Prelude - Was it Hossa becoming a Penguin? Was it the local newspaper survey asking fans what they thought? Was it losing to the Leafs and Bruins without scoring a goal? Which ever evidence you point at for the reason, there is big news out of Ottawa today.
Sport - Hockey
Event - The Ottawa Senators fired head coach John Paddock today. Bryan Murray, who coached the Senators for two seasons before taking the general manager's job last summer, returns behind the bench for the stretch run
Point to say - "Did you hear that the Ottawa Coach was fired?"
Follow up point - "Doesn't Ottawa still have the same problem it did last year with their goaltending?"
Get out of the conversation - "Have you seen the Jimmy Kimbell video on Youtube?"
Backgrounder
Having dropped six of their last eight games and 14 of their last 21. With just 18 games remaining in the regular season panic had crept into the fan base, not to mention the media.
As sited from the TSN sports article on the subject: "Under Paddock, the team sprinted out of the gate early this season with a 16-3 record in its first 19 games. The team then struggled in late November and early December with a seven-game losing streak, and went 20-19-6 the rest of the way."
Coaching changes are not uncommon at this time period. Lineups are set. So really, the only thing that can be done to shake things up is change the coach.
The new coach is in fact the old coach. "Bryan Murray, who coached the Senators for two seasons before taking the general manager's job last summer, returns behind the bench for the stretch run." writes TSN.
Links
TSN's article on the coaching change.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The sprint for the finish starts today.
Prelude - So the trading is done. Teams are all ready for a run through the hockey playoffs. What is the fall out of all these trades? While most trades won't make too much difference in playoff standings, there were two trades that will no doubt be talked about tomorrow.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Of the multiple trades done today, two trades stand out: Pittsburgh Penguins acquire Marian Hossa and the Montreal Canadiens trade of goalie Cristobal Huet (pronounced Hew ett) to Washington.
Point to say - "Why did Montreal trade their starting goalie?"
Follow up point - "Will Pittsburgh pass Ottawa for top spot in the East?"
Get out of the conversation - "So, did you end up watching the Oscars?"
Backgrounder
What's with all the trades at this point of the year? Well, every year teams who feel they have a chance at winning the Stanley Cup go for that special player that brings something the team is missing. These days, there are many good players whose contracts are about to end at the end of this season. Before this person leaves their team, call it Team A, Team A will trade this player in order to have a player ready to fill this spot next year. Now without a deadline of somekind, these trades might happen even during the playoffs creating an unfair situation. So, the NHL has a rule that says, essentially, if you go to the playoffs, players on your roster must have been on your team since February 27th.
The trade of Montreal's top goalie is surprising. The team is playing very well. They have almost caught Ottawa in the standings. Trading their top goalie, therefore, is a shocker. As seen previously in Sports and The City, goalie Carey Price has been on people's radar for a bit of time but to ask him to carry this team into the playoffs is a lot to ask of a 20 year old.
Pittsburgh is but one point away from the Senators. The addition of a superstar like Hossa and the return of Sidney Crosby from his injury will now make the Penguins the team to watch come this year's playoffs.
Links
TSN's list of trades can be found here.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Of the multiple trades done today, two trades stand out: Pittsburgh Penguins acquire Marian Hossa and the Montreal Canadiens trade of goalie Cristobal Huet (pronounced Hew ett) to Washington.
Point to say - "Why did Montreal trade their starting goalie?"
Follow up point - "Will Pittsburgh pass Ottawa for top spot in the East?"
Get out of the conversation - "So, did you end up watching the Oscars?"
Backgrounder
What's with all the trades at this point of the year? Well, every year teams who feel they have a chance at winning the Stanley Cup go for that special player that brings something the team is missing. These days, there are many good players whose contracts are about to end at the end of this season. Before this person leaves their team, call it Team A, Team A will trade this player in order to have a player ready to fill this spot next year. Now without a deadline of somekind, these trades might happen even during the playoffs creating an unfair situation. So, the NHL has a rule that says, essentially, if you go to the playoffs, players on your roster must have been on your team since February 27th.
The trade of Montreal's top goalie is surprising. The team is playing very well. They have almost caught Ottawa in the standings. Trading their top goalie, therefore, is a shocker. As seen previously in Sports and The City, goalie Carey Price has been on people's radar for a bit of time but to ask him to carry this team into the playoffs is a lot to ask of a 20 year old.
Pittsburgh is but one point away from the Senators. The addition of a superstar like Hossa and the return of Sidney Crosby from his injury will now make the Penguins the team to watch come this year's playoffs.
Links
TSN's list of trades can be found here.
Monday, February 25, 2008
This Leaf is hanging on.
Prelude - This Tuesday is the last day teams can add a player to their roster for before the playoffs start. It means teams that won't make the playoffs trade players whose contracts are about to finish in order to get a player for next year in return. This year, the Leafs Mats Sundin was the most talked about player facing these conditions. Everyone was wondering would he go or not? On Sunday, Mats made his mind up.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Mats Sundin announces Sunday that he would not waive his no-movement clause, meaning he will play the rest of the season with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Point to say - "Did you hear that Sundin is staying with the Leafs after all?"
Follow up point - "He's a free agent next year. Do you think Toronto will resign him?"
Get out of the conversation - "So, did you end up watching the Oscars?"
Backgrounder
Mats Sundin has been with the Leafs since 1994. He has played 970 games for the Leafs. His contract with the Leafs ends after this season. He is the face of the franchise since Doug Gilmour left.
With the Leafs being so bad this year, and Mats only having a few season left before retirement, the question was, would be wave part of his contract that guaranteed him an input into where he would go if he were to be traded in order to play on a potential Stanley Cup winner.
Many contracts these days have something called a no-trade clause. Players will take this in order to stop moving every few years. Managers use this as additional enticement to sign a player.
Links
Here is a great take on the 'no-trade clause' by a former hockey player.
Here is a recap of Mats decision.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Never ever say never.
Prelude - There is an old expression in sports: "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings." Maybe old expressions need to be phased out, but the point is you never know what you are going to see on any given night when watching sports. Last night was one of those nights.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Montreal Canadiens win 6-5 over the New York Rangers in a shootout. The incredible part of this story, is that in the entire history of the Canadiens they have never come back when down 5-0.
Point to say - "Did you hear about Montreal's comeback last night?"
Follow up point - "Do you think Montreal will pass Ottawa in the standings?"
Get out of the conversation - "Are you going to watch the Oscars?"
Backgrounder
The Montreal Canadiens franchise is nearly 100 years old {Founded in 1909}. It is very rare that there wouldn't be something that hasn't already been done by someone who played for this franchise, or very rare that a team is able to break one of its own records.
Analysis
Stay in your seat until the end of the game. Things change.
Also, these are great lessons in life. Keep trying. Maybe it won't work today, but tomorrow it just might.
Links
Recap of last night's game.
NHL Standings
Sport - Hockey
Event - Montreal Canadiens win 6-5 over the New York Rangers in a shootout. The incredible part of this story, is that in the entire history of the Canadiens they have never come back when down 5-0.
Point to say - "Did you hear about Montreal's comeback last night?"
Follow up point - "Do you think Montreal will pass Ottawa in the standings?"
Get out of the conversation - "Are you going to watch the Oscars?"
Backgrounder
The Montreal Canadiens franchise is nearly 100 years old {Founded in 1909}. It is very rare that there wouldn't be something that hasn't already been done by someone who played for this franchise, or very rare that a team is able to break one of its own records.
Analysis
Stay in your seat until the end of the game. Things change.
Also, these are great lessons in life. Keep trying. Maybe it won't work today, but tomorrow it just might.
Links
Recap of last night's game.
NHL Standings
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
"Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you."
Prelude - The team is losing. There are goalie problems. The injuries are mounting up. Trade rumours are circulating. This must be Toronto. But wait... it's... it's Ottawa! Want to join in on the hottest sports conversation? Just ask the following:
Sport - Hockey
Event - Ottawa Senators lose to the Montreal Canadiens 4-3. The win pushed the Canadiens to one point behind the front-running Senators in the NHL Eastern Conference standings, with a rematch set for Saturday in Ottawa.
Point to say - "So Ottawa lost again last night!"
Follow up point - "Do you think Montreal will pass Ottawa in the standings?"
Get out of the conversation - "Are you going to watch Lost?"
Backgrounder
The Ottawa Senators started the season with an incredible win record. They had a losing streak shortly after but until 10 games ago, things were going along just fine: first place in the Eastern Conference, solid play by their leading scorers. The last 11 games though, Ottawa has only won three times.
There is a chance the Senators could have Dany Heatley (right shoulder) back in the lineup at home against the Florida Panthers tomorrow, and captain Daniel Alfredsson (hip flexor) could return in the rematch against the Canadiens at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on Saturday.
Analysis
Ottawa is simply too good and Montreal still too shaky. Ottawa will get their stars back and be just fine. Like the stock market, just ride this one out.
Links
Recap of last night's game.
NHL Standings
Sport - Hockey
Event - Ottawa Senators lose to the Montreal Canadiens 4-3. The win pushed the Canadiens to one point behind the front-running Senators in the NHL Eastern Conference standings, with a rematch set for Saturday in Ottawa.
Point to say - "So Ottawa lost again last night!"
Follow up point - "Do you think Montreal will pass Ottawa in the standings?"
Get out of the conversation - "Are you going to watch Lost?"
Backgrounder
The Ottawa Senators started the season with an incredible win record. They had a losing streak shortly after but until 10 games ago, things were going along just fine: first place in the Eastern Conference, solid play by their leading scorers. The last 11 games though, Ottawa has only won three times.
There is a chance the Senators could have Dany Heatley (right shoulder) back in the lineup at home against the Florida Panthers tomorrow, and captain Daniel Alfredsson (hip flexor) could return in the rematch against the Canadiens at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on Saturday.
Analysis
Ottawa is simply too good and Montreal still too shaky. Ottawa will get their stars back and be just fine. Like the stock market, just ride this one out.
Links
Recap of last night's game.
NHL Standings
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Perfection not achieved, but a perfect final.
Prelude - In the world of sports, it is very rare that we see perfection. Golfer Tiger Woods running off an incredible win streak is the closest sports fans have seen in recent years. In football, perfection has been achieved only once in 42 years. So, when a team knocks on the door it is worth taking notice. However, bigger than perfection, if such is possible, is the upset. Last night created drama that has not been seen in sports in quite some time, and perhaps for a while yet to come. It will be the talk of Monday. Get ready to join in.
