Was Cooke decision a surprise...

Dear Mailbag: What's wrong with Ovie? - Bruce

Well, Mr. Boudreau, there isn't much right with Ovie. He's got 7 goals in 17 games and is on pace for just 68 points. Is it because he's trying to play a better two-way game? Is it because he's trying to be a better team player? Maybe. But maybe he's become predictable, and even bored with the current regime in Washington. If the Caps fail in the playoffs again this year, a change will do him good.

Dear Mailbag: Ugh. Suddenly Toronto and Edmonton can't buy a win. Are these the real crappy teams were were expecting? - Tom

Definitely more realistic than their hot starts, no? But it is a long season. For every up there's an equal and opposite down. Both teams will level out to their true form - which is struggling for a playoff spot - soon enough.

Dear Mailbag: Milan Lucic's hit on Ryan Miller was gutless. The NHL should suspend him for 20 games - MillerTime

I've said it before and I'll say it again - if what Lucic did was so bad, how come none of the Buffalo Sabres stepped up and taught him why he shouldn't touch their goalie? I'm tired of the league having to dictate punishment. The players should police themselves.

Dear Mailbag: Is Paul MacLean the coach of the year so far? - Alex

Absolutely. Beyond having the best Movember in the game, MacLean has been able to turn a pretender into a contender in the Northeast Division. The Sens are light on talent but they're definitely playing well under MacLean's system. Good for him.

Dear Mailbag: Is Chris Smith the league's best rookie? - Sandler

Right now, maybe. With 14 points in 18 games, Smith is tied with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for the rookie scoring lead. But it's a long season. I still think that Nugent-Hopkins, playing on a lesser team, is still the better rookie. But a lot can change in 60 games.