farce poobah

Yes. But wouldn't it be fun if Torts coached the Wolverines?

He's going to replace Red Berenson at Michigan.

One of the most famous (infamous?) series in NHL history. I'm envious. Did you bring donuts?

That doesn't seem fair ... I hear Bryzgalov's agent got a hot dog AND a coke..

Interesting that Coach Quenneville put Nordstrom in the lineup ... (6-1, 160 pounds). Expecting the Wild to try skate with the Hawks apparently, which turned out to be a good prediction. Wild need to clog it up and not let Kane carry the puck at them all night long.

Right ... Give me four great two way centers (Bergeron, Toews, Datysuk, Kopitar, for example), and 8 more guys off intramurals and I'll be just fine up front.

If anyone has kids watching the Bruins games, they should consider watching Bergeron in isolation. Great way to learn how to play the game right. Try to find a mistake, and you may watch for a long time. The guy plays near flawless hockey. By being in the right position, he makes things look easy. By being ice aware - of everyone on the ice - he can move the puck quickly. He's more likely to deliver a bump or hold his man against the boards than a big flashy hit. In the slot, he ties up his man's stick. Wins 60% of his faceoffs, although his teammates get a lot of that credit. Terrific and underrated. Yet another alumni of the 2005 World Juniors who played at the Ralph.

Wow .... LA becoming just the 4th team to come back from down 3-0.

The wild are definitely the better team. Justice served by their victory tonight.

Gift goal > gift powerplay

... Avalanche fans have a serious case of "Rocky Mountain High".

Nice start for the Wild ... the old adage of your best players have to bring it has been true in the opening period of game 6.

Norris Trophy finalists announced: Zdeno Chara Duncan Keith Shea Weber While I would love to see Ryan Suter in that group, its really hard to argue against any of those 3. (Where would Boston be without Chara? Where would Chicago be without Keith? Or Nashville without Weber?) Certainly, Minnesota doesn't make the playoffs without Suter logging 30 productive minutes a game.

We will be seeing that highlight a lot, I think. Of course Oshie is pretty much a one man highlight reel.

Blues buzzing ... Great atmosphere in St. Louis.

This has been a terrific first round. Maybe best ever. Six hours of hockey every night for two weeks, intense, rivalry-based hatred fueled by a desire for the greatest trophy in all of sports. Yeah, its just the first round.

Matt Cooke offered in person interview with Department of Player Safety, as required for any suspension that exceeds five games. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=715920&navid=nhl:topheads Couldn't happen to a more appropriate repeat offender.

Wild just pinned Colorado ... Holden and Benoit's last shift was 3:30. That'll kill your legs for the rest of the game. Prediction: Even if we are tied at halftime, the Wild win this one going away.

I think it's reasonable to expect a higher standard of behavior from coaches than players. But the leniency on lucic means it's now open season on groin shots, which sends a really bad message.

This Blues vs Blackhawks overtime is so intense It's like watching on fast forward.

Agree, that's not really a stretch at all.

The old time Sioux hockey player that Rocco reminds me most of is Dave Tippett. Fabulous ice sense, sees the whole rink. Terrific skater - first step, flat out speed,agility. Thinks a fast game and surprises teammates with playmaking ability. Only down side? Neither Tippett or Grimaldi finishes as well as the rest of their game. (By contrast, Troy Murray was just a bit better ...) Prediction: Rocco eventually wins the Selke as NHL's best defensive forward. Wins reknown as one of the elite penalty killers in the league. Makes a career out of frustrating the All-Stars he lines up against. Wins 2 Stanley Cups with Florida. (OK that last bit is a bit of a stretch.)

The answer depends on whether any of the contributors were U of M boosters, and whether their relationship with Ambroz's parents is independent of U of M Athletics. So, this might be a violation that would render Ambroz ineligible. (Or it might not. Not enough information.) Based on a quick google search ... here's what Texas A&M (a bastion of athletic integrity) says to their boosters: EXTRA BENEFIT ISSUES: Q: What is an extra benefit? What are some examples? A: An extra benefit is any special arrangement to provide a student-athlete or the student-athlete’s relatives (emphasis added) or friends with a benefit not authorized by NCAA rules. The NCAA allows Texas A&M to provide student-athletes with the following: scholarships to cover tuition, fees, room, board and books; a limited number of complimentary admissions to Aggie athletic events; practice or competition-related apparel; travel; equipment; medical treatment and much more. It is a violation of NCAA rules for a student-athlete to receive benefits not authorized under NCAA guidelines unless the same benefit is available to a segment of a population unrelated to athletics or to all Texas A&M students or their parents/guardians. Examples of Extra Benefits a Booster CANNOT provide: Cash or gifts. The use of personal property (e.g., boats, summer houses/condos, automobiles). A special discount arrangement or credit on a purchase (e.g. airline tickets, clothing). Arranging, providing, or co-signing on a loan. Providing any kind of transportation or the use of a car. Gifts of food, clothing or equipment. Arranging or providing free or reduced cost professional services (e.g., free dental or medical services, haircuts, automotive services, laundry, dry cleaning) The use of a telephone or telephone credit card for free long distance calls. Entertainment or the purchase of meals or services at commercial establishments. An invitation to play on your country club golf course or eat a meal there. A benefit connected with off-campus housing that is not available to all residents (e.g., television sets, electronic equipment, room furnishings, and specialized recreational facilities). Room, board, or transportation costs (including a stay in your home or transportation to or from a job). Typing or incurring other costs associated with school projects, reports, or resumes. Financial rewards for athletic performance. An honorarium or fee for a speaking engagement or other appearance. A guarantee of a bond. Giving tickets to a student-athlete to a Texas A&M or community athletic event (e.g., state high school basketball tournament tickets; high school games, collegiate, professional or any sporting event). A benefit derived by a student-athlete who sells complimentary tickets to a Texas A&M event. Arranging or providing free or reduced cost housing. Arranging or providing employment for a student-athlete's parents, guardians or friends.

"But Officer Gostisbehere, I promise to stop diving!"

Only when its filled with Gopher hockey fans.