MacMillan moves into 1st place with huge 11 pt night

We have a new leader.  At least for now.

Last week, MacMillan sounded off on the prevailing sentiment that Lowe is the prohibitive favourite to claim the Steinley Cup this year.  He argued that it was too early to predict anything and that he and others would have something to say about it before it is all over

Last night, MacMillan's roster did the talking.

With six skaters going (four Pens and three Sens), MacMillan posted 11 points.  James Neal finally woke up, scoring twice and adding an assist, while Kris Letang tallied 4 assists.  On the other side of the game's scoresheet, MacMillan got a pair of points each from Daniel Alfredsson and Erik Karlsson. When the final buzzer sounded he found himself sitting atop the Steinley leader board, two points ahead of Lowe.

 

For Lowe's troubles, he earned a point from Kyle Turris.  Sergei Gonchar was blanked.

Now it will be Lowe's turn to cross his fingers and hope for a big night.  There are three games on the slate for Thursday and Lowe will have eight skaters taking the ice.  And they're the eight Lowe needs to produce.  The likes of Toews (pronounced Toes) and Sharp for the Blackhawks, and Krejci and Lucic for the Bruins need to step up and answer MacMillan's big night with some output of their own.

Expect to see first place change hands often over the next week or so, even as the overall picture comes into focus.  We'll soon know who will be moving into Round Three with enough players to make a run for the title, and tonight will have a lot to do with what unfolds in the coming days.

Can the Bruins close out the Rangers tonight and give Lowe and edge?  He would take four potent scorers to the next round while MacMillan would lose four Blueshirts.

Will the Backhawks come alive and tie their series with the Red Wings, or can Detroit tap a nail into the President's Trophy winner's coffin?  Lowe has three Hawks and MacMillan sports two Wings.

Who will step up and take the lead in other Western Conference semi-final?  A big night from his Sharks would certainly help S Graham's cause.  He is lurking 10 points behind MacMillan, and in need of a rally of his own.

One thing is certain - a little drama along the way is good for the Steinley fans out there, even if it is still a foregone conclusion that Lowe is our 2013 Champion.

Congratulations, Lowe.