Steven Stamkos really Brett Hull incognito

Hull doing his best Stamkos impersonation.

Blair Charbonneau, Hockey Net

TAMPA BAY — Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman confirmed rumors today that Brett Hull has been scoring goals under the guise of young Lightning player Steven Stamkos.

Yzerman confessed that last year he asked Hull, his former Red Wings teammate, for a favour, explaining that the Bolts needed some offensive help as Stamkos was still developing. Hull, the current Stars’ Executive Vice President admitted he wasn’t busy, and agreed to suit up for Yzerman in a Stamkos jersey.

Concerning how much playing time Stamkos actually received, Yzerman responded, “Steven actually plays about twelve minutes a game, even strength, chipping in here and there. We only use Hull on the powerplay because he’s still got a great shot, also his contract stipulates no skating.”

Lightning coach Guy Boucher elaborated on the unique terms of Hull’s request, “Technically, [Hull] doesn’t have to move under his own power. If you look closely beneath the XXL jersey, he’s actually just sitting on an old GT Snowracer, then St. Louis lugs him off the ice during commercial.”

As for his own involvement with the Lightning organization, Brett Hull was quoted as saying,

When asked why the Bolts didn’t simply announce Brett Hull’s return to the NHL, Yzerman replied, ”For the local Tampa market, we had to create the illusion that Stamkos was already a star, and Brett didn’t want to lose his cushy VP job in Dallas. So, we just threw a pound of makeup on him.”

The Lightning franchise has launched a city-wide outdoor advertising campaign hailing Stamkos as the next Vincent LeCavalier — only better. However, in Tampa, the promotion hasn’t sparked much additional excitement and inclined many Floridians to ask, “Who’s Le Cavaleer?”

“One-timers used to be my thing, now Marty won’t even pass to me. We used to be a duo, like Yogi and Boo Boo,” griped LeCavalier, who's seen his scoring diminish since "Hull-kos" joined the team.

Though LeCavalier is out four-to-six weeks with hurt feelings, Tampa has been cruising along, earning wins in their last four games. They currently sit fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Hull goes undercover again Wednesday versus the Rangers.

Adam Burish apologizes to incompetent NHL 11 gamer

A gamer known only as Alex sent the following email to Adam Burish to request a public apology for the actions of the Stars' video game likeness.

From: alex [last name withheld]
Sent: Saturday, October 16, 2010 3:12 PM
To: starsfeedback@dallasstars.com
Subject: #16 Adam BURISH
I was recently playing a game of EA Sports NHL 11. I was down by one goal against my friend, I was on a 2 on 0 and was impeded by #16 Adam Burish, and was unable to achieve a scoring opportunity, I ask that Adam Burish publicly apologizes to me for he had cost me that game of NHL 11. Thank you for you cooperation during this crisis.
Sincerely,
Alex

Burish, a class act, responded by video:




[Source]

Stars’ Brunnstrom Conquers NHL, Sets Sights On AHL

Brunnstrom holds all the proof he'll ever need.

Blair Charbonneau, Hockey Net

DALLAS — Dallas Stars forward Fabian Brunnstrom announced Sunday he is abandoning the NHL to pursue his dream of skating a full season with the Texas Stars, Dallas’ AHL affiliate.

As a highly touted swedish prospect, Brunnstrom exploded onto the NHL scene in 2008 and joined an elite group by recording a hat-trick in his first game. Two years and 40 points later, Brunnstrom is leaving with no regrets and nothing left to prove.

“Towards the end I was just going through the motions. I wondered ‘what am I still doing here? What else can I accomplish?’ It’s time for a new challenge,” said Brunnstrom, adding “Now I know how Scott Niedermayer must have felt.”

Though the twenty five-year-old is leaving the Stars with a void at left wing, GM Joe Nieuwendyk wishes him the best of luck. “Fabian’s moving on to bigger and better things,” commented Nieuwendyk.

Growing up playing minor hockey in Jonstorp, Sweden, Brunnstrom’s aspirations of AHL prominence must have seemed like a pipe dream — until now. Brunnstrom expressed his excitement to finally play for the team he’s idolized since its 2009 inauguration.

Brunnstrom will only have to wait until Friday, when the Stars host the Lake Erie Monsters.