from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- The ridiculous aspect of the NHL lockout — other than the fact that is continues — is how close the two sides actually are to getting a deal done. If the NHL believed no deal could be made, games beyond November 1 would have been cancelled by now. But rhetoric and threats aside, the two sides are actually reasonably close to getting something done.

- I love sportswriters, and not just because I happen to be one of them. I love our presumption. I love the fact we think if you give us a calculator and ten minutes we can solve the NHL lockout and just about anything else when the $8-million commissioner and his staff of lawyers and accountants can’t seem to come up with a solution that works for the $3-million union head and his history of operating the best union in all of pro sports.

- And bet you didn’t remember that Todd McClellan has won more games in his first four seasons coaching the San Jose Sharks than any coach in NHL history?

a few more hockey notes...