The Labour Day weekend is the unofficial transition from summer sports, to those played in the fall and winter.
The hockey season is already upon us.
The Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, and Cariboo Cougars all have pre-season games this weekend.
RECAP: Team White rallies to beat Team Black in the 2018 Rob Charney Cup | https://t.co/JIEGihFDUx #BlackvsWhite #WHL pic.twitter.com/sSTLQ1daRH
— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) August 30, 2018
The NHL and NBA starts their pre-season schedule in September, while the NFL wrapped up exhibition action Thursday.
There are different theories on the importance of “winning” during the pre-season.
The majority opinion is that with no points, standings, or championships on the line, the “W” is irrelevant.
Just surviving the dress rehearsal without obtaining a significant injury is a victory unto itself.
On the other hand, one can argue that although results do not count, it is important for a team to establish a winning attitude right from the start.
Even if two points are not at stake, a team should not let up since this where injuries and/or bad habits can occur.
Scores are kept in the pre-season primarily because fans and media want a result, even though these games contain no substance.
An exhibition game, or “friendly” match, is nothing more than to allow prospects and bubble players a chance to earn a spot on the team.
The established veterans need a minimal amount of playing time just to prepare them for the regular season.
IT’S LIKE THE BEST DAY EVER!!!!https://t.co/Sa67MLtl2J pic.twitter.com/oeiDwAuE7y
— Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) August 29, 2018
There are plenty of examples that indicate pre-season scoreboard results are completely misleading and often a tease for a struggling team.
In the NFL, the Cleveland Browns went 4-0 in the pre-season in 2017 and yet ended 0-16 when it counted in the regular season.
In 2008, the Detroit Lions did the same thing.
The Philadelphia Eagles captured their first Super Bowl this year after going 2-2 in the pre-season.
7️⃣ DAYS! #Kickoff2018
(by @Gillette) pic.twitter.com/DWjU4JkWHG
— NFL (@NFL) August 30, 2018
In the NHL, the New York Islanders had a 6-0-2 exhibition record last year, while the Washington Capitals went 2-5.
We all know which team went on to win the Stanley Cup and which team missed the playoffs.
In the WHL, the 2017-18 Swift Current Broncos were just 2-3 in exhibition play and yet went on to win the league championship.
The Saskatoon Blades won four of six pre-season games before missing the playoffs.
In the NBA, the Golden State Warriors were 2-2 while the Cleveland Cavaliers were 1-4 in exhibition results last year, but both went on to the NBA Finals again with the Warriors repeating as champions.
The Brooklyn Nets were 3-1 in the pre-season yet lost nearly twice as many games as they won in the 17-18 regular season going 28-54.
Going back to Spring Training in MLB, the Baltimore Orioles were 17-12 in the Cactus League but currently sit as the worst team in the majors with a regular season record of 40-94.
The Atlanta Braves were 13-18 in the Grapefruit League, but they currently lead the National League-East with a 74-59 record.
With these examples in mind, as tempting as it might be, it is foolish to put any stock into how a team might perform in the real season based on fabricated pre-season results.
That sound you heard was the rest of the League gulping. ? https://t.co/jgzk4MfU7z pic.twitter.com/lvrtn6dxWw
— NHL (@NHL) August 29, 2018
FROM THE QUOTE RACK:
Astros pitcher Justin Verlander was pranked by the Beverly Hills Hotel with a lunch bill including a $1 Million charge for being a “Dodger Killer.” Although looking at the rest of the bill shows he was pranked even more by being charged $10 for cranberry juice, $30 for pancakes and $42 for a salad.
*Comedy writer Jim Barach http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.ca/
Cleveland Browns assistant coach Bob Wylie, not into modern training ideas, on “Hard Knocks”: “We won two World Wars without stretching.” But seriously, how can a Browns coach claim to be an expert on anything involving winning.
*Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
Skittles has rolled out a special Marshawn Lynch-themed pack with candies coloured in Raiders silver and black. So what’s next — limited-edition Milk Duds for the Cleveland Browns?
*Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times http://www.seattletimes.com/author/dwight-perry/
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Chris Berman reportedly may return to ESPN, but only in a reduced role. So he … won’t … go … all … the … way!
*Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
————————————————————————————————————————————–
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the GOAT.
He also is the 94.3 radio colour commentator for P.G. Cougars home games.
His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com.
Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @Hartley_Miller