Why I Love the Hawks: A Tale of Two Teams

For a year now I have been harassed and berated for my affection towards the Chicago Blackhawks. It is the burden I must endure due to the relatively new rivalry between this team and my first love, the Vancouver Canucks. In order to fully lay out the reasons why I admire the hawks and see no, real issue with doing so, I must first explain that picking favourites for me involves a combination of positive feelings towards current players, respect for coaches and management and an understanding of team history. The Blackhawks are an exciting hockey club and an original six team; they are great for the NHL and very fun to watch on the ice. The Bowman Eventuality
During one of the Canucks vs. Blackhawks playoff games in 2008-2009 the camera panned up to the Blackhawks box and who should I see sitting there but Scotty Bowman. Bowman's son, Stan, would eventually become Chicago's GM but at the time was not, nor was Bowman in any official capacity aiding the Blackhawks. A short while later, after the Blackhawks had been ousted by their rivals the Detroit Red Wings, Bowman's former team, Scotty accepted a position as Sr Advisor of Hockey Operations with the Blackhawks. This detail is significant because my entire hockey loving life I have revered Scotty Bowman. Any team he is affiliated with I automatically adore, simply for their proximity to what I view as greatness. The Toews Factor
My appreciation for the Blackhawks, like their rivalry with the Canucks, is young. It began one late June day in 2006 when then Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon selected Jonathan Toews as the 3rd pick of the NHL entry draft. Toews, had caught my eye during the 2006 U-20 World Junior Championships as Team Canada's youngest player. Toews did not enter the NHL the year after his selection in the entry draft and my next encounter with him was at the 2007 World Junior Championships where he earned the hearts of all Canadians as well as myself for his three shootout goals to help Canada defeat the USA in the semi-finals. His stellar play at this tournament earned him a spot on the all-star team and Canada the gold. I don't need to continue to list Toews' accomplishments (they include a 2007 World Championship Gold Medal, a 2010 Olympic Gold Medal-as well as being named as Best Forward for the tournament, a 2010 Conn Smythe Trophy and 2010 Stanley Cup), nor do I need to wax lyrical about his work ethic and humble demeanor. Suffice to say that he is an amazing player and that he shares the honour of my favourite current NHLer.

Aside from Toews the Blackhawks roster boasts an impressive list of players whose on-ice play and off-ice persona are worth considerable respect and admiration; Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are one of the most formidable defensive pairings in the NHL. Patrick Sharp is a versatile player with a sense of humor. Brian Campbell, is an excellent, smooth-skating, play-making veteran NHL defenceman. Then there is Patrick Kane, love him or hate him you have to admit his ability to dangle and create something with the puck is mesmerizing. No one knows this better than the Vancouver Canucks and their supporters. To hate this kind of talent is to exhibit pure bitterness and jealousy.

Rivalry, what rivalry?
Bitterness, jealousy and being a jerk come naturally to most Canuck fans. People who claim that liking both the Blackhawks and the Canucks is utter lunacy confuse me. I mean, it's not like I'm claiming to be a Flames and a Canucks fan, or a Red Wing and a Blackhawks fan. I fully admit that if Jonathan Toews left the Blackhawks I would have to think long and hard about continuing to support the team. When did the Blackhawks becomes such a bitter rival to the Canucks anyways? The two teams are not historical rivals. During the '81-'82 season the Blackhawks lost to the Canucks in the Conference Final, 1–4 but the teams didn't meet up again in the post season until '94-'95 in the Conference Semi-Finals (won by the hawks) this was followed by another lengthy hiatus of well over a decade as it would not be until the 2008-2009 season that these two teams would meet again in the post season. By comparison the Blackhawks faced the now defunct Minnesota North Stars six times and the St Louis Blues eight times over the same period of time (less in the case of the North Stars who were moved to Dallas in 1993). The Cancuks faced the Calgary Flames six times and the LA Kings four times.

So I ask again, where did this rivalry begin? It certainly wasn't during the 2006-2007 season, the year after the Blackhawks drafted Jonathan Toews (and the year my attachment to the team began to bud). It wasn't during 2007-2008 the year Toews and Patrick Kane joined the team, the Blackhawks didn't even make the playoffs that year. I contend that this rivalry really started at the conclusion of the 2008-2009 season during the playoffs (1st picture above) when the heavily favoured Canucks met the young, upstart Blackhawks in Western Conference semi-final. This was a hard fought series, one that saw the Canucks implode during the sixth game of the series and blow three leads, including two third period leads. The Canucks defense crumbled and as a fan this was a tough, crushing loss.

