Bleacher Report - Articles by Matt Homdis

By the Numbers, the Greatest NHL Players, Nos. 21-30

Matt Homdis — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:12:03 -0400

Sports fans love lists, from the best of all time, to the greatest goals in playoff history. This writer believe it is time for one of his own, though it might be a little unorthodox. In the coming weeks, I will list the greatest players in NHL history, by the numbers they wore. Though a few may be obvious, there will surely be surprises for many of you. Lets get on with the show, as this week we look at numbers 21 through 30.

Begin Slideshow

The Slow Death of the WWE Continues

Matt Homdis — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:34:17 -0400

In little more than two weeks, John Cena will be trying to recapture the WWE title from the hands of Randy Orton at the inaugural Bragging Rights PPV show.

For casual wrestling fans, this must seem like a great matchup, two young superstars going at it in a 60 minute IronMan match, with the winner getting the honor of holding up the most prestigious belt in professional wrestling.

However, if you a more passionate fan of pro grappling, this main event might be just another case of ho-hum. You see dear readers, John Cena and Randy Orton are facing off in the showcase match for the fifth time in a row.

For that fact, the aforementioned two wrestlers along with HHH, have participated in the last 39 pay-per-view WWE title matches, of which close 18 featured only them.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

With the Raw ratings crashing to the very low 3s, Smackdown being relegated to the obscure MyNetwork, and ECW as a glorified version of Heat, Vince McMahon has seen his baby fall to such a low level of mainstream popularity, that it makes this writer reminisce of the New Generation era where the then-WWF almost went bankrupt.

Pro Wrestling has always gone through phases of popularity followed by dips into obscurity since the early 80s, from the Rock 'N" Roll days with Hulk Hogan at the top, to the lows of the New Generation with Diesel as champion, and back to the top with the Attitude Era lead by Steve Austin and the Rock.

But since the purchase of WCW in 2001, wrestling has seen its prominence in the mainstream media slowly and steadily decline, while other companies like the UFC take over the much sought after 18-to-24 male demographic.

How Did This Happen?

From 1979 to 1989, five men had the pleasure of reigning as WWF champions, with Hulk Hogan as the number one guy accounting for over 75 percent of those years.

From 1990 to 1998, the title changed hands 30 times.

Since 1999, the premiere championship in wrestling has been flipped around an astonishing 51 times, with an average reign lasting 63 days, and since 2006, being in the hands of Orton, HHH, or Cena for a total of 91% of that time.

Now many would blame this on the fact that we know have 13-15 pay-per-view shows a year compared to the handful in the 80s and early 90s, necessitating title matches during every main event, increasing the chances of title changes.

Alright, Now Why Isn't this Working

During it's heyday in the mid to late 90s, the WWF had a plethora of superstars on whom to bestow the title, from Bret Hart to Shawn Michaels, passing through The Stone Colds to the Undertakers, even men like Mankind and Psycho Sid having there crack at the No. 1 slot.

While today the brunt of the Main Event scene is monopolised by three men. John Cena, the man who WWE brass continues to shove down our face as THE babyface of our era even though he is routinely booed, Randy Orton, a heel with the charisma of a lamp and one the the sloppiest workers out there, and of course HHH, Vince's son-in-law.

Vince McMahon always prided himself on being able to create the next big thing, but he has been pushing the same three guys at the fans for the past three years, all the while seeing his product lose considerable value.

There has been complains recently that the reason for the fall of the WWE is caused by the decision to go PG a few years back, that there is no valid young guys with enough talent to carry the company, or hell why not blame it on Ted Turner again for good ole times sake.

The fact of the matter is that the product is stale with a bunch of guys going at it at the top nobody wants to see, at least not every month.

Hogan might have been the champ at one point for 5 years in a row, but he was not forced to face off against Randy Savage at every major show.

Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart had a great feud in 1997, but that finally gave way to Steve Austin when he became the man.

We all know that pro wrestling is the world of the young teen male, driving the sales of the promoters and making stars along the way. In the past though, Vince and his staff saw that his fans needed to be continually stimulated to keep interest.

Does he really think in this day and age of the internet and 500-channel cable companies, that he cannot take a risk to move his product along for fear that they walk away?

What Now?

As a life-long fan, I will always keep my eye on the world of pro wrestling, for maybe the next Bret Hart is middling around in the lower end of cards, but i fear that the Golden Age of wrestling will never return, and that the younger viewers will be stuck watching incompetent wrestlers like John Cena and Randy Orton fighting over a belt in the same match year after year.

For that matter, I cant help but think, the end of the line is near...

Doug Jarvis: 100 Years of Montreal Canadiens History, 100 Unsung Heroes

Matt Homdis — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:17:22 -0400

The Montreal Canadiens are celebrating their centennial anniversary during the upcoming '08-09 NHL season.

Many ceremonies will surely take place at the Bell Centre this year, and a motion picture detailing their history is scheduled to come out this winter. All the while celebrating all 24 Stanley Cups the team has won, all the great players who have worn the journey, and the fans that have stood behind them since day one.

Well, for every Guy Lafleur, Henri Richard, and Jean Beliveau on the Stanley Cup, there are hundreds of lesser-known players who have put their mark on this team. There surely will be dozens of best of all-time lists this year from experts and non-experts alike.

I would like to share with you some of the men who have helped shape this greatest of hockey teams:

Doug Jarvis

Iron Man

While Cal Ripken will always be remembered as the man who broke Lou Gehrig'a record for consecutive baseball games played, and while Brett Favre's passing records may one day be surpassed by Peyton Manning, Jarvis' string of over 250 games started in a row may stand the test of time.

Drafted by Toronto in 1975, Jarvis was obtained in one of the greatest robberies in the history of the game—a trade for Greg Hubick, who played a total of 77 games in the NHL. With lifelong friend Bob Gainey by his side, he became one of the game's best defensive forwards, effectively shutting down opponents' top lines while being able to chip in on offence.

A winner of four cups with the Canadiens, he was lauded for his work ethic, never missing a game in his seven seasons with the club.

Apres Habs

In a trade reminiscent of the one that brought him to Montreal, Jarvis was obtained by the Capitals and proceeded to remain a defensive force, culminating in his Frank Selke Award in 1984. Playing another six seasons, he finally passed Garry Unger's record game streak, ending his career with a total of 964 games.

Upon retiring, Jarvis joined Minnesota as an assistant coach—and in classic Jarvis manner he went on to serve with the team for a near-record 14 years, winning a Stanley Cup in Dallas. With his old friend Gainey now General Manager of the Canadiens, he returned to his roots, and became the head coach of the Habs' AHL affiliate in Hamilton before joining the Canadiens as an assistant coach, a position he has held since 2005.

Closing Thoughts

Though players like Lafleur stole the spotlight in the '70s, Jarvis was a true beacon of what the team really stood about—a guy who showed up every game, who played hard, and who understood the true meaning of teamwork.

Doug Jarvis is the ultimate Iron Man in pro sports. He never missed a game in his career.

100 Years Of Montreal Canadiens History, 100 Unsung Heroes, Part Two

Matt Homdis — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:56:27 -0400

The Montreal Canadiens are celebrating the centennial anniversary of the team this upcoming '08-'09 NHL season. Many ceremonies will surely take place at the Bell Centre this year; a motion picture detailing their history is scheduled to come out this winter. All the while, celebrating all 24 Stanley Cups the team has won, all the great players who have worn the journey, and the fans that have stood behind them since day one.

Well, for every Guy Lafleur, Henri Richard, and Jean Beliveau on the Stanley Cup, there are hundreds of lesser known players who have put their mark on this team. There surely will be dozens of best of all-time lists this year from experts and non-experts alike.

I would like to share with you some of the men who have helped shape this greatest of hockey teams.

