the return of hockey

After the teacher's strike (which I refuse to write about because of how much it divides people) there is nothing being talked about more than the return of NHL hockey. So far, I feel that it has lived up to the hype and the game has been made more exciting with the new rule changes. That being said, there are far too many penalities being called and I am not so sure where I stand on the issue of the shootout (mostly because my two teams, the Leafs and the Canucks, have been on the losing end of some close ones decided by the shootout). It is nice to see Vancouver on top of the league but I am choked for my Leafs at the loss of Mats Sundin and the fact that my least favourite hockey player ever, Eric Lindros, is both playing for them and playing well. I have never forgiven that whiny-baby for his "I refuse to play for the Nordiques" posturing. They ended up having the last laugh by going to Colorado and winning a couple of Cup titles. Now I have to swallow my loathing and cheer for the guy to lead my team while the rightful captain is out with injury. As for the Canucks, my only real concern is the consistency of Diamond Dan Cloutier (or more concisely the normal lack thereof). If he plays well, the Canucks will go far into the playoffs. Anyway, I am just glad to see hockey back and spent last night sporting my Buds jersey with pride. "Oh, the good ole hockey game, it's the best game you can name..."