Sport - Football
Event - Superbowl #42. The New England Patriots vs the New York Giants. The Giants win the game 17-14 on a last minute touchdown. An incredible upset, but simply put, an incredibly exciting game.
Point to say - "Did you watch the Superbowl last night?"
Follow up point - "Do you think the Giants defence were the reason New England lost?"
Get out of the conversation - "So, the writers strike is settled. You going to watch the Oscars?
Backgrounder
The Championship game for the National Football League is known as the Superbowl. It is not just a game put a huge American Icon and party. It generates television ratings that are far above anything else shown on tv.
The finalists were the undefeated Patriots, a team profiled all season long here at Sports and the City. This team looked unstopable on its way to the Championship game. Their openent, an underdog if there ever was one: the New York Giants. The lost their first two games of the season. However, despite incredible odds, the Giants pulled it off on their last play and became the Champions.
All season the story in football has been the New England Patriots. This team has come close to loosing a couple of times but pulled it off to go 16 wins and 0 loses during the regular season schedule. Winning both their playoff games, they were very large betting favourites to win the Superbowl. The only team to really come close to defeating them during the regular season was the Giants. So, even though all fans though it was going to go the Patriots way, everyone knew the match was at least going to be good.
It was the defence that played extraordinary for the Giants. They shut down the Patriots like no one had so far this year.
Analysis
An incredible tight and exciting game was this year's Superbowl. The lead changed four times in the last quarter. This had never happened before in the Superbowl. So when the Patriots took over the lead with two minutes left in the game, this looked like it would finally play out the when the fans expected even though they wouldn't win by a large margin.
The play of Eli Manning, the quarterback of the New York Giants saved the game by doging a hit but the highlight was an incredible (VERY incredible catch) made on the play. This will go into the higlights for decades to come.
Links
Read a great review of the game here by the Globe and Mail's Stephen Brunt.
Read about the Patriots season here.
Review post blogs about the patriots here.
Sport - Football
Event - Superbowl #42. The New England Patriots vs the New York Giants. The Giants win the game 17-14 on a last minute touchdown. An incredible upset, but simply put, an incredibly exciting game.
Point to say - "Did you watch the Superbowl last night?"
Follow up point - "Do you think the Giants defence were the reason New England lost?"
Get out of the conversation - "So, the writers strike is settled. You going to watch the Oscars?
Backgrounder
The Championship game for the National Football League is known as the Superbowl. It is not just a game put a huge American Icon and party. It generates television ratings that are far above anything else shown on tv.
The finalists were the undefeated Patriots, a team profiled all season long here at Sports and the City. This team looked unstopable on its way to the Championship game. Their openent, an underdog if there ever was one: the New York Giants. The lost their first two games of the season. However, despite incredible odds, the Giants pulled it off on their last play and became the Champions.
All season the story in football has been the New England Patriots. This team has come close to loosing a couple of times but pulled it off to go 16 wins and 0 loses during the regular season schedule. Winning both their playoff games, they were very large betting favourites to win the Superbowl. The only team to really come close to defeating them during the regular season was the Giants. So, even though all fans though it was going to go the Patriots way, everyone knew the match was at least going to be good.
It was the defence that played extraordinary for the Giants. They shut down the Patriots like no one had so far this year.
Analysis
An incredible tight and exciting game was this year's Superbowl. The lead changed four times in the last quarter. This had never happened before in the Superbowl. So when the Patriots took over the lead with two minutes left in the game, this looked like it would finally play out the when the fans expected even though they wouldn't win by a large margin.
The play of Eli Manning, the quarterback of the New York Giants saved the game by doging a hit but the highlight was an incredible (VERY incredible catch) made on the play. This will go into the higlights for decades to come.
Links
Read a great review of the game here by the Globe and Mail's Stephen Brunt.
Read about the Patriots season here.
Review post blogs about the patriots here.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The shoe finally drops
Prelude - The media have been waiting for this event for sometime now. The question was beyond, if, but rather when. Yesterday it happened. In hockey land, this IS the conversation everyone will be talking about today.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Toronto Maples Leafs fired their General Manager, John Ferguson Jr yesterday.
Issue
Coaches are usually the first to be blamed if a team isn't doing well. But if a team doesn't perform over a long period, then all eyes look to the General Manager.
In Toronto, all eyes have been on their General Manager John Ferguson Jr for some time now. The vision he brought to the team (young team) never happened and the product on the ice looks like there is no where to go but down. There needs to be a new plan now.
Point to say - "Did you hear that the Leafs fired their GM?"
Follow up point - "Will they trade Sundin?"
Get out of the conversation - "Think the Oscars will be cancelled?"
Backgrounder
General Managers in hockey is the job that looks after who will play on the team. Meaning they are the ones who make the trades, sign the players, and have the major say on who gets drafted. Based on who they put on the team, they control the kind of team that it will be. Therefore when the team's part don't produce, it is usually seen as their fault.
Mats Sundin is the best player on the Leafs. He's 36 and still has a few years yet at being a top producer in the league. So, the question now is, does Mats play out his career in Toronto or do they trade him for a high draft pick. This idea would be to try and land a high draft pick that might be used to get a player that might help them in the future. The key word being 'might'.
Draft picks don't really show up on an NHL team for at least 4 to 5 years after being drafted. So, for the Leafs, there are no quick fixes.
Links
Will they trade Sundin? Read more about this here.
Story about the event.
What did Ferguson do (or not do) to get fired? Find out here.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Toronto Maples Leafs fired their General Manager, John Ferguson Jr yesterday.
Issue
Coaches are usually the first to be blamed if a team isn't doing well. But if a team doesn't perform over a long period, then all eyes look to the General Manager.
In Toronto, all eyes have been on their General Manager John Ferguson Jr for some time now. The vision he brought to the team (young team) never happened and the product on the ice looks like there is no where to go but down. There needs to be a new plan now.
Point to say - "Did you hear that the Leafs fired their GM?"
Follow up point - "Will they trade Sundin?"
Get out of the conversation - "Think the Oscars will be cancelled?"
Backgrounder
General Managers in hockey is the job that looks after who will play on the team. Meaning they are the ones who make the trades, sign the players, and have the major say on who gets drafted. Based on who they put on the team, they control the kind of team that it will be. Therefore when the team's part don't produce, it is usually seen as their fault.
Mats Sundin is the best player on the Leafs. He's 36 and still has a few years yet at being a top producer in the league. So, the question now is, does Mats play out his career in Toronto or do they trade him for a high draft pick. This idea would be to try and land a high draft pick that might be used to get a player that might help them in the future. The key word being 'might'.
Draft picks don't really show up on an NHL team for at least 4 to 5 years after being drafted. So, for the Leafs, there are no quick fixes.
Links
Will they trade Sundin? Read more about this here.
Story about the event.
What did Ferguson do (or not do) to get fired? Find out here.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Which direction are the Sens heading?
Prelude - The two top teams, Ottawa and Detroit, played against each other this past Saturday night. Ottawa came out victorious. This should have led to Monday morning office talk indicating a) Sens are the best once again, or b) do the Sens still have a problem with Emery? But instead, the real news this weekend is something else about the Sens. Something that might just have Sens fans worried. Let's find out what is was.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Injuries to two thirds of the Sens top line happen this weekend.
Issue
In hockey playoffs you go as far as your goalie takes you. During the regular season, it's up to your top scoring line. On Saturday Heatly separated his shoulder and is now forcasted to be out for six weeks. On Sunday, Spezza got too hit hard at centre ice and left the game against the Islanders after the first period and didn't return.
The top scorer and player on the Sens is Daniel Alfredsson. But can he maintain the scoring without his line-mates?
Point to say - "Did you see the hit on Spezza?"
Follow up point - "What will Alfredsson do without his linemates?"
Get out of the conversation - "So, Juno didn't end up winning any Golden Globes eh?"
Backgrounder
Senators centre Jason Spezza left the game Sunday night following the first period after he was flattened by an open-ice hit by Islanders defenceman Freddy Meyer early in the game.
A team's first line, known as the 'Top line', account for a majority of the playing time. The reason? Principally it comes down to they are your best players, and in professional hockey you go with your best players whenever you can.
This year, Ottawa's top three scorers all have over 50 points each. The fourth player only has 33 points. That is a big drop off in scoring.
Links
Sens scoring stats.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Injuries to two thirds of the Sens top line happen this weekend.
Issue
In hockey playoffs you go as far as your goalie takes you. During the regular season, it's up to your top scoring line. On Saturday Heatly separated his shoulder and is now forcasted to be out for six weeks. On Sunday, Spezza got too hit hard at centre ice and left the game against the Islanders after the first period and didn't return.
The top scorer and player on the Sens is Daniel Alfredsson. But can he maintain the scoring without his line-mates?
Point to say - "Did you see the hit on Spezza?"
Follow up point - "What will Alfredsson do without his linemates?"
Get out of the conversation - "So, Juno didn't end up winning any Golden Globes eh?"
Backgrounder
Senators centre Jason Spezza left the game Sunday night following the first period after he was flattened by an open-ice hit by Islanders defenceman Freddy Meyer early in the game.
A team's first line, known as the 'Top line', account for a majority of the playing time. The reason? Principally it comes down to they are your best players, and in professional hockey you go with your best players whenever you can.
This year, Ottawa's top three scorers all have over 50 points each. The fourth player only has 33 points. That is a big drop off in scoring.
Links
Sens scoring stats.
Friday, January 11, 2008
The other side of hockey
Prelude - And so the big event begins. Superbowl already? No, the start of CBC television's new soap opera / hockey drama MVP. You'll remember reading about this back a few months ago here on Sports and the City. Well, here's a line to find out who else is ready to follow along with the all the happenings that really matter - off ice!
Sport - Hockey
Event - New series launched tonight at 9 pm on tv with hockey as the focal point.... or is it?
Issue
This might be one conversation you are likely to have with someone who is a fan of soap operas more than hockey.
TV and movies have always had a tough time recreating the action on ice to make it look real and not overall fake. So why bother? This show is based on the successful series from Britain Football Wives where the focus is off field. On the field (ice) bit is just the set as to why these particular people would be together in the first place with all this money.
Point to say - "Have you heard about the new series on CBC, called MVP?"
Follow up point - "The critics are really giving it good reviews."
Get out of the conversation - "Did you hear that the Golden Globes are cancelled?"
