CTV: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Just in, TSN/CTV has 'saved' the Hockey Theme Song. First, I didn't know the song needed saving. Second, this accounts for flat out thievery. The song didn't need to be saved. There was ongoing negotiations (or extortion) with the jingle writer Claman and CBC for the use of the song which has been in rotation for 40 years at the CBC. So with the extortion not going according to plan, Claman turns to CTV/TSN and extorts them.

CTV, big bad billionaire company, steals this song from public broadcaster CBC. Yes it's as bad as it sounds. I know CTV/TSN wants to pretend this was done to ensure the survival of the song but there wasn't much doubt that a deal would have occurred with the CBC. They would never let the song die but they sneak in, do a back-door deal and poof, it's been stolen.

According to CBC and how there was double-dealing going on:

We offered arbitration, mediation — we offered to meet their price. On Friday, when it came right down to it, we never got a response from them on our latest offer and find out, in the meantime, they appeared to be negotiating with CTV.....If that is the price CTV wants to pay, it won't be the first time nor will it be the last time, probably, that they outbid us for something. They have a lot more profits than we do...

I've become more disillusioned and disappointed with TSN over the past couple years, particularly when they started broadcasting NHL games. They've become big, fat, loud and obnoxious. They're shit as broadcasters now who depend on gossip instead of storytelling. They spend more time shelling out the rumour-de-jour instead of actually commenting on real stories. Ten years ago when I moved out on my own and got cable for the first time, I was most excited to get TSN. A sports network that was dedicated to good sports broadcasting. It simply is not anymore. Maybe because I still believe NHL hockey belongs on CBC and they put on a better broadcast. TSN is filled with loud and idiotic broadcasters (Pierre Maguire anyone?) who prefer the sound of their own voice to sport. They are not The Sports Network, they are The Toronto Network....it's all about the Leaves even when they don't make the playoffs. They are THE first story on Sportscentre and are discussed at the exclusion of everyone else. The broadcasters make Don Cherry look unbiased.

After the story broke earlier today, there were quite a few comments on TSN's website under the story and the majority of them were NOT supportive of this move. Well I just checked and many of those negative comments are no longer there. Mmm interesting TSN.

TSN/CTV should be ashamed of this underhanded and sneaky ploy. I still prefer my sports from CBC and I was heartbroken when CTV/TSN won the 2010 Olympics. They do a shit job at the Olympics. A plague on your house CTV/TSN. This was not saving the song, it was theft from the big bad rich company over a public broadcaster.

So go ahead, buy a song synonomous with the CBC. It will not reduce CBC's hockey viewership, not their better sports broadcasts. You basically will give them free advertising since this song will be associated with CBC forever. You can't destroy history. I tune into CBC for the hockey, not a song.

2008 Stanley Cup Final - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The playoffs of 2008 will go down as one of the most boring in recent years. I can't wait for it to be over. Don't worry folks, it will be over soon. This will not be a long series nor a good one. Sure, the NHL is loving having two "big" hockey markets in the final and happy that Canada has been shutout for the first time in three playoff years. They don't want any Canadian teams in the finals since they're still half-heartedly trying to woo the American market.

One question: why the hell did we have to wait 5 days before the finals started?? Last game of the third round was on Monday. The finals start Saturday. I still can't imagine what the reasoning behind this can possibly be. There is still a chance to have a Stanley Cup winner crowned in May (if the series goes only 4 games) but the NHL really didn't do themselves any favors by waiting so long. They could have hyped the finals big time; a guaranteed winner in May. How awesome would that have been?

Anyways, I am 9-5 thus far in the playoffs....

Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh (Whiney Sid's) Penguins

Like I said before, this is going to be a very short and one-sided series. Everyone seems to be jumping on the Pens bandwagon and on their knees for Sid. It ain't happenin' folks. Wings will take it to the Penguins and this will be over quickly. Pens have no chance. They'll be lucky to win one game. Detroit will use their skill to overpower the young and mediocre defense of Pittsburgh all while shutting down the Pens quasi-big guns. This series is over before it starts. Pens got to the finals not by playing awesome but by playing teams who shot themselves in the foot again and again. Osgood has been very solid and he'll outplay Fleury easily. Wings in 5, falling short of winning the Cup in May.

