Prelude- You may be hearing about some serious injuries in hockey as of late. Let's review the situation and give you some head-up about what is happening.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Serious Injuries to the Head in Professional Hockey
Issue -
This weekend, a Boston Bruin, Patrice Bergeron, was hit from behind into the boards resulting in him being carried off the ice on a stretcher. See story here. This event follows a number of other hits to the head that started right in preseason hockey with Philadelphia Flyers forward Steve Downie's hit on Ottawa Senator forward Dean McAmmond. McAmmond has yet to return to the Sens. Since then, there have been two more serious injuries that were caused by hits from behind.
NHL loves to have its fights reviewed during the nightly highlight packages. This however, creates the wrong image about this sport.
Point to Say - "Do you think the NHL should finally do something serious in order to stop all the hits from behind?"
Follow up point - "Isn't hitting someone when they are vulnerable shameful? Shouldn't players have respect for each other?
Backgrounder
Serious injuries in such a high collision sport is not new, what is up this year, is the amount of hitting from behind that has left player being carried off on a stretcher.
Concussions have always been part of the sport. It just wasn't tackled about much in the past. Like any good surveillance system, numbers are rising over recent years because of better detection methods and, finally, more open discussion on the matter and long term damage. Eric Lindros, and his younger brother, Brett, are the contemporary case and point. Brett retired from hockey at age 20 due to concussions.
There are LOTS of different views on this topic. Some blame the player (e.g. Don Cherry) who says the player hit from behind should never have put himself in that position in the first place. Others will add that hitting and such is all part of the game so nothing done by the league will ever stop this. "Finish your check" is ground into the player from day 1, for example.
A counter view says players need to recognize when someone is vulnerable. They are highly trained athletes able to react in a split second. A new way of thinking should be taught that doesn't install a vicious mentality.
The NHL is starting to increase the level of suspensions for these types of hits. Downie was suspended 20 games for his hit on McAmmond's head in an exhibition game. Then on Oct. 10 in Vancouver, Jesse Boulerice cross-checked Ryan Kesler in the mouth, resulting in a 25-game suspension.
It will depend on what the market wishes to watch when it tunes that will ultimately decide which way the leagues goes with its preventing of future such hits.
Links
Update - Boston Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron was released from hospital Sunday after suffering a concussion and a broken nose in a 2-1 loss to Philadelphia a day earlier.
The situation is reviewed very well by the hockey columnist Allan Maki from the Globe and Mail here.This situation is not unique to just NHL. No matter the league, hockey is suffering from these types of hits. This article reviews a situation that recently happened in the American Hockey League (farm teams for the NHL).
What is next for Eric? Find out here.
Not a sports fan? Need to talk to someone who is? Not a problem. Use this blog to get what you need for your next conversation.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Carey Price: Who is he?
Prelude- There is a promising young rookie in hockey that will soon be as widely known among hockey fans as Matts Sundin is to Leaf fans, Alfredsson is to Sens fans and Luongo is to Canuck fans; his name is Carey Price. This could be the goalie story of the year. Let's use today's blog to give you something to talk about with your hockey fan.
Sport - Hockey
Event - The goalie situation in Montreal, in particular: goalie Carey Price.
Issue - The Montreal goalie situation is getting a lot of press in the Montreal hockey world. The reason? Other than Montreal loves its hockey and loves its Canadiens more, is that there this is a goalie who could very well lead this team into the playoffs in the coming years.
Should he play though? he is very young but has a lot potential. Is it too soon to bring this guy up from the minors? He already has proven himself there though.
Point to Say - "Do you think Carey Price will be as good as Patrick Roy was for Montreal?"
Follow up point - "It's way too early to tell as Price is only 20. As long as the Montreal media doesn't wear him down, he should turn into a great one."
Backgrounder
In 2005 NHL Entry Draft, the Montréal Canadiens' 1st round choice ( 5th overall) was a goalie by the name of Carey Price. It is not often at all that a goalie gets drafted that high. The last time was Pittsburgh Penguins' 1st round choice ( 1st overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft of Marc-Andre Fleury. He was up and down with the Pens for a few seasons, and is only now playing regularly as their regular starting goalie. Previous to that, the New York Islanders' 1st round choice ( 4th overall) in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft of Roberto Luongo. Luongo is currently thought to be the best goalie in the NHL currently. But do the math. 1997-2007. That is ten years. It takes a while for a goalie to earn top spot on this team let alone the league.
