Monday Musings: The Selke, the Ash, the Trapezoid

               Yeah, yeah, I'm aware it's Tuesday. For some filthy reason this didn't post yesterday. I've revised, but let the headline stand. I'm beginning to think my laptop, which has been zooming along at say, 78 RPM, had decided to slow down to oh, 33...I'd be happy with 45s. Have a fine collection of them in the basement.

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                Pavel Datsyuk, Ryan Kesler , Jordan Staal are the finalists for the  Frank J. Selke Trophy (top defensive forward). Datsyuk and Kesler were the top two on my ballot, but I also had Jonathan Toews in there…Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (skill/sportsmanship) finalists announced tomorrow.

               My ballot?

            Marty St. Louis, Tampa; Brad Richards, Dallas; Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles; Patrick Kane, Buffalo, Patrick Marleau, San Jose. 

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                Watched numerous replays of the disputed Sedin kick-in that was disallowed. NHL must better define the rule. If a player is driving to the net, and a puck passed in front hits his skate, not sure he has time to redirect with a distinct kicking motion. A scramble is something else. Slow-motion replays only blur the debate on this particular re-direction. I think it was a goal; but Roberto Luongo (outplayed so far by Jon Quick from nearby Milford, Conn.) and Vancouver need to dig deep. Series isn't over.

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               Looks as if Enver Lisin may have time to visit L.A. after all.  The volcanic ash that has disrupted European flights has forced cancellation of Team Russia ’s two “friendlies” in Italy . Lisin told me on breakup day that his plan was first to visit his old stomping grounds in Phoenix , then “show my girl Los Angeles . She’s never been there,” and later fly to Moscow . But the call later came from Team Russia , so….

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             Reverse the Trapezoid!  Change the rule. Love the forecheck. Don't allow the goaltenders to touch the puck INSIDE the trapezoid. Make 'em venture out to play the puck or stay home. Thoughts?

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              Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, we hear, will have to receive a two-way contract due to transfer agreements, which makes spending a reported $1.8 million over two years for his services even less risky. The transfer agreement provides one-way deals for free agents over 27. MZA is 22.