#the game’s also going to be in pittsburgh. can’t wait to see Old Man Sid yell at the baby sharks to get off his lawn

[starrynet]

the sharks/penguins game is going to give us so many chances to make “kids these days” jokes. teenager on the sharks scores? kids these days! shark takes a dumb penalty and has to sit in time-out? kid these days. the possibilities are endless

[myhockeyworld87]

Sparkler - Sidney Crosby

Word Count: 1,523

POV: Reader

Warnings: Nothing this is pure cuteness, unless you don’t like Sid as a dad.

Notes: No one asked for this, but here it is anyway, because it popped in my head last night when I was watching some fireworks with my family. Thanks to everyone who voted for Sid and to all those who want Dad Jamie Benn give me a scenario, or I may end up thinking of something who knows...lol. Happy 4th of July to all! 

2020 had really been a hell of a year. Right now you should be in Cole Harbour, celebrating Canada Day at the lake house, but instead, you were still in Pittsburgh as you had been since the world and the NHL went on pause. You and Sid had decided to stay in Pittsburgh, in hopes that it wouldn’t be that long, yet here you were at the start of July practically in the same place. Well, not exactly the same.

You still planned on celebrating Canada Day, but you were also going to be celebrating the 4th of July in the States this time. Which was what you’d been used to, except for the last five years that you’d been with Sid. If you had to think back on it, last year had probably been the best. You’d been at the lake house; Sid had a fire going in the backyard and was roasting you a marshmallow as you fed your eleven-month-old daughter. She’d fallen asleep in your arms before the first firework had even gone off, and blessedly she’d stayed sleeping throughout each loud boom. After Sid fed you the gooey treat, he’d scooped you both up and held you as the sky lit with sparkling stars that reflected off the water.

Now here you were a year later, and there were no fireworks in the sky, but Sid still had a fire burning in the backyard. Only now the marshmallows were for your toddler. “Are you excited to see the fireworks soon, princess?” Sid asked her as he wiped the remnants of sticky sugar from her mouth and hands.

“Uh-huh, they will be so p-etty daddy.” She’d seen a few that had gone off from the neighborhood but only small glimpses. “How many more sleeps, before they come?”

“Only three more sleeps angel and then you can see them light up the sky.” Sid had made sure that the small suburb that you lived in had enough money to put on a great show for his little girl. Your house was in a prime spot, as they told him that they usually set them off just up the hill. He hoisted his daughter in his arms, tickling her; her giggles filling the air. “And now my little princess it is time for you to head to bed.”

When her laughter finally died down, she asked, “is this sleep number one?” She held up her finger to show the number. When you and Sid had taught her how to count; she would always count the number of sleeps he would be gone on a road trip until she could see him again. You weren’t sure how she was going to handle it when hockey started back up. She’d grown very used to her daddy being home.

“Yes, this is sleep number one.” You followed the two into the house and put your daughter to bed. Then spent the last few hours cuddling with Sid, next to the fire with the monitor close by.

The following two days, you prepped the house for the impromptu get together for the 4th of July celebration. It wasn’t near as many people as you’d both like. Just some of Sid’s teammates, along with their significant others. The guys had gotten together more often as restrictions had been lifted and they were all being tested; so you figured everyone was safe. Sid manned the grill, while you took care of fixing all the rest of the food. As dusk grew closer you brought out glow necklaces for a couple of kids to wear that were there. Though you weren’t surprised to see one around Sid’s neck and on top of his head.

“Look, mommy, daddy has a cown on.”

“Cr-own, sweetie.” You told her as she was having trouble with her ‘R’s.’ She repeated the word, still missing the R, but it was rather adorable. “And doesn’t he look very handsome in it.” She nodded her little head up and down, as you held her in your arms. You felt her grow heavier, as her little head relaxed onto your shoulder.

“Hey princess,” Sid said coming up to her. “Don’t fall asleep now. You waited for three whole sleeps to see the fireworks.

“I’m tired, though.”

“Here, wear daddy’s magic crown and it will wake you up.” Sid was truly phenomenal with his daughter and it was moments like this that made your heart swell even more. He looped the glow stick enough that she could wear it on her head, which had her perking up a bit. Just then a loud boom sounded, signaling the start of the fireworks, and your daughter started to cry.

“Awww, what’s wrong sweetie,” you asked.

“It’s too loud,” she sobbed out.

“Here you want daddy to hold you.” Sid had a way of calming her down from day one, and sure enough the minute she was in his arms the crying stopped. “Now what color do you think the next one will be.”

“Geen,” she answered enthusiastically. Sure enough, a green one shot up.

“How did you know that princess?” She just put her little hands up and shrugged. “Ok let’s watch and see what this one will be.”

“It’s blue daddy, it’s blue.”

“I see it, sweetie.”

“It’s so big and p-etty. Do you think there’s a gold one for the Pens, daddy?”

“There might be, we just have to keep looking.”

“Another geen, oooo,” You listened to two banter back and forth and couldn’t help sliding up and wrapping your arms around the two.

“I think the next one is going to be red,” you told the duo. All three of you looked in the air and when the firework exploded it was a brilliant shade of gold, nothing like the red you’d predicted.

“It was gold mommy, just like I said.” And then she laughed.

“Yeah, silly mommy thinking she could play our game huh princess.” Your husband teased.

Your daughter, tilted her father’s face towards hers, hands on each side of his cheeks, and said in a very serious hushed tone. “But Daddy, mommy can play. We don’t want her to be sad.” She had the sweetest heart, just like her father, and well maybe you too.

“Of course, mommy can play, we don’t ever want mommy to be sad.” He said looking over at you trying not to smirk, then pecking your lips.

“That’s better,” your daughter said, and turned her attention back to the fireworks. They went on for another fifteen minutes or more. The three of you playing the little game the entire time. As the finale, came on there were lots more booms, though she didn’t seem to mind them anymore.

You leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Make sure you make a wish on the last sparkle before it goes out.” You could see your little one concentrating hard and as the last one went off, she mumbled something under her breath. “What did you wish for, sweetie?”

“I wished for baby sister, like Alex so I have someone to play with all the time.” Your eyes widen and you looked over to your husband.

“Well princess, mommy, and daddy will have to work on that.” He said with a raise of his brows. You knew where his mind immediately went.

As your eyes stayed locked with his, you shrugged your shoulder and said, “Or maybe her wish already came true.” You’d been holding out for the perfect moment to tell Sid that you were pregnant, but this seemed almost too perfect to pass up.

