http://www.thehockeynews.com The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. en 2007 Medias Transcontinental Sat, 17 May 2008 01:13:04 -0400 60 http://thehockeynews.com/imgs/design/logo_thn_print.gif http://thehockeynews.com/ http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15988-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Wings-running-on-all-cylinders-as-Stars-special-teams-falter.html 2008-05-12 23:01:55 Adam Proteau's Blog For me and a few other people I’ve spoken with who work in the hockey business, the true test of the 2007-08 Detroit Red Wings was never really going to begin until the Western Conference final did. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15967-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Dont-count-out-Big-D-yet.html 2008-05-12 11:54:03 Adam Proteau's Blog Another great weekend of playoff hockey wrapped up in Pittsburgh Sunday, with the Red Wings and Penguins both staking out 2-0 series leads in the Western and Eastern Conference finals. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15847-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Relationships-good-and-bad.html 2008-05-07 11:45:16 Adam Proteau's Blog What’s this? Actress Elisha Cuthbert is seen in the arms of another famous NHLer? The lucky s.o.b. this time is Flames star Dion Phaneuf, who I was hoping would be saving himself – I’ll give you a few seconds to stop snickering – for that chest-beating, Vegas-inhabiting, cheesy Canadian music star. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15786-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Pens-confidence-key-to-success.html 2008-05-04 18:01:39 Adam Proteau's Blog • To their credit, the New York Rangers did not fall to the ground and beg for mercy at any point in their second round playoff series against the Penguins. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15674-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Coaching-error-costs-Rangers-Game-3.html 2008-04-29 22:15:30 Adam Proteau's Blog I like Tom Renney. A lot. Good guy, savvy coach, hockey lifer. With that out of the way, I feel fully within my rights as an honest observer to observe that the Rangers coach’s decision to insert Ryan Hollweg into New York’s lineup for Tuesday’s tilt against Pittsburgh may wind up costing his team their second round playoff series – and himself his job. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15607-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Pens-can-play-anyones-game.html 2008-04-27 18:03:03 Adam Proteau's Blog Little by little, the Pittsburgh Penguins and their talented young starting goaltender are putting the league on notice. Their message: We’re learning. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15475-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Officiating-plays-big-role-in-Flyers-Game-7-win-over-Caps.html 2008-04-22 23:01:39 Adam Proteau's Blog Some of you may be aware of my feelings about the futility that is complaining too much about NHL officiating. But I never said it’s wrong to complain every once in a while. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15406-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Bad-luck-causes-Preds-ultimate-demise.html 2008-04-20 18:54:17 Adam Proteau's Blog It was a fitting, if unfortunate culprit that did in the plucky Nashville Predators in their now-finished series against the Detroit Red Wings: bad, bad luck. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15386-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Huet-will-be-key-as-Caps-continue-comeback.html 2008-04-19 17:56:51 Adam Proteau's Blog In my recent playoff predictions, I said the Flyers/Capitals series would be close, high-scoring, and ultimately decided by Washington’s Cristobal Huet outplaying Philadelphia’s Martin Biron in goal. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15189-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Washington-loses-momentum-and-the-loud-minority.html 2008-04-13 17:25:46 Adam Proteau's Blog • Yes, I picked the Washington Capitals to beat Philadelphia. No, I didn’t expect it would be a cakewalk (though I can’t imagine walking on cake would be all that easy, either). http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15093-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Brodeur-is-human-and-Kipper-steps-up.html 2008-04-10 11:04:43 Adam Proteau's Blog • It was Revenge Of The Ex-Devils in Newark Wednesday as New Jersey suffered at the hands of alumni members Scott Gomez and Brendan Shanahan in a 4-1 loss to the cross-town rival New York Rangers in Game 1 of their first-round series. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14995-THNcom-Blog-Devils-in-the-details.html 2008-04-07 12:50:36 Adam Proteau's Blog Some people are sticklers for promises. For instance: The NHL’s regular season hadn’t officially ended when this kind note arrived in my email inbox late Sunday afternoon: Adam,   In response to your pre-season prediction, I wrote the following statements on Aug. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14859-THNcom-Blog-Someones-smiling-down-on-the-Preds.html 2008-04-02 13:34:13 Adam Proteau's Blog • Given all the bad luck the Nashville Predators franchise has endured over the past year or so, it was nice to see the team get smiled on by the hockey gods in their come-from-behind, 4-3 win over St. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14787-THNcom-Blog-Trials-and-tribulations.html 2008-03-31 12:06:53 Adam Proteau's Blog • Interesting, if not exactly a surprise, to see Todd Bertuzzi attempt to shift blame to his former coach Marc Crawford for the ex-Canuck’s infamous assault on Steve Moore in 2003. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14642-THNcom-Blog-When-will-a-European-join-the-NHLs-brain-trust.html 2008-03-26 13:02:57 Adam Proteau's Blog • Thanks to my wonderful friends (and Gary Green) at XM Radio’s NHL Home Ice channel, here’s a 10-minute audio clip of Ducks GM Brian Burke discussing my column from last week that proposed term limits for the NHL’s chief disciplinarian post currently held by Colin Campbell. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14570-THNcom-Blog-Savard-Roy-at-opposite-ends-of-spectrum.html 2008-03-24 11:20:04 Adam Proteau's Blog Interesting that a couple of Quebec-born NHL legends stand on opposite ends of the hockey spectrum today. In this corner, we have Blackhawks coach Denis Savard, who lashed out at the relentless amount of cheap shots taken at his young stars during Chicago’s 4-3 win over St. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14462-THNcom-Blog-FlyersSabres-rivalry-well-on-its-way.html 2008-03-19 13:33:30 Adam Proteau's Blog Interesting to watch the battle for the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference play out, mainly because two of the teams in the hunt – Philadelphia (currently eighth in the East) and Buffalo (tenth) have started to develop quite a rivalry over the last few seasons. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14389-THNcom-Blog-League-should-have-banned-Pronger-for-season.html 2008-03-17 12:04:45 Adam Proteau's Blog First thing’s first: although I wrote in my Friday mailbag that Chris Pronger’s stomp on Ryan Kesler could be interpreted any number of ways, that was before I saw the enhanced video that surfaced late Thursday night. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14248-THNcom-Blog-Cloutier-hardly-hard-done-by.html 2008-03-12 13:47:45 Adam Proteau's Blog I’m organizing a big Pity Party for goalie Dan Cloutier, and you’re all invited. As chronicled in the Vancouver Sun Tuesday, the former Canucks goalie, signed by Los Angeles to a two-year, $6. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14180-THNcom-Blog-Sens-should-send-Emery-down.html 2008-03-10 12:10:16 Adam Proteau's Blog Now that it seems like the Ottawa Senators are going with Martin Gerber as their starting goaltender for the rest of the way this season, the best thing coach-GM Bryan Murray could do to keep his Stanley Cup hopes alive is demote Ray Emery to the American League as quickly as possible. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14042-THNcom-Blog-Clairvoyance-and-clear-vision.html 2008-03-05 10:47:33 Adam Proteau's Blog I’m not saying Sergei Fedorov’s family and friends in his native country are blessed with psychic abilities, but according to the new Washington Capitals center, a few people back in Russia had an eerie inkling regarding his post-Columbus destination. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13979-THNcom-Blog-How-many-second-chances-does-Chris-Simon-get.html 2008-03-03 12:44:05 Adam Proteau's Blog I found Wild GM Doug Risebrough’s defense of newly-acquired occasional lunatic Chris Simon, um, interesting. Referring to Simon’s checkered (to say the least) past, Risebrough said the winger had “issues,” not “baggage,” and asked irate fans and media skeptics to cut the former Islander some slack. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13862-THNcom-Blog-Countdown-to-Deadline-09-is-on.html 2008-02-27 13:26:49 Adam Proteau's Blog Another NHL trade deadline has come and gone, and now we’ll have to wait until next year to sit around all day watching a bunch of grown men in suits tilt their heads downward and click furiously away at their Blackberries like a collection of kids at a video game tournament. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13772-THNcom-Blog-Sundins-decision-leaves-him-open-to-lowball-offer.html 2008-02-25 11:42:13 Adam Proteau's Blog Later this week, I’ll file a mini-column on the fallout from Mats Sundin’s refusal to do the smart thing and waive his no-trade clause. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13645-THNcom-Blog-Richards-and-Tortorella-on-the-hot-seat-in-Tampa.html 2008-02-20 11:42:26 Adam Proteau's Blog The Tampa Bay Lightning are basement-dwelling doormats in the Eastern Conference, yet haven’t made any moves – trades, management shuffles or otherwise – all season long. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13458-THNcom-Blog-Prospal-and-Tortorella-butt-heads.html 2008-02-13 11:06:31 Adam Proteau's Blog • If last night’s events in Tampa are any indication, the Lightning should be shopping around left winger Vinny Prospal even harder than before. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13393-THNcom-Blog-Zednik-injury-a-grim-reminder.html 2008-02-11 11:07:48 Adam Proteau's Blog What an unbelievably frightening scene it was in Buffalo Sunday night, as the Panthers game against the Sabres was marred by a hideous gash to the carotid artery of Florida forward Richard Zednik that nearly caused him to bleed out onto the HSBC ice. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13263-THNcom-Blog-Red-faces-for-the-Blue-and-White.html 2008-02-06 12:26:31 Adam Proteau's Blog • That was one mother of an arse-whoopin’ the Florida Panthers put on the hapless Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday night. Particularly entertaining were the few thousand fans that obviously skipped dinner and thus were able to stick around to the game’s end at Air Canada Centre and cheer on the Panthers after every third period goal. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13197-THNcom-Blog-Golden-Ovie-making-a-case-for-NHLs-No-1-star.html 2008-02-04 11:05:58 Adam Proteau's Blog With a THN magazine cover story on Alex Ovechkin just around the corner, I don’t want to say a whole lot about the Capitals superstar’s astounding offensive output of late. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13092-THNcom-Blog-Steve-Staios-will-attract-deadline-interest.html 2008-01-30 12:04:03 Adam Proteau's Blog It’s a good news/bad news Wednesday for Edmonton Oilers fans. The good news: It appears Daryl Katz’s bid to purchase the franchise is edging closer to reality; the bad news: They had 13 measly shots in an ugly 3-0 loss to San Jose Tuesday night. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13029-THNcom-Blog-Thoughts-on-the-AllStar-weekend.html 2008-01-28 11:39:02 Adam Proteau's Blog A few thoughts on the NHL’s All-Star weekend festivities: • Enjoyed the shootout competition, but as many have noted, there is great room for improvement, from the judges to the players to the overall presentation. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12910-THNcom-Blog-Crosby-injury-puts-Pens-in-trade-mood.html 2008-01-22 16:29:44 Adam Proteau's Blog • Sidney Crosby’s high ankle sprain is not only a sizeable blow to the NHL’s marketing department – especially with the All-Star Game just a few days away – it’s also, obviously, a huge obstacle for the Penguins as they attempt to continue their hot play without him, as well as a potential impetus for GM Ray Shero to make a move prior to the Feb. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12844-THNcom-Blog-Show-the-votes-ditch-the-violence.html 2008-01-21 04:50:21 Adam Proteau's Blog Had to respond to a couple recent blogs from my senior, learned THN colleagues. First, Brian Costello’s rant on the lack of transparency in the voting process for the Hockey Hall of Fame was bang-on. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12719-THNcom-Blog-Hossa-gearing-up-for-trade.html 2008-01-16 13:39:13 Adam Proteau's Blog John Ferguson didn’t take his usual route to the press box in Tuesday’s 5-4 Leafs win over Carolina, and he certainly didn’t take the usual route during an interview with the Toronto Star (more. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12657-THNcom-Blog-Whats-been-in-the-news.html 2008-01-14 12:50:26 Adam Proteau's Blog Back in the saddle after a fairly long winter break, so let’s cover off a few of the things that made news when I was gone. • After Rick DiPietro signed his 15-year deal with the Islanders, I swore I’d never be shocked by or bemoan the length of an NHL contract again. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12326-THNcom-Blog-Watching-the-Winter-Classic.html 2008-01-01 21:19:59 Adam Proteau's Blog I had planned on being at the NHL “Winter Classic” outdoor game in Buffalo, but a nasty storm kept my white knuckles at home while I watched the game on the boob tube. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12155-THNcom-Blog-Cherry-goes-too-far.html 2007-12-24 11:56:23 Adam Proteau's Blog For his stomp-down session on Jarkko Ruutu, Chris Simon deserved suspension for at least the rest of the season. And after Don Cherry used his latest TV appearance to walk all over everything the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is supposed to stand for, the old blowhard and his ludicrous brand of authoritarian, bigoted babble should be suspended from Canada’s national broadcaster for the rest of his overblown, brazen career. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12058-THNcom-Blog-What-does-it-take-to-get-a-lifetime-ban.html 2007-12-19 14:29:42 Adam Proteau's Blog So, Chris Simon gets a measly 30-game stint on the sidelines for attempting to end Jarkko Ruutu’s career. Nice to see the NHL is as toothless and weak-willed as ever when it comes to punishing despicable acts of aggression. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11994-THNcom-Blog-Throw-a-very-heavy-book-at-Simon.html 2007-12-17 12:00:23 Adam Proteau's Blog At this point, the only thing left to say about Chris Simon is this: For the love of all that is good about this game, Colin Campbell, “Marty McSorley” the heck out of him. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11861-THNcom-Blog-Pens-goalies-on-thin-ice.html 2007-12-12 13:26:49 Adam Proteau's Blog The Pittsburgh Penguins may be one of the NHL’s hotter teams as of late, but getting pounded 8-2 by Philadelphia as they did Tuesday night is bound to take the spring out of their step (watch highlights). http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11783-THNcom-Blog-Stinking-game-highlights-problems.html 2007-12-10 12:01:35 Adam Proteau's Blog Every time I start thinking perhaps I’m wrong and the NHL really is fine the way it is right now, I have the misfortune of seeing an absolutely dreadful game like the Bruins/Maple Leafs match from Saturday (watch highlights). http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11621-THNcom-Blog-Words-of-wisdom-from-NHLPA.html 2007-12-05 11:28:03 Adam Proteau's Blog New NHLPA boss Paul Kelly and union ombudsman Eric Lindros are currently in the midst of a tour around the league and their recent stop in Washington yielded a fantastic interview with Washington Times blogger Corey Masisak. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11558-THNcom-Blog-Rosecolored-routine-getting-old.html 2007-12-03 12:51:20 Adam Proteau's Blog The NHL’s latest episode of Tales Of Contentment, this one coming out of the league’s Board of Governors meetings, had me laughing myself to tears late last week. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11432-THNcom-Blog-Searching-for-leadership.html 2007-11-28 13:32:37 Adam Proteau's Blog • So, according to NHL commissioner and neophyte DJ Gary Bettman (DJ GB?), very few NHL owners want to sell their team, and there’s a line as long as the eye can see of magnates and corporations drooling at the prospect of owning one. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11378-THNcom-Blog-Weekend-in-Montreal.html 2007-11-26 12:01:32 Adam Proteau's Blog It was a fun weekend in Montreal – at least, so I’m told by those who were there with me. Thanks to Wayne Bews and everyone at the Team 990 radio for their hospitality. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11256-THNcom-Blog-League-players-not-learning-from-past-mistakes.html 2007-11-21 15:07:08 Adam Proteau's Blog Had to weigh in on the Mattias Ohlund suspension. Four games = not anywhere close to enough. The Canucks defenseman used his stick as a weapon on Minnesota’s Mikko Koivu in exactly the same manner Chris Simon used his on Ryan Hollweg last season; yeah, the body part Ohlund targeted was different, but the intent to injure was identical. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11192-THNcom-Blog-Having-fun-at-Tlustys-expense.html 2007-11-19 13:11:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • At the risk of piling on the Jiri Tlusty situation, I have to admit I laughed heartily Saturday night when the Maple Leafs winger scored his first goal since becoming embroiled in a controversy over personal pictures that found their way into the public domain. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11065-THNcom-Blog-Mitchells-morals.html 2007-11-14 12:22:14 Adam Proteau's Blog Sam Mitchell, head coach of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, is one of the most engaging and intriguing sports personalities the city has ever seen. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11004-THNcom-Blog-Perfect-fits.html 2007-11-12 13:47:04 Adam Proteau's Blog It was a weekend of relatively unexpected NHL news. First, although rumors of his involvement with the NHL Players’ Association had been bubbling since the summer, the freshly-retired Eric Lindros was announced as the NHLPA’s first-ever ombudsman. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10824-THNcom-Blog-Out-and-about.html 2007-11-07 11:55:33 Adam Proteau's Blog Judging from the bloodshot eyes seen around the editorial department this morning, The Hockey News’ 60th Anniversary party in Toronto last night was a resounding success. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10726-THNcom-Blog-Lunatics-real-and-fictional.html 2007-11-05 11:00:39 Adam Proteau's Blog At the risk of appearing a little dated in this updated-to-the-second online world, I can’t help but point out a couple interesting items from late last week. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10539-THNcom-Blog-Happy-Halloween.html 2007-10-31 12:07:48 Adam Proteau's Blog Happy Halloween, people. Seems as if I frightened a few too many of you with last year’s costume, so here’s a few horrific-related NHL lists to help celebrate the occasion instead: Scariest-sounding NHL names (active and retired): Jerry “King Kong” Korab Stu “The Grim Reaper” Grimson Derek “Boogeyman” Boogaard Pat “Little Ball of Hate” Verbeek “Terrible” Ted Green Doug “Killer” Gilmour Dave “Charlie” Manson Alf “The Embalmer” Pike John Tortorella Tie “The Albanian Assassin” Domi Connie “Mad Dog” Madigan Claudio Scremin Link “The Missing Link” Gaetz Glen Harmon Danny/Ron Schock Scariest hockey terms: Shootout Faceoff Attacking zone Butt-ending Entering Referee’s Crease Trapezoid Scariest Horror Movie Titles Slightly Altered To Double As Hockey Movies: The Shinny-ing I Know What You Did During The Last Collective Bargaining Agreement Scammers 3: Bruce McNall, John Spano and Sanjay Kumar Night Of The Living Dead: Air Canada Centre Edition House Of Whacks The Blair Betts Project The Exercisist: Rod Brind’Amour Scariest team in The Hockey News’ fantasy pool: Mine! That’s right, as of today – and after picking 16th overall in our pool – I’ve finally ascended to my rightful spot in first place. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10488-THNcom-Blog-More-boob-tube.html 2007-10-29 22:58:12 Adam Proteau's Blog Last week’s Screen Shots column – suggesting NHL-related off-ice programming for the fledgling NHL Network to consider – proved to be a hit with readers, a few of whom were gracious enough to add to the list of proposals for fictional new series. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10310-THNcom-Blog-Trouble-brewing.html 2007-10-24 11:54:00 Adam Proteau's Blog Looks like the Vancouver Canucks' less-than-ideal start is getting to captain Markus Naslund, who, surprise-surprise, believes the team should be employing a more creative offensive system. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10309-THNcom-Blog-Forward-thinking.html 2007-10-22 11:18:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • Minnesota-based player agent Neil Sheehy – who, at the urging of his client, former NHLer Trent Klatt, was one of the most dogged detractors of former NHL Players' Association executive director Ted Saskin – wished to follow up on the column in which I quoted him last week. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10308-THNcom-Blog-All-in-good-pun.html 2007-10-15 00:16:00 Adam Proteau's Blog Puns I'm surprised haven't been used yet: Honky Tonk (Radek) Bonk; and Washington blueliners Tom Poti and Brian Pothier being called “The Po Po” when they're on the ice together. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10307-THNcom-Blog-Hits-and-misses.html 2007-10-10 00:16:00 Adam Proteau's Blog If you're betting on the next player to serve a Steve Downie-like suspension (not that I would ever do such a thing), a solid pick would be Jared Boll. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10306-THNcom-Blog-Here-today-gone-tomorrow.html 2007-10-03 00:52:00 Adam Proteau's Blog Hate to say I told you so, but lookie here – the Nashville Predators' prospective ownership group doesn't appear to be the saviors they were painted as a couple months back. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10305-THNcom-Blog-Jolly-good.html 2007-10-01 11:15:00 Adam Proteau's Blog Though I agree with Chris Pronger in questioning the practicalities of the NHL expanding to Europe anytime in the next decade, there's no questioning that the league was right to take a chance, embrace the idea of a spectacle and begin its season in a major world hub such as London. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10304-Proteaus-Blog-Poor-Roberto.html 2007-09-26 12:04:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • I've never been a major proponent of enlarging NHL nets. But when I hear Roberto Luongo threaten retirement if such a thing comes to pass, I want nothing more than to see the NHL go that route. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10303-Proteaus-Blog-Health-wellness.html 2007-09-24 11:06:00 Adam Proteau's Blog The L.A. Kings are making a lot of their fans happy these past couple weeks. First, they hired Heidi Androl to make their webcasts a must-watch; then, they sent oft-maligned goalie Dan Cloutier to the minors, ostensibly for the remainder of the two years and $6. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10302-Proteaus-Blog-Out-in-the-cold.html 2007-09-19 00:42:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • The NHL's outdoor game between the Penguins and Sabres is the talk of Buffalo – only not for the right reasons. Sure, the game sold out almost instantly, but scum-of-the-earth, ticket-scalping vultures apparently hoovered up many of them, leaving only a miniscule amount for actual hockey fans. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10301-Proteaus-Blog-Bitter-and-sweet.html 2007-09-17 00:33:00 Adam Proteau's Blog Another day, another story on The Hockey News' pre-season predictions – and the fury they generate in some people and players. This time, it's Boston defenseman Aaron Ward whose UnderArmor is in a twist. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10300-Proteaus-Blog-A-novel-idea.html 2007-09-12 00:06:00 Adam Proteau's Blog The big news around The Hockey News headquarters is, of course, the beginning of another NHL season. But a close second in importance, at least to senior writer Ken Campbell and myself, is the imminent release of our first book – also known as “the project that nearly turned me into Jack Nicholson in The Shining” last winter. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10299-Proteaus-Blog-More-mailbag.html 2007-09-10 00:27:00 Adam Proteau's Blog After a weekend sunning and funning at the Virgin Music Festival's stop in Toronto – where Bjork honored sports fans in attendance by dressing like the San Diego Chicken – I'm ready for the season to begin. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10298-Proteaus-Blog-Back-from-a-break.html 2007-09-05 11:43:00 Adam Proteau's Blog After a couple weeks off, it's nice to be back and blogging again. To get back on the horse, I'll start with a quick recap of news that broke during my time off, then finish with the biggest NHL news of the first post-Labor Day Tuesday. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10297-Proteaus-Blog-Hellos-Goodbyes.html 2007-08-15 00:21:00 Adam Proteau's Blog Hiring Mike Kitchen as assistant coach was a solid move by Jacques Martin and the Florida Panthers. The former Blues bench boss and ex-NHL blueliner will help the team's youngish defense corps realize its potential. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10296-Proteaus-Blog-Moves-and-movies.html 2007-08-13 10:07:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • Never let it be said NHL GMs aren't taking every opportunity to tinker with their teams – even during a scorching-hot weekend in the middle of August. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10295-Proteaus-Blog-Fowl-Bawl.html 2007-08-08 10:45:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • Kudos to Anaheim captain Scott Niedermayer for putting aside pondering retirement for a minute and standing up for...um, ducks. I hope this starts a trend of social consciousness in the NHL. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10294-Proteaus-Blog-Beantown-Blues.html 2007-08-01 11:00:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • As a few media outlets have noted, Tuesday was a good day to be a sports fan in Boston. The Celtics acquired superstar Kevin Garnett, and the Red Sox added Cy Young closer Eric Gagne. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10293-Proteaus-Blog-Back-For-More.html 2007-07-30 09:00:00 Adam Proteau's Blog Vacation time always seems to be too short – unless you're a mosquitophobe who spent a few skin-slapping days in Ontario's cottage country. Then you remember why you agreed to hang out in hockey arenas eight months a year. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10292-Proteaus-Blog-Free-your-mind.html 2007-07-18 00:23:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • A fairly hectic day of trades and other transactions in the NHL world Tuesday; the Senators cleared out a little salary cap room for (a) Ray Emery and (b) their high-profile, soon-to-be free agents (Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza) by shipping Peter Schaefer to the Bruins for Shean Donovan, and the Rangers cleared out a little cap room for Henrik Lundqvist's 2008-09 contract by dealing Matt Cullen to Carolina for Andrew Hutchison and a prospect. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10291-Proteaus-Blog-Boo-Boogaard-Boo.html 2007-07-16 00:30:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • How proud the NHL must be to know one of its players has been hosting a camp that instructs kids as young as 12 how to physically decimate their opponents with their fists. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10290-Proteaus-Blog-Slaps-and-Slappy.html 2007-07-11 00:10:00 Adam Proteau's Blog Still attempting to dig myself out from the mountain of email I've received from Flyers fans who read my latest Screen Shots column on their team's slim Stanley Cup chances next season. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10289-Proteaus-Blog-Code-breakers.html 2007-07-09 00:58:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • The Buffalo Sabres' response to the Edmonton Oilers' pursuit of Thomas Vanek was prudish, petulant, and typical of the gentleman's club mentality that has pervaded the NHL GM Club for decades. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10288-Proteaus-Blog-Of-mouth-wallet.html 2007-07-05 00:52:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • John Tortorella's mouth is on the loose again. This time, it attacked former player Eric Perrin, who left Tampa Bay this week and signed a two-year contract with Atlanta. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10287-Proteaus-Blog-Wacky-weekend.html 2007-07-03 00:29:00 Adam Proteau's Blog After a whirlwind weekend of hot, agent-on-GM action, it's time to gauge how well the NHL's 30 teams have done thus far in terms of off-season improvements. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10286-Proteaus-Blog-I-left-my-heart-in.html 2007-06-27 00:31:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • News: Disheartened by a feeling he “wasn't making a difference”, Martin Brodeur has stepped down from the NHL's competition committee. Views: Can you say, “11-inch goalie pads are on their way,” boys and girls? • Does anybody else think the St. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10285-Proteaus-Blog-The-morning-after.html 2007-06-25 00:18:00 Adam Proteau's Blog Thoughts and observations from draft weekend that can't be gathered together under a unifying theme or snappy acronym, dammit: • The atmosphere inside and outside Nationwide Arena Friday night should be a real source of pride for the locals, as well as a lesson for those Canadians who cling to the erroneous belief that hockey can prosper solely in frosty northern climates. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10284-Proteaus-Blog-Whos-on-the-block.html 2007-06-22 00:17:00 Adam Proteau's Blog COLUMBUS - I survived the seven-hour drive from Toronto yesterday, though there were times I felt like Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now. Mistah (Doug) MacLean, he dead… • If scuttlebutt counts for anything, fans should look for the Blues (three first-round picks and eight total selections in the first four rounds), Canucks (hot to trot for B. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10283-Proteaus-Blog-Ins-and-outs.html 2007-06-20 00:20:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • I feel kinda sorry for Claude Julien. First, he gets sandbagged in Montreal – over Jose Theodore, of all people – then his next job comes in New Jersey, where Lou Lamoriello treats coaches like Kleenex. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10282-Proteaus-Blog-Thrown-overboard.html 2007-06-18 00:27:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • Over the past couple years, I've been especially unimpressed with some of the contracts Canadiens GM Bob Gainey has signed players to. But I have to say, he's almost – almost – made up for them by finding ways to deal away those he overpaid. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10281-Proteaus-Blog-Stars-and-dots.html 2007-06-13 00:21:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • Thrashers GM Don Waddell is one of the NHL's most respected movers and shakers, which is why he is a member of the league's competition committee. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10280-Proteaus-Blog-Big-decisions.html 2007-06-11 00:20:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • I don't know what I was more disappointed in this season: The Sopranos' final episode or the Ottawa Senators in the Stanley Cup final. Actually, I do – The Sopranos had to be the biggest letdown since 24's Jack Bauer decided Audrey was worth saving. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10279-Proteaus-Blog-The-Manny-ways-I-love-you.html 2007-06-08 00:31:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • Minnesota's Niklas Backstrom was the first big post-Cup signing Thursday, making the end of Manny Fernandez's stint as the Wild's No. 1 goalie all but official. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10278-Proteaus-Blog-Sens-will-be-back.html 2007-06-07 00:06:00 Adam Proteau's Blog Looking for my thoughts on the Stanley Cup champion Ducks? Check out my Screen Shots column. Right now, I want to focus on the second-best team in the league. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10277-Proteaus-Blog-Alex-the-Gone.html 2007-06-06 00:00:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • Three cheers, major kudos and hosannas all around for Charles Wang's decision to buy out Alexei Yashin's contract. And the same goes for Islanders fans who put pressure on Wang to do the deed and deep-six his tennis buddy. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10276-Proteaus-Blog-Sealed-signed-and-traded.html 2007-06-04 00:19:00 Adam Proteau's Blog OTTAWA - I thought the Senators were going win Games 3 and 4 on home ice. They've held up one-half of that prediction – and now that Chris Pronger brain-cramped his way out of the lineup for Monday's game, the Sens have no excuses not to even this series at two games apiece and carry the momentum with them back to Anaheim for Game 5 Wednesday. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10275-Proteaus-Blog-Change-on-the-fly.html 2007-06-03 00:34:00 Adam Proteau's Blog OTTAWA - Chris Neil was the big story for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final. He was the most fearless Senator on the ice, the first guy to stand up for his teammates after Dean McAmmond was knocked loopy by another dirty Chris Pronger play and the first one to get a huge cheer after he scored Ottawa's first goal of the night. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10274-Proteaus-Blog-Walkom-a-fine-line.html 2007-06-01 00:19:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • On one level, you've got to appreciate NHL director of officiating Stephen Walkom sticking up for his guys in black and white stripes, who've been roasted for wavering standards throughout the post-season by calculating coaches and players. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10273-Proteaus-Blog-Goat-horns.html 2007-05-31 00:02:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • Jason Spezza wasn't quite the standout goat he was in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final, but he wasn't much better, either. Neither were his two linemates, Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley; the three of them combined for 11 turnovers and Alfredsson and Heatley in particular could be faulted on the lone goal of the game. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10272-Proteaus-Blog-Slip-slidin-away.html 2007-05-30 00:59:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • Interesting thoughts from former NHL referee Bruce Hood on the league's rapidly-slipping officiating standard. “It's just so frustrating to watch,” Hood told the Globe and Mail. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10271-Proteaus-Blog-Rosecolored-glasses.html 2007-05-29 00:11:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • I'm never disappointed when I watch a Gary Bettman “State-of-The-League” address, which always features more ducking and jabbing than a boxing match. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10270-Proteaus-Blog-Its-about-damn-time.html 2007-05-28 00:05:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • After what has seemed like a month's delay, the Stanley Cup final begins in a handful of hours. It's a huge relief to me, if only because I'll get a break from being asked whether the Ottawa Senators are ‘Canada's Team'. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10269-Proteaus-Blog-Problem-solved.html 2007-05-25 00:40:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • The Tampa Bay Lightning finally dealt with their most obvious problem Thursday – associate coach Craig Ramsay. Yup, Ramsay obviously was the reason why their defense was Olsen Twin Thin and why their goaltending alternated between solid and gaseous. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10268-Proteaus-Blog-Moving-on-up.html 2007-05-24 00:00:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • For hockey fans in Tennessee, Jim Balsillie's reported purchase of the Nashville Predators can only be construed as bad news. For hockey fans in Winnipeg and Maple Leafs-haters in Southern Ontario, it can only be construed as fantastic news. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10267-Proteaus-Blog-Quite-the-menu.html 2007-05-23 00:01:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • Nice show of sportsmanship by Chris Chelios Tuesday night after his Red Wings were eliminated from the Western Conference final by Anaheim. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10266-Proteaus-Blog-Disappointments-big-and-small.html 2007-05-22 00:46:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • I don't know what disappointed me more this year – the Columbus Blue Jackets' offense, the Phoenix Coyotes' defense, or the entire season of 24. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10265-Proteaus-Blog-Bertuzzi-a-force.html 2007-05-18 00:32:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • In his latest contribution to the Sun Media chain, Mike Keenan says there's still room in the NHL for big forwards, then provides a couple good examples. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10263-Proteaus-Blog-Proper-punishment.html 2007-05-16 00:50:00 Adam Proteau's Blog • The manner in which the Red Wings disposed of the Ducks in Game 3 will lead some to believe the Western Conference final already has been settled.