Spent the afternoon...

switching back and forth between
Stars vs. Bulldogs game (photo Chris Jerina)
in the race for the

Calder Cup (second oldest cup establ.1936)
ALAS: Bulldogs beat Stars 3-1.
Now Stars head back to Cedar Park for 3 games there starting Wednesday May 19, 21 and 22 and if needed 2 more at Hamilton ;-).

And Sharks vs. Blackhawks in the race for the

Stanley Cup (1893)
Nabokov in goal-photo-artandhockey

Alas, Sharks : 1 loose to Blackhawks : 2 in regulation at the "Sharktank"

(Video shows the OTHER goalie - ;-) - not Niemi) despite the pulling of Nabokov, and a last minute powerplay of 6 vs 4 due to a penalty on the Hawks.

In all, Niemi with 45 saves of 46 held the Sharks at bay. Nabokov had 38 saves of 40. Blackhawks seemed to start slow, warmed up in 2. which was the best period for the Sharks re shots on goal, but then really outskated and outshot the Sharks in the 3. Their speed was greater and their defense (say Niemi) rather effective. Byfuglien and Sharp the scorers for Hawks and Demers for the Sharks on a PP.

Today am not betting 100%.

Stars lost their 2. game vs Bulldogs.

Sharks their 1. vs Blackhawks.

Tonight it's Flyers vs. Canadiens. GO HABS for me!