1) I'm not a fan of early start times for playoff games. I understand it makes sense for everyone involved in the business. But, for fans, it takes the frenetic joy of 4 or 5 hours of concurrent hockey games and makes it a day long ordeal.
2) My two favourite things about the Stanley Cup playoffs are: the goalie who gets hot and carries a mediocre team deep into the playoffs; and, the journeyman player (let's call him a 'Weise' type) who scores important goal after important goal. Both are great examples of the will that determines so much of playoff success. (And luck too). The goalie stands in front of a better team, with world class snipers and a potent offence and says 'no'. The journeyman tries so hard, every shift, they are rewarded with ice-time and offensive chances. The environment for success in the NHL playoffs is like three tin can lids connected by rubber bands. You have to balance skill, will and luck between the three lids in order to succeed. This is why the NHL will always be a surprising, frustrating, joyful agony to watch.
3) As a Canucks fan I've cheered for a lot of unsavoury players in the past 7 or 8 years. It is better this year, with some notable departures. But, I still don't like cheering for Kevin Bieksa.
4) Speaking of the Canucks, how are they losing to this Calgary team? I know Hiller has been great, but this is ridiculous. It isn't surprising. At least, I'm not surprised. I am oddly comforted by their ineptitude. It feels like home.
5) I would like to see Washington get to the Cup Final. It isn't looking promising, but Ovie is an all-time great and we hold his playoff disappointments as evidence that contradicts this. That is bullshit. The only person who has ever been able to win a playoff series nearly singlehandedly is a goalie.
6) I can't manage to muster a fuck about Nashville vs Chicago.
7) I'd love to see Carey Price win the Cup. But, I'd like it more if they could do it without alerting all the self-righteous Canadiens fans in Canada.
8) I don't believe in the New York Rangers. Maybe I should, but I just can't.
9) I just finished watching the BCHL championship series. The culture of hockey is turning, more and more, into a culture of trash-talking and tough guy posing, without any consequence. I've said it many times, but fighting isn't about individual games, but 'the game'. Fighting battles the egos and narcissism of young men. Fighting enforces modesty.
10) I chose ten things to mention for no reason, other than the symmetry and I never could wrap my head around base 12 number systems. Plus, as a Canucks fan number 10 Pavel Bure is greater than number 12 Stan Smyl.
(Okay, that last one was pretty lame).
Monday, April 20, 2015
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Thoughts on the Stanley Cup Playoffs Days 1-4
1) I like writing and reading lists. Elliotte Friedman knows about the power and beauty of lists, so does Umberto Eco. Both are smart. Although Umberto's knowledge of hockey is questionable.
2) Sportsnet's coverage of hockey is brutal. The hockey is fine. Although not everyone has a 90 inch HD super-tv. Don't be afraid to get a little closer to the action with your camera shots. Mostly the peripherals around the game are atrocious. I get so tired of watching a game I love (yes, I know this is a silly thing) commented on by those who either actively dislike it, or barely put up with it for a paycheque.
3) As a straight, middle-aged, fairly well educated white dude I am not such a fucking narcissist I need only that demographic reflected in my hockey coverage. Yikes. Try and represent a small portion of the other folks who watch and love hockey, Sportsnet.
4) If we insist on adding more, already-on-staff Rogers employees to hockey coverage would it kill them to break Stephen Brunt out of his glass case. He fits the 'straight, middle-aged, well educated white dude' prerequisite. Plus, he seems to actually like sports. And he won't faint or go into a moral panic at the sight of blood.
5) Winnipeg is getting hosed on the penalties against Anaheim.
6) The amount of luck that decides every hockey game is why I both love it and hate it.
7) Hammond will be back in his role as career AHL backup next year, and ever after.
8) So will that BU goalie.
9) People who think Eichel is as good as McDavid should see a doctor about concussion-like symptoms. McDavid would have scored 120 points in the NCAA this year. He plays in a better league against better players and scored at a much higher rate then Eichel. Both are great, but McDavid is significantly better. This isn't Taylor versus Tylor. This is Modano versus Linden.
