Solid weekend in Vancity… sun, fun and bbq in the air. Nothing quite like kickin’ back on the deck for some meat off the grill and a cold one in the summerlike rays. That said, the world of sports continues spin, even if the Canucks are at a standstill until the Fall…
The puck dropped on Round 3 yesterday in Detroit and the Wings smacked the Hawks 5-2. GET USED TO IT. Chicago is fast, fun, and very talented, but they’re not ready for the Cup yet. I would love to see the Hawks get there – it would be fantastic to watch and Chicago is arguably the best sports city in North America. But the Wings can skate with the Hawks, they’re more responsible defensively and they’re best players get it done at both ends of the ice. Chicago reminds me a lot of Philadelphia last year, which means I could also see them taking a step back next season unless they have a great summer in free agency.
Is anyone buying Bettman’s assertion that he’d rather see the Coyotes back in Winnipeg rather than move to Hamilton if they relocate from Phoenix? Really, Gary? Do you have any stocks in BreX or Enron to sell me while you’re at it? Look, we all know Balsillie is that kid that screws around in class, skips school to go to the beach and still aces every test you hand out. We get that you don’t want to give him the scholarship even though he has the top GPA. But Winnipeg instead of southern Ontario? If it was feasible, I’d say make it happen. Unfortunately, the Peg’s arena is too small which means the ticket prices would have to be high and the chances of getting enough corporate support in that market are questionable at best. Throw in a Canadian dollar that’s well below par and there are too many obstacles for a city that once had a proud NHL tradition. I’m not against getting NHL hockey back in the Peg, but it’s not a better option than southern Ontario at this point.
I know there are a lot of Toronto haters on the left coast, but I am lovin’ the early season run the Blue Jays are on. Grew up on a steady diet of Jays on the tube and it’s been WAY too long since they were legit. I’m guarded with my optimism at this point because they haven’t played the Bo Sox yet, but if we hit June and they’re still cruisin’… I might actually believe that October is a possibility.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Flip Flop, Slap Shot
Like I needed another job, but these days you can often find me chillin' at my wife's new shop down on West 4th and Burrard - Flip Flop Shops. We had the grand opening this past weekend and though it was a long day, it was a cool break from the world of sports that I normally exist in. Don't get me wrong - I'm not quitting my day jobs anytime soon, but it's fairly relaxing to immerse yourself in the world of surf, and and flip flops for awhile.
That all said, what a wild first round of NHL playoffs! From sweeps to suspensions to surprises, there's been no shortage of talkable topics. Here's a few things that have stood out to me so far...
1) Roberto Luongo has been the best player in the NHL playoffs to this point. You can say it's a homer pick if you want, but check the facts. He has the best goals against average and save percentage in the postseason to this point, but most importantly, he has been the difference between wins and losses for the Canucks. His play against the Blues in game four was the type of performance that separates the good players from the great ones. By the end of the series, the Blues might as well been firing pucks at a 4x6 piece of plywood.
2) Who knows whether protocol is actually followed in such situations, but I wonder if Mike Gillis and JP Barry have used this time during the Canucks' layoff to discuss contract extensions for the Sedins. Both sides said they would wait until after the playoffs to talk deal, but no one anticipated more than a week in between games after a sweep in the first round. To me, the Sedins have answered any questions that previously existed about their abilities in crunch time, and there's no way that's been lost on a guy as sharp as Gillis. I wouldn't be surprised if a pact is being talked about even as type this.3) The Columbus Blue Jackets may end up being the most important factor in another Cup run for the Red Wings should the defending champs get back to the big dance. The BJ's lack of scoring was just what the doctor ordered for a struggling Chris Osgood who looked anything but consistent in the month leading up to the playoffs. Osgood isn't out of the woods quite yet after giving up five goals in his last outing, but he looks far more confident than he did in March.
4) Tortorella vs Brooks might be the best rivalry since Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas "the Hitman" Hearns. The Rangers' head coach and the New York writer are already into after Tortorella refused to answer questions about his one game suspension for throwing a water bottle at a fan in Washington. Tortorella likes to dictate the course of conversation with the media, and Brooks is like the little brother who just doesn't know when to stop bugging his older sibling. Their first memorable encounter came a few years ago in the playoffs and it looks as though the two will butt heads for the foreseeable future should Tortorella have a long tenure with the blue shirts.
One NFL note for you as well... THANK YOU AL DAVIS. The Raiders' controversial owner and GM decided to pass on prolific pass catcher Michael Crabtree with the 7th pick in this past weekend's draft, which allowed Crabtree to fall to a certain 49ers squad that I've been known to root for. The best part about this? Davis can watch from the other side of the bay while Crabtree rips it up for the franchise that Raiders' fans have envied for the better part of the last three decades.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
I Smell Playoffs...
