TKO a longtime Goonblog reader, and member of the Boston Bruins 2008-2009 bandwagon (he was on at the end of this year but every time he watched they lost, so I made him stop) sent me a text last night during the second stanza of the Penguins game. It was simple, but totally summed up the game. It was one word: Scrappy.

Now, I love the word scrappy. Or, scrap. Or scrapping, as in, “Why should she care what anyone thinks about her? She’s just scrapping.” Scrappy Doo was a cartoon dog I could have done without, and had I been Uncle Scooby, I’d have kicked his little ass all the way around the world. The little fucker was always getting the gang into trouble. You think the rest of them took Scooby aside, and was all,”um, yeah. Scooby? About Scrappy. He can’t roll with us anymore. Scooby Dumb was one thing, but this guy is going to get us killed.” Scrappy is a great word, and I think it summed up the Flyers and Penguins game last night.

The “Cold War of the Keystone State” had been luke warm at best. Riley Cote is absent from the lineup, as is Steve Downie. There was a good Middleweight bout Sunday, but for the most part, it’s been pretty typical playoff hockey. I was sure these two teams were going to try to kill each other, as they, well, want to kill each other. To say there is a natural rivalry between these two is a bit like saying I need a brew after a month plus of not drinking. For those analogy impaired, it’s an understatement.

Philadelphia’s back was against a wall last night in a lose and break out the golf clubs kind of way, and they responded by playing a physical clog the neutral zone game. Pittsburgh did not play as well as they had, and despite a near comeback on the back of Jordan Stall, looked a little over matched. The end of the game was particularly nasty and even featured a good fight between grizzled veteran Derian Hatcher, and scrappy Ryan Malone. Mike Richards tried to stir the pot again with Sidney Crosby at the end of the game, but the two couldn’t really get going. If Philadelphia wants to keep playing hockey this spring, I might suggest inserting Riley Cote for Sunday, as someone has to answer for Richards going after Crosby, and playing a physical game from the start. Pittsburgh on the other hand, needs to forget last night ever happened, come in loose, and get ready for some home cooking in a building that has been very kind to them in this playoff year. They are 9-0 right now, and haven’t lost in 11 games on home ice going back to the regular season. Should be a dandy on Sunday. Let’s hope it’s scrappy!

Check out the end of the USA and Finland game from the World Championship. This is Hockey!

Speaking of missed fights. You think I taped the Penguins and Philadelphia game yesterday while I was in Connecticut for Mother’s Day? Hell no. Of course, there was a fight. I go to box. I feel shame.

From my seat in the stand Goons, there is no one stopping the Detroit Red Wings. They dismantled Dallas last night. I don’t know if the Stars are tired from the 4OT game, or if the “Detroit Curse” is in Marty Turco’s head or what, but they looked out played, hustled, and any other adjective you can think of last night. The Wings look like they have all the answers boys.

Speaking of answers. Does anyone know of any player that has played for all 6 Original Six teams? I was watching Chris Chelios last night, and the question came to me. He started with Montreal, though not in 1917, then Chicago, and now Detroit. I am not sure if anyone has ever done it. If I had to guess? I’d say no.

Tonight’s game should be the beginning of a great series. It is also the last night I am unsupervised, so the cleanup of the Army men has begun. I thought this was a pick em series before, but with Philly being short their best defenseman, Kimmo Timonen, and having an inability to find someone to take his ice time; I like the Penguins more and more. Enjoy the games boys and girls.

I have gotten a few e-mails and comments about my health and well being since my last post. Maybe it was the admitting I was playing with Army guys, or the truth coming out about me writing in my Little Bo Peep outfit. Either way, I am alive and doing….well, I’m alive. Word to the wise. Do not go in the basement. Ever. I appreciate all of the concern.

Killer inquired how I was after the 4 OT thriller in Dallas the other night. I am here to say, that was a heck of a hockey game. I did not stay up for the whole thing though. I watched all of regulation, and it had the feel of a game that was going to last forever. Wisely, at the end of regulation I packed it in. I wasn’t all that surprised to see it had gone to 4 extra sessions though. Neither side was giving an inch, and Marty Turco was playing superbly. Congratulations to Dallas. I’m looking forward to watching their series starting Thursday. Something about these guys tells me they are going to give Detroit all they can handle.

Personally, I think both series are going to be dy-no-mite! In the East, the finalists HATE each other, and in the West, both teams are playing some great hockey. What’s even better news is this story I found on ESPN.com today. Not since old Batman and Robin has there been a duo more dynamic than Barry Melrose and Don Cherry. Both wear loud suits, love the same style of game, and like the spotlight. Getting Grapes is huge for the NHL, ESPN, and the game of hockey. I am looking forward to these guys every night on ESPN. So, Once again, I am alive. Don’t go in the basement, and enjoy the hockey this week boys!

