Sunday, May 10, 2009

Letter To The Editor

... it's not like Ottawa GM Bryan Murray is going to trade the highly skilled [Jason] Spezza for Colton Orr, the Rangers enforcer who might actually have been the worst full-time NHLer in the league this year. Orr managed just one goal and five points despite appearing in all 82 regular season games. And while he didn't see a lot of ice time (6:29 per game), he still had one of the worst plus-minus ratings in the league (minus-15). --Sam McCaig, "Anti-Awards Full Of Stars", page 14 of The Hockey News, May 11, 09/Vol. 62 No. 24.
That was actually published in the bible of hockey, which I was reading on the way home from work just now. It made me a bit ... frustrated so I decided to submit a letter to the editor in response when I got home and figured I would share in here as well:
I understand that The Hockey News doesn't hold much regard for fighting in hockey (in it's current state at least) but for the top hockey publication to summarily dismiss the contributions of one of the top pugilists - even in a column - is irresponsible.
In the Anti-Awards piece of the May 11th issue, Sam McCaig said that New York Ranger Colton Orr "might actually have been the worst full-time NHLer in the league this year." He followed up the claim with some statistics, all of the offensive variety (points, ice time and +/-).
Mr. McCaig neglected to point out that New York was among the league leaders in fewest games lost to injury, something that has a lot to do with luck and a lot to do with Colton Orr's presence. Having one of the top enforcers in the game helped dissuade opposing teams from borderline or outright illicit actions against its players. Case in point: Orr was taken out of the lineup for two playoff games and one of the opposition players felt he had the license to take out a Ranger. Would Orr's presence have stopped Donald Brashear from breaking Blair Betts' face? Not necessarily. But would Brashear have had other things to concern himself with while out on the ice had Orr been there? Certainly.
Just because a player couldn't positively contribute to Mr. McCaig's fantasy hockey team shouldn't give him the right to slur one of the unsung heroes of the game.
Thank you for your time.
So, what are your opinions? Was Colton Orr the worst player in hockey? As many of you are Ranger fans I can guess your answer so feel free to express who you think was the worst player in the game was. And no, you can't use DP as an answer as the Islander goalie really wasn't in the game at all. Five games, franchise goaltender, 12 more years to go. Ha ha!


Letter To The Editor

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Awwwa, I Almost Feel Bad

Somewhere, Ulf Nilsson is smiling.
Sunrise Sports & Entertainment and the Florida Panthers announced today the restructuring of the hockey club’s broadcast teams on FOX Sports Florida and Sports Talk 790 the Ticket for the 2009-10 NHL season. Steve Goldstein, Billy Lindsay and Randy Moller will return to the broadcast booth in 09-10, while Denis Potvin will not be retained.

You kinda feel bad that somebody lost their job, then you remember who he is and it becomes muuuuuuuuch easier. (h/t to Puck Daddy)

Now I pose this question to you all: what would be worse, who would you rather have on MSG - Denis Potvin or Joe Micheletti? Potvin, a four Cup winner and former Islander who was with the Panthers from the start, or Micheletti, a scrub defenseman for the Blues who used to cover the Islanders and is showing that his lack of skill on the ice translates to a lack of skill off of it as well? Considering Sather and Dolan loathe the Ranger fans (suckers that we are), perhaps he would consider replacing Joe with Denis ... ?? I don't think the broadcasts could get any more difficult to listen to, so why not? At the least, Potvin would be a good replacement for the incoherent Butch Goring on Hockey Night Live, don'tcha think? Nahhhhhhhhh.

Intent?

Did anyone see the end of the Detroit game last night? If so, what the hell was that? The Red Wings had a clear goal waived off - one that went into the net after the whistle. The excuse was the relatively-new allowance that the ref 'intended' to blow the play dead before the puck went in. Are you kidding me?

I know they are making new rules in terms of penalties because the players are bigger, stronger and faster, but now they are making one because the refs are oversized? 'I was going to blow the whistle but my damned arm is too long and I couldn't get it to my mouth fast enough.' This is ridiculous! If you really want to open a can of worms with this one, this intent crap can easily be used by the refs to help fix matches. I'm not saying that they do or that Brad Watson did in this case, but this certainly should open the avenue of discussion.

