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
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.
Now next year, slim down the goalie equipment.
Ok I feel like I have to weigh in on the Colton Orr hit on Matt Cullen during the New York Rangers vs Hurricanes game. Opinions are very mixed on whether it was a dirty or legal hit. It ranges from people wanting him suspended to many fans and writers even saying he was jobbed on the 5 minute interference and game misconduct call.
So here is my take, granted I am a Rangers fan. Orr saw Cullen well ahead of the play, in fact he actually lowered his body and took his hand off his stick well ahead of impact. While his right arm did come off the stick and follow thru he did not lead with his elbow nor strike Cullen with it. It looked more like his right glove hit Cullen in addition to Orr's face hitting Cullen's visor (see photo). Cullen clearly never saw Orr coming as he was looking for the puck which was at his feet until right before impact.
So here are some of the I always ask when a hit is questionable:
Was the puck there? Although Cullen did not have possession of the puck at time of impact, he had just lost it so I consider it clean from that perspective.
Was there a deliberate blow to the head? I would say no, Colton did not use his stick, elbow or forearm in a deliberate manner. Him taking his right hand off the stick does cloud the argument. However based on photos and interviews afterward Orr's face took the brunt of Cullen's visor. He was cut during impact, not by his fight afterward.
Was there intent to injure? This is a trickier question. Orr clearly lined Cullen up ahead of time and did not collide with him ala the Knuble/Shanny hit (like some writers have suggested). Sorry, I watched the tape 20 times and I see Colton lowering his body, taking his hand off the stick and getting ready for impact. However based on Colton's history, he has not been a dirty checker, in fact he rarely ever hits open ice, although that is probably due to his inability skate fast enough to hit open ice. He also was a teammate of Cullen's so I doubt there was intent to injure. Since he did not head hunt I think this is still a legal hit in the NHL, not sure it seems to change day to day.
The five minute and game misconduct interference call was definitely influenced by the severity of the collision and possible retribution the refs feared from HQ. Several articles have written how Shanahan spoke to an official on the ice and was under the impression there was no penalty. Only to find out moments later that it was 5 and a game. Hmm, none of the refs had their arm up and then suddenly after a huddle they come up with the call. I guess they erred on the side of caution and fear of being punished by the league. Its going to be very interesting to see if Colin Campbell issues a suspension on this one. Keep in mind he has historically been very heavy handed when sentencing player from his former team.
Here's hoping to full and speedy recovery to Matt Cullen. Wish you were still centering the 3rd line.
I can't wait to watch the greatest group of players to be inducted at once into the HHOF. Being in my mid 30's I've watched, cheered and jeered these guys for the better parts of 2 decades. They all have 2 very important things in common. Each one is a winner in every sense of the word and they are all ferocious competitors. Thanks for the memories Mark Messier, Ron Francis, Scott Stevens and Al MacInnis, you guys represented what this league is all about and is lacking today. For those of you lucky enough to have the NHL Network they will be showing the induction ceremony live tonight.
Larry Brooks has a great article blasting the league for scheduling games tonight, for once Larry has a decent article, Hall of Shame.
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.
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.
Searching eBay made easier! GetItNext
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
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 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
