Later this month, the world will experience some peace and quiet with the  2008 NHL All-Star Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.  Well, not exactly.  I hope the Philadelphia Flyers are not invited though.  They are not friendly creatures.  NY Islanders' Chris Simon is not welcome either.  Can someone encourage him to do rehab?  I am not certain that a 30-game suspension will suffice for someone who broke his own 25-game record established back in March for a dangerous and violent stick-butting incident.

In addition to the festivities three weeks from now, when the NFL playoffs are on a standstill, there will be a prospects game and a Trading Card and Memorabilia Show... Intriguing.  The league is attempting to connect fans with some of the elite skaters, and Marian Hossa of the Atlanta Thrashers? Why would anyone want his autograph?  If I am the league management, Sidney Crosby, Ilya Kovalchuk, Alexander Ovechkin, Martin Brodeur, Jaromir Jagr, and translators should be present in Hot-lanta.  Those people are the most recognizable names in professional ice hockey.

If you are wondering why the Prudential Center, which recently opened for business and more successful Devils' hockey, is not hosting, I feel you.  Atlanta, a non-traditional, unsuccessful organization is the host city because Gary Bettman said so.  Remember, his goal is to expand hockey to these markets, even though they are better suited for political conventions than for sports.  Excluding the Braves, who have not won a title since 1995, Atlanta's professional sports are like rotten milk. Moreover, anyone recall the name Michael Vick?  Although he was sentenced to about two years in prison, he may getting out early.  Well then, good timing Bettman.  At least, he got the Winter Classic right.  But, the genius from Cornell University could not educate himself on simple hockey terms.  A pair of goalie pads is... too complicated for this bald man.

Here is the rest of the NHL schedule for the 2007-08 season.  After the All-Star game, teams will have a month before the trade deadline.

Of course, the playoffs commence in April and end in June.  Two-month postseason? Yes, that's right.  If an 82 games are not enough, players have to compete for another eight weeks.  Just another genius move...

I hope everyone enjoyed the NY Giants' win today.  Bring on them Cowboys.  With O'Hara and Madison hopefully back in the lineup, this game will be the most competitive of the playoffs.  It might even decide who is playing for the Super Bowl.  If the Giants can roll over the 'Boys, they can surely defeat Green Bay or Seattle.  It will be a long road for them regardless of their opponent.  I was also glad to see many Blue and White jerseys in Tampa this past afternoon.  The Bucs had their time (2002).  It's our time.

Jan. 25-28 -- All-Star break.

Jan. 26 -- CHL-NHL Top Prospects Game, Edmonton, Alberta; Super Skills Competition, Atlanta.

Jan. 27 -- All-Star Game at Atlanta.

Feb. 26 -- Trade deadline at 3 p.m. EST.

April 6 -- Last day of regular season.

April 9 -- Stanley Cup playoffs begin.

May 2-18 -- IIHF world hockey championship, Quebec City and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

June 9 -- Last possible day for Stanley Cup finals.

June 12 -- NHL awards show at Toronto.

June 15 -- Deadline for first club-elected salary arbitration.

June 20-21 -- NHL draft, Ottawa.

July 1 -- Free agency period begins.

July 5 -- Deadline for player-elected salary arbitration.

July 6 -- Deadline for club-elected salary arbitration.

July 20-Aug. 4 -- Salary arbitration hearings held.

Aug. 6 -- Deadline for salary arbitration decisions to be rendered.

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