So here I am, once again, with my annual regular season predictions that you've waited for and really needed to get your season going, am I right? Sure, you've all read the The Hockey News, McKeen's, and other publications' previews but do they have the prognostication skills that you require to be fully confident, to believe in, and to understand. Well, I hope so because you're not going to get that here, but mine is more entertaining right? No, O.K. we'll all move on shall we?

So this is how I predict that the Western Conference will go down in 2011-12:

1. Chicago Blackhawks (112 points)

After spending the past season in transition the 'Hawks are ready once again to aim at being amongst the "elite" within the NHL and they shouldn't disappoint. The biggest acquisition may be the return on Norris form Duncan Keith, if that happens the Blackhawks posses the deepest blueline in the league that should give the tandem of Crawford and Emery an outside chance at the Jennings. With Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Dave Bolland and Micheal Frolik to lead the offensively to go along with newcomers Andrew Brunette (UFA) and Ben Smith (the rook) the Chelsea Dagger CD will get plenty of use.

2. Vancouver Canucks (106 points)

Last season everything went perfectly for the Canucks until Dave Bolland showed up. And once they got past that it looked like it was finally going to be a happy ending in Vancouver for the first time in 40 years, but then they found out that Luongo couldn't stop anything in Boston either and thus everything got turned over and burnt to the ground. What a riot! Still after that demoralizing loss the Canucks still boast the top 1-2 punch in the league (regular season of course) in the Sedins, with Ryan Kesler patrolling the second line, and one of the game's best faceoff men in Manny Malhotra. Solid all around with the possibility of Corey Schneider taking the controls as the Canucks go to guy come playoff time.

3. San Jose Sharks (103 points)

After another humiliating loss in the Conference Finals the Sharks looked poised to make the next step, but to get there they decided that offence wasn't much of a necessity and unloaded sniper Dany Heatley and playoff hero Devin Setoguchi in exchange for Martin Havlat and offensive minded Brent Burns. And because of this it appears the GM Doug Wilson will be counting on more production from Marleau and Thornton, but can they? Will Logan Couture take the next step or suffer the sophomore slump? Will goaltending be an issue with Niemi and Nittymaki? I expect enough of these to go positive enough for the Sharks to win the Pacific.

4. Detroit Red Wings (108 points)

Look who's back for another, it's none other than 7-time Norris Trophy winner in Nick Lidstrom and that should help the Wings ease into their defensive transition now that Brian Rafalski has moved on. Look for rookie Brendan Smith to step in and make an immediate impact and impress. With more expected out of Darren Helm and Justin Abelkader can they improve or will they falter? Is this the year Valteri Filippula emerges as a top notch centre? Many questions, but still a great team.

5. Anaheim Ducks (100 points)

After a disappointing loss to the Predators in the first round the Ducks continue to look to improve and they should with the return of Jonas Hiller, who may be the favourite to win the Vezina this year, and a healthy dose of Ryan Getzlaf. The trio of Getzlaf, Perry, and Ryan give the Ducks one of the best lines in the game today that can dominate games thoroughly, and along with the secondary unit of Selanne, Koivu, and newcomer Cogliano the Ducks should fill the net. Look for Cam Fowler to continue his improved play with offensive threat Vishnevsky giving the Ducks a formidable defence.

6. Los Angeles Kings (99 points)

After the acquisition of Mike Richards, the Kings have become the "sexy pick" of the NHL but there are still too many holes within that lineup to ignore. Is Kopitar a legitimate PPG player and can achieve that next level status? What about Drew Doughty and what compensation will Lombardi receive if he is forced to deal him? How will that affect the PP and the transition game? Is Bernier finally ready to take over the top spot in the goal? Kings surprisingly struggle at times during the year but still make the playoffs.

