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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.

LA Kings Draft Doughty 2nd in NHL Draft

In the 2008 NHL entry draft the LA Kings have selected Guelph Storm Drew Doughty.  HT 6' weight 204 and is compared to Ray Bourque with a right hand shot.  An extremely smart player, mobile and a great offensive dman.  Looks like LA is building a core similar to the way the Wings are built.  Doughty is also Kings fan as he was a huge Wayne Gretzky fan growing up.  Drew is projected by all scouts to start in the 2008 season.

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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Enjoy the AHL - LA Kings Dan Cloutier Clears Waivers

What a fall from grace.  After an injury filled season Dan Cloutier has cleared waivers and will be sent down to the AHL.  Los Angeles Kings goaltender Dan Cloutier cleared waivers on Saturday with the Kings intention of sending him to Manchester of the AHL. 

Dan Cloutier struggled with injuries last season, missing 44 games with a hip injury.  The Kings reportedly want Cloutier to recover fully from his injuries in the minors but the real reason behind the waiver is saving a 2.55 million from the salary cap.  The other reason is Cloutier has been outplayed in the pre-season by junior eligible netminder Johnathan Bernier who shone for Canada at the Summit Series.

If the Kings try to clear Cloutier via re-entry waivers, another team would be able to claim him at half of his salary with the Kings covering the other half.

The Kings were hoping that Cloutier would be the answer between the pipes when they acquired him in July of 2006 for a pair of draft picks. He finished the season with a record of 6-14-2 with an .860 save percentage.

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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

NHL List of Waived Players - Cloutier, Tverdovsky Lead the List

Here is the complete list of players that are on waivers and can be claimed by the deadline of September 22, 2007 at noon ET:

Penguins
Deryk Engelland

Hurricanes
Wade Brookbank
Tim Conboy
David Gove
Brandon Nolan

Blue Jackets
Dan Smith
Andrew Murray

Thrashers
Kevin Doell
Jesse Schultz

Capitals
Jason Morgan

Islanders
Steve Regier
Tim Jackman
Kip Brennan
Matthew Spiller
Drew Fata
Joey MacDonald

Ducks
Joe Callahan
Mike Hoffman
Matt Keith
Dan Lacouture

Kings
Brendan Buckley
Petr Kanko
Oleg Tverdovsky
Cloutier, Dan

Stars
Trevor Byrne
Marius Holtet
Toby Petersen

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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

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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