Over the past month or so we have seen the start of hockey and football season. Sport fans around the world are ready to get their fix of smash mouth, hard hitting, and no wimps allowed athletic action. The same even goes for the athletes, who were diagnosed over the off season with a severe case of “the itch”. These testosterone filled athletes are ready to make an impression, to make plays that will be receipted with the roar of the crowd, and especially to treat their “itch” symptom with a good dose of an adrenaline rush.
With that said, players have been very physical in both respective sports and that has lead to some big time hits. Those big hits shouldn’t be frowned upon as both sports are physical sports. Such physicality is a part of both the sports’ cultures and part of what defines each respective sport. Furthermore, it is part of what has attracted their fan bases and what will continue to separate them from the competition (in sport and entertainment).
However, even though it’s a fine line, there’s a big difference between an aggressive hit and a dangerous one. More often than not an athlete could have been just as efficient with a legal hit. For example, if a defensive player’s intention was to prevent the opposition from receiving a pass then he or she could of made a shoulder to chest hit rather than make contact with an elbow to the head.
Now the argument to the above is that those are only the hits with malicious intent. The question that follows is; what about the hits that come about as a result of adrenaline and intensity? In such cases there might be a little more understanding; nevertheless, just like with breaking the law...negligence is not a justification. An acceptance for negligence will simply lead to more carelessness as athletes will be aware that there is a lack of accountability.
In the NHL there has already been several headshots that have been struck down with fines and suspensions. The majority of the punishments handed down were as a result of the new “blindside rule” that the league put in place over the off season. With that said, let’s review the current offenses that have made such a discussion a hot topic.
In the NHL...
Offender: Niklas Hjalmarsson – Chicago Blackhawks
Victim: Jason Pominville – Buffalo Sabres
Offense: Hit from behind into boards – Resulted in a concussion
Punishment: Five-minute major for board + game misconduct – Two game suspension
Offender: Patrick Kaleta – Buffalo Sabres
Victim: Travis Zajac – New Jersey Devils
Offense: Headbutt to the head
Punishment: Undisclosed
Offender: Nick Foligno – Ottawa Senators
Victim: Patrick Dwyer – Carolina Hurricanes
Offense: Check to the head
Punishment: $2500
Offender: Tom Gilbert – Edmonton Oilers
Victim: Matt Stajan – Calgary Flames
Offense: Clipping
Punishment: $2500
Offender: Shane Doan – Phoenix Coyotes
Victim: Dan Sexton – Anaheim Ducks
Offense: Blindside hit
Punishment: Three game suspension
In the NFL…
Offender: Brandon Meriweather – New England Patriots
Victim: Todd Heap – Baltimore Ravens
Offense: Helmet-on-helmet hit – Resulted in a concussion
Punishment: 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness - $50,000 fine
*Meriweather hit Heap with a similar helmet-to-helmet hit earlier on that did not draw a flag
Offender: James Harrison – Pittsburgh Steelers
Victim: Mohamed Massaquoi – Cleveland Browns
Offense: Helmet-to-helmet hit – Resulted in a concussion
Punishment: $75,000 fine
Offender: Dunta Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
Victim: DesSean Jackson – Seattle Seahawks
Offense: Helmet-to-helmet hit – Resulted in a double knockout and a self concussion
Punishment: $50,000
If you haven’t taken a quick look at each of the above videos, please do. A visual understanding of the offenses that have lead to such a discussion is necessary to form an appropriate opinion on the following argument. The argument at hand is: health vs. integrity of the game. Does one place value on the health of a human being? Or are the athletes self accountable for competing in their respective sport?
After all, these athletes are fully aware of the intensity of their sport and no less in the most competitive leagues across the globe. Also, it is these very athletes that are the biggest supporters of keeping the level of physicality that comes in their games. There has already been backlash from the NFL players as a result of the fines the league has laid down on the three players above. Ray Lewis (Ravens), James Harrison (Steelers), Joey Porter (Cardinals), Charles Tillman (Bears), Channing Crowder (Dolphins), Scott Fujita (Browns), and David Bruton (Broncos) all spoke out against the league’s stance. That’s a lot of voices speaking out.
Now take a second look and you will notice that all the above players are defensive players (linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks) whose jobs are to tackle down their opponents. Not only that, but it is an accepted and encouraged strategy to physically wear down your opponents and instill some fear in them. So to bruise a player and to scare them from another hit requires a high degree of velocity and impact. So do we go with the old adage of “let the game be played as it is meant to be” or does the game evolve overtime? Do we factor in equipment and determine that hits have a far less impact than before? Or do we factor in new fitness and nutritional technology that have made the players physical monsters?
There are a million arguments for each side and to be honest most of them are valid to some degree. Therefore, the arguments are not the hot topic; it’s the rulings and punishments that come about as a result. The current solutions that are of popular discussion are listed as follows. The first one is to be hard on the players with significant suspensions right off the bat. The second one is to be lenient with minor fines and suspensions. Both solutions are flawed as they are two extremes. Extremes have never been a good idea in any facet of society as they either lead to a dictatorship or a state where the inmates run the asylum.
The following solution is to focus on financial threats with big fines. Yes, no one likes to lose money especially five figured sums. However, such fines are short term setbacks for pro athletes. With six to seven figure contracts with multi-year guarantees, bonuses, endorsements and other forms of income these fines have no long term threat. In turn, it doesn’t create short term threat either. Just look at Chad Ochocinco who continued with his over the top touchdown celebrations despite continuous large fines. He was even quoted that he was paying off the fines with “straight cash”. Lastly, fines do not affect a player’s teammates unlike with a suspension. When players are suspended it can weaken a team. This will lead to upset teammates and sometimes to a locker room trial. In turn, the suspended player develops a level of guilt.
One more solution which is a clever and constructive one is to start punishing (and educating) athletes at the grassroots level. Every step of such an enforcement would be efficient as mature athletes would such rules a norm. As well, younger athletes would be more traumatized by such punishments as they are more emotional to discipline. Not to mention that children cannot be fined as they are not financially compensated. In the end, it’s a great idea other than one unavoidable flaw. It's the very starting argument about the intensity of the game, the “itch” of an athlete, and the competitive level of the pros.
That part of any sport cannot be taken away whether we like it or not. Athletes are passionate and competitive individuals, and that will never change. Now I’m not saying the grassroots solution should not be considered. I truly believe in it; however, there needs to be a control tactic to prevent the “itch” of an athlete from getting out of hand. That tactic is one that is currently being used in the NHL the league comes down hard on repeat offenders. If used right, it will work.
