Bleacher Report - Articles by Aleksander Beaubois

Oye, Oye, (No) Captain?!: Montreal Canadiens Return To The Ice

Aleksander Beaubois — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:12:25 -0400

In this town, you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.

Welcome back to hockey season in Montreal, the city's who's motto "la ville est hockey" is more of a commandment than a commercial slogan. Its a city which has its politics served on the rocks, that is, on the ice.

Today's theme, nothing new—the captaincy.

Following the departure of long serving leader Saku Koivu, the vacancy of the C is a glaring one to all—To all except the players.

The media has been abuzz in trying to determine who should be nominated and when. Each lobby group has their endorsement.

Many of the Francophone contingent have voiced the merits, largely lingual, of the young blue collared Maxim Lapierre.

Another young player though a long shot, Josh Gorges, was praised by his ex-teammate Tom Kostopoulos as being worthy of the honour for his exceptional leadership presence in the locker room.

Proponents of the new school suggest either one of Montreal's new speedy forwards, Gomez, Cammalleri or Gionta.

Finally, there are the supporters of the old guard who believe that Andrei Markov is deserved of the nomination.

And then, the apocalypse.

It was reported today by The Gazette's Pat Hickey that Habs' stud veteran blue liner, refused the honour of adorning his jersey with the tradition-laden C.

And so it is that in this bi-partisan city, you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.

Markov's selection, considering his tenure, production and on-ice example, was a sign of respect for his significant contributions to the club. And a deserved one. Had he been bypassed, most would have noted that he should have been considered, if only symbolically. And so he was.

And so, as most would have predicted, he declined.

Markov is reputed for being a shy individual in the public eye. A player who albeit has opened up to the media in successive years, remains a closed and private person particularly in the face of the fishbowl scrutiny that is the Canadiens locker room.

As such, he is either unwilling or unable to hold a permanent post in the spotlight of camera flashes and microphones, in either French or English. Had he accepted, his selection would have been condemned by many, and surely by those of the French camp that beleaguered Captain Koivu for his reserved use of the native tongue of the province.

Could Markov expect any different treatment?

Even the aforementioned newcomers were aware of the animosity they could encounter from some in the French media for language related issues, and all have been quick to stress their commendable intentions of learning the language in the near future.

The quiet Russian chose the realistic and pragmatic option, gladly or reluctantly we will never know, and declined the honour.

And yet, when the high road was taken, by the team in offering him the C, and by Markov in declining it, there are those perpetually unappeased.

In fact, the media today, on both French and English radio and TV waves, discussed, some with abomination, whether a player even has the right to refuse.

And yet imagine the circus that would ensue following the new Captain's shy mumble of Slavic-accented English in the first interview had he accepted!

The Canadiens should wait to see who will emerge as their principal leader, and in the meantime rely on the collective effort of the freshly assembled franchise.

Maybe without the C for now, the old CH, could focus on the H instead, and just play Hockey for a change.

Toothless Grins; Hockey's Funniest Moments

Aleksander Beaubois — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 12:54:47 -0500

Sports are certainly good for the heart. And they say laughter is the best medicine. So there can't be anything healthier than a good dose of humour from the hockey world. In tune with Bleacher Report's new series of Sport's Funniest Moments, comes this all-hockey line-up.

Here's a look at the most laugh-invoking moments from the "Coolest Game on Earth" and there are several worthwhile categories to consider:

Funniest fight?

Now rink combat usually invokes images of massive exchanges of lefts and rights between skated-heavyweights, delivering oft-bloody punishment.

So when one witnesses the Washington Captial's Alexander Semin engage his opponent, NY Rangers Marc Staal, it's difficult not to flash a toothless grin. Semin's fisticuffs draw a closer parallel to a "stomp" show performer drumming on a trash can than a true hockey tilt, and so his slaps earn him the title of funniest "slapstick" fighter.

Funniest Quote?

