I’d say Pierre’s jumping the gun.  Mats keeps saying he hasn’t decided if he’s even playing; where he plays is a separate question altogether.

I don’t have any hard evidence to back this up (I’d be thrilled if there is some), but my gut tells me that Eastern Conference players, especially those whose careers are winding down, really don’t want anything to do with Western Conference teams. I mean, who would choose five-hour plane rides over one-hour bus rides?

I’d be willing to bet that a number of teams in the East spend about half of the games they play during an “away” series in their own beds between games. Just as an example, if the Pens played Philly on Tuesday and the Rangers on Thursday, they’d probably spend Tuesday and Wednesday night at home in Pittsburgh.

Gary Roberts is one player who’s specifically said he wouldn’t sign with a Western Division team because of the travel. The fact that the Wings probably traveled at least two (if not three) times as many miles as the Pens last season is just one more reason to marvel at their ability to dominate the Pens in the Finals.

Unless the League goes to a three-conference alignment (East, Central & West), teams in the East will always have a “freshness” advantage over teams in the West at playoff time. Maybe Butthead’s idea of adding teams in the “Heartland” (or moving existing teams there) isn’t so crazy afterall.

Okay, did I just say Butthead wasn’t crazy? Now that’s just crazy talk. Shame on me.

“When McGuire speaks, you should listen.”

Do I have to?

Gotta agree with OlderThanCheli here.  I for one also think Mats would have about the same impact Wuzzi Bertuzzi had on the Wings.  My gut tells me he’s gonna either retire or stay in the TO after announcing his decision on Oct. 8th, 2008.