“I’ve watched more hockey in the last two months than my whole life, combined,” said Rodriguez. “I never knew anything about hockey before, but I think I have a new appreciation for Canadians and the passion they have for hockey. It’s been awesome. I can’t get enough of it.”

Well, I can’t say that it makes me a fan of his, especially since the heat is still on because of his admission of taking steroids, but it is a small victory in the fight to earn my respect. Maybe he can get some of the other Yankees interested as well. Could we see him in the stands of the Madison Square Garden next season, taking in a Rangers game? Who knows. Rodriguez went on to say:

“I like that Alex guy, No. 8 (Ovechkin) and I love (Sidney) Crosby and I like the Rangers. So many of the (Canadian) baseball players were former hockey players. I like talking to them about it now.”

He’ll learn the names eventually, I guess. That got me thinking, though. What if A-Rod tries to become the next multi-sport athlete? He’ll likely stay in New York, so…

I wonder if it has anything to do with Voros lighting up netminders all year long so far (5 goals in the first 8 games of the year).

I have no idea why a Lightning player didn’t step in and fight Voros, you shouldn’t let your goalie go at it with a player like that, especially an agitator like Voros who you know is going to come right back at him. He could have easily broken a hand, or been kicked out of the game. That’s not something you want to happen to your star netminder.

Another interesting thing is how the linesmen broke it up right away. Both of them clearly wanted to fight, and there was no advantage to either side yet (although Smith did land a beauty uppercut, as you probably saw). Let them go at it some more! I understand you’re looking out for their safety, but they should have let it go on until one of them had the clear advantage.

Some entertaining stuff nevertheless.

EDIT: Now Rangers coach Tom Renney wants Smith suspended. Hah, nice try. Almost as nice a try as trying to get compensation for prospect Alexei Cherepanov’s death. Disgusting.