It is a fair method as any one human being can make a mistake. Any one human being can be in the wrong place at the wrong time. So negligence will not be the end of a first time offender but it will neither go unpunished. But if an athlete is head hunting a second or a third time then there is more of a case. In such cases, a player will either have to adjust their way of playing the game or they will have to meet severe consequences.
Below are ideal suspensions and rulings per offense within the NHL. Let’s take a look.
1st Offense: 1 to 5 games: 5 games = 6% of a season
2nd Offense: 15 to 20 games: 20 games = 24% of a season
3rd Offense: 50 games to a full season (including playoffs) + Review of Reinstatement
The above will work for the simple reason that the first punishment is lenient and reasonable. It does not affect a player or a team in the long term. However, the second and especially the third punishment will have a serious impact. These punishments meet the popular demands of the public and the media that are asking for higher suspensions. The one difference is that it doesn't fully apply to first time offenders.
Unlike fines, such suspensions will have long term effects and much like the grass roots enforcement it will leave an emotional hurt on the players. This is especially the case with the final ruling. The players will have to deal with the potential of a 50 game suspension or missing the remainder of the season (and possibly the playoffs). Let's not forget how much of a pay cut that comes with. Nevertheless, as bad as all that is, the players at hand will have to come face-to-face with the toughest of all punishments. A player will have to stand trial with their career on the line at which point they must plead and justify their case to a group of individuals who have previously warned them of their actions.
To conclude, there will never be a right or wrong solution and the debate may likely be never ending. However, the best logical approach is to focus on the malicious players. There is no excuse for being a repeat offender of a clear and strict rule. Of course, one cannot give a free pass to the negligent. A well balanced approach that may not fix the problem but minimize it while not taking away from the integrity of the respective sports.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
20 Manliest Things To Do in Sports
20. Striking out a batter
19. Scoring or making a save on a penalty shot
18. Serving an ace in tennis or volleyball
17. Hitting the bullseye in archery or darts
16. Scoring off a one-timer in hockey
15. Stealing a base in baseball
14. Score on a header in soccer
13. Getting a hole in one in golf
12. Dunking off an alley-oop in basketball
11. Blocking a shot in basketball
10. Scoring the winning basket at the buzzer
9. Sacking a quarterback
8. Hitting a home run
7. Making a block in football
6. Laying in a solid body check
5. Dunking over another player in basketball
4. Doing a back flip off a ramp in an extreme sport
3. Letting someone know you're their daddy in rugby
2. Getting in a hockey fight
1. Knocking someone the F out!
Bonus Knockout: Enjoy! :)
19. Scoring or making a save on a penalty shot
18. Serving an ace in tennis or volleyball
17. Hitting the bullseye in archery or darts
16. Scoring off a one-timer in hockey
15. Stealing a base in baseball
14. Score on a header in soccer
13. Getting a hole in one in golf
12. Dunking off an alley-oop in basketball
11. Blocking a shot in basketball
10. Scoring the winning basket at the buzzer
9. Sacking a quarterback
8. Hitting a home run
7. Making a block in football
6. Laying in a solid body check
5. Dunking over another player in basketball
4. Doing a back flip off a ramp in an extreme sport
3. Letting someone know you're their daddy in rugby
2. Getting in a hockey fight
1. Knocking someone the F out!
Bonus Knockout: Enjoy! :)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
NHL Playoff Predictions
One thing many of us enjoy in general is making predictions. This is especially the case when it comes to sports. With anywhere from two to four games played so far from all the respective teams, we have had the privileged of a sneak peak.
Now the challenge. Do we make our predictions based off of the previous season? The off-season moves or lack there of? The pre-season games? The recent regular season games? Star power? There are many factors to take into consideration but some of those factors could prove to be meaningless pending each teams' respective situation.
With that said let me state that, in my opinion, predictions have very little to do with your knowledge of the sport at hand and more to do with luck. Knowledge will help to some degree but in the end the beauty of sports is unpredictability. We have seen the best falter and the worse succeed. The fact that Pro-Line and other gambling organization make millions off of sport gamblers supports such a theory. Let me further mention that the majority of these gamblers are quite the knowledgeable sport enthusiasts.
Now onto the guidelines of the predictions. I have created a point system because everyone loves points, rankings and what not. You pick the 16 teams you think will make the Eastern and Western Conference playoffs. If you successfully predicted a team's exact playoff ranking, three point. If your prediction of a team's ranking was off by one spot, two points. However, this will not apply for a ninth place ranking. Finally, if a team on your list made the playoffs that did not meet the above two criteria then you receive one point. For example, you predicted the Florida Panthers to place first in the Eastern Conference and they placed fourth. That's one point.
Keep in mind that I am making my top three picks in each conference based on my predicted winners of each respective division.
NHL Playoff Predictions
Western Conference:
1 - Detroit Red Wings
2 - San Jose Sharks
3 - Vancouver Canucks
4 - Chicago Blackhawks
5 - Los Angeles Kings
6 - St. Louis Blues
7 - Dallas Stars
8 - Edmonton Oilers
Eastern Conference:
1 - Washington Capitals
2 - Philadelphia Flyers
3 - Boston Bruins
4 - Tampa Bay Lighting
5 - Pittsburgh Penguins
6 - Carolina Hurricanes
7 - Buffalo Sabres
8 - Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto pick is 50% to be ridiculous and 50% as a sleeper pick. I did originally say despite being a much, much better team than they were last year, I do not think they will make the playoffs. They will compete though (maybe that means they can land the 7/8 spot). They will likely be in that 7-11 seeding that competes for a playoff spot in the final week of the season. With that said, I would love for them to prove me wrong. It would be a great story and good for hockey in general. if they make such a surprising run.
Please post your predictions. It will be fun to look back on come playoffs!
Now the challenge. Do we make our predictions based off of the previous season? The off-season moves or lack there of? The pre-season games? The recent regular season games? Star power? There are many factors to take into consideration but some of those factors could prove to be meaningless pending each teams' respective situation.
With that said let me state that, in my opinion, predictions have very little to do with your knowledge of the sport at hand and more to do with luck. Knowledge will help to some degree but in the end the beauty of sports is unpredictability. We have seen the best falter and the worse succeed. The fact that Pro-Line and other gambling organization make millions off of sport gamblers supports such a theory. Let me further mention that the majority of these gamblers are quite the knowledgeable sport enthusiasts.
