Brian Elliott and that other goalie controversy in Vancouver tonight

It's been a fairly underreported story, but apparently Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo was replaced in Tuesday night's loss to the Edmonton Oilers by backup Cory Schneider and apparently Schneider will make a scheduled start against the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night with Luongo on the bench.

(Which means he'll probably pitch a shutout, and give his coach a delightfully tense goalie decision to make about Saturday night's showdown with the Washington Capitals ?)

Meanwhile, there's another goalie controversy playing out in St. Louis, albeit one that lacks the time-pumping theatrics of The Days of Our Luongos: Brian Elliott vs. Jaroslav Halak.

Elliott, who will make $600,000 this season, has started three of the last five games for the Blues and won all three starts. In another game, he appeared in relief of Halak in the third period of a 5-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

Halak, who will make $3.5 million this season, has a 3.47 goals-against average and a terrible .835 save percentage in five games, all of them starts. Elliott has a 2.06 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage in four games, and will start again against the Canucks.

He's given the Blues a comfort zone with his play, and they've responded by blocking a ton of shots in front of him and putting up more goals than they had for Halak. Coach Davis Payne's mantra has been "performance plays," and Elliott's been the one performing.

Performing well enough to be considered the team's No. 1 netminder? Jeff Quirin of the Blue Note Zone says not yet:

Elliott remains the go to choice for Payne and will continue to be till he falters or the schedule favors a change. Meaning Halak will need to prove his mettle in practices and jump on the first opportunity to get back in net. If the scenario continues on, talking about in to the holiday season, then the tough questions associated with a goalie controversy should be asked and answered.

David Rogers of Frozen Notes says, eh, he could be:

While he is on fire right now one big defeat might make everyone come down from this high and look a bit less harshly at Jaroslav Halak. Point of the matter is we shouldn't be too quick to�anoint�a new "starting goaltender" by definition. We are barely scratching the surface on the 2011-12 season. It's far too early to run Halak out of town and far too early to label Elliott the savior. �Right now, the Blues should just go with what's working, hope Halak sorts out his issues and constantly�reassess�the situation without making any hasty long-term decisions.

The lingering skepticism for Halak is that the 4-year commitment the Blues made to him was based on a ridiculously good playoff performance for the Montreal Canadiens that he can't replicate. That rather than a starter, they acquired a tandem goalie who needs a Brian Elliott to fill in when he's gone cold.

Wow: a goalie who is unbeatable in the playoffs but average in the regular season.

The Canucks would kill for such problems ?

DFW Tornados Fulham Aston Villa Springfield Demize

Puck Headlines: Seguin?s hip; Richards drops; chicken vs. sumo

Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

? A parrot playing air hockey. Bet he chirps well. Haven't seen a little pecker-head play that well since _____. (In the comments, please.)

? Interesting revelation out of Boston concerning Tyler Seguin: "Seguin has a congenital hip condition that makes him more susceptible to a hip injury, according to league and team sources. The condition could lead to an injury that requires surgery and potentially shortens his career, the sources said, but is not a concern for the short term, nor is it affecting him presently." [ESPN Boston]

? The Boston Bruins are in last place. Time to reunite the Milan Lucic/David Krejci/Nathan Horton line. Said Coach Claude Julien: "What would you expect me to do?'' [Bruins Blog]

? Evgeni Nabokov's highly anticipated showdown with the San Jose Sharks appears off, as the New York Islanders goalie suffered a "lower body injury" during their shootout loss to the Penguins. [Sharks Talk]

If you need a Halloween costume, may we suggest Dave Bolland's Death Stare? [Blackhawks DL]

? More line scrambling from the New York Rangers: Brad Richards slides down between Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky. Which isn't a bad idea, considering that those two need a kick in the ass. [Blueshirt Banter]

? Reports of Erik Cole's demise have been greatly exaggerated. [Habs]

? Why Ilya Bryzgalov needs to bounce back and play Saturday for the Philadelphia Flyers. [Broad Street Hockey]

? Good stuff from Dater on team chemistry and Stanley Cup champions: "It's true: no team is going to win the Stanley Cup with just a room full of cheerleaders and comedians. You've got to be good on the ice, too. But woe to the coach and GM who don't properly take into account the importance of the many other hours that a team is together -- in the locker room, on buses and airplanes and in the coffee shops." [SI]

? The zero hockey package from DirecTV: a spoof that's as funny as it is possible in parts of the U.S. [Onion Sports Network]

? No Greg Zanon or Clayton Stoner for the Minnesota Wild against the Red Wings; who steps in? [Hockey Wilderness]

? Bourne on why Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been able to excel with the Edmonton Oilers: "My understanding is that RNH is still effective at the weight of large dog�because he thinks his way around the rink, instead of doing it as guys like Taylor Hall or Alex Ovechkin try to, by being bigger, faster, more powerful and so on. Both ways are effective, but for Nugent-Hopkins, those things are less relevant to his being an offensive presence." [Backhand Shelf]

? Via reader Jerry, the Hulk Hogan "Malkamania runs wild on you, brotha!" scoreboard message the Pittsburgh Penguins played after last night's shootout win (and, we imagine, frequently on other occasions).

? Down Goes Brown hilarity: The NHL's fan application for disgruntled NBA fans. [DGB]

? Manny Legace, in the Columbus Blue Jackets' system, on his lot in life: "I understand where I am in my career. I'm more of a security blanket now. I'll do whatever they want. You start thinking, what are they thinking? Then you think you have it figured out, that doesn't happen." [NHL]

? Ken Campbell on attendance: "The Phoenix Coyotes had an "announced" (a.k.a. bogusly inflated) crowd of 7,434 for a 5-3 win over the New Jersey Devils and, competing with the Texas Rangers in Game 6 of the World Series, the Dallas Stars had just 8,443 on hand for a 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. That marked the 10th time already this season the league had a crowd of fewer than 10,000. The Stars have done it four times and the Coyotes and Columbus Blue Jackets three times each." [THN]

? As Brian Elliott gets yet another start for the St. Louis Blues, Jaroslav Halak says it's better to start slow than to finish show. [Gazette]

? Tim Hortons has been named title sponsor of the National Hockey League's 2012 All-Star game in Ottawa, a partnership that builds on the coffee chain's similar role for last winter's outdoor Heritage Classic game. [Marketing Mag]

? Someone has gotten out of the Wayne Gretzky wine business. [Niagara]

? Finally, someone in a chicken suit shoots pucks at a goalie in a sumo suit, hitting him in the belly at least once. You may call this complete nonsense, but we'd like to see how this thing plays out at next year's Research and Development Camp ?

