I'm fresh off of watching some of the most entertaining hockey I've seen in a long time. The Caps and the Hawks both showed some serious spine in winning their games tonight. Both games went down to the wire and the atmosphere in both rinks was electric. I would think the NHL would be pleased with how the playoffs have gone thus far, except for the fact the Mighty Oil did not qualify. A Chicago/Detroit Western Final would also serve the NHL well, considering both teams are slicker than Razor Ramon - and they faced off in an entertaining Winter Classic this year.. I can't wait to see Game 7 of the Caps/Pens series. Unreal.
I've always been pro Ovechkin. The thing is, I've never really been negative Crosby. Lately, the boy SC87 has been reading too much into his press. Crosby has taken shots throughout his career, while still being the poster boy of the league. He has done some impressive things, but has also been hyped beyond belief. Fans were quick to lose their love for Aunt Sidney after just a couple of short years in the league.
He's a robot, they'd yell! He has 5 quotes to choose from, they bellowed! He was going to skip the All Star game until the league squeezed his nards, they proclaimed! He sounds more like Abe Simpson than my grandpa, and on, and on.
Crosby is a damn fine player. I'd do some pretty unthinkable things to see him suit up in RX1 on a regular basis. But, he is quickly losing my interest in the person (not that he's ever given anyone something to be interested in). Not only is he so predictable on the mic, he does seem to bitch a lot in general. Fine. He's a star.
Of all the things he's done thus far, I must say tonight was something else. Das Wunderkinder proceeds to bitch at the ref... in a playoff game... about the home crowd celebrating too much?..... Pardon me? Excusay Moi?
What does Sid expect the refs to do?
Oh, wait:
"People kept throwing hats," Crosby said. "And I was just asking if he could make an announcement to ask them to stop."
That explains it! Makes total sense in fact. Why should the fans be allowed to throw hats on the ice when Sid the Kid is on the scene? He's SID THE KID!!!
Or, was he just wanting the fans to make sure there were some hats left for when he popped his trick?
I would certainly enjoy seeing them drop the gloves. Indeed.
It's a lot harder to like a player when you can't stand the person. That being said, bring on 2010. Make me love you again!!!
My summation on Crosby: What a tool, but if he wins us a gold... I will forgive.
It's time to get down to business. I received an email this morning with the updated standings in our office pool. I gave her a looksy, and was shocked and dismayed to find that Trusty Rusty Shackleford was found sitting alone in 5th place. Depressing to say the least. I felt my first round was deserving of more than 5th place, and decided to review the InstaRound Trackometer I prepared for myself.
Either I do not know mathematics, or something is afoot!
5th place in our pool is currently worth 450 points. The InstaRound Trackometer below tells a different tale:
I CALL SHINANIGANS!!!
Math is math, and 450 is not the same as 490 - or at least the last time I busted out my Abacus they were not the same.
I have launched a formal complaint and expect an immediate resolution to this unfortunate instance. Assuming my outcry is heard, I will have vaulted from 5th place into sole possession of 2nd place. Nobody remembers who finished 2nd... But we ain't finished yet compadres.
I didn't freaking know Mick McGeough was tallying the scores this year!?! Bush League. George W. Bush League in fact. Although, we are friggen swamped at work right now, and official Tally Master is not exactly a paid position. I'll take my second place and move on to Round 2.
Well I made a bold statement that clearly did not come true. Trusty Rusty no longer! That being said, Occasionally Correct Rusty doesn't have the same ring to it!
I yammered on about how the Ducks goaltending would not take them anywhere in this series. Meaning, will not take them anywhere BUT THE SECOND ROUND OF THE DANCE!
Much like the BJ's, the Ducks will need to step their game up against the Wings. The BJ's got on their knees vs. Detroit. Will Jonas Hiller do the same?
Hate Box Reaction: Chris Pronger will streak in alone and launch one top shelf to win the series for the Ducks.
Rusty Says: Detroit in 6.
Vancouver (3) vs. Chicago (4)
Will Roberto Luongo steal a series? Will Patrick Kane break into tears following a game 4 sweep of the 'nucks?
This series should be a doosy. It's times like these where the great debate takes place. Does one: a). Choose the Canadian Team Left or b). Spit on the Canadian Team because they are not the Mighty Oil?
Hate Box Reaction: You forget 1 thing Mr. Shackleford... Mats Sundin. MATS SUN-FUCKING-DIN!
Rusty Says: Chicago in 6.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Boston (1) vs. Carolina (6)
This should be a pretty exciting series too. Boston plays an exciting game, and the Canes showed some serious spine in Round 1. Unfortunately for Carolina, Boston isn't going to let Erik Cole scare them.
Hate Box Reaction: You sir, are wrong! Dumbass!
Rusty Says: Boston in 6.
Washington (2) vs. Pittsburgh (4)
The matchup of all matchups! Tom Poti vs. Rob Scuderi
Dynomite!
Hate Box Reaction: Mathieu Garon will come in for relief duty and lead the Pens to the cup! Douche. Rusty Says: Washington in 7. Bring on 1st place!
Below is how Swine Flu feels about my race to the #1 spot!:
