Did you forget about the NHL? Shame, Shame

Out of the four major sports in America (NFL, NHL, College Football, and College Lacrosse), none is more overlooked than hockey. Sure, you can make an argument for collegiate lacrosse, but that’s sillier than suggesting Wagner could have taken down UVA last year. Hockey remains a sport largely ignored by the American public, but don’t worry, here’s a refresher to keep you up-to-date on the beginning of the NHL season.

The Buffalo Sabres tied the NHL record for best start with 10 wins to open the season. The Minnesota Wild have 9 wins through 10 games to provide another startling record, and the Atlanta Thrashers have a 7 point lead over their division foes after just 12 games - the very division the last two Stanley Cup Champions call home. This is not your slightly older sibling’s NHL anymore. In fact, it’s probably your younger sibling’s NHL, because you gave up on hockey after the lockout, didn’t you? You want to remain in the glory days with Philly’s Legion of Doom or Tie Domi goading some player into a fight. But wait, what’s that? John LeClair is in Pittsburgh? Mikael Renberg is in the Swedish Elite League? Eric Lindros is in Dallas, playing wing? Tie Domi retired! What’s going on! You know, maybe this new NHL isn’t worth your attention. (Speaking of Dallas, why would they take the ‘C’ away from Mike Modano? Don’t worry, they didn’t give it to Lindros, they gave it to Brendan Morrow.)

Do not fear gentle reader, the new NHL has plenty of great players. However, the adjustment may take awhile. For example, Alexander Ovechkin wears #8. Not a number you would associate with great players, but he can make it his own. Sidney Crosby wears #87 on the Penguins, and his teammate Evgeni Malkin wears #71. I do not know why they wear those numbers, but I do know they can put the puck in the net. As for scoring, there should be plenty of players breaking 50 goals this year, and Americans certainly respond to gaudy numbers. We have even been blessed with international intrigue. Evgeni Malkin fled Russia this summer to come to North America and play in the NHL, his dream, but his Russian team claims he is still under contract and wants the NHL to pay big for his rights. Nice try Russia.

The scoring race, new young players, and an action packed style mark the new game. If that is not enough to grip viewers, just turn to the league’s laughing stock, the New York Islanders. They do not wear the Gorton fisherman on their jersey’s anymore, but owner Charles Wang’s personnel moves are high comedy. Early June sees Neil Smith hired as new team General Manager. July 18th, Smith is fired, and backup goaltender Garth Snow replaces him (yes, the same Garth Snow that wore giant pads on his shoulders, even though he is 6’ 3” 210 lbs). After hiring Snow, the Islanders proceeded to sign starting goaltender Rick DiPietro to a 15 year, 67 million dollar deal, lasting until he is 40 years old. Only Magic Johnson’s 25 year deal signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1981 (which would have expired this past summer) has ever been longer. “The contract is guaranteed, and DiPietro will be paid in full should he retire because of injury. If he ends his career otherwise before the deal expires, he would forfeit the remaining dollars.” Gee, I can’t imagine a goaltender retiring due to injury before the age of 40. Good job Islanders management.

Wrapping up, the NHL has plenty of engaging storylines, and you should not have difficulty picking one and following it. I suggest St. Louis Blues head coach John Davidson pulling a reverse John Madden by switching from broadcasting to the bench. One other thing for you old heads, Joe Sakic recently scored his 1,500th career point, the 11th player to reach that milestone. There is something for everyone, just watch!