Round 2 Match-Ups 2008-09 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Round One is now in the history books, and we are off to Round 2 of the 2008-09 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here's who is meeting whom (is that the correct verbiage?) in the upcoming games.

Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes

With the demise (again!) of the San Jose Sharks, the Bruins will have home ice advantage throughout their play in this year's playoffs. Obviously the Bruins are favored over the Carolina Hurricanes after their sweep of the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs and their regular season dominance, but the 'Canes are on a roll after disposing of the New Jersey Devils. The Bruins also have had a bit of a rest (any rust?) and the Hurricanes will be hyped after coming back to win 2 straight against a stingy Devils squad. The Canes' goalie Cam Ward has been great, but can he withstand a rolling Bruins onslaught? Still, gotta go with the Bruins in 6.

Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins

Caps-Pens? High-powered offense, good goaltending. If the Caps continue playing rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov, he could get lit up by Malkin, Crosby and Guerin. But if he does pull off a second great series, the Patrick Roy-Ken Dryden talk will surface. How many times have you seen a young unknown goalie steal a series? An with Ovechkin and Semin unleashed... This will be an exciting series that will have fans glued to their TVs and will likely be another long one. 6 or 7 and I'm saying Capitals again. Crosby hasn't proven himself in this year's playoffs yet, so Sid, if you're reading this, HIT THE GROUND RUNNING!

Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks

Detroit in 4 or 5 games. Wiley vets against a really good, up-and-coming squad from Chicago? And an Original 6 matchup? I'd love to see Chicago take out Detroit, but I don't think this is the year. Next year - both the Blackhawks and St Louis Blues will be tough battles for every team. Red Wings took care of the Blue Jackets fairly easily (except for game 4) and the Blackhawks are in uncharted territory, but after their tough series against Calgary, most observers are keeping a closer eye on Chicago. But Detroit has more than enough facets in their game to take them down. But if Osgoode tanks (or gets injured...)

Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks

This one is tough to call. The Canucks can be extremely difficult to play against - top notch goaltending from the phenomenal Roberto Luongo, solid defensemen and more than one line. And there's the Mats Sundin factor. As I've said before, sometimes The Invisible Swede, other times he's a power unto himself. Anaheim has to keep Sundin on the side boards and away from behind the net where he sets up shop and dishes passes while shrugging off opposition players. The Ducks emerged from the Battle of California bloodied, but unbowed. This will be another battle and if the Canucks can lay on the body, they'll wear down the Ducks. 6-7 games and I'll pick the Canucks.

What do you think? Am I full o' crap? Or do you agree with my picks? Leave a comment.

Hurricanes Beat Devils with 2 Late Goals!

Raleigh IS Now Upset City! Can you believe it? New Jersey Devils lose 4-3 after taking the lead at the mid-point of the 1st period as Carolina scores 2 goals in the last minute and a half to win. This was probably THE best opening round series of this year's playoffs. Almost every game was like this one. Last minute goals balanced against fantastic goaltending on both sides. Eric Staal will be called the hero of game 7 for this series for his game-winning goal, but there were several Carolina players who deserve accolades for their play. The 'Canes will now face the Boston Bruins in Round 2 starting Friday night in Beantown.

Tuomo Ruutu opened the scoring just a minute into the game and the Canes were looking hopeful. But New Jersey captain, Jamie Langenbrunner, who looked fully recovered from his injuries tied it at 1-1 a minute and a half later. Then Jay Pandolfo backhanded the Devils into the lead at about the 13 minute mark of the first and the Devils settled down into their patented shutdown game. The first period had no penalties, but both teams picked up their games for the 2nd. At 3:42 of the second, Carolina veteran Ray Whitney snapped the tying goal past Martin Brodeur but Brian Rolston scored a powerplay marker at 8:47. No more goals in the 2nd - and it looked like that would be all.

Both teams had 12 shots each in the 3rd period and Carolina's Cam Ward stopped several great New Jersey shots, giving Carolina the chance they needed. And then it happened. Jussi Jokinen finally got one past Brodeur with a minute-20 to go. Everyone was thinking OVERTIME. But The Canes kept coming. They got the puck into the Devils zone one more time and New Jersey came this close (I'm holding my finger and thumb slightly apart) to intercepting a Carolina pass to Tim Gleason which would have likely resulted in a breakaway for the Devils, but Gleason (from his knees!) shoveled a pass over to Joni Pitkanen who fired a pass to Jussi Jokinen hovering off Brodeur's crease and he one-timed a shot through his pads to score an unbelievable goal. Eric Staal then flew down the rink and scored a beauty past Martin Brodeur to win the series. If Gleason hadn't been able to just barely reach that puck...

Kudos to the Canes. Now they will meet up with the Bruins who are all rested up after sweeping the Habs. That will be a great series too. And the Bruins had better not let themselves be caught nappin' with a one goal lead, as these upstart Hurricanes have proven they play every minute.

NHL Game 7: Washington Capitals Win! Heading to Round 2

Gotta love game seven! The Rangers and Washington fought a close game up til Sergei Fedorov scored to put Caps into the next round. You've got to like Fedorov being the guy who finished off New York. He always finds a way to make his presence felt, even after all these years. The Washington Capitals as a franchise can look back to this series as proof that they have the gumption, the jam, and the will to fight back and win when many have written them off. Trailing 3-1, the Caps had a monumental comeback, winning 3 straight against a tough, determined Rangers squad. Now Washington faces the Pittsburgh Penguins - a team that has also stepped up their game in the postseason.

Both teams had scored a single goal in the first, Leaf castoff Nik Antropov at 5:35 for the Rangers and Alex Semin scored for the Caps with on a weird deflection about 10 minutes later. Both Henrik Lundqvist of the Rangers and Washington's rookie Simeon Varlamov made lots of gamesavers through the 2nd and 3rd periods building to a winner take all with minutes remaining. The Capitals were looking to exorcise past demons like Islanders Pat LaFontaine's OT goal way back in 1987 and last year's loss to Philadelphia in OT that had knocked the Caps out of the playoffs. The Rangers were putting on a lot of pressure and Washington right winger Matt Bradley did a behind the back pass to Fedorov who flew down the wing like in days long past, into the Rangers' zone, stopped and fired high, glove side on Lunqvist and and in. The Caps' faithful erupted and knew that this was their time. The Capitals just kept the Rangers away from the Caps end as best they could as time slipped away on the Rangers' season. The last minute was pretty much all spent in the New York end of the rink and the Rangers didn't have an opportunity to pull Lundqvist for an extra attacker. And the celebration was in Washington.

This was also the first playoff series win for the Washington Capitals in 11 years! A looong time coming. This win must also be very sweet for the sixteen players on the Capitals (including Alexander Ovechkin) who came back last year after trailing 3-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers only to be stung with an overtime loss to the Flyers on the Caps' home ice.

One thing I noticed was Fedorov making a point of patting rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov on the head and telling him (likely in Russian) good job kid. Didn't I tell ya we'd do it?" to Varlamov who was grinning from ear to ear. Good to see a longtime star of the NHL do that to the young goalie. Little scenes like that make NHL playoff hockey the best thing in sports. The Hockey Highlighter congratuates the Caps on a great series.

Now, who do you like in Round 2?

Rangers Coach Tortorella Suspended In Playoffs

New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella has been suspended for the 6th and possibly deciding game of the Rangers-Capitals game for squirting a fan and then tossing a water bottle into the stands during the Rangers 4-0 loss in Game 5. If you were watching the game it looked like Torts was in a running battle with Caps fans behind the Rangers bench all through the game. I saw him throw the bottle (and stand on the Rangers' bench with a hockey stick) as he was continually pestered by fans. Tortorelli had been claiming that the fan had thrown beer on him, but subsequent reviews showed that he had actually sprayed the fan first.

