February 28, 2010

Bad news Gabby owners – he was clearly nursing a groin injury in the bronze medal game. He may play with it down the stretch for the Rangers, but color me surprised if he doesnt’ miss at least three of four games going forward.

Prediction time – after Miller gets peppered with 11 shots in the first 10 minutes, effectively taking the crowd out of the game, the Americans score on their fourth shot and carry a 1-0 lead into the intermission. They were outshot in the first 19-9. In the second, the Canadians come out flying again, peppering another 14 shots on Miller and getting two past him, finding a chink in his armor. In the third, up 2-1, the Canadians slowly fall into defensive mode. Far too early. Team USA ramps up the pressure, wiring shot after shot on Luongo. After being outshot 33-18 in the first two periods, they outshoot Canada 13-6 in the third. With the goalie pulled and 42 seconds left, Kane goes top shelf (where momma hides the cookies) and sends this one into OVERTIME. OT action is back and forth, each team hungry for glory. With 2:37 left, Crosby steals the puck in the neutral zone and breaks in all alone. SAVE Miller! He ROBS HIM! This game is going to the shootout! It’s 2-2 the score, and 2-2 in the shootout after five shooters and we are going to a sixth, and then a SEVENTH shooter. And finally…

Pavol Demitra’s 10 tourney points lead the Olympics. He is a hot hand you may want to look into snagging for down the stretch. Raymond and Samuelsson owners should be worried. With the Canucks losing so much on the road, the lines may be juggled, which could see Demitra off the third line and replacing one of those two.

I’m in the Top 10% of the Olympics pool – nice showing! Thank you to Angus for putting all this together and gathering up some great prizes. Thank you to the Sports Lettering Company, and Sin Bin, and Armchair Pools for all their help and generosity as well.

Nathan Horton is still not skating in practice with the Panthers. Given that, I would say that he is still at least a week away.

Anaheim has recalled Dan Sexton. Definitely worth keeping an eye on, as we’ve already seen what he can do.