Backgrounder
MVP's one sexy, soapy exhibition game
CBC delivers four new series this week. The one that's really fun, fresh and frisky starts tonight.MVP (CBC, 9 p.m.) is fabulous populist entertainment for everybody - not just the female viewers that CBC seems to think are the core potential audience. It's kick-ass entertainment for everyone. It's about hockey, but not about the glory and goonery on the ice. It's about what happens in the bedrooms, bars and boardrooms. The deliciously fun part. - From the Globe and Mail January 11, 2008 edition.
Links
MVP show's web site.
Sport - Hockey
Event - New series launched tonight at 9 pm on tv with hockey as the focal point.... or is it?
Issue
This might be one conversation you are likely to have with someone who is a fan of soap operas more than hockey.
TV and movies have always had a tough time recreating the action on ice to make it look real and not overall fake. So why bother? This show is based on the successful series from Britain Football Wives where the focus is off field. On the field (ice) bit is just the set as to why these particular people would be together in the first place with all this money.
Point to say - "Have you heard about the new series on CBC, called MVP?"
Follow up point - "The critics are really giving it good reviews."
Get out of the conversation - "Did you hear that the Golden Globes are cancelled?"
Backgrounder
MVP's one sexy, soapy exhibition game
CBC delivers four new series this week. The one that's really fun, fresh and frisky starts tonight.MVP (CBC, 9 p.m.) is fabulous populist entertainment for everybody - not just the female viewers that CBC seems to think are the core potential audience. It's kick-ass entertainment for everyone. It's about hockey, but not about the glory and goonery on the ice. It's about what happens in the bedrooms, bars and boardrooms. The deliciously fun part. - From the Globe and Mail January 11, 2008 edition.
Links
MVP show's web site.
Monday, January 7, 2008
January = Football playoffs
Prelude - American football fans kick off the new year madly watching the many (27!) college football games. But, all these games are just a prelude to the big action: NFL playoffs. With the first round of these playoff games done, what is shaping up are two semi-finals that may be the most talked about in years! Let's find out why and what you can say.
Sport - Football
Event - NFL football playoffs.
Issue
American football teams play a schedule of 16 games. A team that wins 13 of those games did very well. To have four teams this year win 13 or more games (New England of course winning 16) is very rare.
This year, all four of these teams may reach the semi final and face off against each other. To have all four reach the semi finals means exciting top quality football.
Point to say - "There is going to be some good football this weekend!"
Follow up point - "Do you think New England can be defeated?"
Get out of the conversation - "Are you planning on watching the Super Bowl?"
Backgrounder
Patriots Remain THE story of the football year.
Analysis
Games this weekend are as follows (written as away vs home). The home teams are all the ones mentioned above as having had 13 wins or more this regular season.
Jacksonville vs New England
San Diego vs Indianapolis
New York Giants vs Dallas
Seattle vs Green Bay
Links
Sport - Football
Event - NFL football playoffs.
Issue
American football teams play a schedule of 16 games. A team that wins 13 of those games did very well. To have four teams this year win 13 or more games (New England of course winning 16) is very rare.
This year, all four of these teams may reach the semi final and face off against each other. To have all four reach the semi finals means exciting top quality football.
Point to say - "There is going to be some good football this weekend!"
Follow up point - "Do you think New England can be defeated?"
Get out of the conversation - "Are you planning on watching the Super Bowl?"
Backgrounder
Patriots Remain THE story of the football year.
Analysis
Games this weekend are as follows (written as away vs home). The home teams are all the ones mentioned above as having had 13 wins or more this regular season.
Jacksonville vs New England
San Diego vs Indianapolis
New York Giants vs Dallas
Seattle vs Green Bay
Links
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Playoffs just around the corner.
Prelude - Playoffs? But we're only half-way through the hockey year! What gives? Well, actually, NFL playoffs are just three weeks away. However, in light of New England Patriots absolute dominance this season, small talking football over the next few weeks will be easy to do. Let's show you how.
Sport - Football
Event - NFL football playoffs.
Issue
Winter didn't stop NFL games including the New England Patriots victory over New York Jets. The Patriots are now 14-0 and stand poised to be only the second team in NFL history to have a perfect regular season.
Can they win throughout the playoffs and make their entire season perfect? Only Indianapolis probably stands in their path. The other conference might send Dallas but New England already showed what they can do to them back in week 6 winning 48-27.
Point to say - "So New England is 14-0!"
Follow up point - "Can New England sustain it through the playoffs?"
Get out of the conversation - "Are you going to watch any of the Canadian Junior games over Christmas Holidays?"
Backgrounder
Patriots Remain THE story of the football year.
Party trick
Got his from the Globe and Mail a few weeks back, but it still works, so try this at your next party. Bet someone a drink and then ask "has New England Patriots lost a game this year?" They will likely say no, whereupon you reveal that yes, they did, back in January when they lost in the playoffs to the Indianapolis Colts.
Analysis
This has the potential of being really big. Or a really big puff of smoke. It all depends on how big and how far the suspensions go. But ultimately, fans must decide if this product is worthy of their money.
Links
Sport - Football
Event - NFL football playoffs.
Issue
Winter didn't stop NFL games including the New England Patriots victory over New York Jets. The Patriots are now 14-0 and stand poised to be only the second team in NFL history to have a perfect regular season.
Can they win throughout the playoffs and make their entire season perfect? Only Indianapolis probably stands in their path. The other conference might send Dallas but New England already showed what they can do to them back in week 6 winning 48-27.
Point to say - "So New England is 14-0!"
Follow up point - "Can New England sustain it through the playoffs?"
Get out of the conversation - "Are you going to watch any of the Canadian Junior games over Christmas Holidays?"
Backgrounder
Patriots Remain THE story of the football year.
Party trick
Got his from the Globe and Mail a few weeks back, but it still works, so try this at your next party. Bet someone a drink and then ask "has New England Patriots lost a game this year?" They will likely say no, whereupon you reveal that yes, they did, back in January when they lost in the playoffs to the Indianapolis Colts.
Analysis
This has the potential of being really big. Or a really big puff of smoke. It all depends on how big and how far the suspensions go. But ultimately, fans must decide if this product is worthy of their money.
Links
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Baseball in the Spotlight
Prelude - A really big sports news story about professional baseball just emerged today. A report was released that begins to really shed light on the extent of the steroids issue in professional baseball. Will this change how fans see the game?
Sport - Baseball
Event - Investigation into the baseball's drug problem released today.
Issue
Various sports leagues have banned the use of illegal substances. Therefore, being caught using these drugs can warrant punitive action. But for fans, the actual issue has to do with the records that are broken by athletes using performance enhancing drugs. Much has been written about the all-time homerun record falling this year to a guy who is suspected of using steroids.
However, does anybody care? Fans still come to the games and upwards of 80 million North Americans will visit a ballpark in the upcoming 2008 season. For fans, it will an interesting spring has they watch and see if baseball does anything to try and keep its image clean.
Point to say - "Did you hear about the latest happening in Baseball?
Follow up point - "Do you think anything will change because of this report on stars using drugs?"
Get out of the conversation - "The Sens look to be back on track."
Backgrounder
Baseball hasn't worried about Steroids for a long time. In fact, steroids helped baseball shortly after the strike in the mid 1990's. Mark McGuire went on to break the record and America loved him for it.
This has the potential of being really big. Or a really big puff of smoke. It all depends on how big and how far the suspensions go. But ultimately, fans must decide if this product is worthy of their money.
Links
An excellent background piece by Ken Fidlin published in the Sun chaine of newspapers.
A link to the results of the investigation as written in the Globe and Mail.
Sport - Baseball
Event - Investigation into the baseball's drug problem released today.
Issue
Various sports leagues have banned the use of illegal substances. Therefore, being caught using these drugs can warrant punitive action. But for fans, the actual issue has to do with the records that are broken by athletes using performance enhancing drugs. Much has been written about the all-time homerun record falling this year to a guy who is suspected of using steroids.
However, does anybody care? Fans still come to the games and upwards of 80 million North Americans will visit a ballpark in the upcoming 2008 season. For fans, it will an interesting spring has they watch and see if baseball does anything to try and keep its image clean.
Point to say - "Did you hear about the latest happening in Baseball?
Follow up point - "Do you think anything will change because of this report on stars using drugs?"
Get out of the conversation - "The Sens look to be back on track."
Backgrounder
Baseball hasn't worried about Steroids for a long time. In fact, steroids helped baseball shortly after the strike in the mid 1990's. Mark McGuire went on to break the record and America loved him for it.
Homeruns are what make the highlights. Homeruns are what give players large contracts. So nothing is about to change until the public decides it doesn't want to fund an institution that promotes or at least doesn't punish cheaters.
Baseball is handing out fines to players, but only token amounts. Very much like the NHL handouts suspensions for very dangerous hits. Nothing really significant enough to actually stop it from happening again.
AnalysisThis has the potential of being really big. Or a really big puff of smoke. It all depends on how big and how far the suspensions go. But ultimately, fans must decide if this product is worthy of their money.
Links
An excellent background piece by Ken Fidlin published in the Sun chaine of newspapers.
A link to the results of the investigation as written in the Globe and Mail.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
The Festival Special - Eggnog and the World Junior Championships - it's holiday season in Canada
Prelude - Christmas is coming. In Canada that means two things: Eggnog and the World Junior Hockey Championships. The camp to decide the 2007 version of this team opens today in Calgary. To get you ready for hockey talk during your upcoming Christmas party, let's give you a line or two.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Canadian junior players begin quest for Gold Medal at World Junior Championship.
Issue
About the only country that watches the World Junior Championship is Canada. We love our hockey. But seriously, this is a top notch brand of hockey to watch. Most of these players will make it to the NHL. The best analogy is to say that this tournament is the equivalent to a debutante's ball.
A big name at this year's tournament is John Tavares. Already known by hockey die hards, this tournament should put his name into the main stream of hockey fans.
Point to say - "Are you going to watch any of the Canadian Junior games over Christmas Holidays?"
Follow up point - "Do you think Tavares will lead the team to Gold?"
Get out of the conversation - "Oh look, someone brough cake."
Backgrounder
John Tavares plays in the Ontario Hockey League for the Oshawa Generals. Other very notible players that have played for Oshawa include Bobby Orr and Eric Lindros. Tavares is held in the same category as these players. Well, Lindros at least.
Tavares will head off to the junior camp leading the OHL in scoring with 68 points (24 goals and 44 assists).
