The world's fastest man ensured he won't lose the title any time soon!
Today Jamican sprinter Usain Bolt, running at the World Track and Field Championships in Berlin, set a new World Record in the 100m sprint, breaking his old record time of 9.69 seconds that he made at the Beijing Olympics.
He shaved more than a tenth of a second off his time, making the new mark 9.58 seconds. Nothing short of a freak of nature!
Each event he runs at he seems to up himself, and the most amazing part is that he still hasn't hit his prime yet! (only 22 years old, apparently sprinters are best between the ages of 23-26).
The height of Bolt, at 6'5", helps him greatly - generally sprinters don't come that tall. But what is maybe even more impressive than his stride (which is measured at around 9 to 10 feet when he's in full sprint apparently) is his attitude. Not only does he make it look effortless but he's actually having a good time, joking around all the time.
Even those moments when you'd expect nerves to take over the man remains at ease.
It was nothing short of incredible, we are watching an athlete that comes around once in a generation at best right now! My suggestion? If Bolt is running, take the opportunity to watch it - you'll likely not be disappointed! (and you can watch it by clicking here)
Bolt lowers 100-metre mark to 9.58 (ESPN)
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Flawed
It's becoming quite evidently clear that Professional Athletes are people too!
Yes this statement is quite ridiculous, of course they're regular people. But there have been some very clear signs in the sports world recently that show, even though they are millionaires with much more favourable lives as our own, they too have their own flaws.
More to come...
Yes this statement is quite ridiculous, of course they're regular people. But there have been some very clear signs in the sports world recently that show, even though they are millionaires with much more favourable lives as our own, they too have their own flaws.
More to come...
Sports v. Twitter
The increased relevance of Twitter may be thanks in part to the sporting world!
Becoming a noteworthy service, a social network of common discussion, may not have come about thanks to ESPN's Twitter ban on its employees. Or the NFL's similar ban and some coaches (Philadelphia Eagles Andy Reid and his war with the media in general, for instance). It also may not have gained credibility thanks to the way the NBA has embraced the marketing possibilities.
But it's paved a road which society will have to acknowledge Twitter as a part of our daily lives.
Laying down rules and guidelines is a clear statement that this is no longer a fad but something more. Many workplaces have blocked Facebook and MSN Messenger so that employees do not socialize on the Internet all day long rather than work. While smartphones do defeat the actions taken by employers it's still a sign that these sort of actions are frowned upon, and by placing 'do not use' rules it's a complete objection.
Obviously this is an issue since athletes are celebrities, people follow their lives far closer than they do a stock broker or lawyer. So it's not really that surprising that it was the sports world that helped to usher in the importance of the Twitter revolution, with the ease to post comments online secrets of the sporting world can spread within seconds.
Just ask J.R. Smith or Antonio Cromartie about what trouble one can find themselves in with regards to Twitter.
This is the reason why ESPN put a ban on its employees in regards to Twitter, regulating what can be said online...well that and they want their services to remain relevant, as now even online media sources try to keep up and avoid the pinch of the Online Revolution (ironically enough...)
In the same week that ESPN and the NFL banned its employees from using Twitter the Army also joined in with keeping secret information...well, secret. It's becoming clear that more and more facets of life are being touched upon by Tweeps.
And who says the sports world is nothing but a distraction, a way to escape the everyday world and just relax. Right now it's helping to usher in a whole new era. Man, this shit is getting serious!
Hardline Twitter Memo Makes ESPN Employees Hilariously Paranoid (Deadspin)
ESPN Twitter Memo: The Remix (Deadspin)
Banning Twitter: Bloggers take on military, NFL and ESPN rules on social networking (Jersey blogs)
Becoming a noteworthy service, a social network of common discussion, may not have come about thanks to ESPN's Twitter ban on its employees. Or the NFL's similar ban and some coaches (Philadelphia Eagles Andy Reid and his war with the media in general, for instance). It also may not have gained credibility thanks to the way the NBA has embraced the marketing possibilities.
But it's paved a road which society will have to acknowledge Twitter as a part of our daily lives.
Laying down rules and guidelines is a clear statement that this is no longer a fad but something more. Many workplaces have blocked Facebook and MSN Messenger so that employees do not socialize on the Internet all day long rather than work. While smartphones do defeat the actions taken by employers it's still a sign that these sort of actions are frowned upon, and by placing 'do not use' rules it's a complete objection.
Obviously this is an issue since athletes are celebrities, people follow their lives far closer than they do a stock broker or lawyer. So it's not really that surprising that it was the sports world that helped to usher in the importance of the Twitter revolution, with the ease to post comments online secrets of the sporting world can spread within seconds.
Just ask J.R. Smith or Antonio Cromartie about what trouble one can find themselves in with regards to Twitter.
This is the reason why ESPN put a ban on its employees in regards to Twitter, regulating what can be said online...well that and they want their services to remain relevant, as now even online media sources try to keep up and avoid the pinch of the Online Revolution (ironically enough...)
In the same week that ESPN and the NFL banned its employees from using Twitter the Army also joined in with keeping secret information...well, secret. It's becoming clear that more and more facets of life are being touched upon by Tweeps.
And who says the sports world is nothing but a distraction, a way to escape the everyday world and just relax. Right now it's helping to usher in a whole new era. Man, this shit is getting serious!
Hardline Twitter Memo Makes ESPN Employees Hilariously Paranoid (Deadspin)
ESPN Twitter Memo: The Remix (Deadspin)
Banning Twitter: Bloggers take on military, NFL and ESPN rules on social networking (Jersey blogs)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Michael Vick's road to redemption
Michael Vick is set to make his return to the world of NFL Football.
In an interview with Michael Landsberg on TSN's Off The Record this past Monday Joe Theismann, former NFL and for a time CFL Quarterback, spoke in favour of Vick's return. Theisman believed that the man had served his time and as a result was due to enter back into the football fraternity that he was once a member.
This statement by Theisman stands somewhat in opposition to his feelings on Ricky Williams suspension which landed the Running Back in the CFL for a season while under suspension from the NFL.
"I don't ever want to be mentioned in the same breath as Ricky Williams as a football player. He's a disgrace to the game. The man doesn't deserve to play football. He should go on with his life and treat his drug addictions or go do whatever he wants to do. He's been suspended from the National Football League on multiple occasions. Doesn't anybody have any class anywhere? For gosh sakes, let the kid go do what he wants to do. He doesn't want to play football."
Now yes, these ARE different scenarios - Vick was found guilty in relation to a dog fighting ring out of his home, only a couple months after being suspended for trying to smuggle marijuana onto a plane in a water bottle, whereas Williams tested positive for smoking marijuana and was suspended for a season, at which point his reinstatement would be reviewed.
There were no rules stating that players, even under suspension in the NFL, could not enter the CFL so Williams joined the Toronto Argonauts for a season. This disgusted Theisman so greatly that he basically denounced ever being part of the Argos football club, he wished his history erased because this player was a dope head who was suspended and should receive no grace. Williams does have social anxiety problems, causing him to self medicate every time the media turned up the heat with their questions, but that's neither here nor there apparently. After a year however Williams was reinstated to the League.
Vick ended up serving a sentence of a couple for his crimes against dogs in prison, crimes which were funded directly by the money he received as a professional football player. The NFL has since looked into it and has given Vick, for all his grievances, and multiple suspensions of their own, and given a 5 game ban of their own.
Not even a third of the season before he must return. Since he served jail time already, many feel that's enough and he should be allowed to play starting as of Game 1, and are disputing the any additional ban.
My initial thought to all of this was how much of a hypocrite Theisman was for speaking out so harshly against Williams, while so easily coming to the defence of Vick's rehabilitation. However many seem to agree with that line of thinking, at least in the media, which one can only assume is thanks to the firm belief in the power of the American prisons reforming their tenants.
The one good thing about this story is the Anti-Vick list, which has grown to more than half the league. What's disappointing, though not surprising, is that reports have already surfaced about Vick re-signing with an NFL club desperate to improve their pivot position, and likely within the next week or so.
There's work life and then there's one's social life, and they don't always mix. They shouldn't always mix as well. In the opinion of this writer this is a case where they should both be examined. Once again a member of the minority on the situation (save those such as PETA and people in favour of animal rights), since many believe its time he is given a second chance.
I'm just surprised by the uneven distribution of suspensions, and personally am not sure that Vick deserves that second chance just yet.
In an interview with Michael Landsberg on TSN's Off The Record this past Monday Joe Theismann, former NFL and for a time CFL Quarterback, spoke in favour of Vick's return. Theisman believed that the man had served his time and as a result was due to enter back into the football fraternity that he was once a member.
This statement by Theisman stands somewhat in opposition to his feelings on Ricky Williams suspension which landed the Running Back in the CFL for a season while under suspension from the NFL.
"I don't ever want to be mentioned in the same breath as Ricky Williams as a football player. He's a disgrace to the game. The man doesn't deserve to play football. He should go on with his life and treat his drug addictions or go do whatever he wants to do. He's been suspended from the National Football League on multiple occasions. Doesn't anybody have any class anywhere? For gosh sakes, let the kid go do what he wants to do. He doesn't want to play football."
Now yes, these ARE different scenarios - Vick was found guilty in relation to a dog fighting ring out of his home, only a couple months after being suspended for trying to smuggle marijuana onto a plane in a water bottle, whereas Williams tested positive for smoking marijuana and was suspended for a season, at which point his reinstatement would be reviewed.