It might have been the most boring game of the season, but Canucks' fans couldn't care less. Henrik Sedin's overtime marker tonight sent the Canucks to the top of the Northwest Division, one point up on the floundering Flames. It hasn't gone exactly the way I thought it would, but I feel a lot better about my December blog that called the Canucks the team to beat in the Northwest.
Over the past two months, the Canucks have a record of 20-5-1 on the heels of a Jauary that saw them win just twice in twelve outings. The win all but clinches a playoff spot for the Canucks, which leads me to the following observations...
2) The Captain
He might not be getting the recognition he did in previous years, but Roberto Luongo looks to be in playoff form. He's won 19 of his last 24 starts and has goals against of 2.19 during that stretch. As well as the offense is playing compared to Luongo's previous seasons in Vancouver, he is still the key to success in the postseason. He doesn't have to win playoff games by himself this year, but if he is playing up to his potential, the Canucks have a goaltending advantage over every single playoff team in the Western Conference.
3) The Third Line
Kyle Wellwood, Steve Bernier and Mason Raymond (for the most part) were supposed to be a defensive liability - they've been anything but. The trio has held it's own when opposing coaches get their top offensive players out against them. No one is confusing them for the Red Wings' grind line of Draper, Maltby and McCarty, but they haven't been pushed around the way that many anticipated. The "BMW line", as it's been called, doesn't have to be a shutdown line so long as it isn't a "light up" line for the opposition.
Training Update:
I'm three months into my Ironman training and still no injuries! Hard to say exactly where I'm at, but I have made some decent progress in the cycling and swimming departments. This week's a recovery/evaluation week for me with the crew at Innovative Fitness, but next week I get back at it big time. Powerbar is keeping me fueled and Dr. Gerry Ramogida is keeping me healthy. However, the main motivation behind this endeavor is raising money for cancer research. If you're interested, check out my page at BC Cancer:
http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1250&pxfid=5090
One more thing:
My pal Willie Cromack is involved in a fundraiser for Cyclebetes this weekend. The goal is to raise money for Juvenille Diabetes and Willie is putting his reputation and body on the line for the cause: Willie is willing to cycle on a spinner for 24 hours straight if a company or individual will sponsor him.
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW TOUGH IT IS TO SPIN FOR 24 CONSECUTIVE HOURS?
The cost: $2400 ($100 per hour) and he will wear advertising, do interviews and extoll the virtues of your business in exchange for the sponsorship. FOr more info and to get involved in a great cause, follow this link:
http://www.cyclebetes.com/ or give Willie a call at 604-808-8547
Over the past two months, the Canucks have a record of 20-5-1 on the heels of a Jauary that saw them win just twice in twelve outings. The win all but clinches a playoff spot for the Canucks, which leads me to the following observations...
1) The Matchup
Too many Vancouver fans are caught up in whether Chicago is a better opponent than Columbus in the postseason. Did you not see the numbers I just posted? If those aren't good enough, then how about the 11 straight wins at home? It's not as though the Canucks are without flaws, but at this point, the only way you care about who the Canucks face in the opening round is if you would consider one playoff round a success. Based on preseason expectations, that result would be acceptable, but I'm thinking Canucks fans shouldn't be settling for the second round. I'm not saying a Stanley Cup awaits, but this team is playing well enough that fans should have some confidence in this group. If it were me, I'd be more concerned with keeping this team rolling and healthy.2) The Captain
He might not be getting the recognition he did in previous years, but Roberto Luongo looks to be in playoff form. He's won 19 of his last 24 starts and has goals against of 2.19 during that stretch. As well as the offense is playing compared to Luongo's previous seasons in Vancouver, he is still the key to success in the postseason. He doesn't have to win playoff games by himself this year, but if he is playing up to his potential, the Canucks have a goaltending advantage over every single playoff team in the Western Conference.
3) The Third Line
Kyle Wellwood, Steve Bernier and Mason Raymond (for the most part) were supposed to be a defensive liability - they've been anything but. The trio has held it's own when opposing coaches get their top offensive players out against them. No one is confusing them for the Red Wings' grind line of Draper, Maltby and McCarty, but they haven't been pushed around the way that many anticipated. The "BMW line", as it's been called, doesn't have to be a shutdown line so long as it isn't a "light up" line for the opposition.
Training Update:
I'm three months into my Ironman training and still no injuries! Hard to say exactly where I'm at, but I have made some decent progress in the cycling and swimming departments. This week's a recovery/evaluation week for me with the crew at Innovative Fitness, but next week I get back at it big time. Powerbar is keeping me fueled and Dr. Gerry Ramogida is keeping me healthy. However, the main motivation behind this endeavor is raising money for cancer research. If you're interested, check out my page at BC Cancer:
http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1250&pxfid=5090
One more thing:
My pal Willie Cromack is involved in a fundraiser for Cyclebetes this weekend. The goal is to raise money for Juvenille Diabetes and Willie is putting his reputation and body on the line for the cause: Willie is willing to cycle on a spinner for 24 hours straight if a company or individual will sponsor him.
