(Apologies - there have been no Five Things for the recent games. And it's really too late now, so...you get this instead):
Boyle on HNIC's Inside Hockey talking about training with skater Barbara Underhill:
INSIDE HOCKEY
Goodness knows all Rangers fans can see the difference this has made! And good for Boyle. Like this guy a lot. Right attitude. And effort. And now results. Great to see.
Showing posts with label HNIC Wrap-Up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HNIC Wrap-Up. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
HNIC Wrap-Up ~ 1/23/10 (A Week Late!). . .
Week late again - I hope this is not becoming a trend...I apologize. Not trying to leave NHTP a desolate place as much as I have recently. Maybe I'll be able to catch up on life once the Olympics start. Oh..right...I'll still be watching hockey. ;) Anyway...
Last Week on HNIC:
Before Cassie Campbell asked Tortorella about it, the guys at HNIC had a good laugh about the Brooks/Tortorella clip from the post-game from Thursdays game versus Philly.
Their comments:
Milbury: "I'm going to score that Tortorella/Brooks thing a draw; I mean Larry Brooks hung right in there. He can be abrasive as all get out, but Tortorella went right after him. What can a coach do, you have to address it, get it out in the open once in a while when you think you've been mishandled by the media, and then you gotta move on which he has."
...
Hrudey: "I'm sure this will surprise a lot of people too. I'm actually going to brag about Sean Avery. Here's a guy that I've been awfully critical of for a long, long time now but you have to hand it to him." [He goes on to talk about how impressed he was with this play versus the Flyers.]
"There's not shame to me in losing a fight. It's battling for your teammates...Aaron Voros and the rest of the teammates were awfully proud of Sean Avery. I've gotta tell you, when he plays like that, and he doesn't yap off, I like him."
Milbury: "Where were the rest of the Rangers in that game? After the Carcillo incident with Gaborik, there should have been an immediate response. There was none. Avery was one of the few that showed up to got it done."
You know how much I hate it when I agree with Milbury but...
After Hours:
I actually got to catch After Hours live last Saturday, so I had some Twitter comments about it, but how fun was it to have Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews BOTH on After Hours? Loved it! I want more teammate pair interviews; they are almost always fantastic.
The good thing about doing this a week late, you get to see it yourself, as a kind stranger has posted on Youtube. First are Parts 1 and 2 for Patrick Kane and 3rd one is both Kane and Toews. Enjoy!
Part 1 - Kane
Part 2 - Kane
You know, as much as people may have changed their thoughts (understandably) about Kane during the last year, I still think two things:
1) He is pretty well-spoken. He has gotten better surely as he's been in the league a few years, and he's being asked to speak much more often. I enjoy listening to him, especially when he throws in some reminders of how young he really is, ie, "pretty girls walking up and down the street." He is what he is and I enjoy him. Time will tell just exactly what type of person he truly is, but if you can separate the two, and sometimes you have to, I still love him as a player and love to watch him grow as such.
2) He is a first class talent. He is one of those guys, perhaps, you want to cheer for because he is one of the smaller guys. He scores some amazing goals. And he is someone, as an American, we can cheer for in national tournaments hopefully for years and years to come. And, as much as I do not root for players for where they are from (at least not intentionally), it is wonderful to see a guy that will hopefully join guys like Modano, Richter, Leetch, Tkachuk, Hull, Chelios, etc, in the glory of American national competition. We'll see how he does in just a few short weeks in his first Olympic appearance in Vancouver.
Last Week on HNIC:
Before Cassie Campbell asked Tortorella about it, the guys at HNIC had a good laugh about the Brooks/Tortorella clip from the post-game from Thursdays game versus Philly.
Their comments:
Milbury: "I'm going to score that Tortorella/Brooks thing a draw; I mean Larry Brooks hung right in there. He can be abrasive as all get out, but Tortorella went right after him. What can a coach do, you have to address it, get it out in the open once in a while when you think you've been mishandled by the media, and then you gotta move on which he has."
...
Hrudey: "I'm sure this will surprise a lot of people too. I'm actually going to brag about Sean Avery. Here's a guy that I've been awfully critical of for a long, long time now but you have to hand it to him." [He goes on to talk about how impressed he was with this play versus the Flyers.]
"There's not shame to me in losing a fight. It's battling for your teammates...Aaron Voros and the rest of the teammates were awfully proud of Sean Avery. I've gotta tell you, when he plays like that, and he doesn't yap off, I like him."
Milbury: "Where were the rest of the Rangers in that game? After the Carcillo incident with Gaborik, there should have been an immediate response. There was none. Avery was one of the few that showed up to got it done."
You know how much I hate it when I agree with Milbury but...
After Hours:
I actually got to catch After Hours live last Saturday, so I had some Twitter comments about it, but how fun was it to have Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews BOTH on After Hours? Loved it! I want more teammate pair interviews; they are almost always fantastic.
The good thing about doing this a week late, you get to see it yourself, as a kind stranger has posted on Youtube. First are Parts 1 and 2 for Patrick Kane and 3rd one is both Kane and Toews. Enjoy!
Part 1 - Kane
Part 2 - Kane
You know, as much as people may have changed their thoughts (understandably) about Kane during the last year, I still think two things:
1) He is pretty well-spoken. He has gotten better surely as he's been in the league a few years, and he's being asked to speak much more often. I enjoy listening to him, especially when he throws in some reminders of how young he really is, ie, "pretty girls walking up and down the street." He is what he is and I enjoy him. Time will tell just exactly what type of person he truly is, but if you can separate the two, and sometimes you have to, I still love him as a player and love to watch him grow as such.
2) He is a first class talent. He is one of those guys, perhaps, you want to cheer for because he is one of the smaller guys. He scores some amazing goals. And he is someone, as an American, we can cheer for in national tournaments hopefully for years and years to come. And, as much as I do not root for players for where they are from (at least not intentionally), it is wonderful to see a guy that will hopefully join guys like Modano, Richter, Leetch, Tkachuk, Hull, Chelios, etc, in the glory of American national competition. We'll see how he does in just a few short weeks in his first Olympic appearance in Vancouver.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
HNIC Wrap-Up~ 1/16/10 (A Week Late!)
Tonight, be sure to catch the HNIC pre-game show, Hockey Tonight. As the Rangers are in Montreal, you may see some familiar faces. (NHL Network - 6:30pm for those in the States).
Meanwhile, it's been one of those weeks so I'm just now getting to LAST week's show,...so here's what we missed:
* The Ron McLean interview with Colin Campbell. I missed it (obviously) but heard rumblings about it on Team990. And there was apparently some bad feedback to the CBC on it, from Burrows parents, even. How their son was being shown in a bad light.
I think McLean did fine (and I'm a big fan of his). I think he did fine with how he conducted the interview.
