Going Viral or Gaining Vitriol??

As we all know, tension is high when it comes to the lockout. Fans are getting stir-crazy, the information coming out is never good for too long or vague, and the people already presuming gloom and doom are licking their chops when it comes to their prediction being right.

More over, the players are becoming more and more vocal about this disdain for the owners and the lockout. Of course, the players have that freedom. The NHL has a bylaw restricting the owners or those in the front office from talking about the CBA or the lockout. Jim Devellano can attest to that.

But while the players have their freedom-- that freedom could be a little too much at times. Their accessibility has gotten them to say some things that make their staunchest of supporters do a double take. Amongst those are:

• Krys Barch's crazy Twitter ranting about players being born to play and the owners not knowing what it's like.
• Alex Ovechkin and Ilya Bryzgalov talking about how players could stay over in the KHL, especially if they have Russian passports or don't like the new CBA.
• Dan Boyle saying not all the owners are on the same page.
• Mike Commodore using his rage against Verizon to take jabs at Gary Bettman.
• Most anything Allan Walsh tweets.
• Karl Alzner pretty much spilling the beans that the players aren't going to win, but it being a matter of how little they'll lose. 

While it's good the the NHLPA to allow their members to freely speak their mind and frustration, they may want to reign in their contingency just a little bit-- maybe going full cliche mode for some of them. Especially with what Alzner said, it's almost like he's taking a knee early on.

The PA had the public opinion with them, and even with some people swinging hatred to both sides-- people still seemed to have an edge on the PA's side rather than right down the middle. Yet, with every comment that a PA member is making, the vitriol is being spewed their way in bigger spurts than there were at the beginning of this. 

(In full disclosure, I do believe both sides are idiotic for letting it get to this point, the ownership side is one I'm a little more on the side of. Sure, I get that the players have dedicated their lives in order to get to play professionally in the best league in the world (so they say); the owners sank money into a team and while some of their management styles are sometimes ill-advised and short-sighted, I think many people can relate on not losing money on potential investments over getting paid to live your dream. Both sides are kind of pipe dreams on the larger scale of the Average Joe, but for the sake of explanation-- that's what I use.)

For the NHLPA, they got the social media movement out there from the start. Creating hashtags for their cause (as seen above on the NHLPA practice jerseys), putting out a viral video showing their passion, and just making sure their presence was felt to the masses and the people who will see what they are standing for, especially since the NHL owners have no voice due to the gag order. 

With the PA allowing their guys speak their mind, it's a nice interactive instance from time to time. However, the more they speak, the less sympathy people are taking on them and the more annoyance it is becoming. It's one thing to be open and freely express your views, it's a whole other when those views start to sway people in the other direction. There are times when you can become too opinionated and people start to roll their eyes. 

Social media or just the easy accessibility to players is the biggest it has been before. The NHLPA probably didn't take that into account for....well, most anything-- lockout or otherwise. While their campaigns on it have been widely well received, the fact of the matter is the thing they viewed as the biggest upside for them may end up being a big free-fall in favor, as well. 

Good Idea/Bad Idea: Free Agency

Every now and again, I'll decide that it's a chance to test out the whole "Good Idea, Bad Idea" thing. Can't tell you when's the last time.......probably if I were more apt to searching my tags I would find it...but alas, here we are.

In any case, at Noon Eastern today, the Free Agency bonanza begins and there's going to be a lot of people aching to hear who goes where and for how long. Sometimes it's good to deal with the reaction of people-- but more often than not-- it's a drag. Luckily for you, I've decided some good ideas and bad ideas when it comes to dealing with free agency happenings-- hence, the name.

GOOD IDEA: Keeping track of what you're team needs: It's one thing to go after a guy who just desirable to the rest of the league; but in the end-- reality has to set in. So long as you understand the role the player you pick up will play in the grand scheme of things-- the better you'll feel about the terms of the deal.

BAD IDEA: Flipping out over what other teams get: Sure, it's nice to "Keep up with the Browns," but in the end-- I think there is more stress when you worry too much about what everyone else is doing to the point where you judge what the hell your rival is doing. Sure, you can really bash on thing or another-- but at the same time; remember the first "Good Idea" and think if that'll help their team; then you can be angry if it does help them.

GOOD IDEA: Enjoying the banter that is in chat rooms and Twitter: This is a long, drawn-out process and you'll need to coziness of friends and colleagues to get through the boredom if you're staring at the screen. Plus, you could meet new people along the way through such things-- which is always a good idea.

