Some interesting games tonight etc.

Sorry for not posting in a while, i've been very busy with work, and life in general. This is a quick, bullet post:

- The Crunch can close out their first round series with Manitoba tonight, they have a 3-2 series lead and are at playing at home. Derick Brassard was named AHL rookie of the month for April, and has been on fire of late. Gilbert Brule however, has been struggling. A big game from him tonight could give him a kick-start, heading into the second round. (Providing the Crunch can seal the deal tonight)

- Team Canada plays their second and final exhibition game tonight, against Team Russia. Russia has recently added Ovechkin, Semin, Fedorov and Alex Radulov to their roster, but they won't be in the lineup this evening. This is potentially a Gold Medal preview. In their first exhibition game, Canada beat the Finns 3-1, with Marty St. Louis scoring a pair of goals, and Jason Chimera getting the third. Nasher didn't play in game one, as he was still recovering from his tonsil surgery. Pazzy did get in the game, mid-way through the second period. Cam Ward played the first half of the game. Canada wil likely do the same tonight in terms of goaltenders, and Nash will be in the lineup.

- The Mooseheads were eliminated in four games by the Gatineau Olympique. It was an extremely disappointing end to a season in which the Moose were touted as the team to beat in the QMJHL. Voracek had a so-so end to the season, and a so-so playoff. Many (including myself) think that he was suffering through and injury, or was just plain exhausted, after a busy year with the Moose, and the Czech national team at the World Juniors. He was eligible to join the Syracuse Crunch for the playoffs by way of an amateur try-out, but Scott Howson and Jake agreed to call 'er a season and get some rest. Overall, it was a fantastic year for Jake, and he will be an impact player for the Jackets next season.

- A little late to comment, considering it happened in the first round of the NHL playoffs, but the act that Sean Avery pulled on Marty Brodeur was just idiotic. If he ever became a Blue Jacket I absolutely could not embrace him and cheer for him. The guy is just a complete fool. (In my opinion of course)

- The Habs-Flyers play tonight in Game 3 of their series. With the Blue Jackets not making the playoffs, I jumped on the Washington bandwagon, primarily because they are just so exciting to watch. Ovechkin is far and away my favourite non- Jacket playing in the NHL. With the Caps eliminated i am turning to my patriotic side and cheering for the Habs. It's been far too long since a Canadian team won the cup, and I would love to see the Cup return to the Great White North. If not the Habs, I wouldn't mind seeing the Pens win it, because if they do Sidney Crosby will bring the cup home to Cole Harbour, five minutes from my place. I missed Cole Harbour native Joey Dipenta's cup parade last year when he brought it home, but there's no way I would miss a Crosby cup parade here in my home town.

Go Canada! Go Crunch! Go Habs!

Mike