Not Enough Time in the Day...

This week is going by slowly and flying by all at the same time. In my defense, my brain is wandering around on it's own since I am leaving Friday morning for a family wedding at the beach and work is making my head spin non-stop. But enough with the excuses, the puck has FINALLY dropped on the pre-season and there's plenty of news to go around.

The Staal brothers (count 'em, there's 4) are all big, competive guys and apparently last season oldest brother Eric (Hurricanes) knocked down second oldest Marc (Rangers) during a game. All these months later, Marc is now expereincing concussion symptoms after practices. As if we needed to add someone else to the non-stop concussion list. Hopefully they are occuring simply because he hasn't skated this hard in months because this is the last thing the Rangers need to deal with. It's bad enough they are starting the season on the longest road trip ever due to renovations at MSG. Currently they are regulated to the MSG training facility and will venture to Europe for pre-season games and to actually start the season. Once they return state-side, they won't have a home game until October 27. After a month at home, they will throw HBO into the mix for 24/7. If no one has a mental breakdown in Ranger-ville, I'd consider that a successful season. Gearing up for the playoffs potentially might the least stressful aspect of their season. Good god. I'm tired just thinking about their schedule.

Mike Modano announced he is retiring as the most successful US born player. He might have left out the second part, but it's the truth. Check the stats. Everyone above him is shockingly, Canadian. Who would have thunk it?! He is hoping to get a position in the Star front office, once they have new owners.

Speaking of the Stars, I'm going to skip the fact they have declared bankruptcy since it's the first step to their potential new owners taking over in the next few months. Opppps. Moving on....

The Devils have a new coach, Pete DeBoer. They have no captain yet. “It’s down my list of priorities on things we’re trying to get done right now," DeBoer said. "For now we are at camp." That's because first on his priority list is making sure Lou Lamoriello is on his good side, so he doesn't get fired in case the team has an epic meltdown a la last season. The second would be to make sure that Jacques Lemaire is somewhere fabulous to ensure that he won't return for another stint in case of an epic meltdown.

The Winnipeg Jets have officially picked up where they left off. They sold out their arena for their first pre-season game, fans were dancing into the arena (seriously?) and Byfuglien had a fight with a Blue Jacket within the first 37 seconds. The Jets also scored 6 goals (each team played a split squad with NHLers and minor league talent mixed) so it's safe to say Winnipeg is running on pure adrenaline right about now. Hopefully the crash back to earth doesn't hurt too much.

The NHL has approved (conditionally) the green goal verification line and to use a thinner mesh on the top of the net. These are 2 changes we should see in place this season. A third change that was experimented with at the R&D camp this past summer is a shallower net. That change along with the mesh and verification line were used during the Maple Leafs-Senators game on Monday night and got the best type of feedback possible. Essentially none. The verification line never needed to be used (but its under the ice so it's not in the way, it's an aesthetic change) and the thinner mesh made no difference either. The only thing that semi mattered was the shallower net and one player thought something was different but had no clue they were testing it. He stated he had a "bit more" room behind the net to maneuver. The shallower net seems like a shoe-in for next years changes. The NHL also has acknowledged that by December they will unveil their new alignment plans.

Finally the Penguins held their Black and Gold game. Jordan Staal and Evgeni Malkin told the world they are healthy and ready to go by scoring 2 goals a piece for their teams. Staal played on the black team, while Malkin was on the gold side. The gold side prevailed and in a bit of friendly rivalry, the loser had to untie the winners skates after practice the following day. Hope Malkin's skates smelt good! Crosby has been skating in circles around practice. Literally. In. Circles. He showed he knows his shapes and followed the red circle on ice. He is not allowed to have contact yet, but seems to be on the verge of being in the way of another player based on the pictures the Penguins are posting. Clearly he is more ready than people knew or were letting on. He also gets to wear a nifty white helmet.