And what the hell were those post-final buzzer muggings that were going on? Several Wings were jumped with clear body blows thrown in an attempt to send a message - something this league has decided is verboden this postseason. But let me guess, there will be no supplemental discipline because Colin Campbell 'intended' to go to bed before the game ended ...

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Fourth Line Forecast

In recent years it seems like the fourth line guys are the ones who are quickest to endear themselves to the fans here in New York. From the HMO line (Hollweg, Moore and Ortmeyer) to the SOBs that started this season (Sjostrom, Orr and Betts), these guys work the hardest and battle in the trenches - exactly the qualities that the Garden Faithful appreciate.

Well, it appears that we may have a whole new unit to embrace this fall. The SOBs are all unrestricted free agents and Glen Sather and John Tortorella certainly don't watch the same games we do. Sather is easily star struck and will do anything to fit more ridiculous contracts under the cap. And, of course, he would move into a slightly-better position to do that with NHL minimum contracts filling the fourth line. Every penny counts in this day and age and why not cut off something that isn't going to be used much, given Tortorella's preference in rolling three lines instead of four.

The bad news for us SOB lovers is that first piece to make the changeover is now in place as Jordan Owens was signed today. The good news is that Mitch Beck of Howlings was really impressed with this guy in Hartford this season. As Mitch wrote, Owens is "less expensive alternative and is likely to get a hard look for [Sjostrom's] job in next season's training camp." Seeing as the current top three centers aren't headed anywhere, Artem Anisimov should get a good look for the fourth line center position and the off wing can easily be filled by Voros, who Torts seemed to prefer over someone who could actually skate and fight and positively contribute to the team.

It is sad to see but just a simple fact of life as one of the Faithful: the Garden will do their damnedest to make us miserable. They trade away our heroes (Graves, Leetch) and raise prices (even though they pay around $13 million less in salary now than they did pre-lockout). And yet we keep coming back.

Dammit.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Stalk Or Let Him Walk?

The Rangers have a slew of free agents-to-be come July 1st. Puck Central did his look at them last week and I figured I would throw my $.02 in on which players Glen Sather should Stalk and which he needs to decide to Let Him Walk.

First off, Valley has already apparently signed an extension for next season already to remain as the backup goaltender. As he will make the same salary - $725k - this isn't a bad deal. He went 5-5-2 with four bad games - early season losses to Toronto (the five goal blitzkrieg), Ottawa and the 10-2 Dallas disaster and the shootout loss/Ilya Kovalchuk show in Atlanta. They say he is good in the room and he clearly shows up to work so I guess it is a good thing. Still, you have to wonder a little about the future as this shows that Benoit Allaire didn't feel either Miika Wiikman and Matt Zaba were ready despite both putting up solid seasons in the AHL (.920 save percentage for Zaba in 41 games? Wow.).

Taking the goaltender out of the equation, NHLNumbers still has 14 players heading to free agency, half of which are restricted. NHLSCAP has even more but seeing as they have a deal with Hockey Buzz, I don't trust them. So let's take a quick alphabetical gander at the guys we know are out - there aren't a whole lotta surprises:

Nik Antropov: He's big, he can score and he seems to care. At the same time, he doesn't hit and he has been hurt in the past. If the price tag is $4 mil or less a year (he made $2.15 this year), I say Stalk.

Joe Barnes: Forget about him? He is one of the guys we got back for sending Matt Cullen back to Carolina. He suffered a major knee injury last season and a major concussion this season but beyond his inclusion on Charlotte's IR, I can't find any news on him. His cap hit was all of $17,000; he won't be missed - Let Him Walk.

Mark Bell: The big Bell came over late and did well in Hartford at the end of the regular season - collecting 14 points in 18 games. Then he managed just one goal in five playoff games (missing one with injury). He made $2.5 mil on his last deal which is way more then he will get this time. Unless he was 18 ways of wonderful with the Pack kids, Let Him Walk no matter how little he will take to return.

Blair Betts: My opinion of Bettsy is well known - he is my favourite player. The best penalty killer, the calm and composed Betts rarely takes penalties and is one of the best in the biz in killing them off. He made 615k this season and deserves a raise - at least above Voros money (a cool mil). While I don't think Sather will give it to him and will let him go (just because that's my luck), I definitely think he should be Stalked into staying.

