Right about Pittsburgh. Wrong about Chicago. No perfect predictions.
Stanley Cup Final
Pittsburgh over Detroit in six
NOTES: I feel both teams have an equal amount of momentum and skill. Both teams have been here before and know what needs to be done. In the end, it will be the Penguins coming out on top. They're younger and more energetic. Regardless, it will be a great series.
- ER
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Re. Ice Hockey
Stanley Cup predictions will be posted tomorrow. In the meantime, here's my latest article from HockeyBarn.
Enjoy!
ER
Enjoy!
ER
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Blogdown
Every Monday, the writers of HockeyBarn have a "Blogdown." We're given a topic and then we write a column about it. This week's topic was to match certain drinks with certain NHL players. Here's what I had to say.
Enjoy!
- ER
Enjoy!
- ER
Friday, May 22, 2009
Where Hockey Hits the Net
Add another one to the repertoire: HockeyBarn.com
HockeyBarn.com is a cross between Facebook, YouTube and Bleacher Report. It allows me to broaden my portfolio. TheGoodPoint allows me write features, while HockeyBarn allows me to write editorials. To me, it's a perfect mix.
Anyway, here's my debut column. Enjoy!
- ER
HockeyBarn.com is a cross between Facebook, YouTube and Bleacher Report. It allows me to broaden my portfolio. TheGoodPoint allows me write features, while HockeyBarn allows me to write editorials. To me, it's a perfect mix.
Anyway, here's my debut column. Enjoy!
- ER
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Re. Bud Selig
Who will take over MLB after Bud Selig retires? In my latest article from TheGoodPoint.com, I pose this question to Yahoo! Sports' Kevin Kaduk.
Enjoy!
- ER
Enjoy!
- ER
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
NBA Playoff Predictions - Round Three
In the second round, I correctly predicted all four match-ups. Of the four, one (Orlando/Boston) was a perfect prediction.
Onto to the conference finals:
Eastern Conference
Orlando over Cleveland in seven
Western Conference
L.A. Lakers over Denver in six
NOTES: Yes, the Cavs have been phenomenal, but the Magic are dangerous. Cleveland will be coming off a layoff, which I feel will hurt their momentum. Nonetheless, it's going to be a great series....Not much I can say about the Lakers and Denver. From my point of view, L.A. is the more talented team and their experience from last year will certainly help.
- ER
Onto to the conference finals:
Eastern Conference
Orlando over Cleveland in seven
Western Conference
L.A. Lakers over Denver in six
NOTES: Yes, the Cavs have been phenomenal, but the Magic are dangerous. Cleveland will be coming off a layoff, which I feel will hurt their momentum. Nonetheless, it's going to be a great series....Not much I can say about the Lakers and Denver. From my point of view, L.A. is the more talented team and their experience from last year will certainly help.
- ER
Friday, May 15, 2009
NHL Playoff Predictions - Round Three
In the second round, I correctly predicted two out of the four match-ups. Of the two, one (Chicago/Vancouver) was a perfect prediction. Damn you, Carolina. Damn you, Pittsburgh (again).
Onto the Conference Finals:
Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh over Carolina in six
Western Conference
Chicago over Detroit in seven
NOTES: I'm probably going to be wrong about the Hawks and Wings. Detroit has so much experience and a very skilled roster. However, there's something about Chicago that makes me feel they can make it to the finals. They're a great young team. Plus, it's an Original Six match up. Bonus!.....I shouldn't be surprised about Pittsburgh. The Penguins have been here before and know what needs to be done.
- ER
Onto the Conference Finals:
Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh over Carolina in six
Western Conference
Chicago over Detroit in seven
NOTES: I'm probably going to be wrong about the Hawks and Wings. Detroit has so much experience and a very skilled roster. However, there's something about Chicago that makes me feel they can make it to the finals. They're a great young team. Plus, it's an Original Six match up. Bonus!.....I shouldn't be surprised about Pittsburgh. The Penguins have been here before and know what needs to be done.
- ER
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Death of the Cooperall
Remember Cooperalls? It was a short hockey fad from the early 80's. Basically, they were full-length hockey pants.
If you'd like to know more, or you need a reminder, then allow me to direct you to the following article.
Enjoy!
