Playoff Prepping
Lots of games, only one fight.
Mike Rupp went with Ben Eager. I’ll have the video of it tomorrow.
So I added a few older scraps…
Other clips added
Troy Crowder vs Craig Coxe Nov 1, 1990
Mick Vukota vs Al Secord Nov 30, 1989
Sandy McCarthy vs Eric Boulton Nov 27, 2001
Sandy McCarthy vs Jody Shelley Jan 16, 2002
Playoff Boogey?
Winger Adam Hall was originally slated to play center, a position he only played previously at the 2003 World Championships and a handful of shifts in Nashville.
Lemaire said there were two reasons he was contemplating the switch: 1) He’s considering dressing enforcer Derek Boogaard in the playoffs, and for that to happen, he wants to find a spot for Hall because wingers Stephane Veilleux and Branko Radivojevic warrant spots. 2) It’s a clear indictment on fourth-line centers Wyatt Smith and Dominic Moore.
Some reads
Chelios remains a key contributor as NHL’s elder skatesman
Ducks doing swimmingly with Burke
Domi ruling expected in two weeks
Love hurts – thanks to reader Jeff for sending that in.
Eastern race
With a win tonight, the Lightning can clinch a playoff spot. That eighth spot is still a mess. The Islanders have a must-win against Philly on Saturday while the Habs and Leafs faceoff against each other that night. I know you thought the Islanders were out of it, but I have two words for you: Wade Dubielewicz. I know, it sounds like about four if said correctly, eleven if stuttered upon, but his solid play might do two things:
1) Get the Islanders into the playoffs.
2) Give Chris Simon a much better chance of continuing his NHL career.
See, if the Islanders miss the playoffs, Simon still has to sit 10 games at the beginning of next season. As he’ll be a free agent over the summer, some teams may balk at signing someone who will miss the first month of the season due to a suspension. If the Islanders can make the playoffs, his suspension will be reduced by a minimum of four games (if the Isles get swept) or could be served completely this season if the Islanders wind up playing ten games or more. No matter how many games the Islanders last if they get in, Simon cannot return this season.
Update 600pm: Last night’s fight:
Michael Rupp vs Ben Eager Apr 5, 2007