7. Calgary Flames (96 points)

Once Darryl Sutter was removed from the equation the Calgary Flames went on a tear on their way in making a late playoff push, but can they continue? A lot is going to be expected again out of Jarome Iginla and once again he won't disappoint as new centreman Micheal Backlund has the playmaking skills that should feed Iggy's needs. Alex Tanguay, coming off a resurgent year, looks to duplicate the numbers he put up last year and D Mark Giandano looks to improve and receive Norris consideration. Look for Kiprussoff to put up better numbers late in the year due to more rest at the beginning with rookie Henrick Karlsson get his share of starts.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets (95 points)

Finally the Jackets showed their fans and Rick Nash that winning is a priority and spent money foolishly on D James Wisniewski. But contrary to popular belief, the Wiz really helps jumpstart and enigmatic PP and along with Jeff Carter who will tear it up offensively with Nash the Jackets will return to the postseason after a 2 year absence. Look for Derrick Brassard to improve his production along with Matt Calvert. Goaltending should improve as well with Mason as the defence corps is a little more solid and rounded out with the acquisition of Wisniewski.

9. Minnesota Wild (94 points)

Once again knocking on the door but failing to get in as the Wild just narrowly miss the postseason. The additions of Setoguchi and Heatley improve the Wild offensively but the loss of Brent Burns hurts defensively. Nicklas Backstrom looks to rebound and if he can maybe the Wild can climb further up the standings, but the question is can he? Mikko Koivu puts up career numbers with Matt Cullen improving after a dismal campaign, but still lack the offensively firepower to win consistently and get into the playoffs.

10. Nashville Predators (92 points)

It's hard to win when you can't score and that's what will ail the Preds this season as the likes of Steve Sullivan, Joel Ward, and J.P. Dumont take their acts somewhere else - that's a ton of offence. Expected to take their place are Blake Geoffrion and Nick Spalding and in there lies all the problems. You can't expect to raid Milwaukee and receive immediate results every year and this year it kills them. The Shea Weber saga eventually becomes something to watch along with the Fisher goalless streaks. But hey, you still have Carrie Underwood.

11. Colorado Avalanche (90 points)

A year after losing the entire the second half of a season the Avalanche come back to what they are and that's a team that's slightly better than .500. After acquiring Varlamov for a hefty price from Washington, the Avs' finally believe they have found their goaltender for the future and have Stanley Cup winner in Giguere to back him up and mentor him. Young defensive stud Erik Johnson begins to climb up the charts amongst the game's top rearguards and Paul Statsny and Matt Duchene continue to rake up the points. This is team that could really surprise this year and find their way back to the postseason.

12. Dallas Stars (84 points)

After losing Brad Richards to free agency, the Dallas Stars look to rebuild and reload. And that might be the biggest problem of all as now it all rests with Ribero, Morrow, and Benn. Can they carry this team? Probably not. Can Kari Lehtonen continue to improve and show some consistency this season and can Andrew Raycroft step in if cannot? The Stars are a puzzling team that could really slide down the ranks throughout the year, but I'm guessing the defence led by underrated and under appreciated Stephane Robidas cure some of the ailments that hurt the Stars. Challenge for a playoff spot most of the year, but fall short in the final weeks.

13. Phoenix Coyotes (80 points)

What are we going to do with you? No ownership, bad lease, bad goaltending as Bryzgalov departed to Philadelphia, and now an attendance that can announced by name. Surprisingly through all of that, coach and master motivator Dave Tippett will get the most of the this team led by D Keith Yandle, but in the end won't have enough talent and resources to keep longtime legend Shane Doan, who may be dealt at the deadline this year. The NHL is be asking Quebecor, who fast can you build that new arena? Hello, Seattle?

14. Edmonton Oilers (75 points)

Another year, another losing filled season with a few brightspots along the way. Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle continue to improve and give the Edmonton faithful a little something to smile about along with a (maybe) healthy Ales Hemsky the Oilers have one amazing first line to count on, but after that it's very limited. Defensively it's a disaster and the Oil will be counting on long time bust Cam Barker to be in the top-4. Not a good situation to go along with Nikolai Khabibulin to return from jail and dormancy. Another top pick coming their way.

15. St. Louis Blues (72 points)

Oh, what has come of this franchise? Back in 2006 the Blues and Blackhawks were neck and neck in futility, now one is a Stanley Cup Champion and the other is back to the drawing board. If only the Blues have drafted Toews, eh? ... Well, they did make some noise by finally anointing the Inglorious Backes as their new captain and signing the likes of Langenbrunner and Arnott from the dead but in the end there is not enough offence, defence, and consistent goaltending to prevent this franchise from hitting rock bottom. Halak? Better find his 2010 playoff groove and stay healthy as Tank Elliott will most secure they first pick by himself if counted on for any long stretch of time. Not a good season in St. Louis.

