Beat TSN to their own headline!

Welcome to the world wide highway! Thanks for Ask Jeeves’ing yourself to our little corner of the Angelfire server! If you’ve come here to get a rundown / hype up for tonight’s game I have great news: I havent had all that much sleep this week!

Thanks to their 3 game winning streak Ottawa has a little less pressure on them to put up points for the balance of the season. That said, any remaining points they need to secure a ticket to the post-season (I think it’s 3 more according to my research shitty memory) are not going to come easy down the next stretch. 2 games against the Caps, a Saturday night against the Leafs (ugh), the Shitheels Penguins, and a Philly-Boston back to back. Damn. Really, really should not have blown those stupid games against the Buffalos and Floridas of yesterweek. Oh well.

The Washington Capitals Capture The First Annual WTYKY Award For Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Getting Your Shit Together At the Last Minute So Everyone Forgets How Hilariously Disappointing You Were Most of the Season. 
It’s been bizarro world with the Caps all year. If this game was a month ago the pre-game story line would be “great opportunity for Ottawa to pick up 2 points” and now today all I’ve read is “how will we possibly defeat the class of the East!?”
Are those articles wrong? Definitely not. As much as they sucked early in the season the Capitals are positively on fire right now winning 8 str8 (copyright). Led by Ovechkin, Backstrom, Green and Dirtbag in Chief – Mike Ribiero, the capitals recent output is a little something analysts are calling “Living up to expectations.” Am I being harsh with Washington? Yes but deservedly so. When you ice a line up like they have and play in the SouthEasy it’s a joke to be tied with a team like Ottawa for points this late in the season! When you’re hot you’re hot and one has to respect that but as Yogi The Bear famously said, “That’s why Alfie made horse races.” As Montreal have recently shown the Mighty-ish can fall quickly. If Ottawa’s going to pull this one off its going to come down to one man….

They Call Him “Andy” / He’s Quite A Maaaan / I Tried to Kiss Him / But Andy Politely Yet Firmly Said He Was Flattered and All But Not At All Interested…and Raaaaan
Ahh, Caps-Sens. You are desperate to shoot and we are desperate to save! Going to be an interesting one. A team that’s quickly moving up the table in the East in goals for against the team with the lowest goals against in the conference (2nd lowest in the NHL!). It’s tough on the old ticker to rely on outstanding goaltending game after game but Ottawa’s BEEN getting it all season. Let’s hope tonight is no exception. This new guy Alan Orvenchkims… not exactly easy to contain but hopefully Anderson will get a little help from Marc Methot and recently re-activated Facepuncher Jared Cowen. Being at home MacLean can take advantage of the matchup game. Comes the coachings comes the playings.
Secret Wish: Mike Ribero gets punched in his face at some point tonight.

Of Course There’s That Whole Scoring Goals Thing
I’ve been graciously easy on Mr. Kyle Turris this season. I hope people don’t just come out of this season with the easy, “See, I told yuh he’s not a top line player, LETS GOOO” dreck but rather a bit of an appreciation for how easy Jason Spezza makes that top line centre role look night after night. Despite finding himself at the top 3 in points on the roster all season long, there’s no denying he’s had his share of dry spells…take now for example. You could say that Turris hasnt scored a goal this week. Another way of saying it would be that he hasn’t scored so far in April. And yet another way to say it would be that he hasn’t scored in about a month. I know your competition is very though homie…but time to have one accidentally go in off your cup or something. It’s crazy to think 4 of Turris’ 8 goals came in the first 4 games of the season. Go get em Turry…for fudge’s sake.
Silfverberg has also been very quiet lately. Been happy with his play but it would be nice to see him warm up with the season drawing to a close. His play has been very good and he’s been getting his shots. Shoot one in off Turris’ jock or something…Also its Zibanejad’s birthday…which is nice. Also on a very, very depressing note 1993 was 20 years go…so…

Even though Carolina are a trash bag of a team, I thought Ottawa did a pretty tremendous job containing a group of strong scoring forwards on Tuesday night. It is also worth nothing that the Canes might have been the easiest team to knock off the puck that Ottawa’s played all year. Washington is not going to be that but I think this is going to be a close one…and if things go in the toilet they’ll have another shot at the caps in exactly a week because; Scheduling.

Enjoy the James, you lovers!

oh and In case you missed it… Key to victory:

Hi everybody.

In the wake of yesterday’s horrific tragedy in Boston I debated if it was gauche to even mention something so grave on a forum this light. Events like yesterday’s have a way of reminding one of how trivial many of things are that we spend precious time worrying about and also how our lives can change in the blink of an eye. Tell someone you love that you love them today and think about those who wont get a chance to do so again. Thanks, that’s all I wanted to say.

[C:\wtyky\Users\Worsteverything\Run\smooth_transition_to_JDP.exe]

Hi! So by show of hands who here reads James Day Previews regularly? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….well, imagine you read James Day Previews on a regular basis. Now pretend that you well know that I find the Carolina Hurricanes to be such a boring team that I can hardly ever think of anything to write about them. Oh, also, THANKS FOR READING! With the playoffs well out of reach for the Canes stakes are high (in terms of finding a story line!)

Papa? Why do the Hurricanes stink so much? 
It’s just one of those mysteries of the unknown, son. Seriously, I looked at their roster, took a nap, woke up and wondered, “How the hell is a team with some of these forwards stuggling to score goals on the level that Carolina is? I mean, E and J Staal, Semin, Tlusty and Skinner in regular action haven’t just been outscoring a bunch of teams? You know, Washington Capitals style but with arguably better goaltending. Oooo, upon closer inspection you probably shouldnt be tied in second in the East for number of goals against. OOooo…also who are a lot of these guys…this is not…how you say a well built team. Still, you’d think they’d be floating around .500 with those aforementioned forwards and that goalie. Sh’a well works for me. Still wonder why Ottawa kind of struggles against these guys. Luckily tonight’s game is being played in the friendly confines of Scotiabank Piazza and not of the home of the shittiest ice in the NHL, the PNC Arena of Carolina City, Utah (research!)

UGH….UGH…UGH……..UGH!!!

Just as the Prophecy said, JC makes His return tonight.
That was quick! Just kidding…he hasn’t played since like early October. That’s not a knock on Cowen, his recovery time is pretty remarkable considering all of the “shut down for the season” talk when it happened. Cowen has been doing a good job of managing expectations in the media by letting them know that his hip isn’t 100% back to normal…wait…is that a good idea? Anyway, apparently Cowen looked positively beastly in training camp and at the beginning of the season in Binghamton but half a year is a long time to go without playing pro hockey…let alone the almost full year he’s gone without playing in the NHL. I honestly just want to see him look normal out there and not have to leave the game halfway through. Stay well, stay well now, we want you to stay weeeell!

All the stuff I said in yesterday’s preview but make it about today’s game
Craig Anderson gets the nod in net and the two biggest changes to the lineup are Cowen (who will be paired with Gryba to start) returning (doi) and Latendresse being put back in over Matt Kassian…which was…a decision. What’s more is that Latendresse is slated for 4th line duty with Smith and Neil. Though a line of Lats, Zmith and Neiler sounds positively bruising, it does make me wonder with Spezza due back, the emergence of the all rookie line (WHO ARE FREE TO SCORE ANOTHER GOAL AT ANY TIME…TONIGHT FOR EXAMPLE) one wonders if there is a future for Latendresse in Ottawa. I actually ended up liking Gui more than I thought I would but that is a pretty expensive fourth line. Either way should be interesting.
As I pointed out yesterday, Ottawa been had gotten some solid goaltending and need to keep putting pucks in the net. Cam Ward can be a bit of a Sens killer but with the playoff race tight as it is tonight the boys cant blow an opportunity like avoiding back to back games and returning home to a bottom feeder like Carolina. *Avoids talking about Jean Gabriel Pageau somehow* Enjoy the game everybody and as Pierre McGuire would say, “Enjoy your families, enjoy your friends I’ll talk to you tomorrow” actually that’s kind of nice and not weird enough to end on….i’ll just throw to P McG stepping all over Gord Miller’s call on Eberle’s classic goal.

OPEN WIIIIDE FOR SOME BRU-INS! 

