NHL FanHouse

The Return of 'Brass Bonanza'?

Ted Starkey — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Hurricanes, NHL Economics, NHL Fans, NHL Gossip

Over a decade has passed since the Whalers headed south to Raleigh, leaving Connecticut with just an AHL tenant at the former Hartford Civic Center (also known as the Mall, the building now carries the bland title of the XL Center).

But, with a couple of franchises apparently in some financial distress, Hartford's mayor is looking to see if he can bring the NHL back to the city with a new arena on the horizon.

Hartford's Mayor Eddie Perez headed down the Merritt Parkway to Manhattan to meet with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman Wednesday morning to talk about the possibility of landing a franchise with a new building in the city, and delivering in no uncertain terms the city would want to get in the running for a new - or more likely, a relocated - franchise.

Now, with today's tough financial climate, it's a tough sell to build a new arena, but the one blue chip Perez and new arena proponents will have is that the new building would house the state's most popular teams - the UConn Huskies men's and women's hoops squads - and that would be a strong driving force to try and get it built. And, with the limited dates of college basketball home schedules, it would be key for the city to land another tenant, and in this case, an NHL team.

So while teams like Phoenix, Nashville and the Islanders having murky futures in their current locales, there are a couple of cities looking to land squads. Kansas City is still looking for a tenant for the brand-new but unoccupied Sprint Center - and apparently booking one possible relocation candidate for an exhibition game next season, BlackBerry magnate Jim Basille wants a team for the Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario, either in Hamilton or Toronto, and Las Vegas is has backers to put a team in the desert. If you then toss Hartford into the mix, the NHL will be considering the perceived positives - and negatives - of another team in the Connecticut Valley.

The pluses certainly are the team's history in the city, as the team arrived from Boston in the mid-1970s as a World Hockey Association franchise and then joined the NHL in 1979, skating for nearly two decades at the Mall (with the exception of a stint up I-91 in Springfield, Mass. when the Civic Center roof collapsed under heavy snow in 1978) and was able to take advantage of the Whalers' status as the only pro sport in the state. The team peaked in 1986 with a strong playoff run, taking the eventual Stanley Cup champion Canadiens to seven games in the Adams Division Finals, even leading to a parade for the team advancing out of the first round.

Even after the franchise's departure from New England, the Whalers have developed a cult status among hockey fans who remember the team's quirky fight song in "Brass Bonanza" as well as a brush with "Pucky the Whale" and even sporting long pants with Cooperalls during the 1980s. And despite the NHL's embrace with "vintage" merchandise with other departed teams such as the Quebec Nordiques, Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Rockies, a dispute with the city of Hartford (which inherited the logos and wordmark when the team left) kept it from being available until recently.

In addition, the city offers the 30th-biggest U.S. television market, bigger than a pair of existing U.S.-based teams in Columbus and Buffalo, and also larger than possible relocation options in Kansas City and Las Vegas.

The problem the original Whalers had was that the team traded away franchise icon and Future Hall-of-Famer Ron Francis to Pittsburgh in 1991, a move that fueled the Penguins' back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 1991 and 1992. The trade also was the beginning of the end as the team turned into what one Boston columnist referred to the Whale as the "Forever .500s." After struggling at the gate and owner Peter Karmanos sparring with then-governor John Rowland over constructing a new building for the team, the franchise moved south in 1997 to become the Hurricanes, leaving an AHL team in its wake at the Civic Center.

The city's location also is a bit tough for an NHL team, since the territory north and east of Hartford spills into Bruins country and the much-larger Boston market, and south and west among the New York teams, particularly the Rangers (currently the parent club of the AHL Wolf Pack). And, with the Whalers having already relocated, NHL owners would probably opt to put a team in a new city rather than one that failed - and unlike Kansas City, it's unclear if the proposed arena's new owners would have strong NHL ties.

However, for those fans that want to see the return of the Whalers to Hartford, Perez paying a visit to Bettman is a positive step, but it could be a while before "Brass Bonanza" ever returns to the city of Hartford.

The Return of 'Brass Bonanza'? originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Ovechkin-Malkin Cold War

Eric McErlain — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:25:00 EST

Filed under: Capitals, Penguins, NHL Gossip, NHL Videos, Russian Hockey

Later today, Adam Gretz and I will be posting a dialog about tonight's game between the Capitals and Penguins in Pittsburgh. It's a match that's been hotly anticipated for some time, fueled in large part by an interview that Washington's Alexander Semin gave to Puck Daddy where he had some choice observations about Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and his place in the promotion of the NHL.

Starting when Crosby and Ovechkin broke into the league a couple of years ago, these meetings have always been cast as a clash between the two, but the facts on the ground, or should I say the ice, have changed. If anything, it seems as if Ovechkin and Crosby respect each other as worthy opponents.

But if you want real bad blood, look no further than the smoldering rivalry between Ovechkin and his countryman, Pittsburgh center Evgeni Malkin.

That was the topic of a story that was helpfully moved on the AP wire yesterday evening. While it went over a lot of old news, including reports that Ovechkin went after Malkin's agent a couple of years back, it was hard not to chuckle at the tone of the article. After all, rivalries are what we want to see in the NHL, and if Crosby and Ovechkin is turning out to be something of a disappointment, then I am more than happy to see the enmity between Ovechkin and Malkin take center stage.

Best of all, this rivalry wasn't manufactured by the league like Crosby/Ovechkin. Instead, it's born out of the fact that on the ice Ovechkin is all business and doesn't care who he runs down on his way to winning a Stanley Cup -- even if that happens to be his former roommate from the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino.

As for Malkin, who is only making his own case as the league's most valuable player from atop the league-wide points standings, at first he seemed genuinely taken aback by Ovechkin's physicality. But in subsequent clashes, it's become clear that Malkin has broken the code, and is more than capable of standing up for himself if and when push comes to shove with Ovechkin.

Given the current trajectory of both teams, I wouldn't be surprised to see things boil over tonight in Pittsburgh. With a win, the Penguins could get themselves back into playoff contention as they try to win back to back games for the first time in two months. Meanwhile, the Capitals arrive in Pittsburgh in the midst of a three-game losing streak. Given the stakes, I wouldn't be surprised to see things boil over between the two teams. If you're a hockey fan, tonight's game is the one match this week you don't want to miss.

