Perfect Night

All 30 teams were in action yesterday, it was the perfect night to cook up some pizza rolls, crack a beer and enjoy some NHL Center Ice. Just to sit back and watch upwards of 10 games at once. But it was not for me; I was eating chili and playing Guitar Hero at my neighbors. Sorry excuse I know, but it was awfully good chili.

Good win last night, even if the team faded again at the end. Quasi national TV game tomorrow night against Chicago.

Good Morning Minnesota!

First off, apologies for my long break. As loyal readers are aware, I'm prone to taking breaks from the blog for stretches of time to refresh my love of the game. I've always told myself that I'll get out of the blogging business when it becomes work, but I'm pleased to say that it hasn't come to that.

I've added a new feature to the blog, the Marian Gaborik Trade Index. On a scale of 1 to 10 this indicates the likelihood that he'll be traded in the next week, with 10 being a lock.

In any event, I'm back again and have these random thoughts about the first few weeks of the hockey season:

• Great start by the Wild, although against not exactly the best competition. A win is a win, but games against Boston, Florida, Tampa and Atlanta aren't the best of measuring sticks for this team.
• Mikko has taken the next step, this much is clear. Koivu is the team leader, their best player and will be the face of the franchise after #10 leaves.
• That brings me to Marian. I'm not sure who to believe on this one. One side's saying they're offering him a Top 5 salary and the other side's says that's not true. All I know is that (a) they should offer him around $8.0m over 6 years and (b) trade his Slovak ass if he turns it down. Get an established center, a high-level prospect and a 1st rounder.
• Backstrom solid. Enough said.
• Terhaar and Greenlay still suck and may be the worst tandem in professional hockey. Would it be so bad to have Kevin Gorg be the analyst? He's a great hockey mind.
• 2 assists for Boogey? More ice time, Jacques.

Columbus in town tonight. It's important to win tonight to erase the bad memories of the Sabres game, and I bet Harding gets his first start of the season.

Enough With the Blackhawks

What is the fascination with the Chicago Blackhawks? Did they bring back Stan Mikita or something? Virtually every hockey preview I read has them in the playoffs and some even have them as the 4th seed. This is ridiculous, people. The Blackhawks, at best, are a marginal playoff team. Sure, they've got some nice young players, but they have no depth. Huet is a nice goalie, but he's not a 60 game per season type of goalie. Brian Campbell, a very good blueliner, but not in the Dion Phaenuf or even Dan Boyle category. And if Toews gets injured they could be in the Tavares/Hedman sweepstakes.

It may just be my Minnesota inferiority complex speaking here, but it seems like every time a team from New York or Chicago gets halfway decent the whole world hears about it. Try making the playoffs and then I'll pay attention. Well, I can't promise that either.

On an unrelated topic, why does Comcast not offer any Center Ice games in high definition? This is just crazy and needs to be rectified soon, although I'll probably still send them my money.

The End is Near

Rumors are swirling that Marian, through his agent Ronnie Salcer, has turned down an offer averaging $8.5 million over six years. Let's consider this for a moment: Ovechkin is around 9.5m, Crosby and Malkin at 8.7m and Gaborik turned down 8.5m? Don't get me wrong, Marian is a great talent, but he isn't in these other player's class. By turning down an offer of this size he has made it clear he wants out, and Ballgame should now redirect his efforts and try and find a suitable trade partner before the season gets too old. The going price should be Marian for (a) an established, skilled goal scorer, (b) a very good prospect and (c) a #1 draft pick.