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Ed. Note: SportsFan Magazine proudly presents its 2005-06 National Hockey League preview. We've rounded up some of the best and brightest hockey bloggers and webmasters to lend their insight, humor and unique perspective through a series of questions that range from the league's post-lockout consequences to Sidney Crosby to a breakdown of his or her team's fortunes this season. Thanks to everyone who has helped out with this project, and come back every day for more previews until they (finally) drop the puck this season!

 

SportsFan Magazine continues its 2005-06 NHL Preview with the Florida Panthers! This time, it's the mysterious "Beinfest4Prez" of Panthers Daily Puck who was kind enough to answer some questions about the Cats and the NHL in general:

 

What was your reaction when you heard the lockout was over, and did the lockout change your perception of the players or owners?

 

When I heard the lockout was over, I was exceedingly giddy and joyous. I couldn't withhold my excitement at all, especially when I finally saw the news conference with Bettman officially announcing it. The lockout did not change my perceptions at all as I understood both sides intentions. The players with the long history of mistreatment in the NHL and the owners for wanting to stop the overspending. Though, I will say, there is no excuse for what the Rangers, Red Wings, Capitals, and Avalanche did with their salaries.

 

If you were in charge of marketing the NHL, what would the slogan be for the 2005-06 season?

 

The slogan would be "Hockey is back, are you game?"

 

 

 

If you had 10 minutes alone with Gary Bettman, how would that go?

 

It would be very argumentative but still cordial. I still don't like him for how he let the trap flourish when the game was really getting popular.

 

Biggest off-season move for your team, and why:

 

Shoring up the defense and signing Joe Neiuwendyk and Gary Roberts. Our defense is much less suspect and will be much more physical now. And Joey and Gary are one of the greatest two player partnership and friendship this game has ever seen. I can't wait to see them do wonders for the Cats!

 

Biggest off-season loss for your team, and why:

 

Biggest off-season loss would be taking Roberto to arbitration. While I understand the team wants to see how he does in the new NHL, I think that by the end of the season they should have a deal in place for 5 million to 6 million a year for four years. Lock him up now.

 

Who is you favorite player and why? Would you still root for him if he signed with the Rangers?

 

My favorite player is Jay Bouwmeester. I can't really explain other than I loved him in junior hockey and he is on the Panthers. Also, as a defensemen myself, I can appreciate a defensemen with the tools he has.

 

Favorite "new" NHL rules change and why:

 

Can I do two? I simply love the no-red line and the tag-up off-sides. No-red line eliminates that really lame two-line pass penalty (Just having to watch Pavel Bure get so many breaks called off because of that, boils my blood). Tag up off-sides also frees up the flow of the game.

 

Least favorite "new" NHL rules change and why:

 

Can't say yet, I will have to wait for the start of the season to make that call. But for now, the decrease in goalie equipment. I understand the thinking behind it but these guys are extremely athletic and giving them more ability to move quicker is going to make up for the loss of size.

 

Quick: contract two teams and move one to Las Vegas. Who's gone, who moved, and why?

 

Carolina is moved to Las Vegas cause they simply don't have the fan support in Raleigh. And contracting two teams? I really can't say, for pure economic reasons, I would say Washington and Pittsburgh.

 

Fighting: Phase it out, or bring it back?

 

I say keep some of it. It adds to the overall excitement. Nothing better than a hockey fight when tensions are boiling over.

 

If you could have one wish granted for the NHL on OLN, what would it be?

 

Please, please, please, no Barry Melrose.

 

Over/under on the number of concussions Eric Lindros will have this season:

 

One and it will be the one to finally end his career.

 

If Sidney Crosby were a fast food menu item, which menu item would he be?

 

A Spicy Chicken sandwich from Wendy's because he is spicy and he looks tantalizingly good.

 

Word Association time. When I say ______, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

 

Bob Goodenow: Evil propagandist, but did champion the players.

 

Todd Bertuzzi: Should never play again till Moore is back.

 

Jean-Sebastien Giguere: Gettin' Giggy with it!

 

Jeremy Roenick: A Spanish soap opera. Really, really, really, cheesy.

 

Peter Forsberg: Incredible talent, but more fragile than my grandma's hip.

 

Don Cherry: The European players suck!

 

Eklund: No clue.

 

Finally, where do you expect your team will finish, and what do you think its record will be? What one thing will "make or break" your season?

 

I expect my team to make a run at the division title but end up with the 6th seed. Record will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 33 wins, 26 losses, 23 Ties/Shootouts/Overtime losses. The make or break will be how much can the offense improve. If we can double our production from 2003-04 season, then I think we are in a good position, especially with Luongo in the net.

-SFM-

 

Hahaha, this is so awesome. I got interviewed a while back and they put it up recently. Wow, this is unbelievable.

dude don't you at least give your name in an interview?

His name was given, but the magazine writer wanted to make it seem like he was talking blogger-to-blogger and used his Blogger username.

 

The e-mail tag had his name...it also had my name. :lol

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