In the case of Burrow's parents, I perhaps can see what they were saying. For those that didn't watch, they showed kind of a "this is what Burrows has done" timeline with video and, yes, some of it paints him like the "Sean Avery of the West." Surely. But I think it wasn't done badly. I don't.
And let it also be said, "Burr, what are you thinking Burr..." constantly laughed about here didn't make it clear, I am a Burrows fan. I think he can be a punk at times, and I certainly didn't appreciate his whack to Vrbata's leg late last year, but I don't think he goes out there to injure anyone. I think he is a little bit of a pest. I see the similarities to Avery, too, but again, I don't make apologies for Avery. He is a good hockey player. And even though we've seen players like Anson Carter benefit from being on a line with the Sedins, I'm pretty sure Burrows has paid his dues in his journey to the NHL and he's here because he too is a good player and can play with those boys.
* On After Hours, Bill Guerin was a guest. Who doesn't appreciate Billy Guerin? He's just a high class guy.
The funnier parts were when PJ Stock joined in via video. Here is some of what was said:
Oake: PJ Stock counts you, I think, as his best friend in the game of hockey. And you're even willing to own up to that.
Guerin: I am. I accept that position. PJ is a great guy and a good friend for a long time. So it's good to see him doing well out here.
PJ: ...Buddy, that's the worst Tom Selleck moustache I've seen in a long time. Why?
Guerin goes on to explains that the day before games, they have a shootout contest, and the loser on the 1st of the month has to grow a moustache for the month and be "moustache boy." LOL!
PJ: What toll did it take on your body, with that shortened summer, especially at your 46, 47, you are at now, how has that short summer affected you this year?
Guerin: Yeah Stocky, it's kinda funny, I'm creeping up there. But unfortunately for you, you stopped growing at the age of 12. I kept going until about 18, 19, 20.
Oake: Hey PJ, thanks a lot for contributing to the program tonight, we really appreciate it.
PJ: Anytime I can carry you Oakie, anytime. See ya Billy, good luck.
Healy: Good questions.
Oake: PJ had to run off to the Irish Embassy. Going to try to catch Rudy there.
Billy, when aked about the US Olympic team, said he felt very confident in the group of players that Burke had put together, that they could do very well. He spoke about a passing of the torch. He had his time; it's their time now.
Good stuff, they should invite PJ in more often to contribute to After Hours, and Bill Guerin is always a treat.
Meanwhile, it's been one of those weeks so I'm just now getting to LAST week's show,...so here's what we missed:
* The Ron McLean interview with Colin Campbell. I missed it (obviously) but heard rumblings about it on Team990. And there was apparently some bad feedback to the CBC on it, from Burrows parents, even. How their son was being shown in a bad light.
I think McLean did fine (and I'm a big fan of his). I think he did fine with how he conducted the interview.
In the case of Burrow's parents, I perhaps can see what they were saying. For those that didn't watch, they showed kind of a "this is what Burrows has done" timeline with video and, yes, some of it paints him like the "Sean Avery of the West." Surely. But I think it wasn't done badly. I don't.
And let it also be said, "Burr, what are you thinking Burr..." constantly laughed about here didn't make it clear, I am a Burrows fan. I think he can be a punk at times, and I certainly didn't appreciate his whack to Vrbata's leg late last year, but I don't think he goes out there to injure anyone. I think he is a little bit of a pest. I see the similarities to Avery, too, but again, I don't make apologies for Avery. He is a good hockey player. And even though we've seen players like Anson Carter benefit from being on a line with the Sedins, I'm pretty sure Burrows has paid his dues in his journey to the NHL and he's here because he too is a good player and can play with those boys.
* On After Hours, Bill Guerin was a guest. Who doesn't appreciate Billy Guerin? He's just a high class guy.
The funnier parts were when PJ Stock joined in via video. Here is some of what was said:
Oake: PJ Stock counts you, I think, as his best friend in the game of hockey. And you're even willing to own up to that.
Guerin: I am. I accept that position. PJ is a great guy and a good friend for a long time. So it's good to see him doing well out here.
PJ: ...Buddy, that's the worst Tom Selleck moustache I've seen in a long time. Why?
Guerin goes on to explains that the day before games, they have a shootout contest, and the loser on the 1st of the month has to grow a moustache for the month and be "moustache boy." LOL!
PJ: What toll did it take on your body, with that shortened summer, especially at your 46, 47, you are at now, how has that short summer affected you this year?
Guerin: Yeah Stocky, it's kinda funny, I'm creeping up there. But unfortunately for you, you stopped growing at the age of 12. I kept going until about 18, 19, 20.
Oake: Hey PJ, thanks a lot for contributing to the program tonight, we really appreciate it.
PJ: Anytime I can carry you Oakie, anytime. See ya Billy, good luck.
Healy: Good questions.
Oake: PJ had to run off to the Irish Embassy. Going to try to catch Rudy there.
Billy, when aked about the US Olympic team, said he felt very confident in the group of players that Burke had put together, that they could do very well. He spoke about a passing of the torch. He had his time; it's their time now.
Good stuff, they should invite PJ in more often to contribute to After Hours, and Bill Guerin is always a treat.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
HNIC Wrap-Up ~ 1/9/2010. . .
There haven't been HNIC wrap-ups, mostly because the World Junior Championships (Congrats USA) were being shown on NHL Network and when I wasn't in front of the TV on Saturday it became too hard to manually record the CBC broadcasts at the right moment.
Anyway...this made me laugh.
Cassie Campbell interviewed Scott Gomez on Hockey Tonight. Now Rangers fans now how, we won't say silly, but non-serious Gomez appeared during interviews. That much has not changed.
Cassie: Scott has 12 points in his last 10 games. Ron?
McLean: You're amazing. Now you don't like Scott Gomez's game face.
Milbury (mockingly with hand motions): Just happy to be here. $7 million a year.
You've got a big game against New Jersey coming up, have a little serious side. I guess that's just me, though, right, Ron?
The times I've agreed with anything Mike Milbury has said are few, oh so few, and far between. This, however, may be one of them.
I'm still shocked he has 12 points in 10 games. Yikes.
___________________________________________________
"The PJ Stock Classic today" says McLean, as PJ does update of Rangers/Bruins game, PJs two longest tenured stops in his NHL career. New York was his first team, Boston his last, although he was with the Philadelphia farm club, the Phantoms, when he had his career ending injury. (I MISS YOU PJ!!!)
_______________________________________
Top 10 Goals from the Western Conference did not include Prucha's vs Pittsburgh (French Canadian Network RDS did at #3!!!!). It did include a Fred Sjostrom goal at #10 though.
__________________________________________
For those that missed (me included) Vancouver and Calgary went to a shootout. Dawes got the first goal in the shootout for Calgary. And after scoring earlier in the game, one time Ranger Jamie Lundmark got the deciding goal in the shootout putting Calgary ahead in the division. A beautiful goal. He was called, "a warrior," "an underrated guy," and "a victim of the salary cap." Named #1 star of the game by HNIC.
