Bleacher Report - Articles by S. Singh

Heatley Saga Close to Ending: However Mum's the Word.

S. Singh — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:39:48 -0400

According to ESPN's John Buccigross, a three-way deal involving the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and the Ottawa Senators is on the verge of being completed.

While the GM's are mum and have not made it official thus far, initial reports (also by NHL.com) suggest that San Jose will be Dany Heatley's new home while Patrick Marleau will head to Los Angeles.

The Senators will get Jarret Stoll and Alexander Frolov.

With the start of training camp on the horizon, it is now or never for moving Heatley (or at least in not in the near future). As GM Bryan Murray looks to deal the embattled star, he has indicated that if Heatley is not traded by the start of camp, he will be expected to show up to camp.

A sentiment echoed by Heatley himself.

Regardless of where Heatley ends up, the receiving team is going to get one heck of a player.

While it is unfortunate for this saga to have continued all summer long, it should be noted that players asking for trades is not new, but usually those requests never get leaked.

Heck, most of us non-athletes ask for them all the time (job transfers anyone?) so I think we all should cut him some slack and move on.

World Championship Runner Gender Verification Results Leaked

S. Singh — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:34:10 -0400

South African runner Caster Semenya, 800m gold medalist at the Berlin World Athletics Championship competition, recently underwent a gender verification test after questions were raised due to her commanding win last month.

According to sources close to the investigation, the examination revealed that Semenya lacked ovaries and a womb but had internal testis and three times the normal amount of testosterone than considered normal. The final verdict circulating is that while she is female, she is not 100% female.

These results bring into question several issues. Will she be stripped of her medal, and to what extent did Athletics South Africa (ASA) know prior to the competition of Semenya's condition?

Since no evidence currently exists of Semenya knowingly cheating, would it be fair to take away her medal, or perhaps let her keep it and award a second gold medal?

Based on her gender test alone, she will not have to give up the medal. However, if she is found to have had an unfair advantage due to the hormone concentrations in her body, then she might have to give it up.

Athletics SA president Leonard Chuene currently denies any gender testing has taken place, and if so, has been done illegally without consent from the Semenya, and has raised the racism alarm.

It should however be noted, that gender testing used to be a requirement before competing at the Olympics for all athletes. International Association of Athletics Federations stopped gender screening for all athletes in 1992.

While ASA is vigorously defending their athlete, where were they before? Were questions not raised when she appeared out of nowhere to qualify for the race? Were officials desperate to show case a winning athlete, that proper tests and knowledge were disregarded?

Reports are filtering in that South African officials heard questions and uncertainties regarding Semenya's gender as early as four years prior yet did nothing. It is also interesting to note, that her coach happens to be the controversial Ekkart Arbeit.

Arbeit used to be a coach of the East German track team in the 1970s and 1980s. He admitted to giving his athletes anabolic steroids, resulting in at least one undergoing gender reassignment due to the effects of those pills and his part in the program.

While he is not accused of any wrong doing yet, his presence as a coach and the mentality of the program should be questioned. By employing a coach such as this, ASA has shown where its true priorities are, and it is not to the athletes but to win at all costs.

In any case, we can all agree, that the biggest loser in all of this is Caster Semenya herself. All the publicity, the embarrassing questions are now on an international scale. It remains to be seen how this story plays out.

Who To Root For When Your Team Misses The Post Season?

S. Singh — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:02:37 -0400

With the Stanley Cup and NBA Finals just now concluding, many sports fans have had to face the dubious task of who to root for now that their team missed the playoffs or got knocked out.

There are fans who just cheer for their team, and could care less about the greater excitement the actual sport provides. For them, it doesn't matter.

But for others, this process of team selection can be either very technical in nature or rather whimsical. In my case, I need to cheer for someone, and it makes the results more interesting.

Now, my main sport of interest is hockey. Suffice it to say, I am a Toronto Maple Leaf fan to boot. How I chose my team? It was chosen by divine right (whoever my older brother cheered for, I cheered for) and solidified by also being the local team during my formative years.

I have had to hone my back-up selections over the last few years, and here I present my method and rationale.

When Toronto is no longer alive in the playoffs, I have to root for a Canadian team (country trumps all).

The next team I root for is the one closest to my birth city, which happens to be the Calgary Flames. Next, the Edmonton Oilers, as they are in the same province. Then the Vancouver Canucks, because they aren't really a rival nor do I have any affiliation with the province.