The Ovechkin-Malkin Cold War originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russia Today Interviews Alex Ovechkin

Eric McErlain — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Capitals, NHL Gossip, NHL Videos, Russian Hockey

For a while now, it's been rather apparent that Russian hockey players tend to open up a bit more with the Russian press than with their North American counterparts. Case in point, this interview that Ovechkin did with Russia Today, the English language satellite television channel. Granted, you need to keep in mind that Russia Today is owned by the state operated news agency, RIA-Novost, but for soft interviews like this one you could probably discount that.

Thanks to Puck Daddy for the pointer, and for extracting one particularly hilarious screen capture.

Russia Today Interviews Alex Ovechkin originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ottawa Senator Mike Fisher Dating Carrie Underwood

Bruce Ciskie — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Senators, Eastern, NHL General, NHL Fans, NHL Gossip

Seems like NHL athletes are doing pretty well off the ice, too. Sometimes, it can be the source of controversy, but normally, it's just happy news.

This would qualify as "happy". In the midst of a terrible season on the ice, at least one Ottawa Senator has something to celebrate.

Forward Mike Fisher, according to the gossip types, is dating country singer Carrie Underwood.

The couple reportedly met when Mike checked out one of Carrie's concerts in March 2008, but things appeared to heat up over the holidays when fans caught a glimpse of the 25-year-old Grammy winner on the Jumbotron "Hug Cam" at the Air Canada Centre. She was reportedly in a private VIP box, which also included the handsome hockey player's parents and his brother, Bud.

Carrie also reportedly spent New Year's Eve with Mike's sister, getting pedicures and being pampered at swanky spa and hair salon, Rinaldo.

"She was here with Mike Fisher's sister and the staff took good care of them," Pat Rinaldo told the paper. "She was very quiet, very sweet and pleasant. She wasn't demanding at all, everyone loved her and a lot of people recognized her."

This may not be some stereotypical celebrity fling. Fisher is a devout Christian who has run hockey camps through an organization called Hockey Ministries International.

"When I was 19, I had to learn a lot. I searched God out and realized the kind of way I wanted to live. By 22 I had decided." In the meantime, he partied and drank, still grappling with how to handle the success.

Fisher credits his cousin for guiding him back to the narrow path. "He's my spiritual mentor, and has been a big influence in my life. I still have ups and downs, but I know God has a plan and a purpose for me. I have a lot of people who've helped me; I learned from the pressures."

Happiness, he's realized, cannot be bought. "When you have money, it doesn't really mean anything. It's a daily relationship with Christ and through that comes a lot of peace and experiencing God. I hadn't really done that (before). When you get a taste of it, there's nothing like it."

Fisher has 12 points in 34 games for the Senators, who are in last place in the Northeast Division.

Underwood had a high-profile relationship with an athlete before. She once dated Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

Report: Ottawa Senator Mike Fisher Dating Carrie Underwood originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coyotes on the Financial Brink

Eric McErlain — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:35:00 EST

Filed under: Coyotes, NHL Economics, NHL Gossip, NHL Rumors

When you take a look at the standings in the NHL's Western Conference, it's easy to see things are looking up for the Phoenix Coyotes. After years of futility, the team is now starting to develop plenty of young talent around a solid core of veteran players like Shane Doan, Oli Jokinen, Ilya Bryzgalov and Ed Jovanovski. Put it all together, and the Coyotes are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race a little less than halfway through the regular season.

Unfortunately for the Coyotes and head coach Wayne Gretzky, the most important number for the Coyotes these days isn't the point total in the standings, it's the numbers on the balance sheet. Earlier this month, David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail detailed the tale of woe that is Phoenix's balance sheet, with the team losing $30 million per year over the last two seasons. The line from that story that was most chilling, came from one former NHL governor who declined to be identified:

"I don't know how they can sustain the losses," one former governor said."The team loses so much money you can't sell it. If I were offered the team for a dollar, I'd say no because you can't fix it."

It is estimated by the former governor that the Coyotes have lost more than $200-million since 2001 - at least $70 million beyond the purchase price.

With the financial position of Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes on the brink of collapse thanks to the ill health of his trucking company, Swift Transportation, logic dictates that those losses can't be sustained for much longer. And if ESPN.com's Scott Burnside's latest report is correct, the NHL is already making preparations for what looks like an inevitable financial collapse.

According to Burnside, the league is taking an active role in finding new investors for the team, as well as working with the city of Glendale to renegotiate the lease on the team's home, Jobing.com Arena. Apparently, the league is going back to its list of prospective owners to see who they might entice into taking the Coyotes off Moyes' hands, but with the global credit crisis still very much a fact of life, one has to wonder just where anyone would be able to find the capital to be able finance the purchase of any team, never mind one in financial distress like Phoenix.

One name that isn't on the NHL's shopping list of prospective owners, at least for now: Research in Motion founder Jim Balsillie, who remains comitted to buying a team and moving it to Southern Ontario. One wonders how much more money the Coyotes will have to lose before the league dials him up.

Coyotes on the Financial Brink originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Ice Sheet: Jaromir Jagr's Candid and Surprising Take on Sean Avery

Eric McErlain — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:25:00 EST

Filed under: Rangers, Stars, NHL Economics, NHL Gossip, Russian Hockey

Every Monday morning The Ice Sheet will take a close look at everything that's happened in the NHL since Friday night at 5:00 p.m. -- or if need be, anything else the author wants to bleat about. To read them all, click here.

This morning's Ice Sheet comes to us courtesy of my friend Dmitry Chesnokov of Sovetsky Sport. You'll recall that it was Dmitry who did an interview with Alexander Semin earlier this season that blew the top off the hockey world when the young Russian winger shared his innermost thoughts about Sidney Crosby. Today, my buddy was kind enough to pass along an excerpt from an interview Sovetsky's Pavel Lysenkov, just completed with ex-NHLer and Avangard Omsk winger Jaromir Jagr.

In this interview, Jagr provides Lysenkov his take on the economic condition of the NHL and the salary cap -- Jagr describes the resolution of the lockout as when, "communism suddenly took over the NHL" -- but more importantly, gives a completely honest and somewhat unexpected take on Sean Avery and his recent antics. The interview starts after the jump.

The NHL seems to have a more stable business model than the KHL that hasn't even been around for a year. Teams in North America depend on sponsors less. Even in the current economic crisis the arena in Chicago sells out, which did not happen often.

"People go to see Chicago because the team has attracted young stars like Kane and Toews, and not because people don't know what to do with their money. But if you look at Florida or Phoenix they have problems with attendance. That means that it all depends on how the team is performing. When tickets are $50 or $60 on average and each game draws 16-20 thousand spectators it is easy to have a stable business model. NHL teams have a lot of revenue from gate receipts. And I am not even talking about marketing, TV rights and other sources of income."