BAD IDEA: Taking chat rooms and Twitter as gospel: We've been through it in trade deadlines, drafts, and last year's free agency-- but we've all been duped many a time through fake rumors or fake Twitter feeds and people not doing the 10 second check-up on the reality of the situation. I know we all want to be the first to know-- yet, it's best to be accurate than quick (that's what she said).

GOOD IDEA: Watching guys like Jaromir Jagr and Brad Richards in what they're doing: These guys are the big names and are going to headline whatever happens on July 1st or whenever they sign. They have the ability to change a team if they're in the right situations, as well as sway other free agents one way or the other.

BAD IDEA: Watching guys like Jaromir Jagr and Brad Richards in what they're doing: This will drive you mad. The fact of the matter is that if they don't sign by 12:01 PM of July 1st; people will have that great knee-jerk reaction of why haven't they sign, because it could take days. They may be the premier names of this FA class; but they aren't the end-all, be-all.

GOOD IDEA: Tracking the salaries: This is great in the cap system because you could see guys take less money to put themselves in a better situation to win the Stanley Cup. The fact remains that since all the guys are going for the same goal; it's harder to demand a big salary if you want to be on a contender.

BAD IDEA: Trying to be a capologist: Math was never my strong suit, though my mother wanted me to be an accountant because I was good in high school (debit-credit, debit-credit); but don't get all caught up in when a team signs someone; then trying to figure out who else they can get and how they can fit them under the cap-- as if your opinion really matters......

That's just a few and probably craptastic reasons to even remotely look at when it comes to the first day of Free Agency, known as Free Agent Frenzy. It should be fun and it should be good times to see who goes where-- especially in a shallow pool like we have.

Pre-Season Means Pre-Excitement

The NHL pre-season starts tonight and for most people, this is the start of the season and everyone is so excited. It's interesting enough for TSN to broadcast the Senators and Maple Leafs game tonight. It seems like it's all coming together, even though we all know Pierre McGuire needs that extra practice being loud, annoying, and awkwardly close to players and his fellow commentators.

Maybe it's because I'm cynical, maybe it's because I'm so into the ACTUAL season, maybe I'm not as big of a hockey fan as I thought I was; but I can't get up for pre-season. Nothing about the pre-season gets me all hot and bothered and ready for the season to begin. Even in the off-season, I never had a hockey withdraw or wanting October to show up quicker than the Earth can spin.

While I get people wanting hockey to start and all of that, I just don't get how people are getting antsy over the pre-season and training camps and all of that. I'm glad to see people go out to training camps and getting some information out there and supporting their team, but there's something that makes me not get too excited to see fringe players battle it out for a roster spot or their location on the AHL depth charts.

If nothing else, you have to appreciate the spirit of the fans who actually care enough to go out there to the rinks, even for rookie camps (guilty, but with reason). However, it seems that the pure volume of updates from everywhere is what drags down my spirit and what drags down my excitement for hockey to actually come back. I'll be glad when it comes back for real, but it's a matter of patience for it to come back. No amount of intrasquad games, rookie games, and fringe games will ever get me as excited as the real thing.

It's probably just me, mostly because I am a cynical fellow and I probably will drag myself to the Saddledome to see some camp activity, but I still won't be all in for the excitement level as some people, which is fine for them. For me, there's times I need a breakaway from hockey and into some other interests. God love you if you are hyped up for it all, because it's that kind of passion that could leech onto others who don't have it. Yet, be careful because it could be the same passion you have that become a bit overwhelming for some and drives them away.

While the "IsItOctoberYet" hashtag on Twitter is annoying in July, it's a bit more fitting now. It's close and you can almost taste it and it does create anxiousness for the season-- but mostly because it's time to cut through all the crap and actually get down to it. It seems this summer has been the longest off-season on record, but for some-- it's good. I'm ready for the regular season to start so the off-season silliness is over with.

Damien Bischoff and Hypocrisy

Damien Cox is hockey's Eric Bischoff.

There's no way around it. He's a self-promoter, bringing things back from the dead when it doesn't go the way he wants it to go and never heeds his own advice. However, he will do the exact deed that he condemns when it suits his fancy.

