In the first part of our sit-down, we discussed the Pittsburgh Penguins’ off-season moves and the club’s upcoming campaign. The second part of the interview Shapiro shared his thoughts about the business side of the NHL.

In, this, the last part of our interview, Shapiro and I discuss his upcoming book “Hockey Player For Life.”

Alin Mateescu: Tells us a bit about how you begun writing children’s stories. Is this something you’ve always wanted to do?

Howard Shapiro: I always did a lot of writing, I tried poetry and songwriting and then I moved onto short story writing. I only started to write children’s stories after I had to read to my kids and I just got so fed up with reading some of the awful childrens books that they’d bring home that I said “I can do better.” Or at least try to do better and that’s how I began doing Children’s stories.

AM: You write on your site that you want to “create stories that say something.” So, what message are you trying to convey with your upcoming book “Hockey Player For Life?”

HS: I guess the message is that 1 in a million actually make it to the NHL but that doesn’t mean that the dream has to die. You can be involved with hockey on some many levels, coaching, organizing a team, playing in adult or pick up games/leagues, even supporting a local team… there’s so many ways to be involved in and with the game. That along with taking lessons that the game of hockey teaches us like working hard, being a good teammate, being respectful to one another… taking those life lessons and applying them off the ice and if you do you’ll be successful in all that you do.

AM: Where did you draw inspiration from for “Hockey Player For Life”?

HS: There were a lot of things that inspired me. At the time I wrote it I was listening to a lot of Bruce Springsteen and Pete Townshend music and their songs and lyrics really inspired me. I was watching a dvd of the making of the “Born To Run” album and that was also a huge inspiration in that Bruce was trying to capture and they were all striving for greatness during those recording sessions and that was inspiring. I attended my High School teams 30th reunion game and that helped in parts of the story and the one other thing was watching the J-Mac video (the autistic high school kid who scored 20 points in about 4 minutes) and watching that video and the crowd reaction really helped me with the writing of “Hockey Player For Life.”

AM: How did the idea for “Hockey Player For Life” come together? What is the book about? When can we get our hands on it?

HS: Well, I sort of knew where I wanted the story to go and end up but getting there was a little tricky. I only spent about 2 ½ months writing the story and then 6 months rewriting it. I kind of sketched out how it was going to go but then I had an idea for a bit of a twist in it and so I worked that in and then still kept the way I wanted it to end. In a nutshell, the story is about a 13 [year old] kid who is his local teams best player and he gets invited to play on a all star/traveling team in Canada but he has to leave his local team as both teams play on weekends. He goes up to Canada thinking this is his first step toward the NHL and he ends up getting cut and at that point he becomes sick of hockey and wants to give it up even though he’s loved the game since he was a young child. He becomes friends with his local team’s worst player and that kid shows him what it means to be a hockey player for life.

AM: Speaking of “Hockey Player For Life,” you’ve managed to get former NHL forward Keith Primeau to write the Foreword and John Buccigross (ESPN) and Brian Kennedy (author, “Growing up Hockey”) to contribute to the back cover of the book. That’s pretty impressive. Any specific reason you chose that trio to contribute to you book?

HS: Well, I am good friends with a guy who works for Crocs out in Colorado and he knew Keith because Crocs had bought Keith’s Fury Hockey Equipment company. So, my friend made the connection and I sent Keith the e-version of the story and he liked it enough to do the Foreword. I was a big fan of Brian Kennedy’s book “Growing Up Hockey” (and I’d highly recommend it to everyone reading this!) and so I contacted him and asked him if he’d be interested in participating in my book and he was kind enough to do so. Anyone who watches Sportscenter (or who used to watch him and Barry Melrose on NHL2night knows that John Buccigross is a huge hockey fan (maybe the only one still at ESPN) and I read his blog there and simply emailed him one day saying I have this book I’m doing would you contribute a quote to the back cover. A few weeks later he did so it was a great to have all 3 of those guys be part of the book and they are each really, really nice guys and I couldn’t thank them enough for all that they did for me.

AM: Thanks for taking the time, Howard. We appreciate it.

HS: Thank you! It was my pleasure.

Shapiro will be signings autographs and chatting up fans in Toronto October 3rd at the Indigospirit location at the Royal Bank Plaza 200 Bay Street from 12:30 – 2:00 PM and October 4th at the Chapters-Runnymede at 2225 Bloor Street West from 11:30 – 1:30PM.

