Jersey Bill Of Rights

No this is not something that has to do with New Jersey, though ironically they are the next opponent. This has to do with the Pittsburgh Post Gazettes Hockey Jersey Bill of Rights.

This is probably the perfect list that I won't actually list here because a lot of the headings won't make sense unless you actually read the article. But this list does need to exist because a lot of these things that happen are absolutely ridiculous. It really makes no sense to wear a jersey to a game of a team that isn't actually playing in the game. Plus it serves as a what not to do for the rookie jersey shopper.

Hat tip to Puck Daddy for the link.

NHL Is Considering Singing at This Year's Winter Classics

Puck Daddy yesterday had a good interview with Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the NHL. In this part of the interview, they brought up the good point of honoring Wrigley with the singing tradition. As most of you probably know, during the seventh inning stretch at Wrigley, they sing Take Me Out To the Ballgame. The NHL sounds like they are going to replicate this tradition with some sort of song during some period.

The easiest way to do this would to start the singing at the end of the second period. It is roughly the two-thirds portion of the game which is about the seventh inning baseball game. The main question is what to sing. You can't sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame, it would make no sense. You could sing The Hockey Song but that seems a little hokey. So I leave this question to you guys, what would you sing at Wrigley for the Winter Classic? Comments are always cool and if we get enough suggestions, I'll put them up to poll later this week.

Canes at 12-11-2, fire Laviolette

The Carolina Hurricanes have scheduled a press conference at 11:30 am today to presumably announce that they are firing head coach Peter Laviolette. Laviolette, the winningest American born coach, will be replaced by former Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice.

Today is just a day of stupidity. The Avery situation first and now this. The Hurricanes have been looking for a reason to fire Laviolette for the last couple of years. This five game losing streak was reason enough. Laviolette should be picked up by a team soon seeing as he really is a good coach. Laviolette led the Hurricanes to the 2006 Stanley Cup, which is a sore subject around here.

Sean Avery Suspended Indefinitely for his Sloppy Seconds

Sean Avery was quickly suspended before the Calgary game last night because of a comment he made during the morning skate. Here it is:



Its a good way to stir up more emotions from the Flames because it was obviously directed at Dion Phaneuf. The league stepped in though and suspended Avery indefinitely for "content detrimental to the league." Good god boys, I think the man can backup his own comments and handle his own. Granted the league didnt want another Steve Moore situation to happen but I think that was a once in a lifetime incident. The referees could have policed the game and the situation could have been handled better than what it was. The only thing that this situation does is make the league look more like a second rate league. It gives the league a black eye and makes Avery look like a martyr.

2009 Winter Classic Commercial

The NHL has released the 2009 Winter Classic commercial and it isn't half bad. It debuted last night on Football Night in America and should be running from now until Jan. 1st. The CBC will use the same commercial and it will start on December 15th.



Being a huge Harry Carey fan, I really like the look of the spot and the classic feel it has. The NHL may have something here.

The Leafs Finally Sign Brian Burke, The World Keeps Spinning

In news that shouldn't surprise anyone that pays attention to hockey news every day, the Leafs have signed Brian Burke as their General Manager, replacing interim GM Cliff Fletcher. Ever since Burke left the Ducks, the speculation by the Toronto media has been that Burke would take over for Fletcher.

Burke has a couple of Stanley Cups with the Anaheim Ducks and has been credited with turning that organization around. Burke should do wonders for the Leafs roster which should not need a lot of retooling that Fletcher already didn't do. Fletcher did a lot of work rehauling this roster and Burke will come in and fill in the pieces. The Leafs should be more competitive than they have for the last few years and will make the playoffs in the next few years.

Leafs Trade for Stempniak

The Maple Leafs have sent Carlo Colaiacovo and Alex Steen to the St. Louis Blues for Lee Stempniak. Stempniak has 3 goals and 13 points in 14 games while Steen has 2 goals and 4 points in 20 games and Colaiacovo has one assist in 10 games.

The Blues got fleeced on this one just due to the fact that Colaiacovo is always injured and Stempniak is a much better player than he probably played in St. Louis. Good going JD. Here is his thinking on this trade.

"We looked at our club and we're trying to improve it a step at a time here. Lee was good for us, without question, but we're in a position to add what we think will be upside for us," Blues President John Davidson said. "We also looked at what we had with our organization now, particularly T.J. Oshie.

