I couldn’t resist…

Groin Troubles…

The first (of many) injury to a marquee player this season has landed on Jason Speeza’s back, or rather his groin.¹ He hurt it whilst practicing on Tuesday.

Officially this doesn’t really matter much as the statement above is a falsehood seeing as Kelly, FIsher and McAmmond were out already. (In fact they might be back tonight!) The real question is how does this affect our game.

Last year, when Spezza was out we turned it up a notch as Heatley took over. Speeza almost didn’t make it back in the lineup and trade rumors abounded.

This year, we’re on fire, and there is not much room for improvement (at least in the standings). I predict, that the long layoff between games, coupled with the rusty return of a few regulars who haven’t seen much (if any) action this season, aggravated by a missing groin will combine to produce our second loss this season.

Not the best way to start month # 2, especially after going 9-1. I’ll be happy to be proved wrong of course.

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I watched the highlights¹ from the Ottawa Senators home game against the visiting Phillies. I watched in awe at Daniel Alfredsson’s (I loves this guy!) pick pocketing of the opposition at their blue line and running in for a shorty in the first period.

Then I saw the problem of late/illegal hitting in today’s skill based NHL rear it’s ugly head again. In what will probably become known as the first instance of the new “match penalty equals instant suspension pending review” rule change, Steve Downie ran Dean McAmmond from the far end of the ice, and he jumped as he made contact to finish the deal. It doesn’t matter that Deaner’s head was down. Downie ran him hard from the opposite end of the ice with intent to injure. What is more disturbing here is Downie’s attitude about it in the post game interview. “I’m just trying to make a team…” C’mon, you intend to injure another player just to make a team?

This type of behavior has to stop. This isn’t rivalry. (Speaking of which, look at what happened in NYC the other night…) This is animosity brought on by dirty play which breeds resentment and more dirty play as payback. McGratton certainly wanted some and hinted as much to watch for during these teams next meeting.

Thankfully, outside of the concussion it looks like Dean will be okay. Despite everyone fighting on top of him… Absolutely amazing he didn’t get hurt in that.

In other news, Ray Emery played and it seems he’s still got some brain games going on, letting two goals on nine shots isn’t very good. Thank goodness Gerber is playing as a goalie this year.

That’s 5-0 so far during the pre-season, jsut my luck, we’ll lose the first game of the year while I’m in attendance…

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Small Consolation Ain’t It?

Congrats to Finny¹ who wins The Scores’ Stanley Cup Final Blogger Pool²!

Here are the official results as compiled by Bob Coatsworth:

Ben from SensArmyBlog was the heavy favorie after getting two thirds of the big line in Spezza and Heatley by way of the snake draft. Who knew they’d be such non-factors? (sigh)

My secondary victory was propped up by a mean combination of secondary scoring anchored by the mighty captain Alfredsson and Fisher. Amazingly only Priessing didn’t notch a point. Here are my final stats:

Oh well, no prizes for me! Same time, same place next year peeps?

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