The rivalry was pushed further during the 2009-2010 season when Canucks assistant captain Ryan Kesler called then Blackhawks forward Andrew Ladd a coward. The teams met again in the Conference semi-finals with the same results, only this time the loss wasn't as tough or as crushing. If you are an actual hockey fan you have to admit that that series was an utter disappointment and never for an entire game did either team play to their potential at the same time. I couldn't hate the Blackhawks after yet another defeat at their hands in the 2nd round; I was too busy hating Andrew Albert and Kevin Bieksa, wondering what had happened to Daniel Sedin and Ryan Kesler and daydreaming about what might have been had the Canucks managed to keep their composure and their defense healthy.

Enlightenment
I hid my feelings for the Blackhawks, keeping them safely stored behind an outward and very vocal loathing of Dustin Byfuglien. It wasn't until the 2010 Vancouver Olympics that my fondness for Toews and also Keith and Seabrook came spilling out. I could no longer contain it. I worried about the repercussions and the idea that after such vocal declarations I would no longer be able to keep secret my admiration of the team Toews captained. Then it dawned on me, liking the Blackhawks doesn't make me a bad Canucks fan, it makes me a better hockey fan. No hawks player had ever offended me or my fandom sensibilities. The hawks only crime was simply being a better team, playing a better game and winning when the Canucks could not. If anything I view this as a challenge to the Canucks to step up their game, to play solid defense, to never give up and to beat the Blackhawks every chance they get.

Ladd, Lord Stanley and BC

These photos are beautiful. Andrew Ladd, you will be missed in Chicago!

photos via Real_ESPNLeBrun

How futbol is a lot like ballet

lols first, artistry 2nd...

The Aftermath

In case you hadn't heard the Chicago Blackhawks are your 2010 Stanley Cup Champions and because I like hockey and photography and have a crush on this team I went through the AP photo gallery. Here's a look at the celebration with some of my favourite photos from the aftermath. I like watching hockey live but I love looking at sheer emotion (for the most part joy-except in the case of one photo) captured in a single moment.

So, I'll start us off with the photo above. Patrick Kane, love him or hate him, just scored the game winning goal in sudden death overtime to win his team the Stanley Cup...pretty much the happiest feeling ever...

...followed by pretty much the worst.

Bettman: Johnny Toews is the dreamiest guy in school
Toews: Hey, where's the Stanley Cup?!

"Woohoo!!!"

Respect.

2010 Stanley Cup Winners

This isn't going to help quash those gay rumours but who cares, they're just expressing the team bromance that comes with winning a Stanley Cup. Congrats Blackhawks and Flyers on an exciting series and Game 6. Party in Chicago-all summer long!

Mobbed

Joanthan Toews (he's somewhere in there) is made available to the media on Sunday (on off-day) May 30th, 2010. (notice how they've taped off the area that the chief's head and Hawks emblem is in the dressing room-guess players don't want to be using up all their energy to yell at reporters and crew to step off).

Source plus pretty "awww"-inducing picture of Huet's son, Ewan, scoring on dad.

Why you should watch the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals

So, your team didn't make it into the Stanley Cup Finals. Maybe, a team you hate did and so you've lost any interest you would have had in watching to see who will win Lord Stanley's Cup. If you consider yourself a hockey fan then you should be ashamed. This year's contest promises to be a doozy with storylines galore and two teams that boast solid defense corps, high-powered offensive lines, plenty of superstars who aren't named Crosby or Ovechkin and rabble-rousing fanbases (trust me I was in Chicago for Game 4 of the conference finals and if the Hawks win the cup that town might just explode from cheer joy). So, I present to you 6 reasons why you should watch the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals:

1. Jonathan Toews vs Mike Richards: Two of the best all-around centres in the league going head to head...well maybe not very often but these two young captains, both members of Canada's gold medal winning men's Olympic 2010 hockey team (they even played on a line together-as evidenced by the photo above) are both exciting players who aren't afraid to go to the dirty places to make plays. Both have been playing exceptionally well this post season and it's going to be fun watching one of these youthful leaders steer their team to victory.

