As I told you yesterday, common sense seemed to have reappeared with Ken Miller and Saskatchewan Roughriders over the weekend as the decision to shut down Darian Durant seemed to have finally come. Granted, two weeks late, but better late than never. Today, that became official, Durant WILL be shut down for the last two weeks. We can only assume he will hold a clipboard as the third QB and see the field only in the event of an emergency. Great news....and now this.
What the hell is wrong with this organization? Ryan Dinwiddie will get the start for the Riders on Saturday when they host the Hamilton Tiger Cats. The same Ryan Dinwiddie who started in Edmonton three weeks ago and proceeded to launch three interception in the first half. The same Ryan Dinwiddie who sucked so bad in that first half that he was benched for a guy with a broken foot. So now, as we are officially out of the hunt for a post season berth why is this decision made?
I mean seriously, myself and most other sensible football fans know what Ryan Dinwiddie brings to the table. He is not that good, never has been that good and to me is not even a quality back up. I would even go so far as to say the Riders would be better off parting ways with him in the off season. So why, why, why do they refuse to give Cole Berquist the ball?
Sure they say he might see game action over the next two weeks, but to me, he has earned the right to not 'maybe see some garbage time' but rather take the ball and see what he can do with it. He has been from all accounts a great team player the last three years he has been here. Shows up for practice, does as he's asked, goes to meetings, watches video, everything a good football player should do. So how do the Riders reward him??? Put Ryan Dinwiddie in..come on! If ever there has been the right opportunity to show his value to this team both now and in the future, this is it. The team has NOTHING to lose, and to be honest, a lot of Rider fans want to see what he can do. Those naysayers who say why start the third string QB? Well because the starter has a broken foot and the back up should be the fourth string. May I also ask a question...who was the Riders third string QB in the 2007 Grey Cup? Who was the Riders third string QB for much of 2008? Yup, Darian Durant, the same QB many refer to as our franchise player, the future of this organization. At the same time if you remember back to the pre - season opener against Edmonton, argubaly the only time most of us have seen Berquist play, the kid showed he has a big league arm. In fact, I would go out on a limb and see he has the best arm of all three QB's on the roster at this time.
Look I am not saying Cole Berquist is going to supplant Darian Durant as the starter, or that he is the next greatest thing to come into the CFL. All I am saying is given what he has done the last couple years, coupled with the current situation the football team is in, this is the time to give him a good, honest look. Hasn't he earned that right?
One more football note, from south of the border. I get so sick of reading, what seems like weekly, a story of an NFL player in trouble with the law. In the words of my esteemed old man, "a million dollar talent with a ten cent brain'. What brings this up? Minnesota Vikins CB Chris Cook missed this weeks game against the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome because he was a couple of blocks away in jail. The 24 year old, who the Vikes took with the 34th pick overall in 2010 has been arrested and charged with assault on his girlfriend. It is alleged that he choked her and punched her in the nose. Why?......apparently because he found out she talked to an ex - boyfriend. Uh....PSYCHO!!! Roger Goodell, you need to tell low class scumbags like this that jobs in the NFL are entitled only to those with some semblance of class and integrity. Just my thoughts though. I highly doubt Roger Goodell is one of the four followers of this blog.
And finally, a shout out to my good friend Jon Keen, the voice of the Kamloops Blazers. Last season was Keener's first in the 'Loops and lets just say the team didn't exactly 'blaze' their way through the regular season. Anyways, a 9 - 3 start to this season and a likely berth in the CHL Top 10 later this week couldn't happen to a better guy.
Later....
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
What's that....Common Sense???
In the wake of Friday night's fifth consecutive loss, a game in which Darian Durant needlessly started, something positive appears to be emanating from Mosaic Stadium. This time, the smell is somewhat pleasant and refreshing as opposed to the foul stench of absurdness that has been the case the last few weeks. Upon arriving back in Regina from Calgary, both Darian Durant and Ken Miller stated that it is more than likely that Durant will shut it down for the final two games on the schedule; Saturday against Hamilton and next week in Edmonton.
Why Durant started in the first place on Friday is beyond me....broken foot....nothing to gain....and a near concussion all add up to an awful decision by Ken Miller. You can't clump Brendam Taman into that equation because Miller obviously has veto power over Taman. The questions going through my head are the following:
We all know the current management system being utilized by the Riders is ridiculous. How many other organizations sees the Head Coach have more input than the General Manager. Was the decision to start Durant one to prove unequivocally that Ken Miller is in charge of this organization?
Was the decision to start Durant an indication that even Miller himself is perhaps questioning the decision to fire Greg Marshall and Doug Berry in mid August? It sounds like it was he who made that decision, obviously assuming he could do a better job. Well you know what, he didn't and perhaps Durant was in there trying to earn the team a couple of more victories to help justify the decisions made prior to Labour Day.
Or, as the conspiracist theory might say, was this a move to alleviate any debate as to whether or not Durant is indeed the best QB on the football team. While I certainly think he is a very good QB and Ryan Dinwiddie is not, why are the Riders so against giving Cole Berquist the ball. Is it possible that they fear he could move this offence and thus lead to a QB controversy which could last the entire off season? Only time will tell but I can tell you that if the decision is made to start Berquist, I will be excited to watch the Riders for the first time since BC crushed us at home in late September.