In a world where Twitter is king, Cox went to the masses with his distaste for Ted Leonsis's when Leonsis called him out for his mis-fact of Alex Ovechkin's deal. Cox went on a rant about the book he was writing with Gare Joyce about Ovechkin and saying Leonsis was getting sour-grapes over one thing or another-- I couldn't follow it because it was as scattered brained as Cox himself. Then, before I went to work on Saturday night-- Cox goes on another tirade about Leonsis after Teddy Puckgame went on and called out the mainstream media (one can assume singling out Cox) and telling them to respect the blogosphere and Twitter because it's the next big thing....today. Cox went on a rant about how Leonsis has to hire bloggers to be in the press box and that the book of Joyce and Cox isn't the fluff piece Leonsis wanted and other crap about Caps fans and the organization.

First off, why would anyone get Cox and Joyce to do a book when you could just hire someone a little more closer to the situation than those two?? It's one thing to want a "fluff" piece, but apparently, the Caps fans have been upset with the overly Canadian approach to the book that was taken and pretty much used to dismiss Ovechkin and say he's not as good as Crosby. I haven't read it because I can't deal with Cox; who basically fetches water for Dave Hodge on TSN's The Reporters and thinks he's the big deal in a dying media. Second, the funny thing about all of this is that Cox is using the media he said is "low-rent" to convey his message. It's a bit off that he would do that, rather than write a column about it for the daily-- maybe even stop the presses for this hot scoop.

Even funnier is that Cox claims that Leonsis will block him from the Caps press box and that's not right; then he blocks people on Twitter who call him out on the same thing and who don't agree with his opinion. Got to love the hypocrisy that Cox puts out there; proving that he is not better than the man he is putting down...like he was up on that level anyway.

That said, say what you will about Cox and his tactics-- he's getting the Caps fans riled up in hopes that it'll move units of his book. If nothing else, he's promoting something other than idiocy in his tweets and actually getting the attention from the core he wanted to. Controversy creates cash, as one Eric Bischoff once said and then penned. Even if they do get it in order to burn it; he's still moving product. You have to somewhat respect him getting his name even more out there, even if it's for the wrong reason and with no message that is sensical enough to warrant a serious response.....or not.

However, good on Ted Leonsis to stick up for his organization and defend his assets. While Cox may be digging himself a hole he can't get out of (we can only be so lucky, though), Leonsis is pretty much inviting Cox to take him on head-to-head. I'd love to see Cox go to Washington when the Leafs are in town and have a meeting with Leonsis and settle this thing once and for all. Let's see if Cox is as strong as he is on Twitter and let's see of Leonsis will stick up for his team as strongly as he does in his blog.

This is what happens when new media collides.

Twitiocy on Parade

There's a reason why I don't follow many pro athlete's on Twitter...and Dan Ellis proved that to me last night during his debacle last night, which is documented well on the Amazing Greg Wyshynski's page and on Sens Town, who has a very detailed account of what happened.

Long and the short of it, Ellis was referring to Reggie Bush referring to the NFL CBA and Ellis mistakenly decided to parlay that to his own life and career. First off, you can't compare the money coming in from the NFL to the NHL, so that's where Ellis should have just stopped sympathizing since he knows not of the NFL players and junk like that. Second, you KNOW when you're going to talk about losing money in this economy and in your profile; you won't get any slack-- especially after bragging about getting a Jaguar.

All of this comes on the heel of another jobber, Paul Bissonnette, comes back to Twitter in some kind of triumphant, Family Guy/Futurama revival to those who actually follow him. Of course, you know of his forte about leaving Twitter when he made a pretty shaky comment about the Ilya Kovalchuk contract. Since coming back, he's been talking about the homeless and all that other stuff; which-- if you enjoy that with the occasional shock-value humor, by all means enjoy. I'm not down for the fact I don't find him interesting or entertaining; but to each their own.

This display, coupled with the Martin Havlat episode we've seen in the past, is probably the reason why having this kind of access to the players isn't as fancy as it's cracked up to be. Aside from the fact they really don't have too much fascinating to say, gems like Ellis's comes up and really put out some kind of uproar. Sure, there's guys like Mike Commodore and Mike McKenna, who really don't do too much shocking on Twitter, but do provide some decent "tweeting" when they do it; Commodore about horse-racing and other assorted things, while McKenna actually is pretty solid on open-wheel racing and about the goaltending science during his season. They provide some kind of entertainment, without having to try all that hard to do it.

There's many who talk about media training, but you can bet that now social media will be apart of that now, if it isn't already. It should especially be for hockey players, who seem to put themselves out there a lot more and get a lot more heat for doing so in the process. I mean, when's the last time Martin Havlat had a tweet about his goings on?? The answer is February 16th. That shows that either he (a) has nothing to say or (b) doesn't really care too much about putting himself out there. If it's B, then by all means-- don't do it. You aren't going to look any better if you put yourself out there online over putting yourself out there in-person.