“Really?”

You smiled brightly at your husband, while your daughter rested her head on his shoulder. “Yes really, though I can’t promise it will be a girl.” He kissed your lips, a gentle caress that you both wanted to last forever.

“You’re smooching me, daddy.” Your little girl piped up, causing you to break apart.

“Sorry, sweetie. Daddy is just really happy, that your wish is coming true.”

“It is?” She hadn’t realized you being pregnant would give her the little sister or brother that she’d asked for. “How many sleeps till she comes?”

“OH, it’s a lot of sleeps princess. I’m not sure you can count that high.” Sid told her.

“I’m gonna go see if Alex can count that high for me.” She wiggled out of Sid’s arms and scooted across the lawn to go play with her friends.

Sid drew you near then, holding you in the circle of his arms, while the two of you watched her play. “Ready for number two?” You asked.

“More than ready; though I’m not going to complain if it’s a boy.” You knew that Sid wanted a son, that he could pass down all his knowledge of hockey too; not that he wasn’t doing that already with your daughter, but a little boy would be different. “Though I wouldn’t mind another little sparkler like her.” He breathed out as, as he watched his baby girl. She really did have her daddy wrapped around her finger. While you, you simply had everything that you’d ever wanted.  

[idontgiveaflyinggrayson69]

Dear True Love

Author: Nat / @idontgiveaflyinggrayson69

Requested: Nope

Tagging: @aw-hawkeye @caswinchester2000

Fandom: NHL  

Relationship: Established; Sidney Crosby x Reader

Summary: “When I told the team that we had gone down to city hall and gotten married, they weren’t happy with me and I’ll never forget what Geno said—“she deserved better”—and he’s right. (Y/N), you are the love of my life, and you deserve better.”—Or the one where Sidney proposes properly.

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: None.

“The distance, travelling back and forth between (town) and Pittsburgh…” You took a deep breath and shook your head.

Sidney swallowed. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, but this distance and the constant travelling back and forth is killing me.” You said with tight lips.

“Then don’t travel. Move to Pittsburgh, with me.” He whispered, stepping closer to you.

“My job…” You started. “I love my job and what I do matters, if I can consider leaving that behind…then I have to know that this, us, isn’t going to…that this is for real.”

Sidney looked at you intensely before the words slipped from his lips. “Marry me.”

“What?” You basically shouted.

Sidney nodded his head. “Marry me. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Marry me and move here and I don’t know, we’ll figure out the rest.”

“Okay.” You breathed and Sidney smiled brightly before crashing his lips to yours.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” You turned to ask Sidney in the car.

Sidney gave the biggest smile of his life. “I have never been more sure of anything in my life.”

You smiled back at him and leaned forwards to press a kiss to his cheek before gathering your things and getting out of the car. You were wearing a blue dress (something blue) and inside your purse you had borrowed from your mother (something borrowed) you had one of Sidney’s many pucks (something old) and a brand new roll of stick tape (something new). You were down to elope, but you weren’t going to do so without the four things. Sid had his superstitions and you had yours.

Out of the car, Sid took your hand and the two of you walked into city hall.

“Do you want to say your own vows?” The judge asked you.

You looked at Sidney with wide eyes and he laughed, looking back at the judge. “No, we don’t have anything prepared.

The judge nodded. “Rings?”

Sidney shook his head. “No, don’t have those either.”

The judge nodded and began the ceremony. “Do you, (Y/N), take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do you part?"

You nodded with a smile. “I do.”

“And do you, Sidney, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do you part?"

“I do.” Sidney said happily.

“Then with the power invested in me by the state of Pennsylvania, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Sidney didn’t have to be told twice. He pressed his lips to yours, bringing his hand up to cup your cheek. You smiled into the kiss and pulled back after a moment. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Mrs. Crosby.” Sidney winked.

Since then, the two of you had gone ring shopping. You picked out your engagement ring and your wedding ring and helped Sidney pick out a wedding band that didn’t look god awful. Sidney was a lot of things, but he did not have a good sense of style, and his crocs were a perfect example of that.

Sidney also told his teammates that the two of you got married, and, well, they were happy for him, for both of you, but they also gave him quite the look.

The two of you had been together for years and they all knew that the two of you would get married someday, but they were expecting a romantic proposal and a big white wedding, and there was neither. He didn’t even have a ring.

They simply weren’t going to stand for it, which was how “the plan” was started.

It was about two weeks later.

You were up in one of the suites of the PPG Paints arena to watch your husband’s game. You always loved watching him play and seeing him play as his wife just made it better. Neither of you had moved out of the “newly wed” stage yet.

Sid’s and Letang’s line and Murray were all out on the blue line with the opposing team’s players out on their blue line as the anthems were sung.

After the anthems, the lights would come back on and the players would get ready to start the game as the carpet, the singer and the colour guard all left the ice. But, that didn’t happen. The singer and the colour guard did leave the ice, the lights stayed dark and no one moved from the blue line on either team.

Then the familiar sound of Dear True Love by Sleeping at Last filled the speakers of the arena and the jumbo screen started to play a side show of pictures and videos of you and Sidney. Watching it, you couldn’t help but cry. It was beautiful.

The video ended by displaying “(Y/N) & Sidney” before the video faded away to Sidney’s face. While you and everyone else was watching the video, Sidney had skated to the bench and got a microphone, leaving his helmet, gloves and stick at the bench while he was there. Sidney took a deep breath and smiled and you couldn’t help but smile too.

“Two weeks ago I married the love of my life.” Sidney said and the arena cheered, causing him to laugh. “I know, I know. But there was no wedding. I didn’t even propose. There was no big romantic gesture or heartfelt speech or even a ring.”

You couldn’t help but laugh as the arena booed him. Sidney nodded. “I know, I know. When I told the team that we had gone down to city hall and gotten married, they weren’t happy with me and I’ll never forget what Geno said—“she deserved better”—and he’s right. (Y/N), you are the love of my life, and you deserve better.”

The arena cheered again and Sidney waited for them to calm down before speaking again. “My dad used to tell me that if I loved something to shout it from the mountain tops. Well, Pittsburgh doesn’t have any mountains so broadcasting it over all of North America is going to have to work instead…(Y/N), I know that the future is going to be hard, that there are going to be moments when we hate each other, but I also know that I will love you more than I could ever hate you. And I know that my love for you is like the universe, ever expending. I can’t imagine my life without you and I don’t want to. I have three Stanley Cups and two Gold Medals and I would throw them all away for you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So…”

Sidney moved and the camera zoomed out to get him going down on one knee. “Will you marry me?”