And you thought the East was bad, just wait ...

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks vs. 8. Chicago Blackhawks

The Skinny: The Canucks Stanley Cup Trophy case. The President's Trophy. Home-ice throughout the playoffs. Stanley Cup expectations. First round exits .... wait, what? Yup. Since the lockout, 3 teams (Detroit, San Jose, and Washington) have been felled by the weight of Stanley Cup expectations with only the 2008 Detroit Red Wings capturing both in the same season. Which one will the Canucks be? ... Which Blackhawks team will we see? Without Dave Bolland, the 'Hawks face a mountain of a challenge trying to stop the Sedin onslaught with Burrows on the other side. Duncan Keith you would think would be the man, but he's coming off his worst regular season since his rookie campaign, so who knows?

Something to watch for: Kesler and Burrows. Can they elevate their game come playoff time?

Prediction: Blackhawks in 7. Something deep inside me just has this feeling that the 'Hawks on Sunday faced on the one thing that may help them more than anything in the future - humility. They almost died laughing and finally faced the music of "we're not as good as we thought". Looking at the Stanley Cup banner that was raised a few months prior only to be known as the next Carolina and/or New Jersey must have given them a pit in their stomach. A second chance could prove to be exactly what they need. ... and the road team has won 7 straight in Game Seven's and is 8-2 over the past 2 playoff seasons.

2. San Jose Sharks vs. 7. Los Angeles Kings

The Skinny: The Kings actual chances. Let's face it, without Kopitar this is one giant of a task awaiting the Kings here. They'll have to be letter perfect defensively and hope Niemi gives up a few cheesy ones like the Dumont marker in Game One last year. Highly unlikely both will happen. The Sharks are a little different this year with the likes of Couture and Pavleski pacing the offensive attack instead of Heatley, Marleau, and Thornton. Dangerous this team is.

Prediction: Sharks in 5. Too much offence, depth, talent, goaltending ... you get the drift.

3. Detroit Red Wings vs. 6. Phoenix Coyotes

The Skinny: My respect for Todd Bertuzzi. The Red Wings march down the playoff aisle for 20th consecutive season - very impressive. Even more impressive when you consider the amount of top tier injuries that they had to endure once again. Even without Zetterberg this team still has the playoff machine that is Johan Franzen and the magic hands of Pavel Datsyuk. Jimmy Howard showed some signs of brilliance Sunday, but can he build off that? ... On the flip side we have the Coyotes who will have the task of winning a Seven Game series with having ZERO fan support in any of them. But please don't move them to Winnipeg, the whiteout even with 80% Red Wing jerseys is good for the league no? Bryzgalov was once again "Mr. Everything" and has made sure that Ted Lenosis will give him his big paycheque come July 1st. Heh. Other than that, Radim Vrbata is still a cheesie-sucker.

Something to watch for: Keith Yandle. He's awesome, but can he stop the magician Pavel Datsyuk? If he can, it's a potential upset here.

Prediction: Red Wings in 6. Having the fan support for all 6 games should help the Motor City Maniacs here, that and they're the better overall team with much more depth which should push the Coyotes playoff winless streak to 24 years (1987 if you asking at home).

4. Anaheim Ducks vs. 5. Nashville Predators

The Skinny: It's a trap! I just had to say it. The Anaheim Ducks come in as one of the hottest teams in the planet paced offensively by SuperDick Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Bobby Ryan. And let's not forget the "never will age a day" Teemu Selanne. Although the health of Jonas Hiller remains to be a cause for concern the duo of Ellis and Emery have done them well. ... Over at the Music City, the Predators once again march into the playoffs under Barry Trotz's defensive system that is aimed to suck the life out of hockey. Their newest acquisition Carrie Underwood Mike Fisher has produced little offensively (no shit?) but has given them a little more depth at the centre position as Matthew Lombardi has gone missing since October. Weber and Suter were once again Monsters.

Something to watch for: Dan Ellis vs. his former team. Can he outduel Pekka Renne? 

