Hockey still very much a part of Jim Dowd's world

Jim Dowd of Brick, a popular analyst for two broadcast programs, says the Stanley Cup has gone pretty much as expected coming into this week.

Dowd works on "NHL Live" on XM Sirius radio and on Fourthperiod.com on Wednesdays.

The Detroit Red Wings lead the series over the Pittsburgh Penguins, 3-2. Dowd shared his thoughts on the playoffs after the Peguins knotted the series at 2-2.

"I was hoping Anaheim, but coming out of the West, Detroit is unbelievable year after year," Dowd said. "They do it the right way, with fundamentals, but Pittsburgh has the best players in the world. Detroit's going to win, but you never know. They have such good depth."

For Pittsburgh to win, Dowd said they have to "come out and hit everything in sight, to pound and not make mistakes, because if you do against Detroit, they'll take advantage in a heartbeat."

Dowd should know.

He retired before this season after playing 14 seasons in professional hockey on 10 different teams. His last season was with the Philadelphia Flyers, who made the Eastern finals after finishing at the bottom of the league the previous year. Dowd played on the Devils' 1995 Stanley Cup championship team, where he had his career highlight in Game 2, notching the game-winning goal that gave the Devils a 2-0 lead over the Red Wings in Detroit. The Devils went on to complete the sweep at home.

"I miss it, but it's over," Dowd said.

Instead, Dowd is sharing with a hockey-hungry audience his insight from his many seasons.

"Things are good," he said. "This fell into my lap. What's better than to talk about what you love? I have to get my feet back on the ground and see what I can do."

Dowd has said in the past that it might include coaching. Some National Hockey League teams, including the Flyers, had previous conversations with him on the subject. But for now, he is concentrating his time on broadcasting.

"I just wish the refs would let them play," Dowd said. He can empathize with that predicament, since he was an enforcer as a penalty killer and a defensive center. He played on eight different playoff teams and finished his career with 728 games played, 71 goals and 168 assists.

"They're the best players in the world out there, but just let them play," Dowd said. "It's frustrating at times with what they call."

When the playoffs end, he'll concentrate on getting ready for his Shoot for the Stars Foundation's 12th annual Shore High School All Star Hockey Game. It will take place at the Red Bank Armory at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 9. Monmouth has dominated the series in recent years and won last year's game, 6-5, in overtime for its seventh straight victory. Players are expected to be selected over the next few days.

Proceeds from this year's event goes to the Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer Inc. For the past five years, it has brought smiles to kids diagnosed with cancer by providing financial assistance and emotional relief to their parents, siblings and families. Corporate sponsors for the ad journal have until July 25 to finance an ad and can contact Dowd at 732-701- 9215. NHL memorabilia also will be auctioned off as a fundraiser at the game.