"The NHL's Next Epic 7-Game Series"....

...Or, the NHL's Next Epic 6-Game Series, with a super-lame Game 7.

*Cough Cough*

The sound that Alexander Semin choking on his words.

*Cough Cough*

Actually I suppose it's the ENTIRE Washington Capitals making that sound.

*Cough, hack... COUGH COUGH..* geez someone give them the Heimlich.

That was the biggest, most epic, Game 7 choke I've seen in a while. I mean that was a Alexandre Diagle-esque kinda choke.

The Washington Capitals were so busy hacking up a lung they forgot to play the first two periods. At one point it was 5-0. It actually got to a point where Pittsburgh scored a goal and I just laughed out loud. By myself. In my apartment.

To tell you the truth, folks, I'm very disappointed. It was a fantastic series, you could say that it may have actually lived up to it's three-ring-circus hype that the media built leading into the series. So it's just sort of sad to see it end like it did. Sorta anti-climactic in a way. I was kinda gunning for some sort of epic eight-period, up till 5-in-the-mornin, sudden-death overtime, Crosby or Ovechkin scores some sorta ridiculous goal where they undress the entire opposition and then score while standing on their head, kinda game.

Oh well. Nicely done, Pittsburgh.

I'm right and you're wrong.

Well not you. Unless Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Ray Shero is reading this. (Which in hindsight seems to be a good idea for him.)

Let me elaborate.

Trade Deadline 2008. (Yes folks, I know, like me, you're all still trying to piece together your Saturday night and the thought of thinking back an entire year is cumbersome... but humour me here.)

The Pittsburgh Penguins pull of one of the dumber trades I've seen. They send Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito and a draft pick to Atlanta in return for a one-night stand with Marian Hossa.

I said this then, and i'll quickly say it again. Colby Armstrong is a glue-guy. He was an energy guy. The fans loved him. And most importantly he was Sidney Crosby's best friend and roommate — and they clicked on a line ... unlike Crosby and Hossa.

Not to mention... cough cough ... that Hossa left you, and the Pens look like lost puppies this season.

So I find it incredibly hilarious that when I'm checking out the trade rumours on TSN.ca that Colby Armstrong's name pops up. And guess who's looking to get him back.

"According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Armstrong has attracted interest this season, including the Penguins who would like to see him reunited with captain Sidney Crosby."


Habit ... excused.

I've finally found an excuse for my 4-cup-a-day coffee addiction.

Stuff White People Like #1. and Stuff Journalists like #9.

Finally, vindication.

Live Bloggin, NHL 2008-09 OPENS!

Well folks, I think that's it. My laptop battery is just about dead.
Later homies!
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 6:44 PM 

So Ron MacLean had a silver Apple Powerbook in front of him at the beginning of the show. I actually made a quick note because I myself am a Mac user. I just notice now that they've placed a Hockey Night In Canada sticker over the apple logo. haha really? How come you can have a crap Dell computer sitting there and that's ok? weird.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 6:39 PM 

"It's almost as if Malkin needs a cookie or something. And then his confidence comes out" - Kelly Hrudey
"Well if he wants a cookie i'll buy him an economy pack of Oreos" - Mike Milbury
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 6:35 PM 

Ummmmm. Ok first the referees change their mind on the faceoff. And now CBC has to change the 3 stars?
so... they should read as: 3. Malkin, 2. Heatley, 1. Kennedy

What is going on?! I'm so confused.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 6:31 PM 

Overall it was a good game. It's a bit unfortunate that the first two periods were a constant flood to the penalty box. But there was some good action in the third, and you can't beat a good overtime win. I'll be interested to see if the teams are a little more comfortable on their special teams (and don't take as many dumb penalties) in tomrrows game. It's less than 24 hours away! Puck drop is at 3:30 AST again tomorrow.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 6:29 PM 

Three Stars: 3. Malkin, 2. Spezza, 1. Kennedy
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 6:26 PM 

GOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLL... Pittsburgh Wins the Game 4-3.
Tyler Kennedy with his second of the night. Gerber lets in another bad goal.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 6:26 PM 

End of third period. 3-3.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 6:17 PM 