The Phoenix management announced not long ago that the team will have losses of $25-$35 million. Does that mean that it's not all smooth in the NHL?

"How much? This is impossible! Look at the Phoenix payroll. It's not that much over $35 million. I would get it if no one in Arizona went to see hockey. But the team fills about half of the arena every game. It is possible that the Coyotes' management are making such statements intentionally to sell the team as soon as possible, or to move it to a different city. This is a kind of a threat to the authorities - if you don't help us we will take the team somewhere in Canada. And it will hurt the image of the city and will cause the fans to be upset. But this is the crisis, everyone saves themselves any way they can."

KHL teams' management, including Avangard Omsk President Konstantin Potapov, are saying that sooner or later player salaries might be slashed because of the economic crisis. You personally had your salary reduced in 2005 after the lockout in the NHL, when you were with the Rangers.

"The situation was different then. Communism suddenly took over the NHL. Everyone's salaries were reduced by 24 percent. "Equalization", or how do you say it here? Players who had long term deals before the lockout suffered the most, including me. Before, team owners thought that each team has to have one or two star players with big contracts who would attract fans to hockey. All other players were making relatively less. And now all the money was spread out. Most teams' budgets remained virtually the same. But now players from lower and middle lines can make more money because of the star players.

When the new economic system was discussed at NHLPA meetings obviously most players voted in favor, because there are more average players than there are star players. I cannot say anything about reducing salaries in the KHL. Officially no one has announced anything. And I am not used to blindly believe everything that is in the media. I cannot even tell you for sure who represents Avangard Omsk in the players union. Dmitry Ryabykin? See ... I came here to play hockey and not to deal with organizational issues."

Have you heard about the scandal in the NHL because of your former Rangers teammate Sean Avery?

"I heard that he said something about his ex who is now dating Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf. But what exactly did he say?"

I know. But I am not going to repeat that.

"Tell me, tell me!" Jagr is asking Lysenkov without even noticing that there is a female interpreter present. Lysenkov wrote Avery's words on a piece of paper.

"What does that mean? Some kind of slang ... I don't understand the translation ... A used girl? You know what I think? I think if Avery was not in Canada, he wouldn't have said that. The guy was simply working the publicity. He tried to unsettle the opposing team players before the game."

He was disqualified for six games because of two words. This is unprecedented in the history of the NHL.

"No one else would have faced this. But Avery was punished for all of his old sins. You can say that he was punished for everything combined. This is a political decision by the NHL."

Dallas does not want him to play in the League and his teammates are recommending to have him sent to Russia for rehabilitation.

"I don't think he will be kicked out of the NHL because of the ethics standards. Not everyone there is such goody two shoes. I would believe that the club is not happy with Avery's play and now stumbled upon a great chance to part ways.

But you have to know Sean. Yes, he is a bad boy. But this is his image. It is all acting. In his soul he is a vulnerable and sentimental person. And Avery also loves confrontations and trouble. He likes to draw attention to himself. That's his life. Sean should have become an actor. He would have had a great career in Hollywood. But he is a good player. Believe me. He has speed, sense of the game, sees the net well - he has everything. In some games Avery was Rangers' best player. If he is trusted by the team he always plays well.

And he always comes up with something. I remember once we were playing the Devils, when Avery stood in front of their goaltender Martin Brodeur and started swinging his stick. He was not breaking any rules, but Martin got really mad. Sean achieved what he wanted, he unsettled an opposing player.

I think Sean needs a strong coach like Mike Keenan. To have him under control. Then a lot of scandals could have been avoided.

Actually, people with a big self opinion will never understand Avery and will always think of him as an outsider. But I can never take Sean seriously. I have never had any problems with him."

Have you played on the same line with him?

"Sometimes. Sometimes we didn't have a good game and Sean would come to me and say with a straight face: "You played awfully bad today." And how should I react to that? I would reply with a sad face: "Sorry, Sean. I know, Sean. I am going to work harder to improve my numbers." It's a little anecdotal."

Would you love to see him playing for Avangard Omsk?

"No!" Jagr started waiving his hands and almost fell from his chair laughing. "Two years playing together for the Rangers was enough. Couldn't you come up with a lighter sentence?"

The Ice Sheet: Jaromir Jagr's Candid and Surprising Take on Sean Avery originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barry Melrose on Tampa Bay: 'I Hope Tampa Bay Doesn't Win a Game the Rest of the Year'

Adam Gretz — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: Lightning, NHL General, NHL Fans, NHL Gossip

Things are starting to get hilarious when the topic of the Tampa Bay Lightning comes up. Unless, of course, you're a fan of the Lightning, in which case, it's probably not a laughing matter at all. But for the rest of us, man, it just keeps getting better.

After cornering the market on free agents this summer -- and dumping them two months into the season -- the Lightning find themselves in the basement of the NHL, having won just twice in their past 17 games.

They've already fired head coach Barry Melrose -- who lasted just 16 games -- and have won only once since naming Rick Tocchet as his replacement. And you know who finds all of this funny, and is taking great delight in it? Melrose himself.

Melrose appeared on Toronto's Fan590 this week with morning show hosts Don Landry and Gord Stellick, and let loose on his feelings regarding his former team, players, and organization. Say this about the man: he's brutally honest, and he holds a grudge.

Melrose talked about how he had guys in Tampa Bay that "wanted to run the team" and he simply would not let them. When asked if he takes any glee in the fact they've only won once since he was fired, Melrose responded, "I'm not going to lie to you, yeah it does, and any coach that says it doesn't is a liar. I hope Tampa Bay doesn't win a game the rest of the year."

He then went on to talk about how he likes Tampa Bay co-owner Oren Koules and that he's good for the NHL, but when asked how he feels about co-owner Len Barrie: "They hired me, they gave me a chance to coach, and I will always appreciate that. But like I said, I hope Oren Koules does well, I like Oren." Translation: I hate Len Barrie's guts.

Among the other things Melrose mentioned:

1. Steven Stamkos is not ready to play in the NHL.

2. He was never able to get close to any player in Tampa Bay.

3. He also addressed the rumor that a front office employee came into the locker room during a game and attempted to diagram plays:

"No, because I wouldn't let it happen, but I can guarantee you that was one of the reasons I was let go because I wouldn't let stuff like that happen. Now they can do whatever they want, it doesn't matter to me and they've got the guys in charge to let them do it."

