All reports are that a News Conference scheduled for this morning in the Manitoba capital will announce the return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg. We can only hope they return as the Jets.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Breaking News
All reports are that a News Conference scheduled for this morning in the Manitoba capital will announce the return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg. We can only hope they return as the Jets.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Game Seven Primer....
Tonight the Vancouver Canucks will find out who their opposition will be for the Stanley Cup. Game Seven of the Bruins/Lightning series goes tonight in Beantown, following Wednesday's 5 - 4 Lightning victory in Florida.
How clutch is Martin St. Louis???? He simply added to his reputation as being 'money' in the post season with a two goals and one assist performance in Game Six. That on top of scoring a series clinching OT goal in 2003 against the Caps, as well as the OT winner in Game Six of the Finals against Calgary. That was easily his biggest goal as the we all know the Bolts went on to win the holy grail of hockey two nights later.
For the Lightning to win tonight, Dwayne Roloson will have to be better than he was a couple of nights ago. Aside from earning the win, Rolli was less than impressive, particularly on David Krejci's third of the night. However, Rolli does have the record on his side as he is yet to lose an elimination game in his entire career, including a 4 - 0 mark this year. While I think the Bruins stand a better chance of beating the Canucks, I think a Canucks/Lightning final would be more entertaining.
Speaking of the Canucks, have you noticed anything differnet from their run to the Final's that is in contrast to the route taken by the Flames and Oilers in 2005 and 2006 respectively? EVERYONE was cheering for those two, regardless of their allegiances. As a life long Oiler fan, not only did I cheer for the Flames, I found myself cheering for them with an exuberance similar to what I feel for the Oilers. Regardless, not ALL of western Canada is cheering for the Canucks. I think a lot of it has to do with the number of imports on their team. I mean they have very little in terms of Canadian players on the team, and those that are Canadian, like Alexandre Burrows, make me sick to my stomach. Just once I would like to see Burrows put his money where his mouth is. Throw in Kesler, and his cocky American attitude, evidenced by his 'I can play better' comment after the Nashville series in which it would have been humanly impossible to play any better, and I just don't like them. In the words of my good buddy, Bryan Fleck, the Canucks make me physically ill. I think this may be the feelings of a lot of hockey fans as evidenced by the lack of Canucks fever sweeping across western Canada. In saying that, my preference to win the Cup is the winner of tonight's game.
Sticking with hockey, the Kootenay Ice looked dead in the water just four days ago. They had just lost a 2 - 1 decision to the Mississauga Majors to drop to 0 - 2 at the Mastercard Memorial Cup, and were set to take on the top ranked team in Canada, the St. John's SeaDogs in their final round robin game. Their response? They overcame a 2 - 0 deficit against the QMJHL representative to earn a 5 - 4 victory and buy themselves a spot in yesterday's tiebreaker against the Owen Sound Attack, a team that had beaten them 5 - 0 earlier in the week. Once again the Ice fell behind by a pair only to storm back and stomp the Attack 7 - 3. That will put them in tomorrow's Semi - Final against the hosts Majors.
Don't get me wrong, the Ice were full value for that victory but they may have been aided by what I consider an absolutely brutal coaching decision on the part of the Attack. In the biggest game of the season, the Attack started Scott Stajcer, a guy who HADN't played since Game Five of the OHL Final on May 10, more than two weeks prior. While I understand their starter had played a lot of hockey lately, and Memorial Cup week is a grind, why do you not go with the guy who for the most part, got you there??? It is also worth noting that their starter had blanked the Ice only five days earlier. That would be like the Bruins running out Tukka Rask tonight. If I have anything to do with the management team of the OHL Champions, their Head Coach would have A LOT of explaining to do, with the emphasis on A LOT!
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced yesterday that Gary Etcheverry had stepped down as an Assistant to Defensive Coordinator Richie Hall. I have heard a lot of complaints about this, but the plain and simple truth is this....Etch's defense blew a sixteen point lead with eight minutes to go in the 2009 Grey Cup. Omarr Morgan, a part of Etch's defence in last year's Grey Cup got LIT UP by Jamel Richardson all day. Richie Hall's defense created chaos and turnovers in the Riders 2007 Grey Cup victory. Take it for what it's worth.
Tiger Woods is out of the Top 10 in World Rankings for the first time in a long time (initiate sinister laughing). He is also in a cast and on crutches, saying that he is trying to ready himself for the U.S. Open which goes in Mid June. Tiger...crutches???? I didn't know he and Elin were back together.
And on another quick golf note, Mike Weir has officially gone from Canada's best golfer to our greatest embarrasement. Weir again failed to break par in the first round of the Byron Nelson yesterday. I don't think he has broken par in a competitive round yet this year. This guy couldn't even win the Crystal Lake Men's Open at this point. Mike, quit embarrasing yourself.
The San Francisco Giants are dealing with the loss of the ultra talented Buster Posey. He was left with a broken ankle and ligament damage after a collision at the plate earlier this week. The injury has some talking about the need to eliminate these types of plays at the plate. I know some talk about how devastating these collisions can be (see Buck Martinez in the early 80's) but this is a part of the game. It is like those trying to eliminate fighting from hockey. I personally think collisions at the plate are as much a part of baseball as Peanuts, the late great Harry Caray and Barry Bonds trying to convince people that he never took performance enhancing drugs. Yeah it sucks the kid got hurt but that it's just a part of sports.
Have a great weekend...
How clutch is Martin St. Louis???? He simply added to his reputation as being 'money' in the post season with a two goals and one assist performance in Game Six. That on top of scoring a series clinching OT goal in 2003 against the Caps, as well as the OT winner in Game Six of the Finals against Calgary. That was easily his biggest goal as the we all know the Bolts went on to win the holy grail of hockey two nights later.
For the Lightning to win tonight, Dwayne Roloson will have to be better than he was a couple of nights ago. Aside from earning the win, Rolli was less than impressive, particularly on David Krejci's third of the night. However, Rolli does have the record on his side as he is yet to lose an elimination game in his entire career, including a 4 - 0 mark this year. While I think the Bruins stand a better chance of beating the Canucks, I think a Canucks/Lightning final would be more entertaining.