The Ottawa Senators are going to Boston!! Neutral zone trappin’, low scorin’ and TIES? Boston’s still somehow allowed ’em!
Come see all your favorite Bruins stars! Peverley, Thornton 2, Jagriaga and…Chariaga and they’ll ALL be clogging up the neutral zone!

The worst thing about the Sens inability to defeat Boston is that one has to sit through a Boston game with no reward at the end. This teaaaaaam. So as Varada mentioned in a previous post (IM NOT MADE OF ARCHIVE LINKS) that looking at Ottawa’s remaining matches it’s safe to chalk this one up as a loss. Oh Varada you so cray-zay probably right.
The thing is, is that though this 58 year old man ain’t denying that the Bruins own the shit out of the Senators but the past few match ups could have gone either way. Considering it will probably be 0 – 0 for 90% of the game I would be happy to see Ottawa come out of this one with a point. James Day Preview, redefining what optimism is…for all of us! #PeskyExpectations
I don’t expect this Bruins team to be any easier an opponent for the boys, but it is pretty welcome news that perpetual phisher in Ottawa’s butt Brad Marchand is sitting out tonight’s tilt. Though it looks like Patrice Bergeron will get his burger on tonight with a return to the lineup after missing time suffering a concussion. Regardless of how their side lines up, Boston is a pretty deep team and despite dropping their last two, the Sens will have their work cut out for them against such a frustrating defensive system team. That said, if Ottawa’s going to take Boston down tonight’s their best shot.

And Now…The Crazy Old Man Singers! 
You know what cray-cray baby cousin? Jaromir Jagr is tied for no.1 in scoring on the Bruins. Who’d have thought that playing most of the season on the Dallas Stars would make me completely unaware of a player’s output!? The 41 year old future first ballot hall of famer still puts up an Alfredssonian 18.5 minutes a game and I expect him to be a big factor tonight. Ottawa has a quadragenarian all their own in Papa Alfie who is tied for the team lead in goals with 10. Two playoff teams with 40+ scoring leaders. Parity thy name is NHL…or thy name is something. Jagr is currently riding a hot streak with 6 points in his last 4 games. Alfie is no slouchy old man (AKA me) either with three points in his last three games. I for one am excited to see how The Battle of the Old Mans shakes out. Well, as excited as one can be about watching a Bruins game.

Naturally Matt Kassian is Playing Tonight
Turns out he draws into the lineup in exchange for LATENDRESSE? Damn this team MUST be getting healthier…that or I am just having a wee daymare and should be waking up aaaaaany minute now….Okay, well apparently that’s a thing. Oh, this just in: Jim O’Brien is reportedly going to get very, very drunk tonight. Stay tuned to find out if he’ll be doing any crying while curled up in the shower. Life of a bottom 6 player: Cuts like a knife (dont get any ideas J.O.B.!).
We all know Kassian was brought aboard for games like this. Now I dont want to put too much pressure on the guy but can delivering several punches to Scott Thornton’s head be just what the Sens needed to break the Bruins Curse? Couldn’t be the need to score more than one goal against Boston…nope it’s the intangibles like taking a five minute major. Holy shit I just realized the funniest possible scenario: Matt Kassian fights twice and scores in 1-0 win. Would be so worth it just to sit back and watch people argue over it.

Can #JGP Keep It Up? 
Jean Gabriel Pageau is enjoying a point per game pace and shooting 100% since being called up from Binghamton. The smart money is that the rookie will regress to more realistic numbers as he plays more games. You know what though? That’s what Smart Money says. Sometimes on James Day I like to deal in Stupid Money. I would absolutely love to see Pageau go on a ridiculous tear for the rest of the regular season. It would make things really fun for training camp next year. Oh and also, it would mean Ottawa would likely be putting up more than point a game against the B’s. Anyway, I absolutely love to see a kid making the most of his opportunity. J-Gab (?) is making Bryan Murray look like one shrewd dude right now — I am the worst.

