Defense first
The Maple Leafs blue line has been paying dividends lately, and been part of the club's recent resurrection. With Mats Sundin out for several weeks with an injured elbow, the pressure to produce has fallen on the remaining Leafs.
Defencemen Tomas Kaberle and Bryan McCabe did just that last night against the Montreal Canadiens putting up 6 points. Kaberle had a goal and two helpers, and McCabe scored 2 goals and got one assist. Tomas Kaberle has 15 points in his last 8 games and leads the NHL in scoring among defenseman with 17 (7 goals, 10 assists). Bryan McCabe is a step behind him with 16 (4 goals, 12 assists), and is on pace to pass his previous season's point total of 68 (19 goals, 49 assists). The Maple Leafs won their fourth straight game last night easily defeating the Habs 5-1. Toronto sits in second in the Northeast, just 4 points behind Buffalo.
Habs Goalie David Aebischer was pulled in favor of Cristobal Huet after surrendering the 4th goal......still no goaltending controversy? Perhaps not yet, but after this performance, Huet, who should get the next two starts has an opportunity to take hold of the reigns and impress Coach Carbenneau.
Quick Shave:
Well, Ottawa's one game winning streak was fun while it lasted. The Senators hit another wall as they lost to Zdeno Chara's Boston Bruins for the second time this season 4-3. Glen Murray scored two for the Bruins. At one point last night while flying through the Center Ice Package, I noticed that the Flyers were beating the Sabres 3-1. I quickly wiped my eyes, and realized that this was in fact true. The Buffalo Sabres who seem to enjoy handing the lead away to teams of late, of course tied it on a goal by Daniel Briere, and then won it OT.....on a goal by Daniel Briere. This almost seems like a set play now. They did the same thing to the Rangers a few nights ago. Speaking of the Philadelphia Flyers it seems that Holgrem is no longer the interim GM, but will hold the title and unfortunate position for the remainder of the year. How much manuever room will depend on the salary cap and owner Ed Snider. Both will be difficult to overcome in order to turn this team around. Olaf Kolzig of the Washington Capitals shined last night against the New York Rangers keeping them off the scoreboard till the final 2 minutes of the game. Alexander Ovechkin scored his 11th of the year. I think I jinxed the San Jose Sharks....or inspired the Phoenix Coyotes. Either way, the Sharks managed to barely secure the victory 2-1. Vesa Toskala replaced Evgeni Nabokov who had to leave the ice because of a stiff neck. Cujo has found his game again, as he stopped 37 of 39 shots he faced, but his team can't score....or play defense apparently....I mean come on, they allowed 39 shots on the poor guy. Are the Calgary Flames back? The Flames scored 3 consecutive goals to defeat the Vancouver Canuck 3-2 last night. Wasn't Roberto Luongo supposed to be the panacea for the Canucks? A 2 goal lead was something he rarely got in Florida, and in Vancouver, it seems something he is lately incapable of defending. Backup goalie Chris Mason made 42 saves for the Nashville Predators to hand Colorado the 1-0 shutout loss. The Carolina Hurricanes rolled over the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-2 last night (my Pens playoff pick is apparently crashing and burning right now). Cam Ward who has been stellar in net of late only had to make 18 saves for the victory while Pens netminder Jocelyn Thibault apparently made none.
Game of the Night:
Minnesota at Anaheim 8:00 PM
Best of the West matchup? Just about. First place divisional leaders Anaheim and Minnesota face off tonight for what should be a good one. Carlyle will of course be starting his heterosexual lifemate J. S. Giguere in net tonight as whipping boy (and hopefully traded to a team that will appreciate him) Ilya Bryzgalov will be riding the pine as usual. Regardless this should be a good one. There is also an early matchup between the Oilers and Blues in case the football on today is boring you at 2PM. Enjoy the games my follicaly friendly pals!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
If somebody gets three assists, it's called a "playmaker."
Just FYI.
Posted by: jeff | November 12, 2006 12:55 PM
I was going to suggest it be called an 'Ass' Trick.....but that might be used in other professional sports.
Unfortunately no one joined the NHL HTC last night....any takers for today?
Oilers against the Blues right now on NHL Center Ice channel 421.
Posted by: Captain Bosh | November 12, 2006 02:10 PM
Nice one, Jeff. But still...we need something that inspires the tossing of a clothing item when someone notches three assist. Another possibility could be the "Bra and Panties trick." (Also known as the "Tom Jones.")
That drawing's McCabe right? You should check out a recent photo of that dork because he's rocking a pretty ridiculous fu manchu style goatee. While you're at it, take a quick look at Mike Peca. I think we DEFINITELY have a strong contender for beard of the month in Mike.
Thanks for busting Thibault's chops. I'll have to defend him and say that any goalie would struggle when the team in front of him takes FOURTEEN PENALTIES in one game. I mean, my god. Fourteen? Are you kidding me? That's pornographic. And it keeps Crosby and Malkin off the ice. How smart is that?? I haven't seen highlights yet, but I knew the Pens were down 3-2 in the second and Ekman had a goal called off that would've tied it. And then apparently the team took the 3rd period off. Sucks.
Good game of the night pick. Minnesota should be a little tired after going to a shootout to beat the Kings last night. And Anaheim should be a little pissed after getting blanked by Calgary. Conventional wisdom says bet on the Ducks. But then I'm still amazed the Wild are winning without Gaborik, so who knows?
All I know is that Radim Vrbata is getting a hat trick against Columbus.
Posted by: Stache | November 12, 2006 02:22 PM
Nice one? I didn't make it up, that's what it's called.
Before discussing the "bra and panties trick" consider that a.) not many women are that rabid hockey fans and b.) the one's who ARE are probably the ones we LEAST want to see.
Posted by: jeff | November 12, 2006 02:45 PM
I've never heard "playmaker" used like that. I thought you were just saying that anyone who can post 3 assists is generally referred to as a playmaker. Not to be confused with that horrible ESPN football drama "Playmakers" from a few years back.
And I see your point about the "bra and panties trick" difficulties. Could always go with "glasses trick" and have people throw their glasses on the ice. Then, the drive home that night after the game would be probably 60 times more exciting than usual.
Posted by: Stache | November 12, 2006 08:58 PM
Nope. That's the official term, I think.
I freakin' love Google for their NHL deal. There's nothin' on the tube? No problem! Watch games on the computer!
Posted by: jeff | November 12, 2006 09:44 PM
I don't think I could ever in good faith award Mike Peca the Playoff Beard of the Month title, because of his violation of the cardinal rule of face mullets.....he shaved his during the playoffs!
That's why Edmonton lost the Stanley Cup last year. The Playoff Beard Gods were angry.
Posted by: Captain Bosh | November 13, 2006 01:51 AM