Don't Worry, Be Happy

Looks like the NHL and NHLPA have been making some solid progress in CBA talks...they aren't about to sign a new agreement at this juncture, but the fact that they're talking, and making any progress at all, is promising. Bill Daly has expressed a lot of optimism from his side of the table, and that's the best news to come out of those negotiations since "Well, we might be able to save the 2004-05 season if we get a deal done in the next two hours." (Not that that was such spectacular news to begin with.) Stay updated by clicking the NHL CBA News link on the right side of this page. (Or, you know, you could go directly to that site. But then you'd miss what I had to say.)

As for hockey action going on right now, there are better things to do than watch re-runs on the NHL Network...me, I'm saving that for July and August. No, now is the time of year to watch the Memorial Cup! This is fantastic hockey, folks; it's going to make you wonder why you wasted your time with the World Championships...makes them look like a Grass-Growing competition. (Or, since those are seldom televised, a NASCAR race.) There's a lot more to the Rimouski Océanic than Sidney Crosby, and the London Knights are a virtual who's-who of world-class players from the World Junior Championships, with Corey Perry, Dan Fritsche, Danny Syvret, and Robbie Schremp. The Ottawa 67's (sic) aren't playing like underdogs either, making the Océanic earn their 4-3 victory on Tuesday night, fighting for the "W" until the final buzzer. And the defending two-time champion Kelowna Rockets...well, they're eliminated, so that's that. There's just four more days remaining in the tournament, though, so whether you're a casual hockey fan or a die-hard who's desperate for some action, give it a look! You won't be disappointed.