Prediction: Ducks in 6. The offence of the Ducks should be more than enough to take down the Nashville Predators. Unless Weber and Suter can completely shutdown the top trio of Anaheim's I just don't see them scoring enough to keep pace ... even with twitter Ellis mending the twine. Look for Saku Koivu to have a solid series for Anaheim as he's always been a good playoff player.

There you have it. It's over. Now I can go back to bed.

Well, my regular season predictions were just like the title of it indicated - the worst! Phoenix ... I don't get them, but they still finished ahead of the 'Hawks and made the playoffs with was 8 positions higher than what I gave them (14th). I also had the Blues in the playoffs. Gah. Moving right along ...

Eastern Conference

1. Washington Capitals vs. 8. NYRangers

The skinny: Not Boudreau. The Capitals were an offence that went from explosive to anemic in one season. 219 GF is not what the Capitals are used to looking like and that numbers dwindles when to remove the 12 EN goals and the 2 PS goals as well and were shutout 11 times ... the same number of shutouts that Lunqvist had this season. The Rangers also boast a slightly better offence as well with a little more balance.

Something to watch: Lundqvist vs. the myriad of goaltending - Varlamov, Neuvirth, Holtby.

Prediction: NYRangers in 6. I'm not loving the new style that everyone seems to be enamoured with in the D.C. and it's "indicative" of what happens come playoff time. The NYRangers are a more balanced of an offensive attack and have the much better defence corps and goaltending. Done. Goodbye Boudreau enjoy the KFC.

2. Philadelphia Flyers vs. 7. Buffalo Sabres

The skinny: Not Pronger's wife. No Pronger spells deep issues for last season's Cinderella Story, that and having Boucher as the guy going in ... against Ryan Miller. Combine that with the probability that Hartnell and Leino won't recreate their offensive magic as the playoffs before and you may have an upset. Oh, and the Flyers play down the stretch should have anyone jumping up and down either. Ryan Miller has had an up-and-down season that seen his play improve over the final quarter which is also bad news to everyone in the East.

Something to watch: Pronger's health.

Prediction: This is one that can go either way, but I like the Sabres to pull this one out in 6. Ryan Miller vs. Bobrovsky or Boucher .... that's enough for me.

3. Boston Bruins vs. 6. Montreal Canadiens

The skinny: Carey Price has had a rocky relationship with the fans of les bleu, blanc, et rouge and that could get worse if he doesn't recreate the greatness that was Jaroslav Halak of last year. Unfortunately for him, it's the Bruins he see's in the first round and not the Capitals ... and they want blood after vomiting a 3-0 lead to the Flyers last season. The Habs have historically owned the Bruins, but the Bruins do have a much better and balanced team than in recent seasons.

Something to watch: Kaberle to Chara for the one-timer on the PP.

Prediction: Bruins in 6. Bigger, stronger, and more hungrier than the Habs. Combine that with, most likely, Vezina winner in Tim Thomas and that enough for me to chomp on.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 5. Tampa Bay Lightning

The skinny: Dan Byslma is a genius for getting out of the this what he did without the services of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to the point where they almost won the division. Incredible. Also incredible was the coaching job of Guy Boucher who finally got the Lightning to play a defensive game that complimented their offensive talents to make them a much more dangerous team. Stamkos cooled off at the end, but still had a wonderful year altogether.

Something to watch: How many status updates we get about Sidney Crosby's health.  I'm going about 10 per game.

Prediction: Lightning in 6. Too many offensive weapons at Boucher's disposal and combine that with 2 teams that play disciplined defensively the PP could be a determining factor and Tampa's is far more explosive. Roloson vs. Fleury should be a good match-up.

So how will the West be won? Well, here's my predictions for the upcoming season ... and go easy on them.

1- Vancouver Canucks : Simply put their division is pitiful and should provide many easy points. Add to that, management has finally realized that having their goaltender be the captain is NOT a good idea and relieved him of that burden so that he can focus on not handing out rebounds like candy on Halloween. The Sedins, if healthy, could both hit 100-points with Raymond and Kesler building off career years the Canucks are poised to become this year's President's Trophy victors.

