Top of the am folks, last day in the office this am for a week as I am headed over seas Sunday night for a week. (if someone can help out with the radio posts please email, LT isn’t always available).

I was able to catch the bulk of the morning show on the Fan 590 this am. What a difference when Elliotte Friedman sits in for Dan Landry! No, really, forget listentable, forget entertaining, the show was GOOD. If I’m the new guy at the fan I would try to get Elliotte back on the fan as much as possible. I know he is at CBC, but in other cities guys hold 2 jobs and he’s better than many of the guys who do it in those places. He makes Stellick so much better too. I don’t care if Friedman had his cell phone off or not- he’s good to listen too.

The real highlight of the am was their interview with Brian Burke. Burke was ON this am. He answered questions directly, had a little fun with the Devils getting Kovalchuk just in time for tonight’s game (“really nice of Lou to pay back his old pupil”).

Interviews like that, and the entire morning show this am are the reason I am a sucker for sports radio. By the way, for those quick to bash Mike Komisarek, give the interview a listen. The guy dolled out more than 75k of his own money to buy tickets for kids with cancer to attend Leaf games. Quite amazing to hear Bruke tell it. Like a proud papa!

Here’s Burke with the revised morning show:

Listen to the Chat here

Leadership is crucial to success in any team sport.

Take a look at past championship squads and you’ll likely find “heart and soul of the team” players on each one. Kobe Bryant, for all his supposed flaws, brings intensity and passion to the Lakers every night, while Derek Fisher is undoubtedly a huge locker room presence for the defending champions.

In 2007-08, Kevin Garnett completely changed the culture of the Boston Celtics, heightening the level of intensity and getting his teammates to play suffocating defense on a nightly basis.

One doesn’t need to be the best player on a team to be the leader – It can (and should) be argued that Paul Pierce was actually Boston’s best player – But every great team needs somebody, or a collection of guys, to step up and keep the others in check.

When Vince Carter played here, Charles Oakley was the guy who held him accountable. This was the CBC story during the 2001 playoffs:

“Vince Carter has to stand up and be counted on, teammate Charles Oakley said Tuesday, pointing the finger at the Toronto Raptors star for deflecting criticism over his lacklustre playoff performance.

“You can’t shy away from it now,” Oakley told reporters Tuesday following the Raptors’ practice.

“This is the time you have to step up and be a man about it. When they made the Dream Team, he went, all 12 of us didn’t go.”

Ahh, gotta love Oak. And the fact is, it worked, if only for a short time.

So, who will take control of the locker room this season?

It has been assumed for the past few years that Chris Bosh is the leader of the Toronto Raptors. He’s the best player on a team that has been mostly devoid of veteran talent. Fans certainly expect a lot from Bosh, both at the end of games, and off the court. He’s been slowly growing into the role, though it’s a lot to ask from a 25-year-old, who is also asked to shoulder the bulk of scoring and rebounding. It’s also semi-unrealistic to give your power forward the ball with the game on the line – Garnett had the same problems before life with Pierce.

But now, as Arsenalist of Raptors Republic writes, things might be changing:

“The question of leadership often comes up and this year’s team appears to be very mature as Ryan pointed out in the interview. Jarrett Jack, Reggie Evans, Antoine Wright, Jose Calderon and Rasho Nesterovic are no-nonsense players that can keep this group in check when things start going south. We don’t have to look towards Bosh to be the leader anymore; if one of the above players can take charge of this team, maybe it’ll lift the pressure off of Bosh and he can perform in his contract year.”

I think he’s right, but with that said, it’s time to ask…Who will step up as the leader (or leaders) of this year’s team?

Who should step up?

And, if he’s really worth a max contract, should that guy be Chris Bosh? Or does Bosh need someone, like Oakley, to light a fire under him?

Comments?

