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Why This Won't Stink This Year

10 reasons for fans outside of Canada to focus on hockey

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 11, 2008 11:35 AM CDT

(Newser) – That time is upon us again: the season in which we ignore most of what's going on in the NHL. But this year it might behoove sports fans to pay attention, writes Maxim. Here's why:

Detroit needs some good news, right? The champs got even stronger.
Finally, all of the 'Original Six' teams are strong again. Yes, even the Blackhawks. Look out for Montreal, celebrating its 100th birthday.

Devils goalie Martin Brodeur is poised to smash some sacrosanct records.
The youth movement gets stronger. Crosby, Ovechkin, and Malkin meet Stamkos, Doughty, and Hickey.
Hockey's biggest jerk (Sean Avery) is joining hockey's jerkiest team (Dallas).
The Coyotes might finally give coach Wayne Gretzky a performance nearer his caliber.

For the complete list, click the link below.

[Quotes (1)]

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby has injected some interest back into hockey, and this year he'll be joined by more promising young draftees. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

New York Rangers' Sean Avery, left, interferes with New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur in a 2007 game. Avery is headed for Dallas, and Brodeur has his sights on two big records. (AP Photo)

Phoenix coach Wayne Gretzky might not have to languish with a losing team this year: the Coyotes got some promising new talent, plus a boost in the form of veteran Ollie Jokinen. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Jonathan Toews (19), the Blackhawks' 20-year-old team captain, is one of the reasons Chicagoans have to believe that this season might not end up being an icy wasteland. (AP Photo/David Banks)

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Avery in Dallas is like covering a chalkboard in sandpaper and raking it with the edge of a Celine Dion CD. But it'll be fun as hell to watch. - Maxim, on Vogue-intern Sean Avery's move to the Stars

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Why This Won't Stink This Year

10 reasons for fans outside of Canada to focus on hockey