Truth be known, it would be satisfying if the Kingston Frontenacs could just hang on to sixth in the Ontario Hockey League's Eastern Conference.The Fronts beat the Ottawa 67's 4-1 last night to move three points up on the seventh-place Barberpoles, thanks in part to two goals by rookie d-man Adam Nemeth, a goal and an assist from Peder Skinner (pictured), three helpers from Bobby Hughes and a penalty kill that held Ottawa to 1-for-8 on the power play.
Now if the playoffs started today, the Fronts would face the Mississauga IceDogs, which would be perfect for us since co-blogger Neil Acharya does colour commentary alongside longtime play-by-play man Jim Gilchrist whenever the Fronts play in the GTA. If they finish higher and end up playing Sudbury or Oshawa, no deal for Neil. So obviously, the semi-selfish hope here is for that matchup.
So memo to the Frontenacs: Don't go thinking crazy thoughts about how you are only a point behind Sudbury (with a game in hand to boot) or how you're just five back of the Oshawa Generals and can cut into that gap if you beat them on Friday night in the 'Shwa. Sixth will do just fine.
Kidding aside, nice little roll for our hometown club. The Fronts went 3-1 (one win was a shootout) during a stretch of four games in six nights, and the only loss was 1-0 against the conference-leading Barrie Colts on Sunday.
In case you're wondering about who has the tougher final month between the Fronts and the 67's, it's pretty even. Kingston plays nine of its last 14 against teams who are top-4 in their conference. For Ottawa, it's 10 of 15, beginning with the series against the Belleville Bulls this weekend. That home-and-home against Bellevegas could end up being a preview of the first round of the playoffs.
NHL Scoreboard (Don't ask about the Leafs leaving a point on the table vs. the Islanders)
Today's better games: Habs-Devils, 7:30; Sharks-Predators, 8; Red Wings-Stars, 8:390; Canucks-Wild, 9.
That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.
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