There were no rules stating that players, even under suspension in the NFL, could not enter the CFL so Williams joined the Toronto Argonauts for a season. This disgusted Theisman so greatly that he basically denounced ever being part of the Argos football club, he wished his history erased because this player was a dope head who was suspended and should receive no grace. Williams does have social anxiety problems, causing him to self medicate every time the media turned up the heat with their questions, but that's neither here nor there apparently. After a year however Williams was reinstated to the League.
Vick ended up serving a sentence of a couple for his crimes against dogs in prison, crimes which were funded directly by the money he received as a professional football player. The NFL has since looked into it and has given Vick, for all his grievances, and multiple suspensions of their own, and given a 5 game ban of their own.
Not even a third of the season before he must return. Since he served jail time already, many feel that's enough and he should be allowed to play starting as of Game 1, and are disputing the any additional ban.
My initial thought to all of this was how much of a hypocrite Theisman was for speaking out so harshly against Williams, while so easily coming to the defence of Vick's rehabilitation. However many seem to agree with that line of thinking, at least in the media, which one can only assume is thanks to the firm belief in the power of the American prisons reforming their tenants.
The one good thing about this story is the Anti-Vick list, which has grown to more than half the league. What's disappointing, though not surprising, is that reports have already surfaced about Vick re-signing with an NFL club desperate to improve their pivot position, and likely within the next week or so.
There's work life and then there's one's social life, and they don't always mix. They shouldn't always mix as well. In the opinion of this writer this is a case where they should both be examined. Once again a member of the minority on the situation (save those such as PETA and people in favour of animal rights), since many believe its time he is given a second chance.
I'm just surprised by the uneven distribution of suspensions, and personally am not sure that Vick deserves that second chance just yet.
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Evolution of Swimming
A regular metaphor for those afraid to make change and advancements is to compare them to the dinosaur, that notion that a fear of progress will lead to an ultimate demise and eventual extinction.
Enter competitive swimming.
There were new advancements in swimsuit technology introduced in 2008 that lead to 108 world records set last year and what is closing in on 30 new world records so far this year.
There are those involved with swimming who find it hard to gauge the actual speed of their swimmers since the new suits come with an added buoyancy that allows the swimmer to stay closer to the surface and therefore swim faster.
As a result FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) has banned certain swimsuits made from the textiles in question.
There were similar advancements in speed skating a few years back and world records began to fall there as well. The advancement have been embraced in spped skating however, not retracted. The cletes that track athletes use are always experiencing new advancements and the same applies to countless other sport as well. As time moves forward there are new technologies in training, equipment - it's evolution baby!
But these suits, to many in swim circles, pose a problem as they are deemed an unfair advantage over what swimmers wore in the past.
One could make the argument, going along this line of thinking, that certain exercise equipment should be banned from swimmers since the swimmers in the past never had the same opportunity with lesser equipment. Or that diets and legal supplements also give an edge not previously known to the sport.
But obviously that's ridiculous since that's just working with the human body and not what is worn on the body itself. An advanced swimsuit, even though it can be worn by all the swimmers in the same race, is an advancement that goes over the line.
The ban will not apply before the World Swim Championships on July 30 so there are concerns that even more rfecords will fall at that meet. It is believed that once the suits are changed back to the old style it will take a long time before world records begin to fall once again, the advantage was that drastic.
Will these new records be viewed in a positive light, or tainted much like recent records in Major League Baseball? With the reactions from many involved with FINA they may be looked down upon, even though the athletes were never guilty of anything but allowing for the natural evolution that every sport experiences. There is no steroid era or anything immoral, simply new swimsuits that scare the old guard of the swim world.
A fear of evolution, as history has shown, can have significant ramifications. The excitement that came along with watching world records fall in Beijing will likely not be realized for some time to come, so how will it cost the sport of swimming? Will the attention gained at the Beijing Games be undone - especially if this is made into a big ordeal?
There have been worthy sports scandals in the recent past, however this would not appear to be one of those. And just like the dinosaur, swimming will now have to wait and see how this refusal to allow for change in their sports affects their fate.
FINA takes charge in swimwear debate (cbcsports.ca)
Enter competitive swimming.
There were new advancements in swimsuit technology introduced in 2008 that lead to 108 world records set last year and what is closing in on 30 new world records so far this year.
There are those involved with swimming who find it hard to gauge the actual speed of their swimmers since the new suits come with an added buoyancy that allows the swimmer to stay closer to the surface and therefore swim faster.
As a result FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) has banned certain swimsuits made from the textiles in question.
There were similar advancements in speed skating a few years back and world records began to fall there as well. The advancement have been embraced in spped skating however, not retracted. The cletes that track athletes use are always experiencing new advancements and the same applies to countless other sport as well. As time moves forward there are new technologies in training, equipment - it's evolution baby!
But these suits, to many in swim circles, pose a problem as they are deemed an unfair advantage over what swimmers wore in the past.
One could make the argument, going along this line of thinking, that certain exercise equipment should be banned from swimmers since the swimmers in the past never had the same opportunity with lesser equipment. Or that diets and legal supplements also give an edge not previously known to the sport.
But obviously that's ridiculous since that's just working with the human body and not what is worn on the body itself. An advanced swimsuit, even though it can be worn by all the swimmers in the same race, is an advancement that goes over the line.
The ban will not apply before the World Swim Championships on July 30 so there are concerns that even more rfecords will fall at that meet. It is believed that once the suits are changed back to the old style it will take a long time before world records begin to fall once again, the advantage was that drastic.
Will these new records be viewed in a positive light, or tainted much like recent records in Major League Baseball? With the reactions from many involved with FINA they may be looked down upon, even though the athletes were never guilty of anything but allowing for the natural evolution that every sport experiences. There is no steroid era or anything immoral, simply new swimsuits that scare the old guard of the swim world.
A fear of evolution, as history has shown, can have significant ramifications. The excitement that came along with watching world records fall in Beijing will likely not be realized for some time to come, so how will it cost the sport of swimming? Will the attention gained at the Beijing Games be undone - especially if this is made into a big ordeal?
There have been worthy sports scandals in the recent past, however this would not appear to be one of those. And just like the dinosaur, swimming will now have to wait and see how this refusal to allow for change in their sports affects their fate.
FINA takes charge in swimwear debate (cbcsports.ca)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Reshaping Toronto
Bryan Colangelo: consummate professional, competitive businessman, an asset for the city of Toronto.
As the GM Colangelo commented during the press conference today the Raptors Organization is about promoting that family aspect. The recent signings have been clear moves to reinforce that notion, and make Toronto more attractive as a nasketball destination not just a location.
First it was the Hedo Turkoglu press conference, downplaying earlier media comments about the Turkish community in TO and lavishing praise on the great chemistry he should have with his new teammates.
With Jarrett Jack obviously the questions instantly went to his relationship with Chris Bosh as the two were former teammates back in college at Georgia Tech. Colangelo will likely be unapologetic about any move he makes to keep Bosh in town however, he didn't stray from signing European based players a few years back and that lead to success. He must do the same in all his efforts to keep Bosh.
Bosh himself actually came and joined in at the end of the press conference and joked around himself, passing on stories about Jack getting kicked out of practice in college for being too aggressive and getting into a playful argument about who will be the best dressed throughout the season.
For a location that has been less than favourable for NBA players over its history the TO sales job is in full effect, following down a path that GM Bryan Colangelo has been restructing since his arrival. Entering phase two of the Make Toronto Primetime (if you will) Colangelo has once again set Toronto up in a favourable position.
At first it was working with the cultural dynamic of the city. It's well known that Europeans enjoy the cosmopolitan nature of Toronto, and initially Colangelo took advantage of that asset. It lead to the playoffs and even a divisional championship, however that well has dried a little.
In downplaying that aspect of the city Turkoglu kept the attention on the American ballers, showing that this wasn't simply another European joining the team. This is now a competitive location, the team is worth it, this is a team oriented destination not just a city with lots of ethnic neighbourhoods and an exciting Caribana celebration.
Should Bosh resign with TO that image may be cemented.
Toronto will be marketed as a prime sports destination in basketball, just like hockey, if Colangelo has his way. There are no longer any limitations in play for the new gameplan, to compete Colangelo knows that means marquee players and at any cost. That is phase two: bring the best into town, keep the team on the march forward.
"Why here? If you're not guaranteed a starting spot why would you come here?", says Bryan Colangelo. "It's about team and it's about success and it's about winning."
Asked about his opinion of the team Bosh was non-committal but honest in his assessment.
"I was a little nervous at the end of the season with all the moves we had to make", said Bosh, "But so far things are going well."
The more optimistic that statement becomes the more successful phase two will be. Toronto is becoming more and more attractive under Colangelo's watch and while the Raptors Organization may have dropped the ball in becoming the main attention of the city last season, they should not fall into obscurity this coming year. It's likely the GM would not have it any other way.
As the GM Colangelo commented during the press conference today the Raptors Organization is about promoting that family aspect. The recent signings have been clear moves to reinforce that notion, and make Toronto more attractive as a nasketball destination not just a location.
First it was the Hedo Turkoglu press conference, downplaying earlier media comments about the Turkish community in TO and lavishing praise on the great chemistry he should have with his new teammates.
With Jarrett Jack obviously the questions instantly went to his relationship with Chris Bosh as the two were former teammates back in college at Georgia Tech. Colangelo will likely be unapologetic about any move he makes to keep Bosh in town however, he didn't stray from signing European based players a few years back and that lead to success. He must do the same in all his efforts to keep Bosh.
Bosh himself actually came and joined in at the end of the press conference and joked around himself, passing on stories about Jack getting kicked out of practice in college for being too aggressive and getting into a playful argument about who will be the best dressed throughout the season.
