its quarterback that level of personalization on his helmet. MLB catchers aren't exactly putting a pirate maiden on their masks like Mike Smith(notes) has for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The NBA comes closest to personalization, with headbands and sneakers and high socks; but the tattoos basically take care of that aspect of the game (if the dunk celebrations don't).

There's no other piece of athletic equipment that so perfectly captures the distinctive aspects of its sport: The need for protection against the brutality of the game; its inherent artistry amidst that brutality; and the struggle between individuality and the anonymity of competing in what is a true team sport.

But beyond the sociological aspects of the mask is an widely accepted truth:

They're just bitchin' cool.

That's why they've become symbolic and iconic in pop culture, from Casey Jones from "TMNT" to machete-wielding monsters to every hockey movie ever made.

Spots Illustrated pointed out the Hollywood-zation of the mask in a visual tribute to hockey "frights" -- the Thunder City Bombers goalie from "Youngblood"; Denis Lemieux "Slap Shot"; this incredible mask worn by Jeff Anderson's in Kevin Smith's "Zack and Miri Make a Porno"; and, of course, Jason Voorhees "Friday the 13th."

People forget that Jason started out as a homicidal maniac wearing a sack over his head, sort of like the Scarecrow from Batman. He upgraded to goalie gear and ... well, let's just say that "Friday The 13th burlap sack" isn't one of the best-selling Halloween costumes of the last three decades.

Put on a goalie mask, and you're going to get attention. Which is one of the reasons why their future in the NHL is intriguing, because they're basically billboards for the players who wear them ... so why not for the advertisers that support the League?

We've already heard that goalies want in on the commercialization of hockey gear, feeling their equipment lends itself to NASCAR-style (OK, Euro hockey-style) logos and slogans.

If the sweater remains off-limits for sponsorship, what about the lid? We've already seen the Tampa Bay Lightning turn their goalie masks into movie posters, right?

If the 'tenders are serious about increasing their revenue streams, this could be an interesting compromise and/or battle with the NHL on the horizon.

But that's down the line. For now, let's celebrate the singular joys of the modern hockey mask. What's your favorite one in current circulation? And will we ever seen anything that comes close to the awesomeness that was Gilles Gratton's?

(Ed. Note: Our series "5 Reasons I Love Hockey" features puckheads from all walks of life revealing five things that either made them a fan or that keep them watching hockey. It will run every weekend. Have a suggestion for a "5 Reasons" guest blogger? Hit us on email. Enjoy!)

Remember back in 2006, when the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers played an exhibition game in San Juan, Puerto Rico? Philip Painter sure does.

Painter is the director of the Puerto Rican Ice Hockey Federation, which was 2 years old when the NHL came to the island. He said the program, in its sixth year, is presently on "double-secret probation" -- not being allowed to practice at their local rink, as the revolving door of management has decided that "reggaeton on ice is the future of the vacant building," according to Painter.

NHL.com had an insightful look at the PRIHF and its plight last year, along with other Latin American ice hockey programs. The IIHF had a more focused piece on PR hockey.

Painter's an interesting fellow. He was also a pioneer in bringing surfing to Labrador in Canada, and said his "bio-pic" called "Surfing in Newfoundland" goes into production next spring with Morag. He's also working on a book about the tribulations of the Puerto Rican hockey movement. Oh, and Painter said he's "a descendant of HHOF inductee RJ 'Hooley' Smith, often cited as the first power forward in NHL history, whose violent side and physical play outshone his Gold Medal and two Stanley Cups." And what a Maroon.

Here are Cinco ... er, Five Reasons Why Philip Painter Loves Hockey, even when challenged by tropical climates and political roadblocks.

1. Gump Worsely

Aside from not wearing the mask and having one of the greatest nicknames of all time, his book "They Call Me Gump" is a Classic that should be mandatory reading. Anyone who builds a replica of his favorite bar in his cellar in Minnesota so he wouldn't feel homesick for Montreal is a testament to a bygone era.

No other sport can boast a star of that level of integrity, and sports bios all pale in comparison.

2. Family

Not just my family (my cousin runs a great program in Los Alamos, New Mexico --LAHA.com) but the extended family of organizers and players around the world. the dedication and passion of these guys from places as far flung as Argentina, The Phillipines, Costa Rica, Naairobi and the United Arab Emirates showcase everything that is RIGHT with this sport we love -- their enthusiasm is contagious and we support each other entirely. (A big shout-out to writer Dave Bidini, whose book "Tropic of Hockey" sheds a light on fledgling programs around the world.)