Ryan Callahan: The winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, Cally was the best player on the team from wire to wire. He made $600k and is a RFA so a three, four year deal at $3 million wouldn't be terrible - especially considering his durability and upside. Stalk.

Brandon Dubinsky: Now, Dubi has an even bigger upside but struggled through a rollercoaster of a sophomore season. He may just be capable of being a Ranger captain down the line, but if he wants a long term deal for stupid money, you have to see if anyone will sign him to an offer sheet. As he hasn't played four NHL seasons, he can't go to arbitration and he was a WHL Tom Renney favourite. Should Renney get installed as Edmonton's coach, perhaps they will try to poach him. Still, if he will accept a reasonable deal, I say Stalk.

Lauri Korpikoski: The Korpedo had some good moments this season. He also had some bad ones as he was plagued with rookie mistakes and a coach who couldn't decide where or how to use him (Renney). As an RFA, he is entitled to a qualifying offer of 105% of his $984k and getting another season to see how he progresses may be worth the extra bucks. Stalk.

Paul Mara: The lumberjack has professed his love for NY and made just under $2 million. Seeing as he was the steadiest defenseman this season, he is certainly worth bring back but not for much more than what he was making. Considering he saw second unit power play time and we know how the special team fared, he might not be a big target for other teams so getting him for a discount may be possible. Stalk, with an eye on letting him walk if he doesn't flourish in NHL season No. 2.

Derek Morris: Seeing as Mike Sauer and Corey Potter proved jut as capable as playing as Morris did, the overpriced veteran can be shown the door. Had he come in and scored a dozen power play goals with that shot that they claimed he still had and hit everything that moved, I would say try to get him at a half price from his $3.95 mil salary but he didn't so see ya ... Let Him Walk.

Colton Orr: While us fans loved having one of the best bruisers in the business, the head coach clearly didn't trust him and benched him in the playoffs. Seeing what happened without him, you have to hope that even the obstinate Tortorella was able to learn a lesson and will insist Sather bring him back. Stalk.

Corey Potter: Tom Renney didn't trust him but Renney was a fool. Poised with the puck, Potter did well with his limited time and, as an RFA, certainly should be qualified to give him a chance to challenge for a spot on the Blueshirt blueline this fall. Stalk.

Pat Rissmiller: The former Shark didn't do anything for the Rangers but was a regular top line player on the farm. If he can find another team to give him one more kick at the NHL can, you have to say Let Him Walk.

Freddie Sjostrom: Just 25 years old, Sjoey hasn't found his scoring touch but his relentlessness and defensive acumen are certainly there. A restricted free agent who has been in the league for a while, he can go to arbitration. That should be avoided but knowing Sather it won't and the curmudgeon of a GM will point out his dearth of offense. Still, the affable Swede was solid on the ice and tight with Hank off of it so you gotta say Stalk.

Nik Zherdev: Another candidate for arbitration, if the Rangers don't take Zherdev there I would be shocked. Making $2.5 million now and ending up one of the leading scorers on a team that could hardly put the puck in the net, Z's agent could make a good case for a raise. While many of you guys appear to be entranced with his talent and youth (as seen in the comments of my report card), I have no patience for players with no heart and no fortitude. Let Him Walk.

NHLSCAP has five other free agents (all down on the farm) in Vlad Denisov, Dane Byers, Greg Moore, Matt Zaba and Pierre Parenteau with PA being the only UFA. If another team will give Moore a chance to make their NHL roster, let him go. I believe Denisov got a three year entry level contract before last season but could be wrong; he is a mediocre AHL guy so I would Let Him Walk if not. Byers, Zaba and Parenteau all should be Stalked - Byers has a huge upside and could become a Torts favourite, Zaba broke out when Wiikman was hurt and Parenteau can score. The Rangers need to make sure that if they are going to re-sign him they need to make sure he won't have to go through waivers to be called up (duh) - he would have been a nice addition to spark the Ranger offense during the midwinter doldrums.

Coming soon: a look at some free agents to be who might be worth checking out.



I apologize for any confusion, but it appears that we have exhausted all attempts to create an article based on the phrase "Awwwa, I Almost Feel Bad" with FAQs. Despite our efforts to clarify and gather additional information, the phrase remains too abstract and lacks the necessary context to proceed with creating a meaningful and informative article.

