There you have it, my opinion on the whole spectacle in less than 10 words. I look forward to weekday games as a chance to switch off my brain from more urgent matters, but it's hard for me to pay attention if the game doesn't count for anything. I want to watch some real hockey.
Anyway, congratulations to Alex Steen, for making the kiddie All-Star team. For months he suffered media comparisions made regarding the number of children he had and his goal production (for a while back there, the tally for both stood at one), and I'm sure he's getting the last laugh now...and to Kaberle too, although I have less to say about him. He's a great player but he doesn't really register with me as a big name. Good luck to the both of them.
As for who SHOULD have gone (from the Leafs) to the kiddie All-Star game...well, White and Wellwood could have been contenders, but they're both injured...so Steen is really the only choice right now, not to say he doesn't deserve it. Besides, we couldn't just suck up 3 spots on the roster.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Darn it, is it that stupid All-Star week?
Saturday, January 06, 2007
I want a star!
Before I jump into all this All Star talk, I want to mourn for my team's recent loss like a pet dog. That means I'm not thinking of any bad things with the team. Only good. That and I haven't had time to watch/listen to the games. I actually was going to listen to the game today but - uh, I overslept and woke up to a loss. Maybe I should try waking up early and on time.
Am I being paranoid? Am I just being too superstitious? I know everyone has their thing but I keep blaming losses on random occurences. I don't have time/energy to argue why we lost and need to improve. Oh I can say "if only they weren't sick" or "if only Aebischer wasn't there". But to be honest, I want to crawl up with a block of (dark) chocolate and watch a good funny movie to take my mind off the pain.
With that being said, let us move on.
The All Star game. Isn't it a great idea? I know I want to see Ovie and Mario Lemieux's toyboy (Is the mansion big? Why yes it is!). But at the same time, I'm a terrible fan. I know you're meant to acknowledge skill but frankly, I don't want to see it unless a) they're on my team or b) they come with a funny Eastern European accent. For every guy going "He's gonna be an All-Star!" there's another player who's given the same guarantee whom you love to hate.
So did I vote for Rory? I think. But I've only voted two or three times and it didn't give me a sense of fulfilment or a can of free coke. So I went "screw that" and went and bought myself a coke. But why does it work so well? It's given a fans a chance of changing what could've been. To some fans, it's to expose the weak flaws in the voting system. To some, it's the shame of the NHL for snubbing players who were originally unsung heroes. I know I got myself angry over the fact that Huet never got a shot despite his nice stats because the brass said "They were unsure if he was going to be #1 this season". I mean ouch. Isn't that a very hasty judgement in not letting Huet in? I kept telling myself "it's a weak argument, the fans will never stand". The fans did stand. They just bitched in message boards about it.
So the Vote for Rory has picked up all the unsatisfied fans and given them something to vote about. Other joined in because they either thought it was funny or they thought "Hey - maybe we can actually vote someone in!"
You see, even though the All-Star game is meant to be a "for the fans" voting system, their nominations are ultimately what they want. You're given one slot for the Eastern & Western Conference. What are the chances that other fans may be thinking of voting in.... Garth Murray like you? When the big kids left off Huet, it's because they didn't think he was going to be someone people wanted. They chose kids like Broduer, Fleury or Cam freaking Ward. May I whine that Raycroft's sportsnet ads seemed to make fans vote for him than the venerable Huet?
So thus ends my little moaning over why I hate All-Star, there's too many people left off and there's no easy way to make it work. I support the Rory campaign because it did what other fans couldn't do for their players. I will lament that players with great stats or persona for their team will never turn up in the big game. Because the All-Star game isn't just a skills game but a sportsmanship game. Why the (blip) do I want Sheldon Souray as our Habs representative? He's not even that good of a D defensively! I want to see Koivu! He's the guy whom everyone looks to! I want to see Huet - whose play is one of the biggest factors in our wins.
Actually, if they wanted a fan spectacle, they should've picked players who raised the most eyebrows. They should've brought in the best scorers and pitted them up against the worse agitators. Or they could have games where each period is affected by a random order pulled out of a hat. "It says no goalies on the ice guys" - the goalies would then leave and we can see who scores the most empty netters! In the intermission they can have egg & spoon races for the players on skates. And then maybe an eating contest to top it off. Then for a grand finale, fill the rink with enforcers and see which one actually scores or gets a hissy fit and beats up everyone to steal the prize. Oh and the winner gets a new car and Sidney Crosby for a month. Or Ovie. Whatever.