In the first part of our sit-down, we discussed the Pittsburgh Penguins’ off-season moves and the club’s upcoming campaign.

In, this, the second part of our interview, Shapiro shares his thoughts on the business side of the NHL.

Alin Mateescu: In one of your articles on RumorMeThis you stated that “[hockey and the NHL] will never reach certain segment/demographics in the US.”

Do you think that it’s the game of hockey that doesn’t attract large portions of the American population? If so, what makes hockey unappealing to certain regions of the United States?

Howard Shapiro: Because the game isn’t made for TV and you don’t really get a sense of how fast the game is moving and because it doesn’t translate well on TV you lose a significant portion of the public. The game gets no coverage on Sportscenter as well and that is a huge loss. It’s hysterical to me when I go to Canada and flip on TSN and the first 20 minutes of worth of highlights are from NHL games. It’s just always going to be a tough sell down here in the states,

AM: Is it the league’s fault for not doing a better job of marketing itself? Aside from promoting fighting, as you have suggested in the same article, is there anything more the NHL can do to increase their fan base in the US?

HS: I think the league has tried via commercials and other marketing means to increase the profile of the league but the number factor that they’ve messed up is the TV contract with Versus. Versus does a great job with the games and the post game show and things like that, but most people don’t even know what channel Versus is and if the league powers to be were smart, they’d crawl on their hands and knees and beg ESPN to take them back. To me, that’s the best thing they could do to increase the fan base.

AM: Has the labor dispute which caused the cancellation of the 2004-05 season had a negative affect on the league, in the US? How has it affected your view of the owners, players, and the league as whole?

HS: Actually, I think the strike has been the best thing to happen for the league…it’s probably Bettman’s single greatest (and some may say only) contribution to hockey. Instituting the cap was the only way to save hockey and it took a year to get it done, but it did and now the league is better off for the lost year.

AM: Can the salary cap continue to rise in the NHL despite falling revenue and flagging interest in the American market? Are the salaries that recent free agents have received out of line with the current economic state of the league?

HS: I don’t believe the salaries are out of line. The way things should work is that the top players should be paid the most and receive the high salaries. It’s when the Bobby Holik’s and Martin Lapointe’s of the world get top money, that’s when you have problems.

Check back for the third, and last, part of our interview with Shapiro as he talks about his latest effort set to hit stores October 7, “Hockey Player For Life.”

Shapiro will be signings autographs and chatting up fans in Toronto October 3rd at the Indigospirit location at the Royal Bank Plaza 200 Bay Street from 12:30 – 2:00 PM and October 4th at the Chapters-Runnymede at 2225 Bloor Street West from 11:30 – 1:30PM.

Shapiro will be signings autographs and chatting up fans in Toronto October 3rd at the Indigospirit location at the Royal Bank Plaza 200 Bay Street from 12:30 – 2:00 PM and October 4th at the Chapters-Runnymede at 2225 Bloor Street West from 11:30 – 1:30PM.

In the meantime, here is the first part of our three-part interview, where Shapiro shares his take on the Penguins’ off-season moves and the club’s upcoming campaign.

Alin Mateescu: You are a Pittsburgh native; obviously you are a Penguins fan, right? How did you become one?

Howard Shapiro: I’ve been a Pens fan since I was around 6 years old. The company my Dad worked for had season tickets to the Pens games and no one ever wanted the tickets (unlike today) and so my Dad would be given the tickets and he’d take me to the games. My favorite moment was when the Pens would score a goal and the red light would go on and the crowd would rise as one.

AM: Must be pretty happy with the Penguins’ current roster, especially with the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Ryan Whitney, and Marc-Andre Fleury. But with a salary cap in place, how long do you think management will be able to keep them all together?

HS: Good question and one that comes up a lot around here, especially on sports talk radio. I think for the next five or so years that Ray Shero will be able to keep the core together. The team may lose a player or two from that core group but the five players you mention in the question, I think they’ll be here for the next five to seven years at least. Malkin actually took less to stay here so and obviously Sid could make more elsewhere but those guys have said that like what is going on here with the team, they like the city and they want to be here. So, from a fans perspective, that is great and you know that you’ll be seeing the same players year in and year out.