In my first prediction, well, wish for blood. There was none. There was a little pushing and shoving. As Doc would say, there was a snarl. But no blood. Fighting in the playoffs doesn’t happen a lot anymore. The Habs and Flyers pushed and shoved a little, and eventually the game ended without a fight. That series is now over with the Flyers beating the hated Canadiens last night. They awaited their fate today, and found out in exciting fashion, it would be the hated in state rival Pittsburgh Penguins that stood between them and a trip to the Cup Finals. I have to say, I’m as giddy as a little girl thinking about this series. Or maybe it’s because I am typing this dressed as Little Bo Peep. Either way.

I do not need to tell the hockey fans out there how much these two teams hate each other. Really, it needs no words. They are like cats and dogs. They just do not get along. One of the best games I saw all year was a penalty filled affair on Versus that featured the worst acting job since Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls. Georges Laraque “lost an edge” and did the worst “oops I fell over into the goalie” routine EVER at the end of the game. They kicked him out for it, probably so there could be no more fights. Truly a great sight. This kind of thing is always bubbling right below the surface when these two teams collide, and I for one will be glued to my television.

I guess I will have to make a new prediction for a cup winner since Montreal lost out last night. I am very excited by that by the by. Fuck them, and Carey Price’s new stupid glove. Their game went to hell in a hand basket, and Price was the reason why. Like I said before, for a guy that is supposed to be unflappable, he looked totally flapped. Pretty sure I made up a word there, but you get the picture. Lapses in judgment, and a weak glove hand from the 20 year old was Montreal’s undoing. In time, this kid is going to be something else, but I think he’s gonna need a few more seasons before anointing him the next Pat Roy up in Montreal. So that leaves Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Detroit, and either San Jose, or Dallas. I think Dallas ends it tonight, and I get to watch because I am totally unsupervised for the next week….hence the Little Bo Peep outfit. MOL is in Texas visiting her mother, and I am left to my own devices. Killer, I will need a wellness check every other day please. She showed me how to use the stove before she left, so I should be OK for food. Mostly I’ve been using it to slightly melt my green Army guys that have run afoul of the flame thrower guy. What? I am a 33 year old man; I haven’t been playing war in my living room since my wife left. That’s what crazy people do. Where was I? Oh yeah. I think it’ll be Dallas and Detroit with the winner being Detroit, and I am up in the air about the Battle of Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia is getting timely scoring from RJ Umberger, and superb goaltending from Martin Biron. Pittsburgh has so many weapons they can hurt you with it’s hard to pick how they get it done. Crosby has been good, not great in the second series, while Geno Malkin has been superb. Jordan Staal found his game in the back of his closet, and Fluery has made saves when they need it. If the series gets rough, I like the Pens in it. Laraque is a presence, and Jarkko Ruutu is an Uber pest. I think it’ll be a tight, rough and tumble affair with Pittsburgh winning in seven. In the final, I just don’t see anyone stopping Detroit right now. They look like they are firing on all cylinders, and I think it will be them raising Lord Stanley’s Cup next month. Either way, I think the Eastern Conference Finals will be the kind of series us Goonblog fans love. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think the Northern Army is trying to advance on the couch, and they must be stopped.

Live from Goonblog HQ in Acton, MA! It’s the Canadiens and Flyers! Game three should be a dandy. MOL is at the germ factory, and I am at home enjoying my leftover chicken noodle soup from the Chang An in Concord. It’s delicious. Usually, it’s a little bland, but I doctored it with some salt, pepper, and some red pepper flakes. It’s given it quite a zip. In past times when un-supervised, I would have been at the Gin Mill until it was time to report home and pretend I wasn’t holed up drinking for about 4 hours. Alas, I have given up the sauce, and that’s what brings me to tonight’s game.

The Habs series has a real old time hockey feel going to it, for a couple of reasons.
1. The Flyers are the dirtiest team ever. Always have been.
2. Tom Kostopoulos is a bitch, and threw a sucker punch at a Flyer the other night after the oft suspended team scored.

I do not like either of these teams at all. In fact, I hate them both. As a lifelong Bruins fan both has been a thorn in my side at one point or another. I guess if you made me pick who I want to win, I’d say Philadelphia, but honestly, I just want to see some rough old time playoff hockey. I think we may see that tonight in the “City of Brotherly Love.” It’s all tied up 1-1, and TK’s cheap shot has blood boiling. If I am the Flyers coach, I start Steve Downie, and if I am Montreal’s coach, Kostopoulos has to do his dirty work and have a go right off the hop tonight. If they don’t settle this like men right away, and I am a Flyer, I am running Saku Koivu and Alexi Kovalev all night. Both teams’ websites, here, and here, are hyping the bad blood. Hopefully everyone is all riled up. I’ll be here enjoying my soup and a few Pink Lemonades….stupid no drinking…..

The first annual Hockey Week in Acton is over. I did four games in four nights, and watched another three on television. The highlight was obviously Saturday’s tilt against Washington. MOL, my brother and I were there for the old time hockey showing in Boston. I actually called it in Halftime Pizza that they would go right off the hop, and damn I am glad I was right. Lucic is now officially a God in Boston. Some other highlights and low lights of the week.

