Notes on Thursday's Games

The Capitals finally came out and played like a team ready for playoff hockey, and it still backfired. Those two power-play goals in the first sucked the life out of a bloodthirsty Philly crowd, but the depth and attrition of the Flyers was the deciding factor.

It was fitting that Knuble, a veteran plumber, got the game-winner. I think he's done more with that one goal to show the kids what it takes to come out on top than anybody else has in the
series -- just keep hacking away, but be smart about it. Don't try to ram the puck through solid matter, use your skill to lift the disc into open space.

In other news...

Now that the NHL is in its new era, the Minnesota Wild must learn they will never be successful using the old ways to try and prevent scoring and capitalize off mistakes. They've clearly been trying to win games 2-1 and 3-2, and save for two favorable bounces, they'd be home already in a four-game sweep.

When (not if) Sakic, Forsberg, Foote, and the rest of the old guard come out firing in Game 6 on Saturday, the Wild will be like deer caught in headlights. And still Jacques Lemaire will try to throw a wet blanket over them. That's OK, because you still have to score more than the opponent to win, and I see the Avs blasting 40-some shots on net and still winning 3-2 -- the operative word being "winning."

And still, Lemaire, Mario Tremblay and Doug Risebrough will have jobs because people in Minnesota are so darned happy just to have hockey back! I thought the goal was to win the Cup, not choke the life out of the league to stretch 42 wins. Why the lack of playoff success with the continuation of an outdated system isn't challenged, is beyond me.

Watching the Flames and Sharks is like watching two brick walls try to slam into each other. It's not really compelling hockey. One team plays like crap for half a game, falls behind, then frantically tries to mount a comeback.

The only benefit will be to whoever gets the series winner in the next round. If Calgary loses, you can bet the minute the buzzer hits all zeroes, Mike Keenan will be on the horn with GM Darryl Sutter desperately trying to unload half the roster. If the Sharks lose, I can't really say who could care less, the fan base who are enjoying another solid and unspectacular year, or the front office which is still living off the good vibes of the fan base.