Regardless of why the decision was made, and my theories could be far off base, but at least they are finally doing the right thing in terms of the QB position.
One last final note, and this is directed at a lot of people. Why is it so wrong for somebody to choose not to attend the games when the team themselves have not been in attendance since September? This morning on Rod Pederson's blog he made a point of saying those who choose not to attend given the Rider's recent performance are not loyal and should more or less be ashmaed of themselves. Added to this unnecessary remarks are comments on this blog who call the loyalty of fans choosing to stay home into question.
Let me say this once, being a fan is not a marriage, it is a choice. As a season ticket holder, I can choose to attend, or skip, any game of my pleasing. Put it this way, why would I go and spend more money, on top of the ticket I have already paid for, to support a team who has given up not only on themselves, but on the fans who help to keep this organization afloat, and as such, provide them with employment?
Seriously, packing Mosaic Stadium this weekend does nothing to let the management, coaches and players of this organization know that the last year and a half have been unacceptable. I say the last year and a half because let's face it, we didn't exactly light the world on fire the last six weeks of last season. I understand we are not going to win each and every week, and a berth in the Grey Cup is not a right, but a privilege.
However, when the team on the field appears to be putting forth a minimal effort, that is just wrong. This team has done relatively nothing to change the face of this team over the last four years. Yes, I know we have been to Grey Cup three of the last four years, success doesn't mean you can remain static and not look to make changes. Case in point, our offensive line were past their prime in 2007. Did we get any younger? No. Has this hurt our football team? You bet your ass it has.
I guess what I am trying to say is that even though there are thousands of Rider fans out there, who will continue to be fans today, tomorrow, next year and so on, the Riders of 2011 haven't done much to continue to earn our support. The only way for we, the fans to let them see this is to exercise our right to stay home. I might go, I might not...I don't care what YOU say.
Enough with the Riders.
With football still and last night the New Orleans Saints manhandled the Indianapolis Colts 62 - 7. What stands out for me from this game is how poor an analyst Cris Collinsworth is. In the second quarter, Collinsworth talked about how happy the Saints should be with their team. At this point the Saints had scored on all four possessions and were up 28 - 0. What was Collinsworth so impressed with that he felt like telling an international audience? He was really impressed with the Saints defence? Are you kidding me? Curtis Painter is behind centre for the Colts! Who is Curtis Painter? He is no Peyton Manning that is for sure. It wasn't so much the Saints defence dominating as it was the Colts offence resembling a young Hollywood vixen trying to make it big...ANEMIC! Honestly Cris Collinsworth, every defense in the league has looked good against Curtis Painter this year, and there is only one common factor there...Curis Painter.
The Edmonton Oilers put forth a very complete game on Saturday night, shutting out the New York Rangers 2 - 0. Ryan Nugent - Hopkins once again impressed, scoring the game winning goal midway through the second period. There is NO way the Oilers can send this kid down to Red Deer. He has been their best player thus far in the season. At the same time, sending him down would split their best line right down the middle. He has more than proven that he is capable of playing at this level, so those wo say he isn't ready for the grind of an NHL schedule, he is going to have to get used to it sooner or later; may as well be now.
That's all..Talk to you tomorrow.
Why Durant started in the first place on Friday is beyond me....broken foot....nothing to gain....and a near concussion all add up to an awful decision by Ken Miller. You can't clump Brendam Taman into that equation because Miller obviously has veto power over Taman. The questions going through my head are the following:
We all know the current management system being utilized by the Riders is ridiculous. How many other organizations sees the Head Coach have more input than the General Manager. Was the decision to start Durant one to prove unequivocally that Ken Miller is in charge of this organization?
Was the decision to start Durant an indication that even Miller himself is perhaps questioning the decision to fire Greg Marshall and Doug Berry in mid August? It sounds like it was he who made that decision, obviously assuming he could do a better job. Well you know what, he didn't and perhaps Durant was in there trying to earn the team a couple of more victories to help justify the decisions made prior to Labour Day.
Or, as the conspiracist theory might say, was this a move to alleviate any debate as to whether or not Durant is indeed the best QB on the football team. While I certainly think he is a very good QB and Ryan Dinwiddie is not, why are the Riders so against giving Cole Berquist the ball. Is it possible that they fear he could move this offence and thus lead to a QB controversy which could last the entire off season? Only time will tell but I can tell you that if the decision is made to start Berquist, I will be excited to watch the Riders for the first time since BC crushed us at home in late September.
Regardless of why the decision was made, and my theories could be far off base, but at least they are finally doing the right thing in terms of the QB position.
One last final note, and this is directed at a lot of people. Why is it so wrong for somebody to choose not to attend the games when the team themselves have not been in attendance since September? This morning on Rod Pederson's blog he made a point of saying those who choose not to attend given the Rider's recent performance are not loyal and should more or less be ashmaed of themselves. Added to this unnecessary remarks are comments on this blog who call the loyalty of fans choosing to stay home into question.
Let me say this once, being a fan is not a marriage, it is a choice. As a season ticket holder, I can choose to attend, or skip, any game of my pleasing. Put it this way, why would I go and spend more money, on top of the ticket I have already paid for, to support a team who has given up not only on themselves, but on the fans who help to keep this organization afloat, and as such, provide them with employment?