And (blip) Hartley for taking Carbonneau's shot at All Star assistant coach. Carbonneau is probably another perfect example of All-Star-ness. Great player, great rep (the fans LOVE him. One fan went up to him in a bar and asked "Do some people ask you you look like Guy Carbonneau?" and Guy just smiled and went "sometimes". Only James Bond could pull that off and he'd need a gun) and he's a great choice in looking after a team.
For now I'm going to wait for the day they announce All-Star: Swimsuit Edition. Read More......
Friday, January 05, 2007
TheHockeyChick's thoughts on the All-Star Game
First and foremost, I didn't vote for Rory. I also didn't vote for Dan Boyle (personal reasons). I have split feelings about the All-Star Game. The good is the entertaining factor of great players playing together. The bad is it's become a popularity contest moreso than a skill-based competition (thus the reason I didn't vote for Rory).
I think the NHL hasn't really done much in the way of marketing the All-Star game the way they could or should. There should be more free, player-involved events for fans. I went to the All-Star game in Tampa in '99. I don't recall a lot of free player stuff, and the meet-and-greet dinner/party was super expensive. Although I did get some free meet-and-greet's with a few players thanks to their admiration for bars and drinking (and mine as well -- Chris Pronger looks hilarious when he's dancing to "C'mon Ride that Train").
I went again when it was in Sunrise in '03. There seemed to be more open sessions, but that could very well be because there aren't too many hockey fans in South Florida. So it wasn't like they had to be that protective of the players. Not many people knew who was who.
I do enjoy the shootout competition and all the other events prior to... and it's always entertaining to see who they mic up. Tony Amonte and JR were the best and will be hard to beat.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
No Resolutions
I'm going to be a pill and not give my team resolutions. I never make them, they get broken, so I will not impose any on the Sharks. I have enjoyed reading others' though.
As for the All Star Game. When I first became interested in hockey...omg, 7 years ago, I was completely for the All Star Game. I thought it was all very exciting. The voting, the skills competitions, the game; I thought all of it was great. Over the years my interest in it has waned. And hearing players complain about not wanting to go is annoying. There are fans out there that spend way too much time voting (I hate how you had to vote for every category; took too long) and they deserve to see the players that won a spot. Also, those players should think about the alternative; the NHL could just do away with the game and then there would be no break for them to covet!
I'll probably watch the skills stuff, but it will depend on what time they are on. I won't clear my schedule for it.
Oh, the Sharks are about to play the Wings and it is Black Thursday! Must go.
Who I am - and of course, did I vote for Rory?
1. Where you're from, what you do - basic things.
Well I'm from Saskatchewan, and I work. A lot. Basically that and fool around on the internet is all I do. I'm HUGE Montreal Canadiens fan - Habs for Life! In fact, I've had guys tell me that the only time a Habs jersey looks good is when I'm wearing it. Oh, and I also enjoy tormenting guys for fun.
I should probably add that you can call me Justice, but I try to keep my identity a secret to protect the innocent (aka save my own ass when I accidently-on-purpose blurt out juicy tidbits on our fave NHLers).
2. Your team and why you like them.
Habs for Life. That's all I've got. I was born and raised a Habs fan, and I was brainwashed so young, I can't remember ever NOT cheering for the Habs. Top it off with the fact that Saku Koivu was a total hottie (and still is completely adorable) when he was drafted and I was of the right age to adore guys for that reason, and I was set. Toss some Jose Thedore in the mix, and well everyone KNOWS I still have a crush on him, Paris Hilton or not. You hit it if you want Jose.
3. Your least favourite team and why?
Clearly, the Toronto Maple Laffs. I thought it was a requirement of all Habs fans to hate the Laffs. I mean, the last time they won the Stanley Cup, the game was broadcast in black and white. Plus they are old, and Mats Sundin suffers from severe hockey ugly.
4. Your favourite player of all time & now?
Maurice "the Rocket" Richard. Henri "the Pocket Rocket" Richard. Guy Lafleur. Jean Beliveau. Jack Laviolette. Jacques Lemaire. Tony Esposito. I could seriously go on. But I won't. I mean, the Habs have soooo much tradition and history its just plain SICK.