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW TOUGH IT IS TO SPIN FOR 24 CONSECUTIVE HOURS?
The cost: $2400 ($100 per hour) and he will wear advertising, do interviews and extoll the virtues of your business in exchange for the sponsorship. FOr more info and to get involved in a great cause, follow this link:
http://www.cyclebetes.com/ or give Willie a call at 604-808-8547
Monday, February 23, 2009
Rockin', Rollin' and Ridin'
Watched the Oscars for the first time in years - I usually just catch the highlights - and Ben Stiller was hilarious. His reprisal of Joaquin Phoenix's bizarre appearance on Letterman was massive. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself and favour and YouTube both interviews. Guaranteed laughter.
As for the weekend in sports, Mats Sundin's return to Toronto went the way everything is going for the Canucks these days - perfect. The Leafs, the crowd and in the end, Sundin himself played their roles to perfection. His shootout winner on the 10th anniversary of the ACC will go down as one of the unforgettable moments in his Hall of Fame career.
In a complete contrast from Januray, the Canucks can do nothing wrong thus far this month. Even when they don't play well for the bulk of the game (like in Toronto), they find a way to pick up a win. Even when Roberto Luongo allows a soft goal by his standards (like in Calgary), he shuts the door the rest of the way and backstops the Canucks to victory. And even when one of the top two lines isn't going, the other seems to carry the mail for the night.
The big question right now is... what do the Canucks do at the deadline? Mike Gillis has repeatedly stated that he's already made his big move by getting Sundin; it's his way of taking a preemptive strike against the inevitable "when are the Canucks going to make a move?" question that surfaces at this time each year. On one hand, the Canucks could use a defenseman to bolster what has been an inconsistent powerplay or an all-around forward that provides equal parts scoring and size. However, this organization isn't currently deep enough to trade away high draft picks or one of the few prospects it has in order to get a rental player. If prices are high to get the likes of Keith Tkachuk, don't expect much - if anything - to happen in the next nine days unless Vancouver deals for a player they can sign going forward.
IRONMAN UPDATE
Some exciting news in my quest to conquer this summer's Ironman Canada in an effort to raise money to fight cancer. A donation page has been created and the link is now posted on the right hand side of this blog. And I've got a big donation to kick things off!
The Vancouver Giants invited me and other media types to gather as many loonies as we could in one minute on the ice last Friday. All money I grabbed was then doubled and will be donated to teh BC Cancer Agency. I WAS ABLE TO GATHER THE MOST MONEY - $645 - WHICH MEANS $1290 IS GOING TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER!!!
Sponsors are also beginning to jump on board; Powerbar is going to support this endeavour and we're just working out the details as to how that will happen. I'll be posting a training log on the Powerbar website in the near future. Until then, I'll be training my assets off as gameday is only six months away.
As for the weekend in sports, Mats Sundin's return to Toronto went the way everything is going for the Canucks these days - perfect. The Leafs, the crowd and in the end, Sundin himself played their roles to perfection. His shootout winner on the 10th anniversary of the ACC will go down as one of the unforgettable moments in his Hall of Fame career.
In a complete contrast from Januray, the Canucks can do nothing wrong thus far this month. Even when they don't play well for the bulk of the game (like in Toronto), they find a way to pick up a win. Even when Roberto Luongo allows a soft goal by his standards (like in Calgary), he shuts the door the rest of the way and backstops the Canucks to victory. And even when one of the top two lines isn't going, the other seems to carry the mail for the night.
The big question right now is... what do the Canucks do at the deadline? Mike Gillis has repeatedly stated that he's already made his big move by getting Sundin; it's his way of taking a preemptive strike against the inevitable "when are the Canucks going to make a move?" question that surfaces at this time each year. On one hand, the Canucks could use a defenseman to bolster what has been an inconsistent powerplay or an all-around forward that provides equal parts scoring and size. However, this organization isn't currently deep enough to trade away high draft picks or one of the few prospects it has in order to get a rental player. If prices are high to get the likes of Keith Tkachuk, don't expect much - if anything - to happen in the next nine days unless Vancouver deals for a player they can sign going forward.
IRONMAN UPDATE
Some exciting news in my quest to conquer this summer's Ironman Canada in an effort to raise money to fight cancer. A donation page has been created and the link is now posted on the right hand side of this blog. And I've got a big donation to kick things off!