2. The Flyers haven't won a Cup since 1975. The Hawks haven't won a Cup since 1961. Someone's drought ends this June.

3. The Hossa Curse.

4. The very high probability to see goals like these:




5. A great match-up. The Flyers may not be an Original 6 team but this is still a storied franchise. The Blackhawks, well, what can one say about the team that has "the best looking jersey in professional sports" that hasn't been said before. Both teams are passionate, deep and filled with players that you love, hate or love-to-hate. Fans can expect a hard fought series with plenty of heroics, turning points and, of course, chirping. While everyone is wondering about the Pronger/Byfuglien meeting infront of the net I'm more interested in what Toews and Kane will do once Philly's big, 30-minute-a-game-man is otherwise occupied. Will one young team loose its cool? Can detested players such as Hossa or Carcillo overcome their bad reputations to win it all? Will Jeff Carter brake one or both of his feet, again? Which team will rise to the challenge to lift the best trophy in pro sports?

6. Both teams are located in strong hockey markets that happen also to be populous US cities. The NHL will be happy with the ratings and interest it creates south of the 49th parallel while Canadians can take solace in the fact that these two teams combined are made up of 34 Canadian players, 17 for each team. Just knowing that The Cup will be spending a lot of time in it's rightful country this summer, no matter who wins, should be enough for those of us North of the border to stop being bitter about the lack of a "Canadian" team-just pick a Canadian player and root for him. It's a win-win for both fans and the league.

my prediction: well you know what I think... but it bares repeating, hawks in six.

Hawks Western Conference Finals 2010 Game #4 - Post Game

For as much as I admire him as a hockey player the guy wearing the C, the centreman who wears #19 (just like Yzerman and Sakic) gives press conferences that leave no doubt as to why his nickname is 'Captain Serious.' Below is Toews' cliche-filled Western Conference Final 2010 Game #4 post-game. After what is a fairly humorous start in rolls the endless parade of sports cliches. In this press conference the 22 year old probably uses every major sports cliche that exists (playing 60 minutes, doing the little things, finding ways to win, character, etc.). Above is Patrick Sharp's post-game interview. You can see why Sharp is known as the prankster and locker-room clown. This interview contains the perfect amount of humor, personality, clichés and bare-bones information/critique-I wish all press conferences were this fun. Leadership, two ways. Well, three ways if you count that other guy who wears a letter for the Hawks and took a puck to the face, lost 7 teeth, numbed is mouth & stayed in the game.



btw I was at this game...video to come

Conference Finals

and then there were four.

The East
Philadelphia v Montreal: Who would have guessed that the number 7 and 8 seeds would be in a showdown to represent the East? Both of these teams had to go through grueling 7 game series in the 2nd round to get to this point, but the Habs also had a lengthy 7 game series in the first round. I've bet against them every time (figuratively, not physically) and they won each time. Traditionally I cheer for the Habs and cannot really stand the Flyers. However, I have been really impressed by the play of Jeff Carter this season and though he is injured and out have to admit that I am impressed with the way this club stepped up after going down 3-0 to Boston (getting Gange back into the lineup was quite the shot in the arm). The Habs, well, despite playing disciplined, defence first hockey and potentially getting Markov back into the lineup, I'm a bit worried. Most of their offence has pretty much come from one guy and they've won most of their games on the one-two-three punch of defence, Halak & Cammalleri...and after two straight 7 game series, how long can this keep going? I'm not sure who I want to win this one, because if the Habs go to the finals their already insufferable fans are just going to make me angrier and more dissappointed in les Quebcois and if the Flyers win, well, just two words: Dan Carcillo, I mean, really, who wants to see that guy succeed? However, I've picked against them twice and both times they've shown their will to win, so, I'll go with the Habs in 7.

