Friday, April 15, 2011
Tortorella and Brooks Go At It Again
Is there a more combustible coach-reporter relationship than the one John Tortorella of the Rangers has with Larry Brooks of the New York Post? The two went at it again today just hours before Game 2 of the Washington-Rangers series. Here ya go!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Well Winnipeg, How Bad Do You Want The Jets?
Found it interesting that Don Cherry said "Get ready Winnipeg" on "Coach's Corner" tonight. It would seem as if the Coyotes (Jets) are coming back to Winnipeg. The question now is who is going to put some money down for tickets.
Lingerie Football League in Saskatchewan?????
Toronto football fans will be seeing a whole lot daintier set of players take to the field if this particular brand of American football comes to town.
The city has been announced as one of the cities that will get a controversial sports league franchise allowing spectators to watch women play scantily-clad football matches
The American Lingerie Football League (LFL) will be expanding into the city this fall. Other cities to join the league at the same time will be Las Vegas, Minnesota, Cleveland and Green Bay.
The LFL was launched in 2009 and is made up of teams of seven women wearing helmets, mouth guards and lingerie.
Some of the current teams include the San Diego Seduction, the Baltimore Charm and the Orlando Fantasy.
And now officials say a Canadian LFL league is being mulled to start in September 2012.
Six markets are being considered to play include Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, Montreal, Hamilton, Ottawa.
"Our expansion into Toronto is the first step toward a more significant footprint of the LFL brand into Canada," said chairman Mitchell Mortaza in a statement.
The LFL calls itself the "ultimate fan-driven sports phenomenon – blending action, impact and beauty."
Toronto's first of two home games will be played September 17.
The city has been announced as one of the cities that will get a controversial sports league franchise allowing spectators to watch women play scantily-clad football matches
The American Lingerie Football League (LFL) will be expanding into the city this fall. Other cities to join the league at the same time will be Las Vegas, Minnesota, Cleveland and Green Bay.
The LFL was launched in 2009 and is made up of teams of seven women wearing helmets, mouth guards and lingerie.
Some of the current teams include the San Diego Seduction, the Baltimore Charm and the Orlando Fantasy.
And now officials say a Canadian LFL league is being mulled to start in September 2012.
Six markets are being considered to play include Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, Montreal, Hamilton, Ottawa.
"Our expansion into Toronto is the first step toward a more significant footprint of the LFL brand into Canada," said chairman Mitchell Mortaza in a statement.
The LFL calls itself the "ultimate fan-driven sports phenomenon – blending action, impact and beauty."
Toronto's first of two home games will be played September 17.
Stanley Cup Playoffs--Night 1 Thoughts
I don't think I'll be doing this on a night by night basis, but here are just a few thoughts after seeing the first night of the playoffs
1. Its not hard to see by the intensity of the games and the pace that the playoffs are on.
2. Washington is a team known for offence, but I was very impressed with their defensive play
3. I saw Pittsburgh play once maybe twice after Sid got hurt and they didn't look good in either game. That being said, even with Crosby and Malkin out of the lineup, the Penguins looked great
4. The Ducks need more from Dan Ellis
5. Why do people constantly criticize the Wings. They just keep getting it done.
6. Give Vancouver credit, but give the goal-posts some credit too. The better team won Game 1, but this series won't be a short one.
1. Its not hard to see by the intensity of the games and the pace that the playoffs are on.
2. Washington is a team known for offence, but I was very impressed with their defensive play
3. I saw Pittsburgh play once maybe twice after Sid got hurt and they didn't look good in either game. That being said, even with Crosby and Malkin out of the lineup, the Penguins looked great
4. The Ducks need more from Dan Ellis
5. Why do people constantly criticize the Wings. They just keep getting it done.
6. Give Vancouver credit, but give the goal-posts some credit too. The better team won Game 1, but this series won't be a short one.
CFL Rule Changes
The Canadian Football League’s Board of Governors has approved four significant rule changes as recommended by the Rules Committee, the CFL announced today.
The rule changes include expanding the use of instant replay on game changing plays, eliminating blocking below the waist after a completed pass, punting out of bounds and illegal participation.
“Each off-season the Rules Committee is tasked to look for ways to make our game more exciting, more competitive and safer,” said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon, who is also the Chair of the CFL’s Rules Committee. “We feel these four rule changes help address all of those areas and improve an already great game.”
Here is how the use of instant replay will be expanded for the 2011 season:
•When a quarterback drops back to pass, is hit and the ball comes out, and the play is ruled an incomplete pass, the defensive team can challenge the call. The new rule allows the Command Centre be allowed to overturn the call on the field, declare the play a fumble, and award possession to the defensive team if the ball had been recovered immediately. In prior seasons, the Command Centre could only review whether the play constituted an incomplete pass or a fumble, but it could not award possession.