Now onto the guidelines of the predictions. I have created a point system because everyone loves points, rankings and what not. You pick the 16 teams you think will make the Eastern and Western Conference playoffs. If you successfully predicted a team's exact playoff ranking, three point. If your prediction of a team's ranking was off by one spot, two points. However, this will not apply for a ninth place ranking. Finally, if a team on your list made the playoffs that did not meet the above two criteria then you receive one point. For example, you predicted the Florida Panthers to place first in the Eastern Conference and they placed fourth. That's one point.
Keep in mind that I am making my top three picks in each conference based on my predicted winners of each respective division.
NHL Playoff Predictions
Western Conference:
1 - Detroit Red Wings
2 - San Jose Sharks
3 - Vancouver Canucks
4 - Chicago Blackhawks
5 - Los Angeles Kings
6 - St. Louis Blues
7 - Dallas Stars
8 - Edmonton Oilers
Eastern Conference:
1 - Washington Capitals
2 - Philadelphia Flyers
3 - Boston Bruins
4 - Tampa Bay Lighting
5 - Pittsburgh Penguins
6 - Carolina Hurricanes
7 - Buffalo Sabres
8 - Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto pick is 50% to be ridiculous and 50% as a sleeper pick. I did originally say despite being a much, much better team than they were last year, I do not think they will make the playoffs. They will compete though (maybe that means they can land the 7/8 spot). They will likely be in that 7-11 seeding that competes for a playoff spot in the final week of the season. With that said, I would love for them to prove me wrong. It would be a great story and good for hockey in general. if they make such a surprising run.
Please post your predictions. It will be fun to look back on come playoffs!
Monday, October 11, 2010
NHL Predictions: October 12-14
Tuesday, October 12:
Colorado @ Detroit - Detroit
Despite being an aging team they play fast and hard. Not only has the team shown strength on both ends of the ice, both goaltenders earned a win in their respective games. Look for Detroit to be one of if not the best team in the league.
Atlanta @ Los Angeles - Los Angeles
Both teams showed a strong outing and a weak one thus far. However, the Kings show more potential and are at home so expected them to take the win.
Wednesday, October 13:
New Jersey @ Buffalo - Buffalo
Despite my big rule against making bias picks, it's always been hard for me to go against Ryan Miller especially at home. Miller is the new Martin Brodeur to me. He may not be the most popular or flashy goalie but he is a goalie a team can depend on. He is a goalie that can single handily change the outcome of a game. I give Miller and the Sabres the edge.
NY Islanders @ Washington - Washington
The Capitals have depth. The Capitals do well when Ovechkin is hot. Ovechkin is often hot and just showed that in their second and third games of the season. Look for Ovie to keep the fire going.
Tampa Bay @ Montreal - Tampa Bay
The Lightning were a very talented team last year. Their stars are all in their prime and getting better. Not convinced that this team can break out big? Check this roster...Stamkos, Lecavalier, St. Louis, Gagne, Downie, Hedman, Kubina, Malone, and Ohlund for starters.
Toronto @ Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh
The Leafs are red hot and the Pens are ice cold. Nevertheless, the Pens are a much better team and both teams are going to start moving in the opposite direction sooner or later. This game should be a competitive and close one but give the Pens the edge.
Nashville @ Chicago - Chicago
Despite the changes on the roster, look for defending Cup champions to still be one of the teams to beat. They still have a lot of talent with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Seabrook, Keith, Sharp, Stalberg, and Turco. Turco is still a question mark but I only see that being an issue with other top teams which will be of a concern in the playoffs. For now, expect him to hold his own with the majority of the league.
Vancouver @ Anaheim - Vancouver
The Canucks lost their home opener two to one despite Luongo making 31 out of 32 saves. Luongo will repeat such a performance on many occasions and more often than not those will turn into wins. The Ducks have been one of the least productive teams when it comes to scoring goals thus far. So unless the Ducks start scoring, Luongo will lead his team to a win.
Thursday, October 14:
Carolina @ Ottawa - Carolina
Quite simply, these two teams are heading in opposite directions early in the season. The Canes dominated the Wild in back to back games with a solid performance from their youthful roster. The Senators have lost all three games thus far. Two of them were to division rivals with one of them being a five to one embarrassment to the poorly projected Leafs. Two of them were also losses by one point with one of them being in overtime. For any team, winning divisional games and one point games are beyond essential to landing a good seeding come playoffs.
Tampa Bay @ Philadelphia - Philadelphia
The Lightning look like an elite team this year but so do the Flyers. The Flyers are the current Stanley Cup finalists and will be playing at home. Still, this game is a 50-50 toss up. I am going with the Flyers on gut instincts.
St. Louis @ Nashville -St. Louis
The Blues upset the Flyers in their opener and are a team that comes to battle with playoff sensation Jaroslav Halak in net. For the Preds, other than their stalwarts, their team (especially in net) don't impress that much (not a Shania Twain pun for Timmins' Steve Sullivan).
Detroit @ Dallas - Detroit
Until they show some weaknesses, the Red Wings have my respect. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are two of the hardest working players in the league, period. My apologies to the Stars who started the season with two road game wins behind coach Marc Crawford. They look like a great team but the Red Wings look like THE team.
Edmonton @ Minnesota - Edmonton
Taylor Hall and the Oilers look damn good so far with one of their two wins coming in a four to zero blowout against their top rivals in the Calgary Flames. On the other end, the Wild are moving the opposite direction.
Florida @ Calgary - Calgary
The Flames bounced back from their loss to the Oilers; however, their best players still need to show up. Look for that to happen against the silly Panthers.
Colorado @ Detroit - Detroit
Despite being an aging team they play fast and hard. Not only has the team shown strength on both ends of the ice, both goaltenders earned a win in their respective games. Look for Detroit to be one of if not the best team in the league.
Atlanta @ Los Angeles - Los Angeles
Both teams showed a strong outing and a weak one thus far. However, the Kings show more potential and are at home so expected them to take the win.
Wednesday, October 13:
New Jersey @ Buffalo - Buffalo
Despite my big rule against making bias picks, it's always been hard for me to go against Ryan Miller especially at home. Miller is the new Martin Brodeur to me. He may not be the most popular or flashy goalie but he is a goalie a team can depend on. He is a goalie that can single handily change the outcome of a game. I give Miller and the Sabres the edge.
NY Islanders @ Washington - Washington
The Capitals have depth. The Capitals do well when Ovechkin is hot. Ovechkin is often hot and just showed that in their second and third games of the season. Look for Ovie to keep the fire going.
Tampa Bay @ Montreal - Tampa Bay
The Lightning were a very talented team last year. Their stars are all in their prime and getting better. Not convinced that this team can break out big? Check this roster...Stamkos, Lecavalier, St. Louis, Gagne, Downie, Hedman, Kubina, Malone, and Ohlund for starters.
