Surprises and News

As I sat down for dinner last night, I turn on the good ol' NHL network and I see a familiar face on a new (or at least new to me) show called NHL Powerplay. Mike Johnson was a guest host (and since I'm not in the know of the normal format, I don't know if this is a rotating retired player side kick or what). I always liked him when he played - his game wasn't fancy by any stretch and he didn't do anything exceptionally well but he played hard and it seemed liked he was well liked in all his various stops in the league.

Now on to current player surprises. I'd like to say I knew it all the time but even I'm surprised at Ryan Miller's play. I guess he wasn't screwing around when he said he wants to start for team USA in Vancouver. I gotta think that he'll be named and at the very least, he's making a serious case for him to the be starter. Tonight he's down to the Panthers but there is still the third period for the slugs to come back. Oh but Ryan is now in a car company ad. Please, don't give up your day job (and we're not talking Max Talbot bad).

Did anyone predict the Avalanche would be good? Let alone leading divisions, conferences, leagues good? A lot of that credit should go to two people on that team. The Rookie (not Duchene - his time will come) Ryan O'Reilly and the Goalie, Craig Anderson. They have played some really good hockey (and yes, some stinkers too) but overall, they have to be pleased with where they are right now.

I think what else has been surprising in the league is the injuries. I mean really? Does someone have to die before head shots are addressed? To hear Mike Richards say that he couldn't stop before clocking David Booth makes me wanna barf. However Richards then turning around and to throw the team under the bus in the process make me down right giddy. He couldn't go back to the bench if he DIDN'T make that hit? Since when?

And it's not just concussions that are keeping guys out. Random injuries are preventing teams from putting full squads out there. It sorta blows. The reason why I bring this up is that next week, my cohort here and I will be in Pittsburgh for a certain birthday gala celebration and to see the Pens and Habs play. I'm just hoping at this point no one else gets hurt. Hear that boys? Stop breaking!

Ok, so the Sabres crashed and burned. I'm trying to watch Glee and don't see what the fuss is all about. I guess I'm just not meant to get most tv. Oh and now and ad for the Twilight "Saga". There must be a hockey game on somewhere.