Kind of an uneventful third period. There is some good end to end action. And the whistle seems to have been put away.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 6:11 PM 

GOAL... Pittsburgh: Rob Skuderi. first goal in 95 games! nice wrist shot. perfect pass from Crosby.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:51 PM 

Ottawa has a two-man advantage right now. Crosby is out there killing it. Is there anything he can't do? (besides find his way to the airport).
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:47 PM 

Since we have talked about Iginla twice so far today... I thought i'd let you all know an extremely important detail... Wikipedia says this is Jarome's full name: Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla. Good God!
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:40 PM 

I don't know if "excited" is a word to use when talking about a one of the deadliest First World War battles involving Canadians. But I am really looking forward to Passchendaele, the epic movie directed/written/starred in by Paul Gross. The movie is one of the most expensive films made in Canada. Gross turned a portion of Alberta into a muddy, stark mess almost exactly as it would have been in 1917 and it's extremely historically accurate. Anyway I just saw the trailer for the movie and it looks amazing. It opens October 13, so if you've got a chance to see it. go.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:36 PM 

Toronto’s Ryan Hollweg was in three scraps last night against St.
Louis. Fist-trick! If you are trying to send a message to your
opponent, or impress your coach, wouldn’t one or two suffice? Jerome
Iginla almost dropped them with Nathan McIver in the Flames-Canucks game, until Corey Sarich wisely stepped in. Imagine Iggy breaking a hand in a 6-1 pre-season game. Oopsie. Hello 12th place.  
- James Duthie.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:28 PM 

End of period two.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:25 PM 

GOAL... Ottawa: Spezza. Shorthanded, 3 on 2 breakaway, over the glove. It appears powerplays are now cursed.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:23 PM 

Can someone please tell me why CBC is broadcasting in Punjabi?

 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:17 PM 

GOAL... Ottawa: Dany Heatley. Powerplay. all alone in the slot. wrist shot over the shoulder of Fluery. (And there's 3 points in my pool).
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:12 PM 

I am always so confused around this time of year. I try my best to stay up to date on all the movement in the offseason but sometimes it's tough with the smaller moves. Especially when there are two players in the league with the exact same name. Looks like the Ottawa Senators picked up former Halifax Moosehead, Alexandre Picard.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:11 PM 

ummm, Mad Max Talbot is fighting with his former teammate Jarkko Ruutu
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:07 PM 

#%@& I love chips!
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:04 PM 

I'm still not getting the new Scotiabank commercial. Where the mom finds the Art Ross trophy in the closet and she wanders through the house with it... (there's a kid driving a full sized zamboni in the backyard... but let's stay on track here.) She goes out front where Jarome Iginla is playing street hockey. "Who left the Art Ross Trophy in the closet?" and Jarome owns up to it and he gets a scorn from the mom.
First of all this obviously isn't his mom so why is she scorning him? (see: age of bearing children, skin colour). My other question is how did Jarome get the Art Ross. I seem to remember that Ovechkin kid winning it last. Is Ovechkin alright? Did Jarome tie him up and steal it? Why did he hide it in some random person's closet? I'm lost. Oh hockey's back on....
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 5:02 PM 

GOAL... Pittsburgh: Evgeni Malkin. shorthanded breakaway. I've just noticed now that Malkin has been given the "A".
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:53 PM 

If Ed stole my wallet on my way to buy a Proline ticket I would begin shaking every beer he owned.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:43 PM 

End of the first period. Man am i hungry. Sorry guys. Heading to the store for something horrible for me.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:29 PM 

Maybe we should rename Hartsburg the jedi. I think he just used jedi mind tricks to have the referees change the faceoff spot.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:26 PM 

Crosby standing all alone beside the net. Puck didn't come to him, but it could've. man i'm deep.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:24 PM 

And the constant stream of Senators to the penalty box is continuing. Chris Neil took a dumb dumb dumb penalty. Hitting from behind.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:20 PM 

Has anyone ever seen Timbits Hockey? For a couple minutes there this looked exactly like it... but bigger.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:20 PM 

