Cinderella Makes the Ball

The Washington Capitals completed their seemingly impossible venture from the basement of the Eastern Conference to the third playoff seed on Saturday night with a passionate, and somewhat dominant, win over the Florida Panthers. It topped off what has been one of the most remarkable stories of the year and puts the team in the playoffs for the first time in five years. It is, in many ways, the classic Cinderella story.

The team spent 50 days with the worst record in the conference prompting their coach to be replaced by his minor league counterpart only a few months into the season. Their group of young future stars and role players came together and exceeded all expectations under new leadership. They acquired a true veteran at the deadline that many, including myself, believed to have nothing left in the tank, or the chest, only to see him find his passion again. They traded for a goalie that was left behind by his former team, a goalie that would then lead the Caps to the playoffs by setting a franchise record for wins in a row. Their young superstar proved that he's the best player in the world and stands to be the first to win four NHL awards in single season. All of this resulted in the Capitals becoming only the second team in NHL history to go from finishing last in a division three years in a row to winning the division and the first since the NHL had more than 6 teams in the league. It is easily the greatest single and multi-season comeback in recent memory and the story shows no signs of ending anytime soon.

The Hope for a Night to Remember

The league MVP award is on the line tonight along with the Washington Capitals playoff hopes as Alexander Ovechkin leads the Caps into their final game of the season. They face the Florida Panthers, ironically the same team that did them a favor last night when they defeated Carolina, in what is easily the biggest game of Ovechkin's career and the the most important game for the Capitals in a very long time. All they have to do is earn a single point, just one, and they'll not only be in the playoffs but they'll also secure the third spot in the East and home ice advantage through at least the first round.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Capitals have been neck in neck in the Southeast Division for the last week or so as both teams surged towards a playoff birth. The teams come from very different angles, however, as the young Hurricanes franchise looks to overcome the disappointment of missing the playoffs last year after winning the Stanley Cup the year before. They started off incredibly well this season as one of the top team's in the East, and then tumbled through the standings before regaining their momentum at the end of the season. Washington, on the other hand, hasn't made the playoffs in years and struggled out of the gate prompting the dismissal of then coach Glen Hanlon. He was replaced by Bruce Boudreau and the team has soared since in what has become a record breaking season for their young superstar Alexander Ovechkin.

Ovechkin now has 65 goals on the season and 47 assists. He's set a new NHL record for goals by a left winger in a single season and was the first player to score more than 60 in a decade. He's easily the MVP of the league, but will he win the award if his team fails to make the playoffs? If history holds true, it's unlikely since the award is rarely given to someone on a team that failed to make the playoffs, which is just one of the reasons why he'll need to play the best game of his young career. A tremendous amount of pressure will also sit on the shoulders of Cristobal Huet, acquired at the trade deadline from the Montreal Canadiens, who has been nothing short of stellar since arriving in Washington.

Going into yesterday's games Washington was tied with Carolina in points, but Carolina had an additional win which gave them the top spot. All Carolina had to do was beat the Florida Panthers in their final game of the season to secure the division and their playoff birth. They out-shot the Panthers 46-17, but fell 4-3 in what can only be described as a devastating loss for the franchise. A loss that paves the way for Ovechkin and the young stars of the Capitals to make their playoff debut.

If they earn a point tonight and subsequently find themselves in the playoffs, they may just have the scoring depth and role players to surprise a number of teams. The NHL has to be quietly cheering for their new face of the league to make the post-season. It would make for quite a story and it's exactly the kind of drama that makes the NHL post-season the best season of any major sport.

Buffalo Sabres Stay the Course...and Meltdown Yet Again

It's been a trying season for the Buffalo Sabres, to say the least, and it appears that it won't be getting any easier though it may finally be coming to an end. Contracts, trades, free agency and injuries have severly damaged what was one of the best teams in hockey for the last couple of years. Despite all of that, and a 10+ game slump in the middle of the season, the Sabres have been on the verge of sliding into the 8th and final spot in the East for the last week or so. However, their performance over the last week may have finally put them to rest.

