This post is going to be brutally honest but it needs to be said....
Welfare teams as I like to refer to those teams that cannot economically survive without outside assistance. They exist. Bettman coddles them. (I love hockey with every cell in my body, but one of my major peeves about Gary Bettman's NHL is how he assists the welfare teams.) The economically self-sufficient teams support them. But should they exist?
No. While the NHL is a sport it's also a business. And businesses cannot thrive if they continually pour money into failing ventures. It's just bad business sense.
I'm in no way disrespecting the players or their loyal fans. And perhaps they don't want it viewed this way but it has to be.
The league cannot survive the burden of supporting teams that are economically failing without risking the welfare of the league itself.
This leaves you with three options.
1. Move the teams to places where they will economically thrive and prosper. And, yes, in all likelihood this means Canada. (Deal with it.)
2. Revoke the franchises and contract the league. (Enough said there.)
3. Find a rapid solution to the financial problems and implement it immediately.
Do I think teams like Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Phoenix should have been or should be bailed out? No. Not at the expense of the league or to pro sport itself.
Sacrificing the whole for one franchise to exist in an economically hostile environment isn't just poor business sense, it's just plain stupid.
(Why do we keep going down this same road?)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Bettman, Refs, Golden Boys & The NHL
What's wrong with the referees in the NHL? I'm flat out saying that I don't think there is a conspiracy. What I do think is that there is bias; a bias that comes from a few places.
First and foremost: Gary Bettman. He's re-imaged the league and as far as I'm concerned it's for the worst. He took a failing Penguins team and created an untouchable one. Should he have? No, but that's a different article. The fact is that he did. And in the process he unconsciously conditioned everyone to bow down to them. No one wants to dirty the image of the chosen few so they get the benefit of the doubt when they shouldn't.
I distinctly remember a certain golden boy sliding feet first into a goalie allowing the puck to go past the goalmouth unanswered. No offense but it's sort of hard to catch a puck when you're bowled over onto your back. The goal stood. My point? Anyone else and it's waived off for goalie interference.
The problem lies in the fact that it's not an isolated incident. Just last week a Pens player cross-checked a Flyers player into the Pens goalie. The Flyers' Hartnell had to sit in the sin bin. (I'm using my team as an example, however, it applies across the board.) I’m sorry but Hartnell wasn’t the reason for the goalie getting knocked out, the goalie’s teammate deserved all that credit, but Hartnell sat instead.
Bettman has created the idea that the pens are infallible and that has settled into the subconscious of the refs. But is he alone? No.
The media is helping to throw wood onto the fire. The Broad Street Bullies haven't existed in decades yet every week the current team is called it. So the Flyers conjure up the idea of the bullies and dirty players. This constant repetition also helps to solidify the unconscious bias. Why would it be anyone but Hartnell's fault if the Pens goalie was run over? He's a dirty player and has done it before, therefore he must be at fault now.
It’s a vicious cycle of unconscious bias that threatens to cheapen the sport and the league.
Careful NHL you are treading on dangerous water. The worst part? You don't even know it (nor do you care).
(For my cousin since he asked for it....)
First and foremost: Gary Bettman. He's re-imaged the league and as far as I'm concerned it's for the worst. He took a failing Penguins team and created an untouchable one. Should he have? No, but that's a different article. The fact is that he did. And in the process he unconsciously conditioned everyone to bow down to them. No one wants to dirty the image of the chosen few so they get the benefit of the doubt when they shouldn't.
I distinctly remember a certain golden boy sliding feet first into a goalie allowing the puck to go past the goalmouth unanswered. No offense but it's sort of hard to catch a puck when you're bowled over onto your back. The goal stood. My point? Anyone else and it's waived off for goalie interference.
The problem lies in the fact that it's not an isolated incident. Just last week a Pens player cross-checked a Flyers player into the Pens goalie. The Flyers' Hartnell had to sit in the sin bin. (I'm using my team as an example, however, it applies across the board.) I’m sorry but Hartnell wasn’t the reason for the goalie getting knocked out, the goalie’s teammate deserved all that credit, but Hartnell sat instead.
Bettman has created the idea that the pens are infallible and that has settled into the subconscious of the refs. But is he alone? No.
The media is helping to throw wood onto the fire. The Broad Street Bullies haven't existed in decades yet every week the current team is called it. So the Flyers conjure up the idea of the bullies and dirty players. This constant repetition also helps to solidify the unconscious bias. Why would it be anyone but Hartnell's fault if the Pens goalie was run over? He's a dirty player and has done it before, therefore he must be at fault now.
It’s a vicious cycle of unconscious bias that threatens to cheapen the sport and the league.
Careful NHL you are treading on dangerous water. The worst part? You don't even know it (nor do you care).
(For my cousin since he asked for it....)
Monday, December 21, 2009
Still at the Bottom.....Where's up???
Flyers fans the view from down here is pretty grim, but I urge you all to hang in there. While it would be easier to just throw in the towel and follow another team, we just aren't built that way so why fight mother nature? It's a rough patch right now and I understand that it looks like it just isn't going to improve, but it will. Where exactly is up you ask?
Well up is very complicated. The coaching change didn't snap the team out of it so it's beyond time to move onto a new tactic.
Might I suggest the bench/trade method? It's really very simple. Bench the players who aren't playing. If this doesn't get them ramped up and ready to play, shop them on the market.
Don't forget that there is always the option to assign them to Glens Falls. (Okay some can't...but...) The idea of getting sent to Glens Falls should be enough to snap them out of a playing slump. (No offense to Glens Falls. I've been there and while I'd love the snowboarding and other outdoor activities, I can guarantee that these spoiled rotten kids playing on the Flyers would prefer the excitement of Philadelphia and this is after all supposed to be about giving them a reason to show up every night.)
How far do you go? Well, while I understand that most of you want to salvage this season, I would prefer to secure our future. Here it comes, folks....
So, I say strip us down to the youth if you have to. Of course I understand some people aren't going anywhere (ie Pronger, Hartnell and Briere), but there are a lot of guys who could. (Not to mention that I'm sure anyone would be willing to waive their NTCs right about now because some players are actually dying of embarrasement...)
Am I willing to go further than most everyone else? Yes. I'm willing to take the season at a complete and utter loss. It's time to strip the team down and start over. Well, not entirely.
Call it more of a retooling. We have too much money tied up in players that just aren't going to do what we need them to. No offense to Mike Richards, he's never going to be Alexander Ovechkin. That goes for Jeff Carter and a few others too. And Scott Hartnell isn't going to be Mike Knuble. (I'm not saying Mike Knuble was a hockey god, he was just VERY good at his position in front of the net and Hartnell isn't going to be a perfect replacement.)
It's time we give the younger guys the time to really develop. Let's put our focus on Claude Giroux, JVR, Bartulis and Parent. And don't forget that we have Maroon, Matsumoto, Laliberte, Kalinski, Nodl, Marshall and Bourdon aching to get their shot.
Put the time and effort into the younger guys. Now of course, we can't leave them out to dry. But isn't that why we have the veterans like Betts, Lappy, Kimmo and Pronger? And if we dump some of our center city crew we could free up some money to restock with actual prime quality talent.
I realize that the majority of Flyers fans are probably going to think that I'm crazy, but I don't care. You want a turn around? The current situation calls for desperate measures. It's time for management to step up.
While management is at it they might want to stop trying to find the "perfect" players and find the right ones....because they are really two different things...
Well up is very complicated. The coaching change didn't snap the team out of it so it's beyond time to move onto a new tactic.
Might I suggest the bench/trade method? It's really very simple. Bench the players who aren't playing. If this doesn't get them ramped up and ready to play, shop them on the market.
Don't forget that there is always the option to assign them to Glens Falls. (Okay some can't...but...) The idea of getting sent to Glens Falls should be enough to snap them out of a playing slump. (No offense to Glens Falls. I've been there and while I'd love the snowboarding and other outdoor activities, I can guarantee that these spoiled rotten kids playing on the Flyers would prefer the excitement of Philadelphia and this is after all supposed to be about giving them a reason to show up every night.)
How far do you go? Well, while I understand that most of you want to salvage this season, I would prefer to secure our future. Here it comes, folks....
So, I say strip us down to the youth if you have to. Of course I understand some people aren't going anywhere (ie Pronger, Hartnell and Briere), but there are a lot of guys who could. (Not to mention that I'm sure anyone would be willing to waive their NTCs right about now because some players are actually dying of embarrasement...)
Am I willing to go further than most everyone else? Yes. I'm willing to take the season at a complete and utter loss. It's time to strip the team down and start over. Well, not entirely.
Call it more of a retooling. We have too much money tied up in players that just aren't going to do what we need them to. No offense to Mike Richards, he's never going to be Alexander Ovechkin. That goes for Jeff Carter and a few others too. And Scott Hartnell isn't going to be Mike Knuble. (I'm not saying Mike Knuble was a hockey god, he was just VERY good at his position in front of the net and Hartnell isn't going to be a perfect replacement.)
It's time we give the younger guys the time to really develop. Let's put our focus on Claude Giroux, JVR, Bartulis and Parent. And don't forget that we have Maroon, Matsumoto, Laliberte, Kalinski, Nodl, Marshall and Bourdon aching to get their shot.
Put the time and effort into the younger guys. Now of course, we can't leave them out to dry. But isn't that why we have the veterans like Betts, Lappy, Kimmo and Pronger? And if we dump some of our center city crew we could free up some money to restock with actual prime quality talent.
I realize that the majority of Flyers fans are probably going to think that I'm crazy, but I don't care. You want a turn around? The current situation calls for desperate measures. It's time for management to step up.
While management is at it they might want to stop trying to find the "perfect" players and find the right ones....because they are really two different things...
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Washington Capitals’ Transformational Journey
I first came to the Washington DC area in August 2007 and I experienced the hockey shock of a lifetime. For the first time in my adult life I was not living in a hockey city. Now there are pluses and minuses to any situation. While I was able to see any game I wanted, practically alone, I found it near impossible to find anyone to bring along and discuss hockey. This didn’t stop me because I’ll watch hockey any chance I get.
So I went to games (and a lot of them) with the sparse few Capitals fans that had stuck with the team during the rough patches. They were a very young team that year and were struggling to find their footing but by the end of that season you could see that the pieces were starting to fall into place. They made it to the playoffs and the city was starting to catch Capitals fever. A bitter game 7 exit to the Philadelphia Flyers would energize the Capitals and give the fans a Conference nemesis.
The next season the team was more confident and their fans were growing in number. The arena was steadily filled to see the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, and Mike Green. Capitals fans got to witness some special games including when Mike Green beat the NHL record for goals in consecutive games by a defenseman. A young rookie named Semyon Varlamov stole the hearts of Caps fans in the playoffs. And let’s face it every night Ovechkin takes the ice, hockey fans are in for an extraordinary treat. A great hockey atmosphere was starting to build but the team still struggled when Ovechkin was absent.
Some new acquisitions in the off-season and a lot of hard conditioning by the entire team and this season Capitals fans get to see a more mature and refined offensive powerhouse. While the fan favorites are still fan favorites, the team has an undeniable chemistry that doesn’t require Alexander Ovechkin to drive it. In fact, even the Hershey Bear call-ups are providing points. (This, of course, is a testament to the system that their management has established.)
Capitals fans get to see a team that won’t quit, passion and desire on a nightly basis, and a fluid offensive machine. The Washington Capitals have taken an amazing transformational journey during the short time that I’ve lived here and sometimes I forget it. Washington, you and the rest of the NHL community are getting to watch something amazing happen. Savor every moment that you can because it looks like it’s getting better every game. This year, I can pretty much guarantee that your team has their sights on a very deep cup run. And with the way they are playing I’d be surprised with anything short of a spectacular show.
(This post appears of www.crashthecrease.com)
So I went to games (and a lot of them) with the sparse few Capitals fans that had stuck with the team during the rough patches. They were a very young team that year and were struggling to find their footing but by the end of that season you could see that the pieces were starting to fall into place. They made it to the playoffs and the city was starting to catch Capitals fever. A bitter game 7 exit to the Philadelphia Flyers would energize the Capitals and give the fans a Conference nemesis.
The next season the team was more confident and their fans were growing in number. The arena was steadily filled to see the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, and Mike Green. Capitals fans got to witness some special games including when Mike Green beat the NHL record for goals in consecutive games by a defenseman. A young rookie named Semyon Varlamov stole the hearts of Caps fans in the playoffs. And let’s face it every night Ovechkin takes the ice, hockey fans are in for an extraordinary treat. A great hockey atmosphere was starting to build but the team still struggled when Ovechkin was absent.