This year, Price earned a spot on the Mtl team through his play at the team's training camp. To go from junior hockey to AHL to the NHL in three years is well.. amazing.
Price's NHL debut was highly anticipated across Canada after he led the country to the 2006 World Junior Championship, earning MVP honors in the process. He finished his year in junior being named goalie of the year in major junior hockey (all of Canada). Then, he joined the Mtl Canadiens farm team, the Hamilton Bulldogs and led them to the American Hockey League championship. So, essentially, this goalie has morphed from junior sensation to AHL playoff star in the blink of an eye.
Carey Price's bio from NHL.com
Article on opening game performance, a 3-2 win over Pittsburgh.
Article on Carey Price's future role with Montreal.
Sport - Hockey
Event - The goalie situation in Montreal, in particular: goalie Carey Price.
Issue - The Montreal goalie situation is getting a lot of press in the Montreal hockey world. The reason? Other than Montreal loves its hockey and loves its Canadiens more, is that there this is a goalie who could very well lead this team into the playoffs in the coming years.
Should he play though? he is very young but has a lot potential. Is it too soon to bring this guy up from the minors? He already has proven himself there though.
Point to Say - "Do you think Carey Price will be as good as Patrick Roy was for Montreal?"
Follow up point - "It's way too early to tell as Price is only 20. As long as the Montreal media doesn't wear him down, he should turn into a great one."
Backgrounder
In 2005 NHL Entry Draft, the Montréal Canadiens' 1st round choice ( 5th overall) was a goalie by the name of Carey Price. It is not often at all that a goalie gets drafted that high. The last time was Pittsburgh Penguins' 1st round choice ( 1st overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft of Marc-Andre Fleury. He was up and down with the Pens for a few seasons, and is only now playing regularly as their regular starting goalie. Previous to that, the New York Islanders' 1st round choice ( 4th overall) in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft of Roberto Luongo. Luongo is currently thought to be the best goalie in the NHL currently. But do the math. 1997-2007. That is ten years. It takes a while for a goalie to earn top spot on this team let alone the league.
This year, Price earned a spot on the Mtl team through his play at the team's training camp. To go from junior hockey to AHL to the NHL in three years is well.. amazing.
Price's NHL debut was highly anticipated across Canada after he led the country to the 2006 World Junior Championship, earning MVP honors in the process. He finished his year in junior being named goalie of the year in major junior hockey (all of Canada). Then, he joined the Mtl Canadiens farm team, the Hamilton Bulldogs and led them to the American Hockey League championship. So, essentially, this goalie has morphed from junior sensation to AHL playoff star in the blink of an eye.
Montreal has a history of top flight goalies. Most recently was Patrick Roy. He climbed to fame in his rookie year by leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup in 1993.
Quirky fact: Carey Price made his NHL debut against Pittsburgh this year. Canadiens Hall of Fame goalies Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy also made their NHL debuts against the Penguins — Roy's first game was a 5-3 victory on Oct. 10, 1985.
LinksCarey Price's bio from NHL.com
Article on opening game performance, a 3-2 win over Pittsburgh.
Article on Carey Price's future role with Montreal.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Storylines in Hockey (so far)
Prelude- It's early in the season yet, but if you are need of some hockey talk to get you through the week, here you go.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Stories lines in the NHL so far.
Issue - Before each season begins, fans and pundits alike make predictions on how some team will do during the year. Some teams are expected to do well, others aren't. But then, some teams just seem to put together a winning record that nobody expects. This year the Minnesota Wild are the team everyone ignored but have put together the second best record. The Philadelphia Flyers are the team everyone thought might get better, but not this much better. And the Ottawa Senators are the team everyone expected to do well, and actually are but for a reason not many expected.
Point to Say - "Do you think (choose one) Martin Gerber/Flyers/Wild is/are for real?"
Follow up point - "Gerber is only allowing 2 goals a game. It will be really hard to replace that kind of goals against average."
or
"Daniel Brier is really making the difference with the Flyers this year!"
or
"What's interesting about Minnesota is that, as a team, they have scored twice as many goals as they've let in".