The Vancouver Giants invited me and other media types to gather as many loonies as we could in one minute on the ice last Friday. All money I grabbed was then doubled and will be donated to teh BC Cancer Agency. I WAS ABLE TO GATHER THE MOST MONEY - $645 - WHICH MEANS $1290 IS GOING TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER!!!
Sponsors are also beginning to jump on board; Powerbar is going to support this endeavour and we're just working out the details as to how that will happen. I'll be posting a training log on the Powerbar website in the near future. Until then, I'll be training my assets off as gameday is only six months away.
Monday, February 16, 2009
And So It Begins... IRONMAN!
You may have been listening this morning when I made the announcement on the air - I am trainging for Ironman Canada. This is easily the most daunting physical challenge I have ever attempted, but there's a very good reason for it.
Like many of you, my life has been significantly affected by cancer in recent years. If you've been in the BC Cancer Agency or similar treatment facilities, you know that there are so many people that need help in battling this disease.
After watching these people confront the challenge of their lives, it has inspired me to challenge myself. I will train to swim 3.8km, cycle 180km and run 42km on August 30th in an effort to raise money for cancer treatment.
In the next couple of days, I will have more information for you. There will be a link to a donation page should you choose to support this cause, and there are some exciting announcements on the horizon with regards to some corporate sponsorships.
Stay tuned!
Monday, February 02, 2009
Fun in the Sun
Jetted down to California for the weekend to hang out with my wife while she undergoes some training for her new job. I love Canada, but you can't beat the sunshine after so many days of cold in the Great White North.
Couple of things for you as I post this from poolside down in Irvine:
Super Bowl
Great finish to what was shaping up as a lackluster game. Kurt Warner will be haunted by James Harrison in his dreams for years to come; the Cardinals could very easily be gripping the Lombardi trophy today if not for what will go down as one of the biggest defensive plays in the history of the Super Bowl. I thought a couple of the calls during the game were borderline at best (roughing the passer for a little push in the back on a qb as big as Roethlisberger?!?), but I'm glad the Steelers had to make a big play to win it. That grab by Holmes was unreal, and it was worthy of the game that it won.
Commercials
I was a big fan of the Pepsi Max ad where guys were getting hit in the head with golf clubs and being electocuted only to respond "I'm good." I also enjoyed the E-trade commercials with the babies that talk like adults -"Shankopotamous" is entrenched in my vocabulary now. That said, the freaky Conan O'Brien Bud Light ad was outstanding, and I'm going with that as my favorite. I know Doritos won the popular vote, but Conan made me howl with that Swedish commercial spoof. If you missed the Super Bowl ads, go to www.hulu.com and check them out.
Cranky Canucks
Shane O'Brien sounded off after practice today. Apparently he is none too pleased with his role as a healthy scrtach for back-to-back games. Alain Vigneault says he needs O'Brien to cut down on the needless penalties he's been taking. That's reasonable, but O'Brien has a case for himself too - he was +7 in the atrocity known as January in which the Canucks won two of twelve games. Mattias Ohlund was -10 during the same stretch and Kevin Bieksa was -8. Vigneault can sit whomever he wants, but he'd better hope the beaking by O'Brien is just an isolated incident. If more players start voicing their displeaure with their individual roles, start planning tee times. This team has NO chance of winning if they all start worrying about their personal agendas.
Couple of things for you as I post this from poolside down in Irvine:
Super Bowl
Great finish to what was shaping up as a lackluster game. Kurt Warner will be haunted by James Harrison in his dreams for years to come; the Cardinals could very easily be gripping the Lombardi trophy today if not for what will go down as one of the biggest defensive plays in the history of the Super Bowl. I thought a couple of the calls during the game were borderline at best (roughing the passer for a little push in the back on a qb as big as Roethlisberger?!?), but I'm glad the Steelers had to make a big play to win it. That grab by Holmes was unreal, and it was worthy of the game that it won.
Commercials
I was a big fan of the Pepsi Max ad where guys were getting hit in the head with golf clubs and being electocuted only to respond "I'm good." I also enjoyed the E-trade commercials with the babies that talk like adults -"Shankopotamous" is entrenched in my vocabulary now. That said, the freaky Conan O'Brien Bud Light ad was outstanding, and I'm going with that as my favorite. I know Doritos won the popular vote, but Conan made me howl with that Swedish commercial spoof. If you missed the Super Bowl ads, go to www.hulu.com and check them out.
Cranky Canucks
Shane O'Brien sounded off after practice today. Apparently he is none too pleased with his role as a healthy scrtach for back-to-back games. Alain Vigneault says he needs O'Brien to cut down on the needless penalties he's been taking. That's reasonable, but O'Brien has a case for himself too - he was +7 in the atrocity known as January in which the Canucks won two of twelve games. Mattias Ohlund was -10 during the same stretch and Kevin Bieksa was -8. Vigneault can sit whomever he wants, but he'd better hope the beaking by O'Brien is just an isolated incident. If more players start voicing their displeaure with their individual roles, start planning tee times. This team has NO chance of winning if they all start worrying about their personal agendas.
Friday, January 23, 2009
What's Shakin'?
A short hiatus, but nothing to be concerned about. Big week for North America; Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. No matter what your politics, it's tough to not argue that he represents hope for a nation desparately in need of it. Sports fans take note: Obama is unwavering in his belief that his success is the direct result of his involvement in basketball throughout the course of his life. It may sound simple, but those who stick with athletics are handed the tools to a prosperous existence, regardless of their wealth.
Ok, that sounds way too academic for some sports guy... here's a couple of other things on my mind.
1) I have an uneasy feeling about the BC Lions this off-season, and I'm waiting to see how it all shakes down. The past few years, players viewed BC as the franchise that would give them the best chance to win, but it seems as though that belief is weakening. Don't get me wrong; the Lions are still a top-notch orgnaization. But this year will be a big test, especially if they lose Rob Murphy and Jason Jimenez. Walter Stith could step in for one of them, but losing both would sting. That said, I believe at least one of them will be in BC, but I can't say the same for those Saskatchewan linebackers the Lions covet. Anton Mckenzie has re-upped with Gang Green, and Maurice Lloyd, the guy Wally Buono really wants, is rumoured to be heading to Edmonton with his former defensive coordinator Richie Hall. The next few weeks are going to be interesting as free agency approaches. I still maintain it was a MISTAKE to cut Jason Clermont, but time will tell.
2) Did you see the front page of the Vancouver Sun today? The Olympics are going to cost us $6 Billion. I hope most people made their way topage A9, which broke that figure down. The actual dollars were $5.84 billion, but $3.88 of that cost was for the following projects: $1B for the Sea to Sky highway project, $0.88B for the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, and $2B for the Canada Line. NEWSFLASH: this province/city needed those things done. How many senseless deaths and accidents have there been on the Vancouver-Whistler highway because it was not equipped to handle the volume? How much business has been turned away because the downtown corps could not accommodate the amount of corporate interest that exists to bring conferences and events to Vancity? And what kind of metropolis does not have efficient mass transit from its airport to its centre? These initiatives should have been in the works long ago, and I'm glad something acted as a catalyst in getting them underway.
3) The fighting debate in hockey is only getting started. Another ugly incident tonight in Philadelphia, where Garret Klotz convulsed on the ice after Kevin Westgarth of the Monarchs drilled him with three heavy blows to the head. Klotz didn't hit his head on the ice, but the optics are not good in the wake of Don Sanderson's death. Both players removed their helmets. The fight was off the opening faceoff, meaing it was orchestrated rather than the result of emotion within the game. The chances of this producing a ban on fighting in hockey are slim, but the pressure from non-hockey fans is going to be intense for awhile. I firmly believe that a rule prohibiting players from removing their helmets or undoing their chinstraps will be instituted in all levels of hockey by next year. There's not a quality counterargument against it. "We don't want to cut up our hands on visors and helmets." Oh, I see. You think its ok to protect your hands, not your heads. When I see an MRI that shows a brain located at the end of hte arm instead of in the skull, we can talk. Until then, keep your bucket on your melon.
Ok, that sounds way too academic for some sports guy... here's a couple of other things on my mind.
1) I have an uneasy feeling about the BC Lions this off-season, and I'm waiting to see how it all shakes down. The past few years, players viewed BC as the franchise that would give them the best chance to win, but it seems as though that belief is weakening. Don't get me wrong; the Lions are still a top-notch orgnaization. But this year will be a big test, especially if they lose Rob Murphy and Jason Jimenez. Walter Stith could step in for one of them, but losing both would sting. That said, I believe at least one of them will be in BC, but I can't say the same for those Saskatchewan linebackers the Lions covet. Anton Mckenzie has re-upped with Gang Green, and Maurice Lloyd, the guy Wally Buono really wants, is rumoured to be heading to Edmonton with his former defensive coordinator Richie Hall. The next few weeks are going to be interesting as free agency approaches. I still maintain it was a MISTAKE to cut Jason Clermont, but time will tell.
2) Did you see the front page of the Vancouver Sun today? The Olympics are going to cost us $6 Billion. I hope most people made their way topage A9, which broke that figure down. The actual dollars were $5.84 billion, but $3.88 of that cost was for the following projects: $1B for the Sea to Sky highway project, $0.88B for the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, and $2B for the Canada Line. NEWSFLASH: this province/city needed those things done. How many senseless deaths and accidents have there been on the Vancouver-Whistler highway because it was not equipped to handle the volume? How much business has been turned away because the downtown corps could not accommodate the amount of corporate interest that exists to bring conferences and events to Vancity? And what kind of metropolis does not have efficient mass transit from its airport to its centre? These initiatives should have been in the works long ago, and I'm glad something acted as a catalyst in getting them underway.