Oh there's a ton, since the "articulate skill set" on most players is as low as league worst Rod Brind’Amour’s plus/minus rating (-30). Here are worthwhile mentions.

The first features Dallas Stars goalie Ed Belfour, who after hearing his coach Ken Hitchcock wanted his backup Marty Turco to push him for the No. 1 job, retorted "maybe we should hire another coach, so we can push him."

Edmonton Oilers coach Ted Green makes the list with his quip following Shaun Van Allen’s concussion, when his player couldn’t remember who he was; “Tell him he’s Wayne Gretzky.”

And finally, the expressive comeback of NY Rangers president Neil Smith who, responding to a fashion photographer’s statement that he would like to shoot some of the Rangers players, was quick to note that on “some nights, [he’d] like to shoot some of the players [him]self.”

Sticking with verbal, the funniest statement by a fan deserves equal recognition. Here’s a look at the poster-board medium.

Of course, written wit may be lost on some. Government endorsed bigot Don Cherry would no doubt dismiss this category on a technicality. It involves reading, something perhaps a little bit too European?

For the rest of us, here’s a look:

Amidst the sea of signs at every game shouting for camera attention from ESPN and TSN in hope of making the next morning’s Edition of Sports Center, or the ever imaginative “D” and adjoining picket fence (spelling "defense" for those who still solving this brainteaser), there does come along the occasional clever statement.

Oilers fans deserve a collective honourable mention for their written jesting of Chris Pronger upon his return to Edmonton following an ugly departure.

But the ultimate favourite dates to the 1999 Finals between Dallas and Buffalo where a Sabers fan’s work read:

Modano: Wrist Injury
Hull: Groin Injury
Coincidence?

But to return to ice level.

The embarrassment of an own goal is unmatched by any other blunder in sports. Sometimes bad bounces, mistimed reflexes or lapses of concentration happen, usually to the head-burying response of accountability and humiliation.

Well, not for this Japanese player who threw his arms up in celebration before realizing that those around him with their arms raised, were his opponents.

And before reaching the No. 1 overall selection, it is appropriate to list a pre-game blooper that unequivocally demonstrates that when it’s not your day its better not to tempt fate, and just stay in bed.

The honour unquestionably goes to a young lady, otherwise anonymous to the hockey world. She was due to sing the National Anthems before a tilt between Canada and the US in Montreal.

The now infamously mortifying moment had her start with the visiting team’s "Star Spangled Banner" but, barely into the third verse she jumbled the lyrics, uttered “sorry” and scuttled off the ice back into the tunnel ushered by the boos and jeers of the crowd.

"Know when to fold’em, know when to walk away..."

After collecting herself and grabbing cue cards with the lyrics, the fate’s prey bravely came back out. One step back onto the ice, however, and she was as airborne as the “red rockets” she should have been singing about, flying up and landing on her backside.

Needless to say, there was no third act.

And now the final, the Steve, Sullivan Show.

Like a smart comedy, this one had karma and humour brewed to a perfect blend.

The incident occurred during a Chicago-Colorado game in Denver when Steve Sullivan of the Blackhawks was slashed across the bridge of his nose following a clearing attempt by Alex Tanguay.

The high stick cut Sullivan who, stemming the bleeding with a towel and bent over and skating gingerly, was escorted off the ice by a trainer.

Before he reached the bench however, Sullivan stopped for a chat with a heckling fan who addressed the injured player with a shower of derogatives and mocked the blow to the nose.

Well, karma laced them up that night and came into play. Not only did Sullivan bank in a couple of shorthanded goals later in the game but managed to settle a personal score with the macho fan as well.

Patrick Roy’s clearing attempt sent the puck over the boards and clipped the heckler in the forehead letting loose blood.

Now, with the roles reversed and the fan's face buried in a towel, Sullivan skated over and, much to the amusement and thumbs up of the fan’s girlfriend, repaid his dues.

Karma might not come back to bite you, but it sure can hit you in the face.