Due to Montreal being a historical rival, they take fifth, followed by Ottawa (a newly emerging division and provincial rival of my home team).

After exhausting Canadian teams, I find myself rooting for any team playing against teams I absolutely hate (New York Rangers—you either love them or hate them) and the Philadelphia Flyers (purely because they are goons and the fact that Bobby Clarke was closely affiliated with them).

Finally, the last tier is based purely on the number of Canadian players listed in the official roster.

I have caught a lot of heat from my colleagues, especially since I was rooting against the Red Wings during the Stanley Cup finals. But hey, you have to stick to your guns, so to speak, and stay strong.

Is my method of selection crazy? Sure. Does it make sense? Probably only to me. However, we all gravitate to teams and cities we have ties to (or teams based on pure hatred).

Many of the same principles can be applied to university/college teams. School rivals must be cheered against at all costs, but perhaps forgiven when it's a question of division superiority. For example, my hatred of University of Michigan can be tempered when it comes to a question of a Big Ten team facing a team from another conference.

In baseball, after the Blue Jays, I find myself offering positive thoughts for the Detroit Tigers by virtue of community ties.

How did you come to cheer for your favourite team. How do you pick your teams after your favorite one is knocked out?

Peace everyone, and let the summer sports season begin!

Will This Series Define Sidney Crosby? Why Pittsburgh Must Win Tuesday

S. Singh — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:22:47 -0400

In the words of Shakespeare: Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.

We have long been hearing about the technical greatness of Sidney Crosby, "The Next One." No one can argue how talented he is as a hockey player. Both he and Evgeni Malkin have had a hand in eight of the 10 goals scored by the Pittsburgh Penguins thus far in the Stanley Cup Finals.

But if Pittsburgh wants to win, others will have to achieve greatness and still more will have to hope it gets thrust upon them.

Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings are making return appearances in this years Stanley Cup Finals. A remarkable feat within itself. While unsuccessful last year, Crosby once again has the opportunity to win the cup, one campaign older, one campaign wiser, and a first hand eye witness to what it takes to win the Stanley Cup. Youth and experience cannot be used as an excuse this time around

Now is his time to step up and show his leadership on the ice. Hard hits, being aggressive and most of all, being disciplined. And leadership on this team needs to come from several of the players, including those who do not have a letter sewn on their jersey. Composure is a key part of being a good leader, and that means no stupid penalties, no whining, and almost willing themselves to victory.

For good leadership, one only has to look at the likes of Mark Messier, a physically dominating player. Messier stepped up, got results, and exuded fear and power when he stepped on the ice. Players like Jerome Iginla, Scott Stevens, and Derian Hatcher were imposing figures on the ice as well.

Captains such as Steve Yzerman, Mats Sundin, and Joe Sakic may not have been the loud, rah rah type of leaders, but they led by example and determination. Even Wayne Gretzky had a reputation for being whiny as a younger player, but he manned up and took charge when push came to shove.

When these players were on the ice, you could feel the urgency and anticipation that in the dying seconds, the anticipation that something big was going to happen...and with these men, something usually did. The above leaders also made people around them better.

When Crosby et al. are on, I don't feel that dominance. I don't feel that sense of urgency and anticipation. I saw spurts of it, such as after Jordan Staal's short handed goal in Game Four.

With the Penguins behind in the series 3-2, they are heading home, which has been an important advantage during this series as the home team has won each time.

Who knows when Crosby will be in this position again. Who knows how many more chances Pittsburgh will have in the future. If Sidney doesn't play well now, this may be his leadership legacy, fair or not. Perhaps being born with greatness isn't enough. Perhaps the secret ingredient to being a leader is being able to stoke the fires of greatness in others. Make others aware of their responsibilities instead of being liabilities.

Regardless, something needs to change. As good as some of the players have been, they all need to be better. As talented as Pittsburgh is, they still have a chance to win. Only time will tell how Crosby will be remembered, and at least for now, we still have two playoff games remaining.

And touch wood, many years of Crosby remaining for us to see whether or not this is his Stanley Cup opportunity, or one of many more to come.

Pat Quinn to Coach the Edmonton Oilers

S. Singh — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:09:55 -0400

The Oilers have failed to make the post season playoffs for three years in a row, and look to Pat Quinn to breath new life and success into the storied Canadian franchise.