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 Stalk or Let Him Walk? Navigating the Ethics and Realities of Online Surveillance



In the digital age, our lives are more connected than ever before. Social media, dating apps, and other online platforms have become integral parts of modern relationships. While these tools offer convenience and the opportunity to connect with others, they also raise ethical questions about online surveillance and privacy. This article explores the complexities of online stalking and the ethical dilemmas it presents, along with frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this issue.

Section 1: The Fine Line Between Curiosity and Stalking
The advent of social media has made it easier to keep tabs on people's lives. It's natural to be curious about someone you're interested in or have a connection with, but where does curiosity end, and stalking begin?

Digital Footprints: In today's digital landscape, leaving a trace is almost inevitable. Every post, comment, or like contributes to your online footprint. While it's acceptable to view someone's public posts, diving deep into their history can cross the line into stalking.

Context Matters: The intent behind your actions matters. Are you genuinely interested in someone's life, or are you monitoring their online presence out of suspicion, jealousy, or obsession?

Boundaries and Consent: Respecting someone's boundaries and consent is crucial. If they have set their social media accounts to private, attempting to access their content without permission is a breach of trust.

Section 2: The Ethics of Online Surveillance
Online stalking can raise a host of ethical questions, and it's essential to consider these principles:

Privacy: Everyone has a right to privacy, both offline and online. Invading someone's digital space can be a violation of their privacy.

Consent: Consent plays a significant role in online interactions. It's essential to have explicit consent before attempting to access or monitor someone's online presence.

Respect: Respect for others' boundaries, both in real life and online, is paramount. Monitoring someone's online activities without their knowledge or consent shows a lack of respect.

Digital Citizenship: Being a responsible digital citizen means using the internet and social media platforms in ways that respect others and promote positive interactions.

Section 3: Signs You Might Be Crossing the Line
How can you tell if your online behavior is veering into stalking territory? Here are some signs to watch out for:

Obsession: If you find yourself constantly checking someone's profile, scrolling through their old posts, and analyzing their online activities, it might indicate an unhealthy level of obsession.

Hidden Actions: Engaging in online stalking often involves hiding your actions from the person you're monitoring. If you're taking steps to conceal your surveillance, it's a clear red flag.

Multiple Accounts: Creating fake accounts or using a friend's account to access someone's private information is a clear violation of their privacy.

Feelings of Guilt: If you feel guilty or anxious about your online activities regarding someone, it's a sign that you might be crossing ethical boundaries.

Section 4: FAQs About Online Stalking
Let's address some frequently asked questions about online stalking:

Q1: Is it ever okay to check someone's online profiles without their knowledge?

A1: It's generally considered respectful to ask for permission or wait for someone to share their profiles with you. Checking public information is acceptable, but accessing private content without consent is ethically questionable.

Q2: Can online stalking be considered a crime?

A2: In some jurisdictions, online stalking may be considered a crime, particularly if it involves harassment, threats, or the violation of restraining orders. Laws vary, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with the legal implications in your area.

Q3: What should I do if I suspect someone is stalking me online?

A3: If you believe you're being stalked online, take the following steps:

Secure your accounts by using strong, unique passwords.
Adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms.
Block or report the person in question.
Document any evidence of stalking, such as screenshots or messages.
Consider contacting law enforcement if you feel threatened or harassed.
Q4: How can I protect my online privacy from potential stalkers?

A4: To protect your online privacy:

Regularly review and adjust your social media privacy settings.
Be cautious about accepting friend requests or connections from people you don't know well.
Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.
Avoid oversharing personal information online.
Section 5: Balancing Connection and Privacy
In the digital age, balancing the desire for connection with the need for privacy can be challenging. While it's natural to be curious about others, it's essential to respect their boundaries and consent. Healthy online relationships are built on trust, transparency, and respect for each other's privacy.



Navigating the ethics of online surveillance requires self-awareness and an understanding of the principles of privacy, consent, and respect. While it's tempting to delve into someone's online presence out of curiosity or interest, it's crucial to recognize the fine line between genuine curiosity and stalking. By adhering to ethical guidelines and respecting digital boundaries, we can foster healthier online interactions and relationships.