3) The fighting debate in hockey is only getting started. Another ugly incident tonight in Philadelphia, where Garret Klotz convulsed on the ice after Kevin Westgarth of the Monarchs drilled him with three heavy blows to the head. Klotz didn't hit his head on the ice, but the optics are not good in the wake of Don Sanderson's death. Both players removed their helmets. The fight was off the opening faceoff, meaing it was orchestrated rather than the result of emotion within the game. The chances of this producing a ban on fighting in hockey are slim, but the pressure from non-hockey fans is going to be intense for awhile. I firmly believe that a rule prohibiting players from removing their helmets or undoing their chinstraps will be instituted in all levels of hockey by next year. There's not a quality counterargument against it. "We don't want to cut up our hands on visors and helmets." Oh, I see. You think its ok to protect your hands, not your heads. When I see an MRI that shows a brain located at the end of hte arm instead of in the skull, we can talk. Until then, keep your bucket on your melon.
Monday, January 12, 2009
And then there were four...
Great weekend of football, not such a great weekend for the Canucks. Mats Sundin is going to need some time to get up to speed. The thing that makes it tough for him is that expectations are in mid-season form while he is in pre-season form. Though most fans are willing to cut him some slack while he knocks off the rust, it's understandable that there is frustration in Vancity as the losses continue to mount in Roberto Luongo's absence. Looks like he'll be back between the pipes later this week, but the Canucks can ill afford to watch Luongo go through a similar reacclimation process.
As for the NFL, a couple of things that caught my eye in the divisional round with the teams that lost:
Philip Rivers: forget what the stat line says, he didn't step up with the spotlight focussed squarely on him. He threw for 103 yards in the first quarter and ended with a 62 yard touchdown once the game was already out of reach. Too bad the game was lost in the meantime. Rivers did not deal with defensive pressure well against the Steelers - he either pulled the ball down too early and conceded a sack or he looked rattled and just threw the ball away. If he wants to take the next step, he'd better learn to deal with pressure in his face in big games.
Eli Manning: Despite last year's Super Bowl MVP trophy, he still isn't in the same class as his brother or Tom Brady. Those two can win games by themselves, making average players play above their normal capabilities. Eli still needs outstanding talent in his receiving corps to win in the playoffs. You might think Plaxico Burress is an idiot, but he's also a game breaker and the Giants missed him badly. With that running game on his side, Eli should have been able get more out of his receivers than he did.
Panthers defense: how do you let Larry Fitzgerald abuse your secondary like that when you don't have Anquan Boldin to worry about? Fitzgerald was quite clearly the biggest weapon on the Cardinals offense, yet he ran uncovered for most of the first half. I'm sure John Fox and company are wondering why they didn't have their best cover guy follow Fitz wherever he went and play zone over top of him as well.
Keep it real and I'll check in later this week.
As for the NFL, a couple of things that caught my eye in the divisional round with the teams that lost:
Philip Rivers: forget what the stat line says, he didn't step up with the spotlight focussed squarely on him. He threw for 103 yards in the first quarter and ended with a 62 yard touchdown once the game was already out of reach. Too bad the game was lost in the meantime. Rivers did not deal with defensive pressure well against the Steelers - he either pulled the ball down too early and conceded a sack or he looked rattled and just threw the ball away. If he wants to take the next step, he'd better learn to deal with pressure in his face in big games.
Eli Manning: Despite last year's Super Bowl MVP trophy, he still isn't in the same class as his brother or Tom Brady. Those two can win games by themselves, making average players play above their normal capabilities. Eli still needs outstanding talent in his receiving corps to win in the playoffs. You might think Plaxico Burress is an idiot, but he's also a game breaker and the Giants missed him badly. With that running game on his side, Eli should have been able get more out of his receivers than he did.
Panthers defense: how do you let Larry Fitzgerald abuse your secondary like that when you don't have Anquan Boldin to worry about? Fitzgerald was quite clearly the biggest weapon on the Cardinals offense, yet he ran uncovered for most of the first half. I'm sure John Fox and company are wondering why they didn't have their best cover guy follow Fitz wherever he went and play zone over top of him as well.
Keep it real and I'll check in later this week.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Five Golden Rings
All right, so they're medals, not rings... But the feat of Canada's World Junior Teams is no less impressive... Once again, our guys saved their best for last... Way too many memorable performances to list, but this year's squad provided a number of memories that have been indelibly burned in my brain...