Speaking of the Canucks, have you noticed anything differnet from their run to the Final's that is in contrast to the route taken by the Flames and Oilers in 2005 and 2006 respectively? EVERYONE was cheering for those two, regardless of their allegiances. As a life long Oiler fan, not only did I cheer for the Flames, I found myself cheering for them with an exuberance similar to what I feel for the Oilers. Regardless, not ALL of western Canada is cheering for the Canucks. I think a lot of it has to do with the number of imports on their team. I mean they have very little in terms of Canadian players on the team, and those that are Canadian, like Alexandre Burrows, make me sick to my stomach. Just once I would like to see Burrows put his money where his mouth is. Throw in Kesler, and his cocky American attitude, evidenced by his 'I can play better' comment after the Nashville series in which it would have been humanly impossible to play any better, and I just don't like them. In the words of my good buddy, Bryan Fleck, the Canucks make me physically ill. I think this may be the feelings of a lot of hockey fans as evidenced by the lack of Canucks fever sweeping across western Canada. In saying that, my preference to win the Cup is the winner of tonight's game.
Sticking with hockey, the Kootenay Ice looked dead in the water just four days ago. They had just lost a 2 - 1 decision to the Mississauga Majors to drop to 0 - 2 at the Mastercard Memorial Cup, and were set to take on the top ranked team in Canada, the St. John's SeaDogs in their final round robin game. Their response? They overcame a 2 - 0 deficit against the QMJHL representative to earn a 5 - 4 victory and buy themselves a spot in yesterday's tiebreaker against the Owen Sound Attack, a team that had beaten them 5 - 0 earlier in the week. Once again the Ice fell behind by a pair only to storm back and stomp the Attack 7 - 3. That will put them in tomorrow's Semi - Final against the hosts Majors.
Don't get me wrong, the Ice were full value for that victory but they may have been aided by what I consider an absolutely brutal coaching decision on the part of the Attack. In the biggest game of the season, the Attack started Scott Stajcer, a guy who HADN't played since Game Five of the OHL Final on May 10, more than two weeks prior. While I understand their starter had played a lot of hockey lately, and Memorial Cup week is a grind, why do you not go with the guy who for the most part, got you there??? It is also worth noting that their starter had blanked the Ice only five days earlier. That would be like the Bruins running out Tukka Rask tonight. If I have anything to do with the management team of the OHL Champions, their Head Coach would have A LOT of explaining to do, with the emphasis on A LOT!
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced yesterday that Gary Etcheverry had stepped down as an Assistant to Defensive Coordinator Richie Hall. I have heard a lot of complaints about this, but the plain and simple truth is this....Etch's defense blew a sixteen point lead with eight minutes to go in the 2009 Grey Cup. Omarr Morgan, a part of Etch's defence in last year's Grey Cup got LIT UP by Jamel Richardson all day. Richie Hall's defense created chaos and turnovers in the Riders 2007 Grey Cup victory. Take it for what it's worth.
Tiger Woods is out of the Top 10 in World Rankings for the first time in a long time (initiate sinister laughing). He is also in a cast and on crutches, saying that he is trying to ready himself for the U.S. Open which goes in Mid June. Tiger...crutches???? I didn't know he and Elin were back together.
And on another quick golf note, Mike Weir has officially gone from Canada's best golfer to our greatest embarrasement. Weir again failed to break par in the first round of the Byron Nelson yesterday. I don't think he has broken par in a competitive round yet this year. This guy couldn't even win the Crystal Lake Men's Open at this point. Mike, quit embarrasing yourself.
The San Francisco Giants are dealing with the loss of the ultra talented Buster Posey. He was left with a broken ankle and ligament damage after a collision at the plate earlier this week. The injury has some talking about the need to eliminate these types of plays at the plate. I know some talk about how devastating these collisions can be (see Buck Martinez in the early 80's) but this is a part of the game. It is like those trying to eliminate fighting from hockey. I personally think collisions at the plate are as much a part of baseball as Peanuts, the late great Harry Caray and Barry Bonds trying to convince people that he never took performance enhancing drugs. Yeah it sucks the kid got hurt but that it's just a part of sports.
Have a great weekend...
Friday, May 20, 2011
I Quit....
I am seriously questioning if I know anything about sports. Anyone who reads this blog probably thinks I am an idiot. Everything I have said about results of NHL Play - off games in the last couple weeks has been nothing short of epic failure. I said Game Two of the West Final would be close...is a 7 - 3 final considered close? I said that the Lightning would win both games at home...tough to do that when they drop Game Three. So in saying that, I am still going to give you my bold predictions, but am warning you that using my advice to aid you in any sports betting you may engage in is probably not a good idea; betting against me at this point would be the better idea.
Not much to say today as I am off to a wedding. In a hopeless plug, congrats to Kyle and Sabrina who tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 take the plunge. Here's to hoping its 36 degrees celsius because we all know how comfortable a tux can be in mild weather.
Outta here... Go Canucks...maybe by cheering for them they will lose...Here's to hoping!
Not much to say today as I am off to a wedding. In a hopeless plug, congrats to Kyle and Sabrina who tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 take the plunge. Here's to hoping its 36 degrees celsius because we all know how comfortable a tux can be in mild weather.
Outta here... Go Canucks...maybe by cheering for them they will lose...Here's to hoping!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Sharks Meltdown
Last night at Rogers Centre, the San Jose Sharks got of to a great start in Game Two of their Western Conference Semi - Final. An early penalty to Vancouver's Aaron Rome led to a Logan Couture PPG and within three minutes the Sharks were up a goal. A back and forth period saw the ice flooded with matching 2's appearing on the scoreboard and then it all went south. The Canucks controlled the second period, and eventually took the lead on a Kevin Bieksa goal. Realizing that his team needed to regain the momentum headed into the final stanza, the usually mild mannered Patrick Marleau dropped the gloves with Bieksa in what was a fairly one sided fight. Regardless of the outcome, the message on the Sharks bench and in the room should have been lets build on this...look at what Marleau is willing to do to win. Saying that I expected to see a different Sharks team in the third, and they were. The only problem was rather than try to get back into the game, they showed a complete lack of disciplne.
Ben Eager was embarrasing throughout the third taking three penalites leading to two Canuck Power Play goals. What could go worse for Eager..he scored a goal in the dying minutes and then proceeds to trash tall Roberto Luongo despite being down four goals. If Ben Eager is in the line up for Game Three, I would be mighty surprised. I realize that McLellan was trying to send a mesage, but he failed. Eager simply made the Sharks look like a bush league Senior Team who only wanted to fight with little regard for scoring goals.
As someone who wants nothing more than to see the Canucks ousted from the Play - off's, last night was frustrating. The Sharks can play with this team but last night they just looked awful. Unless something significant changes when this series shifts to northern California, my worst nightmare will come true..the Canucks playing for all the marbles.
On the other side of the ledger, the Lightning and Bruins get back at it in Florida tonight. I expect Tampa to continue with the momentum they built in the third period of Game Two and come away with the W.
Later....