-DL

Here is what I am told is the latest on who’s who on nhl hockey here in Canada:

1. Al Strachan is allegedly negotiating for a return to hockey night in canada and the satellite hockey hot stove (yes I just threw up in my mouth)
2. Glen Healy is apparently talking to TSN about a return to the network as an analyst.
3. Ray Ferraro is supposedly talking to the CBC about replacing Marc Crawford as an analyst on the west coast games
4. Mike Milbury hasn’t apparently decided on if he will or won’t be back with HNIC.

More as I get it.

TSM

Here’s your bikini of the day from bikinibeat.org:

On Fan 590 Tonight- thanks to Mike S.

- McCown is on vacation again this week, Rob Faulds is guest host

- Open phones with Faulds and an interview with Dave Naylor in the first hour

- Co-host at 5:05 is Jim Kelley

- Tripp Mickle of Sports Business Journal

- Byron Macdonald of CBC on swimming and the ultra-fast swimsuits that are being used these days

- A discussion on baseball and the Roy Halladay situation

- Noel Biderman, CEO of ashleymadison.com

- Jack Armstrong on basketball

On 640 with Brady and Watters:

Hosts: Duff & Watters

440 – Nathan Green – won canadian open

510 – Mike Liut – on wellwood arbitration hearing today

610 – Wayne Primeau – replayed from Leaf Lunch

640 – Buster Olney – ESPN MLB writer – on Rose/Halladay

It’s an interesting time in the Toronto sports scene. The 2 B’s are amidst overhauling Bryan’s Raptors and Brian’s Leafs. The Argo season is just underway and JP’s team may be on the verge of trading the best pitcher perhaps in franchise history (forget Clemens). Compared to the news ravenous hockey season that everyone complains drags on too long, we have reached a lull in the calendar. As a result many of those that we rely on for news and opinion all seem to take the better part of the summer off. Must be nice. Now, I am not saying that anyone taking the time off isn’t deserving. Every working stiff who puts in their time is entitled to a break. Actually, entitled is the wrong word, time away is essential to recharge the batteries and to get re-engages in that which we do on a daily basis. Additionally, I am not saying everyone is off, as clearly the news is getting reported. There are good people writing, blogging and tweeting every day. It is just surprising how many of the industry folks are off at the same time. It’s evident in print, on television, and on the airwaves where many (not all) but many of those we are used to seeing are absent.

To those who have decided (or had it decided for them) to keep us informed during the dog says of summer, THANK YOU.

It is, however another example of just how one dimensional this market has become. The majority of the folks who take extended vacations this time of year are hockey-centric. The free agent frenzy is pretty much over, with the majority of the rush over and news expected to dribble in over the next 6-8 weeks. Clearly, we just aren’t that interested in the Blue Jays as McCown and Watters(to a lesser extent) lead the pack on the long time away list. Watters is clearly a hockey guy who tries to fancy himself as a sports guru. McCown is not supposed to be a hockey guy. He is the sports business guru, who focuses equally among all sports, major and otherwise. So, is it we don’t pay attention as much or they don’t care as much? It seems to me that their is a huge opportunity for some younger, fresher faces to shine. Steve Simmons column was missing from today’s Sun for the second straight week. Why wouldn’t a young cub in the Sun fill in? Don’t have to knock it off entirely but….you get the idea. Over at the Globe where I have sung the Jeff Blair for most improved writer song for a long time, Burnt is off for the summer, gone from the airwaves at the fan and for the most part from the paper too. The absence, to me anyways has had a profound effect. When Brunt wrote last week about Halladay, I couldn’t have cared less about what he had to say. Out of sight, out of relevance. (remember, I am not begrudging Brunt for heading east for a couple of months at all!)

In these quieter times for those we follow on a daily basis there is an opportunity to make an impression for those who may have played second fiddle to more common names in the market. Here’s hoping that those in charge with content on a daily basis allow some, younger, newer faces the opportunity to capture our imagination during this sometimes slow period.