Toronto @ Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh
The Leafs are red hot and the Pens are ice cold. Nevertheless, the Pens are a much better team and both teams are going to start moving in the opposite direction sooner or later. This game should be a competitive and close one but give the Pens the edge.
Nashville @ Chicago - Chicago
Despite the changes on the roster, look for defending Cup champions to still be one of the teams to beat. They still have a lot of talent with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Seabrook, Keith, Sharp, Stalberg, and Turco. Turco is still a question mark but I only see that being an issue with other top teams which will be of a concern in the playoffs. For now, expect him to hold his own with the majority of the league.
Vancouver @ Anaheim - Vancouver
The Canucks lost their home opener two to one despite Luongo making 31 out of 32 saves. Luongo will repeat such a performance on many occasions and more often than not those will turn into wins. The Ducks have been one of the least productive teams when it comes to scoring goals thus far. So unless the Ducks start scoring, Luongo will lead his team to a win.
Thursday, October 14:
Carolina @ Ottawa - Carolina
Quite simply, these two teams are heading in opposite directions early in the season. The Canes dominated the Wild in back to back games with a solid performance from their youthful roster. The Senators have lost all three games thus far. Two of them were to division rivals with one of them being a five to one embarrassment to the poorly projected Leafs. Two of them were also losses by one point with one of them being in overtime. For any team, winning divisional games and one point games are beyond essential to landing a good seeding come playoffs.
Tampa Bay @ Philadelphia - Philadelphia
The Lightning look like an elite team this year but so do the Flyers. The Flyers are the current Stanley Cup finalists and will be playing at home. Still, this game is a 50-50 toss up. I am going with the Flyers on gut instincts.
St. Louis @ Nashville -St. Louis
The Blues upset the Flyers in their opener and are a team that comes to battle with playoff sensation Jaroslav Halak in net. For the Preds, other than their stalwarts, their team (especially in net) don't impress that much (not a Shania Twain pun for Timmins' Steve Sullivan).
Detroit @ Dallas - Detroit
Until they show some weaknesses, the Red Wings have my respect. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are two of the hardest working players in the league, period. My apologies to the Stars who started the season with two road game wins behind coach Marc Crawford. They look like a great team but the Red Wings look like THE team.
Edmonton @ Minnesota - Edmonton
Taylor Hall and the Oilers look damn good so far with one of their two wins coming in a four to zero blowout against their top rivals in the Calgary Flames. On the other end, the Wild are moving the opposite direction.
Florida @ Calgary - Calgary
The Flames bounced back from their loss to the Oilers; however, their best players still need to show up. Look for that to happen against the silly Panthers.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Full Recap: Leafs vs. Habs
PRE-GAME:
It’s an exciting night in sports and specifically in hockey. Tonight is the opening night for the NHL with a couple great games highlight by three rivalries. First, there’s the battle of Pennsylvania between the Penguins, featuring Sidney Crosby, and the Flyers. There is also the battle of Alberta between the Oilers, featuring Taylor Hall, and the Flyers. Then last but not least, a classic rivalry between the only two Canadian teams from the original six, the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens.
This game has a lot of interesting matchups. Both teams will be lead by their new captains in the Maple Leafs’ Dion Phaneuf and the Canadiens’ Brian Gionta. Both teams will also start with their starting goalies that are under the radar. In Montreal, Price is expected to step it up from past struggles and for being chosen over playoff sensation Jaroslav Halak during the offseason. In Toronto, you have J.S. Giguere who was acquired in a trade involving former Leaf Vesa Toskala and over current backup Jonas Gustavsson. Continuing, you also have a battle of two elite veteran coaches in Jacques Martin and Ron Wilson.
This anticipated game also provides a lot of demands and expectations. With the Leafs, Kessel is expected to become the player they traded for, if not more. One of the Leafs’ first round pick in the trade with the Bruins ended up being top prospect Tyler Seguin who came with another first round and a second round pick. Then there’s the last man standing. You have the final Leaf remaining from the old regime in Tomas Kaberle who was recently stripped of assistant captaincy. This is a move that seems to indicate that he is on his way out sooner or later. Will Kaberle make a case to remain with the team? Along with Kessel and Kaberle there is Kris Versteeg who came by way of the current Stanley Cup champions in the Chicago Blackhawks.
With the Canadiens it simple comes down to two concerns. Carey Price’s performance under pressure and the injuries they have to deal with. The Leafs have it easy with John Mitchell and Jeff Finger out the lineup. The Habs are missing their top goal scorer from the previous season in Michael Cammalleri (serving a one-game suspension) and two of their best players on the blue line in Andrei Markov and Roman Hamrlik who our out with knee injuries. With that said, look at one of the game changers to be the Leafs power play which was ranked dead last in the 2009-2010 season. Can the Leafs take advantage of the Habs injuries woes?
In my opinion, this game means more to the Leafs. They are under more pressure to succeed with the Toronto media and fans all over them for the lacklustre season in the previous year. The goal was set by general manager Brian Burke...make the playoffs. If they don’t, Ron Wilson may very well be on his way out of Toronto. So look for the Leafs to be competing for a low playoff spot in the Eastern conference. Yes, maybe it’s a farfetched reality but if the players and management want to keep their jobs, they will have to go all out to achieve that. With that said, every game matters to this team. A win tonight can be the difference between making the playoffs and landing the 9th or 10th spot.
With that said onto the pre-game ceremonies. MLSE started the night with a lot of pre-game coverage and video packages. The pre-game was also hosted by the popular George Stroumboulopoulos who interviewed former Leafs goaltender Curtis Joseph and then introduced Canadian band Hedley for their performance. It was interesting to see a lot of young teenage girls outdoors for the Hedley performance lip synching. I’m pretty sure they weren’t there for the game.
Following the musical performance we made our way into the Air Canada Centre. We are welcomed by Ron McLean and Don Cherry who was dressed to the nines (if it was the 1800s) in a Christmas coloured suit. Mr. Cherry didn’t have anything interesting to say. There was a ton of loud “Go Leafs Go!” chants and creative ice visuals to create a tingling feeling going into the game. To wrap it up, a lot of former Leafs lead by Johnny F’n Bower were introduced and the fans sang the national anthem.
