That didn't take long

When I was coming up with the three big names that I wanted to get for the Slovakian team jersey project this season, I knew that Tampa Bay defenseman Andrej Meszaros would most likely become the first of the trio to sign.

I must admit, too, that I knew it wouldn't take all that long to get it signed. How long did I have to wait? Less than 12 hours after posting my hockey hounding predictions.

It happened Sunday morning, before the Lightning held its annual back-to-hockey IceFest, when Meszaros further cemented a reputation as a more-than-willing signer.

I hope that the other two -- Minnesota's (for how much longer?) Marian Gaborik and Detroit's Marian Hossa -- sign as easily.