Seriously, packing Mosaic Stadium this weekend does nothing to let the management, coaches and players of this organization know that the last year and a half have been unacceptable. I say the last year and a half because let's face it, we didn't exactly light the world on fire the last six weeks of last season. I understand we are not going to win each and every week, and a berth in the Grey Cup is not a right, but a privilege.
However, when the team on the field appears to be putting forth a minimal effort, that is just wrong. This team has done relatively nothing to change the face of this team over the last four years. Yes, I know we have been to Grey Cup three of the last four years, success doesn't mean you can remain static and not look to make changes. Case in point, our offensive line were past their prime in 2007. Did we get any younger? No. Has this hurt our football team? You bet your ass it has.
I guess what I am trying to say is that even though there are thousands of Rider fans out there, who will continue to be fans today, tomorrow, next year and so on, the Riders of 2011 haven't done much to continue to earn our support. The only way for we, the fans to let them see this is to exercise our right to stay home. I might go, I might not...I don't care what YOU say.
Enough with the Riders.
With football still and last night the New Orleans Saints manhandled the Indianapolis Colts 62 - 7. What stands out for me from this game is how poor an analyst Cris Collinsworth is. In the second quarter, Collinsworth talked about how happy the Saints should be with their team. At this point the Saints had scored on all four possessions and were up 28 - 0. What was Collinsworth so impressed with that he felt like telling an international audience? He was really impressed with the Saints defence? Are you kidding me? Curtis Painter is behind centre for the Colts! Who is Curtis Painter? He is no Peyton Manning that is for sure. It wasn't so much the Saints defence dominating as it was the Colts offence resembling a young Hollywood vixen trying to make it big...ANEMIC! Honestly Cris Collinsworth, every defense in the league has looked good against Curtis Painter this year, and there is only one common factor there...Curis Painter.
The Edmonton Oilers put forth a very complete game on Saturday night, shutting out the New York Rangers 2 - 0. Ryan Nugent - Hopkins once again impressed, scoring the game winning goal midway through the second period. There is NO way the Oilers can send this kid down to Red Deer. He has been their best player thus far in the season. At the same time, sending him down would split their best line right down the middle. He has more than proven that he is capable of playing at this level, so those wo say he isn't ready for the grind of an NHL schedule, he is going to have to get used to it sooner or later; may as well be now.
That's all..Talk to you tomorrow.
Friday, October 21, 2011
My Thoughts...Wanted or Not
The trainwreck that has been the Riders season continues tonight in Calgary with their fourth and final meeting with the Stampeders. Seriously, the team has not scored a touchdown in over a month, and there four game losing streatk has seen them be outscored 125 - 23!
It only makes sense that Darian Durant, broken foot and all will take the snaps at QB tonight. I mean honestly, they have nothing to play for but job security and Durant's job is secure regardless of his injury. At the same time, is there any other team in the world that would start the same QB who hasn't guided his team to the end zone in over 17 quarters of play? Not a flippin' chance.
The fact that Durant is starting with a broken foot in a meaningless game for the Riders appears even more ridiculous when you realize that Calgary, a team going to the play - offs and who still has an opporutnity to win the West will sit their starter and reigning league MOP, Henry Burris and opt for Drew Tate behind centre.
The last few weeks has led me to think one thing, and I have said it before..Ken Miller has not only lost his coaching magic, his mind seems to have gone AWOL as well. At what point, do you give in, put Durant on the nine game, give Dinwiddie the clipboard and start looking at Cole Berquist and others who need to earn an invite to camp in June of 2012?
While I am hoping for the Riders to provide something positive either tonight or in the next two weeks, the cynic in me almost wants them to continue to struggle so the powers that be realize that the status quo needs to change. This means, no more 36 year old linemen (see Gene Makowsky, Dan Goodspeed and Alex Gauthier) along with other areas that I don't want to get into.
Sticking with football, but the brand south of the border, is there an easier guy to dislike than New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan? This guy is nothing but a loud mouth who is far too high on himself and his coaching abilities. Amongst the idiotic things he has done and/or said was this weeks dandy when he refernced his teams opponents this week, the San Diego Chargers and their Head Coach Norv Turner. Ryan stated that if the Chargers had hired him when they hired Turner, he would already have a few rings, as in Championships. Is there any worse way to motivate the opponent. I have disliked Rex Ryan for a long time, he is a shadow of the coach his old man was, and all this does is make me cheer really loud this week hoping for the Chargers to not only beat the Jets, but eat their lunch and then shit in the bag.
I love the Edmonton Oilers, have for a real long time but one thing about this team kills me. Is there a team in the history of the NHL who blows more one goal leads in the last minute of play. Last night they were in complete control of the Minnesota Wild until...with .5 seconds left the Wild tied the game only to go on and win in a shootout. If this team is ever going to make the jump from irrelevancy to playoff, and eventually Stanley Cup contender, they MUST learn to finish teams off. This has happened far too often over the last three years.
On another Oiler note, Eric Belanger was by far the best player on the ice last night, full of jump, great on the kill and hit two posts. In a losing effort and without a point, he was easily my first star of the game.
Not much else to say, see ya next week...
It only makes sense that Darian Durant, broken foot and all will take the snaps at QB tonight. I mean honestly, they have nothing to play for but job security and Durant's job is secure regardless of his injury. At the same time, is there any other team in the world that would start the same QB who hasn't guided his team to the end zone in over 17 quarters of play? Not a flippin' chance.
