vladdy16

It's actually a natural progression when you think about it. Injuries have been rampant lately that weren't prevalent pre-instigator rule.

I'm sure he did; no one in the history of the league benefited more from enforcers than Wayne.

That's his way of saying the Wings are old and slow. Gee, now where have I heard that before?

I am constantly amazed by how good Fedorov's English became so quickly - he couldn't speak a word when he got here, and it's perfect in this interview.

Unfortunately it's the Hockey Hall of Fame, not the Role Model Hall of Fame. What he does with his hockey skill set will determine whether or not he gets in, not whether he whines or dives.

It's one thing to enjoy and even revel in a Fight Night - it's quite another to host a team-sanctioned party specifically to celebrate said brawl.

I won't call him anything except Whiny ***** and/or He Who Shall Not Be Named, but this is no way for his career to decline. I have to tell you guys, my sister called this near the end of last season; she somehow knew how bad it was. Maybe I should ask her for lottery numbers.......

I have to admit I'm shocked. I watched both hits he received that could have given him the concussion and neither looks anywhere near bad enough to keep him out this long. If he's going to go out, it had better be on a more vicious hit than either one of those. That would just be a pitiful way to derail a career.

That sure underlines why St. Louis hates us.

I didn't list these, but I thought someone here might be interested. Wings folders, notebooks & book covers.

It's not fair to use ESPN - it's a toss-up between them and the blogger. There's probably no wrong answer to your question.

Two of the three best, IMO. I'm a big fan of the Leafs logo as well.

Not a problem - just PM me if I can help. I have to say I'm shocked that Europe hasn't gotten in on NHL merchandise. The sport is growing exponentially there and there's a lot of money to be made. Shipping costs to Europe are absolutely prohibitive! They could charge a little more for the items and people would still be saving money.

Next time we want to have The Great Goalie Debate, maybe this will encourage people to stop and think first: I don't get no respect!

I have, on several occasions, purchased items for those in Europe and shipped them. I don't make money off it, I just do it to help fans represent , but it gets very expensive. If you find something you want that I can't purchase in-store, you may have it sent to me and I'll ship to you from the post office. *Edit* I have not seen this item in Hockeytown Authentics or Fanatic U.

According to the Twitterverse, Nashville is offering something around 4.5. Seriously??? No wonder it had to go to hearing, which is the first time in NHL history that a team-requested arbitration did so.

I can't imagine they'll relegate hockey to the back seat - they paid too much for the rights.

I have no Hudler hatred whatsoever. If I had to pick between the two, I'd choose Drapes for reasons already discussed. Hudler's age is no guarantee or indication whatsoever of his contribution to the team. I'm basing my decision purely on what they've brought to the table recently, and IMO, Draper brings more. Choosing between Hudler and Draper has nothing whatsoever to do with Ritola, Chelios or Quincy. That's a completely different discussion.

These are the exact reasons I voted Draper. Really the only thing Hudler has going for him right now is some possible minor trade value.

I could have sworn this thread was titled "Ozzie announces his retirement," not "The Ultimate Goalie Thread." Keep it on topic, please.

Wrestled all summer with decision - knew he could play & would miss the team and the Joe; body tipped the scales as well as being at home more with family. Kenny offered him the "coaching" job & thought he'd be more useful in that capacity. He felt it was right time; was very nervous yesterday until the words left his lips. He's confident he made right decision. Just got back from trip with Drapes, Hank, Howie & unnamed others to UK; made it harder to make decision because he was with a lot of team mates. Drapes helped make decision. Stony asked how he manages to shake off bad goals so successfully - earlier coaches stressed this daily; learned from Cheli and Vernon; HoF - wants to be in (!) looks forward to it happening, feels he should make it, especially after playing with NY & St. Louis; more proud of playoff performances than regular season overall. Stony admits he said no, because he thinks Oz wasn't a dominant player, albeit a good goalie. Those are the highlights.

Ozzie will be on 97.1soon, specific time not announced. On now - Darren is there are well.

Okay, if we're going to continue to make the mistake of checking ESPN for anything outside of poker, then we might as well actually talk about what they're saying rather than having yet another "Eff ESPN" thread. M'kay?

This sucks. You know the day is coming, but it always seems to sneak up on you. I have some mad Ozzie love, and I'm going to miss him a LOT. First game I go to next season, I'm getting the Ozzie chant started, just as a salute. Good luck and God speed, Wizard of Oz.