Hockey Trade Rumors

There is an on going problem in pro sports, and that is the use of performance enhancing drugs, and I think it’s time to stop sugar coating it for some, and it’s time to take the “Hazard” label off for others.

Some fans are worried about the NHL and the sport of hockey because small market teams that apparently “nobody cares about” as some might say, are having success this season. TV ratings for playoff games haven’t been very good because teams in larger markets aren’t involved. They say if a big market city isn’t playing hardly anyone is watching, and hardly anyone cares. These fans argue that if a big market team isn’t successful we won’t see hockey on TV because no one is going to watch. In a way this argument has its merit, but why is this view wrong?

Lets not sugarcoat anything or beat around the bush. The Ottawa Senators once again failed in the playoffs.

Written by Darryl Dobbsfrom www.dobberhockey.com

Those of you in keeper leagues remember that in the late nineties and early in the new millennium a Colorado or Detroit player could not be had for any price. It seemed that the only way one could acquire one is by drafting one (perhaps earlier than they deserved) or if a player on your team was traded to the Red Wings or Avs. The reason? Not only did the two teams have eight or nine real solid offensive players, but it also seemed like every year one or the other was in the Stanley Cup final. Those players help both your regular season and your playoff pool.

Over the last few years, I have heard many Leaf and non-Leaf fans criticize Mats Sundin as a captain of the Leafs. At the same time, I have debated with many people who felt that Alfredsson was a good or even GREAT captain for the Senators.

There will be a new Memorial Cup victor this year. The London Knights were swept by the OHL Champion Peterborough Petes in 4 straight one-goal games (2 in overtime). Gilbert Brule (VAN) and the Vancouver Giants dominated the WHL playoffs and were the first team to win their respective league. The QMJHL crown is still up for grabs but the teams contending for the championship are the Moncton Wildcats and the Quebec Remparts who will both be in the Memorial Cup as Moncton is the host city. I will preview all the teams involved and let you know about the key players.

According to various reports, General Manager Pierre Lacroix of the Colorado Avalanche has stepped down as GM, but will remain as President of the team. Ten years of great success, Lacroix will go down in history as one of the best general managers in the NHL. Keep the good memories with you Pierre, you earned great respect from me and hope yuo hire the right GM for the Avs!

Big question could arise, however. Will Joe Sakic stay?

Sportsnet.ca — The same company that twice tried to bring the NHL to Hamilton, Ont., is now preparing a bid for the Pittsburgh Penguins with the intention of relocating the team.

It is almost hard to believe but the Phoenix Coyotes (dating back to the days as the Jets) have not won a playoff series in almost 20 years. This is during an era where there have been only 3 repeat champions, 5 teams that have played in back to back finals and 9 expansion teams added where 6 have won a playoff series, 3 have gone to the final and 1 has won a cup. In fact, the Yotes have as many series wins in their 26 season history as the 02/03 Minnesota Wild. Suffice to say the Coyotes are due.

But the wait is far from over as the current Coyotes are nowhere near a position to compete.

According to the Globe and Mail, Paul Maurice will be named the next head coach of the Maple Leafs as early as Friday.

Ottawa not so Sensational.

It’s not Duck season in Colorado.

Devils may blame an organization for their losing.

California’s unfriendliness with Oil.