The Edmonton Oilers recently announced that Pat Quinn was hired to take over coaching duties. Quinn, 66, now becomes the oldest coach in the NHL. He will work with former New York Ranger bench boss Tom Renney as associate coach.

Renney had previously replaced Quinn as coach of the Vancouver Canucks in 1996, when the latter went on to resume his GM duties of the same team.

His teams have made the playoffs in 15 of the 19 seasons he has coached, having reached the Stanley Cup finals once. Pat Quinn has also seen success in the international arena, leading Canada to a gold medal in the 2002 winter Olympics and a 6-0 record in the 2004 world cup victory, and coaching the Canadian IIHF world cup under-18 team to victory in 2008.

He can be described as a "players' coach," and says he is "an educator first and a whip-cracker second." In dealing with a young team such as the Oilers, "We will be pushing, cajoling, teaching as well as we can to reach high standards."

In Quinn, the Oilers get a solid coach who has proven to be successful in working with both veteran and younger players. Edmonton seems to be a good fit for the Irishman. The only surprising thing, was how long it took for him to catch on with an NHL team.

Michigan State Win Puts Them in NCAA Basketball Finals

S. Singh — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:50:24 -0400

The Michigan State Spartans beat the University of Connecticut in a thrilling 82-76 victory Saturday evening. There were 72,456 fans who filled Ford Field in Detroit to watch what was expected to be a complete routing of the Spartans, turned out to be a close and exciting victory for MSU. Kalin Lucas led the Spartans with 21 points followed by Raymar Morgan scoring 18.

Morgan, noted by University of Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun as the MSU player he most coveted, played a strong defensive game.

With the toughness and integrity of Big 10 basketball being questioned, Spartan coach Tom Izzo responded by leading his team to its fifth final four appearance and third appearance in the finals during his 14 year stint. Michigan State will face the University of North Carolina who beat Villanova 83 to 69.

If Michigan State continues to stay healthy, they have a shot against the University of North Carolina whom they play on Monday night at around 9pm.

March Madness: A Time For Group Hugs, Dejection, and Emotional Outbursts

S. Singh — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:08:35 -0400

March Madness is a time for group hugs, feelings of dejection, failure, and emotional outbursts—at least for those who dared to enter an office pool or friendly bout of basketball brackets.

As a transplanted Canadian, I never imagined I would take to a phenomena such as March Madness basketball.

To back up a little bit, until I came here, I never had a team to support in NCAA college sports. The importance was subsequently lost upon me.

Over time, pride in my school and the excitement of my fellow students rubbed off on me in a variety of college sports. Only during this time of year, march madness sanctioned procrastination is an acceptable activity.

NCAA sports soon found itself in my psyche—specifically basketball.

I don't know when it happened, but slowly I found myself drawn into the whole bracket craziness that epitomizes this contest.

Everyone who enjoys this time of year can understand my excitement in waiting for the brackets to be announced. All thoughts of marking my students papers, doing my research and own course work were suspended once the brackets were announced.

I had to conserve my mental steroids, alertness, and brain power for crafting a winning bracket. Much time was spent in the careful analysis and preparation in creating the bracket that was going to take me to office NCAA pool greatness.

After submitting my bracket, the feeling of self doubt as other peoples brackets began to trickle in. Subsequent helplessness soon began to set in as the games began.

One thing is for sure, most people in the office have atleast one or two tabs on their internet dedicated to either the games being screened and up-to-the-second scores.

I have experienced extreme high and low emotional outbursts—in the span of 10 minutes I thought I was having a heart attack. Picture this, a 2-seeded Memphis team tied with 9 minutes left in the game to a 15th seeded team. Needless to say, everyone in the office heard my cries of disbelief.

What makes this tournament one of the most exciting is the fact that anything can happen. It doesn't matter what rank a team has, how much hype another team gets, ANYTHING can happen.

There are no best of series, no double knock-outs. After 40 minutes you either go home or live to see another game.

For those whose brackets were destroyed so early on, a tender hug and kind words of understanding were in order. As for those who experienced a double overtime loss, no words or actions can express the emotion.

After all the madness ends, a winner is crowned and the realization that my bracket entry fee was just a donation begins to manifest. I am sure the feeling of dejection will set in. Anger will surface at how my efforts and emotional support wasn't enough to ensure all my teams behaved as I preordained them too.