Yeah. Things are going great down in Tampa Bay.

(H/T KuklasKorner)

Barry Melrose on Tampa Bay: 'I Hope Tampa Bay Doesn't Win a Game the Rest of the Year' originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Fan's Allegations of a Horrifyingly Vulgar Confrontation With Sean Avery

Eric McErlain — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Kings, Predators, Stars, NHL Gossip, NHL Police Blotter, NHL Rumors

Over the past 48 hours or so, as the hockey world stopped dead to consider the behavior of one Sean Avery, I couldn't help but think back to the early part of October when, during a trip to the penalty box in Nashville, Avery decided to tangle with a Predators fan sitting next to the glass.

I'm sure some of you will remember this incident that took place back on Oct. 11:

At the time, it was impossible not to laugh a little. After all, who couldn't get a chuckle out of what looked to be a rather proper lady giving the NHL's No. 1 bad boy a piece of her mind. It was hard to get her out of my mind too. After all, she probably had a story to tell, one that plenty of other folks would like to hear.

And boy, does she have a story to tell.

(Editor's note: Some of the language that follows is extremely graphic and is not suitable for younger readers.)

First, I called the Nashville Predators. Their PR office told me they had no idea who the lady in the video was. Then, when I wrote about it for FanHouse, I appended a short note asking if any of our readers knew her identity. About 24 hours later, I got a note from a young woman named Morgan Teveit who wrote that she knew the woman in question and was "proud to be her daughter." She added that her mother was a tremendous fan and would be eager to talk to me. She even provided me with her mother's phone number.

And then, in a swirl of a thousand other things, I forgot about it. Until Wednesday night, that is, when I got Sandie Griffith on the phone.

The mother of two daughters, she's just shy of her 60th birthday. As a native of the American South, she didn't grow up with hockey, but happened to marry a man from Michigan who did. He turned her into a fan. She's been a Predators season ticket holder from Day One, and those seats near the visiting penalty box belong to her and her husband.

Mrs. Griffith's relationship with Avery began a number of years ago when he was still playing for the Los Angeles Kings. According to her account, Avery was up to his usual tricks when Nashville's Darcy Hordichuk decided it was time to hold Avery accountable, and challenged him to drop the gloves. Avery, as is his wont, declined to dance.

From here, I'll hand things over to Griffith's daughter, Morgan. The following comes from an email exchange we had back in October:

Avery wouldn't fight and all he would do was cower away and cover his head "like a turtle". When the newspaper printed a picture of Avery covering his head like that, my parents said he looked just like a turtle trying to hide, so they started called him "Turtleman". Then, the next time Avery came in town to play, my parents were prepared. They took the newspaper photo of him covering his head and had it blown up and had multiple copies printed, and brought the poster-size photos with them to the game and taped them up to the glass on the penalty box and held them up when he'd skate by. When he finally saw the picture, he was absolutely livid. Ever since then, they give him a hard time and call him Turtleman.

"He is a pest and he's a dirty player," Griffith told me on Wednesday night. "He cannot control himself when confronted ... it doesn't matter what the situation is, he cannot control himself ... I've seen this over the years, it's kind of been like a joke."

"But this last incident ... his language to me was so foul and so crude that I cannot even believe that it was coming from his mouth," Griffith told me.

Sean Averys Strange Career

Dallas Stars player Sean Avery, right, has been suspended after using a crude term about his former girlfriends now dating other hockey players. One of those ex-girlfriends, actress Elisha Cuthbert, center, now goes out with Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf. Click through to see more of Avery's career twists.

Getty Images / FilmMagic

In New York's series against New Jersey last season, Avery made headlines for attempting to distract Devils goalie Martin Brodeur in an unusual way. The NHL immediately made a rule change to prevent a repeat.

Jim McIsaac, Getty Images

It was announced last season that Avery would intern for Vogue magazine, as the agitator also has shown a keen interest in fashion. Avery is pictured here at a fashion show in September 2007.

Rob Loud, Getty Images

Avery was mentioned in media reports as being connected to the prostitution ring that brought down New York Gov. Elliot Spitzer. But Avery laughed off the accusations.

Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images

Earlier last season, Avery was accused of making a cancer-related remark to Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake, pictured, who is coping a rare form of leukemia.

Bruce Bennett, Getty Images

The incident led to numerous fights between Maple Leafs tough guy Darcy Tucker and Avery, with both teams getting fined and the incidents creating news.

Graig Abel, Getty Images

Broadcaster Brian Hayward was subjected to a tirade from Avery in 2006. The then-Kings forward was upset with Hayward's comments on a local broadcast.

Bruce Bennett, Getty Images

In October 2005, Avery was accused of making a racial slur against then-Oilers enforcer Georges Laraque.

Andy Marlin, Getty Images

A month earlier, Avery was fined for anti-Francophone comments he made after Coyotes forward Denis Gauthier put a hit on one of Avery's Kings teammates.

Jeff Gross, Getty Images

Fast-forward to Oct. 11, 2008, the night the Predators hosted the Stars in Nashville in what eventually would be a 3-1 win for the home team. At 8:36 of the first period, Avery got into a tangle with Nashville's Dan Hamhuis, among other extracurricular activities. Avery initially received five minutes for fighting and a game misconduct. As Avery skated to the penalty box, Griffith was waiting for him.

"He came up behind Dan Hamhuis and cross-checked him, and I went to the box," said Griffith. That's when she asked him, "aren't you going to turtle up?"

Griffith insisted to me that while she taunted Avery, she never used foul language. So what was Avery's response? According to Griffith, Avery said, "You're nothing but an old f**king c*nt, I wouldn't even c*m in your face." After which he sprayed her with his water bottle. It was following that incident that the refs assessed Avery a second game misconduct, and Griffith is pretty much convinced Avery's reaction to the confrontation with her was the reason.

"I'm an old hockey fan, I can accept foul language, that's not the problem. But this was beyond anything that I can even imagine," Griffith said.

On Tuesday night, I sent a note to the Dallas Stars asking them about the incident. They declined to comment, and referred me to the NHL. John Dellapina, the league's Director of Media Relations said that the league was aware of the incident, though a league representative has yet to talk to Griffith.

When I asked if the incident would be taken into account at today's hearing into Avery's conduct, Dellapina said, "In any matter such as this, the totality of the actions throughout the player's career is taken into account."

A call on Wednesday morning to Avery's agent, Pat Morris, was not returned. Avery's Los Angeles-based publicist declined to comment.

So what was Griffith's reaction when she saw the news about Avery's lewd comments in Calgary?

"My daughter sent the article. Very frankly, I wanted to get in touch with (NHL Commissioner Gary) Bettman and say you need to have a talk with this guy. He has major problems, this is beyond hockey and beyond hockey talk."

When I asked her what an appropriate punishment was, Griffith said, "I really don't know. I'm trying to distinguish between the hockey and the hockey stuff and his foul inconsiderate behavior, on the other hand. I cannot imagine Bettman wants someone like Avery to represent hockey in the US. I just can't imagine that."

When I mentioned that Avery had issued an apology, she was quick to cut in: "He doesn't mean that, it's a pattern of behavior with him." That conclusion would seem to be supported by a report from ESPN.com's Scott Burnside on Wednesday evening.

I also asked her about Avery's contention -- and the contention of many others -- that hockey sorely needs bad guys and Avery is simply playing a role. "I totally agree that hockey needs bad guys, we need enforcers ... He is not an enforcer," Griffith said. "He is a low class son of a bitch. What he's talking about has nothing to do with the game of hockey.

"This is a game, this is a sport and what he is showing is not gamesmanship, it's not sportsmanship, it's low-class behavior. It's like Pacman Jones ... You can just never change that behavior. That kind of personality has no place in hockey."

Then there was a more delicate question. I mentioned that a number of observers of the game were concerned that the speed with which the league acted against Avery seemed to indicate they were more concerned with the image of a player than the actual safety of players on the ice. In particular, I mentioned the rash of hits from behind and to the head we've seen again this season and how the league seems reluctant to do anything about.

Griffith agreed that she could understand that point of view and that she was concerned with the safety of the players too, and that the league might not be doing enough to prevent potentially career-ending injuries. She's a proponent of no-touch icing, and made sure to mention that, "boarding just makes me crazy."

"But," she added, "the Sean Averys and their attitude and their attitude toward women are unacceptable."

When I asked her what sort of players she was a fan of, she quickly mentioned Predators Jason Arnott and J.P. Dumont, but took special pains to talk to me about Jordin Tootoo. "He's the same sort of instigator (as Avery). I cannot imagine him talking to a 60-year old woman the way that Sean Avery talked to me."

"He is low class, I cannot imagine my daughter bringing someone like that home. I can't imagine being his mother and being proud of that sort of behavior. Who raised him?"

Before saying goodbye, Griffith left me with one parting shot at Avery.

"If he's suspended indefinitely, I hope I can say that I was a part of that. There are rules of behavior and he crossed the line. I really do not like him."

One Fan's Allegations of a Horrifyingly Vulgar Confrontation With Sean Avery originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stars Management Plotting Avery Endgame

Eric McErlain — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:37:00 EST

Filed under: Stars, NHL Gossip, NHL Rumors

How bad can things get for Sean Avery? Well, if what we're hearing from TSN's Bob McKenzie is correct, the answer is very, very bad, as the franchise looks to rid itself of this meddlesome winger:

Sources tell TSN that Avery's personal publicist reached out to the Stars' organization first thing Wednesday morning in an effort to get Avery an audience with his teammates so he could apologize to them.

The Stars made it clear to Avery's representative that the door was not open for that to happen at this time and perhaps not at all.

The Stars, it would seem, are not in the mood for reconciliation. The Avery-inflicted wounds - in the dressing room, in the coaches' offices, in the front office and the ownership suite - are just too raw and fresh at this point. And they may never heal to the point to allow him a way back in.

It's been a few weeks since we first heard some rumblings of discontent from Mike Modano about Avery's antics, and it was hard not to notice that none of his teammates have jumped to his defense in the last 24 hours. It's lonely being Sean sometimes.

Among the options the Stars are considering: a lengthy suspension of their own; a possible contract buyout; a voiding of Avery's contract; or, the option I consider most likely, burying Avery in the minors, something the team could do very easily by putting him on waivers. If nobody picks him up -- something I'm sure the Commissioner could assure with a few phone calls -- it's hello AHL! Because the team doesn't have an AHL affiliate at this time, the Stars could literally send Avery anywhere in the entire league, a prospect that must have him salivating. I wonder if they get Men's Vogue in Quad City?

In a way, it's interesting how the Avery Crisis plays to the team's advantage. They've stunk all season long thanks to a significant turnover in personnel, disruptions on the blue line, some key injuries and some horrid goaltending from Marty Turco. Whatever you might say about Avery, you can't pin the team's lousy start on him, but that wouldn't prevent them from using a force departure to declare that the team is turning the page and making a new start.

As for Avery, I think he's got plenty of reasons to be worried, and here are the two words that ought to be foremost in his mind: John Rocker. I'm sure I'm not the only blogger who remembers him, but after his crack about the No. 7 train to Shea Stadium, Major League Baseball couldn't bury him deep enough. And in terms of athletic ability, Rocker filled a far more valuable role with one of the best teams in baseball than Avery does right now with Dallas.

As ridiculous as it will seem if Avery is forced to sit through a lengthy suspension while others get wrist slaps for taking shots at the heads of their opponents, the folks who run the game more than likely believe that Avery isn't bigger than the game. After a career where he's dished out more cheap shots than we can count, I'm sure some will see a sliver of cosmic justice if Avery's career is disposed with via a shot just as cheap.

UPDATE: Avery has issued an apology, but it doesn't matter. I think Bettman is really going to stick it to him.

(HT: Paul Kukla)

Stars Management Plotting Avery Endgame originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Video Clip That Got Sean Avery in Trouble

Eric McErlain — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Flames, Stars, NHL Gossip, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos

Here's the video clip that got Sean Avery into all sorts of trouble with the NHL on Tuesday. It only takes a couple of seconds to see that Avery knew exactly what he was doing, summoning the cameras in the visiting locker room in Calgary while he held court on the dating habits of his ex-girlfriend and her new beau, Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf.

The Video Clip That Got Sean Avery in Trouble originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sean Avery Suspended Indefinitely for Comments About Cuthbert and Phaneuf

Eric McErlain — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:14:00 EST

Filed under: Flames, Stars, NHL Gossip, NHL Rumors

In the wake of Sean Avery's distasteful comments about Dion Phaneuf dating Avery's ex-girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert early Tuesday, the NHL decided that enough is enough and suspended the Dallas Stars winger indefinitely.