3. Charles Schultz

Knowing that the greatest comic strip writer of all time had a burning passion for the sport that transcended everything that the swinging '70s was all about -- in the midst of expansion, free agency and all the topics of a bygone era. His Snoopy alter ego, Joe Cool, was Derek Sanderson, Gary Unger and Arthur Fonzarelli rolled into one.

The legendary frozen bird feeder games with Woodstock were the stuff of legend. And the world needs another voice that carried the passion that only a love of the game can bring.

4. Not Being As Hip As 'Gary The B' Wants Us To Be

As MTV is flooded with rappers wearing throwback NBA duds and the sixty variations of the Yankees' lid, we quietly plod along thanking Don Cherry that we'll never see a Nashville Predators Jersey on some gun-toting, gold-toothed ding-a-ling, extolling the virtues of 28-inch rims on the Benzo.

Yet, if you saw a stranger at an airport wearing a Winnipeg Jets cap, you could be sure that a worthwhile conversation would ensue and more importantly you would probably even have time for a ...

5. BEER

The Elixer of our existence. No other libation says hockey like a couple 'o cold ones --whether you're watching TV at home, sitting in a small rink in the middle of nowhere watching a men's league game or even having one on the bench. It doesn't matter who you root for or follow; if you're having a few with a likeminded denizen, whether you're in Manitoba-Finland-Moscow or here in sunny Puerto Rico, you know you've got a worthy mate.

And on that note, that is why I love this game and why it (and the Beer) will course through my veins forever. Thanks to all -- drop a line to Hockeypuertorico.com, and tip back a cold one for me.

(Ed. Note: In the spirit of full disclosure, Painter sent us a Puerto Rico hockey sweater along with materials about his organization before publication of this piece. He did not send the referee from the lead image, much to our chagrin.)

If Kari Lehtonen(notes) thought his gig as Atlanta's No. 1 goaltender was safe, he better start worrying. Pavelec had the game of his life making 50 saves in a 3-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. A handful of his 50 stops were showcased in this wild flurry near the end of s 3rd period that saw the Senators outshoot the Thrashers 25-3:

No. 2 star: Tomas Vokoun(notes), Florida Panthers

Vokoun opened the season with a victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in Helsinki and lost his next eight starts until tonight. His 34 saves and shutout led the way in a 4-0 Panthers win over the St. Louis Blues. It was only the second time this season that Vokoun has allowed two goals or less in a game.

No. 3 star: Jeff Tambellini(notes), New York Islanders

Posting his first career hat-trick, Tambellini helped the Isles rout Buffalo and chase Ryan Miller(notes) in a 5-0 win at Nassau Coliseum. New York has now won three in a row and reached the .500 mark after opening the season with six straight losses. According to the AP, Tambellini had never had a two-goal game in the NHL and now has two in the last week. 

Honorable mention: Tuukka Rask(notes) was the star of Boston's 2-0 win over Edmonton. The 22-year old Finn denied 19 Oiler shots for his second career NHL shutout ... Bruins head coach Claude Julien recorded his 100th win with the franchise ... Ray Emery(notes) made 39 saves while Braydon Coburn(notes) scored twice in 1:30 as the Philadelphia Flyers routed the Carolina Hurricanes 6-1. Matt Carle(notes) added a goal and an assist, reaching 100 career points ... Hurricanes forward Sergei Samsonov(notes) played in his 750th NHL game ... The New Jersey Devils continue to be road warriors after a 2-1 shootout win in Tampa Bay improved their record away from home to 7-0-0 ... Martin St. Louis(notes) recorded an assist for his 600th career NHL point and tied a franchise record with a helper in his 10th straight game ... Steven Stamkos(notes) has been "seen" lately with his point streak extended against the Devils thanks to his 10th goal of the season ... Martin Biron's(notes) 38 saves and shutout against Buffalo helped him reach the 200-win plateau for his NHL career ... Alexei Ponikarovsky's(notes) two goals and Tomas Kaberle's(notes) goal with :54 seconds left against Montreal helped complete a late Toronto comeback before falling in the shootout.

