NHL 10 Questions
Hot Issues Around The League

Can we stop talking about the threat of a strike or lockout in September 2004?

No. This season will be played in the shadow of the showdown between players and owners over a new collective bargaining agreement. At stake is the future of the NHL as we know it, and the future of the Penguins. With the players and owners stockpiling cash reserves and drawing lines in the sand, there's little optimism about the prospect for labor peace in our time. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL Players' Association head Bob Goodenow have spent the past year watching the clock tick.

Who's to blame for the utter lack of scoring these days?

Equipment manufacturers, of course. Goaltenders' pads will be limited in height to 38 inches this season, a standard allegedly surpassed by one-third of the goaltenders last season. Garth Snow may have to retire. The gear has gotten out of hand, but let's not forget that we've reached this point because spiraling salaries have directed most of the superstars to a handful of teams and coaches have embraced systems that discourage creativity and risk-taking.

Will the NHL continue to make progress in its fight against obstruction?

No. After the much-celebrated crackdown evaporated last season, the league reminded everyone that you can't clean this up in one season. At this rate, clutching and grabbing will be eliminated in regular-season play by 2016 and in the playoffs by the year 2525. That reminds me of a song. . .

Are the Wings too old to win another Cup?

No. Last season aside, they've gotten lots of mileage from aging players who are competitive and skilled. The re-signing of Dominik Hasek (38) will be a psychological boost to a team that already includes Chris Chelios (41), Brett Hull (39) and Steve Yzerman (38). Don't forget they've also got Jiri Fischer (23), Pavel Datsyuk (25), Henrik Zetterberg (23) and perhaps Jiri Hudler (19). Emotions in Hockeytown will be running high as this is likely Yzerman's last season.

Ottawa and Buffalo went bankrupt last season. Will it happen again?

Not likely, given the rarity of such developments. But several teams (Calgary and Edmonton among others) are living on shoestring budgets and others (Nashville, Phoenix and Atlanta) have attendance problems, although Phoenix will benefit from the move to a new Glendale, Ariz. arena in December. The Sabres might draw better under Tom Golisano and Larry Quinn if they assemble a more exciting team. If only there were more people like new Ottawa owner Eugene Melnyk. The billionaire is paying a reported $2 million for a private October concert by the Eagles for the team, staff and season ticket holders. Yeah, there's a new kid in town.

What's new this season?

o   The first outdoor regular-season game in NHL history will be played at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium between the Oilers and Montreal Nov. 22

o   For the first time since the 1969-70 season, home teams will wear dark sweaters

o   The schedule includes more emphasis on divisional play, with each team playing 24 divisional games

o   The All-Star Game will be played in St. Paul Feb. 8

o   You don't have referee Paul Stewart to kick around anymore. The first American to referee 1,000 NHL games retired, along with linesmen Wayne Bonney and Gerard Gauthier.

Who's first on the coaches' chopping block?

Nashville's Barry Trotz comes to mind after a late-season swoon, and Florida's Mike Keenan is never safe with any GM. If the Canadiens stumble, remember Claude Julien wasn't hired by new GM Bob Gainey.

Is the World Hockey Association really planning a comeback?

Yes, for the 2004-05 season that may not include any NHL games. WHA hopes to have 10-12 teams, each with a $10 million salary cap excluding one player. That's less than half the Penguins' payroll, so you can imagine the resulting level of play. They wanted a team in Pittsburgh, but unfortunately the Schenley Park rink is booked.

Can the Avalanche win it all with David Aebischer in goal?

They'll come close. Their offensive skills will be unmatched, but (Warning: clich ahead!) you don't win the Cup without superb goaltending. Aebischer, 25, is a good goaltender but doesn't have the necessary playoff experience.

Any bold predictions?

Only the boldest. No one will miss Theo Fleury, NHL TV ratings will be lower than those of minor-league lacrosse, and we'll all be sick of labor doom and gloom by Christmas.