AM: How do you see the Penguins fairing this upcoming season: Stanley Cup finalists hangover, or Stanley Cup winners? What do you think is the key for them to become the latter?

HS: Well, as a fan I hope they’ll win it at all but it’s such a long grind and injuries can happen (Crosby going out last year w/a high ankle sprain is a good example). As the roster stands now, I’d have to say that I don’t think they’ll win the Cup, I think they’ll win the Eastern Conference again but not the Cup. Detroit not only got stronger, but the one need the Pens have is a sniper to play on Sid’s line and when they lost Hossa, they basically went back to square one as far as wingers to play with Sid. They picked up M. Satan but I don’t think he’ll be the answer and comes March 3rd next year at the deadline they’ll have to pull off another blockbuster deal to pick up a Top 6 goal scoring winger and I don’t think Ray Shero will be able to strike gold two years in a row. We’ll see…

AM: What is your perspective on the Penguins’ off-seasons moves? Can the additions of forwards Miroslav Satan, Ruslan Fedotenko, and Matt Cooke offset the loss of Marian Hossa, Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts?

HS: If I was to rate their off season I’d give it a 6. You had to know that some team would overspend to pick Ryan Malone and he would have had to take a huge hometown discount to stay here but they lost more then they picked up. I thought losing Jaarko Ruutu will hurt in the long run and to some extent Georges Laraque. Those guys all got replaced, I just don’t think the replacements will do as good a job as the guys they are replacing.

AM: Some reports indicate that Whitney could be out of the lineup until mid-January due to a left foot injury. Should the Penguins go shopping for a defenseman to fill the void until his return?

HS: No, I don’t think so. Hopefully, during camp someone will step up and you’ hate to make a big trade when you have to figure Whitney will be ready by the end of or beginning of the year.

AM: Aside for Whitney’s spot on the blueline, do the Penguins need to make any moves to bolster their roster at any specific position? I think they need to find a sniper like a Cheechoo to play alongside Sid.

HS: They’ll probably plug in Pascal Dupuis on one wing but they need a finisher, a 40 – 50 goal a year guy to go back to the Finals and they simply do not have that right now unless they move Malkin to Sid’s line and then that weakens the second line.

Check back for part two and three as Shapiro talks about the business side of the NHL as well as his latest effort, “Hockey Player For Life.”

However, Sundin says that a decision could come later this month.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Sundin said. “I think sometime in August I hope to come to a conclusion on what I’m going to do … if I’m going to play or not this year.”

Word came from Sundin’s agent, J.P Barry, back in late July that Mats would announce his plans by August 1st. Sundin says that was never the case.

“I never had a deadline,” Sundin said. “I know there was talk about the first of August, but …. I said sometime in August hopefully I’ll be able to make a decision. I won’t make that until I really feel comfortable with making a good decision.”

Reports are that there are as many as six teams interested in signing Sundin, but the former Maple Leafs captain says his priority is deciding whether he wants to continue his hockey career and not which team to suit up for next season.

“I haven’t even worried about any teams,” Sundin told Sportsnet. ” I’m just trying to bring my mind to a point where I can make a good decision whether or not I’m going to play hockey right now. That’s my first decision and we’ll go from there after that.”

Still, a return to Toronto has not been ruled out by the Swedish forward.

TSN reports are that the Maple Leafs will send McCabe to Florida along with another player, with at least one player coming back from the Panthers. Not Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, though. Sportsnet’ Nick Kypreos suggests that the player heading to Toronto is defenseman Mike Van Ryn.

However, McCabe’s agent, Ian Pulver, says that his client hasn’t made a decision on his future yet and the two sides continue to talk about a compromise.

“We continue to talk to the Leafs about whether he is going to remain a Leaf or move to another team. Technically he won’t waive the no-trade until there is a trade and there hasn’t been a trade.”

Pulver notes that McCabe may in fact stay in Toronto.

“Having said that, he may remain a Leaf. There’s a lot of things to discuss.”

Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher appears to support Pulver’s stance, saying that a deal is not imminent.

“(McCabe) hasn’t even said he would accept being traded yet. We’re working on it.”

It’s expected that if the Maple Leafs were to move McCabe, they would do it after September 1st, the day he is to receive a $2 million signing bonus.

McCabe is set to earn $6.15 million (including the $2 million dollar signing bonus) this season, and $4.15 million for the next two seasons remaining on his contract. His salary cap hit will remain at $5.75 million.

Avery was signed to four-year contract on July 2nd, and brings with him a fierce attitude that will fit in nicely with the Stars already aggressive bunch. Avery comes from the New York Rangers where he finished last season with 15 goals and 18 assists in just 57 regular season games. He did have quite the playoffs, as he had 4 goals and 3 assists in eight games.

Dallas fans have to like the idea of Sean Avery teaming up with Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott. This will make for a nice balance of rough lines that teams will certainly have to be aware of when they take on the Stars.

Avery is not just a physical player, but also one who can attack the net and make those around him better because of the presence he brings. The Stars reported that he is exactly the type of player that will complement their style of play.

The Stars have been locking up players they feel will not only make an impact this year but for the next few seasons, and that is what they believe Avery will deliver. This kind of firepower has to have the Stars as a favorite to make tons of noise in the 2008-2009 season, and it will be exciting to watch this team perform especially with the addition of Sean Avery.

Tampa Bay has big expectations for the 18 year old and both the team and Stamkos know there is a tough road ahead. Stamkos is excited to be at this step, but more importantly wants to prove he was worthy of the 1st pick and can make an instant impact and last the entire NHL season.

The Lightning have a good mix of veterans to put around Stamkos and it should benefit him as he learns and grows as a player and with the team. Tampa only won 31 games last year and are hoping for a quick turnaround.

Stamkos is not bothered by the fact he will be have big expectations as he has reported as feeling confident he can work to maintain that confidence. The rookie forward has played the past two years for Sarnia in the Ontario Hockey League and feels that he is ready for this next step of his career. The newest member of the Lightning plans on making his presence felt in the NHL and fans will be excited to see what is in store for Steve Stamkos and his quest for NHL greatness.

The Philadelphia Flyers locked Joffrey Lupul up with a four-year contract extension. Lupul is one of several players the Flyers are committing to for years to come as they believe only good things will come from these young talents.

The Phoenix Coyotes re-signed left wing Daniel Carcillo in which they feel this sparkplug brings great balance of speed and toughness to the team. Carcillo led the league in penalty minutes last season as a rookie and that seemed to be the type of player the Coyotes want as they deal is undisclosed but was a 2 year contract.

The New Jersey Devils signing center Fedor Fedorov, who is the brother of Sergei Fedorov and has been playing in Europe the past few seasons.

Other signings this week included the Anaheim Ducks agreeing to one year contracts with left win Josh Green and center Eric Boguniecki. The biggest signing of the week has come from the Vancouver Canucks, as they signed six players Wednesday. Those players include RW-Ryan Shannon, C-Rick Rypien, RW-Mike Brown, Defs-Nathan McIver, Zach FitzGerald, and James Sharrow. Make sure to check back to see all the NHL’s top news as this year the Stanley Cup will truly be up for grabs. All this action is getting fans excited for the 2008-2009 season and with opening day being less than three months away it will be interesting to see what other deals come our way.

The fact the Fernandez is working out at the Bruins annual development camp shows what type of player he is and that leadership should not go unnoticed. With the 2008-2009 season being a contract year for Fernandez, he is out to prove why he was and still is an elite NHL goaltender.

The Bruins players are seeing just what Fernandez is to the team, as he is working hard to get back. That is a lost trait it seems like in the world of sports and while Fernandez understands he must be patient in his return, there is so much more he can provide Boston with in terms of leadership and guidance. Especially for the prospects, as having veteran leadership is something that we see all the time that makes teams as successful as they are.

Sure the young talent is the future, but experience goes a very long way especially in the NHL. So I think a lot of Bruins fans are anxious to see what the upcoming season will bring for Manny Fernandez because he is the type of guy you want around, and in the Bruins case back.

‘Hockey Player For Life’, an 88 page book, is the continuation or follow-up to last year’s ‘Hockey Days’ and is aimed at 11 – 15 year olds. The story features the main character from ‘Hockey Days’, Tom Leonard who is now 13 years old, as he becomes his AA hockey team’s ‘can’t miss kid.’ Along the way to the NHL, Tom hits a few road bumps and it takes his best friend Terry Adamson, who is the team’s worst player, and Tom’s mom and dad to teach him what it means to be a hockey player for life.