Fort Wayne Fever Minnesota Thunder Orlando Sharks Major Indoor Soccer League

Tim Tebow Will Fail Again as Denver Broncos Starting QB in Week 9

The hype that surrounded Tim Tebow has devolved into hope that he may one day be a competent quarterback. I am here to state that day will be at least another week off as the Broncos head to Oakland to take on the Raiders. 

The Denver Broncos are back to residing in the lowliest of lows. After seeing Tebow complete a couple of passes late against the Dolphins, there were many who felt Tebow "the winner" was about to emerge. 

That simply is not the case, as a largely ineffective Tebow and offensive line collided on Sunday to show us that the Broncos have a lot more growing to do. 

We are not here to bash Tebow. The world is doing quite enough of that already. The hype mandated that we examine whether Tebow was a potential star. The recent awful performances now give us the opportunity to examine if he will ever be a competent one. 

The Raiders are hardly the stout defense that strikes fear into every pocket passer that steps across the field from them. What really scares me about Tebow's chances are both the changing of offensive strategy to suit him as the quarterback, and his precision. Both things will serve to derail the Broncos again heading into week 9. 

The Broncos line showed another lapse of consistency as the Lions got to Tebow far too often than is healthy. As they move from a pocket passer in Kyle Orton to a ground-and-pound hurler like Tebow, there are going to be growing pains. 

It will take weeks before they are comfortable with the new direction. That may be how long it takes for Tebow to prove he can complete a pass. 

Some of his passes were downright deplorable. He was far too long with his throws leading to one of them becoming a pick six late in the game.

It's clear that Tebow is not yet comfortable as a passer in the NFL and his precision problems will continue. This is not something that you work out overnight. Like an NBA player hoping to add the three-point shot, it takes months of practice and patience.

Now as Tebow practices, we are forced to be patient as we wait to see if he is indeed a true QB in the NFL.

 

Middlesbrough Real Salt Lake Charlton Athletic Cleveland Internationals

Video: Fight night for Ducks, Blue Jackets; Brookbank, Dorsett twice

With the fate of their coach and general manager potentially hanging in the balance, the Columbus Blue Jackets were fighting with their backs against the wall on Sunday night against the Anaheim Ducks.

So after Bobby Ryan answered Rick Nash's goal to tie the game in the first period, feisty Derek Dorsett got his team and the crowd going with this spirited bout against Sheldon Brookbank.

Solid scrap between two players that had exchanged headlocks in a game last season; but they weren't done. Neither were their teammates.

At 17:01 of the first period, Andrew Cogliano and Kris Russell met in a visor-vs.-visor fight ? the third career scrap for Cogliano and the fifth for Russell, in case you couldn't tell.

"For a couple of guys who don't fight very often, they did a pretty good job of tying each other up for a while." This is not what you want to hear after a hockey fight. But hey, 'round of applause for the effort, and for showing Mike Milbury that mandatory visors won't actually end hockey fights.

Forty-four seconds later, Ryan Getzlaf decided he had enough of the Blue Jackets' aggressive play and yapping, taking his frustrations out on Cody Bass:

Things calmed down for most of the second period until the 18:17 mark, when Dorsett took a run at Brookbank, and the second scrap of the game between the two was sparked:

Although they left the ice, they didn't receive misconduct penalties.

About time the Jackets showed a little fight, huh? Columbus won the game, 3-1; did that just save Scott Arniel's job?

Thanks as always to HockeyFights.com for their service to our bloodlust.

Springfield Demize Everton Leeds United Western Conference

Tuesday kickaround: Richie Williams, Steve Nicol, Dwayne De Rosario, MLS attendance, U.S women?s team, TV/online listings

*A week after being inducted into D.C. United?s Hall of Tradition, Richie Williams was named head coach of the U.S. under-18 national team. The leadership of the junior squads under Juergen Klinsmann is now set: Caleb Porter (under-23s), Tab Ramos (U-20s), Williams (U-18s) and Wilmer Cabrera, the only holdover, with the U-17s.

Read full article >>

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BCS Rankings 2011: 5 Teams Who Could Play for the Title with a Little Help

If the past has taught us anything about the BCS rankings, it's that a lot can change from the first couple of weeks to the final poll. Big games are left to come, and top teams will be beaten.

As many as eight teams could still be in the race but, let's look at five teams who could play for the title with a little help.

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Yakima Reds Manchester City Richmond Kickers Vancouver Canucks

Top 50 Most Important Things We Learned from the NFL's Week 8

With Week 8 of the NFL season in the books, there was plenty that we learned during another exciting NFL week. It wasn't the greatest slate of games, but each game brought a little excitement for the football fan.

From rookie quarterbacks dueling it out in Carolina to the St. Louis Rams beating the New Orleans Saints (seriously, that happened), here are the top 50 things we learned from NFL's Week 8.

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Vancouver Whitecaps Residency Columbus Crew Minnesota Wild Anaheim Ducks

BCS Standings: Top 25 College Football Teams Desperate for Help in Title Chase

To whom it may concern,

The Beatles got by famously with a little help from their friends. But for college football teams like us, on the outside of the BCS championship framework, the time for friendship has long since passed.

Now, we're looking for help in all the wrong places.

But as Coolio once put it, "You can't help me if you can't help yourself." And essentially, that's all we're proposing. Help us by helping yourself. 

Exactly what are we driving at, here? 

Well, aside from being the first ever to associate the most critically acclaimed musical group of all time with a late-80s soundtrack rapper... 

We have a favor to ask. 

Assuming we take care of our business, winning each of our remaining games, is there any way you could improve our BCS chances with a well-timed victory over our competitors?

With thanks,

The following top 25 teams.

 

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Indiana Invaders FC Dallas Thunder Bay Chill Montreal Canadians

NFL Power Rankings: Steelers Invade New-Look Top 5 with Win over Patriots

Week 8 of the 2011 NFL season isn't even over yet and there are already some ridiculous changes in the Power Rankings.

