FanHouse

Brandon Sugden: Blacklisted?

Jes Golbez — 2008-09-05T15:05:00 00:00

Filed under: Islanders, NHL General, NHL Fights, NHL Police Blotter

Brandon "Sugar" Sugden is hardly a household name among NHL fans, but he is a notorious figure in hockey circles for a lifetime ban he received, back in 2000, from the ECHL for throwing a stick at a female fan in the stands.

After official retiring from the game during the 06-07 season, Sugden got an invite from the New York Islanders to attend training camp and beat people up while pretending to play hockey. Unfortunately for Sugden, there is a rule stating that he has to wait a year before unretiring, and 4 NHL GM's weren't willing to waive it for his case. Call it a form of "blacklisting", if you will.

Now, the Isles have made many questionable moves in my lifetime, and I wonder why the hell they'd want to touch Sugden with a 10-foot pole. Not only does he lack any semblance of NHL hockey skills, but he has a row of baggage a mile long.

Oh, but there is a sob story involved, believe you me.

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Mats Sundin Chooses ... To Play Poker

Jes Golbez — 2008-09-03T14:08:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Maple Leafs, NHL General, NHL Gambling, NHL Gossip

First, we were given a deadline of August 1st for Mats Sundin to make a decision ... nothing. Not that I mind that he takes his time to make up his mind on his playing future, but you wonder how long it takes him to choose a pair of socks in the morning.

Now? The Swedish troll won't even make up his mind until the start of the regular season, putting him behind the eight ball when and if he decides to sign.
While this puts the screws on the teams that hoped to sign him, it makes perfect sense for Sundin to keep waiting. Why not wait until it is clear which teams are contenders and which are pretenders? Why not keep healthy and mitigate the physical effects that a long season has on the human body? Then again, it appears that there is a far different reason for Sundin's dithering ... A new career as a Poker player (?).

Yes, it seems the gambling bug has bitten the Swedish Troll, and he's signed on to be the latest celebrity shill for PokerStars.

Playing online as "MatsSundin," the 37-year-old Olympic champion plans frequent appearances playing on PokerStars.net and at live tournaments on the PokerStars' global poker tour circuit. This includes the PokerStars European Poker Tour which starts its fifth season next week in Barcelona.

"MatsSundin"? Would you really think a guy called "MarioLemieux66" or "CarolAltsBoytoy" would be the real thing? How to tell the impostors from the real thing ... oh, my!

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Barry Melrose Wants More Fights

Jes Golbez — 2008-09-02T12:28:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Lightning, NHL General, NHL Fights

Tampa Bay Lightning coach Barry Melrose, aka "The Mullet", can always be counted on to give a great interview and speak his mind on any subject. As a former enforcer-type, himself, you know Melrose values toughness more than most coaches would, and wouldn't put up with a Valeri Bure type on his team for very long.

In an interview with the St. Petersburg Times, Melrose laments the lack of physicality in today's game, and why the league should embrace fighting.

How do you feel about the league's long-term crackdown on fighting?

I think toughness is leaving our game, and I hope people realize it's wrong. I hate to mention this, but the fastest-growing sport in the world is ultimate fighting. We've got that as part of our game. To act ashamed of that has been wrong of the NHL for a lot of years. You can say you don't like fighting or you love fighting, but it creates conversation. It creates energy and excitement.

And, as you see it, perhaps a strategic advantage.

It's a useful part of the game. It's a tool, and that's how coaches use fighting. It can change the mood of a game. It's like a big hit or a power-play goal or anything else.

The real effect of a fighting and hitting on a team has been debated and analyzed, and I can't recall anyone proving that being overly physical actually helps increase scoring in the short term. Does having your player win a fight really translate into a momentum change as Melrose thinks?

Melrose is certainly right about fighting creating entertainment value, but one has to wonder if his coaching tactics will involve bashing faces in an attempt to give Lecavalier more ice to work with. If I were a Bolts fan, I'd sure hope Melrose doesn't have his club take unnecessary penalties just to be physical.

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Jeremy Roenick: Budding Thespian

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-22T13:15:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Sharks, NHL General, NHL Media Watch

Jeremy Roenick has been one of the game's greatest characters throughout his stories career, so is it any surprise that he'd want to continue being a character after his playing days are done?

While I think Roenick would be awesome as a color commentator or studio guy, it seems that he's got his mind on other outlets for his need for public adoration: Professional Acting.