Brian Hayward

One Hell Of A Second Banana

Quick, name five goalies who have backed up Patrick Roy when he was with the Canadiens. Not as easy as it seems, even if you are a rabid Habs fan. Pat Jablonski, Andre "Red Light" Racicot, and Patrick Labrecque are just a few who tried to fill in for one of he greatest goalies in the history of the game.

One name though, escapes many fans minds, and he's none other than the Anaheim Ducks' analyst, Brian Hayward.

As an unheralded free-agent signee out of Cornell University by the Winnipeg Jets, he quickly established himself as the Jets' No. 1 goalie, a spot he held for two years, even establishing a team record 33 wins.

In 1986, he was acquired by Montreal for embattled goalie Steve Penney, and for the next four years, he and Roy formed arguably the best tandem in the history of the game, playing in 141 games, 71 of which he won, and sharing the William Jennings trophy for three years running.

In the '86-'87 playoffs, he played in 13 games as he lead the team to the Conference finals.

Apres Habs

Wanting to be a full-fledged No. 1 goalie in the league, Hayward was traded to Minnesota in 1991, but due to a serious back injury, his career was cut short, as he only played a total of 51 games for the rest of his career.

Once retired, he entered the broadcasting booth working for CBC, ABC, NBC, ESPN, and ESPN2. He even had the chance to interview Bill Clinton during a Washington Capitals game.

Closing Thoughts

Patrick Roy is arguably the greatest goaltender of all time, surely of the last quarter century, and one of the men he has to thank for his ascension to the top was Brian Hayward, a forgotten Habs hero.

NFL: So What If Brett Favre Wants To Come Back?

Matt Homdis — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:55:32 -0400

Brett Favre wants to play football after retiring a few months ago, and he is suffering backlash from the Packer faithful, the media and the Green Bay organization...

With many voices trying to silence him into a quiet retirement, did anyone take a step back and think about the subject with an ounce of judgment?

For the past few years, Favre has spent every offseason wavering on his future with football. After seasons of mediocrity, the wear and tear of the NFL started to bog down on him, but he came back year after year at the behest of his coach, GM and teammates.

Coming off one of the best performances of his career in 2007, he suffered a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs, and instantly rumors began flying that he would retire once and for all.

On March 4, the retirement became official, and everyone lauded him for going out on top, for bowing out with grace, a hero of heroes.

Now he wants to come back...

Pro Sports History Foretold This

Michael Jordan...Randy Couture...Muhammad Ali...Mario Lemieux...

They are all-time greats, for sure, but men who came back from retirement because the itch of competition was too great for them. The average NFL career is 3 1/2 years, MLB about five years, and the time on top for a player is a very small window.

After you are done, you must adapt to normal life, and with the money players today make, "normal" life is playing golf every afternoon.

The thrill and adrenaline rush you get on the field is something hard to achieve elsewhere, and most retired players have a hard time adjusting to life outside the limelight.

While some players hang on too long—Patrick Ewing riding the bench in Orlando, Roy Jones fighting way past his prime—to name a few, many quit way before their time. Floyd Mayweather, Barry Sanders, and Jim Brown are some examples of men who left before finishing off their historic careers.

While some would say what those men did was admirable, the reasons behind their exits where nebulous at best. Brown and Mayweather wanted to try their hands at acting careers, and Sanders being fed up with being a Lion.

So why judge a man who just wants to do what he does best?

Look in the Mirror

Regretting a job is something many have suffered through in our lives. Thinking the grass is greener on the other side, we have to live with their regrets of leaving what we loved doing.

Reports have circulated that Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy pushed Favre into making a quick decision this offseason about his playing career, so they could plan for the upcoming year.

After years of taking his time to decide, with management coddling him in his decisions, the abruptness of his employers' attitude shocked him into making, what has become apparently, an impromptu retirement announcement.

So after months of tending to his large estate in Mississippi, Favre began throwing to local High Schoolers, and the itch to return became too large to ignore.