For a location that has been less than favourable for NBA players over its history the TO sales job is in full effect, following down a path that GM Bryan Colangelo has been restructing since his arrival. Entering phase two of the Make Toronto Primetime (if you will) Colangelo has once again set Toronto up in a favourable position.
At first it was working with the cultural dynamic of the city. It's well known that Europeans enjoy the cosmopolitan nature of Toronto, and initially Colangelo took advantage of that asset. It lead to the playoffs and even a divisional championship, however that well has dried a little.
In downplaying that aspect of the city Turkoglu kept the attention on the American ballers, showing that this wasn't simply another European joining the team. This is now a competitive location, the team is worth it, this is a team oriented destination not just a city with lots of ethnic neighbourhoods and an exciting Caribana celebration.
Should Bosh resign with TO that image may be cemented.
Toronto will be marketed as a prime sports destination in basketball, just like hockey, if Colangelo has his way. There are no longer any limitations in play for the new gameplan, to compete Colangelo knows that means marquee players and at any cost. That is phase two: bring the best into town, keep the team on the march forward.
"Why here? If you're not guaranteed a starting spot why would you come here?", says Bryan Colangelo. "It's about team and it's about success and it's about winning."
Asked about his opinion of the team Bosh was non-committal but honest in his assessment.
"I was a little nervous at the end of the season with all the moves we had to make", said Bosh, "But so far things are going well."
The more optimistic that statement becomes the more successful phase two will be. Toronto is becoming more and more attractive under Colangelo's watch and while the Raptors Organization may have dropped the ball in becoming the main attention of the city last season, they should not fall into obscurity this coming year. It's likely the GM would not have it any other way.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Raptors make a deal, send a message: we won't go away quietly
The deal is done and Raptor Nation is buzzing! It's a high that has failed to diminish just yet.
The offseason moves looked promising in signing a fundamental part of the Orlando Magic's run to the NBA Finals in Hedo Turkoglu but there were questions and doubts; yes, the star player would improve the starting roster no question but it was coming at a heavy price.
There would be no return possible for popular Raptor Anthony Parker, no possible return of ex-Raptor Carlos Delfino either. There was not much money left to sign anyone to help improve the bench and while the starters looked promising, the rest looked questionable.
Then the trade went down, a trade that would alleviate many of the concerns the fans were experiencing, eliminate some questions and some doubt.
There had been a group of fans calling for the head of GM Bryan Colangelo, the team he put together sputtered out and failed last season and this offseason wasn't showing enough promise to secure Chsi Bosh thru the impending 2010 Freen Agent frenzy.
Those fans have been relatively silent since the news broke, with the occasional quip here and there but vastly outnumbered. The masses have been satisfied today.
This deal is a sign on many levels. First off it's a sign that Bryan Colangelo is an aggressive GM in the league, always trying to improve his team. It's also a sign that the Raptors as an organization are committed to winning and not falling off the playoff map, and it's a sign that players looking to compete in the League can trust they'll be provided that chance in Toronto.
Yes it will take time to see who fits where, who starts where, who gets the MLE money and who rounds out the final three roster spots that remain vacant on the team. The honeymoon phase with this deal is still firmly in tact and once it clears there will be more critcal judgment that will surface to dissect this trade and more importantly the make-up of next years club.
But even then, what cannot be doubted is the effort put forth by Colangelo and his organization. There's a reason the fans are excited about this move and it's far less to do with the players involved (with the possible exception of Turkoglu) and much more to do with the fact that a Raptors GM is actually doing something, anything to improve the team.
The Toronto Raptors completed a four team trade today that brought in 3 new players and returned the Mid-Level Exception to the books of the organization. And the people rejoiced!
The offseason moves looked promising in signing a fundamental part of the Orlando Magic's run to the NBA Finals in Hedo Turkoglu but there were questions and doubts; yes, the star player would improve the starting roster no question but it was coming at a heavy price.
There would be no return possible for popular Raptor Anthony Parker, no possible return of ex-Raptor Carlos Delfino either. There was not much money left to sign anyone to help improve the bench and while the starters looked promising, the rest looked questionable.
Then the trade went down, a trade that would alleviate many of the concerns the fans were experiencing, eliminate some questions and some doubt.
There had been a group of fans calling for the head of GM Bryan Colangelo, the team he put together sputtered out and failed last season and this offseason wasn't showing enough promise to secure Chsi Bosh thru the impending 2010 Freen Agent frenzy.
Those fans have been relatively silent since the news broke, with the occasional quip here and there but vastly outnumbered. The masses have been satisfied today.
This deal is a sign on many levels. First off it's a sign that Bryan Colangelo is an aggressive GM in the league, always trying to improve his team. It's also a sign that the Raptors as an organization are committed to winning and not falling off the playoff map, and it's a sign that players looking to compete in the League can trust they'll be provided that chance in Toronto.
Yes it will take time to see who fits where, who starts where, who gets the MLE money and who rounds out the final three roster spots that remain vacant on the team. The honeymoon phase with this deal is still firmly in tact and once it clears there will be more critcal judgment that will surface to dissect this trade and more importantly the make-up of next years club.
But even then, what cannot be doubted is the effort put forth by Colangelo and his organization. There's a reason the fans are excited about this move and it's far less to do with the players involved (with the possible exception of Turkoglu) and much more to do with the fact that a Raptors GM is actually doing something, anything to improve the team.
The Toronto Raptors completed a four team trade today that brought in 3 new players and returned the Mid-Level Exception to the books of the organization. And the people rejoiced!
BREAKING NEWS! RAPTORS
Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo is in the midst of working on a 4 team blockbuster deal that would essentially keep the Mid-Level Exemption (MLE), a salary exemption the Raps were about to lose. Plus they retain the rights to sign one of either Anthony Parker or Carlos Delfino back in Toronto next season!
Nothing's official yet, however should this mega trade go down then not only will it be blue skies for the club heading forward but Bryan Colangelo will cement his legacy as the best General Manager is team history!
Stay tuned for more....
Nothing's official yet, however should this mega trade go down then not only will it be blue skies for the club heading forward but Bryan Colangelo will cement his legacy as the best General Manager is team history!
Stay tuned for more....
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Ode de Bargs
Andrea Bargnani has signed a contract extension with the Toronto Raptors to the tune of 5 years at $5 million dollars. The young Italian Centre, entering his fourth year in the NBA, bounced back from a dismal sophmore season in the league to finish strong when finally given starters minutes.
While all the talk has been surrounding the future of Chris Bosh as of late the development of Bargnani's game, both on the offensive side of the ball (his scoring became consistent) and especially defensively (averaged 1.1 blocks per game this past season) has made him a far more attractive product.
Some will argue that this contract is overpaying the jewel in GM Bryan Colangelo's eye and the former numer 1 overall draft pick. However considering the offence has arrived and the defence has now arguably surpassed that of team leader Bosh, it's hard to argue that Bargnani isn't a crucial element to this team.
Big men are in high demand in the NBA and hard to come by, while not a traditional big in NBA terms it may still be that Bargnani develops into a Top 5 big man in the conference sooner rather than later. In my opinion failing to lock up Andrea, who has constantly been involved in any and all trade talks with the Raps the past few seasons, would be foolish.
Bargs, great to see you'll be sticking around!
While all the talk has been surrounding the future of Chris Bosh as of late the development of Bargnani's game, both on the offensive side of the ball (his scoring became consistent) and especially defensively (averaged 1.1 blocks per game this past season) has made him a far more attractive product.
Some will argue that this contract is overpaying the jewel in GM Bryan Colangelo's eye and the former numer 1 overall draft pick. However considering the offence has arrived and the defence has now arguably surpassed that of team leader Bosh, it's hard to argue that Bargnani isn't a crucial element to this team.
Big men are in high demand in the NBA and hard to come by, while not a traditional big in NBA terms it may still be that Bargnani develops into a Top 5 big man in the conference sooner rather than later. In my opinion failing to lock up Andrea, who has constantly been involved in any and all trade talks with the Raps the past few seasons, would be foolish.
Bargs, great to see you'll be sticking around!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Colangelo Press Conference Recap
The Toronto Raptors season has come to a close, and it doesn’t take an expert to see that this years 33-49 campaign was a disappointment. As the players cleaned out their lockers late last week, apparently nursing some hangovers from the night prior, questions circled the team like never before with the Bryan Colangelo as GM era.
Today, a rather important Press Conference was held in which many of the rumours were addressed head on by the GM. But first, to recap what questions many curious minds want to know!
First off the questions about the marquee Raptors players, the superstars, and in particular what uniforms they will wear next year. The final game of the season was a showcase of those two biggest question mark players: Chris Bosh, who collected 21 pts and 19 rebounds in the season ending win over Chicago, and Shawn Marion, who poured in a season high 34 points and grabbed 11 boards himself as well.
Both of their contracts and their rather large contracts have already had their futures debated ad naseum in Raptors Fans circles, especially since both need to be resigned (Marion this season). The collective opinion for some time has been that both are moving out of town, so things have circled around who would make the best return.
However Colangelo came out and at least refuted the Bosh rumour mill, trying his best to dispel any ideas that Bosh was being shopped around the league.
"You're talking about a guy who is arguably a top 10 player in this league...I think it would be foolish to just simply decide today that today is the day we're going to trade him because there's a possibility that he might leave a year from now. Chris is still the best player on this team and thus will remain the cornerstone of the franchise until some other time when that decision is made. And if a decision is made to move him, there will be a lot of careful thought put into that and there will be sound reasoning behind moving him."
"But, it remains the intention of this organization to keep Chris as a part of this entity and to remain a fixture here at the ACC."
