Yes, Petunia Puck is eager for the hockey season to begin again in the Lounge, where she feasts on the mistakes of others, converting turnovers like dropped popcorn into quick snacks.
But until hockey resumes, it is time for the summer reading season, which means daily visits to Puck Daddy, Hockey's Future, Hockey Prospectus, TSN.ca, ESPN.com and CapGeek. Also included in the mix are NHL.com, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, RDS.ca and Le Journal de Montreal.
Still relevant despite the draft, the start of free agency and retirement parties, TSN's off-season reports lift the hood on each team to see what works and what doesn't. And be certain to use it while having another tab on your screen open to CapGeek and the payroll numbers. Consider it a good appetizer before the Hockey Prospectus 12-13 guide is available in September.
And just to keep me on my feet to spot unfounded optimism in every corner, I go back and read the 2011-12 preview magazines and pool books (seven, to be exact) to see who fell short of expectations (players, coaches and GMs)or were just making things up to meet deadline (the preview writer).
And there are the latest copies of Sportsnet Magazine (on the iPad via Zinio) and The Hockey News (iPad/Zinio).
Finally, keep these dates in mind.
Sept. 4: KHL regular season begins.
Sept. 20: QMJHL, OHL and WHL regular seasons begin.
Oct. 6: NCAA Division I regular season begins.
Oct. 11: NHL regular season begins (CBA permitting).
That's right, all hockey all the time. Well, most of the time. First Petunia Puck is asking for an extended shift around the block.