The West
San Jose v Chicago: Here, on the polar opposite side, are the number 1 & 2 seeds in the Western conference. If you have read my other posts you know I've picked Chicago to go all the way, so, no sense in stopping now. I hope that this series can bring the edge-of-your-seat excitement I was expecting from the Hawks v Nucks series. Thorton, Marleau and Heatley have played well, especially in the last two games of the Detroit series but really it's been the Sharks secod line of Pavelski, Clowe and Setoguchi that have powered SJ to their first Conference Final since 2003-2004. Dan Boyle has been great but I feel like Rob Blake, though still playing big minutes, is a bit of a geriatric and who are the other SJ defensive pairings again? On the flip side there's Kane and Toews who have combined for 35 points (20 for Toews who has been dominant against the Sharks and 15 for Mr Mullet) in 12 games. The NHL 2010 bromance of the year, Keith and Seabrook, did a great job shutting down the Sedins and I look for them to frustrate the hell out of the Sharks big three. We'll see if Hjarlmarsson and Campbell can be equally successful against SJ's second line. I can see the Sharks winning but really, Hawks in 6.

Disgruntled Sports Musings

Things I don't like that I've noticed during the 2nd round of the NHL playoffs:
1. That Habs fans feel the need to boo the opposing side's best players. Happened to Ovechkin in the first round and now it's happening to Sidney Crosby and (to a lesser degree) Evgeni Malkin. I'm all for chirping opposing players but every time Crosby or Ovechkin touched the puck in le centre bell it was accompanied by a large chorus of boos. What makes this booing so pathetic is that it's happening not because Crosby has been a particular thorn in the Habs side (because he really hasn't) or because he hassled them to the press (god forbid) or because he made a dirty hit that took one of the Habs players out but just because he's Sidney Crosby. What's even worse is that one can be sure that every single one of those booing assholes were cheering and weeping like little girls when Crosby scored that OT goal on February 28th, 2010 in Vancouver. Lame sauce.

2. You know what else is lame sauce, the fact that Habs fans sing that Olé Olé Olé song at all points in a game. We hear it when: the Habs are down but just scored a goal, when the game is tied and then if the Habs are winning. The ONLY appropriate time to hear that song is when a team is running away with the lead or at the end of a match when your team is winning.

3. NHL conspiracy theories. Detroit lost because they were outplayed and out of gas. They took stupid penalties and although there were plenty of phantom and missed calls every team is a victim of these things. Trust me, I'm a Vancouver fan, we love to make up bullshit conspiracy theories as an excuse for our team's poor play.

4. Inconsistent officiating. Referees are human and so, much to the chagrin of fans everywhere, they make mistakes. What I don't understand is when you call a penalty, say slashing (especially the much-used slashing the hands), and then 10 minutes later it happens, in front of you and you don't call it. Or, when a blatant infraction happens 3 feet away from the referee but because they missed a call on the opposing team earlier in the game it goes uncalled. Also, when a play is an infraction for a notorious player, like Burrows or Byfuglien, but not for players of good reputation, like Toews or Bergeron.

5. Towel Power in cities other than Vancouver. Find another way to get your fans engaged and Get off our jock. (note: If your city participates in this but the towels aren't white then I guess you're off the hook).

6. That the Chicago Blackhawks arrived in Vancouver for Game 6 with their bags already packed for San Jose. Hawks fans will call it practical planning and to be sure it is but for a team that claims not to be looking ahead and to be taking things one-game-at-a-time as Captain Jonathan Toews has asserted many times in this and the Nashville series this move reeks of arrogance. This makes the possibility of extending the series to it's maximum all the more sweet for the Canucks and their fans.

7. Press scrums with players. Conferences with NHL coaches can usually produce some smirk-inducing quotes and occasional glimmers of insight but interviews with players are about as mundane and cliché-filled as they come. That's maybe why I like Cabbie on the Street-his interviews are usually a little more revealing and the players seem a lot more relaxed and willing to show some personality.

photo via emptynetters.

Cinderella & Sidney

After last night's 2-1 victory, the Habs pulled off what everyone thought would be impossible and eliminated many people's Stanley Cup favorite's, Alexander Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals. Next, they take on Ovechkin's rival Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Can Halak frustrate Crosby, Malkin, Staal, et al? Crosby and Halak (the Hab's stellar goaltender and biggest reason why they are in this position) are hands down the current Conn Smythe favorites. Round 2 of the NHL playoffs starts tonight in San Jose, so, let's see break it down:

The West:
San Jose v Detroit: Thanks to some bad bounces and some great goaltending from Craig Anderson the Sharks barely got past the upstart Colorado Avalanche. They're in tough with a team that has been red hot since the Olympic break. The Wings had a hard fought series against the Coyotes and as most expected they prevailed. Unfortunately for the Sharks and whoever makes it through to the conference finals the Wings are going to win this one too (in 6 or 7). The Wings might be a little tired and sore from playing a series that took them to the limit -with an average age of 31.8 these men aren't exactly spring chicken's anymore and they've played into June for 2 straight years- but they are just too resilient and have a bounty of experience all of which they can draw on to win. The Sharks, well, they're the Sharks. To even consider getting past Detroit the Sharks need Thorton to show up and Nabokov's going to have to best Howard. On a side note this series will start tonight and then resume on Sunday because the Eagles are playing in SJ.

