We have Center Ice here at the house, available on two different TV’s.  And 4 TV’s total in the house.

None of them are HD.  We don’t own an HDTV, and I don’t see us getting one anytime soon.  I don’t know how so many people can be in financial trouble with this economy, yet be going out and buying 1 or 2 HDTV’s… I just don’t get it…

I have never seen a game on an HDTV before.  I’m continually curious, but I don’t ever feel like I’m MISSING anything by not having it either.

When my wife first started watching hockey she had trouble following the puck, but it didn’t take long at all for that to go away.  Watch a few games and quite frankly you can anticipate where the puck’s going to go next anyways.  It’s not that difficult.  Especially if you can get someone to a live game even just once—then the light goes on for most of them.

I personally think the “follow the puck” argument is a load of bull from people that just plain want an excuse to not watch it.  These same people can sit and watch football and tell you after the play what every single one of 22 players did on the field during that play, or can sit and watch a field of 30 stock cars passing and changing after a restart and tell you who moved where without thinking about it… but they’ll have trouble following on little black puck?  Please…

Posted by Primis on 10/20/09 at 09:48 AM ET

I have put up a post at SLBD to answer all of the questions instead of my response getting lost in an email.  Anyone who is interested can read them here:

http://smilinlikeabutchersdog.blogspot.com/2009/10/this-time-i-answer-questions.html

Posted by Ozman51 from Oklahoma City, Ok via Pittsburgh, Pa on 10/20/09 at 10:01 AM ET

Just a few short answers to select questions.

How do you feel about both the short- and long-term picture of your team?

As a Penguins I’m obviously quite satisfied with the short-term picture of the team. The long-term aspect looks positive as well with stable ownership, new arena and a lot of talent on the roster. There were some tough years, but I think they’re unlikely to reappear anytime soon.

Do you feel the game needs more physical play or are you happy with it as it is?

The physical element is about right. They should address the head shots and concussion problems, and could do so without removing a lot of physicality to the game.

But do you appreciate the skill of your opponent or do you only wish for a victory for your home team?

Well, I’m a European and I like and appreciate just about every team in the league (even Detroit). The possible exception being the Flyers, but they do have great players scattered amongst the goons.

Are you happy with the game as it is today, or do you dream of the way the game was played in your old-school scenario?

I’m definitely a fan of the new-school NHL, and would probably change the game even more if I were in charge. Especially the complete removal of staged fighting in the game by any means possible. Then again, I’m a soft European.

Are you the same way or do you concentrate on the center of your TV screen, watching the play surrounding the puck?

I try to advice Crosby in advance about chances for a great pass to the weak side, or just settle for the shot because every seam is closed and players covered. If he listened a few times, his stats would be even better.

You too or do you move on and resume normal, daily activities?

I pretty much do too.

Posted by Moq from Denmark on 10/20/09 at 01:19 PM ET

a) good & very good

b) I think more physical play is good. It tends to lead to more turnovers which in turn tend to lead to more scoring chances, which is always good for hockey.

c) I try to stay even keel.

d) I appreciate the skill players on opposing teams e.g. Detroit, Anaheim, S.J. ect.

e) Philly

f) confidential

g) The Cup or bust.

h) I like it now, but wouldn’t mind the contraction of about 4-8 teams.

i) No

j) You have to anticipate to participate .

k) Move on to the next game.

Posted by Lindas1st from New England on 10/20/09 at 01:53 PM ET

You missed a major question.  You asked about whether there were teams that your team can’t seem to win against.  A great question would have been if there is a team against which you can always anticipate a great play-off style intensity game.  As a Hurricanes fan, I can honestly say that I love seeing them play the Devils.  Win, lose or brawl, I am almost guaranteed of an exciting game.

Posted by Anna from Washington DC on 10/20/09 at 01:59 PM ET