After previous bit appearances on Hack and Ghost Whisperer, Roenick will continue to develop his thespian skills with a small role in a new series called Leverage.

"Leverage," which debuts in December, stars Academy Award-winner Timothy Hutton as he leads a highly-skilled team of thieves, hackers and grifters who act as modern-day Robin Hoods.

"I'm pretty proud that's [Roenick's scene] the first scene of the series opener," Roenick said. "I play a security guard who gets duped by a woman. I have five, six or seven lines."

"I'm not nervous at all," Roenick said. "The tricky part is finding the right roles and to look natural. You've got to get the mannerisms and facial expressions down. If you're too stiff, you're not believable. The best actors are the most believable. They completely change their personality. My role is smaller, but it's still difficult."

Yes, it helps to have friends in high places, and Roenick has "leveraged" his connections to get him these roles.

And if the acting career doesn't take off, perhaps JR ought to try out for Dancing With the Stars!

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Mark Bell Pays his Penance

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-21T11:56:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Maple Leafs, Sharks, NHL General, NHL Police Blotter

Late last summer, we brought you the story of Leafs (and ex-Sharks) winger Mark Bell, the young man who was foolish enough to drive around town after a long night of quaffing beers at the bar.

As you might expect with a drunk driver, Bell roared around Silicon Valley at very high speed, rear-ended an unsuspecting sap and causing serious upper body injuries. Thanks to his semi-celebrity status, Bell managed to avoid serious jail time and settled his case out-of-court.

Still, Bell had to pay some price and learn his lesson. In addition to the token NHL suspension, Bell had to perform 440 hours of community service (eight hours a day, five days a week for 11 weeks) of "professional landscaping".

"I don't consider myself an alcoholic and I never will consider myself an alcoholic. But I got in trouble because of alcohol and, to me, that's a problem. I had to change things in my life so I changed them," he said.

"I was ashamed of what I did when it first happened. And embarrassed, all the emotions that came along with it. But you know what? It happened. I made a mistake. At the same time, I've been through a lot and I've overcome a lot. I'm actually very proud of myself for what I've overcome."

Perhaps this humbling experience of forced manual labor really did give Bell enough time to reflect on what he did and where he was going in life. Bell was fortunate that he didn't cause the death of the victim, and now has the opportunity to get his hockey career back on track. Many other drunk drivers aren't quite so fortunate.

As for Bell's hockey career, it's very hard to project just how he'll do and how much he'll play. For all of his career, Bell has not put up the offensive numbers that many expects were expecting, and his last two seasons in the NHL were among his worst. I think 30+ points would be a pleasant surprise.

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Mike Comrie and Hilary Duff Engaged?

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-16T16:12:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Islanders, NHL General, NHL Gossip

This has certainly been THE summer for NHL celebrity romances. Not long after we got word that MILF Hunter Jarret Stoll is going to get hitched to Rachel Hunter, and Dan Hinote getting engaged to a Playboy "playmate", we get word that Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie are getting ready to take their relationship to the next level.

From Hollyscoop.com, it seems the paparazzi scoped out the happy couple and caught Duff sporting with what looks like an engagement ring.

Hilary Duff has sparked engagement rumors after she was photographed leaving Hollywood hotspot Il Sole sporting a ring on her wedding finger Friday night.

Duff, who has been dating her hockey player beau Mike Comrie for a little over a year, wasn't trying hard to hide the ring. As soon as she saw the paps snap her photo, she casually flashed the ring while pretending to fix her hair.

Of course, Hilary Duff is a pro at the celeb hounding game and knows that she can keep her name in the media hungry by throwing them a bone or two, but leaving them guessing.

While it might look like Comrie would benefit from the fame and fortune of Hilary Duff's family-friendly entertainment empire, keep in mind that Comrie is heir to a large furniture chain. I'd say Duff did well for herself.

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Radulov to NHL: "Stop Robbing Russia"

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-15T10:41:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Predators, NHL General, NHL Economics, NHL Media Watch

The Alexander Radulov scandal has certainly given us something interesting to talk about during a rather slow off-season. While we can understand why a semi-washed up Jaromir Jagr might want to play in the new KHL, it's hard to fathom why a guy like Radulov, with his best years yet to come, would want to flee the NHL early to join a league that has yet to play an actual game that counts.

