There are beat writers and columnists who cover sports. Then there’s SportsFan Magazine’s very own Greg Wyshynski. The gifted Wyshynski has been publishing his “The Jester’s Quart” for 11 years running. It’s a satire look at sports, the pop culture and my all-time fave aspect of why NHL commish Gary Bettman is a jackass.

His column is always an entertaining read never to be taken too seriously. He also covers the Washington Capitals and contributes a daily NHL column to The Fourth Period (TFP). But that’s not all folks. He is also a frequent contribute to AOL’s FanHouse Sports Blog and chimes in today on the trade status of Tampa Bay center Brad Richards.

With the NHL trade deadline a little over 24 hours away, the avid Devil fan took time out of his hectic schedule to join us for an interview about this hockey season as well as what we could see take place tomorrow.

Hitting Back: What are your thoughts on the Eastern race at the top?

Greg Wyshynski: I’m not sure what the larger stunner is: The Devils playing as well as they are with that defense, or the Penguins hanging as tough as they are without Crosby and with Conklin. In the Devils’ case, it’s classic New Jersey hockey: A different hero every night, and Brodeur playing out of his mind when they need him. The goals are coming easier than expected — I just don’t believe they’ll continue to flow without a little deadline upgrade.
 
I think it’s rather important that the Devils win the division this season, because a 4-5 series against either Montreal or Ottawa would be a very tough draw compared with one against the Rangers, Boston or Buffalo.

As for Pittsburgh, I’m a ConkBlock believer. He is no longer ConkSuck.

HB: Are you surprised that the Senators have comeback to the pack? Will they still finish with the East’s best record or do you see the Habs, Devs or Pens overtaking them?

GW: I don’t believe they will finish with the best record for one reason: Their schedule the rest of the way. Boston four more times, Montreal at least three more times and a West Coast swing in March. It’s a very tough draw.

HB: What is the biggest surprise?

A.The Canadiens rise in the conference.

B. Evgeni Malkin’s dominance since Crosby went down taking the Pens on his back near the top.

C.The Devils continued success despite not a great blueline.

I’d go with C, because this is the weakest group of defensemen Marty’s ever had, on paper and in reality. Look at 1995 and look at this year, and you’d think Marty signed with an ECHL team.

HB: Seven points separates first from fourth in the Southeast. Who do you see taking the division?

GW: Carolina’s playing miraculous hockey right now without Brind’Amour. I still believe Washington will win the division, but the Caps need to play more consistent hockey and must, must, must win their next two games against the Hurricanes.

HB: If the season ended today, who would be your MVP?

GW: Marc Andre-Fleury, for having the good sense to get injured.

HB: Who’s better? Malkin or Ovechkin?

GW: Ovechkin is a more complete player, but Malkin’s ability to use his body and strength is something special. I’d still give the nod to Ovechkin, especially after seeing what kind of tail he pulls.

HB:  What do you think the three metro area teams need at Tuesday’s deadline?

GW: Devils — A veteran scorer to solidify a second line or a second power play unit.

Rangers — There are two many holes to address any specific needs. Maybe someone dumb enough to take Jagr off their hands.

Islanders — Some help on the blueline after these injuries.

HB: Which star do you see most likely getting moved?

A.Mats Sundin

B.Marian Hossa

C.Brian Campbell

D.Rob Blake

GW: Well, obviously not Sundin, whose selfish personal pride screwed the team he claims to love. Certainly Hossa, though.

HB: Given their recent struggles, does Detroit need to make a trade?

GW: I believe Detroit is a team that needs to figure out what changed from the ass-kicking group that was dominating the league for five months to this inconsistent team playing today. But another big body up front would help, too.

HB:  What is the biggest surprise out West?

GW: That the best stories in the West – Phoenix, Colorado, Columbus, St. Louis, and Chicago — all could finish outside of the postseason, rendering the Western Conference playoffs rather tedious.

HB: If you had to pick one team to win the Western Conference, who would it be?

GW: If San Jose makes the deadline deals I believe it could make, the Sharks are still my Cup pick. But now that they have a fully armed and operational battle station, it’s the Ducks.

HB: Final question: Can Marty Brodeur start every game and take his team through three rounds to another Cup Final?

GW: Of course. Marty’s better.