You were smiling from ear to ear with tears in your eyes over the whole thing when someone tapped you on the shoulder. You looked over to see a woman handing you a microphone. You didn’t know where she or the mic came from, but it didn’t matter. You took the mic and looked over to see your face on the jumbo screen.

“Yes, of course you big dork.” You said and the arena cheered.

The guys on both benches banged their sticks against the boards and Sid’s teammates on the ice patted him on the shoulder when he stood back up, a big smile on his face.

This was going to be on the replays for years to come.

[livinganexistence]

@sidgenophotochallenge, ~3.3K

Also on AO3

“He could still come back, Sid.”

Sid sighs and looks up from his notes. “Can we not talk about this for once? I just want to write this paper and go home, Flower.”

“I’m just saying. I know how much he cared about you, and I’m worried. You haven’t been the same since he left and I still don’t believe he’s gone for good.”

Sid sighs again and rubs a hand across his face. “You know how much I appreciate your endless, though often misguided, optimism. But can we just, I don’t know, not bring this up all the time? I’m trying to move on. He told me to move on. I can’t do that with you constantly stirring my hopes up.”

Flower looks chagrined, but continues, “But he--”

“It’s been six months, Flower,” Sid snaps loudly. The student at the next table glances up at him questioningly. His face heats and he lowers his voice. “And I’ve heard nothing. Nothing. If I’ve learned anything in my life it’s that people come and go. And Geno’s gone. Just… Drop it. Please.” Sid stares back down at the book he’d been taking notes from and is horrified to see the words swimming. He blinks furiously and turns to his laptop and begins typing.

“Oh, Sidney,” Flower says, reaching over to squeeze his arm. “I’m sorry, my friend. You’re right, I won’t bring him up again.”

“It’s fine,” Sid takes in a shaky breath and tries to smile at Flower, though it comes out as more of a grimace. He groans softly to himself and puts his face in his hands. When he looks back up, he suddenly needs to be anywhere but at the library. He snaps his laptop shut and begins hastily shoving things into his backpack “I think I’m done studying for the day. I’ll see you back at the apartment, yeah?” he says with false cheerfulness. Flower makes to follow but Sid shakes his head sharply once. “I’ll see you at home, okay?” Sid zips up his bag and turns towards the door.

~*~

The bar is busy for a Wednesday night. It’s the Pens season opener, so Sid attributes the uptick in patronage to them. More tips for him either way. He hands a customer her change and turns back to Flower, who’s been trying to cajole him into making him a complicated - and expensive - drink he’d seen online for the last 10 minutes. Sid hands him a beer instead. “You know I’m not giving you free alcohol, Flower,” he says. “I just got this job in the summer and you’re not going to be the reason I lose it.”

“Come on, Sidney, not even for your best friend?”

Before Sid can answer, a train roars by, shaking the bottles and rattling the tables. Not for the first time Sid wonders why the bar is so close to the tracks, but if nothing else it gives a certain aesthetic. Kind of. If you squint.

Once he can be heard again, he says, “Especially not for my best friend.”

Flower dips his fingers into the beer and flicks the droplets in Sid’s direction. “Kill-joy.”

“Flower!” Sid rolls his eyes and grabs a towel to wipe off his face. “Asshole,” he grumbles as a new customer sits at the bar. Before Sid can say anything, the man smiles and asks, “What kind name is Flower?”

Sid takes in the stranger, noting his warm brown eyes and full lips. He leans against the bar and grins back. “I wish I could describe this guy over here,” pointing his thumb at Flower, “but words can’t explain that level of crazy.” Flower has the decency to look affronted, and the man laughs appreciatively. Sid chuckles with him before asking, “What can I get you?”

“You old enough to be behind bar? Look young.” The man sticks his tongue between his teeth. “Don’t want get in trouble now.”

“I’m a senior at UPitt, thank you very much. I am plenty old enough,” he says, trying to hide his surprise. Is this guy flirting with him?

Before he can say anything, Flower cuts in, “I don’t know Sid, the guy’s got a point. Your baby face might be turning away willing customers.” He tips his glass towards the man.

“I’m not think that face keep anyone away,” the man says with a wink in Sid’s direction. Sid sees Flower’s eyebrows rise and feels color creep up on his cheeks. His stomach flips pleasantly. “Name is Evgeni. Can call Geno - easier for Americans.” He sticks his hand out for Sid to shake.

“Sid. And lucky for you, neither of us are Americans. I’ll still stick with Geno though,” Sid says, shaking his hand. It’s warm and soft, and Geno holds on for longer than strictly necessary. Yep, definitely flirting.

“Can have the local tap, Sid?” Geno asks, sliding over his ID. Sid brushes his fingers against Geno’s as he takes it. He smiles warmly and hands it back.

“Coming right up.”

--

Flower decides to leave during first intermission and gives Sid a significant look as he walks towards the door. Sid rolls his eyes and waves him off.

Geno, however, ends up staying at the bar all night. They watch the Pens game, argue about the PK, and learn bits of information about each other during lulls in the game. Between watching the game, taking orders, and making small talk with various patrons, Sid learns that Geno is an MBA candidate here for the credentials to take back home to Russia to help run his father’s steel company.

Right as second intermission starts another train rumbles by. “What with the trains?” Geno shouts above the noise, holding his glass tightly.

Sid waits to answer until the train passes. “They pass through every couple hours during the week and a few times on weekends. Don’t worry, they become part of the background once you get used to them.”

“Not sure I ever get used to that much background,” Geno mutters, shaking his head.

“You can get used to just about anything,” Sid shrugs before stepping away to help another customer.

Once he’s back and leaning against the counter, Geno asks “So why Canadian come all the way to Pittsburgh for master’s in sports medicine? College no good in Canada?”

Sid’s smile falters and he looks away from Geno. He grabs a rag and begins wiping the already clean bar top. “Ah, no, I needed to get away. I told my parents I was gay and they- they didn’t take it well.”

Geno puts his hand over Sid’s to stop the slow circles he’s making. “I’m sorry, Sid. Sorry you have to go through that.”

Sid risks a glance up at Geno before focusing on their joined hands. “It’s okay. I mean, it’s not, but I’m okay now. I have great friends. It’s been a few years, and I’ve been able to talk to my sister more regularly again. So I guess I can’t complain.”

“Not complain, Sid. Shitty parents for not accept own child.” Sid flips his hand over to squeeze Geno’s gently. He looks back up at him and says, “Thanks, Geno.”

“Not for thank. I’m understand how feel though. Russia very old fashion. Is why I’m glad to come to America,” Geno squeezes his hand back and asks, “Not want to be forward, but can I take to dinner sometime, Sid?”

Sid huffs out a startled laugh, but grins. “I’d like that.”

--

Sid finds being in a relationship with Geno easy. Geno is great, the sex is great, and he fits almost effortlessly into Sid’s life. Falling in love with Geno is the easiest thing he’s done since arriving in Pittsburgh. Geno and Flower get along like a house on fire, and Geno spends many of Sid’s shifts at the bar either studying or conspiring with Flower to egg Sid on mercilessly, to which he feigns annoyance but secretly loves.

The summer apart is hard, and Sid spends a lot of time resolutely not thinking about the fact that Geno may be heading back to Russia once he graduates. It’s the one thing they don’t talk about in their relationship. It feels like a dark cloud in the distance that Sid’s not sure how to address. It’s not like him to avoid a problem, but if he’s honest with himself he’s too afraid of the answer to bring it up.

Geno takes the decision out of his hands one night shortly after their one-year anniversary. Geno is sitting in his usual spot while Sid makes his rounds. Once he’s back behind the bar, he says, “Talk to papa today, Sid.”

Sid is opening a handful of beers not looking at Geno. “About what?” “I’m ask papa what he thinks about me running American branch in Chicago. I said would be good for company if Russian in charge of US operations. I get American degree, I’m clearly best option, yes?”

Sid sets the beers down loudly on the bar top and turns to Geno in surprise. “Seriously Geno? What did he say?” he asks, voice betraying his hopefulness.

“He said he think about. Not set in stone yet, but I’m sure I can convince. Will take time, will have to spend time in Russia for a while. But hope I might be able to transfer by time you graduate.”

Sid reaches across the counter to press a kiss to Geno’s lips. Geno cups his face and tries to deepen it, but Sid swats at him and pulls back. “Geno, that’s great news! Are you sure your dad will be okay with it?”

Geno shrugs. “Not 100% sure, but want. Want more than anything.”

Sid grabs his hand and squeezes. “Me too.”

--

With the belief that Geno will be able to work for the American branch of Malkin Steel Corp, Sid spends the little amount of free time he has during his first year of grad school researching jobs and apartments in the Chicago area.

However, as it gets closer to Geno’s graduation date, Sid notices how much more time Geno spends on the phone and how distracted and distant he is when he’s off of it. When Sid asks what’s wrong, Geno just shakes his head and tells him everything is fine. As the weeks go on he continues to press the issue, but Geno seems unwilling to share any information. Finally, he tells Sid he’s been arguing with his father about some decisions the business is making, but it’s nothing to be concerned about.

--

About a week after the end of the semester, Sid hears Geno walk into the apartment. Sid’s lying on the couch with a book, and when Geno walks in he glances over the top of it and smiles. “Hey G.”

Geno takes a deep breath. “Sid, need to talk.”

Sid marks his page and sets the book on his lap but doesn’t get up. He holds his hand out to Geno and says, “Okay, what’s up?”

Geno moves to sit on the coffee table. He takes Sid’s hand in both of his and brings it up to his lips to kiss. “Don’t know how to say. Thought I could stay here, with you. But can’t. Was fool.”

Sid stares up at Geno, confused. “What are you saying?” he asks, pulling his hand back.

“Have to leave, have go back to Russia.”

Sid sits up abruptly, book falling off of his lap onto the floor. “Now? I thought you didn’t have to go back until the end of the summer?”

Geno won’t meet his eyes. “Papa says come home now.”

“Why-- for how long?” Sid’s mind is already doing calculations. “We can work out a travel schedule then, yeah? Figure out opportune times for you to visit, and--”

Geno shakes his head and looks down. “Going home for good, Sid.”

Sid’s stomach drops. “For good? What are you saying, Geno? What about Chicago?”

Geno stares resolutely at the ground between them. “Papa need me in Russia. Company change plan, papa says can’t work in US long term. Can’t stay here. Parents have expectations. Family have expectations. Have to meet. I’m sorry.” He sniffs and brings a hand up to wipe his nose.

“You’re-- are you breaking up with me? Just like that?” Sid whispers, disbelief and hurt taking his voice from him.

“No! Not ‘just like that.’ Don’t want break up. But don’t know when or if I ever be back. Can’t ask you to wait for me. Not fair to you so can’t be together anymore. I’m sorry,” Geno looks up pleadingly into Sid’s eyes, “I’m so sorry. But always was plan to go back to Russia. You know this.”

“I’ll wait for you. I could come visit--”

“No place for you and me in Russia, Sid.” Geno says softly. “Can’t work. Want you to be happy. You deserve better than waiting on ‘maybe.’”

“But I thought-” Sid doesn’t finish his sentence.

“I thought too. But like I said. Was fool. Can’t defy parents, have to do right thing. Have to go back home.” Geno grabs for his hand again, but Sid shakes away from his grasp and stands up. He wraps his arms around himself and starts pacing the room.

“That’s it then? The last two years were what? Just for fun, just for you to pass the time?”

Geno stands and says, “Sid, no. I love you, want you to be happy.”

“But not enough to stay,” he says bitterly, stopping in front of the window.

“Not fair, Sid. Parents give me everything.”

Silence fills the room. As Sid stares out the window, he hears the air horn blare from a train passing through town. “So that’s it then?” he asks again.

Geno walks to Sid’s side and pulls him into a hug. “I’m sorry Sid. So sorry.”

Sid clutches Geno briefly before pushing back and shoving his hands into his pockets. He turns his back to Geno and stares unseeing out the window, eyes hot and prickling. “Just leave,” he says quietly.

He feels Geno staring at him for what seems like an eternity before Geno turns towards the door. He hears him set something down before he closes the door softly behind him. Sid turns to see his apartment key sitting on the table.

~*~

Sid heads home, cold air nipping at his ears as he makes the walk. He curses himself for forgetting his toque and turns up his collar against the wind. He crosses the tracks and is almost past the bar when he hears steps rushing to catch up to him. Without turning around, he says, “Flower, I told you, I just want to go home. I have to work tonight and I’d really like to get a nap in first.”