It wasn't until today that we saw the video of Tortorelli actually spraying water between the glass partitions at the guys behind him that started the mess. After that the fans became more and more irate and Tortorelli responded by throwing the bottle and the rest of his shenanigans.

The NHL brass has decided that Tortorelli's actions warrant serious punishment, so the Rangers will be without the coach heading into a crucial playoff game 6 were they could either finish off the Washington Capitals, or if the team loses, face a game 7 back in the Capitals arena.

Colin Campbell, the head disciplinarian of the NHL, said "While it is a difficult decision to suspend a coach at this point in a playoff series, it has been made clear to all of our players, coaches and other bench personnel that the National Hockey League cannot, and will not, tolerate any physical contact with fans."

Tortorelli had assistant coach Jim Schoenfeld with him behind the bench since the entire coaching staff had been let go back in February, so the pickins is slim as far as coaching staff goes. There is some talk that someone from the Rangers' AHL affiliate might get the call to assist Schoenfeld in the big game, but nothing has been announced yet.

The National Hockey League does have a zero tolerence level for contact with abusive fans, and assistance from the police or security personnel at the arena is usually sought. Tortorelli's suspension also appears to have the blessing of league commissioner Gary Bettman. Tortorelli had been demanding his team keep away from undisaplined play as it could cost them not just a game, but the entire series. He had benched Rangers' Sean Avery after the pesky forward had taken several stupid penalties through games 3 and 4. There was speculation that Avery might be back for Game 6 which will be Sunday at 2pm eastern. It should be a real barn burner, so you might want to tune in.

Avery Tossed, Caps Whip Rangers 4-0

The Capitals were in tough, down 2-0 in their series against the New York Rangers and they came through. Alexander Ovechkin remains scoreless, but not for lack of effort as he has taken a ton of shots, but Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist is looming large.

Ovie still contributed nicely with a couple of assists in Washington's win and a renewed effort on his defensive game.

The Rangers Sean Avery showed why he is one of the most disliked players in hockey with his continued cheap shots, first suckerpunching Washington defenseman John Erskine (6'4") who barely moved and just looked down at the diminutive Avery. If Erskine had responded, Avery would have likely done his turtle act which he is known for. He got the boot from the game for also punching Caps rookie goaltender Simeon Varlamov.

Even Don Cherry called Avery's antics "chicken... stuff" and suggest Rangers' coach John Tortorella sit him far, far off the end of the bench. Torts just gave Avery a very disappointed and disgusted look as he was led off the ice. According to his own coach, Avery is not a "headline player" and I think he won't be long in a Rangers uniform. He probably will be off the Rangers squad early next year if stupid plays like that prevent the Rangers from advancing. Avery is well known for crass comments and trying to make the game "exciting" but he is just a marginal player trying desperately to carve out a role for himself. In the 3 games of the series he is pointless and a minus 1. The role he is defining for himself by these goofy actions like he pulled the other night is as a retired player. He can't score, and he seems to think that the fans love him for the crap he pulls. We don't.

Ugh, I don't even want to discuss Sean Avery anymore. He can now be considered as banned from the Hockey Highlighter.

Meanwhile, the Caps dominated the Rangers. Alexander Semin scored twice and Ovechkin added his two assists as the Caps finally solved Rangers' goalie Lundqvist. The big story out of the series so far, other than Ovechkin's goal-less streak, is the great play by the Capitals' rookie Goalie Simeon Varlamov who shut out New York in Game 3 and has allowed only one goal since coming in to relieve Jose Theodore after his horrendous start in games 1 and 2.


Simeon Varlamov Shuts Out Rangers In First Full Playoff Start

Varlamov has played in only 6 regular season games (4-0-1) and recorded the loss in Game 2 which should have been Theodore's (is that guy ever going to become a topline goalie?) and Varlamov's shutout was his first ever in NHL play, and doing that in the NHL playoffs, as a rookie, raises the eyebrows of many experienced hockey fans.

There's always the thoughts, "Remember Dryden?", and comparisons to Patrick Roy, etc etc., but that was only one game. The kid with the steely blue-eyed stare played very well, but the playoffs can grind up a young goalie. No matter what the Washington Capitals young goalie does in the playoffs, there'll be more than a few eyes on him as he will likely get a lot more game experience in the 2009-10 season.

But that is looking too far ahead, Game 4 is looming, April 22nd at 7pm. How do you think Varlamov will do?

Bruins Have Habs On Brink After 4-2 Game 3 Win

The Montreal Canadiens came out like gangbusters in the 1st period of Game 3 against the Boston Bruins as could be expected. They hit, pounded, grabbed, and again hit everything black, yellow and white on the ice in the first period but came away with only a 1-1 tie after the opening period. Unfortunately, the Habs were undermanned. Their quarterbacks on the power play, defensmen Mathieu Schneider and Andrei Markov were out, as well as sniper Alex Tanguay with the proverbial "upper body injuries" and Sergei Kostitsyn was a healthy scratch after taking the penalty in Game 2 that led to the Bruins' first goal. Matt D'Agostini, Defenseman Ryan O'Byrne (a big boy at 6'6") were in for the Habs.

The Bruins were without Milan Lucic who was suspended after a cross-check to the head of Maxim Lapierre with 5 minutes left in Game 2 as Lapierre charged after Lucic who was roughing up Mathieu Schneider at the time. The Bruins were also with Matt Hunwick who was rushed to hospital after collapsing shortly after expressing being overcome with illness following a team meeting. He underwent surgery and his spleen had to be removed. Hunwick won't be returning anytime soon to the Bruins lineup.


The Habs had lots of jump in the 1st and were rewarded with their 1st and only lead in any of the 3 games of the series when Christopher Higgins beat Bruins Tim Thomas at 11:52, but after withstanding the early flurry by Montreal, Bruins sniper Phil Kessel tied it up at 18:35 on a tip-in on a long shot from the blue line after a poor clearing pass by the Habs Komisarek right to Boston's Dennis Wideman. The Bruins were really starting to pressure the Habs at the end of period.The Bruins were beginning to get more and more shots and chances on Habs goalie Carey Price, who was fairly sharp for most of the game after being yanked in the 5-1 Game 2 loss. There was a lot of pressure on Montreal's GM-coach Bob Gainey to play Jaroslav Halak instead of Price, but Gainey chose to play Price.

The Habs did outshoot (10-7) and outhit the Bruins in the opening stanza, but the Bruins reversed the figures in the 2nd and 3rd periods and established a DOMINATING forecheck in the third period, a veritable wall of Bruins players that the Montreal squad could not penetrate. Every pass was picked off and the Bruins absolutely smothered any hope the Habs had of any sort of a comeback in the 3rd period.

Scott Thornton put the Bruins ahead 2-1 on a nifty pass from Byron Bitz, which triggered a number of boos for the Montreal netminder. A shot by Montreal's Yannick Weber eluded Thomas after Marc Savard lost a key faceoff in the Bruins zone, but after that, it was all Boston.


Michael Ryder scored the game winner (and 2nd goal of the series) at 17:21 of the 2nd period. Ryder's goal must have been sweet revenge as he had played for Montreal last year and had sat out all 12 of Montreal's playoff games after what was felt to have been a sub-par season for the Right Winger who bounced back with 27 regular season goals this year after the Bruins signed him as a free agent after last season, a very good pickup for the team.

The 3rd period was classic Bruins shutdown hockey. The Bruins have become experts at completely shutting an opposing team off when leading going into the 3rd period as evidenced by their incredible 38-2 record when entering the final period with a lead. Every time the Habs picked up a puck a Bruin was immediately on him and another ready to pick off any pass. Montreal couldn't muster any offence in the last period. As time winded down and it became obvious that Montreal was not going to be able to get more than the odd long shot, the Habs tried Hail Mary type of passes just hoping someone could get into the Bruins zone. That rarely happened.

