Dabura

We <3 the perimeter.

Can we trade Smith? (Only half-serious.) Mickey says Tatar's gonna be on the team. Holland doesn't comment.

TATAR

We look nervous.

Smith is in the lineup tonight, so pray extra hard for the win. They're showing Game 7. So anyone who just tuned in was treated to, well, you know. Bastards.

Lineups

So that guy Bert destroyed last night? His name's Moore. According to Kruppa: "bertuzzi did not ask moore if he was ok, after the fight." Cosmic weirdness? Cosmic weirdness.

I think the Rags and Isles will be squaring off in one of this season's stadium games, no? So it probably won't happen on "The Big Stage." Though, as someone with strong family roots all over New York, I think it'd be pretty awesome. If The Powers That Be are smart (and the jury's out on that), they'll try to get the Wings in as many Winter Classics - or outdoor games in general - as they possibly can. That's not the homer in me speaking (ok, maybe a little), it's just, s***, the Wings have so. many. freaking. fans. I agree about Minnesota, they need a game. You'd think they'd get first consideration in this kind of thing. I wonder, though, if it might not have something to do with the fact that they really don't have a big rival, or a matchup that makes so much more sense than any other would. (Who hates the Wild? Anyone?) I mean, there is Dallas, like you said, Kira. That might be cool. And I think you may be very right about the Flyers. Big-picture, I'm glad we're getting all of these outdoor games (Winter Classics, Heritage Classics, Stadium Series). There's no way this won't be good for the game. I know it's easy to be cynical about it and say it's all just a big cash grab....and it largely is a big cash grab. But, I mean, come on. Hockey! Outside! I've played on outdoor rinks. Honestly, there's nothing like it.

Something positive: though we've been shut out twice, which sucks, we haven't given up more than two goals in any of our first four games, which is great. And, while I know it's just the preseason, consider who we've faced: the Penguins (one goal against in one game), the Blackhawks (two goals against in one game), and the Bruins (four goals against across two games, two in each). Not bad.

"If you don't score any goals it's tough to win in this leage" - Weiss

Bettman is brilliant. And he's an idiot.

I'm hoping all of this is on our captain and both alternates not being in the lineup. And the whole preseason-means-nothing thing.

Is that a euphemism?

FIRE WEISS HANG GUSTAVSSON SUBPOENA FRANZINA WE NEED DALLAS EAKINS

They use RHCP's Tell Me Baby as a theme? That's pretty cool. Sounds like Nyquist is really buzzing tonight.

The way Mr. Kal described it, it sounded more like Bane on Batman. Not really, but yeah. Imagination is generally better than the real stuff. 2nd period's on. "Cleary fell down in a heap."

Is there anything in the rule about straps and such?

Bertuzzi picked a guy up and threw him on the ice. In other news, Marchand's nose is so big I can see it through the radio. OH YEAH I WENT THERE

The Bettman Asslick?

He reminds me a bit of Lids. There, I said it.

Wings-Rangers would be the biggest thing ever. Gotta build a bit of a rivalry first, though. I love that Leonsis calls the Caps' fan base an amazing fan base "we built." Pat yourself on the back there, Ted. (And get some more sun while you're at it.)

It's a shame, because he was actually pretty decent prior to last season. But then, anyone who's paired with Nick Lidstrom is gonna look pretty decent. Not saying he's not a good defenseman. Just, yeah. He's a bit of a journeyman, isn't he? Been with a lot of NHL clubs, I think.

This is about getting Ovechkin on the biggest stage possible. Not that I really mind. D.C. is a great city, and I like the Caps. It'll probably be against the Pens, yeah. meh.

This is on the NHL Network right now.

Boston's guys? http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2013/9/21/4755150/preseason-game-preview-bruins-at-red-wings So it's bro-against-bro, Brendan and Reilly of the Smith clan. I'm digging the lack of Lucic, Krejci, and Iginla. And Chara, naturally.