Smith & Sporer Hockey: Monday Morning Recap

Funny story, true story. I woke up to the sounds of my nextdoor neighbour having sex with his girlfriend (or wife), with the window open. I called Ashley Love to confirm it and get advice on what I should do, she suggested I make noises back... So I did. Then I heard them close their window. Hot.

Here are my NHL thoughts of the week...

1 a – Daily Oiler Bashing – No comment on Minnesota.

1 b – No comment on Hemsky being a whiner.

1 c – No comment on how the Oilers are inconsistent.

1 d – No comment on if Dwayne Roloson is over-played.

1 e – No comment on if the Oilers will make the playoffs.

1 f – I do have a comment on how frustrating the Oilers are. It's truely an unbelievable enigma that Edmonton can NEVER beat Minnesota when it comes to being a key game, just unbelievable. Furthermore, the Oilers are in a dog fight for a playoff spot, but I'm glad to see Hemsky has decided to put his needs infront of the teams, way to keep him in line Moreau. And let's not forget the Oilers 8-1 just one week ago, then lose to Minni, then get 51 saves in a win over the Ducks, then lose AT HOME to Minni (again)... Also, did you see those Skoula and Gaborik goals Roli let in? Yikes, looks like the Roli of 2006 isn't around this year. Finally, I still think the Oilers make the playoffs, but you know how false hope goes...

1 g – Sporer, you'll find this interesting...

http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/31/nhl08_Edmonton-Oilers_314229.html .

Pay attention to the 'Wins-to-player cost ratio' near the bottom.

2 – I'm on the St. Louis bandwagon. And just like LA, this team is going to be good for a very long time: Boyes (26), Backes (24), Steen (24), Oshie (21), Berglund (20), Perron (20), Johnson (20), Pietrangelo (18) form a solid core of youth for many years to come.

2 b – And when I said, 'Im on the St Louis bandwagon', that means I hope they make the playoffs.

3 – Who would I not want to play in the 1st round? They are both are in the East.

Pittsburgh is 14 – 2 – 1 since their coaching change. Over 82 games, thats a 140 point season. Throw in Malkin, Crosby and Fleury and they are poised to be a major playoff upset.

Philadelphia is flying so under the radar, it's crazy: Carter (41), Gagne (31), Hartnell (29), Richards (29), Knuble (26) are all over 25 goals, and Lupul has 23. Throw in Timonen's 40 points and Biron/Nittymaki BOTH have S% over .910 and this team is going to cause some major playoff headaches.

4 a – The Stars are a goaltending factory ever since they first came to Dallas in '93. While they have only drafted turco, Dan Ellis and Mike Smith, many more have been groomed and devloped in Dallas. Even veterans have come here for stints. Just look at the list of established talent that Dallas has been fortunate to have: Eddie Belfour, Dan Ellis, Manny Fernandez, Johan Hedberg, Corey Hirsch, Johan Holmqvist, Arturs Irbe, Andy Moog, Mike Smith, Ron Tugnutt, Marty Turco, Roman Turek and Darcy Wakaluk. All 13 of those guys have been a #1 on an NHL team at some-point in their careers. Unbelievable.

4 b – Oh how the balance of power has shifted... For years the Red Wings have dominated the Central Division, but not so this year. While Detroit is in the playoffs, so is Chicago, Columbus, Nashville and St Louis. Amazing. All 5 teams. The Pacific division (normally the strongest division in the West) only has SJ to represent them this year.

5 a – Robyn Regehr... I understand he's a stay-at-home Dman, but common, 0 goals and only 8 assists just isn't 2010 material at all. It's not even top 3 Dman material. Heck, even I had more points then he did!!!

5 b – King Henrik... 14-2-3 against Brodeur.

5 b II – Sean Avery... 12-2-3 against NJD.

5 b III – Sean Avery, 9 points in 12 games.

5 c – Read this first, http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/61684.

5 c II – Now read this, http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jim_kelley/03/26/escrow.dispute/index.html.

5 c III – If you read those, then you'll understand why it's going to be a loooooong off-season... Again...

5 d – Now, read this. And screw Robert Nilsson! 10-3-1 when he's NOT in the lineup!!! Looks like Lubo's injury actually made the Oilers better too... http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?ID=272933

Here are my non-NHL thoughts of the week...

1 – Money. Soccer's top 10 earners are out and David Beckham leads the way (again)...

1. David Beckham (LA Galaxy/AC Milan): $42.7 million
2. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona):$37.7 million
3. Ronaldinho (AC Milan): $25.8 million
4. Christiano Ronaldo (Manchester United): $24.1 million
5. Thierry Henry (FC Barcelona): $22.4 million
6. Kaka (AC Milan): $19.9 million
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan): $19.9 million
8. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United): $17.8 million
9. Frank Lampard (Chelsea FC): $17.1 million
10. John Terry (Chelsea FC): $15.4 million

2 – Eldrick Tont 'Tiger' Woods is ridiculous. He as down by 5 strokes on the final day of play and won the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Outstanding. So, where does he rank all-time in the clutch? TSN has him in the same sentence as Curt Schilling (11-2 in the postseason, 3 World Series), Patrick Roy (3 Conn Smythes, 4 Cups), Joe Montana (3 Superbowl MVPs, 4 Superbowls) and MJ (6 Finals MVPs, 6 NBA Titles), but I don't think Tiger is there yet. I understand all the majors he has won (4 PGAs and Master, 3 US Opens and British Opens), but he has never COME FROM BEHIND in any of those wins; he has always shared or held the lead after 54 holes. I think he needs to come from behind and win (not just once, but three or more times) to be in a class like that.