Wednesday Blogging

Woke up this morning and remembered to eat today's advent calendar chocolate. I have an NHL advent calendar and today's space was the Calgary Flames. Yesterday it was the New York Rangers.

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Speaking of the NHL, the Dallas Stars are expected to meet today to decide on Sean Avery's future with the club. I don't see him playing another game with the club. My suggestion, is that they waive him. If nobody bites, send him to Russia.

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Former Lightning coach Barry Melrose sounded off on his former club yesterday on Toronto sports radio the Fan 590. Included in the interview was comments that he was constantly interfered with and he also chatted about Steven Stamkos. The former bench boss said something along the lines that the kid is just not ready for the NHL. Obviously the owners want more control and that just wasn't the way Melrose wanted to coach. Something had to give.

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A few more notes from the NHL world:

• A blog today from Ken Campbell on THN.com says that Brett Hull may be on his way out as GM of the Dallas Stars. This co-GM thing they have going on doesn't appear to be working out and I'm pretty sure the decision to bring in Sean Avery will play a big part.
• The Mats Sundin sweepstakes continue. Darren Dreger is reporting on TSN.ca that there are four teams that have a shot. They are (in order): 1. Vancouver 2. Chicago 3. Montreal 4. New York Rangers. I think he would be an interesting fit in Chicago. It also seems as though Toronto is right out of the mix and that is fine with me.
• Ryan Miller is saying that in a 4-3 win over Pittsburgh an official of the game swore at him. It is reported that he asked a question politely and the profanity was then used towards him.
• Stefan Legion is ready to go. He is set to report to the Columbus Blue Jackets after the holiday season.

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What is the deal with all the dumb fighting in hockey these days?

Now, before you jump down my throat, hear me out. I love fighting in hockey. I have always supported it and believe that it is and always will be a part of the game. But you have got to be kidding me. We are seeing people drop the mitts every time somebody throws a body check. It's ridiculous. I understand dropping the gloves when someone takes a liberty on your star player or any teammate for that matter. I understand fighting when there is a cheap shot or a dirty play. I even understand a fight to get your team going. But to fight because your teammate got caught with his head down and was checked?

Why?

Take the hit. Be a man and take the hit. Wipe the snot off your face, put your mouth guard back in and get back into the play. Take the guy's number for all I care and give him a big check later on. But don't fight because you or someone on your team took a hard hit.

This all came up watching the Canucks' game last night. A clean check along the boards and instantly the player was jumped and we saw fights. I wasn't impressed and it was a brutal fight to boot.

Anyway, that's my rant for the week.

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Power rankings will hopefully be released later in the day. No promises. I will also try to work on my wish list. I am reading more of Martin Brodeur's book each and every day. I've got an interesting story about his pre-game routine to share at a later time too.

Untill then, have a great day!

dd