•When an on-field official rules an incomplete pass, the offensive team can challenge the ruling, hoping to have the Command Centre rule it a completed pass. Under the new explanded use of instant replay, a defensive team that believes the ball was caught, and then fumbled, can also challenge the on-field ruling. And the Command Centre could award the defensive team possession of the ball if it decides it was indeed caught, then fumbled, and then recovered immediately. In prior seasons, the Command Centre could only rule if the pass was complete or incomplete; it could not award possession.
In both of these instances, the defensive team would be awarded the ball where it is recovered. The Command Centre could not award return yards after the recovery.
Here is a look at the three other rules that will be changed for the upcoming season:
Eliminating Blocking Below the Waist after a Completed Pass:
To promote player safety, only blocking above the defender’s waist will be allowed following a completed pass across the line of scrimmage. Blocking below the waist on such a play would result in a 10 yard penalty. Blocking below the waist had previously been eliminated on kick returns, interception returns, and fumble returns. It would still be allowed on running plays and passes completed behind the line of scrimmage.
Punting Out of Bounds:
When a punt goes out of bounds in flight in between the 20 yard lines, the receiving team should have the option of taking the ball where it went out of bounds plus a ten yard penalty against the kicking team, or requiring the kicking team to re-kick ten yards back from the original line of scrimmage. Currently, the receiving team can either take the ball where it went out of bounds or require a re-kick ten yards back.
Illegal Participation:
If a player is pushed out of bounds by an opponent, he can return to the field of play and make a play. If he goes out of bounds on his own, or is bumped out of bounds by a teammate, he cannot legally participate in the play. This clarifies the previous version of the rule, which does not specify bodily contact from an opponent.
The CFL Rules Committee is made up of head coaches, general managers, team presidents, league officials and a representative of the CFL Players’ Association.
The rule changes include expanding the use of instant replay on game changing plays, eliminating blocking below the waist after a completed pass, punting out of bounds and illegal participation.
“Each off-season the Rules Committee is tasked to look for ways to make our game more exciting, more competitive and safer,” said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon, who is also the Chair of the CFL’s Rules Committee. “We feel these four rule changes help address all of those areas and improve an already great game.”
Here is how the use of instant replay will be expanded for the 2011 season:
•When a quarterback drops back to pass, is hit and the ball comes out, and the play is ruled an incomplete pass, the defensive team can challenge the call. The new rule allows the Command Centre be allowed to overturn the call on the field, declare the play a fumble, and award possession to the defensive team if the ball had been recovered immediately. In prior seasons, the Command Centre could only review whether the play constituted an incomplete pass or a fumble, but it could not award possession.
•When an on-field official rules an incomplete pass, the offensive team can challenge the ruling, hoping to have the Command Centre rule it a completed pass. Under the new explanded use of instant replay, a defensive team that believes the ball was caught, and then fumbled, can also challenge the on-field ruling. And the Command Centre could award the defensive team possession of the ball if it decides it was indeed caught, then fumbled, and then recovered immediately. In prior seasons, the Command Centre could only rule if the pass was complete or incomplete; it could not award possession.
In both of these instances, the defensive team would be awarded the ball where it is recovered. The Command Centre could not award return yards after the recovery.
Here is a look at the three other rules that will be changed for the upcoming season:
Eliminating Blocking Below the Waist after a Completed Pass:
To promote player safety, only blocking above the defender’s waist will be allowed following a completed pass across the line of scrimmage. Blocking below the waist on such a play would result in a 10 yard penalty. Blocking below the waist had previously been eliminated on kick returns, interception returns, and fumble returns. It would still be allowed on running plays and passes completed behind the line of scrimmage.
Punting Out of Bounds:
When a punt goes out of bounds in flight in between the 20 yard lines, the receiving team should have the option of taking the ball where it went out of bounds plus a ten yard penalty against the kicking team, or requiring the kicking team to re-kick ten yards back from the original line of scrimmage. Currently, the receiving team can either take the ball where it went out of bounds or require a re-kick ten yards back.
Illegal Participation:
If a player is pushed out of bounds by an opponent, he can return to the field of play and make a play. If he goes out of bounds on his own, or is bumped out of bounds by a teammate, he cannot legally participate in the play. This clarifies the previous version of the rule, which does not specify bodily contact from an opponent.
The CFL Rules Committee is made up of head coaches, general managers, team presidents, league officials and a representative of the CFL Players’ Association.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Eberle Off To Worlds
Team Canada added some young goal-scoring talent to its roster for the World Championship on Wednesday, confirming that New York Islanders sophomore John Tavares, Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle, New Jersey Devils centre Travis Zajac and Carolina Hurricanes rookie Jeff Skinner will make the trip to Slovakia.
Edmonton Oilers goalie Devan Dubnyk also accepted an invitation to play for Canada.
Tavares scored 29 goals and 38 assists in 79 games during his second season with the Islanders. The 20-year-old also played for Canada at last spring's Worlds, and scored seven goals in seven games.
20-year-old Eberle, who was also a member of last year's Canadian team, had 18 goals and 43 points in 69 games this season.
Zajac, 25, appeared in all 82 games with the Devils this season and had 13 goals and 44 points.
Skinner, 18, had a strong first season with the Hurricanes, scoring 31 goals and 32 assists in 82 games. The tournament will be Skinner's first event in a Team Canada uniform.
Dubnyk, 24, player 35 games for the Oilers this season with 12-13-8 record and a 2.71 GAA. He was on Canada's roster for the Worlds last year but did not appear in any games.
Canada opens the tournament with a game against Belarus on April 29.
Edmonton Oilers goalie Devan Dubnyk also accepted an invitation to play for Canada.
Tavares scored 29 goals and 38 assists in 79 games during his second season with the Islanders. The 20-year-old also played for Canada at last spring's Worlds, and scored seven goals in seven games.
20-year-old Eberle, who was also a member of last year's Canadian team, had 18 goals and 43 points in 69 games this season.
Zajac, 25, appeared in all 82 games with the Devils this season and had 13 goals and 44 points.
Skinner, 18, had a strong first season with the Hurricanes, scoring 31 goals and 32 assists in 82 games. The tournament will be Skinner's first event in a Team Canada uniform.
Dubnyk, 24, player 35 games for the Oilers this season with 12-13-8 record and a 2.71 GAA. He was on Canada's roster for the Worlds last year but did not appear in any games.
Canada opens the tournament with a game against Belarus on April 29.
Ice Wolves Repeat
La Ronge Ice Wolves captain Nolan Souchotte accepts the Credit Union Cup as the defending champs take home the title again ending what was a thoroughably enjoyable final series with a 3-1 win over the Yorkton Terriers.
I'm sure it was a quiet bus ride home for the Terriers who had to wonder if their fate would have been different had it not been for the opening two minutes. Brant Remenda was crushed into the end boards by a La Ronge forward right after the opening faceoff and seconds later, Logan Herauf put one past Devin Peters for a 1-0 lead sending the 1300 ( I think there were more) into a frenzy as fish were flying everywhere. Co-playoff MVP Dayton Fossum then wired one past Peters on a power play just two and a half minutes in and the Wolves had control. Robbie Ciolfi scored to get Yorkton back to within one, but Travis Eggum restored the lead in the 2nd and from there co-MVP goalie Adam Bartko shut the door for the win as the Wolves get the Cup and the picture that all teams want to take
Its always great to see a team celebrate a title until you look the other way and see the pain and dejection on the other team---a team that worked their ass off for seven games. I said going into this matchup that there wasn't much separating the two teams and I leave saying there isn't much as well. Congratulations to Bob Beatty and the Ice Wolves (Is Beatty-mania alive and well in La R this afternoon) and congratulations to Trent Cassan and the Terriers as well for providing Saskatchewan hockey viewers on Access with just a tremendous final and showcase how great the SJHL is.
A tip of the hat to Access as well. They did a tremendous job to bring the games live into your living room. Mike Stackhouse and Jay Boyd were outstanding behind the mike and both crews in Yorkton and La Ronge were top notch. I still say they need a better intermission host, but they can look for that next year.
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The NHL draft lottery is skewed. The New Jersey Devils win the lottery, but they don't pick first? That is dumb. There are only so many balls in there that can fall New Jersey's way so if the ball that comes through the chute is theirs, it should be them that picks number one with Edmonton picking two and everyone being knocked down one. Remember, this comes from an Oilers fan.
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What the hell has happened to the Saskatoon Blades? This will not go over well in Saskatoon as it would appear barring a miracle as if they will be knocked off in the 2nd round by Kootenay who now have a 3-0 lead. It brings up this question. What is Lorne Molleken's playoff record? Lorne is a tremendous coach, but he has had problems in the playoffs and that may be the only stain on his legacy.
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Have you listened to TSN Radio yet? If you haven't, maybe it will be coming here soon. You can go to TSN.ca to listen.
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The quest for hockey's holy grail begins tonight. The Stanley Cup playoffs start in just a couple of hours. Here are Scruffy's picks....
Washington over the Rangers in 6
Philly over Buffalo in 7 (not too certain of this one)
Boston over Montreal in 5
Tampa over Pittsburgh in 6
Chicago over Vancouver in 6 (that's right Vancouver fans)
San Jose over LA in 7
Detroit over Phoenix in 6
Anaheim over Nashville in 6
My SC final prediction----Bruins over Ducks
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Carlos Delgado has retired. Where does he go down in the list of greatest ever Blue Jays. Is he a top 10 guy? I don't think so.
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I need a nap!
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