There's something special about this time of year that really gets my blood pumping! It's probably just all the allergens affecting my blood pressure, but I'll pretend like it's because I give a damn about this year's NHL playoff picture. After all, with the upcoming CBA expiration I don't expect to be seeing any hockey next season. I think I'll root for the Nashville Predators. They're not toooo far from here, I hate Detroit (their opponent in the first round of the playoffs) and my Canes didn't make the playoffs, so why not?

Some friends were talking about sports on a message board I frequent, and someone mentioned that hockey sucked to watch on tv. I took it upon myself to enlighten him. After all, hockey only sucks if you don't know the rules or if have crappy reception-- I don't even like sports and I love hockey! I suggested they enjoy some playoff hockey, but first commit the following to memory:

This should help you "get" hockey.

There are three main rules in hockey that cause a stoppage in play.

1. The puck sent the length of the rink (to delay play) is "icing."

2. The puck must move into the zone before the attacking player or it is "offside."

3. There are three lines in the middle, the centerline, and the bluelines. This area is the neutral zone. The puck cannot be passed more than half the length of the neutral zone-- a pass that crosses two of those lines is an offside, or a "two line pass."

After that, the other stuff just sort of makes sense. If a player does something bad (and gets caught) they get penalized. Penalties give the other team a man advantage-- the power play. Goalies play their position the entire game. The other positions (three forward, two defense) are changed on the fly; they switch in and out while the puck is in play.

If you lose sight of the puck, look for the guy that has two hands on his stick. He's got it.