Man, it was hot

On a day when quality, and even some quantity, ruled the day, all I can say is that today was one of the more brutal days of hounding I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing down here in aptly named Humidity Bay.

It wasn't just the sudden 50-plus degree change in temperature from the crisp Ice Sports Forum rink to the shimmering parking lot outside. Down the road, a bank's thermometer read 93. Given the conditions, it felt like 103. Really!

It was so hot (How hot was it, you ask?), it might have affected one of my usually trustworthy paint pens. Then again, maybe not.

Still, though, no more complaints. Nope, none whatsoever. Not when Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos stopped to sign.

The Lightning team jersey hit double figures as well.

It should be clear, too, that goalies Olaf Kolzig, on the Capitals puck, and Karri Ramo, on the three cards (Is the fading ink on them yet another result of the heat?), were, once again, willing to sign and chat. Shane O'Brien smiled at the words "Portland, Maine." Even tough guy David Koci signed a card.

Yeah, with a day like that, it's easy to take the heat.