Have I mentioned the Penguins offseason debacle? Can I add Jarkko Ruutu to that subject? He's blocking shots. BLOCKING SHOTS in the first game of the season. There are some players out there that only block a shot if it accidentally hits the on the ass while they're trying to skate back from the offensive zone.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:18 PM 

questionable penalty to the sens
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:11 PM

GOAL... Ottawa: Shean Donovan, deflection. mid period.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:06 PM

Malkin: you have a very nice shot. But you really need to hit the net.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:02 PM 

Man do I hate that penalty... delay of game for the puck over the glass. Chris Phillips is the first victim of the dumbest penalty of life.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 4:01 PM 

we got our first penalty. McAmmond playin a bit dirty behind the net. Let's see how this powerplay looks.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:57 PM 

GOAL... Pittsburgh: Tyler Kennedy, 40 seconds in. Really bad goal by Gerber.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:53 PM 

Well good thing the commentators are actually in Sweden because the video keeps cutting out.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:53 PM 

14,119 people are at the game. But according to a piece by TSN yesterday, it's the "worst ice the players have ever played on".
Also Mats Sundin looks as though he's quickly become a hermit while "contemplating his future"... He's bald on top and he's got a strange blonde beard... maybe it's just that he missed growing a playoff beard during all those years with the Leafs.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:51 PM 

Mats Sundin is dropping the puck for the faceoff. Hey Mats... shouldn't you be doing something???
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:50 PM 

OH SWEET LORD... three anthems.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:48 PM

Dear anthem singer... sing faster. geez. 
-Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:45 PM 

Sidney Crosby should grow his mullet back. 
-Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:45 PM 

Speaking of Mike Milbury... so far he's made a reference to mice and cats (when speaking about Khabibulan) and today he made a reference about letting the dog out of the house. Not sure if he's wise enough to have made it on purpose.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:42 PM

CBC is showing a fairly scary band right now. Ron Maclean just called them "a poor man's Marilyn Manson"... and then he told Mike Milbury they'd get Michael Bublé for him. Good start guys. You might even call it great. 
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:37 PM 

Alright the first game is over, the Rangers took the first game 2-1. From the pieces that I saw, there wasn't much defense going on. CBC has both games today. Apparently though, the first game was commentated via monitor in Toronto. Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson are actually in Stockholm for this one. 
-Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:35 PM 

Sorry everyone, I said 3pm (AST) but I got trapped at work.
 -Jenn Casey 10/4/08 3:26 PM 



Welcome to the first Live Bloggin of the new season. I trust all of your Hockey Withdrawal Syndrome symptoms have now faded and you're comfortably loafing on your coach with some beer and snacks.

While we're waiting for the game to start — I've tabulated my POWERRANKINGS (yes in my world IT'S ALL ONE WORD... HARDCORE!!!) for the upcoming season. Which, of course, was all very scientific... (it mostly involved rum and coke and pictures of the team logos). So, they're all probably horribly wrong. But that's why it's fun! Also I've put my rum-induced justifications in brackets beside each ranking.

The rankings take into account the silly standards that the NHL use for playoff positions. So the top three are the three who will finish atop their respective divisions, not necessarily who will finish with the most amount of points. Here we go:



EAST

division winners.

1. Montreal Canadiens (best powerplay, didn't lose many players of substance in offseason, scoring comes from all lines, Jesus Price, Kovalev's hair, Tanguay)

2. Philadelphia Flyers (i'm kinda counting on Mike Richards to destroy all in his path...)

3. Washington Capitals (the rest of the division is not very good)
---------------------------

made the playoffs.

4. Ottawa Senators (they'll rebound... just not into the top of the division... *Dear Senators, you better rebound, I have Heatley in my pool, yes that was a threat*)

  5. Pittsburgh Penguins (From second!?! well, they lost ALOT of grit in that ridonkulous Hossa trade...Have I said it wasn't worth it lately? Yes? oh. And in the offseason... Gary Roberts is a monster, you realize that right? And Gonchar is out for 6 months; Whitney until December. Oh and they lost their enforcer, their scary enforcer. But i'm giving the rest of the kids the benefit of the doubt that they'll pull out a playoff worthy performance.)