Backgrounder
I've discussed already the need for a quick start. In short, it carries you through the tough times and is plainly indicative of good play.
Daniel Brier was signed as Free agent by the Flyers before the start of this year to improve a team that simply was one of the worst last year. Daniel has 11 points in last 7 Games Played. A very good rating.
Minnesota has been a competitive team in the last few years. One reason is that they play a very defensive game. That means instead of rushing at the net with their forwards, they send one forward in and keep the rest back in order to stop any counter attack by the other team. This year, while it has been noted in the media that they are playing an especially defensive system, their goalies are playing very very well.
Links
TV's The Sports Network (TSN) issues a ranking system for the NHL teams. Note that this week the top three teams are....
Who will play goalie for the Sens?
How are the Wild off to a great start? Click here to read more.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Stories lines in the NHL so far.
Issue - Before each season begins, fans and pundits alike make predictions on how some team will do during the year. Some teams are expected to do well, others aren't. But then, some teams just seem to put together a winning record that nobody expects. This year the Minnesota Wild are the team everyone ignored but have put together the second best record. The Philadelphia Flyers are the team everyone thought might get better, but not this much better. And the Ottawa Senators are the team everyone expected to do well, and actually are but for a reason not many expected.
Point to Say - "Do you think (choose one) Martin Gerber/Flyers/Wild is/are for real?"
Follow up point - "Gerber is only allowing 2 goals a game. It will be really hard to replace that kind of goals against average."
or
"Daniel Brier is really making the difference with the Flyers this year!"
or
"What's interesting about Minnesota is that, as a team, they have scored twice as many goals as they've let in".
Backgrounder
I've discussed already the need for a quick start. In short, it carries you through the tough times and is plainly indicative of good play.
Daniel Brier was signed as Free agent by the Flyers before the start of this year to improve a team that simply was one of the worst last year. Daniel has 11 points in last 7 Games Played. A very good rating.
Minnesota has been a competitive team in the last few years. One reason is that they play a very defensive game. That means instead of rushing at the net with their forwards, they send one forward in and keep the rest back in order to stop any counter attack by the other team. This year, while it has been noted in the media that they are playing an especially defensive system, their goalies are playing very very well.
Links
TV's The Sports Network (TSN) issues a ranking system for the NHL teams. Note that this week the top three teams are....
Who will play goalie for the Sens?
How are the Wild off to a great start? Click here to read more.
Red Sox stage incredible comeback to win American League Championship!
Prelude - Each weekend is full of different sports and sports events. What then makes something worthy of a short sport conversation come Monday? Well, the degree to which the event was unusual. From this weekend, such topics could be the NFL (American Football) New England Patriots are putting together an incredible season having blown out their opposition yet again. There were the two hits from behind during the Ottawa Senators / Florida Panthers hockey game, both causing injury. However, the most unusual event this weekend worth raising in conversation this Monday was the play of the Boston Red Sox. Let's see why.
Sport - Baseball
Event - The 2007 Boston Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians (11 to 2) in game seven of the American League Championship game to thereby move into the World Series (baseball's championship game).
Issue - The Red Sox trailed in their baseball playoffs series 3 games to 1. To win the series, they would have to win the final three games of their best of seven series. Since 1905, only 10 teams had managed to do this. Meaning, this is very rare. By winning last night, the 2007 Sox became the 11th baseball team to accomplish this.
Point to Say - "So, the Red Sox pulled it out of the fire! (if you are comfortable with using a sport cliche) or Say - "So, the Red Sox are going to the World Series!
Follow up point - "Do you think the Red Sox have the momentum going into the finals, or do the Rockies still have it?
Backgrounder
(see previous blog below for details on the momentum of the Colorado Rockies). In short, the Rockies have put together their own story of an incredible win streak but have now a very long layoff between their last series and the upcoming series.
When a team wins the Championship of their league, this is known as "winning the pennant". Pennants are physically awarded to the team who wins their respective league championship.
Find out more details by clicking on the baseball glossary section found in the right hand column beside the blog.
The semi-finals for each baseball playoffs are known as American or National League Championship. They are a 'best of' format. In this case, they are a best out of seven (meaning first team to win four games wins the playoff.
Links
Full article on Red Sox victory.
Sport - Baseball
Event - The 2007 Boston Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians (11 to 2) in game seven of the American League Championship game to thereby move into the World Series (baseball's championship game).
