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Sunday, September 30, 2007

Tonights Linkage

In the news tonight

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EURO CURVE

Euro Curve takes a daily look at the latest international hockey news.

- Can't get enough Alexei Cherepanov? Russianprospects.com provides a detailed scouting analysis of the New York Rangers 2007 1st Round draft pick during his most recent game for Avangard (Omsk). The author of the article Alessandro Seren Rosso says the talented winger looked sluggish but cautioned that Cherepanov is still recovering from an injury suffered during the recent Super Series against Canada.

- New Jersey Devils Prospect Nicklas Bergfors may start the season with the Lowell Devils of the American Hockey League. The 20-year-old Swede had 2 points in 9 games during the 2007 World Junior Championships in Leksand, Sweden. He spent most of the 2006'07 season in the AHL, his second, scoring 13 goals and 19 assists in 60 games played.

- Josef Boumedienne may start the season with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League but will surely get a second look from the Washington Capitals if any of their current defensemen fail or go down with injury. Boumedienne had 2 goals and 2 assists in 18 games last season with Kärpät of the SM-Liiga. He last played in the NHL with the Washington Capitals during the 2003'04 season. Boumedienne was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 1996 (4/96).

- The Sports Network and Pittsburgh Tribune are reporting on the possibility of an NHL regular season game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning being hosted by the city of Prague, Czech Republic to start the 2008'09 season. The Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings opened the 2007'08 season in London, England over the weekend, playing two regular season games at the 02 Arena.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.

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The HD Corner - Season Opener in London

Thoughts from the O2 Arena in London (aka my TV in my living room)...

The 07-08 hockey seaon is now officially upon us. Although it was a bit of an early wake up Saturday morning (11am central) to catch the first game from London, it was still thoroughly enjoyable. As usual, CBC's coverage was second to none with its crisp HD feed, along with the always solid Jim Hughson manning the mike. Although he looooooves the Canucks, which is always quite evident on his Sporstnet Pacific broadcasts, Hughson always brings his best effort to the table (I think it has something to with a comfort level from all the years being the play-by-play on EA Sport's NHL series). Greg Millen is OK too, just sometimes really annoying as I've eluded to in previous posts. After a half hour delay due to poor lighting at the O2 Arena, and Ron MacLean, Craig Simpson, and Cassy Campbell painfully killing time, the game finally got underway without a hitch.

After searching around for Sunday's game, and nearly having a conniption that it possibly wasn't being shown, I finally discovered it being broadcast on the NHL Network. Although the sound was brutal and the standard-def picture looked so bad that I thought my contacts were in backwards, strategically, it was a good idea to air the second game on the NHL Network. There is a free preview of the NHL Network until November for digital subscribers, and it's a great way to create some hype and viewership. The only drawback is that it obviously doesn't have the same reach as CBC, but it still seems like a great plan to create urgency for viewers to order the channel for the season if people like what they see. And how could they not - the icing on the cake is that Paul Rominuk and Gary Green were at the helm for the game! Yes! The hockey Gods have spoken.

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Morning Musings

Due to the high volume of articles that appear in the Sunday papers I am not going to be posting any preambles on Sunday mornings.

On to the morning papers:

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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Saturday, September 29, 2007

Morning Musings: Let the games begin

It seems like only yesterday that that Ducks defeated the Sens in game five of the Stanley Cup Finals to become the 2006/07 champions. Somehow, the off-season is already complete and this afternoon (at 11:00 CST) the L.A. Kings take on the Anaheim Ducks overseas in London. With much excitement around the league it looks like 2007/08 will be a fascinating season.

