Review: 2007-08 NHL Fleer Ultra

If it weren't for scoring what I believe to be one of those so-called "hot boxes" of the 2007-08 NHL Fleer Ultra, I'm pretty certain that a common complaint would ultimately impair my perception against Fleer, and its parent Upper Deck.

After raising the bar by showing updated players in late-season releases, the card companies have taken a step back by failing to use modern photographic and computer technology to show the summer's free agents with their new teams.

Given our era of instant gratification, where video hits the Web in seconds, there's no reason why pictures taken at a player's introductory press conferences can't be added before tight production timelines. In as long as it takes a graphic designer to type, say Manny Fernandez / Bruins, a photo of the goalie in a Boston jersey can replace the outdated image shown above.

And, until Fleer and Upper Deck make this commitment to providing the timeliest of products, the companies will continue to disappoint this collector.

Having said that, though, it's hard to quibble with what came out of the box. From a jersey patch card of New York's Jaromir Jagr to another short print of Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin, the premiums, including a sweet Dominik Hasek insert, certainly took the sting out of this product.

Box Buster: 2007-08 NHL Fleer Ultra
Vital stats: 24 packs, eight cards per pack (192 total)
Price paid: $68.52 (including tax)
Purchased at: Water Wonder, Pinellas Park, Fla.
Set completion: 142 out of 200 cards (71 percent)
Duplicates: None
Ultra Rookies (1:4): Patrick Kaleta, David Koci, David Kreci, Joel Lundqvist, Mark Mancari and Mathieu Roy. Total: Six out of 50 (12 percent)
Ultra Rookies Gold Medallion (1:12): Rob Schremp
Ultra Rookie Redemption (1:24): One, RED265
Ultra Ice Medallion (1:48): Evgeni Malkin (014/100)
Ultra Uniformity Patch: Jaromir Jagr (08/25)
Ultra Uniformity (1:18)/Fresh Ink (autographs) mix (1:36): Dustin Brown and Brian Rafalski
Hot Numbers (1:288): Dominik Hasek (hobby only)
Flair Showcase – Lower Level (1:27): Phil Kessel (hobby only)
Flair Showcase – Upper Level (1:14): Peter Forsberg and Dion Phaneuf
Season Crowns (1:36): Martin Brodeur
Scoring Kings(1:18): Marian Hossa
Difference Makers (1:18): Jaromir Jagr and Rick Nash
Puckhound's grade: 3 out of 5 (with the hot-box tag); 2 out of 5 (w/o the hot-box tag)