As for my quick predictions, I expect the Leafs to with a score of three to two as they have more on the line and are at home. They will likely play a little sloppy at times and let in a few goals though. As for each teams standout players I expect Phil Kessel to have a good performance for the Leafs. Yes, he is there best player and that’s nothing impressive to predict. However, he is expected to do one thing more than anything else since the trade backlash, score goals. After all, his shooting abilities are his best asset outshining his fast skating and stick handling abilities. As for the Canadiens, I will confidently go with P.K. Subban. For you hockey illiterate individuals, he’s the black guy. Subban may very well be the definition of the ideal hockey player a team wants. The young man plays with heart and proved so as a replacement in last year’s playoffs with a surprising breakout performance. Expect Subban to make a statement to make his way to the top of the blue line to compete with Markov and Hamrlik.
FIRST PERIOD:
The faceoff is under way and...and...I missed it. I have a bad habit of picking up my phone at anytime. Good start to the review! Apparently, Scott Gomez won the draw against Tim Brent. Moving on, both teams try to start hot by focusing on their speed. Both teams are known as physically oriented and thus we are provided with a fast paced start. Unfortunately, nothing to exciting for the first few minutes as both teams’ respective defensemen were reading the offensive efforts.
Some good action is finally under way as Montreal puts on the pressure in the Leafs zone. Fortunately for the Leafs Luke Schenn blocks a shot. Unfortunately for the Leafs, they have problems clearing the puck. Trouble continues for the Leafs as they get caught on a line change but the results were not to threatening to the Leafs. The Leafs eventually ice the puck to regroup themselves.
The game picks up as both teams begin to create some scoring chances. Thomas Plekanec had two scoring chances but couldn’t get a quality shot off. On the other end, Thomas Kaberle took the puck down the ice, recovered his own blocked pass and created a good play that ended with Kessel almost putting the puck in the net.
The Leafs are itching for that goal and soon after they get it. Habs’ Plekanec makes a poor clearing attempt which lead to Phaneuf quickly letting off a shot to get the puck on net. Tim Brent got himself a half screen and immediately got his stick on the puck getting a good deflection fooling Price. The Leafs score at the 6:42 mark. Not a fancy goal by any means but a “Hockey 101” play. Rule number one, get the puck on net. Rule number two, get in front of the net.
Right off the next faceoff the Leafs put on the pressure and just two minutes later Kessel has a breakaway. He makes a quick deke on the inside and tries to slip the puck bottom right. Price gets the left pad on it; however, didn’t get his footing down nicely due to the speed of Kessel and slid backwards into the net. Although he made the pad save, his left leg and the puck made their way into the net. Leafs up two to zero at the 8:57 mark.
This is what the Leafs needed in my opinion. I know a two to zero lead is not a brilliant analysis but the Leafs needed to get the first goal. In general, they do much better than other teams when getting the first goal but unfortunately they haven’t done that too often over the past few years. The second goal is a damn good bonus.
A few more decent scoring chances both ways and momentum starts to change. Dustin Boyd scores Montreal’s first goal in an unassisted effort by quiet down the Air Canada Center at 14:02. It wasn’t the fanciest of goals but a solid snapshot from 11 feet out. The Leafs should be very thankful for those early goals. They have to play hard even with a comfortable lead.
The rest of the first period can be summed up in shots from too far out, a few more blocked shots by the Leafs and two penalties from the Habs. The Leafs didn’t capitalize on either power play finding trouble in getting off a good shot, let alone a good one. First period ends two to one in favour of the Leafs.
SECOND PERIOD:
The second period was watchable hockey but nothing too exciting. I found myself watching more than writing down much. There were a few notables though starting with both teams contributing to Montreal gaining some momentum. The first period had the Leafs taking more shots at 12 to 7 while the second period had the Canadiens 10 to 5. The second period also had the Leafs commit three penalties in a row and all within ten minutes of each other. The final notable, there were no goals scored with just a few potential scoring opportunities.
The Leafs started the second period continuing their power play from the previous period. Bozak won the period’s first faceoff but the most that came out of the power play was blocked and missed shots. The second period provided a little bit of change in the style of hockey as both teams seem to really on a more aggressive style. Beauchemin and Armstrong get credited with hits for the Leafs while Plekanec and Boyd do some damage for the Habs.
Side note: Maybe it’s just me but I’m noticing a lot of blocked shots. It could be the rivalry or it could just be me being extra attentive as I’m covering the game.
Anyways, at the 4:20 mark Phaneuf draws a hooking penalty and the Habs only got one shot off courtesy of Gionta. A decent wrist shot from 19 feet out. A few more hits later and the Leafs get exposed yet again for their inexperience. The team is served another two minute penalty, this time for too many men on the ice. The penalty is served by Clarke MacArthur. This power play provided a little more excited with three blocked shots, two shots on net, and a Plekanec shot that hit the goal post from a 13 foot snapshot.
After the Habs’ power play was done, they continue with more pressure getting another shot or two on net. Soon after, the Leafs draw another penalty courtesy of Luke Schenn for slashing. The power play provided nothing more than way too many turnovers and no shots on net. The Leafs will gladly accept that. Following Montreal’s third power play, both team exchange many hits and a few shots. Neither team got off a shot closer than 18 feet. The second period ended much like the first with Montreal getting a penalty with less than two minutes left. Mathieu Darche was assessed a two minute penalty for a delay of game when he shot the puck over the boards. The Leafs only got one shot on net courtesy of Kessel that was well read by Carey Price and we’re off to the second intermission.
THIRD PERIOD:
The third period starts with Bozak winning the draw against Scott Gomez. Soon after that, Clarke MacArthur scores a goal starting in the slot. MacArthur made a nifty move undressing the defence and putting in a backhand down low on Price at the 1:36 mark. The play was well assisted Kulemin and Grabovski. The teams exchange more than a few shots in under a minute and the next thing you know the Habs score a quick follow up goal that can be credited to their offensive pressure.
The Leafs got sloppy and turned the puck over near the boards and it lead to a shot on net. Maxim Lapierre got in front of the net and hit everything in sight. He got physical with the defence surrounding him, hacked the puck, and kicked the puck and it lead to the puck making its way to the left side of the net where Jeff Halpern put in an open net opportunity just above the crease. This goal was scored at the 2:28 mark.
As the Habs make their march towards a comeback, young defenceman P.K. Subban carried the puck from one end to the other. Subban dumped it, checked a Leaf and fought for the puck. Once again, this guy has a lot of heart and hustle. Look for him to develop into an impact player for the Habs. Over the next couple minutes only a few shots made their way on net and were all from far out. The intensity of the game picks up as the Canadiens landed some good checks courtesy of Subban and Gill.
