Santa Scotty 2012

So the NHL took tonight and tomorrow night off for Christmas (even though they didn't take off for Hannukah or Kwanzaa; tsk, tsk, how unpolitically correct). In the giving spirit, Santa Scotty is going to go around and bring presents to the Rangers ...

Forwards

#42 Artem Anisimov: An official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle and a dvd of Enemy at the Gates.

#16 Sean Avery: A better ending to the story of his Ranger career then the one we are heading towards.

#22 Brian Boyle: Boxing lessons and pajamas.

#24 Ryan Callahan: More padding because every time he blocks a puck he risks yet another injury.

#40 Erik Christensen: A bus ticket out of town and a door to hit him on the ass on the way out.

#17 Brandon Dubinsky: A pet weasel named Shelley.

#26 Ruslan Fedotenko: Some ice for that face of his right now.

#10 Marian Gaborik: Rocket Richard Trophy.

#62 Carl Hagelin: A good nickname. With Ryan Bourque coming, the Swedish Chef's 'Bork bork bork' won't hold. Friend of the blog Andrea uses Shaggy Haggy but what if he cuts those blonde locks off?

#34 John Mitchell: I'd say Mitch has already received his gift because he is playing on Broadway.

#8 Brandon Prust: A healed shoulder, because it is clearly not 100%.

#19 Brad Richards: A big mattress to keep all of his money under.

#71 Mike Rupp: Whatever it was he had when he scored that hat trick against us way back when.

#21 Derek Stepan: His college degree. Really appreciate all he has done since leaving Wisconsin after his sophomore season but a degree is good to have.

#86 Wojtek Wolski: A nice cabin with a hot tub he can retire to. Immediately.

#36 Mats Zuccarello: A willingness to shoot the puck so he can get a NHL job again.

Defensemen

#41 Stu Bickel: More of whatever he is on now because whatever it is is working.

#4 Michael Del Zotto: A clue in the defensive end.

#44 Steve Eminger: A copy of the Mask to watch while recuperating. Get it? "It wasn't me! It was the one-armed man!"

#53 Tim Erixon: About 10, 15 more pounds of muscle and two more seasons of experience.

#5 Dan Girardi: A one-timer as good as his son's.

#27 Ryan McDonagh: A luckier sweater. Ok, that is sorta for me because I'm pissed that my Whale McD jersey mushed him the one time I wore it to the Garden.

#38 Michael Sauer: A chin strap on his helmet so it doesn't pop off next time.

#18 Marc Staal: Just a little patience - this talk about coming back for the Classic is ridiculous.

#32 Anton Stralman: A tape of Christian Backman's play so he knows what not to do.

#6 Jeff Woywitka: Another job as his will disappear once Eminger gets back. Especially as Stu is here to stay! (I hope.)

Goaltenders

#43 Marty Biron: Continued dominance over the Islanders, because that was awesome.

#30 Henrik Lundqvist: Seriously, this guy has it all - he can get gifts for everyone else.

And to all of you: Kind wishes during this holiday season for health, happiness and good hockey!!

Warming The Cockles

Santa likely has sealed his naughty or nice list - after all, with elf labour, he probably had to start making presents months ago - but that has not stopped the NHL from going out of their way this holiday season to do some great things.

The Rangers, as always, held their Holiday Toy Drive last week for the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys For Tots program and held a children's coat drive over several home games (which yours truly is proud to say he contributed to). I would love to show pictures of either but the Rangers have been quite slow to update their redesigned website.

But, whatever, as great as toy and coat drives are, my personal favourites are when teams across the league stop by children's hospitals. The Ottawa Senators visited the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario this week and the Detroit Red Wings stopped by the Children's Hospital of Michigan a few weeks back.

The NHL announced today that players throughout the league will be handing out Hockey Fights Cancer themed blankets at various children's hospitals. Its saddening that the Rangers are the only team yet to commit to any dates or locations but I am sure that will change soon -- if only its to keep up with the evil Isles. As much as I loathe them, its nice to see that the lesser New York team is splitting up and stopping by six different Long Island sites so more children can share in the joy (they are young, they don't know any better).

So here is where I get preachy; as you are out and about shopping, make sure to drop some change for the Salvation Army or something like that. And if you are shopping online, you can help out by buying Hockey Fights Cancer stuff or just by supporting your favourite charity.

Happy Holidays.