Posted on 10/06/2011 5:10:58 AM PDT by airborne
NHL opens its 95th season tomorrow night with spotlight on Winnipeg return, B's Cup defense
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Rules revisions, rink modifications reflect League's focus on player safety
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NEW YORK/TORONTO - The first Stanley Cup banner raising in Boston in 39 years, the first National Hockey League regular-season game in Winnipeg in 15 years and the first NHL regular-season game ever played in Germany will be among the highlights when the NHL launches its 2011-12 season with a four-day celebration beginning Thursday night.
The 1,230-game, 185-day regular season gets off to a rousing start with a coast-to-coast North American triple-header that includes the Boston Bruins beginning their 2011 Stanley Cup championship defense against Philadelphia. The other games feature an "Original Six" showdown between Montreal and Toronto and a meeting between Pittsburgh and Vancouver.
The spotlight shifts across the Atlantic Ocean Friday and Saturday, when the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers play four games in three European capitals -- including the historic Sabres-Kings game Saturday in Berlin. The final team opener of the season will mark the return of the NHL to Winnipeg when the Jets host the Canadiens Sunday.
Amid the pageantry, the NHL's continued focus on player safety will be reflected by changes to the rules and the playing environment. Expansions and revisions have been made to the rules governing boarding and checks to the head, while the changes to the environment include the elimination of seamless glass and the introduction of curved glass at the ends of players' benches.
What follows is a synopsis of the major changes, highlights and important facts media and fans should know going into the 2011-12 NHL season:
(Excerpt) Read more at nhl.com ...
I will gladly add you to the ping list.
Welcome aboard!
My love affair with hockey began in 1979 when a friend gave me tickets to an Islander Ranger home game. The Islanders were full of young and exuberant players. Eddie Wesfhal was the team captain; Denis and Jean Potvin, Bryan Trottier were already on the team. The ticket stub entitled the bearer to a free bowl of chili at Wendy's. When the Isles were up 2 goals over the Rangers, the pa system announced that if the Isles scored again, Wendy's would give double chili to the ticket bearer. The Isles scored and the crowd cheered "Double Chili!" The rivalry heated up even more as the game progressed. After the Isles scored 2 more goals, another pa announcement was made - one more goal and Wendy's would recognize the stub for triple chili!
I was hooked! The next year, we purchased season tickets and I was at the game in 1980, when the Islanders won their first Stanley Cup.
Hockey is still my favorite sport! It heats me up on cold winter nights ;-)
Cool story! (about chili)
Thought you would enjoy the thread.....and I promise not to tell anyone that your hockey idol was one of the “three blind mice.” ;)
I predict the Thrashers will go undefeated.
LOL!
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