The Whistler

Certainly some time during the game. "Hello out there, we're on the air..."

Reg Dunlop "Don't ever play Lady of Spain Again!"

They should teach the band and the DJ to shut up when the crowds getting into it. Othewise, I'm too old to be be a music critic. I hate everything done in the last 10 years.

I would agree that for line comparisons it's appropriate not to include power play goals. The most impressive performance of Oshie/Toews was a mid first period penalty kill. Those two guys really opened things up.

I have to agree with you that firing Greg Sheppard would be the best move. I don't know how he does it but he seems to bring the worst out of his officials. If I had a guess I'd think he was micromanaging his games. I used to know someone who was a minor official. If Sheppard was at the game I was usually able to tell by the officiating. I'd confirm that with the minor official. Of course he usually shows up to high profile games so that's also a tip off. I think it was in the 80's (After Dewey Marcus) that the WCHA hired a former NHL lineman to run the officiating. I never heard why but it only lasted a short time.

I liked the old 2 referee and one linesman system much better than the one we have now. I imagine that the four official system will be ok. Certainly the NHL seems happy with it. One thing I hope they work out is coverage on a break. The most exciting plays(and best scoring chances) occur on a break. But the referee can't make it from the far red line in order to make the play. Case in point would be Derek Sheppard call of no goal for Oshies rush against the Gophers last year. He made the call from the blue line. Some of the far linesmen pick up the rush but some don't. I've thought that was a failing of the officiating system.

That's for sure.

There's so many variables we're almost sure to be wrong. I'd put Kozek on the line with Oshie instead of Bishop. A little more age, a little more scoring. I'd put Porter, Bishop and Fabian on one line to give you a solid 3rd line that can score. Expect Watkins to step up to one of the first two lines if someone's not 100%. I wouldn't be surprised to so Vandevelde get a shot, but he's got to step up from the Minitoba game.

I don't see him taking criticism, but rather interest in his development jumping from a high school to the WCHA. I would expect that by the end of the year he'll be playing All-American caliber (but not get the award).

Maybe he put a sportsmanship poster up in his locker.

I'm just speculating but Parise got much of his money up front.

If they want to charge a reasonable fee for parking that's ok by me. If it goes for more parking great. But dont' tell me that it's "wear and tear" on the parking lots. Most damage is from weather not by being used.

Rather than having an empty parking lot they should charge for parking there. Use the money to support the programs.

Sunday night? This is Wednesday. Sounds like there's nothing there to me. The Whistler

That's fair, there aren't a lot of spots to go around. The Whistler

The one weakness Lee had last year was his physical play. Other than that he was very good. If he bulked up a bit over the summer he'll be great.