In this edition of Shrapnel: Nash’s play, Kana’s debut, playoffs, top 100 prospects, voodoo, and more!
Puck-rakers:
Last night’s game against the Lightning was played with seemingly little effort from both sides through the first two periods. Noel put it best when he said “but the first two periods were a clinic in how not to play – for both teams.”
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BlueJackets XTRA:
Nash does it again. Then he does it again – playing with a team first attitude, that is. He had two prime opportunitites to ice the game and score his third goal but he either a) cleared the puck, or b) passed it off to a teammate. Anyone else think Nash needs to develop an edge that makes him a ruthless scorer and take the chances when he has them?
Tomas Kana made his debut last night. He only played Jared Boll-like numbers (under Hitchcock) with about 5. One of his first touches resulted in a turnover, but after that, Kana settled down. In time, I really feel he’ll be a contributor to this team. He’ll be great in camp this summer and could make the team for next season.
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NHL.com:
R.J. Umberger‘s feed to Rick Nash to assist on the PP goal is one of the top plays from last night’s action.
One team can clinch tonight, at the expense of another. Making the playoffs without having to play would be a great way to wind down the season.
If the playoffs started today, here’s what we would be watching.
The scouting combine takes place at the end of May. The top 100 players eligible for the draft are invited. Here’s who they are.
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Yahoo! Sports:
If you believe in voodoo and jinxes, then get a load of this one. Aside from basically calling their shot a la Babe Ruth and looking like douchebags in the process, Chicago fans are more concerned about the way Jonathan Toews‘ nose looks. Dear Chicago, win the cup, then gloat about it later. I hope they get swept out of the first round.
Pittsburgh has signed D Kris Letang to an extension. This makes the return of Sergei Gonchar a little less likely. He will be a UFA this offseason. Any takers?
Don’t look now, but Columbus is able to jump into 11th place and escape the bowels of the Western Conference. Forget the draft, finish the season strong and end up better than 14th!
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Quote of the day:
“He told me, ‘You can’t be hitting our guys like that.” I told him, ‘He’s not (Wayne) Gretzky, so he’s fair game.'”
Derek Dorsett, to Zenon Konopka about Mattius Ohlund. One thing is true, Ohlund is no Gretzky.
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Fight of the night:
The first rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is you DO NOT talk about Fight Club. The third rule of Fight Club should be you DO NOT fuck with Cam Jannsen.
Blackhawks D Nick Boynton v. Blues RW Cam Jannsen
FotN Honorable Mention:
Blackhawks LW Ben Eager v. Blues RW Cam Jannsen. Video.