Did you know?: Before tonight, the St. Louis Blues hadn't been shutout in back-to-back home games since 1997 (AP)

Dishonorable mention: The 'Canes are currently on an eight-game losing streak ... Sidney Crosby's(notes) lack of discipline hurt the Penguins in their 2-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild. The Pittsburgh captain collected nine penalty-minutes, including a fight with Marek Zidlicky ... The announced attendance in Phoenix for the Coyotes-Anaheim Ducks game was just 6,495 ... Anaheim's power-play could not take advantage of their opportunites going 1-7 against Phoenix ... Ottawa's offense was unable to beat Pavelec more than once after throwing 51 shots on goal ... Finally, the fans at Bell Centre in Montreal began their "Hey hey hey, goodbye!" chant just a tad bit early:

With tomorrow being the 50th anniversary of Jacques Plante donning a goalie mask for the first time (though Clint Benedict might have an argument), late in the second period, Pavelec hopped inside of his "way back" machine and took an Alex Kovalev(notes) shot off his shoulder sans mask:

Due to the traffic in front of the Thrashers goal and coupled with trying to avoid the puck as Kovalev skated with it, referee Don VanMassenhoven was delayed in calling the play dead as soon as Pavelec lost his mask. Thankfully Kovalev's shot didn't go any higher otherwise Pavelec's tribute would have taken an all-too real turn.

Thanks to Ben Wright of the Thrashers for sending along the video

This season? Dustin Penner(notes) is beginning to prove why he's worth the high price that Lowe paid for him two summers ago when he signed the 27-year old to an offer sheet, gaving up a first, second and third-round pick in the process.

Through 13 games for the Edmonton Oilers, Penner has scored nine goals and 19 points, including a 5-point night against Columbus last week that included standing ovation from the Rexall Center fans. On Thursday night he put up a 4-point showing against Detroit in a 6-5 victory. The Manitoba native told NHL.com's Dan Rosen that making mistakes under Pat Quinn and Tom Renney don't equate to one-way tickets to the doghouse like they did when MacTavish was behind the bench:

"I guess it's just the way Pat and Tom just let me play," Penner said."They don't get too critical. They just let me play my game. My one year in Portland (in the American Hockey League), I just played hockey and ended up getting 39 goals and 84 points. The coach there, Kevin Dineen, he just let me go play my game."

Penner is currently on pace for a career season and has seemingly had a weight taken off his shoulders now that MacTavish is gone and we're now two years separated from the highly-publicized offer-sheet.  Though a long-shot, Penner is playing himself into Team Canada consideration, but even he knows that more than likely he'll be watching the Vancouver Olympics from home. 

Either way, with the Oilers roster having been hit with the flu recently, if the Edmonton is to find its way back into the playoffs for the first time since their Stanley Cup run in 2006, Penner will have to be leading the way.

Not bad for a guy who was a "yes" from Dany Heatley(notes) away from moving to Ottawa over the summer.  

No. 1 Star: Tim Connolly(notes), Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres moved to 8-1-1 on the season with a 3-2 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Connolly had a hand in all three tallies. He picked up an assist on Drew Stafford's(notes) first-period goal, scored on a breakaway in the second and netted the power-play game-winner at 1:03 of overtime. Ryan Miller(notes) (33 saves) was also outstanding for Buffalo.

No. 2 star: Steven Reinprecht(notes), Florida Panthers

Talk about setting the tone in a road game: Reinprecht scored a natural hat-trick in a 5:11 span of the first period to give the Panthers a 3-0 lead at the Dallas Stars. He later assisted on Jordan Leopold's(notes) first goal as a Panther. This insanely wild game ended up in a 5-5 tie through three periods and overtime; Rostislav Olesz(notes) had the only shootout conversion -- confirmed by video review after some controversy -- for the 6-5 Florida victory.

No. 3 star: Mark Streit(notes), New York Islanders

The Islanders were outshot 40-30 on the road, rallied twice for ties and were facing a Washington Capitals team that had won six in a row. Yet the game went to overtime, and that's where John Tavares(notes) found Mark Streit with a pass in the slot; the defenseman ripped it past Jose Theodore(notes) (26 saves on 30 shots) for the 4-3 victory, just 53 seconds into the extra frame. Streit earlier assisted on Frans Nielsen's(notes) game-tying goal late in the third, and was a plus-2 for the night. Dwayne Roloson(notes) had 37 saves on 40 shots in the win.