As for my favourite players right now - I have several. Clearly, Sid the Kid has the hands. Marty Brodeur is hot as motha-fucking-hell (and rumour has it is rather well endowed with some interesting tatoos) not to mention the best goalie in the league. Then I have a love for boys out of Saskatchewan, like Getz, Garth Murray, Endo (I even love Endo in the sense that he's a dirty pig), Army (though Army the younger is a douche) ect. I can't have just one favourite player.
Plus, there's futures. Angelo Esposito NEEDS to be a Hab. Seriously, the boy is FINE jailbait. Carey Price has potentional to be one of my faves as well.
5. If you had to punch one hockey player or member of the NHL organisation, who and why?
I hate a lot of people. Can I not just hit Don Cherry? Hitting Grapes would make my life. Failing that, I'd really like to hit, oh, I don't know - Jose Theodore for sucking and leaving. He is too damned hot for that. But then I realized that if I hit him, he might not be pretty anymore, and I wouldn't like that.
6. What you'll be looking forward in this group blog.
Umm, the fact that everyone on here has like, amazing blogs and mine's all like, generic and full of random crap. I mean, mainly, I have random gossip, and occaisionally I like to talk about who I love, and how hot people are. So maybe I'll become less of a PB - only I'm not one.
7. What you don't like in general?
In general? Laffs fans. The Laffs. Don Cherry. People who drive like douches. People who are douches and try to hide it. I mean, if you're going to be a douche, be a douche.
8. What role do female fans play in keeping the game alive?
I have no freaking clue. I just love the sport, love the game and love to hang with the boys who play it.
9. What role do female fans play in picking heroes for the community?
I have a thing for hometown boys - so maybe we love the homers a little more then the average male fan. Other then that, I've got nothing.
10. Hockey just isn't the same without Ottawa losing to Toronto in the playoffs every year.
11. If you were on a deserted island, which player would you pick to stay with you?
Duh. Clearly Colby Armstrong or Maxime Talbot. Both would have me laughing my ass off that I wouldn't notice the deserted island-ness of the deserted island. Of course, neither of them comes with millions as of yet, but I am sure they could like, call up their good friend Sidney Crosby, and he'd come save us.
12. Crosby, Ovechkin or Phaneuf (hey he tried!)?
Crosby. Hands down. I mean, Ovechkin is like, a good player, and clearly loves the game (while Crosby has clearly had too much media training for his own good), he's just too damned ugly for me to love him. As for Neufy, I've heard too many nasty stories about that boy for me to look at him with anything but disgust. Except when he's making someone go CRUNCH. Then its disgust, mixed with equal parts of awe.
13. The player you'd like to take for a grand night out/a movie/a boring event/Grand night out:
Umm well Army would be funny. Sidney would look HOT in a tux. Martin Biron and I would talk over top of each other - that would be funny for others to observe. I enjoy looking at Sheldon Souray's arms....
I'd take Marty Biron to a movie. We would annoy the hell out of everyone around us and get kicked out. Sid would go with me to a Grand night out, because he'd be hot in a tux, Army would do the boring night - because he'd be funny, and for another grand night out, I'd take Jose Theodore, on the condition that he didn't talk - he might ruin it.
14. If you could make your own team, regardless of whatever players, what would it be called and where will it be/how would it be like?
I'd have one in Saskatchewan of course! We'd be the Saskatchewan Windchillers and we'd put the arena in like, Davidson, because that's half way between Regina and Saskatoon. It would clearly be awesome until the team didn't make enough money and was forced to relocate to the United-States. *mourns the Jets*
VOTE FOR RORY!!!
Okay, so I think that All-Star game is a completely lame, especially since most of the players don't want to be there and are more worried about getting hurt then actually doing anything.
All the break really does is give the guys a week off to go home and get plastered. Or go to whatever city the game is being held in and get plastered. I mean, who really wants to watch these guys play hockey hungover in January?
That shouldn't happen until they go to the Hangover Cup - I mean the World Championships in late April early May.
So I totally voted for Rory. It was a great idea and got fans actively involved who otherwise, wouldn't have given a flying fuck.
And if anyone tries to tell me that Sidney Crosby would rather be in Dallas then getting wasted in Montreal or Halifax in January, you are seriously screwed in the head.
Read More......My Mom Thinks I'm Cool!