Ben Eager was embarrasing throughout the third taking three penalites leading to two Canuck Power Play goals. What could go worse for Eager..he scored a goal in the dying minutes and then proceeds to trash tall Roberto Luongo despite being down four goals. If Ben Eager is in the line up for Game Three, I would be mighty surprised. I realize that McLellan was trying to send a mesage, but he failed. Eager simply made the Sharks look like a bush league Senior Team who only wanted to fight with little regard for scoring goals.
As someone who wants nothing more than to see the Canucks ousted from the Play - off's, last night was frustrating. The Sharks can play with this team but last night they just looked awful. Unless something significant changes when this series shifts to northern California, my worst nightmare will come true..the Canucks playing for all the marbles.
On the other side of the ledger, the Lightning and Bruins get back at it in Florida tonight. I expect Tampa to continue with the momentum they built in the third period of Game Two and come away with the W.
Later....
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
So there are still good guys in Sports...
Earlier this week I wrote about Jorge Posada and his New York sized ego. It is players like that who give pro athletes a bad name. Fortunately enough there are still guys out there like Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. What Molina did yesterday went above and beyond anything you could ever expect of a professional athlete. A 12 year old boy from the Domincan Republic was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. He just so happens to be a gigantic baseball fan, notes Yadier Molina as his favorite player and wanted to be a professional baseball player, even if it was just for a day. What did Molina do? Not only did he fly the boy and his family in for last night's game against the Phillies; he gave the boy the royal treatment. The young fella was given a Cardinals uniform and threw out the first pitch but he also got to spend the entire game on the Cards bench, got a 'point' from Molina after he doubled in the seventh and got to take part in the on field celebration following the Cardinals walk off victory in the ninth inning. Yadier Molina, you are everything that is great about baseball. So Jorge Posada, next time you want to pout about getting paid millions of dollars and my gosh, be expected to bat ninth, sit down, give your head a shake and realize you are nothing but a selfish anus.
NHL Play - offs are back in full swing after a day off on Monday, and holy Batman...Tyler Seguin is carrying the Bruins on his back. The kid who sat out the entire first two rounds was only put in the line - up because of an injury to Patrice Bergeron...his response? How about six points in less than 24 minutes of combined ice in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Final?
Fortunately for the Bruins periods in a standard NHL game are only twenty minutes because a minute longer last night and the Lightning force OT. I know that Boston earned a split and put six goals on the board but I am still not overly impressed by them aside from the antics of Seguin. Why....because Tampa only played in the third last night and nearly overcame a three goal deficit. Mark my words..Tampa WILL win both games in Florida.
The Canucks and Sharks renew hostilities tonight in Game Two. Ryan Clowe has promised the Sharks will be more physical on the forecheck and said that a few Canucks dmen can expect to 'kiss' the glass a few times. I love it! I also love the fact that Joe Thornton challenged Ryan Kesler to drop the mitts before the puck was ever dropped in Game One...it would only had been better had Kesler accepted and eaten a few rights from Big Joe. I expect tonight to be another close affair and am crossing my fingers the Sharks go back to Caly with a split.
The NBA Western Conference Play - offs started last night in Big D and the Big D may not mean Dallas anymore. After last nights performance, it should stand for Dirk, as in Dirk Nowitski who had a game for the ages last night pumping home 48 points, often in the face of Thunder forward Serge Ibaka who short of assaulting him played tremendous defence on the big German. Added to the fact that Nowitski missed only two shots from the field all night is the 24 free throws he made without a miss. While you would think an iconic performance like that would equate to a convincing win, Thunder stud Kevin Durant threw down 40 of his own in a nine point Maverick victory. If the entire series is anything like last night, I WILL be watcing more NBA basketball in the immediate future.
And to golf where we Saskatchewan golf fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Graham Delaet to the tour. The Weyburn native who schooled me many times as a junior is set to tee it up on the Nationwide tour starting on June 2nd. He will follow that up with an attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open before he decides when to return full time to the PGA tour. Those that haven't heard much of Delaet will soon as he is the best Canadian golfer to come around in a long time.
And that is it for today.
NHL Play - offs are back in full swing after a day off on Monday, and holy Batman...Tyler Seguin is carrying the Bruins on his back. The kid who sat out the entire first two rounds was only put in the line - up because of an injury to Patrice Bergeron...his response? How about six points in less than 24 minutes of combined ice in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Final?
Fortunately for the Bruins periods in a standard NHL game are only twenty minutes because a minute longer last night and the Lightning force OT. I know that Boston earned a split and put six goals on the board but I am still not overly impressed by them aside from the antics of Seguin. Why....because Tampa only played in the third last night and nearly overcame a three goal deficit. Mark my words..Tampa WILL win both games in Florida.
The Canucks and Sharks renew hostilities tonight in Game Two. Ryan Clowe has promised the Sharks will be more physical on the forecheck and said that a few Canucks dmen can expect to 'kiss' the glass a few times. I love it! I also love the fact that Joe Thornton challenged Ryan Kesler to drop the mitts before the puck was ever dropped in Game One...it would only had been better had Kesler accepted and eaten a few rights from Big Joe. I expect tonight to be another close affair and am crossing my fingers the Sharks go back to Caly with a split.
The NBA Western Conference Play - offs started last night in Big D and the Big D may not mean Dallas anymore. After last nights performance, it should stand for Dirk, as in Dirk Nowitski who had a game for the ages last night pumping home 48 points, often in the face of Thunder forward Serge Ibaka who short of assaulting him played tremendous defence on the big German. Added to the fact that Nowitski missed only two shots from the field all night is the 24 free throws he made without a miss. While you would think an iconic performance like that would equate to a convincing win, Thunder stud Kevin Durant threw down 40 of his own in a nine point Maverick victory. If the entire series is anything like last night, I WILL be watcing more NBA basketball in the immediate future.
And to golf where we Saskatchewan golf fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Graham Delaet to the tour. The Weyburn native who schooled me many times as a junior is set to tee it up on the Nationwide tour starting on June 2nd. He will follow that up with an attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open before he decides when to return full time to the PGA tour. Those that haven't heard much of Delaet will soon as he is the best Canadian golfer to come around in a long time.
And that is it for today.
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Weekend that Was.....
We kick off the week with a look back at the weekend's NHL Play - off's where both Conference Finals got underway.
In Boston on Saturday night, the Bruins looked slow and uninspired. Tomas Kaberle looked awful (maybe the Leaf's are silently getting some revenge for the ill conceived Phil Kessel trade of a few years ago). The Bruins Powerplay was 0 for 4, leaving them 2 for 41 during the post - season. Simply put, the Bruins need to improve a LOT in virtually ALL areas of the game if they want a chance to play for the holy grail.
