Bleacher Report - Articles by Zahir A

Dec. 13, 2008: The Day the Leafs Stood Still

Zahir A — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 03:30:39 -0500

Leafs games on Saturday nights have always been the most exciting for Toronto’s fans. There is an inexplicable feeling of anticipation in the air. Despite the woeful outcomes thus far, Leafs Nation is always optimistic.

Pre-game rituals begin well in advance as the face-painters, flag wavers, and sign makers crawl out of the woodwork. The bars will be packed with eager fans as television sets are tuned into the sounds of Jim Hughson, Ron Mclean, and the rest of the CBC faithful.

But before you head out the door, you might want to make sure your face paint is washable...

After careful consideration of the NHL schedule, it appears that your Toronto Maple Leafs will be doing anything and everything BUT playing a regular season game on Saturday night.

DUN-DUN-DUNNNN!

The absence of a Saturday Leafs game appears to be the first since 1996. This figure does not include All-Star Breaks, Olympic hockey, and Saturday Christmases.

On the bright side, Leafs fans can tune in to watch the Habs against the Capitals. Hey, did Ovechkin just not injure Luke “The Holy Grail” Schenn for a month? With that toothy grin playing against the “GQ-esque” Kostitsyn brothers, how can we NOT look away?

The members of Leafs Nation need to focus on the positives. Instead of conforming to old rituals, perhaps it is time we turned off our televisions, kept the beer in the fridge, and tried something a little different.

Conversation is a lost art, and since we Leafs fans are self-proclaimed geniuses, why not stir up the pot with some rousing sports banter?

But, say you are at a loss for words. No fear my friends; I have come up with some conversation starters that will get any good hockey fan going…

"If Kyle Wellwood and Peter Zezel had a hotdog eating contest, could a winner be declared before they ran out of hotdogs?"

"How come Pierre McGuire never talks about Ken Hitchcock’s 'Big Body Presence'?"

"In addition to 470 career penalty minutes, George Parros has a degree in Economics from Princeton University. What the 'puck' have you done lately?"

"If Zdeno Chara falls on the ice during practice, and nobody is there to see him, does he still make a sound?"

"If his last name is really NOnis, then how can he be Burke’s ‘yes' man?"

"Does Sean Avery’s therapist get paid by the hour, or the sloppy second?"

"Joe Sakic broke three fingers during a snow-blowing accident. Why could he just not pay Tom Renney to blow hot air all over his driveway?"

Suppose hockey talk does not inspire you. Well, I have a few questions from the wide world of sports, too.

"If Jamario Moon blocked Sun Yue, could fans call it a ‘Lunar Eclipse’?"

"With the recent Fox fiasco, do the Vikings turn to Visanthe Shiancoe for 'fourth and long' situations?"

"Does it bother anybody that Chris Bosh actually looks like a Raptor?"

"Could someone with an even more generic name beat out Jimmie Johnson for the 2009 NASCAR crown?"

"Kimbo Slice studied criminal justice at the University of Miami. How do you pass up the possibility of being called Judge Slice?"

"Plaxico Burress is worth at least $10 million. It costs approximately $15 to buy a holster. Apparently playing football means not worrying about silly math problems."

If that does not get the party started, nothing will. But there is always the option of skipping the party for the movie theatre. Hollywood’s latest blockbuster comes out Dec. 12: The Day the Earth Stood Still.

The movie chronicles the triumphs and tragedies of a Leafs fan (Keanu Reeves) during game six of the 2002 Eastern Conference finals. I did not actually read the reviews, but I am pretty sure I nailed it.

Take my advice, Leafs Nation, there is plenty to do on a Saturday when your team is not playing. Just ask the folks down in Phoenix. They get by just fine.

As for myself, I plan on taking none of my own advice. Rogers just came out with a free preview of NHL Centre Ice. Game on!

Vancouver Canucks Goaltending: Can Cory Steal the Glory?

Zahir A — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:47:35 -0500

When Curtis Sanford injured himself during Monday night's game, Canucks fans had a second chance to watch rookie Cory Schneider handle goal-tending duties. The kid could not salvage a victory, but it was only his second game in the NHL. We might as well give him a break now, but if Sanford’s back spasms are anything like Ed Belfour’s, then Cory Schneider is in for some serious on-the-job training.