"This is just a genious move with unbelievable skill and unbelievable patience."
___________________________________________
After Hours presents "The Sedin Triplets" - Henrik, Daniel, and Alex Burrows!
It didn't even take til the first commerical break, before Scott Oake brings up one of my FAVORITE After Hours moments when Alex Burrows does his Marc Crawford impression:
"Burr, what were you thinking there."
LOL! Never gets old.
If you haven't seen it yet, here it is (not super clear but condensed):
The three then proceeded to have a rousing game of who knows their linesmates better.
Burrows not knowing name of Sedin's hometown - minus one.
Daniel automatically knowing "Baton Rouge" was one of the places Burrows toiled in the minor leagues - plus one.
Burrows being able to tell the twins apart (even with a trick!) - plus one.
Sedins not knowing that Burrows was named best ball hockey player in Canada in 2006 - minus one. (Although they both seemed super surprised and happy for him).
Burrows being able to say Hank was six minutes older than Daniel - plus one.
Burrows wins with a +1, but unless I missed a question in there - no fair!
Burrows, when asked about the Sedins soccer deficiency, said they were the two best players on the team but that Hank played with both feet, Daniel only used his left.
I love photo time, they show a picture of Alex Burrows as a model.
Burrows: That's my Calvin Klein ad.
Oake: You know's body that is?
Henrik: Yeah it's not Burrs.
Alex may have been a jerk for slashing Vrbata in the leg late last year, but the guy is funny and he's one of only around 50 players to score hat tricks in back to back games, which he did last week.
Love it.
Anyway...this made me laugh.
Cassie Campbell interviewed Scott Gomez on Hockey Tonight. Now Rangers fans now how, we won't say silly, but non-serious Gomez appeared during interviews. That much has not changed.
Cassie: Scott has 12 points in his last 10 games. Ron?
McLean: You're amazing. Now you don't like Scott Gomez's game face.
Milbury (mockingly with hand motions): Just happy to be here. $7 million a year.
You've got a big game against New Jersey coming up, have a little serious side. I guess that's just me, though, right, Ron?
The times I've agreed with anything Mike Milbury has said are few, oh so few, and far between. This, however, may be one of them.
I'm still shocked he has 12 points in 10 games. Yikes.
___________________________________________________
"The PJ Stock Classic today" says McLean, as PJ does update of Rangers/Bruins game, PJs two longest tenured stops in his NHL career. New York was his first team, Boston his last, although he was with the Philadelphia farm club, the Phantoms, when he had his career ending injury. (I MISS YOU PJ!!!)
_______________________________________
Top 10 Goals from the Western Conference did not include Prucha's vs Pittsburgh (French Canadian Network RDS did at #3!!!!). It did include a Fred Sjostrom goal at #10 though.
__________________________________________
For those that missed (me included) Vancouver and Calgary went to a shootout. Dawes got the first goal in the shootout for Calgary. And after scoring earlier in the game, one time Ranger Jamie Lundmark got the deciding goal in the shootout putting Calgary ahead in the division. A beautiful goal. He was called, "a warrior," "an underrated guy," and "a victim of the salary cap." Named #1 star of the game by HNIC.
"This is just a genious move with unbelievable skill and unbelievable patience."
___________________________________________
After Hours presents "The Sedin Triplets" - Henrik, Daniel, and Alex Burrows!
It didn't even take til the first commerical break, before Scott Oake brings up one of my FAVORITE After Hours moments when Alex Burrows does his Marc Crawford impression:
"Burr, what were you thinking there."
LOL! Never gets old.
If you haven't seen it yet, here it is (not super clear but condensed):
The three then proceeded to have a rousing game of who knows their linesmates better.
Burrows not knowing name of Sedin's hometown - minus one.
Daniel automatically knowing "Baton Rouge" was one of the places Burrows toiled in the minor leagues - plus one.
Burrows being able to tell the twins apart (even with a trick!) - plus one.
Sedins not knowing that Burrows was named best ball hockey player in Canada in 2006 - minus one. (Although they both seemed super surprised and happy for him).
Burrows being able to say Hank was six minutes older than Daniel - plus one.
Burrows wins with a +1, but unless I missed a question in there - no fair!
Burrows, when asked about the Sedins soccer deficiency, said they were the two best players on the team but that Hank played with both feet, Daniel only used his left.
I love photo time, they show a picture of Alex Burrows as a model.
Burrows: That's my Calvin Klein ad.
Oake: You know's body that is?
Henrik: Yeah it's not Burrs.
Alex may have been a jerk for slashing Vrbata in the leg late last year, but the guy is funny and he's one of only around 50 players to score hat tricks in back to back games, which he did last week.
Love it.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
HNIC Wrap-Up ~ 12/19/09. . .
If you didn't get a chance to see this (and you aren't Tavares-ed out) - watch this video of him and Dougie Weight.
HERE!
__________________________
Three things about Alex Ovechkin (in general) and on this night:
* He won the Caps "Hardest Working Player" Construction helmet for the first time all season tonight. Scott Oake was baffled. AO explained he missed eight games and had to get back into shape.
* It was AO-craziness in Western Canada. And Ovechkin responds by saying he loves Canada.
* We knew it before, we know it now again - He LOVES the attention. He really does.
___________________________
Sam Gagner was on After Hours:
* They showed the clip from last year when they did "Cribs" when he lived with Tom Gilbert and Andrew Cogliano.
* Since then, Gilbert has kicked them out. Sam has also apparently not gotten any cleaner (he cleaned the most cause he was the messiest). He and Andrew live in separate apartments in the same complex.
* As so often on After Hours, they get questions from video. This one was from Jason (Strudwick) of Edmonton, asking about stick curves. Apparently back when Struddy was playing in Vancouver, he shot a puck clear out of the rink at practice. Then coach Marc Crawford grabbed the stick, threw it into the stands, and gave him Todd Bertuzzi's stick. Struddy liked it so much, he has used that stick curve ever since. Awe miss Struds!
HERE!
__________________________
Three things about Alex Ovechkin (in general) and on this night:
* He won the Caps "Hardest Working Player" Construction helmet for the first time all season tonight. Scott Oake was baffled. AO explained he missed eight games and had to get back into shape.
* It was AO-craziness in Western Canada. And Ovechkin responds by saying he loves Canada.
* We knew it before, we know it now again - He LOVES the attention. He really does.
___________________________
Sam Gagner was on After Hours:
* They showed the clip from last year when they did "Cribs" when he lived with Tom Gilbert and Andrew Cogliano.
* Since then, Gilbert has kicked them out. Sam has also apparently not gotten any cleaner (he cleaned the most cause he was the messiest). He and Andrew live in separate apartments in the same complex.