The fact that Durant is starting with a broken foot in a meaningless game for the Riders appears even more ridiculous when you realize that Calgary, a team going to the play - offs and who still has an opporutnity to win the West will sit their starter and reigning league MOP, Henry Burris and opt for Drew Tate behind centre.
The last few weeks has led me to think one thing, and I have said it before..Ken Miller has not only lost his coaching magic, his mind seems to have gone AWOL as well. At what point, do you give in, put Durant on the nine game, give Dinwiddie the clipboard and start looking at Cole Berquist and others who need to earn an invite to camp in June of 2012?
While I am hoping for the Riders to provide something positive either tonight or in the next two weeks, the cynic in me almost wants them to continue to struggle so the powers that be realize that the status quo needs to change. This means, no more 36 year old linemen (see Gene Makowsky, Dan Goodspeed and Alex Gauthier) along with other areas that I don't want to get into.
Sticking with football, but the brand south of the border, is there an easier guy to dislike than New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan? This guy is nothing but a loud mouth who is far too high on himself and his coaching abilities. Amongst the idiotic things he has done and/or said was this weeks dandy when he refernced his teams opponents this week, the San Diego Chargers and their Head Coach Norv Turner. Ryan stated that if the Chargers had hired him when they hired Turner, he would already have a few rings, as in Championships. Is there any worse way to motivate the opponent. I have disliked Rex Ryan for a long time, he is a shadow of the coach his old man was, and all this does is make me cheer really loud this week hoping for the Chargers to not only beat the Jets, but eat their lunch and then shit in the bag.
I love the Edmonton Oilers, have for a real long time but one thing about this team kills me. Is there a team in the history of the NHL who blows more one goal leads in the last minute of play. Last night they were in complete control of the Minnesota Wild until...with .5 seconds left the Wild tied the game only to go on and win in a shootout. If this team is ever going to make the jump from irrelevancy to playoff, and eventually Stanley Cup contender, they MUST learn to finish teams off. This has happened far too often over the last three years.
On another Oiler note, Eric Belanger was by far the best player on the ice last night, full of jump, great on the kill and hit two posts. In a losing effort and without a point, he was easily my first star of the game.
Not much else to say, see ya next week...
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
And the Soap Opera continues....
I told myself to forget about it; leave what has become a nightmare season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the past. Hope that considerable changes are made but not let the events surrounding this club bother me. And then today happens.
In case you missed it, two things happened today which to me are maddening. First off, in a move that makes absolutely no sense what so ever, Coach Miller and Darian Durant both go on the record at practice saying that Durant will start this Sunday when the Riders host the BC Lions at Mosaic. WTF???? Are you kidding me???? Is Brick Tamland and his IQ of 41 from 'Anchorman' calling the shots these days? Why, when the season is all but over is Darian Durant going to start on a broken foot? Sure, the Riders insist that they are still not entirely out of the hunt for a play -off spot as the potential for a cross over berth exists, but lets be realistic. Is Hamilton going to lose out??? Are we going to win out??? For that to happen, that being us winning out, we are going to have to hope a team loses points as we are on track to record an earth shattering -1 point this weekend. Yeah, I know, stupid point but come on, is this team going to win A game the rest of the season? Let alone, EVERY game.
Back to Durant...uh Hello??? What does this prove? Nothing. What it tells me is that the Riders either think Cole Berquist is that bad that he does not even garner a shot given where the Riders are...OR the conspiracy theory says that they are horrified he will come in, move the ball, look decent and spark a QB controversy. Take it for what it's worth, but what is the worst thing that could happen...Berquist starts and what, throws three INT in the first half? Been there. Or maybe he could do something mind blowing and lead this team into the end zone which the Riders have avoided like a land mine since mid September.
Or hey, maybe it could go like this...Durant plays, his foot injury is exacerbated unnecessarily and we are forced into a situation where maybe he isn't available next year. That would be just great, wouldn't it Ken???? Ken Miller has lost his magic as a coach and based on this decision, one could say he has lost a whole lot more than that.
In other Rider news, the Riders dealt Hugh Charles today. Charles was sent to Edmonton for a conditional pick in 2014. I guess Ken Miller and Brendan Taman failed to notice that Charles had a three score performance in July against Calgary. I guess they didn't notice that he has the speed to get outside and make tacklers miss, unlike Wes Cates who if he isn't running the ball up the gut is useless. Wait a minute, Cates really isn't that good running the ball up the middle either. Hugh Charles was never given a fair shake in Riderville, and that is a shame because in my opinion he is a quality football player with a ton of big play potential. Mark my words, he will haunt us as an Eskimo...maybe not this year, maybe not next year but this will happen.
All in all, just two more cherries to top off this season in Riderville which has been a complete and utter disaster, failure, feces show....etc highlighted by awful decisions and a completely unfounded sense of optimism and hope. What is there possible left for us to hope for??? At this point...a touchdown would be nice.
