REDlines: Opening Night Is Getting Closer. August 25th
By Frank Rekas
Today’s music video honors an album which was released on this day in 1975, Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen. A song, and album, and a man that changed rock and roll music forever.
When Bruce was on the cover of Time and Newsweek simultaneously, the famous quote by Jon Landau was “I have seen the future of Rock and Roll and it’s name is Bruce Springsteen”. Much like that, The Bible Hockey News Yearbook arrived in my mailbox yesterday, meaning the upcoming season was not too far away. I want to thank my Rat Trick brother Dave Lasseter for tweeting that his copy came in his mailbox as I was approaching my house, causing me to take my final two turns home a bit faster than normal. If you’re like me, this yearbook gets read and re-read over and over all season long. I have a process for reading this, which maybe you yourself have as well. I page through and give it a complete glance over, not reading any article the first time I go through it. Then the next time I pick it up, I begin to read team reports. The Florida Panthers and the Chicago Blackhawks are the first two that I read. Then it becomes random as each day gets closer to opening night.
The publications pick of the Hawks and Caps meeting in the Finals makes sense…..except that they pick the Caps to win the Stanley Cup. They haven’t been right with their ultimate champion pick in a while, and this year will be no different. Unless the Caps are playing the Edmonton Oilers in the Final, Washington will not be your Cup champions. The best part about this magazine coming is that it means opening night is getting closer. The worst part about it is that I have to look at Zdeno Chara on the cover all season. Like Dave said to me last night, “it’s better than Nathan Horton”. Links after the jump.
News in Sunrise:
The Florida Panthers are holding a special event for original season ticket holders. Paint The Ice Red. Team Website.
Panther prospect Zach Hyman continues to go after his dream. Team Website.
Don’t forget to vote for The Rat Trick!
Around the NHL:
The NHL’s cheap shot artist claims he’s changed. Bah! Talk is cheap, and so is he. Prove it on the ice Matt. Bar Stool Sports. With more from Puck Daddy too.
The Hockey News lists their 10 must watch games of the upcoming season. No worries, the Cats aren’t on the list.
The Buffalo Sabres are going to try Ville Leino at center. Go ahead and give that a try. Sabre Noise.
Brad May speaks out on fighting and substance abuse and the ways that they can get out of control. Sportsnet.
The Active Stick and her guide to dating a hockey fan.
The Chicago Blackhawks are looking for The Rat, Dave Bolland to have a “big” season. And a healthy one too. Pro Hockey Talk.
Bio Steel takes over for Gatorade as the game drink of choice. James Mirtle at Globe and Mail.
The San Jose Sharks are still chasing their Stanley Cup dream. 30 in 3o NHL.com.
Taylor Hall hoping to avoid a sophomore slump and have a healthy season. TSN.ca.
The speculation on Sidney Crosby and his return continues. Maybe we should just let this ride itself out? Globe and Mail.
Ethan Moreau. Is he fragile, injury prone or has he just had a history of bad luck. Puck Daddy.
A video of 1o of the NHL’s most hated players. I agree with this list, except one player is missing. Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll be on it soon.
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