10) I haven't the slightest idea who will win the cup, except that as a lifelong Canucks fan I know it won't be them.
2) Sportsnet's coverage of hockey is brutal. The hockey is fine. Although not everyone has a 90 inch HD super-tv. Don't be afraid to get a little closer to the action with your camera shots. Mostly the peripherals around the game are atrocious. I get so tired of watching a game I love (yes, I know this is a silly thing) commented on by those who either actively dislike it, or barely put up with it for a paycheque.
3) As a straight, middle-aged, fairly well educated white dude I am not such a fucking narcissist I need only that demographic reflected in my hockey coverage. Yikes. Try and represent a small portion of the other folks who watch and love hockey, Sportsnet.
4) If we insist on adding more, already-on-staff Rogers employees to hockey coverage would it kill them to break Stephen Brunt out of his glass case. He fits the 'straight, middle-aged, well educated white dude' prerequisite. Plus, he seems to actually like sports. And he won't faint or go into a moral panic at the sight of blood.
5) Winnipeg is getting hosed on the penalties against Anaheim.
6) The amount of luck that decides every hockey game is why I both love it and hate it.
7) Hammond will be back in his role as career AHL backup next year, and ever after.
8) So will that BU goalie.
9) People who think Eichel is as good as McDavid should see a doctor about concussion-like symptoms. McDavid would have scored 120 points in the NCAA this year. He plays in a better league against better players and scored at a much higher rate then Eichel. Both are great, but McDavid is significantly better. This isn't Taylor versus Tylor. This is Modano versus Linden.
10) I haven't the slightest idea who will win the cup, except that as a lifelong Canucks fan I know it won't be them.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
The Station Agent
I'm always uneasy when I borrow shame and discomfort from others. I do that when I watch 'The Station Agent', I think.
I love this movie. But, I'm uncomfortable with the way it resonates for me.
The central character is a little person. You know him as 'the Imp' from 'A Game of Thrones' on HBO-Peter Dinklage. He plays a lonely, introvert who shuts out the world before the world can hurt him. He encounters a lovely, but broken women, Patricia Clarkson, and a childlike man, Bobby Cannavale, who brings the group together.
It is a lovely little film. It has great performances and is touching.
I worry I am touched for the wrong reason. It may seem odd to ascribe a judgement to being moved by a picture. But, I borrow hardship and torment from others, when my life has been okay. In my mind I am sometimes ostracized. I am the other, and set apart from the world I want to touch.
This is mundane and silly melancholy and bullshit.
I do look different, but I'm unlikely to be sent into a bell tower. I get the odd look, and the occasional question. But, I haven't lived a life like Peter Dinklage, or his screen counterpart. I feel bad, sometimes, when I borrow their pain and their story of perseverance.
My story arc is much shallower.
And, of course, neither should involve shame.
That said, wonderful movie. Watch. Enjoy. Let it carry your baggage for awhile. I do, even if it makes me pause.
I love this movie. But, I'm uncomfortable with the way it resonates for me.
The central character is a little person. You know him as 'the Imp' from 'A Game of Thrones' on HBO-Peter Dinklage. He plays a lonely, introvert who shuts out the world before the world can hurt him. He encounters a lovely, but broken women, Patricia Clarkson, and a childlike man, Bobby Cannavale, who brings the group together.
It is a lovely little film. It has great performances and is touching.
I worry I am touched for the wrong reason. It may seem odd to ascribe a judgement to being moved by a picture. But, I borrow hardship and torment from others, when my life has been okay. In my mind I am sometimes ostracized. I am the other, and set apart from the world I want to touch.
This is mundane and silly melancholy and bullshit.
I do look different, but I'm unlikely to be sent into a bell tower. I get the odd look, and the occasional question. But, I haven't lived a life like Peter Dinklage, or his screen counterpart. I feel bad, sometimes, when I borrow their pain and their story of perseverance.
My story arc is much shallower.
And, of course, neither should involve shame.
That said, wonderful movie. Watch. Enjoy. Let it carry your baggage for awhile. I do, even if it makes me pause.
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