2- Chicago Blackhawks : They're winning this division. End of discussion. Turco will be more than solid with likes of Bolland, Hossa, and Sharp rebounding after injury-plagued sub par regular seasons. Kane should finally top the 100-plateau with Jonathan "Mr. I Win At Everything" Toews having a breakout regular season which will see him take home the Hart and Ted Lindsay Trophies. Duncan Keith will win the Norris again, with Hossa taking home the Selke.

3- Los Angeles Kings: Hello Jonathan Bernier! The much anticipated arrival of this star netminder will finally take place as the Kings found out the hard way that Quick means "quick-hook" come playoff time. Add to the mix, Willie Mitchell on an already deep defence corps the Kings look to win their first division title since 1991. Kopitar will once again show why he is one of the best kept secrets in the league with Drew Doughty leading all rearguards in points.

4- San Jose Sharks: Finnish invasion? The Niemi and Nittymaki experiment could be genius, but could fail miserably. In case it does the Sharks do boast the most potent line in the league led by Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, and Patrick Marleau. Add to the mix the emergence of Joe Pavelski all should be well for San Jose to crack the 100 + point season again.

5- Nashville Predators: What? That's right the Predators who may have the best defence corps in the game led by Norris Trophy candidate Shea Weber and his defence partner Ryan Suter. Jonathan Blum could be this year's Tyler Myers and should fit right in perfectly within Barry Trotz's system. Also, the Predators may have the best goaltender in the game right now in Pekka Rinne who will finally be recognized with the Vezina Trophy at year's end.

6- Detroit Red Wings: How much gas is left in the tank? Well, we'll all find out. Lidstrom has seen better days as well as Osgood and if both are counted on to be and do more than be accessories at this point the Wings may miss the postseason for the first time since 1990. Datsyuk and Zetterburg should both have bounce back seasons offensively while Johan Franzen will look to stay healthy for the first time in his career. If Jimmy Howard falters like Jim Carey and Andrew Raycroft it could get messy in Motown.

7- St. Louis Blues: This team will rebound after a dismal season at home. Brad Boyes should rebound with likes of Oshie, Perron, and Johnson improving their overall play. The addition of Jaroslav Halak should not only make this defence corps better but give the team a much needed boost of confidence throughout the season as the Blues haven't had much between the pipes since Grant Fuhr in the early 2000's ... and even then. And, who wouldn't want a St. Louis-Chicago match-up in the 1st round?

8- Calgary Flames: And we bring the band back together. Now that nobody expects Alex Tanguay and Ollie Jokinen to do anything they'll flourish ... isn't that the way? Jarome Iginla still has enough left in the bag to carry this team onto his shoulders and plop them into the playoffs. Miikka Kiprusoff is still one of the game's best in goal and will be counted on and will be just that again with Jay Boumeester recovering after a horrendous debut with the Flames.

9- Minnesota Wild: Can Havlat stay healthy and will be contribute? The answer to both will be yes with Mikko Koivu help leading the Wild within striking distance of the playoffs ... but alas won't due to the lack of goal-scoring throughout the line-up. Brent Burns will continue to be Brent Burns - overrated in all aspects. The goaltending duo of Backstrom and Harding will both improve, just not enough.

10- Anaheim Ducks: Outside of Getzlaf, Perry, and Ryan the Ducks don't have much in terms of offensive firepower and with Scott Neidermayer gone due to retirement the Ducks should be a quagmire defensively that will force Jonas Hiller to become nothing short of Batman on most nights. Unfortunately, he won't be all the time thus the Ducks will be on the outside looking in.

11- Colorado Avalanche: Well that was fun wasn't it? Take away the first 2 months of last season the Avalanche were merely a .500 team and will be just that next season. I find it hard to believe that Craig Anderson can continue his dominant ways of being successful when facing 40+ shots a game. On the flip side, Duchene and O'Reilly should build upon very successful rookie campaigns.

12- Columbus Blue Jackets: This could be a really exciting young team to watch led by Rick Nash, however, that's really Columbus' problem isn't it? Too much unproven youth that really has never matured with the exception being Rick Nash. Derrick Brassard should remain healthy and that could jump Nash back to the 40+ goal plateau with Derrick Russell adding more offence to his game. Steve Mason should rebound after suffering the sophomore slump ... just not enough to help Columbus.