Last night in Vancouver, Antti Niemi was good, but apparently not good enough for the full sixty minutes. The Sharks took a 2 - 1 lead into the third period only to see the Canucks put forth a fury of offence which saw them score twice in the third to come away with a 3 - 2 victory. I can't make a real judgement on that game as I was busy BBQ'ing steak. What I can say from what I saw was that it was a very physical game; lots of hitting both ways which should make for an intersting series the longer it goes.
On to selfish pro athletes who have no idea how good they really have it. Saturday saw New York Yankee Jorge Posada pull himself out of the Yanks line - up for that night's game against the rival Boston Red Sox. Injured? Tired? Family Problems? Nope; Posade cited the fact that he was offended to be batting ninth in the Yankee line - up. Really? Posada, you are making millions of dollars a year. You have had some great years, and WERE one of the Yanks I respected until this weekend. How many people in the world would love to be a pro athlete? How many people would love to make as much money as you do to sit on a piece of lumber and watch ball all day? If I were Yanks GM Brian Cashman, that would have been the last you saw of Posada in a Yankee uniform. I would have kicked him to the curb in a New York minute.
I miss three foot putts all the time. They occasionally cost me a little money, generally no more than a buck or two. Yesterday, the PLAYERS Championship went to a sudden death play - off between David Toms, who made a great birdie on #18 and K.J. Choi. Toms missed a three foot putt on the first play - off hole giving Choi the victory. How much did it cost him? Try in the ballpark of $600, 000! Don't feel too bad for Mr. Toms, he still walked away with a cheque for more than $1,000,000 for his second place finish.
Jose Bautista is sick....in a good way. Bautista bashed three homers off of Minnesota Twins pitching yesterday, helping to lead the Jays to a series sweep in the Twin Cities. For the weekend, Bautista went deep five times. The biggest surprise is not the fact he had such a great weekend but that in a combined 129 games at Target Field, Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer have combined for a whopping five home runs between them both.
NO NHL hockey tonight. Why? I am not sure. The only solace I can take in this is that it frees up my entire night to watch Canada's Worst Handyman....great show. Later...
In Boston on Saturday night, the Bruins looked slow and uninspired. Tomas Kaberle looked awful (maybe the Leaf's are silently getting some revenge for the ill conceived Phil Kessel trade of a few years ago). The Bruins Powerplay was 0 for 4, leaving them 2 for 41 during the post - season. Simply put, the Bruins need to improve a LOT in virtually ALL areas of the game if they want a chance to play for the holy grail.
Last night in Vancouver, Antti Niemi was good, but apparently not good enough for the full sixty minutes. The Sharks took a 2 - 1 lead into the third period only to see the Canucks put forth a fury of offence which saw them score twice in the third to come away with a 3 - 2 victory. I can't make a real judgement on that game as I was busy BBQ'ing steak. What I can say from what I saw was that it was a very physical game; lots of hitting both ways which should make for an intersting series the longer it goes.
On to selfish pro athletes who have no idea how good they really have it. Saturday saw New York Yankee Jorge Posada pull himself out of the Yanks line - up for that night's game against the rival Boston Red Sox. Injured? Tired? Family Problems? Nope; Posade cited the fact that he was offended to be batting ninth in the Yankee line - up. Really? Posada, you are making millions of dollars a year. You have had some great years, and WERE one of the Yanks I respected until this weekend. How many people in the world would love to be a pro athlete? How many people would love to make as much money as you do to sit on a piece of lumber and watch ball all day? If I were Yanks GM Brian Cashman, that would have been the last you saw of Posada in a Yankee uniform. I would have kicked him to the curb in a New York minute.
I miss three foot putts all the time. They occasionally cost me a little money, generally no more than a buck or two. Yesterday, the PLAYERS Championship went to a sudden death play - off between David Toms, who made a great birdie on #18 and K.J. Choi. Toms missed a three foot putt on the first play - off hole giving Choi the victory. How much did it cost him? Try in the ballpark of $600, 000! Don't feel too bad for Mr. Toms, he still walked away with a cheque for more than $1,000,000 for his second place finish.
Jose Bautista is sick....in a good way. Bautista bashed three homers off of Minnesota Twins pitching yesterday, helping to lead the Jays to a series sweep in the Twin Cities. For the weekend, Bautista went deep five times. The biggest surprise is not the fact he had such a great weekend but that in a combined 129 games at Target Field, Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer have combined for a whopping five home runs between them both.
NO NHL hockey tonight. Why? I am not sure. The only solace I can take in this is that it frees up my entire night to watch Canada's Worst Handyman....great show. Later...
Friday, May 13, 2011
More Hockey Talk...
Today we discuss hockey on a couple of different fronts...the NHL and IIHF World Championships, throw in some random sporting news, and well you'll see.
The San Jose Sharks avoided becoming just the fourth team in the history of the NHL to blow a three game series lead after hanging on for a 3 - 2 victory last night over Detroit in Game Seven. You know how they always say in big games your best players need to be your best players? Well last night the two best Sharks on the ice were Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. I am especially happy for Marleau who has been nothing but a whipping boy the last week or so. Not only did he finally record a point in the series, his goal proved to be the series winner. However I strongly believe Marleau shone brightest in the defensive zone, particulary in the dying moments as Detroit fought desperately for the equalizer. Within a span of less than thirty seconds, the kid from Aneroid lifted the stick of a Red Wing in the slot and shortly thereafter knocked a puck out of the slot just as an attacking Red Wing was about to gobble it up and possibly tie the game.
In the past the Sharks would have found a way to lose this game...and they did make it interesting in the end. I can only hope that they are able to carry this momentum into the Western Final against the Canucks, and ultimately earn their first berth in the Stanley Cup Final.
Personally I think both Conference Finals should be fun to watch. The thing with the Bruins and Lightning series will be hinged on what team can force the opposition to play the style of hockey they want. The Bruins will obviously want to slow things down, and turn it into a rough, tough, grind it out type of series. The Lightning on the other hand I would imagine are looking to play a run and gun, wide open style hockey. Despite the fact Roloson is playing eerily similar to the way he did during the Oilers run in 2006, I am led to believe the Bruins slow the pace down and win the series in the end. For that they will earn a date with the Sharks in the Stanley Cup Final. The Sharks have been there, the Canucks have not. The Sharks players are playing very well right now; with the exception of Kesler, the top Canucks seem to have started their holidays early. Bruins in Six, Sharks in Six. See you in the final.