Whether this is posturing to make a deal and secure the greatest return or the truth, which it very well could be, is up for debate as it remains to be seen.
Injuries and chemistry ravaged the season for this unit. Coming into the season it was clear that this was the opportunity for basketball to take a hold in Hogtown as the Leafs were promised to have a down year (promised and delivered, might I add). The Raptors finished 10th overall in average/total attendance this year however it should be noted that figure is mainly thanks to tickets bought preseason. As many teams around the NBA struggle with season ticket renewals thanks to the uncertainty caused by the Recession, a lacklustre season surely won’t help Toronto maintain that Top 10 ranking in the coming year.
Apparently Colangelo is addressing season ticket holders personally leading into next season, where consumers in a time of economic uncertainty ponder buying tickets for a team in a cloud of uncertainty themselves. Will be interesting to see how that conversation turns out in the end.
It’s one of those crossroads situations Colangelo and the Raps are left to face right now, what direction do you take this team? Choose a superstar to build the team around (Bosh vs. Andrea Bargnani) and start relatively from scratch, or acquire talent to push the team over the top? Or, as Bosh mentioned in the post-game interview following the season ending win, not to play around with things, to allow this team to see if their strong finish is indicative of what might be yet to come if they can stay together, gel and grow together.
Mind you the push cited so often, winning 6 of their last 9, did come during the pivotal part of their season where the schedule favoured the team and allowed them a late opportunity at a playoff push. A push which they still managed to let slip away thanks to two blowout losses to the Charlotte Bobcats. So whether the spin on the winning streak as the season came to a close is accepted is another point of debate, adding to the many questions at hand.
Head Coach Jay Triano is the other big offseason question. While praise has been heaped upon the first ever Canadian-born NBA Head Coach, Colangelo has never actually come out and said that Triano will be back for certain. The coaching well is not too deep at the moment around the Association, while there are prospects out there sure nothing that would knock Triano out of his position without question from all appearances. Odds are looking better and better that Triano gets his first full season at the helm. The GM did speak highly of the Interim Head Coach however today:
"I think it's safe to say, coming out of all of the player exit interviews, that to a man the players have a lot of respect for Jay, they respect his basketball acumen, they respect his professionalism, they respect his means of communication and they respect generally the way he leads this team."
"As much digging as I tried to do, I couldn't find anything negative about Jay and the job that he did and their feelings towards him. That says a lot, those characteristics that I just mentioned are obviously positive attributes of a coach and certainly would lend favourably towards Jay as a coach that has a very good shot at keeping the job."
Other side questions will arise: how will the development of Roko Ukic play out(is he the next Jose Calderon?), late season contract signees (can Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Quincy Douby find a place on this team?), a possible return of Carlos Delfino (a big wish of many in the Raptors circles), and is this team really destined to always remain soft (post-Charles Oakley has been soft times, even Jermaine O’Neal couldn’t help change things as drastically as many had hoped). In the Press Conference in fact Colangelo addressed the “nice” attitude of the team:
"We are too nice, we are too nice as a group, collectively, the group is too nice," (Colangelo) said. "That's not to say you've got to out and get bad guys, (but) when you step on the court, you better have some fight. I think some of the guys were saying you better have some dog in you."
"We have to find some of that."
Questions will remain the theme of the offseason; the media, the fans, and even the organization itself will search high and low for answers. Bryan Colangelo, in an interview with Elliot Freidman of CBC Sports a few weeks back, promised “bold strokes” during the offseason. Today he seemed quite optimistic about the future of this team. Whatever the optimism ultimately means one thing is for certain, and that is that the future of the Toronto Raptors, for some time down the road, rests in the outcome of this offseason!
Triano a good bet to stay on, Raptors GM says (Toronto Star)
Today, a rather important Press Conference was held in which many of the rumours were addressed head on by the GM. But first, to recap what questions many curious minds want to know!
First off the questions about the marquee Raptors players, the superstars, and in particular what uniforms they will wear next year. The final game of the season was a showcase of those two biggest question mark players: Chris Bosh, who collected 21 pts and 19 rebounds in the season ending win over Chicago, and Shawn Marion, who poured in a season high 34 points and grabbed 11 boards himself as well.
Both of their contracts and their rather large contracts have already had their futures debated ad naseum in Raptors Fans circles, especially since both need to be resigned (Marion this season). The collective opinion for some time has been that both are moving out of town, so things have circled around who would make the best return.
However Colangelo came out and at least refuted the Bosh rumour mill, trying his best to dispel any ideas that Bosh was being shopped around the league.
"You're talking about a guy who is arguably a top 10 player in this league...I think it would be foolish to just simply decide today that today is the day we're going to trade him because there's a possibility that he might leave a year from now. Chris is still the best player on this team and thus will remain the cornerstone of the franchise until some other time when that decision is made. And if a decision is made to move him, there will be a lot of careful thought put into that and there will be sound reasoning behind moving him."
"But, it remains the intention of this organization to keep Chris as a part of this entity and to remain a fixture here at the ACC."
Whether this is posturing to make a deal and secure the greatest return or the truth, which it very well could be, is up for debate as it remains to be seen.
Injuries and chemistry ravaged the season for this unit. Coming into the season it was clear that this was the opportunity for basketball to take a hold in Hogtown as the Leafs were promised to have a down year (promised and delivered, might I add). The Raptors finished 10th overall in average/total attendance this year however it should be noted that figure is mainly thanks to tickets bought preseason. As many teams around the NBA struggle with season ticket renewals thanks to the uncertainty caused by the Recession, a lacklustre season surely won’t help Toronto maintain that Top 10 ranking in the coming year.
Apparently Colangelo is addressing season ticket holders personally leading into next season, where consumers in a time of economic uncertainty ponder buying tickets for a team in a cloud of uncertainty themselves. Will be interesting to see how that conversation turns out in the end.
It’s one of those crossroads situations Colangelo and the Raps are left to face right now, what direction do you take this team? Choose a superstar to build the team around (Bosh vs. Andrea Bargnani) and start relatively from scratch, or acquire talent to push the team over the top? Or, as Bosh mentioned in the post-game interview following the season ending win, not to play around with things, to allow this team to see if their strong finish is indicative of what might be yet to come if they can stay together, gel and grow together.
Mind you the push cited so often, winning 6 of their last 9, did come during the pivotal part of their season where the schedule favoured the team and allowed them a late opportunity at a playoff push. A push which they still managed to let slip away thanks to two blowout losses to the Charlotte Bobcats. So whether the spin on the winning streak as the season came to a close is accepted is another point of debate, adding to the many questions at hand.
Head Coach Jay Triano is the other big offseason question. While praise has been heaped upon the first ever Canadian-born NBA Head Coach, Colangelo has never actually come out and said that Triano will be back for certain. The coaching well is not too deep at the moment around the Association, while there are prospects out there sure nothing that would knock Triano out of his position without question from all appearances. Odds are looking better and better that Triano gets his first full season at the helm. The GM did speak highly of the Interim Head Coach however today:
"I think it's safe to say, coming out of all of the player exit interviews, that to a man the players have a lot of respect for Jay, they respect his basketball acumen, they respect his professionalism, they respect his means of communication and they respect generally the way he leads this team."
"As much digging as I tried to do, I couldn't find anything negative about Jay and the job that he did and their feelings towards him. That says a lot, those characteristics that I just mentioned are obviously positive attributes of a coach and certainly would lend favourably towards Jay as a coach that has a very good shot at keeping the job."
Other side questions will arise: how will the development of Roko Ukic play out(is he the next Jose Calderon?), late season contract signees (can Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Quincy Douby find a place on this team?), a possible return of Carlos Delfino (a big wish of many in the Raptors circles), and is this team really destined to always remain soft (post-Charles Oakley has been soft times, even Jermaine O’Neal couldn’t help change things as drastically as many had hoped). In the Press Conference in fact Colangelo addressed the “nice” attitude of the team:
"We are too nice, we are too nice as a group, collectively, the group is too nice," (Colangelo) said. "That's not to say you've got to out and get bad guys, (but) when you step on the court, you better have some fight. I think some of the guys were saying you better have some dog in you."
"We have to find some of that."
Questions will remain the theme of the offseason; the media, the fans, and even the organization itself will search high and low for answers. Bryan Colangelo, in an interview with Elliot Freidman of CBC Sports a few weeks back, promised “bold strokes” during the offseason. Today he seemed quite optimistic about the future of this team. Whatever the optimism ultimately means one thing is for certain, and that is that the future of the Toronto Raptors, for some time down the road, rests in the outcome of this offseason!
Triano a good bet to stay on, Raptors GM says (Toronto Star)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Amazing Technicolour Saturday!!
As long as it's reasonable and can be accomodated I wear the jersey of the teams I support while they're playing a game. Obviously if I'm working or away at an event that doesn't allow for that sort of thing I don't, but if I can I'm wearing the jersey - even if I'm not at the stadium or not even in front of a television watching them play, I will do it.
It's just one of those things that I've acquired as a loyal sports fan over time. But it's not like it's a superstition I'm not superstitious, if I don't wear it one time it won't phase me. I actually stopped believing in sports superstitions back in High School while playing football. Once I was unable to find my belt, the one I had worn for every game of that season, and therefore resorted to wearing a different one - and for a rather important football game too! (pretty sure it was a playoff tilt, so this really was playing with fire!). I actually wondered, while getting suited up, whether I was putting a curse upon myself that day. In the end though I was fine, I didn't play a poor game to any extent and we won, and any inclination of superstitions were removed from my mind!
