Fine Cuisine Avec Les Marques

The Spouse and I just got back from a great dins with Vlad The Dad, Cathy, and Muskoka. In between courses and reminisces of many Eastern adventures we of course chimed in on many subjects of that game of "ice hockey." The updates, debates and consensuses:

1. RIT 4. American International 0. Continuing their dominance of the Atlantic League, the Dangler and fellow Tigers dispatched American Int'l for the second straight night. Never hearing of this upstart college, I have to question its legitimacy as a Div 1 contestant. Not helping matters. It's location. Springfield, Mass. Did the first line consist of Otto, Nelson and Milhouse?

2. The Yankees Are Coming, The Yankees Are Coming. As I have been rolling on this colonial snare for a spell, The Dad also added to my Revolutionary rhythm stating that the States are going to go far in the imminent Olympic Tourney. Even predicted them to go to the final, which is even a bolder proclamation that I would announce in the town square. Stellar goaltending, a solid system in place and a favourable ice surface could vault the Yanks back into "Miracle" territory. On this we agree. Where we disagree:

3. The Fins. The Dad is convinced that they are the true underlying power in the tourney, stating that their goaltending is superior to the aforementioned US. I remain unconvinced. But then again I haven't even bothered to check out their roster. Not bad between the pipes. And if the Skips's story of his encounter with incredibly stealthy Fins is indicative of their national resolve, we might all be scratching our heads, walking into lamp posts on Granville during the Gold Medal game as the Brothers Koivu laugh at us all.

4. As Well As Sami Salo.He's already laughing tonight, as we dumped the Hawks 5-1. Don't get me wrong. I'm not bitching. But a shutout for Maniwaki Fantasy would've been nice. I'm just saying.