CAMPING (DAY 3)

I saw hockey today!

Yes, full contact hockey.

It appears some of the bladed warriors are ramping up their physical game as the end of scrimmaging approaches and the beginning of pre-season festivities inches closer.

Don't get too frothed up though. It's not quite Oilers-Stars playoff action. But it was a whole lot more abrasive on Day 3 than it was earlier in the week when they were approaching each other with the ferocity of new born kittens.

Morrow Makes Debut: Brenden Morrow took part in his first scrimmage of camp. He'd been nursing a mild body injury (That's as specific as I can be). He looked great, scoring the games first goal on a nifty breakaway move. He says he's looking forward to setting up a lemonade stand infront of opposing nets as he believes the new rules of engagement will make it nearly impossible for defensemen to defend him.

Questionable Impact: I tracked two of the augmentations during today's scrimmage; two line passes and goaltender no-play-the-puck zones. Through the entire hour of continuous play there were 4 two-line passes (behind defensive zone blueline to other side of center redline) one of which resulted in a goal being scored, so good news there. As for limiting where goalies can handle the puck - once. One time I thought the goalie (in this case Marty) would have played the puck if the new markings on the ice weren't there. To me the only way this rule will have a consistent impact is if teams become very adept at lobbing pucks into the corner so they land soft and stay in the no-play area. This will take time and talent. Both are in short supply.

Shootout Formula Revealed: The NHL, two whole days before the first preseason games, released its plan for how Shootouts will unfold. Every preseason game this year will finish with a Shootout regardless of the final score in the game. (Good idea) Even though the document was painfully detailed I still think this new addition will be a work in progress. Personally, I'm looking forward to covering them during our four televised preseason games. I plan to go to the ice for full team coverage...or maybe not.

Sign That It Is In Fact A New, Media-Friendly NHL: Sergei Zubov, who has been as elusive to microphones as he is to forecheckers, spent a healthy chunk of time kibitzing with Bob and Dan on the Ticket following his workout. What's next, the Ed Belfour-Jaromir Jagr "You have questions, We have answers Satellite Show" on XM Radio?

Word of Day 3: BLATHERSKITE