‘I’m really happy with the story,’ said Howard Shapiro. ‘It’s done in flashback and it was a lot of fun to write it from the perspective of a 13 year old. To tap into those emotions and feelings wasn’t too difficult since I remember those days vividly, as I think most people do. A friend who has read the book told me that even though he didn’t play any sports in school, he could still relate to what Tom and Terry go through in the story. That meant a lot to me because even though it is a hockey-themed book, I think teens and adults will be able to relate and identify with the struggles that both Tom and Terry go through on and off the rink.’

‘I am very honored to have the great Keith Primeau do the Foreword for the book. Having him do that means a tremendous amount to me and I cannot thank him enough. It was wonderful to work with Nico Di Mattia from Cordoba, Argentina who did the video. I gave him a storyboard and he ran with it and did a tremendous job. I highly encourage everyone to please check the video out. It’s very cool!’

For a sneak peek of ‘Hockey Player For Life’ and for further information, please log onto www.howardshapiro.net

Contact Supersonic Storybook Productions at 866.520.4286 or send an email to howard.shapiro@hotmail.com

VERSUS will kick-off the Conference Finals with a special 30-minute “Hockey Central” on May 8 at 7 p.m. ET, prior to Game 1 of the Western Conference Final between Dallas and Detroit. VERSUS’ Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage will culminate with exclusive coverage of the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final. All VERSUS-produced games are produced in hi-definition.

The network’s studio show, “Hockey Central,” is hosted by Bill Patrick with Brian Engblom and Keith Jones and provides extensive insight and commentary of the games and what’s happening around the Stanley Cup Playoffs each night. VERSUS will, on occasion, bring players and coaches into the studio to serve as celebrity guest analysts. In the Quarterfinal round, Manny Legace, goaltender for the St. Louis Blues and Rick DiPietro, goaltender for the New York Islanders joined the VERSUS studio crew. Additions in the Conference Final round will be announced as information becomes available.

Among the regular segments of the studio show are the following:

• Keith Jones’ Odd Man Rush, Keith’s unique look at the plays and players who have put themselves in the spotlight, whether for good or bad
• Brian Engblom’s Reality Check, Brian’s personal opinion on NHL issues
• Highlights from games not airing on VERSUS, as well as Plays of the Week
• Parting Shots; where Engblom and Jones debate bullet point debate topics in rapid fire fashion
• Live-Look-Ins wherever possible, bringing viewers live action from games being played concurrently during VERSUS’ telecast
• Features on NHL players away from the ice
• Historical recaps which spotlight the defining and greatest moments in NHL Stanley Cup history

Total viewership for “Hockey Central” during the first two rounds of this postseason has increased 65 percent compared to the first two playoff rounds last year.

Assistant coach Dallas Eakins has been offered a position elsewhere in the organization. Keith Acton will remain as an assistant coach.

“My objective is to create the best environment possible for the next Leafs general manager to bring in his own staff and to create a new culture around the team,” said interim general manager Cliff Fletcher in making the announcement. “Since the season ended we’ve spent considerable time evaluating our organization and how best to move it forward. Paul has been in a difficult position for several months. Making this decision now also provides the best opportunity for Paul to pursue all options potentially open to him.”

Watch the Press Conference for full coverage:

For more analysis, Mapleleafs.com’s Mike Ulmer was at Air Canada Centre and he stopped in with his thoughts on the dismissal of Paul Maurice.

I have to admit, it’s pretty cool to read an NHL’er’s take on the post-season; not to mention that you can always find little bits of information you previously didn’t know. For example, Ryan is good friends with Colorado Avalanche defenseman John Michael Liles from their days at Michigan State. That’s an interesting tidbit, especially since Liles is an unrestricted free agent come July 1st. Might the two buddies reunite in Buffalo? The Sabres could sure use an offensive defenseman…

Ryan is also kind enough to answer questions from fans on his blog. Of course, I had to take advantage of the situation, so, I posted a question for Ryan. Here’s what he had to say:

RumorMeThis: Hey Ryan! Great blog. It’s really nice to read your thoughts on the playoffs. Speaking of the playoffs, I would be interested to know what is your all-time favorite moment in the post-season (one that you were part of)?

Ryan: Beating Ottawa in overtime to move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. Just the sudden joy of winning in overtime and being able to really celebrate on the ice with the boys.