Chicago v Vancouver: Oh good god. Why did this match-up have to happen in the 2nd round, again?! I wanted this to be the conference final, but I guess better early than never, right? As a person who picked the Hawks to win the cup but who is also a lifelong Canucks fan (yes, we have a bad rep but not all of us are riot-happy douche bags-tyvm) I'm sort of inbetween a rock and a hard place here-it's what I imagine it's like when choosing between one's own children. I'll try to be as objective as possible.
After looking more than a little shaky at times against Nashville the Hawks finally committed to their changed game plan and disposed of their worthy opponents. Neimi had two shutouts in the series. In these games he faced 23 and 33 shots respectively and has a better saver percentage and goals against than Luongo but Lu made the key saves when he needed too and usually in highlight reel fashion (except in game 3) , so, I'm going to say that in goal the teams are even. Mr Mullet, Patrick Kane played very well throughout the series and after a slow start Hossa and Toews picked it up. Campbell's back and Byfuglien will be up front crashing into Luongo. The Hawks took a lot more penalties in this series than they normally do-I expect this trend to continue in Vancouver as there is a lot more animosity between these two teams. I think Game 6 a year ago will be a big motivating factor for the Canucks and especially Luongo. He's starting to get his confidence back and I expect him to be a lot stronger in this series than against LA-same thing for the PK. Seabrook and Keith will be playing against the twins and Samuelsson this will definitely slow the line down but it won't stop them. This means that Kesler, Burrows and Raymond have got to step it up. Steve Bernier and Alex Edler had a great series against LA-they'll need to continue they're fine play. These teams are very evenly matched. The difference right now is really in special teams (Hawks PK is 3rd, Vancouver's is last: Vancouver's PP is tied for 5th, Hawks are 11th) and on defense. The Canucks are really going to start feeling the loss of Willie Mitchell in this series. If the D (I'm looking at you Bieksa-don't even get me started on Alberts or whoever they're planning on throwing in there) doesn't play a tough and above all Smart series the Hawks will make them pay. This matchup should provide some highly entertaining games and, in the end, I see the winner going on to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup.

The East:
Bruins v Flyers: Bruising series, expect a ton of hitting and after-the-whistle scrums. Marc Savard better keep his head up at all times because Matt Cooke is 5'11", 205 lbs while Chris Pronger is 6'6"& 220 lbs and was named by his peers to be the dirtiest player in the NHL. Bruins definitely have the advantage here in goal. Simon Gangne and Jeff Carter will be sorely missed by Philly; Gange's out for at least 2 more weeks and I'll be shocked and awed if Carter is back for this series at all. I want the Flyers to win but it won't be easy and unless they find a way to fill those two giant offensive holes it'll be the Bruins that prevail.

Penguins v Canadiens: As I stated before, this is a contest between the hottest goaltender in the NHL playoffs and the offensive powerhouse that is Sidney Crosby (current points leader and co-owner of this year's Rocket Richard trophy). After their game 1 loss to Ottawa it was obvious that Crosby decided to put his team on his back and almost singlehandedly win the series. Malkin's looking strong and Pascal Dupuis has been playing really well. The Pens will have to show a lot of patience. Aside from solving Jaroslav Halak , a man who stopped Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom & Green and who consistently faced over 40 shots per game and turned in a 53 save performance to force a Game 7, they'll have stop Mike Cammalleri and face down the pressure of being the overwhelming favorite. Montreal will have confidence and a lot of momentum coming in off the Washington series. I love a good Cinderella story and nothing would please me more than for the Habs to pull off another surprise but Crosby's not Ovechkin-he actually shows up when it counts.

Game 1

So, yes, the first game does not a playoff series make but with all but one Game 1 out of the way let's take a look at what's going now that it's all begun.

