The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

Does it suck to be Todd Marchant or what? The downfall of the new salary cap system is usually the mid-range salary players are the ones that are sacrificed to make way for big money talent. Columbus traded for Sergei Federov from Anaheim and to make cap room, they placed Marchant on waivers to bypass his no trade clause. They actually approached him about foregoing his no-trade stipulation, but wouldn't tell him where he was headed, so of course he said forget it...Apparently not everyone learns from the past. Mats Sundin still isn't 100% certain if he'll keep on his visor after that accident that broke his orbital bone in the first game of the season. What will it take for these guys to protect themselves?...Unbelievable Martin Brodeur ranks 30th+ in the league in both goals against average and save percentage. He'll probably still get the start in Turin, though, he rises to the occasion for big games...Steve Yzerman was told by Wayne Gretzky if he wants to play for Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics, it's a done deal. Yzerman responded by saying he doesn't want to play if he doesn't deserve it. I'm a fan of Stevie Y just like anyone else is, but I think most realize he's 40 years old and isn't the same player he was a few years ago. He does bring lots of intangibles but it's time to make room for the younger crowd like Eric Staal and Jason Spezza...Speaking of Yzerman, he's not a fan of the new NHL and doesn't like all the penalties being called. It's the players will have to learn to adapt, it's not the league's responsibility to cave-in if the players still clutch and grab...If you're going to have a seizure, no better place than in the middle of a hockey game where medical personnel are immediately available. Red Wing Jiri Fischer appears to be in good health after being rushed to hospital. This incident reminded me of Sergei Zholtok's passing not too long ago, again because of heart problems. Take care of yourselves out there, if you don't have your health you have nothing...Calgary has been on a hot streak, going 9-1 after a dismal beginning. Their slow start could be attributed to the fact most of their games were played on the road. Even if the rinks are pretty generic, it's always tougher to win in your opponent's backyard...Not doing so great is the Florida Panthers with 11 losses in a row. Coach Jacques Martin has been criticized for continuing to play a defensive style, but really outside of Olli Jokinen who can be counted on over there to put points on the board?...And finally, can someone tell me how G Patrick Lalime still has a job?