And one last totally unrelated sports note. Maybe it is because I have been overly grumpy lately but how often do you hear reporters ask coaches, managers, etc about the importance of getting off to a good start. Is this not THE dumbest question one could ask in sports. Just imagine if you will for a moment, a coach walks into a room before a game, saying boys let's go out there and play like complete shit in the beginning? I think that is how we are going to win...we are going to play like complete and utter garbage for the entire first half...we will be lethargic, lifeless, turn the ball over, just flat out suck..........I digress, this may be the message Ken Miller has been spreading the last few weeks.
Later
In case you missed it, two things happened today which to me are maddening. First off, in a move that makes absolutely no sense what so ever, Coach Miller and Darian Durant both go on the record at practice saying that Durant will start this Sunday when the Riders host the BC Lions at Mosaic. WTF???? Are you kidding me???? Is Brick Tamland and his IQ of 41 from 'Anchorman' calling the shots these days? Why, when the season is all but over is Darian Durant going to start on a broken foot? Sure, the Riders insist that they are still not entirely out of the hunt for a play -off spot as the potential for a cross over berth exists, but lets be realistic. Is Hamilton going to lose out??? Are we going to win out??? For that to happen, that being us winning out, we are going to have to hope a team loses points as we are on track to record an earth shattering -1 point this weekend. Yeah, I know, stupid point but come on, is this team going to win A game the rest of the season? Let alone, EVERY game.
Back to Durant...uh Hello??? What does this prove? Nothing. What it tells me is that the Riders either think Cole Berquist is that bad that he does not even garner a shot given where the Riders are...OR the conspiracy theory says that they are horrified he will come in, move the ball, look decent and spark a QB controversy. Take it for what it's worth, but what is the worst thing that could happen...Berquist starts and what, throws three INT in the first half? Been there. Or maybe he could do something mind blowing and lead this team into the end zone which the Riders have avoided like a land mine since mid September.
Or hey, maybe it could go like this...Durant plays, his foot injury is exacerbated unnecessarily and we are forced into a situation where maybe he isn't available next year. That would be just great, wouldn't it Ken???? Ken Miller has lost his magic as a coach and based on this decision, one could say he has lost a whole lot more than that.
In other Rider news, the Riders dealt Hugh Charles today. Charles was sent to Edmonton for a conditional pick in 2014. I guess Ken Miller and Brendan Taman failed to notice that Charles had a three score performance in July against Calgary. I guess they didn't notice that he has the speed to get outside and make tacklers miss, unlike Wes Cates who if he isn't running the ball up the gut is useless. Wait a minute, Cates really isn't that good running the ball up the middle either. Hugh Charles was never given a fair shake in Riderville, and that is a shame because in my opinion he is a quality football player with a ton of big play potential. Mark my words, he will haunt us as an Eskimo...maybe not this year, maybe not next year but this will happen.
All in all, just two more cherries to top off this season in Riderville which has been a complete and utter disaster, failure, feces show....etc highlighted by awful decisions and a completely unfounded sense of optimism and hope. What is there possible left for us to hope for??? At this point...a touchdown would be nice.
And one last totally unrelated sports note. Maybe it is because I have been overly grumpy lately but how often do you hear reporters ask coaches, managers, etc about the importance of getting off to a good start. Is this not THE dumbest question one could ask in sports. Just imagine if you will for a moment, a coach walks into a room before a game, saying boys let's go out there and play like complete shit in the beginning? I think that is how we are going to win...we are going to play like complete and utter garbage for the entire first half...we will be lethargic, lifeless, turn the ball over, just flat out suck..........I digress, this may be the message Ken Miller has been spreading the last few weeks.
Later
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Drop the Puck...
The Riders still suck.
Elsewhere in sports,....
The first round of the play - off's have been nothing short of enjoyable to watch. Three of the four series will go the distance. Tonight the Tigers and Doug Fister take on Ivan Nova and the Evil Empire in the Bronx while tomorrow will see a fantastic match - up of former Blue Jays as Roy Halladay and the Phillies take on Chris Carpenter and the Cards. Tomorrow alsos see the Diamondbacks travel to Wisconsin to take on the Brewers. One can only hope that the Phillies, Brewers and Tigers move on.
The only series not going the distance is the Texas/Tampa series and you can thank Adrian Beltre for that. The Rangers 3B hit three dingers on Tuesday afternoon as they took out the Rays in four games.
And now, a night I have been looking forward to for months. The NHL will kick off another season tonight on three fronts. The oldest rivalry in the game will be renewed as the Maple Leafs and Habs square off, the Bruins will raise their banner to the roof as they take on the new look Flyers and the Canucks, still reeling from a painful loss in Game Seven of the Finals host the Crosbyless Penguins on the left coast.
I could go into a long winded, several page long prediction as to who I think will finish where and why, but I am not going to. Rather, I will provide a brief synopsis of what I think will pan out in the seven Canadian NHL cities (I nearly wrote six as it is still hard to believe the Jets are back), the Conference Finals, Stanley Cup Finals and Award winners.
Working our way from the east....
The Montreal Canadiens are one of three Canadian teams who should be a play - off team. The really lost very little from last year's team who gave the Champs all they could handle in the first round. Carey Price continues to provide solid goaltending, and the young Habs move into the second season. There achilles heel continues to be size up front even though the addition of Eric Cole helps in this area.