13- Dallas Stars: Who's going to stop the puck for the Stars this season once Kari Lehtonen goes back to the IR like he does every season? Andrew Raycroft? Matt Climie? It's going to be a long season in Big D as there is only so much the likes of Brad Richards, Loui Eriksson, Mike Ribiero, and James Neal (providing the Stars get him under contract) can do. With Robidas being their best option on D, well, Dallas should be near the bottom in the league in GA.

14- Phoenix Coyotes: And the chariot turns into a pumpkin. The Coyotes last season had one of the most remarkable campaigns ever with the whole Balsille saga and everything that surrounded the team off the ice. Unfortunately, that won't happen again this season as Bryzgalov will once again suffer from the "good season, bad season" flu with others like Radim Vrbata turning back to who they once were. Make no mistake the loss of Zybynek Michalek on defence is irreplaceable and leaves a huge hole in the defence. There will also be no 14 wins in the shootout competition either.

15- Edmonton Oilers: Good news Ales Hemsky is back and has 2 young and exciting prospects to play with in Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle. After that it's all up to Dustin Penner and if you're thinking what I'm thinking - there is no way he can duplicate what he did last season. Khabibulin is still in jail so that means Jeff Deslauriers-Drouin is back starting unless Tom Renney decides to go with Martin Gerber. Souray isn't welcome back so that means no powerful shot on the PP and a void on defence which isn't good to begin with. Gilbert? Whitney? Good news another top notch pick is coming Edmonton's way in 2011.

If this Stanley Cup Championship hasn't given us enough immeasurable memories, then what will? It's given us a chance to wipe away all the painful memories of the past and have them replaced with the wonderful memories of this Stanley Cup run. Here's just one of them.

Game 6. OT. Kane gets the puck by the boards and then shoots the puck low and hard towards an unsuspecting Micheal Leighton, a second passes and then I scream for joy awakening everyone in the neighbourhood, but I could care less. I pick up the phone to call my dad a longtime 'Hawks fan to let him know that 'The day has finally arrived and that the 'Hawks are indeed Stanley Cup Champions'. His response was "We did it...we finally fuckin' did it!" followed by his tears of joy. My father isn't much of an emotional person but on that night he was and couldn't have been more happier for him than that night.

I've must have phoned my father 10,000 times or so since my parents divorced when I was young but that phone call was the greatest call I'll ever make - I'll never forget it. It wasn't the longest conversation, but it was the most meaningful. Many other phone calls followed that night from my grandparents, to cousin's, to friends but they all pale in comparison to that one call.

I'm sure others here have had similar experiences to mine so here's a place to share them. I love to read them all as everyone has a story to tell because that's what's made this moment so special. A chance to celebrate and form some memories that will never go away.

This from Darren Dreger from TSN this morning:

Donald Fehr's days as head of Major League Baseball's players' association are winding down.

Fehr announced his retirement in June after 25 years of service to the MLBPA.

Fehr is considered one of the most powerful men in professional sports, so it should come as no surprise the National Hockey League players association has reached out to him.

Fehr wouldn't comment on any discussions he's had with the NHLPA, nor would he discuss the potential of any future role he may have with the PA when recently contacted by TSN.

However, sources say Fehr was conferenced in to a meeting in Chicago on Monday, following Paul Kelly's firing as executive director.

Sources say the PA's executive board, advisory board and interim executive director, Ian Penny wanted Fehr's advice on how the group should proceed in the search for Kelly's replacement.

Fehr didn't rule out the possibility of offering his views on the NHLPA in the future, but said he wouldn't do so until he has officially vacated his position with the MLBPA.

 

So is this Good or Bad for the NHL as the next CBA approaches? Interested to hear what everybody thinks.

Whether it's something in the air or in the water, it seems that this summer when it comes to dysfunction from within it has arisen in Chicago. From the RFA qualifying offer debacle, to the Tallon demotion, to the disappointment from disgruntled ex-player (Havlat ), to the signing of a former hated rival (Hossa) and the subsequent investigation into that particular contract, all the way to the "Face of the franchise" (Kane) being arrested after an alleged altercation with a cab driver it already was a busy summer in Chicago.

