via www.examiner.com
It's been a hell of a tear, and they did much better over that 6 in 9 stretch than I thought they would, but this road trip couldn't have happened at a better time. The team seemed to be winning in spite of itself, a general funk laying over them due most likely to fatigue. That being said they have an opportunity to exercise some personal demons tonight as they take on the lowly Islanders. We've all heard that any team can beat any other in the league on any given night (just ask that sawed-off muppet that runs the league). However, there is in my opinion absolutely no excuse for losing to the Islanders tonight. None. Zero. Massive injuries. AHL level talent. Rookie goalies. Time to feast...
It's sad to see how far that franchise has fallen. From an early 80's dynasty to the shambles they're in today is a long drop indeed, and the decisions of ownership as well as past and current management have left many scratching their heads. From paying Alexei Yashin not to play, to the ridiculous 25 year contract they signed Rick DiPietro to, the Islanders seem to be destined to dwell in the basement forever.
Sure they have some good young talent, led by John Tavares and former Canuck prospect Michael Grabner, but having already traded away backup goalie Dwayne Roloson and Dman James Wysniewski, it really looks like they've pulled the chute on this season already. Unfortunately, that makes them dangerous if the Canucks don't take their A game into the Nassau County Coliseum.
To the surprise of few, Ryan Kesler, Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin were named to the upcoming All Star Game in Raleigh, NC on the 30th. It will actually be interesting this year, I think because of the draft they will have, allowing the captains to select the teams. Could we see Sid and Ovechkin on the same line or playing against each other? Will they split up the Sedins? Now if they would just get some physical contact in the game...
French Toast with Blueberries
The Pittsburgh Penguins really appear to be missing Sidney Crosby after they blew a late 2 goal lead for the 2nd game in a row. The Boston Bruins roared back with 4 goals in the 3rd to win 4-2 in the first meeting between the teams since Marc Savard returned to the lineup... The Canucks got a little help from the Avalanche last night as Colorado held on to beat the Detroit Red Wings 5-4. Wings goalie Jimmy Howard was pulled after giving up 4 on 12 shots, which has to have the Canucks shaking their heads after the way he stole that win the other night...
WAACH 'Cast's Band Of The Day- SKELETONWITCH
Off to Ohio for today's band of the day, the death-tinged thrash fiends known as Skeletonwitch. The band has just released the 2nd of a trio of 7 inch singles, and are currently writing a followup to 2009's 'Breathing The Fire'.