The Slowdown

When Paul Kukla isn’t posting any hockey news, you know things have slowed down.

The past week definitely had some interesting stories though, and Kevin Allen has a good recap of the Tomas Vanek offer sheet story.

Tom K a welcome addition anywhere

The Habs signed Tom Kostopoulos for two years.  Tom K’s a heart player, willing to do whatever it takes, including the occassional scrap.  When Kostopoulos pointed that, The Gazette was quick to point out the voting results from his log here:

While he’s not a heavyweight, Kostopoulos will drop the gloves.

“I’ll stand up for my teammates,” said Kostopoulos, who was involved in nine fights last season, although http://www.hockeyfights.com reported that he lost most of them.

Tom Kostopoulos may not be a player you bring in to intimidate the other team, but his willingness and energy are why he’s brought in.  He’ll chip in a goal here and there too.

I uploaded a few more Kostopoulos vids.  All good displays of heart.  Kostopoulos had a well-seen win over Steve Ott on Oct 28, 2006 of last season.

Videos added

Bob Probert vs Ken Baumgartner Feb 15, 1994
Stu Grimson vs Tony Twist Jan 31, 1995
Sergei Bautin vs Micah Aivazoff Jan 29, 1994
Tom Kostopoulos vs Arron Asham Feb 18, 2004
Tom Kostopoulos vs Aaron Ward Dec 18, 2003
Kyle Rossiter vs Tom Kostopoulos Nov 15, 2003

Some reads

Coyotes top prospects hit the ice
Ducks fans split on signing of Bertuzzi
AHL, PHPA ratify new agreement