Submitted by Jim Flagg, Jan 25, 2008 16:05

I can't believe anyone thought for a second that Niedermayer wasn't coming back, especially Burke....This was clearly the Roger Clemens model now at work in hockey, saving a still great but older player the need to go through a full season grind to get to the games that really count. However, it has to be a difference-making type of player for the scenario to work, and Burke is smart enough to see that Niedermayer is exactly that kind of player - a defenseman who controls the flow and tempo of the game. To move some players around and put up with some first-half inconvenieces was a no-brainer, considering the payoff.

The scenario also allowed Burke to move Andy MacDonald (in a 'payroll dump') and effectively annoit Perry-Getzlaf-Bertuzzi as the top line - another plus for the playoffs, where the big grinders usually have more success than the smaller finesse guys.....

As a Kings fan, it's pretty painful to say....the Ducks should be favored to repeat. I hate 'em but I've got to respect them.....

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