I feel like talking about my boys...

Congrats to Jared Boll and Kris Russell who have made it into the big show. According to Aaron Portzline they will be in the line-up Friday night for opening night. I am excited beyond belief for these guys. While, I haven't been able to make it up for any of the camps or watch any of the pre-season games I have heard nothing but amazing things about them. While neither of them is a top line center (Russell is defense and Boll is a winger) I feel their contributions will be just what we need. Portzline also has the opening night line ups...well what he thinks they're going to be. And here we have it:

F1 = Nash, Fedorov, Vyborny
F2 = Chimera, Novotny, Zherdev
F3 = Modin, Peca, Brule
F4 = Fritsche, Malhotra, Boll

All of this is assuming Peca is better along with Modin. Feds is back between Nash and Vybs which is our best bet...considering the Zherdev experiment failed.

"That experiment failed. I didn't feel comfortable playing center, and, at times, didn't know what to do with the puck." He went on to say that he wouldn't want to play center again, that he much prefers the right wing."

And, here's what he feels about fans and the press talking all that smack about him.

"I don't mind. I admit my mistakes and when I don't play well. After all, criticism is what news and fans are there for."

Well Zherdev why don't you listen to us. Start showing us that you give two craps about us. Show us the player you can be...the player we expected you to be. I hope you have changed...please show us that...you owe it to us...and hell you're getting paid a lot of money and you're just not producing buddy.
Also, if you're going to the game on Friday...be ready for the KABOOM!!!!!!!

X-Posted on Bethany's Hockey Rants

Columbus Blue Jackets hire Howson

Scott Howson will be the new GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets expect a formal announcement Thursday or Friday. I'm at work and extremely busy but wanted to toss this up.
Article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2903250
I will put my reaction up tonight when I get off of work. Until then...thanks Jibblescribbits for the heads up. :)

Alright, my reaction, as much as I don't want to admit and as nervous as I am about it I think it's the right thing for our franchise. But, the problem doesn't stop with the GM. It is much deeper it is our Scouts, and everything. I am very excited about this though...I have faith in Howson. Drew tells me I shouldn't be nervous or upset about the Ryan Smyth trade...but we'll see he better not trade Ricky!! Haha.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have agreed to terms with Edmonton Oilers assistant general manager Scott Howson to make him their new general manager, The Columbus Dispatch reported on its Web site Wednesday.

The newspaper, citing an NHL source, said the team and Howson had reached a deal Wednesday, and said an announcement would be made Friday at Nationwide Arena, home of the Blue Jackets.

Blue Jackets spokesman Todd Sharrock would not comment on the report, and Oilers spokesman J.J. Hebert said he was unaware of any deal.

A message seeking comment was left at Howson's home in Edmonton, Alberta, on Wednesday evening.

Howson, 47, played for the New York Islanders in 1984-85, scoring five goals and three assists in 18 games as a forward, according to a biography posted on the Oilers' Web site.

He graduated from law school at York University in Toronto in 1990 and ran Edmonton's top farm club from 1994-2000. He was hired by the Oilers in 2000 and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2001.

Actual Article

Leafs sign Sundin

TSN reports that Sundin has signed a one year $5.5 million deal with a no-trade clause. An announcement is expected later on today.
I just want to say I love what TSN lists as his flaws:
" While strong on his skates, he's not overly physical considering his size. Is starting to show signs of decay, and becoming more prone to injury with time."

Just thought it was funny.

I am glad that they reached a deal though. I like Sundin even though he is a Leaf, he is a great player and is their "heart and soul" and all the Leaf fans seem to adore him...so good for them.

NHL Awards

We do have the NHL Awards coming up on Thursday at 7. Just to refresh your memory we do have a post up that shows who is nominated for what. You can find it here. That's it for now.

Crosby to be named Captain

I will have more information about this when it actually happens but for now it looks like he will be named Captain today. You can read the article here.

UPDATE I was reading at Mirtle's blog...and he was saying that the reason they are doing it now is so that Crosby can break another record by becoming the youngest Captain ever in the NHL. I think it's a little ridiuclous to be perfectly honest. I believe Crosby is a great player...he has a TON of skills BUT when it comes to his leadership...I have doubts. Maybe, if I wouldn't have seen him cry, and whine to the refs after every bad call...I would change my mind. The fact of the matter is this is a mans game and Crosby is still...a boy...disagree with me if you want...but it's the truth.

Article Here