- ER
If you'd like to know more, or you need a reminder, then allow me to direct you to the following article.
Enjoy!
- ER
Monday, May 11, 2009
TV Confession
I've developed a taste for TMZ on TV.
It's not the material the show covers. I don't care about what [insert celebrity's name here] did on his/her trip to Paris. My favourite part of the program is when the TMZ reporters and editors are having their storyboard meetings. I guess I get a little nostalgic. It reminds me of all the storyboard/staff meetings I've been part of.
Should I be disgusted with myself?
- ER
It's not the material the show covers. I don't care about what [insert celebrity's name here] did on his/her trip to Paris. My favourite part of the program is when the TMZ reporters and editors are having their storyboard meetings. I guess I get a little nostalgic. It reminds me of all the storyboard/staff meetings I've been part of.
Should I be disgusted with myself?
- ER
Friday, May 08, 2009
The Pros & Cons of Balsillie's NHL Dream
To be perfectly honest, I'm really torn on this issue. It would be great to have another NHL franchise in Southern Ontario, but there are many alarm bells going off in my head. The only way to come to a decision is to break down all the facts, opinions and points:
PRO - A second NHL team in Southern Ontario will provide fans with a new way to see hockey played at the highest level. Maple Leaf tickets are extremely hard to get a hold of; not to mention the fact that they are also incredibly expensive. A new team equals a new opportunity for fans to see the NHL's best.
PRO - A new team will create new jobs for Ontarians. There will be jobs in the club's front office. There will be a need for ushers and vendors. There will also be construction jobs created for the building of a new arena and/or renovating Copps Coliseum. We're in the midst of a recession. A new team will create opportunities for people looking for work.
PRO - A new team is good for the economy. Money will be made though admission and merchandise sales. There will also be plenty of advertising deals. Portions of the profits will be pumped back into the economy. Of course, this won't clear up all economic troubles, but it's certainly helpful.
PRO - The new team would not be an expansion team. Therefore, regular season and playoff success is likely to occur sooner. From all accounts, the Phoenix Coyotes appear to be an up-and-coming team.
CON - As pointed out by The Fan 590's Jack Armstrong, a second NHL team in Southern Ontario will negatively affect all other area-based teams; not just the Maple Leafs and the Sabers, but also the Raptors, the Blue Jays, TFC, the Argos, Ti-cats and Bills, the Marlies and Bulldogs, the Rock, Bandits and Nationals, and all nearby OHL and OHA clubs. As shown by the sports media, hockey comes first in Southern Ontario. A new NHL club will take away attention from all these teams. A new club could also take away fans and their money. For example, your average sports fan may decide to spend his/her hard earned money on "Coyotes" tickets, instead of Raptor tickets.
CON - Yes, there's a market for a second NHL team, but will there be enough support? I'm not an expert, but if Southern Ontario is a great hockey market, wouldn't every single professional team in the area do well in terms of attendance and support. As I've written before, the Hamilton Bulldogs averaged 4900 fans at their homes games (played at Copps Coliseum) during their 2006-07 AHL season; the same season when the Bulldogs won the Calder Cup. In fact, the game where they actually won the AHL championship had a paid attendance of 14,205, about 5000 seats short of a sellout. The Marlies have also had a poor attendance record, even though the team has performed better than their parent club the past two seasons. Let's not forget about the disastrous 2007 AHL All-star game held at Toronto's Ricoh Coliseum. Based on these results, I have to question anyone who says Southern Ontario would be a great hockey market.
CON - The Coyotes are a Western Conference team. Hamilton, which is where the team will likely end up, is more suited to be in the Eastern Conference. If the Coyotes are reassigned to the East, it will create uneven conferences. It seems minor, but it will affect how the games are scheduled. If they stay in the West, then the team will likely have to adjust to time-zone differences more often, which leads to a greater chance of fatigue. Remember, all Eastern Conference team are part of the same time-zone. The Western Conference teams do not have that luxury. Either way, it's a lose-lose situation.
CON - The Maple Leafs have deep roots in Southern Ontario. I simply cannot imagine a world where Leaf fans would be willing to buy season tickets for a different NHL team. In addition, I would be very surprised if MLSE allowed another team to relocate to Southern Ontario. Jim Balsillie would have to compensate MLSE for any loss of revenue caused by his team.