The Sabres are 4-3-3 in their last 10 games, but that doesn't tell the whole story. In the last week alone, the Sabres have managed to squander three points in games that were absolute must-wins and games they simply gave away. On March 25th, against the rival Ottawa Senators the Sabres appeared to have the game in-hand when they scored two quick goals to start the third which put them up 3-1. A little less than 10 minutes later the Sabres were on the powerplay on the verge of putting the game away when one of their defensemen made a terrible decision to pinch along the boards. He got caught and it produced a shorthanded scoring opportunity that Dean McAmmond buried to cut the lead to 1. Less than 2 minutes later Daniel Alfredsson scored to tie the game and it seemed as if the Sabres threw in the towel. In the next 4 minutes and 18 seconds the Senators would rattle off 2 more goals and then throw in an empty netter with 1 second left to leave Buffalo with a 6-3 win. 2 points given away at a time where you simply can't afford to do that.

Buffalo somewhat made amends 2 nights later when they scored with less than a minute and a half left in the game to force overtime against the Senators. Buffalo eventually won in a shootout. The next night the Sabres faced the Eastern Conference leading Montreal Canadiens. The Sabres dominated in shots on goal, but the Canadiens had twice as many "scoring opportunities" as the Sabres starting the third period in a game that was tied at 1. Ryan Miller, who has not been great when his team needed him so desperately, actually had a good night making a number of key saves. Buffalo stormed out of the gate and scored two goals in the first 7 minutes to go up 3-1. Buffalo had a number of chances to extend the lead but Carey Price kept Montreal in the hunt and with a minute and a half left Tomas Plekanec scored on the powerplay to cut the lead to 1. Suddenly, it felt hopeless. It seemed that the Sabres were destined to throw away another 2 goal lead and eventually they did as Plekanec scored his second of the game with 15 seconds left to force overtime. Christopher Higgins ended the game 3:38 into overtime. It was another devastating loss that followed what has become a familiar script for Buffalo fans.

Now Buffalo stands 6 points out of a playoff sport with 4 games left and their season is essentially over. At the very least those 3 points would have put the Sabres squarely in the hunt for the playoffs. Now they'll be watching from home for the first time in recent memory and the attention quickly shifts to re-signing Ryan Miller. At this point, the Sabres failing to re-sign any player would not surprise me.

San Jose Sharks Relish In Their Pacific Divsion Champion Title

And how do they celebrate - how about ordering up some Roast Duck with Mango Salsa! San Jose has not lost in regulation since Feb 20 … taking their record to 16-0-2. Brian Boucher helped the Sharks win last night by making 23 saves, and at the same time helped snap the defending Stanley Cup champion Ducks' 10-game, home-winning streak. Brian Boucher is going to grow with the Sharks and we have been given a glimpse into how this kid owns the crease since being signed by the Sharks on Feb 26th. Since then he has played 4 games for a total of 198 minutes - he is 3-0-1 with a GAA of .90 and a .966 SV% ... he has allowed 3 goals on 88 shots. It definitley will be interesting to watch him grow – as we did when Toskala was Nabby’s back up. Boucher helped San Jose add another notch when it won for the 10th time in 11 road games to improve its NHL-best mark to 27-8-4 away from home.

San Jose clinched this with 4 games remaining in the season, they have home games against Phoenix and Los Angeles and away games with Los Angeles and Dallas. All Pacific Division rivalries, all passionate about the sport but looking at the standings - the Kings are positioned for a great spot in the draft and Phoenix is looking at a 6 point spread between them and the 8th spot in the playoffs. However, as we all know – it’s not over till they skate around the ice with the Cup.

For the Sharks season series with the final 3 teams they play are:
Phoenix @ 4-1-2
Los Angeles @ 3-2-1
Dallas @ 4-3-0

As I am sure you all know, tow of these teams might not be in the playoffs but our record against them shows they know how to slow down the Sharks play and convert opportunities into Wins! Dallas has been a strong force against us and with their position in the Western standings it looks like they will need to polish their game play if they want to make it into the 2nd round. For the Sharks, these last 4 games give them the opportunity to break San Jose’s season record of 107 points – currently they are 3 points away from that mark.

Good Luck San Jose!