On to the morning papers:

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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Friday, September 28, 2007

Morning Musings: My late take on the McAmmond hit

I know this issue has been discussed ad nausem for the last couple of days, but here are my quick two cents. Many around the game believe the pressure is on the NHL and Colin Campbell to make an example of Steve Downie and crackdown on head shots. I, however, somewhat disagree with this sentiment. The pressure in this instance, lies with the NHLPA. If the NHL gives a twenty game suspension to Steve Downie will things really change? Will players suddenly stop running at opposing players with reckless abandon? This writer doesn't believe so. Therefore, the pressure should be on the NHLPA to organize meetings and information sessions between all NHL players to discuss, not only, the repercussions of giving and receiving a head-shot but the lack of mutual respect in the game today. For me, that is the main issue. NHL players no longer have as much respect for one another as they once did. How can the NHL as a governing body encourage an increase in on-ice respect? In short, it can't. This is where the NHLPA comes in. It is for situations like this one that the PA was created. The leadership (however weak it is right now) has to gather the players together and preach the virtues of respectfully competing with your opponents without crossing the line. Without this message being delivered, the hits will keep on coming and, one day, a player may never get up from a brutal on-ice collision.

On to the morning papers:

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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Thursday, September 27, 2007

EURO CURVE

Euro Curve takes a daily look at the latest international hockey news.

Writers Note: I apologize for not writing a blog yesterday but a sore throat kept me off the website and in bed. I promise today's blog will be as good as a Janne Niinimaa slapshot ( Currently playing with HC Davos of Swiss League).

- Yutaka Fukufuji, the first Japanese born player to ever play in the NHL, is trying to stick with the AHL's Manitoba Moose as one of the teams starting goaltenders. Unfortunately for Fukufuji, 25, he is in tough against incumbent Drew MacIntyre, and Boston College standout Cory Schneider. Fukufuji, an 8th round draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings in 2004, is believed to be headed for the East Coast Hockey League.

- The Anaheim Ducks were parading the Stanley Cup around London Wednesday, taking in some sights and even attending a Premier League football ( not soccer!) game. The Ducks face the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, September 29 to kick off the NHL's regular season schedule. The two teams meet again Sunday. Both games will be played at the new 02 Arena, a 20,000-seat venue which will also host an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants in October.

- New York Rangers Draft Pick Alexei Cherepanov (2007, 1/17) scored his first goal of the season last night for Avangard (Omsk) as the Russian Super League team beat VITYAZ (Chekhov) 7-5. Cherepanov was voted the games second star. Cherepanov, who was expected to be Russia's best player in the recent Under-20 Super Series tournament against Canada, had been sidelined with an injury for most of the tournament. Cherepanov, widely considered one of the best prospects in the Super League, had 18 goals and 11 assists in 46 games for Avangard Omsk last season.

- Here's a look at the top scorers in Russia's top league:

RUSSIAN SUPER LEAGUE STATISTICS ( courtesy of www.rushockey.com)

EARLY REGULAR SEASON LEADERS ( Points)

# Player Team Pos G P(G+A)
1 Alexanderov Viktor Metallurg Nk F 9 12 (7 + 5)
2 Mihaylov Egor Metallurg Nk F 9 11 (5 + 6)
3 Mozyakin Sergey Khimik F 9 10 (7 + 3)
4 Morozov Alexei Ak Bars F 9 10 (4 + 6)
5 Antipov Vladimir Salavat Yulaev F 8 10 (2 + 8)
6 Saprikin Oleg CSKA F 9 9 (7 + 2)
7 Bashkirov Andrei HC MVD F 9 9 (5 + 4)
8 Yuhansson Andreas SKA F 9 9 (5 + 4)
9 Mihnov Alexei Lokomotiv F 9 9 (4 + 5)
10 Pokotilo Vadim Amur F 9 8 (6 + 2)
11 Dobrishkin Yuri Torpedo F 8 8 (5 + 3)
12 Antonenko Oleg HC MVD F 9 8 (5 + 3)
13 Haritonov Alexander Dynamo F 9 8 (5 + 3)
14 Badyukov Alexei Dynamo C 9 8 (4 + 4)
15 Korolyuk Alexander Vityaz F 9 8 (3 + 5)
16 Sushinsky Maxim SKA F 9 8 (3 + 5)
17 Yachmenev Vitaly Dynamo F 9 8 (3 + 5)
18 Yashin Alexei Lokomotiv C 9 8 (2 + 6)
19 Chupin Alexei Dynamo C 9 8 (2 + 6)
20 Leschev Albert Khimik C 9 8 (2 + 6)

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.