I cannot believe I am saying this....if things go as they should in Toronto, the Leafs should squeak into the play - offs. Granted it will be seventh or eighth, and this will all depend on whether or not they have truly found a bonafide #1 goaltender in James Reimer, who I wish the media would stop referring to as Optomus Reim. That is a horrible nickname for a guy who has like two months of NHL experience. Regardless, in order for this to happen, the best of the Leafs need to be the best EVERY night. Phil Kessel needs to be there everynight, not once a week. Guys like MacArthur need to continue their play from last season, Connolly needs to stay healthy (knock on wood) and Dion Phaneuf needs to be the leader. Speaking of Phaneuf, is it just me or did he peak at like twenty and hasn't gotten any better since????
Off to Winnipeg where the fanbase will be loud and proud all season long. The Jets will be competitive and a lot of fun to watch with the plethora of young talent. Unfortunately they aren't there yet, but don't fret Winnipeg, your team is close and when they get there, I belive they will remain there for a while. Mark Scheifle will be one of the premiere rookies in the league this year.
Calgary, Calgary, Calgary. You aren't getting any younger, you aren't getting any better and that all adds up to what I see as a 14th of 15th place finish in the West. Nowhere close to being a play - off team. In reality, don't be surprised if the trade deadline sees the departure of Iginla, and depending on the season he is having, possibly Kiprusoff.
Edmonton...the Oilers continue to improve. They continue to be a very fun team to watch. Unfortunately they are still on the outside looking in. Some issues with the backend, along with continued development and maturation of the young guns has them on the outside looking in. They will not have the first pick in next year's draft. Imagine the possibilities with this team in two to three years???? Scary good.
Vancouver. It is no secret I dislike the Canucks, always have, always will. Unfortunately I won't get to watch them struggle much this season as I see them once again winning the west and President's Trophy. To save myself from headaches, and the city from becoming a gong show again, they don't make the Finals...WOO HOO!!!!!
Eastern Final
Tampa Bay over Washington
Western Final
Los Angeles over San Jose
Stanley Cup Final
Los Angeles over Tampa Bay
Hart Trophy: Steve Stamkos
Art Ross: Henrik Sedin
Rocket Richard Trophy: Steven Stamkos
Norris Trophy: Drew Doughty
Vezina Trophy: Pekka Rinne
Calder Trophy: Ryan Nugent Hopkins or Mark Scheifle
Jack Adams Trophy: Lindy Ruff
Surprise Team: St. Louis Blues
Flop Team: New Jersey Devils
First Coach fired: Brent Sutter, Calgary
I know you are all laughing and giggling. What do you think????
Elsewhere in sports,....
The first round of the play - off's have been nothing short of enjoyable to watch. Three of the four series will go the distance. Tonight the Tigers and Doug Fister take on Ivan Nova and the Evil Empire in the Bronx while tomorrow will see a fantastic match - up of former Blue Jays as Roy Halladay and the Phillies take on Chris Carpenter and the Cards. Tomorrow alsos see the Diamondbacks travel to Wisconsin to take on the Brewers. One can only hope that the Phillies, Brewers and Tigers move on.
The only series not going the distance is the Texas/Tampa series and you can thank Adrian Beltre for that. The Rangers 3B hit three dingers on Tuesday afternoon as they took out the Rays in four games.
And now, a night I have been looking forward to for months. The NHL will kick off another season tonight on three fronts. The oldest rivalry in the game will be renewed as the Maple Leafs and Habs square off, the Bruins will raise their banner to the roof as they take on the new look Flyers and the Canucks, still reeling from a painful loss in Game Seven of the Finals host the Crosbyless Penguins on the left coast.
I could go into a long winded, several page long prediction as to who I think will finish where and why, but I am not going to. Rather, I will provide a brief synopsis of what I think will pan out in the seven Canadian NHL cities (I nearly wrote six as it is still hard to believe the Jets are back), the Conference Finals, Stanley Cup Finals and Award winners.
Working our way from the east....
The Montreal Canadiens are one of three Canadian teams who should be a play - off team. The really lost very little from last year's team who gave the Champs all they could handle in the first round. Carey Price continues to provide solid goaltending, and the young Habs move into the second season. There achilles heel continues to be size up front even though the addition of Eric Cole helps in this area.
I cannot believe I am saying this....if things go as they should in Toronto, the Leafs should squeak into the play - offs. Granted it will be seventh or eighth, and this will all depend on whether or not they have truly found a bonafide #1 goaltender in James Reimer, who I wish the media would stop referring to as Optomus Reim. That is a horrible nickname for a guy who has like two months of NHL experience. Regardless, in order for this to happen, the best of the Leafs need to be the best EVERY night. Phil Kessel needs to be there everynight, not once a week. Guys like MacArthur need to continue their play from last season, Connolly needs to stay healthy (knock on wood) and Dion Phaneuf needs to be the leader. Speaking of Phaneuf, is it just me or did he peak at like twenty and hasn't gotten any better since????
Off to Winnipeg where the fanbase will be loud and proud all season long. The Jets will be competitive and a lot of fun to watch with the plethora of young talent. Unfortunately they aren't there yet, but don't fret Winnipeg, your team is close and when they get there, I belive they will remain there for a while. Mark Scheifle will be one of the premiere rookies in the league this year.
Calgary, Calgary, Calgary. You aren't getting any younger, you aren't getting any better and that all adds up to what I see as a 14th of 15th place finish in the West. Nowhere close to being a play - off team. In reality, don't be surprised if the trade deadline sees the departure of Iginla, and depending on the season he is having, possibly Kiprusoff.