Huge Game in Buffalo (and One Incredible Period of Hockey)

The Buffalo Sabres are only 3 points out of a playoff spot with a game in hand over the Philadelphia Flyers who currently occupy that coveted 8th position. The Sabres have scored 13 goals in their last two games, consequently winning both easily, but failed to register a win in the four previous. The team has talent, admiteddly less of it after losing Brian Campbell at the trade deadline, and they've shown flashes of heart but have yet to find any kind of consistent momentum. Now's the time with only 9 games left. Buffalo is the kind of team that would be scary to face in the first round, but they've got to get their first. In many ways they control their own destiny with that game in hand, but that game in hand is gone after tonight and they absolutely can not afford to lose against the cellar dwelling Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tampa, on the other hand, is trying to play the role of a spoiler while holding tryouts for next season. During this last handful of games both the newly acquired Mike Smith and the young prospect Karri Rammo will get starts in net as they compete for the starting position. Tampa has desperately been searching for a guy who could step up and provide some consistency in that regard and, as the Dallas Stars realized after his disastrous debut for the club where he was yanked in the 1st intermission after allowing 3 goals on 12 shots, Johan Holmqvist was just not the guy.

Jeff Halpern, also acquired from the Dallas Stars in the trade that sent Brad Richards to the lonestar state and gave the Lightning Mike Smith, scored only a few minutes into the game off a turnover on a shortside slapshot. Tough way to start the night.

The Sabres earned a powerplay and nearly scored, but the scrum afterwards produced an unjust powerplay for the Lightning. Jeff Halpern smashes Maxim Afinogenov from behind at the side of the net after the puck was frozen, then delivered a cross check to Maxim's back before the fiesty winger jumped up and put him in a serious headlock. Buffalo ultimately received the extra penalty and it allowed Martin St Louis to deflect a point shot passed Ryan Miller and put the Lightning up 2-0. Jason Pominville responded 3 minutes later burying his 25th of the season on a slapshot from a bad angle. Buffalo seems to have life going into the first intermission.

Buffalo came out a bit flat to start the second, got caught running around in their own zone and ultimately the puck found its way to a wide open Vincent Lecavalier in front of the net to regain the 2 goal lead for Tampa. Thus far, the shots are 15 to 10 Buffalo, but aside from the first Halpern goal on the short side Ryan Miller can't be faulted. Thus far, the Lightning are just getting higher quality chances and Rammo has made a few big saves to maintain momentum for his team. Still a lot of hockey left to be play and thus far it's been relatively even minus Buffalo's blunders in their own zone. Lecavalier closed out the second period with another goal to put Tampa up 4-1.

Buffalo only managed 2 shots on goal in the second and it seemed that the Sabres might be done. That was, of course, until they proved why they have more goals on the season than any other team in the league. It started with Jason Pominville's 26th of the season and second of the game followed by Jochen Hecht only 16 seconds later. A little over 3 minutes later Thomas Vanek scored the tying goal from Derek Roy and Drew Stafford. Buffalo managed 3 goals in three minutes and 22 seconds to get it all knotted up at 4. Vanek and the Sabres weren't done as Vanek scored two more goals back to back, with Roy and Stafford assisting on both, to complete the natural hat trick and put the Sabres up 2. This capped off a run of 6 goals in 11 minutes and 4 seconds. Hecht added an empty netter as the surging Sabres finished an incredible period of hockey to capture a critical 7-4 win and make their playoff hopes that much brighter. Pominville had 2 goals and 2 assists, including 3 points in the third, while the line of Vanek, Roy and Stafford combined for 9 points in the final stanza. Ryan Miller did, however, allow 4 goals on only 19 shots but it didn't matter as the offense was just flat out too much handle in a third period where they scored 6 goals on 16 shots. An incredible night for the Sabres and an improbable, yet remarkable win that should give them plenty of momentum moving forward. Hopefully they'll capture it as I think they can do damage in the playoffs, especially if Miller gets his game together.

