Huzzah, we're in the playoffs! Meh, we're in playoffs. Leafs 4, Habs 3 (OT)

I guess I should be excited. The Habs are in the playoffs. Uh, yay? I've been told that in this modern parity-filled NHL, it's supposed to be an accomplishment to make the playoffs. Well, the Habs have accomplished that. Now what? This team eked out two points in their last 3 games against non-playoff teams and looked terrible in two of them. They looked somewhat better last night, but IT WAS THE FUCKING LEAFS. The Leafs suck. Barely eking out a point against the Leafs does not give one a lot of hope into a playoff series with some East powerhouse. Anyway, let's hit the old school review format to look back, with an eye to looking forward.

Plan the parade - there was certainly some stuff to like in this game. Start with Vodkov, who seemed determined on his own not to let the point slip away. He attacked offensively like a maniac, and it paid off with a 1G 2A night. And this from a player who has been practically invisible over the last week or two. A Vodkov playing like that in the playoffs will be fun. Gio continued his outstanding play of late, worked hard on every shift like he always does, went to the front of the net on every play like he always does, and scored like he always does. Make him captain right fucking now, before the playoffs. That's one move that would make me feel like we have any chance (to win a game or two, not any series or anything). Gio's linemates, Squid and CHicken, worked hard too and got plenty of shots on net. If they can play like that and start burying some chances, we'll score some goals in the playoffs.

Caveat emptor for all this positive talk - This was the fucking Leafs. The 29th best team in the league. The worst PK in the league. If you can't get 37 shots on them (like the Habs did), you don't even deserve to go to the AHL playoffs.

The sky is falling - JESUS FUCKING CHRIST JARO WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU??? If that's the way you are going to play in a pressure-filled game, sit your ass on the bench right fucking now. Your team gave you three leads and you blew them all. That second goal when you went wandering was, uh, not pretty. File the third goal in the "ones you really really want back" file. And it wasn't just the goals you let in. You looked pretty shaky all night. Sure, you made a couple of nice saves, but dammit you just looked uncomfortable. Like you were scared of the pressure. Say what you want about the Big Fat Wale, but he thrives off pressure. After a brilliant two-shutout weekend a week ago, you let up 5 goals and 4 goals in the last two very very important games. That's, uh, not good. Goalie controversy going into the playoffs! That'll make for a fun next couple of days.

Let's talk Tits. I'm not sure if I heard Andrei's name all night. I'm not sure if I've heard Andrei's name in the last two weeks to be honest. And I definitely know I didn't hear Sergei's name, because JM hates him and scratched him. Of the two Tits, Sergei has clearly played better and worked harder over the last month than his brother. Yet Andrei is the one that gets to be on the second line and on the PP. I'm really at a loss to explain Count Chokula's actions (or rather inactions) any more.

In the VIP room - The Giant Mexican CHicken is nuzzling his beak between Candi's 36DD's in the back, and Vodkov is having a threesome.

Our next evil, evil foe - depending on the outcome of a couple of games this afternoon, the Habs could see any of the Devils, Sabres, or Caps in the first round. Brodeur, Miller, or Jose Theodore. I know which one I would prefer to face.

Playoff tickets on sale at noon today. Who's excited to get some? Exactly.

Media whoring update - you're probably sick and tired of my appearing on CBC Daybreak as much as me, but it's happening again tomorrow morning at 6:4o AM. Ugh. Need coffee already.