After yesterday's 2 - 1 loss to Russia at the IIHF World Hockey Championships, Canada will come home for the second year in a row without a medal. Head of Hockey Canada Bob Nicholson today said that this was unacceptable; I agree. He went on to say, without including names, some players chose NOT to participate and their rationale was less than convincing. I have to say I agree with Nicholson. I know the NHL season is long and drawn out but as Nicholson said, how good has Hockey Canada been to these players over the years? Many of whom have been involved with the U18's, the World Juniors, the Olympics, World Championships, etc? Seriously, it sounds like some players are more about the name on the back rather than the logo on the front.
Did you hear what Bernard Hopkins said about disgruntled NFL QB Donovan McNabb? Hopkins, a lifetime Eagles fan said that McNabb isn't black enough. As a result of this 'tan' as he put it, McNabb is less tough than others of his race. Really Bernard Hopkins? While I would never say this to his face, but perhaps you have taken one to many left hands to the melon over the years? I will never question the toughness of an NFL QB, particularly one who has been stuck in Washington for the last year, running for his life in the backfield and at the same time listening to his coach openly disrespect him.
Less than a month to Rider Training Camp...getting excited to hang out in ol; Section 24 and sip a few pops with the Old Man..... Have a great weekend
The San Jose Sharks avoided becoming just the fourth team in the history of the NHL to blow a three game series lead after hanging on for a 3 - 2 victory last night over Detroit in Game Seven. You know how they always say in big games your best players need to be your best players? Well last night the two best Sharks on the ice were Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. I am especially happy for Marleau who has been nothing but a whipping boy the last week or so. Not only did he finally record a point in the series, his goal proved to be the series winner. However I strongly believe Marleau shone brightest in the defensive zone, particulary in the dying moments as Detroit fought desperately for the equalizer. Within a span of less than thirty seconds, the kid from Aneroid lifted the stick of a Red Wing in the slot and shortly thereafter knocked a puck out of the slot just as an attacking Red Wing was about to gobble it up and possibly tie the game.
In the past the Sharks would have found a way to lose this game...and they did make it interesting in the end. I can only hope that they are able to carry this momentum into the Western Final against the Canucks, and ultimately earn their first berth in the Stanley Cup Final.
Personally I think both Conference Finals should be fun to watch. The thing with the Bruins and Lightning series will be hinged on what team can force the opposition to play the style of hockey they want. The Bruins will obviously want to slow things down, and turn it into a rough, tough, grind it out type of series. The Lightning on the other hand I would imagine are looking to play a run and gun, wide open style hockey. Despite the fact Roloson is playing eerily similar to the way he did during the Oilers run in 2006, I am led to believe the Bruins slow the pace down and win the series in the end. For that they will earn a date with the Sharks in the Stanley Cup Final. The Sharks have been there, the Canucks have not. The Sharks players are playing very well right now; with the exception of Kesler, the top Canucks seem to have started their holidays early. Bruins in Six, Sharks in Six. See you in the final.
After yesterday's 2 - 1 loss to Russia at the IIHF World Hockey Championships, Canada will come home for the second year in a row without a medal. Head of Hockey Canada Bob Nicholson today said that this was unacceptable; I agree. He went on to say, without including names, some players chose NOT to participate and their rationale was less than convincing. I have to say I agree with Nicholson. I know the NHL season is long and drawn out but as Nicholson said, how good has Hockey Canada been to these players over the years? Many of whom have been involved with the U18's, the World Juniors, the Olympics, World Championships, etc? Seriously, it sounds like some players are more about the name on the back rather than the logo on the front.
Did you hear what Bernard Hopkins said about disgruntled NFL QB Donovan McNabb? Hopkins, a lifetime Eagles fan said that McNabb isn't black enough. As a result of this 'tan' as he put it, McNabb is less tough than others of his race. Really Bernard Hopkins? While I would never say this to his face, but perhaps you have taken one to many left hands to the melon over the years? I will never question the toughness of an NFL QB, particularly one who has been stuck in Washington for the last year, running for his life in the backfield and at the same time listening to his coach openly disrespect him.
Less than a month to Rider Training Camp...getting excited to hang out in ol; Section 24 and sip a few pops with the Old Man..... Have a great weekend
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Twice in two years?
For only the third time in the history of the NHL, last season saw a team came back to win a series after losing the first three. This was obviously the Philadelphia Flyers comeback against Boston. This year, we have seen Chicago come back to force a Game Seven only to lose in OT, and now Detroit has done the same following last night's 3 - 1 victory on home ice against the Sharks.
While it was only a 3 - 1 final with an empty netter, without the heroics of Antti Niemi in the San Jose cage, the game could and should have been a blow out. The Sharks again looked tired and uninspired while the Wings were their usual self, controlling much of the play, owning the time of possession in the opposition zone, and like I said earlier, withou Niemi this could have been a rout.
What does all this mean? Well it means a couple things; first off I can't see a drastic shift in momentum which will allow San Jose to avoid failure of epic porportions. Not only have they blown a three game lead, they were also up two goals with fifteen minutes left in Game Five. While there was little talk about San Jose heading into the play - off's, they are now the team everyone is talking about. We all know how well they have handled pressure in the past...see First place finishes with nothing to show for it over the last half a decade. In the end, I can't see a veteran laden team like the Wings who know how to win the big game losing in Game Seven despite the fact they are on the road.
The second thing this means is my entry in the Sturgis Kinsmen Hockey Draft is shot, as we will lose half our remaining players.
If you want to read a great article which is critical of today's professional athletes, check out Ann Killion's article on cnnsi.com that deals with baseball players and DUI's. Within the last six months there have been six players arrested and charged with DUI. As Killion points out, this is sad for two reasons:
(1) They are never punished by MLB. In fact they are usually in the line up the following day.
(2) What is the cost of a cab ride home when you are making millions?
So Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals is up to his old tricks, or publicity stunts if you prefer. After a try out with Kansas City of the MLS, Ochocinco has now accepted an invitation to ride a bull in this weekend's PBR event. If he survives the mandatory eight seconds he will win a new F - 150 truck and be allowed to chamge the name of the bull. This guy is an idiot...the sad thing is it might take the horn of a bull up his A%& to convince him of this. Here's to hoping the bull wins. Maybe they should introduce a clause where the bull can change Ochocinco's name if he wins..something like El Retardo sounds nice.
Jose Bautista was NOT a one year wonder. Many were skeptical of the money he was given in the off season but his numbers don't lie. A .350 average and last night he hit his eleventh bomb of the year.....two pitches after fouling a ball of his leg which dropped him to his knees. I know predictions are predictions but if he continues this pace...he will end up with another 50 home run season. Unfortunately for him and the Blue Jays they have to let eight others bat before he gets his turn again. While I was optimistic of the Jays when the season started, those expectations are all but out the window. They ar struggling mightily and I don't think they have the bodies or arms to right this ship.