Starting in the East:
Ottawa v. Pittsburgh: The Pens haven't been the same since the return from the Olympic break. Malkin has struggled with injuries this year but he seemed to pick it up in Game 1. The Sens need to play a complete game every game, keep their foot on the gas and leave it all out there every night because I can't shake the feeling that the Pens are about to shift into another gear-playoff gear. Ottawa fans should be wary. However, the switch better go on tonight or the Pens won't be defending their title for long.
Buffalo v. Boston: Otherwise known as 'there will be blood'. Chara is giant. Every time I see him that's the first thing I think. This was a crazy, ugly, hard, gritty game. I give the Sabres the edge because of Miller (though Rask's obviously no slouch) and the reappearance of Vanek along with Ruff's defensive coaching style. If Game 1 was any indication this is going to be a bruising series (I think it's also going 7 games) and the victor might be worse for wear after it's all said and done.

Philadelphia v. New Jersey: I'm going to be honest, out of all the teams in the post-season I've seen the least of these two. The Flyers, despite the question mark in goal, are always dangerous and they've owned the Devils this year but it's the Devils. Brodeur might be getting older and may have lost his Olympic starting job this season but he's still "Martin Brodeur" and the Devils have plenty of offensive weapons with which to frustrate the Flyers...total toss up.
Washington v. Montreal: The Habs are another team that can ill-afford to take their foot off the gas. They played an incredible game last night-a remarkable team effort. Can they do this four times against the Caps? Sure. But they can't stop Ovi, Semin, Backstrom and Green (not to mention the secondary scoring) forever. The Caps have major defensive issues, more than any other team. In the post-season teams need to be well-rounded, they need solid defense to last-the caps rely on their offense and puck possession skills too much and their defensemen like to take too many defensive risks in the hopes of offensive glory. This worked well in the regular season but the playoffs are a different beast. A team that can play stifling, smart defense and has enough offensive weapons to keep pace will beat them. I think they'll get by Montreal (even though the Habs would make an awesome Cinderella story) but I highly doubt they'll be hoisting the Cup. Also, Ovi might be hurt and that cannot be a good thing.

The West:
Colorado v. San Jose: I feel like the Avs are an unknown quantity. They're young, inexperienced, looked spent closing out the season but found life enough to deal the always under-achieving Sharks a Game 1 blow. The Sharks are a one-line wonder (with the addition of a goaltender that has the ability to get hot and steal a few games in Nabokov). It's a hell of a line, but this strategy hasn't worked for them in the past and it won't work now. Neither of these teams is getting past the second round.
Phoenix v. Detroit: Part of me wants to say that the NHL is conspiring to make the Coyotes team this year's Cinderella story but Bryzgalov has been unreal and frustrating (if you aren't a Coyote fan), so, I have to give credit to Phoenix. having said this, they're playing Detroit. Aside from starting a rookie goaltender (but rookie goalies do sometimes end up a Conn Smythe winner, so...) this is a well-oiled, experienced team who is finally healthy and knows how to win. Hell, even if the series were 3-0 in favour of the Coyotes I STILL wouldn't guarantee a series win. I doubt Babcock, Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Datsyuk, et al are even shaken. Expect a much-improved penalty kill and a tightening up on the defensive end as a whole and a series win by the Wings.
Vancouver v. Los Angeles: At 1am I was still a little drunk, eyes closed and falling asleep in bed before OT began-by 1 minute in I was sitting bolt upright staring intently at my computer screen. Quick was tested often and rose to the challenge-he was by far LA's best player. The Canucks played a solid defensive game and aside from a terrible hit (Alberts, you're Out) that put them down a man for 5 minutes and cost them a goal they played a smart game with few mistakes. The Sedins, for the time being, are living up to expectation. Adding the ability to score off the rush to their grinding, cycling game was exactly what the playoff doctor ordered and is obviously a large reason as to why Hank won the Art Ross and is a contender for the Hart. Samuelsson has been a marvelous addition-he had such a hot hand during the second half of the season before getting injured-it's great to see he's in fine form. Edler was the best player on the ice for the 'Nucks (the hit on Doughty was spectacular) and Lu made a key goal-line save in OT. It won't be easy and it won't be a sweep but Vancouver's going to win this. LA is too young right now and they need a little something more up-front, it'll happen for them just not this season.
Chicago v. Nashville: The only Game 1 yet to be played. The Hawks are my pick to win it all this year-despite the Hossa curse. Shea Weber and company are hungry for their first ever post-season series win. The Preds are a defensively solid team but shutting down Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews is one thing, shutting down Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp as well is something else. Add to this the fact that the Hawks forth line have been the ones scoring the timely goals to finish off the season and the solid puck-controlling (yet, like Vancouver, depleted) defensive corps who with Keith, Hjarmalsson and Byfuglien can jump up into the rush and the Hawks are a formidable foe. This team can adjust faster than any other team in the NHL, in a seven game series this is crucial. Their one weakness is in goal-which is where the Preds one over-riding advantage lies. Still, the Preds are a team with one (injured-but likely to play in Game 1) 30 goal scorer and one 20 goal scorer this season-it's all good to hold the Hawks off the board but to win you have to put a few pucks in the back of the net too. Niemi has had flashes of brilliance coming down the stretch-we'll see if he can make the key saves his team will need.