6. Carolina Hurricanes (Eric Staal carries team on shoulders)

7. New Jersey Devils (Martin Brodeur carries team on shoulders in search of beating Patrick Roys records)

8. Tampa Bay Lightning (Most people have them out. I'm putting them in because I think the mad scheme the ownership put in place might just work.)


---------------------------

a few points out of playoffs.

9. Boston Bruins (some ridiculous injury will happen to one of their stars in ... January... sure, why not.)

10. New York Rangers (every year I wager these guys will not make the playoffs. Even though everyone else has them in. Is this the year... that I am incorrect?)

11. Buffalo Sabres (seems like a good place for the Campbell-less, Satan-less *tehe* Sabres to finish)
-------------------------

no chance.

12. Florida Panthers

13. Atlanta Thrashers

14. New York Islanders

15. Toronto Maple Leafs (if they're wise... they'll finish here.)





WEST

division winners.

1. Detroit Red Wings (President's Trophy... again. I'm sure i'll rant about this at some point, but it's mostly based on the schedule and the fact they play their division [aka: the weakest, saddest teams] the most.)

2. Minnesota Wild

3. Dallas Stars
-------------------------

made the playoffs.

4. San Jose Sharks

5. Anaheim (mighty?) Ducks

6. Calgary Flames (Kipper finally adjusts to playing under Captain Hook.)

7. Edmonton Oilers (will kill themselves making the playoffs and lose in the first round.)

8. Chicago Blackhawks (yes Patrick... this is the year.)
---------------------------

a few points back.

9. Nashville Predators

10. Vancouver Canucks

11. Phoenix Coyotes (Wayne... you haven't a hope in hell. just sayin.)
----------------------------

not even close.

12. Colorado Avalanche (It appears I forgot the Avalanche got rid of Theodore... I stand by my "Barf" comment.)

13. Columbus Bluejackets (Rick Nash carries team into... mediocrity)

14. Los Angeles (I'm still baffled by the Cammalleri trade)

15. St. Louis (don't worry guys... you'll get that first overall draft pick one of these years.)

Triple OT.

I missed just about all of the game due to my own soccer game tonight. So, the Pens decided to treat me to a full game anyway. Triple Overtime. Petr Sykora. Back to Pittsburgh for game six. Game just got over and it's 2 a.m. here in Halifax. Cole Harbour Place is probably going mad. But i'm too exhausted to do anything but load this pic up and sleep.

Must win.

It's not like Game four is the end of the series, but if the Penguins lose, it pretty much is. If the Penguins can win this integral second home game they'll have the series all tied up at two a piece. If they lose they go down three games to one and then they have to go back to Detroit in that state. Detroit... a place where they seem to have the confidence sucked right out of them.

If you're keeping track, it appears the Penguins have put a few of my suggestions into pratice, 2.5 out of 5 ain't bad:

1. They've been unstoppable at home down the stretch and all through the playoffs, maybe it'll continue through the next two games. half completed.

2. Mario Lemieux suits up. comeoonnnnnnnnn

3. Michel Therrian will have a freak out, just like the last time the Penguins played like this (two years ago.) Obstruction, obstruction, distraction.

4. Someone will score a goal. finally.

5. Detroit defenseman trip over the blueline several more times, sending Pittsburgh forwards in on a 3-on-1, but this time they actually score.


And here's something I came across while checking out the stories for the upcoming game tonight. Spot the typo.

Crosby, Malking Making Impact For Penguins

Also some news about game five, which is a few days away (monday). Feisty Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams will be making the trip to Detroit to take in the game. Detroit Red Wing forward Dan Cleary arranged tickets for the Premier. Williams is one of the most hilarious Canadian Premiers, he's called the Prime Minister a liar, pulled the Canadian flags down off the poles, and walked out on a Premiers meeting... and he's more popular than any other politician. If anything we'll get a good soundbite.

Colby Armstrong is back! (yay!) The former Penguins team clown and close friend to Sidney Crosby is now doing analysis for Rogers Sportsnet for the Finals. Too bad Rogers Sportsnet doesn't actually broadcast the games.

Karma was not on their side.

