2009-09-20
2009-09-18
Chiming In on Phil Kessel
As everyone's already told you, Philip Joseph Kessel, Jr. is now a Toronto Maple Leaf, with the Boston Bruins receiving the Leafs' first- and second-round draft picks in 2010 and their first-rounder in 2011 as a fee. And there are a whole lot of people out there who believe that Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli made off like a bandit, while Leafs GM Brian Burke got hosed. Well, I don't think that's true, and here's why.
On Maple Leafs Hot Stove, Alex Tran wrote a well-thought-out piece on the value of a high first-round draft pick, and why Kessel is more valuable than two of them. Now, I do disagree with parts of his logic - he reasons that there is roughly a 5% chance of taking two players better than Kessel with two top-ten draft picks, but I don't think you would necessarily need two better players, as long as you get two very good players (ie. top-6 forwards) to make it worthwhile. But his point is well taken, and I was impressed by the time he spent devising his formula.
The key thing to remember, though, is that the picks Alex uses as examples are top-ten draft picks. In the last two years, Toronto has made two such selections: Luke Schenn (#5 in 2008) and Nazem Kadri (#7 in 2009). But what are the chances that Toronto selects in the top ten this year? If they make the playoffs, they won't even go in the top 14. Now, serviceable players are certainly still selected that late in the first round, but other than late-round diamonds in the rough, the game-breakers are gone by that point. And Phil Kessel - a #5 pick himself - is a game breaker. Leafs fans can look at it this way: if Toronto had owned 14th and 16th picks in the 2008 draft, and had the opportunity to deal them (along with your second-rounder) and get Luke Schenn at #5 in return, would you do it? I'm sure you would. That's essentially what happened here, although the draft picks are spread across two years.
Does that mean I think that Chiarelli lost this deal? Not at all. As has been well-documented, there was no way Kessel was returning to Boston, and the Bruins GM was already in a tough position, with salary cap issues to think about; matching an offer sheet would have been nothing but trouble, and he couldn't have traded Kessel for a year afterwards (as per the CBA). Instead, Chiarelli translated a player who wasn't coming back into three very high draft picks, which also allowed him to avoid any cap headaches.
I think this trade was good for both teams involved. And sure, there's nothing hip or edgy about being agreeable on the Internet; as everyone knows, the Internet was invented by ARPA in the 1960s to allow people to ignore common decency and verbally bludgeon each other on a daily basis. But come on, can't we just all be winners? Because the Bruins, the Leafs and Phil Kessel all are.
On Maple Leafs Hot Stove, Alex Tran wrote a well-thought-out piece on the value of a high first-round draft pick, and why Kessel is more valuable than two of them. Now, I do disagree with parts of his logic - he reasons that there is roughly a 5% chance of taking two players better than Kessel with two top-ten draft picks, but I don't think you would necessarily need two better players, as long as you get two very good players (ie. top-6 forwards) to make it worthwhile. But his point is well taken, and I was impressed by the time he spent devising his formula.
The key thing to remember, though, is that the picks Alex uses as examples are top-ten draft picks. In the last two years, Toronto has made two such selections: Luke Schenn (#5 in 2008) and Nazem Kadri (#7 in 2009). But what are the chances that Toronto selects in the top ten this year? If they make the playoffs, they won't even go in the top 14. Now, serviceable players are certainly still selected that late in the first round, but other than late-round diamonds in the rough, the game-breakers are gone by that point. And Phil Kessel - a #5 pick himself - is a game breaker. Leafs fans can look at it this way: if Toronto had owned 14th and 16th picks in the 2008 draft, and had the opportunity to deal them (along with your second-rounder) and get Luke Schenn at #5 in return, would you do it? I'm sure you would. That's essentially what happened here, although the draft picks are spread across two years.
Does that mean I think that Chiarelli lost this deal? Not at all. As has been well-documented, there was no way Kessel was returning to Boston, and the Bruins GM was already in a tough position, with salary cap issues to think about; matching an offer sheet would have been nothing but trouble, and he couldn't have traded Kessel for a year afterwards (as per the CBA). Instead, Chiarelli translated a player who wasn't coming back into three very high draft picks, which also allowed him to avoid any cap headaches.