Enjoy your Sunday.

TSM

So, it was one year ago today that I got off my ass and decided to start putting finger to keyboard and launch Torontosportsmedia.com. Who would have guessed that one year later, my little site would be home to 30,000 set of unique eyeballs a month and over a 100,000 pageviews. I must say I am humbled.

TSM started in part out of frustration and in part out of the love of the game. Frustration with how our teams and games are covered and I think the love the of the game thing is obvious. I was fortunate enough to spend some time in the business when I wore a younger man’s clothes and I realized that I missed it and wanted a way to stay involved. This site has allowed me to do just that. I don’t fancy myself an insider or one who knows much of anything more than the average fan. I just like taking the time to talk to people, to listen and then to express myself on my Apple Macintosh laptop (when it’s not dead).

I have to say I owe a lot to several folks for getting the site to where it is. There are, of course the oopmah loompas behind the scene who have helped a non-techy look sharp and sophisticated (the good folks at hooplah, onroad, Alan, Slava and anyone else I am forgetting). I have had the helping hand of my good man LT from day one. He is a super fan, a great fill in and loves the teams and games as much as I do. The many many sites that link to TSM on a daily basis are just awesome. I am in awe of the spectacular work that you folks to each and every day. Whether or not blogging is accepted in the mainstream sports media, there are some amazing, truly amazing writers out there and I tip my hats to each of you.

To those of you who have emailed me, reached to me, offering advice, information and news and just plain support I hope that the site is what you have hoped. I enjoy “speaking” to you about the business and look forward to doing so in the future. Thanks to those who have also taken the time to do a podcast, there should be more time to do more this year as I have help in doing so and learned the tricks of the trade.

To the many folks who have been kind enough to write for the site, I thank you on behalf of all the readers as well, Anthony, Victor, RotoRob Dan and Lilly.

Most of all, I thank those of you who come back each and every day to read what I have to say. I especially appreciate all those who comment, post and take part in the conversation. I know many don’t agree with me or my views or those of other readers, but you have validated my hunch, that there is an appettie for this type of information on a daily basis. To my man Mike S for helping with the radio lineups, to Eggbert, Daniel, Julian, Wendel, PPP, The Meatriarchy, Mike, EYE, Al from Burlignton, and of course Nealio, keep it coming fellas….If I forgot someone shame on me.

Here’s to another good year of sports in the Toronto and cheers to those who cover it.

Make sure you check out Dan’s NBA draft coverage tonight, we will be back tomorrow afternoon with NHL draft coverage.

This little tidbit just popped up on the Globe site:

“Maybe Brian Burke has a trading partner before the NHL entry draft, after all. Atlanta Thrashers general manager Don Waddell admitted Wednesday he is listening to tenders for the fourth overall selection at the draft Friday evening, and he revealed he has swapped trade ideas with his Toronto Maple Leafs counterpart. “We’re certainly going to look at the trade market, but we’ve had no serious offers,” said Waddell, who was asked if he has been contacted by Burke. “We have talked to everyone. He has a better chance of getting to No.1 if he already has the [No.]4.”

Earlier tonight Darren Dreger announced that he has learned that Burke is actively shopping the #7 overall pick in attempt to secure a current roster player who can help now, and no that roster player is not, according to double D, Vincent Lecavailier. Dreger is saying that the Isles are going to stay away from John Tavares and draft Victor Hedman. This to me should be good news for Burke. If he really wants to get Tavares, he has a better shot trading to 2 then he does to 1. I can’t imagine too many current roster guys he can get in exchange for the 7th pick that I would really want (and that are realistic returns).

rumour on the globe is here

I love this quote from Bettman on the Tampa situation:

“I think sometimes they get a little overblown. When you have partnerships, people don’t always see eye to eye on everything, it’s like a marriage, like friendships, like all relationships,” he told a news conference in Montreal after a meeting of the league’s board of governors. “Sometimes these issues come to more of a head because people in other businesses are under more pressure. I don’t think any of them warrant the amount of attention that they’re getting, but they’re there and they’re all being dealt with.”