The World Junior Championships is an annual tournament where the 10 best hockey nations send their top prospects to represent their country. The tournament rotates througout the countries. This year, it is being played in Pardubice, Czech Republic. In fact, it will soon come to Ottawa in 2009. Canada has won the past three tournaments, and finished in the top three since 1999. In fact, Canada is the most decorated country with 26 total top three finishes since 1974. Canada will open defence of its title Canada starts Dec. 26, 2007 against host Czech Republic.
Analysis
Canada should do very well. Just this spring most of these players played in a recreation of the Canada vs Russia hockey series. Canada's junior team went 7-0-1 in a Super Series against Russia in August and September.
Links
Globe and Mail story on upcoming camp.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Canadian junior players begin quest for Gold Medal at World Junior Championship.
Issue
About the only country that watches the World Junior Championship is Canada. We love our hockey. But seriously, this is a top notch brand of hockey to watch. Most of these players will make it to the NHL. The best analogy is to say that this tournament is the equivalent to a debutante's ball.
A big name at this year's tournament is John Tavares. Already known by hockey die hards, this tournament should put his name into the main stream of hockey fans.
Point to say - "Are you going to watch any of the Canadian Junior games over Christmas Holidays?"
Follow up point - "Do you think Tavares will lead the team to Gold?"
Get out of the conversation - "Oh look, someone brough cake."
Backgrounder
John Tavares plays in the Ontario Hockey League for the Oshawa Generals. Other very notible players that have played for Oshawa include Bobby Orr and Eric Lindros. Tavares is held in the same category as these players. Well, Lindros at least.
Tavares will head off to the junior camp leading the OHL in scoring with 68 points (24 goals and 44 assists).
The World Junior Championships is an annual tournament where the 10 best hockey nations send their top prospects to represent their country. The tournament rotates througout the countries. This year, it is being played in Pardubice, Czech Republic. In fact, it will soon come to Ottawa in 2009. Canada has won the past three tournaments, and finished in the top three since 1999. In fact, Canada is the most decorated country with 26 total top three finishes since 1974. Canada will open defence of its title Canada starts Dec. 26, 2007 against host Czech Republic.
Analysis
Canada should do very well. Just this spring most of these players played in a recreation of the Canada vs Russia hockey series. Canada's junior team went 7-0-1 in a Super Series against Russia in August and September.
Links
Globe and Mail story on upcoming camp.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Downie returns to NHL
Prelude - The Philadelphia Flyers Steve Downie is finished serving his suspension for his hit on Senator Dean McAmmond. Now that he is back, when we hear about him next, will it be for his goals or his future suspensions?
Sport - Hockey
Event - Steve Downie gets called up to the Flyers lineup after serving 20 game suspension.
Issue
As blogged back on October 29th, hits to the head continue in the NHL, in particular with the Flyers who just had their fifth player suspended for an illegal hit.
Now, The NHL has warned Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren that the franchise could be subject to further disciplinary action for any other hit.
With Downie back in the lineup, the issue turns to, will anything change with this team or are we going to see his name again in the headlines?
Point to say - "So, Downie is back with the Flyers, eh?"
Follow up point - "How long before he is suspended againt? (slight joke intended)"
Get out of the conversation - "I wouldn't want him on my team."
Backgrounder
Downie is a highly prized prospect of the Flyers. They love his "grit" and scoring combination. "Grit" and "dirty" are very close in definition though. Depending on the angle of a story you read on him, he always has been a gritty/dirty player, ever since day 1 of his junior days. Typically, hockey pundits love him for it. It's the old cliche "I hate him, but I want him on my team".
Steve Downie was given the fourth longest suspension (20 games) in the history of the NHL for his hit on Ottawa's Dean McAmmond. Since this event, the Flyers have since had four other members of their team serve suspension for illegal hits of various kinds.
After his hit on McAmmond, he was given the lengthy suspension because he was a rookie without a name, thereby letting the NHL use him as a case to send a message to the players without removing a star player from the ticket buying audience.
Did he get the message? Well, he is coming into the Flyers lineup having played 13 games for the Flyers farm team the Philadelphia Phantoms this season. Of note, he led the AHL team in penalty minutes with 63.
Links
Story on Downie's call-up to the Flyers.
Story on his suspension.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Steve Downie gets called up to the Flyers lineup after serving 20 game suspension.
Issue
As blogged back on October 29th, hits to the head continue in the NHL, in particular with the Flyers who just had their fifth player suspended for an illegal hit.
Now, The NHL has warned Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren that the franchise could be subject to further disciplinary action for any other hit.
With Downie back in the lineup, the issue turns to, will anything change with this team or are we going to see his name again in the headlines?
Point to say - "So, Downie is back with the Flyers, eh?"
Follow up point - "How long before he is suspended againt? (slight joke intended)"
Get out of the conversation - "I wouldn't want him on my team."
Backgrounder
Downie is a highly prized prospect of the Flyers. They love his "grit" and scoring combination. "Grit" and "dirty" are very close in definition though. Depending on the angle of a story you read on him, he always has been a gritty/dirty player, ever since day 1 of his junior days. Typically, hockey pundits love him for it. It's the old cliche "I hate him, but I want him on my team".
Steve Downie was given the fourth longest suspension (20 games) in the history of the NHL for his hit on Ottawa's Dean McAmmond. Since this event, the Flyers have since had four other members of their team serve suspension for illegal hits of various kinds.
After his hit on McAmmond, he was given the lengthy suspension because he was a rookie without a name, thereby letting the NHL use him as a case to send a message to the players without removing a star player from the ticket buying audience.
Did he get the message? Well, he is coming into the Flyers lineup having played 13 games for the Flyers farm team the Philadelphia Phantoms this season. Of note, he led the AHL team in penalty minutes with 63.
Links
Story on Downie's call-up to the Flyers.
Story on his suspension.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Is the ship sinking, or has the engine just stalled?
Prelude - The 1995-1996 version of the Ottawa Senators sucked. They only won 18 games that hockey season. Since then, they have become one of the elite teams of the league, capped off with last year's Stanley Cup appearance. This year's team, has 16 wins already. So, when the current crop of Senators matches something the '96 team accomplished, well, its time to break out the crisis type talk.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Ottawa Senators are in the midst of their longest losing streak since 1996 (six games as of Saturday, Dec 1, 2007).
Issue
Nothing like a losing streak to get Ottawa fans all skittish and flustered. Their lack of playoff success has created a permanent sinking feeling among fans when times turn bad.
Is this losing streak serious? Well, Wayne Scanlan reported in Sunday's Ottawa Citizen that when winger Daniel Afredsson was asked if this losing streak is getting serious, he replied "It's professional sports. If you don't win, you suck."
Media is focusing on the defence not playing very well as of late. In particular, the play of Wade Redden.
So will they pull out of this slump. Of course they will. The schedule will get favourable for a week, as they play weaker teams, thereby putting out the fire and serious talk.
Point to say - "So, when do you think the Sens will turn this around?"
Follow up point - "Do you think it has something do with Redden's play?"
Get out of the conversation - "I'm sure the Sens will turn it around soon."
Backgrounder
The 1995-1996 Senators were the last Senators team not to make the playoffs. Since then Senators have moved into being one of the best teams year after year.
However, let's mitigate this point with one small point. As one television reporter (Sportsnet) aptly pointed out after the Senators lost to the Rangers on Saturday afternoon, "who remembers that the Anaheim Ducks won only 2 games out of the 12 games they played during a stretch though December of last year? Nobody. That's because when it comes to the Ducks, all that anybody remembers is that they won the cup." Point being, people's memories are short come playoff time.
Not a Sens fan? Hope the gap between and the rest of the league closes? Well, interesting that the Leafs are now just 8 points behind the Senators. That's four wins. Then again, it is a long way off from catching them for points.
Link
Wade Redden is one of the stars of the Senators. He is a fan favourite but lately has had his share of detractors. Especially since the Sens signed him to a big money contract and let Zdeno Chara go to the Boston Bruins.
Sens past game results
Sport - Hockey
Event - Ottawa Senators are in the midst of their longest losing streak since 1996 (six games as of Saturday, Dec 1, 2007).
Issue
Nothing like a losing streak to get Ottawa fans all skittish and flustered. Their lack of playoff success has created a permanent sinking feeling among fans when times turn bad.
Is this losing streak serious? Well, Wayne Scanlan reported in Sunday's Ottawa Citizen that when winger Daniel Afredsson was asked if this losing streak is getting serious, he replied "It's professional sports. If you don't win, you suck."
Media is focusing on the defence not playing very well as of late. In particular, the play of Wade Redden.
So will they pull out of this slump. Of course they will. The schedule will get favourable for a week, as they play weaker teams, thereby putting out the fire and serious talk.
Point to say - "So, when do you think the Sens will turn this around?"
Follow up point - "Do you think it has something do with Redden's play?"
Get out of the conversation - "I'm sure the Sens will turn it around soon."
Backgrounder
The 1995-1996 Senators were the last Senators team not to make the playoffs. Since then Senators have moved into being one of the best teams year after year.
However, let's mitigate this point with one small point. As one television reporter (Sportsnet) aptly pointed out after the Senators lost to the Rangers on Saturday afternoon, "who remembers that the Anaheim Ducks won only 2 games out of the 12 games they played during a stretch though December of last year? Nobody. That's because when it comes to the Ducks, all that anybody remembers is that they won the cup." Point being, people's memories are short come playoff time.
Not a Sens fan? Hope the gap between and the rest of the league closes? Well, interesting that the Leafs are now just 8 points behind the Senators. That's four wins. Then again, it is a long way off from catching them for points.
Link
Wade Redden is one of the stars of the Senators. He is a fan favourite but lately has had his share of detractors. Especially since the Sens signed him to a big money contract and let Zdeno Chara go to the Boston Bruins.
Sens past game results
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The Value of a good start
Prelude - To talk sports is to use cliches. Here is an example. 'The team is off to a hot start.' How insightful. Yet, right now we have a great example. Ottawa just lost its 4th game in a row. Yet, they are still in first. That's the power of great start.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Ottawa Senators lose to the New York Islanders. They have now lost four games in a row.
Issue
Four losses in a row is usually indicative that something is going wrong. Not cause for panic. However, the Sens have now lost 5 out of their past 6 games. Two losses are shoot-out losses. Meaning, these games could have just as easily been won.