As for the picture above I have this to ask: It's all good to let games flow and players play but how is something like this (though unintentional) NOT a penalty? It's called high-sticking, it wasn't on a follow-through shot, and it was never so obvious as it is here-I mean Sedin is about 1/2 inch away from loosing his eye. (Not to mention the non-call on Lidstrom getting clipped in the lip in the Det v. Phoe game).

The Wild West

Well, it looks like the Canucks are destined to get the ultimate 1st round challenge in the Detroit Red Wings. If they get past this opponent the chances of going past the second round are excellent but first things first...

edit: It looks like I spoke too soon. Phoenix gets the Wings and it'll be Canucks v Kings (a matchup that ESPN has decided will be the upset in the West).

Team Canada 2010

I watched last night and though I was bitterly disappointed with the result I maintain that Team Canada 2010 is a great team, well thought out and despite the ability to debate team selection I maintain that every player on the squad deserved a position. Last night's game was exciting and Canada was by far the better team (last half of the 1st period, most of the second period-up until the last few minutes and for bursts in the 3rd). Three consecutive penalties to end the 2nd and start the third, face-off tanning, two puck mis-handlings by Brodeur in the opening half of the game and the stellar play of Ryan Miller (which was to be expected and could have been overcome had it not been for the three things mentioned above) were the differences.

The expectation heaped on all of the Canadian athletes at this Olympics is silly and stupid. The viewing public and media should concentrate on the task ahead not just the gold medal-we are distracting our own athletes. This is a great team that Stevie Y put together but so are all the rest of the teams. This tournament is not the NHL and the media and our collective hockey obsession has raised our expectations such that we can't even face reality. Having said this though, the performance by the team has been spotty-they don't seem to be able to keep sustained pressure, Crosby/Nash have yet to get on a roll (I mean one shootout goal after he failed on the first and one regular goal aren't going to cut it Crosby), Martin has looked a little shaky (still good but not hot and we need a hot goaltender to win).

I've loved the way Toews has played this whole tournament. He's so plucky and has been creating a bevy of chances-I look to him to get rewarded soon for his play. I like him on every line Babcock puts him on. I also like the Staal/Getzlaf/Perry line though all three of them took dumbass penalties last night (how terrible do you think Perry felt after Kessler out-hustled him on the empty netter) they're intensity is great but they have to play a far more disciplined game. Scott Niedermayer really stepped up last night and Drew Doughty played well after a lackluster first two games (Weber has been good too but needs to shoot the puck more). Also, enough with the complaining about Babcock's line juggling-you knew this was going to happen-it's his style and some of our best offensive chances came from his unorthodox line pairings-it also happens that the 3rd American goal seemed to come at the expense of a sloppy line change due to siad juggling but I digress.

The men's hockey team has quite the hill to climb. Good luck against Germany I (and just about the entire nation) fully expect you to go through to the quarter-finals where Russia awaits you. Adversity is good-it will make the gold taste that much sweeter. Play 60 minutes of smart, solid hockey like we all know you are capable of and nothing and no one will stop you.

