A Few Things I Think I Think Part 3

1. Surprise surprise Erik Cole is back prematurely from his leg injury. Makes me feel a little better I took him for my last pick in a friendly hockey pool. I am now a meager 5 points off the lead and a chance for 500$ moolas, but is it too little too late for both myself and the Carolina Hurricanes? Tune in Monday Night, same bat time- same bat channel.

2. The Edmonton Oilers said they felt that they were better than the Canes 5 on 5. Well I disagree, I can't see much of a difference. Both clubs put a real hurting on their opponents when scoring and defending on special teams. Last night was no exception. The Oilers heavily outworked the Canes, and the Canes responded with sloppy defensive plays that lead to turnovers and penalties. Edmonton was 3 for 8 with the man advantage while shutting down the Canes with the penalty kill as the visitors struggled 0 for 5 with the extra attacker.

3. My prediction for game 7 will be 3-2 for the Carolina Hurricanes with no other than Rod Brind'Amour with the game winner. No surprises either way, but the Canes will deffinately play hungrier and desperate as they have to be feeling pretty angry at themselves having not yet closed out the series. The Oilers will go the way of the Calgary Flames two years ago and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks three years ago: play the feisty underdog to the finish only to be beaten by a more skilled club in the last game- C'est la vie.

4. The top 5 players in this year's draft will be....

Erik Johnson, Defensemen: American born stay at home blueliner with smarts and speed.

Jordan Staal, Forward: The third edition of the Staals, skilled with the puck and strong on his feet.

Phil Kessel, Forward: A few months ago touted as the undisputed number one pick has lost his stock through mediocre play at the Under 19 World Championships in Vancouver and the IIHF World Championships earlier this spring.

Jonathan Toews, Forward: Speedy Winger playing in his junoir year with North Dakota.

Nicklas Backstrom, Forward: First European picked in the draft, explosive speed and delicate touch caught the eyes of many scouts.

5. With the candidates leaking out to the media this week about who's in the running for the Canucks' coaching position, my favorite of the front runners has to be Alain Vigneault. I like his experience in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens and the success he had in the early nineties with the Hull Olympiques. I think he'd do a fine job in Vancouver and I hope he gets the position.

Of course I've stated why Quinn would be awful, but in regards to the others, starting with Mike Johnston: I don't think he has the experience as bench boss, and I think being alongside Crawford the last couple of seasons with the Canucks has hurt his reputation. Whether it's ill-deserved or not, the question still arises- does he still have respect from the players?

Kevin Dineen has made a great impression with Dave Nonis and he seems to be the dark horse in the group, I just wouldn't take him- again, for lack of experience. He's a great guy I'm sure I just don't think his resume is as encouraging as Vigneault's.