No hockey tonight...what am I going to do?
While it was only a 3 - 1 final with an empty netter, without the heroics of Antti Niemi in the San Jose cage, the game could and should have been a blow out. The Sharks again looked tired and uninspired while the Wings were their usual self, controlling much of the play, owning the time of possession in the opposition zone, and like I said earlier, withou Niemi this could have been a rout.
What does all this mean? Well it means a couple things; first off I can't see a drastic shift in momentum which will allow San Jose to avoid failure of epic porportions. Not only have they blown a three game lead, they were also up two goals with fifteen minutes left in Game Five. While there was little talk about San Jose heading into the play - off's, they are now the team everyone is talking about. We all know how well they have handled pressure in the past...see First place finishes with nothing to show for it over the last half a decade. In the end, I can't see a veteran laden team like the Wings who know how to win the big game losing in Game Seven despite the fact they are on the road.
The second thing this means is my entry in the Sturgis Kinsmen Hockey Draft is shot, as we will lose half our remaining players.
If you want to read a great article which is critical of today's professional athletes, check out Ann Killion's article on cnnsi.com that deals with baseball players and DUI's. Within the last six months there have been six players arrested and charged with DUI. As Killion points out, this is sad for two reasons:
(1) They are never punished by MLB. In fact they are usually in the line up the following day.
(2) What is the cost of a cab ride home when you are making millions?
So Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals is up to his old tricks, or publicity stunts if you prefer. After a try out with Kansas City of the MLS, Ochocinco has now accepted an invitation to ride a bull in this weekend's PBR event. If he survives the mandatory eight seconds he will win a new F - 150 truck and be allowed to chamge the name of the bull. This guy is an idiot...the sad thing is it might take the horn of a bull up his A%& to convince him of this. Here's to hoping the bull wins. Maybe they should introduce a clause where the bull can change Ochocinco's name if he wins..something like El Retardo sounds nice.
Jose Bautista was NOT a one year wonder. Many were skeptical of the money he was given in the off season but his numbers don't lie. A .350 average and last night he hit his eleventh bomb of the year.....two pitches after fouling a ball of his leg which dropped him to his knees. I know predictions are predictions but if he continues this pace...he will end up with another 50 home run season. Unfortunately for him and the Blue Jays they have to let eight others bat before he gets his turn again. While I was optimistic of the Jays when the season started, those expectations are all but out the window. They ar struggling mightily and I don't think they have the bodies or arms to right this ship.
No hockey tonight...what am I going to do?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Ugh...another round of the 'Nucks
The Vancouver Canucks are onto the third round of the NHL Play - off's for only the third time in their forty year history. This after last night's 2 - 1 Game Six victory over the Predators in Music City. Two things stand out for me. First off, the Preds had every opportunity to seize the momentum with three Power Play's in the first ten minutes of the opening frame. Unfortunately for the Predators they could not get ony past Roberto Luongo. Their best chance came when David Legwand blew it over a wide open net. Had the Predators scored the first goal, you could argue the building goes crazy and we are off to VanCity for Game Seven. However, the Preds didn't score, and the Canucks went on to score a couple quick ones shortly after the third Predator PP came to an end.
The game was still up for grabs in the third but the Predators failed to sustain much, if any pressure on the Canuck net. Their inept ability to sustain offensive pressure was highlighted by the forty seconds they chased the puck in their own end with a minute left and Pekka Rinne on the bench.
I hate to say this, God how I hate to say this. Ryan Kesler could be having the most dominant post season of any player in years. HE was the Canucks in this series. Personally, I dislike him but I have to give him credit for putting that team on his shoulders.
On a side note, an APB has been put out by the Vancouver Police for the Sedin twins. They haven't been seen in the rink for almost a month now.
With the SJHL season over, there isn't much to say about Junior A hockey. However, a blockbuster of Jr. A proportions was announced today, and the way this deal played out was great. The Yorkton Terriers had a relatively good hockey team this year, in fact they were a win away from a league title. However, back at the trade deadline they were able to acquire Justin Boyer and Justin Buzzeo from the Humboldt Broncos for what was 'future considerations' at the time. I remember thinking what did Buzzeo and Boyer do to get shipped out of town for nothing. As it played out, the Broncos, the hosts for the 2012 Royal Bank Cup were thinking ahead. Realizing that they would be making moves to strenghten their club for next year, and knowing the Terriers were looking for one or two additions to get them over the top, the deal was made. And today, the Terriers announced those 'futures'. Going to Humboldt are Clarke Breitkreuz and Robbie Ciofi, two of the Terriers best players from this year. I think it is awesome that these clubs basically scratched each others backs on this one.
Manny Pacquiao toyed with Shane Moseley on Saturday, proving he is without a doubt the best pound for pound figher in the world. When will Floyd Mayweather step up to the plate and accept the challenge. If you ask me, Mayweather is terrified of getting in the rink with Pacquiao.
Must be a slow sports day when Boxing gets some type time.
Expect the Wings to blow the Sharks away tonight at JLA. All the momentum in the world is with the Wings, and history tells us that this club doesn't waste much. This series WILL go back to SJ.
Later, .......
The game was still up for grabs in the third but the Predators failed to sustain much, if any pressure on the Canuck net. Their inept ability to sustain offensive pressure was highlighted by the forty seconds they chased the puck in their own end with a minute left and Pekka Rinne on the bench.
I hate to say this, God how I hate to say this. Ryan Kesler could be having the most dominant post season of any player in years. HE was the Canucks in this series. Personally, I dislike him but I have to give him credit for putting that team on his shoulders.
On a side note, an APB has been put out by the Vancouver Police for the Sedin twins. They haven't been seen in the rink for almost a month now.
With the SJHL season over, there isn't much to say about Junior A hockey. However, a blockbuster of Jr. A proportions was announced today, and the way this deal played out was great. The Yorkton Terriers had a relatively good hockey team this year, in fact they were a win away from a league title. However, back at the trade deadline they were able to acquire Justin Boyer and Justin Buzzeo from the Humboldt Broncos for what was 'future considerations' at the time. I remember thinking what did Buzzeo and Boyer do to get shipped out of town for nothing. As it played out, the Broncos, the hosts for the 2012 Royal Bank Cup were thinking ahead. Realizing that they would be making moves to strenghten their club for next year, and knowing the Terriers were looking for one or two additions to get them over the top, the deal was made. And today, the Terriers announced those 'futures'. Going to Humboldt are Clarke Breitkreuz and Robbie Ciofi, two of the Terriers best players from this year. I think it is awesome that these clubs basically scratched each others backs on this one.
