This blog is dedicated to Gary "Honest-Hockey-can-work-in-Phoenix" Bettman. There would be no concussion issues in hockey if the players were as hard-headed as he is.
So where do we start?
- What in the world is going on with the blown leads? Seriously, playoff games are suppose to be good, not disgraceful. There is no way any of you can convince me four and five goal comebacks are the product of good hockey. Thursday's example of embarrassing play was the Montreal/Boston game. The Habs had something like 85 shots at the end of two periods, and they swarmed the Bruins throughout the game. Yet, Bruins win 5-4 in OT. How? It's not because of Tim Thomas...he was okay, but the man creates issues for himself with the rebounds he gives up. The Bruins got back into it because the Habs were sloppy and they got cocky. It's not a rare condition these playoffs.
- Speaking of cocky, I couldn't have been the only one with a wide smile after Chicago went up by five goals on Vancouver tonight. How can a team that is good enough to go up three games to zero against the former Stanley Cup champions be so brutal that they get outscored 12 - 2 over the next two games? The Canucks are in trouble. Big time trouble. Even if they get out alive from this series, any awe and admiration other teams had for them is totally blown. If they end up playing the Ducks next round, like I suspect they will, the Ducks will feast on the 'Nucks. It won't be close. Think bloodbath.
- But in pointing out the Canucks and their fans are getting theirs for how cocky they've been acting all season, it still doesn't explain what has happened. Losing two to Chicago isn't embarrassing; the Hawks, after all, have some pretty decent talent. It's how the Canucks are losing which is the head-scratcher. I think maybe, perhaps part of the explanation can be found in the first shift of tonight's game. Brian Campbell "cross-checked" Daniel Sedin in front of the Chicago net 16 seconds into the game. It was a love-tap to the back, and Sedin went down like he got shot. Sure, he drew a penalty with his diving, but seriously, what "real" hockey player resorts to dives? The Canucks might be talented, and they are perhaps the most skilled cheap-shot artists in the league...but I don't know if most of the team has any actual toughness, and that, in the words of Yoda, is why they fail.
- Sharks had a solid effort tonight against the Kings, although I think LA is the joke of the playoffs this year. It will be interesting to see how the Sharks do against a real team next round. In the words of Cain from Diablo 2, "this does not bode well."
- K, so I've insulted the Habs, Sharks, Kings and Canucks. Am I missing anyone? I could make fun of individual players. Why can't Roberto Luongo stop a puck? Meet Dustin Penner, who has 1 assist and is -4 in the 2011 playoffs. Where is Nathan Horton, and who is the goof playing and wearing his sweater right now during Bruins games?
- Now I will say some nice things, and I'll start with San Jose because I've been giving them a hard time even though they're up 3-1 in their series. Ryane Clowe has four goals and seven points in four games. Outstanding. Ian White with five assists in three games for the Sharks? Crazy. Who says rookies can't be great in the playoffs? Logan Couture has five points already. Joe Thornton might be up to his usual playoff tricks (2pts in 4 games) but other players are more than making up for his lame play.
- Is Corey Perry the MVP for the NHL this season? You tell me...4 games, 8 points so far.
- Teemu Selanne, five goals and no assists. Is he a sniper or something?
- Another rookie sensation: Cam Fowler, 4pts and a +3. Remind me why he wasn't taken 3rd overall during the 2010 NHL Entry Draft?
- Nice to see Duncan Keith get his mojo going, after everyone said what a bad regular season he had. Four goals in five games for a defenseman is big-time offense.
- Consider this about Detroit: Four games, four wins and the second round is on the way. And they're doin' it without their leading scorer from the regular season, Henrik Zetterberg. So how good are the Wings if and when Zetterberg is back playing?
- It's Miller time! 2.02 GAA and a .937 Save Percentage. And it looks like he's just warming up. Is there any debate that Ryan Miller is not the best goalie in the world right now? (there shouldn't be)
- Here's a conversation from a press box in Pittsburgh:
"Who's the leading scorer for the Penguins in the playoffs?"
"Arron Asham."
"Who?"
"Ashem."
"No, seriously. They're up three games to one. Which one of their stars is doing the job, Crosby or Malkin?"
"It's Arron Asham."
"Hahahaha. You crack me up."
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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