When the losses pile up, the focus turn to goal scoring. Of note, the Sens have scored one less goal then they have given up in the past five games. The previous sixth game was a 3-0 loss to the Leafs. The issue, therefore, is that they just aren't scoring like they did at the start.
Perhaps they are starting to play like the rest of the league.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Ottawa Senators lose to the New York Islanders. They have now lost four games in a row.
Issue
Four losses in a row is usually indicative that something is going wrong. Not cause for panic. However, the Sens have now lost 5 out of their past 6 games. Two losses are shoot-out losses. Meaning, these games could have just as easily been won.
When the losses pile up, the focus turn to goal scoring. Of note, the Sens have scored one less goal then they have given up in the past five games. The previous sixth game was a 3-0 loss to the Leafs. The issue, therefore, is that they just aren't scoring like they did at the start.
Perhaps they are starting to play like the rest of the league.
Point to say - "So, the Sens have lost four games in a row. What's going on?
Follow up point - "Maybe this will start up the talk about who should be playing nets for the Sens."
Get out of the conversation - "I'm sure the Sens will turn it around soon."
Backgrounder
Daniel Alfredsson, who plays on their top line, missed a few games with a groin injury. He was back for the game against the Islanders.
Link
Sens past game results.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Changes Coming to Toronto
Prelude - In the Centre of the Universe, otherwise known as Toronto, the knives are coming out and getting sharpened fast. The Leafs, the centre to the centre of the universe, are doing very poorly this year. In short, there is little hope of making the playoffs. Changes are coming, so lets get you ready to be in the know as attention now turns to the big Swedish Centre who sits in the centre of the centre of the universe.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Focus is turning to what changes the Toronto Maple Leafs will be making to their management and roster.
Issue
Leaf fans are now out of patience with the current General Manager. He claimed that the changes he would bring would continue to make this team competitive aka a Stanley Cup contender. The evidence points to failure more than success.
The Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit second last in the Eastern NHL standings, and didn't make the playoffs last year. They have traded away many upcoming high level draft picks over the past two years. So, help is not being developed in the farm system.
All media outlets are now reporting that there will be changes come perhaps as soon as December. How drastic and to whom is the question.
Point to say - "So, the Leafs are having a bad season so far*. Do you think they will trade Mats Sundin? "*
* If you are Sens fan, you may change this statement to your own satisfaction.
Follow up point - "Do you think they could trade him for some players that would help the Leafs make the playoffs?"
Get out of the conversation - "Well, it's still early yet. We have to see what they do."
Backgrounder
Mats Sundin is the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has been with the team since 1994. His status with the team has taken on iconic status now that he has past Leaf fan favourite Darryl Sittler in the Leafs all time scoring categories (goals, assists and points).
The trading of a captain is a big deal in hockey. Captains represent the heart and soul of a hockey team. Fans typically identify these players as their favourite. So, the trading of a captain is a big signal to a team, and its fans.
Analysis
No trade, save Sundin for an entire first line (best left winger, centre, and right winger of a team), would help the Leafs make the playoffs. Whoever gets traded, a trade should focus on the future and not a quick fix. No, if you are a Sens fan, you have still some time before the Montreal Canadiens or the Leafs will be giving you competitive games.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Focus is turning to what changes the Toronto Maple Leafs will be making to their management and roster.
Issue
Leaf fans are now out of patience with the current General Manager. He claimed that the changes he would bring would continue to make this team competitive aka a Stanley Cup contender. The evidence points to failure more than success.
The Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit second last in the Eastern NHL standings, and didn't make the playoffs last year. They have traded away many upcoming high level draft picks over the past two years. So, help is not being developed in the farm system.
All media outlets are now reporting that there will be changes come perhaps as soon as December. How drastic and to whom is the question.
Point to say - "So, the Leafs are having a bad season so far*. Do you think they will trade Mats Sundin? "*
* If you are Sens fan, you may change this statement to your own satisfaction.
Follow up point - "Do you think they could trade him for some players that would help the Leafs make the playoffs?"
Get out of the conversation - "Well, it's still early yet. We have to see what they do."
Backgrounder
Mats Sundin is the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has been with the team since 1994. His status with the team has taken on iconic status now that he has past Leaf fan favourite Darryl Sittler in the Leafs all time scoring categories (goals, assists and points).
The trading of a captain is a big deal in hockey. Captains represent the heart and soul of a hockey team. Fans typically identify these players as their favourite. So, the trading of a captain is a big signal to a team, and its fans.
Analysis
No trade, save Sundin for an entire first line (best left winger, centre, and right winger of a team), would help the Leafs make the playoffs. Whoever gets traded, a trade should focus on the future and not a quick fix. No, if you are a Sens fan, you have still some time before the Montreal Canadiens or the Leafs will be giving you competitive games.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The Little Engine that could
Prelude - How does an athlete garner the respect of sports fans? He could break a record. But ultimately, its about leading his team to victory. This weekend capped a story that is simply, heart warming: the rise of Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Kerry Joseph. The heart of his team, this is a guy who kept pursuing his dream, even if it meant playing touch-football with his buddies just a couple of years ago. Now he's the champ. Sport can offer us role models. Well, here is one.
Sport - Football
Event - Saskatchewan Roughriders defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-19 to win the 95th Grey Cup championship. Kerry Joseph, quarterback for Saskatchewan is named MVP of the league for 2007.
Issue
In previous blogs we've explored how the Roughriders are representative of the little engine that could. This weekend they capped off a great season by winning the championship game. Their quarterback represents, very much, the athlete that perserveres to finally win the big prize.
Point to say - "So, Saskatchewan pulled it off. Regina will be going wild today."
Follow up point - "Their quaterback is quite the player."
Backgrounder
Kerry Joseph's story has him bouncing around the NFL and it's affiliate NFL Europe for the first part of his career. Without having established himself with a team, he removed himself from the game and, in 2002, instead competed in a flag football league in his home state of Louisiana.
The story wasn't over though. He was signed by the CFL franchise in Ottawa in 2003. He immediately started to establish himself as premier player. When this team folded, Saskatchewan claimed him. With this team, his place as a star athlete took hold. In fact, this year, just before the Grey Cup on Sunday he was voted the league's 2007 MVP.
His never say quit attitude roled into Saskatchewan, and can be said to have fuelled this team over the last two seasons. This is their first championship in 18 years, and but their third championship in 41 years. This is a franchise that in any other city would have folded. But fan loyalty entrenched even further by an effort like Joseph's, have produced something truely, all fans can respect.
Links
Kerry Joseph's web site.
Story on the Roughrider win.
Sport - Football
Event - Saskatchewan Roughriders defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-19 to win the 95th Grey Cup championship. Kerry Joseph, quarterback for Saskatchewan is named MVP of the league for 2007.
Issue
In previous blogs we've explored how the Roughriders are representative of the little engine that could. This weekend they capped off a great season by winning the championship game. Their quarterback represents, very much, the athlete that perserveres to finally win the big prize.
Point to say - "So, Saskatchewan pulled it off. Regina will be going wild today."
Follow up point - "Their quaterback is quite the player."
Backgrounder
Kerry Joseph's story has him bouncing around the NFL and it's affiliate NFL Europe for the first part of his career. Without having established himself with a team, he removed himself from the game and, in 2002, instead competed in a flag football league in his home state of Louisiana.
The story wasn't over though. He was signed by the CFL franchise in Ottawa in 2003. He immediately started to establish himself as premier player. When this team folded, Saskatchewan claimed him. With this team, his place as a star athlete took hold. In fact, this year, just before the Grey Cup on Sunday he was voted the league's 2007 MVP.
His never say quit attitude roled into Saskatchewan, and can be said to have fuelled this team over the last two seasons. This is their first championship in 18 years, and but their third championship in 41 years. This is a franchise that in any other city would have folded. But fan loyalty entrenched even further by an effort like Joseph's, have produced something truely, all fans can respect.
Links
Kerry Joseph's web site.
Story on the Roughrider win.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Party Time in Canada
Prelude- Two things are for sure in Canada when it comes to sports: Saturday nights are hockey nights, and Grey Cup is an excuse to party. Seeing how this Sunday is the Grey Cup, let's get you ready for the party with a good conversation starter.
Sport - Football
Event - Grey Cup Game - Sunday November 25, 2007 (Annual Championship game for Canadian Football)
Issue
The game is being played in Toronto this year. It features the Winnipeg Blue Bombers against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The winner will be the 2007 champion of Canadian football.
Saskatchewan is favoured not just by the odds makers, but by the sport fans as well.
Point to say - "Who you rooting for?" or "Do you think Saskatchewan will win?"
Follow up point - "It's wild; Saskatchewan has only won this thing only twice (in their entire 97 year history)!" - you add the part in parathesis if you feel brave enough.
Backgrounder
The appearance of the Saskatchewan Rough Riders in the Grey Cup is rare indeed. They've made it the finals only four times since 1976. But when they make it, it is much welcomed. This team is the league's heart-and-soul franchise. They are community owned. They play out of the smallest CFL city. There is nothing big-city about this team, its fans or its style.
Stephen Brunt, a columnist for the Globe and Mail, sums it up:
Sport - Football
Event - Grey Cup Game - Sunday November 25, 2007 (Annual Championship game for Canadian Football)
Issue
The game is being played in Toronto this year. It features the Winnipeg Blue Bombers against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The winner will be the 2007 champion of Canadian football.
Saskatchewan is favoured not just by the odds makers, but by the sport fans as well.
Point to say - "Who you rooting for?" or "Do you think Saskatchewan will win?"
Follow up point - "It's wild; Saskatchewan has only won this thing only twice (in their entire 97 year history)!" - you add the part in parathesis if you feel brave enough.
Backgrounder
The appearance of the Saskatchewan Rough Riders in the Grey Cup is rare indeed. They've made it the finals only four times since 1976. But when they make it, it is much welcomed. This team is the league's heart-and-soul franchise. They are community owned. They play out of the smallest CFL city. There is nothing big-city about this team, its fans or its style.
Stephen Brunt, a columnist for the Globe and Mail, sums it up:
For the 'Riders, for their fans in the province, and for the great green diaspora (Saskatchewanians in exile run head-to-head with displaced Newfoundlanders in this country, and both places belong in any discussion of distinct societies), the relationship remains intact, remains as real as any in sport, anywhere.
To be in the company of 'Rider fans is to be reminded why you ever gave a damn about a team, about a player, about a uniform, in the first place. Not sports marketing or game presentation or brand loyalty, but our guys versus their guys, joy and agony experienced in the company of those who share a place, a background, and a passion.
