About that deposit...

If you're looking for clues that Hamilton won't be getting an NHL franchise soon, then here is one with the subtlety of a 2x4 to the chops...

Those having made deposits on tickets to Hamilton-to-be-whatevers games will have their cards used to put down deposits credited. A lawyer for prospective owner Jim Balsillie said, when asked if the end of the site also ended the possibility of a Hamilton franchise,

"the proposal speaks for itself. We have no other comment at this time."

How do you give a credit for hopes and dreams dashed?

Let the Hartley Watch End...

Hartley out, Waddell in (on an interim basis) for the Thrashers, according to tsn.ca.

Not a moment too soon, it would seem...the Thrashers host the Rangers tomorrow night, then go on the road for a seven-game road swing.

Could Atlanta start oh-for-14?...Not likely, but we can hope.

Give that Waddell traded away a first and third pick in the 2007 draft, a second in 2008, and Braydon Coburn for Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik (Tkachuk was sent back from whence he came -- to the Blues with a fourth round pick in 2008 for a conditional first in 2008), you'd have to think there is another pink slip waiting to be delivered.

Hockey People are the Best

Yesterday, the On Frozen Blog guys chronicled a visit by Capitals players to the National Children's Medical Center, where the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Olaf Kolzig, Chris Clark, and Brent Johnson, among others, sat down with some of the young patients there to engage in artistic voyages of unimaginable delight (while trying to stay inside the lines). Check out the OFB pics...they're heart-warming and entertaining.

The OFB boys also noted the kickoff of the Capitals' "Courage Caps" campaign to benefit the CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation. Beginning October 26th, for $20 you may purchase a "Courage Cap" and know that 100 percent of the sale price will go to the foundation.

And just when you've reached a comfort level of hate for the guy, Vincent Lecavalier of the Tampa Bay Lightning goes and does something like this. Well, I'll still boo him.

Hockey people...simply the best.

The Peerless Jinx?

Yesterday, in our new "Hot 'n' Nots" feature, we extolled the virtues of Minnesota goaltender Niklas Backstrom as one of the "hots."

Well, last night...three goals on 29 shots, one of each type -- power play, shorthanded, even-strength -- it should be noted. And, he gave up three on three shots in the shootout. Minnesota took its first loss of the year, 4-3, to Los Angeles. For the Kings, it was their first win in North America this season.

Was it the first of the dreaded "Peerless Jinx?"

Just to be on the safe side..."Sidney Crosby...Greatest Player Since the Invention of the Hockey Stick."

Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Matinee Matchup -- October 20th

You like hockey?...Of course you do, that's probably why you visit here. Well, this Saturday, October 20th, there is a great deal for hockey fans. Before the Caps and the Penguins tangle in the evening matchup, the women of the University of Virginia and the University of Delaware will face off on the Verizon Center ice in the afternoon at 2:00.

What's the great deal?...Why, you can get BOTH games for only $25. If you've already got your Caps tickets, they'll be honored, too. So, you're pretty much out of excuses (really, you can cut the grass on Sunday).

If you're looking for more information on this two-fer, check out the DVCHC page on this beltway battle. Or you can check out the info CapsChick has at A View from the Cheap Seats.

update...By the way, you can make a full day of it by participating in the Walk Now for Autism event on the National Mall on Saturday morning (registration begins at 8:00/event at 10:00). From the Caps' release...

The Washington Capitals players’ wives and girlfriends will participate in Walk Now for Autism, a charity walk benefiting Cure Autism Now/Autism Speaks on Saturday morning, Oct. 20, on the National Mall. Capitals goaltender Olie Kolzig, co-founder of Athletes Against Autism, an initiative of Cure Autism Now/Autism Speaks, will be in attendance at the event, alongside a group of Capitals players who will visit prior to the team’s morning skate.

Thanks to CapsChick for pointing the way.

Let the Hartley Watch Begin...

Goals per game…1.80 (T-29^th)
Goals Allowed-per-game…4.60 (30^th)
5-on-5 ratio… 0.64 (T-25^th)
Power Play…9.5% (T-27^th)
Penalty Killing…68.8% (29^th)
Shots taken-per-game…22.0 (30^th)
Shots Allowed-per-game…34.6 (28^th)
Faceoff percentage won…47.2% (23^rd)
Team Plus-Minus…-6 (28^th)
Goals-Against-Average…Kari Lehtonen, 4.72 (30^th)
Highest-ranked scorer…Ilya Kovalchuk, four points (T-82^nd)

Nope…Atlanta isn’t winless (0-6-0) by accident.