Finally, with about a minute left, Gainey pulled Carey Price in favor of a sixth attacker, but the result was still the same. Bruins stopping the Canadiens stone cold in the neutral zone. Chuck Kobasew chased down the puck with Montreal's Saku Koivu in hot pursuit. The announcer said it all: "This really sums up the whole series, aging Saku Koivu gets outmuscled by strong, young Chuck Kobasew who scores on the empty net."

Bruins win 4-2. A solid defensive effort from the Boston Bruins in the 3rd period shut down the Habs. Basically, the Habs lost because of injuries, having smaller players, but bottom line: the Boston Bruins have much more depth and talent and Montreal couldn't overcome the relentless attack and defensive work of the Bruins. They are right now a much, much better team and Montreal is not going to be able to beat them, imho.

Game 4: Wed Apr. 22 @ Montreal 7pm
Game 5: Sat Apr. 25 @ Boston* 7pm (if needed)
Game 6: Mon Apr. 27 @ Montreal* TBD (if needed)
Game 7: Tues Apr. 28 @ Boston* TBD (if needed)

Milan Lucic Suspended Indefinitely...

Towards the end of last night's game between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, Milan Lucic received a match penalty and is now suspended indefinitely as both teams gear up for the third game of their best of seven playoff series. The Bruins lead the series 2-0 after beating Montreal rather easily in Game 2, 5-1. The incident took place with less than 5 minutes remaining in the 3rd period, as Lucic and the Habs defenseman Mathieu Schneider shoved each other with their sticks and Montreal's Maxim Lapierre came in to help Schneider and as Lapierre approached Lucic, the big Bruins' toughguy struck Lapierre in the face with his stick. Automatic suspension until a review of the play is made by league officials.

Under rule 21.2, Lucic is suspended from further play until a disciplinary hearing can be held. If a hearing can be put together quickly, Lucic may be eligible for Monday's big game in Montreal. Supposedly, there's supposed to be a quick telephone conference today and if the Bruins' coach, Claude Julien, has anything to do with it, this controversy will be dealt with quickly with no games missed for Milan Lucic.

According to Julien, Lucic "might have lost his composure a little bit. You have to remember that he got elbowed in the head and then high-sticked by Schneider and then Lapierre comes in and Lapierre has been an instigator throughout the whole series and even during the regular season -- and what Looch did is react to (Lapierre) coming at him. It wasn't premeditated and, in reviewing it, (Lucic) hit him with his glove. He had his stick in his hand but the glove hit the helmet. Had the stick hit him in the head, I think he would have been down, but Lapierre stayed up and kept coming at Looch. If there is one thing, I know it certainly wasn't premeditated."

If you review the highlights of the game, you can see that Lucic had his stick in the hand that he hit Lapierre with, and Lapierre suffered no ill effects of the hit. But still, with the match penalty being assessed, suspension was automatic, and the process will have to be dealt with before Lucic can be confirmed as active for the next game.

Lucic hasn't commented yet (and will not likely do so), as he and his Bruins teammates await the NHL's decision. Maxim Lapierre has been non-committal one way or the other on Lucic missing at least one game, "It's not my business to give someone a suspension," he is reported to have said. "In the playoffs, you give some and you receive some. It was my turn. They have the video and they are going to take care of it." And here's the video of Lucic-Lapierre courtesy of NHL Fanhouse.

Bruins Hunwick Hospitalized, Speen Removed

Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Hunwick will likely miss the remainder of the NHL playoffs after undergoing a spleenectomy today after complaining of abdominal pain and being rushed to hospital. You might remember Hunwick as the recipient of a facewash from Mike Komesarik at the end of Game One of the Conference Quarterfinals against the Montreal Canadiens. Hunwick left at the end of the game with an ugly right eye that some, including teammate Marc Savard, complained was a deliberate attempt at an eye gouge by Komesarik.

According to an interview of Hunwick's agent, Peter Fish, it would be "very optimistic" that Hunwick would be able to return to the playoffs this year. The 23-year-old Hunwick was rushed to hospital from Ristuccia Arena via ambulance after he started to complain about where he later had his spleen removed. The Bruins' rearguard had appeared in 53 games this season and recorded 6 goals and 21 assists for 27 points after having played in 13 games last year but seeing no playoff action.

Hurricanes Surprise Devils With 2-1 OT Win

Both the regulation goals came in the 1st period as New Jersey lost game 2 at home to the Carolina Hurricanes in overtime. The Canes' Tim Gleason scored his first goal in 70 games as Carolina took the game to the Devils in the extra stanza. The Devils who had been solid for most of the game, seemed to sag in OT, allowing Carolina to outshoot them 5-0 in the overtime period.

In the four playoff series the teams have played this was the fifth game that went to overtime and Carolina has now won all 5 of those games. Maybe the Hurricanes should just try to stay even with the Devils until overtime when they seem to command the Devils. In all 5 of those Carolina victories, Martin Brodeur was in net for the Devils, who has a record of 11-20 in overtime contests, perhaps the only weak link in the allstar goalie's game.

The New Jersey team lost their captain Jamie Langenbrunner possibly out for Game 3 when he took a slap shot off his ankle blocking a shot midway through the 2nd period and Langanbrunner didn't return.

Carolina almost won the game about a minute before Gleason scored on a similar play. Canes defenseman Joni Pitkanen fired a shot from the left circle that appeared to bounce off a New Jersey defenseman and Carolina's captain Rod Brind'Amour before hitting the post behind Brodeur.

The Devils looked like they might put together a repeat of the series opener that they dominated. Zach Parise had a goal called back because of a high stick, but moments later he deflected a shot for a power play goal ten minutes into the 1st period. Carolina's Eric Staal tied it with seconds remaining in the first when Ray Whitney's shot off the endboards and Staal pounced on the puck and fired it into the net past Brodeur.

Now, with the series tied 1-1, it's off to Carolina where the Hurricanes have been almost unbeatable for the last 10-15 games.

GAME 3: @Carolina, Sun. Apr. 19, 7:30 pm
GAME 4: @Carolina, Tue. Apr. 21, 7:30 pm
GAME 5: @New Jersey, Thu. Apr. 23, 7:30 pm
*GAME 6: @Carolina, Sun. Apr. 26, TBD
*GAME 7: @New Jersey, Tue. Apr. 28, 7:30 pm
* if necessary; all times Eastern

Game 2: Pens Win 3-2 Over Flyers In OT

Playing a much more disaplined style, the Philadelphia Flyers looked to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, but once again ran into penalty trouble, this time in overtime. The Pens Bill Guerin scored when his team got a 5 on 3 in the extra frame to take a 2-0 lead in their Quarter Final series. The Flyers played better as a team and dominated with a lot of time spent in the Penguins zone, but the Penguinos kept coming. Both netminders, Marc-Andre Fleury and Flyers Martin Biron, could hardly be faulted as even late in the game they both stopped several up-close chances with toe saves.

Compared to the opener, there was almost the complete absence of penalties in regulation time with 3 penalties called on each team and only one power play goal. Pens captain Sidney Crosby and Mike Richards of the Flyers had a running battle all night.

Scott Hartnell of Philadelphia scored the all important opening goal as he beat Fleury with a tip in on Matthew Carle's shot at 13:26 of the 1st period. Bill Guerin tied it up at 16:38 of the 2nd period (with assists to Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby), which re-energized the Penguins faithful who had started to fall quiet for long portions as the Flyers spent all their time in the Pens end of the ice. So, 1-1 after two periods.

Early in the 3rd, Flyers center Darroll Powe scored the first playoff goal of his career at 2:06 and that took a lot out of the Penguins. And like in the Bruins-Habs game last night, the visiting team took a penalty and then Pittsburgh scored their tying goal on the ensuing power play. Engeni Malkin had the shot of Sergi Gonchar deflect off his skate while the big center was parked in front of Biron. That goal tied it up at 2-2 and off they went to overtime.