So here is to a game we all love and to many more good times and laughs.

As a postscript I cannot refrain from addressing one last category.

Based on not only on-ice performance say, for the last 40 years, but on a barrage of fabulous jokes that would make Don Cherry’s Redneck spin, the "Maple Laughs" at least win this title: the funniest team.

Consider it a spark that may add to tonight’s Belorussian powder keg, Hockey Night in Canada; Habs hosting the Leafs.

Game on!

Stealing Isn't Always Bad; Top 10 NHL Draft Surprises

Aleksander Beaubois — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:10:40 -0500

Next in a series covering NHL transactions and following last week’s piece on the 13 Worst Trades in NHL History, comes this stocking stuffer; a brief look at the top value draft selections- the most ‘bang for your pick.’ Visualize Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux or Guy Lafleur in their draft years, each a franchise phenom, each a talent touted as the first overall pick. Imagine springing a deal that would wrestle away the rights to claim one of the stars without surrendering a king’s ransom in return. Impossible? Not so for Montreal Canadiens GM and puppet master, Sam Pollock. Not when Guy Lafleur was concerned The following is an excerpt from Pollock's Canada's Sports Hall of Fame biography; the background to what many hold as being the League's most brilliant trade, securing the future Hall of Famer as the Canadiens No. 1 overall draft pick in 1971: "Pollock wanted the first overall selection in the 1971 draft so he could take Guy Lafleur, so he made a deal with lowly California for that team's first choice figuring the Seals would finish last and Montreal would get the first pick. During the 1970-71 season, though, Los Angeles was playing even more poorly than California, so Pollock traded the aging but still valuable Ralph Backstrom to the Kings for two insignificant players. Backstrom's presence lifted the Kings out of last place, the Seals finished at the bottom, and the Habs drafted Lafleur. The rest, as they say, is history." The anecdote of this “draft robbery” is the somewhat unorthodox inspiration and introduction to an analysis of another branch of “steals” in the NHL draft. Enter the Top 10 Late Draft Steals. The following players are assessed according to their status as top producers in the League vis-à-vis their respective late selections in the modern NHL Entry Draft, thus dating back to 1979-1980 onwards. Late bloomers, those unnoticed, overlooked, ignored, or disregarded who broke out into tremendous talents; the focus is on the best valued selections of forwards who have been drafted no sooner than with the 100th selection. The ranking formula is a calculation of points produced and respective draft numbers versus career games logged. As such, the list is a mathematical result and not one that is emotionally vested.

Begin Slideshow

NHL: Bad Deals and Great Steals—Unlucky 13 Worst Trades of All-Time

Aleksander Beaubois — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:06:03 -0500

The glass is either half empty or half full. Lopsided and bad trades are often great steals for the other team involved, while at other times transactions aren’t beneficial for either team. Young stars shipped out prematurely, disgruntled stars traded ill advisedly, proven champions and seasoned veterans moved grudgingly or lost on a gamble. Damage in bad trades may be immediate or can haunt the loser long-term; trades that brought or lost leadership, massive point production, even Stanley Cups. This is a look at the 13 worst trades all-time in the National Hockey League. The Constitution of A Bad Trade The order of the countdown is determined both quantatively, in terms of stats produced and seasons played, and by interpretation of quality. The ranking method employed, seeks to unveil primarily the winners and losers according to players' career longevity and their offensive numbers (markedly, the majority of trades involve high profile forwards), as well as the long term effects on the players' old and new teams. Scenarios were bad acquisitions came at the expense of later successful draft picks or of entirely untested rookies are largely avoided owing to the intangible element of hindsight in the assesment of movement of unknown commodities. Otherwise, surely Toronto's swap of Scott Niedermayer's draft rights for Tom Kurvers would figure on the list. As would theire trade of, amongst others, prospect Brad Boyes for Owen Nolan. The Sharks would be on the hook for their cheap release of Miikka Kiprusoff for a conditional pick, leaving the Blackhaws equally guilty of their exchange of Dominic Hasek for Stephane Beauregard. But that is the privy of hindsight. Another case of exception: The 1995 trade sending Joe Nieuwendyk to Calgary for Corey Millen and rookie Jarome Iginla who had yet to play in the League may appear lopsided in the long run given the outstanding tenure of the Flames captain. Yet the trade short term was as much a win for the Stars who Niewendyk helped carry to a Championship in 1998-99. The transaction served the purpose of both clubs, one immediate, the other in the future and as such escapes the Top 13.

