Aaron Rome has been suspended for 4 games for his late hit on Nathan Horton. Warning, the video is disturbing (well to me anyway)
Scary huh? I love how this debate is still going on whether or not head shots should be banned, honestly what's the debate about? Head shots should be banned! Yes hockey is a physical game BUT the game has devolved into something more violent than it had previously been. What happens if Sidney Crosby never returns (prayers to Santa Maria!)? What if someone dies? or becomes a vegetable? Is that when the league will act? When something unthinkable happens? I don't understand human logic sometimes, if we know something has the potential to be harmful, we wait until that potential is realized and THEN we do something about it.
Whatever don't care about this final anymore. BRING ON WORLD CUP RUGBY!!!!!
I really wanted Tampa to be in the final but apparently I never get what I want, so...
I'm cheering for Vancouver although I have a sneaking suspicion that Boston will take it. Did I jinx it? Oh well.
I apologize for not having much to say about this but in all honesty I don't care about this final because I have never really cared for either team. Yeah I'll watch, its the Stanley Cup final after all but my heart won't be crushed if one team loses nor will I be sitting in the edge of my sofa with happy tears in my eyes if one team wins.
I'm just very 'meh' about the whole thing...
YES I'M STILL BITTER THAT WASHINGTON WAS KICKED OUT SO EARLY!!!!!!!!
The news came out today that Derek Boogaard's death was the result of an accident due to the mixture of alcohol and Oxycodone. Oxycodone is an opiate, which means its in the same family as heroin and morphine, all are highly addictive. His family released a statement saying that he had ongoing troubles with pain and addiction, so its not hard to put two and two together. But regardless of the circumstances of his death, its still a tragic loss, and it brings up a lot more questions than answers but for now we'll let the Boogeyman rest.
Slightly late but, still early enough for us to have NO clue as to who's going to win!
Western Conference:
Boston vs Tampa Bay
Simply put I want Tampa Bay to take this series, in fact I want them to go all the way and win the Cup. Why? They were 8th coming into the playoffs and no one predicted that they would have made it this far (still crying myself to sleep over Washington). I still feel for Boston after their early exit in 2008, the year they were supposed to win the cup but I'm also still bitter from that whole Max Pacioretty incident. Also Vinny LeCavalier is hands down the hottest player around, so sound logic concludes, that we should all be cheering for Tampa. Skills? Talent? Who cares!
The series is currently tied at 1 - 1
Easter Conference:
San Jose vs Vancouver
The two biggest choke teams in the league face off! I'm actually floored that San Jose made it to the conference final. I cannot believe it! I'm in awe! Van city made it to the conference final last year but were beat by the subsequent Stanley Cup Champs, the Blackhawks. That must have hurt, huh? They came sooooo close only to be denied! Do you think Roberto Luongo was crying as Johnthan Towes lifted the cup, saying 'that could have been me! that could have been ME'. Well I guess it comes as no surprise then, that I'm cheering for Vancouver, its my future home and they're Canadian! Plus I don't know what will happen if San Jose upset the delicate balance of choking and win the series, I can't even imagine...maybe the world will end on May 21.
I have no clue what the boys are doing in Cannes but I do, however, applaud Sidney Crosby for walking away from his fishing rod to snag some hot Euro ass...
Who are we kidding? We all know Sid has no game! If he got any action it was from being Jordan Staal's wingman! And how good does Jordan Staal look? I haven't had these feelings since 2007. Its official, Jordan, you are my number one Staal brother! And hello Paul 'hot ginger' Martin! I had no idea he looked this good out of uniform. Also I just realized Maxime Talbot's cheese would totally work in France, he's getting the most action out of all of them! Play on player, play on!
I wanted to start my onslaught of posts with this.
On Friday May 13th Derek Boogaard of the New York Rangers was found dead in his apartment, he was only 28. Boogaard was a fan favourite and the team enforcer. We don't know the cause of death yet. It was announced today that his family decided to donate his brain to Boston University so that they could study the affects physical sport has on the brain. Nothing has been released as to whether or not this had anything to do with his death.
I wonder if people really understand what athletes go through just to be the best, and do they care once their careers are over. MacLeans did an article on the 1985 Chicago bears a few months back, aptly titled, 'The Sad News Bears'. This was a team that is regarded as one of the best teams in the history of sport but a lot of them have lead tragic lives or tragic ends after the lights went out on their careers.
