Hockey never truly slows down.
We’re just days away from shipping into summer (although it feels like we’re already there, he says as he checks TheWeatherNetwork.com for the umpteenth time . . . with raised eyebrows), and the fun rolls on.
Here’s what’s hitting the top of the charts this week.
SENATOR SALE PUTTING PATIENCE TO THE TEST
Surrender. Acceptance. Peace.
Come on there Ottawa Fan, surely you’re spinning in your boots as you digest yet another hour/day/week without an answer. I mean, how long can this go, really?
Just surrender already. Whatever will be, will be, right?
The sale of the Ottawa Senators was first believed to be on its way to a quick conclusion sometime shortly after Christmas. Then it was – hold on – going to be around the middle of March. With the brakes fully locked when that whipped by, the story took several right and left turns with the news – hold on, again – that A-list celebrities and big, big money backers were chasing each other’s tails. Even Shiv, Kendall and Roman Roy were said to be involved. (Now that would have been interesting).
The latest word is we’re fully engaged in a free-for-all battle for the rights; battle being the appropriate description.
Never thought I’d see something go ostensibly as long as the Jakob-Chychrun-wants-out-of-Arizona narrative but here we are.
Peace out, people.
MY CUP RUNNETH OVER
Well we’re here . . . in a few days.
Saturday night, in fact, the Stanley Cup finale begins as the Florida Panthers head to Las Vegas for Game 1 (8 pm ET, Sportsnet). So if you haven’t seen or heard enough of/from Ron MacLean, David Amber, Elliotte Friedman, Kelly Hrudey, Jennifer Botterill and Kevin Bieksa, here’s your chance. (For the record, I’m putting Elliotte at the top of the list. He’s must-listen TV. The rest? Hit and miss.)
There were plenty of voices around these parts, north of the 49th, shouting from the rooftops that there was no way in hell they’d be tuning into the conference finals, which just wrapped up. Too much America! Too much Southern U.S.!
You’d think the NRA had taken over the NHL. The Woke had arisen (again)! Hallelujah!
Good lord.
If you’re a fan of dramatic, captivating actions on the ice and skipped over the East and West showdowns because of simple-minded mindedness, you missed out in a considerable manner.
‘That sure was some good ol’ hockey there Billy-Bob!’
Try not making the same mistake here.
YEAH, BUT WHO DO YOU LIKE HERE?
High-toned analysis is best left to the Elliotte’s of the world, but I’ll say this: the final could – and hopefully will – be rich in storylines:
Cap’n Crunch (need you ask?) and his Crunch Berries (Sam Bennett, Radko Gudas) versus arguably the best defensive crew in the circuit; Adin ‘who’ Hill versus Sergei ‘can-you-say-resurgence’ Bobrovsky; The carryover Fab 4 from Vegas’ 2018 Cup challenge – Jonathan Marchessault, William Karlsson, William Carrier, and Reilly Smith – and their quest for gold; Matthew Tkachuk, Bob, Jack Eichel, Marchessault and those-who-jump-up and their quest for Conn Smythe; will Canada watch?
That last one we’ll be eyeing. If you’re a fan of hockey then the answer’s yes. But I don’t want to belabour the point. Even though I’ve just belaboured the point.
THOUGHT, SEEN AND HEARD: After a little mindfulness, wouldn’t Kyle Dubas be a great fit with Pittsburgh? They’re already to his liking – skilled and soft . . . Montreal has a beauty on the way soon in Lane Hutson. The slick d-man was superb at the world championship . . . Latvia declares a national holiday for winning bronze at the worlds. What would it have done if it’d won gold? . . . Nashville hosts the NHL draft which kicks off with Round 1 on June 28th . . . If you missed it, Chicago gets Connor Bedard at No. 1 then Anaheim lands Adam Fantilli at No. 2 . . . St. Louis has three first-round selections . . . Montreal, Chicago, Arizona, Detroit, Columbus, Nashville and San Jose each have two first-round picks . . . This is reportedly an A-list draft. Lots of heft in that first round . . . Free agency starts July 1 (noon ET). Among the plums – Patrick Kane, Ryan O’Reilly, Vlad Tarasenko, Dmitry Orlov, Freddie Andersen, Michael Bunting, Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi . . . HBO’s Succession had it’s highs and lows. The wrap-up season was a sky-high high. Bravo . . . So in the end, the Disgusting Brothers rule? . . . Tried highly ranked Yellowjackets. Thought it was silly . . . Don’t hate me. You know I’m right . . . Finally got around to Chernobyl. Superb and noble.
thegrossgame@yahoo.com
