Tasty FTS - Hump day!

Wassup ya'll... no?

"We're still good.... right??"

Has anyone checked out the NHL standing lately? Without cheating, can anyone tell me the only team left in the league without a regulation loss?..... tick... tock... tick... that's enough time. The Nashville Fricken Predators! 5 - 0 - 3. Amazing. Barry Trotz is a great coach and well done to them so far. You know I can't help but think that Phoenix should have resigned Dan Lombardi. To bad they have no money. But seriously, for Nashville to lose Jason Arnott and Dam Hamhuis and still remain this good? I don't think anyone saw it coming.

Some good reads in today's FTS. And, oh my, for the first time in years I think, one of today's links features a current NHL MVP ranking that doesn't include Alex Ovechkin. And, truth to be told, he probably doesn't really deserve to be on there at the moment.

Anyhow, today's links are after the jump!

Tuesday FTS -

He got me while I was snoozing... 

So it's bad when you wake up in the morning and realise it was your turn to do the FTS and had completely forgotten. I hope our reader out there wasn't disappointed during his (or her) lunch break. Well with that in mind, today is an extra long and special FTS. Suspensions galore in the NHL so far this season. The NHL standings look upside down, the Islanders?? Really? Where's New Jersey?Boy I hope this bizarro NHL season settles down and the teams that are supposed to win start winning.

I won't waste any more of your time as today's links are after the jump!

Weekend FTS - Trade winds'a'swirlin!

The NHL season continues to roll on. Big news out of Ottawa is that Senators GM Bryan Murray is fed up with his team lackluster player and is promising that trades are on the way. I suppose that's fair enough. I wonder who will be the person to go. Certainly Chris Philips would be on some teams radars as he is a free agent at the end of the season and could be a good rental. Jason Spezza will obviously get a look in to. He's just not the dynamic scoring forward that he once was in Ottawa. A change of scenery could do wonders for his career. Either Pascal Leclaire of Brian Elliot could be moved as well. Really all the cards on the on the table for a Senators trade except for Mike Fisher. He would probably gain the most interest from the NHL market but I just can't see Ottawa parting ways with this player. He's to valuable, to much of an emotional leader and the city loves him to much. Watch this space....

Anyhew, today's links are after the jump!

THE NHL'S MOST WANTED!

Hey punks, keep your heads up out there... lurking near the corners, back checking through centre ice or found at the blue lines are (dum de dum!) NHL Forwards! Can you believe that these guys think that can hit people on the ice? It's bad enough they think they can embarrass goalies with sweet deaks and lazer slap shots, but to actually think they can hit people who are trying to concentrate on skating with a puck is crazy! Ban them from the sport, take their skates away, break all of their sticks, fine the teams that employ them as I never want to see any of them again!

Okay so obviously I'm being sarcastic above there. But this sillyness is not unjustified! The chocolate wheel approach to NHL discipline is starting to get a little stupid. I understand that you don't want players taking the ice in fear that they could be the last time the ever feel their toes or are able to construct sentences, but c'mon, don't take the aggression out of the game! That's something I love about hockey! I'm going to hold off from going into this more as I believe one_piece or AP might have something to say about it in more detail in the next few days... I'll just do what I'm paid to do... on to today's links! All of them are after the jump!

Sunday FTS - Noddin' ma head like yeeeaaahhhh!

C-Mac! - A record setting start for him!

Oh my, The first couple weeks of NHL action have been nothing short of fantastic. Games in October matter.. right now! They can determine whether or not your team will make the playoffs. So get on your band-wagon and get cheering. I, for one, am on the edge of my seat every day from the NHL action. I recommend getting involved with a fantasy hockey league, it will keep you interested all season long (well after your team has been eliminated from playoff contention :p). Some NHL season thought are next followed by today's FTS links.

• Congrats to Clarke MacArther. He has set a Maple Leafs record for scoring a goal in his first four games as a Maple Leaf. He currently leads in the NHL with 5 goals. Future 'Rocket' Richard winner eh??

• Tampa Bay looks good. They must be ecstatic with a 3 - 1- 0 start. AP said this team would make the playoffs.. dare anyone say he would be wrong?

• Chicago has currently scored the more goals than any other team... However this year it has nothing to do with the depth on the team, Marian Hossa is a man on a mission! He got his cup, now he wants to be the reason his team win. 

• It looks like the Phoenix situation is finally drawing to a close. More in today's links, but the "to-long-won't read" summary is: A buyer has been found, team will likely stay in Phoenix. 

Links after the jump!

Call a waaaambulance - it's today's FTS.

To all the avid Auspuck readers, you know we really are experts... our pre-season predictions are coming true, sort of. So amongst all the great hockey we've seen already this season (OILERS!), the grey skies are looming over some issues in the NHL already. Mike Ribeiro, Nik Hjarlmarsson and James Wisniewski are the guilty parties. The following is some youtube yonks to keep you in the loop. Links after the jump as always.

This hit has Ryan Miller crying to the NHL (more in the FTS):

And how bout this class act from Wisneiwski:

Links after the jump!

Funny Youtube Clip for Giggles

What if Mike Cammelleri was a Jedi?

I'm posting this because it's funny.... and I can. Enjoy!

AP's corner: My rant on the New Jersey Devils!

Hi all,

New blog section. My (AP's) corner.

The following is my rant on the current state on the New Jersey Devils... read on after the jump.

Boom! NHL! Boom! - Thoughts and today's FTS

Move to Vancouver, where you can get some hot Swedish twin action nightly

Wow the NHL is back in full swing and boy is it exciting.!!