Some new acquisitions in the off-season and a lot of hard conditioning by the entire team and this season Capitals fans get to see a more mature and refined offensive powerhouse. While the fan favorites are still fan favorites, the team has an undeniable chemistry that doesn’t require Alexander Ovechkin to drive it. In fact, even the Hershey Bear call-ups are providing points. (This, of course, is a testament to the system that their management has established.)
Capitals fans get to see a team that won’t quit, passion and desire on a nightly basis, and a fluid offensive machine. The Washington Capitals have taken an amazing transformational journey during the short time that I’ve lived here and sometimes I forget it. Washington, you and the rest of the NHL community are getting to watch something amazing happen. Savor every moment that you can because it looks like it’s getting better every game. This year, I can pretty much guarantee that your team has their sights on a very deep cup run. And with the way they are playing I’d be surprised with anything short of a spectacular show.
(This post appears of www.crashthecrease.com)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Bruce Boudreau – Professionalism?
I’ll start off by saying that I know I’ll take a lot of heat for this post from Capitals fans, but I felt that it had to be said. I think that I’m fare in my writing so I hope that is kept in mind.
During this week, Mike Green took a rather hard hit into the boards courtesy of the Avalanche’s David Koci. John Erskine took on Koci during the game and Coach Boudreau took him on in a post game interview.
I don’t have a problem with a Coach defending his players. In fact, I applaud it, but Boudreau goes awry in my opinion:
“Please, the guy’s got one goal in six years. He couldn’t play in the American league.”
Wow. I think my jaw hit the floor when I heard that line. Of course I understand that he was upset that Green was injured. And he was probably very frustrated that he had three defensemen left at the end of the game, but that really wasn’t professional. There is a difference between stating that you think a hit was dirty and actually berating a professional athlete.
Of course, Boudreau followed it up with: “I hope they throw the book at him.”
Every team in the league has to stand by and let the NHL police the game. In my opinion, Boudreau should state that he felt it was a dirty hit and graciously say that the NHL will review and rule on the matter. If he disagreed with their ruling then he could make a statement disagreeing with the ruling.
I understand that Boudreau is passionate, as are many players on the Capitals, I just think that he needs to choose he words wisely in interviews.
During this week, Mike Green took a rather hard hit into the boards courtesy of the Avalanche’s David Koci. John Erskine took on Koci during the game and Coach Boudreau took him on in a post game interview.
I don’t have a problem with a Coach defending his players. In fact, I applaud it, but Boudreau goes awry in my opinion:
“Please, the guy’s got one goal in six years. He couldn’t play in the American league.”
Wow. I think my jaw hit the floor when I heard that line. Of course I understand that he was upset that Green was injured. And he was probably very frustrated that he had three defensemen left at the end of the game, but that really wasn’t professional. There is a difference between stating that you think a hit was dirty and actually berating a professional athlete.
Of course, Boudreau followed it up with: “I hope they throw the book at him.”
Every team in the league has to stand by and let the NHL police the game. In my opinion, Boudreau should state that he felt it was a dirty hit and graciously say that the NHL will review and rule on the matter. If he disagreed with their ruling then he could make a statement disagreeing with the ruling.
I understand that Boudreau is passionate, as are many players on the Capitals, I just think that he needs to choose he words wisely in interviews.
Caps vs Avs 12 15 2009
The Caps turned out another good showing Tuesday night winning 6-1 against the Colorado Avalanche. While the win was a perfect way to start their western conference trip, the Caps definitely had a lot of defensive challenges along the way to that win.
The Caps defense had a rough night which started with Shaone Morrisonn sustaining an injury on a hit from David Koci. Morrisonn spent most of the evening on the bench.
Mike Green was the second defenseman to leave the game after being boarded by Koci in the second.
John Erskine incurred 17 penalty minutes for fighting Koci for the hit on Green.
With Morrisonn and Green injured, and Erskine’s penalty the Caps defense was severely depleted as only Schultz, Poti and Alzner were available for play.
Coach Boudreau was left in a difficult position, leaving him to turn to some of his forwards for assistance. Brooks Laich and Brendan Morrison were readied by Boudreau to switch to defense. In a rather unique situation the Caps only had two blueliners skating at one point in the third period.
Even with their dwindling defense, the team had a game that was eventful and they even had a couple of firsts.