I think this trade was good for both teams involved. And sure, there's nothing hip or edgy about being agreeable on the Internet; as everyone knows, the Internet was invented by ARPA in the 1960s to allow people to ignore common decency and verbally bludgeon each other on a daily basis. But come on, can't we just all be winners? Because the Bruins, the Leafs and Phil Kessel all are.
Making a Comeback: Theoren Fleury
While Jason Allison is known for being a slow-as-molasses-running-uphill-in-January skater, at the other end of the spectrum is diminutive Flames right-winger Theoren Fleury. At least, he was at the other end of the spectrum in his first NHL go-around.
Like Allison, Fleury has spent a few years away from the NHL game. Unlike Allison, Fleury stayed away at the league's insistence. In 2003, after struggling with alcohol abuse issues, the then-Blackhawk found himself on the outside looking in - a shocking development, considering his hero status in Calgary, where he helped the Flames win the 1989 Stanley Cup.
After his fall from grace, Fleury spent a season playing senior league hockey in Alberta, and another playing pro for the Belfast Giants. For a player of his stature (no pun intended), neither one would be worth including on a resume. Sure, his stats with Belfast were great - 74 points in 34 games (along with 270 minutes in the box) - but let's face it, despite the fact that the Giants play in the Elite Ice Hockey League, there is nothing "elite" about it. Any NHLer who should be capable of holding down a job as a top-nine forward should not be playing in a league where they need to specify that their brand of hockey is played on ice.
Theo Fleury, however, says he has been clean and sober for four years now, and he's been devoting his time to working out and getting back into game shape. The NHL reinstated him into the league, and the Flames deemed him worthy of a training camp invitation. Looks like things have turned around, right?
Well, maybe not. At age 41, Fleury is no spring chicken, and he doesn't have the legs he used to. Do the fans in Calgary still love him? You'd better believe it. In his first exhibition game last night, he scored the shootout winner in front of a euphoric Saddledome crowd, and every fan's voice was certainly hoarse this morning. The rest of his 11 minutes of icetime, however, left something to be desired; his lightning speed wasn't there, his feistiness was lacking, and he took a lazy hooking penalty that led to the Islanders' fourth goal. Coach Brent Sutter's assessment: "I thought he played OK." Not exactly a glowing review, is it?
Now, after the game, Fleury told the media, "It's been a long road. I'm extremely proud of myself." And you know what? He should be. So maybe that's what fans should focus on, whether he makes it back to the NHL or not. He beat his alcoholism, he earned himself a tryout in the best hockey league in the world, and while he may not be the Theo Fleury of 1989, he's still got some game.
Calgary's brass will want to see more of him before they make a final decision on whether to keep him around, but if he does stick, it's hard to know who will be happier: Fleury, or his legions of fans.
Like Allison, Fleury has spent a few years away from the NHL game. Unlike Allison, Fleury stayed away at the league's insistence. In 2003, after struggling with alcohol abuse issues, the then-Blackhawk found himself on the outside looking in - a shocking development, considering his hero status in Calgary, where he helped the Flames win the 1989 Stanley Cup.
After his fall from grace, Fleury spent a season playing senior league hockey in Alberta, and another playing pro for the Belfast Giants. For a player of his stature (no pun intended), neither one would be worth including on a resume. Sure, his stats with Belfast were great - 74 points in 34 games (along with 270 minutes in the box) - but let's face it, despite the fact that the Giants play in the Elite Ice Hockey League, there is nothing "elite" about it. Any NHLer who should be capable of holding down a job as a top-nine forward should not be playing in a league where they need to specify that their brand of hockey is played on ice.
Theo Fleury, however, says he has been clean and sober for four years now, and he's been devoting his time to working out and getting back into game shape. The NHL reinstated him into the league, and the Flames deemed him worthy of a training camp invitation. Looks like things have turned around, right?
Well, maybe not. At age 41, Fleury is no spring chicken, and he doesn't have the legs he used to. Do the fans in Calgary still love him? You'd better believe it. In his first exhibition game last night, he scored the shootout winner in front of a euphoric Saddledome crowd, and every fan's voice was certainly hoarse this morning. The rest of his 11 minutes of icetime, however, left something to be desired; his lightning speed wasn't there, his feistiness was lacking, and he took a lazy hooking penalty that led to the Islanders' fourth goal. Coach Brent Sutter's assessment: "I thought he played OK." Not exactly a glowing review, is it?