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In case you missed it, here's what Avery said to a video crew before Tuesday's Stars-Flames game in Calgary:

"Uh, I'm really happy to be back in Calgary. I love Canada. And I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. Enjoy the game tonight."

So the NHL followed up by suspending Avery. The league explained the ruling with the following press release:

Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery has been suspended indefinitely, pending a hearing with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, in accordance with the provisions of NHL By-Law 17 and Article 6 of the NHL Constitution for conduct "detrimental to the League or game of hockey," the National Hockey League announced today. The suspension was imposed following inappropriate public comments, not pertaining to the game, made by Avery earlier today.

The suspension was probably the only thing standing between Avery and a possibly historic confrontation with Phaneuf later Tuesday evening when the Stars played the Flames in Calgary. (Dallas won 3-1.)

According to the New Jersey Devils blog, Fire and Ice, the hearing has yet to be scheduled. But if I were a betting man, I'd guess that Commissioner Bettman won't be in any rush to get Avery to Manhattan for a hearing. The next question has to be the following: does this suspension mark the breaking point with the league and Avery, or will a league that's been desperate to add some personality -- even one as toxic as Avery has proven to be from time to time -- give him one more break?

Elisha Cuthbert Photos

Actress Elisha Cuthbert is seen in Los Angeles in this April 26, 2005 file photo. Cuthbert is the former girlfriend of Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery, who has been indefinitely suspended by the NHL for remarks he made in reference to Calgary Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf and Cuthbert. REUTERS/Fred Prouser/Files (UNITED STARES)

Reuters

Actress Elisha Cuthbert and New York Rangers player Sean Avery are seen in this March 28, 2007 file photo.The NHL has suspended Avery, who now plays for the Dallas Stars, indefinitely pending a hearing with commissioner Gary Bettman. Avery was suspended for remarks he made in reference to Calgary Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf and Cuthbert, who previously had a relationship with Avery. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STARES)

Reuters

Actress Elisha Cuthbert arrives at the 2008 GQ Man Of The Year Party at the Chateau Marmont on November 18, 2008 in West Hollywood, California.

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com

Actress Elisha Cuthbert arrives at the GQ Men of the Year party held at the Chateau Marmont Hotel on November 18, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Actress Elisha Cuthbert arrives at the GQ Men of the Year party held at the Chateau Marmont Hotel on November 18, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Actress Elisha Cuthbert arrives at the 13th Annual GQ "Men of the Year" Party at the Chateau Marmont on November 18, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com

Actress Elisha Cuthbert arrives at the 13th Annual GQ "Men of the Year" Party at the Chateau Marmont on November 18, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com

Actress Elisha Cuthbert arrives at the 13th Annual GQ "Men of the Year" Party at the Chateau Marmont on November 18, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com

Actress Elisha Cuthbert arrives at the 13th Annual GQ "Men of the Year" Party at the Chateau Marmont on November 18, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com

Sean Avery Suspended Indefinitely for Comments About Cuthbert and Phaneuf originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sean Avery Takes a Shot at Elisha Cuthbert and Dion Phaneuf

Eric McErlain — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Flames, Stars, NHL Gossip, NHL Rumors

Hold your breath, it's time for another one of those moments when the NHL turns into a small suburban high school.

Sean Avery, in Calgary with the Dallas Stars to play the Flames and never one to shun the spotlight, actually summoned a camera crew from Canada's TSN to deliver the following statement as reported by the Calgary Herald:

"Uh, I'm really happy to be back in Calgary. I love Canada.

"And I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about.

"Enjoy the game tonight."

The jab, of course, is directed at Calgary Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf, who is dating Avery's ex-girlfriend, Elisha Cuthbert. The actress, reportedly, also dated Mike Komisarek of the Montreal Canadiens.

The 25-second clip - in its entirety; he refused to answer answer questions - got a rise out of some of his younger teammates. "He said what?" shrieked one. Many of them cackled, in fact.

You'll recall that earlier this season that Stars center Mike Modano expressed his displeasure with Avery and partner-in-crime Steve Ott. Today it was Stars goalie Marty Turco's turn to play the role of savvy and sage veteran: "Well, hopefully, he doesn't back down . . . and he shows up like a man ... But we expect that out of him, like we have all year. The show continues."

Indeed it does. Tonight in the U.S., Versus elected to air Philadelphia vs. Tampa Bay. I bet they're regretting that decision about now.

(HT: Puck Daddy)

Sean Avery Takes a Shot at Elisha Cuthbert and Dion Phaneuf originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shame Not a Word in David Frost's Vocabulary

Eric McErlain — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Gossip, NHL Police Blotter

While most folks on this planet would do their best to simply go away after being acquitted on charges of sexual exploitation of minors, former amateur hockey coach and NHL agent David Frost doesn't seem to know any better. Just hours after his acquittal on Friday, Frost announced to the world that he was starting his own Web site, hockeygodonline.com:

This blog/column will not always be the most favourable position on Hockey topics, it will how ever be the most up front and knowledgeable and to the point. We do not have the restrictions that a news paper has and will bring you the straight goods on all topics from a Hockey perspective. There is so much that goes on in Hockey that no one wants you to know, we will bring that to you in a no holds barred way.

Writing alongside Frost from his federal prison cell will be former NHLer Mike Danton, who, as we've noted before, is in the midst of serving a sentence for putting a contract out on Frost's life. So far, plenty of other bloggers like me are helping carry Frost's water, enough that he's already crowing about how the new site has drawn visitors from 66 different countries or territories -- which I guess means he's counting hits from Nunavit and the Yukon these days.

Somehow, I'm guessing the attention won't last. Then again, I've been wrong before.

Shame Not a Word in David Frost's Vocabulary originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Deal Is (Almost) Done: Burke to Toronto

Eric McErlain — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:23:00 EST

Filed under: Ducks, Maple Leafs, NHL Economics, NHL Gossip, NHL Rumors

When it comes to Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs, apparently it's all over but the shouting. Here's Damien Cox of the Toronto Star:

With only a few final details to be sorted out, none of which are viewed as deal-breakers, the deal is all but done.

The former Anaheim GM was forwarded a "term sheet" by the Leafs over the past 24 hours, which included acceptable clauses on the length of contract and compensation.

Burke's deal will include the rest of this season, then a five-year contract that kicks in next season. He made about $1.4 million managing the Ducks, and is expected to see his salary doubled in Toronto.

