I've come to accept that I will never get these out in any kind of structured schedule, they'll just go up when they go up (hope you guys don't mind). Hockey is more or less here guys and girls! The Traverse City Tournament is underway, camp is right around the corner, and the Rangers' first preseason game is on September 16th. Excited? I know I am.
Alright, enough with the poorly-penned introductory paragraph and more with the hockey-related links! Here are your links for the week (or however long it takes for me to post the next one of these):
WSH: Japer's Rink continues its excellent series by taking a look at the Metropolitan Division's Top Ten Centers. | and the Metro Division's Top Ten Right Wingers. | Caps Cap Comparables: Mathieu Perreault. | The Hockey News predicts that the Caps will finish sixth in the division.
NJD: The Hockey News predicts that the Devils will finish at the bottom of the Metro division. | Looking Forward to the 2014 Offseason. | NJD's Top 25 Under 25: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, and Part Six (the top five) is almost certainly up today over at In Lou We Trust.| Lou Admires Jagr's Rear End. | WFAN and the Devils extend broadcast partnership. | Is the New "Core" of Devils Forwards Good Enough?
NYI: Isles Rookie Camp Roster features a lot of blueliners. | An excellent FanPost over at LHH taking a look into how high-end Isles prospects have been handled over the years. | John Tavares is pretty strong. | LHH takes a look at Metro Division rivals: Blue Jackets, Flyers, and Canes. | Tavares is pegged to be the next Isles captain. | Evgeni Nabokov is a pretty candid guy.
PIT: With Pens over cap, Niskanen's time soon to end. | Sidney Crosby openly opposes Russia's anti-gay law. | Sidney Crosby's candid interview about concussions.
PHI: Flyers Might Invite Simon Gagne to Camp. | Brandon Manning Finally Signs. | Could Timmonen Play Beyond 2013-14? | Former Flyer Riley Cote is fighting for your right to grow hemp in 'Murrica. | Which Flyers Rookies could make an impact this year?
CAR: The Hockey News predicts that the Canes will finish seventh in the Metro Division. | Canes Country takes a look at just how tough the Metro Division will be for the Hurricanes. | Perspective on Palushaj. | Pitkanen Not Skating, Radek Dvorak Gets Tryout. | Puck Daddy's Canes Preview.
CBJ: The Canon's 2013 Traverse City preview and a look at the kids The Blue Jackets are sending to the tournament. | A rallying cry to fans to make Nationwide Arena a tough building to play in.
NYR: Maturation a big part of Kristo becoming a success. | NHL.com's 30 in 30 preview and coverage of the New York Rangers. | Jim Cerny one-on-one with Anton Stralman. | One-on-one with Dominic Moore. | Ulf Samuelsson's return to the Rangers. | Girardi talks about being snubbed by Team Canada and wearing a visor. | Recap of the Rangers 4-3 loss to the Canes in Traverse City.
Life Link: Not sure if I am going to make a "thing" of this or not but I really wanted to share THIS with the community. | The Top 50 Ranked Players in EA Sports NHL 14.
In the Division
Columbus Blue Jackets- The Cannon
Carolina Hurricanes- Canes Country
Washington Capitals- Japer's Rink
Pittsburgh Penguins- Pensburgh
New York Islanders- Lighthouse Hockey
Philadelphia Flyers- Broadstreet Hockey
New Jersey Devils- In Lou We Trust
I hope you all enjoy chewing your way through all that hockey news and analysis as we all grumble and complain about Traverse City not being televised (huge disappointment) and get ready to hear news coming out of training camp and eye the beginning of preseason! I know I speak for everyone who contributes to the Banter when I tell you how excited we are to bring you guys coverage this season.
Note: I will be hosting the Blueshirt Banter Fantasy Hockey League(s) this year and will be making a write-up about it in the next week or two. If you are willing or interested in hosting a "spill over league" (I think we ended up with three leagues last year) let me know via email (can be found on my user page). I know that a lot of you guys are itching to get started on fantasy hockey and I promise that we'll get that ball rolling very soon, patience is a virtue my friends.
Let's go hockey. Let's go Rangers.