from Elliotte Friedman of CBC,

- Hitchcock on the shallower nets: "The new nets have created a dramatic difference on wraparounds and stuff plays. We'll see more goal crease goals... but we're also seeing a big change in a defending team's exit strategy. For the first time, defencemen can make direct plays to each other from behind the net instead of indirect plays." Makes it easier to get out of your zone and start transition.

- The trade market was very cool last week, with one of the reasons being that Calgary and Colorado are both off to strong starts. They had showed willingness to explore ideas, but when you're going well, there's not as much reason to do so, especially early.< /p>

- Will that change? There are a couple of situations to keep an eye on. Kris Letang is nearing a return for the Penguins, which doesn't necessarily complicate things. But, if Pittsburgh wants to keep Olli Maatta instead of returning him to junior, there's a glut. They could keep eight defencemen, go the waiver route, or try to deal.

- If the Rangers miss the playoffs, their exhibition schedule may go down as the reason. By going to Banff even before their long season-opening trip, they've spent more than three weeks away from home in 10 hotels over four different time zones. A heavy schedule forced them to carry 39 players, which prevented their best lineup from getting much action together before opening night.

much more with an opening on the Oilers...