Saturday, September 10, 2011

Confessions of a hockey fan

Every year, at this time, I get antsy. Rookie camps have started, pre season is just around the corner. Watching TSN & RDS from the time I get home until bedtime. Thinking who's gonna make the team, who's going to have a good year, what will the Habs do, which players look promising etc etc etc. This year, it's not the same. Don't get me wrong. I'm a hockey fan and everything revolves around hockey in my household, however, it is just not as exciting as it's been in the past. I can't even point my finger and say "THIS is the reason why" but rather a melee of the events of the past season.

I guess it all started with,well, Colon (YES I call him that because that's exactly what he is) Campbell. The NHL's master disciplinarian. The iron hand who laid down the law against everyone, who was not a Bruin of course. Bitter? Maybe I am,maybe I'm not but the facts show for themselves. You all know the details of how Bruins were slapped on the wrist, while players of other teams got suspensions for the same acts. Indecent actions: Wizniewski vs Ferrence. Sucker punches..(LUCIC)..where do I start. Head shots...attempted murder on Pacioretty. Need I go on? The NHL, Gary Bettman and his sidekick really sucked the life out of me last season. The obvious favouritism was sickening.

And now, Jacques Martin. Two seasons of his "system" and I've had enough of  drowsy hockey. I've had enough of HIS favouritism. I've had enough of "I'll move this Russian down a line, when he's hot,scoring goals and winning games for us, because I just don't like Russians or I want to teach every other North American on this team a lesson" attitude. Makes sense? No? Exactly my point.However I did kinda see a difference in our Coach Martin last season towards the young guys. Maybe he got scolded for targeting Sergei Kostitsyn, humiliating him,treating him like scrap and losing him 2 years ago,that maybe Coach changed his "I am King" attitude. Maybe.

Then there's the hockey fans,especially some Habs fans. The most bi-polar fans in the world. People call them passionate. I don't. I call them selfish and mesmerized. Selfish because they believe that if they are at a game, Habs have to win. Mesmerized because they eat up everything prejudiced media throws at them. They love their team when they win.When they lose, they're picking on the usual suspects blindly, ie: Scott Gomez & Andrei Kostitsyn (he's an easy target for reasons fabricated).Umm, how's our 6 million dollar diva doing so far? * crickets*

This past year in hockey has been, to say the least, the worst ever. The hockey community has been filled with the loss of lives, too many lives. Too many young families affected. So much sadness, that, instead of looking forward to the first game, first puck drop and action....there will be sad memorials for fallen players in nearly every arena this season. Instead of tears of happiness and excitement that hockey is back, there will be the reminders of all the lives that were taken.

Why is life so unfair?

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sorry

My sincere apologies to my loyal readers. I have not abandoned this blog in any way, I've had computer issues that have forced me to re-write blogs I had saved. Additionally, I am currently working on a emachine, which has no disc drive, hence I cannot upload any of my photos that are required to complete my blogs. I do promise, I will try to work everything out so I can bring you my favourite encounters and experiences. Namely, a gala evening with Alex Kovalev, Vladislav Tretiak & many other favourites, as well as my most recent trip to Nashville to see the Predators in action, and of course my favourite, Sergei Kostitsyn.

Thank you for staying tuned, and I promise, I will be posting very soon.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Want some cheese with that whine?

I tried holding myself back from writing this post because it might offend some people, but decided to do it anyways. The reason for a blog is to be heard, so here I go.

We all know the Habs had a pretty horrible week. They couldn't score 1 goal in 3 consecutive losses to shut outs. I understand people are upset, so am I. I think what hurt the most was the fact that one of those teams was the Boston Bruins and they really laid it on us.What I find more upsetting, is the reaction by Habs fans and some MSM. Although MSM will do whatever they can to create controversy and hence ratings, sometimes they just don't know where or when to stop. Today was blame Gomez day again. Habs have been playing scared all week, zero drive, but it's all Scott Gomez's fault. I'm sure, if they weren't blaming him, they'd blame Andrei Kostitsyn..because that's how they roll. However, enough with them.