But here's where Boogaard differs, he was 28 years old at the apex of his career, why did he die? 28 is far to young! I just hope we get anwers.
My prayers are with his family, his friends, and his teammates. Goodbye Boogeyman!
This one might be a bit preachy but whatever people I love are part of the LGBTQ community AND clubs in the village are a million times better than 'hetero' clubs so you know what the knives are out and I'm demanding blood! (figuratively speaking obviously)
So I few days ago a video came out with Sean Avery stating that he supports gay marriage:
I can't tell you how much it pains me to actually start liking Avery. I've spend most of his career hating on him and then he started dating Hilary Rhoda and now THIS???? You were aiming for my love this whole time, weren't you Sean? WELL MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Anyway I'm totally glad and impressed that Sean, formerly king douche, Avery not only supports same sex marriage but actually put his money where is mouth is and participated in a national campaign! How refreshing and heart warming! And then this happened:
Uptown Hockey is a sports agency, whose biggest client is Mike Fisher. (JP Barry feel free to cackle away!) They are a SPORTS AGENCY, which means they have no business making comments on social issues whatsoever! Yeah, yeah, yeah everyone's got an opinion etc. etc. but this is incredibly unprofessional and amateur because they now have put their clients in an awkward position, where they may be forced to take a stand on either end of the spectrum when most of them just want to play hockey and go home.
Also there are gay pro hockey players, and gay players moving up in the ranks of the minor hockey leagues across North America and Europe, no I don't know who they are but gay people are just like straight people they exist everywhere, who knew right? So why would you ostracize so many potential clients, when, let's be honest, the bottom line is always money, political and social issues should NOT come into play.
No matter how he prefaces it, Todd Reynolds (the guy who tweeted) is a hateful bigot. To treat someone as a second class citizen, to deny them rights just because "they're not like us" is hate, plain and simple. Marriage is a legal matter, so your religion, your personal beliefs have nothing to do with it! I know that Sean was supporting gay marriage in the US but Reynolds is Canadian where same-sex marriage is legal, denying anyone those rights would go against our Charter rights and who we are as a country. AND the vast majority of Canadians support same sex marriage! So I don't know where this Todd guy comes from (not going to make an Alberta joke).
And he needs to stop with this so called 'Sanctity' of marriage because when our divorce rate is at 50%, there isn't anything scared about that. ALSO it really irks me when people invoke a book that was written by several, educated, no doubt rich, Hebrew men, over a span of hundreds of years, who were landless, oppressed, and constantly fighting for their keep. Excusing the universal messages of love, charity, and compassion, how does this book apply to modern times when slavery and capital punishments are seen as barbaric and archaic? Historical context makes all the difference!
Uptown Hockey, you just did all the other sports agencies a favour but please do us another and stop with the hateful ignorance, your soul will be better for it.
PS God doesn't make mistakes! Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer identified, and Straight people all belong here and all deserve love and happiness!
This is looking to be a very interesting post season! We have grudge matches in both conferences, could this get any better? In the East its Boston and Montreal, that whole Chara-Pacioretty incident still fresh in the minds of each team! In the West its Vancouver, who is first in their conference, against Chicago who's last AND defending Stanley Cup champs! Also you do remember this right?
I'm not saying there's going to be an empty bench kind of fight, I'm just saying there's history, and that's always a factor in playoff hockey.
Eastern Conference
Washington vs NY Rangers
I want Washington to do well. They are first in their conference but they were also first last year and were kicked out by Montreal in four games but NYR are not the habs. They seem to be this all or nothing kind of team, either they're amazing, kicking ass all over the ice, or terrible where, when offence collapses so does the defence and Lundqvist is left all by his lonesome. He deserves better but he's not giving up front row tickets to fashion week! So in short there's no middle ground with them.
Philadelphia vs Buffalo
Chris Pronger plays for Philly. So we're all in agreement that we want Buffalo to win, right?
Boston vs Montreal
Boston and Montreal, oh I will be watching! I'll be cheering for Montreal because I'm a patriot and other reasons, which is a shame, because if Chara never smashed Pacioretty's head into that barrier, I wouldn't mind if Boston moved on to the next round. I still feel badly for them about 2008, remember 2008? They were the best team in the entire league that year, they had such an amazing season, everyone pegged them for the Stanley cup champs and then it all fell apart in the playoffs and were kicked out in the first round. What a Greek tragedy!
