OH CANADA (THERE IS ONLY ONE STILL STANDING ON GUARD)

It rained all day on Monday following Easter. The rain continued on and off the next few days. Floodwater from the Meramec River has crept onto the roads. Major flooding is expected as forecast of more heavy raining. We don't live in the flood plain but my husband might have to take a different (longer and more traffic) route to get to work.
The 1st round of the Stanley Cup playoffs was completed with two nail-biting Game 7s between Vancouver Canucks v. Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers v. Buffalo Sabres. I was relieved and happy that the Canucks advanced to semifinals. I was disappointed that the Sabres were eliminated because I don't care for the Flyers!

These photos were taken in 2009, the last time the St. Louis Blues got into the playoffs. The Blues were swept by the Canucks.

Since Boston Bruins eliminated Montreal Canadiens, the Canucks are the only Canada team still fighting for a chance to bring Lord Stanley back to Canada.

Here are my after-thoughts about Round 1 - Of course, I am happy that my Red Wings had an easy series (but too much resting could be a bad thing). I am also pleased that Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators advanced to the next round.
I don't care for either San Jose Sharks nor Los Angeles Kings, but I would have prefered that the Red Wings play against the Kings. I was deeply disappointed that my American hometown team New York Rangers were eliminated by the Washington Capitals. I was surprised watching Tampa Bay Lightning won 1-0 in game 7 sending Pittsburgh Penguins packing with the only goal scored of the game.

Round 2 will begin on Thursday, April 28th. I won't be making any predictions but regular readers (or read my comments above) know which teams I will be cheering for.

NOT JUST ANOTHER SUNDAY (HOCKEY AND MORE HOCKEY)

Congratulations to Todd Bertuzzi on his 1000th career game. Bertuzzi celebrated the milestone with a shootout winner (2-1) over the Minnesota Wild.Sunday, February 20th was Hockey Day in America, part of Hockey Weekend Across America in 2011. The day-long event, for nine hours (hockey fans were in high heaven) celebrated hockey with NHL games that included Philadelphia Flyers 4 over my American hometown New York Rangers 2, Washington Capitals 2 v. Buffalo Sabres 1, Pittsburgh Penguins loss to Chicago Blackhawks in shootout 2-3 and of course, my beloved Red Wings victory 2-1 over the Minnesota Wild.

It was not a good day for Habs fans as the Calgary Flames beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-0 in the 2011 Heritage Classic outdoors game in Calgary, Alberta.

Just to prove that my life was not revolved around hockey schedule, in between the games, we visited Ted and Karen at their new apartment. Ted and his son were my husband's golf partners. Last September, Ted and Karen were in a serious car accident. They were in rehab and later moved to a skilled care center. T&K, both in their late 70s, no longer are able to live in their home and had to move into the apartment building next to the center. We spent about an hour there, helping Karen moved her patio furniture and getting things organized so they could move around easier with the walkers. We promise to visit them regularly.

THE USUAL IN PARK SLOPE

During my visit to NYC last May, my sister treated me to a great breakfast at The Usual Restaurant on Vanderbilt Avenue (Park & Prospect) in Park Slope. Like me, CH does not cook, especially just for herself. She told me that she enjoys breakfast and it is a treat when she has someone to share the meal with. The day before (May 6th) we spent a wonderful afternoon at Brooklyn Botanical Garden and in the evening we went into the City for a nice dinner at a BBQ place near Union Square.

As we walked into The Usual, with all the posters and decorations on the wall, the first and only thing that caught my eyes was the plaque below "The Canadiens Club". I asked the person who greeted us , "Who is the Habs fan here?". The next hour, while enjoying my two eggs over easy, harsh brown, ham and toast, I had one of the most exciting discussions about hockey with Mike, the owner of The Usual, while my sister being so understanding, sat quietly eating her breakfast. He is originally from Montreal, of course, and a few years ago purchased this restaurant with his brothers. I told Mike about my goals of seeing all the Original Six home games, about my trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and about my sports blog called Short-handed Goal. We felt so connected when Mike told the story about his father made all the kids promise that they would never let go of the Montreal Canadiens season tickets priviledge. I treasure this encounter and was glad to meet a truly hockey fan from Montreal.

When we were ready to leave, Mike told us to wait. He went to his office and came back with a Canadiens cap as a gift to me. That was so sweet and thoughtful. Mike, if you happen to read this, "I am wearing the hat, but only when the Habs are not playing against my Red Wings" haa haa !!!