About the Writer: Ezra Ginsburg made a name for himself on the local hockey scene in 1998, when, at the tender age of 16, he held The First Annual Ezzy's Whiz Bang Hockey Draft, held at Rightway Sports on Corydon Avenue. The pool featured 16 teams and introduced an interesting draft format, which allowed players to be picked up off of the free agent market through a simple bidding process. The winner of the pool that year was Adam Sheps, but it was Ezra and friend Aaron Bernstein's acquisition of Petr Nedved which showed a knack for insider knowledge of European players. In 98'99, Nedved was acquired by the New York Rangers 26 games into the season after he had spent the last year playing for Sparta Praha of the Czech Extra League. Ginsburg and Bernstein picked up Nedved for 30 dollars ( one of the most lucrative fantasy offer sheets in history at the time) and rode his 47 points in 56 games to a respectable second place finish.

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Tonights Linkage

Tonights Links

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Prospect Pulse: Jon Blum

Jon Blum a is a young hockey player out of the Hockey Capital of the United States - California. Blum was taken in the 1st round, 23rd overall by the Preds. Blum had been playing for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL since the 2005-2006 season and has gotten progressively better. He manned the blue line for the Giants in their championship run at the Memorial Cup in 2007.

This 6'0 160 lbs defenseman is a mobile puck mover who has a nose for points. In his second year he finished 7th among all WHL defensemen and 1st among 2007 draft-eligible defensemen with 51 points. He finished the 72 game schedule with an unheralded plus 37.

Blum has also been seen as a "knock me down and I will get back up" kind of person. He has faced various adversity in his life, from the death of his twin sister, to watching his mother battle cancer. This kid has grit and determination.

On the downside, Blum will have to bulk up in order to be considered a real presence at the blue line.

Blum in all liklihood will not play for the Predators this upcoming season but in the next few years, be sure to watch for him manning the blue alongside his former Giants D partner Cody Franson.

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FROZEN ASSETS


AVOIDING FRAUDULENT SPORTSBOOKS AND A PREVIEW OF NHL DIVISION BETTING




Last week
, I presented my case as to why making futures wagers are an optimal style of wagering for the responsible casual sports bettor. I also went over some notable futures odds from the 2006-2007 NHL season. This week’s Frozen Assets will first offer strategies to protect yourself from fraudulent sportsbooks and then examine the odds for the NHL divisions futures market.

The motto of The Greek, one of the most well respected sportsbooks in the offshore wagering industry is “sweat the game, not the payout”. This motto was created in response to alleviate the common and reasonable fear that the money we send to degenerate strangers in foreign countries for the purpose of gambling will be returned to us along with our profits if we are fortunate enough to win. Futures bettors must play at multiple sportsbooks, and we must carefully research each one before choosing to deposit our money there.

The primary reason a person is able to successfully wager on the futures market is because of a lack of standardization in market odds. For example, sportsbook A could have Anaheim to win the Stanley Cup at odds of 7/1 while sportsbook B could have Anaheim to win the Stanley Cup at odds of 10/1. Thus wagering on futures requires “line shopping” at multiple sportsbooks. How do we know whether the sportsbook offering Anaheim at 10/1 is reputable?

Once you have found favorable odds at a sportsbook, your next step must be to research that sportsbook. This can be done easily at Sportsbook Review, a relatively independent website dedicated to helping the player avoid fraudulent sportsbooks. They have ratings of over 750 sportsbooks in their Sportsbook Review Rating Guide. They also offer other useful features including a Blacklist and a Recommended List. I recommend not playing with any sportsbooks having a rating of D+ or lower.

If a Sportsbook is not rated by Sportsbook Review, visit their Scam Alert section or their New Player’s Guide for tips on how to identify a fraudulent sportsbook. Remember, it doesn’t matter how much money you win until the cheque from the sportsbook is in your hand. Hopefully this is a lesson you do not have to learn the hard way.