He Can Still Get The Job Done

In 2007, Favre led his team to a 13-3 record, posting personal bests in
three major statistical categories, was named the NFC starter at QB at the Pro Bowl, and came with an inch of another berth in the Super Bowl.

At 38 years of age, he proved many of critics that he was still a major force to be reckoned with in the league. Minus the performance of an otherworldly Tom Brady, he would have surely picked up his fourth MVP trophy, making him the oldest player to do so.

As much hope as the Pack has put behind Aaron Rodgers, having him come anywhere as close to the numbers Favre put up in 2007 would be a shock.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

Undeniably, Favre has been the premiere star of the NFL in the past two decades. He wants to play in 2008, whether it be in Green Bay or elsewhere.

If he is granted his release, a number of teams will line up to acquire his services and put him behind the pivot position as their No. 1 guy.

If he returns to the Pack, he cannot be anything but the starter coming off the year he just did.

As fans of this sport, we should all applaud the return of one of the most inspirational, intriguing, and likable figures pro football has ever known. It won't tarnish his image, he is already one of the top quarterbacks of all time.

All it would do is give us a chance to see a man doing what he loves.

Who are we to deny him that?

Bob Gainey: Montreal's Village Idiot or Smartest GM in the NHL?

Matt Homdis — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:37:09 -0500

This past Tuesday, the NHL deadline went down, and some big names changed locales. Richards went to Dallas, Campbell to San Jose, and the biggest catch, Hossa, went to the Penguins.

Here in Montreal, after weeks of speculation of Bob Gainey wanting to acquire an impact player, what the fans received was Cristobal Huet being unloaded for a 2009 second round pick from Washington.

As expected, the local sport talk-shows where bombarded with insults being thrown at Gainey for not pulling through for two years in a row. Still with the team was Michael Ryder, and Marian Hossa was finding a home in an already talented team.

As much flack as he took in the few days following the deadline, we learned that Atlanta asked way too much for Marian Hossa, and Gainey refused to cave in.

Upon arriving here, Gainey said he wanted to bring Montreal back to the top of the NHL the right way, through the draft and good deals. As great as it would have been to see Hossa in town for a playoff run, how can we blame the GM for sticking to his plans?

Let's look at some of the acquisitions the Gainey regime has brought to Montreal:

Through the draft: Andrei Kostitsyn, Maxim Lapierre, Ryan O'Byrne, Kyle Chipchura, Mikhail Grabovski, Carey Price, Guillaume Latendresse, and Sergei Kostitsyn.

Through trades: Cristobal Huet, Josh Gorges, and Alex Kovalev.

These players have helped the Habs achieve fourth position in the Eastern Conference standings, THIS year. The minors are stacked with top-end prospects and the salary cap situation is under control.

While teams such as the Maple Leafs have handcuffed themselves by handing out no-trade clauses like candy, Gainey has assured himself of having a manageable roster.

The Habs seem set to be able to contend for years to come with the emergence of young players such as Chris Higgins and Mike Komisarek leading the wave; all this done under the watchful eye of Bob Gainey who does not make big splashes on the Free Agent market.

As nice as it would have been to have Hossa circling the ice next to Koivu, the fans must think that Bob Gainey did not think it wise to lose players like Higgins for a rent-a-player.

Teams such as the Sharks, Thrashers, and Islanders all experimented with this new trend last year and it all ended with them being ousted from the playoffs early without retaining the players the paid so dearly to get.

So the Canadiens might not win the Stanley Cup this year, but the fans must rest assured that they will be in the hunt for years to come.

All thanks to a man called Bob Gainey, the smartest GM in the NHL.

Kobe vs. Jordan: Is Bryant the Best Player Ever?

Matt Homdis — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 02:07:27 -0500

In the past couple of days, I have written two articles that have been lambasted by many because of my supposed biased view against Kobe Bryant in this years MVP race.