I think it's more or less become the general consensus that the NHL All-Star Game is a joke. The truth is, everybody already knows the players would rather be taking the week off to chill at a beach or something rather than play on a team with people that they probably dislike. There's not as much physicality, not as much finesse because nobody cares. You're not going to go out and give it your all in a game that doesn't mean diddly-squad and risk getting an injury that might sideline you.
But I suppose we can look at it from a different perspective. The League will tell you that they're doing it for the fans because really, what's wrong with the concept of putting some of the best players together in the league and seeing what they can do? It really is a double-edged sword with the whole concept though. In Major League Baseball, the winning League of the All-Star game is guaranteed home field advantage during the playoffs but I don't think anybody likes the idea of losing out on home stadium advantage in the playoffs all because of one game, thereby discounting anything they did in the regular season. It's a shame that the product you see during the All-Star game from the players is never at the standard that you would expect from your super-star players, but you can't blame them when they really don't have any reason to give 110%.
Really, in the end, it's a way for the League to make some extra cash and for that I'm not going to blame them because we all know maintaining a professional sports team costs money and the National Hockey League is floundering in the States. However, this method only works if people actually show up and watch the All-Star Game or buy their paraphernalia or whatever. The thing is, the All-Star gear is incredibly ugly this year and the game is held in Dallas.
I will say this though, I think this year's All-Star Game will be a success all because of one, Rory Fitzpatrick. The fans discovered a flaw in the system and they exposed it, instead of the League or mediots getting all up-in-arms about the whole thing, they should learn from this and make the necessary changes. However, considering how much publicity this whole campaign got, the League couldn't have bought better publicity. Fitzpatrick was on ESPN talking about the campaign for crying out loud, and ESPN usually hates hockey like it's the red-headed stepchild of major sports. The whole campaign is a little bit unfair to Fitzpatrick. He never wanted any of this attention and he was faced with the difficult decision of whether or not he should actually go or not. He knows that he's not up to the calibre of a Lidstrom or Niedermayer but if it's what the fans want, how can he say no? Frankly, Niedermayer or Lidstrom would hardly give a rats-arse if they make it or not. The players enjoy the honour of being named an All-Star but when it comes to actually wanting to play in the game, do they actually want to play in this thing?
To be honest, I hope Fitzpatrick goes. He can skate on the ice during the warm-up, line up for the anthems or the league should pay for his ticket and he can sit in a nice cushy press box. He deserves to be there as a thanks for all of the coverage he brought the whole thing and for his sake he shouldn't play because his deficiencies will just become all the more obvious compared to the high calibre players that are there.
Critics of this campaign need to chill the heck out about the fans making the All-Star game seem like a joke when everybody already knows it's a joke. Mediots like to claim that being chosen an All-Star is a badge of honour but not even the players wear it like it is when they show up for the game.
There are some aspects of the game I enjoy though. I love the Superskills competition simply because it's alot less informal and it gives the players more of a chance to showcase their individual talents. I love the interactions between the players in the All-Star game itself because it's rare to see some of these players play together. It showcases old and new talent so while the concept is good, the execution is flawed. One thing is for sure, you won't be seeing unlimited online fan voting come next season.
But if you can, who do you think we should push next year?
Read More......
Let's Get Ready to (Somewhat Sorta Kinda) Rumble!
I'll admit it, I'm actually a huge fan of the All-Star Game.
I know that as a real hockey fan I should hate it - there's no hitting, no fighting, no goalie duels. To call it a hockey game is a gross exaggeration. And it's true, I rarely remember anything specific about the game once it's complete.
But still, there's something so entertaining about the whole thing to me. I love watching the players just relax and be themselves. They may bitch and moan about how they'd rather be resting with their families, but I dare you to find a sour face on the ice once the festivities get underway. I just love the spectacle of it all, mic'ed up players trash-talking, sticks being thrown in the way of goals, a skills competition pitting the best against the best...it's all fun.
I know the voting is a joke and the players most deserving of a trip to the game sometimes don't get in, at least not by virtue of a fan vote. Jaromir Jagr will be selected every year because he's Jaromir Jagr, regardless of whether he scores 5 goals or 50. Let's face it, though, does it really matter? It is after all just an exhibition game, an opportunity for the fans to see their favorite players skate with the greatest players in the game.
I find it strange when players turn down the opportunity to go or when they say they hope not to get voted in. I get that it's a long hard season and you have to take advantage of every break you can get. But this should be considered an honor, to get to do something just for the fans. And aren't these the same guys who fly halfway around the world to play in the Olympics for two weeks? National pride or not, it's a competition (for amateur athletes, might I add) that means nothing in regards to their actual career - in fact, it's even worse than the All-Star Game because in the Olympics they're playing 100% and are risking injury with every shift.
These guys get paid exorbitant amounts of money to play a game, and most of them are retired by age 40. What's the harm in taking a few days to put on a show for the fans, no matter how little it may reflect the game itself? It's all in good fun...
Admit it - anytime you've got Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Daniel Briere skating on the same line, it's worth tuning in for. :)
Steve Yzerman jersey retirement ceremony
Two nights ago, I was lucky enough to attend the ceremony in the lower bowl right behind the zamboni pit so I saw all the participants in the event (including Yzerman) walk directly underneath me. It was pretty sweet.
I wrote up a pretty long recap here and you can check out photos here. I thought of Finny when the Ducks were warming up before the game (I even got a puck that got flicked over the netting).
All-Star Game
To be honest, the all-star game used to be a big deal. I think allowing voting over the internet makes it really easy for someone to vote 5 million times so it kind of distorts the results in comparison to voting before you could do it online. Plus it's not like it's a real game with much physicality. I think it used to be a bigger honor back in the day, but maybe that's just me.
I did not vote Rory, I just voted for the players I thought deserved it the most. However, I did think the Vote for Rory campaign was pretty funny especially the attack ads (like the one against Nicklas Lidstrom).
New Year Resolutions
Dominik Hasek - To keep his groin healthy.
Dan Cleary- To continue this offensive streak.
Niklas Kronwall- To not get injured anymore so he's in prime condition for the playoffs.
Mike Babcock- To find a way to improve the power play.
The All-Star Game is a joke.
It's always been a joke, it will always be a joke.
I have cast maybe ten ballots, all of them containing my token write-ins for Marek Malik. I've never been a huge fan of the All-Star Game (or any All-Star Game, for that matter), because it's simply an exercise in whose fans are better at ballot-stuffing, nothing more--at best, it's a glorified C-league game. No checking, no physicality, nothing that makes hockey great.
What's the fun in that?
Whatever--I'll be working that weekend, but I'm not going to sweat it cos I know that as usual I won't be missing a damn thing.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Filling out the Questionaire
Where you're from, what you do - basic things.
I'm from the South Bay Area of California. Grew up in a horrid little town about 45 miles south of San Jose (which is where I live now). I teach elementary school, go to at least 15 Sharks games a year, love to read, knit, hike and watch too much TV. I also love to walk all over my favorite city, San Francisco. Ok, I'll stop before I start sounding like a personals ad.
2. Your team and why you like them.
Sharks! Well, the obvious reason is that they are the local team. But I really got into hockey after a friend and her ex boyfriend made me watch a game one Friday. I was confused. When something confuses me I become determined to not be confused and set about learning all I could. Then they took me to a game, where we sat in the front row. How could I not be hooked? The Sharks won that game and I still have the ticket. I also tend to root for the underdogs and the Sharks were definitely the underdogs when they beat the Blues in the playoffs that season.
3. Your least favourite team and why?
Eww, Dallas. Maybe 'cause it's Texas and I like to make fun of Texas. No, more like something about Mike Modano has always annoyed me. I just can't stand that guy. Oh, and Belfour was in net there when I started getting into hockey. Sharks fans hate Belfour on principal.
4. Your favourite player of all time & now?
Well, I don't know that I have a favorite of all time, since I have only been a fan for 7 years now. The closest to that would probably be Mike Ricci. And my favorite now? I really can't decide. Toskala, maybe, or Marleau.
5. If you had to punch one hockey player or member of the NHL organisation, who and why?
Mark Bell. He's not been worth whatever trouble the Sharks went through to get him. He's played poorly and then there's the DUI thing. My sister refers to him as DUI Boy, which cracks me up (yeah, ok, I know it is mean).
6 What you'll be looking forward to in this group blog.
Reading about the other teams and also comments from females who don't think I am nuts for being crazy about hockey. Actually, my sister and a couple of friends like hockey, too, but another friend teases. I suppose it is ok, though since I tease her about her love of anime.
7. What you don't like in general?
Cold. Most vegetables. Driving. Cleaning. Going to the post office. The Trapezoid Rule. Old Navy commercials. George W. People behind me at games that have very loud conversations (I have unmedicated ADD: I am incapable of tuning you out. Just dump that g/f or b/f and shut up so I can watch the game in peace)! People who sit next to me at games with really strong smelling food.
8. What role do female fans play in keeping the game alive?
Huh, I think this question might be too deep for me. At least after a full day of teaching 8 and 9 year olds.
Edited: I just read Margee's answer to this question. It speaks to me. I'm going to quote her 'cause I don't think I could say this better.
"Ladies bring faith. I've known too many guys jump off the bandwagon when their team starts losing (see: Isles ticket sales for the past few years). We invest in a player and are last to give up even when he's playing badly. Women have much longer memories. We can remember when a given player wasn't a goat or we hold out hope for the day when he isn't. Guys don't always do that."
9. What role do female fans play in picking heroes for the community?
See number 8.
10. Hockey just isn't the same without ice!
11. If you were on a deserted island, which player would you pick to stay with you?
Hmmm, that would have to be someone knowledgeable about the outdoors and how to find water and such. I really have no idea who would fit that.
12. Crosby, Ovechkin or Phaneuf (hey he tried!)?
Ovechkin. He seems more fun to watch. Also, Crosby was so hyped and I have this weird thing where I don't like stuff that is hyped a lot. That is why I still have not seen Titanic!
13. The player you'd like to take for a grand night out/a movie/a boring event
Grand night out: Uh, well, I don't really do these.
Movie: Mmm, can't decide.
Boring event: Toskala and Niemenen. They seem like they would get silly together and be very entertaining.
14. If you could make your own team, regardless of whatever players, what would it be called and where will it be/how would it be like?
Well, since my favorite team is already just one mile from my job I really don't feel like I am lacking in anything hockeywise. San Jose State also has a club level team that is fun to watch. So, ummm, I can't really think of any answer to this.
Except for some minor changes: every game would be televised, and there would be better food in the Tank.
I might like to put a team in Seattle, though. I like Seattle. They'd be in the Pacific and I could visit Seattle and watch the team play the Sharks.
Hey Now, You're an All-Star
I've watched the All-Star game faithfully for years, but I barely remember the game a half hour later. However I really love the skills competitions. Even before I met my husband - the first real hockey fan in my life - I knew Ray Bourque had a scarily accurate slapshot. I didn't really see enough of hockey back then to follow any particular team, but I was a sports nut and I enjoyed watching guys who were clearly amazing athletes show their stuff. As thrilled as I am about the possibility of Brian Campbell, Ryan Miller, and le petit Briere starting this year, I'm really the most excited to see Maxim Afinogenov in the fastest man race. For me, that's what the All-Star game really is.
The All-Star voting itself has always been more about name recognition than merit, I think. I'm sure it's awesome when you make your first All-Star team because it means people - fans, coaches, players - are taking note of what you're doing and saying you belong with the big boys. Brian Campbell has been interviewed a few times throughout the process about the All-Star game - once when it was first announced his name was on the ballot and a couple of times during the voting - and while he can joke all he wants about his surge in the voting coming around the time his mom was on holiday, it clearly means something to him. His eyes brighten and he sounds genuinely amazed and touched that anyone thinks him worthy of selection. He's so sweet, I have no doubt that when it's announced that he's a starter (I'm hoping) somewhere he'll be crying adorable little tears of joy. All that said, once you're in the club, I don't know, does it really mean that much? Are you as excited the fifth time as you were the first time? When you're still making teams even though your on-ice play isn't as good as it used to be, does the selection - and in turn the game itself - really mean anything? Maybe it does. Hockey players do seem to be of a different ilk. As much as I love baseball, baseball players have really started to get on my nerves with all their bitching and moaning about playing in an exhibition game and losing their three days off. God, suck it up. Next year I'll remember not to vote for your sorry moaning ass. But I digress...