Link Of The Night

You would think that a Vancouver fan would do a nice tribute to Markus Naslund retiring. Yeah, you would think that. Instead, James at Cycle Like The Sedins decided to take a look at what Glen Sather will do with the cap space. It really is priceless, hilarious and sadly, quite possibly going to pass.

For a look at someone who actually celebrated Nazzy's accomplishments, check here, to see other Vancouver fans pay tribute head over to SBN and to look at Naslund's place in history, there is no one better to turn to than Joe Pelletier.



 Link of the Night: Unveiling the World of Nighttime Photography



As the sun dips below the horizon and the world transforms into a canvas of shadows and lights, a different kind of photography comes alive. Nighttime photography, often referred to as "Link of the Night," is a mesmerizing and challenging genre that captures the beauty and mystery of the nocturnal world. In this article, we will delve deep into the captivating realm of nighttime photography, exploring its techniques, equipment, and creative possibilities, along with answering some frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Section 1: The Art of Nighttime Photography
Nighttime photography is not just about capturing what's visible in the dark but about revealing the hidden wonders of the night. Here are some essential aspects of this fascinating art form:

Long Exposures: One of the primary techniques used in nighttime photography is long exposures. By keeping the shutter open for an extended period, you can capture the movement of light, resulting in stunning images of star trails, cityscapes, and more.

Light Painting: This technique involves using a handheld light source, such as a flashlight, to "paint" light onto a scene during a long exposure. It can create surreal and magical effects.

Astrophotography: Nighttime photography often includes capturing the majesty of the night sky. Astrophotography involves photographing celestial objects like stars, planets, and the Milky Way.

Urban Exploration: Cityscapes and urban environments take on a whole new life at night. Photographers often venture into the city to capture the play of light on buildings, streets, and landmarks.

Section 2: Essential Equipment
To venture into the world of nighttime photography, you'll need specific equipment designed to handle low-light conditions and long exposures. Here's a list of essential gear:

Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure settings is ideal for nighttime photography. These cameras allow you to control shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.

Tripod: A sturdy tripod is crucial to keep your camera stable during long exposures. Look for one that's easy to set up and adjust.

Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens with a low aperture (e.g., f/2.8) is excellent for capturing expansive scenes and allowing more light into the camera.

Remote Shutter Release: To minimize camera shake during long exposures, a remote shutter release or intervalometer is handy.

Flashlight or LED Panel: For light painting and focusing in the dark, a good quality flashlight or LED panel is essential.

Section 3: Mastering Nighttime Photography Techniques
Nighttime photography can be challenging due to low light conditions, but with the right techniques, you can capture stunning images. Here are some tips to help you master this art:

Use Manual Mode: Switch your camera to manual mode to have complete control over settings like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Start with a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8) and low ISO (e.g., 100-400).

Focus Carefully: Autofocus can struggle in low light, so switch to manual focus. Use your camera's live view mode and magnify the image on the LCD screen to achieve precise focus.

Long Exposures: Experiment with different shutter speeds for various effects. For star trails, use exposures of 20-30 seconds or longer. For light painting, extend the exposure time.

Bracketing: To capture a wider dynamic range, consider bracketing your shots. Take multiple photos at different exposures and merge them later in post-processing.

Noise Reduction: Noise can be an issue in low-light photography. Use in-camera noise reduction and consider using software like Adobe Lightroom to further reduce noise.

Section 4: Creativity and Inspiration
Nighttime photography offers endless creative possibilities. Here are some ideas to inspire your nocturnal adventures:

Starry Skies: Head to a dark location away from city lights to capture the breathtaking beauty of the night sky. Experiment with different compositions and foreground elements.

Cityscapes: Explore your city or a nearby urban area at night. The interplay of artificial lights can create stunning cityscape photos.

Light Painting: Experiment with light painting techniques to add a touch of magic to your images. Use different light sources and shapes to create unique effects.

Moonlight Photography: A bright moon can illuminate landscapes in a captivating way. Consider photographing natural landscapes bathed in moonlight.

Astro-Landscapes: Combine elements of astrophotography with landscape photography to create otherworldly scenes with the Milky Way or meteors.

Section 5: FAQs About Nighttime Photography
Let's address some common questions about nighttime photography:

Q1: Do I need an expensive camera for nighttime photography?

