The trade deadline is quickly approaching. I think it’s in the first week of March. I wish I had the time and means to follow the NHL more closely. With our season tickets to see the Austin Stars this Fall, I believe Jeremy and I will become more well-versed on the Dallas Stars (a mixed bag for me). One great piece of news was the first truss on the arena being successfully installed last Thursday. As soon as the remaining trusses are in place, then the roof can be completed. With a roof, finishing the interior will be a piece of cake. Allegedly, this venue remains on schedule. On budget is probably a mystery.
Speaking of the Stars (and Flyers), Ken Hitchcock had his 500th victory recently. I remembered how quickly he achieved 300 with the Flyers. When he took over Columbus, I figured he’d be lucky to ever make it to 400. Seems I was wrong and underestimated his skills, the Blue Jackets have a decent shot of being in the playoffs for the first time. They will still suffer the indignity of breaking the (pathetic) records set by the Capitols on how many seasons it took; it used to be seven, now it’s over nine.
Meanwhile, JR had his 700th assist during his return game from being on the IR. The Sharks appear to be on target for clinching the Pacific Division and probably holding on to the lead in the West. Now my only wish this season is they can keep it up to win a Stanley Cup so my favorite American player can retire with his name finally on it.
Lastly, today is the 29th anniversary of The Miracle on Ice. The movie Miracle is one of the two DVDs I always watch to get into the spirit when the season starts. I always forget to watch it on the anniversary date. A frivolous personal goal is to finally get a replica jersey of Eruzione in my collection: he was the captain, a scrappy player Brooks almost cut, ethnically Italian which trumps being a Masshole and he scored the game-winning goal. Rizzo (his nickname) was a great sport too. During the award ceremony, he invited the whole team to join him on the stand because the victory was a team effort.