Now, after the game, Fleury told the media, "It's been a long road. I'm extremely proud of myself." And you know what? He should be. So maybe that's what fans should focus on, whether he makes it back to the NHL or not. He beat his alcoholism, he earned himself a tryout in the best hockey league in the world, and while he may not be the Theo Fleury of 1989, he's still got some game.
Calgary's brass will want to see more of him before they make a final decision on whether to keep him around, but if he does stick, it's hard to know who will be happier: Fleury, or his legions of fans.
2009-09-17
Making a Comeback: Jason Allison
I'm not the only one getting back to business: Jason Allison, in case you haven't heard, was invited to training camp by the Toronto Maple Leafs. This was a bit of a surprising move on Brian Burke's part, given how deadset he is on acquiring players with heart. Allison has taken the last three years off from the game; when John Ferguson, Jr. opted not to re-sign him, the slow-footed-but-smooth-passing centre decided to spend some time with his family. Now, while there is of course nothing wrong with wanting to spend time with one's wife and kids - especially when your job keeps you on the road so much - it does raise the question of whether his commitment to hockey has waned a little too far.
In 2005-06, Allison's lone year with the Leafs, he chipped in 60 points in an injury-shortened 66-game season, so there's solid evidence that he can help out in the offensive zone. At the same time, however, his plus/minus rating was an abysmal -18. With many players, one could simply hope that Leafs coach Ron Wilson would work on the guy's defence, but Allison might be a lost cause. Why? Well, in order to play defence, a forward has to skate back to his own zone. When Jason Allison takes it upon himself to high-tail it back to his own zone, though, you just hope that he gets there by next Tuesday.
Okay, maybe that was a little harsh. But here's a fact: in the Leafs' first pre-season game of 2009, a 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night, Jason Allison was dropped to last-line duty midway through the game. The word "ineffective" doesn't describe the game he had; Allison was a defensive liability in the offensive zone, coughing up the puck multiple times - much as he did everywhere else on the ice. His trademark passing just wasn't there, and he certainly didn't try to overcome his lack of footspeed with a swell of effort - often he would simply take a stride or two and then coast, seemingly stuck in neutral. Simply put, he's not showing the giddyup or the skill that Ron Wilson and Brian Burke want to see in their top 6 forwards.
Jason Allison, if you really do want to make the most of this try-out opportunity and make the Leafs - or even the Marlies - it's time to put some heart in it.
In 2005-06, Allison's lone year with the Leafs, he chipped in 60 points in an injury-shortened 66-game season, so there's solid evidence that he can help out in the offensive zone. At the same time, however, his plus/minus rating was an abysmal -18. With many players, one could simply hope that Leafs coach Ron Wilson would work on the guy's defence, but Allison might be a lost cause. Why? Well, in order to play defence, a forward has to skate back to his own zone. When Jason Allison takes it upon himself to high-tail it back to his own zone, though, you just hope that he gets there by next Tuesday.
Okay, maybe that was a little harsh. But here's a fact: in the Leafs' first pre-season game of 2009, a 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night, Jason Allison was dropped to last-line duty midway through the game. The word "ineffective" doesn't describe the game he had; Allison was a defensive liability in the offensive zone, coughing up the puck multiple times - much as he did everywhere else on the ice. His trademark passing just wasn't there, and he certainly didn't try to overcome his lack of footspeed with a swell of effort - often he would simply take a stride or two and then coast, seemingly stuck in neutral. Simply put, he's not showing the giddyup or the skill that Ron Wilson and Brian Burke want to see in their top 6 forwards.
Jason Allison, if you really do want to make the most of this try-out opportunity and make the Leafs - or even the Marlies - it's time to put some heart in it.
Making a Comeback
Maybe you've seen this blog before. Perhaps you're reading it for the first time. Either way, I have to apologize: I've been taking some time off. Almost three years, in fact. Oh, it wasn't the stress of the workload, or the lack of things to post about; it was simply that other things were happening, and it's hard to stay up-to-date on hockey when you're in Australia. But I did what I could.
