As some of you might know, my area of interest within sports is the intersection of hockey and workplace awkwardness.
For instance, imagine you're traded to the Devils, coached and GM'd by the notoriously angry and honest Lou Lamoriello.
Now, imagine the team just lost game by three goals and Lamoriello is the only one offering you a ride to your car.
Awkward, right?
It happened to new Devil Brad Lukowich.
I think any time your boss gives you a ride somewhere, it can be a bit awkward. What do you talk about? What do you listen to?
Lukowich said the ride wasn't that bad, though.
Still. Very, very awkward.
I imagine after last night's spanking by the Islanders, future car rides might be a bit more tense.

I think it's so interesting how a lot of hockey writers are reacting to Brooks Orpik's mighty, season-ending hit on Carolina's Erik Cole.
A lot of people are calling it a clean, tough, Old NHL-style hit.
Guys like Larry Brooks (login info.) and Tim Panaccio (login info.).
I don't know. Panaccio talks about how the players are bigger and stronger, just about every season. Eventually, someone is going to get seriously, seriously hurt. But what do you do about it? Outlaw checking? Or perhaps, the answer is to play hockey underwater. Where it's safe. Except for the sharks. And the no oxygen.
But it's also very soft down there.
Also, speaking of New York hockey teams, the Islanders dressing room was flooded with sewage. It's the first time that happened without GM Mike Milbury making some kind of trade or signing.
Hey yoooooo!
I'm Steve. This is PuckUpdate.
You've been great.
Tip your waitresses. Good night!