Tomas Fleischmann had a two goal night and was assisted both times by Kyle Wilson who was making his NHL debut. Wilson was also ironically making his debut on his birthday and tallied his first NHL point during his first shift. After the game Wilson said that it’s his job as a call-up to make it very hard for him to be sent back down. I think he made a good case for himself during the game. Then again the Capitals have had a good effort from all their Hershey Bear call-ups this season and that is a testament to the system that they have in place. This foreshadowing should be a welcome sight to Washington Caps fans who haven’t had the smoothest ride until recently.
Only three games back from finger surgery, Mike Knuble made his presence known by netting a goal in first period. David Steckel and Matt Bradley joined Tomas Fleischmann in scoring during the second and Nicklas Backstrom scored a power play goal in the third.
This was the first time that Jose Theodore faced his former team since signing with the Capitals. Theodore acknowledged the defensive support from his teammates after the game saying that he knew they wanted to help him win the game.
The Caps played together and only allowed Colorado to score one goal against them in the first game of this road trip. They persevered through incredible adversity and have set a good tone for the remainder of the week.
Look for the Washington Capitals to take on the Vancouver Canucks at 10 PM EST on Friday.
(This should have posted on 12/16/2009 on www.crashthecrease.com however there was some technical difficulty on the posting. I apologize.)
The Caps defense had a rough night which started with Shaone Morrisonn sustaining an injury on a hit from David Koci. Morrisonn spent most of the evening on the bench.
Mike Green was the second defenseman to leave the game after being boarded by Koci in the second.
John Erskine incurred 17 penalty minutes for fighting Koci for the hit on Green.
With Morrisonn and Green injured, and Erskine’s penalty the Caps defense was severely depleted as only Schultz, Poti and Alzner were available for play.
Coach Boudreau was left in a difficult position, leaving him to turn to some of his forwards for assistance. Brooks Laich and Brendan Morrison were readied by Boudreau to switch to defense. In a rather unique situation the Caps only had two blueliners skating at one point in the third period.
Even with their dwindling defense, the team had a game that was eventful and they even had a couple of firsts.
Tomas Fleischmann had a two goal night and was assisted both times by Kyle Wilson who was making his NHL debut. Wilson was also ironically making his debut on his birthday and tallied his first NHL point during his first shift. After the game Wilson said that it’s his job as a call-up to make it very hard for him to be sent back down. I think he made a good case for himself during the game. Then again the Capitals have had a good effort from all their Hershey Bear call-ups this season and that is a testament to the system that they have in place. This foreshadowing should be a welcome sight to Washington Caps fans who haven’t had the smoothest ride until recently.
Only three games back from finger surgery, Mike Knuble made his presence known by netting a goal in first period. David Steckel and Matt Bradley joined Tomas Fleischmann in scoring during the second and Nicklas Backstrom scored a power play goal in the third.
This was the first time that Jose Theodore faced his former team since signing with the Capitals. Theodore acknowledged the defensive support from his teammates after the game saying that he knew they wanted to help him win the game.
The Caps played together and only allowed Colorado to score one goal against them in the first game of this road trip. They persevered through incredible adversity and have set a good tone for the remainder of the week.
Look for the Washington Capitals to take on the Vancouver Canucks at 10 PM EST on Friday.
(This should have posted on 12/16/2009 on www.crashthecrease.com however there was some technical difficulty on the posting. I apologize.)
Green: In the Buffer Zone
There is absolutely no denying it. This is an Olympic year. The world knows it and the loyal NHL hockey fans see it weekly in the pace of this year’s affected season schedule. A compressed schedule that has fans catching hockey in greater frequency due to the much talked about NHL Olympic break.
For Canada it’s a special year because the Olympics come home to Vancouver. The hockey world is a buzz with the projections and forecasts for the home team. In fact it’s a little hard to miss the talk. Darn near impossible actually.
Canada is ripe with talent to fill the roster. In fact, as most of you know, they have too much talent to choose from and this is causing a stir. Who makes the team? Who gets cut? Picking Team Canada will probably be the hardest hockey related decision Steve Yzerman will ever have to make.
With the likes of Martin Brodeur, Jay Bouwmeester, Sidney Crosby, and Chris Pronger , the field to choose from is amazing. In fact some analysts consider them locks for Team Canada but what about the players left in the “buffer zone”? Players like Washington’s Mike Green.