Over at Russianprospects.com, Alexander opens up on his feelings about the whole matter in a very telling interview. This quote, regarding his possible suspension by the IIHF, certainly jumps up and smacks one in the face.

I can understand both sides. But the position of the Continental Hockey League has significantly more weight: NHL for 15 years brought young players from Europe, first and foremost from Russia. I think that it is time to end this. Simply put: time to stop robbing us!

Oh, the big bad EVIL NHL has been robbing poor Mother Russia blind like a highway robber! A single tear rolls down my cheek.

Radulov should very well understand the concept of PERSONAL CHOICE. Yes, those Russians playing in the NHL made a very personal choice to leave their home country and play in the NHL. Nobody forced Alexander Radulov to play with the Preds in the first place, or play in the Canadian Hockey League as a prospect. Nobody dragged Pavel Bure on a ball and chain to play with the Canucks, right? In fact, I distinctly recall Bure fleeing Russia because it was such a bad place to live and play.

I don't mind that Radulov wants to play at home, but spare us the Cold War rhetoric. kthx!

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The NHL Preseason, Now With 33% Less Fat!

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-14T15:06:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Canucks, NHL General, NHL Economics

Most NHL players would probably tell you that while Training Camp(!) fills them with some excitement of the season to come, the grueling two-a-day workouts, bag skates, and defensive drills are about as fun as driving through rush hour traffic. Just get the games going!

Canucks players will be happy to know, then, that their training camp will be a nice, compact TWO days long. Sure, there are still practices to be had between meaningless pre-season games, but the Canucks' vets won't have to put up with too many monotonous workouts before getting some in-game action.

Is this coach Alain Vigneault being nice? Nope, it's the CBA.

According to the CBA, training camp (preseason) can be no longer than 20 days for veteran players. Still, the Canucks are returning to Whistler for their NHL training camp this year, but the on-ice portion there will be two days -- down from three last year at Bear Mountain Resort, near Victoria.

"That's just the way it is," said Vigneault. "In those 20 days we have to get the team ready for the regular season. We have 12 days to practice and we play seven (preseason) games."

Quite honestly, I've never understood why the preseason has to be as long as it is. Today's players, with the exception of a few Kyle Wellwood-types, are in peak condition thanks to grueling off-season training regimens. Do the players really need to spend almost a month playing meaningless pre-season games and practicing the same stuff they've been doing for decades?

Given how short the off-season is for some clubs, especially those teams that go deep into the playoffs, I'm sure many players would appreciate an even shorter preseason. Scrap a couple of exhibition games, especially the ones where it's mostly prospects that won't even make the opening night lineup, and start the actual season a bit sooner.

Of course, that just makes TOO much sense for the NHL to consider, and we can't have them losing precious preseason ticket revenue, can we?

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US Hockey Hall of Fame Announces Four New Inductees

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-13T10:54:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: NHL General, NHL Hall of Fame

The US Hockey Hall of Fame (yes, one does exist) is going to be inducting a very strong group of players this year: Brett Hull, Brian Leetch, Mike Richter, and ... Cammi Granato?

Yes, the USHHOF inducted its first ever female into its ranks, with the formal inductions to take place on October 10th. Quite a feat for a women's hockey player to be joining the likes of Hull and Leetch.

"The Class of 2008 is one of the most accomplished groups that's ever been inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "It is indeed with great pleasure that we welcome them to the group of hockey immortals in our country."

I can already hear the poo-pooing of uncomfortable alpha-male jocks who think inducting Granato is purely a bunch of political correctness. To them, I say "Suck it up!"

I certainly have no problem with including Granato with the other boys, especially since the IIHF did the same back in May, and the fact she's already won a Lester Patrick Trophy for her contributions to hockey in the US of A.

Granato is right behind Hayley Wickenheiser in terms of impact, skill, and promotion of women's hockey in the world, and deserves recognition for her efforts to promote and grow the game.

Now, I can just imagine the arguments she'll have with husband Ray Ferraro over household chores.

Ray: Honey, I don't want to do the dishes again!
Cammi: Yeah, well I don't see YOU in the Hall of Fame, do I? Get scrubbin!
Ray: *fumes*

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Hasek No "Dominator" in the Business World

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-12T15:00:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Red Wings, NHL General, NHL Economics, NHL Gossip

While the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup this past June, it certainly hasn't been the best few months for re-retired goalie Dominik Hasek. Not only was the old crank demoted to being Chris Osgood's towel boy for the Cup Finals, but now his "Dominator" clothing line, which he started up in 1998, is losing money in a big way.

