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2009 NHL Playoff Round 1 Predictions - East

Alright here are the Red Line's NHL Round 1 playoff predictions for the Eastern Conference:

                                         Chris       Matt       Nick        Ron       Colin 

Bruins Vs Canadians           Bruins      Bruins   Bruins    Bruins     Boston 

Caps vs Rangers                 Caps        Caps     Caps       Caps       Caps

Devils vs Hurricanes           NJ           Canes    NJ          NJ          Canes 

Pens Vs Flyers                    Pitt          Pitt       Flyers     Pitt        Pitt

          

4 NHL Rule Changes For 2008-2009 Season

The NHL is introducing 4 new rule changes for the 2008-2009 season.  I am not always in agreement with changes that are introduced by the league but I have to say that 3 of the 4 new tweaks should help the game.  I think that #2 could be a good rule but it is very subjective and the refs will not enforce it properly.

1. A change to Rule 76.2 ("Face-Offs") will place the first face-off of a power play in the defending zone of the team that committed the foul.
2. A change to Rule 81.1 ("Icing") states that "Any contact between opposing players while pursuing the puck on an icing must be for the sole purpose of playing the puck and not for eliminating the opponent from playing the puck. Unnecessary or dangerous contact could result in penalties being assessed to the offending player."
3. A change to Rule 85.5 ("Face-Off Location") provides that if a puck is shot off the goal frame, goal post or crossbar, the subsequent face-off will remain in the end zone where the puck went out of play.
4. I can't find the official wording for this one but I've heard that its approved.  When a puck is iced intentionally the game will NOT be delayed but a tv timeout even if one was scheduled.  This is a great rule change as coaches really started to abuse this last year and take advantage of the ability to ice the puck when they knew a tv timeout was coming.  Bravo NHL.

Now next year, slim down the goalie equipment.

Another Flyers Suspension

What the hell is John Stevens feeding these guys?  Are you kidding me?  Another stupid, dangerous hit by the flyers, I couldn't believe it when I heard about the hit last night.   While this hit happened more due to the speed of the game and Randy Jones did not appear to intentionally attempt to injure Bergeron, a suspension is likely.  One thing that must be factored in is that Bergeron was very prone and did not turn last minute to face the boards, he was facing and was ridden in, head first into the dasher. 

Best of wishes to Patrice Bergeron I hope he has a full and speedy recovery.

Reebok to Replace New NHL EDGE Jerseys

How bad are the Rbk EDGE jerseys failing?  They are such a failure that Reebok has offered alternative fabric jerseys to any players that request them (as per a Boston Herald Rbk EDGE article on Saturday).  This is due to increasing NHLPA complaints that the new Rbk Edge uniforms are leaving players drenched in perspiration.  The Canton company said it made the decision after soliciting feedback from players, teams and equipment managers.  So much for two years of research Reebok spent developing and testing a new lighter and streamlined NHL uniform that they claimed would wick away moisture to keep players drier and create less drag to make them faster.

More from the Herald article: But some Boston Bruins and other players started complaining last month that the jerseys were collecting water that ran down their arms and legs, soaking their gloves and skates. Others complained that the new jerseys made it hard for them to grab onto opponents during fights.

“Many NHL players are satisfied with the current Rbk Edge jersey, but since the start of the season we have received player feedback about the jersey’s moisture management and durability,” Reebok said in a statement. “. . . Reebok will provide players with the option to wear a version with slight sizing and fabrication adjustments.”

Reebok has removed its Bead-Away technology in the alternative jerseys and added a new air-knit fabric. The jerseys still will have PlayDry moisture-wicking technology and a stretch mesh fabric for increased range of motion and ventilation, Reebok said.

Reebok plans no changes in the jerseys that it sells to the public, why of course not.  They have to bleed consumers of all of their sunk R&D costs, thanks Reebok.  Anyone looking to buy a new jersey BUYER BEWARE, I wouldn't buy the new Rbk EDGE as I'm sure they'll have a new style out next year so people have to buy the next latest and greatest "sweater".