A1: While high-end cameras can offer advantages like better low-light performance, you can achieve impressive results with a mid-range DSLR or mirrorless camera. Skill and technique often matter more than the camera itself.

Q2: Is post-processing necessary for nighttime photos?

A2: Post-processing can enhance the quality of nighttime photos by adjusting exposure, reducing noise, and fine-tuning colors. Many photographers use software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop for this purpose.

Q3: Are there any safety precautions for nighttime photography?

A3: Yes, safety is essential. When venturing into the dark, bring essentials like a flashlight, extra batteries, warm clothing, and inform someone of your location and return time, especially if you're going to remote areas.

Q4: How can I minimize light pollution in my photos?

A4: To reduce light pollution in your images, travel to darker locations away from urban areas. You can also use light pollution filters or post-processing techniques to mitigate its effects.

Q5: What's the best time for nighttime photography?

A5: The best time for nighttime photography often depends on your subject. For astrophotography, capturing the Milky Way is ideal during moonless nights. For cityscapes, late evening or early morning "blue hour" can work well.



Nighttime photography, or the "Link of the Night," offers a captivating journey into the mysteries of the dark. Armed with the right equipment and techniques, you can explore and capture the enchanting beauty of the night sky, urban landscapes, and more. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, the allure of nighttime photography is bound to spark your creative spirit and lead you on unforgettable nocturnal adventures.




Sunday, May 3, 2009

Ha det så bra Markus

Brooksie reported - but could not confirm - that Markus Naslund is calling it a career.

As I said when we signed him last summer, Naslund should have retired with the lockout. He truly was a game-breaker who was wonderful to watch back when the Canucks put him out there with Morrison and Bertuzzi but time goes by and the force faded with age. There were moments this season when you could see some evidence of his former superstardom but they were few and far between. Nazzy looked completely lost and a step behind come playoff time, which was when he was needed most. Perhaps he will completely step away from the game or will have a farewell tour in Sweden with Modo ... either way, his time in New York is through.

Inferno at Rangers Review sees this as the first domino to fall in a massive restructuring. While I am not so sure that is possible, I agree with another point that he made in that the money saved will help re-sign some of the team's free agents. Seeing as they made up most of the top performers - Callahan, Dubinsky, Betts, Sjostrom and Antropov - any little bit will help.

As for who will replace Naslund on the roster, I think that it is the perfect chance to promote from within - not only is it cheaper but this team needs to get away from the mercenary mentality and actually build a winner.

The pieces are there and Dane Byers might be the man to step up. Byers, who was hurt most of the season in Hartford, had seven points in nine games before his injury and returned for the playoffs where he had four points (three goals and an assist) in the six postseason games. He is a big, strong winger who could look fantastic across from Ryan Callahan - giving the Blueshirts a more talented, but just as relentless version of the Ben Eager/Adam Burish combination who looked so good for Chicago last night in Game 2 of their series against Vancouver.

Speaking of such, I am watching most every playoff game (gotta get my fix somehow!) and have decided to just root for a Original Six final. Of the eight teams still playing, there is no way I could ever pledge my allegiance to Cindy so the Pens are out. It would be nice to see the team that beat the Rangers go all the way, giving a little vindication, but Tom Poti keeps me from jumping on the Cap bandwagon. Ray Whitney is a personal fav but not seeing Pucky anywhere on their jerseys keeps me away from the Canes. The Ducks, well, are the Ducks: even though the Mighty is gone, they are still a product of the evil empire that is Disney. As for the Canucks, I'm sorry but those twins are creepy - astoundingly good, but creepy. That leaves Boston, Detroit and Chicago and you just can't go wrong there. Keep your silly baseball rivalry out of the hockey equation and root for former Ranger Marc Savard. I will go on the record and say that I feel that Nick Lidstrom is one of the top five defensemen of all time and it is easy to Commit To The Indian when they are so exciting to watch.

So what about you guys? Who are you throwing your support behind?

Oh, and one last thing - as you can see programming here at the blog has slowed but I can promise that it won't go away. There is always stuff to talk about, but it is nice to be able to catch up a little on life away from the rink. I am sure that Ranger season subscription packages (with their inevitable price increases) are coming, as is the Stanley Cup and the ensuing offseason. So stay tuned!