Now I do try and keep things the same while playing a sport, I'll admit I do prefer it. But it doesn't throw me off if things change. Many sports psychologists have studied the role of superstition within the sports world and many have noted that it plays a rather significant role for an athletes pysche. At times, even the athletes performance. Since I once identified myself as an athlete, and still stay quite active, maybe even though superstition doesn't wreak havoc on my life there is something still left kicking around. I mean let's be honest, I've changed 4x today so far while doing chores and other business around the house while my teams were playing!
When I woke up this morning I caught my English football team Chelsea clinch a 2-0 win over Newcastle, throwing on my Chelsea jersey while half awake and relaxing in bed....scarf did not join me, but it's always on display around my place.
After that it was onto the Raptors game, so a quick change into a t-shirt and my Raps jersey accompanied watching Toronto extend their winning streak to 6 straight.
The next game that followed was the Toronto FC home opener so on came my TFC jersey, pulled out my scarf too! Unfortunatetly that was a rather disappointing home opener, but I'm hoping that when I catch the game live at BMO Field next weekend against Dallas FC the result is different.
And right now I've donned my Leafs jersey, although they too are facing some difficulties against the Canadiens (to my dismay). Flipped over to NCAA basketball as it's the Final Four right now, those games are much better than the dismal showing at the ACC tonight - don't have any NCAA jerseys though, so the Leafs remain on.
(Sidenote: could've been 5 jerseys today as the Jays were playing preseason spring training ball but I'll wait until the season starts to pull out that one!)
While it may be obvious to all reading by now, I do own at least one jersey for every team I follow (except my University as they don't sell their jerseys...yet). I don't drop a lot of money on jerseys however, in case this is coming off sounding that way. And I don't buy a new jersey every year (in fact my Chelsea jersey is quite outdated at this point).
As a sports fan however I do appreciate supporting "my team", no matter how that may be. For now, it's donning the kit. Hey, it's just my thing, to each their own! And for all those wondering, that's how my Saturday has been
It's just one of those things that I've acquired as a loyal sports fan over time. But it's not like it's a superstition I'm not superstitious, if I don't wear it one time it won't phase me. I actually stopped believing in sports superstitions back in High School while playing football. Once I was unable to find my belt, the one I had worn for every game of that season, and therefore resorted to wearing a different one - and for a rather important football game too! (pretty sure it was a playoff tilt, so this really was playing with fire!). I actually wondered, while getting suited up, whether I was putting a curse upon myself that day. In the end though I was fine, I didn't play a poor game to any extent and we won, and any inclination of superstitions were removed from my mind!
Now I do try and keep things the same while playing a sport, I'll admit I do prefer it. But it doesn't throw me off if things change. Many sports psychologists have studied the role of superstition within the sports world and many have noted that it plays a rather significant role for an athletes pysche. At times, even the athletes performance. Since I once identified myself as an athlete, and still stay quite active, maybe even though superstition doesn't wreak havoc on my life there is something still left kicking around. I mean let's be honest, I've changed 4x today so far while doing chores and other business around the house while my teams were playing!
When I woke up this morning I caught my English football team Chelsea clinch a 2-0 win over Newcastle, throwing on my Chelsea jersey while half awake and relaxing in bed....scarf did not join me, but it's always on display around my place.
After that it was onto the Raptors game, so a quick change into a t-shirt and my Raps jersey accompanied watching Toronto extend their winning streak to 6 straight.
The next game that followed was the Toronto FC home opener so on came my TFC jersey, pulled out my scarf too! Unfortunatetly that was a rather disappointing home opener, but I'm hoping that when I catch the game live at BMO Field next weekend against Dallas FC the result is different.
And right now I've donned my Leafs jersey, although they too are facing some difficulties against the Canadiens (to my dismay). Flipped over to NCAA basketball as it's the Final Four right now, those games are much better than the dismal showing at the ACC tonight - don't have any NCAA jerseys though, so the Leafs remain on.
(Sidenote: could've been 5 jerseys today as the Jays were playing preseason spring training ball but I'll wait until the season starts to pull out that one!)
While it may be obvious to all reading by now, I do own at least one jersey for every team I follow (except my University as they don't sell their jerseys...yet). I don't drop a lot of money on jerseys however, in case this is coming off sounding that way. And I don't buy a new jersey every year (in fact my Chelsea jersey is quite outdated at this point).
As a sports fan however I do appreciate supporting "my team", no matter how that may be. For now, it's donning the kit. Hey, it's just my thing, to each their own! And for all those wondering, that's how my Saturday has been
Friday, April 3, 2009
Dana White, UFC President, in all his glory!
"... You know what? The thing that sucks is that video rant, the feedback I got was not negative," White said. "It was overwhelmingly positive from our fans. It was, 'Yeah, you go, Dana. You're the man.'
"At the end of the day, the worst thing for me is that I don't want anybody thinking that it's cool to say that word especially now that I know the word "faggot" is as powerful as the n-word. I don't want these kids out there watching me and thinking it's cool. I don't want that."
Dana White, UFC President, responding to a tirade he had launched on his video blog against a reporter, one Loretta Hunt from Sherdog.com, an ESPN affiliate site that covers Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). That response is where he apparently for the first time found out about a word that he did not realize might hurt the feelings of some, that word being "faggot". He only meant to hurt the feelings of a reporter that simply annoyed him.
White used an anti-gay slur in the video blog. He also called Hunt, who writes for Sherdog.com (a partner of ESPN.com which covers mixed martial arts), a "[expletive] bitch" and called her story on backstage credentialing issues "absolutely [expletive] retarded."
White, in response to his comments (oh and just so you know the word "retarded" does not register as disparaging in his opinion, he's only apologized to the Gay and Lesbian community to date from all reports...classy!):
"I went on the attack and I ended up attacking someone I didn't mean to," White said. "I absolutely, positively meant to attack the reporter, Loretta Hunt from Sherdog. Absolutely."
Nice one Dana, well played! Certainly helps to paint a better picture of yourself there! This isn't the first time that White has gotten into trouble over disparaging comments, in the past he mocked the name of an Asian Fighter due to a poor performance they put forward.
Loretta Hunt did have a response to the Associated Press:
"I stand by the story, it's accurate," she said. "His reaction, I think it's more of a distraction from the actual story about the UFC and the managers and what's going on with them. Me, personally, I don't want to get involved in this.
"I'm a journalist, and journalists, sometimes you do stories that people don't like," Hunt said.
For those who are interested, here is the story that brought about the counterattack on White's part - it is in regards to what Hunt claims is UFC trying to effectively put an end to managers and agents for Fighters and taking control of that aspect themselves. Clearly, based on the reaction above, White does not agree (to say the least).
Some Managers, Agents Lose Backstage Pass (Sherdog.com)
Dana White, proving to all that it's more than just "meatheads" and wanna-be tough guy's who enjoy watching and attending UFC...man, what a role model and face for an emerging sport!
White blasts reporter in profanity-laced web video (CBS Sports)
White sorry for anti-gay slur (ESPN.com)
Tactless tirade shows UFC's White just terrible tyrant (CBS Sports)
"At the end of the day, the worst thing for me is that I don't want anybody thinking that it's cool to say that word especially now that I know the word "faggot" is as powerful as the n-word. I don't want these kids out there watching me and thinking it's cool. I don't want that."
Dana White, UFC President, responding to a tirade he had launched on his video blog against a reporter, one Loretta Hunt from Sherdog.com, an ESPN affiliate site that covers Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). That response is where he apparently for the first time found out about a word that he did not realize might hurt the feelings of some, that word being "faggot". He only meant to hurt the feelings of a reporter that simply annoyed him.
White used an anti-gay slur in the video blog. He also called Hunt, who writes for Sherdog.com (a partner of ESPN.com which covers mixed martial arts), a "[expletive] bitch" and called her story on backstage credentialing issues "absolutely [expletive] retarded."
White, in response to his comments (oh and just so you know the word "retarded" does not register as disparaging in his opinion, he's only apologized to the Gay and Lesbian community to date from all reports...classy!):
"I went on the attack and I ended up attacking someone I didn't mean to," White said. "I absolutely, positively meant to attack the reporter, Loretta Hunt from Sherdog. Absolutely."
Nice one Dana, well played! Certainly helps to paint a better picture of yourself there! This isn't the first time that White has gotten into trouble over disparaging comments, in the past he mocked the name of an Asian Fighter due to a poor performance they put forward.
Loretta Hunt did have a response to the Associated Press:
"I stand by the story, it's accurate," she said. "His reaction, I think it's more of a distraction from the actual story about the UFC and the managers and what's going on with them. Me, personally, I don't want to get involved in this.
"I'm a journalist, and journalists, sometimes you do stories that people don't like," Hunt said.
For those who are interested, here is the story that brought about the counterattack on White's part - it is in regards to what Hunt claims is UFC trying to effectively put an end to managers and agents for Fighters and taking control of that aspect themselves. Clearly, based on the reaction above, White does not agree (to say the least).
Some Managers, Agents Lose Backstage Pass (Sherdog.com)
Dana White, proving to all that it's more than just "meatheads" and wanna-be tough guy's who enjoy watching and attending UFC...man, what a role model and face for an emerging sport!
White blasts reporter in profanity-laced web video (CBS Sports)
White sorry for anti-gay slur (ESPN.com)
Tactless tirade shows UFC's White just terrible tyrant (CBS Sports)
Monday, March 30, 2009
There's no need for a ratings push, it's already March Madness!!!
Deadspin MAY be crude but they can also get their point across, and their "picture of the day" that just came thru yesterday definitely made me both laugh, and think...hmmm....
ENJOY!
Your Network for Cheerleader Crotch (Deadspin)
ENJOY!