It’s undeniable: Mike Green wants to make the Olympic Roster for 2010. You can’t live in the Washington DC metro region and not know this. Green, who is known among his teammates for his must win passion, has been bombarded with questions from the media regarding his Olympic hopes. His personal website is aflutter with mentions of it. His teammates and his coach have also taken up his cause addressing the media regarding his buffer position. All this lobbying isn’t going to seal the deal though. Yzerman made it clear that play throughout the season would dictate who makes the final cut. So how has Green been performing?
Mike Green is an offensive defenseman. His growth as an NHL player erupted once Bruce Boudreau took the head coach position in Washington. Boudreau coached Green in Hershey and knew that Green could be an offensive threat. The trust that Boudreau had in Green’s offensive capabilities allowed Green to rapidly develop with his young team. And advance he has in a system that focuses on offensive production.
The 2008-2009 season was a remarkable one for Green. In 68 games he had amassed 31 goals and 42 assists. In February 2009 Mike Green scored a goal in his eighth consecutive game breaking the reigning NHL record. He appeared to be a rising star among NHL defenseman and he was drawing attention in the hockey world. His stellar season would not carry into the playoffs.
With injuries and high expectations, Mike Green struggled in the playoffs. Game 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins would find Green benched by Boudreau. Something that up until that point I thought I would never see. Boudreau never once doubted Green’s drive or abilities, and chose to defend the young defenseman to the media. This is something that he always does. Boudreau chose to blame high expectations; Green on the other hand would later admit that lingering ailments and a lack of conditioning caused him to be so unprepared for the playoffs.
As noted by everyone in the Washington Capitals organization, Green takes losses the hardest of anyone. Being his own toughest critic, he took the time during the off-season to right his course. He returned to training camp properly conditioned and ready to start the year. The beginning of this season was slightly bumpy for him as he found his way back to form. Currently Mike Green has a league high 32 points and 93 shots on goal for all NHL defensemen. He has 6 goals and 23 assists in 34 games played. His drive and dedication have his coach and teammates pleading his case to the media but will it do any good?
From the beginning of all the Olympic talk, I never thought Mike Green would make the team. This isn’t to say that I think he’s a poor defenseman; it’s more of a ‘reality of the situation’ type of decision for me. While Mike Green may very well continue to break records and be nominated a second time for the Norris Trophy, Steve Yzerman needs Team Canada to win.
Yzerman, I am sure, feels the pressure of choosing Team Canada. Some players are definite locks for the team, while the remaining slots are difficult decisions. Everyone in Canada expects them to win Gold in Vancouver, bringing added pressure. It would be my belief that Yzerman needs to build a team guaranteed to win and I would think that Mike Green does not fit into that plan.
Guaranteeing a win is not an easy feat, but it would be made a lot more difficult if you throw in some questionable variables. Canada needs an offensive burst from their forwards and shut-down, in your face defensemen on the blue line. To play it safe everyone needs to be defensively minded and members of the team cannot be defensive liabilities. Mike Green is still a young defenseman and he goes through periods of ups and downs in his play. The end of last season and the beginning of this season were not his greatest moments. So it all boils down to one question.
Can Mike Green play a “safer” more consistent type of defense? One that shows little risk and severely decreases the room for error? Boudreau says yes, but has the hockey world seen it? No. And that I’m afraid is what will seal Mike Green’s fate for the 2010 Olympics. If the Olympics were in any other country this year, I fully believe that Green would have a better shot at cracking the roster. Not a guaranteed chance, just a better one.
Team Canada for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver will most likely be about defensive forwards and safe shut-down defensemen. It’s going to be about the correct players to ensure a gold medal. Mike Green, while on the rise, has not proven himself as much as say Scott Niedermayer or Chris Pronger. Vancouver will see a Canadian team that sports safe choices because Yzerman knows what is at stake. Mike Green is young and will see other Olympics. While I understand that this one is extremely important to him, I don’t believe that he will make the team. Of course, Washington Capitals fans, I could be entirely wrong.
(This post appears on www.crashthecrease.com)
For Canada it’s a special year because the Olympics come home to Vancouver. The hockey world is a buzz with the projections and forecasts for the home team. In fact it’s a little hard to miss the talk. Darn near impossible actually.
Canada is ripe with talent to fill the roster. In fact, as most of you know, they have too much talent to choose from and this is causing a stir. Who makes the team? Who gets cut? Picking Team Canada will probably be the hardest hockey related decision Steve Yzerman will ever have to make.