Either way, welcome! What you'll read at The Good Old Hockey Game is exactly what the name implies: commentary on hockey, hockey and more hockey. If you agree with my thoughts, let me know. If you think I've been wearing my helmet too tight, tell me about that too. Either way, I'll try to be as entertaining and insightful as I possibly can.
Enjoy. Again.
Either way, welcome! What you'll read at The Good Old Hockey Game is exactly what the name implies: commentary on hockey, hockey and more hockey. If you agree with my thoughts, let me know. If you think I've been wearing my helmet too tight, tell me about that too. Either way, I'll try to be as entertaining and insightful as I possibly can.
Enjoy. Again.
2006-06-25
The 2006 NHL Entry Draft held no real surprises for anyone. The consensus top five players were taken with the top five picks, and things continued in a rather ho-hum fashion. At least, it did if you don't count the big deals that went down...
The day before the draft, the Panthers dealt Roberto Luongo, Lukas Krajicek and a pick to Vancouver for Todd Bertuzzi, Alex Auld and Bryan Allen. Now, obviously this trade didn't make headlines because Krajicek was involved, as both Bertuzzi and Luongo have been expected to move for some time now. Luongo could make the Canucks a legitimate contender - more so than since 1994 - and Bertuzzi goes to a new city where he can possibly leave the Steve Moore issue behind him. The one thing that was unexpected about the deal was that Roberto Luongo was under the impression that the Panthers were ready to sign him to a long-term contract that he liked, and he was ready to accept. Needless to say, that won't help Florida's PR, but Luongo should thrive in an actual hockey market.
Calgary picked up Alex Tanguay from Colorado for defenceman Jordan Leopold and a couple picks - an amazing deal for them. They're deep on defence, so no worries in giving up Leopold, and a line with Tanguay and Iginla could be centred by an orangutan - they're still going to score. (I'm not going to lie to you; those two guys are my first-line wingers in NHL 06 - and if that doesn't seal the deal, I don't know what does.)
Toronto grabbed former Rookie of the Year Andrew Raycroft from the Boston Bruins for goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask, who was expendable because of Justin Pogge's presence. In Raycroft, Toronto gets a player coming off an atrocious year, but he's young, and will bounce back. He's also cheap at $1.35M this season, especially compared to the salaries other number-one netminders would have commanded. This essentially ensures that Ed Belfour will be leaving town either through a buy-out or a trade, and either Mikael Tellqvist or J.S. Aubin will follow (probably the former). In Rask, Toronto gave up a great prospect, but did themselves a favour in not surrendering anyone off their roster. The most unfortunate part: "Tuukka Rask" is really fun to say, and that just won't be happening as often in Toronto now.
The day before the draft, the Panthers dealt Roberto Luongo, Lukas Krajicek and a pick to Vancouver for Todd Bertuzzi, Alex Auld and Bryan Allen. Now, obviously this trade didn't make headlines because Krajicek was involved, as both Bertuzzi and Luongo have been expected to move for some time now. Luongo could make the Canucks a legitimate contender - more so than since 1994 - and Bertuzzi goes to a new city where he can possibly leave the Steve Moore issue behind him. The one thing that was unexpected about the deal was that Roberto Luongo was under the impression that the Panthers were ready to sign him to a long-term contract that he liked, and he was ready to accept. Needless to say, that won't help Florida's PR, but Luongo should thrive in an actual hockey market.
Calgary picked up Alex Tanguay from Colorado for defenceman Jordan Leopold and a couple picks - an amazing deal for them. They're deep on defence, so no worries in giving up Leopold, and a line with Tanguay and Iginla could be centred by an orangutan - they're still going to score. (I'm not going to lie to you; those two guys are my first-line wingers in NHL 06 - and if that doesn't seal the deal, I don't know what does.)