In continuing the grand tradition of acting like he barely knows who the hell Crosby is (this has only happened since he has been injured), Bylsma has said he has no clue if he is trying new helmets nor where he fits in the lineup when ready. A monkey could tell you where he fits. First line. Center. Give him 2 guys on skates with a stick and it will all magically work out. Meanwhile on the other side of the locker room, James Neal said it was exciting to be centered by Crosby during a non-contact practice drill. Neal will play on his head if it means to be on a line with Crosby (as would most of the league).

Pens are currently playing the Red Wings in their first pre-season game right now. In case you didn't know, I live in the Bermuda Triangle of sports, so although the game is being aired on NHL Network, I am blacked out since I'm expected to get Root Sports for Pittsburgh even though I live in Eastern PA. I also live in Philly, NJ, NY and Buffalo territory all depending on what map you are looking at. Maybe Bylsma drew up the map when he lived in the area for a bit just to mess with us......Pens are tied with the Wings 1-1 and I need to stop listening to whatever disgrace to my ears Simon Cowell has come up with on NBC.

Peace out....I'll try to be more on top of news next week :)

Christmas and Ferrari's

Before I explain Christmas and Ferrari's, I need to sadly once again point to the highlight of the day that never should have been. The plane carrying Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, a KHL team headed to Minsk for a game, crashed just after takeoff. It's reported the plane crashed into a radio tower when it never got enough altitude and went into the river. Sadly this crash has claimed almost every passenger's life, including former NHLers, NHL prospects and Canadian Coach Brad McCrimmon who left the Red Wings this season to coach the Russian squad. It is reported one crew member and one player are alive, but are burned badly. Since we are dealing with Russian translations I've read everything from they did die in the hospital to having fallen into a coma to they don't have a chance. Hopefully we get a definite answer soon, but as of now 43 people have died. R.I.P.

On top of losing their entire team, they had brought with them 4 prospects to show them the ropes of the season which opened today. I'm not entirely sure what the KHL does now when an entire squad plus personnel have been lost. Apparently the NHL has some sort of emergency plan that if we were to encounter a tragedy that left the team with less than 14 players and 1 goalie, there would be a draft of sorts where teams can protect up to 10 players they refuse to lose, then the team in need can draft 1 of the unprotected players from each team to begin the rebuild process. I know it's probably the last thing most people would ever think of, but hockey is a business and the teams are intertwined due to schedules etc and there has to be contingency plans. My heart goes out to the families of the players.

Hopefully you have all viewed the newest team on the block's jerseys, the Jets, but if you haven't, here you go. (This link might get weird so just look for the Winnipeg Jet's jersey unveiling, it's like straight out of a military exercise or Top Gun or you can just google them)  I really like them. They are staying true to their new logo and colors and I believe they need to. This is the only way people are going to (hopefully) remember these are the new Jets, not the Jet of yesteryear.

Now lets talk about Christmas in September and Ferrari's. I was LMAO on my lunch break reading my twitter feed about the Crosby presser that the Penguins held today. The quotes coming through were so unreal I actually couldn't believe that top medical professionals were saying this stuff so of course I came home and watched it for myself. First off, it really happened (still can't believe it) and secondly I felt like I was in a college science lecture hall again and I caught my mind wandering off as usual (now we all know why I'm not in science).

So the 4 most bored people who all looked like they wanted to be anywhere but at a press conference held one at Consol. Ray Shero whom looked like he was a prop, Sid who was drinking water like a camel and 2 concussion specialists, Dr. Michael Collins, who is in the Pitt area and has been treating him since the get go, and Dr. Ted Carrick from the Atlanta area, who has recently been brought on just for shits and giggles? Actually he apparently has a specialization in the type of concussion Crosby sustained. Commence boredem.

Dr. Collins explained to the crowd what a concussion is. Yawn. Then comes the Ferrari. He managed to compare one of the best hockey players on earth to a car. Albeit a very nice, expensive, fast car most dream of so I can see the angle he's playing for so this gets a pass, but still Crosby is a human, not metal pieces (though many question this at times).

