Hello again. Miss me? I know I sure did.. I just said “I” twice in one five-word sentence. Awesome.
The majority of my spring was spent watching the Hurricanes rip through the Eastern Conference playoffs before they got curb-stomped by eventual champs Pittsburgh. That was fun. I had a customer who was nice enough to sit my brother and I right behind Pens Coach Dan Bylsma for Game 4 in Raleigh:
(that’s me in the white Canes jersey, tipping back some memory erasing nectar as the Pens scored yet again)
Anyhoo, free agency along with the draft has come and gone and I’m here to offer an assessment of how each of our teams (Islanders, Wild, Maple Leafs & Hurricanes) have fared so far this off-season.
Dave’s favorite team: the Hurricanes
Added Tom Kostopoulos and Andrew Alberts, a slew of minor leaguers. Made sure Chad LaRose, Erik Cole and Jussi Jokinen didn’t get too far away while having them back at reasonable salaries. Tuomo Ruutu is sure to be signed – be it arbitration or sooner. So basically – it’s the same team that took it all the way to the ECF plus a few tougher elements. Plan the MF parade for June 2010. They drafted a bunch of over-sized beastly man-children. Plan another parade for 2013, beeyatch.
Schultz’s favorite team: the NY Islanders
Ahh yes, those loveable losers. – added Dwayne Roloson. Drafted the son of God himself John Tavares with the first overall. They haven’t found a way to screw that up just yet. Give it time, though. Consider JT the permanent foreman of the Isles “rebuilding” as they bask in futility for the next 1/2 decade. He’ll probably Bouwmeester his way off the island eventually.
Loser Domi’s favorite team: Toronto Maple Leafs
added “The Monster” goalie Jonas Gustavsson from the Swedish league on a one-year deal. How long before he gets sent on a permanent va-kay to the Marlies? 2 months maybe? -added Mike Komisarek and Francois Beauchemin. The Komisarek deal is OK, but they overpaid for his big goofy ass. Beauchemin is French-rooted – so you know it means ulitmate surrender. He’ll fit right in with his new teammates. Brian Burke couldn’t move up to the top three in the draft. John Tavares will end up a Leaf though after two contracts in New York, bank it.
Ryan’s favorite team: Minnesota Wild
added Marty Havlat, Greg Zanon and Shane Hnidy. The Havlat deal is like having Gaborik all over again with a different name; a game-changer when he’s healthy (which is never). Good luck with that one. They’ve got a new coach and GM to break the monotony of Lemaire’s checking system. WOOO who’s excited about the Wild now?
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