I watched the second and third period of this game, and I would like to preface the following rant with this tidbit: The Devils played pretty well tonight, probably the best intensity I have seen from them in weeks. The 4-minute penalty kill by the Rangers was a turning point in the game for them. The Devils racked up no shots for it. The Jagr goal was a mistake by White, and the douche Avery goal was one Marty should have had.

Now, the rant: This was the worst piece-of-shit officiating I have seen in a playoff atmosphere in I don't know how long. A fucking cross-check upper cut stick to the face of Parise that was hard enough to knock two teeth out garners a double fucking minor? How is that not a fucking major and possibly 'intent to injure' game mis-fucking-conduct??? Huh? I am waiting??? OK, whatever!

Less than two minutes left and the Devils are short-handed and get called for an icing? Huh? Then the faceoff at center-ice? DO YOU KNOW THE FUCKING RULE BOOK YOU STUPID FUCK? I don't work for the NHL and even I know that is wrong. Another possible momentum killer! Fuck! OK, whatever!

Thirty seconds later, I think it was Dubinsky (?) who levels Parise from behind with ANOTHER FUCKING CROSS CHECK stick to the back driving him down to the ice, and (yep, you guessed it) NO CALL??!?!?!? Huh?  OK, whatever!

FIRE THESE ASSHOLES RIGHT NOW. To let a set of incompetent officials loose to decide a playoff game cheapens the rivalry, and cheapens the NHL showcase of playoffs. I am as disgusted as I have been in a long time. Sure I am disappointed because of the 0-2 hole we are in, but fucking come on!

And I have HAD IT with the MSG coverage. Dano sets up an interview with Madden from the locker room right after game with saying how upset Madden was by the BULLSHIT officiating, he's calmed down, let's see what he has to say. What does the reporter say?..."So the crowd was taunting Marty, how'd you feel about that?"   What kind of fucking stupid question is that? Is that fucking relevant? It's the same fucking question they asked after last game?  What's next? What's your favorite fucking color?

Alright, rant over.  Lundquist played great, and I have respect for him. He has made no mistakes thus far. I respect his ability.

Fuck Gomez, Fuck Avery, Fuck Shanahan; but Lundquist, hey, he's a great player.

DONE! 
 

So usually I just pick one topic to write about, but on some rare occasions there is so much going on that I feel as a blogger (on the greatest sports blog site) that I need to write a little about everything that is going on in the wide world of sports. I know some of you out there in cyberland don't keep up on every sport like geeks like me do. That's right, I'm a sports gee, what of it? As of today, here is what I think is worth knowing:

MLB- A contracter building the new Yankee stadium has burried a Red Sox jersey in the foundation of the building carrying on the great curse of the Bambino... I ask you, how unbelievably freakin' funny is that??!!!!

NFL- Favre said that if the Packers need him, he would come back--- THIS JUST IN.. they need you (sorry Aaron Rodgers)!!

NBA- In the West, Denver is fighting for a playoff spot at 48-31; whilst over in the East, Atlanta is in at 36-42. HUH? WHAT?

NHL- 2 things here: 1) Montreal is unstoppable, and 2) My MVP is the GM for Washington. He has the youngest superstar in the league and no help, so who does he go out and trade for? Sergei F'n Federov! Nuff said.

SOCCER- Final four in England: Chelsea v. Liverpool and Manchester United v. Barcelona. Sounds awesome, just the thought of this makes me want to put on a turtleneck sweater, swill dark beer and find someone to fight with.

PGA - Woods is 6 back from first. *Newsflash* He could be 20 back and still have a chance to win.

NCAA - Joe Paterno is 81 god damn years old and will discuss a new contract after the 2008 season. Time to move on Gramps, and maybe PSU can be competitive again.

Have a great weekend everyone and, of course, GO DEVILS!!!!!

Peace out:)

I tune in to start the second, and the Devils kill a power play. Rangers in the zone and slamming Marty for what seemed like a year. Callahan plows into Marty, no call??!?!?!

Pando called for a penalty, and Shanahan scores off a Gomez (effer) screen.  Rangers 1-0. F!

Hard hitting fast paced game so far. Devils on a powerplay, and getting good time in the zone. Paul Martin on a blast! Score tied 1-1.

Five minutes left in the second.

Massive offensive flurries by both teams, and outstanding play from both goalies. Gun sounds and that's two in the books. Score still tied 1-1.

Start the third. Callahan scores on a short-handed goal (gasp!). 12 minutes left to play, Rags 2-1.

This is some of the best hockey I have seen from my team in weeks. Dubinsky high sticks Langs in the face and we have a powerplay with 6 minutes left. 

OK, I jinxed it. Mother Effer! Sloppy ass D and we give up a cheap one to Blowmez and Douche Avery of all people. 3-1 Rags goddamit! Brylin Come On!!!! 2 minutes to play.

Empty netter and it's 4-1.

This hurts bad. We gave it a lot and lost on a few sloppy plays. I said it before, our great guys have to play great and our mediocre guys can't fuck us up. Our great guys played great, not quite great enough, on our slackers held on for a while but let it slip in the end.

In closing, I want Vish back in if only to slap that FUCKING SMILE OFF BLOWMEZ'S GOOFY FUCKING FACE!

F the Rangers.

With the hockey playoffs starting today, I thought I might tie these two topics (since they are my favorite things) together. So, without further adieu, I give you Veronica Varekova, or as some like to call her, Mrs. Peter Ndved.

The NHL playoffs are here. Tonight the Devils host the Rangers in Game 1 of the Quarterfinals.

Some news on the game: Bryce Salvador will play, and Sutter plans to sit Vishnevsky to make room for him. I don't know if I like this move. I mean I trust Sutter knows what he is talking about, but although he has made his share of mistakes in over-pursuit, Vish has been solid against the Rags this season. Vish is the most physical of our D-men, and we need that against the cheap shots and garbage that you KNOW Avery and Drury will bring. Don't get me wrong, Salvador needs to be in the lineup, but why not sit Andy Greene, Oduya, or Mike Motteau?

We'll see I suppose. 

7pm tonight, I will have an in-game / post game wrap-up right here, stay tuned!