"With Steen, he's a forward who has upside. He can play center or wing. He's young. We're trying to develop our center ice position. There's just a lot there. It's really hard to say, 'Is he a fourth liner, third liner, second liner?' I don't know. He's got upside. He wasn't used a lot recently in Toronto for whatever reason, and we think a change of scenery will help his scenario.

"And with Colaiacova to help us back there, he's a big body. He's got a good shot from the point. He has had some injuries, but we're banking on him being healthy, and when he's healthy, he's a good player."

Does he realize that Colaiacovo will never be healthy ever. He was the Leafs version of Connolly.

More on Melrose's Firing From the Lightning on Friday

Barry Melrose was on CBC during Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday explaning his side of the story in the whole situation. He had some interesting things to say on the whole situation.

"I think the players didn't want to play for me," he said." You don't have to be Kreskin to figure that out. I demand players play hard and play with passion and courage. If you don't do that, I let you know. I'm not a guy that sings Kumbaya around the fire. I let you know if I'm not happy with you.

I think that Melrose is probably right about that. Melrose had a style that was having his assistants run the bench more than he did. This culminated in Melrose skipping practice on Tuesday to let his assistants run the show so the players could have a different voice. Other knocks against Melrose was that he never really had a plan to begin with starting camp. This can be seen in how the Lightning play. They are very chaotic and very disorganized in how the play. They looked so good in Buffalo just because the Sabres were that terrible that night.

Melrose is a coach that felt that a player would have to earn ice time rather than have it be handed to them. This makes sense in the eyes of a fan because we would rather see players that are playing well get more ice time than the struggling player who is trying to work out the kinks or is just plain bad. See Max for this scenario. Lecavalier and Stamkos were the two players that were scrutinized by their ice time. Lecavalier had the lowest ice time that he had in the past few seasons and he was taken off the penalty kill during Melrose's reign. The major reason for this was that the Lightning seemed to have less energy during last season and saving Lecavalier for more of the third period may help this situation. Stamkos is still an 18 year old rookie but for the Lightning, he is their overhyped rookie. Because of that, more people wanted to see what he could do and have him basically help turn around the club.

All in all, Melrose was a terrible fit for this club just for the fact that he has been out of the game for so long. Rich Tocchet will take over the bench and as long as he can stay out of those tempting Florida casinos he has a chance to turn around this club. Tocchet seems to be a better fit for the Lightning and the players will probably respond better to him than they did to Melrose.

All-Star Update for 11/13

The perks of having real time information on the all-star game voting is that I can do this post every week instead of having to wait for Versus to release the numbers every week. Here is what the starting lineups look like if voting ended today.

Western Conference

Forwards
Brendan Morrow (42524 votes)
Mike Ribero (42422 votes)
Mike Modano (27862 votes)

Defenseman
Nicolas Lidstrom (38858 votes)
Stephane Robidas (36330 votes)

Goaltender
Marty Turco (36449 votes)

Eastern Conference

Forwards
Saku Koivu (76725 votes)
Alex Kovalev (74950 votes)
Alex Tanguay (74726 votes)

Defensemen
Andrei Markov (82101 votes)
Mike Komisarek (76906 votes)

Goaltender
Carey Price (84844 votes)

Right now there are two patterns emerging. In the Western Conference, the Stars players are starting to take over the starting spots, including Marty Turco who is off to the worst start of his career. In the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens are taking all of the starting positions there. This makes the most sense due to the fact that the all-star game is going to be in Montreal for their 100th anniversary. In terms of Sabres players, defenseman Teppo Numminen has dropped out of the Top 10 in Eastern Conference defensemen but goalie Ryan Miller has shown up in the Top 5 for goaltenders. Right now though in the East, the Canadiens players are running away with the votes though.

Always remember that it is still early because there is another month and a half of voting left. Many things could change from now.

Early All Star Voting Numbers

We here at Dueling Sabres have decided to keep the general public informed on where your favorites stand in All-Star Voting. Voting opened today and will run through January 2nd. Right now, here are your starters:

Western Conference
Brenden Morrow (7354 votes)
Mike Ribero (7343 votes)
Brad Boyes (4689 votes)

Brent Burns (4396 votes)
Keith Yandle (4020 votes)

Luongo (5655 votes)

Eastern Conference
Saku Koivu (11934 votes)
Alex Tanguay (9784 votes)
Alex Kovalev (8666 votes

Andrei Markov (13764 votes)
Mike Komisarek (10861 votes)

Carey Price (15107 votes)

The only Sabre that appears in the top 10 is Teppo Numminen with 431 votes. A very long way away from starting but it is still early.