Sure, this will soon blow over; but the damage done and the disconnect that has happened because of it will not be soon forgotten, especially by those with long memories and long caring. You have to wonder what kind of heckling (if any) will be done and have kind of damage control that the Tampa PR will have to do in order to get things right; especially if there's people who are up and arms, trying to cancel season tickets to the Bolts due to this. That's the people who you have to mostly feel sorry for, the ones who have to clean up the mess left by someone who thought it was right to say what they did, but forgot that it's being broadcasted to the world.

"Better Off Eliminated" or "How Front-Runners Got Served"

Three of the four teams who were in the medal rounds in 2006 have been eliminated. One through an upset, one through clash of the titans (which was one-sided at best), and one through losing a tough game against the last of the four teams in the medal round of 2006. While there are plenty a questions a bound about the games themselves, you have to figure out if this is good for their club teams heading into the playoff stretch.

RUSSIA: The Russians had their asses thoroughly handed to them by the Canadians, which showed that there is no "D" in Russia. While they had offense for days, the Russians couldn't get it going against a tight checking Canadian squad and couldn't stop the speed and grind of the team. Yet, with half the team being NHLers, and commonly the best players on their team, the clubs must be happy. The Capitals especially, who hope that the failure of the Olympic will fuel and anger the like of Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin, which will make them even more dangerous. Granted, it could make them fall into a deeper funk, but for Caps fans-- let's hope not. Oddly enough, Ilya Kovalchuk was pretty much silent and invisible for the tournament, which can't be very promising for the Devils and their fateful. However, Evgeni Malkin was the leading scorer for the Russians, which will give the Penguins a nice boost after his struggles during the season. Another question will be how the the onslaught of goals will effect Evgeni Nabokov. With the Sharks in control of the Western Conference, you have to wonder if his psyche of not coming through in the clutch will continue when the playoffs come around again.

SWEDEN: With the Swedes only giving up two goals in the the three preliminary game, the shock of Slovakia putting up four goals and then beating the last Gold Medal winners was even more of a shock. Though, it does validate the thought of the people who thought the Swedes wouldn't be much in these Olympics. Henrik Lundqvist looked very good for the Swedes in his two games prior, but somehow the Slovaks were able to get to him, especially in the second period of their game. With Lundqvist's struggles-- this could only break more Rangers fans hearts down the stretch. Two bright sides would be the emergence of youngsters Nicklas Backstrom and Loui Eriksson, who would be the guys who carry the flag of the Swedes in the future. Backstrom is already a star with the Caps, while Eriksson's performance continues the breakout role he has been having in Dallas, which should give some kind of relief to the Stars, who haven't had much to write home about this year. It's also the changing of the guard, as this is likely the last time we'll be seeing the likes of Nicklas Lidstrom, Daniel Alfredsson, and Peter Forsberg representing the Tre Kronor.

CZECH REPUBLIC: I thought that the Czech could be a squad to look forward too, which was partial true. Yet, at the same time-- they couldn't beat the higher tier teams like the Russians or Finns in these games. While their troubles could be tracked back to the fact that Marek Zidlicky was their leading scorer, the fact they had the fire power of Jaromir Jagr, Martin Havlat, and Patrik Elias; they could have done a lot more scoring than they actually did. Tomas Vokoun could only do so much for that team to keep them in it, he never got too much support when he needed it. Vokoun faced more shots than all the goalies except three: Edgars Masalskis (LAT), Jonas Hiller (SUI), and Pal Grotnes (NOR). Vokoun's GAA was only 1.78 in his five games, which probably boosted his trade value in the NHL once he gets back. Maybe he shouldn't unpack, actually. Yet, you have to wonder what could have been if guys like Roman Hamrlik, Vinny Prospal, Michael Frolik, and Jakub Voracek would have been on the roster, as super agent Allan Walsh pointed out on his Twitter.

But, with all being said and done-- we're not down to four. While these three teams could be considered disappointing-- especially since Sweden and Russia are the big name teams-- there's still four good teams out there, which should create for some buzz; especially if the USA and Canada play each other again. Of course, it may be for a Gold Medal or Bronze, who's to say. Just have to wait until Friday, I suppose.

My Thoughts on the Allan Walsh/Twitter Trouble

Now that we've all had a chance to breathe from Saturday night's Twitter debate (which is code for me being fashionably late), I'll throw my two-cents in and wonder what's going on over there with Allan Walsh and all that.