Drafted 26th overall in 2004, Schneider was the fourth goaltender selected behind Al Montoya, Devan Dubnyk, and Marek Schwarz. Vancouver was certainly in need of a future net minder, with Dan Cloutier and Alex Auld holding down the back end. Nobody could really predict that the Canucks would acquire Roberto Luongo in 2006, solidifying their shaky situation.

In the meantime, Schneider improved his game with Boston College. He spent three years with the Eagles, helping capture two Lamoriello trophies in 2005 and 2007. In his outstanding '05-'06 year, he had a record-setting eight shutouts in 32 games.

He started his AHL career last year, creating a formidable tandem with Drew MacIntyre of the Manitoba Moose. While MacIntyre posted a save percentage of 0.922, Schneider eventually won over the starting job in the second half of the season. MacIntyre was signed by the Predators for the 2008 season, cementing Schneider’s position.

Prior to being called up by Vancouver this year, Cory Schneider led all AHL goalies in wins and goals against average. His team-record 10 STRAIGHT wins created a media frenzy on an immediate Canucks debut.

Schneider got his chance when captain Luongo went down with a groin injury. Luongo is now listed as "week-to-week," which makes his return date as mysterious as Kyle Wellwood’s diet. Just so we are clear, that means nobody really knows.

After sitting on the bench for two games as Curtis Sanford’s backup, Schneider got his chance against the Flames. Calgary’s fans are not known for helping out a rookie on the road, and they did not greet Schneider with rousing applause.

The Flames fired thirty-one shots on Schneider, including five power-play opportunities. The Canucks could only muster eighteen shots in a 3-1 loss. That was hardly enough offensive support for a rookie goaltender.

Monday night, the Canucks played the Blue Jackets with Sanford getting the start in net. After stopping all 11 first-period shots, Sanfordleft with back spasms. That left Schnieder as the last man standing. He was thrust into action by default, with little preparation. Letting in three goals on eighteen shots was a tough outing for the rookie, but his accolades cannot change what he is—a rookie.

As the only viable option for the Canucks, Cory needs to get off the "Schneid." Look it up sports fans, it is a real term! Thursday’s match-up against Detroit is the third in a seven-game road trip for the Canucks, and it should be a true test of their mettle.

With Sanford listed as day-to-day and nobody else to turn to, this rookie will now have to prove his worth. The hype has been built, with nothing left but the games to be played. If the defence can stand tall, then Cory Schneider could become a mainstay in the pipes for years to come.

Hockey Canada: It's a Fashion Nightmare!

Zahir A — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:42:11 -0500

When Olympic hockey begins in 2010, Canadian fans may notice a significant change to the look of their beloved team. If things remain as they are, Hockey Canada will not be allowed to use their logo in Vancouver.

The reason is stated within the Olympic Charter: federation logos are NOT permitted on uniforms.

Hockey Canada President, Bob Nicholson has taken the issue to the International Olympic Committee. However, his determination seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

As unfortunate a circumstance as this is, it also allows for innovation and renovation. A new logo is required, and perhaps it is time for a return to the past. My fashion sense is nowhere near Vesa Toskala quality, but I will provide the Bleacher Creatures with some classic jerseys that DO not feature the Hockey Canada logo as the primary crest.

Let’s hear your opinions on some of the best looking jerseys that Canada has to offer.

1972 Summit Series Jersey

Worn during the most famous series in hockey, this jersey HAS to be on this list. Shades of Esposito, Cournoyer and Mahovlich could inspire Team Canada on their home soil.

Fans compare Ken Dryden and Carey Price all the time, but can you imagine the pandemonium if Price makes the team? Andy Frost will be smiling from his broadcasters’ booth in the sky, and wishing that somebody on the roster was named ‘Henderson’.

How will the Russians respond to the Ghosts of Hockey's past? The media frenzy over that match-up, will be documented for years to come. That ’72 September to remember will come to life once again.

These jerseys uniquely have ‘Canada’ printed on the backs, and not a player name. I guess this means that players WILL be playing for the name on the back, and not just the colours on the front.

