*It was all fun and games until it became clear that Claude Giroux was going to have a target on his back for the entirety of the two Team Canada exhibition games this weekend against the USA. Giroux admitted that he’s playing through pain. Goddamnit. [Sons of Penn]
*But Claude is on a mission to win this thing for Canada. Have to wonder if the fact that he’s been passed over for the Olympic teams plays a part in this. [Inquirer]
*The first two – meaningless! – games between the Americans and the Canadians were pretty chippy. Downright ugly at times. [ProHockeyTalk]
*Brayden Holtby is cool. [Puck Daddy]
*So it’s pretty much full swing into the World Cup this week; which team has the best chance to win this thing? [Canadian Press]
*Scott Laughton and Andrew MacDonald are hoping to make some improvements this season. It’s nice that Andrew is so committed to being a great AHL defenseman. [CSN Philly]
*The NHL is implementing some new measures this year to try and cut down on the number of concussion-related injuries. [Sportsnet]
*So really, why is scoring down in the NHL? [NHL Numbers]
*And finally, Brent Burns really should have cameras following him around at all times. [Sports Illustrated]
