Stanley Cup Finals
Game Six
Anaheim Mighty Ducks vs New Jersey Devils
Devils lead 3-2
By Rink Rat
Thank goodness Minnesota winger Gaborik is finally out of the running for the Conn Smythe trophy. Gaborik has been out of the play-offs for 20 days now, back home in Trencin Czech Republic chowing down on liver dumpling soup. Not until Thursday night was his paltry, play-offs leading total of 17 points surpassed, by New Jersey Devils winger Langenbrunner. He has 18 points.
Not that this pox on scoring is a bad thing, according to the NHL's resident dwarf, G Bettman. Regrettably, his memory is as short as his stature. Back in the halcyon days of the mid-eighties, Edmonton scoring machine Wayne Gretzky had 47 points one spring - in 18 games.
Twenty-three Washington Capitals couldn't match that figure in 82 games this season. New Jersey, now considered a juggernaut after notching six on Thursday night, had only four players this season breach the 47-point barrier, Anaheim had three. What are we to make of this game five, nine goal splurge?
Nothing. Anaheim goaltender Giguere will simply add a couple more storeys to that edifice on his shoulders laughingly referred to as shoulder pads and we're back to one-goal- per-game hockey.
The Ducks haven't yet solved the problem of winger Kariya. He turns away from traffic more often than a timid j-walker during rush hour. Winger Thomas is in and out while if centre Oates wasn't winning face-offs he'd be useless.
But these shortcomings are nothing new. The Ducks have to be buoyed by the return of form of hard-hitting centre Niedermayer. What is new for the Ducks is playing a big pressure game with dire consequences if they lose. They had a mini-crisis against Dallas but nothing like this. The season is over if they lose Saturday night.
Jersey generated power from the return of winger Stevenson. He caused mayhem in the Anaheim end all night. Troubling was the play of defenceman Stevens - he caused mayhem in his own end all night. Jersey's captain looked bagged on Thursday and a transcontinental game Saturday isn't going to help. Defenceman Niedermayer has taken over on-ice leadership and was dominant in game five.
Anaheim will be energized by playing in their building but could be jittery. If they decide to play not to lose then they'll have a long night. The Devils showed in game five that when they can be bothered to put in a night's work they are better than the Ducks. A second coast-to-coast game might encourage them to do the job on Saturday night.
The Rat thinks so; New Jersey wins the Stanley Cup on Saturday.
Play on the DEVILS, Money Line !!!
Game Six
Anaheim Mighty Ducks vs New Jersey Devils
Devils lead 3-2
By Rink Rat
Thank goodness Minnesota winger Gaborik is finally out of the running for the Conn Smythe trophy. Gaborik has been out of the play-offs for 20 days now, back home in Trencin Czech Republic chowing down on liver dumpling soup. Not until Thursday night was his paltry, play-offs leading total of 17 points surpassed, by New Jersey Devils winger Langenbrunner. He has 18 points.
Not that this pox on scoring is a bad thing, according to the NHL's resident dwarf, G Bettman. Regrettably, his memory is as short as his stature. Back in the halcyon days of the mid-eighties, Edmonton scoring machine Wayne Gretzky had 47 points one spring - in 18 games.
Twenty-three Washington Capitals couldn't match that figure in 82 games this season. New Jersey, now considered a juggernaut after notching six on Thursday night, had only four players this season breach the 47-point barrier, Anaheim had three. What are we to make of this game five, nine goal splurge?
Nothing. Anaheim goaltender Giguere will simply add a couple more storeys to that edifice on his shoulders laughingly referred to as shoulder pads and we're back to one-goal- per-game hockey.
The Ducks haven't yet solved the problem of winger Kariya. He turns away from traffic more often than a timid j-walker during rush hour. Winger Thomas is in and out while if centre Oates wasn't winning face-offs he'd be useless.
But these shortcomings are nothing new. The Ducks have to be buoyed by the return of form of hard-hitting centre Niedermayer. What is new for the Ducks is playing a big pressure game with dire consequences if they lose. They had a mini-crisis against Dallas but nothing like this. The season is over if they lose Saturday night.
Jersey generated power from the return of winger Stevenson. He caused mayhem in the Anaheim end all night. Troubling was the play of defenceman Stevens - he caused mayhem in his own end all night. Jersey's captain looked bagged on Thursday and a transcontinental game Saturday isn't going to help. Defenceman Niedermayer has taken over on-ice leadership and was dominant in game five.
Anaheim will be energized by playing in their building but could be jittery. If they decide to play not to lose then they'll have a long night. The Devils showed in game five that when they can be bothered to put in a night's work they are better than the Ducks. A second coast-to-coast game might encourage them to do the job on Saturday night.
The Rat thinks so; New Jersey wins the Stanley Cup on Saturday.
Play on the DEVILS, Money Line !!!