Pittsburgh vs Tampa Bay
Don't kill me Pittsburgh fans but I kind of want Tampa to take this round. Its been a while since they've made it to the post season, and you guys had your shot 3 years in a row! Going to the final twice in 3 seasons, taking the cup home in 2009, is it so wrong that I want to shake things up? Obviously I won't be heartbroken if Tampa doesn't get through but it would be nice for Lecavalier to experience winning again!
Western Conference
Vancouver vs Chicago
When it comes to Vancouver vs Chicago, I'm cheering for Vancouver, even though they, as a club, have never wowed me with their hockey, Chicago had their shot, and struggled to make it to 8th place, just making it to the post season, I dunno, I just think there are more deserving parties, you know?
San Jose vs Los Angeles
UGH when San Jose is involved, what's the point? They're going to choke! Maybe not in the first round but they're not making it to the final. Why is this even a conversation anymore? Here's what I said last year:
Ok this is me being a jerk, but come on, its like clockwork with San Jose! They will choke! They're the best team during the regular season and biggest disappointment during the playoffs, why would I waste my time? Mark my words before they playoffs are through we'll see Joe Thornton cry, AGAIN! Moving on...
and NOTHING has changed. Los Angeles, please take advantage of the fortune bestowed on you. NEXT!
Detroit vs Phoenix
This is where I cock my eyebrow. How much money has been poured into Phoenix just to keep it afloat? Not two seasons ago this club was in danger of collapsing. Why are they still in Phoenix? Why not in an actual hockey market, you know somewhere that isn't a desert? All this to keep Jim Balsillie out of the Billionaire Boys Club, PLEASE! For this reason alone I want the Dirty D to take it.
Anaheim vs Nashville
Here's a match up I really don't care about. So I really don't have a preference. Oh wait Corey Perry still plays for Anaheim right? Alright I want Nashville to win!
On the day when the NHL walked into the 21st century and banned headshots, YEY progress, Bruce Boudreau made some pretty stupid, 19th century comments. Montreal fans are pissed, I mean lots of hockey fans are pissed but naturally Montreal fans are particularly pissed, with good reason, and Habs fans aren't the type to dick around, when they get upset, they mean business! Remember when they were kicked out of the playoffs and there was a riot and people started destroying cop cars? Uh yea, that's pretty serious. So tonight, a bunch of Habs fans have organized a protest/rally whatever you want to call it, to show their dissatisfaction with the handling of the whole Chara-Pacioretty controversy. Tonight Montreal takes on Washington (still want them to make the playoffs and have a real go at it) and I guess someone asked their Coach Bruce Boudreau, about this whole situation and here's what he had to say:
''If you don't like it, don't come to the games. I think players realize they could get hurt. They don't want to do it [injure other players], but unless you've played and seen what goes on with the speed of the game, you're not going to be able to argue with it.''
''I don't want to get into a controversy, but what if that was (Montreal's) Hal Gill that hit (Boston's) David Krejci?'' he said. ''I don't think there would be a protest going on here today."
First things first, I don't think any hockey fan is under any sort of illusion that hockey is NOT a physical game. We all agree that its a tough sport to play, that's why an average shift is like 3 and a half minutes. And injury and sport, go hand in hand, when you're pushing your body to its limits, there's bound to be breaks, bruises, and tears. Injuries are not unique to team sports either, pretty sure track stars get torn ACLs as well, its all part and parcel of being an athlete, right? No one is asking for hockey not to be physical, what people are asking for is accountability, and policies that will prevent players from deliberately shoving another dude's head into a metal barrier but hey according to some "Hockey People" that's asking for a lot.
And to counter Boudreau's second point, what if it were a Caps player that had the broken vertebrate, and serious concussion? Pretty sure he wouldn't be throwing his hands up saying "hey that's hockey" no he'd be out for blood, as well. Don't piss in my ear and tell me its raining. If the tables were turned on any other team, their organization would be demanding Chara's suspension just like Montreal, and countless other hockey fans who don't want another Steve Moore on the books. I really don't understand some people's logic.
And then Mike Knuble (who interviewed him anyway, who cares!) took a jab at the safety of the Bell Centre, which may or may not be true but how come every player will say that Montreal is their favourite city to play in? Pulling at straws, that's all I have to say.