Manny Pacquiao toyed with Shane Moseley on Saturday, proving he is without a doubt the best pound for pound figher in the world. When will Floyd Mayweather step up to the plate and accept the challenge. If you ask me, Mayweather is terrified of getting in the rink with Pacquiao.
Must be a slow sports day when Boxing gets some type time.
Expect the Wings to blow the Sharks away tonight at JLA. All the momentum in the world is with the Wings, and history tells us that this club doesn't waste much. This series WILL go back to SJ.
Later, .......
Monday, May 9, 2011
Disgusting.....
While my mind is completely consumed with the NHL Play - off's at this point, I can't help but start with the NBA Play - off's, namely the feces show the Lakers put on in Dallas yesterday afternoon. For those who missed it, yesterday afternoon the Mav's were putting the finishing touches on a sweep of the defending champion Lakers. Not only were they winning their fourth in a row, they were laying the beats to them. In a classless act of sportsmanship, Laker's forward Andrew Bynm drove his elbow right into the chest of a driving J.J. Barea of the Mav's. Barea, giving up at least a foot and a hundred pounds crashed to the floor in obvious pain. Bynum quickly became the second Laker ejected in a matter of minutes following Lamar Odom's early shower. While the Odom foul wasn't necessarily flagrant, the Bynum move was best described by TSN last night as being 'bush league'. Andrew Bynum in my mind had every intention of hurting Barea, and thus should be met with a stiff penalty that will carry over into next season. That was a classless act, and a black mark on an otherwise classy organization. While I have never been a Phil Jackson fan, that is a sad way for one of the greatest coaches to have to walk away ....having to watch his team of grown men demonstrate sportsmanship I wouldn't expect from a group of elementary aged children.
Onto the NHL and the San Jose Sharks had the Detroit Red Wings finished. Logan Couture's breakaway goal less than three minutes into the third gave the Sharks a two goal lead...series over, right? Wrong, in an awful fifteen minutes, the Sharks not only gave up two goals to lose their lead, they also gave up a third, and ultimately the winning goal. The Sharks are now reeling, and in significant danger of being the second team in two seasons to blow a three - love series lead. I just can't see the Red Wings losing the momentum yesterday's victory earned them. They will win Game Six and head back to San Jose where ALL of the pressure will be squarely on the Sharks. Clearly the advantage is in the Wings corner.
The Canucks looks to finish off the Pred's for the second time tonight after losing 4 - 3 on home ice on Saturday. Surprisingly I think the Canucks have played better in Nashville than they have at home. All I will say is if the Pred's force a seventh game, I really like their chances of stealing another in Vancouver. That is IF they can win tonight at home where to this point in the play - offs they are playing less than .500 hockey with a 2 - 4 record.
Other than that, it has been a quiet Monday...Enjoy.
Onto the NHL and the San Jose Sharks had the Detroit Red Wings finished. Logan Couture's breakaway goal less than three minutes into the third gave the Sharks a two goal lead...series over, right? Wrong, in an awful fifteen minutes, the Sharks not only gave up two goals to lose their lead, they also gave up a third, and ultimately the winning goal. The Sharks are now reeling, and in significant danger of being the second team in two seasons to blow a three - love series lead. I just can't see the Red Wings losing the momentum yesterday's victory earned them. They will win Game Six and head back to San Jose where ALL of the pressure will be squarely on the Sharks. Clearly the advantage is in the Wings corner.
The Canucks looks to finish off the Pred's for the second time tonight after losing 4 - 3 on home ice on Saturday. Surprisingly I think the Canucks have played better in Nashville than they have at home. All I will say is if the Pred's force a seventh game, I really like their chances of stealing another in Vancouver. That is IF they can win tonight at home where to this point in the play - offs they are playing less than .500 hockey with a 2 - 4 record.
Other than that, it has been a quiet Monday...Enjoy.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Been a While...
It has been sometime since I wrote, and to you my loyal followers, I apologize. My trip out east kept me very busy with little time for blogging, and since returning my attention has been devoted to work as well as catching up on rest and time with Kylie.
Speaking of my trip out east, I was moderatley disappointed to wake up in Montreal the morning after the Canadiens lost Game Seven in Boston to learn that the loyal Hab fans were...well....pretty well behaved. The city was surely preparing for the worst....police in groups of four, some on foot, some on horseback...I was pumped for a gong show. It was ironic however that overnight it started to rain, and rained most of the morning after. Is God himself a Canadien fan, and thus was sobbing?
Sticking to my trip, we had this 'different' tour guide for a tour of Montreal. What got me was as we drove by Molson Stadium, home of the Alouettes, she bragged about how the Als pack in up to 27, 000 people to watch home games. While keeping my mouth shut, I was so wanting to say...Lady...your city has 3.5 million people and you brag about 27, 000? Where we come from...there is a little more than 1, 000, 000 and we pack 30, 000 plus in every game and more would be there if tickets were available. It is too bad the Als are in Montreal..a good team in a brutal football market with nothing for fan support.
So on to the NHL Play - off's and for only the third time in NHL history has a #1 seed been swept aside. This comes after Tampa's 5 - 3 win over Washington the other night in south Florida. Is it just me, or are others as tired of the Capitals...every year there is this talk about this being their year and every year they do NOTHING! I am in no way a Capitals fan but with all those expectations and talent, how can you NOT surpass the second round??? Let me tell you why I think this is, and what they need to do in order to move forward. First off, the Capitals have a ton of talent; you can't deny them that. They flat out score goals but where is the heart? Who on that team has a heart and a desire to win? Who is going to do anything it takes to win? The only guy on the team I see possessing that type of desire and will to win is Brooks Laich (good ol' Saskatchewan boy of course) and he's a UFA this year. While he certainly could stay in DC, I think he will be a hot commodity come July for exactly that which I mentioned above. He brings a lot to the table aside from his ability to put the puck in the back of the net.
Not to take anything away from Micheal Neuvirth as he may turn out to be the goalie to get them to the promised land, but when will this organization see the importance of goaltending in the post season (see Philadelphia Flyers) and thus make the move to acquire a bonafide #1 goaltender. With the talent they have, it should not take much to convinve a first rate tender that Washington is a team that could earn you a ring.