Collins then let Dr. Carrick talk for a bit and he said everything that was expected. Then the Q & A begins and "it's Christmas for Sid", responds Dr. Carrick. Really? Is Sid so freaking special he can just move holidays to whenever he pleases? Thankfully an inquiring reporter who probably also barely passed college science pipes up with "explain the Christmas thing". Thank god someone was paying attention. Apparently Sid's Christmas in September involves no gifts (though if he recovers, maybe his likeness in car form, say a Ferrari) but the fact that he's recovering so well. Gotcha.....

As the doctors kept talking (about how to rebuild a robot? I spaced out a bit), Sid continues to drink his water (is this the Mary Poppins bottle of water, he's taken a million sips and its not that big), Shero is seemingly the most bored and annoyed with this whole presser. Sid continues to answer questions while looking like he could get up and kill the next person who asks a question that can't be answered (how does his concussion compare to others, will he retire, whats the timeable). When the CBC reporter asked if he ever thought retirement was possible Crosby responds with "I wouldn't bet on that" with a sly smile and daggers coming out of his eyes. I swear it happened. If I was that reporter, I'd run for my life.He could probably be banned from future Crosby related pressers for doubting the Ferrari's powers and abilities. 

                                I think they were lied to about the pretenses of gathering together. 
                                                      They must have been promised treats, not reporters.  

Short story, he had a bad concussion. He hated driving, watching tv and listening to music, so pretty much he hated life. He acknowledged he attended a film session with the team and was exhausted trying to just follow the tape. He is around 90% which Dr. Collins said could be 100% for another person (remember he's a Ferrari, not a Ford). He can handle all the things he despised (like music) and can skate and handle light work outs. They will take it as it comes on when he will be cleared for contact. Gee everything everyone with a brain has been saying since the beginning.

Shero finally stopped being a table decoration and stated the obvious. Sid will not be rushed, he must be 100% ready and everyone is on the same page. One genius reporter questioned how he would be a captain since he's not playing. Where did they pull these reporters from, recess at the local elementary school. Shero fixed that man with a defiant answer. You can tell he's ready to flip this table like an NJ Housewife and end this party. And he did end the party (no table flipping) and the moment he did so, 4 grown up jumped up faster than ever, proving my theory on them them being bribed, because it's Christmas with a Ferrari. 

Note: This press conference proved 3 things to me. I still hate any sort of science with a passion and just can't focus when doctors and such start talking Greek. Sidney Crosby is breathing which is uber important to his recovery and that Ray Shero hates pressers more than Crosby, who has a distinct disdain for them.

Back to the Grind...

Since the NFL has finally come to an agreement after over 4 months of chatting, I decided it's time to start paying more attention to the sporting world. I needed a little break myself (and it was nice to not check sites, the tv or anything and get lost in a solid book and then have some time at the beach) but as the calendar inches closer to August, all the puzzle pieces are falling into place. So away we go....

The NFL has finally reached a new CBA agreement. It still confuses me greatly some of the things that did and didn't get affected but you can read more here and here (thank you ESPN.com) for details because I'm just not up for deciphering it all right now. What I do understand is free-agency begins tomorrow, rosters need to be set ASAP and all teams will have their training camps open by Friday. Good stuff since as my grandpa said yesterday "I can't do this no football on Sunday stuff much longer". Direct quote. Man loves football then hockey, then whatever else is in season, and baseball is officially boring him senseless.

In the planet of Philadelphia, Michael Vick decided he would welcome Brett Favre as his backup. No word on if Favre is actually contemplating un-retiring but I can't take any of this seriously. The entire city of Philadelphia drinks the crazy water and its just not meant for the rest of us in the real world to understand. Favre playing backup would be hilarious. Playing backup to Vick would be a friggin made for TV movie. The Flyers signed Jaromir Jagr and a Western goalie for a top Eastern team. The league-owned Coyotes barely made the playoffs and then the Flyers threw a shit-ton of money at a goalie that one hopes won't crack under this pressure. Of course the Flyers owner is inching up on the crazy owner train, and he's now second in command to only Ted Leonsis, Ovie's owner. Ya know, the wacky one who employs a Coach that screams out like a 5 year old for ice cream in the mall and does interviews with hot sauce on his face. Remember he deserves a Cup because that nemesis of his in Pittsburgh has 3 of his own. The Flyers of course jetted a pair of 26 year olds out of town so your move Leonsis. Are DC and Philly on the same water supply? Seriously though, are they?? Favre needs to go hide somewhere. I don't want to hear or see his name until he can be elected into the HOF. He's already tarnished his luster by not just retiring the first time and I'm 300% over any Favre news.

