The Sky is Falling!!

I had a long post ready to go about the Malkin story, but something else has come to my attention. As for Malkin, check this out. I have to agree with it's opinion that Malkin's 'escape' was not an escape at all. Sure Malkin is a kid, sure he's being pulled in many different directions, sure life in Russia can be harsh and sure, he wants to play in the NHL. BUT, he's playing hockey in Russia, and they treat their hockey players very well. And, I'm sure Ovechkin was in the same situation last year but he managed to get out of Russia easily. He didn't sign ten different contracts, switch agents every week....

Anyways, on to something else; the possible and seemingly more likely demise of Hockey Night in Canada on CBC. With CBC's contract due to expire at the end of the 2007-2008 season, and the mobilization of forces by the evil opposition, otherwise known as Bell Globemedia, HNIC is possibly two years away from extinction.

"Bell Globemedia is reportedly considering paying the league $140 million a year for 10 years for the deal in an attempt to outbid the CBC, which has been broadcasting Hockey Night in Canada since 1952."

Since they might be offering $140 million per year compared to CBC's $65 million per year contract right now, it does not look good. With TSN/CTV winning the 2010 and 2012 Olympics (ugh I hate CTV Olympic coverage), exclusive rights to curling and possibly exclusive rights to the CFL, they're taking over the sports world.

I, for one, am not amused. I prefer sports on CBC. I have found TSN to be damn annoying, particularly their hockey broadcasts. Pierre McGuire and Bob Mckenzie are THE most annoying people in the entire world. When they are on tv, I change the channel. Yes, they are that irritating. And since they are taking sports away from CBC, I am beginning to hate TSN.

I remember back in 1995, I was in university and just moved into my first apartment. I finally got cable which included TSN. I no longer had to watch the local hour-long news to get the sports highlights. I now had sports 24/7. I was blissful. I still preferred my Olympics, football and hockey coverage to be on CBC but TSN had the highlights. Sportsdesk was the name, and highlights were their game. Those were the days!

So, is anyone else happy that TSN might be stealing our hockey and broadcasting it full-time?? CBC can't compete with that amount of money, if it's accurate. I read somewhere that maybe the federal government would pony up the rest of the dough to help save hockey on CBC. Soon, there won't be any sports on CBC. That's the only reason I watch CBC, yes the only reason. Also, with hockey moving to cable and not free tv, the audience might diminish (I read that somewhere too). I think that's a very good possibility.

So join me in denouncing satan, aka TSN.

Czech-arific?

Well, it's official.....Petr Sykora is an Edmonton Oiler. Personally, I'm not impressed. I think our forwards were already a good group, and I've never been a fan of Sykora. He's one of those typical Europeans.....inconsistent and lazy. Sure, you can see glimpses of brilliance, but it never lasts and fades away. He averages between 50-60 points so if the rumour of $3 million is true, then I'm really not impressed at all. I think that's too much money. Also, it's mid-August and no one else has signed him? Yeah I think that speaks volumes.

Ok ok, it's done so I guess we should give him a chance.

Moose and the Mullett

So with the hockey season less than two months away, let's first talk about the Moose. The greatest hockey player (in my mind) retired a year ago and I've been waiting to hear when the Oilers are going to retire his number. Lowe said last year, they would do it within the next couple of years. But I really hope it's done this season. We need a Messier week; we need the Moose. I saw Coffey's number retired last year (and Fuhr's the year before). It's such a magical night and Mess has always been my favorite. His physical play and intensity lifted his teams to greatness. So come on Lowe, let's get a plan!!!

Okay, I have an ulterior motive. I want to know if it'll be done this season because I'm going to Germany for three weeks and Manitoba for one week in October/November. I'll be here for the home opener but will miss the next six or seven games. So I really would like to know. I'd hate to miss the Moose's night. I will change my trip plans if I can, cause let's face it, my season ticket plus a Moose night comes first!

Okay, second, let's talk about Ryan Smyth, aka The Mullett. What's his future with the Oilers?? He has one year left on his deal, and could possibly be a free agent next summer.

"We're looking at offering Ryan Smyth, Ethan Moreau and Steve Staios extended contracts,'' admitted Howson adding, "Ryan signed a contract last year in a very uncertain market.''

So this was in the Edmonton Sun. Obviously the Oilers will make overtures to him, but the question is: Will Smitty resign? Does he want to stay or become an unrestricted free agent and test out the market? With all the changes made during the off season, will that play a factor? Will making the Stanley Cup finals keep him here or have all the changes during the off season been too much? I personally think Smitty will resign. All our young dogs are signed up, the goalie position is solid, and even though the defence looks possibly shaky, the team is really solid. And we know Lowe is not done dealing. Something will happen.

So will Smitty remain an Oiler? I sure hope so.

The Devil Speaks

I found this from here. So our little Chrissy has something to say. Check it out.

"As Pronger puts it, "I went from being the man to being manure."

Pronger, you speak the truth. You are manure.

"Pronger has a theory about why the rumors began. "It's to discredit me," he says. "Now I'm even more of a villain."

Umm Chrissy, the rumors began because you stuck your tail between your legs and ran off to Mexico. You did not have the courage to face the city and the fans. And second, there was more truth to the rumors than you let on. We all know what happened (couldn't keep it in your zipper and you got caught). You're a coward.

"When asked if fans should worry about him wanting to leave in a year, Pronger doesn't hesitate."No."He takes a long look away, then says it again."No."

Yeah I'd trust him.