This jersey has historic appeal, success and a creative image that can only be described as 70’s Disco Fever, and I speak for everybody when I say: We Want The Funk.

1987 Canada Cup Jersey

On August 7th, 1987, Sidney Crosby was born. A month later, Canada had captured the cup named in its honour. Those who remember the tournament can recall the play of future superstars Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.

The jersey may be a fashion throwback, but if you are going to wear something that has HALF a maple leaf on it, you need the skills to back it up. Gretzky even said that his Canada Cup performance was the best hockey of his career.

Now would you not want to wear a jersey that even had “The Great One” playing at the top of his game?

The Canadians took four out of the five classic Canada Cups in this jersey and only lost to the Russians in 1981. Both the red and white jerseys look good on the ice, and they will definitely inspire the young crop of forwards on both the men’s and women’s squads.

2006 Alternate Black Jersey

This particular jersey combines both the past and present with its black colour. The piping and striping are both modern, yet the primary logo is a throwback to the 1960’s amateur teams.

Interestingly enough, it is possible that the Vancouver Olympics may be the last for professional hockey players. The IOC would prefer to return Olympic hockey to its roots, making room for the amateurs.

But as long as the NHL players are still playing, they might as well pay homage to the amateurs before them.

Hockey Canada has also released a ‘red’ version of this alternate black sweater, which could serve as the team’s primary jersey for upcoming international exhibitions. You cannot argue with a big red maple leaf on an even redder jersey, but I the black looks sharper.

The black jersey might not be worthy of primary status, but it should definitely be considered as the best alternate for Team Canada.

1920 Winnipeg Falcons Jersey

The list would never be complete without the jerseys donned by the first Canadian Gold Medal hockey team. This group of amateurs played in the first modern Olympics, and crushed the competition.

The team was inducted into the Manitoba Hall of Fame, joining such notable names as Terry Sawchuk and Bobby Clarke. However, this article was never about the fame, so let’s talk about the colour scheme.

It is ‘mustard’ yellow, and that is about all you need to know. I am all for ‘throwback’ jerseys, just as long as viewers do not throw ‘up’ in the process. They were brought back during the 2004 World Cup of Hockey against the United States. Canada won that game 2-1, but I am sure style points were not included in the box score.

Who knows though, one last game might be special. Ken Hitchcock could even don a Mustard suit and we could call him the Colonel. I dare any coach to challenge him to a duel.

All kidding aside, this jersey is the ultimate tribute to the 1920’s team. There are rumours that the original Falcons team will be honoured at the 2010 games. The last surviving member passed away in 1991, but they remain an important part of Canada’s hockey heritage.

Well, that’s the list and you can take your pick. I left some jerseys out because they did not stack up to the competition.

There is also a chance that Hockey Canada may come up with a radically new design. I am all for more creativity, as long as the logo remains a Maple Leaf.

NHL on Versus: The 'Glow' Changes Everything

Zahir A — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:55:09 -0400

Remember the 1996 NHL All-Star Game in Boston? Those who caught the broadcast on Fox will recall the infamous ‘glowing puck’ that supposedly made the game easier to follow. Executives put a stop to the spectacle in 1998, but a decade later, there seems to be a strong interest in reviving the technology.

According to USA Today, the NHL and Versus are in serious talks about bringing ‘puck-tracking’ technology back for the 2008-2009 season. The executives at Versus have decided that they will test the pucks in a studio demonstration before any TV broadcast is made.

But why would Versus want to resurrect an idea that should have been buried long ago? If Versus is planning anything similar to FoxTrax, I can only assume that they are in dire need for more viewers. Rather than turning a live game into a laser light convention, Versus should focus on better coverage and clearer picture quality.

Luckily for us Canadians, we have alternate hockey broadcasts on TSN and CBC, but the American fans have had their share of setbacks with Versus. Local coverage issues and unwarranted blackouts could be attributed to growing pains within a new network, but Versus has made bigger errors.

My condolences to the fans of a 2007 conference quarterfinal game between the Stars and Canucks who had to watch an infomercial instead of the fourth overtime where Henrik Sedin potted the game winner. Rather than spending money on puck-tracking, Versus should focus on these issues that cause viewers to watch their games elsewhere.

