While the Predators are three points behind the Western Conference leading Anaheim Ducks, they are making a case that they are every bit as good as the Ducks, and the Eastern Conference leading Buffalo Sabres. Although due to their location and market, they still aren't getting the attention that they deserve.

Predators keeper Tomas Vokoun, has now won three straight since returning from a broken thumb that kept him out of the lineup for the past 2 months. Vokoun made 20 saves to help his club defeat the Calgary Flames 5-3 last night. Predators forwards, Martin Erat, and David Legwand recorded multipoint games in the victory.

With the Ducks vulnerable, due to injuries to defenceman Chris Pronger and goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere, the surging Predators have an opportunity to make ample ground on them, and take command of the West. Maybe then, they will get noticed (I know, I know I'm stomping my feet on this one, but the Predators aren't getting nearly the hype that the Sabres are, and the two teams are tied in the standings......so Bosh is tipping his helmet to them).

Quick Shave:
I hope you can all pardon the day of rest I took yesterday. Captain Bosh was on the IR with that flu that took over the Montreal Canadiens last week. I think I've turned the corner, and am looking forward to an exciting week of hockey prior to the All Star Break!

The Tampa Bay Lightning have now won five straight after taking it to the New York Islanders 4-3 last night. The Islanders themselves are on a bit of a slide as of late. I guess GM Jay Feaster (i think that's his name) threats of trading the whole team have worked as the Lightning are now playing above .500 hockey and have grabbed the 8th and final playoff spot. Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier, and Brad Richards all had goals on the evening.......they should score every night considering that their combined salaries are pushing $20 million per season! The Dominator! The NHL's hottest goaltender not going to the All Star Game. Hasek made 23 saves last night for the Detroit Red Wings to shutout the Montreal Canadiens 2-0. The shutout was his 6th of the season and 74th of his career. His counterpart, Cristobal Huet, who allowed 2 goals, will be attending the All Star Game.....well look at it this way Detroit fans....remember the Olympics last year? Put some ice on that groin Dom. The Phoenix Coyotes have forgotten how to lose. Amazing! The Coyotes beat the St. Louis Blues 5-4 in a shootout last night. Defenceman Ed Jovanovski had 2 goals and an assist on the night, all on the power play. Oh and Roenick scored again. Don't look now, but since his hat trick last month, the old man has been playing a bit better.....he's no fantasy pickup yet....but maybe. The Boston Bruins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in a shootout last night. Marco Sturm potted the winner.

Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at New Jersey 7:30 PM

I'm going homer on you guys tonight. Sorry. My boys need to shake off the rust and head into the break on a positive note. They also need to make up some ground on the Atlantic Division leading Devils who hold an 8 point cushion on the Rangers. In the words of Sho Kosugi...."Only a ninja, can kill a ninja." I'm not really sure how that phrase applies here, but it sounds damn cool, and I felt like using it. Enjoy the games my fellow members of the beard! Bosh loves you!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh