1) The NHL clearly feels threatened by this new Russian league. Personally, I can't imagine that any player actually worth a damn would play in the KHL over the NHL.
Alas, we're on the edge of letting Alexander Radulov slip away. I bet this is more of a pride thing for the NHL than anything.
Courtesy: TSN.ca
I suppose Russia has its appeal for players born overseas. Nevertheless, there's no doubt in my mind that a truly skilled player would opt for the NHL over some "up and coming" league.
Of course, there are plenty of hockey fans in Russia excited at the prospect of seeing high level competitors hit the ice at home. But let's not get ahead of ourselves here. The players going overseas aren't the cream of the crop - in other words, it's not really clear whether or not they want to be there.
Hockey is more than a hobby for these players, it's a job, and it's their life. Just like any other job, players will go whereever the work is, taking the best option thrown at them.
Put it this way: in an interview with TSN, Ray Emery said he's excited about the women in Russia as well as having a bodyguard. But wouldn't Ray rather have stayed in Ottawa (which is a pretty good hockey market too), and don't you think he's annoyed at himself for screwing it up?
Courtesy: USA Today
They'll be no goalie fighting in Russia. Ok, maybe a little.
The point is: the NHL should not be worried. Let those who want play overseas go for it - we don't need those scrubs anyway.
2) The Blackhawks named Jonathan Toews their captain. Maybe now they'll actually start televising games.
Honestly, I don't think a 20-year-old is ready to lead a hockey team. A captain should not necessarily be the best player on the team, but the best leader.
In Pittsburgh, for example, Sidney Crosby and his diving ways are a terrible example, yet he's the team captain.
Courtesy: Daylife.com
What a piece of crap this guy is.
Chicago should've broken conventional ways (any change might help them make the playoffs anyway) and named one of their experienced and aging goaltenders captain.
3) The Islanders still haven't found a coach, but reports say John Tortorella could be in the front running. Tortorella is a feisty coach and could be just the thing the SOFT Isles need.
In fact, just after Ted Nolan got the axe, my boss called Tortorella and told him he wanted him to get the job. Tortorella hadn't heard the news yet - but now it seems that conversation could have foreshadowed the future.
He'd be a better coach than Butch Goring or Paul "No-Success-with-the-Leafs" Maurice.
That's all for now.
-JS
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