Toronto grabbed former Rookie of the Year Andrew Raycroft from the Boston Bruins for goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask, who was expendable because of Justin Pogge's presence. In Raycroft, Toronto gets a player coming off an atrocious year, but he's young, and will bounce back. He's also cheap at $1.35M this season, especially compared to the salaries other number-one netminders would have commanded. This essentially ensures that Ed Belfour will be leaving town either through a buy-out or a trade, and either Mikael Tellqvist or J.S. Aubin will follow (probably the former). In Rask, Toronto gave up a great prospect, but did themselves a favour in not surrendering anyone off their roster. The most unfortunate part: "Tuukka Rask" is really fun to say, and that just won't be happening as often in Toronto now.
After the Hurricanes took a 4-0 pounding in Game 6, there were really only two possibilities for Game 7: either they were completely out of gas, or they were going to roar back and avenge their wounded egos by putting their names on the Cup. Turns out it was the latter, as Edmonton couldn't get anything going. Fernando Pisani's goal in the opening minutes of the third period brought with it a glimmer of hope, but Carolina shut Edmonton down the rest of the way, as Cam Ward polished off a Conn Smythe-winning playoff performance with just the one goal allowed.
If you're an Edmonton fan, the loss stings even more now that Chris Pronger wants a trade (for personal reasons, is the word on the street), and Mike Peca and Dwayne Roloson are by no means locks to return. Just when it looked like the Oilers could be contenders for a while, this uncertainty has been heaped upon them, and the tragedy is that their fans - the best in the league - don't deserve it. GM Kevin Lowe is very skilled at his trade, however, and will get back some value in whatever deal he makes for Pronger (and make no mistake, teams are lining up for the defenceman, who is a steal at $6.25 million per season).
As horrible as the Cup loss was for the Oilers, though, any hockey fan couldn't help but feel happy for Rod Brind'Amour, the gritty 'Canes captain who finally got a chance to raise Lord Stanley's mug. He deserved that victory, and the team around him deserved the recognition that they'll now get as a legitimate NHL power.
If you're an Edmonton fan, the loss stings even more now that Chris Pronger wants a trade (for personal reasons, is the word on the street), and Mike Peca and Dwayne Roloson are by no means locks to return. Just when it looked like the Oilers could be contenders for a while, this uncertainty has been heaped upon them, and the tragedy is that their fans - the best in the league - don't deserve it. GM Kevin Lowe is very skilled at his trade, however, and will get back some value in whatever deal he makes for Pronger (and make no mistake, teams are lining up for the defenceman, who is a steal at $6.25 million per season).
As horrible as the Cup loss was for the Oilers, though, any hockey fan couldn't help but feel happy for Rod Brind'Amour, the gritty 'Canes captain who finally got a chance to raise Lord Stanley's mug. He deserved that victory, and the team around him deserved the recognition that they'll now get as a legitimate NHL power.
2006-06-10
The Oilers lead Game 3 1-0, after the first period has drawn to a close. If Jussi Markkanen can pull out some big saves for Edmonton, they can still win this series, but it's going to be much tougher without Dwayne Roloson around.
As much as I like the Oilers, I think I might love their fans even more. Again tonight, they cheered "The Star Spangled Banner" (though there was a slight smattering of boos to be heard just before the cheering drowned it out), and then sang "O Canada" as loudly as I've ever heard it. Singer Paul Lorieau actually stopped singing into the microphone halfway through, holding it above his head instead so that the crowd would take over. And they did. I got chills, and many of the Oiler players have said they experience the same when their hometown crowd does that. Just a great bunch of hockey fans out there in Edmonton, loyal, spirited, and deserving of a Stanley Cup. Here's hoping.
As much as I like the Oilers, I think I might love their fans even more. Again tonight, they cheered "The Star Spangled Banner" (though there was a slight smattering of boos to be heard just before the cheering drowned it out), and then sang "O Canada" as loudly as I've ever heard it. Singer Paul Lorieau actually stopped singing into the microphone halfway through, holding it above his head instead so that the crowd would take over. And they did. I got chills, and many of the Oiler players have said they experience the same when their hometown crowd does that. Just a great bunch of hockey fans out there in Edmonton, loyal, spirited, and deserving of a Stanley Cup. Here's hoping.
2006-06-04
To be giving away contracts like this, we must be craaaaazy!!
Hoo boy. The Tampa Bay Lightning are doing their damndest to ruin the NHL's pay structure. Again.
