THIS IS MY NHL BLOG ENTRY

What a dumb slogan the NHL came up with. My NHL--my ass. Although it's been fun to watch, I'll give them that.

Anyway, back on March 27th, I said that the Devils were going to miss the playoffs.

Well, they haven't lost since then, winning 8 straight to secure a playoff spot. In fact, in 2006, they're 26-9-4.

I'm not making any more blognostications.

Fresh off beating the Rangers 3-2 Sunday night (and there was a real playoff atmosphere in the CAA), the Devils had Carolina beat in regulation tonight, but they gave up the tying goal with 46 seconds left, before winning 4-3 it on a Gionta's redirection in OT. He now has 45 goals, one short of the Devils team record (Pat Verbeek, 1987-88). The Rangers dug a 3 goal hole they couldn't get out of, and lost to the Icelanders, with Jagr getting 2 As but no Gs. Unfortunately, Philly survived a scary Crosbying 4-3, and stay 2 pts ahead of NJD, 3 behind NYR. Right now, it's a long shot for that Rangers/Montreal series, but we could get Sabres/Devils if they stay hot.

WAY OUT WEST: I thought I'd be seeing more games now that I have OLN, but not so much (the non-HD effect). All I know is that San Jose is on fire, winning 5 in a row, and have probably secured a playoff spot. Jonathan Cheechoo (Chee-who? I've yet to see him skate) has 51 goals, most of them on passes from Tommy Chong--uhm, Joe Thorton, who has an untouchable 87 A. But the NHL's "Second Season" has a habit of snuffing out hot offensive teams. Elsewhere, the Ducks are in, Edmonton and Vancouver will be fighting for that last spot. Nashville lost goalie Vokoun for the rest of the season to a "blood condition" (?), so they have to rely on their backup, Mason, in the playoffs. Basically, Detroit and Dallas are scary good, but we know it comes down to goaltending in the playoffs, and Calgary's Kiprusoff has had a great season.

One last thing: will everyone please making a big deal over teams achieving a "100 point season"? Since there are no ties in the new NHL, someone has to win and get the 2 points, so point totals are completely meaningless when compared to previous seasons. Thanks.

UNFORTUNATE SPORTS NAMES: Alexander Semin of the Capitals. The headline "Caps bag another key Russian with Semin" conjures up a really horrible image. I hope to catch Semin soon.