Penalties In Overtime Down Flyers

Guerin scored the winner late in overtime to give the Penguins a 2-0 lead over the Flyers in the series. It was a nice goal and Guerin's 2nd of the playoffs as Philadelphia had 2 men in the penalty box. Hall Gill, the lanky Pens defenseman was called for cross checking at 15:26 of OT, and the Flyers looked to cash in on their man advantage, but Philly's Mike Knuble was called for cross checking at 16:55 and Claude Giroux for slashing as he slashed the stick of a Penguin who was trailing into the Philadelphia zone on a rush. Then it was a 2-man advantage for the Penguins and Sergi Gonchar found Guerin alone to Biron's right. Guerin slipped a shot past Biron for the game winner. As a side note: Evgeni Malkin with 2 goals and 3 assists leads the playoff scoring race and has been in on 5 of Pittsburgh's 7 goals in the series.

Now off to the confines of Philadelphia where the Flyers will be even tougher.

GAME 3: @Philadelphia, Sun. Apr. 19, 3 pm.
GAME 4: @Philadelphia, Tue. Apr. 21, 7 pm.
*GAME 5: @Pittsburgh, Thu. Apr. 23, 7 pm.
*GAME 6: @Philadelphia, Sat. Apr. 25, 3 pm.
*GAME 7: @Pittsburgh, Mon. Apr. 27, TBD
* if necessary; all times Eastern

Minnesota Wild Fire Doug Risebrough

Craig Leipold, owner of the Minnesota Wild has announced that the team is letting team president and General Manager Doug Risebrough go after the Wild missed the Stanley Cup playoffs by a mere 2 points this season. Risebrough has been involved with professional hockey for more than 34 years, the last 10 as General Manager of the Wild. According to Leipold, he had made up his mind to shake things up in the franchise's management team about a month ago as the Wild were trying to catch one of the last playoff spots.

The search for a replacement starts almost immediately and according to Leipold, the person who takes over will have only the General Manager's job title, so really they're looking for 2 people to fill Risebrough's place. Perhaps I should submit my name to the franchise. I mean really, if my own bid for ownership of the Montreal Canadiens falls through (likely due to that darned Serge Savard character not returning my calls), I'd like to have a back up plan and sitting up in the box watching my players 82 times a year would suit my temperament just fine thank you. And if the Wild made the playoffs under my watch, I'd probably get a bonus and get to see at least one round of playoff hockey for free. (Maybe I can talk to my buddy Savard about a reference...)

Anaheim Ducks Shut Out Mighty Sharks

This wasn't supposed to be a cake walk for the San Jose Sharks, but they are not looking like President Trophy winners in the early going in the series against the Anaheim Ducks. San Jose, who ended the season with the most points of any NHL team during the regular season couldn't muster a single goal in their 2-0 loss to the much lower seeded Ducks. Right now the two teams look like they're heading in opposite directions: the Sharks have been less than spectacular in the late stages of the season, while the Ducks have been winning more and more games.

The Sharks ended the regular season by losing 3 of their last 5 games (a 5-2 drubbing by these same Ducks) and lost 4-1 to the Phoenix Coyotes and a 1-0 shootout loss to the even worse Colorado Avalanche. The Anaheim Ducks finished the regular season with a 10-2-1 run as they clinched a playoff spot.

Looking back farther, since Feb 22nd, the once high-flying Sharks have won only 2 games by more than a single goal. From the start of the season until then, the Sharks lit up other teams like a peanut gallery. Maybe it was due to injuries, as Mike Grier, Ryan Clowe and team captain Patrick Marleau all missed a lot of games at the end of the season.


More fans are asking about the absence of Joe Thornton. Sure, Thornton played, but he was The Invisible Shark in last night's game. Big Joe didn't register a single shot on the Ducks net until the final minute! This guy is being paid millions and he hasn't ratcheted up his game. If you are being paid Thornton-like dollars, you had better play like a maniac and hit everything in a Ducks uniform. Thornton's play was noticeable for his absence. Step it up Joe, or the Sharks will make yet another 1st-round exit.

In the game, both goalies were excellent. The Sharks' Evgeni Nabokov and the Ducks' Jonas Hiller kept the score 0-0 until the third period. Nabokov was in his usual fine form and the Ducks' rookie goaltender Hiller really looked sharp in his first playoff action. Hiller earned his shutout with a 35 save performance from the 27-year-old netminder. He stated that he did have previous playoff experience (including some game 7 action) when he played in the Swiss League. But he looked ready last night as the Sharks could not solve the Ducks goalie.

Scott Niedermayer finally scored against Nabokov at the five minute mark and the Sharks couldn't get anything past Hiller. There were a few close calls, but Hiller's best friends, the crossbar and posts stopped all that eluded the Anaheim goaltender. Ryan Getslaf who had been held scoreless by San Jose in 12 previous contests scored Anaheim's 2nd goal.

All in all, this is a bad omen for the San Jose Sharks. Beaten (shutout no less!) by a team that ended so far behind them in the regular season, and the 2nd straight loss to the Ducks. The Ducks have now gone 8-0-2 in their last 10 games and are showing that even a lower seeded team can compete with the top NHL teams when the playoffs roll around. Now, to see if they can do it again in game 2 before they head home to Anaheim with at least a split.

GAME 2: Sun Apr 19 @ San Jose 10pm
GAME 3: Tue Apr 21 @ Anaheim 10:30pm
GAME 4: Thu Apr 23 @ Anaheim 10:30pm
GAME 5: Sat Apr 25 @ San Jose 10:00pm
GAME 6: Mon Apr 27 @ Anaheim TBD
GAME 7: Wed Apr 29 @ San Jose TBD

Bruins Take Game One 4-2 Over Habs

The Boston Bruins came through, or more like their captain, Zdeno Chara came through, as they beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 in their Quarter Final Playoff Series game opener. The Bruins jumped to a 2-0 lead but Montreal came back and tied it up 2-2 before Chara blasted a laser front the point to win the game for his team. The Bruins added an empty net goal and walked away from a game they easily could have lost.

Bruins Set The Physical Tone Early

The Bruins came out for a physical game, laying on the body on every shift. Milan Lucic crushed one Hab forward into the side glass (I think his surprised expression can still be seen etched into the glass) and it seemed every other shift one Montreal player after another would be squashed into the boards, slump to the ice with a dazed look in his eyes. All that was missing was little cartoon birds flying around their heads, as the Bruins took full advantage of the size difference between the two teams.

Montreal's noted toughguy, Georges Laraque bragged before the game that he would set the tone in the Habs' favor and had dismissed Scott Thornton as too puny for big Georges to worry about. For all his talk, and being on the Montreal's top line, he registered only a single hit even though Laraque had the most playing time he's had all year since joining the Habs. He played 13 minutes and surprise, was pointless, had one hit and spent most of his time glaring menacingly at Chara. Scott Thornton was yapping at Laraque before one faceoff, but he didn't pay much attention. You could say that Big Georges was more like Big Gaping Void in this game.

Meanwhile Lucic spent a fair bit of time hitting all the little red, white and blue jerseys that scampered across his path. Lucic was a monster in the hitting department during the regular season with 262 hits, and the hits just kept on coming. And he got a couple of assists in that game, which matched Laraque's total output for the 33 games he appeared in all season. Of Lucic or Laraque, who would you rather have on your team? Hands down, Lucic all the way, everyday. The Laraque Experiment in Montreal can only be described as a colossal mistake.

Goal Scoring

The game was relatively penalty-free until the final minute of the third period, so the power-plays of both teams are top notch and the Bruins went 1-4 and the Habs, 0-2. Bruins sniper Phil Kessel opened the scoring with a wrist shot that beat Carey Price at 13:11 of the 1st period. Price had looked a little shaky early on (one announcer of the game took great umbrage when the color commentator expressed dismay at Price's lukewarm play. The first guy had been obviously favoring the Habs, as usual, and kept saying "the Bruins player" did this, and "the Boston player" did that, every thing the Canadiens players did early was "dominating" and ever shot directed at the Bruins net "just missed the far corner" - shoddy favoritism). If you can't see the players' names (or just don't know the players' names) it's time to get out of the announcing bidness Joe. (Mini-rant over.)