Brad Richards' new deal - $7.8M/year for 5 years - makes him the league's second-highest-paid player. And he's definitely not the second-best player in the NHL. Sure, Richards is consistent, can put up points, and is a natural leader, but an elite scorer he is not, and he doesn't deserve close to this amount of money, especially when there's a salary cap around. This is going to really mess things up elsewhere around the NHL; Bryan McCabe was signed to a 5-year, $29 million deal (apparently the Leafs' brass got a hold of whatever Tampa GM Jay Feaster had been smoking), which is more money than he deserves as well. That's $5.8M per season, kids - his defensive partner Tomas Kaberle, who is arguably a better D-man, will earn almost $1.6 million less per year. Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara are also reportedly looking for $7.8M per season, making it impossible for the Senators to sign both; it's possible that even signing one of the two could be out of reach. So Ottawa fans, thank the Lightning for that.
Back to the playoffs, how 'bout those Oilers? And those 'Canes? Should be an entertaining Cup Final...at least, for the people who care. The bulk of North Carolina (outside Raleigh, anyway) will be watching basketball, baseball or soccer, but you can bet that everyone in Edmonton will be paying close attention. So here's my prediction:
STANLEY CUP FINAL
Edmonton vs Carolina - Edmonton in 6
-The long layoff might hurt the Oilers at first, but I'm confident they'll bounce back. In all likelihood, it will come down to special teams, which will pit Carolina's juggernaut of a power play against Edmonton's masterful penalty killing. As much as I like Edmonton, though, I wouldn't mind seeing Rod Brind'Amour win himself a Cup...we'll see what happens.
Also, not to gloat, but just let me point out that I've had some pretty damn good predictions so far...I hope somebody's winning money on these; it'd be a shame not to. I'm particularly proud of myself for beating all of TSN's analysts - even their monkey.
This isn't me getting cocky; I realize that I could easily lose this round, but I'm still 10-4 going into the finals. By the way, I've just read your future in the stars...opportunity will knock tomorrow, but don't let old feelings get in the way of your goals; also, watch out for your death, which will be caused by - sorry, an airplane's in the way of the rest. It's probably not important.
Brad Richards' new deal - $7.8M/year for 5 years - makes him the league's second-highest-paid player. And he's definitely not the second-best player in the NHL. Sure, Richards is consistent, can put up points, and is a natural leader, but an elite scorer he is not, and he doesn't deserve close to this amount of money, especially when there's a salary cap around. This is going to really mess things up elsewhere around the NHL; Bryan McCabe was signed to a 5-year, $29 million deal (apparently the Leafs' brass got a hold of whatever Tampa GM Jay Feaster had been smoking), which is more money than he deserves as well. That's $5.8M per season, kids - his defensive partner Tomas Kaberle, who is arguably a better D-man, will earn almost $1.6 million less per year. Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara are also reportedly looking for $7.8M per season, making it impossible for the Senators to sign both; it's possible that even signing one of the two could be out of reach. So Ottawa fans, thank the Lightning for that.
Back to the playoffs, how 'bout those Oilers? And those 'Canes? Should be an entertaining Cup Final...at least, for the people who care. The bulk of North Carolina (outside Raleigh, anyway) will be watching basketball, baseball or soccer, but you can bet that everyone in Edmonton will be paying close attention. So here's my prediction:
STANLEY CUP FINAL
Edmonton vs Carolina - Edmonton in 6
-The long layoff might hurt the Oilers at first, but I'm confident they'll bounce back. In all likelihood, it will come down to special teams, which will pit Carolina's juggernaut of a power play against Edmonton's masterful penalty killing. As much as I like Edmonton, though, I wouldn't mind seeing Rod Brind'Amour win himself a Cup...we'll see what happens.
Also, not to gloat, but just let me point out that I've had some pretty damn good predictions so far...I hope somebody's winning money on these; it'd be a shame not to. I'm particularly proud of myself for beating all of TSN's analysts - even their monkey.
This isn't me getting cocky; I realize that I could easily lose this round, but I'm still 10-4 going into the finals. By the way, I've just read your future in the stars...opportunity will knock tomorrow, but don't let old feelings get in the way of your goals; also, watch out for your death, which will be caused by - sorry, an airplane's in the way of the rest. It's probably not important.