In an interview with The Prague Post, the former goalkeeper noted "The company was losing about 30,000 K? [$1,955] per day, and I've already put in some 90 million K? [over $5.8 million] over its 10-year presence on the market."

Mr Hasek's operation was far larger than those of his fellow Czech [Sporting Stars], operating both in Europe and the United States. Now, he has decided to close down the European wing, while keeping the US business afloat.

To understand why Hasek's business failed so badly in his homeland, one must remember that the purchasing power of the Czech Crown [Koruny] is far below the US dollar. The average Czech sports fan cannot easily afford to plunk down the equivalent of US$40 for a fancy "Dominator" t-shirt, or as much as $60 for a golf shirt. My Czech friends confirm that even the most basic "Dominator" shirts are twice as expensive as ye olde regular clothing.

This all makes me wonder if Hasek's comeback was purely financially motivated. Obviously, he needed to do something to boost sales, and what is better PR than playing with the Red Wings? If Hasek was losing money, then earning some sweet NHL bucks would be the best way to soften the pain, wouldn't it?

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Glen Metropolit's Big Give

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-11T15:03:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Flyers, NHL General, NHL Fans

Few ever associate Canadian cities and low class "projects" in the same breath, but Canada, like any other country, has its share of communities where people barely scrape by on welfare and minimum wage jobs.

Regent Park, an area of Toronto, is the picture of a typical "American" inner city: Drug dealers, prostitutes, public housing, and rampant crime. Not the type of place you expect NHL players, who generally come from Middle Class background, to have grown up in.

Glen Metropolit was one such person, having endured a rough childhood as an oft moved around foster child.

Knowing what a challenge living in such conditions can be, Metropolit, together with the NHLPA, decided to bring some sunshine to the lives of the kids in Regent Park with a large donation of $45,000 worth of hockey equipment.

"It's rewarding to help children in my home town participate in the sport of hockey," said newly signed Philadelphia Flyers' centre Glen Metropolit, who attended the event this morning on behalf of NHLPA Goals & Dreams. "Players are proud of their Goals & Dreams fund and pleased to be making a difference in the lives of young children here in Toronto and around the world."

I know the story is a bit sappy, but I live to post about stuff like this. All too often, us hockey fans vilify the NHLPA and its members for being greedy shills. This story isn't unique by any means, but it's the type of thing that gets very little press compared to some player's contract holdout.

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Isles Coaching Job Down to Three Candidates

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-10T12:58:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Islanders, Maple Leafs, Thrashers, NHL General, NHL Rumors

The New York Islanders have quietly and methodically going about their business of choosing a coaching replacement for Ted Nolan. Given how Puppet GM Garth Snow and Charles Wang Dang Doodle have managed the team in the past, I'm rather surprised that the Isles have been so patient in their process.

According to Greg Logan of Newsday, the Isles are down to three candidates, and should make their decision some time in the next week. Given the nature of the Isles organizational woes, I'm rather surprised that coaches would be so eager to go to a team that could kill their career.

After a painstaking interview process in which he spoke with eight known candidates and contacted a few others, an NHL source indicated Snow has narrowed his list to three finalists. Former Atlanta coach Bob Hartley (pictured), former Toronto coach Paul Maurice and current AHL Providence coach Scott Gordon still are in the running, and Snow is expected to name one as the Isles' next coach early this week.

So, we have two retreads and an unknown (to most of us) coaching prospect. How do the candidates stack up?

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Canes To Give Jeff O'Neill a Tryout

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-08T14:40:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Hurricanes, NHL General, NHL Free Agency, NHL Rumors

Remember Jeff O'Neill? Once upon a time, he was a promising young Power Forward for the Carolina Hurricanes, and then a lazy, under performing marshmallow for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It would be easy to forget O'Neill, especially since he took last season off to grieve his brother's death. It's not as if O'Neill was making an impact on the ice when he was playing, either.

Now that O'Neill is in a better state of mind, he hopes to return to the NHL. The avenue of choice? Carolina, his former club, who have offered him a training camp tryout.

"In training camp, the door is open for players to make the team," Rutherford told The News & Observer. "That's the opportunity we'll give him. He said he plans to come in early and work out with the guys. He has the right mind-set."