The worst part about getting burned by a fraudulent sportsbook is that you don’t find out you are being scammed until after you win. It is only after you hit your long-shot and have thousands of dollars in your account that you realize the sportsbook you are playing at has no intention of paying you. By researching the sportsbook before sending them money, you are minimizing the risk to your bankroll and potentially saving yourself a Zdeno Chara sized headache.

Now that I’ve lectured you on the importance of being a responsible bettor that always researches the sportsbooks you play at before giving them money, let’s take a look at the NHL divisions market and see who is offering the best odds on each team to win their respective divisions…

In the world of online wagering, hockey is not a sport that is heavily wagered on. Unlike baseball, basketball, and football, division betting (in previous years) on hockey ends when the season starts. Also, division betting on hockey is only offered at a handful of books. The books I was able to find offering NHL division betting are: 5Dimes, Betsafe, Betsson, Gamebookers, Skybet, Stan James and Unibet.

Remember, we are not betting on who we think is going to win the division, we are looking for value. Let’s start with the Western Conference…

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Central Division

.........................Average Odds ..... Best Odds..... Site......................... Site Rating


Detroit ............... -230 ......................-163 ...........Skybet ...........................B+

Nashville ........... +337..................... +600 ......... Betsafe ....................... (NR)

St. Louis .............+1043................... +1200........ Skybet........................... B+

Columbus ......... +2063 .................. +2500........ Skybet........................... B+

Chicago ............. +2113..................... +2800...... .Skybet........................... B+


Play: Detroit -163

For the last two years, Detroit and Nashville have beat up on St. Louis, Columbus, and Chicago. This year it looks like Detroit will beat up on Nashville, St. Louis, Columbus, and Chicago. Nashville is a tempting play at +600, and although I hate laying chalk (taking a favorite at odds of less than even money) on a futures bet, Detroit is the clear favorite to win the division and could run away with the Division early. This two unit investment could pay out by December.



Northwest Division

.........................Average Odds.....Best Odds.....Site......................... Site Rating


Colorado .......... +251.................... +275 ...........Stan James....................B

Vancouver......... +259................... +320 ...........Betsafe........................ (NR)

Calgary.............. +261 .................. +285.............Betsson ......................... B-

Minnesota .........+341................... +420 ...........Betsafe .........................(NR)

Edmonton ........ +1383................ +2200...........Skybet............................ B+

Play: Pass

The Northwest division is a toss up between Colorado, Calgary, Vancouver, and probably Minnesota. Looking at the available odds, nothing jumps out as having value. If you put a pair of Thermablades to my throat and asked me to pick a team, I would take the Canucks at +320, but I wouldn’t put any of my hard earned student loan money on it.



Pacific Division

.........................Average Odds..... Best Odds..... Site......................... Site Rating


Anaheim ...........+111 ....................+125 ..............Skybet .................... B+

San Jose ...........+159.....................+200..............Gamebookers........ B-

Dallas ...............+469 .................. +600..............Betsson ...................B-

Los Angeles .....+1450................. +2000............Stan James............. B

Phoenix ............+2625..................+3300............Gamebookers.........B-

Play: San Jose +200

With Scott Niedermayer’s return to Anaheim uncertain and San Jose having basically the same team as last year (minus Bill Guerin but with a young, improving defense), I see no reason why they cannot match the Ducks stride for stride. At +200, there is just enough value to make it a one unit play. Also, though I wouldn’t take them to win the division, does anyone else get the sense the Los Angeles Kings will sneak into the playoffs this year?



EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division

.........................Average Odds.....Best Odds.....Site.........................Site Rating


Pittsburgh...........+197 ..................+220............Betsafe.......................(NR)

NY Rangers.........+203..................+225............Gamebookers.............B-

New Jersey.........+400..................+500............Betsafe.......................(NR)

Philadelphia.......+413...................+450.............Skybet..........................B+

New York (I)......+1225.................+1500...........Unibet........................(NR)


Play: Pass

Like the Northwest Division, the Atlantic Division is also too close to call. Comparing the average odds of each team to win with the highest odds of each team to win, there is no value in the Atlantic Division. This is an easy pass.