It all started when Tom Glavine of the Atlanta Braves (and you know my sentiments about baseball) said that he thought Sidney Crosby was a "Great, young American athlete."

Wait, wait, wait... what? Back that bookmobile up. Great? check. Young? you bet. Athlete? obviously... what was that third thing, again? American? nope. Someone hit the "YOU'RE WRONG!" buzzer. Poor ol' Glavine is gonna be feeling pretty sad when Crosby is tearing up the USA at the Olympics.

Then Joe Louis public address announcer Budd Lynch called him Steven Crosby. For a bit I tried to rationalize it... I looked across the room at a perplexed Garreth and said. "oh he's just old, I think he said Sidney... maybe". No I don't think he said Sidney, he definietely said Steven. Did he look at the wrong part of the page? Maybe he confused it with Steve Yzerman, who was coming out for the ceremonial face-off. Of course that would only makes partial sense because it's Steve Yzerman, not Steven. Awww, whatever he was born in 1917.


Before that, Marc-Andre Fleury fell flat on his face in front of the entire crowd in Detroit. He was attempting to do his super-run onto the ice for the beginning of the game, but instead did a face plant into the ice. It was slightly less embarrassing than when that anthem singer fell that time, but still embarrassing. I won't lie, I laughed.

But again... the karma. It's almost like the ghosts of Ottawa, New York and Philadelphia were cursing every step the Penguins took. (except when that goal got called back... more on that in a bit.) The Pens looked flat, were making bad passes, and they seemed to collectively trip just like poor ol' Fleury.

On top of it all, how many times were Detroit fans staring in horror as the puck sat idly in front of an open net with nobody on the Penguins able to pull the trigger. The answer is, A lot.

Back to that goal that was called back. If you didn't catch it, here's the recap: Holmstrom was in front of the crease and had his stick in "groin area" of Fleury. The Penguins, who seemed to be paying an ungodly amount of attention to the right-wing, didn't really notice Lidstrom pinch in on the left. The puck squirted over to him and he sent a rocket of a shot to the roof. The goal was called back because of "goaltender interference" and when a ref does that the rulebook states that the perpetrator must go to the box and feel shame for two minutes. So off paraded Holmstrom to the box and Mike Babcock looked like he might blow an artery.

I'm not saying that it wasn't goaltender interference, i'm sure any male would cringe in terror of the thought of getting smacked with a stick in the groin. But it's not like Holmstrom full out Chris Simon'd him. Let's just say if it was Henrik Zetterberg, they probably wouldn't have called it.

But I have to say I agree. In this case, I condone a double-standard. And before you hang me out to dry, let me explain. Holmstrom has a history of keeping his butt a little too close to the goaltender, and there's not really a rule against it becuase that toe-in-the-crease rule is thankfully gone. But, if you look at the replays of Holmstrom in front of the net, he is obviously obstructing the goaltender. A message needed to be sent, and sent early in the series. If you are going to call Sean Avery's shananigans a penalty than what Holmstrom does in front the of the net needs to be as well. There was a goal called back last series for the exact same reason, and he obviously didn't learn. My advice? Holmstrom, you're a big guy, just take a step forward. You'll still be screening the goaltender.

Eastern Conference Champions

Sit. Down. Flyers.
If anyone had any doubts about whether the Pittsburgh Penguins would win this series, they were silenced today.

Whilst Canada was getting their ass handed to them by the Russians at least something was right in the hockey world. Before I could even switch the television over to CBC after almost throwing something at it, the game was 2-0. Ryan Malone (a player rumoured to be hitting the Free Agent highway this summer) scored first and opened the floodgates that was Martin Biron's net. The opposite could be said for Marc-Andre Fleury, who made a few timely saves early in the game, and one huge one late to preserve his shut-out.

The entire team was running on what seemed to be all cylinders, getting points from ten different players. Marian Hossa (4), Ryan Malone (3), Sidney Crosby (2), Maxime Talbot (2), Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Gonchar, Jordan Staal, Adam Hall, Pascal Dupuis, Brooks Orpik.

And it was almost like Sidney Crosby said a big 'NO, YOU SUCK' to the fans that rode him all of game four. Sit down. Flyers. and double sit down, flyers fans.

