edicius

Smart move by Shero. This is an example of using the CBA to your advantage, but with consequences/limitations to how MUCH you can use this to your advantage (only 2 arbitrations allowed per year as norrisnick mentioned above). Much more impressed by this than Burke's little game (which I'm still convinced reeks of collusion ) with Selanne and Scotty Needavacation™. Speaking of which...their deadline is in 5-6 days (entry draft) to decide what the hell they're doing. No midseason shenanigans this year, Burke claims. Guess he didn't like the fact that his plan backfired on him.

I was thinking the same thing. It all really comes down to whether or not Hossa will take a paycut to stay in Pittsburgh, because this offer is undoubtedly a paycut.

Well, Ottawa could use a...oh, wait.

Cheli knows his role and he knows that he'll likely be a healthy scratch more often than not in favor of the kids. And he's fine with that. No complaints here.

Huge congrats to Zata. Guess he's not such a secret anymore. And somewhere, Sidney Crosby is crying into his sippy cup.

Okay, I wasn't sure if I was insane on Tampa's attendance or not. Gave 'em much more credit than they were due.

Stupid me, I didn't realize the awards were on Versus...and turn to the NHLN to watch Hasek give up two goals in 9 seconds. Are they playing all the Wings games or something over there?

Well, to be fair, she's a better leader than her brother.

I think Anaheim had no more than 20,000 people, tops. Jersey's parking lot celebration in 2003 had the same attendance. Carolina's parade (basically a lap around the RBC Center, then a rally) in 2006 had 30,000 people. Not sure how much Tampa Bay had in 2004, but I'm almost positive it was at least 100,000.

Correct. The coverage for that series was extremely even-handed and the media gave both teams equal time. Made that WS a pleasure to watch without having to worry about constant stupidity (or at least biased stupidity ) being spewed from the broadcasters.

I beg to differ. In Brodeur's case, he was CLEARLY burnt out. He was absolutely horrible in the playoffs this year and the way he played, I honestly think even the Sens could have beaten him. He had a 3.18 GAA and a .891 SV%, his worst postseason showing in 10 years. Marty's not a young guy anymore and he clearly needs to defer some of the workload to his backup, whoever that is these days, if he wants to have any hope of being fresh for the postseason (provided the Devils can make it that far next season).

I know I'd love to see Cheli in a suit and tie behind the bench.

WIN.

Happy trails, Dom. 'tis better to go out with the Cup raised high again.

I love the fact that his pic is like the original run of McFarlane NHL figures... No team crest on the jersey.

I've heard that this is a pretty deep draft, top 15 potentially NHL-ready players, so who knows?

If WDIV is smart, she'll never cover the Wings again. She has NO good will with the fanbase any longer.

Me too. "No thanks, Dad. I already have a Mercedes..."

When it comes to Malkin, I know I read a quote from him somewhere in which he said that he wasn't going to take a paycut like Sid did and he was going for the max, no compromise. If he holds true to that, I definitely see him being shopped, especially if Hossa signs (and I see him closer to the $7 - 7.5M range, even as a "discount"). That's where I see a bit of the Fedorov comparison (2nd banana, never going to have the real spotlight on the team, etc.), but that's about it. Fleury's going to be a no-brainer for them to re-sign; whatever he asks for, the Pens will likely pay. Of course, if someone throws a ridiculous offer sheet his way (Edmonton? Toronto? ), I wouldn't be surprised to see them take the draft picks and roll the dice with Conklin and Sabourin, as I don't think there are really any other major names in net out there in free agency. Of course, those compensation picks could always come into play in a trade for a goaltender as well. Admittedly, I'm rather surprised about Hossa's talk of re-signing, since it was made clear that he was a rental...but then again, Stuart was looking like a rental for us and it's looking like Detroit would really like to keep him in the fray. The playoffs can have a huge affect on a player's mindset (but I'm guessing the Cup combined with the mentality in Detroit doesn't hurt ). It'll be interesting to see if Therrien is retained though. I know we had rumors of players butting heads with Babcock and we all know how rumors are, but when it comes to Therrien, it wouldn't surprise me if his whiny attitude rubbed some of the more respectable players on the Pens the wrong way. I swear, the man always looked like he was on the verge of tears behind the bench. There's a difference between stoicism and pouting.

Hmm, my DVR isn't showing them as guests, but they're probably a last-minute addition, so I'm not surprised. But I'll be recording it for sure.

Okay, time for me to eat some more crow. Rumormongers were (sorta) right.

The fact of the matter is, D-Mac got better the more he played. Sure, during the playoffs he REALLY took some boneheaded penalties and made some nasty mistakes. But think of how much he'd played prior to the playoffs. Plus, the man's a great locker room presence. That counts for something.

Thank you, dear. And Rabs, do you mean License To Drive era Corey Haim or present day getting-on-Corey-Feldman's-nerves Corey Haim?

Clean-shaven and even a haircut! I look like I'm 15 now.

You are consistently my hero, harold.