h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Nor do I, which is why I said he would be a great replacement for Lindros. Unfortunately my local paper does not pay much attention to the trades during the summer, so I almost never know who's going where until the season begins. This is how I lost track of Billy Guerin. Thanks guys, for keeping me up-to-date!

Does anyone know where Valeri Zelepukin went?

FG I will mail you links to all the hockey sites I use to keep tabs on the league from.

Aw, just let me take the easy way out!

These are the times that try fans' souls...

... Luc Robitaille is a Red Wing. They signed him to a contract worth approx. $9 million a year for three years, after the Kings offered him a pay *cut*. It seems they've decided that alienating star talent and fan favorites is the way to fill the Staples Center.

Speaking of fan favorites... Stu Grimson is now a Predator. He may not have been a King long, and he may not have been a huge contributor, but the fans *love* him... he's a big, dirty enforcer, he's a very clever interview, and he provided some of the most memorable moments of the past season. Who could forget the puck that caroomed off his head and into the net? I was there, and I still love to watch the TV replays. And who could forget the great one-punch fight with the St. Louis player, which has been integrated into so many hockey promotions since?

Matt Schneider was resigned, making him the *only* unrestricted free agent they bothered to retain. I don't think there is any chance they will get 90 points again next season, unless they make a major move. At this point, I'll put that possibility under the "not bloody likely" column.

There is still a long post season. I want the Kings to do well next season so I can see Deader in the playoffs again. The Detroit/LA series was one of the greatest comebacks ever made in the game, IMHO.

I think we can all agree the NHL (or at least our favorite teams) will look very different next year. It will be interesting to watch Hasek interact with Bowman and the Wings. I think he will be a good fit. Watching a game against the Avs will be really fun--now with Stu and Luc involved.

You and Denver lucked out, Marv.

Hey now! I thikn that played a great season and great playoffs, aside from the first round.

Calm yourself, man! What I meant was that you're lucky to have Blake, Sakic, and Roy re-sign.

Oh ok. They were indeed lucky, and I grateful.

...oh, and you too, Colonel Sellers.

The Season is only a short time away. As the song goes....

"...it's the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!"

Ahem. Anyway, does anyone have any predictions, trash talk, or comments? Reading an article on nhl.com today I saw that Team Canada is having a little trouble choosing a backup for Roy in goaltending...they have to choose between Brodeur, Joseph, Belfour. Not an easy call. I love Cujo's style, but Marty Brodeur will probably get the nod. So far Keith Primeau and Theo Fleury (congrats on completing rehab, Theo. I know how tough it can be!) have stood out as excellent additions to TC. Unfortunately Lindros (who's also back...damn) is also playing. They're going through their trials in Calgary at this moment. I'm tempted to travel up there this weekend and check (or at least try to) it out! Except many of our passes have been closed by snow. Sigh.

Marv, did you ever get ahold of any Olympics tickets??

Not so far. I am in negotiations with a Canadian who is In The Know about how to get tickets but he has not pulled through yet.

Hmm Lindross will prolly have a concussion before the Olympics happen so I doubt we will have to wrorry about him. I would go for Brodey in net after Roy. Who else is cheering for TC over the USA this year? I know I am....

Traitor! I know you have a hat and a flag (which I suppose is hanging next to your hammer-and-sickle you pinko commie b*****d), but do you have to be such an "ex-patriot"?

I can't believe the Rangers shelled out so much money for Lindros. They have THE most expensive team in hockey history, and not one of them can win them the Cup. What a waste of money and talent! Look at the 80's Oilers. Gretzky, Messier, et. al. were virtual neophytes in their NHL careers . Yet they managed to win the Cup over and over again. In this case, youth and speed will win over age and guile every time. Perhaps the Rangers' management can learn a lesson there....

I dunno about that, Frau. The Stars were already ancient the last time they won it all... Hull, Carbonneau, Nieuwendyk, Verbeek,...

It looks like the Red Wings are going to try to copy that model, since I don't think they signed anyone under 30 during their big year in the free agent market.

Even considering letting Lindros play is enough to turn me against Team Canada. Without him, I'd wish them a silver. With him, I wish them an early exit.

As for predictions on the season, I think my team will have a down year and an early exit from the playoffs. I think Colorado and Detroit will play the *real* Stanley Cup Final in the Western Conference, and the winner will then beat up a Devils team that is slightly off its game, due to chemistry damage this offseason.

I cannot say that I fault your predections. You are thinking that the "Grumpy Old Men" team of Dallas is a no show this year?

Colorado and Detroit make up the top tier of talent. Dallas is still a talented team, but they're pretty much in the next tier, along with New Jersey. Philly could jump up to the next tier, though, if their young guys can produce right away.

I don't think you can compare Dallas and New York. For whatever reason (greed, complacency, and sloth?) the Rangers, despite having amazing talent on the roster, almost always have crap plays. The "grumpy old men" (thanks Marv! ) of Dallas always give 100%. Maybe it's due to a difference in coaching--Hitchcock vs. the NY flavor-of-the-month.

Having all of the greatest players does not a winning team make as New York shows. As for the highest salaried team, I am not sure if they are anymore. Colorado has now four players who's combined salary is more than the team salary for some smaller market teams. Not that I am complaining. The biggest trouble is the trade negotiations in 04 when the CBA expires. I see salary caps coming just like in Basketball and other mindless mindnumbing sports.

According to our local rag, the Rangers are still the highest-paid team. And now with Lindros on board, it will only get higher...

for salary caps!

Sooooo.....what do we think of the Peter Forsberg Announcement, kids?

Sorry missed this post...

I am sad that he is not going to play but as long as he is playing this straight and not trying to hoodwink a team that made him the highest paid player in Hockey I support his desicion.

And now for the really important news!

HOCKEY STARTS IN LESS THAN 72 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!