The Penguins now await the winner of the Dallas and Detroit final in the west. And by the way the last game went, it appears the momentum is in Dallas's hands. Game six of that series goes Monday night in Dallas.




The Memorial Cup game is currently in progress. Apparently instead of showing the Kitchener-Spokane game, the main Sportsnet network decided to go with random programming while the Bluejays game was in rain delay (see earlier post on Baseball). So you can only get the Memorial Cup game if you've got digital cable, where you can pick up one of the regional channels. Dear Sportsnet, You suck.

Brent Burns is a monster

quick updates from work.



Brent Burns has scored twice against Russia in the Gold Medal game to put Canada in the lead 3-1 at the end of the third period. TSN.ca was so excited that they mis-spelled Burn's name:

"Defenceman Brunt Burns scored his second goal of the game and third of the tournament on a 5-on-3 powerplay to give Canada a 3-1 lead in the first period. Russia immediately called a timeout following the goal."

Chris Kunitz has the other goal for Canada. Alexander Semin has the lone goal for Russia.

*update* Period 2, Russia scored on the powerplay, i have no idea who scored, although i'm sure ovechkin has something to do with it.

*update* Dany Heatley scored to make it 4-2 Canada!! The camera cut to Prime Minister Stephen Harper who was in attendance with his son. Apparently the PM is an avid hockey fan who is actually currently writing a book about hockey.

*update* Russia has brought it to within one with a goal by Tereshchenko(Stephen Harper looks worried) halfway through the third period.

*update* TIE GAME. 5 minutes to go. (Stephen Harper was right to be worried.)

*update* regulation ended with a 4-4 tie. Overtime in IIHF rules are a 20 minute overtime period of 4 on 4. And then if nothing is decided, a shootout. Seriously??? A shootout. ridiculous.

Also, it's now 1-0 Pittsburgh over the Flyers after an early Ryan Malone goal (assisted by Sidney Crosby and Marion Hossa)


*update* It's over. Canada loses. Kovalchuk scored both the tying and winning goal. Gold to Russia and Silver to Canada.
Russia scored on a powerplay... one of the most brutal penalties of life. I hate the delay of game for shooting it over the glass. I will rant about this later.

all pennsylvania final.

The Penguins took their fans on a ride yesterday afternoon, needing overtime to win the series. The Penguins will face cross-state rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Looks like throwing the final game of the season to avoid playing the Flyers was to no avail. Jordan Staal triumphed over brother Marc for the second time, as the two faced off in Junior hockey as well.

The Dallas Stars placed the San Jose Sharks on the golf course and it only took them four extra periods to do it. Brendan Morrow scored the series-winning goal. Dallas moves on to face the Johan Franzen and the Detroit Red Wings in the next round (Franzen has 11 goals so far this playoffs, which is ridiculous).

And the Habs reflected on their playoff exit, but the team shouldn't dwell too long. The team really will not be losing any key players to free agency like some teams we know *cough cough Pittsburgh* and the playoff experience can only help going into next year. Of course you can't help but feel bad for Carey Price as he looked pretty tired after the loss,

"It's probably the worst moment of my career," Price said as he fought back tears. "I hate to lose."

go pens.

Montreal is out of the playoffs.

Disaster.

Ok, it's one thing for a team to crash and burn. But it almost seems like the Senators organization is helping. Case and point, the giant mural that the organization has posted outside of the visitor's dressing room. The mural depicts the Senators handing the Penguins a playoff exit last season. Talk about inspiring revenge.



Game four is tonight, and we might be seeing something similar to this mural as the Penguins are one win away from moving on to the second round.

overtime heroes.

The Bruins and Canadiens played back to back games Saturday and Sunday and both games went to overtime, with each team having a hero steal the win. The teams next face off on Tuesday, the Canadiens lead the series 2-1. Canadiens did not play well in either game, expect Carbonneau to have a fit and the Habs to bounce back. Looks like they might not have taken the Bruins seriously, and who can blame them, they have beaten them 13 straight up until last night.

