ere we are at another segment of my blogging. Let me continue to thank my readers. Without you, I am really not much at all. I love doing this gig, and you, the readers, are the reason I am continuing to type this column. Now, on to the blog.

PLAYER OF THE FIRST ROUND

This is pretty much a no-brainer. The Canadiens' goalie was pretty good, wasn't he? Jarsolav Halak was outstanding in the first round. Especially game 6 at home, making 53 saves. Outstanding goaltending as the Caps continuously pounded him with pucks. Halak came back with a 41 save game seven. He was almost flawless in the last three game of the series. I bet Mr. Walsh is laughing all the way to the bank, with his client play in the playoffs.

WHAT TO DO WITH PRICE

Which really leads me to my second topic on the list. What are the Habs going to do with Price? Through no fault of his own, he has really become the odd man out in Montreal. Everyone knows the Canadiens are not going to keep both with the how well Halak is playing in the playoffs. You really cannot blame the Canadiens for signing him over Price right now.

So who will go after Price? Who is going to need him the most? The team that comes to my mind is the Washington Capitals. Yes, I wonder if the Habs would have won this series if the Caps had traded for a goalie at the deadline? Only time will tell, but I really feel the Habs will trade Price, if only because Price will not want to stay in Montreal as a backup goalie.

NEW GM IN TAMPA

Darren Dreger's (Dregs) of TSN fame (who is one who is in the know) most interesting suggestion for the GM job was Stevie Y. I really think he would be the perfect fit to turn Vinny around. He would be great for the city, and the team, to stabilize the franchise in Tampa. Let's face facts: the team right now is in a mess with the ownership of the team. In reality, the team has never been the same since they let Khabby go. I really think Steve can turn this ship around, and he would be my pick as the number one man for the job.

Another man who I think should be considered for the job, if he would come back in the NHL, would the Great One. After Wayne's experience in Phoenix, I doubt that he would be ready to forgive the NHL, but I also think he could be the big name to turn the situation around.

FAN POLL QUESTION.

Who is the going to win the Hart? Speak up, who is your pick of the year?

My pick is Crosby, who has learned to shoot this year. It has been interesting to see Crosby score more often this season. I really never knew Syd the Kid could take that kind of role on. He has really become the leader of the Pens this season. Indeed Mr. Crosby has become Mr. Penguin in Pit.

FINAL WORD

Has Mr. Malkin become expendable in Pits? Can the Penguins keep two major contracts costing almost 30% of the team's salary? I really do not see how they can keep both players happy, and to me it is a no-brainer - you don't dump Syd the Kid.

Until next time, take care.

Randy