Honorable mention: The Pittsburgh Penguins rallied on goals by Ruslan Fedotenko(notes) and Alex Goligoski(notes) with less than three minutes to go against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and then Sidney Crosby(notes) scored a strange shootout goal to clinch the 4-3 victory on the road. ... Minus Marian Gaborik(notes), the New York Rangers fell at the Minnesota Wild, 3-2, as Petr Sykora(notes) and Mikko Koivu(notes) had multi-point nights. For Sykora, the strong effort came after a healthy scratch earlier this week. ... Two-point nights for Kris Versteeg(notes) and Patrick Kane(notes), as well as a strong night of defense in front of Cristobal Huet(notes) (20 saves), propelled the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-2 win over the visiting Montreal Canadiens. ... You may more may not feel this Andrew Ladd hit belongs among honorable mentions, but it was a heck of a wallop. ...  Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan(notes) scored two goals each and the Anaheim Ducks erased a two-goal deficit with seven (!) consecutive goals to rout the Vancouver Canucks, 7-2. ... Ryane Clowe(notes) scored his first of the season, Dany Heatley(notes) netted his ninth and the San Jose Sharks peppered Craig Anderson(notes) with 46 shots in their 3-1 win over the red-hot Colorado Avalanche. ... Alexander Ovechkin scored his League-leading 14th goal of the season in the Caps' loss.

Did you know?: George Parros(notes), who scored a rare goal for the Ducks, came into last night's action "with a ratio of 65 penalty minutes for every goal he had scored in 242 previous NHL games." (AP)

Dishonorable mention: Just a terrible effort from the Canucks, who saw Andrew Raycoft (18 saves on 22 shots) lifted for Cory Schneider(notes). Nucks Misconduct tried to find the silver lining. ... The Leafs limp out of Buffalo with a point and a 1-7-3 overall record. ... Montreal gave Chicago seven power plays on the night. ... Mike Ribeiro(notes), Brenden Morrow(notes) and Jamie Benn(notes) were all a minus-3 in the Dallas loss. ... Did we mention that not only did enforcer George Parros score for Anaheim, but fellow ruffian Mike Brown also tallied for the fourth time in his career? And shorthanded, no less?

See the hit and judge for yourself:

D'Agostini has not returned since the hit 3:48 into the game.

Like we saw last week after Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards(notes) hit David Booth(notes) of the Florida Panthers, Ladd did not leave his skates and his shoulder (not elbow) connected with D'Agostini's head as seen in this screencap:

The head shot debate is now back after a few quiet days and proponent for a head checking penalty, like former NHL'er Keith Primeau, will again make their voices heard. TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Thursday that Primeau may receive an invitation to next month's general manager meetings to discuss a possible head checking penalty.

As far as supplementary discipline for Ladd? If history is about to repeat itself, don't expect Ladd to be punished anymore than the $200 fine he'll receive for being ejected from the game. Then again, it is the NHL we're talking about, so guessing punishment in this situation would be a fool's game. 

Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres, 7:30 p.m. EST. Oh, Bleacher Report: "Jiri Tlusty Set To Tear Up NHL For Leafs on The Way To The Cup." There was some scuttlebutt that Phil Kessel(notes) might lace'em up for the Leafs in this game, but no dice. Ryan Miller(notes) gets to audition for Team USA Coach Ron Wilson and make one last pitch to be October's player of the month in the NHL. Dude's 7-0-1 with a 1.60 GAA and a .944 save percentage. Raise your hand if you knew that and don't own a Mogilny jersey.

Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7:30 p.m. EST. Life without Geno (for the next 2-3 weeks) begins for the Penguins, who are 5-0-0 on the road. Brent Johnson(notes), 9-2-2 with a 2.03 GAA against the Blue Jackets in his career, gets the call to give Marc-Andre Fleury(notes) some rest. Watch The Game Live on Hockey Night on Y! 

Preview: Colorado Avalanche at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m. EST. Early statement game for both teams, with Colorado already owning a win over the Sharks this season. Craig Anderson(notes) gets start No. 14 in a row for the Avs. Adrian Dater reports that T.J. Galiardi(notes) is out 4-6 weeks with his ankle injury, while defenseman John Liles returns. Ryane Clowe(notes) is expected to play up with Joe Thornton(notes) and Dany Heatley(notes) again in an effort to get his offense going. Hopefully it works, because he's being outscored by Jed Ortmeyer(notes) right now. Watch The Game Live on Hockey Night on Y!

Check out previews for the other five games tonight on the Scores and Schedules page.