And so, one saga ends and another begins. But there's just one more detail that ought to be aired before Burke arrives in the first city of hockey. Back when the talk started about Burke coming to the Maple Leafs, it looked like the organization was more or less in complete disarray. When the elderly Cliff Fletcher was appointed to the post of interim GM, a lot of people laughed.

But as Al Strachan pointed out on Hockey Night in Canada a couple of weeks back and Steve Simmons reiterated over at the Toronto Sun last week, Fletcher did more than just keep the seat warm for Burke, he actually cleared out the dead wood and got the team well on the way to recovery. And while the current profile of the team -- lots of swift-skating Europeans with flashy skills -- doesn't exactly fit Burke's mold, it's a damn sight better than the team Fletcher inherited from John Ferguson, Jr.

The Deal Is (Almost) Done: Burke to Toronto originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Ice Sheet: In Defense of Mats Sundin

Eric McErlain — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Canadiens, Canucks, Lightning, Maple Leafs, NHL Free Agency, NHL Gossip, NHL Media Watch

Every Monday morning The Ice Sheet will take a close look at everything that's happened in the NHL since Friday night at 5:00 p.m. -- or if need be, anything else the author wants to bleat about. To read them all, click here.

It was Saturday afternoon and I was driving home from the car wash when I clicked over to coverage of the Rangers-Senators game on XM Radio. The game was between periods, so the local talking heads out of Ottawa were kicking around the possibility that free agent Mats Sundin might be coming to Montreal. Or Vancouver. Or Tampa Bay (maybe not).

Now, I'm not terribly familiar with the local talent in Ottawa, and I don't think I'm going to bother to get to know them, but I did manage to lock in on just one guy who had clearly had enough of Sundin's Hamlet act.

While I'm only paraphrasing here, he essentially said that he was tired of Sundin acting as if he was bigger than any team, and that it was time for the NHL to do something about veteran players near the end of their careers who choose to sit out significant fractions of the regular season while conducting an auction for their services.

The names Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne were also mentioned in the same breath, with the proviso that their decisions to sit out a portion of last season most likely caused the unhappy end to Anaheim's season.

What a load of hooey.

Last time I checked, Mats Sundin was an unrestricted free agent, which means that thanks to the fact that he doesn't have a contract and he's put in enough years in the NHL, he can more or less pick and choose where he wants to play, when he wants to play or even if he wants to play. And after 17 seasons in the NHL and better than 1,300 points, it's clear that Sundin has earned the right to do whatever he damn well pleases, and that includes conducting a very public bidding war for his services.

Put yourself in his shoes for just a moment. Clearly, Sundin knows that he's got fewer years ahead as a hockey player than he has behind him. As good as his game remains as he closes in on his 38th birthday, Sundin knows pretty implicitly that he doesn't have much tire left on the tread. Wherever he signs, it will more than likely be the last place that he plays and represents his last chance to win a Stanley Cup -- coincidentally the only major achievement that has eluded him over a spectacular career.

Clearly, waiting until a significant fraction of the season has been completed before choosing where to play helps Sundin better understand which teams have the best shot at making the postseason and have a legitimate shot at the Cup. Better still, it gives him a couple more months to help heal his 37-year old body after yet another year of wear and tear during a regular season that plenty of others observers over the years have declared to be nothing more than a glorified exhibition.

Now, if you're an NHL GM and it bugs you that Sundin, or any other veteran that might be floating around out there in free agent land has a lot of options, and you think that bringing him onto your hockey club midseason might be a little disruptive, there's a very easy call to make: don't sign him and don't participate in any of the games going on in the press right now to boost his value.

If you don't think Sundin is worth the risk, then don't pick up the phone. On the other hand, the market seems to have decided otherwise.

The Ice Sheet: In Defense of Mats Sundin originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sabres to Sit Afinogenov, Tallinder

Ted Starkey — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Sabres, NHL General, NHL Gossip

With the Sabres getting waxed in three straight games, coach Lindy Ruff is making some significant changes as Buffalo opens up a four-game homestand tonight against Philadelphia.

The biggest is struggling winger Maxim Afinogenov is going to be watching the game from high up at HSBC Arena as he's been benched in favor of Mark Mancari, who has 25 points so far this season with the Sabres' AHL affiliate in Portland. Henrik Tallinder will be up there to keep him company as well, with another recalled Pirate, Nathan Paetsch, taking his spot.

Afinogenov, who has been a Sabre for nine seasons, has struggled this year, both offensively and defensively. He has just one goal this season, and three points in his last 10 games. Even more troubling is his -8 rating, which caused Ruff to give him a seat for a big game to try and turn around the team's slide.

"Part of it is production and part of it is defensive play," Ruff told the Buffalo News. "Play away from the puck is important and those stats aren't very good and his stats offensively aren't very good. I've told the players I'm not going the easy route anymore."

There have been whispers for months that the speedy Russian could potentially be on the move, as his speed is attractive to potential trade partners. He never really has lived up to his full potential with Buffalo, recording a career-high of just 23 goals and managing to play more than 70 games just four of his eight seasons. He has potential to dominate games, but he also can be careless with the puck and he makes turnovers which are leading to odd-man rushes the other way.

With the trade market beginning to pick up interest, it'll be interesting to see if this possibly could be the end of his tenure in Buffalo - if a partner is willing to overlook his poor start to the season and see his potential for production.

Sabres to Sit Afinogenov, Tallinder originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Canucks to Deprive Us of Backstrom-Luongo Showdown

Bruce Ciskie — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Capitals, Wild, Western, NHL General, NHL Gossip

Perhaps the Vancouver Canucks did indeed learn something from their late-season meltdown last spring.

You may remember that goaltender Roberto Luongo performed poorly after wife Gina gave birth. Naturally, there were some that placed the Canucks' late-season failure on Luongo and his travels back-and-forth to Florida that actually started during the All-Star break. Those people are wrong, because Vancouver couldn't do anything right down the stretch, and about the only thing they were doing consistently well was hanging Luongo out to dry.

That's not something you want to be good at.

So far this season, Luongo has largely been playing like a man on a mission. His goals against of 2.18 "only" ranks tenth, but he's seventh in save percentage (.928), and Luongo also leads the league with five shutouts. No one else in the NHL has more than two shutouts at this point. Luongo posted three in a row earlier this season, including a 2-0 win over Minnesota.

As good as Luongo has been, Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom has been even better.