Your Network for Cheerleader Crotch (Deadspin)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Hockey Day in Canada
This past weekend was Hockey Day here in Canada, and in the spirit of the day we Canadians did what we do best and tried to use it to get another day off of work!
Well, one person did anyways, that person being NDP MP Linda Duncan, the trailblazing non-Tory MP from Edmonton, Alberta (where non-Tory MP is a BIG deal!). She put forth a proposal that would see a statutory holiday across the country to celebrate Hockey.
I’m actually wholeheartedly in favour of removing Family Day and replacing it with a celebration of Hockey because it actually means something! As I stated just recently I cannot get over the tacked on Family aspect to a holiday celebrated in only 4 provinces right now. Naturally if something like this proposal were to actually go thru (likely won’t however just saying if it does) then the other holiday would be removed from the calendar no doubt and while I don’t see Alberta, Ontario or Saskatchewan minding Manitoba might – it IS named Louis Riel Day out there and that’s truly a cause worth taking the time to appreciate.
Is it too cliché, having a holiday for hockey? Sure it is! But it has meaning to it, and to me that’s an improvement. Hockey Day will surely not become a national holiday but I applaud the effort – soon enough there WILL be a stat holiday in February, it’ll be interesting to see the decision on the final outcome.
My vote is still for Wayne Gretzky Day :)
Edmonton politician to propose National Hockey Day (cbc.ca)
Well, one person did anyways, that person being NDP MP Linda Duncan, the trailblazing non-Tory MP from Edmonton, Alberta (where non-Tory MP is a BIG deal!). She put forth a proposal that would see a statutory holiday across the country to celebrate Hockey.
I’m actually wholeheartedly in favour of removing Family Day and replacing it with a celebration of Hockey because it actually means something! As I stated just recently I cannot get over the tacked on Family aspect to a holiday celebrated in only 4 provinces right now. Naturally if something like this proposal were to actually go thru (likely won’t however just saying if it does) then the other holiday would be removed from the calendar no doubt and while I don’t see Alberta, Ontario or Saskatchewan minding Manitoba might – it IS named Louis Riel Day out there and that’s truly a cause worth taking the time to appreciate.
Is it too cliché, having a holiday for hockey? Sure it is! But it has meaning to it, and to me that’s an improvement. Hockey Day will surely not become a national holiday but I applaud the effort – soon enough there WILL be a stat holiday in February, it’ll be interesting to see the decision on the final outcome.
My vote is still for Wayne Gretzky Day :)
Edmonton politician to propose National Hockey Day (cbc.ca)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Conference Championship Picks
Alright...presently sitting at 3-5, time to work my way back up!
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Pittsburgh Steelers over Baltimore Ravens
-Plain and simple: these are two of the best Defences in the League (#1 and #3), this WILL come down to the offence. Joe Flacco, who has received a lot of....well, flack from me (almost said flacco, couldn't do it though!), will be exposed today in my opinion. However this is the third matchup between these two divisional opponents, both of the previous ones were very close, so this could go either way, likely will come right down to the wire. But my gut tells me Big Ben will lead the Steelers thru to the Super Bowl today.
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Philadelphia Eagles over Arizona Cardinals
-Just like the weeks prior there is NO way I can reasonably choose the Cardinals, so we'll see if they surprise me once more. The Eagles are rolling, their Offence is more potent all around than Arizona (especially in the run department) and Philly also will be the toughest Defence that Arizona will have faced thus far in the playoffs. I am predicting a Battle of Pennsylvania Super Bowl, I believe that the Eagles will make short work of the Cardinals down in Arizona (first time the Cardinals franchise has ever been in a Conference Championship game let alone hosted one, so that is a nice story there).
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia for the Super Bowl, that's my prediction for the games this week. Here's hoping I score it right on both!
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Pittsburgh Steelers over Baltimore Ravens
-Plain and simple: these are two of the best Defences in the League (#1 and #3), this WILL come down to the offence. Joe Flacco, who has received a lot of....well, flack from me (almost said flacco, couldn't do it though!), will be exposed today in my opinion. However this is the third matchup between these two divisional opponents, both of the previous ones were very close, so this could go either way, likely will come right down to the wire. But my gut tells me Big Ben will lead the Steelers thru to the Super Bowl today.
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Philadelphia Eagles over Arizona Cardinals
-Just like the weeks prior there is NO way I can reasonably choose the Cardinals, so we'll see if they surprise me once more. The Eagles are rolling, their Offence is more potent all around than Arizona (especially in the run department) and Philly also will be the toughest Defence that Arizona will have faced thus far in the playoffs. I am predicting a Battle of Pennsylvania Super Bowl, I believe that the Eagles will make short work of the Cardinals down in Arizona (first time the Cardinals franchise has ever been in a Conference Championship game let alone hosted one, so that is a nice story there).
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia for the Super Bowl, that's my prediction for the games this week. Here's hoping I score it right on both!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Divisional Playoff Recap
Sow how did I fare? Well, at least this week I came away even with a .500 record...
AFC
Baltimore Ravens 13
Tennessee Titans 10
-now this game was too close to call since both teams were very evenly matched, and while I did end up getting this one wrong in the end I think it was still the right choice. The Ravens Offence was inexistent the Titans outgained them with 391 Total Yards to Baltimore's 211 (the Ravens were actually held to less than 100 yards in the first half!). Tennessee led in every statistical category but unfortunately that included penalties (89 yards) and turnovers (5 fumbles, 2 of them lost, and both within Baltimore's 10 yard line). To add insult to injury the key play in the Ravens game winning drive came a good 2 seconds after the game clock had expired - should have been a Delay of Game penalty, instead it became a talking point for Titans Coach Jeff Fisher afterwards. So I got it wrong but in the end I still believe I got it right, the Titans just blew it!
San Diego Chargers 24
Pittsburgh Steelers 35
-As expected the best Defence in the NFL shut down San Diego, while the game was close to start 21 unanswered points ensured that would not be the case. The Offensive Line of the Steelers held up and allowed Ben Roethlisburger time and more importantly following his concussion the ability to stay on his feet more often than not. The Steelers have a slightly better Defence than Baltimore but also bring along with them an Offence, and that's what makes them deadly! The Chargers did rack up some points late to make this game appear more respectable but that was after everything had been decided. And I'm glad to say, as was the case with both Sunday games, I got this one right! Pittsburgh now goes on to host the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC Championship this coming weekend, the third meeting of these two bitter rivals this season (Steelers have won both of the previous meetings but with the way the last one came about, you gotta wonder if they can make it a straight sweep!)
NFC
Arizona Cardinals 33
Carolina Panthers 13
-When you're a team that has clinched the second seed in the conference, mainly due to a perfect 8-0 record at home, facing off against a team that has struggled on the East Coast and...well, in general (with the exception of last weekend), you're instant favourites. Did the Panthers realize this a little TOO much? Maybe just Jake Delhomme? After 6 turnovers to take the blame for directly Delhomme apologized to his team apparently, and then to the media. It's hard NOT to win a game like that and the Cardinals did take advantage of the golden egg laid before them. It's funny I met up with a friend at a bar to watch the game but with concens about the 8:30 game running too late I reassured my friend that it would be fine as the game would likely be decided by halftime. Oh it was, just not with the Cardinals running away with a laugher! Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - picked this to go the way of the Panthers so I have no problem with getting this one wrong. What is hard to fathom is that the NFC Championship Game will go thru Arizona....really? I guess there's a first for everything! (and this actually IS a first!)
Philadelphia Eagles 23
New York Giants 11
-My upset special was in fact a very good call as the Eagles dismantled the Giants in a very close, contested battle in the rubber match for these two divisional rivals. Both Defences put in great efforts however it was Philly who was the most well rounded squad on the day. Firing on all cylinders for a few weeks now the Eagles, who needed significant help to even make the playoffs, are now the big time favourites even though they are heading on the road for the NFC Championship. Donovan McNabb did take things up a notch when, after being forced out of bounds into the Giants bench, he picked up the phone and pretended to talk with the person on the other end. McNabb said he probably should've known better but he was just excited, and the penalty that came after that key first down that essentially helped ice the game became worth it apparently. It's hard to blame him for the excitement though, everyone in Philly has to be feeling pretty good about their Eagles right now!
So 2-2 on the week and 3-5 on the season- clearly only a matter of time before I regain the status of 'awesome' in terms of pigskin prognostication! (even if there is only 3 games left to decide I WILL return to and surpass the .500 mark just you watch!
AFC
Baltimore Ravens 13
Tennessee Titans 10
-now this game was too close to call since both teams were very evenly matched, and while I did end up getting this one wrong in the end I think it was still the right choice. The Ravens Offence was inexistent the Titans outgained them with 391 Total Yards to Baltimore's 211 (the Ravens were actually held to less than 100 yards in the first half!). Tennessee led in every statistical category but unfortunately that included penalties (89 yards) and turnovers (5 fumbles, 2 of them lost, and both within Baltimore's 10 yard line). To add insult to injury the key play in the Ravens game winning drive came a good 2 seconds after the game clock had expired - should have been a Delay of Game penalty, instead it became a talking point for Titans Coach Jeff Fisher afterwards. So I got it wrong but in the end I still believe I got it right, the Titans just blew it!
San Diego Chargers 24
Pittsburgh Steelers 35
-As expected the best Defence in the NFL shut down San Diego, while the game was close to start 21 unanswered points ensured that would not be the case. The Offensive Line of the Steelers held up and allowed Ben Roethlisburger time and more importantly following his concussion the ability to stay on his feet more often than not. The Steelers have a slightly better Defence than Baltimore but also bring along with them an Offence, and that's what makes them deadly! The Chargers did rack up some points late to make this game appear more respectable but that was after everything had been decided. And I'm glad to say, as was the case with both Sunday games, I got this one right! Pittsburgh now goes on to host the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC Championship this coming weekend, the third meeting of these two bitter rivals this season (Steelers have won both of the previous meetings but with the way the last one came about, you gotta wonder if they can make it a straight sweep!)