Ummmm, given your history with honesty on these matters mr. commissioner, I am finding this response to be anything but credible or the least bit believable.

Bettman is here

Andy Strickland has a pretty good rumour on his ESPN blog:

“Word is Phoenix turned down an offer from Toronto that would have sent Ed Jovanovski and the 6th overall pick to the Leafs for Kaberle. I hear Phoenix didn’t want to give up the pick.”

Let’s hope they change their mind, eh EYE??

The next couple of days should be amazing folks, lots of speculation and tons to talk about…Keep tuned to all the outlets and of course to TSM for the updates…

Thanks again to all, this has been really, really fun.

TSM

So here is my early take on the Balsillie Coyotes “thing”…. Balsillie blew it, yet again. I fail to understand why he went down the road that he did. As I have said before, he should have let the team go into bankruptcy, then make an UNCONDITIONAL offer to buy them and force the league to either reject him as an owner or try to impose restrictions/qualifications on his offer. The only thing he would have lost in that scenario is the ability to walk about scott free from the lease.

The judge in this case in essence punted. If you read his decision he says, 1. The NHL can’t simply reject Balsillie as an owner. 2. There is no antitrust issue in this case yet; the league hasn’t ruled on relocation yet, therefore the relocation/antitrust issue isn’t a dispute yet- in legalease- the judge is saying that the issue isn’t ripe yet. 3. There isn’t enough time to settle all the issues that would need to be settled before Balsillie’s self imposed June 29th deadline.

Now, what does that mean? Balsillie should go back in to court, and offer up his money UNCONDITIONALLY. He would then force the league to reject him as an owner (which the court has already said they can’t do) OR try to impose the Pittsburgh restrictions on him. When the league tried to impose those restrictions on him, and one would be that he can’t move the team, then the issue of relocation/anti-trust would be a dispute and the Judge would rule on them. Lastly, this whole shotgun approach, trying to shove things down people throats, rarely ever works. What did Balsillie really care if this happened in September or November for that matter? It’s only cash, and by his own admission, he has more of that than he knows what to do with – or was it that he can’t spend it fast enough???

For those following along at home to the judge’s ruling which can be found here here are some points to review:

The good stuff doesn’t start until page 7.

On Page 9, at the end of the first paragraph, the jude says that the NHL can’t simply reject Balsillie as an owner absent material changes to him since his approval in 2006.

You can skip all the legalease through to page 13.

“The fundamental problem with Balsillie’s assertions is that the NHL has never made any decision about the relocation of the Phoenix Coyotes to any site, be it Ontario, Canada or anywhere else,”

The Judge in essence punts on the whole Oakland Raider case that you heard so much about and instead takes the view that because the NHL hasn’t ruled on the issue of relocation yet, there is no dispute on that issue! Classic. The judge sites a case called Vortex for establishing the test as to whether there is an actual “dispute” necessary deciding. The judge relies on the Vortex case to say that the mere existence of potential litigation is NOT enough to make a dispute. In other words, there has to be an actual disagreement on the books in order for their to be an anti-trust case. You can’t ask a judge to settle something that hasn’t actually happened yet. It would be like asking a judge to answer who was at fault in accident that hasn’t yet occurred. The judge says, at the bottom of page 14 that the fundamental problem for Balsillie here is that there is no dispute on the relocation issue because…..drum roll please…..the league hasn’t said to anyone you can’t move this team! The issue isn’t ripe yet, therefore the judge won’t rule on it.

So what does the judge do? He says that you brought this action at the worst time for the league, the playoffs and finals and then you try to insist that the case be decided quickly by the end of the month. We can’t possible handle all these issues by then so therefore because we can’t easily say that Balsillie is right, we will rule in favour of the NHL. That last part can be found on the bottom of page 15 and the top of page 16.

