Quick Thoughts

Just wanted to post a couple of thoughts on some hockey topics that have been floating around in my head today while we all wait for the NHL to release the 09-10 schedule.

- The line at arbitration court seems short this year, really short. Usually you see about two to three guys per team waiting to go to arbitration. This year? twenty total players from all thirty teams. Maybe it's the economy.

- The next Winter Classic has been announced, and it will take place at Fenway Park as the home town Boston Bruins play host to the Philadelphia Flyers. This isn't a bad match up, but if the NHL wanted a real game they would have made it Bruins vs Rangers.

- Anyone else get the feeling that this is the year the mighty Red Wings may not be as god like as they are every season? There are a lot of key pieces falling from the Detroit puzzle and Ken Holland does not seem to be doing anything about it. Maybe he thinks some more 8th and 9th rounders can step up and be the next Datsyuk and Zetterberg.

- Rumor has it that the Panthers will be among a handful of teams to debut a third jersey in the 09-10 season. I like the idea to be honest, even if it is just to make more money. I love the red, but I would like to see some creativity and a whole new design. Black anyone?

- George Richards over at the Miami Herald crunched some numbers on the Panthers pre-season schedule yesterday. The total mileage before going to Finland? 7,000. At least the boys will have another excuse for a slow October.

I think that will do it for now. Once the schedule is out check back here for my take on it, including a top five must see Panthers games.

Please post your comments and questions below or E-mail me at FloridaFlyer86@hotmail.com