Speaking of the 2 players jetted from the Flyers, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, there was an awesome article on a possible reason for sending these two party boys out of Philly. Shocking that at 26, single and insanely rich, they would enjoy drinking and going out. Who knew? I thought these guys were book worms and attended a book club on their off nights. Guess I was wrong. Seriously though, I can't figure out which is crazier, the fact that Laviolette thought he could get every guy to agree to a month of no drinking or the fact they couldn't just do the month. Power struggle much? Tell someone they can't and it's like daring them to do it just to spite you. I'm thinking the guys probably were thinking along the lines of we gave up all of high school and skipped college to play in the big league so why can't we enjoy our time. Coach is probably thinking grow up, be an example and keep it under control. Of course how he approached everyone probably played into it. Regardless the party hardy boys have left the City of Brotherly Love for greener pastures in LaLa Land and one of the biggest party campus' in the country. Since I'm a mere year older than them, I can't blame them for wanting to go out and enjoy their time. Maybe they needed to do it a bit more carefully, but if I had their money, maybe I wouldn't care either.

Richards landed himself in LA. "Hey there party city, how are you doing??? My name is Mike Richards, here's my black card, nothing is off limits. Round of shots for everyone on me!!!" Yes. The partying Mike Richards will live on. His partner in crime Jeff Carter will be corrupting the minds of young guys and girls in Columbus. Not sure who can get in more trouble. Columbus of course is home to The Ohio State University so realistically they are both going to the living it up. Potentially cheaper on Carter's wallet I'd guess. I'm sure this won't be the last we hear of them living it up. Hopefully there new teams have no dreams of "Dry Island" (seriously? is that a joke?) "Everybody's shufflin, shufflin, shufflin..." Party on boys, party on.......

In more sobering news, Aaron Boogaard was arrested in connection to the May death of his 28 year old brother, Derek, who died from a combination of drugs and alcohol. So sad for the family and I'm sure the last news they wanted to get.

The Winnipeg Jets unveiled their logos in part because a picture was leaked. The Jets ended up announcing their logos immediately once they realized the security breach, but I won't lie, I was happy someone basically forced them to do it because this was getting nuts. Still have to wait on their actual uniforms but this is better than nothing I suppose.Personally I'm torn since I was expecting something to sing and dance for me since this was such a big secret. I get that they are teaming with the military but personally I'd expect to the see the circular logo on the left on the arm as a patch on the pilot of a jet, rather than a skating Jet. Same thing with the top right one (did everyone get their wings for flying with us today?). I like the colors and I like the fact they didn't go with the old logos and exact colors but I'm just not blown away. I can almost imagine them using an old Thrashers jersey with these colors and logos. Ugh. I thought those were supposed to be lost on the way to the 'Peg?! I picked the word Jets as my favorite logo which when it comes down to it, it's actually a font with a maple leaf. Pathetic. At least they will fit right in with half the leagues boring-ness in designs.

After 17 seasons donning a Red Wings jersey (and 3 prior with the Jets 1.0) Kris Draper has joined the retirement party of Chris Osgood and Brian Rafalski this off season. And to think Lidstrom almost joined them also. Who are the Red Wings now? They just keep getting younger which should mean they will only get better since they were one of the oldest teams in the league. But as one of the oldest, they were still one of the best so do these changes make them stronger? Better? This could be really awesome to see play out. Can't wait for the season to see how all the changes fall into place!