Edmonton...the Oilers continue to improve. They continue to be a very fun team to watch. Unfortunately they are still on the outside looking in. Some issues with the backend, along with continued development and maturation of the young guns has them on the outside looking in. They will not have the first pick in next year's draft. Imagine the possibilities with this team in two to three years???? Scary good.
Vancouver. It is no secret I dislike the Canucks, always have, always will. Unfortunately I won't get to watch them struggle much this season as I see them once again winning the west and President's Trophy. To save myself from headaches, and the city from becoming a gong show again, they don't make the Finals...WOO HOO!!!!!
Eastern Final
Tampa Bay over Washington
Western Final
Los Angeles over San Jose
Stanley Cup Final
Los Angeles over Tampa Bay
Hart Trophy: Steve Stamkos
Art Ross: Henrik Sedin
Rocket Richard Trophy: Steven Stamkos
Norris Trophy: Drew Doughty
Vezina Trophy: Pekka Rinne
Calder Trophy: Ryan Nugent Hopkins or Mark Scheifle
Jack Adams Trophy: Lindy Ruff
Surprise Team: St. Louis Blues
Flop Team: New Jersey Devils
First Coach fired: Brent Sutter, Calgary
I know you are all laughing and giggling. What do you think????
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Thank Goodness....
For what you ask? The NFL season is underway, the MLB Play - off's are in full swing and the night after tomorrow sees the NHL drop the puck on another season. While I look forward to these each and every fall, there is one reason in particular which makes the arrival of these sporting events that much more welcomed by me and my household....the Roughriders.
I am sure you all watched the last two performances...and well, what can one say? They have looked absolutely horrible and I don't think I would be out of line in saying that at this very moment, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are the worst football team on the planet. What reasons have they given us the last two weeks to think that a berth in the play - off's is even a possibility? For that matter, why are we to think things will improve for next season? The only way I see things improving for 2012 is by blowing this team up...top to bottom I don't see more than a handful of players who are a sure thing to be on the opening day roster next July.
Coaching first...I was one of the biggest proponents of the firing of Greg Marshall and Doug Berry. While I was really only calling for Berry's job, getting rid of Marshall didn't bother me. Why...because it meant the return of Ken Miller. The same Ken Miller who seemed to have a way to inspire these guys...the same Ken Miller who took us to the last two Grey Cups, and gosh darnit, with a break here and a break there, it could be Ken Miller, HC of the two time defending champs.
And you know what, the first two weeks with Mr. Miller at the helm we were a different football team. We played with zeal and a passion for the game. They were fun to watch again. I was proud to wear my green and looked forward to the drive from Pelly, SK to Mosaic. I was excited, Rider Nation was excited, Ken Miller was going to turn the season around, and then.....
You start with the BC beatdown where we looked horrible. More troubling to me than the result though was Miller's anger at the suggestion that his team was flat on that horrible Saturday afternoon in the Saskatchewan sun. Really Ken...myself and 30, 000 others were there (at least until halftime) and if that team wasn't flat, your definition and mine of flat are polar opposites. That was my first inclination that perhaps Miller's best days in football were behind him.
THEN....despite that embarrasement at home, we still had a hope...we just had to play they way we could and we realistically had a fighting chance. We go into Calgary, half the stadium was green with those of use who still had a belief and a hope for the 2011 season. And what happened? We were worse than the week before, we couldn't tackle, or perhaps didn't want to tackle and flat out got hammered. Is Calgary that good? No, not by a long shot...we are just that bad. And notice I used the word are, not were. Troubling again...Darian Durant tells a TV audience in an interview a the Regina Airport upon returning from Calgary, "We are still a great team"...Really, Darian, WTF????Great teams don't get outscored 82 - 8 in back to back weeks with the season on the line! Great teams try to win???? Great teams, well..I could go on and on but you get the point.
I consider myself a pretty loyal fan, through thick and thin, I always believe the Riders are going to win that week. But you know what? For the first time in a real long time, I don't have much hope for this week, next week, or the week after. I don't expect them to win another game this season. In fact, I am not going to make that three hour drive on the 16th of October. Why you ask? Well I will save myself gas money, beer isn't $6 per at my place, and ten hours away from my kids to watch these guys isn't worth it. In addition, they (the players; well most of them) along with the coaches and management haven't done anything in the last two weeks to deserve the time and effort I have faithfully put in to attend home games. What needs to happen is Mosaic needs to be a ghost town that Sunday as well as on the 29th when Hamilton is in town. Then and only then will the entire organization from the top down realize that this isn't acceptable. Things HAVE to change.
You can call me a part time fan, you can call me a band wagon jumper, you can call me Donna or whatever you want. I don't care....I know I am still a fan, and yes I hope they win, and I will be there full of enthusiasm and optimism next season when we kick things off again. However, I can not justify time, effort and spending hard earned money to watch a team who has quit on themselves, their coaches, but most importantly a team who has quit on the greatest fan base in the world; those of us who pay to be a part of the Rider experience. We aren't making money to be a part of this like Ken Miller, Brendan Taman and Darian Durant are to name a few...we are taking money out of our pockets to watch this? I don't spend money on stale beer and moldy bread so why would I spend anymore on this team this season.