Some major teams experienced big and disappointing losses, while others bounced back to play like the winners we thought they could be.

There were a few teams in particular that lost a ton of stock with their play in Week 8. Even if they played well, by this time of the season a loss can be devastating in the power rankings. Here are a few teams that really lost a lot of ground in my latest power rankings.

There were also a few teams that went a long way in moving themselves up.

Here is my new-look Top Five after the majority of the games that have been played.

1. Green Bay Packers

Obviously the Packers aren't going to move anywhere in the bye week. That being said, watching a week of NFL games without them certainly helps validate how good they are.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers took the biggest leap of all the teams in the Top 10 by beating the rival New England Patriots. Their defense is stellar, and the offense did just enough to get them the win. The way the Steelers are playing, they may be the class of the AFC now.

3. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers just keep winning football games under Jim Harbaugh, and somehow they are sneaking their way up into the top tier of the league. Harbaugh has to be the midseason favorite for Coach of the Year considering how he has Alex Smith playing.

4. Buffalo Bills

If anything, the Bills proved that they can circle the wagons even outside of the United States. They dismantled the Redskins in Canada 23-0.

5. Baltimore Ravens

They bounced back from that horrible loss to Jacksonville by squeaking a win out over the Arizona Cardinals. It may not have been pretty, but they are 5-2 and perfect at home.

Andrew Kulha 2011 Power Rankings

1. Packers
2. Steelers
3. 49ers
4. Ravens
5. Bills
6. Patriots
7. Texans
8. Lions
9. Chargers
10. Saints
11. Raiders 
12. Falcons
13. Giants
14. Titans
15. Eagles
16. Jets
17. Buccaneers
18. Bengals
19. Redskins
20. Seahawks
21. Bears
22. Jaguars
23. Cowboys
24. Chiefs
25. Vikings
26. Rams
27. Panthers
28. Browns
29. Broncos
30. Cardinals
31. Colts 
32. Dolphins

California Victory Rhode Island Stingrays Charleston Battery Blackburn Rovers

US Paralympic Team Reaches London Qualification Goal

Editor's Note: This is the second post by US Paralympic Team pool player Jasper Wilson on the American attempt to qualify for the 2012 Paralympic games in London. For a primer on the team and the rules for what is also called CP Soccer, see Jasper's introductory post here.


- Jasper Wilson

The U.S. Paralympic Soccer team's qualification for the 2012 Paralympic Games is akin to a World Cup qualification for the other national teams of US Soccer. The team is quite young (it was the youngest squad at the Copa America and one of if not the youngest at Worlds) making their accomplishment of qualifying for the Paralympic Games that much more impressive.


The team began its qualifying campaign in the fall of 2010 when it competed in the Copa America in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The tournament was held at the training complex of Boca Juniors. The team took second in the competition, which was between the six CP Soccer teams in North and South America. It was the team?s best ever result in international competition. Their top 4 finish enabled the team to continue on their quest to qualify for London as it earned them a berth in the CPISRA World Championships in the Netherlands at the end of June - the World Championships serves as the direct qualifier to the Paralympics in London next year.

The 3 other teams from the North America/South America region that joined the U.S. in Holland were: Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. Three teams represented the Asian region (Iran, Japan, and South Korea) and the rest of the field was European countries (Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, Holland, and Finland) with Australia also competing in the European zone for qualifying. Unlike the Olympics, the countries of Great Britain (Only Scotland and England have CP Soccer) did not merge teams. Both countries did, however, qualify automatically for the games.

The U.S.?s group in Holland consisted of Iran (an eventual finalist in the tournament and bronze medal winner at the 2008 Paralympics), Ireland, (participant in the 2008 Paralympics) and Japan.

The team began the tournament against Japan, a perennial whipping boy, and handled business accordingly winning 4-0.

The second group stage game would be more of a test. After playing the easiest team in the group the Americans had a meeting with the Iranians. The team was unable to contain the defending runners-up falling by a score of 7-2.

After two games Iran sat atop the group with six points, Ireland and the U.S. were in a deadlock at 3 points and Japan was bringing up the rear with 0 points.

The US?s final game in the group was an epic showdown with the Irish. The game was of tremendous importance: win and qualify for London, lose and fail to reach the Paralympics for the second consecutive time.

Josh McKinney the captain of the squad, who is the most capped player in the team?s history with 95 and also has scored the most goals in US Men?s Soccer History with 75, scored two consecutive goals for his second brace of the tournament putting the team in front 2-0. Adam Ballou, one of the squad?s young guns, tallied a third goal, one that would end up being the game winner. The Irish staged a furious comeback, scoring two unanswered goals, but the Americans were able to hold on to win 3-2. Qualification for London was secure.

With group play over it was on to the second and final stage of the tournament. A second place finish in the group meant that their opponent in the first round was Russia, ?08 Paralympic silver medalists. The US lost 10-1.

That result landed the team in the loser?s bracket where they met Scotland. Scotland and the US played a competitive match in the group stage at the 2009 World Championships, which Scotland won 2-1. This meeting would prove to be equally as competitive. The game was tied 2-2 at half but unfortunately for the U.S., it had a familiar conclusion with the Americans finding themselves again on the losing end of a close encounter 3-2.

In the team?s final game of the tournament they faced off against regional foe Argentina, who they had tied 2-2 at the Copa America, in the seventh place game. The Americans were unable to duplicate the result they got in 2010 though, falling to the Argentines 7-2.

When it was all said and done the U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team had compiled a 2-4 overall record going 2-1 in group play and 0-3 in the second round finishing in eighth place.

With the obstacle of qualification overcome, the focus now turns to preparing for London.

--

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Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings: Steven Jackson and the Week's Top Performers

The early games of Week 8 of the NFL season are over and we saw some seriously good fantasy performances. Steven Jackson was the top performer, but his mark of 30 points should be topped by Matthew Stafford this week.

 

No. 5: Eli Manning, New York Giants

Eli Manning and the Giants played the Miami Dolphins today, and while that should have been an easy win, he had to lead his team to a comeback victory.

That boded well for Manning, as he was throwing the ball for most of the game. Manning went 31-for-45 with 349 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, which added up to a total of 21 points.

 

No. 4: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

The No. 2 overall fantasy quarterback had another brilliant performance today. Cam Newton's Panthers gave up a lead to the Minnesota Vikings.

Despite that, Newton found a way to get 24 points.

Newton went 22-for-35 for 290 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately he also fumbled the ball twice, but he still had one heck of a day.

 

No. 3: Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Ray Rice and the Ravens had a come-from-behind victory against the the Arizona Cardinals today, winning 30-27 on a last-second field goal. Rice was key in the comeback, despite having a total of 99 yards.

Rice complemented those yards with three rushing touchdowns, giving him 27 points.

 

No. 2: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson was the No. 1 overall pick in most fantasy drafts and he showed why today. 

In the Vikings' comeback win against the Panthers, Peterson ran for 86 yards and had 76 yards receiving.

Peterson also had two touchdowns (one on the ground and one through the air) and scored 27 points, matching Rice.

 

No. 1: Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

The Rams got their first win of the season today against the New Orleans Saints. Jackson powered the team, having a huge fantasy day.

Jackson ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns today, not to mention getting 32 yards receiving for a total of 30 points.

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Steven Colbert Tackles NCAA Critic Taylor Branch

Steven Colbert of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" welcomed Taylor Branch as a guest Wednesday night, then grilled the Pulitzer Prize-winning author about his e-book "The Cartel," which is an expanded version of Taylor's cover story in the October issue...

World Cup Laredo Heat Des Moines Menace Detroit Ignition

Excitement Builds for New York Red Bulls vs LA Galaxy MLS Playoff

Ogden Outlaws FC New York Fredericksburg Gunners Toronto Lynx

Arkansas Cheap Shot

Jonathan Krause of Vanderbilt is flattened by Arkansas' Marquel Wade while attempting to field a punt during Saturday's game in Nashville. The officiating crew then ejects Wade.

MLS Leicester City Buffalo Sabers Ogden Outlaws

WWE: The Top 10 Halloween Costumes of 2011

It's that time of the year again, when little Jimmy's and Jenny's take to the streets on Halloween to go trick or treating for endless amounts of candy.

In the spirit of the season, Bleacher Report has compiled a list of the top 10 WWE Halloween costumes for wrestling fans of all ages.  

Having a hard time trying to figure out what WWE Superstar you should dress as for that Halloween party?  Look no further.

No matter if you're interested in a casual costume for candy hunting, or you're throwing down some adult beverages and wanting some pro wrestling humor, these costume ideas will have you set.

Whether you're looking for something more traditional, such as a "Dead Man", or if you're just wanting to be the coolest broski at the party, you'll find the Superstar that fits your Halloween needs in this list.

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Houston Leones Birmingham City Eastern Conference Chelsea

Puck Daddy chats with Pavel Datsyuk about Red Wings, realignment, working at Tim Horton?s and Halloween

Pavel Datsyuk and the Detroit Red Wings were undefeated before facing the Washington Capitals in a Saturday night showdown. The Capitals routed the Red Wings, 7-1.

Was this the first "real" challenge for Detroit this season?

"I wouldn't say that. Every opponent is a serious one. Don't underestimate other teams!" said Datsyuk. "I don't agree with you here. Yes, some teams didn't start well, but our wins don't come easy. But you can consider the Capitals to be one of the favorites. They have a good, balanced, young team with a good goaltender."

Myself and Dmitry Malinovski, Sovetsky Sport's correspondent in Detroit, spoke with Datsyuk after the Red Wings' win over Columbus and their loss in Washington. This is a combination of those two discussions. As usual, Pavel discussed a variety of topics, including realignment, his wax statue and Halloween. Enjoy.

Q. When you played Washington you were the only two undefeated teams in the NHL. It must have been a test for you still?

DATSYUK: "Yes, of course it was a test for our team to play against a good, fast team. Unfortunately, we failed that test. But on the other side, it showed what we have to work on, it told us what kind of conclusions we have to draw. There is plenty of time. I wouldn't say that they beat us as convincingly as the score may suggest, but they capitalized on the opportunities they were given at the right time, especially on the power play. It was actually very entertaining for fans. But for us, there is plenty we have to work on. The more work there is ahead of us, the more my eyes sparkle!"

Niklas Lidstrom played his 1,500th career NHL game and you couldn't give him a present ? a win, or at least help him score a goal.

"Of course, there is some bitter taste after games like this. We didn't play bad, but the scoreboard shows the score. And it's not just about special milestones, when you lose like that the effect stays. Nik was a bit upset. But we have to congratulate him on the achievement. It is a very big milestone. All I can do is remove my hockey helmet for him. He is such a great player and a great person. You can always rely on him and take him with you on spying missions."

But did you give Lidstrom a present for him 1,500th career NHL game?

"Yes, the score: 7-1. I am sure he will keep the score sheet."

Do the Red Wings feel the competition for fans now that the Lions are doing pretty well in the NFL?

"There is no competition. The situation in Detroit is very difficult due to the economic crisis. And I think all of the Detroit teams playing ? the Red Wings, the Lions, the Tigers ? we are all trying to cheer Detroit fans up, make them a little bit happier in these tough times. And sincere thanks to all the fans who come to our games, who find the time for us."

Your schedule in the beginning of the season was very light: You played five games in the first two weeks of the season.

"I think it's fine. It's not for nothing everyone keeps saying that we are an old team. We were just spared, we were given more time to rest. I wish it was like that all season."

Wouldn't you rather have these days off at the end of the season, or is it better to enter the playoffs at full speed?

"It is difficult to say. We take what we are given. It would be worse if we weren't given any days off at all, or in the middle of the season."

Tomas Holmstrom is no longer on your line. Do you miss him?� No one steals your goals.

"I am always for him playing on our line. But we are soldiers and we are ready to play in any combination. Of course, we have been playing with Homer for a very long time, we are used to each other. We already miss each other. At least we play together on power plays, at least that's good."

Tell us more about your job at Tim Horton's the other day.

"Well, next year maybe we will have a lockout. So, maybe I will have to work part time somewhere. I am trying to find myself, trying to find the best fit, the best profession for the lockout. It was important to get some experience. Some guys were finding themselves at tire places, and I always wanted to learn the back end of how coffee is prepared and served. I wouldn't say I made any coffee, but it was interesting to see how it's done. But seriously, it is a very tough job."

