The GM Committee is currently meeting in their annual meetings and with all of the best hockey minds brainstorming on the future of the NHL, there are plenty of rumors flying around on what’s going to be discussed.  Though, one thing is certain, harsher penalties for head shots will be on the agenda.

In preparation for this meeting, an eight-man committee was created.  Consisting of Jim Rutherford (Carolina), Brian Burke (Toronto), Doug Wilson (San Jose), Ken Holland (Detroit), Paul Holmgren (Philadelphia),  Joe Nieuwendyk (Dallas), Lou Lamoriello (New Jersey), and Darcy Regier (Buffalo), this committee has been researching footage from the last four months of NHL games.  Their aim was to come to a decision on what is legal and what is not when it comes to head shots.

The group presented their findings at the GM meeting, and though there is nothing conclusive at the moment, the general consensus seems to be that there must be harsher penalties for hitting players that were ‘deemed vulnerable’.  There has also been some discussion about further penalization for repeat offenders.  It is something that has been on the minds of several involved in the sport, particularly Holland who has been very verbal about the subject for more than a year.

The group is confident that they will reach a deal regarding this issue by Wednesday.  Once a decision is made, it will have to be approved by the competition committee of players and team executives.  It would then go before the NHL’s Board of Governors.

In the mean time, the season rolls on with some midweek action.  There are a few games slated for Wednesday, including the following:

Dallas Stars v Buffalo Sabres
This will be a game for the goalies.  Sabres’ Ryan Miller gained international attention for his amazing performances throughout the Olympic games, and Dallas’ Marty Turco turned a few heads with his stellar performance against Washington on Monday.  History is on Buffalo’s side in this game though, as they have dominated Dallas the past four times these teams have meet.  They’ll be looking to hand the Stars a fifth consecutive loss on the home ice this Wednesday.  BetUS is offering the following odds:
Puck Line
Stars: +1 ½ -210
Sabres: -1 ½ +170
Moneyline
Stars: +160
Sabres: -190

New York Rangers v New Jersey Devils
Watch for the Devils to get back on track in their first game on the home ice in a month.  They’ve lost their lead in the Atlantic Division as well as losing six of their last eight games.  This includes a shocking shutout loss to the worst team in the league - the Edmonton Oilers - on Sunday night in which they were outshot 35-22.  Hopefully they’ll be able to recover in their game against New York. Though the Rangers will be hoping to gain some ground as well; expect a tough team.  They’ve lost three in a row and are sitting just outside the top eight.  With the playoffs on the line, they’ll be hungry for a win.  BetUS is offering the following odds:
Puck Line
Rangers: +1 ½ -215
Devils:-1 ½ +175
Moneyline
Rangers: +145
Devils: -165

There are plenty of other games set for this Wednesday, March 10, so get to BetUS to put down a wager.

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