Running 2007 NHL regular season thread

Yup. He's supposedly Tampa's franchise goaltender, the man to replace the Bulin wall.

Straka increases the Rangers lead to 3-0 on Long Island.

 

I'm wondering if Ovechkin is the most exciting player in all of sports; if he's the best individual show in sports.

 

Well, the Leafs attempt to boot the Sens out of the playoffs is done.

5-1 for Ottawa after two

 

Philly's remaining games are against the Devils and Pens. Real tough finishing kick.

Rangers have clinched a third straight playoff berth, beating the Islanders 3-0 in the Coliseum.

 

Torts is sending out his goons for the final 15 seconds in Washington, so Brashear just hopped over the boards.

This could be really ugly.

 

I think Torts and Tampa thought twice about pulling some more crap. The Bolts are already looking at a big fine for sending the fifth skater out after being penalized in the waning seconds ... with the obvious intention of starting some extracurriculars.

 

The refs came over and laid down the law to Torts. And just in case Torts thought about being cute, Brashear hopped over the boards.

The non-hockey people and the people who are in favor of eliminating fighting from the game aren't going to like my opinion, but it's important for teams to have a nuclear deterrent. The fighters keep the accountability--what little there is, thank you very much Gary Bettman--in the game.

EDIT: In Barry Meisel's "Losing The Edge: The Rise and Fall of the Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers" there's a great argument for the importance of fighting in hockey.

 

Ole, ole ole ole...

Habs beat the Swordsmen 3-1 to climb back into a tie with the Pens.

 

I agree. But we don't need what we saw in the final minute of the Bolts-Caps game. That sort of crap stains the game. That's what causes too many casual sorts to impulsively dismiss the game.

 

I've got a name for you two. "Shut up, I'm watching the friggin' game!". Damn, you two can talk.

FB, it was an honour and a pleasure to finally make your aquaintance. And special thanks for introducing us to Sullivan's. One of my favourite bars ever.