VERDICT: Based on the breakdown, I feel a second NHL club in Southern Ontario would be a bad idea. As I said, there is a market, but I wonder if there will be sufficient support. Based on the signatures Balsille has collected on his website, there appears to be some form of support. But I feel that's because the media has made this out to be an "American Commissioner vs. Canada" storyline. Gary Bettman is not anti-Canadian. He made sure the Oilers and Flames stay in their respected cities because he understands the importance of hockey to Canadians.
The issue here is Balsillie trying to bring an NHL team to Southern Ontario by using an approach that's not approved by the NHL owners. The NHL would have no problem having a team in Southern Ontario, as long as the relocation follows their procedures. What makes the situation such a mess is the various reports which claim that Balsille's actions have hurt his reputation with the other NHL owners. If his attempt to move the Coyotes fails, it's because of the owners and not Gary Bettman.
Regardless, it's likely that there will be a second NHL team in Southern Ontario in the future. However, if it turns into a finanical disaster and fails to draw support, I will not be surprised.
- ER
PRO - A second NHL team in Southern Ontario will provide fans with a new way to see hockey played at the highest level. Maple Leaf tickets are extremely hard to get a hold of; not to mention the fact that they are also incredibly expensive. A new team equals a new opportunity for fans to see the NHL's best.
PRO - A new team will create new jobs for Ontarians. There will be jobs in the club's front office. There will be a need for ushers and vendors. There will also be construction jobs created for the building of a new arena and/or renovating Copps Coliseum. We're in the midst of a recession. A new team will create opportunities for people looking for work.
PRO - A new team is good for the economy. Money will be made though admission and merchandise sales. There will also be plenty of advertising deals. Portions of the profits will be pumped back into the economy. Of course, this won't clear up all economic troubles, but it's certainly helpful.
PRO - The new team would not be an expansion team. Therefore, regular season and playoff success is likely to occur sooner. From all accounts, the Phoenix Coyotes appear to be an up-and-coming team.
CON - As pointed out by The Fan 590's Jack Armstrong, a second NHL team in Southern Ontario will negatively affect all other area-based teams; not just the Maple Leafs and the Sabers, but also the Raptors, the Blue Jays, TFC, the Argos, Ti-cats and Bills, the Marlies and Bulldogs, the Rock, Bandits and Nationals, and all nearby OHL and OHA clubs. As shown by the sports media, hockey comes first in Southern Ontario. A new NHL club will take away attention from all these teams. A new club could also take away fans and their money. For example, your average sports fan may decide to spend his/her hard earned money on "Coyotes" tickets, instead of Raptor tickets.
CON - Yes, there's a market for a second NHL team, but will there be enough support? I'm not an expert, but if Southern Ontario is a great hockey market, wouldn't every single professional team in the area do well in terms of attendance and support. As I've written before, the Hamilton Bulldogs averaged 4900 fans at their homes games (played at Copps Coliseum) during their 2006-07 AHL season; the same season when the Bulldogs won the Calder Cup. In fact, the game where they actually won the AHL championship had a paid attendance of 14,205, about 5000 seats short of a sellout. The Marlies have also had a poor attendance record, even though the team has performed better than their parent club the past two seasons. Let's not forget about the disastrous 2007 AHL All-star game held at Toronto's Ricoh Coliseum. Based on these results, I have to question anyone who says Southern Ontario would be a great hockey market.
CON - The Coyotes are a Western Conference team. Hamilton, which is where the team will likely end up, is more suited to be in the Eastern Conference. If the Coyotes are reassigned to the East, it will create uneven conferences. It seems minor, but it will affect how the games are scheduled. If they stay in the West, then the team will likely have to adjust to time-zone differences more often, which leads to a greater chance of fatigue. Remember, all Eastern Conference team are part of the same time-zone. The Western Conference teams do not have that luxury. Either way, it's a lose-lose situation.
CON - The Maple Leafs have deep roots in Southern Ontario. I simply cannot imagine a world where Leaf fans would be willing to buy season tickets for a different NHL team. In addition, I would be very surprised if MLSE allowed another team to relocate to Southern Ontario. Jim Balsillie would have to compensate MLSE for any loss of revenue caused by his team.
VERDICT: Based on the breakdown, I feel a second NHL club in Southern Ontario would be a bad idea. As I said, there is a market, but I wonder if there will be sufficient support. Based on the signatures Balsille has collected on his website, there appears to be some form of support. But I feel that's because the media has made this out to be an "American Commissioner vs. Canada" storyline. Gary Bettman is not anti-Canadian. He made sure the Oilers and Flames stay in their respected cities because he understands the importance of hockey to Canadians.
The issue here is Balsillie trying to bring an NHL team to Southern Ontario by using an approach that's not approved by the NHL owners. The NHL would have no problem having a team in Southern Ontario, as long as the relocation follows their procedures. What makes the situation such a mess is the various reports which claim that Balsille's actions have hurt his reputation with the other NHL owners. If his attempt to move the Coyotes fails, it's because of the owners and not Gary Bettman.
Regardless, it's likely that there will be a second NHL team in Southern Ontario in the future. However, if it turns into a finanical disaster and fails to draw support, I will not be surprised.
- ER
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
NBA Playoff Predictions - Round Two
In the first round, I correctly predicted five out of the eight match-ups. Of the five, there were no perfect predictions.
Onto to the second round (better late than never):
Eastern Conference
Cleveland over Atlanta in five
Orlando over Boston in seven
Western Conference
LA Lakers over Houston in four
Denver over Dallas in six
NOTES: Not much to say, but watch out for the Magic. Orlando is very dangerous.
- ER
Onto to the second round (better late than never):
Eastern Conference
Cleveland over Atlanta in five
Orlando over Boston in seven
Western Conference
LA Lakers over Houston in four
Denver over Dallas in six
NOTES: Not much to say, but watch out for the Magic. Orlando is very dangerous.
- ER
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Re. Life After People
The History Channel is running a ten-part series called Life After People. The program examines what the world will look like once all human life has been wiped out. The corresponding website has many features including some disturbing photo galleries. Here's a few examples:
The Houston Astrodome; about 20 years after the human race disappears. It's eroding and will succumb around the 100-year mark.
Chicago's Wrigley Field; about 25 years after the human race disappears. The shrubbery has completely taken over the stadium. Hopefully, the Cubs win the World Series at least once before the end of human existence. (Found this photo on Big League Stew)
Part of Chicago's train system; about 50 years after the human race disappears. This reminds me of the skyline in Wall-E.
These photos are just from the first two episodes. I'm very interested to see what episodes 3-10 will yield.
- ER
The Houston Astrodome; about 20 years after the human race disappears. It's eroding and will succumb around the 100-year mark.
Chicago's Wrigley Field; about 25 years after the human race disappears. The shrubbery has completely taken over the stadium. Hopefully, the Cubs win the World Series at least once before the end of human existence. (Found this photo on Big League Stew)
Part of Chicago's train system; about 50 years after the human race disappears. This reminds me of the skyline in Wall-E.These photos are just from the first two episodes. I'm very interested to see what episodes 3-10 will yield.
- ER
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
NHL Playoff Predictions - Round Two
In the first round, I correctly predicted six out of the eight match-ups. Of the six, one (Chicago/Calgary) was a perfect prediction. Damn you, Pittsburgh. Damn you, Anaheim.
Onto the second round:
Eastern Conference
Boston over Carolina in five
Washington over Pittsburgh in seven
Western Conference
Detroit over Anaheim in six
Chicago over Vancouver in six
NOTES: I should've known better when I picked the Penguins to lose. Pittsburgh is a young team that is going to make a huge impact. I was simply influenced by their slow start this season. However, Washington is on a great roll and that will certainly continue. Regardless, Washington vs. Pittsburgh is going to be a very entertaining series. It will be a battle of the superstars: Crosby vs. Ovechkin...Anaheim may have beaten the Sharks, but there's (hopefully) no way they will defeat the vetran Red Wings. History will not repete itself. I am, however, enjoying the play of Bobby Ryan...Still loving the Blackhawks. Vancouver has a few injured players. It will be interesting to see if those players had enough time to rest and recover.