There is no need to read the rest of the ruling.

So what happens now? Well, the team still sits in bankruptcy. The trustee does have an obligation to the creditors to get this asset sold as quickly as possible and for the highest amount possible. Also, Balsillie does have the ability to appeal the judge’s ruling. HOWEVER, the appeal has to be on the judge’s application of the law. You can’t appeal it simply because you don’t like the ruling. Balsillie’s lawyers will have to point to certain decisions and cases that the judge has based his decision on and argue that the Judge got it wrong.

Jim Balsillie issued the following statement after the news came from the court:

“Jim Balsillie’s bid to bring a seventh NHL team to Canada continues. We’re still here. The Phoenix court confirmed Mr. Balsillie was approved as an NHL owner in 2006 and remains so. We believe he has made the best offer and Hamilton remains the best location for this team. The court did not approve either our approach or the NHL’s. Judge Baum did state he does not have time to decide all the relocation issues. But the court still controls the sale process. As a result, we look forward to hearing from the NHL soon on its view of our relocation application and an appropriate relocation fee, so as to allow the court to determine if that fee is reasonable. We still think there is enough time for the NHL to approve Mr. Balsillie’s application and move the team to Hamilton by September. The court invited mediation on these issues and Mr. Balsillie is willing to participate in such mediation if the NHL is also willing to do so.”

The NHL: through Bill Daly issued the following statement after the news came from the court:

“We’re pleased the Court recognized the validity of League rules and our ability to apply them in a reasonable fashion. We will turn our attention now toward helping to facilitate an orderly sales process that will produce a local buyer who is committed to making the Coyotes’ franchise viable and successful in the Phoenix/Glendale area. We are confident that we will be able to find such a buyer for the Coyotes and that the claims of legitimate creditors will be addressed.”

Does this guarantee that the Coyotes will play in Phoenix next year? No. It is possible that the Coyotes could be folded. We will now see who really has interest in buying this team. We will also see how willing the other owners are to keeping the team afloat in this current economic condition. On the sidelines during all of this, of course the players and the fans.

Kudos to the folks in the newspaper industry in this town. Two enthusiastic thumbs down to the radio and tv folks in the sports industry. The coverage as this news broke was pitiful. How brutal that the CBC, which was in the middle of it’s newscast didn’t break in with the news! Anyone want evidence that the news is pre-recorded????? I present exhibit A. On 640 Toronto, a Toronto School Trustee was talking calls on the subject!!! On the Fan, Erik Thomas mentioned and went back to raceline radio! On the tv side – nadda until sportscenter time. This didn’t happen at 4am folks! I got the TSN alert on my mobile phone at 8:37pm. Shameful stuff in my opinion.

TSM

What a treat tonight’s game was. It was over at 10:38, 2 hours and 38 minutes after it started. Why can’t all games be like that????? On to game 7. Anyone want to rent my in-laws house in Michigan?

Score another one to twitter to today as it was the best way to follow the happenings in the Arizona court room. Mainstream traditional media provided great summaries (in my book, the Globe won hands down) but for play by play – Twitter was the place to be. Honorable mention to McGran in the Star, but he was better on twitter as were others then the star site.

By the way, the thing that shocked me the most about the hearing today was that when it was divilgued that the NHL wants 100 million (usd) for a relocation fee that Jim Balsillie didn’t take out his cheque book on the spot and end this thing. You are telling me that he could have this team in Hamilton for the 212 plus another 100????? Everyone with a brain out there is saying that an expansion team in this area goes for minimum 400m….He would be getting it easy at 312!!! It’s not my money, but that seems like a hell of a deal.

The judge in the case had some real beauties today from what I have read, this one is a real gem “This old judge is not that excited about expressions of interest. You either make an offer or you don’t”.

That in reference to the league’s 4 other potentially interested parties. That is classic and a slap to the league.