The steps slow to a stop “What kind name is Flower?” the person asks.

Sid whips around at the voice. He stares, unable to move “...Geno?”

“Hi Sid,” Geno says, giving him a tentative smile. Sid gapes at him. “I missed you.”

Anger flares hotly in Sid’s chest. “You missed me? You left and said you weren’t coming back! What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I was wrong,” Geno says, taking a step towards Sid.

Sid takes a step back and crosses his arms. “Wrong about what? You made it very clear at the end of last semester where we stood,” Sid spits out, taking another step away from Geno. As quick as the anger came, it begins seeping out of him like water through a cracked vase. Quietly, he asks, “Why are you here, Geno?”

“I was wrong,” Geno repeats. “Thought I have do things certain way, thought I have be certain person. I’m was afraid, Sid.” Geno reaches towards him but drops his arm when he sees Sid flinch. “I’m not afraid anymore.” Geno smiles at him again, timid but hopeful.

Sid looks up at him and sees the regret and the pain and the love naked in Geno’s eyes. He absolutely does not know what to do with that, so he gazes down at his sneakers. Geno continues, “I understand if move on. I understand if not want be with me. But I’m have to try. Have to come back, have to know.” He takes a step closer again and this time Sid doesn’t step away. Geno reaches his hand out and touches Sid’s elbow lightly. “Sid?”

He looks back up. “I-” Sid’s voice cracks, and he clears his throat to start again. The words start flowing from his mouth and he doesn’t know how to stop them. “I tried. To move on. But I couldn’t, Geno, I tried so hard because you left like it was easy and now you’re back saying you want to try again like six months of radio silence was nothing. I spent days trying to squash any remaining hope I had, and I can’t--” Sid’s voice hitches, and he wipes at his nose with the back of a gloved hand. “I can’t do this again.” Sid knows he should pull his arm out of Geno’s grasp, but he can only stand there with his head down.

“Sid, look at me,” Geno says, moving his hand up Sid’s arm and cups his face. Sid leans into the touch despite his best efforts. “Sid, please?”

Sid looks up, eyes brimming with unshed tears. “I can’t,” he says, voice quivering. “You might not be afraid anymore, but I am.”

The sudden dinging of the crossing gates startles Sid into taking a step closer to Geno, who uses the opportunity to rub his hands up and down Sid’s arms soothingly. They stare at each other as the train moves past, and Sid finally lets his tears fall. Geno wipes them away, smiling sadly at Sid but not letting him go. Sid doesn’t pull away.  

Once the train is gone, Geno speaks again. “I’m know I hurt you, Sid. I’m sorry took so long for me to figure my shit out. I’m know how much I have to make up. I’m know it not easy to trust again. But I’m here to stay. I’m want to try again, if you have me. Sid, I meant what said before left. I love you. I never meant hurt you. Please, can we start again?”

Sid shoves his hands in his pockets, and Geno reluctantly lets him go. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to say to you,” he says honestly, his desire to wrap himself in Geno’s arms warring with his need to keep his distance.

Geno shuffles his feet nervously. “Could say yes.”

Sid gives him a considering look. “How do I know this isn’t just as temporary as last time? Why should I believe you’ll stay?”

Geno takes in a deep breath. “Because I’m told papa everything. Told him why I so unhappy, why I want stay in America. And papa? He want me to be happy, even if not fully understand. You make me happy, happiest ever.”

“You made me happy too, G. But I can’t forget the last six months happened like it wasn’t hard, didn’t hurt.  What you did hurt me more than I can say.”

“Understand Sid. Know I have lot to make up. But want to try, yes?” Geno’s voice is so hopeful it makes Sid’s chest ache.

Sid wipes at his face to clear away the tear tracks. “I should say no.”

Geno grins suddenly. He knows Sidney too well. He nods his head towards the bar and asks, “Want to get a drink with me?”

Sid presses his lips together and takes a cleansing breath through his nose. “I guess Flower was right,” he says instead of answering.

Geno raises his eyebrow in question.

“You came back.” Geno hums in agreement and holds out his hand for Sid to take.

“Always gunna come back to you, Sid.”

[highbuttonsports]

Trading Wheels

Now that every team is at or past the quarter mark of the season, the picture of where everyone is at is coming into focus. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to play around with some trade scenarios involving the Calgary Flames. More specifically, involving former first round pick Sam Bennett. Much has been made of Bennett’s rumoured trade request, when he was seeing limited playing time (mostly in the bottom 6). Which culminated with being a healthy scratch for a game. It seemed a trade was all but inevitable. Since then, he has skated alongside Monahan and Gaudreau and is looking more like the top prospect he was after being drafted 4th overall in 2014. Now at 24 years old, with another off-season of RFA negotiations looming, it appears his career in Calgary is at a crossroads. Even though he has been elevated in the lineup and playing much better, a trade may not be in the offing. If anything, it makes sense for the Flames to give him the best opportunity to increase his trade value. Don’t forget, Bennett is a pending RFA with a $2.55 million salary cap hit. This is also his last year of RFA status, as he will have accrued 7 years of NHL service after the 2021/2022 season. Need I remind you; Calgary only has $226,657 of salary cap space.

For the purpose of this exercise, I am going to pick 1 team from each division that might make for the best trade partner:

North Division: Toronto Maple Leafs

To Toronto: Sam Bennett

To Calgary: Alexander Kerfoot (20% retained salary)

Not much has gone right for Kerfoot in Toronto. Even when given a chance to move up the lineup due to injury, he hasn’t found his offensive game he showed he’s capable of when he was in Colorado. He is a couple years older than Bennett (26) and brings a similar style of play without the scoring potential. He is also a more rounded defender and a more natural center. Alex is signed for another 2 seasons after this, with a cap hit of $3.55 million. In order to make the money work, the Leafs would need to retain at around 20% of his salary. It should be of note, Kerfoot has a NTC (No Trade Clause) that kicks in the last year of his deal. I can’t help but wonder if perhaps a fresh start in Toronto with the other young players would be just what Sam needs to realize his potential. We also can’t forget Sam grew up just north of Toronto and played his minor hockey there with none other than Connor McDavid. He also played his OHL hockey with the Kingston Frontenacs. A move to Ontario along with the comforts of home could make the transition from his first trade much easier to deal with.