I will curse the various teams that did not play well despite wearing my lucky socks and carefully arranging my various lucky trolls & charms on my desk. I will also question the existence of God or any higher being.

But alas, regardless of what happens this year. I know exactly what I will be doing this time next year.

Best of luck fellow readers on your various pools—there can only be one winner in each of the pools and as for my office one—based on recent events thus far—it sure isn't going to be me.

I should have invested in a Tim Hortons coffee donut combo. At least the suffering and feelings of caloric doubt would have only lasted one day instead of two weeks.

Fighting has a role in the NHL....but Goons Need Not Apply

S. Singh — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:15:32 -0400

The importance of fighting in hockey is currently being debated all over water coolers and on media shows.

Currently three different opinions exist, those belonging to give peace a chance hippies, blood-thirsty savages, and of course, the moderates.

As expected, it took second stage (centre stage belonging "to the head") at this year's General Managers meeting, currently taking place in Naples, Florida.

Some of the recommendations which came out of that meeting included 10-min misconduct for staged fights and increasing the number of instigator penalties called in order to combat fighting.

There is no doubt the role of fighting has evolved over time. In a fast paced, hard hitting game, emotions tend to run high invariably leading to fights breaking out. Earlier, there was a tendency for players to self police themselves on the ice.

Anyone who delivered cheap shots knew they had a bounty on their head for the rest of the game. Fighting was and still is used to shift the momentum of a game, alleviate frustration, right any "perceived wrongs" and staged entertainment fights.

It is the latter two that has denigrated the role of fighting in hockey leading to a dichotomy of enforcers. Educated enforcers and side show goons, the latter who stop the flow of the game and make fighting comical and unnecessary.

I have no problem when dirty players who play to injure their opponents, slew foot opponents, use their sticks as weapons and run over goalies and smaller players get the beat down. Because quite frankly, they deserve it. Especially when they occur away from the play.

It is understandable for tempers and frustration to boil over when referees routinely miss calls and players resort to self policing. Usually these types of fights occur in the in the heat of the battle, and can feed off of and add to the emotion of the game.

I do take exception to the team enforcers fighting players who deliver legal and solid hits. If a goalie ventures outside of their safe zone, they are as fair game as any player (they assume an inherent risk when they leave their crease).

This "you hit me-I have to retaliate" mentality denigrates the role of fighting. Fighting should not be used to punish good, hard yet legal hits or because its their job. Perhaps the excessive fighting which occurs currently results from marginal players using fighting as a means to stay in the league.

I don't buy arguments made by players such as George Laraque who view it as part of the job description and worry about enforcer job security.

If you want to play in the NHL, you better have hockey talent. As far as staged fights, personally, I find them tacky and unnecessary and don't add much to the game.

I would rather players do some self policing in the league as to what constitutes honourable fighting rather and refer to the original fighters "code." With the increasing use of technology, some of the self policing is redundant.

I actually do like a good fight, and can get a bit blood thirsty at times but only when it comes to the dangerous and idiotic players getting schooled. I would like to see a decrease in the silly staged fighting as it does slow the game doesn't add much in the emotional department for me.

The bottom line is if you dont' like fighting in hockey, then don't watch it. Watch golf or ping pong. If you do like blood thirsty fighting, watch WWE wrestling or Asian politics, because I don't think NHL has enough fighting to satisfy that blood lust...at least not yet.

Team Canada Golden in 5-1 World Junior Hockey Championships Win

S. Singh — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:02:09 -0500

Coached by Pat Quinn, Canada's national team has once again brought home gold from the World Junior Hockey Championship. After spanking Team USA 7-4 on New Year's Eve and surviving a shootout scare against the Russians, Canada beat the Swedish National team 5-1 Monday night.

Canada opened the scoring in the first period with a goal by P.K. Subban, with the game-winning goal coming in the second period from Angelo Esposito. Other scorers for Canada included Jordan Eberle and Cody Hodgson, who led the team with two goals and one assist in the game.

Hodgson was also the top points scorer in the tournament with five goals and 11 assists for a total of 16 points, followed by fellow Canadians John Tavares (15 points) and Jordan Eberle (13 points).

Sweden's lone goal came in the third period by Joakim Andersson.

This win by Canada marks the fifth straight victory for the hosting country. This year the tournament was being held in Kanata, Ontario. Russia went on to beat Slovakia 5-2 to claim the bronze medal.