Evening Reading

• Allan Muir on the Detroit Red Wings: "Can the Red Wings get it together? Sure...but this feels like more than just an early hiccup. They're carrying nine bodies that weren't wearing the winged wheel when last season started, so there's no denying this is a different team. And while chemistry is an issue, it's not the biggest one." [SI]

• Good stuff from Biz of Hockey on something we blogged about earlier this month: Whether the mega-merger between Comcast and NBC could produce a suitable rival for ESPN. [Biz of Hockey]

• Christopher Botta writes 713 words about why no one cares about the NHLPA fiasco. [FanHouse]

• We noticed this two last night: After the Rob Scuderi(notes) fine, Drew Doughty(notes) had a couple of beautiful hip checks for the Los Angeles Kings against the Canucks. Rich Hammond investigates. [LA Kings Insider]

• Mirtle blogs about the contenders for the Canadian Olympic team, and who is making the strongest cases. [From The Rink]

• No Jason Spezza(notes) for the Ottawa Senators this Saturday. [Sun Media]

• Wonderful stuff from Stu Hackel on Jacques Plante and the 50th anniversary of the goalie mask. [New York Times]

• Marty Turco(notes): Flu-like symptoms, as Alex Auld(notes) gets the call against the Florida Panthers. Officials wait for appearance of curly tail, snout. [Y! Sports]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: From Anna, on the female hockey jerseys story from this morning, when asked why she needs a female-cut jersey:

Because I have boobs and a smaller men's jersey just didn't fit right for me :)

Well, no argument there.

Bold Prediction: The New York Islanders skate out of Washington with a win.

College hockey, like college football or basketball I guess, is usually about traditionally strong schools winning a lot, and schools that are traditionally weak, or even middle-of-the-road pretty much winning nothing.

Of the 58 teams in college hockey, only 18 have won national titles since the NCAA tournament began in 1948, and only 10 have won three or more. Michigan has nine, Denver and North Dakota have won seven each, Wisconsin has won six, and BU and Minnesota have each won five. 

But things just feel different so far this year.

Merrimack, which has to have one of the worst records in college hockey over the last 10 years, went out to North Dakota and didn't look out of its depth, then came back home and won four straight, including demolishing No. 7 Vermont 5-2 last week. Lake Superior, a doormat the last two years with 21 combined wins, already has four wins in six games. Quinnipiac, which finished a mediocre 18-18-3, is off to a 3-0-0 start including a sweep of Ohio State in Columbus.

Minnesota, meanwhile, has 20 players on its roster that have been drafted by NHL teams, including 11 from the first three rounds and four first-round picks. Those Golden Gophers are 0-3-1. Boston University, the reigning national champion, has 14 players drafted with one first-rounder. They're 1-2-0. Last week I mentioned that Notre Dame was struggling to start the season, and they lost their only game of the weekend to drop to 3-3-0. The team that beat them was also the team that beat them in the 2008 national title game, Boston College, which is sitting on a weak 1-1-0 record. UNH, too, is just 2-2-1 with some ugly losses and soft wins.

These are obviously not normal results.

Last year, BU was just smashing its opponents, scoring 33 goals in seven games Minnesota didn't lose a game until Nov. 22, when they were already 7-0-4.

So what's the problem? It seems as though this year has been more about defense than offense, and slick, talented teams getting outworked by teams that are more willing to take a game to street level along the boards and in the corners. Minnesota has been shutout in all three of its losses, two of which came at home to a big, physical and mean Denver team. BU has five goals to show from three games, including a loss to UMass and what was by all accounts a very uninspired win against Michigan (that only ended as a win, and not something worse, because of a puck-handling miscue by the Wolverine goalie).

Perhaps powerhouse teams think they'll have it as easy as they did last year, when they skipped through games with a carefree ease and were hardly ever under any threat to lose to teams they "should beat." But college hockey isn't like college football, where Florida can beat West Virginia State Technical College or something 178-0 and finish with a one-loss season for the 46th year in a row.

Hockey is the sport where large talent gaps between teams are most easily closed by hard work. Maybe it's just taking some teams awhile to figure that out.

Homework: Attention college hockey bloggers

What I'd like to do this week is see if I can get everyone with a college hockey blog to email me with a link to their blog.

I'm sure there have to be a ton of college hockey blogs out there (I know mostly Hockey East ones due to my background), and I'd like to get a bit of a blogroll going so I can start a college version of Puck Headlines in this space beginning next week.