2006-05-22
Just some assorted ruminations:
Now that the NHL playoffs are down to two series, Jim Hughson is no longer calling the games, and that's too bad. In Canada, CBC is using their usual team of Bob Cole and Harry Neale, and TSN has moved back to Gord Miller and Pierre McGuire, as Chris Cuthbert's services will no longer be necessary for The Sports Network this season. Now, I do enjoy listening to Gord Miller, but Pierre McGuire makes me want to beat my head off things; on the CBC side, I used to love hearing Bob Cole every Saturday night, but bless his heart, he just doesn't have it anymore. Miller and Neale would be a decent tandem, but that just won't happen. This is rather inconsequential in terms of the game of hockey itself; it just irks me that I need to tune out half of the commentary in order to keep my sanity.
Update (2006-05-24): It turns out that CBC is indeed carrying some of the Eastern Conference Final, so the duo of Hughson and Greg Millen is still getting some work.
At the World Championships in Riga, Latvia, Canada skated to another fourth-place finish. Is it just me, or are Canadian men just not fans of bronze-medal games? They were slaughtered 5-0 by the Finns, and if you'll remember all the way back to 1998 in Nagano, they put in another lacklustre performance - again, against Finland. Now, maybe these seem like very separate occurrences, or maybe you could even say that Team Finland really shows up to battle for that third spot, but it seems like after the Canadians are out of gold medal contention, they always roll over and die. Just my two cents.
Back to the NHL, it's really been a strange second season so far, one made possible by the salary cap. Rather than the usual formula of at least one top team in the Cup finals, it's entirely possible that there could be two Cinderellas at the ball. Sure, the Hurricanes played a very good season and finished second in the Eastern Conference, but I'm not sure anyone's ever seen them as a juggernaut. Maybe that's because not many people have ever taken the 'Canes seriously anyway, or because they played 32 of their 82 games against the East's weakest division, but
the bottom line is that none of the remaining four teams were on anybody's list as a surefire Cup bet at the season's beginning. But of those four, my money's on Edmonton. The Oil is on fire, and I'm not sure anyone's going to be able to put it out.
Now that the NHL playoffs are down to two series, Jim Hughson is no longer calling the games, and that's too bad. In Canada, CBC is using their usual team of Bob Cole and Harry Neale, and TSN has moved back to Gord Miller and Pierre McGuire, as Chris Cuthbert's services will no longer be necessary for The Sports Network this season. Now, I do enjoy listening to Gord Miller, but Pierre McGuire makes me want to beat my head off things; on the CBC side, I used to love hearing Bob Cole every Saturday night, but bless his heart, he just doesn't have it anymore. Miller and Neale would be a decent tandem, but that just won't happen. This is rather inconsequential in terms of the game of hockey itself; it just irks me that I need to tune out half of the commentary in order to keep my sanity.
Update (2006-05-24): It turns out that CBC is indeed carrying some of the Eastern Conference Final, so the duo of Hughson and Greg Millen is still getting some work.
At the World Championships in Riga, Latvia, Canada skated to another fourth-place finish. Is it just me, or are Canadian men just not fans of bronze-medal games? They were slaughtered 5-0 by the Finns, and if you'll remember all the way back to 1998 in Nagano, they put in another lacklustre performance - again, against Finland. Now, maybe these seem like very separate occurrences, or maybe you could even say that Team Finland really shows up to battle for that third spot, but it seems like after the Canadians are out of gold medal contention, they always roll over and die. Just my two cents.
Back to the NHL, it's really been a strange second season so far, one made possible by the salary cap. Rather than the usual formula of at least one top team in the Cup finals, it's entirely possible that there could be two Cinderellas at the ball. Sure, the Hurricanes played a very good season and finished second in the Eastern Conference, but I'm not sure anyone's ever seen them as a juggernaut. Maybe that's because not many people have ever taken the 'Canes seriously anyway, or because they played 32 of their 82 games against the East's weakest division, but
the bottom line is that none of the remaining four teams were on anybody's list as a surefire Cup bet at the season's beginning. But of those four, my money's on Edmonton. The Oil is on fire, and I'm not sure anyone's going to be able to put it out.
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