You're probably thinking "we're not even done this freaking season", but let's please admit that goaltending is still an issue that needs to be addressed in the off-season. Ray Emery may be an improvement over Turco, but I would like someone a little more agile but more importantly, is patently the back-up/has little chance to potentially take over the no. 1 slot.

My guess is that this is what is damaging Crawford's consistency, that he's fretting over poor performances too much as being indelible failures because he knows he can be replaced by a guy who can almost play as many games as him. Turco was branded, from the beginning, as the weathered back-up who's there to guide and mentor. Emery was always, if memory serves right, "the other goalie" with more of a nebulous status.

Do I have it wrong? Would you re-sign Emery? Here is a link listing the goalies that are UFAs at the end of this season. Are there any guys there that would be a slam dunk for this team? I can see Bowman signing the more "vanilla" backups like Clemmensen or Auld, career journey players who don't threaten Crawford as much as Hedberg, Vokoun, or Mason. Or do we trade *cough*Giguere*cough* for our new back-up?

I really love the idea of this Fanpost, and wanted to move it to the front page so everyone can have a crack. And it'll put a smile on McClure's face, which is rare indeed. Except when he's getting his belly rubbed, or so I hear. -Fels

[gets on soapbox]

Justin Bourne's blog posts have an uncanny way of giving me the sensation of a lobotomy upon finishing them. The lastest,  Three reasons to avoid killing penalties, is another foray into the banal. Puck Daddy is, as far as I can see, more or less *not* for the casual hockey fan, and so the need for a blog with kitschy stories and simplified explanations is naught.

I know many of you guys share the same feeling, so why not throw out some suggestions for him? He might need them. 

The importance of skating backwards well

Should you always clear rebounds (the answer is yes)

How to deal with a grumpy teammate on the road

Naps and Snacks before games

Why you shouldn't take long shifts

Have at it folks!

Sabres fans want it gone from their arena

I understand Western Conference teams hating the song, but an Eastern team? Wow. We're onto something good.

This ditty is such a pest to teams that only play us once a year that their fans write open letters to have it banned. And just look at how many agree in the comments section. We really have to keep this song, it's part of our mental warfare now.

I've always had a fascination with jersey numbers; in many ways they tell you something about a player. They might reveal someone's hockey hero, if someone is a traditionalist/old-fashioned in their number picking (no. 2-8 for defensemen, for example) if they just chose the last two numbers of their birth year, etc.

My question to you, SCH readers, is what number would you pick if you were drafted/signed by the Hawks? (the retired numbers are still retired, no cheating). I am eager to see the answers.

Link

Just read this interview with Huet from a French magazine, where's he quoted as saying (translated it for you guys)

"I won't ride on the success (of winning the cup) because I don't feel like the architect of this win. I was sick during the season and the coach had to alternate with the other goalie. Then I had a poor showing and the door slammed on me. I experienced this win on the bench..."

Say what you want about him, at least there's no hubris. He still wants a chance to compete at the highest level (read: NHL) again, something he had said in an earlier interview. The drive is there.

Just figured I'd share this with you all since things are pretty slow news-wise...