Welcome Back Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche seemed to have recovered from an injury-plagued, inconsistent season and have gone 6-3-1 in their last 10, winning 5 straight to move within one point of their division lead. A surprisingly busy team at the deadline, with a surprisingly hot goaltender in Jose Theodore, the Aves went back to their roots and made the shocking signing of Peter Forsberg while adding Adam Foote at the deadline to give them depth up front and toughness in the back. Since doing so, the Avalanche have been a very difficult team to play against and despite the loss of Ryan Smyth, who was checked into the "turnbuckle" at the end of the team's bench by young defenseman Jack Johnson and is out with a concussion and separated shoulder, the Aves are soaring and climbing the standings. The Calgary Flames (79 points in 67 games) are tied with Minnesota (79 points in 68 games) for the lead in the Northwest Division, but the Avalanche are only one point behind and will face the Flames two more times and the Wild three before the end of the season. Much of Colorado's success can be attributed to the great play of Jose Theodore, and the Colorado defense to a lesser degree, who have only allowed more than 2 goals in one out of their last seven games. Peter Forsberg has yet to register a point in either one of his two games played this season, but he's been on the ice for more than 20 minutes in both games and has looked anything but rusty. The Avalanche are hopeful that Ryan Smyth will return before the end of the season, giving them just the boost they need to be a dangerous team in the playoffs. The West has only gotten more interesting since the deadline, and we may be in for the one of the greatest playoff pushes in history.

Ovechkin Tops 50 ... Capitals Own Boston!

Not only did he break the 50 goal mark in 2 out of the last 3 seasons, last night, he did it with style in the form of a hat trick. AO is sitting at 52 goals so far and with 15 or so games left in the Washington Capitals, it is any ones guess where he will finish the season. This milestone pushed him over the line to be the first in the NHL this season to break 50, at the same time, the 3rd in Washington's franchise history to do it twice. Dennis Maruk (50 goals in '80/'81 and 60 goals in '81'82) and Peter Bondra (52 goals in '95/'96 and '97/'98) are the two other Washington players to reach the 50-goal mark twice.

What a way to break out of a scoring slump. Before last night AO had only one goal in 8 games! Ovechkin's two assists gave him 38 on the season as Washington snapped Boston's six-game winning streak. Ovechkin seemed more concerned the Capitals continue to play with the intensity they showed against Boston, especially since they're in the hunt for a playoff spot. When asked about the win Ovechkin said "Just wait, we have lots of games left, and one game can mean nothing, we just have to continue to do what we did today, and try to play the same way on Wednesday." Washington coach Bruce Boudreau was confident Ovechkin would get revved up again. "When you go in an eight-game scoring slump, and you're that good, you're going to start scoring again," Boudreau said. "You just can't hold him back like you can't hold Crosby back and Malkin back for any length of time. Those guys are good hockey players." Ovechkin's linemate Nicklas Backstrom added three assists in the first period and scored once in the second period. Laich and Matt Bradley scored two goals apiece, and Eric Fehr added three assists.

Interesting Information on Ovechkin (source nhl.com)
* The first player to record 80-plus points in each of his first three years with the Caps
* The NHL's first star for the month of January; three times this year and has been one of the three stars of the week
* He is the first player since Jaromir Jagr in 1996-97 to record 40 goals before the end of January
* Scored two goals at the 2008 NHL All-Star Game, the first Cap with two goals in an All-Star Game
* Has tallied a point in 40 of the last 51 games (40-29-69 in that time)
* Has 35 goals in 45 games under Bruce Boudreau
* Has 21-11-32 in the third period or OT and 13-5-18 in the final 10 minutes
* Scored the OT goal, his second of the game, 2/5 at CBJ to tie Peter Bondra and Kelly Miller for the club record with five career OT goals
* Had two four-goal and five-point games -- the first two of his career -- in a span of 34 days (12/29, 1/31)
* The first player since Peter Bondra and Mario Lemieux (both 1995-96) to record two four-goal games in one season
* Ranks tied for 19th in all-time career scoring for the Capitals (283 points) and 12th in career goals (147)

Brian Campbell Notches An Assist For The Sharks

Manny Legace and the Blues are in a slump - not just any slump, but one that spans 6 games and a possibility of losing their playoff contention (Colorado and Vancouver are tied with 74 points in the West for 7th and 8th)- they are 8 points away from Nashville in their division, so every point and win helps. Sadly - Manny and the Blues have ONLY been able to convert 4 goals out of 179 shots in their 0-5-1 streak that has them on the verge of losing ALL hope!!!

