New Year's Resolutions

As I sit here in this Huguenot Library, thoughts of the Islanders ending Sid The Kid's 25-game point streak are still fresh. Who'd have thought when I mentioned that the other day that it would be the once proud franchise which Sidney Crosby has victimized over and over that would finally put a halt to the streak and silence all the discussion prior to tomorrow's superhyped Winter Classic showdown versus Ovi's Caps?!?!?!?!?! Well, you know Mats Sundin is happy.

In all seriousness, it was a great run by the game's best player, propelling his Pens to the top of the league despite no games from Jordan Staal, who just might debut tomorrow in a unique setting at Heinz Field. Considering that the forecast calls for sub-50 temps with rain, there's still some doubt to whether it gets played. Does NBC shift it to tomorrow night or possibly Sunday? Per Twitter pal ScottyWazz, that's the window the network has for getting the 4th Annual Classic played. While Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have been front and center in the greatest rivalry known to mankind, not one iota about the 2nd Hockey Heritage Game to be played in Alberta with Calgary hosting Vancouver. It doesn't seem right. Especially how little respect our Canadian franchises get despite overwhelming support.

We get the importance of the Classic, becoming a larger than life signature event where the NHL gets to showcase its best in a unique setting, the way hockey was meant to be played. I also understand why NBC would want the two biggest stars going head-to-head for a ratings bonanza when they're going up against college bowl games. Canadian eccentric DanoSpun has been up in arms over the shocking development that the game again features teams in American markets. But if you're NBC as Battle originator Steve Lepore has mentioned, you must do what's best ratings wise. Though for such a marquee event, I do believe that an All Original 6 between the Rangers and either the Canadiens or Maple Leafs would work due to the classic rivalry along with the game's popularity. It's gonna draw. Whether the Rangers, Devils or Islanders get the game is another story. Especially in light of the dismal response to a blizzard that dumped over two feet of the white stuff.

With both the Devils and Islanders having early New Year's Eve games to close out 2010, what are your New Year's resolutions? Let's take a look at our list:

1.Martin Brodeur-a time machine
2.Henrik Lundqvist-a punching bag
3.Rick DiPietro-esurance
4.Jacques Lemaire-Big League Chew
5.John Tortorella-his own HBO show "Fonz The Hockey Coach"
6.Jack Capuano-a healthy roster
7.Charles Wang-a new arena
8.Ilya Kovalchuk-a DVD of his Thrasher highlights along with a new stick
9.Marian Gaborik-goals
10.John Tavares-a healthy Kyle Okposo
11.Garth Snow-a guide to good PR
12.Glen Sather-a Cuban for not screwing up yet and an Al Montoya bobblehead
13.Lou Lamoriello-a lifetime supply of Smuckers
14.Sean Avery-relevancy
15.David Clarkson-a DVD of highlights from last year and Anti-Avery Anxiety Med
16.Chris Drury-spiked Kool Aid
17.Patrik Elias-DVD from '06 1st round
18.Ryan Callahan-a Superman cape
19.Zach Parise-a much healthier 2011 and a raise
20.Brian Boyle/Brandon Prust-co-stars in the real life hockey version of Twins
21.Mike Del Zotto-DVD of rookie year and Bobby Orr DVDs
22.Travis Zajac-Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner (ZZ Popps)
23.Mark Streit-make his season debut
24.Michal Grabner-more goals and a shout out to the Canucks for letting him go
25.Marc Staal/Dan Girardi-1st All-Star selections
26.Brandon Dubinsky-the creation of his own Dubi Dubi Doo line
27.Jason Arnott-Game 6 '00 SCF at Dallas
28.Kyle Okposo-some luck so he can finally breakout
29.Derek Stepan-the Calder Trophy
30.Mattias Tedenby-a center who can get him the puck
31.Michal Rozsival-Game 3 '07 Conf Semis vs Sabres along with shot tutor
32.Alex Frolov-a pep talk from Alexei Yashin and Valeri Kamensky
33.Derek Boogaard-a new chin and pair of pom poms
34.Dainius Zubrus-some hands to go with his heart
35.Islander fans-new owner who cares about on-ice product
36.Devil fans-'95, '00 and '03 DVDs along with Adam Larsson
37.Ranger fans-a free game for blizzard and a run to the Conference Finals
38.Gary Bettman-a voice therapist
39.Colin Campbell-Tom Cruise's Lt. Daniel Kaffee to grill him with Joe Pesci watching intently
40.Pierre McGuire-an iron trap sent from Michael Keaton's Beetlejuice character
41.NHL-HBO to cover a team entire season further illustrating why hockey is the best sport
42.WJC-for more people in The States to care about one of the greatest tournaments
43.Darren Pang-a photo op with Scott Hamilton and a chance to call the Stanley Cup
44.Kevin Weekes-a job with NBC
45.Jack Edwards-a bottle of Jack Daniels
46.Sam Rosen-Versus games during playoffs
47.Doc Emrick-a new book entitled, "Doc-Isms" featuring the unique terms he uses to describe our game
48.Howie Rose-a winning team and a press agent
49.Joe Micheletti-a full mirror
50.Chico Resch-a buffet along with role in hockey version of "Back To School"

Ten Thousand

Proving that I have no life, we've reached 10,000 tweets. Though this really isn't noteworthy compared to all the other stuff Hasan, myself and Brian do, just wanted to say it's been a lot of fun getting to know other bloggers/fans who are as passionate as it gets when it comes to our beloved sport. Whether it's fun banter, intense debates or just getting support from caring people, I have a huge appreciation for our hockey community. We may not always see eye to eye on our teams, players (Crosby/Ovechkin), etc. but that's what makes us such a tight knit group. When things go badly for someone, we all pull together.

I said it once and I'll echo it again. This place wouldn't be possible without Steve Lepore. He was the mastermind behind it. So, big ups to you and continued success with PuckTheMedia.

To those Tweeps who've given us extra love tonight, I will never have enough kind words. It means plenty! Thank you so much :). As far as what was said, I don't like to get into that stuff. Greg Wyshynski is a friend/colleague who does an outstanding job with Puck Daddy. He has a lot more on his plate than we do here. Though I would like to expand. But we're small potatoes.

I still haven't gotten around to posting video from Mike Zippo's Fire Sather Rally Sunday. I'm going to give a view later. Decided to wait because we were there and shook the man's hand giving him his due even if the turnout wasn't earth shattering. We've read pretty much every take thus far with Blueshirt Banter's Joe Fortunato the best. If you haven't already, go read it. Hopefully, I'll give a respectful account that's well thought out so our audience who didn't attend has a better idea of the scene directly across from Madison Square Garden.

If anyone's interested, we really could use an Islander blogger. I feel guilty because I've kinda lagged on the archrival which certainly isn't intentional. They've been going through a tough time. With the playoffs looking more and more like a pipe dream, it'll be interesting to see if John Tavares can get untracked again. The future of the franchise is minus a goal in 17 straight. It'd be nice to see JT91 finish strong. Look what it did for super soph Steven Stamkos, whose 40 markers have the Lightning finisher trailing only Sid and Ovie, who are tied for the league lead with 44 thanks to the Great Eight's deuce in a 4-3 shootout loss to Dallas yesterday. Amazing when you consider how poorly he started his rookie year. Now, the recently turned 20 year-old Tampa '08 No.1 overall pick's got a shot at 50. Love to be a fly on Barry Melrose's wall these days.

Well, this at least makes this post about hockey. Until next time.