e_prime

"Gonna Try" - James Brown

"I Believe I Can Fly" - R. Kelly (He creeps me out, but it was the first to pop into my head. What does that say about me?)

As I just started hanging out/posting here more, here's a couple pics: Myself: Eric and my wife, Allison In Bermuda: Me and my brother (a couple years ago.) Beer drinking is serious business

Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac

I agree with you on this. I think Burke talks like he's okay with an offer sheet, but in honesty he's not willing to do it. He doesn't want to face the criticism because the NHL doesn't "do" offer sheets like the NBA does. I think it's been obvious that Boston has wanted to get rid of Kessel and considered Toronto their main trading partner ever since they thought the Kaberle + a first rounder was out there. However, it would have been great if Burke had put out the offer sheet. Boston matched it, and then Burke said, "Oh, okay. You can keep him. I'm not willing to give you the two firsts that you really want."

I hadn't either until I really started looking at who might fill out the Isles roster this season. I've been in NY for five years now and never really given any of the three teams the time of day, other than a passing glance. I know that the Isles are probably not a great choice for putting together a winning season, but I think part of the reason I'd like to follow them is 1.) To look at how teams that aren't the Wings try to piece together a team. 2.) Follow a team that won't be a challenge for my primary team, the Wings.

I'd love it if the Wings had "just a decent middleweight" Also, the Isles have both (Jeremy) Reich and (Joel) Rechlicz. Confusing, I know. ...and they both like to fight so even easier to mix up.

Naw GMR, they don't need Lilja. They're leading the league in preseason fights with 9. They don't need Pain-Train. They got Reich. Did you see this tussle?

Shades of yes, because like many of Stevens' hits, his defense partner is the distraction that leads to the great set up. Let's look at the differences: Stevens hardly ever left his feet... even "due to the force of impact." ...and was willing to fight when his hits were questioned. Here's 10 Bone-Crushing Stevens hits. Not one does he leave his feet to launch himself at an opponent, which Phaneuf is prone to do.

Al Trautwig (pre.post.intermission) Sam Rosen (play by play) Joe Micheletti (color) probably some Stan Fischler too. not my fav.

I'm doubting this is the kind of impression you want to make for the Olympics. I would not be surprised if Phaneuf was chastised by some of his own teammates for the reckless hit in preseason.

As much as I want this to be a dirty hit... as I do not like Phaneuf. It is not. This is the kind of hit that gets people analyzing the hell out of video, frame by frame, and it typically is inconclusive. What I do not like about the hit, aside from being a fan of the Islanders and not liking that Okposo is probably out for a while, is the fact that this is the PRE-SEASON and Phanuff goes out of his way to deliver a devastating hit like this. My gripe primarily is that Phaneuf comes over and leaves his assignment to deliver the hit. It's not as if Phaneuf is covering for some defensive gaff made by his partner in a game that matters. He's looking to make a big splashy hit... IN PRE-SEASON. I mean, is Phaneuf struggling to make the roster or something? Does he want everyone to remember what he's there for? It's an entirely unnecessary play for a meaningless game. Would love to see Phaneuf answer for his overzealous play with some fisticuffs with Reich, not the overzealous Morrency (who left the bench?!?!?!) ...but I don't see that happening. EDIT: uh.... spelling. sheesh.

I'm sure that you'll be able to find a feed on Justin.tv. Someone is typically streaming MSG on there. I will post a link around gametime. Although I think I will be headed to a bar to see if anyone is showing it. (Probably not. ) Hockey just doesn't get enough love in NYC. Specifically Brooklyn. It's always baseball, baseball, baseball.

This is why we still have Cloutier around, no? Sorry. Couldn't resist. Also, the whiskey helps. Especially when it comes to this: If this had come from anyone else mouth... I would be !!shocked!! I think it has become my favorite new term of endearment. ...and by "endearment" I mean something I will sling at my worst-est of foes.

Abdelkader likely to take Helm's spot for the time being. http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...m_out_24_w.html

I love that Stuart has two votes and no explanation. C'mon. If you're going to make that bold of a statement, back it up with an explanation... ...and why aren't Rafalski and Lidstrom trade options while we're at it?

Yes. We're so old. ...and therefore so much more EXPERIENCED. Why do reporters feel the need to write anything about us, if all they can come up with is truly grasping at straws, or just not true?

So, the Heater to Chicago article (aka: fantasy move/HFBoards thread swipe) is an "Insider Rumor Central" article. Why does ESPN even do this with NHL articles? Don't they realize that no one in their right mind is going to PAY for ESPN articles on hockey?? Especially when it is just Burnside or some other lazy shmuck going over to HFBoards and retreading an old thread! I mean, jeez... Reporting would be nice from time to time. Speculation? Anyone can do that! Some better than others. Here's the HFBoards thread on Heatley to Chi btw: http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?p=21013760 EDIT: Added link

So Bob McKenzie is back from summer vacation and drops this little doozy of an idea into our laps. Welcome back Bob. http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=290103 "Well, the move now gives Toronto their own first, second and third-round picks in the next NHL entry draft, which is the prerequisite for any team that would want to submit an offer sheet on a top restricted free agent player this summer. This deal doesn't mean the Leafs will submit an offer sheet but it now allows them to do so if they so choose. And which current restricted free agent might be of interest to the Leafs? Well, Toronto has had significant interest in Boston's Phil Kessel this summer but has not been able to work out a deal with the Bruins." -- If Burke weren't really interested in making a move... why would he exchange a second and third round pick in 2011 now? Seems pretty evident that he's gonna make a move. ...but will he make an offer sheet? ...and if he does, will he apologize to Lowe? EDIT: whoops. this probably belongs in Rumors.

I harbor no ill will towards Manny, but the guy has done himself no favors with his comments to the media. Plain and simple, the guy just needs to keep his mouth shut, keep seeing his therapist, and make all he can of this opportunity. It just may be his last hurrah in the NHL.

"I know there's some donkey in Colorado that keeps writing crap continuously about me," Bertuzzi said. Love it. He goes on to say if he let all of the negative press get to him, he'd have "houses full of motivation" It's so obvious that he's moved on from dwelling on the Moore incident, and good for him. I'm glad to see he just wants to be healthy and play solid hockey. I want him to get a fair shake here in Hockeytown and I hope that he proves some of the naysayers wrong.

Over it. Srsly. Ready for the puck to drop on the 09-10 season.

absolutely! i wouldn't want it any other way!!!

If they fight about it... can we have the tilt registered in our official fight totals for the year?

Almost wet myself on that one.