It's been an incredible week in sports. I should say incredibly shocking.

It seems every major professional sports league is battling scandal right now. The NBA's credibility and foundation is crumbling in the wake of an F.B.I. Investigation involving one of their referee's gambling habits.... and his alleged penchant for fixing games. The NFL's new commissioner's efforts to promote character above talent within it's players ranks seems to have backfired as many still think they are above the law. Most recently Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick heads to Federal Court this Thursday to face charges that he organized and ran a dog-fighting enterprise. Major League Baseball's worst fears are about to be realized as their most hallowed record is days from being broken by a player whose alleged use of performance enhancing drugs are household knowledge.

The NHL at the moment appears to be professional sports sweetheart. An opportunity is at hand for the league, both management and players to seize. Whether the NHL can gain the popularity it once garnered over a decade ago remains to be seen, but a chance to do so is certainly ripe for the taking.

Quick Shave:
Arbitration hearings began this week, and unlike last season there are far fewer players headed to the table than last summer. Many cases have been prevented by early signings to avoid the often uncomfortable and akward hearings. The Ottawa Senators successfully avoided arbitration with their star goaltender Ray Emery today signing him to a 3 year deal worth $9.5 million. Emery was signed just prior to his hearing and will get a hefty raise from his previous year's earnings of $925k. The Senators goaltender was solid last season taking the number one spot after free agent acquisition Martin Gerber didn't deliver, and helped Ottawa to the Stanley Cup Finals. The New York Islanders re-signed forward Chris Simon to a one year deal worth $800,00. Former Islanders forward and captain Alexei Yashin may have played his last game in the NHL as he has chosen to continue his career in his native Russia. Yashin signed a one year deal with the Russian club Locomotiv which contains no out clause to return to the NHL during the contract..... as if a contract has ever really stopped him from doing what he has wanted to in the past. Regardless, it is doubtful any team in the NHL will be parading offers his way. The Edmonton Oilers may have a new owner.... if their board ever agrees to sell the team. Billionaire Daryl Katz bid $170 million (his third bid) to purchase the team. If he does manage to buy the Oilers, things could turn around up North as he promises to spare no expense in building a winner. Good news for the Oilers and their fans.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh