Oh Those Habs

The Montreal Canadiens beat the Washington Capitals is Game 7 last night. I must say that is rather impressive. The Caps won the President's Cup. That is no easy feat. The Caps have a hockey sock full of offensive firepower and really they should have won. Alas, they did not.

As I was watching the last few games of this series it reminded me of 1986. A young goalie played much better than anyone expected and took an ok team all the way. At this point we don't know if Jaroslav Halak is the next incarnation of Patrick Roy, but he might be. If the Habs knock off the defending champion Pittsburg Penguins then we are onto something.

There is a long way to go before we put Halak on the pedestal that some other Montreal goaltenders have been put on but greatness has to start at some point. We may be witnessing a moment or this will be a one series wonder and the Habs will continue to fumble along, just good enough to make the playoffs but not making waves.

It must be tough playing hockey for that franchise. hockey is a religion in Montreal and if you can rise to the challenge you may reach sainthood for the bleu, blanc, et rouge. If you fail you will be run out of town. In time we will see where Jaroslav Halak.

Too Many Men....Really?

I have been watching a lot of playoff hockey this year. It has been exciting, with great plays, exciting finishes, and exceptional effort. There is one aspect that has left me scratching my head.

Why are there so many too many men penalties?

The line change is a procedure practiced in hockey from six years old and up. There is really only one way to do it. The player leaving the ice skates over to the bench and when he is within 5 feet the player coming on enters the play. It's not rocket surgery.

The NHL may be cracking down on it but once you know they expect you to follow the procedure, I'm sure any true professional will behave accordingly. You can make the argument that for the money NHL players are being paid they should be able to do the little things. I don't look at the money as an issue. This is about doing your job properly. The line change is one of very few things that the other team is not trying to directly stop you from completing.

The only explanation I can see is the players are being lazy on this fundamental procedure. I think if your team is accumulating too many men penalties then the players are not sticking to the system and doing their job properly.

Penalties in the playoffs can be very costly. Too many men penalties should not happen. Too many of these penalties will lead to a longer summer vacation and hockey players want the shortest summer vacation possible.

NHL Road Warriors

If the first night of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs are any indication we are in for a good ride this year. All the so called experts are saying it is a wide open this year and tonight seemed to reflect that. All four games were decided by one goal. Three of the games were won by the road team. Tight games with surprise wins are what makes the playoffs interesting.

For this fan, the surprise of the night was how the Ottawa Senators made the defending champion Penguins look very ordinary. Crosby, Malkin et al were able to climb back into the game but they gave up way too much early in the game. Ottawa played like a team hell bent for leather and it just seemed like they refused to lose, even when the Pens poured it on late they didn't seem to have the gusto to get past the Senators. This is only game one of a best-of-seven but if you do it once you may be able to do it again.

The only home team to win was the Phoenix Coyotes. The so called experts are also picking their opponents to win the series. It has been a long time since Phoenix has even been in the playoffs. A good run will only help that franchise. I think this will be a series to watch. These teams are going to put on a war. It could be one of those last man standing events.

I don't know what tomorrow will bring but if tonight is any indication, it should be good. Real good.

NHL Playoffs 2010

It's time. After a gruelling 82 game schedule with a 2 week break for the Winter Olympics we are finally ready for the playoffs. Playoff hockey is much more exciting. The stakes are higher, failure is not kind in the playoffs. The scrutiny is much more intense.

I have no idea who will win but I know a few things will happen.

I think the San Jose Sharks will finally make a run. They may not win it all but they will have a playoff run worthy of their regular season record.

The Vancouver Canucks will not win the Stanley Cup. Their fans will riot in the streets when they once again do not win it all.

The Pittsburg Penguins will leave the playoffs on a bad defensive play. They will play great but have a slip up and good-bye.

I will enjoy watching a lot of hockey that matters.

Enjoy the playoffs and may the best team win.

What's Up With The Bomber's Coach

I haven't heard much from new Blue Bombers Head Coach, Paul LaPolice. I am just fine with that. Since I was old enough to understand, there have been 2 head coaches hired by the Bombers who have made a lot of noise immediately after being hired, Jeff Reinebold and Mike Kelly. We all know how well they did at coaching the Big Blue. They had good intentions but their execution was off. In a business that is all about performance that just doesn't cut it.

The current coach said one thing that matters to me. At the press conference when he was hired he indicated that the organization would be respectful at every level. Other than that, he hasn't said much.

I like this about him. I like that he is working a lot and talking very little. I like that it will be the performance on the field that he wants us to judge him on. I like that he sees his place and wants to do it right.

I do have to admit that as a staunch Bomber fan one of the best parts of the rival Saskatchewan Roughriders has come to Winnipeg, but that's just a bonus. Even if it is a rather good bonus.

A New Season

The game of baseball is often compared to life. At the pro level they play 162 games each season. That number of games takes luck out of the equation. If you are good, it will eventually show. If you are not very good that will become evident as well. Baseball is based on failure. 27 players must be put out on each team or the game will never finish. Baseball is not played with a clock. Your actions determine how long the game takes.

At the start of the season every team has hope. Every team has the same chance to win it all or lose it all. As with life, baseball is cruel and you are quickly put in your place. You are only as good as tomorrow's starting pitcher.

A pro baseball team normally plays 5 games a week. It is like many normal people's job. A player gets up everyday and heads to the ballpark. It is his office or factory. His output is excitement and drama, success of failure.

Baseball is a pastime. You don't get geared up for a game. You wake up each day thinking about it. It is always in the back of your mind. It has transcended just being a game. The ball cap has become part of what we wear. It is an accepted part of our society. Other sports wear the ball cap.

The baseball season has started. We will watch and comment and live the leisurely life, if only for a few days this summer.

The Final Four

I used to be a huge basketball fan. In the 90's the pro game was fast paced and exciting. It had colourful characters and some of the best players ever. Something happened about 10 years ago. The game slowed down and I lost interest. There are still some very good players and some exciting games but it is dominated by big guys banging down low. I don't blame anyone for this change. It probably gives you your best chance to win.

On the other hand, college basketball is still exciting. The players are not as big. There appears to be more passion, and the pace seems to be faster. Only the very best college players will ever play in the NBA, but that's ok.

I'm watching the Butler versus Michigan State semi-final game. This is what sport is supposed to be. This is a tight game and these kids are letting it all hang out. You know they will do whatever it takes to give their team a chance to win. The fans are nuts. They are cheering with reckless abandon. The coaches are animated and working as hard as they can to give their team a chance to win.

This will be the last game for the seniors on the losing team and the second last game for the seniors on the winning team. What an incredible way to wrap up your college career and maybe your basketball career. An international television audience and the opportunity to be the difference maker.

Collegiate sports are very important. They inspire and motivate the players and the student body. They bring pride to the institutions they represent. They make a difference. They show people why it is important to come through when people are counting on you and they show what happens if you don't hold up your end of the bargain.

I don't know what the rest of this tournament will bring but I can say for certain that some very special moments are made every year on the 63 games of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Tournament.