New Years Resolutions For The Sports Enthusiasts

S. Singh — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:37:00 -0500

Now that Christmas is done, it seems the time to reflect is over and the time to look forward is here. With that comes the yearly new years' resolutions that most make and break by the end of January. Well, this year is no different, I too will embark upon this yearly ritual with hope and promise.

Aside from the personal goals of eating healthy, maintaining my running schedule, drinking more (water) and partying less (?) to focus on grant writing and the usual PhD stuff, I too have some sporting resolutions. I am usually successful with my personal goals. Not sure how these sporting ones will go.

10. I'll be nice to Sean Avery in future writings

9. I'm going to try not to cringe when someone tells me rhythmic gymnastics (the one with the twirly ribbon thingy) is a bona fide Olympic sport.

8. I will keep the faith for Michigan State Football for 2009

7. I will not throw things at the TV.

6. I won't scream at sports when non-sports fans are present (it tends to scare them and make them drop whatever they are holding).

5. I'll try to minimize foul language in front of kids when assessing various refereeing "calls".

4. I'm going to try not to be an armchair coach in sports I know nothing about (cricket, basketball, golf—which isn't really a sport, speed-walking and baseball).

3. I won't morally judge New York Rangers and New York Yankee fans on the basis of the team they support (I think I just broke this resolution now by the comment I just verbally tossed at a colleague, luckily, it's still 2008!)

2. No fighting or "loud discussions" over sporting politics over Tim Horton's coffee!

1. I will not let my team's losses from previous nights affect my mood at work the next day (I don't know how long this will last!).

Well, again, lets see how long these last. Check back next year for the update :) Happy New Year Everyone...Keep support'in...keep sport'in....keep bleacher report'in :)

Naughty or Nice: Santa's Checkin' His List Twice for These Naughty NHL Stars

S. Singh — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:36:03 -0500

Welcome to Part II of Naughty or Nice...NHL style. With Christmas rapidly approaching, it is time for Santa to check his list to see who has been naughty or nice. In the Naughty Or Nice: Santa's NHL Nice List article I explored players and NHL personnel who had an extremely beneficial first quarter.

This list features the unfortunate lot who may get "alternative" Christmas presents this year. This is not in order and by no means a complete list.

Mike Fisher and the Ottawa Senators

To say the Ottawa Senators are having an off season would be a very big understatement. The same can be said for Mike Fisher. With only 11 points thus far, teammate Filip Kuba has double Fisher's points and earns half the salary, and he's a defenceman. If the Sens have any hope of making a play for a playoff spot, Fisher and company need to do something...anything...to get his point tally up. Now would be a good time for Fisher to invest some of his $6 million salary in some lucky charms.

Christmas present—Neon red-haired lucky troll and maybe lucky socks/boxers if he believes it will help. He can perhaps borrow something from Malkin.

Mike Comrie

Injuries aside, Comrie has been pretty ineffective thus far. After playing 16 games last year, Comrie had 17 points; he has eight this year.

Christmas wish—Health and a trade to a new team.

Michael Peca

NHL hockey was never known as the most gentlemanly sport ever played. But a category three "Physical Abuse of Officials" is just not sporting. I know you are not strong enough to take any of the players, but going after officials? That's kind of low. What next, little kids calling you names when you board the team bus???

New piece of equipment—A red flag you can wave at the officials to get their attention.

Andrei Kostitsyn

Dirty doesn't even begin to describe this player. If he isn't hitting from behind, then he is using his stick to poke the skate out from under a guy racing to touch a puck to negate an icing. Cheap, tawdry, just plain dangerous.

Christmas present—A bar of Irish spring soap and karma to bite him in the a**.

Marty Turco

You know, I never liked to kick a person while they are down mentality. When the whole Sean Avery fiasco happened, the whole world saw just how dysfunctional the Dallas dressing room was. Especially for a mediocre goalie on a crappy team, Issuing smug comments on Avery should be the least of your worries. I say he should have shut his trap and focused on his own game, which obviously needs some attention. But hey, that's just me.

Christmas present—Bigger goalie pads and a bigger catching glove. And a smaller net too. Maybe that will help your game.

Gary Bettman

Not a big fan. In fact, I find him rather annoying and I'm beginning to feel like we got NBA's sloppy seconds. He is too busy trying to cater to those who have no interest in the game at the risk of alienating those who do have a passion. One gripe is how he feels the need to be visible and often wants to be seen and heard far too often. Yes, he has done some good things, but his ego is getting in the way of his objectivity. Out with the old, in with the new is what I say.