Links
Canadians still care about their game vs the American game.
Stephen Brunt's column.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Mixing drama, sports, and sexy talk
Prelude- Sports and the City delivers to casual sports fans sports, tension, heightened drama, and sexy talk. Well, maybe that is a stretch, but yesterday CBC unveiled that they will be trying this format for a TV drama. In light of the fact that our two goals are similar, I bring to your attention, something else that mixes Sports, small talk and scandal.
Sport - Hockey
Follow up point - "I wonder which team they'll have win the Cup?
Backgrounder
Unless this shows story line has the sport fan's team standing a chance of winning the hallowed prize, quite frankly, the ardent sport fan will be cynical right away about a TV show on hockey. Depending on how they play up the mistress angle, most ardent fans won't be interested.
Reason? Not many movies or TV shows have pulled off the realism of a sport within their show. Mostly, it's a case of actors being actors (good for drama purposes) and athletes being athletes (good for swinging a club purpose). Kevin Costner wasn't so-so at being both. The best bet yet is Les Boys, a French drama about a hockey team..... wait a minute,.. hockey, drama, sex... is CBC English copying a successful French drama? Go figure.
Links
A bit on the French TV show Les Boys.
Sport - Hockey
Event - CBC television unveiled that they will be launching a TV show that is called "MVP"
Issue
From the press release, "MVP" is another show that's undeniably Canadian but deliciously steamy - it's a look at a fictional NHL team of hunky players and the women who love them, including wives, girlfriends, lovers and puck bunnies. It debuts Jan. 11.
Let's be frank: it's Canadian made. Don't expect desperate Housewife quality. But like Corner Gas or Little Mosque on the Prairie, that doesn't have to be the case to have a successful show. However, showing sports in a real way has always been tough to do. So, let's not expect too much on that front.But you won't be watching for the play on the ice, rather the foreplay off the ice.
Point to say - "Do you think a show on hockey will be interesting?" -Follow up point - "I wonder which team they'll have win the Cup?
Backgrounder
Unless this shows story line has the sport fan's team standing a chance of winning the hallowed prize, quite frankly, the ardent sport fan will be cynical right away about a TV show on hockey. Depending on how they play up the mistress angle, most ardent fans won't be interested.
Reason? Not many movies or TV shows have pulled off the realism of a sport within their show. Mostly, it's a case of actors being actors (good for drama purposes) and athletes being athletes (good for swinging a club purpose). Kevin Costner wasn't so-so at being both. The best bet yet is Les Boys, a French drama about a hockey team..... wait a minute,.. hockey, drama, sex... is CBC English copying a successful French drama? Go figure.
Links
A bit on the French TV show Les Boys.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
500 Channels and nothing on
Prelude- It`s Monday morning. You need to visit the "sports fan", and you need something to say to open up that conversation. Typically, that small talk topic will come right from the sports highlight of the past weekend. But, what happens when there isn't a highlight? Let's take this weekend for example. CFL playoffs happened, but unless you bump into someone from Saskatchewan, well, there really isn't anything to make small talk about. How about the Leafs beating the Sens? Yeah but the game wasn't special, and it really is you win some you lose some. One regular season game does not a season make. What about the Patriots absolutely manhandling one of two possible teams that might stand a chance at beating them. Perhaps. But honestly, nothing of significance happened this weekend. So, what we need is a `break glass in case of emergency` quote. A simple to use opening line to use on your sports fan.
Sport - Emergency Sport Topic
Event - You need to talk sports but nothing happened on the weekend to talk about.
Issue
A sports fan will always be ready to talk about 'their' team. But does that really make for good conversation? For example, my team, the Leafs, beats the Sens, but talking about that this Monday will simply unearth tired sport cliches. A good sport conversation focuses on an event that crosses the boundary of that sport and let's sports fans talk about the ramifications. Everyone in sport has an opinion because everyone is a coach. For example, the last blog discussed an athlete taking liberties with the rules of the game thereby allowing us to discuss the ramification (hall of fame worthy?) or social perspective (what kind of message is that sending my kid?).
So what we need today are some questions that allow the door to open on topics that only need visiting when there truly is nothing fitting the above criteria. That is the case this weekend, so today, try these on...
Point(s) to say - Follow up point(s)
"What game did you watch this weekend? - "Are you fan of one of those teams?"
"Have you gone to any ______ games so far this year?" e.g. hockey, football - "How often do you get to games in a year?"
Best one (but be ready to really try hard at caring) "How's your son' hockey team doing?" - "What position does he play?"
"Are you in hockey pool?" - "How's that going?"
Backgrounder
Unfortunately, our "emergency only" quotes take you down the path of the sport fan talking about himself. However, that is in fact, the saving grace of small talk. When given the chance, who doesn't like to talk about themselves? For a guy, nothing is safer then talking about himself and sports at the same time. The trick for the casual sports fan is to minimize the length of the small talk conversation out of your own self preservation. Otherwise you are in for a long ride about how the ref sucks and if that penalty wasn't called his kid would have scored.
So, best bet is the hockey pool talk. The conversation will typically be a short one because once 1) placement is established, 2) excuse for poor showing explained, and 3) strategy to get back in it is covered, and then, voila, conversation is complete and you are ready to talk about the subject necessitating why you really showed up in the first place.
Remember casual sports fans, your role is to open the door to a sport conversation that gets your recipient to let loose with the sport talk. Once done, you can move on, confident that they think you've had a worthwhile sport related conversation. All the best, and I'll catch you again, once I see something of interest pop up on the highlights.
Links
Story on the The female brain: How it really works.
Sport - Emergency Sport Topic
Event - You need to talk sports but nothing happened on the weekend to talk about.
Issue
A sports fan will always be ready to talk about 'their' team. But does that really make for good conversation? For example, my team, the Leafs, beats the Sens, but talking about that this Monday will simply unearth tired sport cliches. A good sport conversation focuses on an event that crosses the boundary of that sport and let's sports fans talk about the ramifications. Everyone in sport has an opinion because everyone is a coach. For example, the last blog discussed an athlete taking liberties with the rules of the game thereby allowing us to discuss the ramification (hall of fame worthy?) or social perspective (what kind of message is that sending my kid?).
So what we need today are some questions that allow the door to open on topics that only need visiting when there truly is nothing fitting the above criteria. That is the case this weekend, so today, try these on...
Point(s) to say - Follow up point(s)
"What game did you watch this weekend? - "Are you fan of one of those teams?"
"Have you gone to any ______ games so far this year?" e.g. hockey, football - "How often do you get to games in a year?"
Best one (but be ready to really try hard at caring) "How's your son' hockey team doing?" - "What position does he play?"
"Are you in hockey pool?" - "How's that going?"
Backgrounder
Unfortunately, our "emergency only" quotes take you down the path of the sport fan talking about himself. However, that is in fact, the saving grace of small talk. When given the chance, who doesn't like to talk about themselves? For a guy, nothing is safer then talking about himself and sports at the same time. The trick for the casual sports fan is to minimize the length of the small talk conversation out of your own self preservation. Otherwise you are in for a long ride about how the ref sucks and if that penalty wasn't called his kid would have scored.
So, best bet is the hockey pool talk. The conversation will typically be a short one because once 1) placement is established, 2) excuse for poor showing explained, and 3) strategy to get back in it is covered, and then, voila, conversation is complete and you are ready to talk about the subject necessitating why you really showed up in the first place.
Remember casual sports fans, your role is to open the door to a sport conversation that gets your recipient to let loose with the sport talk. Once done, you can move on, confident that they think you've had a worthwhile sport related conversation. All the best, and I'll catch you again, once I see something of interest pop up on the highlights.
Links
Story on the The female brain: How it really works.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Baseball`s King to be dethroned?
Prelude- Chances are you've heard of Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods, and Michael Jordan. All kings of their respective sports. If you are a casual sports fan, you've probably heard of Tom Brady, Sidney Crosby the current kings of their sport. But are you familiar with the current baseball king Barry Bonds? Perhaps you've heard of him for some good reasons and for some not so good reasons. Well, you are about to hear his name a whole lot more for some awful reasons. Let`s explore the situation.
Sport - Baseball
Event - Barry Bonds was indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice yesterday.
Issue
Since 2003, there has been an investigation into the illegal use of steroids by elite athletes. Barry Bond`s name has been involved in this investigation. Nothing has yet been proven regarding his guilt or innocence on that subject. Of note, he previously testified under oath, of having no connection to an illegal steroid lab supplying elite athletes performance enhancing drugs
However, the indictment is the result of a related investigation into steroid use by elite athletes. Bond's connection to this issue now appears one step closer to being proven in court. "During the criminal investigation, evidence was obtained including positive tests for the presence of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances for Bonds and other athletes," the indictment reads.
If he lied, and thus cheated, how can the Baseball Hall of Fame crown the new King by honouring him now?
Point to Say - "Do you think Barry Bonds will make it into the Hall of Fame?"
Follow up point - "Do you think a team will sign him now?"
Backgrounder
Currently, Barry Bonds is without a team (free agent). His contract ended this year with the San Francisco Giants. It was with this team that he reached the high of his sport (baseball) when he passed the most one of the most famous players of all time, Hank Aaron to become the all-time home-run leader in major league baseball.
The Home-run record is sacred in baseball. Held by Babe Ruth, then Henry Aaron, this record is considered one of the most prized records in baseball. To be the leader should mean that you are the King of the sport. This isn't the case with Bonds.
Why? The situation around Bonds has been going on since 2003 as he approached the record. Questions came out as a result of an investigation into the gym he was attending handing out steroids illegally. The controversies with Bonds really came to public attention in 2006 when the book "Game of Shadows" was published. The book alleges Bonds used stanozolol and a host of other steroids. This book, and subsequent articles in Sports Illustrated are perhaps most responsible for the change in public opinion regarding Bonds' steroid use.
Special Backgrounder
The ball hit to break the record was put up for auction and one by someone who said he will mark it with a large asterix before donating it to the Baseball-Hall-of-Fame.
Links
Story from Globe and Mail.
History of Barry Bonds from Wikipedia.org
Sport - Baseball
Event - Barry Bonds was indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice yesterday.