Backstrom has just two shutouts, but he's got a near-microscopic goals against (1.92, good for third in the NHL). His save percentage of .936 also ranks third in the league. He was last seen stoning Petr Sykora, Alex Goligoski, and Sidney Crosby in a shootout to give Minnesota their third straight win.

And as my favorite Wild "blogger", Michael Russo, likes to point out, Backstrom's contract is up at the end of the season.

What are you waiting for, Doug?

Needless to say, I'm all pumped up to watch two of the NHL's hottest goalies go head-to-head. It helps that the Wild and Canucks have always had a pretty testy rivalry, going back to the Wild eliminating Vancouver from the 2003 playoffs.

(Of course, that particular series had it's own subplots. Wild fans were long aware of Todd Bertuzzi being a cheapshot artist, and they were booing him even back then. Bertuzzi may have fueled a Minnesota comeback from a 2-0 hole in Game Seven with his - I'm paraphrasing - "Get out the golf clubs" line after he scored a breakaway goal.)

Just as I got to thinking about the duel that was set for tonight, Russo came back to throw a bucket of cold water on everything. He said that word around the press box was Luongo was in for a night off.

I'm sure the Wild offense is thrilled. They've been struggling pretty severely, so while Curtis Sanford isn't exactly Dan Cloutier, he's not nearly as good as Luongo.

From Vancouver's standpoint, this makes perfect sense, as they can ill afford to overwork Luongo like they may have a year ago. Sanford is capable enough to keep his team in games, and if he isn't, Vancouver should go shopping for someone who is.

In the meantime, we'll have to save all our Backstrom-Luongo hype for the next time the Wild and Canucks meet. It'll probably trigger one of those wild 8-6 games, but I doubt anyone would complain.

Report: Canucks to Deprive Us of Backstrom-Luongo Showdown originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PuckToons: Brian Burke Dumps the Ducks

Earl Sleek — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Ducks, Kings, Maple Leafs, Sharks, NHL General, NHL Gossip

Every Thursday, Earl Sleek will conspire with his pen and scanner to bring you another installment of PuckToons. Hopefully you will find these amusing, relevant, well-drawn, or you're a person who is tolerant towards mediocrity.

The drama never stops for the Anaheim Ducks. Even a simple five-day break in the schedule cannot pass without some major news, in this case the stepping down of general manager Brian Burke, who of course had architected Anaheim's 2007 Stanley Cup Champion roster. Burke is probably off to work for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and in his stead right-hand man Bob Murray has assumed the GM duties for the Ducks. This was to be the final year of Brian Burke's contract, so the timing of the departure makes some sense, though it definitely caught this Ducks fan off-guard.

Over at Battle of California, I have begun a series of posts entitled "Burke Week", where I take a look back at the Anaheim legacy of Brian Burke. So far I have talked about three things that I think Burke gets too much criticism for, plus three things that I don't think he gets criticized enough for. Later on in the week I'll look at some of the positive lessons we can learn from Burke the general manager, as well as some downsides to having such a brash and outspoken executive in Anaheim's front office. In addition, I was also a guest on The Rink Podcast this week to talk over some of the ramifications of Burke's departure.

Overall, I can't get too upset with the notion of Burke leaving, though as the cartoon suggests there is some feeling of being jilted. At the very least Burke has left next year's roster in very manageable shape -- lots of contracts expire at the end of the year, so Bob Murray does have freedom to mold next year's roster to his own liking. We shall see how the Ducks evolve over the coming year, but no matter how that turns out, I feel confident that the Toronto media has finally found the right ~~mouth~~ man for the Leafs GM job.

PuckToons: Brian Burke Dumps the Ducks originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speculation Runs Wild as Mats Sundin Sells Toronto Home

Eric McErlain — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:47:00 EST

Filed under: Maple Leafs, NHL Free Agency, NHL Gossip, NHL Rumors

There can be all sorts of different reasons why Mats Sundin has sold his Toronto home. With the current credit crisis, maybe Mats wants some extra cash on hand, and selling his house for $5.7 million and a $4 million profit might simply have been the quickest way to make it happen.

Of course, that's not enough to dampen the naked speculation that's been going on all day long that the sale might indicate that Sundin is ready to drop the Hamlet act and decide which team -- if any -- he'll play for during the 2008-09 NHL season.

Here's Sundin's agent and mouthpiece, J.P. Barry, who talked to Tim Wharnsby of the Globe and Mail about the transaction:

"The home in Forest Hills was always something he intended on selling for the right price," agent J.P. Barry said yesterday.

"This is the second home he has built and sold in Toronto. It has nothing to do with his decision-making process regarding where he might play this year."

We had a similar situation here in Washington earlier this year when paying attention to the real estate listings telegraphed one departure (Olie Kolzig to Tampa Bay), while another listing (the sale of Michael Nylander's area home) signified nothing at all. The lesson: keep your shirt on.

(HT Waiting for Stanley)

Speculation Runs Wild as Mats Sundin Sells Toronto Home originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The NHL's Premiere Pest, Sean Avery, Treats His Teammates Like Dirt as Well

Adam Gretz — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Kings, Stars, NHL General, NHL Fans, NHL Gossip

Sean Avery appears to be an equal opportunity pain in the butt. Not only does he get under the skin of whatever player is lining up across from him on the ice, he also seems to make it his personal objective to treat his teammates like garbage as well. Take, for example, Dustin Brown, his former teammate in Los Angeles.

Chris Foster of the Los Angeles Times has a great article today talking about the rise of Brown from quiet, shy, and unassuming rookie, to team captain, and the struggles he dealt with along the way. And by struggles, I of course mean teammates like Avery.

"I'm one of those people that once I'm comfortable and get to know a person, I open up," Brown said. "Hockey was the easy part, but fitting in socially with an older team was hard." Add Sean Avery, who often selected Brown to ridicule. Brown has had a slight lisp since childhood. "I can talk without it," he said, "but I have to really think about it. When I try to think about it, I feel uncomfortable." It was something that Brown said was unimportant, but Avery would mock his speech, among other things. The friction in the room resulted in fist fights, with other Kings players jumping in on Brown's side.

It's worth pointing out that Avery loves women's clothing and played with dolls as a young child.

Brown, meanwhile, has blossomed into one of the best young power forwards in the NHL, constantly near the top of the league in hits while also developing into a 30-goal scorer.

The Kings host Avery and his newest team, the Dallas Stars, tonight at the Staples Center.

The NHL's Premiere Pest, Sean Avery, Treats His Teammates Like Dirt as Well originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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