Thoughts And Musings

It’s Thursday, so that means it’s Thoughts and Musings day here at BSB. Let’s do it

-I can’t believe how close hockey is. Like preseason is starting. And then regular season. I can’t wait.

-I’m liking what I’m reading from camp. Some good performances. Obviously, Derek Stepan is the big star. Playing with Gaborik and Frolov, his play could make the Rangers actually have a legit top line (Shocking, I know).It seems like Sean Avery is motivated. I like what I read about Tim Kennedy, Brian Boyle, Matt Gilroy and more. It’s good to read.

-Wade Redden missed yesterday’s practice due to the birth of his first child. Congrats to the Reddens. But, question: If you’re dying to make the team, if you know you have to do everything possible to make the team, how hard must it be to miss a practice due to non  injury? I know it’s the birth of his child, and that takes the utmost importance. But that missed day could be the difference between NHL and AHL. Obviously, he has $6.5 million reasons why he can miss a day. I just think it must be a hard decision.

-Early, early line combos:

Frolov-Stepan-Gaborik

Dubi-AA-Cally

Avery-Kennedy-White

Boogard-Boyle-Prust

I think Boyle moves to the bench when Drury comes back from injury.

-Speaking of injury, glad to see Drury is only out a few weeks. I’ve broken every finger on both hands except my pinkies, and let me tell you, it can be very painful.

-Diet Coke interlude: Confession time: I have a Diet Coke addiction. I know. It’s bad. It’s become so bad, that, ever since the vending machine in my building broke (and it was so convientely located right next to my place. It was a lovely three step walk), I’ve been walking about a quarter of a mile to get soda. Is that really bad?

-I want Fedetenko to make the team, I just can’t find room. Again, a good problem to have

-Gut feeling of D pairs:

Staal-Girardi

Rosival-MDZ

Exelby-Gilroy

-And you know what, that’s not a bad defense corp.

-I think the logjam at center is interesting. I don’t have Christensen making the team. I just don’t see it. I think Kennedy will prove to be a better player. Prospal has to be a wing. Just to make the numbers work. I think White has to be a wing too. It’s a good problem to have, though.

-Thank god for Henrik. It just boosts my confidence level about the team.

-I think there should be a preseason ban on fights. There’s just no place, or need. Thoughts?

-I expect a big year from Dubi. Between experience and a seemingly new found maturity, could be 25+ goals

-With Drury out for a few games, who gets the additional ‘A’? Last year, with Cally out, it was Rosival. I think this year it should go to Gaborik. He is the only reason they can score.

-I still think the Blueshirts will make the playoffs. Probably as a 7th or 8th seed. But they’ll make it. And they could make some noise. If Hank gets hot, watch out.

-Squirrel interlude: There are more squirrels per capita in Pennsylvania than anywhere else I’ve ever been. They’re everywhere. One every five steps. What is it about Pennsylvania that makes it appealing to squirrels?