Commandant

Yeah it looks like we were both posting at the same time.

Agreed.... we need a 1a/1b situation with Plekanec. I'm still not sure that Eller and DD are good enough to over the second line centre position yet. We'd be much better off with a true compliment to Plekanec in the #2 hole, Eller in the #3 spot and DD moved to wing. I have a lot of hope that Eller continues to progress, and that Wednesday was a turning point for him... but lets not get crazy, he's still got a ways to go.

Morgan Ellis scored another goal and assist in his second game for Shawinigan. 5 pts in 2 games. Olivier Archambault pulled a Gordie Howe hatrick. Jarred Tinordi had an assist in his first game back in London. Mac Bennett had an assist for Michigan.

The PA's Press release Toronto (January 6, 2012) – National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) Executive Director Don Fehr issued the following statement this evening regarding the League’s realignment proposal: “On the evening of December 5, 2011, the NHL informed the NHLPA that they proposed to put in place a four-conference format beginning with the 2012-13 season. As realignment affects Players’ terms and conditions of employment, the CBA requires the League to obtain the NHLPA’s consent before implementation. Over the last month, we have had several discussions with the League and extensive dialogue with Players, most recently on an Executive Board conference call on January 1. Two substantial Player concerns emerged: (1) whether the new structure would result in increased and more onerous travel; and (2) the disparity in chances of making the playoffs between the smaller and larger divisions. In order to evaluate the effect on travel of the proposed new structure, we requested a draft or sample 2012-13 schedule, showing travel per team. We were advised it was not possible for the League to do that. We also suggested reaching an agreement on scheduling conditions to somewhat alleviate Player travel concerns (e.g., the scheduling of more back-to-back games, more difficult and lengthier road trips, number of border crossings, etc.), but the League did not want to enter into such a dialogue. The travel estimation data we received from the League indicates that many of the current Pacific and Central teams, that have demanding travel schedules under the current format, could see their travel become even more difficult. On the playoff qualification matter, we suggested discussing ways to eliminate the inherent differences in the proposed realignment, but the League was not willing to do so. The League set a deadline of January 6, 2012 for the NHLPA to provide its consent to the NHL’s proposal. Players’ questions about travel and concerns about the playoff format have not been sufficiently addressed; as such, we are not able to provide our consent to the proposal at this time. We continue to be ready and willing to have further discussions should the League be willing to do so.”

Dogs are playing better when they actually have healthy players, who aren't called up to Montreal. Imagine that. St. Denis, Palushaj, Avtsin, Leblanc coming back down is a huge boost to the team As is the health of Dumont, Fortier.

Avtsin into the empty net.

Crunch make it 4-2 during a commercial apparently.

Palushaj scores 4 on 4.... 4-1.

Match penalty to Bodie. Because Alex Henry was given 2 minutes as well, and because the Crunch were already on the PP, its a 4 on 3 for syracuse. Will be a 5 on 4 for 3 minutes for hamilton once the minors expire.

Syracuse makes it 3-1... goal by Schoefield, still lots of third period to play.

Correction from the PA itself, and looking at the CBA they are correct. They didn't reject anything. They just refused to consent to the NHL's plan. Rhetoric, but true.

Willsie scores 3-0 Dogs. on the PP Stafford and Dumont assists End of 2.

Apparently it may have been a second concussion.. as he hit his head against the ice in one of the games.

2-0 Leblanc from Palushaj. Edit scoring change.... Leblanc from Engqvist

End of first now.

Palushaj PPG makes it 1-0. Engqvist and Stafford Assists.

Possible reasons the PA rejected it. http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/01/06/breaking-news-nhlpa-blocks-nhls-realignment-plan-more-than-meets-the-eye/

Subban says he never heard it. The linesman heard it, gave the game misconduct and reported it to the league.

Reasons aren't out yet. My take though.... http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/01/06/breaking-news-nhlpa-blocks-nhls-realignment-plan-more-than-meets-the-eye/

Didn't see a thread, so i thought i'd start it.

I just think after Simmonds he knew exactly what he was saying with the banana line, specifically targetted at Subban to get a reaction. The typical hockey line is tripping over the blueline, or tripping over the redline... not a banana peel

The NHLPA has rejected the NHL's proposal for realignment next season. As a result the 4 "conference" plan is scrapped.

Was on puck daddy, and many people on twitter reporting it.

Zibanejad pulled a Crosby. Here's a guy whose tournament was generally disappointing, but he came up gigantic in the Gold Medal Game in OT and went from zero to hero in the amount of time it took him to skate from the blue line to the net. Much like Sid who did nothing in 2010 until that big goal. Funny how quickly you can rewrite history in this sport.

Barch is saying that his comment was not racially motivated. Apparently his comment was "Did you just slip on a banana peel?" I don't buy it. After the Wayne Simmonds incident, and the huge press uproar it created, how could Barch possibly not know that using a comment related to a banana and PK Subban wouldn't be seen as racist? What a joke that the league bought his explanation and made the suspension short.