Manny Legace, Legacy...Patronizing

Hey guys,

I'm back again, fresh from a horrible cold, but that didn't keep me from watching the sports world.

In some ways, things can't be better. In others...

Let's jet to the NHL first.

Manny Legace was waived this past week by St. Louis. It may not have surprised certain people, but it did make me say, "Why?"

But in a way, I was not surprised. I mean, this is the NHL.

Let me explain.

I wrote an article recently about hard decisions not always being the right ones in regards to several released players and coaches over the last few years. Now, another player joins them. Again, it's a case of doing something to wake your team up more than actually punishing the person—it's like using them to prove a point.

This time, the point is, St. Louis, you could've been so much better this year. Instead of firing a few little guys, let's drop a key guy to get your attention that we mean our finger-wagging.

That unfortunate player was Manny Legace, a man who played years as a back-up for the high-octane Red Wings in Detroit before finally ending what was, to many, the best career of any backup (often setting GAA marks lower than 2.50 each season, and winning far more than he lost).

His first year as a starter went swimmingly, as he led the Wings to the playoffs in the number-one position. The problem was once the team got there, they couldn't stay there. They were eliminated early.

However, his record was still what it had always been, a winner of some 35-plus games (I think it was actually over 40), and a GAA below 2.50.

Then, without a real reason to spur it besides that one playoff series not going Detroit's way, he was replaced by the return of the perennially selfish, but most successful, Dominik Hasek. He had won his Cup, retired—and now wanted another shot at age 41.

So the suits cut ties with Legace.

In Detroit, Hasek did his part to be sure, but in the last playoff, he was totally clueless in the net early in the first round, blowing his team's two-game lead over Nashville. Chris Osgood came in, kicked butt and saved the Red Wings. They went on to win it all, but Hasek never played another game.

Now, Legace may never play again in the NHL. There would be no worse miscarriage of justice in sports than this when it comes to a single player being penalized for one mistake without being given a second chance.

Legace and his Blues haven't been great, that's true, but this all goes back to him being released from his duties as a Red Wing. I have no doubt the Blues will recover, but this scenario is eerily similar to the one that hit Patrick Lalime some years back.

Remember? His Senators had stormed as usual in the regular season—and then the unthinkable happened that postseason. Not only were his top-three-seeded Senators beaten, they were swept—by Toronto. Ouch.

But, again, as much fun as I had with the jokes about Lalime, I was shocked when Lalime, an All-Star goalie with Cup-potential, had been shipped and Head coach Jacques Martin had been fired.

Two huge parts of the Sens had been thrown away, with many years left. Don't believe me? Here are the facts.

Goalies since Lalime have either under-performed (Gerber) or gotten a big head (Emery)—or done something that got him canned by the League (what do you know, Emery again. I guess my Uncle was right about him).

Coaches haven't fared much better, looking at the last three seasons.

Now, AHLer Cory Clouston has the unenviable task of making up more than 10 points in hopes of getting the Sens into the playoffs. I wish he could, but it's doubtful.

Meanwhile, Jaques Martin and Patrick Lalime have found new homes, one is in the playoffs, the other, is in the same race for the same spot in the East. I'm talking about Florida and Buffalo. They're doing better than Ottawa.

Now, Legace has been waived. It was a bold move, but I think they could've been just as bold having a sit-down with him or even waiting till the Trade Deadline to put him somewhere that needs him and will boost his confidence. It may be all he needs.

Let's talk briefly about WWE's work recently.

I haven't enjoyed a full month of action in some time as much as I have this past month since just before the Rumble. With great PPV's, phenomenal RAW's, and good bookends on SD! and even ECW (did you watch that masterful Finlay/Jack Swagger match?), the writers are responding by giving the fans some great matches...but even though they're cutting down the talk, there are still those who can add so much.

Like one Randall Keith Orton. RKO. You know, the guy who spits in Legendary faces, then beats them. The guy who recently snapped and began kicking people's craniums—until he struck the Boss.

Orton plays the Viper perfectly. Through his demeanor, his emotionless green eyes, and the words he uses, no one in WWE today has the command of an audience (not even Cena) that the leader of Legacy has.

Now, Legacy is running all over RAW. Attacking the McMahon's, debuting new and dangerous finishing holds (like Cody Rhodes' "CrossRhodes") and basically controlling their future by learning from their calculating leader. It's riveting TV, and WWE picked the members just right.

Ted Dibiase has the stones and the skills to beat Orton's mark as youngest WWE champion in history. Cody Rhodes, on top of being in better shape than his father ever was, is learning every match he's in—and succeeding. He may not have the mic skills his father had, but man, he can wrestle.

Success seems inevitable. Ratings on RAW have been at their highest in months, I believe in large part to this group.

A new Legacy has been born in WWE.

Legacies seem to have their strengths and drawbacks, just like anything else. But listen, at the end of the day, it can never be good to put too much in the hands of too many. Agents, league owners, GMs, coaches—that, and the true meaning of failure sent down a few remarkable talents—and may make them shells.

What will be Manny's Legacy? Let's ask him in a few months...oh and while we're at it, the guy who still holds way too much power.

Little Gary, it's important to listen as well as do. Let's hope you do before a bigger problem hits the league. Like fan or player backlash...oh wait that happened already. Note to you: Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Till next time this is your Crowd Coach...Signing off.