And here's some Ryan Kesler interview bombing to lighten the post...oh there's shirtless shots. Your welcome!
On March 8th Bruins' captain Zedeno Chara delivered a devastating hit on Montreal's Max Pacioretty, now before I get into it, its kind of imperative to see the hit to understand where myself and so many others are coming from but I must warn you the video is difficult to watch, my heart stopped because honestly Pacioretty looks- well he doesn't look good, the video is in French but that's inconsequential, also its 7 minutes long but you don't have to watch the entire video, 2.5-3 minutes and you'll understand:
First things first, Pacioretty is okay as in he's alive, thank Santa Maria for that, he did however, fracture his 4th cervical vertebrate (the ones at the top of the spine) and suffered a severe concussion. He's 22 years old, a minor league player that was called up to the majors, and there's is no timeline for him to return to hockey at this point in time. Also his parents were at the game...I know!
The Hit
Let's call a spade a spade, it was a dirty hit! No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Watch it again (if you can stomach it); Pacioretty has the puck, Chara's coming in for a hit, pretty standard right? You have the puck, you're fair game, we all know this. So Pacioretty chips the puck away, Chara's body makes contact with Pacioretty's, okay we're still good, still pretty standard AND THEN comes Chara's long arm, and he shoves Pacioretty's head into the stanchion (the metal bar holding together the glass) and not only does it become dirty hit but a dangerous one! Pacioretty falls to the ice unconscious, no one knows what's wrong, he's not responding, not getting up, not opening his eyes. The trainers working quickly but you can see the panic in their actions, at one point they're checking his pulse, Boston's trainers come to help, working on him trying to gauge the situation, then after several gruelling minuets a number of habs players lift their unconscious teammate onto the stretcher. He's off to the hospital, and we're all left holding our breath.
The Reaction
This is where Montreal shows their superiority to their ancient rival, because that night the Montreal Police Force were inundated with calls, like phones off the hook, lines being clogged, like every man woman and child in Quebec picked up the phone to call, because Habs fans wanted justice! It wasn't just a dirty it, it was criminal! As of now Montreal Police have started a criminal investigation into the hit, oh hell yeah!
We the citizens are outraged but so is our government, our Minister for Sport, Gary Lunn, made a comment in the house of commons no less, saying in not so many words that the NHL better do something about it AND our Prime Minister (as much as I dislike him) echoed his sentiment. Only in Canada right?
So the citizens are outraged, the government is outraged AND capitalism is also outraged. Air Canada, unsatisfied with the league's reaction to this incident, sent a scathing letter to the NHL stating among other things:
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to associate our brand with sports events, which could lead to serious and irresponsible accidents”
OH SNAP! I might have to reconsider my not flying with Air Canada, after this. This is no idle threat and the NHL would be fools to take it as such, the current economic climate paired with the difficulty some clubs are having south of the boarder *cough*Arizona*cough* can they really afford to loose a major sponsor like Air Canada?
Well apparently Buttman is being a fool because he's publicly brushed them off but with VIA Rail and Canadian Tire circling, not to mention a criminal investigation on the cards, and the league's most dedicated fans crying out for blood, is that really the best move?
Chara
Chara was cited for a major penalty and that's it. No suspension, no fines, nothing. Not only that there has been no apology, public or otherwise. Pacioretty has received no phone calls, no flowers, no get well card from Chara. Classy.
He says it was not his intention to hurt him, that hockey's a physical game, and that things happen in the heat of the moment. While I agree that hockey is a phycial game, I'd just love to know what sort of outcome Chara expected from shoving a guy's head into a metal bar, just wondering. Sure he probably didn't anticipate that he would have broken his freakin vertebrate but the intention seems clear as day once you see the hit. His apathy concerning this whole situation is a little troubling though, many players who hurt another player or even get into a major brawl, always check up with each other after the game to see if they're alright or apologize or forget about it over gross domestic beer but not Chara! Hmmm. Maybe Chara was instructed NOT to apologize because an apology would be an admission of guilt and with a criminal investigation underway...ohhhhh conspiracy!
