If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It

Hey my team just scored 7 goals in a Western Conference Final game, I think I will mess with the line-up. How in anyway, shape or form does that sound smart? Why on earth would anyone mess with a team that just scored 7 goals? Alain just got out-coached badly...I know thats a shocking statement.

The little Frenchman is not the only one at fault here. The Valium Twins returned to their natural state: Apathetic. Their back-checking was a joke, their effort was a disgrace, and their disgusting attempts at "playing the body" angered me more than anything. Until I saw the Defense.

Ryan Clowe alone in front on the PP, countless breakaways and odd-man rushes, and some of the sloppiest play I have seen in awhile. They were missing wide open passes, easy body-checks, and their effort was also lack-luster. All this BS caused me to turn off the game during the second period.

I have no problem with a team getting outplayed. If this team were a six seed I wonder worry. But this team won the Presidents's Trophy and has talent out the ass. Nothing frustrates me more than a talented team that is losing because of a lack of effort. Its disgusting, and an insult to anyone who has ever played the game. This team could have steam rolled the teams they have played, but half the time they seem disinterested and lackadaisical. I have no idea what team I will see on any given night.  

San Jose Is A Classy Bunch

Shocking that Ben Eager, the guy from that hack team in Chicago, who plays with a gutless wimp, a diver (who if he was European Don Cherry wouldn't shut up about him), a lard-ass, and whatever this is, is a goon. Way to get fired up Ben. It was Daniel Sedin's fault that Gutless decided to get in a horribly mismatched fight. But at least Ole Gutless redeemed himself by turning his head, closing his eyes and throwing wild punches.

I was also very happy to see that Napoleon (without the brains) Gary Bettman was there to witness the great job his officials do. That was PRE-MEDITATED boarding and all he gets is two minutes. But please Gary keep going soft on these goons because that will stop them. If Raffi Torres gets suspended for two playoff games for that elbow and this piece of crap gets nothing I am driving to Toronto to punch that little troll. Is it wrong that I get enraged when I see a shot of Gary Bettman, but was indifferent about Osama bin Laden?

After Eager slew footed Mason Raymond, which I am surprised that even got called, and they scored on that Powerplay, they should have all skated by the Sharks bench and thanked Eager. But hey not like his team imploded. I know the Sharks choking in the playoffs is brand new, I just love they are all douche-bags now. Way to taunt the opposing goalie after you scored on him, to make your deficit 4 goals instead of 5, you sure got in his head.

Speaking of douche-bags Logan Couture celebrating after that goal was ridiculous. Hey Jonathan Cheechoo 2.0, you haven't done anything yet. Call me in 5 years when another great young player from San Jose is being brought up and I have to call my brother and ask "Who was that turd everyone said was great that played there 5 years ago?"

I want Raffi looking like Bill Lambier and Kevin McHale out there next game. Sharpen your elbows boys.

Wake Up Vancouver!

I know its hockey in Canada, a religious experience in itself, been to enough games there to know. I get goosebumps every time I walk into an arena, whether thats at Rogers Arena, Joe Louis Arena, Compuware (Plymouth Whalers), or even here in Hockey Purgatory. I love it, the smell, the feel, the people, the banners, its great. Nothing else like it in the world.

It made it fitting then that Game 1 was played on Sunday, because Rogers Arena felt like a church. It was insanely quiet. Yeah it came alive with goals, but what arena doesn't?! There just seemed to be no passion at Rogers Arena though. Now I am not saying Canucks fans lack passion, I was there this year, for a game in November no less, against these same Sharks even, and the place was electric.

However, it did seem like people were there more because it was the thing to do, then because they love hockey. Even so, they have to get into this game. Its going to be embarrassing if in a series with a California team, they have the louder arena. This is the Western Conference Finals, its been 17 years...17?! Get into it!

Game 1 In The Books

(Picture courtesy of @Artem_Chubarov and famikon from reddit)

Welcome to the playoffs Henrik! Glad to have you here buddy. Great game, gives me hope the series. Why? They go down early on a bad play of the puck by Bobby Lu, and just keep plugging away. Max Lapierre got a beauty cutting to the net, Kevin Bieksa a product of more great passing, and then of course Henrik decided he would show up.

I am not getting a head of myself though. The Valium Twins, as I have so lovingly called them, are still not where they should be. They were still taking their time back-checking, making sloppy passes, and sleep walking in the neutral zone. Bobby has to lay off those mistakes, and be more confident in the net. The Defense looked solid, but more physicality would be nice, and clearing the front of the net, but one goal on a goalie give-away and another PP one isn't too bad.

Loved the way the third and fourth lines played though. They were hitting everything in a Shart's (not a type-o) jersey and creating some great chances. Hodgson, Hansen, Lapierre, and Torres all felt like they were out there every other shift. Loved it. Can't wait for game 2.