As a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and all-around Ottawa Senators hater, I found that answer a little humorous. It’s always fun watching the Senators get hoisted from the playoffs, no matter which team eliminates them. Sorry, Sens fans.

I was actually going to ask him about the rumors of him heading off to the Detroit Red Wings when his contract with the Sabres ends, but, browsing questions posted by other fans, I realized that that was already asked. Suffice to say, Ryan didn’t answer any questions regarding his contract. Can’t blame him, I guess. He’s in a no-win situation if he starts discussing his contract publicly.

Anyway, if you want to post a question for Ryan, head off to Maxim.com and ask away.

Check out one of their promos they have dubbed the “NHL playoff anthem.”

What do you think?

Stamford, CONN. (April 8, 2008)—VERSUS, the exclusive cable television home of the NHL, will televise wall-to-wall Stanley Cup Playoffs action starting April 9 with the Conference Quarterfinals as the Ottawa Senators begin their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m. ET followed by Game 1 of the series between the Calgary Flames and the San Jose Sharks at 10 p.m. ET. VERSUS will kick-off the night with “Hockey Central” at 6:30 p.m. ET. The network will air all of the rounds leading up to and including the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final. Each night during the playoffs, VERSUS will televise one or two playoff games as well as the studio wrap-up show, “Hockey Central.”

Now in its third year televising the NHL, VERSUS has seen a substantial increase in total viewership and ratings for the 2007/08 regular season compared to the 2006/07 campaign. At the conclusion of this year’s regular season, national household ratings were up 50 percent (.3 vs. .2), total viewership showed an increase of 28 percent (272,417 vs. 212,366), household impressions were up 20 percent (192,675 vs. 160,134) and viewership for Men 25-54 was up 45 percent (99,753 vs. 69,018).

In the Conference Quarterfinals, which begin on April 9, VERSUS’ coverage is non-exclusive and subject to local blackouts. In the Conference Semifinals, which are scheduled to begin April 23, VERSUS has two exclusive games per series. During the Conference Finals, which are scheduled to begin on May 8, the network will have exclusive coverage of both series. The total number of playoff games will vary depending upon the length of each individual series. VERSUS’ Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage will culminate with the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final, currently scheduled for May 27 and 29. All VERSUS-produced games in each series will be produced in hi-definition. VERSUS will, when feasible, simulcast games from Canadian networks to give viewers the unique perspective of other networks’ coverage.

“As the exclusive cable television home of the NHL, it is our goal to super-serve hockey fans during both the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs,” said Gavin Harvey, President of VERSUS. “Our best-in-class production and hours of in-depth coverage, coupled with our tremendous presence online, on demand and on mobile, makes VERSUS the ultimate destination for both the casual and hardcore hockey fan.”

Check out VERSUS’ entire quarterfinal coverage for dates and times.

HOCKEY CENTRAL:

The network’s studio show, “Hockey Central,” is hosted by Bill Patrick with Brian Engblom and Keith Jones and will provide extensive insight and commentary of the games and what’s happening around the Stanley Cup Playoffs each night. VERSUS will also, on occasion, bring players and coaches into the studio to serve as celebrity guest analysts. From April 10 through April 14, Manny Legace, goaltender for the St. Louis Blues, will be the first guest to join the VERSUS studio crew.

Among the regular segments of the studio show are the following:

• Keith Jones’ Odd Man Rush, Keith’s unique look at the plays and players who have put themselves in the spotlight, whether for good or bad
• Brian Engblom’s Reality Check, Brian’s personal opinion on NHL issues
• Highlights from games not airing on VERSUS, as well as Plays of the Week
• Parting Shots; where Engblom and Jones debate bullet point debate topics in rapid fire fashion
• Live-Look-Ins wherever possible, bringing viewers live action from games being played concurrently during VERSUS’ telecast
• Features on NHL players away from the ice
• Historical recaps which spotlight the defining and greatest moments in NHL Stanley Cup history

VERSUS-on-Demand:

Each night VERSUS features a playoff match-up, the network will deliver a condensed highlight version of the game that will be distributed via the network’s VOD platform. These will be available the morning after game play, so that hockey fans who may not have seen the previous night’s game won’t miss out on any of the playoff action.