Price did start looking better and more sure of himself as the first period wore on, but when David Krejci put the Bruins ahead about a minute and a half after Kessel's goal, visions of Price returning to his "Holie-The-Goalie" form must have made Habs GM-coach Bob Gainey look down the bench at Jaroslav Halak and contemplate a hook. But Price held the fort and turned in a decent performance for the remainder of the game as the Bruins buzzed the net time and time again. Boston owned Montreal in the first and outshot them 15-9, but the second saw a rejuvenated Habs squad after a late first period shot by Chris Higgins beat Tim Thomas. Montreal outshot Boston 13-10 in the second and got their tying goal on a beautiful shot by Alexei Kovalev. Several times the Canadiens almost made it 3-2 except for the good defensive work by the Bruins rearguards and Thomas.

The third looked like it might be shades of past games and series between the two longtime rivals. Close game - getting later in the game - both teams getting their chances, and then a stupid penalty. In other years, it would be Boston getting the bad penalty, but this time it was Montreal defenseman Josh Gorges who got the gate for cross checking P. J. Axelsson behind the play as Montreal was chugging up-ice.

Zdeno Chara Steps Up

So far in the game, Boston's power play had been unsuccessful, with only 4-5 long shots on Price when Boston had the man advantage. The Bruins almost always kept the puck in the Habs zone, but it seemed that they kept trying to pass once or twice too many times. Not this time.

The puck came to Marc Savard who was hovering to the right of Price, he dropped his shoulder and without looking, passed back to Zdeno Chara who had cruised into the mid-ice as the Habs defenders had all fallen back expecting Savard to pass into the slot. The pass back to Chara caught everyone by surprise and the man with the hardest shot in the NHL slapped a onetimer right past Carey Price. It was a beautiful goal and a backbreaker for the Habs. (Funny: as the Bruins converged on Chara to congratulate him, Savard kissed him on the cheek). From there til the end of the game the Bruins looked like they were solidly in charge. In the third Boston was on the attack again after Chara's goal and outshot, outhit and most importantly, outworked the Montreal team.

Lapierre Mugs Kessel

The Habs pulled Carey Price for the extra attacker with a minute left and when Mathieu Schneider tried a long pass to try to break into the Bruins end, Milan Lucic snarfed up the pass and bolted into the Habs zone on the left side of the Montreal net, as he flew past and Schneider swung his stick and clipped Lucic on the head but Lucic steamed towards the empty net but with a couple of Habs blocking him from a clear shot, he slipped a pass over to Phil Kessel who potted his second goal of the night. Maxim Lapierre apparently took exception to Kessel's easy goal and dragged the Bruins top goal scorer to the boards and that brought Lucic, Komisarek and the rest into it.

Lucic grabbed Lapierre off Kessel, and Bruins defenseman Matt Hunwick tried to hold Mike Komisarek out of the fray. Hunwick had Komisarek pawing at his face (some, including Marc Savard, thought it was an eye gouge and that's what the replay looked like) and Hunwick's eye looked nasty afterwards. Lucic and Lapierre received 2 minutes for roughing and 10 minute misconducts. Then 14 seconds later, more of the same, as there was another "gathering" and after the pushing and shoving, Steve Montador and Guillaume Latendresse were assessed 2 for roughing and 10 minute misconducts.

Now, it's on to Game 2 on Saturday... more of the same bad blood is expected.

Game 2: Sat Apr. 18 @ Boston 8 p.m.
Game 3: Mon Apr. 20 @ Montreal 7 p.m.
Game 4: Wed Apr. 22 @ Montreal 7 p.m.
Game 5: Sat Apr. 25 @ Boston* 7 p.m.
Game 6: Mon Apr. 27 @ Montreal* TBD
Game 7: Tues Apr. 28 @ Boston* TBD

Flyers Daniel Carcillo Suspended, Coach Fined

The Philadelphia Flyers' Head Coach, John Stevens was fined $10,000 and Daniel Carcillo was suspended for one game for his apparent butt end to the head of Pittsburgh's Max Talbot with seven seconds remaining in the first game of their quarter-final series. The Penguins were up 4-1 at this point and the Flyers were in the middle of a stream of penalties taken in an effort to "send a message", as the parlance goes, to the Pittsburgh Penguins that the Philadelphia Flyers weren't about to roll over and "just you wait til the next game" verbiage was thrown out by the Flyers. That was their error. The league had stated that they were not going to allow this stuff.

Before the playoffs even started, Colin Campbell, the NHL Senior VP of Hockey Operations told the General Managers and coaches of those teams bound for the playoffs that the league will not tolerate messages being sent when the game was already decided. Campbell was quoted as saying "Organizations – players and coaches – will be held accountable for such actions." And the Flyers are being held to that.

In the last 4 minutes of Game One, with the score 4-1 in favor of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Flyers started hitting anyone in a Penguins jersey, Jordan Stall was cross-checked from behind into the boards, and another Flyer delivered a two-handed slash to the legs of another Penguin. The Flyers were given 7 penalties (23 total penalty minutes) in the last 4 minutes of the game when it became obvious that it was over. Anyone who is a fan of playoff hockey knew what the Flyers were trying to do -- that even though the Pens would win this game, they should expect more of this in the next game.

On the play in question, Carcillo was on the ice taking a faceoff against Talbot and clipped Talbot ("Just a follow though as I passed the puck" claims Carcillo) in the back of the head of the helmeted Talbot who slumped to the ice in obvious pain. Talbot wasn't injured and will play in the second game of the best-of-seven series.

Carcillo received no penalty on the play, but it was reviewed by the league who decided that the Flyers coach, John Stevens, should be fined $10,000 for putting Carcillo and others on the ice with 7 seconds left knowing what message he wanted delivered. The Flyers were outworked and outplayed for most of the game, and as the time ticked away, it became apparent that the Flyers were not going to muster enough offence to make a game of it, so the Flyers started taking several cheap shots at several of the Penguins players. Carcillo will miss game 2 of the series as the Flyers try to improve on their lackluster effort in the first game.

Devils, Rangers, Pens Win In Round One Opening Games

The Penguins and Devils won their games easily and the Rangers gave up a 3-1 lead, but won 4-3.

In Pittsburgh

Sidney Crosby scored the first goal of the 2008-09 Stanley Cup Playoffs and you know that Sid wants to end them the same way. The Flyers got tepid goaltending from Martin Biron as the Pens got 3 more goals and held a 4-0 lead into the 3rd period before giving up a goal by Flyers left winger Simon Gagne. The Pens looked like the same team that easily handled the Flyers in last year's Conference Finals. Last year the Pens scored at least 4 times in each win and then dominated the Philadelphia Flyers winning that series with a convincing 6-0 shutout. The Penguinos scored 12 straight goals in total against Philly going back to last year and the Flyers didn't like what they saw. With the first game slipping away, the Flyers decided that it was time to send the Flyers a message. And ended the game with 3 players in the penalty box for their trouble.

The Flyers probably could have been penalized for deliberately trying to injure Jordan Staal as Ryan Parent cross-checked the Penguins forward into the boards from behind. And moments before that, Arron Asham gave a 2-handed slash to a Penguin player. It was a parade of Flyers to the penalty box from the 16:08 mark as Lupul, Alberts, Asham, and Parent received 2 minute penalties in a 3 minute period and Scott Hartnell got a 10 minute misconduct. Stupid and non-productive penalties. The Penguins Bill Guerin had enough and fought Braydon Coburn with 7 seconds remaining. Basically they joisted for a few seconds and Guerin just dropped his mitts, grabbed Coburn and wrestled him to the ice.