* As so often on After Hours, they get questions from video. This one was from Jason (Strudwick) of Edmonton, asking about stick curves. Apparently back when Struddy was playing in Vancouver, he shot a puck clear out of the rink at practice. Then coach Marc Crawford grabbed the stick, threw it into the stands, and gave him Todd Bertuzzi's stick. Struddy liked it so much, he has used that stick curve ever since. Awe miss Struds!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
HNIC Wrap-Up ~ 12/12/09. . .
The biggest point I took out of HNIC Hockey Tonight was what Alex Ovechkin said. I know not eveyone loves the guy. I have had my moments of doubt in his most recent season, I won't lie, but I think overall he is good for the game. If for no other reason than this.
"I play every game as if it is my last game, because you never know what can happen on the ice."
I think the game, our game, would be a better one overall if more players played that way. Not reckless, not dangerous, not wild. But played the game with passion, love, and appreciation for how wonderful it is and how precious and short the time of playing it may be.
_________________________
Some funnies:
Turco had a quite a shootout versus San Jose on Friday night. To the Christmas Goose song, they showed Turco out poke-check three of the Sharks skaters.
PJ comes on screen and said "I got to follow the Christmas goose!"
LOL at PJ!
PJ then says Kelly never gets any credit. People always pick Gretzky first overall. PJ says he's picking a team, he's going with Kelly.
Although after he asked if Kelly is buying drinks, and Kelly refuses, PJ takes it back.
Ron McLean: "On HNIC where blue eyes can be PJ, Kelly, or Frank Sinatra."
___________________________
The "interrogation" of Mason Raymond on After Hours:
* Ryan Kesler said that Mason was a good dancer when he had a few. Mason says Kesler, Wellwood and O'Brien dance it up in the locker room after Canucks wins and that Kesler is one of the best dancers on the team.
* He had a border collie named Champ that used to retrieve balls/pucks that went past the net when he would shoot them. Unfortunately sounds like poor Champ stood in the net and got a few pucks as well. Ouch! See, how wonderful are dogs? Man's best friend, man's best game.
* How do you know you can marry a girl? When you take her cattle roping. Apparently worked for Mason and his wife Meg.
* Scott Oake started calling him Masie. Over and over and over. Apparently this was something new to Mason and his teammates were all over him for it. Masie. Ha!
* His name was "pulled from a hat" or so he says and his name was used in a skit on How I Met Your Mother. I didn't know they liked hockey on this show. I may have to watch. You can too here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPBEkoNqwQk (can't get to link properly)
* Who would be the worst hunting companion? "Hordy or Shane O'Brien" essentially because they talk too much!
Great interview. Raymond seems like one of those quiet, but funny guys.
"I play every game as if it is my last game, because you never know what can happen on the ice."
I think the game, our game, would be a better one overall if more players played that way. Not reckless, not dangerous, not wild. But played the game with passion, love, and appreciation for how wonderful it is and how precious and short the time of playing it may be.
_________________________
Some funnies:
Turco had a quite a shootout versus San Jose on Friday night. To the Christmas Goose song, they showed Turco out poke-check three of the Sharks skaters.
PJ comes on screen and said "I got to follow the Christmas goose!"
LOL at PJ!
PJ then says Kelly never gets any credit. People always pick Gretzky first overall. PJ says he's picking a team, he's going with Kelly.
Although after he asked if Kelly is buying drinks, and Kelly refuses, PJ takes it back.
Ron McLean: "On HNIC where blue eyes can be PJ, Kelly, or Frank Sinatra."
___________________________
The "interrogation" of Mason Raymond on After Hours:
* Ryan Kesler said that Mason was a good dancer when he had a few. Mason says Kesler, Wellwood and O'Brien dance it up in the locker room after Canucks wins and that Kesler is one of the best dancers on the team.
* He had a border collie named Champ that used to retrieve balls/pucks that went past the net when he would shoot them. Unfortunately sounds like poor Champ stood in the net and got a few pucks as well. Ouch! See, how wonderful are dogs? Man's best friend, man's best game.
* How do you know you can marry a girl? When you take her cattle roping. Apparently worked for Mason and his wife Meg.
* Scott Oake started calling him Masie. Over and over and over. Apparently this was something new to Mason and his teammates were all over him for it. Masie. Ha!
* His name was "pulled from a hat" or so he says and his name was used in a skit on How I Met Your Mother. I didn't know they liked hockey on this show. I may have to watch. You can too here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPBEkoNqwQk (can't get to link properly)
* Who would be the worst hunting companion? "Hordy or Shane O'Brien" essentially because they talk too much!
Great interview. Raymond seems like one of those quiet, but funny guys.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
HNIC Wrap-Up ~ 12/5/09. . .
Well what really else matters on Hockey Night in Canada if Jumbo Joe Thornton is going to be on After Hours~! =)
Seriously, if you like him or have no opinion on him, he's always a must-watch!
Granted, I'm assuming if you already hate him, his hilarious interviews will not change your opinion, but you never know...
________________
This week started with a big shock - JUMBO JOE HAD A SHIRT ON! Joe Thornton NEVER wears a shirt during interviews. Shirts almost seem to repel from him. It's an odd phenomenon.
My best guess - not along PJ's lines about whether or not he worked out enough at Venice Beach topless - is that he got married. Perhaps his wife does not want him going shirtless on national TV anymore. He got married over the summer. I don't know but...
________________
For the record, Joe and PJ played together in Boston and Joe calls him "one of his favorites of all times" as far as teammates go. Take that as you will.
PJ continues to express his disappointment that Joe is not shirtless and Joe promises next time he and Weeksie will go topless for the interview. (We'll see...)
__________________
Anyway, after PJ was done with his joking about Venice Beach and Joe's clothing or lack thereof, he asked a serious question. He listed the half dozen players Joe made a career of setting up (Setogucci, Cheechoo, Murray, Samsonov, Knuble, Guerin) and noted they were all righties, UNTIL Dany Heatley.
Joe thought it was a great question and he said he did have to change what he did and that he prefers setting up righties. Well until Dany Heatley that is.
We all know how well that is working so far for San Jose so no arguments yet.
Then After Hours sent PJ off for a "big beer" (Scott Oake: "He's got to rush because it's heading for last call at the Irish Embassy") and Joe off to...well, we're not sure.
____________________
Meanwhile in stepped Rob Blake. It was established:
* Blake scored around 2 of his career goals versus Kevin Weekes.
* He thinks the additions of guys like Manny Malhotra and Jed Ortmeyer were good ones to help fill in the puzzle in San Jose. (no argument here!)
* He made a point to sit and talk with Patrick Marleau when they knew that Blake would be taking the captain C after it was taken away from Marleau. Sounded like Marleau was ready to come and work hard and make it work, despite what obviously could have been an awkward situation.