It might help you and it will certainly help me. Let's get on that.

Extra credit

• You don't see it so much in the pros, but college hockey has more than a few goaltender rotations every year. It's been very successful for a number of teams. But it's not too often that you see a three-goalie rotation. Quinnipiac, though, has used each of its goalies in one game this year and to great effect. Dan Clarke's rocking a 1.00 GAA and a .978 save percentage, Mathieu Cadieux has a 1.94 GAA and a .926 save percentage, and Eric Hartzall's got a GAA of 2.01 and a save percentage of .938. All three are 1-0. Clarke is the most experienced of the group as a sophomore. The other two are just freshmen.

• BU will be without star forward Nick Bonino for the next month or so after he separated his shoulder against Michigan last week. That loss could hurt even more when BU and No. 9 Lowell play a home-and-home this weekend in a rematch of last year's controversial Hockey East title game.

• You know it's finally, officially college hockey season when even the ECAC -- which traditionally starts about a month after everyone else for Ivy League-related reasons I don't fully understand -- gets its league schedule underway. The best matchup between two ECAC teams, though, is non-league as No. 7 Yale visits No. 11 Princeton in the Ivy Showdown. Harvard vs. Darthmouth is the only in-league game of the weekend.

• Two Hockey East players lead the nation in points per game right now. UMass forward James Marcou has a goal and seven assists in three games so far, and UNH defenseman Blake Kessel (yes, Phil's little brother, and I know it's weird seeing "Kessel" and "defense" in the same sentence) has 10 points in four games. The two are tied for the national lead in assists with Colorado College's Bill Sweatt.

• Marc Cheverie has had one bad game and three really good ones. The Denver goaltender has three shutouts in four games this year, but still has a GAA of 1.00.

Ryan Lambert and writes about college hockey weekly here at Puck Daddy. You can e-mail him here or follow him on Twitter.

According to Hockeycentral at Noon's Nick Kypreos, The NHLPA has shut down its operations, including the suspension of responsibilities for interim Executive Director, Ian Penny.

Uh, wow. For clarification's sake, what Kypreos actually said on the air:

"I think the last committee that they put together ... they've essentially suspended all operations, including the interim executive director. Ian Penny's been shut down. They shut down the NHLPA."

(Q. So, if you went to the NHLPA today, the door's closed?)

"I don't think it would be closed, but they're not in a position to function on a daily basis. The ombudsman [Buzz Hargrove] has been suspended. The regional guys that represent their divisions have all been shut down as well. I hope this thing comes to a head. You'll probably hear from Ian Penny in some way and form, possibly resigning. ... Effectively, the last few days, it's been clear that he's been constructively dismissed."

Curious phrase, that last one. It was repeated in the NHLPA press release today that refuted Kypreos's claim that the players' association had suspended operations, but confirmed that interim boss Ian Penny is done with the NHLPA.

From the NHLPA:

"Interim Executive Director Ian Penny informed the NHLPA staff and the NHLPA Executive Board earlier today that it is his position he has been constructively dismissed as Interim Executive Director of the NHLPA and can no longer work in the present circumstances. Effective today, Ian Penny is no longer employed by the NHLPA.

"There have been inaccurate media reports circulating today that the NHLPA has suspended operations. The NHLPA staff continues to work very hard on behalf of the players in all areas of the Association's business and will continue to do so going forward.

"The NHLPA will make no further comment today on this internal matter."

TSN adds some additional background, reporting that  "Steve Larmer, Dan O'Neill and Ron Lloyd of the NHLPA's Advisory Board resigned Thursday night and legal counsel Paul Cavalluzzo resigned on Friday morning." From TSN:

Last week, the NHLPA executive board voted 25-5 in favour of forming a committee to review union operations. NHL veterans Rob Blake(notes), Nicklas Lidstrom(notes) and Mark Recchi(notes) along with former Detroit Red Wings defenceman Chris Chelios(notes) were named to the committee. Earlier this week, the committee sent out an e-mail to its members outlining their strategic plan.

''We have come through a period of considerable turmoil and dysfunction within the NHLPA,'' stated the e-mail obtained by TSN. ''It is our goal that everything we do now be focused on strengthening and unifying the Association as we move forward to ensure we are in a strong position to enter collective bargaining and conduct our day to day business with the NHL. This review will be conducted independently of those who have worked at the NHLPA during this embarrassing time for the Association.''

