Mark Spector, voice of reason?
Vancouver Canucks fans can certainly hope so. Spector, the Sportsnet columnist, penned an article Monday suggesting that it’s time for club’s supporters to trust the players, reasoning that they’ve been in situations such as their current 2-1 series deficit to the Calgary Flames before.
Here’s a quote from Kevin Bieksa supporting Spector’s take.
We know how momentum can switch really quickly. We get this one, we go back home with momentum. Our last game at home we played really well…
Before the series, we didn’t think we’d be in control the whole series and have no pushback. On their end, I’m sure they’re feeling pretty good about themselves. That’s great for us. We’ll play a nice, solid road game, hopefully get the two points, and momentum will back on our side going home.
We will see, won’t we?
Now, on with the rest of our show.
MORE HOME TEAM
David Jones of the Flames mixes it up with Alex Burrows of the Canucks in Game 3. (Getty Images.)
Ben Kuzma (aka Da Kuze) chimes in about the NHL rescinding Alex Burrows’ instigator penalty at the end of Game 3.
Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun also looks at it, including when Calgary coach Bob Hartley told a reporter, “Maybe we should got to the video room,” when his question didn’t mesh with Hartley’s take on proceedings.
As well, Ed Willes looks at Michael Ferland, the Flames winger who has overcome personal demons and is on his way to becoming a Calgary folk hero with his play in this series.
Could we see more shenanigans between Ferland and Bieksa?
CANADIAN CONTENT
The return of playoff hockey in Winnipeg was all the rage, up until the Anaheim Ducks spoiled the party.
Meanwhile, Jack Todd checks in on the Montreal-Ottawa series and the showdown of superstar defenceman P.K. Subban and Erik Karlsson.
Meanwhile, Sportsnet is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers are interested in Todd McLellan, the coach recently axed by the San Jose Sharks.
CHASING THE CUP
Things aren’t going well for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Not only is Sidney Crosby having trouble getting into the dressing room, but Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford lit into Pittsburgh Tribune columnist Rob Rossi.
DIAMOND LIFE
A fan behind home plate at the Cubs-Pirates game Monday was struck in the head by a foul ball and left the park on a stretcher. Sports Illustrated has a report. USA Today does as well.
Be warned that the video can be disturbing.
Video of Bryan Price’s tirade on a reporter from Monday also merits a warning, since the Cincinnati Reds manager uses a particular swear word 77 times during a six-minute span. SI checks in on it.
As well, there’s this injury spectacle from Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Scooter Gennett. Oh, Scooter.
SNACK ATTACK
Kraft Dinner plans to remove its colouring from mac and cheeze. That will change snacking during the game for many of us.
PARTING SHOT (AFTER THE PASS)
Mark Matthews of the Edmonton Rush is one clever dude with this variation on the bounce pass. He’s one of the National Lacrosse League’s most gifted players.
