Pre-season thoughts and today's FTS

OMG! Redden for Team Canada? It happened!!

Wow, the NHL is really on a roll now! Just over a week until the season starts. No need for me to mention again how excited I am about this upcoming season. So many unanswered questions, so many things to watch out for, the parity of the league could lead to so many outcomes. Everyone stay tuned because if you forget to look at the standings regularly you could lose touch with what is happening.

Anyway, on to some interesting pre-season thoughts:

• How bout that 11-round shootout game between Toronto and Philadelphia! The rivalry between these teams comes in to play no matter what the situation.
• Poor Josh Harding. I like him as a goaltender and for him to be already injured (and to likely miss the entire season) is such a shame.
• More bad news on Wade Redden. He's been waived. A $7+ million dollar defensemen playing in the minors? Only in America. But truth be told, he's crap.
• Does anyone else miss Scott Neidermeyer already? I know I do! 
• I believe the Oilers will be all razzle-dazzle... which will lead to about 25 wins this season.
• The Chee-choo train (Jonathan Cheechoo) has left Dallas. This former 50 goal scorer, who could really still be an offensive force if he ever remembers how to, was cut on a tryout basis from Dallas this week. Off to Europe for this guy I guess.
• Looks like Bill Guerin will likely get a contract out of Philadelphia. Boy I hope so!
• LOL, Carey Price getting boo'd in his first pre-season game in Montreal. 4 goals on 10 shots will do that. Is this a sign of things to come for Montreal's season?

Today's FTS links are after the jump!

The Islanders are stuck till 2015 - I've been to this shitty shitty (no exaggeration) arena to watch the Islanders play. It is shit. The Islanders poor owner has been trying to get a new arena built for years that he would pay for and the county has repeatedly said no. Poor guy. Did I mention it was shit?

Are the Red Wings good? - This guys says yes!

More on the Wade Redden debacle - "Redden will be forced to make a choice between basically burying himself in the minors or Europe for the rest of his career or turning his back on $23 million in guaranteed money for a chance to play in the NHL again for much, much less."

Josh Harding Injury update  - You apparently can tear your ACL and MCL at the same time.

More bad news for the Islanders - But is help on the way?

Ducks will quack again - Sorry I hate using Mighty Ducks movie quotes. No Olympics this year means Anaheim will be strong, skilled and a nightmare to play against all season. Still, no Scotty though :(