* He's a "lousy doctor" but a "great hockey player"
* Actor James Caan is on his speed dial. And Ray Liotta trains with them sometimes.
* He can sing hip-hop lyrics when prompted.
* His son is a huge Joe Thornton fan so he was thrilled when his dad signed in San Jose!
______________
That's it for this week. Good After Hours. Love when we get the random guests of non Canadian teams in there. San Jose is always a treat. That Thornton/Boyle one was priceless. I'll find a clip fo that one on a day I need a cheer up!
Seriously, if you like him or have no opinion on him, he's always a must-watch!
Granted, I'm assuming if you already hate him, his hilarious interviews will not change your opinion, but you never know...
________________
This week started with a big shock - JUMBO JOE HAD A SHIRT ON! Joe Thornton NEVER wears a shirt during interviews. Shirts almost seem to repel from him. It's an odd phenomenon.
My best guess - not along PJ's lines about whether or not he worked out enough at Venice Beach topless - is that he got married. Perhaps his wife does not want him going shirtless on national TV anymore. He got married over the summer. I don't know but...
________________
For the record, Joe and PJ played together in Boston and Joe calls him "one of his favorites of all times" as far as teammates go. Take that as you will.
PJ continues to express his disappointment that Joe is not shirtless and Joe promises next time he and Weeksie will go topless for the interview. (We'll see...)
__________________
Anyway, after PJ was done with his joking about Venice Beach and Joe's clothing or lack thereof, he asked a serious question. He listed the half dozen players Joe made a career of setting up (Setogucci, Cheechoo, Murray, Samsonov, Knuble, Guerin) and noted they were all righties, UNTIL Dany Heatley.
Joe thought it was a great question and he said he did have to change what he did and that he prefers setting up righties. Well until Dany Heatley that is.
We all know how well that is working so far for San Jose so no arguments yet.
Then After Hours sent PJ off for a "big beer" (Scott Oake: "He's got to rush because it's heading for last call at the Irish Embassy") and Joe off to...well, we're not sure.
____________________
Meanwhile in stepped Rob Blake. It was established:
* Blake scored around 2 of his career goals versus Kevin Weekes.
* He thinks the additions of guys like Manny Malhotra and Jed Ortmeyer were good ones to help fill in the puzzle in San Jose. (no argument here!)
* He made a point to sit and talk with Patrick Marleau when they knew that Blake would be taking the captain C after it was taken away from Marleau. Sounded like Marleau was ready to come and work hard and make it work, despite what obviously could have been an awkward situation.
* He's a "lousy doctor" but a "great hockey player"
* Actor James Caan is on his speed dial. And Ray Liotta trains with them sometimes.
* He can sing hip-hop lyrics when prompted.
* His son is a huge Joe Thornton fan so he was thrilled when his dad signed in San Jose!
______________
That's it for this week. Good After Hours. Love when we get the random guests of non Canadian teams in there. San Jose is always a treat. That Thornton/Boyle one was priceless. I'll find a clip fo that one on a day I need a cheer up!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
HNIC Wrap-Up ~ November 28, 2009. . .
Sorry these have been few and far between. Not my intention and as many people HNIC is an important part of Saturday night and one I gladly partake in when I am home.
So as to not jump back (at least not now) - I'll just move forward.
______________________________________________________________________
Yesterday's Inside Hockey had an interview with Rick Nash, his agent, coach Ken Hitchcock, and the GM of Columbus, Scott Howson. And a testament to a young player that truly gets what "team" means.
He took less money than he would have commanded on the open market to stay in Columbus. But he and his agent were on the same page. He wanted to stay in Columbus, he wanted to be a player the city - a city of no other professional teams - could rally around.
Any other teams he wanted to play for? He grew up a Maple Leafs fan, so he always wanted to wear the Maple Leaf.
"Luckily for me I grew up playing with the Marlies, so I already had that," Rick said.
Hitchcock was pleased and both he and Howson feel it helped bring other players to the team, after news was out that Rick had been locked up to a long term deal.
Hitchcock said Rick's signing became a feeling for the hockey community of "what's right with Columbus" rather than "what's wrong with Columbus."
The strongest testament again to Rick's team first attitude.
Good for him, and great for Columbus.
If you have 5 minutes, check it out here.
So as to not jump back (at least not now) - I'll just move forward.
______________________________________________________________________
Yesterday's Inside Hockey had an interview with Rick Nash, his agent, coach Ken Hitchcock, and the GM of Columbus, Scott Howson. And a testament to a young player that truly gets what "team" means.
He took less money than he would have commanded on the open market to stay in Columbus. But he and his agent were on the same page. He wanted to stay in Columbus, he wanted to be a player the city - a city of no other professional teams - could rally around.
Any other teams he wanted to play for? He grew up a Maple Leafs fan, so he always wanted to wear the Maple Leaf.
"Luckily for me I grew up playing with the Marlies, so I already had that," Rick said.
Hitchcock was pleased and both he and Howson feel it helped bring other players to the team, after news was out that Rick had been locked up to a long term deal.
Hitchcock said Rick's signing became a feeling for the hockey community of "what's right with Columbus" rather than "what's wrong with Columbus."
The strongest testament again to Rick's team first attitude.
"At the end of the day Columbus is just too good of a city and I'm a loyal guy."
Good for him, and great for Columbus.
If you have 5 minutes, check it out here.
Monday, November 2, 2009
HNIC Wrap-Up ~ October 31, 2009. . .
Again, belated, so apologies for that. Lots of hockey this Saturday night.
Hockey Tonight's Inside Hockey talked about goal masks, something very important this weekend for more than a few reasons, but something I've always had a unique interest in. (Childhood favorite - Stephane Fiset's "ice blocks.") They're just fun to look at.
The end of Inside Hockey showcases this guy who does over 80 masks a year, some commissioned by NHL players. During the show, he shared one for Carey Price. For Rememberance Day, it showcases poppies, pinning a wreath, the Canadian flag, and the poem Flander's field. Looks amazing. Even better, Carey Price, when he's done, will auction it off for money to help wounded soldiers. Find out more at www.woundedwarriors.ca
______________________________________
On After Hours, the guest to speak of (no disrespect to Steve Yzerman, Red Wings great, that is) was Rene Bourque.
Before Saturday night, the only thing I knew about Rene Bourque was that he was the player whose neck was sliced open by Nik Zherdev's skate blade, when Rene was with Chicago, and Nik was a Blue Jacket.
Thanks to segments like After Hours, I now know a lot more about Bourque, and can think of some good things instead of remembering what was probably the most horrible time in his life and one he'd rather forget.
