Nightly Hockey Hits: Melnyk offers more thoughts on Balsillie, Gretzky is feeling the heat in Phoenix, Was Phaneuf’s hit dirty?

Some news and notes from across the blogs:

• From the Rink:  Melnyk offers more thoughts on Balsillie.  Doesn’t seem like Melnyk wants a 3rd Ontario team, at least not one owned by Balsillie.
• Puck Daddy:  Has Gretzky abandoned his players?  It would appear that his stake as an owner is likely keeping him away from the club and I’m sure he was advised not to attend camp.
• NHL Fanhouse:  How much is too much in preseason?  Interesting round table discussion centered around the Phaneuf hit felt around the world.
• Slap Shot:  Headhunters in mid season form.  Was the hit dirty?  In case you missed it here is the hit.
  
• Andrew’s Dallas Stars Page:  More comfortable Brunnstrom focusing on team goals.  He will be fun for Stars fans to watch as he enters his second season.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Dany Heatley arrives in San Jose.  With Thornton setting him up, he could likely challenge Ovechkin for the Rocket Richard trophy.
• Flames Nation:  Howe about that Fleury.  When he plays hockey in his 50’s can he be mentioned in the same sentence as Mr. Hockey although I am happy to see him have success.  (note:  I met Mr. Hockey on Tuesday at the Wings game and instead of throwing an elbow, he was nice enough to direct me away from walking through an emergency door at the Joe.)
• Cult of Hockey:  A brief history of Gretzky-mania, from Barbie doll, to trade bait, to Phoenix pariah.  I still have my signed and framed Gretzky jersey proudly hanging in my room.
• Deuce by Definition:  The Streak in Peril; Economy gets the Blame.  No question the costs once inside the arena take the average fan to another level of spending.
• Ice Man:  Waddell, Thrashers giving Max effot building roster.  Seems like excitment is building in Atlanta although this team is still unlikely to threaten anyone in the post season.
• the 6th Sens:  Is Jared Cowen a shoe-in?  Ottawa needs a big body on defence but is he ready yet?
• T.O. Sports:  With Heatley gone, what is Spezza’s future with the Senators?  Ottawa has a nice starting six this season and with it more spread out, hopefully Spezza can find success.
• The Hockey News:  New Canadiens Gomez, Cammalleri say talk is key to building new line.  They won’t have a lot of time to get to know each other with that Montreal crowd.
• On Frozen Blog:  A warrior of sacrifice may be about to get his due.  Looks like Quintin Laing will get a good chance to fill the vacated spot which was left by Donald Brashear.