Christmas modification—A valve to release some of the air from his inflated ego.

Sean Avery

What can you say? The man made both the naughty and nice list. The self-appointed NHL mass media marketing guru tried to market the game to a wider audience. But not only did he market himself out of a job, he bit the hand that fed him (Brett Hull). Enough has been said about him, and he has been vilified enough for his tasteless comments. Get your help, eat your crow, and hope someone gives you another chance.

Christmas present—A plain suit and a horse blinders. The plain non-flashy suit to draw less attention to yourself. The horse blinders to keep you focused on the task at hand and block the media and hype.

Well, that's it. Santa's list has officially been checked. Who cleans up their act, and who falls out of grace and into the check-twice list next year remains to be seen. May peace, love, and visions of Stanley Cups dance in your heads....

Dear Mats Sundin: Thanks for Everything, but I Hope You Suck in Vancouver

S. Singh — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:12:52 -0500

Dear Mats Sundin,

It's finally over!

The divorce papers were signed and the ink dried long ago. Still, when I opened the newspaper and read about how you took the plunge and signed with the Vancouver Canucks...I am not going to lie, it hurt. At least it wasn't the New York Rangers.

It's tough when you have been traded in for a more successful model. The Canucks are sitting comfortably in a fifth-place playoff position in the Western Conference, something we in Leafs Nation couldn't offer you. With a great goalie in Roberto Luongo and strong play by Daniel Sedin, it was only a matter of time before you jumped ship.

As with any relationship, we are left with both good and bad memories. How many times have we seen you score a game-tying goal in the last minute of play? More than I can remember.

Your presence during moments of desperation was enough for Leaf fans to feel anticipation for you to force overtime with your one-timer shots and wraparounds.

You have done it all. You scored goals, gave the old face wash to people who got in your way, dug pucks out of the corner, won key faceoffs, etc.

Throughout your tenure in Toronto, you always lived up to your captain duties. You faced the media with dignity and grace even when the team hid after a horrendous game.

You may not have been a loud, screaming banshee on the ice, but you did lead by example, and I did see passion and anger in your eyes when things weren't going our way. You were consistently among the teams' top point scorers and the Leafs go-to player in many situations.

I consider how much you accomplished in Toronto with very little support an understatement.

Yes, I know, if only you had had better wingers, been on a team with less injuries, had an upper-echelon goalie, the Leafs may have won the Stanley Cup. But you made do with what you had.

This much is true—Toronto not winning a Stanley Cup cannot be solely blamed on you.

Vancouver is getting a talented player who can make things happen on the ice. It will be interesting to see how you fit in.

Perhaps this is the test you have been waiting for. You are on a team with all the ingredients to become a Stanley Cup winner. Sure, luck and good timing can help as well, but only time will tell. If you can't win the big prize in Vancouver, perhaps it just wasn't meant to be.

I should wish you well. You certainly did deserve a right to pick and choose how and when you wanted to play and for whom, given your accomplishments.

I, for one, will still wear my Sundin jersey, and do so with pride.

However, I confess, there is a small, selfish, jilted, shrewish part of me that wants you to play horribly and fail. It is spiteful, but I never said I was perfect. You dragged out the drama for far too long and kept false hope alive, making me believe you were coming back.

Another part of me is just bitter. I mean, how would you feel if your hero Borje Salming just up and left to play for Finlands's National Team? But that is neither here nor there.

Sorry, Mats. I honestly tried to be happy for you when I read the papers. I really tried to be the bigger person. And the fact that you chose the Canucks over the Rangers does show that you still have integrity.

Perhaps when you retire we can be friends again. But, for now, the pain is a little bit raw and I never said I was a selfless person. It's nothing personal. It's about self-preservation. You understand, right?

I see you are coming to town on Feb. 21. I don't know how I will feel then, how I will react to seeing you with another team. Maybe time will heal all wounds.

You never know what tomorrow brings.

Sincerely,

A Leafs Nation fan

Naughty Or Nice: Santa's NHL Nice List

S. Singh — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:46:03 -0500

With Christmas rapidly approaching, it is time for Santa to check his list to see who has been naughty or nice. There have been players who have shined thus far and have exceeded expectations placed on them by fans and the critics. This is not in order and by no means a complete list. Part 1 of this article will showcase a few players who have definitely earned a present this year.