Issue
Since 2003, there has been an investigation into the illegal use of steroids by elite athletes. Barry Bond`s name has been involved in this investigation. Nothing has yet been proven regarding his guilt or innocence on that subject. Of note, he previously testified under oath, of having no connection to an illegal steroid lab supplying elite athletes performance enhancing drugs
However, the indictment is the result of a related investigation into steroid use by elite athletes. Bond's connection to this issue now appears one step closer to being proven in court. "During the criminal investigation, evidence was obtained including positive tests for the presence of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances for Bonds and other athletes," the indictment reads.
If he lied, and thus cheated, how can the Baseball Hall of Fame crown the new King by honouring him now?
Point to Say - "Do you think Barry Bonds will make it into the Hall of Fame?"
Follow up point - "Do you think a team will sign him now?"
Backgrounder
Currently, Barry Bonds is without a team (free agent). His contract ended this year with the San Francisco Giants. It was with this team that he reached the high of his sport (baseball) when he passed the most one of the most famous players of all time, Hank Aaron to become the all-time home-run leader in major league baseball.
The Home-run record is sacred in baseball. Held by Babe Ruth, then Henry Aaron, this record is considered one of the most prized records in baseball. To be the leader should mean that you are the King of the sport. This isn't the case with Bonds.
Why? The situation around Bonds has been going on since 2003 as he approached the record. Questions came out as a result of an investigation into the gym he was attending handing out steroids illegally. The controversies with Bonds really came to public attention in 2006 when the book "Game of Shadows" was published. The book alleges Bonds used stanozolol and a host of other steroids. This book, and subsequent articles in Sports Illustrated are perhaps most responsible for the change in public opinion regarding Bonds' steroid use.
Special Backgrounder
The ball hit to break the record was put up for auction and one by someone who said he will mark it with a large asterix before donating it to the Baseball-Hall-of-Fame.
Links
Story from Globe and Mail.
History of Barry Bonds from Wikipedia.org
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Break out "Rider Pride": Saskatchewan Roughriders fast becoming the feel good story.
Prelude- In Canada, 90% of sport related small talk turns around hockey. The other 10%? That would be football. Mostly American football. However, for a few weeks a year, the Canadian sports fan turns his attention to the big Canadian excuse to party: the Grey Cup. It's now two weeks away. Let's set you up based on a feel good story that happened this weekend.
Sport - Football
Event - Saskatchewan Rough Riders defeat the Calgary Stampeders to move to the Western Finals.
Issue - The Saskatchewan Roughriders are the only professional sports team in Saskatchewan. They are owned by the local community. So it goes without saying, the pride of the province rides the wave of the team.
To be blunt, the Roughriders do not have an overly victorious history. They have only twice won the Championship final game (Grey Cup) and the last time they even hosted a playoff game was in 1988. So, to win this weekend once again starts off the discussion about maybe this being the year to break out the "Rider Pride" and start wondering if this could be the feel good story of the year.
Point to Say - "Do you think Saskatchewan stands a chance at winning the Grey Cup?"
Follow up point - "They did defeat the Lions in Vancouver earlier this year."
Backgrounder
The Saskatchewan Roughriders is a Canadian Football League team based in Regina. Founded in 1910, the Roughriders have won the league's Grey Cup championship twice, in 1966 and 1989.
Regina's is the 24th largest city in Canada. Meaning it doens't have a large fan base to draw from. If you consider that it doesn't win much either, only ever won twice in its 97 year history, then "Rider Pride" means a kind of loyalty that only Chicago Cub fans can understand.
By defeating the Calgary Stampeders 26-24, they now face the Bristish Columbia Lions in the Western Final. The winner will the play the Eastern winner (Toronto vs Winnipeg) in the final, known as the Grey Cup.
Analysis
Will they win the Grey Cup? No. First they have to defeat the British Columbia Lions, and BC is by far the favourite. Not only is BC last year's Grey Cup winner, this season they finished first in the West Division going 14 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie. Though the Roughriders started the season win a 7-2 win/loss record, their best since 1976, they finished the second half of the season 5-4. Put all this together with the fact that Roughriders didn't exactly dominate their playoff game against the Stampeders this Sunday, well, in short, it doesn't look good if you wish to cheer for the Riders.
BC has home field advantage for the upcoming game. Of note, Saskatchewan did win in BC back in game 6 of this season. But BC's best player (their quarterback Dave Dickenson) did not play in that game.
But what if? What if Saskachewan got hot? How can you not cheer for this team? They embody the very essence of Canadian football, and their fans are just so darned nice.
Links
Story on Roughriders win over the Stamps.
Read about some of the pride Roughrider fans were showing going into the game.
Sport - Football
Event - Saskatchewan Rough Riders defeat the Calgary Stampeders to move to the Western Finals.
Issue - The Saskatchewan Roughriders are the only professional sports team in Saskatchewan. They are owned by the local community. So it goes without saying, the pride of the province rides the wave of the team.
To be blunt, the Roughriders do not have an overly victorious history. They have only twice won the Championship final game (Grey Cup) and the last time they even hosted a playoff game was in 1988. So, to win this weekend once again starts off the discussion about maybe this being the year to break out the "Rider Pride" and start wondering if this could be the feel good story of the year.
Point to Say - "Do you think Saskatchewan stands a chance at winning the Grey Cup?"
Follow up point - "They did defeat the Lions in Vancouver earlier this year."
Backgrounder
The Saskatchewan Roughriders is a Canadian Football League team based in Regina. Founded in 1910, the Roughriders have won the league's Grey Cup championship twice, in 1966 and 1989.
Regina's is the 24th largest city in Canada. Meaning it doens't have a large fan base to draw from. If you consider that it doesn't win much either, only ever won twice in its 97 year history, then "Rider Pride" means a kind of loyalty that only Chicago Cub fans can understand.
By defeating the Calgary Stampeders 26-24, they now face the Bristish Columbia Lions in the Western Final. The winner will the play the Eastern winner (Toronto vs Winnipeg) in the final, known as the Grey Cup.
Analysis
Will they win the Grey Cup? No. First they have to defeat the British Columbia Lions, and BC is by far the favourite. Not only is BC last year's Grey Cup winner, this season they finished first in the West Division going 14 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie. Though the Roughriders started the season win a 7-2 win/loss record, their best since 1976, they finished the second half of the season 5-4. Put all this together with the fact that Roughriders didn't exactly dominate their playoff game against the Stampeders this Sunday, well, in short, it doesn't look good if you wish to cheer for the Riders.
BC has home field advantage for the upcoming game. Of note, Saskatchewan did win in BC back in game 6 of this season. But BC's best player (their quarterback Dave Dickenson) did not play in that game.
But what if? What if Saskachewan got hot? How can you not cheer for this team? They embody the very essence of Canadian football, and their fans are just so darned nice.
Links
Story on Roughriders win over the Stamps.
Read about some of the pride Roughrider fans were showing going into the game.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Eric Lindros Announces Retirement
Prelude- A quiet little event is taking place today (Thursday Nov 8, 07). But from the small talk around the water cooler point of view, it is worth a visit. Let's do just that.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Eric Lindros announces his retirement from professional hockey.
Issue - Hockey fans have known of Eric Lindros since before his junior days. He has been one of the few to wear the heavy "the next Gretzky" tag, currently being worn by Sidney Crosby.
The issue centres around whether he lived up to this billing or not. He was just dominant during his peak years. But was he elite for long enough to warrant consideration for the the prestigious honour of entering the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Point to Say - "Do you think Eric Lindros will make it into the Hockey Hall of Fame?"
Follow up point - "Before his concussion injuries, he was truly one of the best in the game."
Backgrounder
Eric Lindros bio is a long one. In short though, he was a junior sensation leading the Oshawa Generals to the Championship of junior hockey (known as the Memorial Cup). At a very young age he played for team Canada during the Famous Canada Cup of 1991. Once joining the NHL, he won MVP in 1995 and was on 6 all-star teams.
A defining moment in the story of Lindros, was the draft of 1991. Taken first overall by the Quebec Nordiques (now known as the Colorado Avalanche) he refused to report demanding a trade. Unheard of a player to do this at the time. He was subsequently traded to the Philadelphia Flyers. From there he has played for four teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs for one year.
As a player he average more than a point a game for the first few years of his career (865 points in 760 games). This is very impressive accomplishment. Of note, in 1998, Lindros was ranked number 54 on The Hockey News' list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players of all time.
But any discussion of Lindros has to also include the number of games he has missed. In fact, he is synonymous with concussion related injuries. In fact, the injuries started to define the later half of his career. For example, over the past three years, he played in only 121 out of a possible 246 games.
Analysis
Will he make into the Hall of Fame? Usually it is based on your statistical performance. For Lindros, he has very good stats but the issue is, are the cumulatively big enough.
He scored a total of 372 goals and 493 assists in his 14 years in the league. However these totals don't put him near the top of any cumulative statistical category.
The answer is, some will say yes because he was such a dominant player. Some will say no, because he didn't sustain his dominance like most who get voted into the Hall of Fame.
Links
Excellent analysis of this situation can be found in Stephen Brunt's column.
Click here to see a chronology of Eric Lindros's hockey career.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Eric Lindros announces his retirement from professional hockey.
Issue - Hockey fans have known of Eric Lindros since before his junior days. He has been one of the few to wear the heavy "the next Gretzky" tag, currently being worn by Sidney Crosby.
The issue centres around whether he lived up to this billing or not. He was just dominant during his peak years. But was he elite for long enough to warrant consideration for the the prestigious honour of entering the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Point to Say - "Do you think Eric Lindros will make it into the Hockey Hall of Fame?"
Follow up point - "Before his concussion injuries, he was truly one of the best in the game."
Backgrounder
Eric Lindros bio is a long one. In short though, he was a junior sensation leading the Oshawa Generals to the Championship of junior hockey (known as the Memorial Cup). At a very young age he played for team Canada during the Famous Canada Cup of 1991. Once joining the NHL, he won MVP in 1995 and was on 6 all-star teams.
A defining moment in the story of Lindros, was the draft of 1991. Taken first overall by the Quebec Nordiques (now known as the Colorado Avalanche) he refused to report demanding a trade. Unheard of a player to do this at the time. He was subsequently traded to the Philadelphia Flyers. From there he has played for four teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs for one year.
As a player he average more than a point a game for the first few years of his career (865 points in 760 games). This is very impressive accomplishment. Of note, in 1998, Lindros was ranked number 54 on The Hockey News' list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players of all time.
But any discussion of Lindros has to also include the number of games he has missed. In fact, he is synonymous with concussion related injuries. In fact, the injuries started to define the later half of his career. For example, over the past three years, he played in only 121 out of a possible 246 games.