Part Where I Talk About Goaltending
Given that Robin Lehner was in goal for Ottawa’s last win against the B’s back on Febterday 34th, 1879, he’s gotten the past few starts against them. Despite some losses in the meantime Lehner’s played quite well against them but will not be getting the nod tonight.
Coming off a very strong shutout performance against a desperate Devils team who seemingly spent the entire 3rd period camped out in Ottawa’s end Craig Anderson needs to simply be himself to give Ottawa a chance tonight. What I mean is, regardless of whether Lehner or Anderson gets the start those guys BEEN had given Ottawa chances to win against Boston this season. What Ottawa needs to do is bury a few. With Silfverberg and ZIbanejad both going pointless in their past 3 games now would be the night to remedy that and put a few hero bucks in their respective pockets. Also, it would make for interesting television. Catch you on twitter tonight …or right now…I don’t have much going on, really.

Road Trip Conclusion Jam

Never noticed Fabio is basically a mega handsome version of Kovalev

Hi my name is James and this is a website. Let’s talk about hockey things. As lovers. (Sorry)

So ding dong the losing streaks dead! Now the Sens only have the simple task of winning several more games against mostly very good teams while making my hair turn white! I’m just kidding i wax my entire body every morning.

Spoiler: Yes I’m about to be this much of a jerk about this…
So in 11 or so minutes of NHL hockey Gatineau’s Jean Gabriel Pageau pulled within 2 points of the Peter Regin Scoring Race. In fairness to managing expectations with JGP, with the season winding down he wont have the benefit of enjoying those extra 26 games that Regin has played to help catch up to his point total. Miracles can happen.
Now, I know I’m being so harsh with no. 13 (fitting!) but this just furthers the argument I’ve been making about when a guy has gone as ice cold as Regin has, put some fresh blood in there and maybe a frigging puck will bounce off their butt and go in (assist on an empty net goal basically the same thing). Anyway, dead horse beaten, Pageau in very limited minutes had a very solid debut exemplified by the fact that he was even on the ice for that empty net goal in the dying minutes of that game with only a one goal differential. Hopefully Pageau can maintain his composure and stay up for the next couple of weeks. He’s earned at least a bit of an extension as of last night.

Luh Luh Luh Lehnny and the Nets
Hot mess how great was Robin Lehner last night? Not that he’s even had to play better than he’s been playing but that kind of a performance was perfectly timed. With the kind of shots Ottawa gives up and their tendency to go dry offensively, all three of Ottawa’s keepers have been under a near Ottawa 67s level of goalie pressure night in and night out (btw great season 67s JJJJJJJJJJ/KKKKKKKKK) . Giving up a paltry two goals could have meant the difference between one point or two or maybe no points (OR FRANKLY WHO KNOWS IN THIS WORK A DAY WORLD!) in an absolutely necessary win. It’s a bit of a shame that the back to back starts means Lehner wont get a much deserved second consecutive start. That said, I am not about to pretend that seeing Anderson between the pipes any kind of problem. Wow, still surreal to write stuff like that… Despite going 0 -2 since returning from his high ankle sprain I’ve thought Andy has looked very much his normal self. Rememeber last year as great as he was for Ottawa Andy would have the odd super shaky start that would knock a lot of people’s confidence in him. Nothing like that so far. Anyway, he allowed a very pedestrian two goals against Florida and none of the three let in against Tampa we’re softies. In other words, I think the lack of scoring and parade to the penalty box were the cause of both losses. 

Return of the M_ _ _ A _ _ K (not a stretch in the SLIGHTEST right there) 
All signs point to 9MM returning to action tonight. I’ll be the first to admit Michalek is probably the injured star I’ve found myself missing the least (maybe not a quality you want to see in a 35 goal scorer) I’m not about to pretend that he’s not a welcome addition to the forward corps. I’m not expecting the moon from Milan in his first game back from having his knee scoped but with a pretty pathetic 2 goals on the year I really hope Milo can get his game on track before the regular season ends or you know…tonight would also be great. Pre-surgery it was no secret Michalek had a hard time creating opportunities playing with Turris. With Jason Spezza pretty much sidelined for the season Milo better get used to it because i dont see that 89-93-33 line getting busted up any time soon and its just weird to picture him on Smith’s wing. Remain well soon Mian Michalek!

With Bryce Salvador and Ilya Kovalchuk both injured and Anton Volchenkov suspended for what I can only assume was acting like a complete Bo$$, expect the Devils to be one of the most boring hockey teams in history tonight…so no real changes there. In all seriousness though, we’ve seen Ottawa blow some wide open opportunites  against Buffalo, Florida and Tampa. A beat the fuck up New Jersey are exactly the two points they team will be in need in the fanny pack(s) when upcoming games against Pittsburgh and Boston come around. Keep #Rihannaing for the stars!

