OK, I'm hooked! The Stanley Cup Finals have been amazing!

[eViL jEsTeR]

This game 5 is intense! Gotta love it if you're a Blackhawks fan (me for this series).

I have a lot to learn before next season. Mostly, what constitutes a penalty. What the heck is a "cross check" and why do they sometimes throw broken sticks down and rush to the bench for a new one, and sometimes they stay in and defend without one. I saw that in the last game. Is there a specific rule for that?

I hope I can find Hurricanes games here. We always get redskins games here instead of Panthers so I imagine I'll be stuck with Capitals games. I assume Direct TV has a package available.

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

This game 5 is intense! Gotta love it if you're a Blackhawks fan (me for this series).

I have a lot to learn before next season. Mostly, what constitutes a penalty. What the heck is a "cross check" and why do they sometimes throw broken sticks down and rush to the bench for a new one, and sometimes they stay in and defend without one. I saw that in the last game. Is there a specific rule for that?

I hope I can find Hurricanes games here. We always get redskins games here instead of Panthers so I imagine I'll be stuck with Capitals games. I assume Direct TV has a package available.

Easy grasshopper.

Penaltys - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penalty_(ice_hockey). For now though, just find some other hockey fans to listen to when there is a controversial call. Otherwise, trust the refs.

Cross check - using both hands to shove the shaft of the stick into an opposing player. Its a no-no that isnt always called. Not to be confused with the chess move.

Sticks - they get broken. If the opporotunity presents itself, they go to the bench for a new one. If not, they block with their body but can't touch the puck itself. Goalies can use a regular stick until play stops. No real "rule" for changing sticks, just personal situational awareness. Players are not allowed to use broken sticks though. Read here

Direct TV - Center Ice gets you everything.

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

First things first, though.....there is a hockey forum here.