Best on best hockey is back!

For the first time in nine years, we finally saw best-on-best hockey. Boy, was it a treat seeing Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid on the same ice representing Canada. It was a beautiful sight to see. The last time we saw best-on-best hockey at the international stage was in 2016 at the World Cup of Hockey. There’s a generation of kids who have never even seen best-on-best hockey. I gotta say, I appreciate it a lot more after not having it for so long.

Team Canada’s lineup is much different than it was back in 2016. The only returning members from the 2016 squad are Sidney Crosby, Brad Marchand, and Drew Doughty. While it is kind of weird not seeing Team Canada without players like Jonathan Toews, Shea Weber, and Carey Price, I’ve got to say, seeing this new generation of players representing Canada had me feeling as patriotic as ever. I won’t lie, it was weird cheering for Connor McDavid and cheering against Elias Pettersson, but it felt nice to not be scared watching one of his end-to-end rushes and instead be cheering for him to score. It’s not something I want to get used to, it feels weird,unless maybe he was wearing a Canucks jersey.

The atmosphere at yesterday’s game was electric. The Bell Centre hasn’t been buzzing like that since the 2014 playoffs. I thought it was so cool seeing all the fans of different teams come together to cheer on our home and native land. As the tournament goes on and the games get more meaningful, the building will bring more and more energy. Even though every game won’t be in Canada, I expect all the games to have the same electric environment.

Yesterday was just a small sample size of what this team can be, but what it did show us was how lethal that powerplay really is. McDavid, Crosby, MacKinnon, Sam Reinhart, and Cale Makar. I think teams felt a shiver go down their spine just reading that. Unfortunately, for Sweden, they had to face it after William Nylander high-sticked Nathan MacKinnon. Canada immediately made them pay. Crosby made a beautiful behind-the-back pass to MacKinnon for Canada’s first goal. It almost made me shed a tear.

The peak of last night was the three-on-three overtime. The moment we saw MacKinnon, Makar, and McDavid on the ice, every household in Canada knew that they were going to witness greatness. I think seeing those three players on the ice together in three-on-three overtime was one of the reasons people wanted to see this tournament so badly. Unfortunately, they didn’t score, but Mitch Marner scored off of Crosby’s third assist of the game. Crosby improved to 26-0 as Team Canada’s captain, which is absurd. He is looking to make it 27-0 on Saturday when Canada faces the United States.

Warriors looking forward after loss to Roughnecks

The Vancouver Warriors seven-game home winning streak was snapped Friday following a 15-12 loss against the Calgary Roughnecks. The Warriors clawed back from a six-goal deficit in the second quarter but were unable to get the win.  

To no one’s surprise, Adam Charalambides and Keegan Bal lead the charge offensively. Kevin Crawley and Riley Lowen each contributed as well, with Lowen scoring a hat trick. Despite some stellar individual efforts and battling back from a six-goal deficit, it just wasn’t enough for Vancouver as it drops back-to-back games. 

Going forward, Lowen says it will be important to limit other teams’ leads. 

“We (got to) stop those bigger runs, if we can keep it to maybe a three-goal run – it’s a game of momentum  (and it’s) always going to be like that. But if we can limit those six-goal runs to maybe three-goal runs, I think we’ll have a better chance.” 

Even though they didn’t get the result they wanted, there’s still something to be said about the way the Warriors fought and came back in the second quarter. It’s something that might not have happened in years past, and it’s  a testament to the character head coach and general manager Curt Malawsky has engrained in his team. 

Malawsky spent 16 years with the Roughnecks organization as a player, assistant general manager and head coach. He won multiple championships in Calgary and is a member of the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame. So, you know he wanted to beat his former team, especially since Vancouver hadn’t ever beat the Roughnecks at home.  

Despite the loss, Malawsky says it’s important to move forward. “You go watch the film, you learn from the things you did wrong, (and) you try and have a positive attitude. There’s no real value in being negative or finger pointing. Like I’ve always said, (if) you’ve got one finger pointing (at someone), you’ve got three pointing back at you.” 

“(I) also told the guys in the room that the true test of character of a team and an individual is in adverse situations. When we’re winning at home and everything’s great, everybody’s a great person, everyone’s a great guy and things are great, and you can’t go wrong.”  

“When you lose two in a row and things aren’t going great and (you have) a disappointing outing, how do you react? How are you in the dressing room?  How are you when you go home with your family? How are you in the community?” continued Malawsky. “Don’t change – like that’s part of it, that’s my big message – just making sure that your character shines through good or bad (times). It really shines through in bad situations, so we’ll find out what we are made of in a week.” 

