Game 73: Columbus at Tampa Preview

*Updated* I have included some info below from the suggestions I have been sent through e-mail, don't feel shy about using the comments section also

Columbus is fighting to remain in the playoffs. They have never gotten to the playoffs in their history and they have a bunch of teams just a few points back. Currently they are sitting in 6th spot in the West, but the Western conference is much tighter than the East. Their website is calling this the March to the Playoffs

The BJ's (*snicker snicker*...sorry I can't help it) have been flying under the radar, but make no mistake, they are good this year. They have a big line of Rick Nash and co. (RJ Umberger and Kristian Huselius). Nash is great player, and he's the heart and soul of this team.

Umberger is pretty much known for his youtube fame and not much else, seriously you have to watch it:


One of the best hits ever.

Correction- RJ is also known for:
-getting headlines in philly last year during the playoffs like
"Forget the cheesesteak, Philly loves the Umberger...."
-Led the team with 10 goals in the playoffs...contributing to the Habs' exit out of the playoffs
-His first NHL career goal was against the Lightning on Nov 22 2005










What has been the real story about Columbus is the rookie Steve Mason. He has been amazing in net, and is the reason that this team currently has a playoff spot. He's currently 2nd in GAA at 2.23 and has the lead in shutouts this season with 9. He has been nothing short of unbelievable.

Updates:
-CBJ was losing 1-0 throughout the game against Florida on Saturday. 2 minutes left in the game, the BJ's come back and win 3-1, slowly crushing the playoff dreams of the Panthers.

-Steve Mason is 12-1-0 against teams from the East
-McKenna is expected to start in net
-Tocchet tells the media that he expects his players to be in game shape for training camp next season. Really? Do you have to tell your team that? I always thought that was an expectation as a PRO hockey player. With the exception of Kyle Wellwood of course. He get's a pass...and a Big Mac on the side.

Funny of the Day:
“The Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin celebrated his 50th goal by putting his stick on the ice and then mimed warming his hands over it. Some observers called it hot-dogging; when Alex was a toddler in the Soviet Union it was called central heating.” — Comedian Torben Rolfsen, on the Web site of Vancouver’s The Province.