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Ed. Note: SportsFan Magazine proudly presents its 2005-06 National Hockey League preview. We've rounded up some of the best and brightest hockey bloggers and webmasters to lend their insight, humor and unique perspective through a series of questions that range from the league's post-lockout consequences to Sidney Crosby to a breakdown of his or her team's fortunes this season. Thanks to everyone who has helped out with this project. Unless some more come in, this might be the end of the previews!

SportsFan Magazine continues its 2005-06 NHL Preview with the Colorado Avalanche! This time, it's Roman Tanner, a writer for HockeysFuture.com, who was kind enough to answer some questions about the Avs and the NHL in general:

What was your reaction when you heard the lockout was over, and did the lockout change your perception of the players or owners?

My reaction when it was originally announced back in February (for a few short hours) was complete and total ecstasy...life felt meaningful again. Once I came back down to the reality of a failed source by the Hockey News, the devastation set in for good...

Finally, in the summer, it was more a matter of expecting it to end, rather then hoping for it to end.

If you were in charge of marketing the NHL, what would the slogan be for the 2005-06 season?

"We promise we'll never do that again."

If you had 10 minutes alone with Gary Bettman, how would that go?

I think this guy is one of the most intriguing people in all of sports...But I'm not sure I would be able to talk to him much....(would he even be able to hear me, with all that distance between myself and the cloud nine I can imagine Gary is floating on right now...)

Biggest off-season move for your team, and why:

For team impact on the ice: Pierre Turgeon (must step up to be the second line center he never got a chance to be in Dallas).

For team impact off the ice: Brad May (Two words, public opinion).

Biggest off-season loss for your team, and why:

Peter Forsberg. The greatest player in the NHL today (when he's on the ice).

Who is you favorite player and why? Would you still root for him if he signed with the Rangers?

Joe Sakic: Favorite player since his days in Quebec. He exudes professionalism, modesty, and competitiveness. The epitome of a classy individual.

Favorite "new" NHL rules change and why:

No line changes after icing the puck...Genius...penalize a tired defense.

Least favorite "new" NHL rules change and why:

Goalie trapezoid (lines on ice): seems unfair for the elite puck moving goalies in the league.

Quick: contract two teams and move one to Las Vegas.
Who's gone, who moved, and why?

Gone: Carolina (just too much wrong with this organization).

Moved: Nashville (a good team that could use a more hockey-friendly city).

Fighting: Phase it out, or bring it back?

Keep it right where it is. I don't go to a game to watch a fight, but I sure enjoy one when they drop the gloves.

If you could have one wish granted for the NHL on OLN, what would it be?

Televised in Canada.

Over/under on the number of concussions Eric Lindros will have this season:

None: Call me an optimist, but I hope we don't lose another NHLer to concussions.

If Sidney Crosby were a fast food menu item, which
menu item would he be?

None....he's a main course at a top notch but slow-serving restaurant - "we've been hearing rave reviews and it's well worth the wait."

Word Association time. When I say ______, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

Bob Goodenow: Between a rock and a hard place.

Todd Bertuzzi: Gutless act, but deserves a second chance.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere: Comeback year?

Jeremy Roenick: Belongs in LA.

Peter Forsberg: Warrior, a sad day in Denver.

Don Cherry: An institution, albeit a senile one.

Eklund: Throw a 100 darts at a target...a few are bound to hit.

Finally, where do you expect your team will finish, and what do you think its record will be? What one thing will "make or break" your season?

Colorado: Finish 2nd in the division, 4th in the western conference. (101 points). The season lives and dies by the play of David Aebischer. If he can improve on his 2003/2004 numbers the Avs are looking at a franchise goalie.

-SFM-

Check out SFM's Visitor's Locker for all of the NHL previews for 2005-06.


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