Vancouver’s next game is Friday, Feb. 14 facing the Los Vegas Desert Dogs in Vegas. The Desert Dogs are 2-6 and second to last in the National Lacrosse League. The Warriors will look to get back to .500 with a win and continue their playoff push. 

Canada’s Not Going Away Anytime Soon

When you think about the best hockey country, you probably think of Canada. In the past, for sure, we had legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Sidney Crosby. Even now, we are still producing superstars like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar. But other countries are catching up. The USA is pumping out elite talent themselves, like Auston Matthews, Jack Hughes, and Matthew Tkachuk. Don’t sleep on Sweden and Finland either, they’ve got some superstars themselves, making the Four Nations Face-Off tournament up for grabs.

I know what you might be thinking, I know how good the USA’s roster is. They have Matthews, Jack Hughes, and the Tkachuk brothers. But they did leave out some key players like Cole Caufield and Tage Thompson. Yes, I know how scary their goaltending is, and I’m not questioning that. Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman are the best goaltending trio in the tournament. However, I don’t think you realize how big the loss of Quinn Hughes is. Hughes has been the best defenseman in the NHL this year, and they still have Adam Fox and Charlie McAvoy. But losing Hughes knocks their defense down a peg.

While Canada’s roster isn’t as dominant as it was in years past, I still think you might be sleeping on how good it is. We get to see players like McDavid, MacKinnon, Makar, and Crosby on the same ice in a best-on-best tournament, along with stars like Mitch Marner, Brayden Point, and Sam Reinhart. Good luck stopping that. Now, I get that the backend, outside of Cale Makar, isn’t the best, but that’s because I think a lot of people are comparing them to the 2014 Olympic team. Canada’s defense in the Olympics was historically good, with players like Duncan Keith, Shea Weber, Drew Doughty, and Jay Bouwmeester. While Canada’s defense isn’t at that level, it’s still very good. Josh Morrissey, Devon Toews, and Shea Theodore are still very good, and I think people are sleeping on them a little too much.

The biggest question for Canada is in goal. I do think it was a mistake not having Logan Thompson on the team, and we don’t have an elite goalie like the other countries. However, Jordan Binnington and Adin Hill have led their teams to Stanley Cups, so they know what it takes to win. So, don’t underestimate Canada.

I think Canada still takes home the gold in this tournament. It may not be in dominating fashion, but I still think Canada has the best team. I can’t wait to watch best-on-best hockey. How about you? I’m so pumped for this tournament, puck drops Wednesday when Canada plays Sweden.

Super Bowl Preview


It’s finally the day we’ve all been waiting for, Super Bowl Sunday! It seems like this season flew by. After 21 weeks of football, we have our two teams who will be fighting for the Lombardi Trophy. Some people thought they would be here, and others didn’t. We have a rematch of Super Bowl 57 The Kansas City Chiefs, who are looking to become the first-ever NFL team to three-peat, and on the other side, the Philadelphia Eagles, who are back at the Super Bowl after losing to the Chiefs two years prior. However, this is a different Eagles roster. They have lost some players but have also made some key additions. You know who I’m talking about, Saquon Barkley. Barkley has been the best running back in the NFL this year and is a massive part of the Eagles’ success.

The Eagles have a tough task, as the Chiefs had the eighth-best run defense in the league. But I don’t think that will matter. I expect the Eagles to run the ball a ton and wear down the Chiefs’ defense. Even though these two teams played each other in the Super Bowl recently, I expect this game to be different than last time.

So, how do I think the game will go? I expect it to be a close game throughout, and just like last time, it will come down to the wire. I don’t think it will be as high-scoring as last time, but it will still be an exciting game to watch. With all the attention around Travis Kelce, someone I don’t think people are talking about enough is Xavier Worthy. I think Worthy is going to be a key part in today’s game. On the other side of the ball, it’s obvious, it’s Saquon Barkley. Barkley turns 28 on Super Bowl Sunday, and I think we both know what he wants for a present. I’m expecting a big game from Barkley. I’m also expecting a big game from Jalen Hurts. Everyone knows the threat that Barkley possesses, so watch out for some read-option keepers from Hurts. Hurts had a monster game last time he played in the Super Bowl, so we know he’s not afraid of the big moment.

So, who do I think wins? I think the Chiefs win and three-peat. It’s so hard to bet against Patrick Mahomes. He knows how to win and has been here four times. I think it’ll come down to which quarterback is going to make a big play late in the fourth quarter, and I just know Patrick Mahomes will come through in the clutch.

My Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 34, Philadelphia Eagles 27
MVP: Patrick Mahomes

Canucks Defeat Maple Leafs

Boy, did we need that win! The Canucks beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 and head into the Four Nations Face-Off break on a high note. Don’t look now, but the Canucks are 6-1-1 in their last eight games. This season has had its share of ups and downs, but it seems like the Canucks are finally starting to figure it out. The additions of Marcus Pettersson, Filip Chytil, and Drew O’Connor have been great so far. Quinn Hughes missed his fourth straight game, but once again, other players stepped up. Filip Hronek stepped up big time for Vancouver, he had a goal and an assist, as well as playing solid defensively.

Okay, you’re probably wondering how Elias Pettersson played. Petey had a great game; he set up Hronek for Vancouver’s first goal with a beautiful pass. Pettersson finally started to look like himself today, making plays on both ends of the ice. I loved his game today. Another player that started to look like himself again is Thatcher Demko. Demko was coming off two great games heading into Saturday. Unfortunately, Demko had to leave Saturday’s game midway through the first period due to an injury. You could feel every Canucks fan gasp as we were all praying that it wasn’t the same knee that has been bothering him since last year’s playoffs.

Kevin Lankinen came in relief and played amazing. The Canucks shut down the star-studded Maple Leafs, who were on a three-game winning streak on their road trip. Brock Boeser netted the game-winning goal on the power play in the third period, and the Canucks held on for a tight 2-1 win. I don’t know about you, but I’m very happy with how the Canucks are playing. They are starting to look like last year’s team. I don’t care that they are playing boring hockey, a win is a win, and we’ll take those in any capacity. The Canucks have two weeks off to rest up and finish the season strong.


 

Four Nations Face-Off Preview: Team Canada

Aren’t you excited for the Four Nations Faceoff? We finally get to see best on best hockey again. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the tournament to start. The puck drops on Wednesday, so it’s finally time to start breaking down the teams. Starting with our home and native land Canada. I know some players are questionable for the tournament like Sidney Crosby and Mitch Marner and Canada needs to name another defenceman to the team. For the sake of this article I’m going to pretend that they are healthy. I’ll be breaking down the team by projecting the lines. Let me know what you think.

Forward lines: 

 

Line 1: Sam Reinhart – Connor McDavid – Nathan Mackinnon 

 

Line 2: Brad Marchand – Sidney Crosby – Mark Stone

 

Line 3: Brandon Hagel  – Brayden Point – Mitch Marner

 

Line 4: Sam Bennett – Anthony Cirelli – Travis Konecny 

 

Extra- Seth Jarvis

Genuine question, who is stopping that first line? You have two of the best players in the world playing with a player who scored 57 goals last year, good luck everyone else. On the second line I had to keep Brad Marchand playing with Sidney Crosby after they had so much success at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Add Mark Stone to the mix and you have one of the most complete lines in the tournament. For the third you have to keep Brandon Hagel playing with Brayden Point, they have so much chemistry together. Throw in a player with the speed and skill of Marner and you have a lethal trio. Finally, the fourth line. Its may not be the most skilled but these guys can wear opponents out. Bennett and Konecny will be laying out opponents with crushing hits all tournament and I’m here for it.

 

   Defence Pairs: 

 

Pair 1: Cale Makar – Devon Toews

 

Pair 2: Shea Theodore – Drew Doughty*

 

Pair 3: Josh Morrisey – Travis Sanheim 

 

Extra- Colton Parayko 

 

*- Who I think will be on the team

 

The first pair is obvious, Makar and Toews play really well together in Colorado and are the best defence pair in the league, enough said. The second pair is where you can mix it up. Everyone thought Shea Theodore would be playing with Alex Pieterangelo until he decided to sit out of the tournament. My best guess is that Doughty will replace him. He played a key role for Canada in 2010,2014 and 2016 so he has a ton of experience. Even at 35 years-old he can still play north of 25 minutes a game and is exactly what Canada needs. I think the third pair is super underrated. Morrisey is great on both ends of the ice, and Sanheim has had a very solid year in Philadelphia.

 

Goalies: 

 

Starter- Jordan Binnington 

 

Backup- Adin Hill

 

Extra- Sam Montembeault 

 

You could pick either goalie to start, I went with Binnington because he’s older. He tends to be a streaky goalie, so I hope he gets hot at the right time and brings Canada a goal medal. What do you think about my lineup? Would you change anything?

Canucks Defeat Sharks

Did you see that Canucks game, because what was that? I thought they were going to blow out the San Jose Sharks. I was expecting a dominating game by the Canucks. But it was the exact opposite. They still won but it wasn’t pretty at all.The Canucks power-play without Quinn Hughes was awful, they were outshot 34-24 and only managed to score two goals against the worst team in the league. This Canucks season has been weird, we both know that. With all the chaos that has gone, one of the weirdest things that has happened is that the Canucks play against the top teams, but not against teams near the bottom of the standings. That’s something that makes me feel a little uneasy, what about you?