Northeast Division

.........................Average Odds ..... Best Odds..... Site......................... Site Rating


Ottawa...............-132......................+100..............Skybet......................B+

Buffalo...............+257.....................+385..............Betsson.....................B-

Toronto.............+819.....................+1200............Stan James..............B

Montreal...........+1016...................+1400............Skybet.......................B+

Boston...............+1775....................+2000...........Skybet......................B+

Play: Buffalo +385

Buffalo is strictly a value play. After losing Briere and Drury to free agency, Buffalo’s stock has taken a major drop. However, Buffalo’s team depth and Ryan Miller’s strong play will keep this team near the top of the conference. I don’t think Buffalo will finish ahead of Ottawa in the standings, but I still like them for 1.5 units at +385.



Southeast Division

.........................Average Odds.....Best Odds.....Site.........................Site Rating


Tampa Bay..........+248...................+350...........Betsafe........................(NR)

Carolina..............+263....................+300..........Gamebookers...............B-

Atlanta................+274....................+350...........Stan James....................B

Florida................+425....................+600..........Betsson...........................B-

Washington........+903...................+1400.........Skybet.............................B+

Play: Washington +1400, anyone besides Carolina

The Southeast is my favorite division from a wagering perspective. All five teams have a legitimate chance to win. Tampa Bay has major weaknesses and will be in trouble without Dan Boyle to start the season. I still would almost take a chance on them for one unit at +350. Carolina will contend but there is not enough value on them at +300. Atlanta might have the best chance to win the division at +350, but I am reluctant to play them because of the way they tanked in the second half of the season before being meekly eliminated by the Rangers in the opening round of last year’s playoffs. I like Florida to be a surprise team this year, and will probably find value on them at some point in the season. Taking them at +600 could, in hindsight, have been the largest division long-shot to win a division. Washington was competitive for the first half of last season, and is comprised of an improving young team. The acquisition of Michael Nylander will likely increase Alexander Ovechkin's production. Washington is strictly a value play, as I don’t think they will win, but I expect all five teams to compete for the division. At odds of +1400 it can’t hurt to take a shot at 1.5 units.



Those are my thoughts on each of the divisions; we will be sure to re-visit these predictions during and after the regular season. Remember, in the past division betting has not been possible once the regular season starts so get your bets in soon. If you have any thoughts, questions, or would like to share your predictions, feel free to share them in the “comments” section and I promise I will do my best to respond.

Remember: research your sportsbooks as well as your odds, because money in an offshore gaming account is like having a valuable piece of art: it is only worth what someone is willing to pay you for it.

For illegal curve, I’m Ari Baum-Cohen.

About the writer: Ari Baum-Cohen’s first sports betting victory came in 1989 when he won his father’s office pool at age 8. Since then, he has been interested in many different types of sports betting. His first major futures win came in November of the 2001-2002 hockey season when he selected “field” (field included Jarome Iginla) at odds of 30/1 to win the National Hockey League goal scoring title.

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Morning Musings

There will not be a preamble today because I am running a little late. The usual format will return tomorrow morning.

On to the morning papers:

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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Wednesday, September 26, 2007

The HD Corner - Gord Miller calling Baseball?!

Guess what hockey fans? If you’re having Gord Miller withdrawal this off-season, fret not. Miller has been calling the current Jays – Orioles series on TSN to pinch hit for Rod Black. Ironically enough, the Orioles announcer is none other than NHL announcer Gary Thorne. What are the odds that Bill Clement shows up for a second inning analysis? Let’s hope slim to none. I never thought I’d say this, but Rod Black better come back soon. Actually, does it matter? Who’s going to watch the Jays at this point of the season anyways?

Speaking of Clement, he is the latest addition to the Sportsnet hockey crew. He will provide analysis via satellite as well as in-studio appearances. Sidebar: has anyone seen that ridiculous bug spray commercial with Bill Clement shirtless? Bill, do as all a favour and do a couple push-ups. Maybe hit the bench press now and then. Please! You can check out the youtube clip here, but you have been warned.

