Rocket Surgeons

From yesterday's local "Total Sports" talk radio show -

• John Davidson reacting to the local hosts approval of shootouts in the NHL; although fans love it, he is opposed to the shootout and would rather see them extend overtime with a period of three on three hockey. John said this way the game would end on a "hockey play". Uh John, what happens if a player is pulled down on a clear breakaway in overtime? If the player scored on the subsequent penalty shot would the game continue?

• Dean Millard filling in as host on the same show said he supported the shootout but hated the extra point for "losing" in overtime. Until the NHL plays every game to a win and eliminates ties altogether there is no such thing as a bonus point for "losing". A tie is given to two teams completing the regulation 60 minute game with an even score and the teams are awarded a single point each. The extra point is awarded if a win is achieved in the extra period. The NHL could clear this misconception very easily by changing the standings to reflect the bonus point for winning in the extra period instead of labeling the column OTL. The bastardized point is awarded in the bastardized extra period, end of story. I do, however, absolutely support his other contention that teams winning in regulation should receive 3 points for the result, regardless of the effect it would have on historical comparisons.

Derian Hatcher in this mornings Edmonton Journal - "Our players are united, regardless of what people hear or say." Teamate Chris Chelios responds "It's not to make the game better or the league better because if we're going to do that we'd get rid of some teams...we've watered down the league." Solidarity, but not for everyone I guess, huh Chris? We're tight just so long as we can cut a bunch of you losers loose when we're done, but thanks for the support. By the way Chris, do you think there's room in a 20 team league for 40 year old defensemen?

NHL Village Idiot

Glen Healy, on TSN Sportscentre last night, says that the players will never accept a cap and would happily sit out this season and next if need be. Since when did employees ever have the right to decide what and how they will be paid and what an owner will or will not earn. NHL owners may be ethically and morally bound to share some of the wealth with the NHLPA, but make no mistake, hockey fans pay for and cheer for the league and the product, the logo on the jersey, never the players. In a market like Edmonton attachment to players is done at the fans peril. Players leave the second they are contractually able, or sooner if you're Mike Comrie, and owners are the ones who take all the risks and pay the bills in tough times. The NHLPA was not obligated to pony up for the cash calls here in Edmonton and until they are they can shut the hell up about total revenues, hidden revenues, revenue sharing and free markets. The second Bob Goodenow says yes to reverse arbitration will be the first time I will look at him with anything but utter contempt. Glen Healy made a career out of sitting on his ass and collecting paychecks, no wonder he has a sense of entitlement. And now he works at TSN, still sitting on his ass and stealing money from his employers. Glen, do us all a favour and sit out this season and next from your current job as a show of solidarity with your old union brothers.

A Class Act

Tom Higgins was hired recently as head coach of the Calgary Stampeders. I have never understood the viciousness and the contempt people in this city felt towards this man. Humble, honest to a fault, accountable, he was also a quality coach and all he did was win here, his record with the Eskimos equally as stellar as Hugh Campbell's over the same period of their careers. While this season ended badly, he was two horrendous referee calls* away from posting an 11-7 record and maybe competing for the division title again. Referees cost Tom dearly this year and not once did he use it as an excuse, nor did he complain or point fingers when he was handcuffed by the personnel decisions made this last offseason when he would have been fully in his right to do so. By allowing Mike Pringle to come back and try for the rushing record, the team knew the eventual outcome of the season was inevitable. Deciding to bring back Mike dictated that veterans would be kept throughout the roster wherever possible, meaning Ezra Landry was dropped in favour of timid Winston October, newcomer Reggie White was kept off the field and competition for jobs was nonexistent.
Even after he was cut loose, he stilled showed his quality and class by taking the high road. I for one admire him and wish him well.

*The two calls in question;

1. Saturday September 18 @ BC, third down for the Lions with less than a minute to go, Jason Clearmont catches a pass out of bounds but is awarded the catch, Lions go on to win.
2. Saturday September 25 vs. Toronto, Argos are a awarded a TD when the intended pass obviously bounces off the ground prior to the receiver trapping the catch, Argos go on to win.