shrader

I hear that Allen Iverson has something to say about this...

It's been a very long time at this point, but we as Sabres fans should have a good understanding of how valuable that guy can be.

How many of these hits do we really see on a game to game basis though? I'd say it's fairly rare and not something that impacts the game all that much if removed.

I was this close to spitting coffee on my monitor. As for the trade, there's pretty much one of these every year. AHL depth for AHL depth. I really don't expect much of anything to come from it for either team.

You thought it was, and it was at one point. But those days are gone. As I've said, they've been very clear about it. In this day where they're so aware of what head injuries can lead to, there is no way they can let it happen anymore. Games evolve. I know where you're coming from, but I suggest that you get used to it because these types of calls/suspensions are not going away.

It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of this or if it’s similar to a hit from over ten years ago. Over the last couple seasons, the NHL has made it very clear that these type of hits need to go. They have been very consistent with it. If Wilson continues to ignore that, he will find himself out of the league.

Right, but that's the actual wild card game. Imagine having to play two games extra games (163 and 164) just to get into that wild card game. So for that, you'd have to have the second place team from the NL east currently tied with the Rockies and Dodgers.

And don't they count that extra play in game in the standings? I wonder what they would do if that game altered the wild card standings. For some reason I feel like I remember there being one case where there was a play in for the division crown, and then the loser then had to follow that up with a play in for the wild card. It's possible though that I'm just insane and making up a crazy scenario.

Taro, you always seem to be up on these little details. Do they need to get the roster down to 23 before they can assign people to IR, or is that just required when it comes to being under the cap? I ask because I wonder if you might see the situation where one of the kids is assigned to Rochester in just a paper transaction, and then immediately recalled.

When it comes to Chara, it seems like most of the time when he gets into a scrum with other players, his hands immediately go up into their face. It may very well be a product of his height, but I've definitely seen it a lot from him. I won't label that as a cheap shot, but I can see how it might cloud people's image of him.

They have specifically stated that they want those blindside hits removed from the game. It was legal in the past, but it isn’t anymore. That’s just the way it is.

Possibly to kick start some trade discussions? That’s about all I’ve got. These aren’t the guys you throw out there Smith style to try to get a contract off your hands.

I’d also like to know how many professions don’t adversely effect one’s life expectancy. Whether it’s someone working in a mine, driving trucks, or even just sitting at a desk all day, someone’s always profiting from those health risks. None of this is anything new. It’s how the world has always worked. But sure, let’s make one industry out to look like the devil and ignore everything else out there. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

I just hope no one ever tries to make money off of covering these players as they increase the likelihood of early death. Or derives entertainment from watching that. We're all pure evil, I guess.

Wait, you're telling me that Alex Winter was actually in something other than Bill and Ted?

You might want to read that again.

I'd imagine that all but the last three are things that wouldn't even phase a player during the regular season.

I wish they'd throw the shoulder patch on there.

Aren't you usually outraged about pretty much everything?

So it was a Nashville goalie. Sweet, my memory is not completely shot yet.

When it comes to Baptiste, you don't place one of the borderline NHL guys on waivers this early. That would give another team time to bring him in and actually get up to speed with that organization. Instead, you wait until the end when there's an endless list of names available and very little time to shuffle your roster. The same goes with Smith, in a way. He gets some extra time with the Rochester players and staff. Ultimately, I wouldn't be surprised if he winds up ahead of someone like Baptiste on the call up list.

If I'm from Hartford, I'm pissed. The jerseys are great and all, but it just feels so weird to wear the uniform of a city you abandoned. The new owner has also pitched the idea of playing a preseason game up there, which may just be the worst idea of all time. The people would chase them out of the building.

Someone had been using him recently. I forget who it was. Maybe Rinne?

Has Hickey been sent down? I don't remember seeing that name pop up yet.