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No Nanny for Hire

Poor Toronto.

Recently, the president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Richard Peddie has been looking for a senior advisor to help out Toronto’s GM John Ferguson.

In other words, they need a babysitter to hold Ferguson’s hand.

Unfortunately for Peddie and friends, no one agreed to take the job.

They first asked legendary coach Scotty Bowman, who is currently a paid consultant with the Detroit Red Wings. He turned them down and wanted to stay with the Wings. Next, they interviewed former Ottawa Senators GM John Muckler. In the end, he denied too, leaving Toronto’s quest a failure.

What a very suitable ending to a search conducted by a depleting franchise, performance-wise.

Ferguson, whose contract ends this year, has been unable to put together a team worthy of playing playoff hockey.

“It’s no secret that we thought John (Ferguson) could use some help,” says Peddie. “Anything that will make our team better and compete for a 14th Stanley Cup.”

Hah. I don’t think Ferguson is the answer. But no worries, Leaf fans, his reign won’t be long. The additions to this season’s team is a start positively, but it’s not enough.

“John wants to be judged on his record,” says Peddie. “He sat in my office and said, `You know, I understand that, that my extension is based on the job that I do and that’s the way I want it.’ “

Hopefully, his bags are packed because there is no babysitter willing to watch over him. Just a whole nation of fans who have an itchy finger for the ‘Fire’ button.

Hosea C

Option Jay

Even though I glorified Mason Raymond in my latest entry, I’m not completely blind to other offensive options for the Vancouver Canucks.

One of the main go-getters for the possible top six forward opening is 26-year-old Jason Jaffray.

The Rimbey, Alberta native scored 81 points in 77 games for the Manitoba Moose last year but was not recalled because he wasn’t under contract with the Canucks. However, Vancouver has him locked up now and he has a great shot at making it to the main team.

One things is for sure, he will get to play some regular season games. We just don’t know how many.

“That’s what training camp and the games are going to answer,” says Vigneault. “Jason has been on a consistent progression since he started with me in Manitoba. He had a really good year last year and has come to camp in great shape. He’s going to get a chance to play some games, and we’ll see from there.”

This right winger doesn’t lack in size at 6′1″, 205 lb. and proved that he doesn’t buckle under pressure as he tallied 13 playoff points, which was a team high. Jaffray will have to battle against some other rookies for a coveted NHL job, but so far, he just might have a leg up on the competition.

Vancouver has to use him effectively, which means third and fourth line duty won’t be good enough. Jaffray needs to be put in a scoring role, where he can be given the opportunity to truly show his talent.

Basically: Dear Canucks, don’t mess on this gem.

It’s highly probable the answer to Vancouver’s scoring woes lay right in front of the coaching staff eyes; and yes I’m talking about Jaffray.

Hosea C

Ray of Hope

“Great wheels, wicked wrister and hard slapper unleashed at high speed. Always around the puck. A budding Joe Sakic?”

That’s exactly how Province columnist Ben Kuzma described Vancouver Canucks’ prospect Mason Raymond.

The 21-year-old has the best shot at making the team out of training camp and filling in the winger position besides Morrison and Naslund. But many are asking, who is this kid?

Drafted 51st overall by Vancouver in 2005, Raymond scored 46 points in 39 games last season with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He also played 11 games with the Manitoba Moose where he tallied four points. A combination of speed, skill and incredible stick work has boosted this player’s value way up.

Offensive talent is exactly what the Canucks are currently seeking and it looks like Raymond has the ability to provide that. With Naslund and Morrison committed to step up their game, it just might help the young prospect gel with these two veterans.

With Vancouver’s poor history of drafting, maybe this Calgary native can finally be the light in this Northwest team’s future.

He’s gotten past the Prospect Training Camp, the next step is the Main Training camp. Hopefully Raymond can deliver the much needed flare in Vancouver’s attack.

I can’t wait.

Hosea C

Ice Laughers

Here’s a couple of NHL jokes I had a good chuckle over. Enjoy.

Mario Lemieux, Steve Yzerman and Wayne Gretzky are standing before God at the throne of Heaven.
God looks at them and says, “Before granting any of you a place at my side, I must first ask you what you believe in.”
Addressing Lemieux first He asks, “What do you believe?”
Mario looks into God’s eyes and states passionately, “I believe hockey to be the food of life. Nothing else brings such unbridled joy to so many people, from Moscow to the bright lights of New York. I have devoted my life to bringing such joy to people who watch us play.”
God looks up and offers Mario the seat to his left.
He then turns to Yzerman, “And you Stevie Y., what do you believe?”
Yzerman stands proud and firm, “I believe courage, honour and passion are the fundamentals to life and I’ve spent my whole playing career providing a living embodiment of these traits.”
God, moved by the passion of the speech, offers Yzerman the seat to his right.
He finally turns to the Great One, “And you Wayne, what do you believe?”
Gretzky says smugly, “I believe you are in my seat.”

Playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs is just like running in the special olympics. Even if you win, you’re still retarded.

Did you hear that on the Leafs’ bus, they hooked up a lie detector.
McCabe tries it on and says, “I think we have the best defense in the league.” Right away, the detector goes off.
Sundin hooks himself up and says, “I think I’m the best hockey player in the game.” The lie detector goes off again.
Then, Tucker steps up and says, “I think..” and immediately, the lie detector goes off.

New Look Orca

A few days late but I have a lingering question for the Vancouver Canucks: All the hype for that?

Seriously, I would have thought there would be a little bit more creativity put into the new Canucks’ jerseys released Wednesday after much anticipation and talk. But ultimately, I was disappointed along with many others. From what I’ve gathered and read, the general consensus of the new RBK Edge Uniform System-designed sweaters was more of a “it’s not the worse but it’s still below average” type of reaction . In terms of first impressions, it didn’t pass my grade.

Vancouver has a history of not so attractive unis, with the flying-V and the crazy red jerseys, which came prior to the whale. Many still don’t like the orca as our logo, so of course, their hopes of a change was shattered at the unveiling. I can complain all I want, but it’s not going to change anything. That doesn’t stop me from throwing in my opinion.

Here are my criticism towards this jersey:

When it comes to the word mark ‘Vancouver’, is it truly needed for the home jerseys? We know where we are from. Plus it just makes the whole outfit so busy, which is the main reason why I don’t enjoy it. I think that’s what ruined the jersey for me.

Now was a good chance to change the whale logo, but unfortunately, management slipped on the opportunity. Instead they took out the red, and made our logo look inverted in colour. Bravo.

I’m not a big fan of those horizontal lines on the ‘eyesore’ jersey. Sure, they bring the vintage feel, but we’re in 2007-08 and I personally would prefer a more modern, cool look with vertical stripes along the sides.

They shouldn’t have messed with the ‘Millionaires’ patch. It looks like a crappy caricature you would see face-painted on a child’s cheek.

However, with all the negatives I’ve pointed out regarding these uniforms, there are some ‘thumbs up’ attributes. For example, I think the collars look very modern and slick. Also, the overall colour of the jerseys are eye-catching and well-representing the vintage aspect.

My final verdict would be this: They tried too hard to incorporate the future and the present in the design, which resulted in confliction between the logo, wording and layout. Also, fans or season ticket-holders should have had some sort of say in the whole process.

But in the overall picture, the jersey doesn’t determine the Stanley Cup champions, the players wearing it do.

Hosea C

Super Showdown II

Paul Henderson, Phil Esposito and Vladislav Tretiak were just a few names that bring back memories of the 1972 Summit Series, but 35 years later, new faces will try and make their own hockey history.

John Tavares, Milan Lucic and Alexei Cherepanov are part of the headliners involved in the commemorating Under-20 tournament beginning on August 27 in Russia. Canada vs Russia. 8 Games. Round 2.

This Super Series is an attempt to re-live the magic of the past, while enriching this epic hockey battle between the two nations. It’s a great opportunity for both countries.

Canada fans, here’s your chance to witness the future. This is basically a preview of the upcoming 2008 World Junior Championship squad and the next faces of the National Hockey League.

A top line of Kyle Turris, Tavares and David Perron has the ability to blow the Russians out of the water. Tavares, ‘the Next Next One’, is probably the best prospect in the world and some are even saying that he’s better then Sidney Crosby. Here’s a good chance for him to show the world, and Canada, his worth. Turris was chosen third overall in the 2007 draft and this Burnaby native is being hailed as the next Joe Sakic. Now that’s a huge label to live up to. The first time I saw Perron play, I was amazed. A combination of speed and tremendous stickhandling has boosted this Lewiston forward’s value. I am so excited to see how this top line pans out and to witness the potential domination they can produce on the scoreboard.

The offense doesn’t stop there. Don’t forget the captain, Vancouver Giant’s Milan Lucic, and assistant captain London Knight’s Sam Gagner, who will bolster the second line. Gagner has already played for Team Canada at last year’s WJHC, whereas Lucic is fresh off a Memorial Cup victory. If you want to compare the ‘72 team to this one, Lucic = Esposito.

As always, shutting down the Russians is a big responsibility and the task falls on the shoulders of forwards Brad Marchand and the coach’s son, Brandon Sutter. Both players are excellent checkers and are not going to back down when it comes to dishing out hits. If you have a certain intrigue for pests, look no further then these two. The list of talent goes on throughout the team and doesn’t slow down amongst the blueliners. Karl Alzner, Thomas Hickey and Drew Doughty lead the pack as the defense prepares to make their mark in this tournamnent.

