Because There's Nothing More Romantic Than a 55 Save Performance

How can anyone enjoy a day named after this guy?

Valentine's Day... I suppose I would be more of a fan of it if I owned a flower shop or a Hallmark Cards store. I just don't see the point. The contrived BS that comes out of the goings on of February 14th should make society in general shake their heads... instead, it makes them buy chocolates in a heart shaped box... go figure. In fact, my wife - who's reading this over my shoulder as I type - happens to agree (which just goes to show that you really should check these things out before getting seriously involved)... she would tell you that everyday is Valentine's Day. I would agree with her. I would also add that the most romantic day of this month for me occurred a few days ago when pitchers and catchers reported... now that's something that always causes a twinge.

Congrats to les Aigles Bleus on their playoff opening win over Acadia in Wolfville last night. Francis Rochon paced U de M with a hat trick in the 7-5 victory, but it was the play of Andre Guay that stole headlines this morning. Not only did the former Woodstock Slammer overcome such trying situations as road legs, a 60 shot barrage and being in Wolfville, he made 55 saves (including a mind numbing 25 in the second period alone) to secure the win. Also among those to make their way onto the scoresheet was former Dieppe Commando Jean-Marc Leger, who's early third period goal put les Aigles ahead for good. U de M heads back to the JLL tomorrow looking to sweep the series. Game time is 7PM. Looking for something to do? It's as good an option as any.

Also coming up tomorrow, the Moncton Wildcats head to Saint John to face the Sea Dogs. Of course, they will be without the services of Dimitrij Jaskin, suspended 3 games for his hissy fit turned hit from behind on Rimouski's Ryan MacKinnon. I have no problem with the suspension as from my vantage point, it was a deliberate check from behind. A clearly frustrated Jaskin - bottled up in by Rimouski's defense and upset over what he felt were a couple of bad calls against him (they weren't), took his frustrations out on the second guy he saw (the first guy he saw was checked headlong into the Cats' bench). I appreciate the many dimensions Jaskin brings to this team... many a night, he is the straw that stirs the drink for Moncton. I also remember after watching him in exhibition a few months ago that he will have to keep himself in check after throwing opposing bodies around the ice at will during his first forays onto QMJHL ice surfaces. For the most part, he has done just that. I'll chalk this up to a momentary lapse in judgement from the Czech star... and hopefully one that doesn't cost him a scoring title, or his teammates valuable points in the standings.

There is a possibly that Mark Tremaine and Ryan Penny will return to the lineup tomorrow, an ideal situation if it plays out. It would be in everybody's best interests for that line to get a game under it's belt before the showdown on Halifax on Saturday, where they will play a key role as per usual. If one or the other is still out however, I'd like to see the team give some minutes to current Amherst Rambler Stephen Pugsley tomorrow night. The rookie made his Q debut on Monday night, certainly did not look out of place in a limited role and had a couple decent chances in and around the net. He's a part of the Cats' future... so best to make the most of the opportunity that may present itself.

Finally, despite my mini-diatribe against Valentine's Day above, let's end this with a little romance, shall we?

Must be a European thing...