-The woman in Ray Bourque’s entourage in Lowell last Wednesday. I don’t know if it was Chris’s girlfriend, or his daughter, or who the hell she was, but she was easily one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Jaw droppingly hot.

-Seeing Trevor Gillies wearing the Captain “C” in Worcester Friday night. I don’t think anyone wanted a piece of him. Tom Rowe loves him, and it was cool to see.

-I still can’t get over how disrespectful the Toronto fans were during the National Anthem Thursday.

-Speaking of Thursday. That was the worst game of the week. Here they are in order. Worst to first.
Bruins vs. Toronto
Bruins vs. Washington (Monday)
Bruins vs. Florida
Bruins vs. New York
Albany vs. Worcester
Lowell vs. Hershey
Bruins vs. Washington (Saturday)
Bruins have a lot of games upcoming, and they look out of gas. If they make the playoffs, it’ll be one and done I feel. I am looking forward to the tilt Saturday against Philly. I’d give a lot to be there. Anyone that can hook me up, I’d give them a free Goonblog T-shirt? No?

Killer and KSpecial. I am glad you guys are having the debate about the Bruins in the comment section of my last post. As I was watching the Bruins last night I was wondering two things. Well, three actually. They are as follows.

1. Are these Boston Bruins for real? Not a lot has changed from the Bruins of last year really. It’s a lot of the same faces, which the obvious exceptions in goal. Savard is a God, and Muzz has really been filling the back of the net once he started scoring. I think the biggest differences up front are Chuck Kobasew, and Kessel’s continued improvement over last season. While Kessel doesn’t always find the score sheet, he does a lot of things better this season than he did the last. Kobasew is a guy that gives an honest effort every night and can be counted on for 20 this season. The addition of Milan Lucic up front has given them a nice crash and bang style, and when Thornton comes back from injury, those two will be reunited. On defense, the biggest difference is the reduction in Chara’s minutes. I think he is the most over rated player in the whole league, and last season he just played waaaaaay too much. He isn’t good enough to log that many minutes and it showed last year.

2. Is Claude Julien the favorite for the Jack Adams award? I’m fucking serious. Stop laughing. Think about it. Is this team much different from the team last year? Not really. Most of the key ingredients are there. Julien said he wanted them to be a tougher team to play against physically, and system wise. With the exception of the lack of response in the two games against the Philadelphia Criminals, I think they have been. Shawn Thornton, Jeremy Reich, and Milan Lucic have all shown a willingness to drop the mitts in defense of a teammate, or to send a message. Hell, even Chara has a fight this year! It’s obvious they have bought into Julien’s system as they are playing better positional hockey on both ends of the ice. It’s also obvious he holds the accountable to that system, as gone are the nightly too many men penalties, and undisciplined play that plagued them last year. As well as, Coach Julien gets an honest effort from the team every night. Even when losing, they are still in most hockey games, and you cannot say that about the club from last season. Bottom line is, he gets them into the playoffs, and I think he has to be considered a favorite for the Jack Adams trophy.

3. Am I on fucking drugs?

This is a joke. The NHL suspended Scott Hartnell 2 games for hitting Andrew Alberts last night. Are you serious? Why even bother suspend him at all? Listen, the hit Randy Jones put on Patrice was bad, but it was a hockey play. He shouldn’t have hit Bergeron when his back was to him, but it was two guys going after a puck. Nine times out of ten, Bergeron doesn’t even get hurt. The hit last night on Albert’s was totally uncalled for. Here was a guy that was on both knees, totally prone, and Hartnell saw him in time to pull up but chose to hit him. Where is the respect from the other guy? He could have seriously hurt Alberts. It was a cheap shot, and he should have gotten more than 2 games.

Where the fuck was the response from Boston? OK, you get the 5 minute power play. They didn’t seem interested in scoring as they worked the puck around and around. As soon as that PP is over, why is there not a fight? Another thing. I could care less about the fine and the suspension for instigating. Why isn’t there a fight when the Bruins go up 6-3 after Kobasew’s empty netter? And once again, Chara as Captain does nothing. I think at some point the NHL is going to go in reverse of what they want. At some point if this kind of behavior isn’t ended these guys are going to be forced to take matters into their own hands, and then the NHL will have a real problem. Players policing themselves, and honoring a code. They didn’t seem to like things that way, so this is what they get.

Another game and another cheap hit by a Flyer. Andrew Alberts was just sent to Queer Street by Philadelphia Flyer Scott Hartnell. Much like the other Flyer hits this season, this latest could have been avoided. Alberts was on both knees, and I understand Hartnell is finishing a check, but to hit someone in the head, while the player is defenseless….well, there is just no need for it. What is it going to take for the players in the NHL, and the Flyers in particular gain some respect for each other? Is someone going to have to be killed?

I think these Flyers are particularly dirty too. Eager came from very far across the ice to hit Chara from behind. Kudos to Ward for standing up to the big Captain. I am all for rough hockey. I just don’t like dirty hockey, and these Flyers are dirty.