Playoff Beard of the Month: December
Is there any doubt in the power of the playoff beard? Joe Thornton started the season on a down note....then he grew a playoff beard. Joe now has 40 points (9 goals, 31 assists) on the season and once again has his San Jose Sharks sitting among the elite in the West, if not the NHL.
Across the country, in an arena built on top of what was originally land fill, Rick DiPietro, goaltender for the New York Islanders, has grown himself a fine playoff beard over the past month, and has been harvesting wins for his club ever since.
DiPietro shutdown the New York Rangers last night by stopping all 28 shots they threw at him for the 2-0 win. The victory was the third win in a row at Nassau Coliseum by way of shutout. The shutout was his fourth of the season, and 10th of his career. DiPietro has not allowed a goal at home in over 185 minutes of play now. Can you say playoff beard? We can. That is why we congratulate Rick DiPietro on being the Playoff Beard of the Month for December. Congratulations Rick!
Quick Shave:
Across the Hudson, and I guess the East River, and parts of Staten Island in New Jersey, goaltender Martin Brodeur was making noise of his own by shutting down the high flying Pittsburgh Penguins. Broduer made 26 saves for the New Jersey Devils for the 3-0 shutout win, the 85th of his career. The Anaheim Ducks had a scare last night as star goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere was felled by a leg injury late in the second period against the San Jose Sharks. Rookie Mike Wall stepped in for Giguere and needed to make only 4 saves to preserve the 4-3 win for the Ducks. Fantasy owners of Giguere may want to consider picking up Wall if he is out for an extended period as Bryzgalov is currently on the IR with a groin injury right now. Expect Wall to get a beard load of starts. The Vancouver Canucks stagnant offence came to life last night against the stingy Calgary Flames thanks in large part to the Sedin twins. Daniel Sedin scored a pair of goals, and brother Henrik offered up twin assists in the 3-1 win. The Carolina Hurricanes have quietly been stockpiling wins recently, and last night took their fifth straight by defeating the Florida Panthers 4-2. Cam Ward made 25 saves and Rod Brind'Amour potted the game winner for the Canes.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
This just looks like it will be a fun one to watch. Speed, speed, speed. Also, at 1pm today, Canada will be playing USA in the World Juniors, and NHL Center Ice will be airing it! Enjoy the games my friends!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Excellent choice! I wonder if Ted Nolan told him to grow that beard? It's decisions like these that could really solidify his claim on the Coach of the Year award.
Pittsburgh needs a win. Atlanta needs a loss. Let's hope it works out well for both of them.
And while you're watching the World Junior's game, keep an eye out for Kristopher Letang. Not only is that one of the best last names I've ever heard, but he's a Pens prospect who played a few games for the big squad to start the season and will be the captain for Team Canada. He's a fast, fluid defenseman who should help chip in offensively as well.
Posted by: Stache | December 27, 2006 09:38 AM
Letang. Tell me that isn't the sound a puck makes when it rings off the post?
They talked about him quite a bit during the game, and his presence was obvious. This game showcased 9 first round picks I believe. Some talent out there. Congrats Canada. Detroit has a nice young player in Darren Helm headed to them in the future. What a goal he had.
Posted by: CAP | December 27, 2006 06:22 PM