Quick Update

Heres a couple of things I can't believe I forgot to mention at any point.

1. The Islanders sacked Ted Nolan citing "differences in philosophy". Surprising? Not really. It was fairly apparent that the Islanders organization was not on the same page when it comes to drafting and the style of play they employ. Its a shame to me personally becasue I love Ted Nolan from his days behind the Sabres' bench. He is a good coach and will find a job somewhere else.
2. Speaking of coaching jobs, the Los Angeles Kings announced a few days ago that they have hired 58 year old coach Terry Murray. Wow, can't say I think this is a good idea. The Kings have one of the youngest and most promising lineups (a product of great draft picks considering they have failed to make the playoffs since 2002) and I have a hard time thinking that someone that much older will be able to extract that kind of potential from a group of guys a third his age. I may be wrong, his experience might be what a young team needs and this could be the year they climb out of that bedroom they set up in the basement but my gut is telling me it wont be. I think that Randy Cunneyworth would have been a perfect fit for the Kings. He has coached the Rochester Americans in the AHL and has been a key player in making sure Sabres prospects are ready for life in the NHL. He has proven he can mould young talent into NHL-calibre players, just look at the core group of youngsters that makes up the Sabres right now: Jason Pominville, Ryan Miller, Derek Roy, Thomas Vanek, Drew Stafford, Danny Paille not to mention guys like Andrej Sekera, Mike Weber and the whole rest of the crew in Rochester. Cunneyworth is the reason those guys can make the jump from the AHL in an hours notice and play effectively. The Kings missed out big time on that one.
3. The points just seem to be flowing from one to the next today. Prior to locking up Ryan Miller, the Sabres signed Danny Paille to a two year deal worth just over $2 million. I could not be more happy about this signing. Paille is a great two-way player and had 19 goals in his first NHL season. He can kill penalties and is not afraid to do the dirty work. Look for him to have a big season with increased ice time and hopefully some consistent linemates.
4. Dirk Hoag over at On The Forecheck has a great post with some interesting points about the release of the 2008-9 schedule. Check it out.
   

On a brief side note, go see the new Batman flick. Its awesome, Heath Ledger is phenomenal as the Joker and there is even a hockey reference. I wont spoil it for you.