Bad Blood Rising

When the NHL begins play in LESS than a month fans will see a number of changes including more games against divisional rivals. The hope is to generate more interest in the contests and also to reduce travel costs for the teams. With more head-to-head banging going on between teams all fighting for the limited playoff spots within the division the feeling is things could get pretty heated.

"It's going to be tough keeping our composure," Briere said Tuesday on a conference call with players from each Northeast Division club. "Playing the same team over and over, there's a lot of emotion that's going to be flying.
"It's not going to be easy, but it's great for the fans. We get to see the Leafs, Canadiens, Bruins and Senators more often. It's better for traveling as well. There's a lot of positives, but emotion will be a big factor."

Of the many changes we'll be seeing this season I think this is one that will be a guaranteed hit. If you get my drift.

With the intense divisional conflicts on the horizon teams continue to SUPERSIZE in preparation... and not only in Philly. The thinking continues to be BIG is better.

"All things being equal, a guy who has size and ability is going to win out over a smaller guy," GM Kevin Lowe said after yesterday's session in Fort Saskatchewan.

"Certainly, within our division, there's going to be battles, no question. With eight (games), that's inevitable. You want to have some toughness in the lineup."

It remains to be seen if the new rules will alter the big is better equation. I think they will.