In Montreal, the Canadians decide they have had enough with Big Georges Laraque. He and the Habs seem to be at odds with each other. Which begs the question, what did they think was going to happen? He does what he does. He is known for his play. What I really find interesting is that the Habs gave him a gag order. He cannot even speak to the media. So does a team have the right to gag a player and not let him speak after disciplining him?

I have no problem with a team disciplining a player, what I do have a problem with is not giving the player a chance. Every situation has two sides of the story. I understand the team's issue, they are not happy with his play. I would just like to hear his side of the story.

In Calgary, they do the opposite. No matter what the core does, Sutter seems to guarantee their status as untouchable. Sutter has spent the last week explaining to whoever he can that the Flames will not trade any of the core. In fact, he said once this week that they were not going to do one trade at all. His biggest beef with the fans is the on-again off-again love affair they seem to have with Dion. It makes me wonder what will happen to the Flames this season as their winless streak goes to 9 games.

In Toronto, there seem to be all sorts of trade rumors haunting them. How is that Kessel trade working out for you? The biggest assets for trade bait are Stajan, Hagman, and Kaberle. Kaberle is a great offensive defensemen who would be a perfect for the Washington Capitals. Hagman is a solid offensive forward who is a finisher, just maybe the final touch the Canucks need, another top 6 forward for secondary scoring. As for Stajan, the Devils and Flames could use a centre with a playmaking ability. The Leafs' main goal is getting some picks and prospects to continuing gaining some future back. If they could get a first rounder, it would be ideal for the Flames.

In Vancouver, they have the best goalie, and maybe the best brother combination in the League. The Canucks are flying high right now and have it all together. Their next step is tinkering with the line-up. There is a great team in Vancouver. What do they have to do to gain ground on the Sharks and Hawks?

How about the Habs still having two goalies and trying to figure out which one to keep? I may be alone is this statement. I would keep Halak. I really think he has played very well. I think the Habs could get a very good package in return. In fact, I say bring on the Vinny-to-Montreal rumors again.

Keeping on the Habs, I wanted to make a statement that the Flames should have signed Cammy. I really wished he was still on the Flames. He is truly a terrific sniper who can put the Canadians on the map.

Let's talk about two of the best teams in the League; the Hawks and the Sharks put on a show this week. It was a great game and a joy to watch. What I really enjoyed about the game was that it brought out the best in the NHL.

The Capitals are red hot, aren’t they? A truely exciting team to watch as they continue to win game after game, as Semin and Green and Backstrom give OV some support in scoring.

The Fan Poll Question of the Day

Who is going to get Kovachuck ?

I think the Kings have the best possible package, led by Moller. There is no way I would give up Doughty though. Even without Brad, the Kings pretty much have the prospects and the name player to get this done. Who do you think?

Until next time, take care.

Randy