Local
Stanley Cup odds for every NHL team – SBNation.com
No surprises on where the Lightning land on this list.
St. Louis, Stamkos to see action on Lightning penalty kill | Tampa Bay Times
A great example of the philosophical differences between Jon Cooper and former coach Guy Boucher.
Dreger Report: Some NHL GMs say it’s time to lose fighting
Steve Yzerman, Jim Rutherford of the Carolina Hurricanes, and Ray Shero of the Pittsburgh Penguins say fighting’s losing it’s place in the game.
Georges Laraque to Yzerman: ‘You’re spitting on enforcers’ – Latest Hamilton news – CBC Hamilton
Laraque begs to differ with Yzerman. Of course, he does.
Five must-see Lightning games at the Forum
via Erik Erlendsson
Game 1: Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins – Raw Charge
Kyle Alexander’s recap of last night’s tilt.
National
NHL Goalies Swap Sticks as 26″ Paddle Max Enforced – The Goalie Magazine – InGoalMag.com
Conceivably, this will have more impact on scoring than the thigh-rise reduction, but it’s going to be a mess to enforce it.
Hybrid icing comes to NHL as players accept rule change – SBNation.com
The NHLPA has voted to implement hybrid icing for the 2013-14 season.
NHL rule changes: Has the helmet loophole been closed? – SBNation.com
I still can’t believe this is a thing we’re worrying about.
Tomas Vokoun, out 3-6 months, leaves Penguins without safety net – NHL – Sporting News
Tough for me to see. Vokoun was my first goalie love.
Sabres name Ott, Vanek co-captains in worst organizational decision in a month | Puck Daddy – Yahoo Sports
I’m not sure what to do with this, but at least it’s Buffalo so it won’t matter anyway.
Florida Panthers Sale: A Few Thoughts On The Presser – Litter Box Cats
Cats have not only added a goalie and assorted other bits (Krys Barch, Ryan Whitney, Tom Gilbert), they’ve also added new owners.
Canadian Supreme Court nominee gets caught in false NHL Draft claim | Puck Daddy – Yahoo Sports
A little Canadian resume padding.
International
2014 Olympics: USA Hockey to announce roster at Winter Classic – SBNation.com
So you’ll just have to wait until then. No peeking.
“Best moment in my life”
Alex Ovechkin got the chance to carry the Olympic torch in Greece a few days ago.
Farm Report (The Minors)
Ilya Bryzgalov heads to ECHL’s Las Vegas Wranglers on a tryout | Puck Daddy – Yahoo Sports
Bryz : “Everyone’s motivation here is largely driven by an unparalleled passion for the game, and this will offer me a very interesting perspective” Me: Oh for @#$%’s sake.
Checkers Sign Manny Malhotra to PTO – Charlotte Checkers Hockey – gocheckers.com
Another NHL vet will be playing in the AHL.
Forward Brett Connolly’s career GPS calls for another pitstop with the Syracuse Crunch | syracuse.com
There’s no question that Connolly was good enough to stay with the Lightning, but a numbers game forced the issue.
Business
Phil Kessel contract: Maple Leafs F agrees to maximum term deal – SBNation.com
Another max term deal. Teams still want to lock their best players up and players still want $$$$. Cap hits will be going up.
Funnies
New NHL mascot commercials are the best thing you’ll see today (Video) | Puck Daddy – Yahoo Sports
Not bad in a corporate overlord sort of way. But if these are the best thing you see today, you’re doing the internet wrong.
