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Goaltending Delight
Sunday - April 10, 2005

The Toronto Sun reports that Glen Sather may retire and that Wayne Gretzky will become the next Ranger's President. That should make some of you happy even if there's no reason to believe the story.

Thanks to HDH as he posted yesterday that the NCAA finals were on ESPN. I decided to tune in and was treated to an outstanding display by both keepers. Denver won it's second consecutive championship with a 4-1 win (EN).

Jordan Parise, son of former NHLer J.P. Parise was excellent for his Fighting Sioux of North Dakota but was topped by Denver's Peter Mannino who won MVP honors. Mannino stopped 44 including a brilliant glove save in the first where he pulled the puck out of the net. The kid is a freshman.

Another freshman, Paul Stastny who's the son of former NHLer Peter Stanstny scored twice for Denver. I was impressed with the play from both teams and yes, it was a joy to watch hockey again.

Larry Brooks is not sure it's time for optimism and once again he and I agree. After watching the game last night I miss the NHL even more than before. I'd love to be wrong here and see a real deal.

In the Soapbox at Spector's there is a discussion on Owners unity. I was recently informed that one owner is not on board with Bettman and wanted to play, even under the old deal. I, like Spector was sure that some owners would break ranks and now I finally have proof of one. Unfortunately, no one will go on record and even this one teams' ownership has questionable motives. My un-named source (yes, I'm doing my Uncle Larry impression) tells me that this team wanted a season if only to keep the value of the club high for a possible sale. Hardly a long term ally for you or I.

Oh, as to Spector's reference to us, the Rodent and the BlueShirt Bulletin.....don't worry Dude, we still like you ;-)

USA Womens' Hockey, WORLD CHAMPS !

I should be happy but this game provides a great example of why the shootout sucks. Team Canada didn't give up a single goal in five games and yet they lost the championship. It reminds me of the longest game I ever played. Tied after regulation and overtime we remained even through two sets of shootouts at the Long Beach Arena. One finally got by me in the third set and I still think it was a crappy way of losing a championship.

The Pack won 4-1 last night. "Wolf Pack coach Ryan McGill was not at the game, because of a family matter." Hmmmm, wonder what's up with that? The Pack play again today.

Our buddy from NY Sportsday talks to Thomas Pöck.

Several people commented on a possible change in the NHL playoff format yesterday including our own HDH and Spector. The proposal would add four more teams and an additional three game series to the playoffs. I hear they'll make it retro so the Rangers have made the playoffs in the last seven years......but lost.

Well, that should get you through a beautiful Sunday.

----}- Bird

Posted by Bird at April 10, 2005 10:53 AM
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