PS Pacioretty is 6'2 212 pounds. Chara is 6'9 255 pounds. *cocked eyebrow*
The League
And here's where I throw my hands up. The league has done NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING! They've released thinly veiled passive aggressive statements aimed at Air Canada because they dared to have a moral compass, and basically patted us all on the head telling us they'll talk about it at the GM's meeting this week, so don't you worry. UGH. The NHL cronies are scared to set a precedent, because they don't want to 'pansify' the game, because hockey's a tough sport, a man's sport, if you don't like it, well you can get the fuck out of here! But is it so wrong that we want our players safe? Is it so wrong that we want our children to learn how to play an albeit physical game, without there being the dangers of dirty hit and career ending injuries that could have been avoided?
Are dirty players just going to be allowed to roam free within our league without challenge, not only ending careers but seriously altering the health of another player, because a hockey career only lasts so long, what happens when a lingering injury suffered during the glory days seriously affects an ex-player's health? Why are they protecting the Matt Cooke's and Todd Bertuzzi's, and in this case the Zedeno Chara's? How many Max Pacioretty's, Steve Moore's, Nick Kypreos', or hell even Sidney Crosby's are there going to be? Despite the myth that's being perpetuated by the league, and hockey fans, this game is WAY more violent than it was in its original 6 days. Maurice 'Rocket' Richard, would he last in this modern game? I'm scared of the answer. When is this league going to stop being a bunch of 'pansies' and step up to the freaking plate?!?!?!?!
We demand a pound of flesh, and we'll get no less!
After 12 seasons in blue and white, the Maple Leafs have traded the veteran defenceman [Tomas Kaberle] to the Boston Bruins in exchange for prospect centre Joe Colborne , the Bruins' first-round pick in 2011 and a conditional second-round draft pick in 2012.
12 seasons??? Has it been that long? Damn I'm old! So finally, FINALLY, Tomas Kaberle got away from the Leafs, and was traded to a team who is currently 3rd in the Western Conference, meaning they have a VERY good shot at making it to the playoffs. You know what I'm not even mad, anyone who has endured this level of fail for 12 years, deserves a shot at the cup.
So uh Rick Nash, when are you buying your plane ticket to Toronto?
I know a lot of people are demanding blood because Carrie Underwood pulled a Janet Jones-Gretzky but let's look at this pragmatically, shall we? Fisher is a 3rd maybe even a 2nd line player he started his hockey career in Ottawa, its all he's ever known, and at 30 years old if his best days aren't behind him, they soon will be. Ottawa is not making the playoffs, in fact they are doing worse than the Leafs *snort*. Nashville however are 6th in the Western conference, and they have a chance at making it to the post season, anyone who knows anything about Mike Fisher knows that he deserves a shot at the cup. So why shouldn't he get that chance? And what's so wrong in him moving to a city that benefits not only himself but his wife as well?
Don't get me wrong I think Carrie Underwood's tacky bitch. Tacky as in, worse dresser EVER and bitch as in bitch but she is uber talented, and did give us the great revenge song "before he cheats", and they both seem to be in love (ahh newly weds), so I really don't see anything wrong with this entire situation because it seems to benefit both equally.
On Sunday my delinquent little brother, Phil Kessel deviated from the script and revealed that maybe all is not well in the Leafs household:
On how he and Dad (Ron Wilson) are dealing with his 10 game scoreless slump:
"me and the (coach) don’t really talk and that’s all I got to say about that..."
Pretty sure the entire city just let out a collective "WHAT?!?!?!?", because if our [for all intents and purposes] star player and head coach don't speak to one another, what the heck is going on?
Kessel on Dad's line changes: “We’ve got to change something. I’m not sure if that’s it, but maybe . . . I don’t know”
Uh oh! Did he just infer what I think he's inferring? Because there's been talk that we need a new Dad. We've completely changed the team from goalies to forwards, the only vestige left from the last mediocre class of Leafs is, Kaberle, who could go at any minute, so the next logical step would be to get a new coach right? We have all this new blood and yet we're not doing any better than before and we're set to miss the playoffs, AGAIN! At this point the Leafs are beyond embarrassing. I don't even know what's going on, are we in a downward spiral? are we in freefall? have we hit rock bottom? is there a dark curse we just can't shake? Can't say for sure but what I can say is that Rick Nash is the key to our salvation.
Remember how Komisarek is being accused of alledgely punching a woman in the face? Remember how MLSE, the LAPD and Komisarek himself haven't said much about the charges, well TMZ has a new development, apparently witnesses say that he never punched her, that she actually smacked her nose on his head causing her to bleed.
But I ask you this, are these witnesses his teammates???