Regrettably, momentum stops as the Subban lands a tripping penalty for the Habs. The Leafs did not create any threats on the power play thus far and this one was no different as they failed to land a shot on net. The Leafs had a lot of positive to take away from this game but their power play failures should become a growing concern as they could not capitalize on the Habs weakened blue line due to injuries. They finished the night 0/5 on the power play with three shots. This power play was followed with the most checks I have seen thus far in this game. I would guess there were a solid six to eight over the last three minutes.
This leaves us with six minutes left in the game and Montreal looking for the equalizer. Montreal did no favours for themselves by giving the majority of the shots to the Leafs over the next two minutes highlighted by a tip in by Versteeg that went wide of the net. Montreal finds more trouble with a two minute penalty courtesy of Tom Pyatt with less than four minutes left. Thankfully for the Habs the Leafs continued to be useless on the power play allowing Montreal to get two opportunities to score while getting zero shots on net.
The final two minutes of hockey provided some of the more exciting moments. Following their penalty kill the Leafs had an opportunity to score from sniper Phil Kessel with took a solid wrist shot on net. The Habs got aggressive and Plekanec had his shot blocked with just under a minute left. The pressure continues. The Leafs played poorly in two areas. The first one as we know was on the power play, the second one which lead to a goal earlier was sloppy turnovers.
The final play of the game exposed that second weakness of the Maple Leafs with a turnover behind the net. Habs’ captain Brian Gionta recovers the puck and makes an aggressive wrap around attempt with seven seconds left on the clock. Giguere makes an incredible save with a stretched left pad. Gionta makes a second attempt from his knees but Giguere’s left pad is still in the way. The puck makes its way down the right side of the Leafs’ end zone and ends up in the hands of P.K. Subban who unleashes a 42 foot slap shot with one second left that Giguere read well.
Buzzer goes off. The Toronto Maple Lesfs defeat the Montreal Canadiens three to two.
3 Stars:
1st Star – J.S. Giguere – Toronto
2nd Star – Dustin Boyd – Montreal
3rd Star – Clarke MacArthur – Toronto
It’s an exciting night in sports and specifically in hockey. Tonight is the opening night for the NHL with a couple great games highlight by three rivalries. First, there’s the battle of Pennsylvania between the Penguins, featuring Sidney Crosby, and the Flyers. There is also the battle of Alberta between the Oilers, featuring Taylor Hall, and the Flyers. Then last but not least, a classic rivalry between the only two Canadian teams from the original six, the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens.
This game has a lot of interesting matchups. Both teams will be lead by their new captains in the Maple Leafs’ Dion Phaneuf and the Canadiens’ Brian Gionta. Both teams will also start with their starting goalies that are under the radar. In Montreal, Price is expected to step it up from past struggles and for being chosen over playoff sensation Jaroslav Halak during the offseason. In Toronto, you have J.S. Giguere who was acquired in a trade involving former Leaf Vesa Toskala and over current backup Jonas Gustavsson. Continuing, you also have a battle of two elite veteran coaches in Jacques Martin and Ron Wilson.
This anticipated game also provides a lot of demands and expectations. With the Leafs, Kessel is expected to become the player they traded for, if not more. One of the Leafs’ first round pick in the trade with the Bruins ended up being top prospect Tyler Seguin who came with another first round and a second round pick. Then there’s the last man standing. You have the final Leaf remaining from the old regime in Tomas Kaberle who was recently stripped of assistant captaincy. This is a move that seems to indicate that he is on his way out sooner or later. Will Kaberle make a case to remain with the team? Along with Kessel and Kaberle there is Kris Versteeg who came by way of the current Stanley Cup champions in the Chicago Blackhawks.
With the Canadiens it simple comes down to two concerns. Carey Price’s performance under pressure and the injuries they have to deal with. The Leafs have it easy with John Mitchell and Jeff Finger out the lineup. The Habs are missing their top goal scorer from the previous season in Michael Cammalleri (serving a one-game suspension) and two of their best players on the blue line in Andrei Markov and Roman Hamrlik who our out with knee injuries. With that said, look at one of the game changers to be the Leafs power play which was ranked dead last in the 2009-2010 season. Can the Leafs take advantage of the Habs injuries woes?
In my opinion, this game means more to the Leafs. They are under more pressure to succeed with the Toronto media and fans all over them for the lacklustre season in the previous year. The goal was set by general manager Brian Burke...make the playoffs. If they don’t, Ron Wilson may very well be on his way out of Toronto. So look for the Leafs to be competing for a low playoff spot in the Eastern conference. Yes, maybe it’s a farfetched reality but if the players and management want to keep their jobs, they will have to go all out to achieve that. With that said, every game matters to this team. A win tonight can be the difference between making the playoffs and landing the 9th or 10th spot.
With that said onto the pre-game ceremonies. MLSE started the night with a lot of pre-game coverage and video packages. The pre-game was also hosted by the popular George Stroumboulopoulos who interviewed former Leafs goaltender Curtis Joseph and then introduced Canadian band Hedley for their performance. It was interesting to see a lot of young teenage girls outdoors for the Hedley performance lip synching. I’m pretty sure they weren’t there for the game.
Following the musical performance we made our way into the Air Canada Centre. We are welcomed by Ron McLean and Don Cherry who was dressed to the nines (if it was the 1800s) in a Christmas coloured suit. Mr. Cherry didn’t have anything interesting to say. There was a ton of loud “Go Leafs Go!” chants and creative ice visuals to create a tingling feeling going into the game. To wrap it up, a lot of former Leafs lead by Johnny F’n Bower were introduced and the fans sang the national anthem.
As for my quick predictions, I expect the Leafs to with a score of three to two as they have more on the line and are at home. They will likely play a little sloppy at times and let in a few goals though. As for each teams standout players I expect Phil Kessel to have a good performance for the Leafs. Yes, he is there best player and that’s nothing impressive to predict. However, he is expected to do one thing more than anything else since the trade backlash, score goals. After all, his shooting abilities are his best asset outshining his fast skating and stick handling abilities. As for the Canadiens, I will confidently go with P.K. Subban. For you hockey illiterate individuals, he’s the black guy. Subban may very well be the definition of the ideal hockey player a team wants. The young man plays with heart and proved so as a replacement in last year’s playoffs with a surprising breakout performance. Expect Subban to make a statement to make his way to the top of the blue line to compete with Markov and Hamrlik.
FIRST PERIOD:
The faceoff is under way and...and...I missed it. I have a bad habit of picking up my phone at anytime. Good start to the review! Apparently, Scott Gomez won the draw against Tim Brent. Moving on, both teams try to start hot by focusing on their speed. Both teams are known as physically oriented and thus we are provided with a fast paced start. Unfortunately, nothing to exciting for the first few minutes as both teams’ respective defensemen were reading the offensive efforts.