"We have talked about a contract, but it makes sense for him to come to training camp for the tryout and then us talk about a contract."

Yes, Jeff O'Neill is a former 30-40 goal scorer, but that was SIX years ago. O'Neill's last three full seasons saw the offensive-minded winger garner just 34, 38, and 42 points. I'm sure I don't need to remind you that his attention to defense was/is atrocious, much like Todd Bertuzzi's.

I realize that there is little risk and investment involved in giving the guy a training camp shot, but why do the Hurricanes need another offensive-minded forward? The Canes certainly do not problems scoring goals, and their forward corps are already full with the likes of Staal, Brind'Amour, Whitney, Williams, Samsonov, and Ruutu.

The Canes need another offense-first forward like Dick Cheney needs a new rifle. Shouldn't the Canes be spending their time looking for defensive help instead of worrying about lazy, washed-up forwards who haven't played hockey in a year? Thumbs down, Carolina!

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Theo Fleury: Minor League Baseball Player

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-07T15:03:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Flames, Rangers, NHL General

Minor League Baseball has long had a tradition of quirky gimmicks, such as signing a celebrity or former star to a one-day contract, or giving out toilet plungers, to entice people to attend their games..

The Golden Baseball League's Calgary Vipers are the latest to jump on that trend as they announced their newest celebrity signing: ex-Calgary Flames/New York Rangers Star Theoren Fleury. I guess that proposed Reality TV show never panned out (what a shock).

Theo is one of the great sportsmen of Calgary and we are thrilled to have him with the team," said Calgary Viper's President Peter Young. "He's an incredible athlete and while we anticipate that his time as a Viper will just be these three days, you never know what can happen in this wonderful game."

What can happen in three days? Hmm ...

One unknowing pitcher decides to bean the former hockey star, causing Fleury to charge the mound and a massive on-field brawl to ensue. Fun for the whole family!

Fleury realizes that he's barely taller than a Keebler elf, and decides to utilize a squatty batting stance, ending up with Fleury getting on base with four straight walks. Eddie Gaedel, eat your heart out.

While running to first base, Fleury bodychecks the first baseman, starting another massive brawl. Baseball needs more bodychecking!

Fleury strikes out in every at bat (most likely).

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Blame Crawford: Kings Fire Lewis and Johnson

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-05T14:01:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Kings, NHL General

As if often the case, one or two assistant coaches have to take the fall when a head coach is fired. In this instance, the LA Kings fired both Mike Johnston and Dave Lewis (pictured), letting new coach Terry Murray pick new assistants that will do his bidding and fetch his slippers.

Make no mistake, Johnston and Lewis are two of the brightest coaching minds in the business, and won't be out of work long. This firing wasn't about them or their coaching abilities, it was simply because Marc Crawford was a lousy coach.

Yes, Crawford led the Kings down the road of despair, and his two assistants paid the price because of it. Crawford made the Kings look so bad that Lewis and Johnston looked bad just by association.

I do kinda feel sorry for Dave Lewis, given that it has been a tough few years for him. After a brief stint as the Wings' head coach, Lewis was the head coach in Boston for ONE season before getting canned. Then, he goes to the Kings and gets canned after ONE season. At least he's got to be good at packing dishes and books into boxes.

As for the replacements, the Kings' went out and got Mark Hardy, a long time Kings player, and Nelson Emerson, whose coaching experience is rather limited. Certainly, this can't be seen as anything but a downgrade.

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Milan Hejduk: Two More Years and Out

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-03T16:10:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Avalanche, Western, NHL General, NHL Rumors

While Avs fans are understandably nervous about whether Joe Sakic will retire or not this summer, we can't forget that 32-year old Milan Hejduk is no spring chicken, either.

In an interview on Pardubice's (his 'home' Czech club) website, Hejduk all but confirmed that he'll be retiring from the NHL after his contract with the Avalanche expires. This means it's two more seasons and out for the Czech sniper.

I talked to a Czech source of mine, and after translating the interview for me, he gave me a synopsis of Hejduk's future plans.

"He says that his health problems have limited him already for some time and that it won't get much better. Milan has an option to undergo major surgery, but would need to rehab for nearly a year after that and it isn't absolutely sure that his knee will be all right again after that. Right now he is at about 80% of his mobility. The Avs wouldn't let him to play at the World Championships because of his knee problems and he himself didn't feel like playing there exactly because of his knee.

