I am not, nor have I ever been, a big fan of the NHL All-Star game and everything that surroundsit. This weekend of showboating does not exeplify what the game is about. I realize that is not its purpose, the All-Star game is simply a way to attract people to come see their favorite players show off and just have fun. This game is to hockey the Harlem Globetrotters are to basketball, those guys are fun to watch but it sure ain't basketball. A real hockey game means something, it's about playing hard and winning. It is full of emotions, both joy and anger, and everyone involved strive for the same goal at the end of the season, the Stanley Cup. So, I am glad the All-Star break is over and we can get back to business.
* * *
I'm thinking of placing a bet on the Bruins to win against Ottawa this Thursday. The Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson is day-to-day with a hip injury and the last time he was out the Senators fell apart. Alfie is the league leading scorer with 68 point and he will be missed. Should he play, my bet is of course off.
* * *
The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing the Atlanta Thrashers tonight and a show-down between Russians Ilya Kovalchuk and Evgeni Malkin is in the cards. The Pens have done ok so far with Sidney Crosby out of the line-up. In the first game after losing Crosby, Malkin showed right away that he was ready to carry a heavy load in his captain's absence. He needs to continue playing at the top of his game and players like Jordan Staal and Eric Christensen needs to step up. If they can do that, and if Ty Conklin can continue to shine in goal the Penguins will get through this just fine and also be a stronger team come the play offs.
No comments:
Post a Comment