It didn't take long for Rene to have hosts Scott Oake and Kevin Weekes laughing. Literally, at one point they had a hard time continuing. Some of his more clever moments:
After being shown an image of his report card from youth hockey camp, with average marks in some categories, and signed by Ron Sutter, he said, "maybe the Sutter family had a late night the night before."
That had them laughing. For a while.
The next was when Kevin Weekes called him "Mr.-Everything" and said the only thing he hadn't seen Rene do was wear the Harvy the Hound costume. Rene's response:
"Maybe tomorrow night."
_____________
Some other tidbits:
He grew up with sisters, one of them a twin, so he said he never had to fight for clothes or bathroom time.
He heard about Goals and Dreams through the NHLPA and wanted to participate. Gave out 50 sets of hockey equipment to kids in his hometown of Lac Li Biche, Alberta.
"It was like Christmas for them; it was very rewarding."
__________
Lastly, while he said he doesn't like to think about it, he watched the clip of the Zherdev incident with the guys. And he was gracious enough to speak about it. He lost over a liter of blood, and didn't realize at first how dangerous the injury was. He was in hostpial for 5 days, and the doctors, he said, looked like they almost didn't know what to do because it's such a rare injury. He was very close to losing his life, but thankfully, thanks to the medical staff and doctors, he survived. Still has a visible scar on his neck, a reminder for the rest of his life of how close it came to ending.
Overall, a very funny, humble interview with the guy who is leading the Calgary Flames in scoring so far this season. A guy to root for, that's for sure. I'm now going to.
_________
Oh and lest you feel cheated, in another installment of "Tips from the WEEKES' Beauty Bag" - Weeke's urged guys to bring cologne, and girls to bring perfume for after the game. You don't want to smell "like hockey," he says.
Kinda wonderfing how far this segment will go. I didn't get to write up on last week (not too much doing although there was a short Nigel Dawes interview) but Weekes' tip for 10/24 was to use shower gel.
Guess we'll see. Gotta love Weeksie, though.
Hockey Tonight's Inside Hockey talked about goal masks, something very important this weekend for more than a few reasons, but something I've always had a unique interest in. (Childhood favorite - Stephane Fiset's "ice blocks.") They're just fun to look at.
The end of Inside Hockey showcases this guy who does over 80 masks a year, some commissioned by NHL players. During the show, he shared one for Carey Price. For Rememberance Day, it showcases poppies, pinning a wreath, the Canadian flag, and the poem Flander's field. Looks amazing. Even better, Carey Price, when he's done, will auction it off for money to help wounded soldiers. Find out more at www.woundedwarriors.ca
______________________________________
On After Hours, the guest to speak of (no disrespect to Steve Yzerman, Red Wings great, that is) was Rene Bourque.
Before Saturday night, the only thing I knew about Rene Bourque was that he was the player whose neck was sliced open by Nik Zherdev's skate blade, when Rene was with Chicago, and Nik was a Blue Jacket.
Thanks to segments like After Hours, I now know a lot more about Bourque, and can think of some good things instead of remembering what was probably the most horrible time in his life and one he'd rather forget.
It didn't take long for Rene to have hosts Scott Oake and Kevin Weekes laughing. Literally, at one point they had a hard time continuing. Some of his more clever moments:
After being shown an image of his report card from youth hockey camp, with average marks in some categories, and signed by Ron Sutter, he said, "maybe the Sutter family had a late night the night before."
That had them laughing. For a while.
The next was when Kevin Weekes called him "Mr.-Everything" and said the only thing he hadn't seen Rene do was wear the Harvy the Hound costume. Rene's response:
"Maybe tomorrow night."
_____________
Some other tidbits:
He grew up with sisters, one of them a twin, so he said he never had to fight for clothes or bathroom time.
He heard about Goals and Dreams through the NHLPA and wanted to participate. Gave out 50 sets of hockey equipment to kids in his hometown of Lac Li Biche, Alberta.
"It was like Christmas for them; it was very rewarding."
__________
Lastly, while he said he doesn't like to think about it, he watched the clip of the Zherdev incident with the guys. And he was gracious enough to speak about it. He lost over a liter of blood, and didn't realize at first how dangerous the injury was. He was in hostpial for 5 days, and the doctors, he said, looked like they almost didn't know what to do because it's such a rare injury. He was very close to losing his life, but thankfully, thanks to the medical staff and doctors, he survived. Still has a visible scar on his neck, a reminder for the rest of his life of how close it came to ending.
Overall, a very funny, humble interview with the guy who is leading the Calgary Flames in scoring so far this season. A guy to root for, that's for sure. I'm now going to.
_________
Oh and lest you feel cheated, in another installment of "Tips from the WEEKES' Beauty Bag" - Weeke's urged guys to bring cologne, and girls to bring perfume for after the game. You don't want to smell "like hockey," he says.
Kinda wonderfing how far this segment will go. I didn't get to write up on last week (not too much doing although there was a short Nigel Dawes interview) but Weekes' tip for 10/24 was to use shower gel.
Guess we'll see. Gotta love Weeksie, though.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
HNIC Wrap-Up ~ October 17, 2009. . .
In the pre-game to HNIC, PJ, Milbury, Hrudey, McLean talk with former Habs coach Guy Carbonneau.
Carbonneau mentioned his relationship with former Hab Alex Kovalev was better than the media/city let on. They used to golf together on off days. And the two day break he was asked to take? Purely to rest his mind. Not personal at all.
PJ said the Habs top big/small line of Gomez/Cammalleri/Gionta is getting pushed out of plays because of their size and that both Ottawa and the Canadiens are suffering from defensive breakdowns and no offense from the backend.
On the New York Rangers, Milbury - yes, that Milbury - praised the Rangers for actually having a first line again. Said Dubinsky could be a bonafide star in this league, said Prospal was a nice surprise, and that Gaborik was ...well Gaborik. Said this enabled Drury to go down to the #2 line where he they can mix and match between Callahan, Higgins, Avery, whomever.
The group spoke about camp "Torture-ella" and how it made such a big difference, because the team was in shape and were having great third periods. Hrudey credited the new Tortorella in-shape motto and system of play, for helping make Wade Redden better this season so far.
Elliotte Friedman interviewed Tortorella who admitted Redden was in "terrible" shape last year when he took over as coach. And said that the biggest difference was Wade being in such good shape this year. Said he wasn't "chasing the game" like he was last year.
He also, for the record, said he and Avery had a good relationship and were on the same page.
For the sake of the team, let's hope so.
______________________________________________________________
HNIC does such a great job with Inside Hockey and this week is no different with the story of Scott Walker.
Scott asked out his wife 20 years ago, with a free dinner coupon for being player of the game, and they have never been apart since.
During the playoff series with Boston, where he scored the game winning goal in overtime, his first ever playoff goal, he was going through personal turmoil.
The day that he punched out former Bruin (and now teammate Aaron Ward) was the day he found out his wife had cervical cancer.
