Just a few things that caught my eye:
- Thomas Vanek and Daniel Briere go into dark alleys to score greasy, dirty goals. I hope the Leafs are recording those performances to show Phil Kessel this off-season.
- Patrick Kane finally woke up in OT. It only took six-plus games.
- Eeni meeni miini moh, catch a goalie by the toe. If he hollers, well, he's in Philly. So now Brian Boucher starts Game 7 but who's on the bench? And why do the Flyers cheap out on goaltending when they'll overspend on other talent? Oh sorry -- I think I just asked a rhetorical question.
- Some day, there will be 35,000 people who said they were there when the Nashville Predators advanced out of the first round of the playoffs. Including me.
- Welcome to NHL, Tyler Weiman -- Cory Schneider is done. The AHL's Manitoba Moose need their starter, Eddie Lack, as they head into Game 7 of their North Division semi-final match up against the Lake Erie Monsters. So it's a journeyman back-up with almost zero playoff experience (and even less success) to the rescue. It's now or never, Roberto Luongo. Show us you deserve the Vezina nomination.
- Chris Pronger had no business being on the ice. But neither did Mike Richards, but for a completely different reason. He factored in two very important goals after that hit.
- What has gotten into Jordin Tootoo? Other than the late game meltdown in Game 5, he has been the exceptional in all three zones and absolutely in control of his emotions. He's a game changer when he's playing this way.
- Is it me or was Tyler Ennis around the puck all night long? This kid is going to be good. So is Nathan Gerbe.
- Speaking of small guys, Derek Roy is back for Game 7. Funny how the doctors said he couldn't take contact for four months... and that was yesterday.
- What's worse -- cheering for my Hawks to dump the Canucks or watching my playoff pools dry up completely without the Sedins et al? I'm OK with the former.
- Does Teemu Selanne push off retirement one more year if Phoenix folds and moves to Winnipeg? He loved playing for the Jets. He's one of only three guys who actually admit that.