Zamboni Ramblings: Like the 'Hawks, everything must go

By Eric Rosenhek

Back by popular demand (at least in my head), here are some more tidbits to keep your hockey appetite fresh.

Inception

I watched Christopher Nolan’s Inception a few weeks ago. It was, by far, the best film I’ve seen in a long time. Inception is filled with solid action, a unique story and the very lovely Ellen Page.

Without giving too much of the plot away, Leonardo DiCaprio’s character convinces people to do certain things by “planting an idea” while they are dreaming. This notion of structuring a person’s dream could be beneficial, especially when it comes to the NHL.

Let’s say the Thrashers are not longer viable in Atlanta and there happens to be a group of investors who want to move the team to… oh, I don’t know… Honolulu.

However, Gary Bettman and the NHL Board of Governors don’t want to give up on Atlanta.

So the investors decide to plant the idea of moving the Thrashers to Honolulu in Bettman’s head, by using the inception model. They just somehow need to share a long plane ride with the commissioner. Then all they need is an architect, a forger and a chemist, and before you know it, Honolulu hearts hockey.

BGL for PM

“Big” Georges Laraque, who talked Hebrew and talked circumcision with The Schwartz last year, recently became the co-deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada.

Publicity stunt? Absolutely!

That’s not to discredit BGL. He’s been involved with the Greens since February, and his charity work involving Haiti is well documented.

Laraque is actually perfect for Canadian politics, which badly needs a jolt of energy. Imagine if he’s elected as a Member of Parliament. No would dare ignore a query from BGL during question period.

Alyn McCauley

What the hell ever happened to Alyn McCauley?

According to Wikipedia, he’s a scout for the Kings.

Stan Bowman’s Blowout Sale

I heard my Mama cry. I heard her pray the night Chicago got rid of half their roster.

Seriously, is anyone else concerned about the Blackhawks’ liquidation sale? This team was lifeless just a few short years ago. Now they’re the toast of Chicago. Yet, they have given up some of the valuable assets that led them to the Stanley Cup.

Nothing against Marty Turco, but there is probably a large majority of armchair general managers who would rather have Antti Niemi between the pipes.

Sure, Patrick Kane is still with the team; so are Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith. But how can one expect them to repeat their success without many key components? The odds are stacked.

Mr. Moore goes to Tampa

Forward Dominic Moore recently signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The new contract is probably a welcome relief for the Thornhill, Ontario native.

Since 2005, Moore has played for seven different teams – The Rangers, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Toronto, Buffalo, Florida and Montreal. He was also involved in several trades made during the last five years.

Despite his resourceful play and ability to win face-offs, Moore couldn’t find anything permanent. But now, it looks like he’s finally found some stability with the Lightning. And given Tampa’s current roster, it appears to be good timing too.

(Finally) From the Detroit Red Wings… Mike Modano?!?!?!

I never thought I’d see Mike Modano wear a hockey uniform that didn’t say “Stars” on it.

After 20 years of wearing green and black (and yellow too), the all-time leading scorer for American-born players is returning to his home state of Michigan. Dallas’ front office felt he should consider retirement, but Modano and the Red Wings thought otherwise.

Detroit seems like a perfect fit for the 40-year-old Modano.  The Red Wings are a team that values experience over youth. A 2008 article by James Mirtle (FromTheRink.com) showed Detroit having the oldest team on average: 30.4 years.

It will be interesting to see what kind of impact Modano will make with his new team. Will he have a lackluster campaign that will quietly end his career, like Mats Sundin; or will he reinvent himself, like football’s Brett Favre?

Obviously, we’ll have to wait a few months for the answer.