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.
Friday, January 23, 2009
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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