The Daily Sniper: If There was a Hockey Game in Boston While the Sox are in the Series, Did it Really Happen?

News and notes from last night's action...

Homeless teens; the answer to the Bruins' attendance problems? AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

Boston 3, Chicago 1 -- Its not like you have to be reminded, but there were a lot of things going on last night that were competing for attention from the people of Boston. There was Game 2 of the World Series between the Sox and Rockies, as well as the #2 Boston College Eagles taking on Virginia Tech (that's college football). Low and behold, there was a hockey game, too.

But did anyone really see it? Did it really happen?

And more importantly; who in their right mind would actually choose the Bruins over both the Red Sox and BC Eagles?

The announced attendance at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston last night was 10,290. Right. And I'm the commissioner of the NHL. In all seriousness there was probably about 3,000 people there. If that. Heck, they were probably all homeless people that the team pulled off the street to try and fill seats, lured by pretzels and cokes.

If you're of the belief that a game did indeed happen at the Garden last night, and it wasn't all a figment of our collective imaginations, you should note that the Bruins actually did win. I mean, jeez. There really is no stopping the city of Boston right now is there? First the Patriots then the Sox and now the Eagles and Bruins. The Celtics look pretty good this season, too. I guess after all the pain and suffering, God finally decided that it was Boston's time. I imagine that after this current run, Boston teams won't win a title until, oh, 4467.

Phil Kessel scored twice. Jon Toews had one for the Hawks. Ho hum, Boston wins (again).

Columbus 3, St. Louis 0 -- As it turns out, whatever Paul Stastny has been having, Pascal Leclaire has been having some, too. Leclaire turned away 36 shots to earn his fourth shutout in only his sixth start of the season.

I'll give you a moment to process that.

Pascal Freaking Leclaire just recorded has six starts and four shutouts this season.

Holy bejeezus. Right now he's got a .950 save percentage and a 1.34 GAA, and is doing a heck of a job working his way up Gary Bettman's hit list.

Rick Nash also had a sick goal, which he shot between his legs. The BJs can simply not be stopped, folks.

NY Rangers 2, New Jersey 0 -- Well, I guess someone had to win. Nigel Dawes (who?) scored twice for the Rangers, who helped continue making the Devils look like a shell of their former selves. I'm now taking bets as to how long it will be until Sweet Lou fires Brent Sutter. I give it until Thursday.

Toronto 5, Pittsburgh 2 -- Pittsburgh, that's just embarrassing. You should be ashamed.

Toronto scored five goals in a row, including two from Jiri Tlusty (who?). Alex Steen had three points for the Leaves, and Malkin and Crosby each had two points for Pittsburgh.

Phoenix 1, Anaheim 0 -- I take it back Pittsburgh, this is the most embarrassing score of the night. With the win, the Coyotes keep pace with Nashville for the worst record in the Western Conference. Craig Weller (I'm getting sick and tired of it but, WHO??) scored the lone goal for Phoenix and Alex Auld (OK, I at least know who that is) made 31 saves to earn the shutout. And earn it he did. The Ducks actually outshot the 'Yotes by a 31-21 margin.

Edmonton 5, Minnesota 4 (SO) -- The world mourns as the Wild are officially on their first losing streak of the season. They face a rematch with Paul Stastny and the Avs on Sunday. At that time, the fate of the universe will be decided.

Tampa Bay 5, Philadelphia 2 -- The Flyers join the Wild by earning their first losing streak of the season by also losing game on back to back nights. Brad Richards probably scored or something.

Los Angeles 2, Dallas 1 -- The Kings continue to take refuge from wild fires in their icy rink. Fire vs. Ice: who will win?

Yeah, I'm sorry. It's the eighth game of the night. I'm really stretching things right now.

Nashville 3, Altanta 0 -- If these teams combined their point totals, they would be tied for sixth place in either conference. So to review, Atlanta + Nashville = Los Angeles. Study up, class.