If you hadn't heard, Allan Walsh posted on his Twitter page a questionable stat about Carey Price. This would be all well and good just in passing, but for Walsh-- he has a vested interest. His client is Jaroslav Halak, who is battling Price for time in the net in Montreal. So, while the stat in itself, that Price is 10W-25L in his last 35, it seems to be definitely uncalled for. Walsh said it was tongue-in-cheek, but the damage was done as it caught on with CBC's Hockey Night In Canada between games one and two, thus being taken to task by the crew there-- especially Kelly Hrudey.

Of course, the ethical implications are in play in this-- because not only does it make him look bad, but it makes the target and pressure on his client to succeed in a market like Montreal that much bigger. While there would be heat in any market, you can't argue that this is making bigger news considering it has to do with Montreal and not, say, Florida. With Twitter being the immediate news source nowadays, it definitely a place where you should pick your spots and watch what you say.

Yet, at the same time, this is not the first time someone related to Walsh has been in the cross-hairs of the Twitter-verse, as the kids say. Walsh's client, Martin Havlat, made his falling out with the Chicago Blackhawks somewhat public after the team didn't offer him a contract. That made the first wave of NHLers airing their grievances on the social networking mainstream.

This begs the question-- is this all happenstances that the biggest issues when it comes to problems between players and their teams are with Walsh and his clientele or is this strategic planning by Walsh and his clique to go into business for themselves?? While I'm sure there's a bit of coincidence, you never really know because of the fact both people who have made the mainstream hockey media when it comes to the Twitter front have been linked to Walsh. I'm not saying, I'm just saying. Makes you think.

If it is calculated, then it's bloody genius in some instance because of the fact we're talking about it and making a big deal about it. However, the doubled-edge sword thing is in effect because of the fact teams may be hesitant to deal with Walsh and his clients, knowing what he is capable of saying or doing. Plus, who'd want to be teammates with guys like that-- who's agent will slap down negative stats to a teammate and create awkward issues in the locker room??

This is either extremely brilliant to bring light to situations that are development and what other journalist would say in time or it's extremely stupid by making awkward situations and creating enemies amongst teammates and front office personnel alike. While the latter is more often than not the likely response, you have to say the buzz about each player was out there in a big way at the times of the happenings. Also-- shows the power of the social networking sites in this day-in-age.

Twitter Season Previews

You can read any season preview out there for the in-depth analysis and what each team could do, how they'll do it, and what they need to do in order to get there-- but as you know and as I've stated-- I'm lazy and a hack. So, what better way to do that than to use the newest new media craze and apply it to season previews. That's right, I'll sum up each teams season preview in 140 characters or less in these Twitter previews. Thanks to the help of TweetDeck, I'll make sure it's just right, team name excluded. And if you so please, you can follow me on the Twitter by clicking here.

ANAHEIM DUCKS: Hiller and Giguere will need to be their best with Pronger gone. Getzlaf, Ryan and Perry will get assistance from Koivu up-front

ATLANTA THRASHERS: Everyone will need to be in top-form if they want to keep Kovalchuk beyond this year. I'm looking at you Kari Lehtonen.

BOSTON BRUINS: If Thomas and Chara and keep on top of their award winning best, odds are the Bruins will be playing in June with or without Kessel

BUFFALO SABRES: Vanek was a big time player and, along with Miller, will have to keep on top of their games in order to get into the second season.

CALGARY FLAMES: Another Sutter behind the bench could mean success, but heat is on the defense to play better. Iggy, Olli, and Kipper can't do it all.

CAROLINA HURRICANES: Needing to prove last year was no fluke, Staal and Ward need to avoid long droughts for success team-wide.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS: Off-season issues will be haunting, but maturity will be shown on the ice to make up for it. It's also all on Huet now to shine.

COLORADO AVALANCHE: First full season without Sakic, the young guns will step up. It's Stastny team, while Duchene may be a year away from prime-time.

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: Mason and Nash must continue to be the prime attractions, as the Jackets try to build off their 1st, though short, playoff stint last year.

DALLAS STARS: If Turco and Richards can rebound, as well as support from others; the Stars can be back in the NHL's elite again.

DETROIT RED WINGS: While the core still remains from last season, but question of which Osgood will show up will always be present.

EDMONTON OILERS: New coaches, new goalie, but the questions remain of how much offense will show up with the brand new systems in place.

FLORIDA PANTHERS: Loss of J-Bouw will hurt a bit, but the young crop of forwards and steady Vokoun should be able to make up for his departure.