WEB AND MOBILE:

Throughout the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, VERSUS.com will continue to provide extensive information about the NHL, including editorial coverage from some of the most knowledgeable hockey sources. The network also launched the playoffs specific microsite (www.versus.com/stanleycup), which features a video library of the defining moments from last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs as well as the best moments in Stanley Cup Playoffs history. The network’s website will ramp up daily coverage to include game Podcasts and highlights from all of VERSUS’ games as well as daily insider video featuring VERSUS’ NHL talent on the network’s broadband channel “The Player.” Each night after the studio show, VERSUS’ talent will film web-exclusive content that will give the inside scoop on what has happened to-date in the playoffs, as well as their predictions for the future games in the series. The website will also feature a fan zone area where viewers can submit their ultimate NHL moment and photos of a game they attended for a chance to win great playoff prizes.

The network will run media rich banner advertisements on national sports and endemic hockey websites which will, when clicked on, feature expanding video of the previous night’s game highlights. In addition to the media rich banners, VERSUS will also place flash banners on these national sports and endemic hockey sites which will allow viewers to enter their mobile telephone number to receive real-time game alerts throughout the playoffs including when games are about to go in to sudden-death overtime.

VERSUS celebrates real competition in all its forms across all platforms (VERSUS.com, VERSUS on Demand and VERSUS HD). Now in more than 74 million homes, the network is the national cable home of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Stanley Cup Playoffs as well as best-in-class events such as The Tour de France, Davis Cup Tennis, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and Professional Boxing. The network also offers collegiate sports featuring nationally-ranked teams from top conferences such as the Pac-10, Big 12 and Mountain West. VERSUS features the best field sports programming on television and is a destination for sports fans, athletes and sportsmen to find exclusive, competitive events that audiences can’t find elsewhere. VERSUS, a wholly owned company of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK), is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

Perhaps that’s why Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has initiate contract talks with Carter’s agent, Rick Curran, as Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post Online reports. However, a deal isn’t close to being completed.

Carter was almost traded along with a first round draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs before the trade deadline in exchange for defenseman Tomas Kaberle. The deal was called off when Kaberle refused to waive his no-trade clause.

Erik Erlendsson of The Tampa Tribune suggests that with the addition of “couple of top-six forwards” (whether acquired via free agency or the entry draft), “at least one more veteran defenseman,” and “a solid backup goaltender” the Tampa bay Lightning would be a much better team.

The Lightning have $33 million already committed to 14 players for next season, leaving them perhaps as much as $23 million to spend under the salary cap. Of course, the club may have a different budget to work with depending on what ownership may impose.

Atlanta Thrashers forward Slava Kozlov tells Craig Custance of The Atlanta Journal Constitution that his team could really use a top defenseman.

“This team needs a foundation, defensively – like a [Zdeno] Chara or [Nicklas] Lidstrom. Good teams, they have one or two very good defensemen who can play 30-35 [minutes per game]. Like [Chris] Pronger on Anaheim – one of those guys. They’re hard to find, but that’s what we need. With our goalie, he can win a game by himself, but we have to help them. We can’t let the other team shoot 40-45 times.”

According to Damien Cox of the Toronto Star, the future of pending UFA forward Mats Sundin with the Toronto Maple Leafs is up in the air.

The team may decide to offer him an $8 million deal over two years, or not even bother to bring him back.

Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun suggests that any team thinking of spending the $3 or $4 million Calgary Flames pending UFA forward Kristian Huselius may ask for this summer, would be better off spending their money elsewhere.

The 31-year-old has seen his ice time reduced from fourth-line minutes to zero, as he has been made a healthy scratch in three of the teams last past eight games.

“Uh, I mean … aahhh, hmmm … I don’t know what to say,” he said before answering most questions. “I feel bad because I don’t have answers.”

“I just don’t know what to do or say. It’s playoff time. It’s crunch time. I don’t want to be a distraction,” Parrish said. “The only thing I care about is the team winning and these guys in the locker room. The last thing I want is to be viewed as a distraction or negative thing. I want to cheer these guys on.”

Might the Minnesota-native demand a trade in the off-season? His fall from favor with the coaching staff and management could surely provide an incentive for him to do just that.

And the Wild may just comply. Of course, if there are no takers, other avenues could be explored by the club to rid themselves of Parrish’s $2.65 million salary cap hit.