Some good action is finally under way as Montreal puts on the pressure in the Leafs zone. Fortunately for the Leafs Luke Schenn blocks a shot. Unfortunately for the Leafs, they have problems clearing the puck. Trouble continues for the Leafs as they get caught on a line change but the results were not to threatening to the Leafs. The Leafs eventually ice the puck to regroup themselves.
The game picks up as both teams begin to create some scoring chances. Thomas Plekanec had two scoring chances but couldn’t get a quality shot off. On the other end, Thomas Kaberle took the puck down the ice, recovered his own blocked pass and created a good play that ended with Kessel almost putting the puck in the net.
The Leafs are itching for that goal and soon after they get it. Habs’ Plekanec makes a poor clearing attempt which lead to Phaneuf quickly letting off a shot to get the puck on net. Tim Brent got himself a half screen and immediately got his stick on the puck getting a good deflection fooling Price. The Leafs score at the 6:42 mark. Not a fancy goal by any means but a “Hockey 101” play. Rule number one, get the puck on net. Rule number two, get in front of the net.
Right off the next faceoff the Leafs put on the pressure and just two minutes later Kessel has a breakaway. He makes a quick deke on the inside and tries to slip the puck bottom right. Price gets the left pad on it; however, didn’t get his footing down nicely due to the speed of Kessel and slid backwards into the net. Although he made the pad save, his left leg and the puck made their way into the net. Leafs up two to zero at the 8:57 mark.
This is what the Leafs needed in my opinion. I know a two to zero lead is not a brilliant analysis but the Leafs needed to get the first goal. In general, they do much better than other teams when getting the first goal but unfortunately they haven’t done that too often over the past few years. The second goal is a damn good bonus.
A few more decent scoring chances both ways and momentum starts to change. Dustin Boyd scores Montreal’s first goal in an unassisted effort by quiet down the Air Canada Center at 14:02. It wasn’t the fanciest of goals but a solid snapshot from 11 feet out. The Leafs should be very thankful for those early goals. They have to play hard even with a comfortable lead.
The rest of the first period can be summed up in shots from too far out, a few more blocked shots by the Leafs and two penalties from the Habs. The Leafs didn’t capitalize on either power play finding trouble in getting off a good shot, let alone a good one. First period ends two to one in favour of the Leafs.
SECOND PERIOD:
The second period was watchable hockey but nothing too exciting. I found myself watching more than writing down much. There were a few notables though starting with both teams contributing to Montreal gaining some momentum. The first period had the Leafs taking more shots at 12 to 7 while the second period had the Canadiens 10 to 5. The second period also had the Leafs commit three penalties in a row and all within ten minutes of each other. The final notable, there were no goals scored with just a few potential scoring opportunities.
The Leafs started the second period continuing their power play from the previous period. Bozak won the period’s first faceoff but the most that came out of the power play was blocked and missed shots. The second period provided a little bit of change in the style of hockey as both teams seem to really on a more aggressive style. Beauchemin and Armstrong get credited with hits for the Leafs while Plekanec and Boyd do some damage for the Habs.
Side note: Maybe it’s just me but I’m noticing a lot of blocked shots. It could be the rivalry or it could just be me being extra attentive as I’m covering the game.
Anyways, at the 4:20 mark Phaneuf draws a hooking penalty and the Habs only got one shot off courtesy of Gionta. A decent wrist shot from 19 feet out. A few more hits later and the Leafs get exposed yet again for their inexperience. The team is served another two minute penalty, this time for too many men on the ice. The penalty is served by Clarke MacArthur. This power play provided a little more excited with three blocked shots, two shots on net, and a Plekanec shot that hit the goal post from a 13 foot snapshot.
After the Habs’ power play was done, they continue with more pressure getting another shot or two on net. Soon after, the Leafs draw another penalty courtesy of Luke Schenn for slashing. The power play provided nothing more than way too many turnovers and no shots on net. The Leafs will gladly accept that. Following Montreal’s third power play, both team exchange many hits and a few shots. Neither team got off a shot closer than 18 feet. The second period ended much like the first with Montreal getting a penalty with less than two minutes left. Mathieu Darche was assessed a two minute penalty for a delay of game when he shot the puck over the boards. The Leafs only got one shot on net courtesy of Kessel that was well read by Carey Price and we’re off to the second intermission.
THIRD PERIOD:
The third period starts with Bozak winning the draw against Scott Gomez. Soon after that, Clarke MacArthur scores a goal starting in the slot. MacArthur made a nifty move undressing the defence and putting in a backhand down low on Price at the 1:36 mark. The play was well assisted Kulemin and Grabovski. The teams exchange more than a few shots in under a minute and the next thing you know the Habs score a quick follow up goal that can be credited to their offensive pressure.
The Leafs got sloppy and turned the puck over near the boards and it lead to a shot on net. Maxim Lapierre got in front of the net and hit everything in sight. He got physical with the defence surrounding him, hacked the puck, and kicked the puck and it lead to the puck making its way to the left side of the net where Jeff Halpern put in an open net opportunity just above the crease. This goal was scored at the 2:28 mark.
As the Habs make their march towards a comeback, young defenceman P.K. Subban carried the puck from one end to the other. Subban dumped it, checked a Leaf and fought for the puck. Once again, this guy has a lot of heart and hustle. Look for him to develop into an impact player for the Habs. Over the next couple minutes only a few shots made their way on net and were all from far out. The intensity of the game picks up as the Canadiens landed some good checks courtesy of Subban and Gill.
Regrettably, momentum stops as the Subban lands a tripping penalty for the Habs. The Leafs did not create any threats on the power play thus far and this one was no different as they failed to land a shot on net. The Leafs had a lot of positive to take away from this game but their power play failures should become a growing concern as they could not capitalize on the Habs weakened blue line due to injuries. They finished the night 0/5 on the power play with three shots. This power play was followed with the most checks I have seen thus far in this game. I would guess there were a solid six to eight over the last three minutes.
This leaves us with six minutes left in the game and Montreal looking for the equalizer. Montreal did no favours for themselves by giving the majority of the shots to the Leafs over the next two minutes highlighted by a tip in by Versteeg that went wide of the net. Montreal finds more trouble with a two minute penalty courtesy of Tom Pyatt with less than four minutes left. Thankfully for the Habs the Leafs continued to be useless on the power play allowing Montreal to get two opportunities to score while getting zero shots on net.