Analysis
Will he make into the Hall of Fame? Usually it is based on your statistical performance. For Lindros, he has very good stats but the issue is, are the cumulatively big enough.
He scored a total of 372 goals and 493 assists in his 14 years in the league. However these totals don't put him near the top of any cumulative statistical category.
The answer is, some will say yes because he was such a dominant player. Some will say no, because he didn't sustain his dominance like most who get voted into the Hall of Fame.
Links
Excellent analysis of this situation can be found in Stephen Brunt's column.
Click here to see a chronology of Eric Lindros's hockey career.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Patriots Remain THE story of the football year.
Prelude- Without a doubt, the talk around the water cooler on Monday will be of the New England Patriots win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Having said that, once you've discussed that topic, you may wish to visit Saturday's blog topic of the recent signing of Jason Spezza by the Ottawa Senators. In hockey circles, that is big news. Click here for what to say.
Sport - Football
Event - New England Patriots win to remain unbeaten (9 wins and 0 losses)
Issue - On Sunday, the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts played in the most talked about NFL games in years. The reason? Heading into the match both teams were undefeated. This was the first time so late into a season two undefeated teams had played each other.
The last team in the NFL to go a full season without a loss were the Miami Dolphins of 1972. Ever since, all great NFL teams have been measured against that standard. A few teams have come close but stumbled toward the end of the season.
New England prevailed 24-20 after staging an incredible comeback victory. In doing so, they beat what is arguably the toughest opponent they will see this year. Now, NFL watchers are going to be discussing whether New England can go a perfect 16-0.
Point to Say - "New England staged an incredible comeback against the Colts! Do you think they'll go undefeated this year?"
Follow up point - "New England plays the Bills next week who've won three straight. But do you think it will be Pittsburgh that ends their winning streak?"
Backgrounder
Who are the 'Bills'? That's the Buffalo Bills who play in the same division as New England. They just won their third straight game and are playing the Patriots in Buffalo in two weeks. But the odds will be very long for the Bills to win that game.
Each team in the NFL plays 16 games in their regular season. Back when the Dolphins went undefeated they played 13 games.
The Patriots are playing week opponents. The have now defeated the next two best teams in the league. Four weeks ago, they completely dominated the Dallas Cowboys, arguably the third best team in the league right now after the Colts.
The Patriots are playing like one of the all time great teams. Evidence of their all time elite status can be seen in the amount of points they score each game. The Patriots are averaging scoring numbers each game like no other team has the history of the NFL.
Analysis
Can they win all their remaining games? The Patriots will have two more tough matches in their remaining seven games. Although the Patriots next game is against a team (the Buffalo Bills) who are currently playing their best football in years, it will be in 5 weeks that will be the next tough challenge. At that point, the Patriots will play the Pittsburgh Steelers a team that has given up the least amount of points out of all the teams in the league. If the Patriots pass that hurdle, it looks like it will come down the 16th and final game against the New York Giants, an away game in New York no less.
Links
Confused by football? Need a 101 description? Click here.
Want to see who New England is playing against in the coming weeks? Click here.
Read the full game recap from the Globe and Mail here?
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Ottawa Senators Signs Top Player
Prelude- If you're in Ottawa the signing of Jason Spezza is big news. Let's give you some some lines to use Monday morning.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Ottawa Senators sign Jason Spezza to a seven year contract extension worth $49 million.
Issue - It can now be said, that by keeping Spezza, Ottawa will be considered Stanley Cup contenders for a few more years yet. This is impressive as they have kept their key players in check for another four years while staying under the NHL's salary cap.
However, the core of any good team is a top line defenceman. For Ottawa, Wade Redden is that guy. But whether Ottawa will be able to keep Redden becomes the paramount question.
Point to Say - "What do you think of Ottawa Signing Spezza?"
Follow up point - "Do you think Ottawa will be able to keep Wade Redden?"
Backgrounder
Heatly, Spezza and Alfredsson currently form Ottawa' top line. They are the top three scorers on their team and form one of the leagues top offensive lines overall.
Key members the Ottawa Senators have recently issued long term contracts to including forwards Danny Heatly and Mike Fisher signed long term deals. If you add these deals to the signings of captain Daniel Afredsson, defenceman Chris Phillips and goalie Ray Emery, the Sens now have secured key members of last years Stanley Cup finalist team.
Ottawa's 2008-2009 currently committed salary is $42.5 million. The current NHL salary Cap is $50 million. With the recent round of signings, there is only so much left to spend. But, Wade Redden is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. Meaning, it is speculated in the media that he would have to take a pay cut to stay with his current team.
Links
Bio of Spezza.
Bio of Redden.
Link to full article on signing from the Globe and Mail.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Ottawa Senators sign Jason Spezza to a seven year contract extension worth $49 million.
Issue - It can now be said, that by keeping Spezza, Ottawa will be considered Stanley Cup contenders for a few more years yet. This is impressive as they have kept their key players in check for another four years while staying under the NHL's salary cap.
However, the core of any good team is a top line defenceman. For Ottawa, Wade Redden is that guy. But whether Ottawa will be able to keep Redden becomes the paramount question.
Point to Say - "What do you think of Ottawa Signing Spezza?"
Follow up point - "Do you think Ottawa will be able to keep Wade Redden?"
Backgrounder
Heatly, Spezza and Alfredsson currently form Ottawa' top line. They are the top three scorers on their team and form one of the leagues top offensive lines overall.
Key members the Ottawa Senators have recently issued long term contracts to including forwards Danny Heatly and Mike Fisher signed long term deals. If you add these deals to the signings of captain Daniel Afredsson, defenceman Chris Phillips and goalie Ray Emery, the Sens now have secured key members of last years Stanley Cup finalist team.
Ottawa's 2008-2009 currently committed salary is $42.5 million. The current NHL salary Cap is $50 million. With the recent round of signings, there is only so much left to spend. But, Wade Redden is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. Meaning, it is speculated in the media that he would have to take a pay cut to stay with his current team.
Links
Bio of Spezza.
Bio of Redden.
Link to full article on signing from the Globe and Mail.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Now that Halloween is over...
Prelude- I was in Canadian Tire yesterday and noticed they are just about to put up their Christmas decorations. Nov 1st and 'tis the season! As your hockey fan starts to put together his/her Christmas list, you may want a heads up on one item in particular.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Christmas Present for the Hockey Fan
Issue - This year, all NHL teams have new jersey designs. If you have a hockey fan that must have his team's jersey, and the real one only, well, the one he had last year won't do anymore.
The new NHL jerseys issued at the beginning of the season are not receiving favourable comments from the players and may in fact be changed. So if the real deal needs to be the real deal, then heads up, the one you are about to buy may not match what his favourite player is actually wearing!
Point to Say - "What do you think of (insert favourite team's here) new jersey?"
Follow up point - "I hear that players are complaining about the jerseys and that the jerseys might be changing again."
Backgrounder
It is true that nothing says Christmas Present like a new NHL jersey. Pure Canadiana. The industry knows this and that's why they cycle out new jerseys all the time.
Starting in the mid 1990's, it started to get a bit silly, with NHL teams having 3 jerseys each (home, away, alternate).
Reebok owns the rights to design and manufacture all NHL jerseys. In order to increase sales all jerseys were redesigned. A casual fan likely won't notice too much of a difference. Ottawa is still red and white, the Toronto blue and white, and Montreal red white and blue. But there is a difference.
Sometimes there is quite a noticeable difference (check out Dallas last year; Dallas this year). But the subtle differences introduced by Reebok this year include a new fiber that is supposed to be better at wicking away moisture, and a lighter fabric that isn't as heavy as past types. All in the name or progress. But wait.
Recent complaints from the players postulate that the wicking isn't working: sweat isn't coming off the body and is staying trapped under the equipment. Reebok is indicating that the material might change.
In short, if you're in the game of keeping up with the regulation jerseys, you'll never win. Jerseys will always be changing in order to generate revenue for the team and the league. But be a savvy shopper and ensure that the jersey you buy this year has at least one year of life in it before the league changes it again.
Merry Christmas!
Links
Article update on the jersey situation from the Globe and Mail.
Have a fan that is obsessed about jersey's. Let him know about this fantastic site all about jerseys. How about retro jerseys?
See the history of all NHL Jerseys over the decades here.
Sport - Hockey
Event - Christmas Present for the Hockey Fan
Issue - This year, all NHL teams have new jersey designs. If you have a hockey fan that must have his team's jersey, and the real one only, well, the one he had last year won't do anymore.
The new NHL jerseys issued at the beginning of the season are not receiving favourable comments from the players and may in fact be changed. So if the real deal needs to be the real deal, then heads up, the one you are about to buy may not match what his favourite player is actually wearing!
Point to Say - "What do you think of (insert favourite team's here) new jersey?"
Follow up point - "I hear that players are complaining about the jerseys and that the jerseys might be changing again."
Backgrounder
It is true that nothing says Christmas Present like a new NHL jersey. Pure Canadiana. The industry knows this and that's why they cycle out new jerseys all the time.
Starting in the mid 1990's, it started to get a bit silly, with NHL teams having 3 jerseys each (home, away, alternate).
Reebok owns the rights to design and manufacture all NHL jerseys. In order to increase sales all jerseys were redesigned. A casual fan likely won't notice too much of a difference. Ottawa is still red and white, the Toronto blue and white, and Montreal red white and blue. But there is a difference.
Sometimes there is quite a noticeable difference (check out Dallas last year; Dallas this year). But the subtle differences introduced by Reebok this year include a new fiber that is supposed to be better at wicking away moisture, and a lighter fabric that isn't as heavy as past types. All in the name or progress. But wait.
Recent complaints from the players postulate that the wicking isn't working: sweat isn't coming off the body and is staying trapped under the equipment. Reebok is indicating that the material might change.
In short, if you're in the game of keeping up with the regulation jerseys, you'll never win. Jerseys will always be changing in order to generate revenue for the team and the league. But be a savvy shopper and ensure that the jersey you buy this year has at least one year of life in it before the league changes it again.
Merry Christmas!
Links
Article update on the jersey situation from the Globe and Mail.
Have a fan that is obsessed about jersey's. Let him know about this fantastic site all about jerseys. How about retro jerseys?
See the history of all NHL Jerseys over the decades here.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Hockey continues to make headlines for the wrong reason.
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.
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.
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.
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