Enjoy the game!

Hi everyone!

It’s great to be back at the Apollo Theatre (internet)! Thank you for all your kind messages telling me to take all the time I needed on my vacation and that if I needed to stop making posts on this blog all together that I should feel that I have all your support. Thanks for cheering me on everyone!

While I was in Los Angeles I did a lot of research into how much extra money you need to give your average hockey star to play in Canada over California. Findings: Millions upon millions of dollars.

Additional note: I saw a total of one LA Kings shirt while I was there. This is especially interesting because I think that a solid 47% of the Los Angeles economy is based on souvenir t shirts. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN YOUR STANLEY CUP CHAMPION KINGS!!!

I’m sorry to see that Peter Regin was scratched every single game since I was gone. I mean that’s the only reason I can put together to explain why he still has the same 3 points that he had before I left. No, it’s true he was awesome in that one playoff series though.

WELP, time to talk about Bishop….not looking forward to facing him constantly going forward btw. 
We #Sens (am i doing that right?) fans know better than anyone Big Ben is no whoever Tampa’s previous goalie was and that the boys are in tough against him. Watching him play over this past season knowing he would be dealt at some point made me repeatedly think about one thing: “It’s going to suck when when Ottawa has to face this guy when he plays for another team.” I have to admit I was pretty shocked when I heard the news that Bish had been traded to a team within the Eastern conference (and a team which will be a divisional rival starting next year). I suppose when you look at the return that Bry-Bry got I could see why he took this risk…which brings me to what I actually wanted to talk about…Cory Conacher. So Tampa fans were apparently shocked and subsequently bummed out to hear Conacher was dealt. I can relate. This guy is 2nd in the rookie scoring race. I don’t think I was the only one who was floored when I got news David Rundblad and a pick were moved for Kyle Turris. People still kind of act like that was a terrible trade even though Turris has been a contributor since he came here and Rundblad has 8 career NHL points. Sure Turris’ game has had some dry spots but consider Zack Smith would be the team’s no.1 centre without him this season. Anyway, Bishop will definitely be getting up for this game but so will Cory Conacher. If the last game was any indication of potential of that 89-93-33 line? That goal was an undeniable team effort. Zibby with the lunch pail dish from behind the net, Silfverberg with the patience to freeze up and pass to the waiting Conacher who’s snaked his way into the open space. I think one goal from one losing game is a large enough sample size for efkdja;ervl ngfvxbx/ Anyway, Zibanejad is tearing it up lately becoming quite the set up machine.

Are you there Papa Alfie? Its me, you haven’t put up a point in 6 games…come to think of it neither have you Sergei Gonchar…where do you think YOURE going Kyle “no points in 5 games” Turris?
Whats that Ottawa is mired in a losing streak and three of the team’s top 5 scorers are ice cold? Now I understand the problem of relying on a 40 year old forward and a 39 year old defenseman to be two of your top scorers. Are Alfie and Gonch running out of steam? If so that young guns line is going to have to be the new go to…which is also terrifying considering they barely get 15 mins a game each. As for Turris, chalk that up to him having to play over his head night in and night out this season. Spezza makes it look pretty easy I must say. Lets just hope that when Spezza returns we dont learn that these cold snaps are a hallmark of Turry’s game. Remember KT, times might be tough but cheer up you’re playing Tampa!
Oh, also, there are other guys on the team. Latendresse is due for a burger, ditto Wiercioch. This team has shown they can score and despite Andy’s 2 goals against on less than 20 shots or Lehner’s 2 goals in 12 seconds against Buffalo the goalies are still keeping the scores low enough to give Ottawa a chance in each game. The boys are going to have to capitalize on their opportunities particularly on the power play. On the DL, I’m hoping that the Sens can take advantage of a goalie that they’ve shot on in practice for a minute now. Lastly, keep in mind Bishop is still more or less a rookie netminder at the NHL level. He’s blown a couple of big games for the Sens. Hopefully tonight’s one of them. What? I have to stop wishing the guy well at SOME point. I want to see some playoff games damn it!