In other Sabres news, it appears that TV and radio colour guy Jim Lorentz has decided to hang ‘em up. Maybe he read the last edition of The HD Corner, which included my criticism of his work. Now I’m starting to wish he’d stay on considering Matthew Barnaby, John Tucker and Mike Robitaille will each work beside Rick Jeanerette this week for Sabres exhibition games. No word yet for Lorentz’s full-time replacement, but you’d have to think Rob Ray would get a crack at the job, or at least an interview, since he does have some experience on Sabres MSG telecasts.

Finally, tonight The Score is airing its annual round table discussion (actually on air now as I write this column) about the state of hockey and potential rule changes. Guests include Marty, Turco, Jason Spezza, Colin Campbell, JFJ, Ken Holland, and Stephen Walkom. The panel will be run by Steve Kouleas, who although is quite annoying, usually asks good questions. For some hilghights, check out William Houston’s article here.

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Cold Hard Rants--Bonus Edition

NB: This is a bonus rant, in light of last night’s hit on Dean McAmmond by the coward Steve Downie. For your regularly scheduled Cold Hard Rant, this week dealing with the coverage of exhibition hockey, please scroll down a little.

In baseball, when you throw at a batter in retaliation, the player’s unwritten code of conduct says you aim for a fleshy part of the body. You don’t throw at someone’s head. You bruise, you don’t maim. In football, it’s considered uncouth to take out someone at the knees when they are unsuspecting. Hit a guy in the face, where they can see it coming as opposed to blowing out a knee that can end someone’s career. Even though I know next to nothing about basketball, I presume there is a code of conduct in that one player’s posse doesn’t shoot at another’s posse—or at least they don’t shoot to kill, only wound.

Last night in front of a capacity crowd posing as row after row after row of empty seats, the NHL player code of conduct was violated by a nobody who brutally, illegally, and heinously injuring a fellow NHL player. I am of course speaking of Steve Downie’s hit on Dean McAmmond. Now, before you go accusing me as a sissy-boy who doesn’t understand hockey and who needed the FoxTrax to follow the puck, know that I do understand hockey (even if I dislike the NHL) and additionally there is very little in sports that gets me infuriated anymore. More often than not, I simply make a snide and insincere remark and move on. Prior to yesterday, the only other issue that got me infuriated in hockey was Todd Bertuzzi’s assault on Steve Moore (more on that in next week’s Cold Hard Rants.) That changed when Downie took his run, left his feet, and delivered an elbow to McAmmond’s head with a vicious disregard for the damage he was inflicting. If it was a clean hit performed within the rules, I would applaud him, and not be writing this, but it wasn’t, and it was done solely because Downie was embarrassed that he had gotten hit a moment before.

The television talking heads like to refer to Downie as an energy player who always plays on the edge. Bull, I say. Downie is a cheap player, a dirty player, and one who cannot succeed on his skill set alone (for a basketball comparison please see Bowen, Bruce.) Downie was embarrassed that his lack of skill was exposed for all to see by another player on the ice, and rather than proving the people wrong by performing a hockey activity that demonstrates that indeed he does have an ample skill set, he did the only thing he knew how to do well, and that is cheat. With no regard for the unwritten code of conduct that this was a meaningless exhibition game and that Dean McAmmond is a veteran player simply trying to get his game legs underneath him for the start of the regular season and MEANINGFUL games, Downie decided he needed to do whatever it took, consequences to Dean McAmmond be damned, to get his name in the spotlight.

Much like Bruce Bowen in San Antonio kneeing players, and deliberately sticking his feet under jump shooters, Downie is doing whatever it takes to stay in the NHL by making a name for himself irregardless of what context that name is held. For whatever reason there will always be room in any league for a dirty player like Steve Downie and he has realized early on in his career that he cannot succeed and sustain a career for himself in the NHL by playing the game within the rules. Much like Bruce Bowen realized this about his potential for a career in the NBA, Steve Downie has made a conscious decision that in order to succeed he must do so by any means necessary. Even if those means end up putting an unsuspecting veteran in the hospital.