There is also the issue of poor visibility. Improved picture quality is worth spending money on and benefits all hockey fans. If Versus is concerned about losing viewers under seven years old, then they should go right ahead and spend millions on puck tracking. Casual sports fans might welcome the changes, but can Versus really afford losing the hockey purists over a glowing puck?

Having poor eyesight myself, I can see how some people find it hard spotting the puck. My suggestion is a very simple one: follow the player who is actually stickhandling. From 14 years of watching hockey, I’m fairly certain that players do not take the time to stickhandle for no reason during the game.

If there is still a problem with hockey interest in America, will adding special effects allow people to take the sport seriously? High definition broadcasts also eliminate concerns about poor visibility, but if you really have trouble spotting a black puck on the white ice…then consider Laser Eye Surgery.

Executives at Versus are clearly hoping that their technology will not suffer the same end result as Fox. However, slowing down the "Fastest Game on Earth" to encourage casual viewers is not the answer. For the sake of the game, let’s hope that Versus’ new puck technology is stopped in its "Trax."

How Swede It Is: Fabian Brunnstrom a Dallas Star

Zahir A — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:40:25 -0400

As the puck drops in round three of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it appears that the Dallas Stars have already beaten Detroit in another competition.

According to TSN, prospect Fabian Brunnstrom has chosen to play with the Dallas Stars for the 2008-2009 campaign. In addition to the Red Wings, Dallas beat out Toronto and Montreal after a list was narrowed from the other 25 teams in the NHL.

Every notable hockey forum had at least one thread dedicated to "Fabian Fanfare" or "Brunnstrommania," so I think it’s only fair that Bleacher Report has at least one article signifying the end of the madness.

Earlier this season, rumours indicated that the Canucks were at the top of the list for this Swede. Perhaps the firing of GM Dave Nonis had something to do with Brunnstrom signing elsewhere. Nonis was instrumental in pursuing the Swedish Elite League forward with help from the contingent of Swedes in Vancouver.

His firing brought the Maple Leafs back into contention for Brunnstrom, who was expected to be part of the rebuilding process for the team. The Red Wings have many Swedish players, so it only made sense for Brunnstrom to join his countrymen.

By winning the "Swedestakes," the Dallas Stars have either gained a potential first-line winger or another over-hyped European prospect. It really can’t hurt to sign a player of Brunnstrom’s supposed calibre and let the chips fall where they may.

I think there are definite reasons why Brunnstrom picked Dallas over the other three competing teams.

With all the hype surrounding Brunnstrom, I could only imagine the parade of pre-season interviews in Toronto, Montreal and Detroit. While Dallas has great fans, they have plenty of other sports franchises to keep them occupied.

Despite the presence of the Pistons, Lions, and Tigers, Detroit considers itself to be Hockeytown, USA. I’ve never been to a Red Wings game, but if they have the guts to throw Octopus on the ice, I’d rather not question their fanaticism.

Montreal had the Expos and the Nordiques to keep the rest of the province occupied, but those days are long gone and there is no questioning the sanctity of their beloved Habs.

The Leafs could have offered Fabian the minutes he desired, but I definitely think a combination of Toronto's hockey mentality and the lack of stable management killed this deal.

The Leafs even sent Borje Salming to try and persuade his fellow countryman to join up with the Blue and White. If one of the most famous Swedish hockey players couldn’t get the deal done, it seems very likely that the Leafs didn’t have a great shot to begin with.

I could keep ranting about Leafs management for days, but this article is about Fabian. This Swedish Elite League prospect is supposed to have Alfredsson-like skills and if everything pans out as projected, the Stars could have him on a line with Brad Richards next season.

I doubt he’ll immediately adapt to the NHL game, but with all the hype around this guy, who knows what to believe. He might even end up becoming the next Jiri Dopita, who falls into the long list of European superstars that failed to make the transition.

Hopefully, Fabian’s talent will shine through. But maybe Leafs fans will sleep a bit easier if his tour with Dallas ends up shorter than a Texas two-step.

