Running 2007 NHL regular season thread

Does he just get itchy feet as the postseason approaches, or what happens?

 

Devils beat writers are going to love Brent Sutter.

 

God-awful headline alert ...

http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/hockeycapital/archive/2007/09/26/mcammond-goes-downie.aspx

 

Helluva Globe story, though ...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070927.DOWNIE27/TPStory/Sports/columnists

Mantha wishes only that the OHL had cracked down harder on Downie rather than issuing a string of short suspensions.

"Downie orchestrated the hazing situation [in Windsor]," Mantha said. "He was never held accountable for it. I was. If the proper steps had been taken to hold this kid accountable, [the hit on McAmmond] might not have happened.

"I believe when these kids learn to play, learn to respect their opponents, that's when they should be held accountable," Mantha added. "They always talk about development, how the OHL is a breeding ground for the NHL. Kids should be taught this is what it takes to be a pro, on and off the ice."

Branch took exception to those words.

"[Mantha] had no idea what took place or what the Peterborough Petes, Kitchener Rangers and the OHL did to support Steve," Branch said. "[Mantha] was out of our league."

 

bower is the best
even now.. he is like the nicest guy.. so kind to fans and always signing autographs right up until the last guy in line
class act

 

Isn't he, though? He's one of my favourite interviews of all time ... the word 'gentleman' comes to mind.

 

I talked to Brent Sutter today. Devs beat writers will LOVE him.

 

Grahame shut out the Blue Jackets 3-0 behind two unassisted Stillman goals, so now the Canes backup and starting goalies have exhibition shutouts.

 

Elliotte's right, Mantha's full of shit. He was on the bus at the time of the hazing incident. I've been on plenty of buses with junior hockey players. If there was something like that going on, everyone would know it.

 

Iron Mike started yelling yesterday ... The lede sucks (Francis, I love you!) but Keenan put them through a rough one ...

http://calsun.canoe.ca/Sports/Hockey/2007/09/28/4533130-sun.html

CALGARY -- After weeks of diplomacy, Iron Mike finally earned his nickname yesterday.

Stopping short of calling his team lazy, Mike Keenan delivered his first public tongue-lashing of the Flames, punctuating a tirade-filled practice with a frank critique of his squad.

"I am prepared to say the work ethic of this team can be upgraded considerably," said Keenan, minutes after a spirited skate that had players rubbing one another out while Keenan screamed.

"We have to change the habits around here, maybe not the culture."

On the heels of the club's fifth loss in six preseason outings, Keenan greeted his players with a directive to pick up the tempo. Clearly unhappy with their response, he repeatedly shouted out instructions to skate and battle even harder.

 

And in case you're wondering who's in goal for whom, here's a team by team breakdown of starters and back ups or, in the case of the Leafs, back-ups and fuck ups.

http://mirtle.blogspot.com/2007/09/whos-in-goal-crease-situations-come.html