Nightly Hockey Hits: Oilers optimism, Return of Paul Kariya, Brodeur plays in game #1000, Did the NHL miss key rivalries for today’s games?

Some news and notes from the busiest day in the NHL:

• T.O. Sports:  Did the NHL miss key rivalries for today’s games?  Hard to argue with Mark’s list.  Some of those games would be fantastic.
• Hockey or Die:  The return of Paul Kariya.  Love seeing him back and healthy.  What a difference that would mean for the Blues if he could play 70-80 games.
• Mile High Hockey:  Avalanche off to a 2-0 start, game recap.  Amazing what a solid goalie can do.
  
• Working the Corners:  Sharks to face Hiller in goal tonight — plus McLellan’s thoughts on Thornton-Heatley combo.  San Jose is looking to get on track and a little revenge against the Ducks might be just what the Dr. ordered.
• Wild Punk Banter:  Is it 2007 again?  Have to agree.  No sport seems better suited to watch with HD than hockey.
• Open.Ice.Hits:  Flames off to odd start.  One would think that Sutter will be able to develop a consistency out of these guys.
• Black Dog Hates Skunks:  Death of an optimist, by a 1000 cuts.    It is never easy to be a fan of a team expected to be on the playoff bubble.
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  Canucks waste pre season.  It not time to ring the alarm bells after 2 losses but they are going to need to get it turned around quickly.
• The Hockey News:  Cody Hodgson deserved a chance at the NHL.  This is a very polarizing issues for Canucks fans.
  
• Habs Inside/Out: Martin loads up the top line.  Due to Markov’s injury people seem to be writing Habs but they still have enough talent to compete.
• Fire & Ice:  Martin Brodeur playing in game number 1000 tonight and he is excited.  Still a very solid netminder who needs to be healthy if the Devils could do anything.
• Broad Street Hockey:  Instigator rule used improperly in Carcillo-Gleason fight.  Seems like it will continue to be used until they get the “kinks” worked out.
• Flyers Goal Scored By:  Are the Devils just the jock from high school, 10 years later?  Even if you don’t agree with the assessment of the Devils by a Flyers fan, gotta love the characterization.  Well I do.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Maybe he is simply a grain enthusiast.  Poor Wheaton King from Brandon, Manitoba who plays for the Brandon Wheat Kings.
  
• The View from the Booth:  Grand Theft Hockey.  Thanks to IC reader Jon for passing along this bizzare College hockey story.  Apparently video replay is needed in the NCAA.