THE FRAGILITY OF THE MATTER

I still stand by my comments yesterday that our fate, our home ice advantage in the post season, and our opponent for the first round (at least the odds of a good opponent) are in our hands. Being in second in the NL standings, it is mathematical proof that if we go par with the teams chasing us for the next few weeks, we’re at worse in second place.

However I cannot stress enough how fragile and delicate the standings are. I don’t think we’re in any danger of missing the playoffs. Statistically, the melt down on our part and the series of unfortunate events that would have to ensue is more than unlikely. However, the alarm bells go off when I realise we’re only one NL from dropping to sixth, and one and a half from dropping to seventh.

What does this mean in real terms? Right now we’re all amped up about being in the top of the Division, and potentially at the top of the Conference by the end of the night. Here’s a reality check: Both Ottawa and New Jersey have had our numbers this year, and anyone who thinks we have the odds in our favour to win against both should re-think Marty Brodeur’s level of play with one month left prior to the post season. Furthermore, let us re-think some of the Ottawa games this year…mainly the two blow-outs. The Sens have their top line healthy and intact, and even though they’re going through some rough times all it will take to get them going would be a good game as a result of solid motivation….motivation like you play the most glamorous and successful franchise of hockey history.

With that said, anyone who thinks all is lost and we haven’t got a decent chance to win both is also dead wrong. To them I ask: “Have you been watching the HABS lately?”. Price is more mature than ever, the offense is more potent than ever, and we’re defensively sounder than ever. OK so we haven’t played our best hockey in 2/4 games this road trip, but as long as the team is well rested (this is a question mark) we can shut anyone down.

The bottom line is this week will be HUGE. Worse case scenario is we drop both games, and we find our selves in seventh all of a sudden. Best case scenario is we win both, claim first in the Conference (until New Jersey plays their game in hand) and further cushion our grip for the top seat in the Division (which is our most important priority right now).

We cannot let one loss turn into a three game loosing streak. We MUST end the streak at one with a strong win tonight to re-assure the locker room, coaching staff, administration and the fans that this team will not melt in the final weeks of the regular season and fight for a bottom feeder position to get into the post-season. This week is extremely important, and it all begins tonight. Let’s get those oh so precious (cue smiegel) points tonight.