For those of you who truly hate the new Reebok Edge Jersey's or want to save some dough, now is the time to pick up the "old" style jerseys before their sold out. Check out these great deals on NHL Jersey Deals.

Want to know all the specifications and the advantages (as per Rbk Marketing) of the new Reebok EDGE uniforms, check out this link: Facts about New NHL Jersey Reebok EDGE.  Or those in the mood for humor check out this blog Why You Need to Buy a Reebok EDGE Jersey! 

Check out my previous rant about the new Reebok Edge Jersey and Top Reasons to Boycott Reebok EDGE.

NHL Network Launching on Directv in HD

There are a lot of rumors floating around so I'll try and separate out facts from speculation:

Fact: The NHL Network has signed a carriage agreement with Directv, click here for the NHL Directv agreeement.

Fact: Directv has no capacity to add the NHL Network in SD, it will supposedly be adding it in 2008.

Fact: Directv is said to be launching the HD version of the NHL Network by the end of October.

Speculation:  Heavy speculation is that the NHL Network will be added for Directv HD subscribers Weds Oct 24th.  Hopefully when subscribers wake up and check their guide it will be appearing on channel 215.

For the full list of Directv HD channels that are currently available check out this blog: Directv Complete HD Lineup.  For New York Rangers fans check out Matt's latest blog on the status of MSG HD.

If you've tuned to any of these channels and cannot receive them you might not have the proper equipment.  You will need the following in order to receive the new HD channels: a 5 LNB Dish, and one of the following MPEG 4 boxes: a HR-20, HR-21, H-20 or H-21 model.  Without this equipment you will not be able to receive the signal from the new bird.

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Pics of All 30 NHL Rbk Edge Jerseys Home and Away

Check out this video that shows the new Reebok EDGE NHL Jerseys for all teams both home and away.  Please note how the Panthers and Oilers have the exact same jersey, shame on you Edmonton.

For those of you who truly hate the new Reebok Edge Jersey's or want to save some dough, now is the time to pick up the "old" style jerseys before their sold out. Check out these great deals on NHL Jersey Deals.

Want to know all the specifications and the  advantages (as per Rbk Marketing) of the new Reebok EDGE uniforms, check out this link: Facts about New NHL Jersey Reebok EDGE.  Or those in the mood for humor check out this blog Why You Need to Buy a Reebok EDGE Jersey! 

Check out my previous rant about the new Reebok Edge Jersey and Top Reasons to Boycott Reebok EDGE.

Searching eBay for the best deals in hockey!  getitnext

Pics of All New NHL Rbk EDGE Jerseys

Below I've attached links to pics and reviews of all the new NHL Reebok EDGE jerseys / uniform systems.  For those of you who truly hate the new Reebok Edge Jersey's or want to save some dough, now is the time to pick up the "old" style jerseys before their sold out. Check out these great deals on NHL Jersey Deals.

Want to know all the specifications and the  advantages (as per Rbk Marketing) of the new Reebok EDGE uniforms, check out this link: Facts about New NHL Jersey Reebok EDGE.  Or those in the mood for humor check out this blog Why You Need to Buy a Reebok EDGE Jersey! 

Check out my previous rant about the new Reebok Edge Jersey and Top Reasons to Boycott Reebok EDGE. Don't forget to check out all our blogs that contain photos of the new Reebok Edge Jersey's that have been officially released by the following teams:

- New Jersey Devils Jersey                             - Edmonton Oilers Jersey

- Chicago Blackhawks Jersey                          - Minnesota Wild Jersey

- Toronto Maple  Leafs Jersey                       - Colorado Avalanche Jersey

- Buffalo Sabres Jersey                                 - Anaheim Ducks Jersey

- Colorado Avalanche                                    - Carolina Hurricanes Jersey         

- Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey                         - Montreal Canadiens Jersey    

- Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey                        - Calgary Flames Jersey

- Philadelphia Flyers Jersey                           - Vancouver Canucks Jersey       

- Detroit Red Wings Jersey                           - Ottawa Senators Jersey         

- Washington Capitals Jersey                       - New York Islanders Jersey

- Tampa Bay Lightning Jersey                      - Nashville Predators Jersey    

- Florida Panthers Jersey                             - Columbus Blue Jackets Jersey

- Dallas Stars Jersey                                    - St. Louis Blues Jersey

- Atlanta Thrashers Jersey                           - Los Angeles Kings Jersey

- San Jose Sharks Jersey                              - Phoenix Coyotes Jersey

Searching eBay for the best deals in hockey!  getitnext

Why You Need to Buy the New Reebok EDGE NHL Jersey!