Should his play not improve during the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs, perhaps GM Doug Risebrough may decide to buy out Parrish, who is in the second year of a five-year, $13.25 million deal. Placing Parrish on waivers and sending him to the minors is a possibility, but would the Wild ownership accept paying all that money for an AHLer? Not likely.

For now, Parrish says that he’s not thinking of what may happen down the road but what he can do to get in the line-up and help his team right now.

“I want to play, but I can’t control that. All I can control is my efforts, my actions, my attitude.”

While Penguins GM Ray Shero has reportedly offered Malone a contract, he is not willing to pay him much more than the $1.45 million Malone is making this season.

Rossi believes that the 28-year-old could get upwards of $3.5 million per season on a three-year deal in the off-season, pricing himself right out of Pittsburgh. The Penguins simply cannot afford to retain Malone at such a salary, even if the cap is supposed to increase by as much as $4 million.

The Penguins are already committed to a number of high-priced players on their roster, including forward Sidney Crosby ($8.7 million salary cap hit), defenseman Sergei Gonchar ($5 million), and defenseman Ryan Whitney ($4 million).

The club also has a number of key restricted free agent forwards they would like to re-sign long-term, namely forwards Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal, and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Malkin and Staal could command a combined salary cap hit of $11 million (beginning in 2009-10), while Fleury might cost an average of $3 million.

Secondary players such as defensemen Brooks Orpik and Mark Eaton, and forwards Pascal Dupuis, Jarkko Ruutu, Georges Laraque, and Gary Roberts will also need to be re-signed, or replaced.

The could be a total cap hit of $38.7 million for 13 players.

Of course, the Penguins may also want to bring back pending UFA forward Marian Hossa, which could cost them around $7 million per season. That’s $45.7 million for 14 players.

Adding Malone and his potential $3.5 million cap hit would bring the total figure to $49.2 million for 15 players. Shero isn’t expected to burden his club with those kind of salary cap troubles.

So, unless Malone decided to give the Penguins a hometown discount, it’s more than likely he’ll sign elsewhere in the summer.

“I’m not just saying I want to stay because this is my home town,” says Morrison. “If this team was a bottom feeder, there’s no way I would want to hang around. I want to win as much as the next guy; I happen to think that’s possible with this team.”

However, salary and term will play an important factor in where he will play next season and beyond. Whether it’s in Vancouver, or elsewhere, Morrison doesn’t appear too interested in accepting any less than what he sees as fair value.

“… I’m not going to sit here and say the numbers aren’t important. Any player who would say money is not important is lying because you only have so many years to make a living in this business and you have to take advantage of the opportunity when it comes along.”

As for the Canucks, GM Dave Nonis has said in the past that “he intends to try to re-sign Morrison.” Of course, they want Morrison to take a pay cut on the $3.2 million salary he is earning this season and sign a short-term deal, too. But with a number of teams in the market for a play-making center, it’s unlikely that the 32-year-old will have to accept those terms.

“It all depends on what teams will be looking for,” said Morrison, who like so many players of his age and era has waited his whole career to get to this point of freedom. “We’ll look at it at the end of the year and see what happens.”

Morrison is believed to be seeking at least $3.2 million per season, on a deal spanning four years or more, perhaps pricing himself out of Vancouver.

Mainly, the Blue Jackets will look to add a couple of puck-moving defenseman.

With all of Rostislav Klesla, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Kris Russell signed through at least next season, the Blue Jackets have three spots to fill in their top-six.

Dick Tarnstrom is unlikely to return.

And then there’s restricted free agents Jan Hejda and Ron Hainsey, who may not be brought back if Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson finds their asking prices too costly. Hejda is likely to get a raise on his current $1 million salary, and it is thought that Hainsey may seek upwards of $3-4 million per season.

Staying in-house is an option for Howson. The Blue Jackets have Marc Methot and Aaron Rome in their system (both RFAs) who “are held in high” by the club. The Blue Jackets could also bring up Duvie Westcott, who is currently playing for the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate team.

However, picking up reinforcements from the open market appears to be a more viable option for Howson if he really wants to give his club a stronger defense.

John-Michael Liles of the Colorado Avalanche, Wade Redden of the Ottawa Senators, Brian Campbell of the San Jose Sharks and Brad Stuart of the Detroit Red Wings are all set to become UFAs July 1st. A number of second tier defensemen could also become available.