When the "Vote for Rory" campaign first started, I hated it for a couple of reasons. First of all, for me Rory will always be the guy who failed to clear the puck that Henrik Tallinder, Teppo Numminen, Dmitri Kalinin, or Jay McKee would've cleared in the last game of the ECF last year. (I know, I know. It's possible none of those guys would've cleared it before Brind'Amour got to it. Let me have my whiny moment, people!) But mostly I don't buy the idea that the guys who started the campaign were trying to honor one of the unsung heroes of hockey. No offense, but Rory Fitzpatrick isn't one of those guys. Unsung perhaps. Heroic? Come on. If you're going to put your power behind someone, put it behind someone who really does make a difference for his team in unnoticed, unheralded ways. For example, vote for someone like Paul Gaustad who clearly makes a difference when he's on the ice but doesn't necessarily show up on the scoresheet very often. (Note: I'm not using Gaustad as an example because I think he should be an All-Star. I'm just using him because the Sabres are my frame of reference. I'm sure most teams have a Gaustad like player.) No matter how much meaning people have tried to put behind the "Vote for Rory" campaign, to me it just seems like a joke that got out of hand.
However, once the Wayne Gretzkys and Don Cherrys of the world started complaining about "Vote for Rory" and what a joke it was and how embarassing it was, I started to like it. (Contrarian at heart!) Come on, guys... It's an exhibiton game! Is Nicklas Lidstrom really going to be upset if he has to go to the All-Star game as a coach's selection instead of as a starter? He's already started in 42 of these things! When he hits the Hall of Fame ballot are we going to keep him out because he didn't make the All-Star team back in 2006-2007? It's an exhibtion game! It's never really been about who's having the best season or who's the most deserving. It's about who the fans want to see. If 50,000 people want to see Rory Fitzpatrick, for whatever cock-eyed reason, then let them see Rory Fitzpatrick! All the signs and videos people have created to go with the Rory campaign are great - funny, entertaining, clever. I especially love the anti-Lidstrom, Pronger, and Niedermayer videos. Are you seriously going to tell me that it's bad that people are talking about and noticing hockey? Lighten up and have some fun, guys! It won't hurt, I promise!
So while I originally refused to vote for Rory, I did cave and throw him a vote yesterday while casting my last couple (or 20) votes for Brian Campbell. Have I mentioned that I really, really want him to make the team?
ETA: I forgot... I have no doubt these new unis are going to be terrible. I just know when I see Buffalo's NEW, MODERN logo on one of those tight, tucked in jerseys next season, I'm gonna want to stab myself in the eyes.
EATA: What the bloody hell?! How can a team that's so good 5 on 5 be so bloody TERRIBLE with an advantage? How how how how how?!?!?!?!? Geez, if we're outplaying you just take a penalty and you'll be home free. We'll give you the damn puck. And if Henrik Tallinder is hurt badly, I'm ripping all my hair out because there goes our friggin' penalty kill too.
I Say, We're ALL All-Stars!
So I've borrowed Jordi's whip for a moment since she's busy recovering from the excitement that is Canada and I'm here to introduce you all to our new weekly topic.
With the All-Star Game looming, let's be honest with ourselves. What do you really think of the All-Star Game? Great for the fans or just a shameless corporate shill that really serves no purpose?
This All-Star Game might be quite unique with the whole "Vote for Rory" campaign. We will also bear witness to the new jersey designs the league has in store for us. Really, will they be as ugly as they seem?
Also, given that it's the new year, your creative challenge is to set some New Year's Resolutions for some of the fellas on your team. Feel free to move upstairs to your coach and GM as well.
You might also notice that the header looks a bit different. I had a tiny protest about the use of one of the people in the original header. Hopefully the new selection is neutral enough.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
I'm alive I'm alive!
Le Capitaine is back! I've experienced a lot of withdrawal symptoms whilst my trip to Sydney, successfuly alienating me from my friends but the best part of the trip was at least being able to watch some games. Unfortunately I was so desperate to look at scores and blog posts that I almost ran out of money on my mobile and I didn't particularly have much time to check into a net cafe.
Apart from that... I missed you! I'm sure you guys can't see but I hugged the computer screen quite lovingly. It loves me too. I never knew having no internet was so hellish, and sure you guys can not blog and watch games and whatnot. But I only got to see two random games and none of them were teams I cared (except for the SJ vs LA game. I still refuse to believe the result was what it was). And I'm particularly busy, in less than two days I'm leaving for Montreal. I pray to god that my uncle has a computer. That and I've been doing a lot of washing.
Nonetheless some simple questions as I've been out of the loop:
- Welcome Margee! Glad to see an Islanders fan! Which is great because I caught the Dallas/Islanders game where DiPietro got his shutout and at the end as the players congratulated him, he did this weird hip shake and jump against a certain player. I was so curious and somehow DiPietro went higher in my "kooky but possibly cool" books. Is this a regular occurrence?
