The rest writes itself as Van Bronckhorst headed home Kuyt's center pass.The Dutch have been impressive, bold, ambitious, creative, and on top of it, they have destroyed the world champions and Euro 2008 favorites in the process. What a way to start!Furthermore, Van Der Sar was nothing short of amazing tonight, with superb saves and a determination, just like the rest of the Dutch squad, to stamp their mark on their opponents. If this is any indications of the Neds' intentions, then they are the team to watch for sure.France 0 - 0 RomaniaAbomination, frustration, and most of all, questioning their chances qualifying for the finals is on les bleus agenda tonight going into their hotel roomsUnlike the brilliant Dutch, the French could not find their way through the strong Romanian defense. Efforts from Anelka in the 33rd minute and later from both Benzema and Malouda resulted to nothing.There is not much to argue in the French favor. A slow start to a European campaign against underdog Romania is demoralizing; nonetheless, the French are famous for bouncing back with style and authority.
However if the "coq sportif" are serious about a second European title, then the French will have no other choice but to sort out their offensive deficiencies as future opponents, the Netherlands and Italy, will demand a higher level of play than tonight's first test against Romania.On the upside though, Romania's defense just would not let anything filter through their nets tonight. Having stalled world cup runner up France in its quest for the European Cup, Romania should receive an extra confidence boost, when facing the likes of a disgruntled Italy, which will be looking for payback, and the brilliant Netherlands who have shown another face tonight!Could Romania finish in the top two in the Group of Death?Bottom line is that the Netherlands and Romania have stalled the favorites in their qualifying marches to European glory. They have shown to Europe and the world of football that they can outsmart their stronger opponents.This Euro 2008 could be as unpredictable as ever!. Here is the season review for the Atlanta Thrashers for the 2007-2008 NHL season.2007-2008 Record: 34-40-8, 76 points, fourth in Southeast, 14th in East.Head Coach: Bob Hartley, then Don WadellGeneral Manager: Don WadellTop Three Players: Ilya Kovalchuk, Tobias Enstrom, Kari Lehtonen.Team MVP: Ilya Kovalchuk, F, 79-52-35-87-52, -12.Rookie of the Year: Tobias Enstrom, D, 82-5-33-38-42, -5 Enstrom had an unbelievable rookie year. Do not mind the plus/minus rating, the whole team was bad this year. He has a great defensive future, but he better keep disciplining himself, or he will end up like fellow European defenseman Joni Pitkanen.Bust: Garnett Exelby, D.
With only seven points in 79 games, and a plus/minus rating of minus-21, Exelby had a terrible year. True, it is partially because he played on a bad team, but Enstrom and Kovalchuk managed to get good stats on a bad team, and Exelby just played poorly all season.Surprise: Mark Recchi, F. After picking him up from re-entry waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Recchi revived his season, playing well, and helping the Atlanta Thrashers slightly.Playoffs: Ahaha, great joke.Season Analysis: Atlanta had some promising talent on their team, but now Ilya Kovalchuk is in the same position Alexander Ovechkin was in last year: a great, superstar player on a team that can't win. They have the potential, but they need to start winning, now.
Because the fans in Atlanta will not keep supporting the team like Toronto, Philly, or New York fans will.Hartley had troubles coaching, so Wadell took over, but now he needs a replacement, perhaps in John Tortorella. They need to find a coach who is experienced with developing young, potentially great players, so that they can have a playoff team in the next few years. . Now that another NHL season has concluded, many of us who truly love the sport are pondering what to do with ourselves during the offseason.Besides working, eating, and sleeping, what is it that will pull us through the duldrum that is life without the NHL.10. The Summer Olympics will be a huge television draw for many sports enthusiasts. For us north of the border though the javelin might need to pierce something more than the ground to keep our interest.9. Look forward to a nice sun filled vacation. Many people who live outside of Canada might question why we would vacation in a hot destination during our own summer Hockey duh!!8. Go on a few dates. You have a bit more time on your hands, now that you are not plugged to the television every Saturday night. Your date might even fall for you before they realize your addiction to your favorite NHL team.7.
Go camping. Bring out your custom tent and sleeping bag which have the logo of your favorite NHL team along the side. Become one with nature while humming the tune to Hockey Night in Canada.6. Do some late spring cleaning. Now that the season has passed, we can clean out the storage closet, and make some room for all our prized posessions which include our favorite team jersey, team flags, blow horns etc.5. Call our mom. She has been wondering where we have been from fall to spring, so better give the old girl a call and let her know that we are alright, and that we love her.4 Shave our beards. Crosby did...3. Pull out the net and gear, and play some road hockey. Get your neighbours out and play as your favorite NHL player. WARNING trying to pull a real life Hasek move on pavement could result in serious injury...2. Golf...yes we love our golf, and the players are doing it (some earlier than others)1. Throw out all your band wagon jumping merchandise.Have a great summer. . New York Islander Fan Central has a few updates for 6/9:* Several publications reporting team owner Charles Wang purchased $10 million in stock of JumpTV to combine with his NeuLion company which has helped all NHL clubs view game highlights and features on team websites.