Robin Lehner’s Dreams depicted by Gummy Bears. Also, the word Gummy, ladies and gentlemen.

It’s time for everyone’s FAAAAAAAAAAVORITE game, *drumroll* Ottawa Vs. Boston. Not only do the Bruins routinely hand Ottawa their lunch the bonus is THEY ARENT EVEN FUN TO WATCH! So…ENJOY THE GA– I guess I should talk about the game a bit.

This is our mantra for tonight: Win One For the Lehner.
I’m going to spare you the numbers. Yes, the Senators have been absolutely owned by this club but this is why Copernicus invented horse races right? I just wish the visiting horses werent in the same division and didn’t play that snooze fest of a system. Though Ottawa’s struggled over the past few seasons against Boston and though this B’s team is much the same (thanks for adding Seguin and Hamilton Brian Burke!) Ottawa’s team is quickly changing; particularly in net. Gone are the days of starting Elliot/Gerber/LeClaire/Infinity against President of the Republic of New Freeland Tim Thomas. I know Lehner’s shutout a year ago and shootout loss is pretty thing ground to rest such hefty hopes on but even as a rookie he has shown he’s not rattled by the history surrounding this match up….unless it goes to shootout. Either way, though SensKilla Thomas is currently hiding in his New Freeland bunker incumbent B’s starter Ttuukkaa Rraasskk is 4 and 0 lifetime against Ottawa. There is still much work to be done if this periodic curb stomping is to become a proper divisional rivalry. As it stands we’re Boston’s Buffalo. Whats that? oops correction, bad  analogy Buffalo is everyone’s Buffalo. Sorry.

Are you there hockey gods? Its me Marg Methot
As great as it was to see Ottawa go down a man and still manage to pull out an improbable win by mounting a 4 goal comeback in the 3rd period to defeat the Islanders. but that was then, this is now, this is Stouffer’s Boston. I’m as relieved as any Sens fan to hear that Methot’s injured knee is not of a Michalek level and that he’s day to day. Hopefully he’s not the Craig Anderson type day to day. The Senators rally  on Tuesday night was an inspired performance combined with a dash of puck luck (Zibby’s clear high stick, kicked in goal by NY actually called off) against what was a surprisingly tenacious Islanders team. The end result of that game had me thinking,  “Okay they took this one but how’s Ottawa going to fare missing Methot for successive games?” He’s been sometimes quietly, sometimes hipcheckingly stalwart for Ottawa since arriving Methot will be missed if even for a couple of games. As luck would have it Mike Lundin is back from what I thought would be a season ending concussion given his history and the ferocity of the dirty hit he suffered. We know that Marc Methot Lundin is not but for me I’m not so much concerned about him filling Marc’s shoes but rather how Lundin will look out there. Players returning to action after getting their bell rung like that tend to look pretty off for the first several games back . He’ll start the game on the bottom pairing with Eric Gryba. Also of note: May the hockey gods have mercy on our souls.
GET WELL MARC METHOT WE WISH YOU TO HURRY THE FUCK UP AND GET WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Alexandre Dangle, Wesley Snipe, Git-R-Done
Lehner will indeed be the Sens biggest factor in hanging in against the Bears but Ottawa has something going for them that they did not in their last match up with Boston: Scoring.
When these two teams last met, it was one of those tough outings where you get a great goaltending performance but they boys just cant seem to pot that extra one to seal it.
Since then, we’ve seen a lot of players get their groove back. Kyle Turris has really started heating up as has Silfverberg, Alfie, and Zibanejad. Ottawa is also enjoying increased support for the back end too with Wiercioch currently riding a hot streak and Gonchar emerging as the Daniel Alfredsson of defence. Wiercioch and Gonch are in tough tonight as the first pairing.

Smoove Jimmy’s Keys to Victory: Use the speed and power of players like Zibanejad and Greening to bully their way into Fortress Boston. Also, dont go to a shootout.

Secret Wish: 
I want to see Brad Marchand get absolutely wallpapered…because it never frigging happens. That guy has such a face for punching….

Steve assured me he in no way photoshopped this.

