Monday, July 9, 2018

A Little Late But...

     Congrats to the Stanley Cup Champions! As much as I can’t stand the thought of Putin putting his hands on the Cup, I have to admit that seeing the passion & celebration of Ovechkin was awesome. The burden has been lifted (Crosby is still better though...lol). The fun and sparkle in his eyes has been worth it...Again, congrats!!! #IsItOctoberYet

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Do They Have What It Takes

  The Pittsburgh Penguins have been a dominant team in the playoffs. They won the Stanley Cup last year, repeating the previous year.  This year, they are back at it, looking to three-peat.  They have the potential to do this.  However, in order to do that, they have so much work to be done.
The past games, they have began sluggish, & are lacking the passion & aggression that is needed to win. They won the first game against the Capitals, but in the game right now, they are struggling, down 2-0. If they continue this, they’ll be lucky to are it out of the 2nd round round, let alone three-peating.
Hockey is a hard sport to compete in. Missing any passion or aggression will not help. You have to have both to excel. Here’s hoping they get it together, and no, they are not my team. I do appreciate their abilities.  I also appreciate players that want to win. That’s just me though.

#StanleyCupFinals

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Don’t Be That Kind of Fan

The refs were at it again! In game 6 between the Flyers & Penguins (Penguins won by the way), the refs were straight up awful. There missed calls here & there…on both teams. I understand the frustration of the Flyers fans…Having said that, there’s no excuse in throwing debris…ever.
There’s no excuse that can justify putting people’s lives in danger. Yes, the officials were awful. Yes, I’m aware their team lost…possibly due to the bad calls. Having said that, there is still no excuse in throwing debris. What if it had hit someone? Forget the players for a second. Let’s think about an innocent child in the stands. What if it hit that child? You never know where that debris is going. It’s unacceptable!
I stand firmly in wanting these “fans” banned for life from any NHL game. They are not a reflection of true fans. They are a reflection of chaos meets moral decay. Please, Flyers & NHL ban them. Thanks in advance.

Things Don’t Go as Expected

The exciting part of the Stanley Cup playoffs would be the unexpected. No game can be predicted. No one knows who will come out on top nor if it will be a sweep or a game 7 series. The excitement of the Colorado Avalanche coming back & winning, forcing a game 6 was awesome. I’m loving the fighting spirit of Toronto. Don’t ever think you know how a game will go because you don’t.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Humboldt

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love hockey. Heck, I’ve flown to Canada in January to see a game (it was snowing). Having said that, it is just a game. The people & families in Humboldt are still reeling from that tragic accident. 16 people have died. 10 of them were players.
        It’s hard to imagine going through this pain. As I watch the playoffs, it’s important for me to acknowledge them. As a Christian, it’s important for me to pray. That’s what I will do for them. Prayer is the most important tool that I have. I will utilize that. I encourage my brothers & sisters in Christ to pray for them as well.
        Remember, when you watch the game, remind yourself that it is just a game. Love your loved ones. Pray for those hurting.

God Bess!!!

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Not the Results I want...But

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are awesome. They are not like any others. It requires so much physical endurance. It’s a pleasure to watch these talented players. Some of the players I really don’t care for, but what their personalities lack, their talent makes up for. It’s just an exciting time of the year. (Note to Self: I may want to schedule a week full of vacation next year for the finals).
Tonight’s games were no exception. It took double ot for the game to be decided between the Capitals & the Bue Jackets (the Capitals won). Though I didn’t like the result, I appreciate the abilities that these men have. The series could be something if the Blue Jackets are not able to take advantage of their home ice…The Jets beat the Wild in regulation to go 3-1 on the Wild. If the Wild want to to survive, they must beat the Jets in the next game; this will be a difficult task as it will be at the Jet’s home ice…I really don’t enjoy the Knights as they were built on other team’s success, & their Twitter handler really grates on my never. Nonetheless, I can’t deny that their team is making a splash. They are up 1-0 in tonight’s game vs the Kings. If the Kings don’t win tonight, they are finished. Excitement is plaguing Las Vegas & the fans, which is good for hockey.
Though, I might not like the results, the excitement, the beauty of hockey, is there. Looking forward to next season, where hopefully the Canes will end the 9 year drought of no post season. Appreciate the game!!!

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Stanley Cup playoffs are on. It seems to be a little unpredictable. Anyone can win it at this point. It seems the favorites are the Penguins. They’re really strong, & are veterans to the point that they know what they must do to win. The Washington Capitals may not make it to the 2nd round to even play them. Boston is having their way w/ Toronto. Home field does not seem to be an advantage. Who will win? Hard to say at this point. I’m rooting for anyone that is not the Devils, Flyers, Golden Knights, Predators, & Capitals. That’s just my personal preference. #herestosomefantasticplayoffseries

Monday, April 2, 2018

Give Them A Chance

  The Carolina Hurricanes are missing the playoffs for the 9th season in a row. for those who have been watching, It’s not a real shock. It doesn’t make it hurt less, but It’s not surprising. What is surprising is the mismanagement from the coach.
There’s no question that coach Peters has had a rough go of it. This is his 4th season, & he still hasn’t gotten them in a playoffs. The question for me to him would be: “If you know certain players are under performing, why wait until the last minute to bring in different players?”
For the fans that have watched the games, we know that “certain players” have not played to their potential. The constant turning over, the bad defense, the lack of scoring…the list goes on & on. Why continue to play them? Why? Case in point, Warren Foegele & Roland Mckeown. In his first game, Foegele scored. Mckeown, tonight, stepped up to the plate & came to the defense of McGinn. These two young men have a spark. This spark could have been used when the team was In a playoff spot. Why weren’t they put in?
The question will still be here for the coach. We’ll have to see what the next season will bring. Will we make a splash during free agency or remain idle? Will we change the lineup drastically or remain stagnant? Here’s hoping for a major shakeup that gets us into the playoffs next season…Until next time.


P.S. GIVE THE YOUNG MEN A CHANCE!!!

Sunday, March 11, 2018

It’s Not You, It’s The Team

     Well, some fans asked for it, & they got it. Ron Francis has been demoted to President of Hockey Operations. Am I happy about it, no! Did he have some issues, absolutely! It’s been frustrating seeing him not pulling off any trades to better the team or shake things up w/ the team. This was the wrong approach, but demoting him was also the wrong approach.
     Mr. Dundon doesn’t understand how valuable he has been for the team. He’s a 2x Stanley Cup winner, that provides valuable insight in what kind of players are needed. Granted, he has dropped the ball on this a couple of times, but more times than not, he has picked out players that have made a splash (Aho...for ex.). His name, alone, helps the organization.
     The Hurricanes are a small team in the south, trying to get people to come-not run them off. Having any kind of player (former/current) w/ a name can help this organization. He also lead this team to the finals. Let’s not mention the fact that he is not the problem, it’s the team.
     Losing is rough, but what makes it worse is the lack of trying, the lack of caring, & the losing mindset. Unfortunately, some of the players have suffered from one or all of the following, creating the toxic atmosphere. What does one do to fix that? Remove the toxic player. Colorado traded Matt Duchene, who was said to have had a less than great attitude. They are vying for a playoff spot. Yes, this would be a shakeup, but sometimes shakeups are needed...If the Canes fell to make the playoffs again, whether people like it or not, the coach will also have to go. Period. No more excuses.
     I am still upset about this, but hopefully, he will bring him someone that will make a necessary splash to the team. The next gm has to understand the team needs an adjustment. Removing the coach may also be necessary. It’s a tough job...one that I’m glad I don’t have, but someone has to do it. The team has to have an attitude change and pronto.
     Here’s hoping that Scott Darling will put in another stellar performance on Monday...This Caniac is cheering for her goalie.