Though I can take it as well as any, one comment that kept coming back time and time again, was that said Bryant was the greatest of all time, or near it.

That he is better then Michael Jordan ever was!

There was even one comment on how even Magic Johnson was better then Jordan.

As funny as that one was, Johnson not even considered the greatest point guard of all time, it did get me thinking how Bryant and Jordan stack up, and if maybe Kobe had surpassed the icon.

Let us start off by comparing some key stats both have achieved by the year of their 30th birthdays:

Bryant: 20,883 Pts (24.8Ppg), 4418 Reb(5.3), Ast 3867 (4.6)

Jordan: 21,541 Pts (32.3Ppg), 4219 Reb(6.3), Ast 3539 (5.9)

Playing more then two years less then Kobe, Jordan handily takes the stat category.

Winner: Jordan

Next, let us look at the accolades both received:

Bryant: 10 All-Star games, 2 All-Star game MVP, 6 times 1st-team All-Defense team, 5 times 1st-team All-NBA, 2 time scoring champ

Jordan: 9 All-Star games, 1985 Rookie of the Year, 1988 Defensive Player of the year, 3 time MVP, 3 time Finals MVP, 6 times 1st-team All-Defense team, 8 time 1st-team All-NBA, 3 times Most Steals in the league, 7 time scoring champ, 7 time led the league in player efficiency

Winner: Jordan

Many contend that Bryant has had to face tougher competition then Jordan did. Let's look at some teams and players both had to face off against:

Bryant: Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs, Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavs, Chauncey Billups and the Detroit Pistons

Jordan: Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons, Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics, Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers, Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks

Though the players mentioned in Jordans list are all Hall of Famers, it is too early to say those in Bryants list won't achieve the same heights.

However, it does prove that Jordan had his fair share of opponents.

Winner: Push

A true measure of a players greatness is how many titles and wins he brings to a team. So lets look at how both players stack up against each other:

Bryant: 596-331, 64.3% winning percentage, 4 Finals appearances, 3 titles, missed playoffs once

Jordan: 445-293, 60.3% winning percentage, 3 titles, 1 NCAA championship, 2 Gold Medals in 1984 and 1992 Olympics

We would call it a push, but after bringing in Jordans other accomplishments on the court, there could only be one decision.

Winner: Jordan

Statistics do not lie. Accomplishments do not lie.

How can anyone put Kobe Bryant in Michael Jordan stratosphere yet?

His career still in its prime. Kobe might one day attain or even surpass Jordan, as impossible task as that may seem.

Kobe Bryant is clearly his generations greatest player so far, but comparing him to the greatest of all time is unjust to him. He should be judged on his own accomplishments because, as you can all see, he just is not in Jordan's league.

Kobe Bryant is not the next Jordan—he is Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Bryant Does NOT Deserve NBA MVP Award

Matt Homdis — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:47:02 -0500

Fellow Bleacher Report contributor William Smith wrote a very popular article in which he stated his case for Kobe Bryant deserving this year's MVP award.

As well as Kobe Bryant has played to lead his team back to contention, let us just look at the reality of this statement: Kobe Bryant can't and won't ever be the NBA's MVP.

How little we forget what a weasel most thought Bryant was at the beginning of the year when he demanded a trade. He openly mocked teammate Andrew Bynum and went as far as to say he wanted to be in Chicago. Wonder how he feels about being part of the Bulls now.

The point is, Bryant has always been a very selfish person. Although in today's professional sport scene it may seem like no big deal, he has brought selfishness to a new level.

Where do we start?

In the 1998 All-Star game he disrespected the other stars by trying to make it his show, a feat he accomplished again in 2002 in Philadelphia. He forced Lakers management to pick him over Shaquille O'Neal, which in turn dismantled what could have been one of the greatest dynasties of all time. All because he felt the spotlight didn't shine bright enough in his corner.

He dropped an awe-inspiring 81 points on the Raptors in 2006, a season where his selfishness was most evident as he disregarded his teammates, en route to a horrible season.

