All good things must end, dangit.

I'm referring, of course, to both the Bears' seven game winning streak and any hope of an NHL season.

The loss of Ty Chaney no doubt hurt the Bears, but the big problem was post play. SMS can't afford Tamarr Maclin finishing with 7 points, 7 boards and 5 fouls. Nate Bilyeu is slumping and as much as I like the potential Sky Frazier and Drew Richards have, they're not ready to step right in when TMac gets in trouble.

I know Blake got off to a hot start and finished with 23 points, but I still don't think our guards elevated their play enough to fill in for Chaney's absence.

It was a bad night, even if Terre Haute is a tough place to play (ask WSU and Creighton). I think a Monday night win at Savvis Center is the only way the Bears get to postseason play this year.

SMS Baseball opens the 2005 season Friday at Rice. More on that later...

Speaking of Savvis, it's an empty place now that the NHL season is officially done. I'm sad and I'm tired of all the smug non-hockey types mocking my loss. Knock it off, will ya?

This can end up being a good thing in the long run. The NHL needs a cap to survive. It's worked wonders for the NFL as far as competitive balance goes, and I think it will do the same for the NHL.

If you want to check out some hockey this weekend, the SMS Bears are hosting the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament Friday and Saturday at the Jordan Valley Ice Park. Friday night's the best deal, with four games in two rinks and only $5 to get in. SMS plays SIU-Edwardsville Friday at - it looks like - 6 p.m. Championship games are Saturday.