When it comes to goaltending, Canada has a strong trio. Jonathan Bernier, Leland Irving and Steve Mason are three top-notch puckstoppers of the CHL. All three have incredible resumes and will probably be the number one man on their future NHL teams. Trust me, they are a treat to watch.

Having glorified Team Canada like the patriotic journalist that I am, Team Russia should not be overlooked. Here are my top three Russians, who fans should be watching out for:

1) Alexei Cherepanov - If he makes it to the NHL, he has the ability to be listed alongside Russians such as Ovechkin, Kovalchuk and Malkin. This Super Series is a good showcase for Cherepanov to make NHL GMs kick themselves after passing on him in the draft.

2) Nikita Filatov - He is the highest ranked Russian for next season’s draft and this speedy forward is going to be coveted by many teams. But as usual, the Russia-NHL agreement might lower his value, as it did so to his fellow country-men.

3) Semen Varlamov - Picked up by Washington in the 2006 NHL Draft, this Soviet goaltender will fill in nicely after Kolzig retires. A great future awaits him in the NHL and he is gaining more and more international experience with the WJHC and now this series.

Same countries, different members. It might not be as important as the ‘72 tournament but that doesn’t stop these young players from playing their hearts out for their nation. Who will be the hero? Who will be the goat? What memories will come out of this? How much more fire will be lit under this great hockey rivalry?

So many questions with so many answers arriving in the next two weeks. It’s hockey coming early, enjoy it. This Super Series will no doubt turn out to be a classic.

Hosea C

C*ntroversy

I have a question. Who honestly followed Barry Bonds’ home run record chase for the right reasons? The right reasons being the beauty and love of the sport, and to witness and become part of the historical achievement in setting a new all-time home run record.

Yes, that’s what I thought. Not a lot of hands were raised. I’m sure this topic has been beaten to death, which I’m not surprised, but of course I have to throw my two cents in as well.

Trust me, I’m part of the jeering crowd, yelling “cheater” and holding signs with the * symbol on it, but as a sports fan in general, one has to appreciate this baseball feat. I know, there is nothing highly respectable of setting a record with a little help from an athlete’s favourite enemy, steroids, but let me give you something to ponder about.

Don’t you think that the pitchers, who Bonds faced in his career, has taken performance enhancing drugs, as opposed to those who faced Hank Aaron? In comparison, it kind of evens out.

But I guess that’s not the point and I’m a sinner for defending Barry.

Another question. Would reactions be different if Bonds wasn’t such an asshole? Pardon me for being so blunt but in all honesty, don’t you think that if Bonds had more class, he would at least have a few more supporters?

Poor attitude towards fans and media results in poor press. Any athlete should know this.

Although I don’t give a damn, I would have loved to be at that San Francisco game last week. But just for one reason: to have had the opportunity in catching the record setting ball and make some much needed cash. Yes, I know my chances would have been very slim but one can always dream.

Speaking of cash, isn’t it obvious as to why the MLB has not taken this steroids issue seriously? The league generated major revenue from all this publicity and from fans who buy tickets to games in order to a) watch and cheer for Bonds’ run or b) to boo, heckle, taunt, jeer, harass, and whatever else you want to call it. Even though it’s negative press, the league is still gaining attention and to them, that’s what it’s all about. As much as people criticise Bud Selig and friend’s inability to address the problem, they are still profitting from this controversy.

And sadly, that’s what it all comes down to. Money. What a shame.

Hosea C

Free for All

It’s been a while since I’ve written an entry on this blog. Due to the lack of internet and the long hours of a summer job, I rarely found time to serenade my readers with my sport opinions. Right…

Since my last entry, many things have changed in the hockey world. Anaheim Ducks are the new Stanley Cup champions, well-deserved too in my opinion. The NHL entry draft took place with Patrick Kane taken first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, where he’ll join last season’s prospect Jonathan Toews. That’s going to be a dominate one-two punch. Not too much action took place in the trading market during the draft however, as mostly draft picks were swapped.

The really big changes came on July 1.

Probably one of the biggest days of the NHL offseason. Free agent frenzy begins.

By now you’ve probably heard about all the crazy, ridiculous, high-priced contract signings around the league so there is no use in me ranting on each and everyone although, it is very tempting. I really hope those players can live up to their price/expectations and not choke, but I would be pretty entertained in watching them falter.

The truly interesting fact about this salary cap is that teams can transform their performance in a very short time. What do I mean by that?