Welcome. Welcome Welcome Welcome. Im really excited you’re real and that you’re here and that you’re reading this. What`s that? I’ve had some bath salts today, yes. Both kinds, yes! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!! I FEEL LIKE I’M MADE OUT OF FAIRY SHADOWS!!!!!

*deepest breath, wipes away just an awful amount of sweat*

Hockey!

Tonight, Ottawa has the opportunity to extend their current two game winning streak and bolster their spot in the East`s top 8. As is the case with all of Ottawa`s games the battle begins in net.

What more can be said about Islanders starter Rick DiPietro? A first overall pick and Olympian, Rick comes into tonight with a very pedestrian 2.81 goals against average and .901 save percentage…oh hold on…those are his AHL numbers…wow, that is not exactly great even for the AHL. Well, hold on let me look up a comparable…cool so hes basically got the same stats and record as Marc Cheverie at this point. Oh how the incredibly fragile have fallen.
Okay, I think DiPi has been through enough, lets get real. Evegeni Nabokov is probably starting. Ummm, I honestly cant tell if he`s any good. Here`s to hoping hes not! Sound off in the comment section if you`ve thought about Nabokov THE GOALIE NOT THE FAMOUS NOVELIST in the past 3 or 4 years. Nabby (assuming that’s his nickname Nabbs or Nabber) is riding a 2 game winning streak in his last two starts with a 1.50 GAA to boot. He enjoys puzzles and someday hopes to visit Portugal.

In the visitor’s end the mighty Ben Bishop starts. Bishop who has been very good for the Sens all things considered looks to improve his 5-4 record and his team low but still decent 2.57 GAA. Bishop had to make a lot of starts when the team was really struggling to score. Go out there and win one for The Beast Tower…lord knows he`s won the team a couple for the rest of the team in the shootout.

One Would Imagine NYI Has Quite The Fire Lit Under Them Right Now

So just as all the pundits predicted in the offseason, the New York Islanders are neck and neck with their hated cross town rivals the New York Rangers. Can you imagine? The New York Islanders could surpass the Rangers with a win tonight. You want to know why? The answer is because they are one point behind them in the stands. One point. Insane. They would be in 9^th with a win and right in New Jersey`s kitchen for the covetedish 8th spot. Math! The whole scenario is almost enough to cheer for them…except for the fact that they are playing Ottawa tonight. I think they are going to come out of the gate very, very strong. If Ottawa is flat unless Bishop can hold the fort they could get in trouble early.

Returrrrrrrrrrrrrrn of the Meh

Okay, so here comes the part where I talk to you like you’re Peter Regin. Don’t be alarmed I am going to put my hand on your shoulder and will stare unblinkingly into your eyes. Its all very normal. Here goes,

Bro, your bromother and I need to talk to you about something. But before I start I want to make it clear that I AM ON YOUR SIDE HERE. You are playing tonight`s hockey game. You enter the lineup in exchange for Kaspars Daugavins. I want to remind you that you have typically been scratched FOR Kaspars Daugavins. Though you both have a lot of good stuff going for your respective games, you each are having identically cruddy seasons points wise. You shouldn’t be in this conversation with him. No, no, no, no don’t tell it to me…its not my opinion that’s important. I know skilled you are deep down in that Danish heart of yours. Im not the one who isn’t going to resign you potentially. I know your ice time has been reduced but you`ve been given shots at first line time this year. MacLean has put you in the top 6 picture a few times. Its getting harder and harder to claw your way back here. You need to make a statement tonight. And not the kind of statement where we`re like `Regin won a lot of his faceoffs tonight` no one will talk about how you were good at faceoffs in a couple of years when youre playing for the SonderjykE Whatevers. You have to score a goal or set something brilliant up. ANYTHING to get you on the score sheet buddy. You can play solidly all year but you’ve played half the season and you have two assists to show for it. TWO. How`s it going to look if you finish the season with fewer goals than Dave Dziurzynski? How are you going to explain that shit? To many defensive zone starts? I don’t know bro. Lord knows youre not going to catch Jim Obrien at this point. My man is 3^rd in goals on the team right now…and he gets the exact same amount of ice time. You gotta keep yourself outta that pressbox by making statements. We`re talking about your career here. But most importantly remember it’s a game. Now get out there and HAVE FUN!!!

ENJOY THE GAME!