Tonights game was no different than the past 4 for San Jose, and once the Sharks were firing on all 8 - the game was over. The Sharks outshot the Blues 34 - 24 and move within 1 point of taking over the 2nd spot in the Pacific division from the Ducks! San Jose started Nabby's back up, Boucher, and he held strong the first period while the Sharks got their bearings. Boucher, a former first-round draft pick and member of the NHL's all-rookie team in 1999-2000, had four shutouts for the AHL's Philadelphia Phantoms this season to earn another chance. He picked up his first win since March 3, 2007, at Phoenix and first shutout since Nov. 12, 2006, against the Blue Jackets.

Joe Pavelski scored on a power play and Mike Grier had a short-handed goal for the Sharks, who won the last five games of an eight-game trip after dropping the first three. Wilson also set a franchise record with his 193rd victory, passing Darryl Sutter, with a game that he said was "close to perfect" considering they've been on the road so long.

Good Job San Jose - Lets keep this train rolling!

A Boy Becomes a Man and a Night of Comebacks

When Evgeni Malkin started his much anticipated career he did so with a a bucket of drama after defecting from his home nation of Russia and being snuck into the country and then with a bang ultimately setting the record for number of consecutive games with a goal to start a career (6 games). He would ultimately go on to win the Calder Trophy over Peter Stastny with 33 goals and 52 assists in 78 games. While he showed tremendous skill and scored a number of highlight reel goals, he also displayed his youth. He frequently failed to show the level of tenacity that his Russian counterpart Alexander Ovechkin displays in battling for the puck and producing opportunities. He wasn't able to use his size particularly well, often tried to do too much and usually failed to show the physical side of his game that made him a legend in Russia. Overall, he generally remained in the shadow of his teammate Sidney Crosby in most places other than Pittsburgh. Everyone saw the potential, it was only a matter of time before we'd see what he could really do.

Now, as the end of the season draws near and the deadline is less than a week away, Evgeni Malkin has the Pittsburgh Penguins in position to be buyers at pending free agent market. He's also done so without the help of Sidney Crosby. The Penguins have had to battle adversity this year after losing their starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to a dreaded high ankle sprain, from which he still has not returned but is on the verge, and then Sidney Crosby to that same injury. Many expected the Penguins to fall apart but Ty Conklin came off the bench and has been absolutely outstanding. So much so that I can't imagine he'll immediately go back to the bench once Fleury does return. The other reason that the Penguins have thrived in the absence of two key players is the development and maturity of Evgeni Malkin. Since Crosby's injury Malkin has 27 points in 14 games and has only failed to register a point in one of those 14 games. As a result, the Pens are 8-4-2. Last night, was no different as Evgeni Malkin lead his team to a 3rd period comeback that showed just how far he's come. Malkin got the primary assist on the first goal just 5 minutes into the final stanza as he found Colby Armstrong in the slot for a wrister over Vokoun's shoulder. Malkin later took a penalty that produced a 4 on 4 situation but was bailed out by his team and he re-paid them in full. Malkin came out of the box looking like a man possessed as he refused to give up the puck and almost singlehandedly turned the tide of the game. as he came out of the box flying. With about 4 minutes minutes left in the 3rd, Malkin collected the puck on the left wing, created space and made a beautiful cross-ice pass to the opposite point. Vokoun was able to fight off the shot, but Malkin swept in from behind the net, recollected the puck, dangled his way around the defender and made a nearly identical, and equally beautiful pass, back to the other side of the ice to Ryan Whitney who fired a wrister off of the suddenly streaking Ryan Malone and into the net. The game had a feeling of destiny to it as it just seemed like there was no way Pittsburgh wasn't going to tie the game. Not only did they tie it, but Malkin was able to draw a call by using his speed and put the Penguins on the powerplay with just over a minute left in the game. With only 23 seconds left Ryan Malone swept in along the right wing, protected the puck with his body, dragged it around the defender and forced his way to the front of the goal, tapping the puck in between Vokoun's legs before getting nailed and landing on top of the sprawling goaltender. Pittsburgh had completed the comeback and Ryan Malone scored two goals in just under three minutes for a hard fought victory, but Malkin was involved in every goal and his two assists pushed him ahead of Alexander Ovechkin for the league-lead in points with 79. Right now, Sidney Crosby is practicing and nearing a return, but it's Malkin's team at the moment and Crosby may have to share those reins as they both prepare to lead the Penguins into the playoffs.

