Canadiens

This was an odd one--the dealing of Cammaleri to the Flames, and is surely to reenergize and benefit the Flames much more than the Habs. The Habs need to get a grip and quickly, which begins by getting past this ridiculous "our coach doesn't speak French" nonsense. Is it an issue that he also doesn't speak Plekanec's or Kostitsin's native languages? please.

Flyers Talk

Let's look at the perennial problem the Flyers have faced, and will one again face, in getting through the post-season: discipline. The Jan. 24 game v. the Pens illustrates the mentality that will hamstring the Flyers when it counts. What I'm referring to is Simon Gagne's ridiculous bear-hug wrestle-wrap on Malkin that eventually led to a goal against. Not being a fan of either team, I'm being as objective as possible here. When you have the usual Hartnell and Carcillo lack of discipline at work most games, and then even guys like Gagne start buying into that "system," then you're going to have problems with teams that know how to make you pay for it. To date, neither the players or the coaching staff of the flyers has found a way to instill discipline in the ranks, and without that, you can't win a cup.

Hockey's hated Wings

It's looking--even to Red Wing fans--that the wings will need to start pursuing a long-term replacement for Thomas Holmstrom, and no Johann Franzen isn't going to cut it. With his injury record, he's not the guy to bank the future on. Look for the Wings to pursue a Henrik Sedin type, and then to convince him (whomever it may be) to change his game to be a butt in the netminder's face as Holmstrom has so successfully done over the years. They will need someone durable and might not be above converting a d-man for the role.

NBA Dunk Fest

I heard a radio report the other day, seemingly giving a shout out to Shaq for calling out Kobe to join the Dunk contest and help raise money for Haiti disaster relief. The report ended with the comment that the contest winner would get half of the prize money and donate the other half to the relief efforts. I wasn't sure I heard right at first: you mean that these guys aren't making enough money to donate the entire prize money to Haiti? You mean they won't participate in an activity they've enjoyed since they were teenagers out on their neighborhood courts unless they get half the prize money? That's the carrot they need to get them to come out? The word audacity comes to mind, along with a few others less savory, but mostly I'm struck by the selfishness implicit in that deal. Would hockey players need half the prize to come out for such a cause? I think we all know the answer.