There's is absolutely nothing like it in the world (obviously!). I must say, the game, the sport and the league continue to surprise me year after year.

My early preseason thoughts are below and today's links are after the jump!

•  The Boston Bruins must be ecstatic with early season play of Nathan Horton. He's been everything they wanted and more so far.

• Congratulations to Henrik Sedin for being named the new Captain of the Vancouver Canucks. He was announced captain about 4 hours before the season opener.. lol. I know he won't want to brag, but Wcom called this in the last podcast.

• How bout those Leafs? Off to a 2 - 0 start is fantabulous!

• How bout those Penguins?? Off to an 0 - 2 start is not fantabulous :(

• I love the spark in the Edmonton Oilers right now. My excitement comes with a caveat: we'll see how this team is playing and how much energy they have in the tank at game 50 of the season. But right now, it's fun to watch. 

• I didn't pick the Avalanche to do much this weekend. But I must say, after watching them pretty closely so far, I can see why they are successful. They have relentless speed throughout their line up, Craig Anderson is fantastic, their forecheck is fierce and they are a determined group. Watch out for this crew. 

Well that's enough from me. I'll share more as the week goes on. But today's FTS links are after the jump!

Season 2010 - 2011 has arrived!

Welcome to the Auspuck preview of the 2010/11 NHL season. I will give teams Auspuck's quick preview of what to watch for with each team in the NHL this season. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.

(Continues after the jump!)

God Effin Damnit! Oh yeah, and today's FTS

Thank God my pants stayed on....

Oh wow, so it might be my current work load... or my stress before the release of the NHL season arrives...but I must say I've been quite (massively!!) angry today with the main stream media (MSM). From that stupid Twitter incident this morning involving "Spider" Everett, to Julia Gillard and the "Meh, overseas sucks" attitude and one of today's FTS links from a Toronto newspaper that just really grinds my gears. There was no relief in sight for me today. But I don't write on Auspuck everyday to share my problems... that's what my girlfriend (xbox?) is for. So with out my further adieu... lets get to some hockey talk!

So Grabner was claimed off waivers by the New York Islander. He's a great addition and someone who I think will do so well on that team. Kirk Maltby and Kris Draper are being separated for the first time since birth as Maltby has been placed on waivers and will likely start in the minors this season. Vancouver made a trade today (more details below) and it was nice to see some spark in the transaction world.

Today's links are after the jump!

Super FTS Tuesday!

 So it's usually Wednesday when the good stories from around the NHL come out. But, boy oh boy, did I have to do some work deciding on which articles to link today.

What's wrong with this picture?? Look hard!

How about those Carolina Hurricanes loosing to a KHL team this morning. I heard the Hurricane players were using excuses like:
1) It's too cold here
2) We dressed our 3rd string goalie
3) We're in this whole other country
4) We generally suck at the best of times....
5) We got nervous playing in front of a crowd...

So lame... Anyhow, the Russians actually have a lead in the all-time series of NHL teams versus Russia Domestic teams. Which I found surprising.

On to today's FTS.... and stay tuned for what was up with today's picture if you haven't figured it out already. Also below is one of the craziest shoot-out goals I have ever seen!

Links after the jump!

FTS for a back to business Monday!

"Okay kids.... this is how you slash!"

Some more preseason notes before we get into today's FTS:

• Did anyone see Mike Cammalleri's dirty dirty slash on Nino Niedderraiter? This kind of play gives me the shits. Okay, I'm all for veterans "teaching" rookies what is fair game on the ice and not, but this kind of hissy fit after that type of hit is pointless... if you haven't seen it, check it out HERE 

• How about the Panthers dropping Grabner? Here's a guy they coveted and acquired in the Keith Ballard trade and then cut him coming out of camp!?! I think the former 1st round pick will get claimed of waivers. 11 points in 20 games last year is something to build. Maybe his attitude has gone south? Maybe he doesn't want to play in Florida? Something smells fishy.... 

• Who will the Devils trade to get under the salary cap? Jamie Langenbrunner is looking more and more to be the likely culprit. Way to go Ilya. 

• Speaking of other pre-season cheap shot... Derek Boogaard.. I hate YOU! 

Anyhew... enough from me as always. Stay tuned on Auspuck for our continued look at the top captains in the NHL in the coming days. Today's FTS links are after the jump!

Auspuck Podcast - Episode 3 - Feat the AIHL Awards!

"These accents are sexy.... "

Hi All,

The team at Auspuck is proud to bring you our third podcast. In this episode we give out our AIHL awards, talk more about NHL captains, look at the bubble teams from each conference and end again with the shootout!

Links are below:

Podcast iTunes Link

Mp3 Download

ONE PIECE TOP 5: NICKLAS LIDSTROM BOOM!!

Hey guys, so I guess it’s my turn to name my one of my top five captains

The league has an array of amazingly talented captains and we wanted to show you who our Top 10 are, just before the season officially kicks off. Following Auspucks lead I’m going to start with one of my favourites: Nick Lidstrom. 

Loooong FTS for a looooong weekend!

Well I'm off for the long weekend (here in Sydney anyhow). Take some hints from Patrick Kane and party like this guy------>>

Read on in today's FTS for the Blackhawks all sporting their championship rings. They are amazing. I thought the championship rings that I had earned in my life were impressive.... I'd be embarrassed to bring them out around these guys.

Also read on for a heart warming hockey fighter story and some seriously wrong jerseys.

The new podcast is coming soon. Before it hits the editing floor... are there any reader questions than you people want answered? Feel free to comment below or drop me an email at auspuck@gmail.com

Links after the jump!