Daily Links for New Year's Eve/Day

Hey folks, this post will be your links for today (Dec. 31) and tomorrow (Jan. 1) with all the Winter Classic and 2010-retrospective links you can handle. That being said, let me be the the first to wish you a Happy New Year! I hope that all your resolutions stick, you're safe and healthy all year, and that the Buffalo Sabres have a much more enjoyable year in 2011 than they did in 2010. Stay safe tonight, and we'll see you in the new calendar.

Sabres' Connolly returning, front and center - The Buffalo News
With the nose cartilage back together, make no bones about it: Connolly will be relied upon heavily to sniff out significant offense.

Connolly, Myers back; Kaleta to miss time - Sabres Edge
The Sabres are set to get one of their top two centers back. Tim Connolly, who has missed four games with a fractured nose that required surgery, will play Saturday when Boston visits HSBC Arena.

Why Losing Derek Roy Doesn't Matter - Roll the Highlight Film
It's a misleading title, but there's a good point here about how Roy, who was everyone's whipping boy at the end of last season, now drove the final nail in the coffin for this season with his injury.

Foligno marks as Nats roll; McNabb streak hits nine - SabresProspects.com
An update on Sabres prospects both at the WJC and in their regular leagues.

Winter Classic Links

2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic - Capitals v. Penguins
All the coverage you need from the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic.

Rain delays possible, but NHL ready for Classic - Sabres Edge
The NHL, hyping Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin on one hand and using the other to check weather reports, says Saturday's Winter Classic between the Penguins and Capitals will be played despite an ominous forecast of 49 degrees and rain showers.

Crosby top draw at the Winter Classic - sportsnet.ca
There was no stick-breaking by Sidney Crosby when his 25-game scoring streak ended one game short of the Winter Classic. To Crosby, the streak was good while it lasted, but he never had any expectations of threatening Wayne Gretzky's record 51-game run.

Five theories about why Alex Ovechkin is having a slump season - SI.com
Some plausible, some less so.

Penguins boss Morehouse on board for Classic from start - USATODAY.com
The NHL's decision to award the Winter Classic to the Pittsburgh Penguins could be viewed as the Penguins' reward for being loyal soldiers.

End-of-2010/Look-Forward-To-2011 Links

Burnside's 2010: A year to remember - ESPN
As the clock ticks down on another calendar year, it is time for a little reflection on the hockey memories that remain indelibly etched in our memo.

Puck Daddy's Top 10 greatest hockey goals of 2010 - Puck Daddy
These are not the most significant goals of 2010. No ... these are simply the 10 nastiest, inventive, awe-inspiring tallies from the last year, culled from around the hockey world.

The top hockey fights of 2010 - THN
Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, there were some excellent fights from the past calendar year, so we look back at the best.

Crosby named Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year - TSN
Sidney Crosby has won the Lionel Conacher Award as The Canadian Press male athlete of the year for the third time in four years. Crosby joins Wayne Gretzky and Maurice (Rocket) Richard as hockey players to have captured the award at least three times.

Capitals make playoff push and more 2011 hockey predictions - SI.com
10 predictions for the new year from Darren Eliot.

Other Links

United States Routs Germany 4-0 - WGR 550
Team USA dominated from the opening puck drop on their way to a 4-0 white washing of Germany at the 2011 World U20 Championship Thursday night at HSBC Arena.

Thrashers fans married during game; Ice Girls get bouquet - Puck Daddy
Has there ever been a more poetic declaration of matrimonial bliss? OK, probably ... but what about in an on-ice wedding ceremony during an NHL game?