Competition

At Torino I saw this kid and was like, who the hell does this ginger think he is. The answer? Shaun White. After watching him ride and hearing him speak all that skepticism melted away and I couldn't help but love him. Watching him win gold yesterday was something special. He didn't need to even do his 2nd run-he'd already won but instead he lay down a double McTwist (you could hear him telling the guys at the top he wanted to do it) and some giant airs-much to the delight of the crowd and scored a 48.4. It's crazy to watching someone so dominant. He isn't competing against the other boarders, he's competing against himself. The only way he'll loose in the pipe is if he fails himself and falls and even then that doesn't guarantee someone else victory.

Super bowl Musings

I am so happy for the New Orleans Saints and the city of New Orleans. They played an incredible game, made some really ballsy calls, kept the ball out of Peyton Manning's hands for 3/4 of the game and came up huge on Sunday night. Congratulations!

Also, for a man who has been considered a lock on the Hall of Fame pretty much since his introduction into the NFL Peyton Manning is 9-9 in the playoffs with the same percentage in Super bowls (1 for 2). This may be kicking a man when he's down (and not to down play his truly incredible regular season stats) but where is he when it counts? Also, suck it Caldwell-this game doesn't reward those who don't play with guts.

Thanks for the picture!

I've mused on this topic before but hearing this on the French channel was perfectly acceptable. Boy, licensing is a funny thing.

Mid-season hockey musings

I love the Canucks. I've been especially impressed with the way they have been playing as of late. It seems that ever since Vingault took over they have been slowly improving at playing a full 60 minutes of hockey, not sitting on leads (and not giving up when they're playing terribly) and playing with grit and determination no matter what the score. After Mitchell clipped Salo with his stick they were down to three D-men while on the penalty kill and still they did not give up, did not make any stupid plays. However, I think it's a little ridiculous to assume that based on the way they are playing that we will win the cup. I'll reserve my playoff predictions until I see the way they play on their upcoming epic road odyssey.

Also, as I've said for the last 2 years, the Blackhawks are looking mighty fine.

Sunday Sports Musings

Just a little while ago I had my sports hate eyes opened. I used to like the Yankees but after Joe Torre left my liking diminished. Everything clicked for them this year and I couldn't begrudge them this year's World Series. Their bats were hot and ever since the 2nd game of their series with the Angels I couldn't help but feel like there was no stopping them this year. The Colts and Peyton Manning on the other hand, I have always sports hated them, but with Manning having a monster year and that endearing Christmas commercial on permanent repeat, against all my instincts, I was starting to thaw.

Now, I'm sitting here watching the 14-0 Colts play the Jets. I don't want them to go undefeated. I switched from the Eagles v Broncs game just because I noticed that the lead in the game had recently sung in the Jets favor (and that it was a much closer game than the other) and what do I see...Manning (along Wayne and Clark) sitting on the sidelines. Their own fans are booing them and chanting, "We want Peyton!" I understand why you're resting your stars but the level of "compete" is just pathetic. It's a close game, they're losing (by 3 at the beginning the 4th quarter) and most of the O-line starters and D-starters are still playing...why not chase a perfect season?

Having said all this, the only team to have an undefeated regular season as of late maintained their starters and a genuine effort (sometimes to the point of opposition players and fans accusing the team of unsportsman-like conduct for NOT pulling their starters) for almost every game. In 2007 after their 10th week 'bye' this team had 3 games that ended in 3 point victories. The starters, unless injured in the game, played until the end of those games. Of course this team lost the Superbowl (and thus did not complete an undefeated season), so, maybe the Colts are just trying to learn from their rival's mistakes. Either that or they're a little softer and a lot more banged up and indifferent then their fans want to believe.

If Manning is going to be known as the best ever; then he should be in the game now, leading his team to victory and a step closer to a true, undefeated season. He should have enough confidence to know that he can win this game and all of the games afterwards, his coach should leave that decision up to him (if he's healthy). They already have a first round playoff bye; they should be going for 19-0. I can't respect you or your team as you sit on the sidelines and watch your lead slip away and your team lose.

There are 4 minutes left in the 4th and since Manning was taken out the Jets have scored 19 unanswered points. Yeah, exactly. The Colts just gave up-pathetic!

I always had the NY Rangers (sorry, Chris Drury but 'the team that defeated my team in game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs'+'Avery' are pretty much automatic sports hate fodder) but my football sports hate has returned.

Does anyone else find it strange to hear the Hockey Night in Canada theme while watching hockey on TSN? I don't know if I'll ever get used to that, I don't think I should have to.-