NFC
Arizona Cardinals 33
Carolina Panthers 13
-When you're a team that has clinched the second seed in the conference, mainly due to a perfect 8-0 record at home, facing off against a team that has struggled on the East Coast and...well, in general (with the exception of last weekend), you're instant favourites. Did the Panthers realize this a little TOO much? Maybe just Jake Delhomme? After 6 turnovers to take the blame for directly Delhomme apologized to his team apparently, and then to the media. It's hard NOT to win a game like that and the Cardinals did take advantage of the golden egg laid before them. It's funny I met up with a friend at a bar to watch the game but with concens about the 8:30 game running too late I reassured my friend that it would be fine as the game would likely be decided by halftime. Oh it was, just not with the Cardinals running away with a laugher! Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - picked this to go the way of the Panthers so I have no problem with getting this one wrong. What is hard to fathom is that the NFC Championship Game will go thru Arizona....really? I guess there's a first for everything! (and this actually IS a first!)
Philadelphia Eagles 23
New York Giants 11
-My upset special was in fact a very good call as the Eagles dismantled the Giants in a very close, contested battle in the rubber match for these two divisional rivals. Both Defences put in great efforts however it was Philly who was the most well rounded squad on the day. Firing on all cylinders for a few weeks now the Eagles, who needed significant help to even make the playoffs, are now the big time favourites even though they are heading on the road for the NFC Championship. Donovan McNabb did take things up a notch when, after being forced out of bounds into the Giants bench, he picked up the phone and pretended to talk with the person on the other end. McNabb said he probably should've known better but he was just excited, and the penalty that came after that key first down that essentially helped ice the game became worth it apparently. It's hard to blame him for the excitement though, everyone in Philly has to be feeling pretty good about their Eagles right now!
So 2-2 on the week and 3-5 on the season- clearly only a matter of time before I regain the status of 'awesome' in terms of pigskin prognostication! (even if there is only 3 games left to decide I WILL return to and surpass the .500 mark just you watch!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
NFL Divisional Playoffs
Alright let's see if I can have any better luck this week
AFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
Tennessee over Baltimore
-This is a VERY hard game to call as both teams are very similar; stifling Defences and strong run games that allow them to control the clock. The Titans had a bye week and rested up some key players on their Defence, and they are also playing at home which plays into their favour as well. However the Ravens looked VERY good last week in shutting down Miami and came in to Tenessee in 2000 and stole the show, also coming from a Wild Card position (and from news reports this week apparently it's something that has haunted Tennessee fans from some time now!
However what I believe will decide the game in the end is the QB's - the wily veteran Kerry Collins has done more than just an admirable job taking over for Vince Young early on in the season. On the flip side the Ravens have a rookie QB in Joe Flacco, who did a pretty good job last week against the Dolphins but when there was pressure he made me question whether he's ready for the playoff test. This weekend against the Titans he will receive a LOT more pressure, and I believe that will be what sets these two apart.
This has classic in the making written ALL over it though, should be an amazing game and it kicks off the action this weekend
Pittsburgh over San Diego
-The other host team in the AFC Pittsburgh Steelers, with the best Defence in the entire NFL, will be enjoying the frigid temperatures and snowy weather as they face the warm weather and injury depleted San Diego Chargers. The loss of Ladanian Tomlinson will not be as significant since Sproles had such an amazing weekend against the Colts last week. The potential loss of Gates, who also saw limited at best practice time this week, will be quite significant. The last time these teams met this season it was a narrow, highly disputed 1 point Steelers win (the call heard 'round the gambling world), it should've been an 8 point win as that Polomalu interception for a touchdown should have stood. However that doesn't mean that these two teams don't match up well, and won't push themselves once again.
The big question mark to deciding this game is the health of Ben Rothlisberger, who suffered a concussion in the final game of the season. Had they played last weekend and not had a bye apparently Big Ben may not have played, but now he's good to go? The weakness of the Steelers is their Offensive Line so how Rothlisberger handles the hits will likely determine the end result. But with a banged up list of important Offensive threats and the League's best D on the other side of the field I can't give this one to San Diego.
NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
Carolina over Arizona
-Alright so the Cardinals caught me off guard last week, finding a run game and exploiting a young QB. Now they're heading East, where they've struggled mightily this season, and facing Carolina, the only team to go undefeated at home this season. And to top that off star receive Anquan Bolden is nursing a hamstring injury and likely will not play this week. Carolina is rested and will not be caught off guard by the improvements to the run game the same way that the Falcons were last week.
I was surprised by the performance of Arizona last weekend but honestly cannot see a way that they put together an effort to overcome everything presently stacked against them. The Panthers use this game to roll into the Championship game.
Philadelphia over New York
-This one will be short and sweet because as much reasoning as you can put into this one the game could STILL go either way. So I'm calling the upset here, Eagles looked good last week and down the stretch and so I feel they'll take this one over the Giants. I changed this prediction a few times before I finalized this, as this really should be a game that goes right down to the wire. This is the rubber match for the regular season match up for these two divisional opponents. The Giants haven't looked the same since their turmoil down the stretch with the losses of Plaxico Burress, and even despite a very strong outing against the Panthers in Week 16 to claim the Conference title, I feel that if there's a game the Giants can slip up it's this one.
This one really could go either way, so flipping a coin may be equally as good in determining this outcome. But to make one upset pick this week I'm going with the Eagles claiming a narrow victory in the Big Apple this weekend.
So my picks for the Divisional Playoff weekend as as follows:
TITANS
STEELERS
PANTHERS
EAGLES
Enjoy the action!
AFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
Tennessee over Baltimore
-This is a VERY hard game to call as both teams are very similar; stifling Defences and strong run games that allow them to control the clock. The Titans had a bye week and rested up some key players on their Defence, and they are also playing at home which plays into their favour as well. However the Ravens looked VERY good last week in shutting down Miami and came in to Tenessee in 2000 and stole the show, also coming from a Wild Card position (and from news reports this week apparently it's something that has haunted Tennessee fans from some time now!
However what I believe will decide the game in the end is the QB's - the wily veteran Kerry Collins has done more than just an admirable job taking over for Vince Young early on in the season. On the flip side the Ravens have a rookie QB in Joe Flacco, who did a pretty good job last week against the Dolphins but when there was pressure he made me question whether he's ready for the playoff test. This weekend against the Titans he will receive a LOT more pressure, and I believe that will be what sets these two apart.
This has classic in the making written ALL over it though, should be an amazing game and it kicks off the action this weekend
Pittsburgh over San Diego
-The other host team in the AFC Pittsburgh Steelers, with the best Defence in the entire NFL, will be enjoying the frigid temperatures and snowy weather as they face the warm weather and injury depleted San Diego Chargers. The loss of Ladanian Tomlinson will not be as significant since Sproles had such an amazing weekend against the Colts last week. The potential loss of Gates, who also saw limited at best practice time this week, will be quite significant. The last time these teams met this season it was a narrow, highly disputed 1 point Steelers win (the call heard 'round the gambling world), it should've been an 8 point win as that Polomalu interception for a touchdown should have stood. However that doesn't mean that these two teams don't match up well, and won't push themselves once again.
The big question mark to deciding this game is the health of Ben Rothlisberger, who suffered a concussion in the final game of the season. Had they played last weekend and not had a bye apparently Big Ben may not have played, but now he's good to go? The weakness of the Steelers is their Offensive Line so how Rothlisberger handles the hits will likely determine the end result. But with a banged up list of important Offensive threats and the League's best D on the other side of the field I can't give this one to San Diego.
NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
Carolina over Arizona
-Alright so the Cardinals caught me off guard last week, finding a run game and exploiting a young QB. Now they're heading East, where they've struggled mightily this season, and facing Carolina, the only team to go undefeated at home this season. And to top that off star receive Anquan Bolden is nursing a hamstring injury and likely will not play this week. Carolina is rested and will not be caught off guard by the improvements to the run game the same way that the Falcons were last week.
I was surprised by the performance of Arizona last weekend but honestly cannot see a way that they put together an effort to overcome everything presently stacked against them. The Panthers use this game to roll into the Championship game.
Philadelphia over New York
-This one will be short and sweet because as much reasoning as you can put into this one the game could STILL go either way. So I'm calling the upset here, Eagles looked good last week and down the stretch and so I feel they'll take this one over the Giants. I changed this prediction a few times before I finalized this, as this really should be a game that goes right down to the wire. This is the rubber match for the regular season match up for these two divisional opponents. The Giants haven't looked the same since their turmoil down the stretch with the losses of Plaxico Burress, and even despite a very strong outing against the Panthers in Week 16 to claim the Conference title, I feel that if there's a game the Giants can slip up it's this one.
This one really could go either way, so flipping a coin may be equally as good in determining this outcome. But to make one upset pick this week I'm going with the Eagles claiming a narrow victory in the Big Apple this weekend.
So my picks for the Divisional Playoff weekend as as follows:
TITANS
STEELERS
PANTHERS
EAGLES
Enjoy the action!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Wild Card Day 2 update
So after both home teams defended their turf yesterday, the visitors spoiled the parties in both games today. Silence can be deafening, as was the case on Sunday...