Evgeni Malkin: Leads the league in points and assists after 31 games played. His +/- isn't too shabby either being a +19. With Pittsburgh sitting in 7th place, Malkin needs to continue to put up the points and increase goal production for the Pens to move up in the standings.

Christmas present: I dont' know, but definitely not a powder blue retro Pens jersey.

Roberto Luongo: Started the year with a ringing endorsement from management as team captain. Worked hard, played hard and has five shutouts to show for it. Unfortunately got sidetracked with a groin injury.

Christmas miracle: A new groin.

Cliff Fletcher: After inheriting a mess, this in-term GM had to deal with no-trade clauses and massive salaries. Fletcher had serious and dirty work to do before the season started. First he dynamited the team by getting rid of long timers Darcy Tucker, Bryan McCabe, Kyle Wellwood, and Andrew Raycroft. Hired no-nonsense Ron Wilson to coach a young and inexperienced team.

Projected present: Soothing aloe burn lotion.

Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez: The goal-tending dynamic duo for the Boston Bruins are instrumental to their teams success. Underrated and under-appreciated, these guys have just not been given enough recognition. From not making the playoffs two years in a row, followed by a respectable showing last season, the Bruins are out to show last year wasn't just an accident. Steady and consistent play by these two will ensure a successful new year.

Under the tree: A shiny trumpet to toot their own success.

Dion Phaneuf: This man is a work horse. Leads the league in total ice time clocking over 926 minutes and time on the ice per game at approximately 28 minutes. With only being three points off the pace of equaling his best NHL points total (60 last year), he is having a productive first quarter.

Projected present: Timex Iron-man Watch to keep track of this ice time and a box of Wheaties.

P.J. Stock: Former player turned CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster. It is really nice to hear someone sound really excited to be at work and inject some enthusiasm into CBC.

Christmas Drink: De-caf coffee...does not need to be wound up any further

Zack Parise: One player who does not get a lot of attention...Zack Parise please stand up. Consistently working hard, putting up solid numbers thus far. As of tonight, tied for fourth with 39 points behind Malkin, Crosby and Ovechkin. Raise your hand if you knew who he was before reading this article?

Christmas Wish: More media accolade.

Luke Schenn: This was supposed to be a long season for Leafs fans, and at times it is. However, Schenn has provided a much needed spark for this franchise not unlike when Thomas Kaberle came. Drafted fifth overall in the 2008 draft, Schenn has cracked the roster and has played over 25 minutes a game. Not bad for a rookie. He has speed,skill and fiestiness which will only endear him more to a fan base looking for hope.

Christmas Book: How to avoid being a one season wonder.

Mike Gillis: He had a mission...to bring Mats Sundin to Vancouver. Mission accomplished. Many teams were in the Sundin sweep-stakes but Gillis showed that patience is a virtue.

Christmas Present: He just got it...Mats Sundin and it was damn expensive. But will the hype live up? Only time will tell.

NHL Right To Play: is an international humanitarian organization which uses sports and play to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. Many NHL players have raised money and awareness about this program and some have travelled to Africa to spread happiness.

Too many to name but here are some of the recent players—Andrew Ference, Zedeno Chara, Mats Sundin, Joe Thornton, Jason Spezza, Steven Stamkos, Mike Green, Curtis Joseph, Matt Stajan, Robyn Regehr, Mike Cammalleri, Wojtek Wolski, Derek Roy, and Sean Avery.

Under the tree: Good Karma!

As mentioned, these are but a few names. Feel free comment on who you think also deserves honourable mentions...

STAY TUNED FOR THE NAUGHTY LIST...

Can Spartans Ring in The New Year With a Win Against Georgia....

S. Singh — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:25:03 -0500

Its been a long road for Georgia this year in college football, ending a disappointing season and having to face 19th ranked Michigan State University. While Georgia slid down the ranks, the Spartans and Dantonio have earned a berth in the Capital Bowl this January 1st largely to the hard work ethic displayed by the team and senior Javone Ringer.

At 5'9", Ringer is a compact running back for Michigan State. While capable of rushing more than 200 yards a game, Javon (one of the top in rushing yards in the nation) only had a total of 109 yards combined against Ohio State and Penn State. Against well ranked teams, expect one touchdown, two at the most from Javon as he will be overworked and well covered.