Speaking of real beuaties, not sure if you have heard, but through 5 games the NHL TV ratings for the cup are down 15% here in Canada. That has the folks at the CBC both confused and panicked. It also has them apparently without brains:

“One possibility Moore raises is that more people are watching events like the Stanley Cup in groups and not being counted in the ratings.”

Uh huh. These gatherings are clearly new. We as humans have never gathered to watch sporting events in the past, that must be the reason that ratings are down. What a joke.

How great is this quote form Bryan Murray? : ” “He has got a contract, he signed a long-term deal in Ottawa,I have heard from his agent, but that’s all I’m going to say.”

The “he” in question is Danny Heatley who has apparently asked for a trade from the Senators. Just out of curiosity, all those Sens fans who bashed me and others for questioning the US justice system for going light on Heatley are you now going to come to see the light and come to the dark side on this. Did anyone hear Bill Watters take on Heatley today, that should have been epic he is a HUGE Healtey fan….. Personally, I think he would do well in Germany, no speed limits on the highways over there Hat tip to Down Goes Brown for the gem on twitter, word is Heatley wants out due to the coaching staff in Ottawa, DGB suggests that Heatley remind himself he is in Ottawa and wait 30 days! Best news I heard all day is that the Canucks are interested in having him play with the Sedins…meaning they won’t be here!

Headline of the night: “Baseball’s Televised First Round of Draft a Bust” Ya think??!! I am sorry, unless you are Mike Wilner or a total baseball geek you have never heard of 100% of the guys in the baseball draft. The fact that they put it on tv….Once again that incredible Simpson’s episode where Homer watches the CFL draft on tv comes to mind…

Dan tells me that the guy the Raptors trade for is tough. Thank god. Question for me is does this move set up Chris Bosh for a huge year here, or somewhere else. I dog the guy all the time, but he is going into a contract year, that means big output!

The Jays lost another pitcher for the year today. Coming soon to a bullpen near you EyeBelief!

Oh and speaking of the Jays- This is put up or shut up time…either reup Doc or trade him. If it’s me, you re-up him- literally give him the blank check. If he won’t sign- demand a king’s ransom.

Yes I am rambling becuase it’s 1235 am and I want the toronto dailies to post there Balsillie articles already and none have!

THIS IS NOT A RUMOUR, I repeat, THIS IS NOT A RUMOUR- If you are Brian Burke would you trade:

Tomas Kaberle, Nik Hagman and a 2nd round pick for Danny the teammate killer Heatley????

Forget the Ottawa would never deal with the Leafs crap and forget the it’s not enough bullshit too- simple question- would you make that deal if you were the leafs? Why or why not..

Okay the papers have failed me, I am going to bed…..have a good night…

TSM

So the Washington Capitals allowed the CBC access to their locker room prior to the game on Wednesday night. That isn’t newsworthy. Teams do it all the time, the CBC uses it as a lead in to a lot of games, shots and sounds of the guys getting dressed before a game. It’s the type of work that separates the CBC from others when it comes to hockey. CBC has blown that privilege by virtue of being at best careless and at worst just plain stupid with respect to the Washington Capitals.

The other night in Pittsburgh the Capitals granted the CBC cameras entry to the locker room. The cameras focused on Alexander Ovechkin getting ready. Then the camera focused and froze on the “chalkboard” which showed the Capitals “keys to the game” as written by the coaching staff. It wasn’t enough to just show these “keys” in the piece, they then went back to the studio and had Mike Milbury and Kelly Hrudey anyalize those “keys”. Oddly enough the Capitals were less then pleased with this coverage:

“”They, of all people, should know better,” McPhee said yesterday at the team’s downtown hotel where the Caps were given the day off in preparation for tonight’s fourth game in the best-of-seven series here at Mellon Arena. “They shouldn’t have done it. They’ve been talked to.” “They overstepped their bounds,” Caps spokesman Nate Ewell said. “They basically game-planned for the Penguins. It was ridiculous.”