East Division: Pittsburgh Penguins

To Pittsburgh: Sam Bennett, Noah Hanifin, and Josh Leivo

To Calgary: Kaspari Kapanen (15% retained salary), Michael Matheson, and Teddy Blueger

Even though the wheeling and dealing Jim Rutherford is no longer the GM in Pittsburgh, they will still be open for business. As long as Sid and Malkin are around, they will be chasing contention. Both Bennett and Kapanen were 1st round picks in 2014 separated by 18 picks. The retained money on Kaspari bring their contracts into similar territory, and makes the deal cap compliant. Neither has been able to solidify themselves in the NHL and may just need the right situation to take off. There would be no better situation for Sam then going into a dressing room with future Hall of Famers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin-If anyone can elevate his game it’s those 2. Speaking to Hanifin, he hasn’t been able to take the next step expected of the 2015 5th overall pick, but at 24 is still capable of doing that. Hanifin is also a change of scenery candidate. Looking at Matheson, he’s a couple years older and offers a similar game at a lower cap hit (marginally a $75,000 difference). Ultimately, Leivo and Blueger help make the money work, and Teddy brings a bit more of the all-around game Calgary needs in the bottom 6.

Central Division: Nashville Predators

To Nashville: Sam Bennett and Connor Mackey

To Calgary: Erik Haula and Dante Fabbro

It’s no secret that Nashville has struggled this season, after much of the same last season. They very well could be headed for a retool (or rebuild) as soon as this year’s trade deadline. Bennett would help add some much-needed forward potential, and they wouldn’t have to wait years for him to realize it. In return, the Flames would get the young, mobile, puck moving ‘D’ man they could use in Fabbro. With Gio headed to free agency (if not retirement) after next season, there will be a significant gap to fill. The former 2016 17th overall pick appears to be blocked by the big 3 of Josi, Ellis, and Ekholm. Both Bennett and Fabbro are headed for RFA status, though I could see the Flames locking Dante up as soon as the trade is announced. Haula is known as a dependable forward that can play anywhere in the lineup, and in any role. We can’t forget Mackey, though signed as an undrafted college free agent, is no throw in. He plays a responsible 2-way game while taking few risks and is positionally sound. He would fit seamlessly as a bottom pair ‘D’ man for the Preds.

West Division: Minnesota Wild

To Minnesota: Sam Bennett and Dillon Dube

To Calgary: Kevin Fiala (5% retained salary) and Nico Sturm

Minnesota is a team in transition. They have aging players with too much term and years left on their deals, but moving any of them is next to impossible. The above deal is about adding 2 young forwards (Bennett and Dube) to fill the void in 2021/2022 or sooner depending on other moves. When Marcus Johanson, Nick Bonino, and Nick Bjugstad all move on they will still be saddled with Parise’s and Suter’s deals, but at least some youth will be injected into the lineup. Fiala was drafted 11th overall in the same 2014 draft as Bennett, although last season he seemed to have found his top 6 game. He would immediately slide onto the right side of Monahan and Gaudreau while adding even more PP fire power. Moving Dube isn’t ideal, but that’s the give-and-take with acquiring a more established and dynamic player such as Fiala. Looking at the college ranks, Sturm is a 25-year-old undrafted rookie who came from Germany. At 6’ 3” and 210 lbs., he adds size down the middle and could be the full-time 3rd line center before long.

…Is a move of Bennett a guarantee? No, however, his play from here on out will determine his value on the market. There is also a possibility of the relationship between the Flames and Sam mending. Him finally becoming the player the Flames thought they were getting when they drafted him would go a long way. Nevertheless, the season is in full force and the rumour mill is rampant and projecting deals is all part of the fun. Feel free to critique as you wish. That’s all part of the fun too.

*all salary cap and trade calculations are done through Cap Friendly

By: Jaymee Kithenham

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Jagr Watch 2017: Where will Jaromir Jagr end up next season?

There was perhaps no sadder moment in the NHL offseason than when Jaromir Jagr tweeted out his free-agent lament: There have been no calls to the 45-year-old legend from general managers.

For the first time, we all started to really consider if this was the end of the line for the ageless one, despite 46 points and 17 minutes per game for the Florida Panthers last season.

We also all started fantasy casting ways for Jagr to continue his career in the NHL, but those options were flying off the table during free agency. The Kings addressed their old-ass right wing need with Mike Cammalleri. Carolina added Justin Williams and is stacked up on the wing. Despite Brendan Shanahan and Lou Lamoriello in Toronto, there’s probably not a fit there, either. And so on.

But that will not deter us from finding a home for Jagr in 2017-18.

We don’t offer any palpable inside information here. The man is a modern day Jedi, and Jedi are not often known for their candor. Well, except for Anakin, who couldn’t stop with the creepy proclamations of lust for Padme. And look how that ended up.

Here’s a look at some Jagr Watch possibilities, if he decides to grace this planet with his talents for another season.

Arizona Coyotes

The Coyotes used to be the go-to place for legendary players to ride off into the intense desert sunset (Hull, Roenick) but their recent treatment of aged veterans clearly signals a change in policy (see: Doan, Shane). That said, super stat nerd John Chayka clearly understands the possession impact Jagr makes, the team has a need on right wing and their cap space is larger than the GDP of some island nations.

Calgary Flames

See, this is an interesting one. It hits on a positional need for the Flames. It’s a team that has some cap space. It’s a team that has the type of young forwards for whom Jagr can be an inspiration.

Does he fit the Flames? Here’s FlamesNation on it:

If Jagr is expected to be a top line player, he’d almost certainly be alongside Gaudreau and Monahan – two 60+ point young forwards – and considering the way Glen Gulutzan deploys his forwards, Jagr would undoubtedly be put in a position to succeed. From there, all he’d have to do is keep up with a couple of players in their early 20s, which he’d already been doing during his time in Florida. Same stuff, different team, another year older. That’s what we’re looking at. 

He could make a top 10 power play even better. And we’re all for the Adventures of Jaromir and Johnny, Hockey Rock Stars.

Detroit Red Wings

We’re not entirely sure why the Red Wings would do this, but then we’re not entirely sure what the Red Wings are doing overall. Jagr on a one-year Vanek contract? They haven’t had an immovable object on the power play like this since Johan Franzen. (Also, this would greatly increase the chances that Jagr picks up an octopus and fashions it into some kind of cephalopod mullet.)

