McDonald's Farm
And on his farm, Andy McDonald had three goals, and an assist, a 5-1 win, and a 1-0 series lead. Wow!
Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo was torched for three goals on the first nine shots he faced in the first period. McDonald recorded two, Teemu Selanne added the other and an assist, and Chris Kunitz assisted on all three. Ryan Getzlaf scored to further cushion the Ducks lead in the last period, and Andy McDonald joined the NHL Playoff Hat Trick Club with his third tally late in the game.
Ducks goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 26 saves and opened the game by shutting down Canucks forward Markus Naslund who was sprung early on a breakaway. Vancouver's Jeff Cowan opened the scoring for the Canucks mid way through the first but it was all Ducks after that.
The Anaheim Ducks have a 1-0 series lead over the Canucks.
Quick Shave:
Across the country, earlier last night, the Battle for New York was on. A battle that was won convincingly by the Buffalo Sabres. The New York Rangers got into penalty trouble late in the first, and then continued their undisciplined play throughout the second when Sabres forward Thomas Vanek opened the scoring on a power play. Over the next 4 minutes, the Sabres scored twice more on a goal by Ales Kotalik, and Vanek's second. The Rangers got goals from Marcel Hossa, and Brendan Shanahan but it was too little too late as the Sabres went on to win 5-2 and take a 1-0 series lead. Throughout the stands in Buffalo I kept seeing signs that said "These guys are scary good".... I can hardly argue. The Sabres transition from defense to attack so quickly it is scary. Turnovers are rapidly turned into scoring opportunities, and eventually converted into goals. The Rangers have their work cut out for them, especially if they continue to give up power plays. They only allowed one power play goal to Buffalo, but that was 16 minutes of ice time that the Rangers top line of Jagr, Nylander and Hossa could have used. The Buffalo Sabres now have a 1-0 series lead over the Rangers.
Game of the Night:
Ottawa at New Jersey 7:00 PM
San Jose at Detroit 7:30 PM
Just a good night of hockey folks! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Love the picks and only was able to see a little of the rangers / sabers game. Rangers did not have the jump that they need yesterday. It is, however, quite a transition to go from Atlanta to Buffalo. Lets see how they do in game two. In regards to the picks, I have to throw my hat in the ring for SJ. Other than now being a transient Bay Area resident, SJ beat Nashville. SJ has not received any respect this year and have something to prove. And as you stated, they are loaded.
In regards to NJ, I think it is their birthright to make it to the final four teams. Cannot wait for the drop of the puck tonight.
Posted by: Slue-foot | April 26, 2007 11:56 AM
Don't get me wrong, I respect the Sharks.... I just respect the Red Wings alot more. It's not you it's me. I just want to be friends. HAHAHAHA
Posted by: Cap | April 26, 2007 03:48 PM
Doesn't my Andy McDonald look like John LeClair (pre- Brodeur's stick through the nose)?
Posted by: Cap | April 26, 2007 03:50 PM
I hadn't thought of it, but yeah - he does look like a young LeClair. Remember when Johnny played for the Penguins earlier this year? Yeah...that didn't work out too well for him.
I'm probably not the first one to say this, but good Lord Joe Thornton looks like Chuck Norris right now. Not the old, feathery hair Norris like at the top of the page, but the way Chuck Norris looks lately. Almost a dead ringer. If the Sharks keep rolling (and they're off to a good start two periods in against Detroit), I think Thornton is going to demand serious consideration for the playoffbeard.com top prize.
I missed the Rangers/Sabres game but heard Roszival got injured. Any news on his status?
Posted by: Stache | April 26, 2007 09:13 PM
Dude how sweet was Grier's croquet style goal tonight!
Roszival has a leg injury. He tried skating in the second period, but only managed two shifts.
Posted by: Cap | April 26, 2007 10:34 PM
Watching Buffalo in the playoffs last year there were two guys in particular who I thought would make pretty much any team instantly better: Derek Roy and Mike Grier. You know they're both going to hustle their faces off and when they score, it's going to be the type of goal that deflates the other team.
The croquet goal tonight was one of those goals.
Posted by: Stache | April 27, 2007 12:07 AM