Halloween is just around the corner. Any plans to trick or treat with the team?� Have you picked your costume yet?

"Actually, I don't have a costume yet. I am still shopping for one. We are definitely going to have something with the team, but I am not sure of the plans yet. I have one costume in mind ? one of Jason from Friday the 13th."

Also not long ago you visited a local police training facility. Did you get to shoot an AK?

"No, they didn't have it. They only have some M-guns, handguns. It was interesting. We were told about their job. It is a very dangerous job. But I am not a really good shooter. I am more of a fisherman, not a hunter. I love fishing."

The discussions about the Red Wings switching conferences are continuing.

"On one hand, of course it would be great because we would reduce the number of miles we fly considerably. It would be interesting to try ourselves in a different conference. But until the chickens are hatched we can't really count them. So, people can discuss whatever they want. But nothing is certain at this point. I just hope we won't be realigned to the KHL."

Alex Ovechkin was presented with his own wax figure on Monday at Madame Tussaud's in Washington DC. Where would it be possible to see a statue of Pavel Datsyuk?

"I don't think you will see it anywhere. And if you do, it will probably be made of paper. Cardboard paper. I am a cardboard player."

The Red Wings will give away a few Fathead posters in the near future. They already have one such giveaway of small Jimmy Howard posters. Maybe there will be a paper full size Pavel Datsyuk.

"This is really interesting! I would actually like them to add me some height so I would appear more powerful. And I would also like to get me one of these. But it is really cool that our team cares about our fans and gives away presents like that."

The Red Wings, until the last couple of years, weren't known for doing a lot of community events.

"This is not the case. We always helped our community and held various events. Maybe it wasn't done so publically, maybe there weren't so many, but we always helped. Maybe it's just we weren't followed around by cameras. But as I mentioned, this is such a difficult time right now. And I am happy that we are more involved, we are happy to participate. We want to support the people, we want to surprise them.

"For example, we heard so many kind words that we made people's day when we were all over the city serving them. It was so great to see happy faces when I was serving people coffee."

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Comparing the 2011 49ers to the 2000 Super Bowl Champion Ravens.

The 2000 Ravens were not your typical Super Bowl championship team. They did not have a Peyton Manning or Drew Brees. Instead they had Trent Dilfer, the former first round pick that never met expectations. Does this situation sound familiar to current NFL fans?

What they did have, was what is considered one of the greatest NFL defenses of all time. What made their defense different from other defenses though, was that it was based on stopping the run and not the pass. Does it sound familiar to anyone on the west coast? 

It also helped that they had a fifth-ranked rushing offense. OK, it should sound familiar by now.

The 2011 49ers have similar qualities. These similarities begin with the face of the Baltimore Ravens defense, Ray Lewis. 

The field general of the 2000 Ravens defense was none other than Ray Lewis. Fast forward 11 years and Ray Lewis is still leading the Ravens defense. He is 36 though, and has stated that this could be his last year playing. Because Lewis is nearing the end of the tunnel, many have asked who will succeed him. Lewis answered the question himself. 

When asked by a reporter which linebacker reminded him the most of himself, Ray Lewis's answer was the 49ers own Patrick Willis. Patrick Willis is certainly qualified to be Lewis's successor. In his rookie year, Willis led the league in tackling and won defensive rookie of the year.  

He has also won the award for NFL's best linebacker two years in a row and has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons. The only other 49er to do that is the Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott.

When evaluating Patrick Willis, it is almost impossible to find any weaknesses. He has perfect tackling form, his athleticism allows him to hold his own in coverage and he has shown flashes of pass rushing skills. Simply put, the 49ers have their version of Ray Lewis.

Like the 2000 Ravens defense, the 49ers have been historic against the run. They have yet to allow a 100 yard rusher for 28 straight games and haven't given up a rushing touchdown this season. And it's not like the 49ers run defense has had to stop slouches. They held LeSean McCoy, who was leading the NFL in yards per carry, to 18 yards. 

The 49ers defense hasn't been perfect though. The defense ranks 22nd against the pass and with the exception of Carlos Rogers, the secondary is not very talented. The 49ers do not have a version of the Hall of Famer Ron Woodson, who played for the Ravens in 2000, in their safety unit.

The Ravens also had a pair of cornerbacks, Chris McAlister and Duane Starks, that combined for 10 interceptions in 2000. The cornerbacks playing across from Carlos Rogers have struggled.

That Ravens pass defense wasn't perfect either though. In fact it didn't even rank in the top five that year. However, with a defense that focused on stopping the run and broke the record for fewest rushing yards allowed in a season, it didn't need to be. The same applies to the 49ers pass defense.

Allowing few yards on the ground can put the opposing offense in a position of third and long situations. A third and long situation is much easier for the secondary to defend then a third and short. Especially with the 49ers promising rookie Aldon Smith and the rest of the 49ers fearsome pass rush breathing down the quarterbacks neck.

If the 49ers run defense maintains it's success, and the secondary can avoid giving up the deep ball on those long third downs, the defense can be good enough to take the 49ers deep in the post-season. Much like the Ravens defense did in 2000. 

In 2000, the Ravens rush offense was also responsible for that Super Bowl trip. That Ravens offense ranked fifth in the league and the rookie Jamal Lewis rushed for over 1,300 yards. The 49ers rush offense through six games is ranked sixth and Frank Gore is on pace for more then 1,300 yards.

The Ravens also had Priest Holmes in the backfield to keep Lewis fresh. The 49ers have a backup by the name of Kendall Hunter that has shown he is capable of sharing carries with Gore. Lastly like the offense of the 2000 Ravens, the 49ers offense has depended on the running game.

Any offense that depends on the running game lacks excitement, and the 49ers offense has lacked just that in six games. But just because an offense is lackluster doesn't mean it isn't efficient. Even though the Ravens relied on their running game, they still ranked 14th in the league in points.

And despite being boring at times, the 49ers offense has been efficient and is ranked ninth in scoring. Any time you score a lot of points and have an elite defense to defend those points, you can guarantee yourself a victory.

