Head coach Kevin Dineen of the Florida Panthers instructs the players during a time out. Cassie says this is one team that will be dropping down the standings in the next few months. (Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
Have a question for Cassie Campbell-Pascal of Hockey Night In Canada? Here's where you can begin the dialogue. Send a question and Cassie just might provide you with the answer.
1. Which team, if any, do you feel will have the greatest positive or negative swing after the all-star break? - Mike Tokarczyk
The team to have the most positive swing will be the Calgary Flames. I am sure this will come back to haunt me as I pick them to make the playoffs every year and well, we all know what happens.
The team to have the most negative swing, and it will be too bad to see, with be the Florida Panthers. I think they surprised everyone, including themselves, on how well they did early in the season. Now with injuries and a top line made up of players who have yet to prove they can consistently provide the points of a No. 1 unit I think the Panthers will not make the playoffs. I must admit though that GM Dale Tallon has done a nice job turning that team around.
2. Do you think it's possible for Quebec City to dream for a team to come back as soon as 2012-2013 season? - Kevin Morissette
I do think it is possible for Phoenix to be in Quebec City next season. The Colisee, although old, can house an NHL team until a new arena is built. I was at the world championship a few years ago in Quebec City and the hockey fans were passionate and excited to have high-calibre hockey back in town. The situation in Phoenix doesn't seem to have a solution. This is too bad; Phoenix was one of my favourite places to do a game because there was so much to do. As well, you never want to see a franchise move as it is never a positive for the league.
3. Do you feel that the Habs will fire the coach and or general manager at the end of the season? - Randy Frizzel
I cover the Montreal Canadiens a lot and I do believe that at season's end the GM [Pierre Gauthier] will be fired. After such a tough year I believe ownership will be changing the direction of the club. Unfortunately for [coach] Randy Cunneyworth, I believe he too will be fired or given a new role within the organization, much like what we saw happen to Jim Playfair in Calgary. It's a shame how Cunneyworth has been thrown under the bus for the mistakes of others. He is a good hockey person and a good hockey man.
4. Why are NHL concussions looked at more seriously then those given in the NFL? - Sue Calleighan
I do believe concussions in general are important in all major sport organizations. I think the concussion to Crosby really made people look at the issue a little more seriously in the NHL and definitely gave the issue a lot more attention in the media. I have had a serious of concussion and a serious neck injury, and I tell you that both have symptoms that are identical.
5. My grandson Max's style of hockey is to play very tough (hard hits, hard work). He is skillful and a great team player, however he has recently decided to end his house hockey experience as he feels that "there is no code at this level and the officiating is so poor that this game is no longer fun, but a matter of survival." What are your thoughts on my grandson's comments and do you believe this to be true in junior hockey? - Chris Wood
I hope Max continues to play the game. It is so sad to see so many young men quitting the game because they feel that it is too dangerous. As adults (coaches, officials, parents, etc.) we need to make sure the game is being played the right way. I hope Max continues to play and also note that Hockey Canada is aware of the decreasing numbers of male players in the game and is looking at ways to change that.
Cassie Campbell-Pascall
Canadian women's hockey icon Cassie Campbell-Pascall enters her fourth year with CBC'S Hockey Night in Canada broadcast team as a commentator, bringing more than 20 years of on-ice hockey experience.
During her illustrious career, Campbell took part in three Winter Olympic Games, captaining Canada's women's hockey team to gold in 2002 and 2006, and played in seven IIHF world championships. She retired from competitive hockey in August 2006.
Campbell began her broadcast career in 2002 and in October 2006, she made history when she became the first woman to do colour commentary on Hockey Night in Canada, while filling in for veteran Harry Neale.
