Spits sputter, Strange Jays, RW & Co.

Knights vs. Spitfires

London has 8 wins and a loss in the playoffs and is 17-1 since February. That's filthy, just filthy and I'm not talking about Zac Rinaldo. If the Knights grab a win in Windsor in the West final they may just be able to reach the League final. The Spits, still the class of the league, do appear vulnerable these days. Keep pucks flying at either of Windsor's keepers and there's potential for crackage, and crackage ain't what you want this late in the season. The issue has already tested Spits' head coach, Bob Boughner a few times in the playoffs and must still keep him up at night. His keepers could cost his team/organization/investment a season none of which can afford to lose. Hey, winning and losing is huge in Windsor. Winning by the border offers validation for a community struggling to find and maintain a positive image of itself. Losing in Windsor is eventually accepted and forgotten, but when the wound is fresh it really hurts. There's a lot on the line for the Spits, not unlike the Knights, who unlike the Spits, have mortgaged the future for hardware this Spring and could come up just as empty. The thing with the Knights is with each win their confidence grows, and strength of confidence is needed most right about now. Who knows? It might even be the difference in doing what was once unthinkable: knocking off that talented Jr. squad in Windsor. First things first however, the Spits have to finish off Plymouth. That'll take at least 6 games now that the Whalers have tied the series at 2 wins apiece.

Strange Jays

Yes, its only two games but the Jays are doing something strange. Strange, like making things happen...exactly when you...ahhhhhhh have to make things happen. Yes, its only been two games, but IT has 'happened' on a couple of key occasions, in both outings, producing a pair of wins. When you have a chance to open up a can of "whoop ass" on your opponent, you do it. When you need to work a walk, find a hole, then go deep to get back in the game, you do it. And for an example of how to get these things done simply refer to the Jays' first two games of the season. One was a slaughter. One was a squeaker. Both most importantly included pitching good enough to win. Yes, pitching...that could be a problem. Anyway, 2 down 160 to go. Hey, if they win one of the next two mission's accomplished.

RW & Co.

Finally, John Tavares won't be going to Toronto because Ron Wilson got their first. So what to think of RW? A help or hindrance? Could depend on how Tavares helps or hinders his soon-to-be NHL team. For what its worth I think Wilson gets his Leafs into the playoffs next Spring. Again, help or hindrance?