Lastly, and disregard what I am about to say if you heard the comments of GM George McPhee yesterday, Bruce Boudreau needs to go. Sure he might be a good coach as McPhee stated but how many chances are you going to get? A lot better coaches than him have been fired, and they don't have the innate abilty to stick a size 11 loafer in their mouth like Bruce does. If you have all that talent, and can't get them deep into the play - off's, who else should take the blame? It is easy to look good as coach of the Caps; a mannequin could be nominated for the Adams Award standing behind the Caps bench because they flat out score goals and are a great regular season team. **NOTE: No team has ever won the Stanley Cup by being a great regular season team** And that is what I think about the Capitals. I do enjoy wathing them lose, what about you Gennie? (Gennie is my fifteen year old sister with a disturbing infatuation for Ovechkin and the Caps)
Onwards to the West and Nashville should feel like they have been robbed. The Shea Weber hooking call in OT of Game Three was a JOKE! If anything, that is holding the stick on Kesler. Yeah, yeah you naysayers are going to say make - up call but come on, this is Game Three of a tied series, not the 43rd game of the regular season. What makes it worse for me is the call comes on the heels of Mike Gillis crying over the officiating. Mike Gillis...perhaps you should hire Bruce Boudreau as then the Canucks will have two of the biggest loud mouths in the NHL. Anyway we can make it a trifecta and add Brian Burke to the Vancouver staff?
Some Rider fans are laughable. Yesterday the Riders signed Chris Leak, who had spent the past three seasons in Montreal. Today, blog comments about this signing include such comments as why would we want him when he wasn't wanted by Montreal. Uh....HELLO....have you heard of Anthony Calvillo? He is kind of good and plays the same position in Montreal. Shut up and give the guy a chance...he did after all win a NCAA National Title and set some passing records at the University of Florida which is a moderately respected University. Yes, I know that NCAA success does not always equate to CFL success, but come on...it's May 5th and you already want to run him out of town? These no - minds are the Brian Burke's of the world...he loves to hear his voice, and these idiots just like to write stuff down that is completely irrelevant and idiotic.
Other than that, look for the Bruins to finish off the Flyers tonight, the Wings to live to see another day, and well....more Rider fans to continue to think they are smarter than Brendan Taman. Uhm..I think the car at Pump Six needs gas...get back to your job.
Speaking of my trip out east, I was moderatley disappointed to wake up in Montreal the morning after the Canadiens lost Game Seven in Boston to learn that the loyal Hab fans were...well....pretty well behaved. The city was surely preparing for the worst....police in groups of four, some on foot, some on horseback...I was pumped for a gong show. It was ironic however that overnight it started to rain, and rained most of the morning after. Is God himself a Canadien fan, and thus was sobbing?
Sticking to my trip, we had this 'different' tour guide for a tour of Montreal. What got me was as we drove by Molson Stadium, home of the Alouettes, she bragged about how the Als pack in up to 27, 000 people to watch home games. While keeping my mouth shut, I was so wanting to say...Lady...your city has 3.5 million people and you brag about 27, 000? Where we come from...there is a little more than 1, 000, 000 and we pack 30, 000 plus in every game and more would be there if tickets were available. It is too bad the Als are in Montreal..a good team in a brutal football market with nothing for fan support.
So on to the NHL Play - off's and for only the third time in NHL history has a #1 seed been swept aside. This comes after Tampa's 5 - 3 win over Washington the other night in south Florida. Is it just me, or are others as tired of the Capitals...every year there is this talk about this being their year and every year they do NOTHING! I am in no way a Capitals fan but with all those expectations and talent, how can you NOT surpass the second round??? Let me tell you why I think this is, and what they need to do in order to move forward. First off, the Capitals have a ton of talent; you can't deny them that. They flat out score goals but where is the heart? Who on that team has a heart and a desire to win? Who is going to do anything it takes to win? The only guy on the team I see possessing that type of desire and will to win is Brooks Laich (good ol' Saskatchewan boy of course) and he's a UFA this year. While he certainly could stay in DC, I think he will be a hot commodity come July for exactly that which I mentioned above. He brings a lot to the table aside from his ability to put the puck in the back of the net.
Not to take anything away from Micheal Neuvirth as he may turn out to be the goalie to get them to the promised land, but when will this organization see the importance of goaltending in the post season (see Philadelphia Flyers) and thus make the move to acquire a bonafide #1 goaltender. With the talent they have, it should not take much to convinve a first rate tender that Washington is a team that could earn you a ring.
Lastly, and disregard what I am about to say if you heard the comments of GM George McPhee yesterday, Bruce Boudreau needs to go. Sure he might be a good coach as McPhee stated but how many chances are you going to get? A lot better coaches than him have been fired, and they don't have the innate abilty to stick a size 11 loafer in their mouth like Bruce does. If you have all that talent, and can't get them deep into the play - off's, who else should take the blame? It is easy to look good as coach of the Caps; a mannequin could be nominated for the Adams Award standing behind the Caps bench because they flat out score goals and are a great regular season team. **NOTE: No team has ever won the Stanley Cup by being a great regular season team** And that is what I think about the Capitals. I do enjoy wathing them lose, what about you Gennie? (Gennie is my fifteen year old sister with a disturbing infatuation for Ovechkin and the Caps)
Onwards to the West and Nashville should feel like they have been robbed. The Shea Weber hooking call in OT of Game Three was a JOKE! If anything, that is holding the stick on Kesler. Yeah, yeah you naysayers are going to say make - up call but come on, this is Game Three of a tied series, not the 43rd game of the regular season. What makes it worse for me is the call comes on the heels of Mike Gillis crying over the officiating. Mike Gillis...perhaps you should hire Bruce Boudreau as then the Canucks will have two of the biggest loud mouths in the NHL. Anyway we can make it a trifecta and add Brian Burke to the Vancouver staff?
Some Rider fans are laughable. Yesterday the Riders signed Chris Leak, who had spent the past three seasons in Montreal. Today, blog comments about this signing include such comments as why would we want him when he wasn't wanted by Montreal. Uh....HELLO....have you heard of Anthony Calvillo? He is kind of good and plays the same position in Montreal. Shut up and give the guy a chance...he did after all win a NCAA National Title and set some passing records at the University of Florida which is a moderately respected University. Yes, I know that NCAA success does not always equate to CFL success, but come on...it's May 5th and you already want to run him out of town? These no - minds are the Brian Burke's of the world...he loves to hear his voice, and these idiots just like to write stuff down that is completely irrelevant and idiotic.
Other than that, look for the Bruins to finish off the Flyers tonight, the Wings to live to see another day, and well....more Rider fans to continue to think they are smarter than Brendan Taman. Uhm..I think the car at Pump Six needs gas...get back to your job.
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