I'm still getting bad vibes from this whole situation. I may be unfairly tarring Komisarek with the same brush, as I've had a lifetime of experience concerning hockey players...that sounds wrong. What I mean is my brother played select, I've had friends play triple A hockey, so I know the culture of hockey players: a girl in every city; it wouldn't really surprise me if it were true, and there are reasons why I'm inclined to believe that it is.
We have to re-visit this video because its pure gold and I'm currently snowed in so I need a little joy in my life :(. Don't you love how Bryzgalov completely hijacks this interview, he wants to talk about the weather goddamn it! And a journalist and some language barriers aren't going to stop him!
FYI the interviewer originally asked him about Pronger's first return to Edmonton after his sketchy exit from the team but honestly who cares about Chris Pronger? Remember when he fell at the All Star game? Karma at work!
Well My delinquent little brother made it onto TMZ.com for all the wrong reasons.
Apparently Mike Komisarek punched some girl in the face, after she slapped him, after he picked her up and refused to put her down. The Leafs have instructed him to say nothing, the league has made no comment, and there has been not further news on this story besides the initial report. I, however am inclined to side with the girl. Entitlement is rife within professional sports, stories like this are becoming all to common, it seems as soon as their salary goes up, so does their douchiness.
Also, I'm assuming many of you have been in a club, where somehow sexual harassment is normalized, where guys can just grab whatever they want, jab their boners wherever they want, and its all okay but if you were to object to some guy reaching up your skirt, you're at bitch or a c*nt, and this is the mentality of regular normal everyday guys!!! Imagine adding fame, fortune, and entitlement!
Mike Komisarek is 6'4, 200 some pounds, he's a defenceman which means its his job to be physical and rough up other players, imagine being picked up by that against your will (alcohol mostly likely was consumed) and him refusing to let you go, how helpless would you feel? What would you do? Would you not try to defend yourself in some way?
I suppose there's that whole innocent until proven guilty bit but if we're thinking critically...come on now, we all know what the truth is.
The Harold Ballard Curse tightens its grip once again.
-I will soon be winding down the 'Best of 2010' a couple of more posts left. I was going to put Inception on that list but I re-watched it, and to be honest it was just okay. Joseph Gordon Levitt is still a babe, so don't hate me forever.
-Gareth Thomas recently appeared on the Ellen show. Brave, inspiring, better than all of us! I teared up when he talked about his dad! I think we as rugby fans should be proud that it was one of our boys that came out first in pro-sports, in probably the most hetero-masculine game there is. Gareth and Uncle Brian will have my undying respect. Homophobia, there is just no need for it!
-24/7: Road to the Winter Classic ended tonight. If you haven't watched it, especially if you're not a fan, you must. After this series (its only 4 parts so relax) you will get it! You will feel what every die hard hockey fan feels, and who, up until this series, could not communicate that to anyone who was an outsider, all anyone saw was missing teeth, fist fights and beer. But now you can see Mike Green's YSL gloves, and his orange Vespa. I'm dead serious. PS I want Bruce Boudreau to be my dad, sorry Ron Wilson...
-Canada lost the gold metal game to Russia this evening for the World Juniors Tournament. The reason they lost was arrogance. Russia is not some backwater team, why in god's name would they go soft in the third period? I don't understand! The third period was just embarrassing. No offence, no defence, and a goalie who was superb the entire tournament was left with the keys to the castle and was expected to defend it. Silver second year in a row...
-Lastly: I know a lot has changed since I was a pre-teen but I would have never sent death threats to Brian Litterell's (BSB member, totally ageing myself) girlfriend. What is up with these Bieber fans sending Selena Gomez death threats and calling her a whore? Don't kids go outside anymore? Can you be a pathetic loser at 12? Do they understand the ramifications of a death treat and calling another girl a slut? See this is what happens when different mediums force children to grow up WAY too soon, they don't understand the implications of certain words/ actions/feelings. What is the world coming to? Oh god I sound 80 years old.
Who's watching the Winter Classic on New Year's day? If I'm not too hung over I definitely will. Don't hate me Pittsburgh but I'm cheering for Washington...for more than one reason.
Unfortunately I missed the second episode last night because I was out till like 2am...but let's just talk about general reactions to this series.