Kinda puts that in perspective a little more, doesn't it?
He and Aaron Ward have put the incident behind them. His wife is now healthy.
She urges women to never miss their annual appointments, something I myself must encourage. You just never know.
___________________________________________
My DirecTV turned off After Hours once the Wild/Canucks game was over, so I had to play catchup today. I was not thrilled with that - pretty angry, in fact - but since it was 12:30 I decided to read a book and not make what I'm sure would have been an angry phone call.
Brent Burns was their first guess. I haven't caught up with him since the Inside HOckey segment they alluded to, from 2 years ago, and apparently his then girlfiend Susan, is now his wife, and he still has around 100 animals in his home. Mostly lizard/snake type animals, which makes my skin crawl, but he still has four Siberian Huskies, which makes me smile.
Sykora and Havlat, the new Czechs, have apparently been bugging him to come see.
All I have to say is WHAT an understanding wife he has!!
__________________________________________
Later on Kevin Bieska, a Bowling Green graduate, says he and Willie Mitchell constantly argue who is smarter on finance. Bieksa gives the nod to himself.
"I don't think we have the smartest team in the league," he continues. And then he points out Hordicuk and Burrows as examples of needing financial advice.
Ouch!
And on the funny side, he fought one time Ranger Fedor Federov when he at a pub w/players from the Manitoba Moose, and was so nervous he was going to be cut before he even played w/the team. Guess he didn't have to be nervous. Burke liked him and signed him immediately.
____________________________________________
And lastly, a new After Hours Feature: Tips from Weekes' Beauty Bag.
This week: Use facewash and facial cleanser. Guys, girls, everyone!
Til next week...
Carbonneau mentioned his relationship with former Hab Alex Kovalev was better than the media/city let on. They used to golf together on off days. And the two day break he was asked to take? Purely to rest his mind. Not personal at all.
PJ said the Habs top big/small line of Gomez/Cammalleri/Gionta is getting pushed out of plays because of their size and that both Ottawa and the Canadiens are suffering from defensive breakdowns and no offense from the backend.
On the New York Rangers, Milbury - yes, that Milbury - praised the Rangers for actually having a first line again. Said Dubinsky could be a bonafide star in this league, said Prospal was a nice surprise, and that Gaborik was ...well Gaborik. Said this enabled Drury to go down to the #2 line where he they can mix and match between Callahan, Higgins, Avery, whomever.
The group spoke about camp "Torture-ella" and how it made such a big difference, because the team was in shape and were having great third periods. Hrudey credited the new Tortorella in-shape motto and system of play, for helping make Wade Redden better this season so far.
Elliotte Friedman interviewed Tortorella who admitted Redden was in "terrible" shape last year when he took over as coach. And said that the biggest difference was Wade being in such good shape this year. Said he wasn't "chasing the game" like he was last year.
He also, for the record, said he and Avery had a good relationship and were on the same page.
For the sake of the team, let's hope so.
______________________________________________________________
HNIC does such a great job with Inside Hockey and this week is no different with the story of Scott Walker.
Scott asked out his wife 20 years ago, with a free dinner coupon for being player of the game, and they have never been apart since.
During the playoff series with Boston, where he scored the game winning goal in overtime, his first ever playoff goal, he was going through personal turmoil.
The day that he punched out former Bruin (and now teammate Aaron Ward) was the day he found out his wife had cervical cancer.
Kinda puts that in perspective a little more, doesn't it?
He and Aaron Ward have put the incident behind them. His wife is now healthy.
She urges women to never miss their annual appointments, something I myself must encourage. You just never know.
___________________________________________
My DirecTV turned off After Hours once the Wild/Canucks game was over, so I had to play catchup today. I was not thrilled with that - pretty angry, in fact - but since it was 12:30 I decided to read a book and not make what I'm sure would have been an angry phone call.
Brent Burns was their first guess. I haven't caught up with him since the Inside HOckey segment they alluded to, from 2 years ago, and apparently his then girlfiend Susan, is now his wife, and he still has around 100 animals in his home. Mostly lizard/snake type animals, which makes my skin crawl, but he still has four Siberian Huskies, which makes me smile.
Sykora and Havlat, the new Czechs, have apparently been bugging him to come see.
All I have to say is WHAT an understanding wife he has!!
__________________________________________
Later on Kevin Bieska, a Bowling Green graduate, says he and Willie Mitchell constantly argue who is smarter on finance. Bieksa gives the nod to himself.
"I don't think we have the smartest team in the league," he continues. And then he points out Hordicuk and Burrows as examples of needing financial advice.
Ouch!
And on the funny side, he fought one time Ranger Fedor Federov when he at a pub w/players from the Manitoba Moose, and was so nervous he was going to be cut before he even played w/the team. Guess he didn't have to be nervous. Burke liked him and signed him immediately.
____________________________________________
And lastly, a new After Hours Feature: Tips from Weekes' Beauty Bag.
This week: Use facewash and facial cleanser. Guys, girls, everyone!
Til next week...
Sunday, October 11, 2009
HNIC Wrap-Up ~ October 10, 2009. . .
This will be shorter than usual, because my watching the 9 o'clock game prevented me from watching an entire HNIC game, but we'll focus on what really matters, won't we?
AFTER HOURS!
I adore Kevin Weekes and I can already tell he will be much better than Marc Crawford in the hot seat next to Scott Oake. No offense to Crawford - the coach only dogs can hear - and best of luck to him in Dallas, but...it took him more than half the year to feel half way comfortable. Weekes already seems like he's been doing this for years.
And their first guest of the evening was...
Scott Sco-Go Gomez. Which made me smile. Scott looked uncomfortable after the loss and the interview began pretty awkwardly.
While Oake didn't want to call the NY years a bust - even though I really think we should - he tried to get Gomez to talk about it.
And what was Gomez's real reason for last year's mediocrity?
He actually said it was injuries. He's like, I'm not making excuses, but...
I'm sorry. If that is the case he was injured, fine. Maybe he was. But it was his attitude that drove me crazy and what apparently Tortorella found unacceptable.
Yes, a hip-groin-leg-arm-neck-back injury can make you a less efficient player, but Scott, does it cause those "vacuous" passes to no one?
And how about those late nights of partying? Those were...rehab for the injury?
Yeah, sorry, not going to buy that one.
__________________________________________
The interview got better though. Gomez can still, at his best, provide a good interview. He talked about how it's odd being recognized on the street because he's never had that. And that when all is said and done - as careers do not last forever - how it'll be amazing to say he was a Canadien, considering the history of the franchise and those that have gone before.
I really hope he realizes that. I know if I were blessed enough to be a professional hockey player, I'd have certainly wanted that. I don't think that's why I am a Rangers fan, but it certainly gives me a sense of pride. Knowing that this team was around in the 1920s and that this team, barring something none of us can imagine, will still be around in another 100 years.