An offense that depends on the running game gives the quarterback fewer responsibilities. Instead of being asked to throw the ball over 30 times, he's just asked to convert the occasional third down and not turn the ball over. They have a title for this kind of quarterback and it's called a 'game manager.' The 2000 Ravens had a 'game manager' in Trent Dilfer. And this 49ers team has one in Alex Smith. 

As mentioned previously, Trent Dilfer was a top 10 draft pick that never met expectations. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had given up on Trent Dilfer and let him sign with the Baltimore Ravens. He initially was brought in to back up Tony Banks. However approaching the middle of the season the Ravens lost two straight games and the offense had gone four weeks without scoring an offensive touchdown. This prompted coach Brian Billick to bench Tony Banks in favor of Trent Dilfer.

Trent Dilfer didn't have an MVP season in 2000. In fact his quarterback rating was only 77. And he only threw for over 1,500 yards in 11 games, with the Raven pass offense being ranked 22nd. But he would break the Ravens touchdown-less streak and brought stability to the quarterback position. He also fulfilled his role as a game manager by minimizing the turnovers, only throwing 11 picks.

As a result, the Ravens would go on to win seven straight games to end the season. The Ravens carried this momentum into the playoffs and went on to the Super Bowl. And despite having arguably the worse quarterback to ever play in a Super Bowl, the Ravens won in an impressive fashion.

At the end of last season few thought Alex Smith would be back with the 49ers. He was a free agent and had been benched multiple times during the 2010 season. And like Trent Dilfer, he was a former top 10 pick that failed to meet expectations. But then the NFL went into lockout mode and the 49ers were left with few options for a replacement. Realizing this, Harbaugh and the 49ers made a one year offer to Alex Smith. Smith initially declined, but after meeting with Harbaugh he decided to sign.

Smith saw that for once in his career he'd have a head coach that knew how to run an offense. He also saw the signing as his last chance to prove to the 49ers that he wasn't a bust. And through six games, Alex Smith has made the most out of his last chance.

Alex Smith is not having an MVP season by any means. He's on pace to throw for only 2,500 yards, and the 49ers pass offense ranks 31st. But Smith has only thrown two interceptions and has been clutch when the 49ers have needed him to be. 

Against the Eagles, Smith rallied the 49ers offense to come back from a 20 point deficit. Smith did not start off well against the Lions, missing open receivers and throwing an interception. But Smith showed mental toughness when his team was losing by four points with less then six minutes left.

Given such conditions, the 49ers needed Smith to get the offense in the red zone and he did just that. Three plays later though, it was fourth and goal and there was only two minutes left. The 49ers had to score a touchdown to have any chance of winning. Despite this difficult conversion Smith threw a touchdown pass to Delanie Walker, and the 49ers would go on to give the Lions their first loss.

The old Alex Smith would not have converted that fourth and goal. But the old Alex Smith also played on different 49er teams. Smith never played under an offensive minded coach. Smith has never played on a 49ers team with this good of a defense. And lastly, the old Alex Smith was burdened with heavy expectations of the first overall pick.

All the 49ers expect out of Alex Smith this year is to be a 'game manager.' Because of all of these differences Alex Smith has brought stability to a position that hasn't been stable since Jeff Garcia.

At 5-1 the 49ers have something special brewing. But because the 49ers are an unconventional contender many are still hesitant to consider the 49ers a Super Bowl contender.

Many of those same critics said the same about the unconventional 2000 Baltimore Ravens. Not much has changed in the league since 2000. It is still a passing league and the defense is still expected to stop the pass, not the run, first.

If the Baltimore Ravens were able to win the Super Bowl under those same conditions, why can't the 49ers?

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Expansion and the MLS Meta

- Jason Davis

In 2011, after Seattle and Philly and Portland and Vancouver and Montreal and the wave that came before them (yes, San Jose counts) and all of the talk of candidates and fees and ownership groups and stadium plans and color schemes and whether names should be "historical" (since 1975!) or "euro" or plain old American city-and-nickname, I'm tired of expansion. Or, rather, I'm not tired of expansion, I'm over it as a major part of Major League Soccer's future, which means I'm over writing about it. Actually, I'm almost certain that my attention has shifted because there are now enough teams and enough stability that MLS has hardened around the edges and has the consistency of a "real" league.

But the expansion talk continues, whether I remain actively engaged or not (my interest, surprisingly, has no bearing on the rolling expansion train or the discussion surrounding it...who knew). The country is big, MLS will continue to be in the growth phase - in one area or fifty - forever, and there is STILL no team in the Southeast. Oh, and MLSHQ continues to publicly covet another franchise in New York, either because they themselves are sick of having to trek over to Jersey to see a game, or...no, that's probably it. I hear the PATH trains are a disaster.

The latest development in the expansion story is that MLS has no immediate plans to grow beyond the 20 clubs the league will have once Montreal joins in 2012 and someone in New York who was lucky enough to have never met Bernie Madoff finds $100 million to invest. This has come as a shock to some because stopping at 20 only makes sense if MLS is A. retaining the balanced schedule (they're not) B. tired of expansion fees (doubtful) or C. convinced that there are no more cities ready for professional soccer (maybe, but unlikely). Suddenly everything we know about MLS 2.0 is threatened by public statements of conservatism. If MLS isn't expanding, what does that mean exactly?

Richard Whittall, the newly minted editor at The Score's Footy Blog and a top bloke, lays it out pretty simply in a manner I might have had I thought to tackle the story first and wasn't tied up doing other things:

First, no more rotating conversation about viable American (or Canadian) soccer markets, so that MLS can deal with working with its existing markets, and shoring up some of the weaker ones. It gives a sense of fixed identity to the league?this is it, for better or for worse. A little familiarity goes a long way, and as Lorne Michaels apparently said once: ?the longer you?re here, the longer you?re here.? Halting expansion seals off MLS and gives the league a sense of permanence.

Richard's point about too much of the coverage of MLS being "meta" is a good one, and although it cuts me personally as this blog was launched to tackle many of the very meta issues he identifies, pushing topics like "who's next" to the periphery is crucial to the graduation of MLS from novelty level to full and tenured member of major professional sports leagues. The sooner MLS can be just about the games, the players, and the coaches (with the occasional distraction of the latest best-small-soccer-stadium-in-the-world opening), the better. Permanence isn't awarded after a certain number of years or teams or even fans is reached; it's an entirely subjective characteristic that only takes hold as a widespread feeling at some indeterminable point when the greater culture finally takes the league's existence for granted. That might require an older generation of sportswriters/editors/talking heads to recede into their retirements where they can't influence an easily manipulated public, or it might just be something that comes when MLS pauses to tidy up the house already built instead of worrying about the next new addition.

