Cats win - barely - in Tampa Bay, 4-3 (SO)

I blew that one, alright. Don't know why I thought the Canadiens/Hurricanes game of last night was going to be on Versus, but I'd swear I saw it somewhere...Hmmm. Maybe it was the cheap Merlot.

On to happier thoughts. Bryan McCabe is beginning to make JM the GM look brilliant, garnering two goals in what appeared to be a game headed for blowout status. Vokoun's 49(!) saves stopped all three shots in the shootout frame, and Nathan Horton woke up just in time to score the winner.

Tampa kept it interesting, blasting home three unanswered goals late in the game, so they walk away with a point, but hey...statistically Ottawa is worse than the Panthers! Steve Stamkos obviously felt comfortable (9 shots) with his new linemates. The Lecavalier/St. Louis/Stamkos combo could be quite potent over time.

Seen Melrose?

Friends Forever.

What a way to usher in the weekend, no matter your feelings toward the guy. Always in the public service, TLB presents some links - a scorecard, if you will - to enlightened blogger commentary on the day's Big News from (gulp) Hockey Bay. Ed. Note: Can't believe I just typed that.

Barry Melrose Rocks
Puck Daddy
From the Rink
Melt Your Face Off
Going Five Hole
AOL Fanhouse


I really believed the team was never going to achieve anything this this year, and if I have to recount the reasons than you're new to the anything-goes NHL. But I did think he'd be given at least one season, if only to display some semblance of stability within the club (cuz they sure don't have it on the ice). Kinda feel bad for the dude.

Failed headlines:

- Bored from Mixing Power Play Lines, Koules Saws Melrose

- Tough Economy in Tampa/St. Pete Forces Hockey Team to Fire Coach; Will Trade for Forward to Fill Position

- Betting the Farm, Bolts Roll Dice on Tocchet (obligated here, kids)

- Lightning Hack Melrose, Sales of LA Looks, Super-Orgasmic-Uber-Hold Plummet in TB

I'm open to suggestions at this point. Got a game to watch.