In addition to investigating why former executive director Paul Kelly was let go in August, the new four-man group is expected to look into how Penny was able to negotiate a five-year, $3.5 million contract in June.

TSN reports that Penny sent out an email last week saying he had been -- wait for it -- "constructively dismissed" by the NHLPA; it also wrote that, essentially, the association is in a holding pattern while the committee does its internal affairs work.

Well this is a mess. But it needed to be. If this player committee was serious about changing the course of the association, a Great Purge was a good starting point. The real question is whether the players can remove heads from posteriors fast enough to organize before the next CBA negotiation -- a negotiation that a few agents told us during the summer would be a bloody massacre by the well-prepared NHL against the chaotic NHLPA.

R.J. Umberger(notes) had the best goal-scoring season of his career (26) in what was the most memorable season in Columbus Blue Jackets franchise history: Their 2008-09 maiden voyage to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

It was his first season with the Blue Jackets, though not his first season in Columbus; Umberger played hockey for The Ohio State University, making the Pittsburgh native as close to a homegrown product as the BJs have on their roster.

This season, Umberger has 2 goals and 4 assists in 11 games for Columbus, who hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night. Like his team (12 points in 11 games), Umberger's still finding his way this season; but the former Philadelphia Flyers' versatility at forward enables him to see time in plenty of different roles. He's played up with star winger Rick Nash(notes) recently; against Pittsburgh, he expected to skate with Derick Brassard(notes) and Jakub Voracek(notes).

"Anywhere in the top six forwards is a lot of fun," he said. "It's demanding. It's a huge responsibility to play on both ends. It's somewhere I always wanted me game to be -- to be a guy that's counted on in key situations."

We spoke with Umberger about Columbus's maturation as a team and a hockey city; the Michigan/Ohio State rivalry, the best sports city between Columbus, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh; his thoughts on controversial hits on teammate Jason Chimera(notes) and by former teammate Mike Richards(notes); and a rather infamous Jersey Foul in his honor we published here on Puck Daddy this week. Plus the rest of the usual nonsense. Enjoy!

Q. So how much does life change in Columbus when you're coming off a playoff season?

UMBERGER: There's a bigger buzz in the city. The following is a lot bigger. Everyone was excited for the season to start, and opening night we had a big crowd. We've had a rough stretch in the last week or so, but I think there's a lot of excitement in the city because they've seen what can happen when we play well.

That rough stretch comes as the conference has gotten a little topsy-turvy. Did you guys come into the season assuming certain teams would be in the mix while others wouldn't? Is there extra pressure on you with the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Kings grabbing points left and right?

Every year is a new start for teams, but you do have your teams you think are the favorites and the teams you think you really have to contend with. There's always a surprise team like St. Louis last year, coming back from being last and out of it. I'm sure we surprised a lot of teams last year. And here it is again with Colorado off to a good start, and they were a team you'd think wasn't going to make the playoffs.

It happened to us in Philly. One year we were terrible, the next year we went to the conference finals. It happens.

We spoke to Rick Nash before the season about the playoff appearance against the Detroit Red Wings being a bit briefer than you guys wanted. How hungry does that make you to get back after a series like that?

Once you get a taste of it, you want to get back there. For us, we played Detroit, who went to the finals. It was a good experience for us to play the best, and to be part of a playoff atmosphere. A lot of the guys on the team were new to it.

Is there ever a situation where Nash does not pick up the check you guys go out? He's the got the contract now; he should be funding your lives away from the rink.

[Laughs] No, you know, he's pretty good. Most guys in hockey are pretty good with splitting the checks or playing the credit card game or whatever. He brought the team dinner already. He's off the hook.

As an Ohio State guy, does that connection change the dynamic between you and the fans in Columbus in way that's different than, say, the dynamic between the fans and a European player?

Yeah. Some people will know me because of that -- the guy around town that was a State hockey player. People remember that. You'll hear "O-H!"/"I-O!" somewhere, and you know people are talking to you. It's an easy thing for them to remember you by.

It's special to me. I was a big Ohio State fan. I love the university, I'm still part of it and it's special to play here.

Do you have a higher level of hate for guys like Brendan Morrison(notes) and Mike Knuble(notes) of the Washington Capitals, who came from Michigan?

[Laughs] Ah, not those players personally. For the school, yeah.