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Romo Heads the NFL, Kovalev Edges Out Crosby; Part II Of Toughest Jobs In Sports

Aleksander Beaubois — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:31:12 -0500

This is the second act of yesterday’s discussion on the most pressure-ridden athletes in North American pro team sports relative to the intensity of local media scrutiny, their fan and franchise expectations, personal performance and salary earned.

The first piece shed evidence on why Alex Rodriguez of the NY Yankees and Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers are deserved nominations for the undesirable candidacy, while Beckham, was the shoe-in for the MLS.

Honourable mentions went to C.C. Sabathia, whose new contract and the Big Apple limelight will bring hefty expectations on the ex-Brewer next year, and the still young LeBron James who is attempting to usurp Jordan’s claim as the greatest ever.

On that note, enter Sidney Crosby, another phenom prodigy hailed as the next coming of ‘The Great One.’

No Kid, It’s Not Sid

But Crosby, like LeBron, misses the number one mark. Like James, his time will undoubtedly come. Like James, he too has already appeared in the Championship Finals, albeit co-starring fellow triggermen Evgeni Malkin and Marian Hossa. And like James, Crosby’s proven play along with his youth afford him time before the true pressure mounts.

Roberto Luongo is another runner-up and a merited mention as not only a goaltender, but uncharacteristically for the position, a captain as well. He is in contention to vie for the top spot, but for the moment he leads a team with only gradually mounting expectations. Step one for the Canucks will be making the playoffs, the aim— to qualify in the Conference’s top eight, not to finish first overall.

So who is left? No, the answer is not Sundin. Mats has felt no pressure whatsoever as he finally put an end to his nine month non-retirement retirement.

No, it’s time for some controversy, and it comes in the form of the Montreal Canadiens’ Alex Kovalev.

Kovy is not Sidney Crosby, nor Alexander Ovechkin. He is however, under an immense load of pressure.

Certainly criticism of this selection will arise, but in careful consideration of the context of the question, Kovalev is a legitimate selection for the NHL’er under the most pressure not in the long run, but this year.

Following a career year in the 2007-08 campaign, Kovalev at age thirty-six, dawns the burden of not only repeating his numbers but is expected to carry the team to a Stanley Cup title. But while opponents’ defensive weariness is high, Kovalev’s production thusfar remains low.

In an already media-frenzied city and the home of hockey, the pressure is increasingly heightened in the Centennial year of a franchise who in the past has made a habit of raising championship banners, (second all-time winningest franchise behind the Yankees with 24 Cups), and is starving for another, its first in fifteen years.

The problem for Kovalev is that the expectations of Habs fans, (as opposed to the dreams of the Yankee and Laker hopeful in their stars) are in all likelihood unrealistic. With all his talent, Kovalev is the Chosen One more out of necessity than virtue.

A magician with the puck, Kovalev is nevertheless being styled for something that he is not. The only thing worse than bearing the expectations of Sidney Crosby is bearing them when you are not him.

NFL; Romo Bears Target

Finally, welcome Jessica Simpson and beau Tony Romo.

Romo heads a long list of quarterbacks who stake legitimate claim for the toughest job in sports. Peyton and Eli, Favre, new starters Cassels and Rodgers, Roethlisberger, McNabb.

The role of the quarterback by its very nature as the central catalyst position in the most team orientated sport commands deserved attention and parallel pressure.