But it's about time I make something clear: CANADA IS ALWAYS THE FAVORITE
I don't know how many times in the last five years I've heard that either Russia, the US, or Sweden was the pundits' pick to win the tournament only to hear O Canada played once the final whistle had sounded. Canada has won 10 of the last 17 tourneys and finished with the silver four times. Every other country that competes has won three less golds and Canada isn't named the favorite every time around?
Ask any other team which country they measure themselves against and they'll answer Canada every single time. There are teams that consider it a successful tournament if they lose in respectable fashion to Canada. That doesn't mean that our kids will be golden every single year, but when you are the benchmark fo success, that is the real definition of "favorite".
But it's about time I make something clear: CANADA IS ALWAYS THE FAVORITE
I don't know how many times in the last five years I've heard that either Russia, the US, or Sweden was the pundits' pick to win the tournament only to hear O Canada played once the final whistle had sounded. Canada has won 10 of the last 17 tourneys and finished with the silver four times. Every other country that competes has won three less golds and Canada isn't named the favorite every time around?
Ask any other team which country they measure themselves against and they'll answer Canada every single time. There are teams that consider it a successful tournament if they lose in respectable fashion to Canada. That doesn't mean that our kids will be golden every single year, but when you are the benchmark fo success, that is the real definition of "favorite".
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Playing for Keeps
What a day in sports...
I thought I was headed for an early divorce with my yelling and screaming at the end of the Canada/Russia game at the World Juniors. Like most of the country, I thought Canada had blown it with that weak goal by the Russians with less than three minutes to go in the third. But Jordan Eberle - WHL product I might add - cemented his place in World Junior history by not only scoring with 5.4 seconds to go in regulation, but by undressing the Russsian goaltender in the shootout. Kudos to John Tavares for scoring the clinching goal in the shootout and for his last-ditch assist on the tying goal. The New Year's Eve game against the US and this most recent win over Russia are right up there with the most dramatic wins in Canada's World Junior history. Can't wait for the Monday night finale.
Solid start to the NFL playoffs as well. Hands up if you thought Arizona's defense was going to be the difference against Atlanta. Yeah, I know the Cards scored 30 pts, but 14 of them came off of turnovers. Good for Zona for winning a playoff game, but you get the sense that it's all over next week when they go on the road. As for the Chargers, will LaDanian Tomlinson be a part of the future in San Diego? It seems like a bizarre question to be asking after his record breaking season of two years ago, but Darren Sproles took over tonight's game against the Colts. 328 all-purpose yards?? In the playoffs?? Unheard of. That said, this game was lost on a 3rd & 2 from the Indy 8 yard line with 2:29 to go in regualtion. I can't remember the last time Peyton Manning needed a short conversion on 3rd down and didn't get it. I still don't dig the overtime rules in the NFL, but when a team marches 75 yards on you with the season on the line, you don't have much to complain about.
By the way, if you're looking for a good restaurant with very reasonable prices in the Main Street area, check out Le Faux Bourgeios. Had dinner there tonight with my wife and we thought it was great. Good atmosphere too, but make a reso.
I thought I was headed for an early divorce with my yelling and screaming at the end of the Canada/Russia game at the World Juniors. Like most of the country, I thought Canada had blown it with that weak goal by the Russians with less than three minutes to go in the third. But Jordan Eberle - WHL product I might add - cemented his place in World Junior history by not only scoring with 5.4 seconds to go in regulation, but by undressing the Russsian goaltender in the shootout. Kudos to John Tavares for scoring the clinching goal in the shootout and for his last-ditch assist on the tying goal. The New Year's Eve game against the US and this most recent win over Russia are right up there with the most dramatic wins in Canada's World Junior history. Can't wait for the Monday night finale.
Solid start to the NFL playoffs as well. Hands up if you thought Arizona's defense was going to be the difference against Atlanta. Yeah, I know the Cards scored 30 pts, but 14 of them came off of turnovers. Good for Zona for winning a playoff game, but you get the sense that it's all over next week when they go on the road. As for the Chargers, will LaDanian Tomlinson be a part of the future in San Diego? It seems like a bizarre question to be asking after his record breaking season of two years ago, but Darren Sproles took over tonight's game against the Colts. 328 all-purpose yards?? In the playoffs?? Unheard of. That said, this game was lost on a 3rd & 2 from the Indy 8 yard line with 2:29 to go in regualtion. I can't remember the last time Peyton Manning needed a short conversion on 3rd down and didn't get it. I still don't dig the overtime rules in the NFL, but when a team marches 75 yards on you with the season on the line, you don't have much to complain about.
By the way, if you're looking for a good restaurant with very reasonable prices in the Main Street area, check out Le Faux Bourgeios. Had dinner there tonight with my wife and we thought it was great. Good atmosphere too, but make a reso.
