Well, fans, the fight for a spot in the playoffs is finally over. Not to downplay the tremendous support from our fans both at home and on the road. With some callups and injuries, we could not sustain a late season charge that began with a 5 game win streak. Disappointing? Yes. Missing the playoffs is always a downer. And now the team is in a position where the games mean nothing in the standings. So what do players play for in this situation. Pride. A spot on next years team. A chance to leave a good impression for next season. For any player who has never been in a game like this, it is a tough game to play in. But this is where your professionalism takes over. You are still payed to perform and you are still playing the game you love. Play it hard and try and win. Winning always feels good, no matter the circumstances. And hey, we have some new guys with something to prove. So you know we will be going hard, letting the pride shine through...
Enjoy watching the former Pirates in the playoffs. They may go a long way...
I'll be watching the playoffs. It is hard not to, it's the best part of the season. It brings back many memories about opening game jitters when the first series starts. Then you settle in , and boy does it get exciting. And, when you win the first series, you are that much closer to the Cup. Then on to the next series. It just doesn't get any better than that. There really is no way to explain the feeling you get when you play for the Cup, in any league...
Everyone in Maine was feeling the pain of the UMaine hockey team during the game Thursday. While watching the the game at Rivalries, the room was full, and it was great to see the state get behind their team. It was heart breaking to hear the devastating news of Coach Whitehead's mother -in -law's tragic accident prior to the game. Our hearts go out to the families of the deceased. And congrats to the boys and Tim on another trip to the Final Four. One other note pertaining to the UMaine program. Grant Stanbrook has retired from coaching, after many years of on ice instruction and tireless recruiting. He has touched the careers of many NHLers over the years. Way to go, Grant!
My pick in the east of the AHL? Sorry that I have to say it, but its Hershey...
A few things to think about. I don't condone what Don Imus said. But, why is it OK for rappers to say these things and get no scrutiny, but when a guy like Imus does he is ripped? There is talk about eliminating highschool sports programs and only having sports clubs. I think this is a mistake. The term student athlete is something I believe in. The bonds and lessons created in sports along with the spirit at schools is one of the great experiences of growing up... Last, in Cleveland they are banning "chatter" in Little League. But, it is still OK for the coaches to yell at the kids and the parents to scream at the coaches. Hmmm...
As I said, these last games will be tough, but for a guy who thought he was done, another day of playing is more than I could ask for. I will enjoy every moment till the final buzzer... Weino

So, it comes to this. We are at a point of do or die. With six games left, we have put ourselves in a position to clinch a spot in the playoffs, and the next two weekends will be tense. As much as we don't want to watch scores, it is only natural to be curious. The one thing we cannot do is let other teams determine our fate. We know what we can take care of: our games. What we don't control is the other games. I have been in the same position, and when you start rooting for other teams to help your cause, it can be very demoralizing. So, we start tomorrow in Hartford. Keep the streak going and add to our points and then...
How about David McKee? I watched him in training camp and you could see the talent. But he looked uncomfortable in the games. Hey, it was his first camp, and coming from college is a huge step. So, off to Augusta he went and to get some playing time. No complaints. He took it in stride and worked his butt off. If you think our travel is tough, the ECHL makes our travel seem like a trip to the grocery store. He waited for his chance and boy did he make his mark! It is really a pleasure to see a player get rewarded like David has and then have success. The best part for him: his parents came all the way from Texas to see the weekend. I hope he continues his stellar play...
With only a few games left in the NHL season, the Ducks still have a chance at the President's trophy, for the best overall record in the NHL. Again, for the Portland fans it is really exciting to follow the Ducks and watch the maturation of the former Pirate players. Having played against most of the guys who have been promoted, it is no secret how the Pirates marched through the league last year with the talent they produced for the big club. Names like Getzlaf, Perry, Penner, Shannon, Huscroft and the numerous callups this season lead to the tremendous depth for the organization. It will be fun to follow the progress of the Ducks throughout the playoffs. Expect big things from this club...
Speaking of the Ducks, congrats to Mark Hartigan for his recent callup due to his strong play of late. It is hard to get down about losing him from our team this week. Amidst a roller coaster year for Mark, he has juggled trips back and forth to the NHL, the announcement of his wife Melissa's pregnancy, and the news of a relapse of his Mother's battle with cancer. It has been interesting watching Mark take over the offence with his good friend , Joe Motzko, with everything on his plate. Again, perserverence getting rewarded...
I didn't win the basketball pool, but there is always the Masters! The old addage "It's a game of inches" is never more true in our sport. And after 18 years of a certain length of skate blade, I tried the size I used in college and my first year pro. A player I really respected my second year talked me into using longer blades on my skates because it would give me better balance in the corners. So, I changed them and used them ever since. Until two weeks ago. Who would have thought a couple of centimeters would make a difference? But, it really does. It is hard to explain , but just trust me. Every little advantage at my age can't hurt. Especially during crunch time... Weino