Baltimore 27
Miami 9
-It's true, the Defence of the Ravens was simply too much for Miami to handle. Despite setting a record for fewest turnovers in a season Chad Pennington threw 4 INT's today - one returned for a TD the other way - and the Dolphins lost another ball as well. Now all this being said the 'Phins STILL had a chance at making a game of it but they kept shooting themselves in the foot when they were given the opportunity. So end of the day my Miami teams bows out, as many had expected they would...I never lost hope, but hey can't win them all! They had one hell of a turnaround season and they'll be back, there's a good nucleus on this team and now they're hungry too! And in regards to Baltimore rookie QB Joe Flacco got lucky in not having to throw too often but he wasn't the model of consistency out there, so the Ravens better hope that next week against the Tennessee Titans their Defence can prop up their run game like they did today.
Philadelphia 26
Minnesota 14
-A defensive battle thru and thru, in the end it was apparent though that the Eagles were better rounded as they came closer time and time again. The Vikings, try as they might to get arguably the best RB in the entire game in Adrian Peterson off and running, were just shut down too often and their Defence eventually buckled (as does happen from time to time). The lack of Offence was too much for the Vikes to overcome since the other side of the ball didn't produce positive points. This was the ONE game I got right this weekend, so I can hold my head high knowing that at least I say this one coming! haha The Eagles will have their hands full next week facing the Giants but they match up well against them, and after fending off such a stifling Defence in Minnesota the Eagles have got to have won over some confidence heading into Giants Stadium next weekend.
1-for-4 on the weekend...batting .240% Alright so it doesn't look like a good start in any way but I was an OT loss away from going .500 and really, the Cardinals suddenly establishing a ground game?? Did ANYONE see that one coming?? Everyone picked the Eagles and picked against the Dolphins, but being my team obviously I can't really be faulted there. I don't think I fared too poorly this weekend, and next weekend I'll be back to put myself back in the winnings :)
Hope you enjoyed Wild Card Weekend!
Baltimore 27
Miami 9
-It's true, the Defence of the Ravens was simply too much for Miami to handle. Despite setting a record for fewest turnovers in a season Chad Pennington threw 4 INT's today - one returned for a TD the other way - and the Dolphins lost another ball as well. Now all this being said the 'Phins STILL had a chance at making a game of it but they kept shooting themselves in the foot when they were given the opportunity. So end of the day my Miami teams bows out, as many had expected they would...I never lost hope, but hey can't win them all! They had one hell of a turnaround season and they'll be back, there's a good nucleus on this team and now they're hungry too! And in regards to Baltimore rookie QB Joe Flacco got lucky in not having to throw too often but he wasn't the model of consistency out there, so the Ravens better hope that next week against the Tennessee Titans their Defence can prop up their run game like they did today.
Philadelphia 26
Minnesota 14
-A defensive battle thru and thru, in the end it was apparent though that the Eagles were better rounded as they came closer time and time again. The Vikings, try as they might to get arguably the best RB in the entire game in Adrian Peterson off and running, were just shut down too often and their Defence eventually buckled (as does happen from time to time). The lack of Offence was too much for the Vikes to overcome since the other side of the ball didn't produce positive points. This was the ONE game I got right this weekend, so I can hold my head high knowing that at least I say this one coming! haha The Eagles will have their hands full next week facing the Giants but they match up well against them, and after fending off such a stifling Defence in Minnesota the Eagles have got to have won over some confidence heading into Giants Stadium next weekend.
1-for-4 on the weekend...batting .240% Alright so it doesn't look like a good start in any way but I was an OT loss away from going .500 and really, the Cardinals suddenly establishing a ground game?? Did ANYONE see that one coming?? Everyone picked the Eagles and picked against the Dolphins, but being my team obviously I can't really be faulted there. I don't think I fared too poorly this weekend, and next weekend I'll be back to put myself back in the winnings :)
Hope you enjoyed Wild Card Weekend!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Wild Card Day 1 update
Batting 1.000% right now!! Well...my picks were all correct in that they were all incorrect, looks like I've got the luck of the Lions since I've started off pitching imperfection here!
Atlanta 24
Arizona 30
-Matt Ryan came out with arguably the more well rounded team in the Falcons, clearly the better back and run game, with a team playing hot facing a team who stumbled (at best) to the finish line this season. However the Arizona team that showed up....well, it was nothing like the team that had played throughout the regular season! They ran the ball well, played tough D and owned the game! And Matt Ryan did something not really apparently during the regular season either and that was to look like a rookie QB, twice he made mistakes himself that came back to bite him in the end. Considering that Miami is playing a rookie QB tomorrow in their match-up against Baltimore, I hope the rookie choke syndrome becomes a theme for this Wild Card weekend! :)
Indianapolis 17
San Diego 23 (OT)
-A back and forth game that really DID come down to the last possession to win (my distaste of the NFL Overtime format and the Ol' Boys Club who refuse to entertain any ideas to change it will only be mentioned in this little blurb right here). This game was an all out battle, no question there! At various times throughout the game either team could have won this thing (except OT of course, where only one team held possession, but I digress once more...). The Chargers were the underdog hosts and came up big to win - once again here's hoping Miami can do the same tomorrow :)
So I doubted BOTH home teams and weaker Division Champions and both times they proved me wrong today....whoops! REALLY hoping for better luck tomorrow (most specifically with regards to the first game being played tomorrow!)
Atlanta 24
Arizona 30
-Matt Ryan came out with arguably the more well rounded team in the Falcons, clearly the better back and run game, with a team playing hot facing a team who stumbled (at best) to the finish line this season. However the Arizona team that showed up....well, it was nothing like the team that had played throughout the regular season! They ran the ball well, played tough D and owned the game! And Matt Ryan did something not really apparently during the regular season either and that was to look like a rookie QB, twice he made mistakes himself that came back to bite him in the end. Considering that Miami is playing a rookie QB tomorrow in their match-up against Baltimore, I hope the rookie choke syndrome becomes a theme for this Wild Card weekend! :)
Indianapolis 17
San Diego 23 (OT)
-A back and forth game that really DID come down to the last possession to win (my distaste of the NFL Overtime format and the Ol' Boys Club who refuse to entertain any ideas to change it will only be mentioned in this little blurb right here). This game was an all out battle, no question there! At various times throughout the game either team could have won this thing (except OT of course, where only one team held possession, but I digress once more...). The Chargers were the underdog hosts and came up big to win - once again here's hoping Miami can do the same tomorrow :)
So I doubted BOTH home teams and weaker Division Champions and both times they proved me wrong today....whoops! REALLY hoping for better luck tomorrow (most specifically with regards to the first game being played tomorrow!)
WOW!
Just witnessed an instant classic tonight in the Canada-Russia World Junior Hockey semi-final game live from Ottawa tonight. After a highly contested match going back and forth all game long Russia had forced the Canadians to the brink with a late Third Period goal. However with the extra attacker on, and 5.4 seconds left, the dream for 5 stayed alive...
The Overtime Period WAS back and forth but decidedly Canadian, so it was only suiting that Team Canada came out on top in the shootout as that would have just been highway robbery.
While a part of me will never admit to wanting to see Canada bow out of the Gold Medal game to see someone different in there so the rest of the world, y'know, actually sees some point to attending this tournament - in this case with Russia (winner of 15 WJC's) or Canada (winner of 14 WJC's) there's no new names so obviously GO CANADA GO!
I would like to see some more teams filter throughout the Gold Medal match so when Canada faces Sweden on Monday it'll be a nice sight to see (even though yes, these two met for last year's title game, there's a long ways to go before it becomes a regular thing seeing Sweden in the final or even for Canada to grow a rivalry with the Swedes either!).
This tournament is so obviously lopsided, although the favourites will always be favourites it'd be nice if, like the World Cup in Footy, there'd be more than just really 2 teams always competing for the crown - let's see a couple years where Sweden and Finland and even bring the Czech back into serious contention, right now they take turns getting better and worse but rarely stay too ultra competitive. It was great to see the Slovaks make a serious run, it's too bad they couldn't oust Sweden in the other semi-final match-up (although they came plenty close!)
But I should stop before it sounds like I'm complaining a bit too much after one of the most dramatic hockey games I've seen in some time! Congrats to all the Canadian kids out there who laid it all on the line and came up back as a result, you made the country proud and wore those jerseys with respect - best of luck against Sweden!
The Overtime Period WAS back and forth but decidedly Canadian, so it was only suiting that Team Canada came out on top in the shootout as that would have just been highway robbery.
While a part of me will never admit to wanting to see Canada bow out of the Gold Medal game to see someone different in there so the rest of the world, y'know, actually sees some point to attending this tournament - in this case with Russia (winner of 15 WJC's) or Canada (winner of 14 WJC's) there's no new names so obviously GO CANADA GO!
I would like to see some more teams filter throughout the Gold Medal match so when Canada faces Sweden on Monday it'll be a nice sight to see (even though yes, these two met for last year's title game, there's a long ways to go before it becomes a regular thing seeing Sweden in the final or even for Canada to grow a rivalry with the Swedes either!).
This tournament is so obviously lopsided, although the favourites will always be favourites it'd be nice if, like the World Cup in Footy, there'd be more than just really 2 teams always competing for the crown - let's see a couple years where Sweden and Finland and even bring the Czech back into serious contention, right now they take turns getting better and worse but rarely stay too ultra competitive. It was great to see the Slovaks make a serious run, it's too bad they couldn't oust Sweden in the other semi-final match-up (although they came plenty close!)
But I should stop before it sounds like I'm complaining a bit too much after one of the most dramatic hockey games I've seen in some time! Congrats to all the Canadian kids out there who laid it all on the line and came up back as a result, you made the country proud and wore those jerseys with respect - best of luck against Sweden!
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