Dave Scatchard got needled in the groin
Hockey players are practically mythological in their ability
to come back from injuries that would have an NBA player
filing for retirement before the ink was dry on the medical
report.
I had been in awe of Garth Murray's willingness to continue
to play last season through torn abdominal muscles. And, of
course, I still am.
But now there's news that Dave Scatchard of the Islanders
received acupuncture for a groin injury to help speed recovery.
"You can use your imagination," he said of the procedure.
Um, no thanks. Let's move on ...
The Avs Stock Four Rookies
Lacroix may be a smug dude, but he is the best GM in the league.
While everyone focused on the Kariya and Selanne coup, the
team announced that four rookies have made their Opening Night
roster. All were drafted by the Avs.
Center Cody McCormick was drafted 144th in 2001;
Right Wing Marek Svatos was drafted 227th in 2001;
John-Michel Liles was drafted 155th in 2000;
and Goalie Phil Sauve was drafted 38th back in 1998.
It's that team's ability to not only draft, but also give
opportunities to their younger players that keeps them on top.
I am a Mighty Duck
The annual welcome luncheon in Anaheim had a theme of
"I am a Mighty Duck."
I wonder if Emilio showed up ...
Boston Frugality Rears its Head
Berard, who must pay back the entire $6 million insurance
settlement if he plays this season, is getting screwed by
the Bruins.
Considering accepting their $1.8 million offer, Laidlaw
(Berard's agent) went back to the B's, who said their
acquisition of Travis Greene and his $1.6 million salary
took that offer from the table.
Of course, no mention by O'Connell that the team also
jettisoned Shield's $1.4 million salary in a separate deal.
Team Slogans
Best: "Blood, Sweat and Cheers", Florida Panthers
Made even better because it's a Mike Keenan team.
Worst: "We are your team ... we are the Kings."
Isn't LA supposed to have marketing folks out there?
Or are they all tired out from Gigli?
It's all about the love
Ahh, Mario is such a philanthropist, isn't he? Staying in
Pittsburgh at a reduced NHL salary to keep hockey in
Steeltown.
And it's so admirable how he voiced his support for
Fleury earning an NHL contract, and then leaving the
task to Craig Patrick.
Of course, Patrick's job would be a bit easier if Lemieux
wasn't receiving $2.5 million for acting as team CEO, and
another $2.5 million in deferred payments from his past
contract.
No conflict of interest there ...
Toronto Netting
Toronto is giving fans the option of selecting which netting
is used. Nice touch.
Rangers Home Cooking
The Rangers have 11 of their first 15 games at home.
Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.
It is at home where the team historically does not have the
patience to play a boring, defensive game.
It is an MSG crowd that is populated by high-paying clientele
who will boo the team after the first loss.
Home games in the first month against Atlanta, Florida, and
two against Carolina, need to see the team come away with
at least three wins.
Because Colorado, Dallas and Philly visit in early November,
so a quick start out of the gate is important.
A Quick Waiver Rant
We expose Kasparaitis, Simon and Lacouture, but not
Mark Messier?
When Dallas is letting Norris Trophy Finalist Derian Hatcher
leave for a $6 million salary, what team would pick up
Mark Messier at close to $4 million dollars?
Bah ... let's move on ...
How the Mighty Have Fallen
Brian Boucher, former goaltending stud prospect of the Flyers,
passed through waivers in Phoenix.
Chris Therien also passed through waivers, meaning Flyer fans
can continue to use his names in trade proposals for the rest
of the year.
Arturs Irbe - playoff hero two seasons ago, persona non grata
on the waiver wire this year.
The Next Leetch ... or not - Burke Henry, Mike Mottau,
Mike Smrek, and Maxim Galanov are all on the waiver list.
Enjoy Opening Night, folks! At least we get to play Minnesota
before Gaborik and Dupuis rejoin the lineup.
-Gabe
Posted by Gabe at October 06, 2003 02:32 PMeMail this entry!
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