NHL

ON THE HRINK

Getty Images

YouTube alert!

Arch enemies Sean Avery (Dallas) and Darcy Tucker (Colorado) have both relocated out West via free agency, and they'll resume their blood feud when their teams meet in Big D on Oct. 18. In a preseason TV interview, when asked who was "the biggest ass in the league," Avery replied, "Tucker." Look for Darcy's on-ice response to be a doozy …

On a kinder, gentler note, new Canucks F Kyle Wellwood remains a way-too-peaceful soul. The former Leaf hasn't received a penalty in 111 games, dating to April 13, 2006. In 189 career games, Wellwood has amassed just 14 PIMs …

Chris Chelios' preseason injury (fractured right shin, out three to six weeks) has a silver lining for the Wings. Because Chelios will begin the season on the IR, GM Ken Holland has enough cap room to keep talented young D's Kyle Quincey and Derek Meech with the big club. When Chelios returns, Holland will likely have to trade one of the kids. He can't send either down without putting them through waivers …

Connecticut-born LW Max Pacioretty, 19, opened a lot of eyes in Montreal with his preseason performance. The 22nd overall pick in 2007, Pacioretty is a nice combination of size (6'2", 203) and skill, and he adapts easily to different roles and situations …

The Thrashers upgraded their weak D with the acquisition of vet Mathieu Schneider, 39, who was a cap casualty in Anaheim. The savvy puckmover should be a mentor for prize rookie D Zach Bogosian …

Great news for Philly fans: Flyers RW Mike Knuble says high-scoring Simon Gagne is healthy and ready for the new season after missing 57 games last year because of concussion-related symptoms. Gagne makes an already strong attack even tougher to defend.

Print Article . Email Article. Subscribe to The Magazine