Issue - The Red Sox trailed in their baseball playoffs series 3 games to 1. To win the series, they would have to win the final three games of their best of seven series. Since 1905, only 10 teams had managed to do this. Meaning, this is very rare. By winning last night, the 2007 Sox became the 11th baseball team to accomplish this.
Point to Say - "So, the Red Sox pulled it out of the fire! (if you are comfortable with using a sport cliche) or Say - "So, the Red Sox are going to the World Series!
Follow up point - "Do you think the Red Sox have the momentum going into the finals, or do the Rockies still have it?
Backgrounder
(see previous blog below for details on the momentum of the Colorado Rockies). In short, the Rockies have put together their own story of an incredible win streak but have now a very long layoff between their last series and the upcoming series.
When a team wins the Championship of their league, this is known as "winning the pennant". Pennants are physically awarded to the team who wins their respective league championship.
Find out more details by clicking on the baseball glossary section found in the right hand column beside the blog.
The semi-finals for each baseball playoffs are known as American or National League Championship. They are a 'best of' format. In this case, they are a best out of seven (meaning first team to win four games wins the playoff.
Links
Full article on Red Sox victory.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Is American Football coming to Canada?
Prelude - There are lots of sports happening this weekend, Baseball playoff, Hockey on Saturday, North American soccer is finishing up its regular season, football galore (college, NFL and CFL) and there is even some golf and tennis, but in short, nothing an avid sports fan is looking forward to beyond their normal level of watching. So today's blog will introduce to a topic that looks to generate an ongoing discussion with your sports fan.
Sport - Football
Event - The Buffalo Bills of the National Football League announced that they will be playing some of their regularly scheduled home games, not in Buffalo, but rather Toronto starting next year.
Issue - This is watershed moment in the long history of whether the NFL will ever come to Canada. In short, every sports league has teams based in both countries save football. In the US they have their four down game (NFL) and we have our three down game (CFL). This is for historical reasons (see links below). Percentage wise, you'll probably know more NFL football fans than CFL fans (certainly if you live in Eastern Canada). Reason? In short, the NFL is the top league for that sport.
As such, in Canada, there has always been discussion as to whether Canada had the market to support an NFL franchise. Further, with an already established league with its own tradition, it was always considered hands off. Any encroachment was thought to kill of this product, certainly in Toronto.
With Buffalo making this announcement the rules are changing.
Point to Say - "So, with the Bills about to play some home games in Toronto, do you think this is the first step for a Toronto NFL franchise?
Follow up point - "Do you think the CFL will survive if the Bills play more home games in Toronto?"
Backgrounder
Football in Canada has a long tradition. The CFL has a long long history too. However, the NFL is THE big money sport in the US. It is the top grossing sport for money and the most watched sport on TV.
Links
Get more in this Article from today's Globe and Mail newspaper.
For those living in Ottawa, there is still ongoing talk about bringing a football team to the city. Find out more here.
Sport - Football
Event - The Buffalo Bills of the National Football League announced that they will be playing some of their regularly scheduled home games, not in Buffalo, but rather Toronto starting next year.
Issue - This is watershed moment in the long history of whether the NFL will ever come to Canada. In short, every sports league has teams based in both countries save football. In the US they have their four down game (NFL) and we have our three down game (CFL). This is for historical reasons (see links below). Percentage wise, you'll probably know more NFL football fans than CFL fans (certainly if you live in Eastern Canada). Reason? In short, the NFL is the top league for that sport.
As such, in Canada, there has always been discussion as to whether Canada had the market to support an NFL franchise. Further, with an already established league with its own tradition, it was always considered hands off. Any encroachment was thought to kill of this product, certainly in Toronto.
With Buffalo making this announcement the rules are changing.
Point to Say - "So, with the Bills about to play some home games in Toronto, do you think this is the first step for a Toronto NFL franchise?
Follow up point - "Do you think the CFL will survive if the Bills play more home games in Toronto?"
Backgrounder
Football in Canada has a long tradition. The CFL has a long long history too. However, the NFL is THE big money sport in the US. It is the top grossing sport for money and the most watched sport on TV.
Links
Get more in this Article from today's Globe and Mail newspaper.
