Hockey: The Week That Was

The Calgary Flames still cannot win with their backup. They seem to turn to mud. It must be in the Calgary by-laws; when Kipper does not play: play like crap. Seriously, they seem to forget that throwing away the puck in their own zone is a bad thing. Forwards seem to forget to come back to help the defense, and the defense panics. Unfortunately for them, this puck is a hot potato: they cannot hang on to the puck longer than 5 seconds, and it does not matter who they give the puck to.

This latest performance in front of  Curtis McElhinney was disgusting. The Flames have to protect and play for their backup. Most of Flames fans who have talked to me blame Curtis. Well, after this 5-2 debacle, I say this is a team game, hang in there Curtis.

Mr. Quin seems to think that “Iggy” is a dirty rotten scoundrel. Got to love Quinn, he tells it how he feels. I really do not think the captain meant to injure Souray. He has never been nor never will be that kind of a player. So why did Quinn say it? Simply because he is out to protect his own. I understand that, and yes now they cry even more after Sheldon Souray goes on the injured reserve list for the Oilers.

In Long Island, they are still playing very well, losing to the Bruins 4-3 in a shootout. But if I am an Islander fan, I like what I am seeing, a very competitive team.  The groundwork is there. Mr. Snow is there building a team, and I really am beginning to see the positive growth in the Islanders.

How long does it take before the Leafs fans lose patience with the Leafs? This latest performance against the Pens leaves everyone really questioning the Wilson and Burke acquisitions.In the Phil Kessel deal, I feel they gave up way too much. Despite how I feel, the Leafs need him to come back in a hurry. The problem is, who is going to help him when he does come back? So the Monster is injured for a short time, lets hope that Toskala can hold the fort. This still begs the question: how patient are the Leafs fans going to be with the Leafs and Toskala?

In  Vancouver, Luongo is alright after the Canucks end their losing streak by pounding the Habs 7-1. Let me tell you this now, Vancouver Fans stop worrying. The Canucks will be fine, and come playoff time, they will be a force to be reckoned with. I am a firm believer in the Canucks. With this latest news of Daniel Sedin with a suspected foot injury, though, the rest of the team will have to pick up, especially his twin brother Henrik. One player who comes to mind is Mason Raymond. He will have to pitch in big time with the offense. I often see teams build themselves stronger, and other players will pitch in. Let’s hope this news is not too bad for the Canucks.

Issue of the Week

Mr. Letang  was bitten by Mr. Hartnell.  I really am getting tired of  unnecessary stupidity. I really don’t know if it happened or not, but if Mr. Richards does not run Fleury over, which would not be so bad if he does not jump into him. If that never took place, the ensuing tomfoolery wouldn’t have as well.  There will always be scrums, but they do not have to lead to thoughtless acts.

Until next time, take care.

Randy