Welcome back! Ah, how I love the early NHL season! It’s always fun wondering when the story of the season is going to pop up on television screens and Internet sites. And then, all of a sudden it appears! In my own back yard, no less! I have to ask: Is anyone really surprised the Ottawa Senators crapped the bed once again? Can’t this team do anything right these days? Like more than a few corner men have said to their fighter: “I think you’re done. Just stay down; this ain’t your night.”
Sweet Lord, how bad has 2018 been for the Sens? First, Eugene Melnyk ruins the Heritage Classic by talking about moving the team. Then Erik Karlsson talks about signing a free-agent contract with someone else. Then Mike Hoffman’s girlfriend is accused of harassing Karlsson’s wife, causing both players to find themselves elsewhere before the start of the new season. Then, the Senators one-up themselves by going all Taxicab Confessions in an Arizona Uber! I may just have to induct the Senators’ 2018 into the Hockey Hall of Shame, because this may very well be the absolute worst calendar year ever strung together by a professional sports team ever. And remember that I have written an entire book about the California Golden Seals and I’m currently writing a book that heavily features the Washington Capitals’ 8-win 1974-75 season; I know a miserable season when I see one! Yeah, Ottawa has some problems, to say the least. They may have to hire Trump’s publicist one of these days, because no matter how idiotic his behaviour and comments, that guy is like a modern-day Chuck Wepner wrapped in Teflon. No matter how much you throw at him, nothing hurts him, and he just keeps coming back for more.
Current-day news aside, we’ve added a brand new feature article on San Francisco-California-Oakland Seals checker Gerry “The Hook” Odrowski. He never got much attention as a member of the Seals, but he was indeed a very valuable player, scoring the majority of his goals with the team while it was shorthanded, an incredible feat to say the least. Hope you enjoy this article from “the Maven” Stan Fischler!
I’m also sad to hear that Joel Quenneville has lost his job as coach of the Chicago Blackhawks. He did a great job with that team over the years, and in the process he quietly crept up the all-time wins list. I’m sure he’ll find himself a new job real soon, but in the meantime, here’s one of his all-time worst cards, a true atrocity from his days as a Hartford Whaler.
Until next time, stay gold!