Today we discuss hockey on a couple of different fronts...the NHL and IIHF World Championships, throw in some random sporting news, and well you'll see.
The San Jose Sharks avoided becoming just the fourth team in the history of the NHL to blow a three game series lead after hanging on for a 3 - 2 victory last night over Detroit in Game Seven. You know how they always say in big games your best players need to be your best players? Well last night the two best Sharks on the ice were Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. I am especially happy for Marleau who has been nothing but a whipping boy the last week or so. Not only did he finally record a point in the series, his goal proved to be the series winner. However I strongly believe Marleau shone brightest in the defensive zone, particulary in the dying moments as Detroit fought desperately for the equalizer. Within a span of less than thirty seconds, the kid from Aneroid lifted the stick of a Red Wing in the slot and shortly thereafter knocked a puck out of the slot just as an attacking Red Wing was about to gobble it up and possibly tie the game.
In the past the Sharks would have found a way to lose this game...and they did make it interesting in the end. I can only hope that they are able to carry this momentum into the Western Final against the Canucks, and ultimately earn their first berth in the Stanley Cup Final.
Personally I think both Conference Finals should be fun to watch. The thing with the Bruins and Lightning series will be hinged on what team can force the opposition to play the style of hockey they want. The Bruins will obviously want to slow things down, and turn it into a rough, tough, grind it out type of series. The Lightning on the other hand I would imagine are looking to play a run and gun, wide open style hockey. Despite the fact Roloson is playing eerily similar to the way he did during the Oilers run in 2006, I am led to believe the Bruins slow the pace down and win the series in the end. For that they will earn a date with the Sharks in the Stanley Cup Final. The Sharks have been there, the Canucks have not. The Sharks players are playing very well right now; with the exception of Kesler, the top Canucks seem to have started their holidays early. Bruins in Six, Sharks in Six. See you in the final.
After yesterday's 2 - 1 loss to Russia at the IIHF World Hockey Championships, Canada will come home for the second year in a row without a medal. Head of Hockey Canada Bob Nicholson today said that this was unacceptable; I agree. He went on to say, without including names, some players chose NOT to participate and their rationale was less than convincing. I have to say I agree with Nicholson. I know the NHL season is long and drawn out but as Nicholson said, how good has Hockey Canada been to these players over the years? Many of whom have been involved with the U18's, the World Juniors, the Olympics, World Championships, etc? Seriously, it sounds like some players are more about the name on the back rather than the logo on the front.
Did you hear what Bernard Hopkins said about disgruntled NFL QB Donovan McNabb? Hopkins, a lifetime Eagles fan said that McNabb isn't black enough. As a result of this 'tan' as he put it, McNabb is less tough than others of his race. Really Bernard Hopkins? While I would never say this to his face, but perhaps you have taken one to many left hands to the melon over the years? I will never question the toughness of an NFL QB, particularly one who has been stuck in Washington for the last year, running for his life in the backfield and at the same time listening to his coach openly disrespect him.
Less than a month to Rider Training Camp...getting excited to hang out in ol; Section 24 and sip a few pops with the Old Man..... Have a great weekend
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