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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.

New Philadelphia Flyers 3rd Jersey Logo

Now this would be a fitting 3rd Jersey for the Flyers.  Forget the lame Reebok Edge designed NHL jerseys. This Flyers jersey would sell like hot cakes, flyers fans would gobble these things up.
Credit to the great Ken Henderson for the Flyers image.

New York Rangers Customize Reebk EDGE Jersey

Not sure if fans have noticed or not, the ugly "tails" that were introduced with the Reebok EDGE jersey's have been customized by the team.  Check out the photo, you can see that someone has stitched the tail so that it no longer appears.  I wonder if they will do this for fans when they drop $250 bucks. 

The NHL can even use it as another way to gain additional revenue by charging extra as part of the name and number stitching: 

Store clerk: Sir would you like your tail stitched? 
Rangers Fan: WHAT I'll knock you silly you creep.
Store clerk: No I mean't would you like that ridiculous looking tail on the back of your new sweet jersey removed?
Rangers Fan: Oh, of course, I hate the tail.
Store clerk: That will be another $20 for tail stitching.

To all you fans thinking of buying a new Rbk EDGE, I'd hold off.  Reebok is already allowing players the option to play with an alternative fabric jersey.  Check out my Blog about it: Reebok to Replace EDGE Jersey.

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.

Are the Pittsburgh Penguins for real? Their jerseys sure are!

Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins will begin the 2007/08 season on Friday against the Carolina Hurricans with high hopes of of another successful season, and  wearing their new rbk hockey jerseys. With the off-season additions of Ty Conklin, Darryl Sydor, Petr Sykora and goaltender Dany Sabourin, the Penguins look like a definite contender for the Cup this year.

While 'Sid the Kid' may not have the experience some of the other Captains around the league have, his numbers speak loud and clear. Last season, Crosby lead the team with 120 points (36 goals - 84 assists) and a +/- of 10. He was the youngest player in NHL history to be named team captain earlier this year and this year, the team's alternate captains will be Mark Recchi, Sergei Gonchar, and Gary Roberts. Surely each of these three players more than make up for the lack of experience on Crosby's part.

In addition to being one of my favorites for the Eastern Division title, the Penguins also 'survived' the introduction of the nhl new uniforms. This year's Pittsburgh Penguins jersey features the same skating Penguin with a stick as last year. There are two major differences though. One, they have made the logo bigger (fine by me) and two, the sleeves don't feature those awful stripes anymore. All and all, I don't mind this year's Penguins Jersey. Here's what they look like - you be the judge! If you're like me, you may want to consider checking out the price of this jersey.

Eric

The Worst of the worst: New Dallas Stars Rbk Home Jersey

Over the course of the past few weeks, lots has been said about the new NHL uniforms. You may want to check out Matt's recent posts where he lists all the NHL rbk edge uniforms on one page. While everyone has their favourites, you can't help but notice the trendsetters and... of course, the absolute worst of them all.

To be honest, I've never been a big fan of any Dallas Stars hockey jerseys from the past. Over the years, they have never had a good, simple looking jersey. If you ask me, a hockey jersey should never have a large white/ gold/ green star across it... no matter what. And just when I thought they couldn't make it any worse, they released the new rbk edge style. Have a look for yourself:

While I don't mind the away jersey all that much, the home version just looks horrible. Who thought it was a good idea to make a completely dark jersey with only name of the city on there...? The only other team that was dumb enough to think of doing this were the Vancouver Canucks. Both their new home and away jersey has the name of the city written across the front of it. Is it just me, or does it look just awful?  Maybe I'm missing something.......

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

Video of Dallas Stars Unveiling New Rbk EDGE Uniform System

The Dallas Stars unveiled the hockey club's new jerseys, to be worn during the 2007-08 season. The new uniform design is part of the National Hockey League's launch of the new Rbk EDGE Uniform System™, adopted by every NHL team for the coming NHL season.  Check out the video here:

To check out links to pictures and reviews of ALL the new Reebok Jerseys, click on this link: NHL RBK Edge jerseys.

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San Jose Sharks Video of New Rbk EDGE Unveiling

The San Jose Sharks unveiled the new RBK Edge uniform system at HP Pavilion on Monday, September 17th 2007. Captain Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Mike Grier, and Kyle McLaren were on hand to showcase the new design and give their opinions about the new Reebok EDGE uniform system.  The players also also talk about the Sharks upcoming season.

To check out links to pictures and reviews of ALL the new Reebok Jerseys, click on this link: NHL RBK Edge jerseys.

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