And the expectations of the media and market in Dallas are overwhelming as the star-studded Cowboys squad (already under heavy scrutiny carrying the likes of Terrel Owens and Pacman Jones), much like Romo himself, struggle with controversy and injury.

Long overdue for a Super Bowl appearance in the minds of the Cowboys faithful who were used to the team’s dominance in the 1990s, Dallas remains hinged on the performance of their oft-inconsistent gunslinger.

But Romo isn’t all too dissimilar from A-Rod, laden with talent, but without making it count in the crunch.

His botched endgames, including the missed hold on the field attempt and subsequent failed end zone rush in the 2006 NFC wild card playoff round, air on every ‘misplay of the day’ countdown screening.

While his last-play interception in the 2007 Jessica Simpson-distraction-divisional playoff game—another loss in a long postseason winless streak— was equally symbolic of his big game collapses to date.

Don’t Let the Pressure Get to Ya’

All of these men of talent here discussed, Becks, A-Rod, Kobe, Kovy and Romo, are mere mortals but with giant expectations; each in his own league, like a modern day Atlas, bears his respective world on his shoulders.

And in the end, who wouldn’t want to be in their shoes?

David Beckham, Alex Rodriguez, Kobe Bryant: Toughest Jobs in Sports, Part I

Aleksander Beaubois — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:04:33 -0500

In Sports, Who Has It Worst?

David Beckham wins by default. At least as far as Major League Soccer is concerned.

And it’s not just because of his looks. The Milan-bound Brit shoulders the most pressure in the MLS.

Why? Well, how many other MLS players can you name? Or recognize?

Although he is not the first nor the only talent to transfer from the Old Continent to the U.S., he certainly has the highest profile. What’s more, he’s been imported not so much for his capabilities on the pitch as for his impact off of it—and paid handsomely to do so.

Settled in California in the unassuming town of Beverly Hills, Beckham isn’t just the face of the LA Galaxy franchise, or even People Magazine.

Instead, he’s charged with being the ambassador of football (read “soccer” for clarification) to the North American continent, which is slowly grasping what the rest of the globe has been so enthralled with over the years.

It’s a tough gig. Labeled the team’s—even the sport’s—saviour, his Galaxy finished with a dismal sub-.500 record, beating out only in-state rivals San Jose for the second-to-last division spot.

They didn’t even qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League.

Though his perfume sales are high.

Often overhyped, overpaid athletes who are playing in media circus towns sporting the most pressure—like Beckham—are expected to perform, to put up numbers, and to win—big.

So, who has the toughest job in sports this year?

Bear in mind there is no quantifiable formula to determine results. The concept of pressure is relative to the intensity of media scrutiny, fan and franchise expectation, personal performance, and salary earned.

With this two-piece editorial in mind, I brought the discussion to a pub this past weekend where a debate raged on the four most pressure-ridden athletes on the North American pro team-sports scene. Beckham was a toss-in.

The discussion was lively, and the opinions wide-ranging. Holding steadfastly to a few preconceived selections and persuaded by other well-argued cases, I arrived at four representatives, one for each of the major pro leagues on the continent.

Toughest Job in Baseball

With Beckham a unanimous lock for the MLS, the most common answer to follow is Major League Baseball's Alex Rodriguez, a man cited to be carrying “the weight of the world into each at-bat” (Joel Sherman, “Time to Face Facts: A-Rod Simply Doesn't have 'It'”, New York Post, 06/06/2006).

Despite all of his record breaking, awards, and All-Star nominations, A-Rod has failed to silence his critics by winning in the clutch, most notably in the postseason, as his talent and renown are overshadowed by the glaring lack of championships.

In a city used to the Big Time, it can’t be easy. The New York Yankees, who are first all-time with 26 World Series titles, are currently riding their third-longest championship drought, not having won since 2000. Worse still, in 2008 they failed to make the postseason for the first time since '93.