Which, judging by the attendance issues in Columbus and Dallas and the (still) unresolved stadium situation in DC (among other things), MLS should do. The NBC TV contract represents an opportunity to buckle down and generate genuine interest in the sport beyond the hardcore locals it has already attracted. Expansion should and must be commensurate with the ability of teams to find and pay for decent talent. That probably means stopping at 20 teams, at least for now.

One less meta issue to bat around and speculate on means less fodder American soccer blogs that can't help themselves. And that's a good thing. MLS still, and probably will for the foreseeable future, feels like more of a counterculture movement than a actual part of the fabric of sport in the United States and Canada. That might give us a greater feeling of solidarity and uniqueness as fans, but it remains a barrier to MLS becoming the legitimate and accepted league it hopes to be.

As long as we're talking about the way the league is run, where it might pop up next, how to pay expensive names to play here, etc., etc. more than we talk about the narratives playing out on the field, MLS won't just be niche, it will feel ephemeral.

--

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Even Museums Are Taking Note of the Surging Caps

NHL Nashville Metros San Jose Earthquakes Liverpool

Puck Headlines: Kane denies trade request; hazing; Fake Zetterberg

Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

? Is there something wrong with your screen settings? Does Jay Beagle actually bleed purple? No, silly, it's the Pittsburgh Penguins' special purple practice jerseys which will be auctioned off as part of Hockey Fights Cancer. [Penguins]

? It's official the 2012 NHL Draft will be in Pittsburgh which is, incidentally, a short drive from Columbus. [Penguins]

? Jersey Fouls on Friday, Friday, Jersey Fouls on Friday.

? Does James Reimer have a concussion? One Toronto Maple Leafs player says yes; everyone associated with the team that wears a suit is trying to downplay it. Sigh ... Brian Gionta ? the Matt Cooke of Lilliput! [NatPost]

? If you've not read this story about hazing in Manitoba ? water bottle carriers tied to scrotums and such ? it's a disturbing one. [Y! Sports]

? Say, would you like to end the practices of hazing? Call the cops. [Buzzing]

? Kyle Turris's agent joined NHL XM Home Ice to declare it's not about money, and "I think if you saw the way how the season played out last year, it doesn't take a rockets scientist to see it's not a fit." He also dabbles in a conspiracy theory about the NHL owning the Coyotes and therefore it's the League imprisoning his client. �[XM Radio]

? Evander Kane wanted to make it clear the he hasn't asked for a trade from the Winnipeg Jets: "I haven't asked for a trade, I'm happy where I am and I expect to be here for a long time. ? I guess people in social media come out with stories and spread rumours. I stay away from that kind of stuff." [QMI]

? Brayden Schenn is out with a broken foot. Well, good thing no one went out and picked him up for their fantasy ? crap. [CSN Philly]

? Max Pacioretty faces the Boston Bruins for the first time this week since the Chara affair. Said Coach Claude Julien: "I can tell you honestly the one thing we're happy about and that would be for anybody else is that he's healthy. As a player in the league, you don't want to see somebody in the league end his career on an unfortunate accident but what you want to see is a player come back and be healthy. As far as that's concerned, he's healthy, we've turned the page and now it's time to move on." [ESPN Boston]

? Welcome back Adam McQuaid from his neck injury. [Bruins Blog]

? Why Alex Ovechkin is now the second best left wing in the NHL. [Cubeta]

? We may revisit this later, but Gary Bettman has teased a Minnesota Winter Classic, with this caveat: "An important element of doing the Winter Classic is obviously the national TV ratings, so we have to be comfortable that whatever matchup we're going to do will do a good number." So get ready for "HBO 24/7 Penguins/Flyers: Road To The Winter Classic at Target Field." [Russo]

? Congrats to Erik Gudbranson for sticking with the Florida Panthers. [On Frozen Pond]

? Wild Puck Banter has traced the source of the Minnesota Wild's problems in the postseason, and she's blonde. [WPB]

? Michael Farber on Ilya Bryzgalov: "Like wide receivers in Chicago, Philadelphia just hasn't been able to get this goaltending thing right, at least not since the early days of combative Ron Hextall in the late 1980s." [SI]

? Barry Melrose can stop handing out his Mullets of the Week now. He's given one to Jaromir Jagr. The universe has been set back in order.

? Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery gave his mask artist a "no boxers" mandate, which obviously didn't cover Chief Jay Strongbow. [In Goal, via Justin S.]

? What is the New York Rangers FanCam? "What is the FanCam? This high definition image will capture Madison Square Garden in its entirety, and fans will be able to "step inside" the 360 degree gigapixel image and look around during this frozen moment of time. The resolution of 20 billion pixels is so high that fans will be able to zoom in to find themselves or their friends, "tag" themselves in the photo, and share via email, Facebook, and Twitter. Fans can even cruise around Madison Square Garden to see who else was present at the game." [Rangers]

? "Islanders' 1993 Division Playoff Banner Lives in a Fan's Attic." In an odd twist of fate, Rich Pilon is living up there, too. [Botta]

? Watch Nathan Horton of the Boston Bruins sprays his dirty water all over New England. [Eye on Hockey]

? Where Ryan Carter and Steve Bernier fit in the New Jersey Devils organization. [Devils Advocate]

? More debate about visors from Blades of Teal: "So how could the NHL and NHLPA take a hard stance and get everyone on board with using a visor? The answer seems simple enough for me: hit players in the wallet. That usually gets them to listen." [BoT]

? Stephane Da Costa gets his moment to shine for the Ottawa Senators, skating with Daniel Alfredsson. [Sens]

? Still no Drew Doughty for the Los Angeles Kings, but Johnny Quick's between the pipes. [LA Kings Insider]

? Say, maybe using the bankruptcy courts to hasten the sale of NHL teams is just not worth the trouble. [Globe & Mail]

? Losses and gains for the Dallas Stars in the offseason that produced the winning hockey team we see today. [Pegasus News]

? Do the Dallas Stars play boring hockey, and if so zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzdroolzzzzzzzzzzz [Defending Big D]

? A brief conversation between a panda and a Hello Kitty type about the Columbus Blue Jackets. [Dark Blue Jacket]

? Finally, the first webisode of Fake Henrik Zetterberg is here. There's a lot of setup in this one, but the idea of the Detroit Red Wings star in "Office Space" is intriguing.