In my opinion, mistake happen. The mistake was showing it the first time. Apparently it wasn’t a regular CBC cameraman. So that stuff happens. The cameraman goofed. Then the guys in the truck goofed by airing it. Again, that happens. What doesn’t just happen is the last part. Showing it and analyizing it in the studio is an overt act. That is beyone careless, it’s plain stupid.

“HNIC’s executive producer, Sherali Najak, acknowledged that the shots never should have made it to air, but that there was no “malicious intent” by the broadcaster. The board appeared behind Caps star Alex Ovechkin in footage shot by a CBC cameraman. U.S. network Versus had access to the feed and also aired it. ”

I don’t think anyone thinks that the sports network wanted to be malicious. They were careless and stupid and as a result they cost their audience a very cool feature that differentiated them from the pack. It’s too bad.

TSM

Editor’s note: Say hi To Victor, a great new addition to the TSM author list!

Round two of the playoffs started last night with Vancouver battling Chicago or if you buy into the marketing of the series, it’s the wily-veteran Canucks taking on the young-inexperienced Blackhawks.

Before I get into the game itself I was super-pumped to be watching the game on CBC. If there is one thing the government hasn’t screwed up is playoff hockey. The commentators are great, they have the legend Don Cherry (love him or hate him) and Ron MacLean is the best in the business. Playoff hockey without gimmicks. No media between benches. No player or coach interviews during breaks in play.

Early on it looked like the nine-day rest since sweeping the Blues took its toll on the Canucks. They failed to register a single shot on a four-minute man advantage early in the first. Things got rolling in the late stages when some former Maple Leaf content (Mats Sundin and Kyle Wellwood) set up Pavol Demitra for the lone goal in the opening frame. Vancouver went on to score two more in the second and looked to have things wrapped up…right? If you watched any of the Calgary-Chicago series you know the answer to that one.

The Blackhawks stormed out in the third completely taking the air out of GM Place with three straight goals. 20-year old Patrick Kane had two of them. Vancouver looked totally out of it until Blackhawks defenceman Cam Barker opened the door to his own personal doghouse. He turned the puck over in the offensive zone pinning four of his teammates in Vancouver’s end and the Canucks broke out on a four-on-one. You don’t need to re-read the last line you read it correctly. Four-on-one. To top it off there was less then two minutes to play. Sami Salo pocketed a juicy rebound, Ryan Johnson found an empty net and the game is over. Vancouver wins 5-3.

The more I think about it, the more the end of the game looked like a classic rope-a-dope. The wily Canucks tricked the inexperienced Blackhawks into a false sense of confidence and pounced when the time was right. Maybe those guys in marketing are actually on to something.

NOTES:

Oscar worthy quote-of-the-night – “Hockey Scrum Dog Millionaire” – CBC commentator on the vast amount of post-whistle activity
Runner – up – Jeff Marek on Anaheim’s Corey Perry “Ducking Suspension”

Scott Oake is a pro, but I just don’t get his comment at the end of the game. During the post-game wrap up with Marc Crawford he commented on the fact that Chicago didn’t call it a night trailing by three and facing Roberto Luongo. Come on Mr. Oake, no one likes a quitter.

Kyle Wellwood’s night – two assists, 7-0 on the faceoff, 20 minutes of ice-time, two sticks to the face equally eight minutes worth of power play time, one chipped tooth and a pint of blood.

Cam Barker won’t be flying solo in the doghouse. He’ll be joined by fellow defenceman Brain Campbell. With Nikolai Khabibulin pulled for the extra attacker, Campbell left the blue line to go into the corner. Puck jumps over his stick, Vancouver scores and Scotty Bowman is NOT impressed.

This is my first post for Toronto Sports Media. I hope you enjoyed it and I look forward to reading your comments!

Victor