FanNation - The Republic of Sport

As a lot of you know, I already picked the playoff teams but, there are a lot more issues right now bugging me..., and a lot of others. So here goes...

1) The Coyotes - Yeah I know, this has been going on for months and nothing has been done. Who owns the team..., is #99 still the coach, is it coming to Hamilton? It doesn't matter any more..., Ballsillie won't gain control as no one can trust this guy, Hamilton won't get the team and as for it's players, I am sure they want this mess over and done with. Phoenix isn't going anywhere..., they'll be in Glendale playing for the next year and going no where in the Western Conference standings either.

2) Kessel to Toronto - At this point, I just want this deal done. Kessel's a talent for sure but he won't be playing until November or so anyway so why worry about it until then? And even if he comes to Toronto, it'll take him a month or so to get back into form and by then, it'll be Christmas..., it could be a lost cause but whatever. And if Burke gives up what he has been rumored to, he should be run out of town..., it's getting ridiculous.

3) Heatley - thankfully he's in SJ..., so that he, Thornton and Marleau can underachieve together in the playoffs. Giving up Chechoo and Michalek was a great move by SJ and they will fit in with the Sens..., the Sens won't be contenders this year but next year, yeah.

4) Gaborik - since signing with the Rangers in the off season, every one has been wondering if this guy will be the player he once was. He will..., but not for a while. He has nagging injuries and that's going to hurt him during the season, if he plays a lot of course. And with all the moves the Rangers made this off season, this could be the best of them all..., if he stays out of the infirmary long enough.

5) Olympics - I am looking forward to this year in VCR..., Canada's going to be strong, Russia's going to be good, Sweden will likewise. I just hate the fact that the NHL takes two weeks off during it..., doesn't the league have enough players to actually play on during that stretch? Sure the fans won't like it too much but seriously..., isn't that why we have internet and Blackberries and all that? Anyway..., it'll be a good tournament and I can't wait for it. (It's the only reason I watch the Olympics anyway!)

6) Fleury - Theo Fleury..., not Marc Andre. I have always been a fan of Theo..., from his days in Calgary, NYR and Chicago, he's always been a solid player, a good scorer and a pest on the ice. But at 41 and six years away from hockey, I don't think he'll make it back. Claude Lemieux tried it last year in SJ and it didn't work out but they're two different cases. Fleury has battled a lot of demons in his life and for one, I commend him for attempting a comeback at his age. If he can make it onto the Flames roster, even if he plays in the minors, it'll be a great story in Calgary..., I just don't see it right now.