Takin' it to the Bank tonight

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special “Hey” goes out to Hazel Mae if she is checking in.

The Maple Leafs travel to Boston to play the back end of what started out as a crucial home and home for both teams – two days later (and a beatdown) and the game has lost most, if not all, of the significance for the Maple Leafs…or has it?

Reports after the morning skate are speculating that Leafs’ Captain Mats Sundin and winger Nik Antropov will both suit up tonight at the Banknorth Garden. The twin towers combined for three goals and two assists when the Leafs humiliated the Bruins by a count of 8-2 on March 6th at the Banknorth Garden (with Hazel in attendance of course).

The Leafs may not have anything to play for – the chances of them coming back are astronomical – but what better way to wipe out the bad taste of a horrible performance on home ice than to take out your frustrations on the team that smacked you around; an added bonus would be derailing the Bruins’ hopes for a playoff spot with Ovechkin and the Caps hot on their heels.

The Leafs can do hockey fans across North America a big favour tonight by beating Boston – for the good of the NHL, and the “watchability” (I know that’s not a real word) of the NHL playoffs, Ovechkin has to be playing come the second week of April. Ovechkin has been far and away the best player in the league this year, having put a below average team on his back and willing them into playoff contention, and he deserves to be playing into April.

The Bruins would be little more than chum if they faced the Canadiens in the opening round – and without Marc Savard, their chances aren’t much better against the Penguins or Devils if they are the first round opponents.

All this to say – Boys, beat the damn Bruins tonight and make it hurt real bad. I’ll be watching for my counterpart’s response to tonight’s game.

WEDNESDAY’S THREE STARS
Minnesota Wild C Mikko Koivu assisted on all three goals as the Wild got by the Oilers by a 3-1 count.

Colorado Avalanche RW Milan Hejduk had two goals and an assist in the Avs’ 6-3 over the Canucks.

Anaheim Ducks rookie winger Bobby Ryan had the lone regulation goal in the Ducks 2-1 shootout win over the Kings – he would have looked good in blue and white next year.


THURSDAY THREE PLAY
A perfect night (see above-noted three stars), another one on tap. Tonight’s suggestions:

Pittsburgh over NY Islanders – putting the total for the week at risk with this one, but you have to think the Penguins will be out for revenge after an awful performance against the Isles on Monday. Crosby comes back tonight, while he may not yet be 100% he will certainly give his team a lift. Lay $100 on the Penguins - $300.

Washington over Tampa Bay – the Ovechkin show continues. Lay $100 on the Caps - $140.

Florida over Atlanta – the Panthers face a must win to keep their slim hopes alive, they aren’t going to make it, but they’ll produce enough to pull out a win tonight. Lay $100 on the Panthers - $240.

That’s it for today gang – thanks for taking the time to check in.

Hazel, here’s hoping things are groovy in your world – enjoy the game tonight.

I’m Out!