LOS ANGELES KINGS: A team that seems to be on the cusp of something great, but will still need seasoning together before the good things can happen.

MINNESOTA WILD: Starting from scratch without Lemaire and Gaborik, Backstrom will be the keystone in the new outlook for the Wild.

MONTREAL CANADIENS: Off-season spree may or may not pay off, but it's up to Price to stay rock steady and give his teammate a chance.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS: It'll be a dog-fight to see if Rinne or Ellis will be the main guy in goal, but a healthy Arnott will help them get back into the playoffs.

NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Lemaire is back, Brodeur seems healthy; but little to no scoring will make the trap system inevitable.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS: Tavares's addition may help garner attention, but carousel of goalies will be the real story for this once great franchise.

NEW YORK RANGERS: First full year for Tortorella could bring changes, but Lundqvist's big play will remain the story in the Big (Spending) Apple.

OTTAWA SENATORS: All the Heatley drama will continue to play out, which could take the pressure off Leclaire's play, especially coming back from injury.

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS: With Pronger and Emery in the fold, the Flyers will win the physical game if nothing else.

PHOENIX COYOTES: Will they stay or will they go?? The off-ice drama will trump anything Gretzky and the boys do on the ice.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS: The Cup champs better hope for little to no hangover, but they have the talent to carry them back to the Finals for a third time.

SAN JOSE SHARKS: No team has more to prove than the Sharks. Nabokov, Thornton, and (especially) Marleau will need to be in top form to silence the doubters.

ST. LOUIS BLUES: Another team that is on the cusp, but a healthy Erik Johnson will help continue the Blues road to redemption.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Even with their circus, Tanguay should be able to boost Lecavalier and St. Louis. Goalies still sketchy as hell.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: Burke will keep the show lively, even if the on-ice product is somewhat lacking. Gustavsson and Schenn will be the key players.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS: With Luongo and the Sedins locked up, plus tons of defense; the question is will this game-plan pay off in the end.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Ovechkin will be back again, but Knuble's addition will help out plenty. Theodore and Varlamov will be neck-and-neck for playing time.

There you have it. All thirty-teams, Wazz's season preview-- all in Twitter formation. It's my lazy way to get my two-cents in before training camp gets into full bloom. Enjoy it, don't enjoy it-- I told you I was a hack, so you can't say you weren't warned.

Airing Grievances 140 Characters At A Time

The "Twitter-verse" asploded today, with Martin Havlat giving an inside look to what's going on with the Dale Tallon/Stan Bowman/Chicago Blackhawks fiasco. Mirtle has a brief overview of what's happening and what Havlat said.

While this is great for fans to get an inside view to the happenings, turmoils, and pretty much grudges that come out from one player leaving a team because he felt he was disrespected by the organization after giving his all for them; is this the right medium to do it in and what precedent does this put out there for other athlete's who are pissed off at their teammates, coaches, and front office??

To drop a name or so, I've done some stuff with Havlat when he did his FHM Online thing while I was doing my thing for FHM. He's a great guy and he's a straight-shooter. However, I don't think he knows what he's could be getting into by doing something like this-- especially after he ripped the franchise for not giving him a better offer in order to keep him in Chicago. If he does this now, on his own, off of pure emotion-- it could come off as sour grapes and bitterness toward the Hawks-- which could be the case, but isn't the right light he should be portrayed in.

The fine line that Havlat is walking is going to be something that will be very showing of how he is treated for the rest of his career. Should Havlat air this "dirty laundry" off of pure emotion-- how do you think the brass of the Wild or whoever else he plays for will treat him?? How inside do you think he'll get if he goes off on a tangent about how the Hawks are run and what happened?? More over, how trusting will his teammates be if they know he's capable of tweeting about their mishaps or what-have-you?? Sure, those are extreme situations, but at the same time-- it may not be out of the realm of possibility depending on what he does with this Tallon situation.

We talked on the FOHS Draft Show (being fixed in "post", as they say) about the new dimension that Twitter brings to the table with teams tweeting their picks and trades, but this is bringing it to another level and could be a landmark situation we're getting into. It'll be interesting what Havlat does in terms of information given and what could be done afterwords in terms of deleting and not recognizing these tweets at a later time.

All of the people follow Havlat will await with bated breath.....even if he only can use 140 characters and needs to abbreviate like a mofo to get what he wants to say across to the masses. Best of luck with this, Marty-- but at the same time-- there's a better medium to go about it, should you choice it.