Tailback Knowshon Moreno too has received many accolades for his play with the Bulldogs such as being selected to the AFCA Coaches’ All-America Team. Moreno averaged 111.5 rushing yards a game and has explosive speed, can find openings and is a good play maker.

On a one to one comparison, perhaps Ringer has the better individual statistics, however, Georgia does have a few more go to players they can rely on. In order for Michigan State to pull off an upset, they will have to rely on other players besides Ringer and spread out their passing. Look for a close game in the beginning before one of the team breaks out.

Sean Avery Nets Six Game Suspension

S. Singh — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:21:38 -0500

Sean Avery of the Dallas Star's received a six game suspension for his crude remarks prior to the Calgary Flames game Tuesday morning. After a three hour meeting with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday, he was given the suspension which retroactively began Tuesday.

According to an interview with NHL.com, Commissioner Bettemen stated the decision was made as a "single entity" and did not agree that this incident was comparable to suspensions metted out for on ice incidences.

In addition to the suspension, Avery is required to have a professional anger-management evaluation and counseling, if necessary.

Perhaps this is exactly the wake up call Sean Avery needs. In a sense, he is being given a second chance provided he can find a team to take him in.

Make no mistake, Sean Avery is a useful player and has shown talent, plus he can stand in front of the net with the best of them. Also, for those who are apt to blame Avery for all of the Dallas Stars early misfortunes, need to perhaps look a little deeper at the organization.

Where Avery goes from here is up to him, and largely to an organization desperate enough to take him. Time will tell.

Sean Avery Comments Tasteless, But Not Worth Banning For

S. Singh — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:48:21 -0500

Once again, Dallas Stars' forward Sean Avery puts his foot in his mouth. That in itself is nothing new or extraordinary.

Prior to the Calgary Flames game, Avery had a few words with various media people. When he had every ones attention Avery says "I'm really happy to be back in Calgary. I love Canada," and "I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds." These comments are in reference to his ex's Elisha Cuthbert (now dating Daniel Phaneuf).

These comments earned Avery an indefinite suspension (fully supported by Dallas Stars owner Tim Hicks) and a meeting with Gary Bettemen. While these comments were made in poor taste was it really an offense worth suspending for?

There are other more important things such as hits from behind, or cheap shots on the ice which go unpunished. I for one think it would be something handled internally and perhaps a good thrashing by Mike Modano would have done it.

Or, perhaps it would have been better to let him play and clean up what would have been left of him after getting worked over by the feisty Flames. On second thought, I rather like this option the best.

Toronto Maple Leafs: House Cleaning Should Start at The Top

S. Singh — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:25:49 -0500

The Brian Burke era has officially begun in Toronto which was one of the worst kept secrets in hockey. However, after the JFJr. years, any change is a welcome one, and what a change it has been.

Looking down the Leafs roster, there have been many trades, signings and contract dumps over the past few months. Many fan favourites have been vanquished, some of those left are having to prove themselves like a first year rookie thanks to the no nonsense approach of coach Ron Wilson. The result is a fast, exciting, and a never give up team that is prone to many gaffes and mistakes. These problems can be solved by coaching, trades, or whatever the case may be.

Perhaps the one trade that no one talks about is the incompetent ownership at the helm of this team. It seems, that Burke has free reign to do what ever he feels is necessary to build a strong contending team. Unfortunately, his one and only "formal" stipulation is that he must report to Richard Peddie. That itself is the problem. If Toronto is to have any success, this man must go. Many owners and CEO's cannot face the fact they never made it past pee-wee hockey and try to prove themselves and their mother right by playing ghost GM/coach. Mr. Peddie is one of those aforementioned CEO's. He is only good for minting money (which is why the majority-owning Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan love him). Mr. Peddie could not hack it on the ice, and is not smart enough to live out his hockey fantasy behind the bench as a GM/or coach.

If Mr. Burke can find a way (and if anyone can, it would be him) to oust this team dictator, I will be front and centre singing his praises. Get rid of the cancer that is Maple Leafs Sports Entertainment ownership. When the ownership itself lacks passion, this cancer resonates down the proverbial ranks and is felt by players and fans alike. With such rubbish, no wonder Mats Sundin probably shudders at coming back. It is a tall order, but you can do it, and please find a way to bring Mats Sundin back for a swan song!