NHL playoff musings

- Anything sweeter than watching the absolute silence that encompassed the Bell Centre on Wednesday night as the Bruins completed only the third sweep of the Canadiens in team history (1929, 1992, and 2009 - something about the 2 & the 9 I guess - but I leave that kind of thinking to the show "Numbers"). For a series that was filled with emotion and energy that had to be one of the most boring and lifeless third periods in Bruins/Canadiens history. Not just the crowd but even the teams. It was as if once the third period started both sides knew what the outcome was going to be and simply resigned themselves to that fact.

- Am I the only one who doesn't really miss Joe Thornton? Don't get me wrong. He is a tremendous player and there is a #19 Bruins sweater hanging in my closet but when it comes to crunch time he simply does not show up. Brian Engblom last night was trying to make excuses for him and saying that the defense was playing him tougher but I thought Keith Jones counter-point was more on target. Everyone is supposed to play harder in the playoffs. Everyone raises their game. But...the truly great players find a way to get it down and make a difference. Joe does not elevate his play in the postseason. It was obvious in Boston and it has become even more so in San Jose. This will more than likely be another early exit for the Sharks unless Jumbo Joe can find a way to discover that next gear and take his game to the level he is capable of otherwise he will forever be seem as a failure.

- I chuckle every time I watch a game in Philly and the crowd uses the classic "Lets go Flyers" chant and changes it to daaa-daaa-da-da-da "Crosby Sucks". He He.

- I haven't had a chance to watch as many playoff games this season as I normally do but the Calgary/Chicago series has been one of the more exciting. Some overtime, a lot of back and forth between two great skating clubs. It's nice to see the Hawks back in the playoffs. If only the Maple Leafs could get their sinking ship righted then the entire Original Six might finally all get back in the playoffs at the same time.

- Looking forward to the Bruins-Rangers series but a little scared about how well Henrik Lundqvist is playing right now. The Caps are outshooting the Rangers in the series and yet have only managed to win one game. Sometimes a hot goaltender is all you need to make it all the way.