Over the last ten years, we have seen different versions of the NHL All Star Game. In the early 2000's, the traditional Eastern vs Western Conference matchup was changed to feature the "World" against "North America." Though these games were entertaining, watching Canada vs Russia (ultimately) lost its excitement. The NHL went back to the traditional Eastern vs Western Conference matchup where the fans, like always, pick the players they would like to see compete in the much anticipated annual matchup (disregarding the Winter Olympics which interferes with All Star Game).
This year, the NHL is trying something different. Captains were named for each conference today; Nicklas Lidstrom for the Western Conference and Eric Staal for the Eastern Conference. These captains will then name their roster for the All Star Game. What was once a fan generated roster is now something out of the fan's control.
It will be interesting to see how the roster is developed. Initially, I assumed that Crosby and Toews would be named captains which would have resulted in an All Star Game consisting of the Chicago Blackhawks vs the Pittsburgh Penguins. Having Staal and Lidstrom named captains was a smart move. Each having won a Stanley Cup (Lidstrom having won 4), they should have an idea of who they want to put together the best team possible.
Is this, though, good for the NHL? As a kid, I logged in eagerly every year to NHL.com to vote for my favorite players (who were always Minnesota Wild players, Jaromir Jagr, and Teemu Selanne) and waited as the results were announced weeks later. The games were always high scoring with little hitting and brutality which was preceded by an eventful "Skills Competition" which was usually more entertaining itself; regardless, the NHL All Star Game is still seen as more entertaining than the NFL Probowl, the NBA All Star Game, and the MLB All Star Game.
Why change what was already a solid system?
-Ty
Minnesota Timberwolves
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Coaches
In this new age of sports where players are much more physical, and the competition is so extreme in many different realms, why are coaches getting fired left and right? Does any owner consider the fact that the player's may be to blame? Take the Monday night football game where the Miami Dolphins played terribly on special teams. Their special teams coach was fired the day after. How much of this was really his fault, if the line doesn't block, yes, the punt will be blocked and occasionally returned for six points. Currently, all I have been hearing about is how Erik Spoelstra on the Heat may get fired because of the disappointing start to what was supposed to be the Heat's record breaking year.
I am sick of this occuring. The Heat were a competitive team last year and made the playoffs as a five seed. Does anyone consider that perhaps having three hot-headed players on one team wasn't going to be the best solution to buy a championship. In situations where coaching changes need to be made (Childress and Philips), I think that they should be made at season's end. Ziggy just gave "Chilly" a hefty check last season because of our record, which was nothing Childress did if I may say. Though I am glad he was fired, I think the change should be made at the end of the season so as to keep the locker room in order and the player's focus in tact.
Moving forward, I hope that coaches will receive more credit than they currently do. Out of all sports, basketball coaches deal with the most difficult players, next football. When do we see hockey coaches change on a dime? Baseball was the same until last season when we saw a few manager changes. Regardless, let's put more responsibility on the player's and focus on the heart of the game, not money and ignorance.
I am sick of this occuring. The Heat were a competitive team last year and made the playoffs as a five seed. Does anyone consider that perhaps having three hot-headed players on one team wasn't going to be the best solution to buy a championship. In situations where coaching changes need to be made (Childress and Philips), I think that they should be made at season's end. Ziggy just gave "Chilly" a hefty check last season because of our record, which was nothing Childress did if I may say. Though I am glad he was fired, I think the change should be made at the end of the season so as to keep the locker room in order and the player's focus in tact.
Moving forward, I hope that coaches will receive more credit than they currently do. Out of all sports, basketball coaches deal with the most difficult players, next football. When do we see hockey coaches change on a dime? Baseball was the same until last season when we saw a few manager changes. Regardless, let's put more responsibility on the player's and focus on the heart of the game, not money and ignorance.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Timberwolves 11/15/2010
Though it is easy to be greatly disappointed in the Minnesota Timberwolves, let's not forget what there is to look forward to. We no longer have Kevin McHale, who was the downfall of our team for so many years. We have a coach with a goal and solid experience with the Los Angelos Lakers, and an owner who is realistic about our future by purchasing ad space in the Star Tribune saying that we will not be winning a championship this year.
Our current record is 3-9 (1-7 on the road). We have had a rough schedule, we played back to back road games against the Heat and Magic, we have already played the Lakers, played the Hawks twice and the Rockets. All of these teams have playoff potential. Minus the games in Florida, though, we have kept up with our competition. We only lost by a few points to the Lakers, tonight's was only three points, and our players are gelling together well. Let's not forget about Kevin Love's 31 point 31 rebound game last week either setting a mark that hadn't been reached since 1982. Beasley is also playing to the potential we anticipated from his one year at Kansas State. Beasley is averaging 20.5 points per game, and had a 42 point outburst last week. Love is the league leader in rebounds, and Milicic is 5th in the league in rebounding.
If you have given up on the Wolves for the year, be patient, we are in a rebuilding process and our record is worse than it shows. We will come around, we are a fun team to watch. Go Wolves!
Our current record is 3-9 (1-7 on the road). We have had a rough schedule, we played back to back road games against the Heat and Magic, we have already played the Lakers, played the Hawks twice and the Rockets. All of these teams have playoff potential. Minus the games in Florida, though, we have kept up with our competition. We only lost by a few points to the Lakers, tonight's was only three points, and our players are gelling together well. Let's not forget about Kevin Love's 31 point 31 rebound game last week either setting a mark that hadn't been reached since 1982. Beasley is also playing to the potential we anticipated from his one year at Kansas State. Beasley is averaging 20.5 points per game, and had a 42 point outburst last week. Love is the league leader in rebounds, and Milicic is 5th in the league in rebounding.
If you have given up on the Wolves for the year, be patient, we are in a rebuilding process and our record is worse than it shows. We will come around, we are a fun team to watch. Go Wolves!
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