All I can say to Steve Downie is that when your medicine is handed out to you by Brian McGrattan, and whomever else on the Senators is able to get their hands on you, I hope you stand there and take it. Based on the cowardly actions you have engaged in thus far in your career, I suspect you won’t, and at the end of the day that’s the worst part of a cowardly player; they are cowards through and through, and refuse to answer for their actions.

For Illegal Curve, I am Andrew M.

About the writer: Formerly a speech writer for a Canadian Federal Politician, Andrew will be bringing his unique take on the hockey world to the illegal curve blog once a week, or more often if the rage needs to be released in a manner other than clobbering a referee over the head with a whiskey bottle. Mainly because he doesn’t have enough empty whiskey bottles at his disposal.

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Prospect Pulse: Derrick Lapoint

Florida draft pick, and UND recruit, Derrick Lapoint is a lanky, minute eating defenseman with solid all around skills. Though he tends to tilt towards being an offensive defender, he can also play a shut down game if called upon. The 116th overall pick in 2006, Lapoint was heavily recruited by both the University of Minnesota and the Wisconsin Badgers before deciding upon the University of North Dakota.

Putting up nearly point per game numbers with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL, Lapoint will look to make an immediate impact on the blue line with the departure of Brian Lee. A 6'3, 190 pounder, Lapoint has a long reach and uses that wingspan effectively one on one. More of a shooter than a passer, Lapoint possesses a heavy shot that he can unload quickly.

Lapoint attended the Panthers development camp this past summer and didn't look out of place. He hopes to continue his development at UND under Coach Dave Hakstol, who has good reputation for producing defensemen. The rearguard, who once played an entire game in high school, is relishing the challenge of stepping into a deep defensive core and making a contribution. The former USHL First Team All Star is expected to spend at least two years with the Sioux before considering the move to professional hockey.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-Good news for the Senators. McCammond does not suffer any fractures from the hit by Steve Downie.

-Leafs prospect Jiri Tlusty gets the start on the top line.

-The Hurricanes returned Brandon Sutter to junior and sent goaltender Michael Leighton to the minors today.

-News from around the CHL.

-Darius Kasparitis hopes to find work with another NHL team. If he couldn't stick with the Rangers, it may be the end of the line.

-
Al Strachan writes that the Ducks' trip to England wasn't all that easy. Poor guys, a private jet to Europe. And to top it all off, NO NAPS! Life is tough in the big leagues.

-
Dean Bennett of the Canadian Press reports that Sheldon Souray and Joni Pitkanen have impressed so far at Oilers camp.

-Tom Reed of the Columbus Post-Dispatch notes that no one has seized the number one center job in Columbus. Also notice that Joel Bouchard is still with the club on a tryout, but will explore other options if he is cut.

-Flyers coach John Stevens has to thin out his blue line corps this week.

-A recap of the a discussion from The Score detailing problems with the NHL.

-Check out Raffi Torres in this clip from the Daily Show.

-The USHL to hold a scouting combine in Florida.

-Steve Rosenbloom with an excellent editorial on the passing of Bill Wirtz.

-On Frozen Blog with a few words on the renovations performed at the MCI Center.

-Wings prospect Logan Pyett said he is ready to be the leader for the Regina Pats.

-Wayne Gretzky a proponent of the new electric hockey blades. Not a bad guy to have in your corner. Good thing Boyle didn't have these skates, or he would have also been electrocuted.

-Fanhouse with a preview on the Vancouver Canucks.

-Brian Rafalski likes playing the Red Wings free flowing offensive system.

-Sports Illustrated's preview of the Western Conference.

-The Predators visit Fort Campbell. The US Army, unofficial sponsor of the NHL.

-Fan Nation with their list of the Top 20 Left Wingers. Jack Layton, Hilary Clinton, Michael Moore, Marc Hoe and my in-laws all absent from the list.

-
Damien Cox does not envision the Sabres suffering much of a let down this year.

-Robert Tychowski writes about the lack of atmosphere and fans in Phoenix.

-Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun tells Phoenix to keep the Coyotes, Winnipeggers want a real NHL team. Zing.

-
The Flyers report that they lost four players to injury in last night's game with Ottawa.