Friday, January 02, 2009
New Year, New Plan
So................ it's been a while to say the least. Sometimes life doesn't stop for blogging and there were a few challenges in the past three months that got in the way of posting. I'll leave it at that except to say that things are looking up in that department.
I also have figured out that quick posts more often is the way to go, so that's the plan for '09. There will be the occasional lengthy diatribe, but I'll be making a concerted effort to chime in on the Toul Box more frequently.
That said, here's a few thoughts as we kick off the New Year:
1) Mats Sundin - I firmly believe he's going to have a significant effect on the Canucks. He'll make whomever he plays with better, and take pressure off the Sedins to carry the scoring load. He also symbolizes to Roberto Luongo that this team is willing to make moves to win now. That's an important gesture in the process of getting Luongo signed to an extension this summer. I also expect Mike Gillis to go after an offensive defenseman and perhaps another scoring winger now that Vancouver is poised to save anywhere from $1.75-$2 million in salary cap room because of Luongo's injury.
2) World Juniors - How jacked were you watching that game against the US the other night? What an effort from the number one nation in hockey after falling down 3-0 early. Tavares' second goal was ridiculously good and Dustin Tokarski came up HUGE after a shaky start. Russia and Sweden are still scary, but once again, Canada is the team to beat. Bring on Gold #5!
3) NFL Playoffs - I can't remember a playoff season that has featured so much mystery, as to which teams will be in the Super Bowl.
Who's the favorite in the AFC? Tennessee doesn't make me think they've got the chops to win more than one round if any, and Pittsburgh had better get its offense figured out if they want another shot at the Lombardi trophy. The hottest squad is Indy, and given who handles their quarterbacking that might be the team to beat despite the fact the Colts are the #5 seed.
If you had to pick a favorite in the NFC, I guess you'd go with the Giants, but something tells me they won't have enough to get it done without Plaxico Burress, who was the big play receiver that scared opposing secondaries. Carolina has thrashed teams on the ground, but can Jake Delhomme beat a quality defense through the air if need be? The team with the potential to shake up that playoff bracket is the Philadelphia Eagles, who are hot at the right time of the year.
4) Bowl Games - love 'em. You don't have watch many of them if you're not a college football fan, but it's a great way to become one. USC looked awesome in the Rose Bowl yesterday and tonight's Sugar Bowl should be interesting with most people getting their first look at Utah. The Utes game against Alabama is one of the things I love about college football - a chance to find out just how good a "little team that could" is by pitting them against one that has received tonnes of media coverage all season long.
I also have figured out that quick posts more often is the way to go, so that's the plan for '09. There will be the occasional lengthy diatribe, but I'll be making a concerted effort to chime in on the Toul Box more frequently.
That said, here's a few thoughts as we kick off the New Year:
1) Mats Sundin - I firmly believe he's going to have a significant effect on the Canucks. He'll make whomever he plays with better, and take pressure off the Sedins to carry the scoring load. He also symbolizes to Roberto Luongo that this team is willing to make moves to win now. That's an important gesture in the process of getting Luongo signed to an extension this summer. I also expect Mike Gillis to go after an offensive defenseman and perhaps another scoring winger now that Vancouver is poised to save anywhere from $1.75-$2 million in salary cap room because of Luongo's injury.
2) World Juniors - How jacked were you watching that game against the US the other night? What an effort from the number one nation in hockey after falling down 3-0 early. Tavares' second goal was ridiculously good and Dustin Tokarski came up HUGE after a shaky start. Russia and Sweden are still scary, but once again, Canada is the team to beat. Bring on Gold #5!3) NFL Playoffs - I can't remember a playoff season that has featured so much mystery, as to which teams will be in the Super Bowl.
Who's the favorite in the AFC? Tennessee doesn't make me think they've got the chops to win more than one round if any, and Pittsburgh had better get its offense figured out if they want another shot at the Lombardi trophy. The hottest squad is Indy, and given who handles their quarterbacking that might be the team to beat despite the fact the Colts are the #5 seed.
If you had to pick a favorite in the NFC, I guess you'd go with the Giants, but something tells me they won't have enough to get it done without Plaxico Burress, who was the big play receiver that scared opposing secondaries. Carolina has thrashed teams on the ground, but can Jake Delhomme beat a quality defense through the air if need be? The team with the potential to shake up that playoff bracket is the Philadelphia Eagles, who are hot at the right time of the year.
4) Bowl Games - love 'em. You don't have watch many of them if you're not a college football fan, but it's a great way to become one. USC looked awesome in the Rose Bowl yesterday and tonight's Sugar Bowl should be interesting with most people getting their first look at Utah. The Utes game against Alabama is one of the things I love about college football - a chance to find out just how good a "little team that could" is by pitting them against one that has received tonnes of media coverage all season long.
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