Stanley Cup Finals, Game 1

Philly 5, Hawks 6

This was one of the most fun games I've seen for a while. I finally got to watch a game live instead of having to DVR it, which was pretty awesome. Anyway, key points of the game...Go Hawks!

1. How entertaining was this game? Physical play, neither team with more than a one goal lead, and both teams being very offensive-minded. Both teams came out strong, and I must admit that Philly played a lot better than I thought they would.

2. Chicago needs some discipline. You know it's bad when Philly was the more disciplined team. There were, however, some calls that were missed (the high stick on Seabrook) or just generally fucked up (sending Campbell to the box instead of Hjalmarsson) by the officials.

3. Was NBC glitchy for the first period for anyone else, or was it just my shitty Time Warner cable acting up again?

4. I think that both teams were a little sloppy defensively, which is part of the reason why this was such a high-scoring game.

5. I liked Chicago's penalty killing unit in this game. They weren't afraid to get aggressive.

6. How great was Brouwer in this game? He just always seemed to be in the right spot at the right time, and it really paid off.

7. I was a little surprised that Leighton wasn't pulled after the 4th Chicago goal. I think Philly could have used a little more motivation at that moment in the game.

8. Mike Milbury doesn't like "touchy-feely" stuff, but Pierre McGuire does...there's a huge shock. Beat Pierre with his own shoe, Mike.



9. Both teams showed the type of scoring depth that gets teams to the finals. Philly had 5 different goal scorers, while Chicago had 5 as well.

10. Even though Byfuglien didn't record a point in this game, he made his presence known with his physicality. He was, however, a minus 3 for the night.

So there ya have it. Have a nice Memorial Day weekend kids, and I'll be seeing you for Game 2. Have a burger or hot dog for me, I have to work.

Habs 3, Pens 1

A little late with this one, sorry. I tried to watch the replay of the game on NHL Network at 4 am and I pussed out and had to record it to watch in the morning. Key notes from this game:

1.The Pens didn't lose for lack of trying. Halak was just on top of his game. To be honest, I was a little surprised that Jacques Martin didn't start Price in order to give Halak a rest. That said, the man was unstoppable.

2.Welcome back Max Talbot! He has just gotten consistently better as the playoffs have gone on. Maybe the playoffs are the only time he gets superstar treatment.



3.His name is Pascal Dupuis, not "Pasquel Dupuis". Get it right or pay the price.

4.Brian Gionta is a fast little bastard.

5.Josh Gorges and Hal Gill are a very good defensive team. Sid needs to find a way to get around these guys. He was limited to one shot on goal the whole game.

6.Pierre McGuire still creeps me out.