I feel like I’m focusing on the negatives too much, the Canucks still won the game so how about we focus on the positives? Thatcher Demko played great again. Making 33 saves and finally looking like the Demko we know and love. I don’t want to get too ahead of myself but it’s definitely an encouraging sign for us Canucks fans. It was also another game where the defence looked solid. Quinn Hughes missed his third straight game and the Canucks defence stepped up once again.

 

The Canucks finally scored with 8:04 remaining in the third period when Dakota Joshua tipped in a shot from Pius Suter. Former Canuck Tyler Toffoli tied the game late and the game went to overtime. This is when the nerves really kicked in. However, early in overtime Drew O’Connor was awarded a penalty shot. Which he buried and the Canucks avoided another overtime loss and it seemed like you could feel all of Canucks nation exhale. Vancouver only has one more left remaining before the Four Nations Face Off break. That will b Saturday vs the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Canucks Sharks Preview

The Canucks are heading down to the shark tank for a visit with the San Jose Sharks. The Canucks are coming off one of their best games of the season vs the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday. Thatcher Demko is coming off his best outing as well, he made some ridiculous saves and had 25 save shutout. Vancouver only has two more games before the four nations face off break. Going into the break on a high note is a huge priority for the Canucks. 

The Sharks are dead last in the NHL but don’t let that fool you. They have some skill on their team with players like William Eklund, Tyler Toffoli and first overall pick Macklin Celebrini. Regardless this should be a game the Canucks win. I don’t want it to be close, they needed to blow them out.

 

This is the perfect game for Elias Pettersson to get going. A game where the Canucks should dominate. Hold on let me emphasize, they NEED to dominate. Peteys been playing well the last couple games, but the casual fans don’t think so because the numbers haven’t been there. This game is a great opportunity to start contributing on the stat-sheet. Do you remember the last he played against the Sharks? He scored two goals and he only played two periods in that game. 

 

I’m expecting a big Canucks win tonight. Especially after shutting out Colorado, the Canucks need to go to San Jose and dismantle the Sharks. They won’t have Quinn Hughes again but they proved last game they don’t need him. (I’m kidding they OBVIOUSLY  need him). But just not as much people thought. Earlier in the year people were calling the Canucks the Vancouver Hughes’s. So its not at that level anymore. Regardless, the Canucks need to take care of business tonight.

Should NHL Teams Let Their Injured Superstars Attend The Four Nations Face Off?

Should injured NHL superstars play at the four nations face off? It’s a legitimate question. Already Sidney Crosby, Quinn Hughes and Mitch Marner are dealing with injuries that may hold them out of the tournament and representing their country. We’ve  already seen Los Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo announce that he will be missing the tournament to rest. The thing is, he is still playing games for Vegas he’s not even hurt. The thing to remember is that the four nations face off is replacing the all-star game. Players sit out of the all-star game all the time. The thing players care about more is the Olympics which are happening next year.

So what do the players care about more, the four nations or playing for their NHL team? I think it should be the team’s choice to send a player, especially if they are dealing with an injury. Team’s do this with the world juniors and the young players. So why not the stars? Like I said before, it’s not the Olympics. So who are these players more valuable for? I think the answer is their NHL team. 

 

Okay, maybe I’m being a bit bias because I’m a Canucks fan and Quinn Hughes’s status is in question. But Hughes is already super beat up and has been for awhile. He’s already missing important games for the Canucks. I don’t want to see him risk any more injury at this tournament. I don’t care that he’s playing with his brother. I don’t think I’m the only one with this opinion, what do you think? Should teams let their injured superstars attend the four nations?

Jimmy Butler Traded To Golden State Warriors

With only a day before the NBA’s trade deadline teams are starting to get active. The Los Angeles Lakers made the biggest splash by far trading for Luka Doncic. However, they weren’t the only team in the west making moves. The Golden State Warriors got in on the action as well, trading for Jimmy Butler. Butler has been wanting to get out of Miami for a while and  got his wish granted. He even got a new contract in the process. Butler received a two year 111 million dollar contract from the Warriors. Golden State is sending Andrew Wiggins ,Kyle Anderson and first-round draft compensation. 


Golden State needed to make a move as they are sitting a .500 record and barely out of a playoff spot in the western conference. They cannot afford to let one of Stephen Curry’s last years go to waste and need to make a playoff push. Even though they lost Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency this summer, they still have a solid team. They are still led by future hall of famer Steph Curry and lockdown defender Draymond Green. Adding Butler gives them another veteran star for a playoff push. Butler is averaging 21 points per game in 25 games played in Miami. Miami is the sixth seed in the east and seem to be just fine without Butler and even added more depth to the team with the trade. So I don’t think anyone in Miami will be complaining.