In which the hockey gods laugh. Without mercy.

Not that I usually post on current events much, but...

(Flash back to circa Grade 3, 1988-9, when my twice-weekly social studies homework to report on a "current event" was inevitably hockey-related. Well. Why not? That was the year I took a flying leap at the bandwagon, and never found a reason to fall off.)

So Dallas got knocked out of the playoffs today. So if Edmonton beats Detroit (I'm taking the outcome of our series for granted. Given that tomorrow's game starts at 11 PM my time we better damn well win it!)... we'll have a classic Battle of Alberta. First time in a long time. Also the first I can realistically trash talk all the way through, since we've never had one since I've known any Oilers fans.

Yes, you know who you are. And you should be surprised you're not the only one!

But wait... there's a catch.

You see, we've been planning a major trip for about a month now. We leave for Hong Kong in about 10 days. So I won't even be in North America for oh... anything past Game 1 or 2 probably. No chance of TV. Internet is doubtful. Don't get me wrong...I'm excited by the prospect of the trip... that said...I don't know whether to crow with joy or scream in rage...

Will the hockey gods see my sacrifice and reward me accordingly? Or...have I just set myself up to get majorly screwed? I might just implode from the stress before Round 2 even starts.

I know I shouldn't count my chickens before they hatch and start pooping everywhere. That said, if anyone wants to volunteer to tape the games or burn 'em on DVD, I'm listening...