So when the NHLPA decided to remove their Executive Director (Paul Kelly) causing a rift from within it seemed logical to have their annual meeting in Chicago. Looks like the NHLPA wanted in on the fun. In any case in latest turn of events Glenn Healy, the Director of Player Affairs for the NHLPA, has effectively resigned from his position for what he claims "his credibility was undermined by an internal report and comments made by (interm Executive Director) Ian Penny". Oh...and that's not all! It seems Mr. Healy has decided to rip into his former employers by issuing these statements: "That (internal report) indicated that I have mislead the players and did not tell the full truth." , "accusations were made because of the comments that I have made to the players, in particular about  Wayne Gretzky and his contributions and personal sacrifices for the Player's Association...when he joined our Group Licensing Agreement in 1992, he made the Player's Association millions of dollars, has allowed the PA to stand on it's own, and allowed every player to prosper".  Wayne Gretzky? You mean the once co-owner of the Phoenix Coyotes. Couldn't see the players having a problem with that now would we. I mean what's not to like about your current Director of Player Affairs 'stroking the back' of a then current co-owner. Couldn't see the players having a problem with that now-NOOOO!

That's not all, he also adds " I cannot sit back and continue to perform my duties when the Player's Association unjustifiably impugn my credibility in front of the players I represent and fire shots against Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, two of the greatest players in the game (now owners), who have benefited every player in this Player's Association." Once again, with the current CBA expiring in 2011 I'm sure the player's really want someone in charge of their affairs to be someone that is "buddy-buddy" with now 2 people on the other side of the table. Even if it's Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.

Upon learning of these comments Ian Penny fired back "Based on the timing it appears that was part of strategy to deflect attention from today's media reports concerning Paul Kelly's conduct."

Those media reports claim that Kelly allegedly may have read a confidential transcript from a player's-only meeting. If true that may have been the deciding factor in Kelly's dismissal. For that is what got Saskin canned some 2 years ago.

All this and so much more like Ted Lindsay claiming Kelly's dismissal was "the biggest scam job, execution, he has ever seen in his life." and that "there is a lot of traits of Eagleson right here". Big words from the great man who started this very association. Big words indeed. Chicago, Chicago you're my kind of town....for dysfunction within the NHL, this summer anyways. 

So Mike Babcock says that the forward lines he has put together during this 3-day Olympic Orientation is really just a process of who can play where at what situation and has little bearing on who he may put together in February 2010 and we should read nothing into this. Well, we could do that but what fun is that? Let's read too much into this for this is what we as fan can do. So here it goes.

The first line combinations seem pretty set in stone with Crosby and Nash to paired with Stills...um I mean Getzlaf once the tournament officially begins. During the past 3 days others like Iginla, St. Louis, and Perry have had opportunities but all signs point to Getzlaf being the triggerman on this potent line.

The 2nd line shapes up to be one of the best lines Canada has ever assembled and just screams "Legendary" with Mike Richards centreing, Jarome Iginla, and Jonathan Toews. If you want a momentum shifting, hard-nose, massive firepower, and major leadership line then this is it. Although in an Olympic tournament nobody really knows how certain lines will or will not click but this line just seems like a can't miss.

Then things get very cloudy. The 3rd line is pretty much in the air with many possibilities. The front runner seems to be the Eric Staal-Jeff Carter-Vincent Lecavalier line, but than there is the Thornton-Marleau-Smyth line, and the Spezza-Heatley-Gagne line but at this point everything is pretty much in the air.

The 4th line will likely end up being a crapshoot with the Canadian management and coaching staff selecting players with certain specialty qualities. It looks as if it is highly likely that Shane Doan will be part of this group but with whom? Brendan Morrow I would say is another likely headed to Vancouver but he is also coming off major reconstructive knee-surgery so it's hard to say. Milan Lucic is getting a lot of buzz this week and is a proven force especially with this tournament being held on North American ice and because of this may make this squad. One player that might sqeak onto this squad with a hot start may be Patrick Sharp mainly for his penalty-killing prowess and the fact he has had alot of success against the Wings (which helps) and in the playoffs in general which might also be determining factor.

So there you have it. The first 2 lines look pretty set in stone barring injuries but the other 2 are still a work in progress. Love to here what others think who may or may not make this squad and what lines would they put together.