Smith stated that Bryant makes his teammates better, as evident by the team's great record this year. Could that be due to the fact that his team is just plain better?

Out are the dead-weights such as Smush Parker and Mark Madsen. In are the still-improving Walton and Bynum. Lamar Odom is healthy for the first time in years, Derek Fisher's calming influence returned to the team, and Pau Gasol was acquired.

Is it Bryant making his teammates better, or vice-versa?

The most important reason Kobe should not be the MVP is that he isn't the league's most valuable player. Here are a few players ahead of him on that chart:

Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets

With a weaker team surrounding him, Paul has led his the Hornets to a 37-18 record, while averaging more than 20 points and 10 assists per game.

Kevin Garnett, PF, Boston Celtics

His arrival in Boston has reinvigorated the team back to the top of the Eastern Conference after years of futility. His numbers might be down from previous years, but his impact to the team is undeniable.

LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers

This is LeBron's league now. With a team of stiffs around him until the Wallace trade, he has kept his team near the top of the Eastern Conference, all the while putting up career numbers in points, assists, and rebounds—all higher then Bryant's numbers.

So please people, stop the Bryant lovefest! It is only a matter of time before he starts whining again. Until his team does something other then first round flame-outs, let us not proclaim him the best thing since sliced bread.

Houston Rockets: Yao Out for the Season

Matt Homdis — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 06:55:59 -0500

Houston Rockets management confirmed rumors that Yao Ming's season is indeed over with a stress fracture in his left foot.

This could prove to be devastating to a team that has just won 12 straight games.

The presence of the Chinese national and his 22 PPG and 11 RPG will be sorely missed.

MLB 2008: Top Five Comebacks to Watch

Matt Homdis — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 06:44:02 -0500

Although the NFL and NASCAR have arguably supplanted baseball as America's national pastimes, no other professional sport celebrates redemption as our friends in Major League Baseball do.

Watching Rick Ankiel, HGH controversy and all, comeback to the majors after blowing up in front of millions in the early part of this decade as a pitcher, as an slugging outfielder no less, was one of the better sports stories of 2007.

Throughout its history, Major League Baseball has had numerous great comeback stories from Tommy John returning from a career threatening injury to Roger Clemens shaft to Dan Duquette after being let go by the Red Sox (though it has become apparent, aided by a little more then moxy), and every year we watch and hope a fallen star redeems himself.

What follows are five names who can be just that heart warming story we all love and hope for...

5) Eric Gagne, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

2007 MLB STATS: 54 GP 4-2 16 svs 3.81 ERA

Though he imploded in the later half of the season when he joined the Red Sox, many forget that he enjoyed an resurgence in Texas, claiming the closers job and returning close to form that he showed earlier in his career in Los Angeles.

From 2002 to 2004, Gagne enjoyed one of the greatest stretches ever by a reliever, converting a record 84 saves in a row, while annually maintaining an ERA under or near the low 2.00s.

While his name was mentionned in the Mitchell Report, and his "apology" was badly received by the media, his signing with a young and talented up-and-coming Brewers team might help restore his reputation as one of the most fearsome closers in the game.

4) Pedro Martinez, RHP, New York Mets

2007 MLB STATS: 3-1 2.51 ERA

From Montreal, to his glory years in Boston, and his recent years in New York, Martinez has always been named or seen as the No. 1 guy in the rotation, and his 209 wins validated those perceptions.

However, he only has amassed 12 wins in the past two seasons, and no one sees him as No. 1 material anymore.

The acquisition of Johan Santana this winter will finally remove the pressure of being the go-to guy and Martinez finally can move onto the final stage in his career where he can surely pitch as long as old warriors like Glavine and Maddux, and he will no longer be pressured to pitch nine innings every five days and concentrate on being a dominating No. 2 in the rotation.