But back to Sco-go:
*In talking about his injury during the lockout where he was told his pelvis was broken, he said it was not so serious and got blown out of proportion. His answer, "I was on the dance floor a week later."
*New teammate Michael Cammalleri said that Gomez can't stay on the phone for more than 30 seconds but can text for hours. Gomez said jokingly that Cammo just hasn't realized he doesn't have anything to say to HIM. He also said he likes to work on his spelling, hence wanting to text more.
*But the BEST part of the convo and the part that did make me smile was when Scott Oake asked about how he, Gionta, and Cammalleri like being referred to as the Smurfs. Gomez said that was new to him but that:
As much as I like to rag on Gomez, I do it because it's fun not because I really wish badly for him. I mean I'd be silly to wish him supreme success after his attitude, partying, er...Injuries...kept him from being effective here even though he was the highest paid player. But I'd be a bad person to wish him failure in Montreal.
I'll just reiterate - I will love to hear him defend bad games, and love it even more when he's trying to do it in French.
_____________________________________
Moving on the the next guest, we have Mr. Hilary Duff - Mike Comrie.
Now, I never really had an opinion on Comrie either way, but after this interview I must say I do.
He gave really thoughtful responses to the questions - really thoughtful - and was not afraid to laugh at himself, talk about the tough stuff. And I admire him for that.
For the record, he mentioned a false rumor. I know about the contract holdouts. I'm guessing he was silently referring to the Salo incident. There are some things we'll just never know the truth to. (This wasn't the first, it isn't the last).
He talked about his mother dying from cancer when he was 10, about his father's furniture business, about growing up in Edmonton. A lot about what it is like to return and wondering if the fans will be supportive after how he left last time.
Hated and loved in his home province, that is the story of Mike Comrie.
But the interview wasn't all serious.
On of the funnier parts was how Weekes talked about his man purse or murse and how he carried it around in the lockeroom - his "bag of beauty" if you will. And how everyone made fun of him for it until they needed something for a date or to meet someone - to step up their game after the game.
Comrie for the record said he has never and will never have a man purse. He doesn't even wash his face, he just washes with soap.
And this guy is dating Hilary Duff. That made me smile.
=)
Oh but speaking of Hilary Duff. Apparently Comrie couldn't do a movie premiere, so Kevin Weekes stepped in instead.
No, not really. But that's what the good folks at HNIC photoshopped it to look like.
Love it!
*not sure how long it'll stay active on the site, but if you'd like to watch in all it's glory - here.
AFTER HOURS!
I adore Kevin Weekes and I can already tell he will be much better than Marc Crawford in the hot seat next to Scott Oake. No offense to Crawford - the coach only dogs can hear - and best of luck to him in Dallas, but...it took him more than half the year to feel half way comfortable. Weekes already seems like he's been doing this for years.
And their first guest of the evening was...
Scott Sco-Go Gomez. Which made me smile. Scott looked uncomfortable after the loss and the interview began pretty awkwardly.
While Oake didn't want to call the NY years a bust - even though I really think we should - he tried to get Gomez to talk about it.
And what was Gomez's real reason for last year's mediocrity?
He actually said it was injuries. He's like, I'm not making excuses, but...
I'm sorry. If that is the case he was injured, fine. Maybe he was. But it was his attitude that drove me crazy and what apparently Tortorella found unacceptable.
Yes, a hip-groin-leg-arm-neck-back injury can make you a less efficient player, but Scott, does it cause those "vacuous" passes to no one?
And how about those late nights of partying? Those were...rehab for the injury?
Yeah, sorry, not going to buy that one.
__________________________________________
The interview got better though. Gomez can still, at his best, provide a good interview. He talked about how it's odd being recognized on the street because he's never had that. And that when all is said and done - as careers do not last forever - how it'll be amazing to say he was a Canadien, considering the history of the franchise and those that have gone before.
I really hope he realizes that. I know if I were blessed enough to be a professional hockey player, I'd have certainly wanted that. I don't think that's why I am a Rangers fan, but it certainly gives me a sense of pride. Knowing that this team was around in the 1920s and that this team, barring something none of us can imagine, will still be around in another 100 years.
But back to Sco-go:
*In talking about his injury during the lockout where he was told his pelvis was broken, he said it was not so serious and got blown out of proportion. His answer, "I was on the dance floor a week later."
*New teammate Michael Cammalleri said that Gomez can't stay on the phone for more than 30 seconds but can text for hours. Gomez said jokingly that Cammo just hasn't realized he doesn't have anything to say to HIM. He also said he likes to work on his spelling, hence wanting to text more.
*But the BEST part of the convo and the part that did make me smile was when Scott Oake asked about how he, Gionta, and Cammalleri like being referred to as the Smurfs. Gomez said that was new to him but that:
"We're in the gym, trying to grow. Hanging on the chin bar for hours.
If there is a growth fairy, we are putting money under our pillows.
Maybe next interview I'll be 6'1"
As much as I like to rag on Gomez, I do it because it's fun not because I really wish badly for him. I mean I'd be silly to wish him supreme success after his attitude, partying, er...Injuries...kept him from being effective here even though he was the highest paid player. But I'd be a bad person to wish him failure in Montreal.
I'll just reiterate - I will love to hear him defend bad games, and love it even more when he's trying to do it in French.
_____________________________________
Moving on the the next guest, we have Mr. Hilary Duff - Mike Comrie.
Now, I never really had an opinion on Comrie either way, but after this interview I must say I do.
He gave really thoughtful responses to the questions - really thoughtful - and was not afraid to laugh at himself, talk about the tough stuff. And I admire him for that.
For the record, he mentioned a false rumor. I know about the contract holdouts. I'm guessing he was silently referring to the Salo incident. There are some things we'll just never know the truth to. (This wasn't the first, it isn't the last).
He talked about his mother dying from cancer when he was 10, about his father's furniture business, about growing up in Edmonton. A lot about what it is like to return and wondering if the fans will be supportive after how he left last time.
Hated and loved in his home province, that is the story of Mike Comrie.
But the interview wasn't all serious.
On of the funnier parts was how Weekes talked about his man purse or murse and how he carried it around in the lockeroom - his "bag of beauty" if you will. And how everyone made fun of him for it until they needed something for a date or to meet someone - to step up their game after the game.
Comrie for the record said he has never and will never have a man purse. He doesn't even wash his face, he just washes with soap.
And this guy is dating Hilary Duff. That made me smile.
=)
Oh but speaking of Hilary Duff. Apparently Comrie couldn't do a movie premiere, so Kevin Weekes stepped in instead.
No, not really. But that's what the good folks at HNIC photoshopped it to look like.
Love it!
*not sure how long it'll stay active on the site, but if you'd like to watch in all it's glory - here.
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