I was going to go off to talk about how great the play - off's have been to watch the past five days, and I was going to talk about the wonderful Sunday's the NFL has provided with their parity and closely contested games. I was going to get myself and you the reader excited about the NHL season, and the optimism I feel as an Oiler fan. HOWEVER, writing about the Riders has just pissed me off to the point I don't think I would give these great sports the respect and justice they deserve.
I think I am safe in saying I am not the only Rider fan who is beyond frustrated with this club. Keep Weston Dressler, Craig Butler, James Patrick, Brandon West, Cole Berquist, Jerrel Freeman and Chris Milo...as for the rest of you, coaches and players both....you better do a much better job the rest of the way to prove you deserve to be a part of the proud tradition that has been and will continue to be RiderNation...unfortunatley I don't think we will see much pride until 2012.
I am sure you all watched the last two performances...and well, what can one say? They have looked absolutely horrible and I don't think I would be out of line in saying that at this very moment, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are the worst football team on the planet. What reasons have they given us the last two weeks to think that a berth in the play - off's is even a possibility? For that matter, why are we to think things will improve for next season? The only way I see things improving for 2012 is by blowing this team up...top to bottom I don't see more than a handful of players who are a sure thing to be on the opening day roster next July.
Coaching first...I was one of the biggest proponents of the firing of Greg Marshall and Doug Berry. While I was really only calling for Berry's job, getting rid of Marshall didn't bother me. Why...because it meant the return of Ken Miller. The same Ken Miller who seemed to have a way to inspire these guys...the same Ken Miller who took us to the last two Grey Cups, and gosh darnit, with a break here and a break there, it could be Ken Miller, HC of the two time defending champs.
And you know what, the first two weeks with Mr. Miller at the helm we were a different football team. We played with zeal and a passion for the game. They were fun to watch again. I was proud to wear my green and looked forward to the drive from Pelly, SK to Mosaic. I was excited, Rider Nation was excited, Ken Miller was going to turn the season around, and then.....
You start with the BC beatdown where we looked horrible. More troubling to me than the result though was Miller's anger at the suggestion that his team was flat on that horrible Saturday afternoon in the Saskatchewan sun. Really Ken...myself and 30, 000 others were there (at least until halftime) and if that team wasn't flat, your definition and mine of flat are polar opposites. That was my first inclination that perhaps Miller's best days in football were behind him.
THEN....despite that embarrasement at home, we still had a hope...we just had to play they way we could and we realistically had a fighting chance. We go into Calgary, half the stadium was green with those of use who still had a belief and a hope for the 2011 season. And what happened? We were worse than the week before, we couldn't tackle, or perhaps didn't want to tackle and flat out got hammered. Is Calgary that good? No, not by a long shot...we are just that bad. And notice I used the word are, not were. Troubling again...Darian Durant tells a TV audience in an interview a the Regina Airport upon returning from Calgary, "We are still a great team"...Really, Darian, WTF????Great teams don't get outscored 82 - 8 in back to back weeks with the season on the line! Great teams try to win???? Great teams, well..I could go on and on but you get the point.
I consider myself a pretty loyal fan, through thick and thin, I always believe the Riders are going to win that week. But you know what? For the first time in a real long time, I don't have much hope for this week, next week, or the week after. I don't expect them to win another game this season. In fact, I am not going to make that three hour drive on the 16th of October. Why you ask? Well I will save myself gas money, beer isn't $6 per at my place, and ten hours away from my kids to watch these guys isn't worth it. In addition, they (the players; well most of them) along with the coaches and management haven't done anything in the last two weeks to deserve the time and effort I have faithfully put in to attend home games. What needs to happen is Mosaic needs to be a ghost town that Sunday as well as on the 29th when Hamilton is in town. Then and only then will the entire organization from the top down realize that this isn't acceptable. Things HAVE to change.
You can call me a part time fan, you can call me a band wagon jumper, you can call me Donna or whatever you want. I don't care....I know I am still a fan, and yes I hope they win, and I will be there full of enthusiasm and optimism next season when we kick things off again. However, I can not justify time, effort and spending hard earned money to watch a team who has quit on themselves, their coaches, but most importantly a team who has quit on the greatest fan base in the world; those of us who pay to be a part of the Rider experience. We aren't making money to be a part of this like Ken Miller, Brendan Taman and Darian Durant are to name a few...we are taking money out of our pockets to watch this? I don't spend money on stale beer and moldy bread so why would I spend anymore on this team this season.
I was going to go off to talk about how great the play - off's have been to watch the past five days, and I was going to talk about the wonderful Sunday's the NFL has provided with their parity and closely contested games. I was going to get myself and you the reader excited about the NHL season, and the optimism I feel as an Oiler fan. HOWEVER, writing about the Riders has just pissed me off to the point I don't think I would give these great sports the respect and justice they deserve.
I think I am safe in saying I am not the only Rider fan who is beyond frustrated with this club. Keep Weston Dressler, Craig Butler, James Patrick, Brandon West, Cole Berquist, Jerrel Freeman and Chris Milo...as for the rest of you, coaches and players both....you better do a much better job the rest of the way to prove you deserve to be a part of the proud tradition that has been and will continue to be RiderNation...unfortunatley I don't think we will see much pride until 2012.
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