Expectations of power hitting and statistical perfection by the media and the fans are only heightened by A-Rod’s astronomical salary, controversial personality, potential affairs, and the 2007 contract opt-out fiasco led by everyone's favourite player agent, Scott Boras.

Conscious of the critical attention that orbits around his person, Rodriguez told Sports Illustrated that he “doesn’t know if it's [because he’s] good-looking, [he makes] the most money, [or plays] on the most popular team" (T. Verducci, "A-Rod Agonistes,” Sports Illustrated, 09/25/2006).

How about all three, and then some.

But things may be looking up for A-Rod. The Yankees are bulking up their roster, and new teammate C.C. Sabathia, the all-time highest-paid pitching free agent, will attract great attention, particularly should his start in pinstripes not meet expectations.

In NBA, Bryant Is the Sure Shot

In Los Angeles, the situation is reversed. Teammates—and specifically ex-Laker Shaquille O’Neal—are a main part of the reason why Kobe Bryant is feeling the heat.

Despite rumours and demands for trades, and past vocal accusations aimed at management, team direction, and even teammates, Bryant is still the main event at the Staples Center.

Not only is he another attractive star in Tinseltown, dragging the added weight of a sexual assault allegation and the reputation of an unmalleable character, but Kobe, dubbed by coach Phil Jackson as “uncoachable,” stars for a franchise used to breeding champions.

Bryant, despite all of the wondrous statistics that a one-man wrecking crew could accumulate, hasn’t delivered the big prize—at least not since Shaq left for Miami, taking his winning ways with him. Bryant reappeared in the NBA Finals last season, but fell short against the destiny-driven Boston Celtics.

Ironically, Kobe’s three titles won alongside the "Big Aristotle" will remain a thorn in his side if he isn’t able to lead the Lakers to victory without O’Neal in the near future.

His stats are secure, but his legacy depends on winning championships.

What of the runner-up, King James? LeBron is certainly close. Yet his young age, modest supporting cast, and comparatively lower-level Cleveland media market are reason enough for him to fall second behind Kobe. Wait until he’s a Knick, then it will be no contest...

Tune in tomorrow for Part II to see who rounds off the list when it comes to the NFL and NHL men of pressure.

NHL All Star Game Vote: "Pros" vs. "Cons"

Aleksander Beaubois — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:29:13 -0500

Tired of elections? Tired of voting?

US Presidential Elections, Canadian Federal Elections, Quebec Provincial Elections, and now the NHL All Star Game.

The democratic privilege of personal expression should never be disrespected, or the opportunity disregarded—despite the fact that in politics, all too frequently, there is the right to vote, but nobody right to vote for.

So the NHL All Star ballot is a fresh change. Unlike a political ballot, the league offers an abundant selection of proven talent.

The only problem that remains is the method. When you last cast your vote, be it in Canada or the US, when is the last time your pollster inquired when you were done, whether you would like to vote again? And again?

The NHL is not alone in allowing such a phenomenon however. The NBA for one, is no different, but what the NHL does have to worry about is another form of abnormality.

Not long off the Rory Fitzpatrick fiasco, the League has another democratically induced headache. What to do when a less deserving player edges out a more deserving one?

This year’s problem has the Canadiens at centre ice. Literally. Six Montreal Canadiens were up-until-recently the leading vote-getters in their respective positions, and thus the de facto starting line up. Problem is, these aren’t the Habs of the 1950’s. Or the 60’s. Or 70’s.

No less humiliating is the close chase being given by Pittsburgh’s defensive pairing of Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney, neither of whom have played this season.

While on a larger scale, an all-Canadiens starting six would pay a glorious tribute to the famed franchise, the immediate misrepresentation would be glaring.

To be sure, all six nominations are deserving of a mention. Yet apart from stud D-man Andrei Markov, none of them should be seeing action in the first minute of the game.

The situation cannot be anything but disheartening to other fans from around the league, seeing their stars falling behind in a dubious voting selection. Frustration cannot be absent in the players themselves.

