from James Duthie of TSN,

Ideally, columnists and commentators (not to mention those disturbed creatures who attempt to do both) are supposed to provide answers. But this time of year, with 16 hockey teams about to start from scratch, there are none. Only questions. ...

I wonder if there is a lovable Cinderella in this bunch, like the 2006 Oilers, who were the 8th seed in the west, and came within two wins of a title. St. Louis would fit the bill. Better yet, Columbus. With a sensational rookie goalie (Steve Mason), and a superstar (Rick Nash) who has waited six seasons to taste the playoffs, anyone looking for a bandwagon to leap on might just have a spring fling with the Jackets. (Or they might be gone in four…this is why it’s called “wondering”.)

The East is trickier, because the teams in the Cinderella spots are underachievers with baggage. Could you really fall in love with the underdog…Rangers? Sean Avery doesn’t exactly make us feel all warm and fuzzy.

Speaking of which, I wonder if John Tortorella will keep up this calm, rational, media-friendly persona that he has adopted in New York. Or will he eventually snap, and stick a pen in some reporters’ neck after blowing a third period lead in Game 3.

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