Say this carefully: Kunitz
Do not forget to pronounce the 'i' when you tell all of your friends that Chris Kunitz is likely back for tonight's ever so important Game 3 between your Anaheim Ducks and the Ottawa Senators (NBC @ 5 pm).
Who is this Chris Kunitz fellow? He's like the bread in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He's like the ice in a gin and tonic. He's like the third part of something that has 3 parts.
He is actually the third component of Anaheim's top line that also features Andy McDonald and Teemu Selanne. Chris busted his wrist during the last series and was told he was gone for the season. But in just another example of how passionate these hockey players are, he's back and desperate to compete.
In anthem news, Alanis will be belting out the anthems for Game 4 on Monday night. Which Alanis who you say? I'm sure you have a good idea, but since there is only one Alanis in Canada, it is not necessary to employ a last name. Tonight the giant police officer will be doing his thing. Watch for the wink and the smile and the end. It's awesome. If only police officers were this affable every time I have a run in with them.
In actual game news, it goes without saying this is a "must-win" for Ottawa. If Ottawa goes down 3-0, then Stanley will need to slap on some sunblock pretty quick. I would expect the start of Game 3 to possibly be the most entertaining hockey of the series. If the crowd is anywhere near as raucous as the Canadian House of Commons, it should be a great atmosphere.
Don Cherry is actually making his NBC debut on Monday, not tonight. You do however get to see Sidney Crosby in studio which should result in some pretty sweet hockey cliches. "Yeah, uh, 110%, one game at a time, battle hard and uh confidence is key". Sidney is 19 years old and was just named the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. When I was 19 years old, the closest I ever came to a captaincy was when I drank too much Morgan's spiced rum.
So hockey fans don't miss the puck drop tonight at 5 pm. Or set your Betamax to record the action. I'm predicting a thoroughly entertaining first period and possibly the best game of the series.
Just don't forget the 'i' if Kunitz scores. Especially around the family.
AP Photo by Gregory Shamus