For those living in Ottawa, there is still ongoing talk about bringing a football team to the city. Find out more here.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Baseball Rockies put together incredible win streak!
Sport - Baseball
Event - The baseball semi finals (known as the Championsip Series) are almost over. One team has already made the finals (known as the World Series).
Issue - The Colorado Rockies finished the year winning 14 of their last 15 games of the regular season. That is an incredible finish! Now they have won all their games in the two rounds of playoffs to make the finals. That means they have won 21 of their last 22 games played. This winning streak is very rarely seen in professional sports, especially during the playoffs.
Point to Say - "So, the Rockies have strung together an incredible winning streak!" (see above if you need to throw in stats)
Follow up point - "Even though they've got this great momentum, they have nine days between their last playoff game and the start of the World Series. That's a very long gap between games!"
Backgrounder
The Colorado Rockies story is fast becoming known as "Rocktober".
The Rockies play in the Major League Baseball's West Division. They play out of Denver. They have one Playoff appearance in their history: 1995. They lost to the Atlanta Braves in the Championship Series (semi-finals).
A "layoff" in baseball terms means 'days between games played'. In fact, the 9 days the Rockies are facing is the longest gap between semi-finals and finals in baseball history. Usually, baseball teams play 6 games a week.
The American League playoffs currently are being played between sentimental favourites the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Cleveland leads the series 3 games to 1. Meaning, Cleveland needs one more victory to win the semi-final and move to the World Series.
Links
Event - The baseball semi finals (known as the Championsip Series) are almost over. One team has already made the finals (known as the World Series).
Issue - The Colorado Rockies finished the year winning 14 of their last 15 games of the regular season. That is an incredible finish! Now they have won all their games in the two rounds of playoffs to make the finals. That means they have won 21 of their last 22 games played. This winning streak is very rarely seen in professional sports, especially during the playoffs.
Point to Say - "So, the Rockies have strung together an incredible winning streak!" (see above if you need to throw in stats)
Follow up point - "Even though they've got this great momentum, they have nine days between their last playoff game and the start of the World Series. That's a very long gap between games!"
Backgrounder
The Colorado Rockies story is fast becoming known as "Rocktober".
The Rockies play in the Major League Baseball's West Division. They play out of Denver. They have one Playoff appearance in their history: 1995. They lost to the Atlanta Braves in the Championship Series (semi-finals).
A "layoff" in baseball terms means 'days between games played'. In fact, the 9 days the Rockies are facing is the longest gap between semi-finals and finals in baseball history. Usually, baseball teams play 6 games a week.
The American League playoffs currently are being played between sentimental favourites the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Cleveland leads the series 3 games to 1. Meaning, Cleveland needs one more victory to win the semi-final and move to the World Series.
Links
- If you have the time, there are some interesting articles being written on this story. The details of "Rocktober" can be found here and here.
- Here is an overview of the Rockies recent ride.
- This one is on the ability of the Boston Red Sox to come back even though they are "down and out"
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sens off to a Great Start
Sport - Hockey
Event - The Sens are off to a great start for the season. (Win vs losses).
Issue - Last year, the Senators had more losses than wins after the first 10 games played. This year, the Senators are in first place overall of the NHL standings 7 games into season with six (6) wins and one (1) loss.
At this point, the Senators are meeting pundits and fans expectations of being an elite team. The play of goalie Martin Gerber has had a lot to do with this.
Point to Say - "So, with their win over the Rangers this past weekend, the Senators are off to a great start!"
Follow up point - "They might just keep this up as the next 10 games are against teams that are not playing well."
Backgrounder
The next 10 games for the Sens are against the Maple Leafs, Bruins, Canadiens, Florida Panthers, Atlanta Thrashers, and Sabres. They play some of these teams multiple times.
A team is said to be not "playing well" if they have as many points as games played e.g. 5 points in 5 games. This is not the sign of an elite team in the league.
Stay Tuned!
The play of Martin Gerber is is creating a "situation" amongst Ottawa fans. Martin Gerber is the goalie signed by Ottawa last year to be the regular starter. He did not play as well as hoped so Ray Emery (the backup) became the team's starting goalie. Ray hurt his hand in preseason hockey this year. However, he is almost ready to come back. He may have trouble reclaiming his number 1 status of last year. Will he? We'll explore this question in a future blog. Stay tuned to future Sports and the City blogs for the next turn of events!