Fans Petition Canadiens to Have Shatner Sing the Anthems

Yesterday we featured the petition to keep the roof open at the Rogers Center for the Bills game in Toronto. Today's petition deals with the Canadiens and their centennial celebration.

It seems that William Shatner has a huge following in Canada, quite possibly being Canada's most famous actor. And a few fans want to see Shatner perform the Canadian and American national anthems some time during the season. If you have never heard Shatner's wonderful voice, you should take the time to. He is probably one of the most underrated singers ever. And that is why we are giving our full support behind this petition. If you want to sign it, here is the link.

Martin Brodeur Out 3-4 Months, Devils Fans Jumping off Bridges

Most Devils fans were alright with the performance that backup Kevin Weekes had against the Sabres last night. He stopped 28 of 30 shots including an onslaught of 19 of 20 in the first period.

They probably aren't going to deal with the fact that he just may be the starting goaltender for the next three months.

The Devils announced today that the elbow bruise that held Brodeur out of Monday's game was actually a bicep tear that required surgery. The Devils season rides on Weekes and Scott Clemmensen. If that is not a scary thought, I don't know what is.

Four Sabres Make the All-Star Ballot

Ryan Miller, Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy, and Teppo Numminen have made the all-star ballot for the 2009 All-Star Game in Montreal.

This seems almost too ridiculous that the ballot has started for the all-stars of the season with only about 15 games for each team this season. All-star voting opens next week on the 12th. With the new initiative of real-time all star results, a Vote for Rory campaign can have more openness about it and the shrewd numbers that were presented last season. We here at Dueling Sabres are thinking about having a dailyish post about the all-star numbers and giving the movers and shakers in the system. I haven't exactly decided yet though.

Sean Avery Answers Your Fashion Questions

Since we are mainly a sports blog, it is nice to be able to inject a little class into this blog. Since I am probably as fashionable as Harold Green, we have found the solution to your fashion problems. Here is Sean Avery answering some of the tough questions.

In this cash-strapped period, who or what are the best "bang for your buck" designers/labels?
-Stan

Yes, it's true that we are in a cash-strapped time in America, but you are always better spending more on quality clothes than buying the lower-end quality. I would say that Helmut Lang is your best choice for the best design and quality for your money. I am a big fan of this reformed label that has all the basics for a man’s wardrobe covered.

What should a normal person look for in a set of fall clothes without spending $500 on a shirt and $1,000 on a pair of pants?
-Terence

Fall is my favorite time of the year for clothes. My essential wardrobe this time of year is a flannel Woolwich vest, long-sleeve black Henley, and PRPS jeans, which I'm obsessed with right now. You can also take this look to a night look by switching your Chucks to black boots, throwing a scarf on and switching your flannel vest for a black one. You can do three different looks along this line all for under $1,000.

Watches -- what’s your favorite? Is the big-watch craze overdone?
-Eddie

If you’re a big baller and you can handle the heat, then step up to a Audemars Piguet. If you want to still be a cool kid, then get a Panerai with a rubber and leather band that can go to football practice or the Oscars.

Was your father a good dresser?
- Marcus

I keep getting asked about my inspiration for style. I can tell you that my dad is 10 out of 10, but has no fashion sense at all. Love you big guy!

What’s your take on the pink-shirt debate?
-Oliver

I really think that unless it’s an Easter-egg hunt, you should not ever wear a pink shirt.

It’s getting cold out and I want to find a nice scarf to wear with my black leather jacket. What style do you recommend, and how should I wear it so I don’t look like a total knob?
-Dave

The best scarves I have seen in stores the last two months are Gucci. They do three different plaids and "it's Gucci, son…"

Are there any good looks for facial hair right now? What would you recommend?
-Sam

Facial hair is still going strong. I am rocking a really red beard that looks like sh*t right now, but I feel fall/winter is the time to do it. I think women like a man with a beard because it reminds them of their dads.

Article from Askmen.com.

Forbes Releases List of Top 10 Richest Sports Owners

The L.A. Times put out the list of the Top 10 Richest Sports Owners. The data came from the Forbes 400 list so these owners would be of American Teams.

