It’s time to play True or False! The game is simple. No electronic devices, internet or fancy apps are required. This is a good old fashioned agree-disagree opinion based on several statements in sports. Sorry about the lack of complication or technology. Here we go!
The Prince George Cougars are a playoff team
True. It’s the halfway point of the WHL season. Sure rosters will change with the trade deadline
in January and the points in the second half will be more difficult to earn, but barring several key injuries there is no reason to believe the Cougars won’t continue to play around the .500 mark which should land them a post-season berth.
Ty Edmonds is the P.G. Cougars MVP
True. Captain Sam Ruopp is the physical and inspirational leader, while Jansen Harkins is the
team’s most talented and outstanding player, but goalie Ty Edmonds, even though he has been pulled in a number of games including the last two against Spokane, is more valuable to the Cougars than anyone else this season. There are other defencemen or forwards to pick up the slack if Ruopp and/or Harkins do not play, but Edmonds is the go to guy in the most important position. The reason Edmonds starts nearly every game is that 16-year old Tavin Grant has not yet shown he is ready as a rookie to play a bigger role in net.
The Edmonton Oilers should tank to improve their chances of landing Connor McDavid
False. The Oilers don’t have to worry about purposely losing; it comes naturally.
Four Canadian teams will make the NHL playoffs
False. Some may argue that six of the seven may earn a playoff position with obviously Edmonton the one with no chance. There are still too many bubble teams in Canada with Montreal the one team that can be counted on to qualify for the post-season. Most of the other Canadian teams appear improved but between Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Ottawa I would suggest no more than two of those five will land a playoff spot.
The New York Islanders are for real
True. The Islanders have one of the better offensive teams in the league but the reason they are no longer a joke is Jaroslav Halak. It has taken many years for the Islanders to have a credible goalie. Halak may not be flashy with gaudy numbers but he gives them a chance to win nearly every game. By the way, the Islanders are the first team in NHL history to win their first nine games in one season that required extra time (3-0 in overtime and 6-0 in shootouts).
The Seattle Seahawks are the NFL’s best team
True. At 10-4, the Seahawks don’t have the best record but their defence is rounding into form having allowed just 27 points in the last four games, all victories. Seattle has shown in the last month the
pedigree of a defending champion. If the Seahawks win in Arizona Sunday night, like expected, they will be in line to take first in the NFC West, which means at least one home playoff game.
Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the NFL
False. In a big game, with weather a factor, Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady are a slightly better bet. Manning’s consistency over a long stretch of regular season games is unmatched, but he gets third billing, at least for now.
The Toronto Raptors are the biggest overachievers in the NBA
False. The 20-6 Eastern Conference leading Raptors are getting maximum performances from many of their players but the 18-7 Atlanta Hawks and the 21-4 Memphis Grizzles are not quite as good as their record and will fade more than the Raptors in the New Year.
The Toronto Blue Jays gave up fair value to land Josh Donaldson
False. Are you kidding? Sure Canadian Brett Lawrie hustles and isn’t afraid to sacrifice his body, but Donaldson is an all-star third baseman with big bat credentials. Yes, Toronto had to throw in a couple
of pitchers (Kendall Graveman and Sean Nolin) and a minor-league shortstop (Franklin Barreto) to complete the transaction, but the Jays get straight A’s for this head-scratcher of a deal and not Oakland.
The Jolly Old man in Red arrives next week.
False. Brian Burke (in Calgary Flames red) has never been accused of being jolly. Okay, it is true a more gentle man in red is getting set for his rounds. Let the spirit of the season be enjoyed by all!
From the Quote Rack:
In the Washington-New York Giants match-up, the Redskins’ Santana Moss lost his temper with the refs, and was ejected during the first half. Making him luckier than his teammates, who had to stay for the entire game.
ESPN’s Jim Bowden gives the Chicago Cubs an A+ for their off-season moves. So they can add another offseason trophy to their collection at Wrigley Field.
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
Michael Furrh has a 20’6″ driver to set a Guiness record with the longest usable golf club. And you thought Charles Barkley had a problem with divots.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
Chicago Bears safety Chris Conte says “I’d rather have the experience of playing in the NFL and die 10 to 15 years earlier than not play in the NFL and have a long life”. By the way, Conte has suffered at least two concussions and is still unaware that he plays for the Bears.
Craig MacTavish is back behind the Edmonton Oilers bench. A memo was sent out by the league to Harvey the Hound to watch his tongue.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)
New York Rangers defenceman Kevin Klein lost part of his ear during a game, had the team doctor
sew it on and returned to score the overtime winner. At least according to the Lobe and Mail.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
And in case you missed it:
In the NHL, mum(p)s the word
Comedy writer Marc Ragovin
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat. His column appears Fridays on hqprincegeorge.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller