It’s June 12th and the NHL has handed out their awards, and even created a new one, so it’s absolutely the END of the 2007-2008 season. But there is no rest for the weary as the 2008-2009 season will basically start on Friday the 20th. It may not be the OFFICIAL beginning of the season, but by all accounts, it may as well be.
This year’s awards ceremony seemed to have been done exceptionally well, but then every year they seem to make it a little more polished, a little more “Hollywood.” You had to LOVE Alexander’s blazing red tie and red vest. Perhaps it was a little swipe at the Red Wings? Or maybe just a fashion statement by the Russian hockey rock star who has his own fashion line?
I sort of expected Jason Blake to win the Masterton trophy. The word “cancer” is never taken lightly, and anyone who has ever watched Jason Blake play knows the thing that matters most to him (next to his family) is hockey. He looked healthy, but a little uncomfortable and did rush off stage immediately after thanking his wife and children.
The new NHL life time achievement award was handed out to the one and only Mr. Hockey. It was the perfect way to begin a new tradition, and the video presentation was just beyond emotional. The new award was no surprise as Gary Bettman had talked about it on his NHL Hour XM radio show which aired its season finale today. The good news is he will do it again next season. The bad news is it was a really good radio hour that was informative and entertaining.
If there’s another venue where fans can actually get to speak to the Commissioner of their favorite sport, please let me know where it is. Bill Clement stated on the NHL Live show today that they never screened the phone calls and never turned any call away. The fans that called in were never coached or scripted, they were sincerely grateful for the access.
Personally, I just wish they would stop calling in with technical questions about cable, satellite and digital service. And as ridiculous as that sounds, Bettman answers each one of them like a Cablevision Customer Service rep. And it happens week after week.
The goaltending committee met yesterday, and he was encouraged by the cooperation. He said he feels the equipment could be smaller and more proportionate to the body, and no larger than is necessary. They came away with a series of recommendations for modifications that they will present to the Competition Committee tomorrow. If they are comfortable with the suggestions, you will see changes as soon as next season.
Everyone understands that goalies are now just taller and bigger than their predecessors; their equipment should indeed be proportional and not overshadow their skill. Of course I listened intently waiting to hear if Mr. Bettman would make reference to GM Garth Snow by name, but no reference was made either seriously or in a cutting manner.
Bill Clement said he would like to see someone threaten Wayne’s old scoring records and Bettman just responded “Don’t hold your breath.” So even if the equipment does become more proportionate, it may not make any difference in the number of goals scored, but at least in the number of chances. And that could be just as exciting.
Also, don’t forget about the premiere of Islanders Illustrated TV on MSG Plus at 6:30 pm on June 18th. They created a show for us; the least we can do is watch it. Then of course, the day Islander Country is waiting for, Friday the 20th and the first round of the draft. Then we’ll finally know who Garth will take with the fifth pick so the speculation will end. Some of those citing inside sources will be right, and some will be miserably wrong. But we know one thing, the NY Islanders are drafting at the fifth slot, and four other teams are picking before them. It’s just about a given that Stamkos is going first, so that leaves three more prospects will be plucked off the shelf before it’s their turn.
And lastly, even though I really don’t want to go there, as everyone already knows my opinion on this, and I seem to be at odds with my blog box buddies, but what the hell… SEAN AVERY.
Just the mention of his name makes my skin crawl, but it seems that so many of the Islander faithful seem to think they wouldn’t mind having him as he’d be good for certain things here on the Island. For all those who believe that, I’d like to just bring up a few things.
We already had an agitating little putz on the team who actually scored more than Avery and didn’t grab headlines for sleeping with starlets or hookers. He plays somewhere else now, and if the hockey gods are kind, Mr. Avery will play somewhere else too. Don’t try to bait me by saying it will drive the Ranger fans crazy if he was in an Isles jersey. It will drive ME crazy instead. The kind of crazy that will border on that maniacal laughter I’m pretty famous for that turns into … into…. Never mind… It’s just not pretty.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
Umm.. I think you are mistaken. I didnt say I Wanted Captain Fornucation here, what I did say is that its a possibility. I haven't been able to stand this little punk since he was in LA but the fact of the matter is July 1 is not that sfar away and I highly doubt Avery is going to reup with the Ranjiz. We all know he doesnt want to be that far from LA or NY, and LA would rather walk the plank then welcome him back. That leave The Devils, Islanders and Philly as possible destinations. At first glance he seems perfect for Philadelphia and if he does not re-sign with the Ranjiz, thats where he will wind up. The Islanders would be a long shot anyway as we are with every player on the market but like I said, this is the ISlanders and nothing the team has ever done is ordinary.
FCT
voice.blogspot.com
Post a Comment