Hey its Saturday……time for ten big games….but its all about the HNIC tonight..and its on the Hockey Roundup!!!!!
Hockey Roundup — March 31st
Tomorrow is April Fools Day..but we have some playoff matchups for you and there are no fools in this…unless you count the league for scheduling a 10am pdt game today…..LOL
THE HNIC TRIPLEHEADER
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Toronto Maple Leafs 7pm edt CBC, FSPI
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Leafs host the Pens in a battle for their lives tonite on the HNIC.
This one is the commish’s pick and it isn’t just because it is his team. I think it is more because he wants payback for the 8-2 trouncing the Pens handed the Leafs the last time they met at the ACC. A lot of shady things happened in that game so expect Wade Belak to be in the lineup tonight. The Leafs need this game just a little more than the Pens so expect the Leafs to come out inspired and fired up…ready to hit at a moment’s notice. This is undoubtedly the game of the night and will foster some rather diverse and divergent opinions. With a win…the Leafs may just be in the top 8 by nite’s end and if the Pens win…they will be back in sole possession of that all important 2 seed. Expect Fleury and Raycroft to rumble in the nets trying to stop the onslaught of shots. Sundin and Crosby on the same ice…now that is worth the price of admission…come check out the fireworks all on the GDT.
Ottawa Senators @ New York Islanders 7pm EDT CBC, FSNY
Dunham can’t let this happen too often or its curtains for the Isles.
The Islanders are truly in dire straits now…their backs are against the wall, and probably crawling sideways on it. Though still only a few points behind the 8 seed…they still have no Rick Dipietro in the nets tonight and given how Mike Dunham was roughed up last night 5 times in the first….this could be a very interesting night indeed. Ryan Smyth did not play last nite with a leg injury and is questionable at best tonight. The Isles will need a superb offensive effort as the Sens always come with one….Heatley, Spezza, and Alfredsson are a trio on the Power Play that can catch you watching and then BAM! SCORE! The Isles have their lives on the line while Ottawa is trying to hold on to the 4 seed in the East. Mike Dunham vs. Ray Emery expected for this one….and hold on to your seats…these two teams always seem to have some wild Saturday night encounters and you will find all the GDT and wrapup only on The NHL Arena.
And finally….last but certainly not least….
Calgary Flames @ Vancouver Canucks 10pm EDT CBC, CBC HD
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The Canucks will try to get a leg up early on the Flames tonight.
The Canucks are chasing a lot of records, accolades, and maybe even a Presidents Trophy….while the Flames are simply trying to clinch a playoff berth. With a win tonight and an Avs loss in regulation this afternoon, the Flames will clinch the 8th seed and weirdly the postseason will be set in the West…aside from seeding of course. This matchup features a goalie chasing history with Roberto Luongo and his 45 wins as he tries to catch Bernie Parent’s record of 47…set over 30 years ago. Luongo’s hot stretch this month has reduced his GAA all the way to 2.26. And in the other corner, you have Mikka Kiprusoff who has battled his way to 39 wins and a 2.41 GAA. Kiprusoff had a stellar 1.00 GAA and 2 wins with 1 shutout against the Wild this week..and this is the last game of the road trip for them. The Sedin twins and Iginla…with the goalie matchup of the night…..grab that late nite snack and a 6 pack and join us on the GDT..for there will be fire on the ice in Vancouver tonight.
For all of the rest of the action….join us right now on THE NHL ARENA. The Atlanta-Boston game has already started with the Thrashers grabbing an early 1-0 lead as Kovalchuk netted his 39th just 24 seconds into the first.
