Must-see games on the 2008/09 NHL schedule

From Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated:

But before we get to that point, there are more than 1,200 games to be played. Although it won't be for lack of trying, we can't watch 'em all. So here's a look at some of the dates we've circled on our calendar after giving the schedule the once-over:

Oct 4: Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa in Stockholm; New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay in Prague

Last season's opening series between the Ducks and Kings in London wasn't as jolly good as the league had hoped, but forcing hockey on the English was a classic square peg/round hole situation. The Swedes and Czechs should be much more welcoming hosts, even if Jaromir Jagr's decision to bolt to Russia takes some of the lustre off the Prague game. Of course, fans will still have the thrill of watching Filip Kuba and Petr Prucha and, likely, the NHL debut of top pick Steve Stamkos.

Read the rest of the must-see games here.

I am not really one to look ahead at the schedule and determine what will be the marquee games of the season. The fact is, so much changes throughout the season that games that look good in August many times look ordinary in December.

Which Tampa forwards could be dealt?

From Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated:

That said, it wouldn't be surprising to see another addition to the group at some point. With so many bodies up front on one-way deals, a trade or two seems inevitable. Jussi Jokinen, acquired last spring in the Richards deal, lost his second line pivot job to Stamkos and is the most likely body to be moved. Michel Ouellet, a versatile forward who doesn't seem to have a spot in Tampa's top six and is far less effective in a lesser role, is another good bet.

Read all about the Bolts' off-season from Muir here.

Jokinen would be a good fit on a number of teams, including the forward needy Canucks. Oullet wouldn't fetch as much on the trade market as Jokinen, but there is sure to be some kind of market for his services too.

NHL needs a best GM trophy

From Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated:

One honor that was conspicuous by its absence from Thursday's NHL awards extravaganza was recognition of the league's top executive. That needs to change. The salary cap has leveled the playing field and created a situation that demands true excellence from the GM position, and while the work of general managers is best measured over a long term perspective, there's still an opportunity to reward excellence on a yearly basis.

Continue reading the rest of the article here.

I agree with Muir. If you are going to acknowledge coaches with an award, might as well honor general managers for their work.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. A Prince Albert man won $1 million in the TSN shootout contest.
2. Paul Kelley suggests that by firing Paddock, Eugune Melnyk has given the players another excuse for failure.
3. Senators assistant coach Ron Low was fired along with John Paddock, paving the way for Ray Emery's personal coach Eli Wilson to become the Sens new goaltending coach.
4. The CHL power rankings from Taking Note.
5. Stan Fischler thinks the Rangers have all the parts to make a run at the Cup.
6. Spector thinks that the Stars have set themselves up for years with the Richards acquisition.
7. A story about Butch Goring and his helmet.
8. MSU-Mankato is pushing for respectability in the WCHA.
9. A volunteer hockey coach in Nova Scotia is fired for including innuendo in player bios.
10. A female hockey player from UNB punched a linesman. 3 Times. No means no.
11. Fanhouse looks at the Wild's decision to acquire Chris Simon.
12. Meow.
13. Allan Muir writes that its now up to Bryan Murray to clean up the mess that he has made.
14. Bill Lankhof feels that the Commish wasn't being entirely truthful on Capitol Hill.
15. The Hockey News notes that Don Waddell has made up for his 2007 Deadline Day mistakes.
16. The 10 Best names in hockey.
17. An excerpt from Jay Feaster's blog.
18. The Roseau Rams are on their way to the state tournament.
19. Mike Brophy writes that the deals made in Washington could save George McPhee's job.
20. Joe Pelletier tells us about the movement to get a proper grave marker for James Creighton, one of the fathers of hockey in Canada.
21. Jay Onrait answers emails from his Tradecentre '08 blog.
22. The NY Times examines the new ideas to increase scoring.
23. Interesting look at the preparation that goes into the trade deadline.
24. Scott Morrison chronicles the Senators' many problems.
25. Kelly Hrudey discusses Darren McCarty's return to the NHL.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. LZ Granderson tells us the Willie O'Ree is still trying to make a difference in hockey.
2. You want more Willie O'Ree? You got 'im.
3. Darren Dreger writes that the NHL and NHLPA are discussing the implementation of a declaration date for players to decide their playing fate.
4. Bob McKenzie says that the ideal situation would see Calgary make some trades to free up money for their impending free agents.
5. Pierre Lebrun writes that Ken Hitchcock didn't even get to see Rick Nash's spectacular goal, despite being on the bench.
6. The ECHL is inducting four into their Hall of Fame.
7. The NHL Notebook from the Globe and Mail reminds us its almost deadline time.
8. Nike is about to sell their Bauer division.
9. The Puck Stops Here examines who gains the most from long term contracts for young players.
10. Chris Chelios is saying that Rob Blake wants to be a Red Wing. Chelly must need someone to carpool with when its Senior's Night at Cracker Barrel.
11. Lets Play Hockey has a feature on Brady Hjelle of the Cedar Rapids Roughriders.
12. To help illustrate this slow news day, the papers in Philly are reporting that 76'ers forward Samuel Dalembert will attend his first ever hockey game, despite being a Canadian.
13. The Duluth News Tribune says that college players are feeling the pull to turn pro earlier than in the past. I've seen girls from Duluth before, I bet they feel the urge to pull something else rather than subject themselves to those lovelies.
14. A story on the US Pond Hockey Championships, set for this weekend.
15. Charles Wang is spreading good will through hockey, and hoping that the good will reaps benefits.
16. Fanhouse does a follow-up on the Chris Pronger furniture burning story.
17. St. Louis Blues fans werethisclose to getting free beer for attending a home game.
18. Allan Muir gives us the most bang for the buck team. Might I also suggest Regina girls if Illegal Curve fans are looking for more bang for their buck?
19. Dean McAmmond has an alter ego.
20. The latest cartoon from The Instigator.
21. CBC has a feature where you can send in questions to Commissioner Gary Bettman.
22. Ryan Dixon looks at the next wave of Swedish defensemen.
23. Ross McKeon examines Brett Hull in his new role as co-GM in Dallas.
24. Check out these hockey pictures from The Best Seat in the House blog.
25. Lowetide updates us on the Oilers 2004 draft choices.