NGKEIB

Atlanta, Phoenix, Florida sure. Edmonton?

I rather like Westvleteren. The fact that it is not commercially brewed and difficult to obtain only makes it better. Sometimes it's quite nice to live in Belgium...

I don't want to get dragged into a debate about whether European players have inferior 'determination and work ethic' than Canadian players (though the playoff version of Mike Green compared to the playoff version of Zetterberg doesn't really help your argument). If you actually read my reply to the first post you will see that that was not my intent. I was simply pointing out that surely heart, work ethic, bond with teammates etc. personifies the best in any player, irrespective of nationality.

Fixed. Not sure what the fact that he is Canadian had to do with it.

Brad McCrimmon and Paul MacLean are now assistant coaches for some average Midwestern team whose name escapes me at the moment.

Number 8 suits him just fine. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union_positions#8._Number_eight

I assume you're joking. Rugby players actually play more than 10 minutes a night, which is something football players can't say (and I'm not talking about time on the field, I'm talking about the time the ball is actually in play). Furthermore, even the least mobile front-rower in rugby is still far more morbile than the biggest football players. I won't even bother with the statement regarding the toughness of the sport. Each sport has its tough guys. Sure, players like Coburn, Duchene and Malone are all warriors - but what about guys like Gaborik? Take rugby for instance - blood replacements happen all of the time (you're bleeding from the head, so you go off for five minutes to get stitched up, and come back on). Regarding the 'toughness and fitness' of football players, bear statistics like this in mind: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704281204575002852055561406.html

Even THN thinks that it was Smith... http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/35940-THNcom-Blog-Checks-from-behind-lost-in-headshot-debate.html If someone is registered to comment, disabuse Rory Boylen of the notion that it was Smith. Even the video he links to says it was Meech.

I've never really understood the need or the appeal (beyond the most basic one...). Maybe that is because I'm used to European crowds which tend to be more creative (i.e. chanting, singing, banners etc.)

Rugby does indeed have some huge hits, but I'm not sure that I'd say that rugby hits are in general 'harder' than hockey or football hits. This is mainly due to the restrictions on them, i.e. not above the shoulder, you have to wrap your arms around them etc. That said, I think that rugby is a far tougher sport than football (and probably hockey too), but that has more to do with the fact that the players actuall play a full game, don't wear much (if any) padding and take and give a lot of hits over the course of a game. Scrums can be pretty tough too (esp. on the ears), and what can compare to the violence of a really savage ruck?

One must distinguish between getting one's name on the Cup and getting a Cup ring. The latter is 'easier,' if you will.

As it looks like Maltby may be retiring, I would like him to play at least one game this regular season, and then call it quits (and perhaps fill the Verbeek vacancy?).

Crosby's PPG in the playoffs is impressive, but his PPG in the Stanley Cup finals must be far lower...

We wouldn't have the cap space. His contract would still count against the cap, even if he is in the minors or retired...

The best pizza is from Ai Marmi in Trastevere. Fact. Edited in order to stay on topic: I don't see this becoming a widespread trend. Not with a revenue-sharing system in place...

To get PP time he doesn't need to get Ericsson's spot, he has to overtake one of Lidström, Rafalski, Kronwall and Modano...

I think that he has looked great so far, for his price. I'm sure he will be the ideal partner for players like Ericsson and Kindl - he has the experience and patience to make the right play, and hopefully some of it will rub off.

Harding is out with ACL and MCL injuries.

I hope Downey plays against Toronto...

Interesting to see that Babcock isn't continuing with his Stuart-Rafalski pairing.

One thing that was quite funny to see was how Kindl out-deked Datsyuk nicely, but then lost the puck to Homer. Who impressed more? Ritola or Miller? Miller had a shot off the post, they both made some nice passes (like when Abby failed to finish) and Ritola seemed to be carrying the puck quite a bit (but perhaps not using his teammates enough). It will be interesting to watch how this develops - especially considering they're both on the same line!

I don't know anything about this kid, except that he just got eliminated from the playoffs, and had a fight with some guy that you can see on youtube. Anyone know anything more? Edit: Apparently he's a Wings prospect.

It has already been confirmed that Salei will wear 24.

Not great players, but I'm sure that there are a few Wings fans who think that Maltby and Draper have played their entire careers here.

I like how he says that his cottage is in 'County Crap'.