If Alexander Semin can’t see what all the fuss surrounding Crosby is about, then how does he feel to be behind a lackluster Kovalev?

But despairing fans League-wide should know that the air in Montreal is not all jubilant. Montrealers remember well the days of the Canadiens' dynasty, well...century, so the fans are extremely quick to jump and criticize their team in times of underperformance.

And nobody is blind to the oft-average performance that they are witnessing to date in this Centennial Campaign.

Montrealers would be at once happy and ashamed to see such a biased fielding of Koivu, Kovalev, Tanguay, Markov, Komisarek, and Price. It tarnishes the reputation of hockey knowledge, objectivity, and ultimately common sense.

There has been a quiet sigh of relief in the city and the media, now that Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have taken the lead, because there is no satisfaction in earning such a vote.

The players themselves certainly feel no different. While they certainly must be hoping to partake in the festivities, they themselves cannot be oblivious to the conspicuous omissions, should they in fact all be on the ice for the playing of the National Anthems.

I wager they would be uncomfortable standing there with their Eastern Conference teammates, the likes of Ovechkin, Semin, Vanek, eyeing them from the bench.

But who is to blame? Certainly not the players. Neither is it a case of a city-wide movement or a League conspiracy. Unfortunately the ‘cons’ have outdone the ‘pros’ in this technology based voting system. The NHL should have its wrists slapped for not having implemented a security system sooner, that would prevent automated spam submissions.

For that is what transpired. As I wrote in an earlier article, “the reason behind the bloated numbers is automated ballot-stuffing, which has computer generated casting simulated to vote for selected players.”

Subsequently, these select individuals have tarnished the voting concept of the Game.

For it’s not only a popularity contest now, it’s an automated one to boot. The dubious votes have potentially disenfranchised not only ‘foreign’ voters, but Montreal ones as well.

Many in Montreal are no longer voicing their support for fear of adding to the unbalance, which only casts a shadow over their own 'Habitants.'

As much as the Habs players benefited at the start, they are now deprived of honest support.

Is it good for the NHL or for Montreal?

Not particularly, but in the end it’s just a black cloud shadowing the sun, not a total eclipse—and no, the sky is not falling.

Ultimately, interest in the All Star Weekend itself won’t waver. After all, it is Montreal, and the ASG will draw hockey fan interest regardless.

However, the missed step by the League has soiled the game for everybody before the puck was even dropped.

NHL All-Star Voting Conspiracy Brain Freeze

Aleksander Beaubois — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:58:17 -0500

I must start with stating that I am a new member of BleacherReport.com and excited about it. So I ventured in to see what sort of quality I could expect from the site. I found Alan Bass, and seeing as he is the top rated reporter on all matters NHL, I gave him a glance. What I found amazed me, and I recommend his article to everyone.

What fascinated me most is his wittiness. Because either Alan has an incredibly vivid imagination and terrific sense of humour or he is devoid of any common, or hockey, sense altogether.

His clever "Voter Gate" is all pun but no logic. I commented on this fact directly on his article, yet I feel the need to elaborate...

Firstly, Alan implies an NHL-led conspiracy is being carried out from the depths of Gary Bettman's basement, which is seeking to reverse the world order by throwing in as many Montreal Canadiens onto the starting All-Star lineup as possible. Stay tuned for next week when Alan reports that Steve Begin, Maxim Lapierre, and Tom Kostopoulos will be starting as well, only for the West...

So, Alan believes that this is an effort to, "be sure a sellout occurs at the game."

Now, I responded to Alan earlier about the state of affairs in Montreal since clearly he has no real concept of Montreal's hockey scene. Montreal sells out 21,273 seats game in, game out. For years. It also sells out its entire open team practice.

No, not one or two thousand, but the full 21,273 seats for when the team is on the ice on select days and the Bell Center is made available to the public. Empty spots will not be an issue; this isn't Sunrise, FA. But if I’m wrong and we’re still short, we'll ask Alan to bring up a car load of Flyers supporters.