Philly looked very mediocre in this game and had little offence until the 3rd period when they broke double-digits in shots on goal. The Pens dominated in the faceoff circle winning almost 70 percent of the draws and they spent the first 2 periods peppering Biron and cycling along the boards at will in the Flyers zone.

Devils Win In A Walk

It was even worse in the Devils-Carolina game. Only without the rough stuff. For the first 2 periods, Martin Brodeur faced few shots as New Jersey played textbook New Jersey hockey and looked like the team of a month ago before their recent slide. The Devils got goals from defenseman Mike Mottau late in the first, Parise and Patrik Elias scored in the 2nd and Jamie Langenbrunner popped in a goal in the third as the Devils cruised to an opening round victory. Brodeur came within 11 minutes of tying Patrick Roy's record for playoff shutouts (23) but the Canes Ray Whitney scored on the Devils star goalie who finished with 18 saves. That makes the 96th playoff win in Martin Brodeur's career. How many goalies make into 96 playoff games, let alone winning 96 games?

This was the first appearance in the playoffs for many of the Hurricane players who had won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Almost like a re-baptism for these guys as Carolina hasn't had a playoff game since they won that Cup. The Canes may be able to hang on til they get back home, but unless they turn their fortunes around in NJ, they'll be playing golf inside of a week and a half.

Rangers Beat Ovechkin

The New York Rangers took game one at the Verizon Center 4-3 as Ovechkin was held scoreless (he's was credited with a goal, but after review, it went to teammate Tomas Fleischmann) but Ovechkin did get a couple of assists. You wouldn't want the Rangers to be in a shootout with the Capitals if you're a Rangers' fan, but New York jumped out to a 3-1 lead as Scott Gomez led the way with a goal and 2 assists. The seventh seeded Rangers held on as Washington came back to tie it up on goals by Viktor Kozlov (his first ever playoff goal in 21 games!) late in the second and then Alexander Semin tied it at 3-3 with a wrist shot from a pass from Ovechkin. Then Brandon Dubinsky scored with 8 minutes left on a beautiful play as he deked the Caps massive defenseman (he's Chara-sized at 6'6") at the blueline and snapped a quick shot past Jose Theodore for the winner.

MacTavish Out As Oilers Coach

Craig MacTavish has been ousted as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. Unbelieveable! Well, the Habs are going to be looking for a new coach when they get beat by the Bruins by the end of next week, so maybe they'll take a look at Craig. One drawback is that MacTavish lacks french language skills. But Montreal needs a proven coach and he has 8 years experience and has a winning record (301-252-103) and took Edmonton to the finals a few years back.

He just wore out his welcome as the coach in Edmonton after a stellar career as a player and former team captain for the Oilers. The problem was that the players on the team just didn't live up to the hype on this go round. Lots of big egos were sitting on the bench this year, and one player wanted to be treated like a big-time superstar while producing 3rd line goal totals. You don't get the big bucks putting in a mere 16 goals all season Sam Gagner and wonder why you aren't beloved by the coaching staff. If he doesn't produce numbers like he himself says he's capable of, Gagner will be gone early next season. Mark my words.

Penguins Jump Out Two Nothing In Game One

Okay, the Penguins have already won the series and now are waiting patiently for Washington to dispatch the Rangers so Sid and his crew can move on to round three. Wow, are there a lot of bandwagon jumpers in the Pens camp all of a sudden! The 2nd period of the first game isn't even half way over and people are already willing to write off the Flyers? Sure the Pens are looking good, but just because Sid The Kid scored his first goal early, don't put Philly on the shelf just yet. Fleury hasn't really even been tested yet and the Flyers have only had one real power play in the first game of the series. There a lot of hockey to play...

Just look at the score in the Caps-Rangers game 3-2 Rangers (Scott Gomez has a goal, 2 assists). Ovechkin has scored and Viktor Kozlov scored his first ever playoff goal (yep, 21 playoff games with Panthers, Devils, Islanders and now Capitals and the guy who broke into the league with the Sharks with much fanfare in '94-95 finally gets a playoff goal to go with his 6 playoff assists.)

Over in New Jersey, Martin Brodeur is looking pretty solid (big sigh of relief from Devils fans) as the Devils have jumped out into a 3-0 lead on goals by Mike Mottau, Zach Parise and Elias. Sure, Brodeur has only faced nine shots, but through 2 periods he's got the goose egg.

Flyers-Penguins: And the Battle Is Joined...

These two teams really match up pretty evenly for this series. Here's a simple breakdown:

Flyers

Pens

wins

44

45

points

99

99

goals

21

20

These teams played 6 games against each other this season and were separated by one goal and that's not counting Pittsburgh's shootout winner. Looking back to last year's Eastern Conference Final, the Pens beat an injury-riddled Flyers team in five and that is not going to be the case in this round. The Flyers are excellent on special teams, they had the 6th best power play unit this year and are dangerous shothanded. The Pens outscored the Flyers during even man chances. The only question for Philly is goaltending which has been lukewarm - sometimes good, other times terrible. Looks like Biron is starting in net tonight for them, with Fleury in for the Penguins. This will likely go 6 games and some are predicting a full seven game series. The consensus is that Pittsburgh will prevail but my prediction? To quote Mr T in Rocky III: "Pain."

Tavares Likely Headed For Isles After NHL Draft

John Tavares probably looked like someone ran over his dog today as the New York Islanders won the 2009 Entry Draft, so they get to pick first. But, and that's still a big but, other NHL teams may be tripping over themselves to try to entice the Islanders to part with that number one choice.

There's a lot of expectations that the Leafs may try a full-court press and try to wine and dine the Isles management and play up Pavel Kubina and others (likely the Leafs 7th pick overall) so that the Maple Leafs will have yet another chance to rebuild.

Brian Burke has stated that the Leafs definitely want to move up in the draft. But Toronto landing Tavares? Won't happen. Sorry to dash even more forlorn hopes of the diehards over at Leafs Nation (lots are immigrating) but if the Islanders do trade away the rights to drafting Tavares in June, it will be for a lot more than the empty cupboard Brian Burke can offer. Maybe Vince LaCavalier can be trundled off to the Isle but do you really see that happening either? Because the Islanders won the draft, the draft order remains unchanged.

So here's how the first round will play out unless teams start flipping their picks to other teams:

1. New York Islanders (John Tavares - is there any doubt?)
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
3. Colorado Avalanche (Avs ended 3rd last? Wha' happened?)
4. Atlanta Thrashers
5. Los Angeles Kings
and so on...

Still we need to find out what happens in the NHL playoffs which are now about to start (tomorrow, yea!) and then after that we can start wondering what will happen when the draft goes ahead as scheduled June 26. Still a heck of a lot of hockey yet to be played.

Detroit's Marian Hossa Will Be Back From Injury

Some good news for Red Wings fans as Marian Hossa injury wasn't as serious as first thought. It is a groin injury and anyone who's suffered from that malady can attest, it is like you'll never be the same again. Luckily, after an MRI test, there's no torn muscle so it looks like the right winger will be able to suit up for Detroit's 2nd game of the playoffs. With 40 goals under his belt this season, the Red Wings will be counting on Hossa to contribute heavily in the Wings' Cup defence. One interesting thing: Hossa's contract with Detroit runs out at the end of the season. Anybody need a proven goal scorer next year?

NHL: Eastern Conference Final Standings (Well, Almost)

Okay, Boston, Washington and New Jersey are locked and loaded, but there's still a lot of confusion about who the top seeds will face when the playoffs start. Philly, Carolina and Pittsburgh all have 97 points right now, but that could change fast. The Flyers have 2 games left while the others have only one remaining game. Philadelphia should cement their fourth place finish in the Eastern Conference but their oppoent will be either the Hurricanes or the Penguins. It all depends on their respective last games of the season.