-Winkler, Manitoba chosen as the sight of the next Hockey Day in Canada.

-The arrival of the NHL barely causes a ripple in Jolly Olde England. Watch for an expansion team in Manchester next year.

-Another story on Gomez and Drury in NYC, this one by ESPN.

-Stan Fischler notes that tickets are selling fast in New York and Minnesota. Also note that Soprano's star Lorraine Bracco will host a wine tasting in the restaurant contained within the Devils new arena. No word on whether or not it will contain a Bada Bing! franchise.

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Scott Morrison wonders how good Sidney Crosby can get in this piece for Maclean's Magazine.

-Kelly Hrudey weighs in with his thoughts in Macleans Magazine.

-Sean Avery is anxious to get his shot at the Islanders.

-Rob Rossi reports that Kris Letang is not a lock to make the Penguins.

-Bruins' defender Andrew Alberts still making adjustments to the new defensive system.

-Jacques Lemaire ready to ice his regulars in a pre-season tilt.

-Craig Constance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution with news and notes from the Thrashers.

-The Score's Training Camp Notebook.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior. Please note that I will away for the next few days. Guest blogger Marc Hoe will take over Prospect Pulse.

Ballhype: hype it up!

Cold Hard Rants

NB: This rant applies to all sports, not just hockey.

Every now and then there is an event of such epic proportions that words can not do it justice. The shock is significant, leaving you feeling shaky, irritable, and uncertain about what to do next. Unfortunately, I had one of these experiences this past week. In the course of my usual travails around the digital universe, I had the great misfortune to land on a sports highlight show. Now normally, this is not an issue that causes me such anxiety, but in this specific instance the aforementioned highlight show was showing, complete with in-depth analysis, I repeat in-depth analysis, clips from an exhibition hockey game.

Here’s one of my rules in life and I encourage all television producers or aspiring television producers to adopt it as well. Under no circumstances should exhibition ANYTHING take precedence in a highlight package over a sporting event that actually counts in the standings. Period. While I would readily apply this rule to any sport, the incident that has most recently left me scarred was an exhibition game involving the Toronto Maple Leafs. I do not know who they were playing against. I do not care who they were playing against. All I know is that I had the great misfortune of having John Liu or some other “informative” TSN personality breathlessly analyzing the Leafs game as if their defeat of the North Carolina State Ice Hockey team (or some similar team) is some barometer of success during the regular season. Newsflash to the leafs fans actually putting some stock in these games; get a life.

In sports, despite all the clichés and assorted other crap we were inundated with as youths, the only thing that matters is who wins. That’s why the only categories listed in the sports pages are wins, losses, and the occasional tie. There isn’t a column for giving 110 percent, or trying your hardest, or games you should have won but didn’t. That’s why exhibition games do not matter and as such should not be reported on with the detail shown by TSN, SPORTSNET, and The Score. At the end of the exhibition season, do you get any reward over the team that finished dead last? Of course not. Exhibition games are bastardizations of sport and should be treated as such by the respective media.

So, I say to you Steve Kouleas of The Score, stop screaming at me about the great play of random Ottawa Senator defenseman who will be returned to his OHL team before the NHL season begins, because I do not care. And listen up Hockeycentral panel on Sportsnet, I really do not need your breaking news that the Los Angeles Kings have placed Dan Cloutier on waivers—if he was any good, he would not be on waivers in the first place. And last but not least, listen real good TSN SportsCentre producer, under no circumstances should Toronto Maple Leafs exhibition highlights, with or without post game analysis, be shown on my screen before I am fully updated on the pennant races in Major League Baseball, any occurrences in the NFL, and for that matter any professional sports league that is in the process of playing a game that actually counts. Even Nascar. And I hate Nascar.

For Illegal Curve, I am Andrew M.

About the writer: Formerly a speech writer for a Canadian Federal Politician, Andrew will be bringing his unique take on the hockey world to the illegal curve blog once a week, or more often if the rage needs to be released in a manner other than clobbering a referee over the head with a whiskey bottle. Mainly because he doesn’t have enough empty whiskey bottles at his disposal.

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