You missed another great NHL contest tonight, Jack.

It hasn't been the same since Reggie Fleming retired.

May he R.I.P. Pro basketball hasn't been the same since they started having U.S. pros play instead of college kids in the Olympics.

We just need to make sure LeBron gets past Orlando now and then the finals are ready.

Right on MoJo, Tuesday night Chicago Vs Vancouver will also be wild.

If the Stanley Cup playoffs went as things do in the sNoozer Basketball Association, the Washington Caps, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks would be in the middle of week-long rests, getting ready for the conference finals.

If you want pre-arranged chalk, watch the NBA. If you enjoy excitement, energy, unpredictability, and heroic efforts, watch the NHL's version.

Did anyone catch the Canucks/Blackhawks game on Sunday and see Shane O'Brien get hit in the forehead with the stick? It was a completely accidental hit, and O'Brien was bleeding like a fire hose, but he went to the dressing room, got 6 stitches, and was back on the ice for his next shift. If that happened in the NBA he'd be out for a week.

Love playoff hockey!

I trust you folks are not missing Game 5 -- in progress on TNT -- of the remaining semi? Surely you did not ignore Sunday's contest on ABC. Rajon Rondo is a considerable presence; LeBron, it was suggested after Sunday, might better guard him than continue to suppress Pierce's contributions. (You did see at least the replay of the behind-the-back to Tony Allen?) This series is reminiscent of the Celtics/76ers era, if not the Celtics/Lakers grudge matches. The Celts still know how to play defense.

As the 1st quarter winds down, the LeBrons have retaken the lead 21-20, the Cs having led only very briefly so far today on their opponent's court, where they must win at least one more if they are to meet the fearsome Magic.

50-44 Cs at the half after a 16-0 run during the 2nd. LeBron leads Cav scorers with eight (8), but no baskets! Rondo hasn't scored a point! Pierce (14pts) is doing a superb job on LeBron. RayA has been hitting treys. 'Sheed has too many fouls already. All of this can change quickly in the second half, of course; but Doc has his team working well together.

It's still too soon for hockey.

As Howard Beck wrote this evening in the NYT:

"The Celtics’ big three led them once more, looking anything but old. Allen tortured the Cavaliers with quick-release 3-pointers (6 of 9), scoring 25 points. Kevin Garnett collected 18 points and 6 rebounds. And Paul Pierce, who meandered through the first four games, at last found a rhythm, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists.

The game was never close in the second half. Boston led by 50-44 at halftime after a thoroughly unaesthetic first half. James shot poorly. The Cavaliers’ offense fell apart. And O’Neal and Perkins nearly came to blows."

A Game 6 in the Garden! The Celts are healthy and confident, without disrespect for a powerful opponent: one game, one series at a time.