While one team sores, any team stumbles as the New York Rangers were involved in a historic game last night with Montreal, but it's not the kind of history a team wants to make. The Rangers were up 5 to nothing about half way through the game before the walls came tumbling down. The Rangers would allow 2 goals in the second and 3 in the third, including two within a span of 9 seconds, to force overtime and eventually a shootout where they lost on a goal by Saky Koivu. The Rangers spent some coin during free agency in the off-season adding Drury and Gomez, but it all seems for naught as this team has shown no consistency and is in danger of missing the playoffs.

It's a New Dawn, It's a New Day

Well, after what can only be described as a brutal week of picks we embark on a huge week in the NHL. The trade deadline is rapidly approaching and names like Hossa and Sundin are flying everywhere with so many teams on the verge of a playoff berth and it even looks like the great Foppa should be returning soon and apparently for more than just this year. This week provides some immediate interest as well with Selanne (FINALLY) making his 07-08 debut on Tuesday or Thursday for the reigning champs who seem to be struggling all of the sudden. A couple of quick notes:

Shawn Horcoff, on a career pace this season for the Oilers, will apparently miss the rest of the season as he has elected to have his shoulder surgically repaired. It's a shame since Horcoff was having such a great year for the young Oilers who are already without key player Raffi Torres and Sheldon Souray.

Georges Laraque wasn't suspended for cross checking Flyers super-pest Steve Downie from behind into the boards, so will Ryan Hollweg receive a just punishment for his nasty hit from behind in Sunday's only game? We should know by the end of today.

Marc-Andre Fleury participated in his first full practice Friday since suffering a high ankle sprain but with the solid play of Ty Conklin I wouldn't expect to see Fluery back at least for another month.

The NHL is back on NBC and has a great re-match of the Western Conference finals on Sunday as the Ducks face the Redwings in about as close to primetime as hockey gets nowadays.

The Rangers have returned to early season form after winning 4 of their last 5 against teams like Philadelphia and New Jersey. The Rangers were down in Sunday's game against Montreal but rallied back behind their big free agent signings. They have four games this week and currently sit in 7th place in the East only 3 points behind the division leading Flyers which would equate to second in the East overall. The Atlantic Division (Penguins, Flyers, Devils, Rangers, Islanders) is one of the most competitive in the NHL right now.

Minnesota, off a 7-2-1 record over their last 10 games, has jumped over Calgary to take over the lead in their division by 3 points which puts them in 3rd out West. Could they pick up a scoring winger to push them over the top?

San Jose has 4 games in hand over the division leading Stars and the Anaheim Ducks and is only 2 points out of the division lead as is. Never before has winning a division been so necessary for so many good teams.

Nashville, having only failed to get points in 2 out of their last 10 games, has moved up to the 8th and final spot in the West. However, only 4 points separates them from the 12th position.

Atlanta is one of the most talked about teams in regards to the trade deadline and yet they are no tied for the lead in their division with Carolina. In fact, the teams have identical records as they both are 26-25-4. The similarities go even further as their home and road records are nearly the same. However, Washington and Florida are only 3 points behind them and the Caps have 2 games in hand while the Panthers have 1.

Montreal...who would have known? Montreal is quietly the most dangerous team in the East right now behind the incredible play of Cristobal Huet and a group of young forwards. they are now only 3 points behind the Eastern Conference leading Ottawa Senators and have been a much better team than the Sens as of late. This makes their game against the Senators tomorrow night one of the biggest this week and definitely one to follow. Rumors are also swirling that have the Canadiens and Thrashers talking trade, reportedly for Marian Hossa. An acquisition like that could make Montreal the team to beat in the East.

Preparing for the 2007/2008 NHL Season!

Its to early to start a countdown - that would just depress us! However - Free Agency starts in 4 days ... July 1!!! Are YOU ready?