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I think we can all agree that Youppi has not only lost the fans but also the locker room as well. How can the Molsons expect to turn this team around when our mascot is completely unable to motivate the players and fans? We've seen the quality of his cheering and dancing decline for a long while now and I for one have had enough. As long as Youppi is wearing number '!', this team will never win a Stanley Cup.

Some assumptions about tonight's game: 1) JM will shorten the bench and take a few risks - he knows he/the team needs to win. I expect LL to get a chance on the third line, Gorges and Subban to eat up monster minutes, AK to be back at the point on the PP. 2) Max Pac to score, ditto Cams - I'm expecting close to playoff level intensity from the Habs. They must be getting desperate. 3) They will come out flying, and, hopefully, score early, shaking Luongo's fragile ego. 4) Carey to shutout the Nucks, or come close to doing so.

He's too small........................when compared to other "power" mascots around the league!

All the data shows that Youppi! has in fact been an above-average NHL mascot. The decibel level of children's squeals of delight in his presence exceeds that attained by the supposedly impeccable Canucks' mascot Fin by .078%, for instance. The boldness of his colour palette is also in the top third. The fact is that Youppi! is being made a scapegoat for deeper organizational problems, such as the inadequacy of the beer served at the Bell Centre and the crapiness of the DJ. I still say we can contend with Youppi! Stop the scapegoating NOW.

Yes. BG trading for Gomez and signing Cam, Gio and Spac was about as bold as it gets - very big, if somewhat smurfy, thinking Yes. PG trading Halak post-conference final run, trading up for Tinordi, getting Emelin to hop the pond, and committing to Markov for three and Cole for four = thinking big. Yes. PG letting the Wiz walk and signing AK and Gorges to 1 year deals in order to leave room to lock up Price, Subban, Eller and perhaps Emelin long-term = thinking big. PG has given Gomez one more shot this season. Despite what the fenwickers over at EOTP might say about Gomez's puck possession magic (see here), I'd guess he is on thin ice. If PG survives the season and Gomez doesn't produce, I expect some more big thinking bold moves, which will include the acquisition of a genuine 2C. The timing of this process makes good sense, as DD and Eller's long-term potential at C will be much clearer by the end of this season.