It's been a busy few weeks - the business at work has really picked up, and overtime is becoming the norm now. Even Shawn has come back to work during his two weeks off from school to train a n00b on the contour cutter. I've been somewhat of a do-everything lately, running Lines 1, 2, 3, the 4x4, and Treffner when needed, or gluing, doing taper-tops, even driving the towmotor loading trailers and organizing material. So I can't say I've been bored, in general. Though I admit last night was one of those days where you want to kill yourself to be freed from the boredom.

The NHL playoffs so far haven't held any particular surprises. Edmonton pulled out an upset against top-seeded Detroit. But it's not altogether surprising considering Detroit has somehow become the goat for other teams the last few years. 2006 marks the 3th straight postseason the Wings have bowed out to a 'lesser' team. In the West, I'd give the nod to San Jose thus far - no one in the conference has been stronger down the stretch, and downing Nashville in 5 games promises a nice period of rest and recovery for the next round.

As far as the East goes, it almost seems a foregone conclusion already. No one in the league has been playing as well as New Jersey over the past month - the Devils have won 15 straight games - including a handy elimination of Jagr and the Rangers in 4-straight. Ottawa struggled near the end of the season, but seemed to find some rhythm as they ousted the defending Stanley Cup Champion Lightning in a mere 5 games. So while New Jersey and Ottawa are resting and getting ready for the second round, their potential opponents remain mired in tough battles - to their detriment (in theory).

The final seeding for the second round depends on the outcome of the games currently remaining in the first round, so take my predictions here with a grain of salt - because they may happen in the second round as opposed to the third round - nevertheless - My prediction right now are conference finals between New Jersey and Ottawa, with New Jersey coming out on top, and San Jose vs Colorado, with Joe Thornton powering the Sharks to another trip to the final. In vain, because the Cup is headed to Jersey this year.



beady eyes and a crooked smile