A Bit More Canadian Content: Hockey

So tonight, we will see if the Toronto Maple Leafs can close the deal and beat the Ottawa Senators to advance in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Playoff hockey is the best hockey. 

The Leafs took an early lead in the series winning the first three and then lost two in a row with Tuesday's loss in Game 5 being most especially egregious.

All that can be said about the 4-0 loss, including two empty net goals is:

 

So will the Leafs pull off a win tonight, or will the Curse of Harold Ballard continue? The game has now begun, so we shall see.

All I want is one Maple Leaf Cup Victory in my lifetime, which really shouldn't be too much to ask, but it hasn't happened yet, and it looks a long way still to go. 

Update:  And the Leafs win tonight 4-2 in a very hard-fought game.  Now to take on the Florida Panthers.

The Good Ol' College Hockey Game

Yesterday I went to East Lansing to attend the Big 10 Men's Hockey Tournament game of MSU v Notre Dame. First time I've been back to the Munn Ice Arena in years.

College hockey tends to be a lot of fun to watch.

We got there pretty early and before that got lunch at Raising Cane's the ne plus ultra of chicken strip restaurants. Yum. We then parked and headed to the arena, with plenty of time to wander around.

 Free rally rags were provided to all the fans.

 

We got to watch the warm up.

 

And the game began.

It was a very low-scoring game with a lot of action.

 A couple small fights, a few penalties and both teams were excellent at killing the power plays.

The Spartans won 1-0, with the single goal taking place in the third periods, with 46 shots on goal to Notre Dame's 19.  Should have been a much higher score, but defense on both teams were seriously on point. 

It often seemed the Spartans were taking shots when off balance and not ready to receive the puck after a pass to take a shot at the net.

Still, a win is a win, and they advance in the tournament to play again next week. 

A nice Saturday day trip.

For some good Hockey tune into the World Junior Hockey Championships

Just finish watching Team Canada demolish Norway 10-1 at the World Junior Hockey Championships being held in Buffalo, NY on the TV.

Canada has an awesome team on the ice this year and I'd say this year it is their championship to lose, and they're not likely to lose it. Absolutely great hockey and a lot of fun to watch.

Pretty awesome watching Brayden Schenn's tying of Mario Lemieux's and Simon Gagne record for the most goals scored in a game at the championship - 4. He almost got five to make a new record. He's going to be quite a player to watch as will many others on this fantastic team. On to watching them dominate Sweden tomorrow.