The final two minutes of hockey provided some of the more exciting moments. Following their penalty kill the Leafs had an opportunity to score from sniper Phil Kessel with took a solid wrist shot on net. The Habs got aggressive and Plekanec had his shot blocked with just under a minute left. The pressure continues. The Leafs played poorly in two areas. The first one as we know was on the power play, the second one which lead to a goal earlier was sloppy turnovers.
The final play of the game exposed that second weakness of the Maple Leafs with a turnover behind the net. Habs’ captain Brian Gionta recovers the puck and makes an aggressive wrap around attempt with seven seconds left on the clock. Giguere makes an incredible save with a stretched left pad. Gionta makes a second attempt from his knees but Giguere’s left pad is still in the way. The puck makes its way down the right side of the Leafs’ end zone and ends up in the hands of P.K. Subban who unleashes a 42 foot slap shot with one second left that Giguere read well.
Buzzer goes off. The Toronto Maple Lesfs defeat the Montreal Canadiens three to two.
3 Stars:
1st Star – J.S. Giguere – Toronto
2nd Star – Dustin Boyd – Montreal
3rd Star – Clarke MacArthur – Toronto
Friday, October 8, 2010
Blogger Being Lame and Not Accepting My Post
I had my recap of the Leafs/Habs game all ready but for the life of me I can't figure out why this site is rejecting the article. I switched the lengths, the fonts and played around with other stuff yet it will not let me load it up. Unfortunately, we're going to have to hold off until later on in the day when I figure this all out.
Thanks,
Seb
Thanks,
Seb
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Roy Halladay vs. Joey Votto
Today, I was listening to the Fan 590 (a sport radio station) on my way to work. I was listening to an interesting argument involving Toronto sport fans cheering the Philadelphia Philies over the Cincinnati Reds. The host made the argument that Toronto, and to a larger part, Canadian baseball fans should be cheering for the Reds as their first baseman Joey Votto is a Canadian born and raised (out of Toronto no less). The simple argument, you should be cheering a Canadian over a player who use to play for a Canandian team.
Now, I'm not going to tell you which choice is right. I'm not even going to tell you which choice I made. What I am going to tell you is WHY the majority of Canadian baseball fans will cheer for Roy Halladay and WHY it's justified.
To the average Canadian sport or baseball fan, Joey Votto is not a household name. I even made the effort to ask several of my friends who fall under such a category if they knew who Votto was and their answers were the same all around. They didn't know him. Now, ask the average sport or baseball fan if they know who Roy Halladay is and they will say yes while giving you that look like you are an idiot.
Let us take it one step further and you'll see why the majority of Canadian sport fans will cheer for Halladay. The majority of these fans have a connection to Roy Halladay and more importantly, many had or have an "emotional connection". They cheered for him. They supported him. They believed in him. There was a commitment. A commitment that started in 1995! I repeat, 1995!
Not only did Mr. Halladay spend 14 years with the city of Toronto, he spent the majority of those years as their best player and the face of the organization. This man was a big part of the team and the city. Wait, let's take it further yet again. With only one team representing Canada in Major League Baseball, Halladay was in the heart and soul of an entire country of baseball fans.
So the comparison? The majority of these fans likely were emotionally attached to Roy Halladay for ten plus years. Joey Votto hardly spent a second in the thoughts of many of these fans. At best, he's an acknowledged good ole Canadian boy who is occassionally brought up by the more knowledgable Canadian baseball fans.
Another comparision, the cities of Washington and Pittsburgh likely have a stronger connection with Russian Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby (both foreigners) than American born players on their teams or a Canadian team. Those superstars (and Halladay is a superstar) are THEIR guys. These fine gentleman carry their respective teams and cities on their back. Halladay is no different. He did the same for the Blue Jays and the city of Toronto.
Let's throw in another key argument to wrap this up. Roy Halladay left Toronto on good terms. He thanked the fans and the team while the team and the fans thanked him. This isn't a Lebron James scenerio where his former fans wish him nothing but the worse. The Blue Jay fans want to see Halladay suceed. Essentially, they want to see one of their own suceed.
If Halladay suceeds in the MLB playoffs, the Toronto fans see a (former) Blue Jay suceeding. One of their own. Joey Votto, again, a good Canadian boy but not one of their own. Not someone they have developed an emotional attachment to.
That's it right there. So when Roy Halladay steps up to the mound in these playoffs, for some, it's go Jays go!
Now, I'm not going to tell you which choice is right. I'm not even going to tell you which choice I made. What I am going to tell you is WHY the majority of Canadian baseball fans will cheer for Roy Halladay and WHY it's justified.
To the average Canadian sport or baseball fan, Joey Votto is not a household name. I even made the effort to ask several of my friends who fall under such a category if they knew who Votto was and their answers were the same all around. They didn't know him. Now, ask the average sport or baseball fan if they know who Roy Halladay is and they will say yes while giving you that look like you are an idiot.
Let us take it one step further and you'll see why the majority of Canadian sport fans will cheer for Halladay. The majority of these fans have a connection to Roy Halladay and more importantly, many had or have an "emotional connection". They cheered for him. They supported him. They believed in him. There was a commitment. A commitment that started in 1995! I repeat, 1995!
Not only did Mr. Halladay spend 14 years with the city of Toronto, he spent the majority of those years as their best player and the face of the organization. This man was a big part of the team and the city. Wait, let's take it further yet again. With only one team representing Canada in Major League Baseball, Halladay was in the heart and soul of an entire country of baseball fans.
So the comparison? The majority of these fans likely were emotionally attached to Roy Halladay for ten plus years. Joey Votto hardly spent a second in the thoughts of many of these fans. At best, he's an acknowledged good ole Canadian boy who is occassionally brought up by the more knowledgable Canadian baseball fans.
Another comparision, the cities of Washington and Pittsburgh likely have a stronger connection with Russian Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby (both foreigners) than American born players on their teams or a Canadian team. Those superstars (and Halladay is a superstar) are THEIR guys. These fine gentleman carry their respective teams and cities on their back. Halladay is no different. He did the same for the Blue Jays and the city of Toronto.
Let's throw in another key argument to wrap this up. Roy Halladay left Toronto on good terms. He thanked the fans and the team while the team and the fans thanked him. This isn't a Lebron James scenerio where his former fans wish him nothing but the worse. The Blue Jay fans want to see Halladay suceed. Essentially, they want to see one of their own suceed.
If Halladay suceeds in the MLB playoffs, the Toronto fans see a (former) Blue Jay suceeding. One of their own. Joey Votto, again, a good Canadian boy but not one of their own. Not someone they have developed an emotional attachment to.
That's it right there. So when Roy Halladay steps up to the mound in these playoffs, for some, it's go Jays go!
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