A 'State' of Disarray: Pennsylvania's NHL Rivalry

Zahir A — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:56:06 -0400

"I don't like that team." – Evgeni Malkin

Mr. Malkin was expressing his discontent towards the Philadelphia Flyers after an 8-2 loss on December 11^th. Perhaps the superstar was not ready for the physical play of the cross-town rival Flyers. OR, he didn’t take too kindly to having popcorn dumped on the Penguin bench by those lovely Flyer fans.

Whatever the case may be, I’m sure the man they call “Geno”, and the rest of the Penguins will be ready for an Eastern Conference final of epic proportions.

The speedy and skilled Pittsburgh Penguins are set to butt heads with the 2008 re-incarnation of the ‘Broad Street Bullies’.

Being a diehard member of Leafs Nation, I’m all too familiar with tough losses to the Philly faithful. However, I should credit these Flyers with more than just grit and a ‘him-em-up’ attitude. Besides that usual chip on their shoulder, the Flyers are chipping in with goals and tough defence to prove that they should be taken seriously.

After going through a rebuilding process last year, many counted out John Stevens’ Flyers from even attaining a post-season birth, but doubters have slowly come around.

The Flyers handled the Russian Capitals from Washington, and then completed a near-sweep of the skilled ‘Bleu, Blanc et Rouge’ that may have caused the entire country of Canadato to become Penguin fans overnight.

But now, the Flyers face their toughest test yet, and they intend to handle it just as they have the entire season: With a Little Flyer Hospitality.

This is the same way they played in their five wins against the Penguins, including one on the last day of the regular season that could have resulted in a first round Pennsylvania showdown. There was even speculation that the Penguins didn’t bother giving 100% because they preferred to play those 'Sensweeptional' Ottawaboys.

It seemed to work out in their favour, but they didn’t count on the Flyers to make it this far. The Penguins have to prove that it doesn’t matter who they face in these playoffs, and that their flashy superstars can handle the likes of Downie, Hartnell and the fans of the aptly named, 'Orange Crush'.

Pittsburgh appears to have had some favourable playoff match-ups so far, facing a deplorable Senators team that went from heroes to zeroes in the course of 4 months.

In the second round, they faced a Ranger team that was touted as the 'Beasts of the East' at the start of the season. New York had a bolstered line-up on offence and a superstar net-minder in Henrik Lundqvist. Not to mention a relatively obscure hockey player by the name of Sean Avery. I know he hasn’t been in the papers much, but I thought he could really get under the skin of Marc-Andre Fleury. He exemplified the spirit of the Rangers in the 2007 playoffs and could have been a major factor, until a lacerated spleen put him out of commission.

However, the spleen injury occurred during a game 3 loss to Pittsburgh, putting the Rangers in a 3-0 hole. Surely Avery was not entirely to blame for the Rangers playoff shortcomings, and while we can attribute some of the Penguins success to good fortune, there are other factors at play.

Most analysts will immediately look to the three headed monster of Malkin, Crosby and Hossa, but the real success of the Penguins lies in their depth.

They have a group of top 6 forwards that most NHL teams envy and a great set of role players who can deliver a big hit when needed. Combine that with a solid defence corps and the outstanding goaltending of Marc-Andre Fleury and it’s no mystery why the Penguins could have been the best team in the East.

The Flyers prevented that from happening and could do it again if Marty Biron keeps up his impersonation of a brick wall. Add a dash of clutch goal-scoring by Pittsburgh’s own R.J. Umberger and a sprinkle of Downie’s brand of agitation and you have the recipe for another playoff upset.

It is clear that the Flyers will play their style of rock-em-sock-em hockey, but how will the Penguins respond? Can they still demonstrate flashes of brilliance and tape-to-tape passing despite the heavy checking? Or will they attempt to fight back using their own big body presence from Hal Gill and Ryan Malone?

Pennsylvania has always been home to one of the greatest hockey rivalries, but this playoff series has the potential to turn into a modern-day Gettysburg.

As the aroma of Philly-cheese steak spreads through the Wachovia Centre, Penguins fans have another question for their cross town rivals: Can you smell what Laraque is cookin’?