The new RBK Reebok jerseys are awesome and I can’t wait to get my hands on one of them.   Here are my top reasons why you must buy the new Rbk EDGE sweater, I mean jersey, or is it Uniform System, oh I'm so confused.

- As a superstitious fan your team needs every EDGE it can get (man I should be working for Reebok).

• - You’re an Islanders fan and are just happy that they didn’t put the Gorton’s Fisherman logo back on it.
• - You have hyperhidrosis and hope that Reebok Playdry moisture management technology will keep you from sweating through your uniform system oops I mean jersey.

- You own a ton of reebok stock and can somehow justify the expense because you’re a shareholder.

- You’re a NASCAR fan and 4 Reebok logos is not obtrusive at all.

 

- You’re a friend or relative of Gary Bettman and really feel sad and don’t understand why he always gets booed.

- Lace up collars are so cool.

- Change is good and you also have an online petition to bring back Fox and the glowing puck.

- You’re a hot girl and the tapered jersey accentuates your assets.

Check out my blog yesterday titled: Top Reasons to Boycott Reebok EDGE Jersey.  Want to check out the new jerseys?  Below I've listed links to the teams that have already released their new Rbk EDGE jerseys.

- Buffalo Sabres Jersey                                 - Anaheim Ducks Jersey - Leaked

- Minnesota Wild Jersey                                - Carolina Hurricanes Jersey         

- Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey                         - Montreal Canadiens Jersey    

- Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey                        - Calgary Flames Jersey

- Philadelphia Flyers Jersey                           - Vancouver Canucks Jersey       

- Detroit Red Wings Jersey                           - Ottawa Senators Jersey         

- Washington Capitals Jersey                       - New York Islanders Jersey

- Tampa Bay Lightning Jersey                      - Nashville Predators Jersey    

- Florida Panthers Jersey                             - Columbus Blue Jackets Jersey

- Dallas Stars

Top Reasons to Boycott Reebok EDGE NHL Jersey

Alright so everyone pretty much knows how I feel about the new NHL RBK EDGE jerseys, see my Reebok EDGE rant.  Basically, they are just another ploy to drive up and sustain a revenue model that is built on our backs (die hard NHL fans).  So here is my top list of reasons why NOT to buy a new NHL Reebok EDGE Jersey: 

• Why buy one when your favorite player will be unrestricted at age 27 and leave the team.
  
• They used to be called sweaters for a reason.
• Tighter fitting jerseys don’t look flattering on most hockey fans.  The “old” baggy ones helped hide our beer guts and love handles.
• Calgary Fans have 410 reasons not to buy them. See my previous blog Flames Hosing Fans
• We like real jerseys from hockey companies like CCM and Koho.
• What does a sneaker company know about hockey?
• Why support another unsustainable revenue band aid?  Instead of ticket increases and new jerseys why doesn't the league focus on developing self-sustaining revenue streams like good national TV contracts instead of gouging fans.  See VS and NBC contract.
• What was wrong with the "old" jerseys?
• Old jerseys are now heavily discounted and are finally reasonably priced, why purchase uglier (in most cases) more expensive jerseys?
• Does being cooler on the beer line really matter?

For those of you who would like to know the specifications and the advantages (as per Rbk Marketing) of the new Reebok EDGE uniforms, check out this link: Facts about New NHL Jersey Reebok EDGE.  Want to check out the new jerseys for yourself?  Below I've listed links to the teams that have already released their new Rbk EDGE jerseys. 