1. E. Stanley Kroenke and Ann Walton Kroenke. Stan owns the Avalanche and Nuggets
2. Mark Cuban. Owner of the Dallas Mavericks
3. Malcolm Glazer. Owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4. H. Wayne Huizenga. Owner of the Miami Dolphins
5. Michael E. Heisley Sr., Owner of the Memphis Grizzlies
6. B. Thomas Golisano, Owner of the Buffalo Sabres
7. Michael Illitch, Owner of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers
8. Drayton McLane Jr., Owner of the Houston Astros
9. Jeremy Jacobs. Owner of the Boston Bruins
10. Robert Kraft. Owner of the New England Patriots.

Four of the top 10 American Owners own an NHL franchise of some sort. Maybe the league is not in such a bad situation after all.

Globe and Mail: Informal Talk about another Expansion Team in Toronto

The NHL governors are kicking around an idea to put another franchise in Toronto with Jim Balsillie being the owner of the team. The new team would share the Air Canada Center with the Leafs. Here is the article from the Globe and Mail.

The Sabres would be fine with another team in Toronto. There are fears among the governors that a second team might hurt the Sabres attendance especially if the team was in Hamilton. If the team was in Toronto, the attendance issues would not be that bad.

A second team in Toronto has some pros and cons. First, a new rivalry would be instantly born. The second team in Toronto would have the same quality of fan that the Leafs have and that would instantly create a hatred for them as well. Second, it gives another reason to road trip to Toronto. Unfortunately, it likely would mean a reshuffling of the divisions and the Sabres would most likely be the odd team out in the reshuffle. With two teams in Toronto, the Northeast would have Toronto (1), Toronto (2), Ottawa, Montreal, Boston. The Sabres would probably be shifted to the Atlantic. Therefore, the rivalries between the Canadian teams would lack.

A second team in Toronto should also not be an expansion team. With the Predators and the Coyotes seriously needing help to keep their teams afloat, if the NHL is considering this proposition moving one of these teams would be a better option for the viability of the league rather than bringing a new team into the league.

Blackhawks Fire Coach Denis Savard

The first week into the season and we have our first coaching casualty. The Blackhawks announced today that they have fired Denis Savard and replaced him with former Avalanche coach Joel Quennville.

While the Blackhawks have looked bad in their first four games, did the change need to be made. More importantly, the change is not going to make much of a difference. The coaching might have been bad, but I think that the players cannot just handle the pressure of being under the spotlight. Led be Captain Choker himself, Brian Campbell, this clubhouse may not have the right type of leadership to be able to handle the issues that happen when things go bad and when things go well. This Blackhawk team is a young team that may have some more growing up to do before they actually hit the big time.

Ranger Prospect Dies in KHL Game

Ranger prospect, Alexi Cherepanov, died during a KHL game on Tuesday night. Cherepanov collapsed due to heart issues on the bench and died on route to the hospital.

Some issues with this story may make the KHL seem more like a cowboy league. The ambulance that was on call for the game apparently left before the game ended. Therefore, there was a 45 minute wait for the ambulance to return. Also, apparently the batteries in the defibrillator that was on site were not working. Other reports that are coming out say that Cherepanov was briefly revived and then was lost again.

All in all, this is a very sad story. But it brings up a point that may play into the NHL's favor. Is the KHL safe to play in? Not necessarily the fact that play is dirty, but the setup around the league may not be safe to play in. When the ambulance leaves early and some of the equipment may not work, would a player be able to handle putting his safety at risk to play for more money.

A Recap of Sorts

A few things to mention to follow up on some posts that we had here earlier in the week.

To start on the follow up of the Clint Malarchuk story here is an article from the Columbus Dispatch that describes what Malarchuk might be going through. There is a lot there that not many people know about.

Here is the reaction from the Wachovia Center when Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin showed up.


And finally the winner of the CBC Anthem Contest was announced on Saturday. The winner was Canadian Gold by Colin Oberest. Here is the video of the new opening:

Michael Peca Suspended Indefinitely for Bumping Referre

Apparently, during Friday night's Blue Jackets game against the Stars, Peca grabbed an official that was skating away from him while arguing a call. He is now suspended until further investigation by the league. All signs are point to at least a twenty game suspension for Peca due to the intentional contact with the referee.

This seems rather unorthodox for Peca because he is a mild-mannered player and showed those characteristics during his career as a Sabre. This incident came after Mike Ribero apparently tripped Peca on a 5-3 and then scored a goal seconds later. This prompted Peca to skate to the official behind the net and grabbed the official when he skated away.