We've never understood the fascination of poker on television. It's just boring to us. Watching a bunch of sad souls sitting around a card table is about as exciting as watching a librarian re-shelve non-fiction titles.

But if you throw in Maxime Talbot, some guy wearing an Eric Lindros Quebec Nordiques jersey (awesome) and make everyone speak French, well ... au contraire mon freire:

Kudos to Greg Wyshynski for spotting this video.

EMPTY NETTER ASSISTS

Penguins Head coach Michel Therrien signs a contract extension.

The Staal brothers had a rink dedicated in their honor.

Mario Lemieux finished in 16th place at the American Century Championship in Tahoe. Former Penguins Pierre Larouche and Dan Quinn tied for 13th.

The Coyotes re-signed right winger Bill Thomas, a native of Fox Chapel. They also re-signed goaltender David LeNeveu and signed former Penguins winger Tomas Surovy.

Defenseman Chris Campoli re-signs with the Islanders.

The Lightning re-signed defenseman Paul Ranger.

Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting the retirement of Anaheim defenseman Scott Niedermayer should be official soon.

Former Canadiens forward John Ferguson, Sr., considered by some to be the first true enforcer in the NHL, passed away.

The Toronto Globe and Mail tell us there's really only one reason why a NHL franchise won't be setting up shop in Southern Ontario anytime soon. Here's a hint; It's blue, it's named after a plant organ and it hasn't won the Stanley Cup since 1967.

Six out of seven countries ratified a transfer agreement between the IIHF and the NHL. Guess which country didn't.

First Published: July 16, 2007, 7:45 p.m.