- Minnesota Wild Jersey                                - Carolina Hurricanes Jersey         

- Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey                         - Montreal Canadiens Jersey    

- Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey                        - Calgary Flames Jersey

- Philadelphia Flyers Jersey                           - Vancouver Canucks Jersey       

- Detroit Red Wings Jersey                           - Ottawa Senators Jersey         

- Washington Capitals Jersey                       - New York Islanders Jersey

- Tampa Bay Lightning Jersey                      - Nashville Predators Jersey    

- Florida Panthers Jersey                             - Columbus Blue Jackets Jersey
 

Facts About New NHL Jerseys 2007-08 Rbk Edge Uniforms

The upcoming 2007/08 NHL season will see some of the biggest changes in decades.  No not in the rules but to the uniforms.  Not since teams switched from the old wool sweaters to synthetic fabrics in the early 1960s has the NHL seen a change like this.  As many NHL fans already know, the league is unveiling sleeker, lighter, more durable hockey uniforms from Reebok.  Rbk claims they will enable players to skate faster, increase their range of motion, while keeping players drier and cooler on the ice.  All 30 NHL teams must switch to the new uniforms for the 2007-08 season. There will only be two jerseys this season, home dark and away white.  The alternate/3rd jersey is discontinued for the 2007-08 season.

The NHL and Reebok (Rbk) have spent 30 months designing and testing the new uniforms. Rbk is claiming the new jerseys have incredible technology that will enable players to perform better.  They also say the revamped uniforms will give players unprecedented performance and protection.   As you know, hockey players are an extremely superstitious group and are very resistant to change.  In order to prevent a player revolt the NHL and Reebok incorporated feedback from the NHLPA, general managers, retired stars and even draft picks.  Luckily the players were involved early in the design stage, as Reebok wanted to make each jersey tuck inside players pants. The design would have trapped too much heat near players' bodies and changed the overall loose jersey look.  The new jerseys are tapered and more form fitting in the past and are custom made for each player.  Nearly all 750 NHL players, from stars to role players, have been personally fitted by Reebok. 

Here are the specifications for the Rbk Edge Uniform system:

• The uniforms are 14% lighter in pregame weight, the equivalent of more than a 6-ounce puck in weight. Current jerseys and socks absorb moisture from sweat, ice and water bottles. But water repellent "Bead Away" technology allows the new Reebok uni's to retain 76% less moisture. The result?  The lighter, drier uniforms generate 9% less wind drag in wind tunnel tests at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This will translate into faster, less fatigued players, says Reebok.
• The new uniforms are more ergonomically fitted to a player's body, shoulder and elbow pads, pants and shin guards. But newer fabrics such as stretch mesh actually give players greater range of motion because the uniforms move with their bodies.
• Safety is another factor to the new uniform system with Rbk EDGE core protector.  Reebok JOFA JDP hip protection absorbs energy and allows players to go into corners with greater confidence.  Strenuous impact tests show 61% more hip protection over current pants.
• The new Rbk EDGE socks could make tape obsolete.  Thanks to a combination of materials and a more anatomical cut, the new socks are designed to support shin pads, resist moisture and last longer than current socks.
• Ventilated "Play Dry" fabric helps wick away sweat and heat buildup, keeping players 4 to 10 degrees cooler, according to thermal lab tests at Central Michigan University. The newer, more rugged construction materials will double the life span of uniforms, O'Toole says.

To see what the new NHL Reebok EDGE jerseys look like I've listed links to the teams that have unveiled their new Reebok EDGE jerseys, some teams have drastically changed their jerseys:

- Minnesota Wild Jersey                                - Carolina Hurricanes Jersey         

- Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey                         - Montreal Canadiens Jersey    

- Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey                        - Calgary Flames Jersey

- Philadelphia Flyers Jersey                           - Vancouver Canucks Jersey       

- Detroit Red Wings Jersey                           - Ottawa Senators Jersey         

- Washington Capitals Jersey                       - New York Islanders Jersey

- Tampa Bay Lightning Jersey                      - Nashville Predators Jersey    

- Florida Panthers Jersey                             - Columbus Blue Jackets Jersey