Milan will return to Colorado on August 15th, and on 20th he will hit the ice for the first time. He hasn't been skating at all back home this summer. He still played his beloved tennis this summer, but couldn't do any jumping and his running was hampered.

Milan also says that last season was fairly successful in Colorado, but admits that the Red Wings were the better team. In the end, he says that he doesn't plan to play in the Czech Extraleague after finishing his NHL career like David Vyborny or Martin Rucinsky are doing."

So, it appears that once Milan's NHL career is over, that is it for good. Enjoy it while it lasts!

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Video of the Day: NHL 2009 Features

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-02T11:32:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: NHL General, NHL Media Watch, NHL Videos

Allow me to do a little unpaid marketing shilling for EA Sports' new NHL 2009 game that will cause thousands of new addictions this fall.

This new video highlights the new features that will be in the newest sequel: Defensive Skill Stick, Flip Dumps, One-Handed Dekes, Protect the Puck, and Be a Pro Mode.

I, for one, will welcome the new attention to defense. I grew rather frustrated in past games when I had limited defensive options while opposing forwards just skating circles around me with their dekes and shimmies. The NHL franchise has had a (bad) habit of focusing exclusively on offense, unless you count big huge hits as defensive play.

Is the increased realism good or bad for the game? Do we really want to play a dump-and-chase style that involves endless cycling and ends up in 1-0 defensive battles? I like some increased defensive ability, but I'm not pining to play the role of Jacques Lemaire, here.

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Did Kate Hudson Trade In Lance Armstrong for Eric Lindros?

Jes Golbez — 2008-08-01T10:50:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: NHL General, NHL Gossip

Even though ex-New York Rangers star Eric Lindros has been retired from the NHL for some time, that doesn't mean the boy don't got some game left in his brittle bones!

According to sports gossip site "Sports By Brooks", Hollywood cutie Kate Hudson has recently been seen with The "Big E", not too long after she dumped cyclist Lance Armstrong and his stupid bracelet by the side of the road.

"Kate and Eric have been holed up at her parent's house (in) Muskoka, Canada. She went there immediately after she and Lance ended things. Eric's been a great support for her."

It would seem natural for Hudson to gravitate towards a hockey player, given how her parents, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, are known as big fans of the sport.

Still, I don't see how this could be considered "trading up", as the gossip site states. Is a retired has-been hockey player really that much better than a flaky actor (Owen Wilson) or Sheryl Crow's well-travelled rubbish (Armstrong)? Couldn't Hudson have found love with a current player on the LA Kings?

Another gossip site, Bitten and Bound, has a quote from one of Eric's friends who tries to poo-poo the love story, claiming that the Lindros clan and Hudson/Russell clan have been friends for 15-20 years. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if Lindros really did score one last big goal.

Kate Hudson Snapshots

Cosmopolitan magazine's Kari Molvar and Kate Hudson celebrate her partnership with David Babaii for their new hair care line "David Babaii for WildAid" at ABC Carpet and Home on June 10, 2008 in New York City..Kate Hudson Celebrates Her Partnership with David Babaii for Their New Hair Care Line "David Babaii for WildAid".ABC Carpet and Home.New York, NY United States.June 10, 2008.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15850657), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Kate Hudson and Eric Steinhauser celebrate her partnership with David Babaii for their new hair care line "David Babaii for WildAid" at ABC Carpet and Home on June 10, 2008 in New York City..Kate Hudson Celebrates Her Partnership with David Babaii for Their New Hair Care Line "David Babaii for WildAid".ABC Carpet and Home.New York, NY United States.June 10, 2008.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15850656), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Kate Hudson and Editor-in-chief of Elle magazine, Robbie Meyers celebrate her partnership with David Babaii for their new hair care line "David Babaii for WildAid" at ABC Carpet and Home on June 10, 2008 in New York City..Kate Hudson Celebrates Her Partnership with David Babaii for Their New Hair Care Line "David Babaii for WildAid".ABC Carpet and Home.New York, NY United States.June 10, 2008.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15850655), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Donna Freydkin of USA Today and Kate Hudson celebrate her partnership with David Babaii for their new hair care line "David Babaii for WildAid" at ABC Carpet and Home on June 10, 2008 in New York City..Kate Hudson Celebrates Her Partnership with David Babaii for Their New Hair Care Line "David Babaii for WildAid".ABC Carpet and Home.New York, NY United States.June 10, 2008.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15850654), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Editor-in-chief of Allure magazine, Linda Wells, Kate Hudson and creative director of Allure magazine, Paul Cavaco celebrate her partnership with David Babaii for their new hair care line "David Babaii for WildAid" at ABC Carpet and Home on June 10, 2008 in New York City..Kate Hudson Celebrates Her Partnership with David Babaii for Their New Hair Care Line "David Babaii for WildAid".ABC Carpet and Home.New York, NY United States.June 10, 2008.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15850652), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Editor-in-chief of Allure Magazine, Linda Wells and Kate Hudson celebrate her partnership with David Babaii for their new hair care line "David Babaii for WildAid" at ABC Carpet and Home on June 10, 2008 in New York City..Kate Hudson Celebrates Her Partnership with David Babaii for Their New Hair Care Line "David Babaii for WildAid".ABC Carpet and Home.New York, NY United States.June 10, 2008.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15850651), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Kate Hudson and Creative Director of Allure, Paul Cavaco celebrate her partnership with David Babaii for their new hair care line "David Babaii for WildAid" at ABC Carpet and Home on June 10, 2008 in New York City..Kate Hudson Celebrates Her Partnership with David Babaii for Their New Hair Care Line "David Babaii for WildAid".ABC Carpet and Home.New York, NY United States.June 10, 2008.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15850648), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

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Mats Sundin Finally Makes His Big Decision!

Jes Golbez — 2008-07-31T15:09:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Canucks, Maple Leafs, NHL General, NHL Fans, NHL Media Watch, NHL Rumors

After two weeks of hard deliberating and consultation with family and friends, superstar Mats Sundin decided to have blueberry pancakes for breakfast. This comes as a shock to media and ex-teammates, who figured Sundin for a apple and cinnamon kinda guy. Raspberry remains heartbroken by the news (she should have seen it coming).

Yes, Sundin has yet to make a decision as to whether he'll play in the NHL next season, and has a few teams (Canucks, Leafs, Canadiens) waiting with bated breath as he considers their offers. O NOES!!!

There are far too many people, it seems, that think that Sundin, like every other free agent piece of meat, should have signed a contract at midnight on July 1st. OMGZ, How could Sundin possibly not pounce on the first big contract like a horny dog?

A few examples for your viewing pleasure ...

Sportsnet.ca, who calls Sundin's decision process 'dithering'. Nice. Apparently, making snap decisions is the only way to go.

Jim Kelley, douchebag exemplar, goes off on Sundin for putting a wrench in team's off-season plans. As if it is Mats' fault for GM's not having a Plan B?

Mike Consentino of Sports Full Circle compares this to a "Soap Opera", and says Sundin will look worse than Brett Favre. If this is a "Soap Opera", where are the lurid affairs, shower scenes, and evil twins?

Even our old buddy Greg Wyshynski is questioning Mats Sundin's heart, despite the fact that Sundin is one of the grittiest players in the entire league! WTF?

This doesn't count the 100's of forum posts I've read chastising Sundin for his careful consideration.

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Great Scott! Bowman to Join Hawks

Jes Golbez — 2008-07-31T12:00:00 00:00

by Jes Golbez

Filed under: Blackhawks, Red Wings, NHL General, NHL Rumors

Scotty Bowman has declined and spurned many advances from the likes of the Toronto Maple Leafs and other NHL clubs to be a coach, adviser or mentor for their organizations. Why should Bowman, who already has plenty of Stanley Cup Rings, the most wins by an NHL coach, and lots of money in the bank, need to come out of semi-retirement and leave a perfectly cozy job with the Red Wings?

As rumored last month, the Chicago Blackhawks were the latest team to offer a position to Bowman. Whatever straw the Hawks threw in front of Bowman finally broke the camel's back, because the legendary coach is now joining the Chicago Blackhawks front offices in an advisory role: Senior Adviser, Hockey Operations.

I wonder what the Hawks offered that made Bowman finally change his mind. Was Bowman bored of winning all the time with the Wings? Was his role so small (think Gordie Howe's days as a pencil pusher) that he felt unappreciated?

One obvious factor is that Scotty wants to join his son, Stan, who is an Assistant GM within the hockey operations department of the Hawks. Reverse Nepotism, eh?

The Hawks are already a team on a rapid rise to success, and adding Bowman to the club will only help them make the transition from pretender to contender.

Score another one for Rocky Wirtz!

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