We have a winner!

HONK HONK HONNNNNNNK!

No that's not the Nashville Predators. Congrats to the Shawinigan Cataractes (NOT AN EYE DISEASE, did you sleep in geography?) on winning the Memorial Cup last night against my London Knights. Yea, *my* London Knights. Once upon a time I almost moved to London for a job. Glad I didn't actually because a few months later, the place went semi-bust. But that wasn't why I cheered for the Knights. They were my OHL team. I caught on to them because I thought their uniforms were spiffy. And green, my favourite colour.

But I digress. The Cataractes deserved this. A 2-1 OT victory after the Knights decided the Hunter Lock Down Defensive System 2.0 was the way to go, essentially killing most of their offense and basically depending on Austin Watson and the Rupert Twins or hoping Tinordi-Harrington can lock it down. Eventually it looked like fatigue killed them once wave after wave after wave of yellow jerseys buzzed their zone. Also I don't think Morgan Ellis left the ice in OT. (Don't be shocked if he makes the Habs early next season, was what I said back in December).

I love how the two Russians--the ever bizarre Kirill Kabanov, and Anton Zlobin who I wouldn't mind the Habs grabbing--are the ones front and center with the Cup. Zlobin's two goals gave them the victory. Kabanov made Olli Määttä look like he doesn't belong in the first-round pick conversation all night long.

Ironic that it was the one time Tinordi was on the ice that the game-winning goal occurred. I think he played over 40 minutes...

Houser devastated, Tinordi stoic in a Ken Dryden pose.

I don't think he changed from that position for a while actually.

Still posing...

In the end only one BabyHab captain would lift it. It was a hard fought game. And the little guy came out on top.

Bournival living the dream. Hometown hero.

Meanwhile someone might want to un-flatten Morgan Ellis. We need him!

East meets West: My half-assed Stanley Cup finals preview

Also known as FOR THE LOVE OF HOCKEY, KINGS, YOU BETTER FUCKING WIN. Honestly I don't care, but New Jersey must be stopped.

Meanwhile...

(From Twitter)

Hal Gill has started his summer vacation. He calls this Summer Of Hal. Goose, sparkling water, lime, mint, and a raspberry.

Movie Night: The Avengers

I'm not really a fan of anything Marvel, save for Wolverine (and even those films were rather terrible in the "if it's on TV I will watch it but no way in hell will I buy the DVD" way). Frankly only reason why I went was because my dad had 4 free passes from his Air Miles card.

I heard it was great, and an example of how comic book films should be done. But then there's those Batman films--one of which is in the previews prior to this one. I guess if you compare comic book films done a la Michael Bay and one done by Joss Whedon, then sure I'll agree with you there. I flatlined my expectations and basically went to see an action flick. Conclusion: it was ok but not super-omg-amazing. I think the one part I liked in the film was the bit after the credits.

Also I was left picturing them all with serious garlic breath.


To me the Avengers will always be John Steed and Emma Peel.

Finally time for my 3rd round playoff preview

Well whatever. I pray this round has more goals but somehow I don't think so. At least LA realized the real Brian Elliott was in nets.

IN THE EAST!
New York Rangers (1) VS. New Jersey Devils (6)
So basically the players could walk to each other's arena right?  And if Stu Bickel takes the opening faceoff Monday night, I'll lol. Either way, I fear even less goals will be scored in this one. Will there be more goals or more fights? You decide!

IN THE WEST!
Phoenix Coyotes (3) VS. Los Angeles Kings (8)
If the Coyotes win the cup I'll buy a #24 Kyle Chipchura jersey. But really, could people stop comparing the Kings to last year's Bruins? For one: THEY AREN'T DIRTY DOUCHBAGS.

Between Torts and Sutter, you might get a whole sentence going for a press conference.

My 3rd round playoff preview is bored waiting for you...

So while the Caps take it to 7 (like I predicted), I'm bored. BORED! Doesn't help the hockey has been snoozerific either... And the strangeness of the schedules basically give me like an hour before the first game of the third round to write my preview. I blame NBC.

Anyway, the Berg is searching for staff members and one person we believe will join him as an assistant GM is Rick Dudley. Dudley, however, is currently in charge of player personnel with the Leafs. Frankly, it's a bit of a make-work title, and he has an out-clause in his contract that says he can depart 30 days after the last game. Brian Burke is a bit twitchy. He's worried Dudley will share state secrets of the magical Leafs drafting prowess with the Habs and wants him to wait til after the draft. Frankly I don't care when he shows up. Timmins does the draft. So go on back to your tinfoil hat, Burke. Because it really makes little difference if the Habs take Galchenyuk or Forsberg or whoever. It's how those kids grow within their future organizations that matter.

Hey, time for a picture of Toaster!

We welcome the new Boss-man

Jeff Goldblum?

He comes from the Pointe. He's 46 years old. Good looking. Hilarious. Speaks perfect Franglais. Worked with the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup winning team. Played for 20 years. Hides in hockey bags. He's Marc Bergevin: new GM of the Montreal Canadiens!


Finally someone with a pulse!

Also, hallelujah it wasn't McSplooge.