Podcast: Previewing the Northwest and Central Divisions

With actual NHL news to talk about, Meesh starts off with more KHL talk because he can’t let go of the league.  After enough scolding from Adam, the podcast transitions to NHL news from the past few days including: Brian Burke’s firing, Gary Bettman’s apology, the “Hockey’s Back” slogan, and recent transactions.  Notes about the Penguins schedule and training camp are discussed before moving on to two division previews.  In this podcast, Meesh and Adam preview the Northwest and Central divisions.

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Datsyuk shootout goal:



Kovalchuk and Morozov go figure skating:

The next podcast will be recorded on Tuesday 1/15 and will cover NHL/Pens news and notes along with previews for the Northeast and Southeast divisions.

Podcast: Transitioning from the Lockout to Pens Season

The CrosbyFTW team welcomes the NHL back into their lives with a joyous non-lockout edition of the podcast.  Meesh covers the CBA details while Adam tries to stay awake before they move on to their thoughts on Gary Bettman.  Meesh also does a final KHL roundup for Magnitogorsk before Adam demands NHL talk about the Penguins, Malkin’s linemates, and the state of the Pens defense.  Tune in through the end to hear about podcasts and blogs that all Pens fans should be visiting.

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THE NHL LOCKOUT IS OVER

L;KJFA;LKJFDA;LSKFJLDS;AKJF;DSLKA IT'S FINALLY OVER!!!!! K;AJDF;LKASJF;LKAJS;LFDKJA;LFDKJ;ALKSFJDA;L

Okay, now that I got that out of the way, here's what we know:  There is definitely a deal in place between the NHL and NHLPA that needs to be ratified.  Here are the details as I've seen:

• From @RenLavoieRDS:
• The CBA is 10 years with an opt-out at 8 years.
• The Year 2 ('13-'14) salary cap will have a floor of $44 million and a cap of $64.3 million
• There will be 2 amnesty buyouts per team before the 2013-14 season
• The pension deal will be based off of what MLB has (I don't know the details yet), and it is the only gain the players received from the last CBA.  Owners will be responsible for losses.
• From @DarrenDreger
• Training camp will open Wed-Fri depending on when ratification occurs
• Draft lottery will change, all 14 teams that don't make the playoffs will be eligible for the 1st overall pick instead of the worst 5 teams
• It is likely the NHL will participate in the 2014 Olympics, but that decision will be made outside of the CBA
• Supplemental discipline: Shanahan makes the 1st decision.  Appeals go to Gary Bettman.  For a suspension over 6 games, a neutral 3rd party will be used if necessary.
• From @Real_ESPNLeBrun
• Player contracts will be limited at 7 years for free agents, 8 years for a player that a team already has.
• If there is a 50 game season, it will begin on January 15th.  A 48 game season will begin on January 19th.
• First year salary cap will have an upper limit of $60.2 million, but teams can spend up to $70.2 million.  The floor will be $44 million.
• Owners wanted a July 10th free agency date, but players stood firm and it remains July 1st.
• From @RealKyper
• There will be revenue sharing at $200 million plus a $60 million growth fund
• Contract variance can be 50% of the highest number in the contract (ex. - $10 mil to $5 mil)
• Contract variance can only be 35% from year to year
• From @KatieStrangESPN
• The playoffs are expected to stretch into late June
• From @jessespector
• Realignment has not been discussed yet
• From @reporterchris
• The minimum salary will begin at $525,000 and will rise to $750,000 by Year 10
• One way deals in the AHL that total minimum salary + $375,000 are exempt from the cap

I'll keep adding to this as I read more.

Scot Breckenbaugh, the federal mediator, played a huge part in solving this.

Post #200: Return of the Podcast

With the start of a new year, Meesh and Adam bring back the CrosbyFTW podcast for yet another run.  Despite the ongoing NHL lockout, we spend a significant amount of time discussing our optimism that the league will return soon.  We also cover amnesty buyouts, our opinions of Bettman and Fehr, general CBA talks, and how the lockout has proceeded so far.  After 3 months off, the production was a little rusty, so tune in this week and set your expectations higher for next week!

**The news of Kris Letang's apparent deal with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL came out just after the podcast ended.  Tune in next week to hear Meesh flip out about it....like, really flip out**

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Thanks for listening and keep coming back for Evgeni Malkin and Magnitogorsk recaps!!

Lockout Podcast #5: Both Sides Suck

In the midst of a crazy week full of optimism, pessimism, and rejected proposals, Adam and Meesh break down the latest in the failed NHL CBA talks.  After getting through the nitty gritty details, they move on to a quick look at the Baby Pens, Penguins overseas, and the relationship between Sergei Gonchar and Evgeni Malkin.  Finally, the whereabouts of Francois Leroux are revealed, with the help of a certain social networking site.

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Offseason Podcast #9: As the Calendar Turns

As the hockey world prepares to turn their calendars from August (Zbynek Michalek) to September (Paul Martin), Meesh (@HockeyMeesh) and Adam (@PolishHMR) return with yet another time-killing podcast.  The dog days of summer have clearly gotten to their heads as Adam frequently loses his mind in this episode.  Hockey topics include: NHL jersey rankings, the latest in CBA talks, recent signings and rumors, and a "Where Are They Now?" segment that will take you back to the late 90's.  Adam's personal topics include: the types of people he attracts and his grasp of the English language.

Tune in now to get the details!  Listen below or find us on iTunes by clicking here.

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As always, feedback is appreciated and thank you for listening!!  Please see my last post for more details on the Hockey Kicks Cancer Charity Kickball Tournament and how you can participate!  Finally, contact me on here or via Twitter if you are interested in either the CrosbyFTW Fantasy Hockey League or the NHL '13 GM Connected league.