With the likes of Martin Brodeur, Jay Bouwmeester, Sidney Crosby, and Chris Pronger , the field to choose from is amazing. In fact some analysts consider them locks for Team Canada but what about the players left in the “buffer zone”? Players like Washington’s Mike Green.
It’s undeniable: Mike Green wants to make the Olympic Roster for 2010. You can’t live in the Washington DC metro region and not know this. Green, who is known among his teammates for his must win passion, has been bombarded with questions from the media regarding his Olympic hopes. His personal website is aflutter with mentions of it. His teammates and his coach have also taken up his cause addressing the media regarding his buffer position. All this lobbying isn’t going to seal the deal though. Yzerman made it clear that play throughout the season would dictate who makes the final cut. So how has Green been performing?
Mike Green is an offensive defenseman. His growth as an NHL player erupted once Bruce Boudreau took the head coach position in Washington. Boudreau coached Green in Hershey and knew that Green could be an offensive threat. The trust that Boudreau had in Green’s offensive capabilities allowed Green to rapidly develop with his young team. And advance he has in a system that focuses on offensive production.
The 2008-2009 season was a remarkable one for Green. In 68 games he had amassed 31 goals and 42 assists. In February 2009 Mike Green scored a goal in his eighth consecutive game breaking the reigning NHL record. He appeared to be a rising star among NHL defenseman and he was drawing attention in the hockey world. His stellar season would not carry into the playoffs.
With injuries and high expectations, Mike Green struggled in the playoffs. Game 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins would find Green benched by Boudreau. Something that up until that point I thought I would never see. Boudreau never once doubted Green’s drive or abilities, and chose to defend the young defenseman to the media. This is something that he always does. Boudreau chose to blame high expectations; Green on the other hand would later admit that lingering ailments and a lack of conditioning caused him to be so unprepared for the playoffs.
As noted by everyone in the Washington Capitals organization, Green takes losses the hardest of anyone. Being his own toughest critic, he took the time during the off-season to right his course. He returned to training camp properly conditioned and ready to start the year. The beginning of this season was slightly bumpy for him as he found his way back to form. Currently Mike Green has a league high 32 points and 93 shots on goal for all NHL defensemen. He has 6 goals and 23 assists in 34 games played. His drive and dedication have his coach and teammates pleading his case to the media but will it do any good?
From the beginning of all the Olympic talk, I never thought Mike Green would make the team. This isn’t to say that I think he’s a poor defenseman; it’s more of a ‘reality of the situation’ type of decision for me. While Mike Green may very well continue to break records and be nominated a second time for the Norris Trophy, Steve Yzerman needs Team Canada to win.
Yzerman, I am sure, feels the pressure of choosing Team Canada. Some players are definite locks for the team, while the remaining slots are difficult decisions. Everyone in Canada expects them to win Gold in Vancouver, bringing added pressure. It would be my belief that Yzerman needs to build a team guaranteed to win and I would think that Mike Green does not fit into that plan.
Guaranteeing a win is not an easy feat, but it would be made a lot more difficult if you throw in some questionable variables. Canada needs an offensive burst from their forwards and shut-down, in your face defensemen on the blue line. To play it safe everyone needs to be defensively minded and members of the team cannot be defensive liabilities. Mike Green is still a young defenseman and he goes through periods of ups and downs in his play. The end of last season and the beginning of this season were not his greatest moments. So it all boils down to one question.
Can Mike Green play a “safer” more consistent type of defense? One that shows little risk and severely decreases the room for error? Boudreau says yes, but has the hockey world seen it? No. And that I’m afraid is what will seal Mike Green’s fate for the 2010 Olympics. If the Olympics were in any other country this year, I fully believe that Green would have a better shot at cracking the roster. Not a guaranteed chance, just a better one.
Team Canada for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver will most likely be about defensive forwards and safe shut-down defensemen. It’s going to be about the correct players to ensure a gold medal. Mike Green, while on the rise, has not proven himself as much as say Scott Niedermayer or Chris Pronger. Vancouver will see a Canadian team that sports safe choices because Yzerman knows what is at stake. Mike Green is young and will see other Olympics. While I understand that this one is extremely important to him, I don’t believe that he will make the team. Of course, Washington Capitals fans, I could be entirely wrong.
(This post appears on www.crashthecrease.com)
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