I wrote this article for Copper & Blue the other day, connecting an article I recently read for class with the recent spate of cheap shots in the NHL. I conclude by pondering the effect of fans and the media on the NHL's seeming unwillingness to act against these hits.

I'm sure our friend Dario wouldn't do this, but I just thought this was more than worth sharing. The next time you read some story about an up and coming ahole beating up a cabbie over 20 cents, remember there are guys like Duchene out there still doing things right away from the ice.

A look at which teams receive byes based on the weekend's possible results.

I'm sure James has a long post coming regarding this, but read this on KK and figured I'd share. Mirtle, hope you will stick around a little and make your presence known outside of the G&M (as a Coyotes fan, I have a hard time going to their site on a regular basis...I'm sure you understand).

Since social networking and hockey seem like a theme here at From The Rink over the past little while, here's The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy looking at how online persona can hurt as much as it can help, especially for younger players who are more technologically savvy.

On the following dates the teams will announce the names of 20 skaters and three goaltenders who will go to Vancouver. Teams are listed in alphabetical order:

Belarus: December 23
Canada: December 31
Czech Republic: December 30
Finland: December 30
Germany: December 30
Latvia: December 29
Norway: December 29
Russia: December 25
Switzerland: December 30
Slovakia: December 29
Sweden: December 27
USA: January 1 (during NHL Winter Classic)

NOTE: There will be no so called "taxi-squads" in Vancouver 2010. This means that injured players can not be replaced.

This popped up on YouTube a few weeks back when Quebec fans were all giddy at the prospect of a new arena. It's horribly dated and very 80's, but I guarantee you'll be singing it in mangled pseudo-French tomorrow. You're welcome.

This is getting ugly....

Ron Wilson never got along with the Bay Area media, that's why him accepting the Toronto job never made sense to me.

Jim Boones, the co-founder of the NHL Fan's Association, discusses the current primary concerns of the 30,000 fans in the association, saying that the NHLFA will be acting on these issues this year.
Main concern for American fans: getting better NHL coverage on television. They hate what they're getting right now, and want more of the quality of Canadian coverage (CBC, TSN, RSN, french-language RDS)
Main concern for Canadian fans: firing Gary Bettman. They believe he is now doing more harm than good for the league, and the time has come for a fresh, new commissioner.

I agree with both these concerns. Some things need to be done. Thank you NHLFA for looking into this.