It'll be over soon Oiler fans....it'll be draft time and free agency soon. Plus, voting for the Hall of Fame takes place very soon. Glenn Anderson will not be denied anymore and he'll finally get into the Hall this year. I can't see him being snubbed again. Lesser players have been chosen the past couple years ahead of him, won't happen again.

GOILERS!!!

Canada vs Russia

Surprisingly, this is the first time that Canada and Russia will face off in the World Championship gold medal game in 50 years. Yes, not since 1958 has there been a Canada-Russia final at the worlds (psst, Canada won that game and it wasn't exactly the gold medal game. It was the last game of the round robin). This is quite surprising but Russia has really sucked and hasn't won the worlds since 1993. So they will be super motivated for today's final. So will Canada, as they try to become the first team since 1986 to win the big game at home. This is going to be a killer game.

Russia is our hockey nemesis. Sorry US, it's not you. So this is the final everyone wanted to see. Too bad it's starting in the morning instead of being shown prime-time. They didn't want to compete with the Stanley Cup playoffs but you could at least put the gold medal game at a later time. It's one game. It's not like they're going head-to-head with the Stanley Cup Finals. The idiots at the IIHL need to get their heads examined for this decision. All of Canada's games during the tournament were also played during the afternoon. I guess they don't realize many of us have jobs and can't watch it. Good thing the final is on Sunday.

Anyways, this final will probably be one of the best ones in recent years. I'm excited!

Prediction: CANADA WINS of course by a score of 5-3. 2 goals from Heatley, 1 from Nash, 1 from Spezza and an empty netter for Getzlaf.

UPDATE: Dirty cheatin' Russians win. They score in OT on a penalty (bullshit call). Oh and our goalie sucked ass. Cam Ward: YOU SUCK! Seriously, Canada was up 4-2 heading into the third and he lets in 2 shit goals. Oh and Jovanovski....you also are full of suck.

Round 3

Is anyone still watching the playoffs? Yeah I agree. It's become quite boring. Round two killed my record. I started off at 7-1 and now I'm at 8-4. I blame the Rangers, Sharks and Habs for cocking it up. The Habs in particular dominated most of the games and yet lose. Some bad goal-tending and defensive play knocks them out when they really dominated the games. Too bad.
Round three predictions....even Fred and Barney are bored with this. But hey, we'll still watch (kinda) but these teams are bloody boring.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers

Neither team has impressed me that much. They're in the third round mostly due to the incompetence of their opponents. Maybe the Oilers will catch that kind of luck in next year's playoffs? That'd be sweet! Anyways, back to this year. Philly will finally give Sid the Whiney Kid and his Penguins a real challenge. Philly is tougher, grittier and more physical. Sid will need a pacifier when this series is done. Flyers in 6.

Detroit Red Wings vs Dallas Stars

Dallas is lucky to have made it this far. They barely got out of that San Jose series (even though being up 3-0 and were one shot from going to a 7th game) and let's face it, Detroit is rolling. They're going to roll over the Stars. Turco is only 2-10-5 against Detroit and has never won at the Joe. This will continue. Wings in 5.

There it is folks: Detroit vs Philadelphia in the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals. It hath been written!

2007-2008 Playoffs Round 2

Round Two starts tonight....anyone still care? Not really but since I went 7-1 in round one, let's give round two a go for predictions. I still don't like any of these teams (Ottawa was my number two team) but I'm vaguely cheering for the Habs. Why? Maybe because everyone thought they'd finish 13th or maybe because I'm still a big fan of Kovalev. I do enjoy those Russians. They're very unlike their European counterparts; they play a gritty and skilled game. Me likes!!!

Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers

The Habs almost crapped themselves in round one, letting the Bruins trap their way to a game seven. Their powerplay was anemic and Price was shakey for two games. However, I think this team rebounds nicely in round two, their powerplay comes alive and Price continues his performance from game seven. Habs in 6.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Rangers

Whiney Sid will get an early exit this year. The first round against Ottawa was a cake-walk so they're coming into this series with too much rest and not enough game action. Henrik will out-play wee Fleury who will have a huge meltdown. Unfortunately, Avery will get into the third round. Damn. Rangers in 5.