Crystal Palace Baltimore D.C. United Colorado Avalanch Southampton

Puck Previews: Oil vs. Avs for division lead; Coyotes get O?Reilly

Back by popular demand, here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

? "Waldo attends the New York Rangers home opener at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2011 in New York City." Yeah we have no idea either. But it's nice to see Michael Phelps getting work.

Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche, 9 p.m. Devan Dubnyk gets the call against Semyon Varlamov in this battle of surprising teams of the West ? this is for first place in the Northwest (!). The Avs have yet to win on home ice. Matt Duchene is typically a slow starter ? just not usually this slow (1-3-4). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins faces Gabriel Landeskog in a battle of players who likely be wearing tuxes at the NHL Awards next summer.

Preview: Chicago Blackhawks at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m. Have Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa turned Dan Carcillo into ? gasp ? a player who no longer feels the need to get over 200 penalty minutes? He's gone six games without a fight, and tells the Sun-Times: "When it's needed, then I'll definitely be there and try and get one. When you finish your hits and play the way I do, fights are going to come.'' History is on Carolina's side, as Chicago hasn't won in North Carolina since 1998. Corey Crawford vs. Cam Ward.

Preview: San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings, 7:30 p.m. The Wings have lost two in a row (without Jimmy Howard, who's back tonight) and the Sharks have won three in a row. Hence, this is the right team at the right time according to Mike Babcock: "So here's a team that we've played two years in a row in the playoffs. We know real well that they're a high-end team. To me, I think it's perfect. We've got to find out if we're willing to compete at that level."

Preview: St. Louis Blues at Calgary Flames, 9 p.m. The one for all the marbles. Matt Harrison faces Chris Carpenter after St. Louis's dramatic 11th-inning comeback victory, with the World Series championship on the ? oh, the Blues? They're in Calgary. Brian Elliott's starting. Now, back to baseball ?

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today's games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page. For tonight's starting goalies, check out Left Wing Lock.

Evening Reading

? Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have acquired center Cal O'Reilly from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a fourth round selection in the 2012 Entry Draft. The trade is pending O'Reilly passing a physical examination. Said Don Maloney on the Kyle Turris situation: "I'm not overly optimistic that Kyle (Turris) will sign with us this season. ? However, the door is always open for him to return."

? Drew Doughty is expected back for the Los Angeles Kings against the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday. [LA Kings Insider]

? Marek traces the Atlanta Thrashers' transactions that have turned the Winnipeg Jets into an also-ran in the Eastern Conference. [Sportsnet]

? The Washington Capitals are waiting on Mike Green's injury status for their big game against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. [CSN Washington]

? The problem with mandatory visors. [THW]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: NJaD9 on that parrot who played air hockey in Puck Headlines ?

"That parrot is just like Dustin Byfuglien! After each time he does something good, he runs to the coach to demand a snack reward."

We appreciate your restraint on poop jokes.

Bold Prediction: Landeskog outscores Nugent-Hopkins.

San Jose Sharks Vancouver Whitecaps Residency Columbus Crew Minnesota Wild

Puck Previews: Pens, Isles renew hostility; Booth?s debut

Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders, 7 p.m. ET.

Unless you were Rick DiPietro's cheekbones, you probably really enjoyed the 2010-11 season series between the Penguins and Islanders. First, there was that�now-legendary goalie fight. Then, nine days later, the two teams went batcrap on one another,�combining for 346 penalty minutes, including 15 fighting majors and 20 misconducts in a 9-3 Islanders win. Are the franchises looking to renew hostilities? Not according to Isles coach Jack Capuano, who said, "For me, it's not even a rivalry." But take this with a grain of salt, because he said it�while wrapping a two-by-four in barbed wire.

Preview: Ottawa Senators at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m. ET.

Good news for the Senators: the Hurricanes have lost two straight. Bad news: they will be without Daniel Alfredsson, who will miss the game with hip soreness. Good news: the Senators have won two straight.�Bad news: they remain the Ottawa Senators, which is always a concern. Cam Ward and Craig Anderson get the starts in goal.

Preview: Detroit Red Wings at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m. ET.

Last week, I boldly predicted that the Columbus Blue Jackets would wrestle their first win from the hands of the mighty Red Wings. I was way wrong, but that won't deter me from predicting it again. I mean, how can the Blue Jackets not be inspired by GM Scott Howson's recent blog post? Nothing inspires me like transparent hand-wringing from leadership.

Preview: Vancouver Canucks at Edmonton Oilers, 9:30 p.m. ET.

David Booth makes his debut as a member of the Vancouver Canucks, skating alongside fellow countrymen Ryan Kesler and Chris Higgins on a line Canuck fans are calling the "American Express." One can only hope the Team America theme will get a spin each time this line scores. This game's definitely worth a watch, especially because Booth has about twelve seconds to score a goal before Canuck fans start booing him and his contract and proposing he be traded to Tampa Bay for Vincent Lecavalier, as is tradition.

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today's games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page. For tonight's starting goalies, check out Left Wing Lock.

Evening reading:

? Yes, Vancouver is a difficult hockey market. Booth dodged a bullet this morning when he attended the optional skate. [PITB]

?�A Manitoba junior hockey team has been fined $5000 for hazing. Am I the only one who can't stand it when articles like this pop up and no one explains what they actually did? [CBC]

?�Lennart Petrell needs to request that TSN update his file photo. [TSN]

?�Anze Kopitar's hail mary passes are becoming legendary. [SB Nation]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: Vanessa, on Reebok's Fair Isle NHL Jerseys:

The more I look at these, the more I'd like them if they were for pets. Otherwise, fail.

Bold prediction: I'm telling you, man, Columbus is going to win. They're due.

Springfield Demize Everton Leeds United Western Conference