On to point B. The fraud is meant, "to pump Montreal up about the game." Brilliant. Montreal is the Mecca of hockey. And only Toronto, sadly, can compete with Montreal in terms of not only hockey passion but media coverage. Ask any player or person in the know.

To boot, Montreal lacks any other real major sporting franchise that would deflect away media attention. The Habs are on non-stop radio and TV coverage. In English and in French. There is nothing left to be pumped up by, only the playoffs.

Ultimately, his last point is the least ridiculous, though no less surprising, namely the aim of seeking "to maximize sales of All-Star gear." So, essentially, Alan wants us to believe that Bettman is running a fraudulent scheme that will enable him to sell NHL replica jerseys...

Only thing is, Montreal already has so many vintage Centennial jerseys being unveiled this year, that they are sure to generate greater interest amongst Montreal fans than the potential All Star ones.

But I understand the discontent—however confused it may be. Alan is upset that Jeff Carter won't be receiving many votes. A fact that certainly is unfair given his spectacular season thus far. I, for one, can't see the justice in it. Unfortunately, there is little justice in the popularity contest that is the NHL All-Star Game.

Otherwise Niedermayer wouldn't have played in last year's game, which essentially was his "welcome-back-out-of-retirement" party. The "Game" however, remains as much a reward for the preceding season as for the current one. Kovalev should definitely have been in on last year's festivities, but not this year. Examples of similar cases are not uncommon.

Where I again do have issue is Alan criticizing Komisarek's appearance on the ballot—because he doesn't have high production totals. Indeed he doesn't and most likely never will, but that is a fact that has little to do with Komisarek being a bona fide All Star. Hate to break it to you.

Price doesn't make Alan happy either, labeling him "terrible." Now, indeed, Price certainly has serious opponents in the other goaltender nominations, perhaps who are more deserving, yet the bitter accusations of "terrible" are somewhat strong for a goalie with the second highest number of wins in the Eastern Conference.

But let us leave personal opinions about players aside and return to the great "Conspiracy." The fact that the numbers in the vote are skewed is an obvious one. But surely Alan didn't write an entire article simply to show us that?

Why, the simple equation 600,000 > 200,000 seems to do the job just as nicely. No, the essence of the article is this fantastic fraud that Alan and Harry Potter have magically uncovered.

Yes, the numbers are pumped, artificially no doubt. But it is no conspiracy. The reason why there are six Canadiens on the ballot is partially in honour of the Canadiens Centennial season.

That's why the Habs All-time roster is available in video games and other teams aren't—not because all the EA game programmers are all in Bettman's basement, too, seeking to manipulate the vulnerable minds of gamers across the world in an effort to sell more jerseys...

The reason behind the bloated numbers is automated ballot-stuffing, or looping, which has computer generated casting simulated to vote for selected players. But it isn't a city-wide phenomenon. It’s not done by the league or a network of conspiring Canadiens supporters. Clearly not everyone is doing it, otherwise the tallies would be in the millions. In fact, it isn't even reserved to Montreal for that matter.

As Alan pointed out himself, Pittsburgh is in on the gig, too. Only worse! Sure Crosby and Malkin deserve to be there—no question. (Though are they really that far up and beyond Ovechkin, Semin, Vanek?) It's worse because the two defensemen directly behind Markov and Komisarek, are Whitney and Gonchar! Two players who have not played this season!

Is the voting system ridiculous? Absolutely. Is it embarrassing? Of course. That's the reason why I haven't cast my vote yet because I would be ashamed to see all six Habs as starters. Not because that they are undeserving, but that there are others who are more so.

And the omission would be glaring. But is it a conspiracy? No. Not anymore so than a computer virus is. It’s done by the same tech savvy people who have nothing better to do with their laptops. Only in this case, they appear to be hockey fans as well.

So the next time you see or read something questionable, don’t just go with the flow; put an end to it.