I promise all of you, I will NOT pull an April fools joke on any of you. I have gotten caught twice already this morning, once on the boards when someone posted that Henrik Lundqvist had torn his ACL at practice. The other time.....well let's just say I thought we were going to have a new inside source within the organization, but more on that later.

Four days off, walks in the park, dates with girlfriends, resting groins (except with the girlfriends), recovering from colds . . . that's the news for the day. While the Rangers act like normal people for a weekend, we can all kick back and watch some March Madness and watch some NHL hockey. The REAL madness would be if the Rangers clinch a playoff spot while sitting at home during this mini-break. If Atlanta fails to get at least two points combined in their games against Carolina today and the Senators on Monday, the clinch will be complete.

Andrew Gross of the Journal News says that, even if it does happen, the Blueshirts aren't going to be doing much celebrating. He writes that this team isn't just settling for a playoff spot, they want a top seed. The boys are indicating that the goal now is the Atlantic Division.

(On a side note, Andrew reports that the Rangers will call a forward up from Hartford on Monday. Alexandre Giroux was sent back down, and Renney wouldn't commit on whether he would get the nod again.)

While the good guys rest, the Flyers, four points back in the division, play the Devils and 'Sticks in back-to-back games. This will bring Philly even up with the Rangers in game played, and if they could match the points with two wins. Luckily, the Blueshirts should be nice and fresh for Tuesday's meeting.

Speaking of the Isles, they were shut out . . . at home . . . by the Penguins . . . who are the worst team in hockey. I will be a nice guy, and offer some solace to fans in Long Island: At least you ain't the Knicks.

When I read the headline "NHL artifacts acquired", I swore it had something to do with Mark Messier. Instead, it was just a Plante mask and some Rocket memorabilia.

The Rodent drops a bombshell on us. Looks like we have a new *ahem* source at MSG!

The Hartford Wolf Pack whipped ass last night, beating the Springfield Falcons 9-3. Seven different players scored for the Pack, led by Dwight Helminen who netted a hat-trick. Nigel Dawes had a goal and three assists on the night.

See you next week.

HDH

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