San Jose Sharks vs Dallas Stars

San Jose got a huge wake-up call in the first round so I expect them to continue their good play and will take it to the Stars big time. We would all like to thank Dallas for bouncing Anaheim (thank you very much) but you're time is over. Texas rules but not this time. Dallas the TV show rocked but not the hockey team. See y'all. Sharks in 5.

Detroit Red Wings vs Colorado Avalanche

Colorado played a good series against the Wild (my only loss in the first round) and could continue their good play. They'll need a healthy Forsberg to stand a chance (update: not playing tonight due to his groin) and they might get the leg up on the Wings. Wings, similar to the Pens, had an easy series in round one and they sleep-walked through it. I don't think I saw one hit. Avs could take advantage but I still think the Wings prevail. Wings in 6.

Classy

"Everyone talks about how much class I don't have," Avery said after breaking a series-long silence. "Well it's the end of the series and men go to war against each other. I guess he forgot to shake my hand. I don't know if anyone saw that. Of course I was going to shake his hand."

Okay but you lost us at Fatso...

"Fatso there forgot to shake my hand"

Yes Avery, you still do not have class.

Signed for 6 (and 3)

Tom Gilbert has just been signed to a contract for six years. According to TSN, it is worth $4 million a year for 6 years. I like the deal. It sounds quite reasonable especially considering he was the Oilers best defenseman all year and he was a rookie. Yes, impressive!

I would think Lowe goes after Pitkanen next (although I heard he had started negotiations with three people prior to today's signing. Probably is Stoll and Pitkanen left and maybe Glencross who is our big UFA). Of course, there is still possibly Reasoner.

Anyways, I'm happy. I adore Gilbert. He's a very good defenseman.

TSN had a stupid conclusion in the story:

Edmonton now has a decision to make on Joni Pitkanen. The 24-year-old can become a restricted free agent and the Gilbert signing creates some doubt about the Oilers bringing him back.

I certainly don't think the signing of Gilbert affects whether they sign Pitkanen or not. Joni's uncertainty is due to money; not the lack of salary cap room (due to the signing of Gilbert) but more to the unreasonable salary demands of Joni and how he is not worth anything over $4 at this point in time. I'd rather the Oil sign him to a one year deal; see him develop a bit more before they sign him. Gilbert developed big time for us. Joni needs more improvement to get the big contract. I do find him quite the dynamic player and he can shift into the offensive zone quickly. However, he sucks defensively. He needs more work on his game before he gets big money.

UPDATE: Nilsson is signed to a three-year, $5.5 million contract so a 1.8 cap hit. I like this deal too. Nilsson proved himself and he's got killer chemistry with Cogliano and Gagner. That line is going to kill for years to come! Good deals!!

More info on Gilbert's contract: Gilbert will earn $3.5 million next season with a $1.5 million signing bonus, $3.5 million in 2009-2010, $5.5 million with a $1.5 million signing bonus in 2010-2011, $5 million in 2011-2012, $3.5 million in 2012-2013, and $3 million in 2013-2014 for a salary cap average of $4 million a season.

Nilsson will earn $1.5 million next season and $2 million in each remaining season.

2007-2008 NHL Playoff Predictions - Round 1

Playoffs starting tonight (Sens-Pens just dropped the puck) and yeah I'm watching. Although, my enthusiasm is slightly less since our Oilers aren't playing. But my belief in their future really makes a gal feel good.

I won a regular season pool with some friends by a very considerable margin. Let's try my luck at the playoffs now!!!

So here are some quick predictions. I'm doing this last minute, moments before the games start but hey, what the hell. Let's wing it!!! I went 13-2 last year (yeah I'm awesome) so let's try again!

Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins

This is the one guarentee to NOT have an upset. Montreal won all 8 games during the year and very easily! Montreal will use their speed and powerplay to kick the Bruin's ass. This is probably your best bet for a sweep. Habs in 4.

New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils

This is one of those series I don't give a damn about. Rangers are underachieving especially since overpaying for Gomez and Drury over the summer. I hope they lose big time. However, the trapping of today's game comes directly from those assholes in Jersey. I hope they lose too. Damn, one of these teams must win. This should be a goaltender's dual. Even though NY won 7 of 8 games during the season, 4 of them were in OT/SO. So this is a toss-up. I'm going against Marty Brodeur and say Rangers and Jagr show up! Rangers in 6.

Washington Capitals vs Philadelphia Flyers

Pittsburgh did not want to play Phily (as evidence by their tanking of the last regular season game). Washington will be in tough too. Sure Washington is on fire, coming back to make the playoffs. But let's face it....they've been playing mostly the shit teams of Florida, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, etc. That's an advantage. Sure Ovechkin is going to kill Philly but the Caps are a one player team. He can't win it all himself. Flyers in 6.

Ottawa Senators vs Pittsburgh Penguins

I'd love to call an upset here. Ottawa is the only other team in the NHL that I kinda cheer for. I hate Pittsburgh and that whiny pussy Crosby with a passion. I'm sick of his diving. You weren't shot Sid so stop 'fake dying' on us. Ottawa is floundering and without captain Alfredsson, this series is over before it starts for the Sens. They might make it tough for the wimpy Pens, but this is another solid bet. Penguins in 6.

Detroit Red Wings vs Nashville Predators

Nashville is getting their asses handed to them in this series. They might make it kinda competitive but Detroit is not choking this year. Nashville is no Edmonton. Wings have superstud in Zetterberg and Datsyuk. They'll get into goaltending issues in the subsequent rounds. This round it is not an option! Wings in 5.

Colorado Avalance vs Minnesota Wild

Boring series. The Wild will lull the Avs into a coma on their way to victory. Not even a healthy Forsberg can save this series. Maybe if this was 2000. But it is not, so Foppa and his Avs are out in the first round. Wild in 5.

San Jose Sharks vs Calgary Flames

Calgary actually thinks they're winning this series. There were even a couple dudes on Sportsnet predicting the Lames winning not only this series but the Stanley Cup. Come on dudes, be realistic. The Lames are lame. They are a team with no intensity, their goaltending has been off this year and you can't ride only Iginla. He'll score but no one else will. Sharks in 6.

Dallas Stars vs Anaheim Mighty Ducks

Ducks suck. Pronger is the devil. Stars use the Wild formula and comas all around. The end. Stars in 5.

Game 82

Last game of the season for our Oilers. Out are Hemsky (knee) and Brodziak (finger) and in is Sanderson, who will at least be playing his last game as an Oiler and possibly his last game ever.

Oilers play the Canucks and they have a good chance to play spoiler tonight. Canuckleheads are one point behind Nashville so a loss to the Oilers could seriously hurt their playoff chances. And I'm on board for that!!!

Anyways, even though the Oilers are out of the playoffs, I couldn't be any prouder of them. They battled to get into the race and that was nice to see. They played Oilers hockey finally: grit, speed and skill. It was nice to see that again. It had been awhile.

Oilers win tonight with Roli stealing the show (is this his last game as an Oiler as well?)!!!

UPDATE: Wait one minute folks, there is something more to tonight's game (if my calculations are correct. Preds win tonight and need one more win to this scenario to work, I think). Calgary is minutes away from losing to the Wild, which would keep them at 92 pts. Let's say Vancouver wins tonight and then beat the Lames on Saturday (in regulation), they would be tied at 92 pts. BUT....Vancouver would have one more win. Who would you rather miss the playoffs??? Calgary or Vancouver? That's an easy answer for me.

I hope our boys play hard tonight but if they happen to lose, I sure won't be too sad about it. The chance to take the Lames out of the playoffs would be soooooooo awesome!!!!

GOILERS!!

Battle of Alberta Part Deux

Battle of Alberta tonight again....Oilers must win to stay in the race for the playoffs! With only two games left, gotta win em both to stand a chance. The Oilers got a nice win over these very same Lames this past weekend.

Frankenstein (aka Pitkanen) is in tonight. Apparently, his groin is good to go! Alas, Garon is not playing tonight again. Roloson had a very solid game against Calgary so hopefully he can keep it up for another couple games.

I'm calling a HUGE win for the Oil.....they're going to kick the Lames and Celine all over that ice! 4-1 for the Oil.