3) Andruw Jones, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

2007 MLB STATS: .222 BA 26 HR 94 RBI 138 SO

This proved to be the easiest of the selections, as Jones obviously struggled in the last year of his contract, as many have before him. The pressure of trying to produce as he had in 2005 and 2006 where he hit 92 home runs, with constant trade rumors surrounding him, did not help him recover from a horrible first few months.

He will not have as much protection as he did in the lineup as he did in Atlanta, but he should rise to the occasion and prove that he is still one of the best all-around players in the game.

2) Kerry Wood, RHP, Chicago Cubs

2007 MLB STATS: 1-1 3.33 ERA in 24.1 IP

A perennial favorite in preseason comeback player of the year picks, this just might be the year he finally returns to form.

Minus the pressure that came with him being a rookie sensation, and the fact that he will surely start and most probably finish the year in the bullpen, a fresh armed Wood might pull off a John Smoltz and claim the closers spot from an aging Ryan Demptser.

Having a 100 mph fastball coming at opponents for that final inning might give the Cubs that extra shove they need to make a push in the playoffs.

1) Scott Rolen, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays

2007 MLB STATS: .265 BA 8 HR 58 RBI

In 2002, Scott Rolen was obtained by the Cardinals in what many believed was the transaction that would push them over the top and into serious contention for the World Series.

In the 2006 Series against the Tigers, he more than pulled through batting .421 in helping St. Louis claim the championship. However, brewing beneath that success, Tony LaRussa and his talented third basemen never really got along, which came to a hlt this past season, as Rolen struggled and was called out on numerous occasions by his manager.

Coming to the Blue Jays, a young team that has the talent to compete for a wild card this year, the competitve juices will start flowing and the fact that he will be hitting in a lineup that includes Wells, Thomas and Rios, could help vault Rolen back up to MVP consideration.

The Price is Right...Now

Matt Homdis — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:15:55 -0500

In 1971, a tall lanky kid from Hamilton called Ken Dryden led the Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup, en route to a career that saw him win six championships in nine years.

Fifteen years later, a young brat from Quebec City named Patric Roy stole the starters job from Steve Penney and helped the Habs win an unlikely title. He went on to enjoy what many say was the greatest career ever by a goalie, highlighted by his 11 overtime wins in 1993.

Here we are today, the trade deadline on Feb. 26, and Bob Gainey just shocked the hockey world by unloading his disputed number one, Cristobal Huet, to the Capitals for a second round pick in 2009. In doing so, he leaves the door open for his first choice in the draft in 2005: Carey Price.

Will we see another great run by the Canadiens in the playoffs, or will we see a young man thrown to the fire and blowup for lack of experience?

Price's pedigree is clearly unquestioned. While many where baffled by Gainey selecting him before studs like Kopitar in that heralded class, he has gone on to show the hockey world that he is a star in the making.

From his unbelievable performance in the WHJC finals shootout against the Americans to his Roy-esque carrying of a plucky Hamilton Bulldogs team to the Calder Cup in the AHL up until his win of the Molson Cup (the Habs monthly MVP award) in October, he has shown flashes of what may await the fans in hockey-mad Montreal.

However, with the trade of his de-facto mentor in Huet, Price is now alone to face the wolves in the NHL and the unmerciful voraciousness of the local media. After his stellar start, Price struggled through November and was sent down to Hamilton where he continued to under-perform. With management's loss in confidence in Huet, the team felt it had no choice but to call Price back up. Since his return he has played reasonably well.

Jim Carrey, Blaine Lacher, and Martin Gerber are all goalies who showed flashes of greatness in their early careers before flaming out and, with the exception of Gerber, disappearing altogether from the NHL. The goalie position is arguably the toughest in all of professional sports. If your team wins you rarely get the credit, but when you lose you get most of the blame.

Many goalies have not been able to answer the call and rise their game to a higher level. Will a 20-year-old kid from BC become the next Patrick Roy, or will he just be another trivia answer 10 years from now?

Only time will tell. In this era of please me now, let's just hope that the Price is right now.