- ER
Onto the second round:
Eastern Conference
Boston over Carolina in five
Washington over Pittsburgh in seven
Western Conference
Detroit over Anaheim in six
Chicago over Vancouver in six
NOTES: I should've known better when I picked the Penguins to lose. Pittsburgh is a young team that is going to make a huge impact. I was simply influenced by their slow start this season. However, Washington is on a great roll and that will certainly continue. Regardless, Washington vs. Pittsburgh is going to be a very entertaining series. It will be a battle of the superstars: Crosby vs. Ovechkin...Anaheim may have beaten the Sharks, but there's (hopefully) no way they will defeat the vetran Red Wings. History will not repete itself. I am, however, enjoying the play of Bobby Ryan...Still loving the Blackhawks. Vancouver has a few injured players. It will be interesting to see if those players had enough time to rest and recover.
- ER
Monday, April 27, 2009
Re. Twitter
In case (for some odd reason) you need live updates/tweets from me, then you'll be happy to know that I do have a Twitter account:
twitter.com/TheHek
I don't update the account as much as I should. However, I do make an effort to have something up there that's.......entertaining.
- ER
twitter.com/TheHek
I don't update the account as much as I should. However, I do make an effort to have something up there that's.......entertaining.
- ER
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Re. My S**ts List
The following people have been added to my S**ts list:
- the Boston Bruins
- B.J. Ryan
- the Montreal Canadiens (with the exception of Carey Price; it wasn't his fault)
- P.J. Stock
(All in good fun, of course)
- ER
- the Boston Bruins
- B.J. Ryan
- the Montreal Canadiens (with the exception of Carey Price; it wasn't his fault)
- P.J. Stock
(All in good fun, of course)
- ER
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
NBA Playoff Predictions - Round One
Eastern Conference
Cleveland over Detroit in five
Boston over Chicago in five
Orlando over Philadelphia in four
Miami over Atlanta in seven
Western Conference
LA Lakers over Utah in six
Denver over New Orleans in seven
San Antonio over Dallas in six
Portland over Houston in seven
NOTES: No Kevin Garnett; no problem for the Celtics...Miami vs. Atlanta is going to be an exciting series...Look out for Orlando...In the future, look out for Portland.
- ER
Cleveland over Detroit in five
Boston over Chicago in five
Orlando over Philadelphia in four
Miami over Atlanta in seven
Western Conference
LA Lakers over Utah in six
Denver over New Orleans in seven
San Antonio over Dallas in six
Portland over Houston in seven
NOTES: No Kevin Garnett; no problem for the Celtics...Miami vs. Atlanta is going to be an exciting series...Look out for Orlando...In the future, look out for Portland.
- ER
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
NHL Playoff Predictions - Round One
Eastern Conference
Boston over Montreal in six
Washington over NY Rangers in six
Carolina over New Jersey in six
Philadelphia over Pittsburgh in seven
Western Conference
San Jose over Anaheim in five
Detroit over Columbus in seven
Vancouver over St. Louis in seven
Chicago over Calgary in six
NOTES: I'm a loyal Habs fan and I will be cheering for them against the Bruins; but objectively, I just don't see them beating Boston. Montreal looks too vulnerable...Looking forward to watching Ovie and the Caps. They're my pick to represent the Eastern Conference...Happy to see the Blue Jackets and the Blues in the playoffs. The Red Wings and Canucks better take their opponents seriously. Detroit and Vancouver will have to work hard if they both want to advance...There's something I really like about the Blackhawks; can't quite put my finger on it.
- ER
Boston over Montreal in six
Washington over NY Rangers in six
Carolina over New Jersey in six
Philadelphia over Pittsburgh in seven
Western Conference
San Jose over Anaheim in five
Detroit over Columbus in seven
Vancouver over St. Louis in seven
Chicago over Calgary in six
NOTES: I'm a loyal Habs fan and I will be cheering for them against the Bruins; but objectively, I just don't see them beating Boston. Montreal looks too vulnerable...Looking forward to watching Ovie and the Caps. They're my pick to represent the Eastern Conference...Happy to see the Blue Jackets and the Blues in the playoffs. The Red Wings and Canucks better take their opponents seriously. Detroit and Vancouver will have to work hard if they both want to advance...There's something I really like about the Blackhawks; can't quite put my finger on it.
- ER
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