Links
UPDATE - You read it here first, but for more info check out the following article by ERIC DUHATSCHEK of the Globe and Mail published on October 15, 2007 at 3:17 PM EDT - Titled: The value of a good start
Latest Columns
NHL standings -
Senators schedule -
Event - The Sens are off to a great start for the season. (Win vs losses).
Issue - Last year, the Senators had more losses than wins after the first 10 games played. This year, the Senators are in first place overall of the NHL standings 7 games into season with six (6) wins and one (1) loss.
At this point, the Senators are meeting pundits and fans expectations of being an elite team. The play of goalie Martin Gerber has had a lot to do with this.
Point to Say - "So, with their win over the Rangers this past weekend, the Senators are off to a great start!"
Follow up point - "They might just keep this up as the next 10 games are against teams that are not playing well."
Backgrounder
The next 10 games for the Sens are against the Maple Leafs, Bruins, Canadiens, Florida Panthers, Atlanta Thrashers, and Sabres. They play some of these teams multiple times.
A team is said to be not "playing well" if they have as many points as games played e.g. 5 points in 5 games. This is not the sign of an elite team in the league.
Stay Tuned!
The play of Martin Gerber is is creating a "situation" amongst Ottawa fans. Martin Gerber is the goalie signed by Ottawa last year to be the regular starter. He did not play as well as hoped so Ray Emery (the backup) became the team's starting goalie. Ray hurt his hand in preseason hockey this year. However, he is almost ready to come back. He may have trouble reclaiming his number 1 status of last year. Will he? We'll explore this question in a future blog. Stay tuned to future Sports and the City blogs for the next turn of events!
Links
UPDATE - You read it here first, but for more info check out the following article by ERIC DUHATSCHEK of the Globe and Mail published on October 15, 2007 at 3:17 PM EDT - Titled: The value of a good start
Latest Columns
NHL standings -
Senators schedule -
Friday, October 12, 2007
Sidney Crosby off to Slow Start
Sport - Hockey
Event - Crosby off to Slow start in getting points (goals and assists)
Issue - He currently has 2 points in 3 games. He averages 1.4 points a game meaning at least an assist or goal each game on average. Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators already has 9 points in 6 games.
Point to Say - "Hey, Crosby is off to a slow start, eh!"
Follow up point - "Pretty soon it will tough for Crosby to get top spot in the scoring race if he continues like this. He'll have to get 3 points a game to meet the 150 point mark they said he'd get."
Backgrounder -
Sidney Crosby, Centre, MVP 2006-2007 NHL, plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was the top scorer last year with 120 points. This year he was projected to get around 150 points. He was projected by every hockey fan this to be THE top scorer in the NHL this year.
He is currently regarded as THE next player, potentially as good as Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretzky. He is currently becoming the 'poster boy' the for the National Hockey League.
Hockey pools - A communal event for hockey fans to pick players to form their 'team'. Goals and Assists are tracked with the winner of the pool having his 'players' score the most total points. Funds are wagered with the winner (at the end of the hockey season) gaining the majority of entry fee collected.
Links
link to bio of Sidney Crosby
Event - Crosby off to Slow start in getting points (goals and assists)
Issue - He currently has 2 points in 3 games. He averages 1.4 points a game meaning at least an assist or goal each game on average. Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators already has 9 points in 6 games.
Point to Say - "Hey, Crosby is off to a slow start, eh!"
Follow up point - "Pretty soon it will tough for Crosby to get top spot in the scoring race if he continues like this. He'll have to get 3 points a game to meet the 150 point mark they said he'd get."
Backgrounder -
Sidney Crosby, Centre, MVP 2006-2007 NHL, plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was the top scorer last year with 120 points. This year he was projected to get around 150 points. He was projected by every hockey fan this to be THE top scorer in the NHL this year.
He is currently regarded as THE next player, potentially as good as Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretzky. He is currently becoming the 'poster boy' the for the National Hockey League.
Hockey pools - A communal event for hockey fans to pick players to form their 'team'. Goals and Assists are tracked with the winner of the pool having his 'players' score the most total points. Funds are wagered with the winner (at the end of the hockey season) gaining the majority of entry fee collected.
Links
link to bio of Sidney Crosby