HOCKEY TONIGHT: WHAT GOT INTO THE FRONTS?

Not funny, Kingston Frontenacs, not funny. There was an understanding here: You would struggle all season, let us indulge our inner Don Rickles ("I'm a nice guy..."), but ultimately hold off Ottawa for sixth place in the conference and set up a first-round playoff matchup against the Mississauga IceDogs -- allowing Neil Acharya to further hone his colour-commentary chops.

In that contest, last night's 5-0 rout -- a WTF wipeout -- of John Tavares (pictured) and the Oshawa Generals at the Mem Centre? The Fronts, whose defence and goaltending has never made anyone forget the 1999 Dallas Stars, blanked the Ontario Hockey League's fourth-highest-scoring team. Now they're just one point behind fifth-place Sudbury with two games in hand -- and a mere four points back of The 'Shwa.

Bobby Hughes had the first assist on the first four Kingston goals (all on the power play) and defenceman Adam Nemeth had his second two-goal game in a row. He's had as many goals this week as he did in any of his first four Ontario Hockey League seasons. Jason Guy stopped 30 for the shutout; by the way, only the Frontenacs would have two left-handed goalies.

The 67's lost 4-2 to the Bulls in the front end of a home-and-home that finishes up today in Bellevegas, falling five points behind the Fronts. Matt Pelech, the Bulls blockhead who went after the Fronts' Nathan Moon -- who's only half a foot shorter and 50 lbs. lighter -- and set off at that brawl last month -- had a three-point night, so he's redeemed himself in our books.

NHL Scoreboard

Today's better games: Thrashers-Senators, 3; Oilers-Leafs, 7; Wild-Predators, 8; Avs-Flames, 10.

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.