Mike was a good friend of mine [with the Philadelphia Flyers], and we always had our wagers when the football teams played each other.

Will you, as a Buckeye, admit that Michigan has the best-looking hockey helmet in the NCAA?

Maybe the most recognizable. I don't know about "best looking."

We talk about rivalries with Ohio State and Michigan, but as a guy coming from the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference, it must have been jarring to go from the nightly geographic blood feuds for the Flyers to the much different vibe in the West.

The whole west thing ... I'm still trying to get used to it, even though I played the full year here. The travel is different, and I don't know if I'll ever get used to it with us being so far away [from other conference teams]. All the teams are different. Being in Philly, there were just so many more personal rivalries for the team. It just felt like there were big, huge battle every night and you knew what you were getting from every team.

It's funny: I still get really excited when we play Eastern Conference teams.

Do you think that's one of the reasons it's been a slow maturation process for Columbus as an NHL city: The lack of those intense rivalry games?

I think the time zone changes make it harder for our fans to stay up and watch those 10 o'clock games. National televised hockey isn't focused on the West. People don't know much about the Western teams. I talked to a local radio station in Pittsburgh [this week]; here we are three hours from them, and they didn't know anything about our season because we're in the Western Conference.

You've got some star power in the East with Crosby, Malkin and Ovechkin. That's the face of the NHL right now.

Speaking of Pittsburgh, your place of birth: Number of Primanti Bros. sandwiches you could put down in one sitting?

You know, probably one. I like Primanti's, but I was never a huge fan.

I might get abuse for this, but I like the Philly cheese steak better.

I don't know if I should admit that.

This question might also be a bit of a hot water situation for you: Best sports town, between Pittsburgh, Philly and Columbus?

Ah, it's tough. I'm naturally going to say Pittsburgh because they're more loyal to their players. Philly ... the teams right now are really good teams, and it's such a competitive sports town. I think they're tough on their players; they judge them too fast. In Pittsburgh, [sports] mean way more.

Speaking of Philly fandom, on our blog we do a series called Jersey Fouls that featured a mash-up between a Cole Hamels Phillies jersey and an R.J. Umberger Flyers jersey, creating a new shirt that read "Hamberger" on the back.

Oh, nice.

Do you find that to be a tribute, sir?

That's fun. When I was in Philly, there was a guy who would run around the rink that was called "The Hamberger." It's good stuff. I guess it was supposed to be in honor of me.

Let's shift gears and talk about the story of last weekend in the NHL: Controversial hits. You watched Jason Chimera flipped by Rob Scuderi(notes), who was fined for it. What was your take on that hit?

I don't know if it was a necessary hit. You can easily eliminate the guy; you don't need to take his knees out. I think it needed a suspension, and that's just me personally. I just think the danger in how he went up in the air and landed, he's lucky his neck didn't get hurt.

I've seen good hip checks, and they're part of the game. But a hip check is when you hit'em with your hip; you don't go after a guy's knees.

I've been a part of some bad hits in my career. (Ed. Note: No kidding.) It's scary. What we're seeing, nothing's happening with any retribution.

On that same line of thinking, the Mike Richards hit on David Booth(notes) was something we considered a hockey play. Do you see it the same way, or should there be an extra bit of punishment for guys who make contact with the head in any fashion?

I thought it was a clean hit by definition and a hockey play. It happened so fast. I know Mike personally, and he's not the type of guy to do stuff like that. I just think that there's such a fine line today with how fast the game is and how big the players are; how can we eliminate the hits to the head?

Even though it's clean, it's still a hit to the head and it can end that guy's career. You watch a play [and wonder] if a big hit there is really necessary; he didn't have the puck anymore. If Richards just picks him up and stays with him, he's eliminated from the play. There's really no reason to drill the guy.

It's a fine line. It's a clean hit, but with the game evolving so much, it's still dangerous now.

Alright, nearing the finish line: So what's on your iPod these days?

Got a lot of stuff. A lot of country music on there. The new Jay-Z rap's on there. A lot of old school rap with Tupac and Eminem. I got everything. I don't eliminate any music.

Best movie you've seen lately?

"The Hangover." It's a no-brainer.

The one fast food item you can't do without?

Probably just the Chipotle burritos here in Columbus.

You adult beverage of choice, sir?

Amstel Light.

And finally, what do you love best about hockey?

The chance to play a game with that much speed. You have to read and react. It's something new every game.