Take the Los Angeles Kings, for example. They finished fourth in their division, 14th in their conference, and well out of the playoffs in 2006-2007. Now with the cap raised to $50 million, the Kings took full advantage of this oppurtunity. They went out and strengthened their blueline tremendously. Here’s what they did:

Signings:
Tom Preissing, 4-years for $11 million
Brad Stuart, 1-year for $3.5 million
Jaroslav Modry, 1-year for $1.2 million (re-signing)
Lubomir Vishnovsky, 5-year for $28.25 million (re-signing)

Oh, don’t forget to throw in Rob Blake.
Not only did they add some power to their defense, they also made a few acquistions up front to gain more offense. With the signings of Michael Handzus, Ladislav Nagy and Kyle Calder, GM Dean Lombardi is trying to find players to complement existing forwards, such as Anze Kopitar and Alexander Frolov. Now if only they can acquire a good goaltender, the Kings would make for some tough competition in the Western Conference.

Now lets look at the other end of the spectrum and see how a team can falter under this cap system in just one year.

I think we all have the same team in mind, the Buffalo Sabres.
They were first in the entire NHL last season and reached the Conference finals in the playoffs, but once the offseason hit, they were unable to keep their two big unrestricted free agents:

Daniel Briere, who signed a 8-year, $52 million contract with Philadelphia and Chris Drury, who signed a 5-year, $32.25 million contract with the Rangers

They also lost forward Danius Zubrus to New Jersey, while the only notable signing the Sabres could muster was goaltender Jocelyn Thibault. Now, the loss of Briere and Drury was not the only abuse Buffalo recieved from this salary cap system, because the Edmonton Oilers placed an offer sheet to one of their young forwards Thomas Vanek. The Sabres matched the offer, but the ridiculous 7-year, $50 million signing prevent them from pursuing more replacements for their losses up front.

I’m not saying that Buffalo will become a bottom feeder, I’m merely pointing out an example on how a team can lose a major asset, or two, in just a few days. The Sabres can still put out a competitive team, but a repeat of last season is highly improbable.

These are just two examples on how quickly a team can turn around, either positively or negatively. Maybe that’s why I love the offseason so much.

I can’t wait for the 07-08 season to begin and hopefully I can be more consistent with my blog entries now. Enjoy the rest of your summer, the NHL way.

Hosea C

Third Round Predictions

Four teams just got another step closer to the NHL Holy Grail, as the Conference finals are set to begin. I was 3 for 4 on my second round predictions with two series exactly chosen. Here are my choices and comments for the Stanley Cup semi-finals:

Eastern Conference

Buffalo Sabres (1) vs Ottawa Senators (4)
My prediction: Senators in 7

This is probably the most anticipated contest between the two series as the Sabres and Senators have a history with each other. Starting with the Chris Neil hit on Buffalo’s Chris Drury, and the goaltending fights involving Emery and Miller, these two teams simply don’t like each other. Which makes it all the better for fans. Both teams have a great shot at reaching the finals, and both deserve it, but only one will come out the victor. Buffalo possesses the most dangerous and threatening offense in the league, while Ottawa boasted the most balanced squad in the NHL. The regular season points leader Buffalo is hoping to take it one step further from last year’s playoffs where they were eliminated by the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals. The Senators, however, were ousted by these similar Sabres in last season’s second round.

Buffalo will have to find a way to shut down the Sen’s powerplay and top line, while trying to outscore them. Ottawa will have to focus on playing their style of team-game in order to beat their rivals from the States. Like many playoff matchups, the better goaltender will prevail. It’s just a matter of which Ray Emery or Ryan Miller will show up. This will definitely be an interesting and entertaining series to watch, as it has the potential to produce some good ol’ gritty playoff hockey.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (1) vs Anaheim Ducks (2)
My prediction: Red Wings in 6

The two top ranked teams in the Western Conference will faceoff against each other in this powerhouse battle. Both teams have what it takes to win the Stanley Cup but only one can advance. If Detroit lives up to their style of play, they have the ability to dominate and man-handle Anaheim. However, the Ducks are one of the best defensive teams in the league and can rely on two Norris trophy winning defensemen to shut down Detroit’s offense. The Wings and the Ducks are solid through their lineups with mixtures of youth and veterans. It’s clear that both teams can score, check and play physical, which backs up their positions in the standings.

Detroit can win games when needed and this playoff, they have wiped away the label of choking in the postseason with superb hockey. Anaheim looks as if they are ready to follow in their opponents footsteps of being a dynasty in the years to come, as they have reached the Conference finals for the second straight season. When it comes to goaltending, Hasek and Giguere have both been to the finals and are both playoff proven, so who will raise their game even higher? It’s the battle of the best, and the potential Stanley Cup winner could possibly hail from the Western Conference. Both of these teams are going to be tough to beat.

Last stop before the Stanley Cup finals. All four teams are for real and this year, there is no cinderella story. It’s the best against the best. Can it get any better then this?

 Hosea C