Edmonton Oilers

The idea of Jagr, at this point in his career, skating with Connor McDavid is like the idea of Tony Bennett singing with a speed metal band. But if there’s one virtue Jagr has that fits here, it’s his mentorship. Having Jagr’s work ethic, and the way he uses his body, as a model for Leon Draisaitl and Jesse Puljujarvi would be great. And it’s not like they don’t have the cap space.

The ECHL Florida Everblades

No, please, stop supporting this. This is what minor league hockey teams do for aging stars in other sports, like the Iowa Chops and Brett Favre. We’re not ready for Jagr as joke meme.

Kladno HC

He owns his hometown team, having played there during the most recent lockout. If he wants to play, he can play. If he wants to help grow the game back home, he could do that too. And while Jagr might be a supporting cast member in the NHL, he’d be King Hockey back home.

Plus there might be a whole new generation of models that want to blackmail him on social media.

Montreal Canadiens

Look, if you’re going to keep Tomas Plekanec around for another season, might as well bring in his Czech national team (and Kladno) linemate and do something with him, right? Plus, Jagr on the half wall of a power play that features Brendan Gallagher in front and Shea Weber on the blue line? Hey, this could work! (But please, everyone: NO ONE TELL JAROMIR ABOUT THE TAXES.)

New Jersey Devils

This would be a second go for Jagr with the Devils. All About The Jersey makes the case that Jagr still fits:

So what is the reasoning behind signing a 45-year-old player to a team in a still-ongoing rebuild? Simply put, he makes them better right now and requires zero commitment long term. The Devils have a need at right wing, and he is hands-down the best one available at this point. And this summer, Ray Shero has made it clear that he doesn’t really want to offer term to any players if he can avoid it, making a guy like Jagr, who wouldn’t command anything past one year, ideal.

It’s hard to imagine him going to back to Jersey, especially now that Patrik Elias is no longer active. But hey, they have the roster and the money if staying in the NHL is paramount to him.

Ottawa Senators

I mean, it’s already an (e4) for Jagr to the Senators:

So I just received a #snapchat of my buddy at Ottawa Airport with Jaromir Jagr! Interesting #Sens #Ottawa

— Djugarden (@dju089) July 17, 2017

What would Mike Hoffman ask for if Jaromir Jagr needed No. 68? A yacht?

But honestly: Where would he fit and why do they need him and wait hold on maybe Eugene sees ticket sales here?

Pittsburgh Penguins

C’mon, we all want this to happen.

This matchmaking was the genesis for #JagrWatch a few years ago. We all want this water to be under the bridge. We all want to see Mario and Jagr recreate this photo. (Even if Sid and Geno did a decent job of it.) We all want to see him on Malkin’s wing so he scores 36 goals and ties Gordie Howe. OK, maybe Red Wings fans don’t want to see this.

It doesn’t matter if he’s an empty husk of a shell of himself and needs to be dragged up and down the ice by his mullet by younger, better players: Jagr on the Penguins would be the “Selanne returns to Winnipeg” moment we never got, times a billion.

Professional Tryout Contract

Life in the NHL, under the salary cap, means that plenty of star players have to go this route near the end, from Scott Gomez to Christian Ehrhoff. We all want to believe that Jagr is an actor who just gets parts but never has to audition for them, but maybe he needs to if he wants a callback. Here’s to the fools who dream. Crazy as they may seem.

San Jose Sharks

Thornton and Jagr would be the best line pairing ever put together in NHL 07.

Vancouver Canucks

As much as Jagr and the Sedins would be the greatest nostalgic act to hit arenas since the G’n R reunion, sadly there are only 20 minutes in a period and a good portion of that might be spent watching them skate out of their own zone. Also, with the Sedins there, Vancouver doesn’t even need Jagr as a veteran mentor.

Vegas Golden Knights

YEAHHHHHHH, we’ll bet the “Don’t Pass” line on this one.

Finally … Gulp … Retirement

Jagr deserves better than some ignominious farewell in an NHL offseason, treated with the dignity of an old car that ends up on someone’s lawn with “OR BEST OFFER” written on the window. He’s a hockey deity. The mind boggles over the notion that he won’t go out on his terms, or that he can’t help someone next season.

But if this is the end, and perhaps it might be, we’ll go back to a previous point: Sign a one-day deal and retire as a Penguin. That’s the only way we could cope with the retirement of Jaromir Jagr without a farewell tour.

—

Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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Conspiracies, Milbury on Subban and Kovalchuk's return (Puck Daddy Countdown)

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 29: P.K. Subban #76 of the Nashville Predators poses for a portrait prior to the 2017 Honda NHL All-Star Game at Staples Center on January 29, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

(In which Ryan Lambert takes a look at some of the biggest issues and stories in the NHL, and counts them down.)

8. It’s time for some Game 3-ry!

Who could have known that the “Alex Ovechkin tried to kill Ron Hainsey with a polonium-laced flubbed one-timer” would have been only the tip of the iceberg?

Yeah, like the “I’m With Her” crew who can’t stop tweeting about or devoting their nightly MSNBC shows to Russian involvement in the U.S. election, Pittsburgh sports writers seem to have gone off the deep end with their hate of Ovechkin.

Who knows how deep the rabbit hole goes? Rob Rossi, a writer for Upgruv (pron. “oop-gruv”) suggests that Ovechkin, not content with putting Hainsey on the shelf, also conspired with Matt Niskanen, Barry Trotz, the saucer people and the reverse vampires to try to murder Sidney Crosby as well. And wouldn’t you know it, it worked!!!!!!!!

Like Rossi, Pittsburgh homers I mean reporters including Josh Yohe and Kevin Gorman have reason to believe may be a boogeyman or boogeymen at work, and yinz are blind if yinz can’t see it.

What sort of Kompromat Ovechkin may have on Niskanen, who used to be Crosby’s teammate for pete’s sake, has on these guys to make them focus in on playing a physical game against Crosby we may never know. Maybe it was video of how bad Niskanen was on the man advantage in the first two games (a.k.a. The PP Tape) but until we get some more concrete evidence, we just can’t be sure.

Certainly, now that Crosby is potentially out for the series in what was absolutely not in any way an unfortunate accident that results from one guy trying very hard to dispossess arguably the best player in the world of the puck, in a prime scoring area, and another being in the same general area for the unfortunate aftermath.

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And certainly certainly, a guy like Rossi would never have written apologia on behalf of Nice Guy Matt Cooke a year after he effectively ended Marc Savard’s career and tried to do the same to Ryan McDonagh. No, absolutely not. 