- What the hell did Staios do to get a total of 50 PIM? What'd he do? Kill a kid? Or did I just miss something minor and it was always there?
- I know this is sad but you guys know more than me, all I've been doing is feeding kangaroos (and emus!). How's my team looking? Any line changes? ... What about my chunky monkey?
- About the meetup in Toronto, it seems that the 9th and 16th are Fridays, I'm very likely to be there for the weekend so we can juggle it to a day later or so. And I look very 19 by the way (though I must admit on certain occasions I've used an old drivers license belonging to my sister who is the spitting image of me). And I've used it to commit certain crimes. I have to be honest, I'm not proud of it but I got the job drunk- I mean done! (Seriously I didn't realise I wrote that).
For the East, it was pretty simple: I chose Crosby, Ovy and Koivu. Mainly because Crosby deserves that experience and Ovechkin will put up a great game - he's a joy to watch. They're guaranteed to be in it in my opinion but maybe that's me. I got Koivu in as well because... Well the Habs are a bit scarce here. I chose Souray anyway for the Defence because he's bringing sexy back, and Campbell only because I liked what I saw of him last time. For the goals, I chose Lehtonen because I liked that or Lundqvist. Lehtonen's had sweet games and Lundqvist is pretty. But Lehtonen won on account of being a Finn. Oh and having mad skillz.
The West was actually easier to pick, I went all-Oil for the forwards: Smytty, Sykora and Hemsky. It really made me think that if Sykora could make the list, what about so many millions of other players? But I guess I'm just naggy. Defence was Niedemayer and Phaneuf. Pretty self explanatory there, have you seen that kid hit!? Apart from that the goaltender was of course the loving Roloson. I know people hate him but he's going to be awesome for the All-Star. Especially if he goes all diva. Which makes me think, should we really be picking our favourite players or the strongest players? I mean we know they're good, we've seen them play. But shouldn't we be looking forward to a night of fun and possibly, laughs? Why not throw in some low scoring enforcers and have a fight every five minutes between the greats? Or some pretty puckhandlers flipping the puck to and fro until they screw up and look like a clown in front of everyone.
Damn it, the more I try to justify my picks, the more I regret that I already submitted them. I should've made an effort damn it.
And the extra picks were Toskala for the win and since my Habs players have as much chance as Phoenix winning the cup, I randomly chose a player as I was going for the "funny" angle. I got Tanabe. Hah.
That's it girls, another bunch of votes WASTED. Read More......
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
New weekly topic
As per Rebecca's suggestion, here we go:
Who do you think was left off the All-Star ballot that should be there and why?
Who are you going to vote for that is on the ballot?
All-Star Shakedown
It's All-Star time, ladies! Voting is supposed to open today, although I haven't seen it anywhere. Anyways...while I think the NHL did a good job this year of including some people that should be in but may usually be overlooked, there were, as always, deserving players who missed the cut.
Here are my picks for this year's oversights:
- Vyacheslav Kozlov – Believe me, no one hates the fact that three Atlanta players are leading the NHL in scoring more than I do. But how do you include two of them on the ballot and not the third? Kozlov not only has the same number of points (26) as Kovalchuk, but he also is +6, showing that he is a more complete and defensively responsible player. Incidentally, Hossa and Kovalchuk are +2 and 0 respectively...
- Michael Komisarek – He may only have 4 points, but I think we sometimes forget that defensemen are supposed to be, well...defensemen! That means they defend the goalie instead of rushing up ice for the glory. Komisarek is a young talent for Montreal and is +8 on the season. And if you need those shiny offensive numbers, he’s leading the league with 2 shorthanded goals – not bad for a kid.
- Vesa Toskala – I've said it before, but I'll repeat myself - Toskala was really robbed this year. He’s got great numbers and has continued his solid play in net from last season. How he was missed in favor of ‘Bulin is beyond me.
- Dainius Zubrus – Okay, I may be a little biased here, but come on – why is no one taking notice of what this guy is doing? I guess it’s because he has a linemate who’s kind of famous, but still...Zubie has been really amazing this season, netting 11 goals on only 36 shots, winning over 50% of his faceoffs and taking care of his defensive responsibility.
I'll put this up as a potential discussion topic - who do you think was left off the ballot that should be there and why? Feel free to spread those biased wings and pick every player on your team. It's never stopped me...
