Normally I would be incredibly excited, but after watching the New York Rangers blow a 3 goal lead to the Atlanta Thrashers, and eventually fall 5-4 in a shoot-out... I feel like shaving everything. Too much information? Perhaps.

So since we last talked, the San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins were unstoppable, the Detroit Red Wings couldn't find a suitable stopper, the Dallas Stars stopped dealing with Sean Avery's antics and sent off to a mental asylum, the Montreal Canadiens were show stoppers celebrating their 100th Anniversary and the New York Rangers stopped scoring goals.... among many other things, but I have to stop myself.

Today, the Sharks and Bruins are playing like crap, the Red Wings still don't know who their number one keeper is (not that it matters since this team's offense obliterates it's opponents), Sean Avery is now a New York Ranger and scoring goals in buckets (except for tonite... but the whole team sucked big time donkey), the Habs fired Guy Carbonneau, but they've barely responded under new head coach Bob Gainey and are clinging to their playoff lives (oh and they are up for sale, if you have $350 million lying around).

What's cool:
It looks like the Columbus Blue Jackets are finally going to make the playoffs (although I probably just jinxed them) and looked good tonight shutting down the Calgary Flames 5-0. Rookie keeper Steve Mason recorded his league leading 10th shutout for the season. New Jersey Devil's goaltender Martin Brodeur is the man. Brodeur broke Roy's win record and will continue to add to his totals for at least the next 4 years. He's two shy of breaking Terry Sawchuks shutout record, which is still a possibility this season. I know that sounds odd coming from a Blueshirts fan, but you have to respect greatness, and right now we are watching a player whose name will be mentioned among the greatest to ever play the game... Gretzky, Lemieux, Howe, Orr, Brodeur, Falloon (just kidding).

What's not cool:
Looking for a job? Try being an NHL coach. There are always openings every year, but unfortunately the career longevity is not so good. The Canadiens, Rangers, Senators, Penguins, Hurricanes, and Lightning all cut ties with their head coaches in an effort to save their seasons. The Senators perhaps did so too late, but the team has responded well. The Lightning... well it really doesn't matter whose standing behind that bench. The NHL is looking at getting rid of fighting, which of course brought major objections from Georges Laraque (big surprise there). This comes on the heels of a unfortunate incident in the minors where a player lost his life after hitting his head on the ice a few months back. I would never want to see anyone get hurt or die for a game, but there is nothing I love more than a game liberally seasoned with a few good ole fashion donnybrooks. Alexander Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the season this week, and followed it up with a lame-ass dance around his stick pretending that it was too hot to pick up. The media, some fans, even players chastised Ovechkin for his actions... me, I also chastise him because it was just lame. Next time try something like this:

It's going to be another big push for the playoffs in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. In the East 4th thru 9th place are only separated by 7 points. In the West 7th thru 13th are separated by 10 points. Realistically, 5 teams, Anaheim, Edmonton, Nashville, Minnesota and St. Louis are all fighting for the last two playoff spots. Anaheim holds the 7th spot with 80 points... just 3 ahead of 11th place St. Louis. Dallas and L.A. have an outside shot to get in, but it's still within reach. Nice.

More soon gang, get ready to toss away your razors and look scruffy!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh