SATURDAY NIGHT'S ALRIGHT FOR BLOGGING

"My face! My face! My beautiful face..."
So long Super Luke!

After a relatively exciting game, Oilers work-horse Ryan "my-dentist-is-the-richest-man-in-Edmonton" Smyth got the game winner, as the puck, in symbolic fashion, bounced off the Oiler crest on his jersey, and into the net. And cheap goal or not, fans in Edmonton will take a victory anyway they can.

And as the score indicates, the Oilers played a much more defensive game. Despite trading chances with the Canes throughout the game, by my count, Edmonton still outshot Carolina 31-22, indicating two important things. One, they blocked more shots than in previous games. And two, they got more pucks to the net by cycling and moving the puck more quickly, not giving Carolina time to get into the lanes.

What is going to be perceived as more inspiring for the Oiler's is the play of Jussi Markkanen. He looked calm and comfotable tonight and when tested, he looked solid. Fans will be hoping the Oilers will be able to build from this.

However, I am not enitrely convinced Markkanen is the saviour of this team. For instance, Edmonton played the type of hockey that got them here: tight defense, mucho shot blocking, and keeping the play to the outside. Indeed, the Canes had some scoring chances from in close, and Markannen made the saves, but for the most part, he made the saves he should be making.

Should the Oilers win game 4 Monday night, with another solid outing from Markkanen, it will be interesting to see if Coach MacTavish will bring back Roloson, should he be ready. While I am not privee to the Oilers medical facilities, there have been rumblings that Roloson could make an appearance, should the series go deep.

The Detroit Red Wings have informed Manny Legace that they will not be offering him a contract. After his performance in the playoffs, I can't imagine many teams interested in his services. What's that? John Ferguson Jr. just called him? Ok, the world makes sense again.

This sets up an interesting scenario though. Now that Roberto Luongo has told the Panthers he is interested in only a one-year contract, Mike Keenan may be looking to move him. Bob McKenzie raises some interesting points on this matter, but it boils down to the Panthers having to trade him for essentially nothing. Yet, the Wings have a few talented bodies they may be willing to part with, including Holmstrom or Lebda.

In ironic news, during the 2006-2007 season of my dynasty in NHL 2006, the Florida Panthers traded Luongo, Olli Jokinen, and a still playing Joe Nieuwendyk to Detroit for Zetterberg and Lang. I wouldn't hold my breath for this blockbuster though.

In World Cup news, despite playing 40 minutes with only 10 men, Trinidad and Tobago pulled off a tie with Group B favourite, Sweden. Although I was unable to actually watch the game (thanks to a fire-drill in my office), I was able follow the "Matchcast" via the FIFA webpage. And I tell ya, I have never read so many great saves in all my life! Yet, Shaka Hislop still doesn't get "Man of the Match?"

That's all for now. I would say something about my beloved Jays, but everytime I think of them, I sigh. It is like remembering the fond times with a past-lover, only to then stumble upon the memory of them cheating on you. In your own bed. With your best friend. And the girl from work you had a crush on.