Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail emphasizes the importance of a fast start for teams wanting to contend for the Holy Grail. Very good article by Duhatschek as per usual.
Five Hole Fantatics allow a friend to state why his relationship with the NHL is on its last legs. Unfortunately more than a few people feel this way about hockey these days.
Chuck Kobasew got hurt last night and was wearing a walking cast on the sidelines at practice today. No word yet on how serious it is.
Fabian Brunnstrom is a healthy scratch tonight for the Stars. Not a great start for the much hyped Swedish youngster.
Mikko Koivu is the new captain of the Minnesota Wild. Nice move by the Wild as there had originally been word that there wasn’t going to be anyone wearing the “C” to start the year.
Rick DiPietro is not starting tonight for the Islanders. Odd move, but the reports appear to say extra rest is the reason.
http://www.illegalcurve.com Kyle
Please refer back to Illegal Curve’s 10 Sleepers and 10 Busts article that labels Brunstrom a bust. Still early, but a healthy scratch in Game 1 isn’t a good sign.
Bob Roberts
We won’t remind the Sens that their record-setting start last year did not produce a Cup. Or a first round win for that matter.
Mike Babcock wishes he was a healthy scratch for game one, I imagine.
I’m curious Kyle. Why so down on Brunstrom? Your 10 and 10 article points out his ego, but that can’t be your only complaint can it? If that was a big pre-requisite to making the list where is Sean Avery?
http://www.illegalcurve.com Richard
Good call Kyle. Thing is, with the depth Dallas has up front, it is tough to tell how poor Brunnstrom has been this camp although reports said he was poor in the rookie camp so you seem to be bang on with your bust label for this season.
http://www.illegalcurve.com Kyle
Bob,
As I mentioned in the article, when a guy comes over, unproven, from Europe and shops around for a Top 6 position before playing a minute in the NHL it strikes me as presumptuous. Dallas is a hardworking team where players earn their ice time. The point of my article was to illustrate guys that you should think twice about taking in your hockey pool. I stand by my selection of Brunstrom. He brought a great deal of pressure and notoriety on himself, and it may be hard to cover that bet.
If I had an ego list, I would be sure to include Avery on it. Thanks for your loyal readership and comments Bob. Keep them coming.