7. The Selke ceiling

Speaking of poor Sid Crosby, NBC had a really great video package at the beginning of Monday’s Game 3 in which it showed how good Crosby is at literally everything to do with hockey. And it got me thinking: Crosby really ought to have a Selke on his shelf by now, right?

Like, he’s probably going to have to wait a few more years since he’s still scoring by the bucketload, but if you’re going to tell me he’s not one of the four or five best defensive players alive, that says to me you’re not paying a lot of attention to this sport.

And yet, the highest he’s ever finished in Selke voting was last season, when he ended up seventh. My theory: It’s because he had only 85 points in 80 games. Which for him is incredibly bad, the lowest points-per-game of his career.

The thing with the Selke is that there is now, seemingly, a ceiling for how many points you can score before you were too good offensively to have been considered good defensively. Which is dumb as hell, of course. But people don’t want to accept that you can be elite at both ends of the ice.

I looked it up and the median Selke winner in the cap era had 27 goals and 70 points. And those were the heyday of Crosby and Malkin going off and racking up 100-plus points, so by comparison he must have been doing something to have fallen behind the pack. Also, you have to be a center, but you already knew that.

So who’s the guy, statistically, who’s most likely to win the Selke this year? Kesler’s closest to both those numbers, and given how bad the media wanted to name him MVP of the series for matching up against Connor McDavid (and only kinda getting caved in), I bet his 22-36-58 goes a long way.

Then again, he’s up against three-time winner Patrice Bergeron, so that has to come into the discussion as well. And Bergeron will probably win for lack of a better option.

But seriously, Crosby.

6. That Zaitsev contract

It’s not very good. I don’t get the seven years. I don’t get the $4.5 million. Statistically he scans like a No. 4/5 defenseman who got thrown into a bigger role than he actually earned, and the fact that he’ll be 26 in October doesn’t portend good things for the second half of this contract.

As much as the Leafs have earned a rep for making smart moves, they still give out some dumb contracts. And yeah, maybe they’re trying to goad Las Vegas into taking a youngish D who’s signed relatively cheap and for term, but why would you risk that?

I dunno, I just feel like Babcock has his blindspots and defenders like Zaitsev is very firmly within that blindspot. Maybe if, one day, he starts getting used as an expensive-but-good No. 4/5 instead of a not-good-enough No. 2, things work out okay. But right now? Pass.

5. Walkin’ it back

Mike Milbury’s comments about P.K. Subban dancing in pre-games drew a lot of ire, and understandably so. Mike Milbury is a loudmouth clod that every hockey fan who has to suffer through his NBC diatribes cannot stand. P.K. Subban is a mostly beloved guy who should be a huge star in this league, except they have a problem with his, uhh, let’s call it “pizzazz.”

So when Milbury got a chance to walk all that back with Joe Rexrode, would you believe he actually said even more dumbass stuff?

“The game is supposed to be fun and I’m glad that P.K. Subban is part of the game,” Milbury said, lyingly. “I’m glad he’s a personality. I think it’s wonderful that he has that kind of approach. At the risk of repeating myself, the only question was, does that distracting kind of behavior impact anyone else? I’m just asking the question.”

Well jeez Mike, you’re one of these “all that matters are wins” people, right? Well check the goddamn record. If his dancing were a problem or a distraction or anything else, we might have heard about it by now. But everyone likes Subban except old white clowns (to use Milbury’s word) no one can stand or wants to see on TV or ever hear from. I wonder why that is.

Interestingly, Milbury had nothing to say about the Rangers doing this that same weekend:

I’m not sure the Rangers know what sport they’re playing today pic.twitter.com/USeOwLwxf6

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 29, 2017

A coincidence, I’m very sure.

4. Shopping Drouin

Rumors have been swirling for a little while now that the Tampa Bay Lightning might use this good season from embattled young star-in-the-making Jonathan Drouin as leverage to acquire someone who helps them more immediately — perhaps on the blue line.

That would make a lot of sense and be a boon to a Lightning team that needed a little defensive help last night. But man, if you can trade Drouin for someone who can, like, make sure half the team doesn’t spend 35-plus games on the LTIR, that would help even more.

3. The expansion-draft-slash-awards show

Oh man, this is going to make the NHL Awards watchable. Maybe. Hopefully.

But honestly, as a guy who has to write about the NHL Awards every year, if it saves me from watching even one more torturous “comedy” “sketch,” this will all have been worth it.

2. Ilya Kovalchuk coming back

Saw the rumors where Ilya Kovalchuk is considering a return to the NHL and teams are interested.

Why wouldn’t they be? He had 78 points in 60 KHL games last season, placing him second in the league in scoring. That’s about the kind of production, more or less, that Alex Radulov had before he came back to the NHL and was a super-useful player for the Canadiens.

If Radulov is seen as proof of concept here, then the suitors will line up.

HOWEVER! There’s a big difference here: Radulov spent this season as a 30-year-old. And Kovalchuk just turned 34. One wonders, then, what kind of money or term Kovalchuk wants, and how long he’s going to be worth that contract, whatever it is.

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Teams should absolutely be interested. Kovalchuk’s game isn’t exactly predicated on getting up and down the ice quickly, and it’s hard to imagine he’s got the kind of miles on his body that most 34-year-olds do (thanks to the KHL’s larger rinks, less hitting and shot-blocking, etc. as well as his own playing style) but still, 34 is old as hell.

1. This year’s draft lottery

As someone who was delighted every time the stupid Oilers won another draft lottery, the fact that Vegas is picking sixth and the top three goes New Jersey, Philly, Dallas is — to me — delightful beyond words. At least, y’know, since the Oilers couldn’t win it again.

(Not ranked this week: The thinking behind the Kucherov controversy.

A true highlight of every summer is when Eastern European players go back to their home countries and give too-honest-for-North-Americans interviews about the past season.

It’s nice that they do it because it’s nice to have that unfiltered thinking out there, but I really don’t get why they do it, since all it does is lead local beat writers to basically beg them to walk back those comments. Like that ages-old Alex Semin interview on Puck Daddy where he said he didn’t think Crosby was that good, all it does is lead to PR nightmares for NHL teams and probably gets guys good and yelled at. So it’s just strange these things continue.

Blessings to the players for doing it, but if it were me I wouldn’t want to field the extra six phone calls such an interview leads to.) 

Ryan Lambert is a Puck Daddy columnist. His email is here and his Twitter is here.

(All statistics via Corsica unless otherwise noted.)

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