For Episode 3.3 of the program, we return to our familiar digs and bring the show back inside the studio after recording Episode 3.2 live from The Shamrock & Thistle. With just over a week to go until the regular season begins October 3rd against the Ottawa Senators, we look at how the Maple Leafs are taking shape in advance of that date. We touch on injuries to Kyle Wellwood and Boyd Deveraux, a variety of cuts made by Paul Maurice over the weekend and which young players are still in the running for big league work. The Redline Report concludes with a look at the popularity of the upcoming outdoor game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres on New Year’s Day 2008 and the admission from Gary Bettman that the NHL’s schedule is in need of revision. Stop the “obstinate clock" at a season and a half. That has to be some kind of record.

On The Bubble features a variety of email, some held over from last week and several we received this week as well. The alliteration is in full force this week with emails from Alex, Andre, Anthony, Alan and Aaron as well as Stooli and Travis. The Troubling Fact of the Week makes its return this week documenting what seems to us like laziness on the part of the NHL.

Toronto Star columnist Damien Cox joins us on this week’s program to look ahead toward the upcoming season and to offer his opinion on a variety of issues going on around the league. Many thanks to Damien for taking some time for us this past week to make his inaugural appearance on the show!

Rigamarole explains why eight preseason games is just too many to have to put up with, whether you are a fan, broadcaster, player or really anyone who has anything to do with the game of hockey. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com