I was just thinking about it... this is the perfect weather to host a Winter Classic, eh? Too bad we didn't even know it was coming until about two days ago. Probably too late to plan now? Ah well, it was a thought.
Anyway, onto ramblings from this morning's skate:
Stephane Robidas was skating, and will play tonight, without the cage he's been wearing for many moons. He got cleared to go without it last week and played the All-Star game without (although what are the odds of taking a puck to the face in that game). Doubt he'll need much time to adjust. I know the cage somewhat impaired his vision, so maybe this helps that. Otherwise, it'll be the same reliable Robidas. Of course, he was still reveling in his All-Star experience, telling us his son joined him on the ice for the skills competitions. I couldn't imagine what it felt like for him to take in that Montreal love on Sunday.
Fabian Brunnstrom will play two games with the Manitoba Moose and then rejoin the Stars in Columbus later this week. This will be good for him, and he's seeing it that way. Remember back to when he was signed, Brunnstrom was very much against going to the minors. But I would consider this a tremendous exception: It's two games, a chance for him to get up to speed and get rolling again with the Stars in less than a week. That's nothing. Brunnstrom is seeing this as a good opportunity, since he's wanting to play so bad right now.
James Neal was also dazzled by his All-Star weekend fling. He was telling us how there were 22,000 at the Bell Centre for the practice skate. The practice skate. Hello, hockey city. I just can't wrap my little brain around that, but that's fantastic.
Tracey, will you do me a favor? The next time you talk to Neal find out how he feels about being (from what I remember) the only player to get body checked during the YoungStars game. I'm not trying to start anything scandalous, I find it humorous and I am curious why it seemed he was the only player getting into any sort of physical play along the boards and such. I seem to also recall seeing Cogliano tugging on Neal's jersey during the game as they were skating. Has he been taking a few pointers from Otter?
Posted by: Casey B. | January 27, 2009 at 01:19 PM
Casey B. I also noticed that. Twice it was, I think...
Posted by: Juan Mendoza | January 27, 2009 at 04:37 PM