The Bruins and Caps are still waiting for the Rangers and Habs to sort themselves out, but even if both Montreal and New York win their games, their current opponents look like a given. I'm thinking Bruins-Habs, Capitals-Rangers. Both would be excellent first round match ups (Did you see any of the game last night between Boston and Montreal?) and the Capitals have longtime scores to settle with the Rangers. A Devils-Penguins match up would be nice and I think the Hurricanes could upset the Flyers. But we're still getting ahead of ourselves. Let's wait and see what these last handful of games offers before we try to figure out exactly who plays who.

Bruins-Habs Game: Goals, Fights, A prelude To Round One?

Bruins Win 5-4 in overtime. Habs limp into the playoffs by the skin of their teeth by snagging that last point in the 2nd last game of the season.

It is starting to look like Boston and Montreal will face each other yet again in the playoffs, with the Bruins being the heavy favorites this year after their incredible run all year, while Montreal, after starting very fast took a nosedive from the heady heights last season's finish.

This was a tough win for Boston and they obviously wanted to set the tone for any Habs hopes that they'll be anything more than a bump in Boston's run for the Cup. The Canadiens were buoyed by the return to their lineup of Mathieu Schneider, who everyone but Schneider thought was done like dinner for the rest of the season after injuring his shoulder. He actually scored Montreal's 3rd goal which got them into a tie (saving Montreal from missing the playoffs), so Schneider should be treated like a returning hero by the doubting Habs fans who thought the 39-year-old rear guard was washed up when the Habs added him to their line-up late in the season from Anaheim.

The Game: Bruins 5, Habs 4 OT


The first period was pretty even, a fair number of shots and chances, Boston immediately was on the smaller Habs players, but that brought them under the eye of referees Paul Devorski, Dave Jackson who threw Mark Stuart in the box twice in the first 10 minutes. Then Milan Lucic and Mike Komisarek exchanged pleasantries and ended up with both with 2 minutes each. It wasn't until 17:58 of the first before Patrice Bergeron gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead, but at the end of the period, Chara was assessed a double minor and Komisarek again had penalties.

Montreal scored their first power play goal at 1:25 when red hot Alexei Kovalev scored his 26th of the season (17 points in nine games!) with his wrist shot past Bruins netminder Tim Thomas, but then the Bruins reasserted themselves by Phil Kessel netting his 33rd and then oldster Mark Recchi scored his 21st on a tip-in on a blast from Chara.

After the Kessel goal, Montreal's Ryan O'Byrne was assessed a double minor and a 10-minute misconduct. After the 3rd Boston goal, the Bruins were pressing again, when Bruins' right winger Byron Bitz interfered with Carey Price. Josh Gorges and Maxim Lapierre took exception to Bitz blitzing the Habs goalie but Milan Lucic and Shane Hnidy stepped up. Hnidy and Lapierre got fighting majors, while Lucic and Gorges took minors and Montreal scores on the power play to make it 3-2.

About 2 minutes later Montreal's defenseman Komisarek was tagged for interference. Big mistake. Lucic was on the ice at the time and grabbed Komisarek (grabbed his head!) and threw him on his butt. Lucic ended up with 14 minutes in penalties (slashing, roughing, and a 10-minute misconduct). And Shawn Thornton was given a 2 minute roughing penalty. So, Montreal loses one man, Boston loses Lucic for the remainder of the period, (Michael Ryder served Lucic's 2nd penalty), and Scott Thornton goes off. Schneider (remember him?) scored The Habs finally had their power play working again and scored 2 in the period and one even strength goal (Matt D'Agostini at 16:53, unassisted) to put the Habs up 4-3. After all that, Scott Thornton and Mike Komisarek went off with coincidental minors for roughing with a minute or so remaining in the 2nd period.


Habs tough guy Georges Laraque was a healthy scratch and you have to wonder about his absence in a tough physical game like this. If you don't dress Laraque for a war like this, why is he even on the Habs team? For his demon-like scoring touch? I don't see the Georges getting into too many Habs games from here on out.

Finally, in the third period, Zdeno Chara backhanded the Bruins' 4th goal to tie it at 4-4 on the power play for the lanky Boston Norris candidate's 19th of the season. So Chara almost got the Gordie Howe hat trick again. He had a goal, an assist and a double-minor for roughing. Both teams were probably worried about getting a stupid penalty that might cost them the game, and only 2 penalties were called. Mathieu Dandenault for delay of game (that's when Chara tied it up) and of course, a Bruins penalty with a minute left to give Montreal a power play at the end of the game. So off to overtime, and Mark Recchi scores his 2nd of the game (22nd of the season) on a tip-in on Patrice Bergeron's shot.

Summary?


The Bruins won and the Habs came close, but that was because the Bruins were getting into penalty trouble. I think a Bruins-Habs series in the first round will be a rough and tumble affair, but I don't think it will be quite the battle that see saw in the second period of this game. Don't get me wrong... there will be moments where there'll be a lot of clinches and punches thrown, but you won't see too many dustups like this one when Montreal comes to Beantown. Lucic and the boys will likely take Montreal out fairly quickly, I'm guessing five-six games.

If the Bruins take the first two games in Boston, Montreal will be decidedly chippy in the third and if Boston takes the first three games, Montreal will battle and fight like nobody's business to prevent a sweep in Montreal's home barn. But don't expect a sweep. Montreal has always been Boston's kryptonite and the Bruins will be wary.

These teams have history, and I'm not just talking about all the great series the teams have played against each other over the years, these teams, the players on each side have spilt blood and taken hard knocks all year long. The Bruins have won the last 5 games they've played after that horrendous run of losses coming into this season, but this should be the year when the numbers get tilted in the Bruins favor. I can't wait for Wednesday night.

What? Serge Savard Might Be Interested In Buying The Habs?!

Wouldn't you know it! That son of a gun, former Habs legendary defensemen, (and now allstar business mogul) might be willing to pitch his hat onto the ice if Montreal Canadiens current owner, George Gillett quits waffling and decides he really does want to part with his 80 percent stake in the storied franchise and the building that houses the team.

That darn Savard is trying to steal my thunder! I announced a few days ago my interest in becoming the new owner of the Habs. Sure, I don't have the money (I don't have enough for a seat in the nosebleed section), but I'm sure I can generate some interest among my fellow Hab aficionados in keeping Les Canadiens in La Belle Province. Now Serge Savard tries to elbow my bid out of the way, like I was some Leafs rookie digging for the puck in front of Kenny Dryden back in the day.

Apparently, Savard is gathering a group together, if, (that's a BIG IF) Gillett really is serious about divesting of his interest in the team. I'm thinking he can probably swing the deal, but it is up to the mercurial George Gillett to give it his stamp of approval. Big George is in a money squeeze and wants cold, hard cash. I don't have $350-$400 million sitting in my account (and if I did, would I be writing a hockey blog? I'd much rather be sipping martinis out of starlet Rachel McAdams' navel) so until that REALLY big lottery win strikes, I'll be watching the Habs lose (well, these days anyway) on my under-sized television.

Maybe Serge and I can come up with some kind of a compromise. He can be the "chairman" and I can count the receipts of the Habs loyal fans after each home game - one for Serge, one for me. So, What do you think Serge? Do we have a deal? Serge??

Sharks Try To Clinch Presidents' Trophy: One Win To Go!

The expected return to their lineup of Patrick Marleau and Ryane Clowe, the San Jose Sharks will be attempting to win bragging rights as the top NHL team this year and more importantly, securing home ice for all of the Stanley Cup playoff series they will appear in.

The Sharks can clinch the Presidents' Trophy given annually to the team with the most points in the regular season, and will be raising at least one banner next year. But what San Jose has planned is to raise that banner, along with one as Division champs, Western Conference champs and the big prize: putting up the banner reserved for the Stanley Cup winner. All that is still a long way off, but it is so much closer to reality now that the regular season is coming to a close and the San Jose Sharks are just one win away from proving themselves as a major contender for the NHL playoffs which start next Wednesday.