What has me upset the most, are the fans. POOR Fans. Habs haven't scored a goal in 3 consecutive games, they've hit a slump at the worst possible time of the year, and YOU think it's because they really don't care. Comments like "we should have gotten a goal scorer (at trade deadline)", "we need a big center","we need a tough guy", "Eff you Gomez and your $7 million", "fire Jacques Martin","this team has no heart"...etc. You know what I mean. I wonder what would have happened if the Capitals had this fan base when they went on their EIGHT, yup 8 game slump? I personally have had enough of this whining. Either support your team, and the players on it, or get out. There are a few players on the Habs that are having horrible seasons, but everyone is picking on Gomez. It's HIS fault he got that contract in New York and it's HIS fault that Montreal was on his trade list. Get over it. He's here and that's that. People seem to forget that he was also crucial in our play-off run last year.

Another issue I have, is the whole "fire Jacque Martin" BS. You know I'm not a fan of his, or his system, but look at what he's done. Look at what he did last year. This year, our injuries are even worse than last year, and yet, he has coached this team to pretty much solidifying a play off position for the last 2 months, at least.We all like to win, but no one wants it more than the players themselves, or even the coaches.

Why are the people kicking the team when they are down? I don't get that or accept it. Everyone has an opinion, but when people support the Habs only when they win and pick on them when they lose, I personally have no time for that.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

WE'VE GOT THE POWER

When you think about Montreal Sports media,the last thing that would come to mind is "The Enquirer", "Star" or even "Perez Hilton", but really, how far are they from being exactly that, a tabloid. I have come to realize recently, just how much power Montreal media has over the fan base and possibly the Habs organization itself.

We all know that the most important criteria when hiring a coach is hiring a winner. Wrong. In Montreal, the major concern is hiring a coach that speaks French, in order to communicate with the "fans", so says the French media. I heard Francois Gagnon, Norman Flynn, Benoit Brunet and many others say that. I ask you this, when does a coach talk to the fans? I do know coaches talk to their players (the most important), assistants, other members of the organization and the media. But fans? Personally, I don't care if the coach speaks Aramaic, as long as he can communicate with his players, and get the best out of every single one of them and I'm sure you all agree. Some might argue that the coach speaks to the fans through the media. Oh, I see, I'm sure the coach wanted the media to forward the following message to the fans in Montreal.


This was aired on RIS on January 21, 2011 on the show 4 a 7. Do you think this is appropriate? Do you think this is funny? According to French media, it is. According to French media, it is acceptable to degrade and make fun of the way a person looks and speaks (well, if he doesn't speak french,of course).

The more I think of the events surrounding the Habs over the past few years, the more things are getting clearer and it's making me queasy. First thing that comes to mind is the whole "Saku Koivu has been in Montreal for 13 years and he doesn't speak French" debacle. Saku Koivu was constantly being attacked by the French media because he refused to speak French. It was always a huge issue for them and they constantly criticized him for that "fault". With Koivu returning to Montreal today after being let go by the Habs, RDS was first occupied with the return of Maxime Lapierre, then concentrated on a possible return of Alex Kovalev as a Hab and then it was about Koivu. We see their priorities. Last I checked, Alex Kovalev doesn't speak french either, never did, but they loved him. He was never attacked my the french media, hell, they gave him nicknames like "l'artiste, and le magicien". Why was there such a difference in the respect they showed Koivu and that which they gave to Kovalev? Was it because they wanted Koivu out of Montreal before he broke Jean Beliveau's record as the longest serving captain of the Montreal Canadiens? Was it because Kovalev was charismatic and comedic and made the media laugh and feel more comfortable? I don't know either. One thing I do know is that Kovalev was offered a contract extension by the Montreal Canadiens organization and Koivu was told "thanks, but no thanks". Could it be that the media liked Kovalev because he was different and didn't give standard answers, hence "a good interview"?

I remember an e-mail exchange I had with someone from Team990 last year. The host was going on and on,on air, about how Koivu was not a good leader and that he was selfish in the locker room. How Koivu only cared if he had points and scored goals. So I e-mailed said host asking: If Koivu was so bad,why was he given a letter in Anaheim and Kovalev doesn't have one in Ottawa? The quick response was: talk to me in a year from now,you'll see. Well a year and a half has passed, Koivu still has his letter and a new contract, while Ottawa can't wait for Kovalev to leave...and he never wore a letter. Could it be that Montreal media bases their opinion of a player on his "interview" qualities? If he makes you laugh he's a good interview, therefore you like him and praise him, hence the Canadiens organization should keep him? Is that what it's all about?

I have come to realize that the media in Montreal, namely the french media,will support a Habs player if he smiles, meets with them, irregardless of whether he is a good player or not. If he talks to them, he's a keeper. If he gives standard answers,has trouble with the language (hence NOT a good interview) and isn't pretty on camera, they will do their damnedest to make the fans hate them, poke fun at them and eventually make the Canadiens organization trade them or just let them go for nothing.

I for one have a serious problem with this. Does the Habs organization follow the footprints of the biased media when deciding who to keep or trade in Montreal?

Thanks. Please leave a comment on your thoughts.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

MY TWO CENTS

Instead of writing a whole blog on each of the following issues, I've decided to bundle recent events affecting the Habs and media, in what I will try to make a weekly entry.

  • Pierre McGuire, stop talking about your coaching days with the Penguins.That was over 18 years ago, your "coaching" skills are irrelevant, as are your GM abilities. (that's why no team will hire you)
  • RDS seems to have missed the boat on what's exciting about the Ducks coming to the Bell Centre on Saturday. WE DON'T CARE ABOUT MAXIME LAPIERRE. It's SAKU KOIVU'S return to Montreal, it's his night. ACCEPT IT.
  • For Benoit Brunet all I have to say is there are many cities you can move to,take your pick between Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay and now Anaheim. Buh Bye.
  • Francois Gagnon, if you call Andrei Kostitsyn a mule again, I will tie you up and make you watch YOUTUBE tributes to him and Sergei over and over. How old are you? 12? Grow up already.
  • Randy Tieman's prejudice towards European players is as profound, if not, worse than Mike Milbury's. Your opinion of Alexei Kovalev and Andrei Kostitsyn doesn't count. You're a Red Wings fan, move to Detroit already.
  • Regarding PK Subban, don't change. Be who YOU are always. We love you.
  • For Jacques Martin, I would like to ONCE see you stick up for your players, be it to the media or the refs.You might be surprised with the outcome when you show you have a heart and feelings. Look at Lindy Ruff and how he changed the game last night.
  • Regarding the NHL refs, if you are going to put your whistles away, keep them equally disposed of for both teams. Don't call a penalty against the Habs with under a minute left in a tie game....especially after you've missed four penalties against the other team. Fair is fair, no?
  • On the PK celebration, anyone who has a problem with it, stop watching hockey, it's not for you. I hear Lacrosse is a great sport to follow.
  • To the Antichambre guys who dissected the "Gomez snub", let it go. We did not need to see it in slow motion over and over and over again. You don't know WHY it happened, you don't know the circumstances, so LET IT GO. PLEASE.
Ah, that feels better. Thanks.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

WHAT MESSAGE WAS THAT JACQUES MARTIN?

From the looks of tonight's game, no one received Jacques Martin's message. Apparently he made Andrei Kostitsyn a healthy scratch to send a message to not only him, but the team as a whole. Well, we all saw the result tonight. Maybe JM should get the message that was displayed for HIM.

Firstly, you don't mess with a scoring line that has chemistry, be it the Kostitsyn- Pleky-Cammy line, or the Pouliot-Halpern-Darche line. You don't try to "fix what ain't broke" as the saying goes, but what do I know, I'm not a coach.

Secondly, If I hear about that "system" you talk about, get over it. You have a boat load of offensive players, USE them to score goals, not think of defense when they get the puck.

Lastly, you don't scratch one of your top scorers (Andrei Kostitsyn)on the team, to send a freakn message to a 3rd-4th liner, you scratch the 3rd-4th liner. You can't just pick out a Kostitsyn and make an example of him because he had a turnover. The Habs are 2nd in the league in turnovers,you're obviously doing something wrong.

And tell me Jacques, why Andrei? A 20-25 goal scorer? Did you EVER talk to him? First, he's not shooting enough, then he seems disinterested, then he doesn't play well defensively..according to you...HE'S A GOAL SCORER,THE HABS NEED GOALS TO WIN. SHEESH

I've had enough with Jacques Martin and his selective "pick a Kostitsyn to burn" mentality. If you're such a veteran's coach, last I checked, Andrei is a veteran. Congrats, I think you just lost the room.

OK, end rant.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

GIVE A DOG A BONE

Recent sports headlines and comments by people have irritated me so much the last few days, that the only thing I feel appropriate to do is write about it. Of course I am referring to Alex Kovalev. Everyone is taking stabs at him because of the Ottawa Senators inability to win.

OTTAWA SENATORS

The Ottawa Senators are headed nowhere fast, and according to many, it is Alex Kovalev's fault. The TEAM has trouble scoring, goaltending is iffy at best but he's to blame. Daniel Alfredsson hasn't had a point in 10 games,but it's all Kovy's fault. Need I remind everyone that ever since Cory Clouston became the head coach for the Senators, the team seems like an accident waiting to happen. With many friends on the team and a shiny new contract, Dany Heatley bolted. He wanted nothing to do with the Senators. I guess this is Kovalev's fault too.

MIKE MILBURY

I don't even know where to start with Mike Milbury and CBC. During Saturday's HNIC broadcast Milbury, once again, referred to Alex Kovalev as a DOG, saying specifically "roll over...and bark. He's a lazy dog!" All this on national television. Do you find that acceptable? Do you want your children listening to the ramblings of a disgruntled individual (I won't start on Don Cherry now, that's a topic for another day)? What if your son's favourite player is Alex Kovalev, what would you say to him? This is completely unacceptable.
Milbury has used words like Dog and "euro-trash" a bit too much but it appears to be accepted by broadcasters. I guess it's ok to be prejudiced on national television. We all know exactly how well Milbury sees talent based on his track record as a GM.Traded away Zdena Chara, Bryan Berard,Bryan McCabe & Roberto Luongo just to name a few, because he didn't think they were good. This is the guy who drafted Rick DiPietro first overall, before Heatley and Marian Gaborik, and then signed him to a 15 year contract. I haven't even mentioned Alexei Yashin. This guy has the nerve to be on TV and repeatedly criticize a player who has played 1259 games and has 1004 points in the NHL? Classy, very classy.

TWITTER

Words used on twitter regarding Kovalev include lazy, doesn't care, doesn't try....umm yeah, because YOU know everything. When he had possession of the puck, the game paused, literally. The opposing players stopped in their tracks because they had no idea what he was going to do. I call that RESPECT. When the puck couldn't be taken off him and he made a play or scored..I call that SKILL. When he scored through a hole no bigger than the size of the puck, I call that TALENT. As a HAB, Kovalev played 314 games and had 264 points. In 33 play-off games, he had 31 points, but he's not a good player.

I've noticed that a lot of people in Montreal found it necessary to either be a Kovalev OR a Saku Koivu fan.The people criticizing Kovalev are the ones that were supporting Koivu. I for one, was a fan of both. Each player had their own style, so there was no need to choose one over the other. I hate to remind everyone that Kovalev was the one chosen by the organization. Bob Gainey offered a contract extension to him, only (and Komisarek, but he doesn't count), so you ask yourself why would he do that if Kovalev was such a bad player and apparently a problem in the lockerroom. Just ask yourselves that.

Montreal never had a more exciting player on the ice since Stephan Richer and Guy Lafleur, before that.

These recent events have made me realize that there are a lot of people out there who do have a problem with European players, like Milbury and Don Cherry, and I personally, feel sorry for them.In this new day and age, I thought prejudice didn't exist anymore, I guess I'm naive.