Ritter's Rant: Playing Dodgeball, Missing Joe Sakic, and Early NHL Surprises

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

What Are You, Three?

You are off to the worst start in franchise history. Your goaltending is in a shambles, your defense has looked like Swisscheese and your forwards couldn’t penetrate a prostitute on a Saturday night. So, what does Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson ask the players to do? “LET”S PLAY DODGEBALL!!!!”

What’s next? Hide and seek? Perhaps a riveting game of leap frog? I can see the logic of trying to let the players blow off a little steam by having them do a little team bonding, but dodgeball? Come on Mr. Wilson, surely, you can do better than that, can’t you?

Theo Theories:

There has been a lot of talk out there as to why Theo Fleury is now coming out with the accusations that his former Junior coach Graham James abused him. Bottom line, Theo came out when he was good and ready and, unless you have been abused, you know nothing of the pain and anguish that Fleury went through.

It takes a lot of guts to come out and tell the public about horrific incidents, that, until recently, caused Fleury to become an alcoholic and, on more than one occasion, caused Fleury to consider suicide.

I think a little more encouragement and understanding is needed, not questions about timing, don’t you? Fleury may have taken his time, but ultimately, his story will help others and that’s what is important.

Where’s Joe?

Sometimes, when a player leaves the great game of hockey, we are left yearning to see that player lace them up for another season. Man, do I ever miss Joe Sakic ... Clearly, Sakic is an example of “you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone,” Sakic was all class and one heck of a hockey player to boot.

Messier, Soon to Clean Up:

Six-time Stanley Cup winner and Hall-of-Fame inductee Mark Messier was appointed Special Assistant to the GM and President of the New York Rangers over the summer. It’s just a matter of time until he lands a gig as a GM, question is, will it end up being with the Rangers or elsewhere?

The Rangers' 6-1 start to the season gives current Rangers GM Glen Sather some breathing room, but I think it’s just a matter of time before Messier takes over the team. Messier commands respect, is one of the most well spoken former players I have ever heard and his hockey knowledge is exceptional. If I were Sather, I’d be looking over my shoulder.

Surprise, Surprise

In no particular order, the top three surprises in the NHL thus far have to be-

1. The play of Colorado Avalanche goaltender Craig Anderson. Anderson has a record of 5-1-1, a goals against average of 1.99 (ranked 8th overall), a .940 save percentage (ranked 7th overall) and, with 232 shots against through seven games, Anderson leads the NHL in that category. Nicely done!

2. Chicago Blackhawks forward and Team Canada candidate Jonathan Toews has no goals and just four points through the first seven games.

3. The Phoenix Coyotes, marred in ownership issues, bankruptcy and numerous other off-ice controversy currently sit in seventh place overall with a record of 4-2-0 through six games.

What are your surprises thus far? Let us know in the comment box...

Until next time,

Peace!