PUCK OFF By Pavel Puckov (special to the WCFHL), December 2nd 2003

Editor's Note: With the Christmas season upon us, the kinder, gentler, and possibly sedated Pavel Puckov gives us his look at "Christmas Wishes" - one for each team.  For those of you who do not remember, Pavel Puckov is one of the most brilliant hockey tacticians around, a world reknowned strategist, a superb analyst, and a legend in his own mind.  His semi-regular column "Puck Off" reappears today after a long absense. To contact Pavel Puckov, you may send inquiries, questions, comments, rants and flames to: pavel_puckov@columnist.com.  It has been reported, however, that he does not read email. =========================================================== Hello Puckheads, Pavel Puckov here with our Christmas Edition of Puck Off - A Christmas Wish for Every Team, Part 1. NORTHEAST This year the Leafs are wishing for a change of scenery for big Mats Sundin, but Puckov wonders if sending Hackett packing might bring more Christmas Joy to Toronto.... The wish this year for the rebuilding Bruins is just time.  Time to let their teenagers mature into young guns.  The WCFHL is already 8 seasons old, so another 8 is not out of the question.... The Habs are hoping to find a big two way d-man under their tree this year as a step-in replacement for Chris Chelios when he retires.  His retirement would leave them a bit thin on the blueline.  But then again, the way he's going, Montreal may never have to worry.... The Ottawa bunch are wishing for a good dose of peace, love and happiness.  Especially as it relates to tempermental Eddie the Eagle.  If Eddie can find a good groove, Puckov sees the Sens riding his coattails right into the playoffs.... The Sabres are writing "Dear Santa, please bring us a huge dose of reality this year."  Because, wouldn't it be nice if Alexandre Daigle was scoring in the WCFHL like he is in the NHL?  Ahhh, we can always wait for the mid-season re-rates.... ATLANTIC The Islanders this year are wishing for a breakout season from just-picked-up Ty Conklin in the NHL so that he can establish himself as a clear #1.  And bit of help on D for Brad Stuart in the stocking wouldn't hurt either.... Well let's just say the Rangers have a very short wish list.  What can the team whose top 5 d-men average to 80OV wish for?  I might surmise that a commitment from Super Mario for 5 more years would bring a smile of joy on Christmas day.... The Flyers are in the same boat as the Bruins.  This will also be a solid club in a couple of seasons, and they will quickly have a goalie controversy as Raycroft rapidly emerges.  So maybe if the Flyers and B's pool their wishes, they can get 3 doses of time for the price of 2.... The Devils are looking for Santa to leave them a superstar to group this bunch around.  They are doing quite fine without one, though, based on a solid team effort.  The Jersey boys are also hoping for a stocking stuffer of a bit of harmony - that is so that tough guys Andre Roy and Andrei Nazarov don't beat the holiday stuffing out of each other in the locker room.... The Pens are Jiggy's team, but Ian and the crew are looking for some loose change this holiday season.  In particular, a change of one of their d-men for some firepower.  It's a long season, and they are in good shape financially, so I am sure Santa will grant the wish before too long.... SOUTHEAST It's no secret that Colin's Thrashers want a sniper for Christmas.  You know, a good ole 30-40 goal scorer to ride shotgun with Vinnie.  Santa has checked their finances, and everything seems fine, so help is on the way from the North Pole.  But you know, of course, once they get their man, CuJo will no doubt go cold.  That, they say, is life.... The Lightning are secretly wishing for 5 more uniformed NHL Oilers on the roster by Christmas Day.  And that Sergei Samsonov doesn't bolt the NHL for the Russian Ballet to dance in this season's version of The Nutcracker.  I mean, he's a natural, he has all the moves, heck he can even pirouette.... The Caps are asking Santa for some nostalgia this year.  Particularly that Anson Carter and Todd Marchant can reproduce some of the magic that Kovalev had with JR in previous versions of the Caps.... Jan's Panthers are a strong team, but the GM has very high expectations.  So some kind of tweaking change is what the Panthers are hoping for this year.  The kind of tweak where all the puzzle pieces finally fit together and your team reaches its potential.... And rounding out the East are Conor's Canes.  The Canes are hoping for some math lessons this year.  Because with some schooling, The Puck Man is thinking that most of the players can switch their minuses for pluses (they might need a refresher on chemistry as well).... Well, that's it for now.  Best wishes for finding what you have asked for under your tree.  Stay tuned for part 2. Puckov out.