From Chasing Hershey to Chasing Sunday: Portland pushed the PBruins to the brink Tuesday with a 3-2 win at home. The Bruins have to win twice at home themselves — make it seven games, all home wins — to advance. Petteri Nokelainen scored the first goal, then the Bucs scored three in a row. J-S Aubin was meanwhile making 30 saves.
Toronto was meanwhile getting angry and bombarding Syracuse with eight goals. Save some of those for tomorrow, eh? Stratford’s own Jaime Sifers had a goal and two assists on the first three Marlies goals and wasn’t even first star: John Mitchell went 2-1-3 and was a plus-5. The game, um, appears to have degenerated late. (Referee: F. St. Laurent. But then again, home team: Syracuse.) I’m wondering… if Toronto and Philly somehow play for the Calder Cup, do I get to go to Philly?
The Amerks’ long regional nightmare is… Well, not over. But they’ve been sold, at least, to Ontario businessman Curt Styres. Kevin talked to him today. Nothing else big and official from the league meeting, but they probably laid some groundwork for the summer meetings.
Heard that progress is being made on re-upping some of the guys in Utah.
The United States plays well enough, falls behind early, makes a late run, draws even — then loses at the end. The story of our international hockey lives (with a handful of memorable exceptions), or just today’s game? Well, definitely the latter. Back from 3-0 down to make it 4-4 with 13:06 to play, and then Dany Heatley scores in the last minute. Bah. Craig Anderson came in for Tim Thomas in the third period.
Russia beat Denmark, though not particularly handily. The Czechs beat Italy, um, handily. Italy actually had a 2-1 lead 3:06 in. That lasted 73 seconds. Latvia shut out Slovenia to clinch a berth in the next round.
Made my first visit to Fairfield Ludlowe tonight. I’ve now been everywhere in the FCIAC and everywhere in the SWC. Yes, I do feel good about that; thanks for asking. (Wait… Oxford High is open? Arrrgh! Finally complete the set…)
And this is most important of all. Well, to me. Probably not to you. Unless you’re big and/or green.