Why are you reading this? – Ramble – May 10, 2009
Dobber Sports
2009-05-10
If you're a father, and you are reading this on Mother's Day – I admire your dedication!
Both Alex Goligoski and Philippe Boucher got into the lineup in place of Gonchar, while Dupuis was a healthy scratch to make room. Goli played 9:32 and 3:14 on the PP. Boucher played 13:03
Satan has points in each of the last two playoff games. Sykora continues to be a healthy scratch.
Justin Abdelkader will get into his first playoff game today, replacing Tomas Kopecky. Ville Leino would have been in had it been a top sixer who was hurt.
While Dustin Byfuglien and Dave Bolland played 20 minutes each last night, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Martin Havlat played about 16 each. Gotta love a team that doesn't go by the name on the sweater, but by the scoreboard and the hot hand.
Sami Salo played 20 minutes in his return to the lineup. He is the only Canuck besides Henrik who has a point per game in the playoffs.
Alex Edler ain't doing too shabby – he has seven points in nine playoff contests.
The two active playoff players with the worst plus/minus are PJ Axelsson of Boston and Willie Mitchell of Vancouver, sitting at minus-4
There is a chance that James Wisniewski could play tonight. He will be a game time decision.
Russianprospects.com named their first annual Russian Prospects award winners. It's an interesting read, with some solid prospect feedback.
Sergei Gonchar's agent JP Barry on TSN: "We now have Exhibit A of the extreme double-standard that exists in the NHL's approach to discipline," Barry told TSN, a Canadian network. "Alex clearly cuts back with his knee after missing his check, with devastating results. But of course, because it's Alex, its all Sergei's fault. It was a extremely negligent hit and, if anyone else in this league does the same, we all know they will face serious discipline. Part of being 'great' means playing with respect. [Ovechkin] is reckless and this isn't the first or last time he will get a free pass from the NHL, and the best part is, he knows it."
Judging by the rather large knee brace that the Gazette reports him wearing yesterday, Game 6 is doubtful for Gonchar.
Malkin's OT goal…
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn0tR5A7WTc]