The Sharks have been bitten severely by the injury bug all through March during the run-up to the playoffs and now, with Marlowe and Clowe about to lace 'em up, and veterans Mike Grier and Claude Lemieux looking ready to play, the Sharks will be loaded and ready for bear (think Bruins, as in Boston) or maybe the Pittsburgh Penguinos will be providing the big challenge out of the Western Conference. But before they can play for all the marbles, San Jose has to get out of the Pacific Division and right now, the Sharks are slated to battle the St Louis Blues who are about 30 points back in the standings, but very hungry after missing the playoffs for several years and would be delighted to upset the heavily touted Sharks in the opening round. I don't see that happening, but it has happened before. And both Nashville and Phoenix are hotly pursuing the Blues for that last playoff spot so they can go up against the Sharks.

Ouch! Habs Get Spanked In New York

This is not good if you are a Montreal Canadiens fan. The Habs suffered a 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers which means those same Rangers are now tapping them on the shoulder and asking "Mind if I cut in?" to the post-season.

Chris Drury led the way with 2 goals for New York and Carey Price was peppered with 44 shots showing a lack of defensive prowess on the Habs side. The Canadiens could only muster 25 shots on Rangers goalie Henrik Lundquist. Montreal had 11 shots in the 1st period and could only hit Lundquist 14 more times in the final 40 minutes. Meanwhile Price was looking a little the worse for wear and decidedly unready for the game. He's been off sick for several games and his play left many Habs fans feeling a little queasy.

The vaunted Montreal power play was no where to be seen as each team was penalized 3 times and Montreal had to cope with defensemen Schneider and Markov quarterbacking on the power play as both are out (Schneider likely done time October and Markov a maybe if the Habs make it to the 2nd round. One commentator expressed such shock at the spotty play of the Canadiens, he questioned if they would even make it to the 1st round.

Montreal plays the Bruins (they'll be tough after a close loss to the Senators) and then the red hot Pittsburgh Penguins. The Habs sit one point up on the Rangers and 3 up on the Florida Panthers who both have 2 games left. If both win their remaining games and Montreal is kept from getting one of a possible four remaining points, Montreals' glorious 100th year hopes will blow away like dust in the wind.

Habs Defensemen Out With Injuries

Montreal Canadiens will have to do without the services of their 2 top defensemen which, although will not hobble, will lessen their resurgent power play. Both Mathieu Schneider and Andrei Markov are on the shelf for the Habs vs Sens game tonight and might miss Montreal's next showdown with the Rangers who linger 3 points back in the playoff hunt along with the Florida Panthers.

Both players, who are Montreal's top point men, are likely out for some time. Markov is supposed to be gone for up to 3 weeks, but Schneider is done - out for the remainder with a shoulder injury. And to make matters worst, Montreal suggest fire in their bellies was snuffed out in the game against the Senators as Ottawa scored 2 goals about 30 seconds apart to beat Montreal 3-2. The Canadiens are still 3 points up on both Florida and the Rangers, making Tuesday's game against Montreal a season-breaker.

If New York squeezes 2 points out of the Habs and the Panthers somehow get past the Flyers (also on Tuesday), Montreal will have both teams breathing down their neck once again with VERY little wiggle room. If both Markov and Schneider are not part of the power play, will Koivu's line be able to work their magic? The Habs went 0-4 in the Ottawa game after going 11-33 in their previous odd man chances. Alexei Kovalev does have 17 points in his last 6 games, but one man cannot win you the cup unless that man is named Gretzky or Lemieux. This game was a home game for MOntreal and they are usually at their best at home. Tonight they were bested by the Senators who are not going to see the post-season, except on TV. With the injuries, how will the Habs fare against the hungry Rangers?

If The NHL Playoffs Started Today...

There are only a handful of games left in the 2008-09 National Hockey League season and it's time to look at which teams will play whom in the playoff match-ups.

The Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers

Boston has been the team to catch since last November and except for a stretch towards the end of the season, have managed to roll over most of their opposition. the Rangers have won 2 of their four meetings with the Bruins this year, but the Bruins appear to have re-gained their focus having gone 8-1-1 in their last 10 games including a 1-0 shutout of New York in their last meeting. Bruins in 5, maybe 6 games.

Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens' season began with a lot of fanfare after winning the conference last year, but the Habs faltered badly after starting strong. Even though they seem to have turned it around after recently firing their coach, they still are having problems with lesser teams. Washington has got the firepower coming from more than one line (unlike Montreal) and they match up in nets. After losing all but four games with Carey Price manning the net, Price and the Habs seen to be back in shape, but if Price falters and Koivu's line gets shut down? Washington in 6.

New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins

The Devils looked like world beaters just a short time ago. Brodeur was back, setting records and the team was coming up quickly on Boston for the overall league lead. Then the wheels fell off. The Devils are mired in the worst slump in 20 years at just the wrong time. Pittsburgh has suddenly become the team to watch as they went from also rans. The Penguinos main group (Crosby, Malkin, Fleury) has been augmented with good players and should easily handle the Devils, handing New Jersey their 2nd straight first round playoff exit. Penguins in 6.

Philadelphia Flyers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Both of these teams were in trouble early in the season, but they've made it again into the playoffs. I think Carolina will prove the better team based on goaltending alone. The Flyers don't have it and the Hurricanes do. Philly has great offensive talent, but when the chips are down, goaltending proves who should advance. The Flyers are playing .500 hockey and the 'Canes are 7-1-2 and are on a 7 game winning streak. Plus the Hurricanes are unbeatable at home. Carolina in 6, maybe 7.

The Eastern Conference

San Jose Sharks vs St Louis Blues
San Jose should get past the pesky Blues pretty easily this year. St Louis is on an upswing, but this is not their year for the big upset. The Sharks have been solid all year and if they don't win it this year, it will be because they can't get past Detroit in the next round. Still, give kudos to the Blues! They'll be even stronger next year. Sharks in 5.

Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks
The defending Stanley Cup champions, the Detroit Red Wings, are my pick to win the cup again this year. Even though their goaltending has been suspect at times, overall they have the strongest, most balanced attack. Anaheim will be chasing the Red Wings all over the ice after 2-3 games and might win one game. Detroit in 5.

Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets
The Canucks could be the surpise team this year. Solid goaltending from team captain Roberto Luongo, good defence and a balanced front line should take Vancouver into the second round. But Columbus does have a great young goalie of their own in lanky Steve Mason who leads the league with 10 shutouts. That should win him some rookie of the year votes, but this will be Mason's first playoff race. Vancouver in 6.

Chicago Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are finally making their first NHL playoff appearances and Chicago has gotten stronger all season. My heart is with Jarome Iginla and the Flames, and it will be a hard-fought series, but I think Chicago will prevail. Chicago in 6, maybe 7.

Crosby And Pens Dismantle Devils

Sid the Kid and the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking like the same team they were at the end of last season when they totally outclassed the New Jersey Devils 6-1 as the Pens won again in their home rink. Just six weeks ago, the Penguins were glumly sitting in 10th spot in the Eastern Conference before embarking on a 15-2-3 run after firing the team's coach after lackluster play through the first two-thirds of the season. Sidney Crosby is playing like a champion and is on a 16 game point scoring streak. He had another goal and an assist in the win. Crosby has 30 goals and 69 assists for 99 points this season and will have his 3rd 100-point season shortly.

Teammate Evgeni Malkin is still leading the league in the overall points scoring race with 34 goals to go along with 74 assists for 108 points. Malkin is 7 points up on last year's league leader Alexander Malkin by 7 points. Malkin has 11 points in his current 6 game points streak.

In the game against the Devils, the Penguins took a 3-1 lead in the first period and didn't look back as they lit Martin Brodeur up like a christmas tree. The Devils are now mired in the team's longest slump in the last 10 years, going 0-5-1.