Polemic Hockey

So, people are of course talking about the Islanders' clinching of the final playoff spot. Since this involves the elimination of the Leafs--or any action impacting the Leafs--everyone is at fault except the Leafs.

I thought the Devils were in a hell of a situation. Their playoff position is fixed--but the Islanders need two points to get in. Now, if it were the Rangers or Flyers, there's no doubt you stick it to them, but no one credibly thinks there's a strong rivalry between these two teams. If anything, the Devils dislike the Leafs much, much more.

I couldn't believe it that Madden tied it with one second left. I felt bad for the Islanders--one second away from a playoff berth. They got it in the end, of course. But my gosh. If I was Lou, I might have whispered to the shooters to make it look good but miss.

But the criticism was largely for starting Clemmensen, not for some alleged throwing of the game. But you think of your own team first, and giving Marty a day off in a meaningless game makes a lot of sense.

Labels: Devils, islanders, Leafs