Nightly Hockey Hits: Versus scores a hit/calls out DirecTv, 1 down only 81 more games to go, Can the Stars win without a system?

News and notes from across the blogs today:

• Cult of Hockey:  “Pocklington was always my best friend” Gretzky says, adding that the 1988 sale to L.A. was the right thing to do.   Gretz is always classy.
• Lowetide:  Pat Quinn’s first anomaly.  He will need to get the best out of players like Gagner.
• Flames Insider:  Miikka on the magnificient save.  They are going to need him to be sharp this season.
  

  (Photo by Mike Ridewood/Getty Images)

• Razor with an Edge:  System shmistem.  While I didn’t have them as my surprise team, I did consider them, as I think that they might be able to find some success this season.
• The Bruins Blog:  Ward doesn’t see reason for revenge on Walker.  Somewhat ironic to defend a former teammate against his current teammate.
• Maple Leafs Hot Stove:  Uncharacteristic Komisarek.  Good analysis here on his change in style.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Alexander Ovechkin stars, Caps prove they’re a team.  One game does not a season make.  They were very good.  Now just 81 more games to go.
• All Habs:  One down, 81 to go.  Things can only improve from here on out…..right?
  
• The Litter Box:  55 shots against, the Panthers better think long and hard about that number.  Going to have to cut it down big time.
• Islanders Outsider:  Yesterday’s news.  Lots of doings a transpiring on the Island.
• Puck Daddy:  Versus records record ratings, takes shot at DirecTv.  Sucks to be them.  Those are some good numbers from Versus.
• Cycle Like the Sedins:  Scoring free Center Ice.  Looks like some fans are turning this battle between Versus and DirecTv into an opportunity.
• Japers’ Rink:  On the scoresheet, Gary Bettman is six foot three.  Similar to the NHL’s attendance numbers, something seems off.
• The Hockey News:  Gary Bettman cats doubt on Olympic participation beyond 2010.  Me thinks that is a mistake. 

Ville Koistinen wins it for the Florida Panthers against the Chicago Blackhawks as he scores on Cristobal Huet.

Paul Kariya wins it for the St. Louis Blues against the Detroit Red Wings as he scores on Chris Osgood.