Hockeytalk Thursday

I'm probably a bit rusty when it comes to hockey. But let's talk about the quick start the Islanders are having. They usually start well, but maybe their preseason fight against the Rangers sparked them. Their showing good chemistry with Comrie, Guerin, Satan, and Fedotenko, and DiPietro is playing well. Barry Melrose said that it would be an accomplishment if the Isles could reach the playoffs, but they look good so far as do the Flyers early on led by Paul Holmgren. One of their enforcers Jesse Boulerice will likely be suspended after crosschecking Vancouver's Ryan Kesler in the head. The Canuck Center believes that the Philly tough guy should be suspended 20 games. The Rangers have that elite talent every team looks for, but it'll take them a while to build chemistry and get hot, especially Scott Gomez. They're going to be dangerous once their power play gets to work. Ottawa's off to a sensational start, and they've sent Ray Emery on a 2 game AHL conditioning stint. The Sens and Penguins will open up next season in Prague. Interesting. Washington is off to an especially fast start, led by Ovechkin and some sick sweaters. Atlanta is a surprising 0-4. Columbus is one of those teams I see as a dark horse for a playoff spot. They're getting Michael Peca back, and they've just gotten 2 consecutive shutouts by young goaltender Pascal Leclair. The kid looks like the good, he's already on my salary cap team. Since longtime Blackhawks owner William Wirtz passed away, his son Rocky has taken over the team and has now reassigned longtime senior vice president Bob Pulford. Minnesota looks legit, San Jose look like Cup contenders, and the Ducks are once again among the West's upper echelon.

NHL Viewers Guide
Friday- No national TV, but the Rangers host Washington on MSG, and Boston is at Los Angeles on NESN.
Saturday- CBC twinbill has Crosby and the Pens against the hot Leafs at 7 followed by Edmonton and Vancouver at 10.
Sunday- Minnesota and Anaheim is a great game if you could get it.
Monday- Toronto plays at Buffalo at 7 on Versus.
Tuesday- Surprising Philadelphia hosts Atlanta at 7 on Versus, Montreal hosts Florida at 7:30 on TSN.
Wednesday- Nice Atlantic battle on TSN as the Devils play the Penguins at 7:30.