First of all I think its a little unfair that the Pens get ANOTHER winter classic, there's only been two and they've already participated in one before. Why not Colorado? or Minnesota? or New Jersey? This is clearly a strong marketing push from the league to pit two rivals against one another, and its a little tacky...I mean I'm still going to watch it but the NHL is more than Crosby v Ovechkin! Also its no accident that both teams are introduced by playing the Toronto Maple Leafs; MLSE, they know exactly what they're doing ;)
In any case, from what I've seen this is an awesome introduction to hockey if you're not a fan, and its icing on the cake if you are one. I've never seen hockey so polished, so graceful, with such good lighting and soundtrack (Interpol, XX, Band of Horses, etc.). Any hockey fan watching this will not be surprised by what 24/7 reveals. Yes there is a level of respect between two players dropping the gloves (except when Sean Avery is involved), yes every other word coming out of a player's/coach's mouth is a swear word, yes good teams can have a several game losing streak, yes its like the law to prank the rookies, we all know this but speaking as one hockey fan, its FINALLY nice to see our sport getting some Hollywood treatment, ya know?
I think this documentary is well done, actually. It mentions in a kind of indirect way the Crosby v Ovechkin saga but it doesn't focus on it, rather, it focuses on the trails of and elation of the team as a whole, because no matter how good your star player is, if he doesn't have a good enough supporting roster,you really can't compete, right Columbus? They also show how unpredictable the game can be, Washington for example, has some of the best players in the league and yet they cannot come up with a win, even against some of the worst teams, on paper no one would have guessed that would be the outcome but every hockey fan knows, what's true on paper, isn't always true on the ice.
Like I said it doesn't reveal anything we didn't know before but its well done, and I like where they're going with this, there's one more episode left before the game on New Year's day and it will be interesting to see if Pittsburgh will continue on with its well oiled machine, and if Washington can pull up their socks, and shut it down.
And HBO more Brooks Laich, please...in a suit preferably...or shirtless...
PS after watching this I've never been so conscious of my Canadian accent. I do saw out and about funny, how embarrassing...
I'm sure some of you have heard about Darren Pang's Freudian slip about PK Subban, if not you will in about 40 seconds:
I truly believe that Pang made an honest mistake. I don't think he meant to imply that Subban's style of play is 'too black' and he needs to 'whiten' his game but whether he likes it or not his slip of the tongue has ignited a conversation about the game of hockey, and how the NHL is a very homogeneous place, not just in the diversity of its players ethnic background but their behaviour as well.
Let's start off with the less obvious culprit, i.e. if any player has any kind of personality, he's deemed immature, too flamboyant, reckless, cocky, etc. etc. all words which have been used to describe one of the greatest players playing today, Alexander Ovechkin.
Lucky for us he doesn't give a rat's ass about what those old geezers on the hot stove think of him, or the cognitive challenged Don Cherry. He still has hilarious goal celebrations, he still gives the best interviews in the league, and he still goes end to end, making us all feel bad about ourselves but those assessments of him being too arrogant and not responsible, and the never ending comparisons to the very vanilla Sidney Crosby will just not die.
The NHL needs to wake the hell up. If they want to compete with the other major leagues in North America and potenitally expand to Europe (OMG I'm sooo out of it I almost spelled Europe like yourope, I need sleep) they need to stop hammering down players who show a bit of originality or personality. This ain't the original six league anymore, there aren't just Canadians and Americans playing, if they want to diversify and expand their fan base, they need to allow their players to be diversified as well, which brings us to my next point.
The NHL is a very homogeneous place, you'll mostly see one type of dude playing, which if you look at it historically, it makes sense but its the 21st century, so it is a little baffling when you have die hard hockey pundits like Don Cherry or even local coaches hating on Europeans entering the league hell- they even hate on French Canadians who are North American. Clearly, something needs to change within our hockey culture, because if a dude from Sweden is given the side-eye, how is a dude like Nazem Kadri supposed to fare?
Its time that the league, the fans, hell even the game realize that hockey is evolving. Players wear helmets now, and mouth guards, and even *gasp* visors, and they may even be from somewhere that isn't Saskatchewan or Alberta or Minnesota or Ontario or North America in general! Times are changing, yes one of the best players, in the league is from Europe, yes one of the most promising defensemen in the league is black, isn't it time we embrace this change, and teach everyone that no matter where you come from or what you look like as long as you work hard, persevere, and are good the people around you, you will be successful?
Racism and Xenophobia has no place in this game or in the modern world, its time we all realized that!
