Plus/minus

A look at the good and bad in the NHL:

PLUS
To the New York Islanders, especially Coach Ted Nolan, for inviting legendary coach Al Arbour lead the team this past Saturday night. The Isles won and Arbour reached 1,500 games coached in the process. What I really like about this is the respect Nolan has for his field and the team's history. And respect is something the game can always use more of.

MINUS
To the Buffalo Sabres, who, after letting co-captains Daniel Briere and Chris Drury leave via free agency to Eastern Conference rivals, sank to a new low with their treatment of defenseman Teppo Numminen. The pleasant Finn, nicknamed Repo, underwent a second heart surgery before the season started. The Sabres decided to pinch pennies (relatively speaking) and suspend the assistant captain so they wouldn't have to pay him! Contrast this with Edmonton, another small market team, and one that is right up against the salary cap this season. The Oilers continue to pay forward Fernando Pisani as he battles a season-long infection that has cast some doubt about his playing future.