so while others here ramble on about stick-ball and the local teams' delusions of adequacy (the O's long-term chances of success mirror those of the FSS), i'm totally enjoying the stanley cup playoffs - and the fact that coverage is on CNBC & NBCSN. the expanded coverages means that i can catch 3 games a night if i wanted to/had the time.
what i'm enjoying less is the stupid violence that seems to be plaguing the playoffs so far this year. i like the rougher side of the game as much as the next guy, but shit like that hit on Hossa just doesn't belong. i just heard that suspension #8 will be handed out soon. there were 7 suspension during the entire playoffs last year, we've already topped that this year and we're not even out of the first round. seem to be a lot more stupid penalties going down this year too - players getting caught taking obvious cheap shots, losing their cool in critical situations, over-doing the protect-the-goalie gig, etc. it's not just the rookies, either. WTF is going on this year? did someone publish a study that proves that the value of the irritation and distraction caused by jabbing the opponent in the face is greater than the risk caused by taking a penalty?!? head in the game, boys.
pens/flyers and rangers/sens have been great series so far. what i wouldn't have given to be in scotia place tonight when Turris scored that overtime winner. shaking my head in disgust at vancouver.