Another interesting game will be the the Senators and Penguins game that is on tonight (8pm AST). Interesting, because we wonder will the Senators actually show up tonight. There is a possibility that after last game they're so mad they might actually make an appearance tonight and they are playing at home. or not.

Canada wins World Curling Championship


Canada's team Martin won 6-3 over rivals Scotland. The men follow up on the recent win by Canada's women (Team Jennifer Jones) so Canada owns both titles for 2008!

QMJHL PLAYOFFS! Round 2 Game 2.

It was game 2 of the Battle of Nova Scotia, and it didn't disappoint. The Halifax Mooseheads pulled out the win 5-3 over the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, and the two teams traded goals throughout the game until the Moose finally pulled ahead. The game was fast paced, and as usual a mix of both teams' fans. Unfortunately the officiating played a big part in the game. There was rarely a few moments strung together without a call, and most of the goals came from special teams (in fact, all of the Eagles goals were power play). A particularly brutal series of events occurred near the end of the second period, and I was sitting in the front row on the goal line so this was quite clear to me...

A Mooseheads forward went in on the goaltender on a quasi-breakaway, and was pushed from behind by a Cape Breton forward, as the Mooseheads player went full force into the goaltender he threw the puck behind him to another forward who threw it in the net. Not only did the ref call the goal back. But he also issued a penalty to the Moosehead forward who was pushed in to the goalie. Needless to say, of COURSE Cape Breton tied it up 3-3 with another power play goal.

Overall, I think the Moose played well, but if they're going to go on in the playoffs, they're going to need to play a bit better on the penalty kill and just better defensively overall. The team many times found itself scrambling in their own zone, icing the puck to get out of trouble, defensive zone turnovers and general confusion.


Games 3, 4, and 5 will be held in Sydney Centre 200, but the two teams have 3 DAYS off. I'm sure it's because that 5 hour drive between Halifax and Sydney is outright unbearable.



P.S.HABS beat the Leafs, and to clinch first place overall they need Pittsburgh to lose. An overtime loss would suffice. Tomorrow is the final day of NHL regular season play.

Also Canada (Team Martin of Alberta) got it's first win at the World Men's Curling Championship in Grand Forks, North Dakota against Denmark, winning huge 9-3.

And check out this news release from the Canadiens. It is their logo for the 2009 All-star game, being held in Montreal to commemorate the team's 100th anniversary.

saturday Saturday SATURDAY!

IT'S ALL COMING DOWN TO SATURDAY!

I don't even know where to start with this. I cannot think of a season in recent memory that has been so close, with just one or two games remaining.

Let's start with the top. The Penguins and Canadiens are tied atop the Eastern Conference, each respective team has won their division already but who gets the Conference title goes down to who can pull out a win on Saturday.

The Carolina Hurricanes, sit atop the Southeast division, but they sit on top of a shaky deck of cards. If the Hurricanes lose and the Washington Capitals win their last game, (coincidentally they both play their final game against the Florida Panthers) then they would jump from 8th right into 3rd spot because the Capitals would take the Southeast Division title. This would leave Carolina sitting in 8th with the Philadelphia Flyers (who have two games remaining) with just one point to make up.

Currently position 4 and 5 are taken by the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers, both have two games remaining and have also clinched a playoff spot. The last two games are for seeding only. What is interesting is that these two teams sitting in fourth and fifth have clinched a playoff position, yet the division leader of the Southeast hasn't clinched one yet. (as per scenario involving Hurricanes, Capitals above).

Down to sixth spot. The Senators. The poor, poor Senators. Remember the glory days. Of course you do... they were 4 months ago. The team was ripping up the NHL. The next Stanley Cup Champions. But they fell apart. They sit in sixth with 94 points. They have one game remaining. Boston, just two points back have two games remaining. Do the math. And although the Capitals have just one game remaining, they stand to move to third position if they win, and we already talked about the scenario with the Hurricanes. What if the game goes to overtime? That would leave the Canes with 93 points. If the Senators lose their last game. They're in 9th. But that's only if everything I talked about goes the way I planned... I mean... predicted.


Now that I've analyzed the Eastern Conference to death, let's do the West....


Oh gawd, I'm so kidding. See you after Friday's games.