Yes, I know the 2012 NHL Playoffs are currently going on, but once again, I'll be talking about the draft.
Last week the draft lottery took place - unfortunately for Blue Jackets fans, they lost the #1 overall pick to the Oilers. The Maple Leafs stayed where they ended the season, and that is with the 5th pick.
Before the Leafs pick, I fully expect Yakupov, Grigorenko and Murray to be taken...although there is a slight chance Murray falls. The most realistic scenario at #5 would be Sarnia Sting centre, Alex Galchenyuk, to be taken. He is a solid two-way centre and has good offensive ability. Most of all, he fills our need of a centreman.
While I don't expect him to make an immediate impact, as he will probably be sent back to junior, he is not far off from being NHL ready. Then again, outside of the three names I mentioned earlier, you could argue no one is really NHL ready.
IF the Maple Leafs draft him, I could see him potentially up the year after, when Tim Connolly's contract expires.
Our second option is Fillip Forsberg, who played in Sweden this past year. He is a physical, skilled winger, who is very offensively gifted. The downside is that Toronto has an excess of wingers, so if the decision was between him and Galchenyuk, you'd have to think Burkie would take Galchenyuk.
I mentioned him earlier, but there is a long shot chance that Ryan Murray could fall to 5. If that potentially happened, even with the Maple Leafs vast defensive depth, they must take him. He is head and shoulders the best defenseman in the draft and he would solidify out D core. It could also allow us to trade a defenseman or two for forwards.
Overall, it will be a very interesting few months in the prospect world.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Dionysus in Stony Mountain
This past Tuesday, I had the treat of attending Dionysus in Stony Mountain, presented by Theatre Projects Manitoba. This was the first live play I have seen and I enjoyed the experience.
The play is split into two one-hour acts. The first act takes place in dimly lit room, within the confines of Stony Mountain. Sarah Constible plays Heidi Prober, a prison psychiatrist who is trying very hard to get Ross McMillan's character, James Hiebert, back on his medication.
Hiebert is just weeks away from parole and if he doesn't resume taking his lithium, he will not be leaving Stony Mountain. He often rants throughout the first act, citing long quotes from Nietzsche. While I admire McMillan's ability to remember such long, diluted quotes, the first act was quite dull. There was no real attention grabber during the hour and for many, it was to intellectually "out there." If you have not read any Nietzsche, then like me and countless others, you were lost for the most part.
The second act took place in Heidi Prober's home. By this time in the play, she had quit her psychiatrist job. McMillan was now playing his second character, uncle Eric.
While renovating her home, Heidi is visited by uncle Eric, who was sent by her parents. After abruptly quitting her job and ignoring family phone calls, Eric was sent from Toronto to see what was going on with Heidi.
This act was much more engaging and easier to watch. The actors were very believable and I enjoyed uncle Eric's character. McMillan felt much more comfortable in this role - or it seemed that way to me, anyways.
One small problem I had with the second act was when both actors continued measuring the insulation when it was clear that they were pre-cut. Other than that, I had no complaints with the act.
Overall, I thought my first experience watching a play was quite positive. Although the story could have been better, it was an experience that I would have not otherwise participated in if I wasn't in CreComm.
The play is split into two one-hour acts. The first act takes place in dimly lit room, within the confines of Stony Mountain. Sarah Constible plays Heidi Prober, a prison psychiatrist who is trying very hard to get Ross McMillan's character, James Hiebert, back on his medication.
Hiebert is just weeks away from parole and if he doesn't resume taking his lithium, he will not be leaving Stony Mountain. He often rants throughout the first act, citing long quotes from Nietzsche. While I admire McMillan's ability to remember such long, diluted quotes, the first act was quite dull. There was no real attention grabber during the hour and for many, it was to intellectually "out there." If you have not read any Nietzsche, then like me and countless others, you were lost for the most part.
The second act took place in Heidi Prober's home. By this time in the play, she had quit her psychiatrist job. McMillan was now playing his second character, uncle Eric.
While renovating her home, Heidi is visited by uncle Eric, who was sent by her parents. After abruptly quitting her job and ignoring family phone calls, Eric was sent from Toronto to see what was going on with Heidi.
This act was much more engaging and easier to watch. The actors were very believable and I enjoyed uncle Eric's character. McMillan felt much more comfortable in this role - or it seemed that way to me, anyways.
One small problem I had with the second act was when both actors continued measuring the insulation when it was clear that they were pre-cut. Other than that, I had no complaints with the act.
Overall, I thought my first experience watching a play was quite positive. Although the story could have been better, it was an experience that I would have not otherwise participated in if I wasn't in CreComm.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Phil Kessel
The Toronto Maple Leafs pitiful season is about to come to a merciful end, when they take on the Montreal Canadiens Saturday night. The Maple Leafs one consistent player throughout the year has been, right winger, Phil Kessel.
Coming into this season, Kessel was criticized for being streaky, and rightfully so. He had struggled his whole career to put up a full season of consistent hockey. Don't get me wrong, 30-30 seasons are very good, but he has the potential to be so much better - and this season - he proved it.
With new line mate, Joffrey Lupul, playing his first full season as a Maple Leaf, Kessel found great chemistry with him. From the first game of the year, they seemed to be click. Before Lupul's injury about three weeks ago, they were the most productive duo in the NHL.
Kessel not only proved to be a great goalscorer by potting a career high of 37 goals, but he has showed his playmaking skills by recording 45 assists to date.
Although Lead Nation will once again be playoff-less this season, Kessel has been the bright spot and will continue to be one of the leagues best wingers.
Coming into this season, Kessel was criticized for being streaky, and rightfully so. He had struggled his whole career to put up a full season of consistent hockey. Don't get me wrong, 30-30 seasons are very good, but he has the potential to be so much better - and this season - he proved it.
With new line mate, Joffrey Lupul, playing his first full season as a Maple Leaf, Kessel found great chemistry with him. From the first game of the year, they seemed to be click. Before Lupul's injury about three weeks ago, they were the most productive duo in the NHL.
Kessel not only proved to be a great goalscorer by potting a career high of 37 goals, but he has showed his playmaking skills by recording 45 assists to date.
Although Lead Nation will once again be playoff-less this season, Kessel has been the bright spot and will continue to be one of the leagues best wingers.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Journey for Justice
About two weeks ago, I delved into Journey for Justice, a book that chronicles the murder of Candace Derksen and the trial of her killer, Mark Grant.
The book has works very well for the first half, but when Mark Grant is introduced, it takes a turn that I am not a fan of.
Not knowing a lot about Candace Derksen's disappearance, part one was easily the most enjoyable section of the book. Mike McIntyre does a superb job re-telling the events of the day when Candace went missing. This, along with exerts from Wilma Derksen, round the story out very nicely.
The one major aspect about the first part that was intriguing was MBCI and the Redi Mart. It struck a small nerve with me, because I used to live in that area and I have been to that Redi Mart hundreds of times as a kid.
I think that it made the book much more relatable and even though this happened almost thirty years ago, it happened in a "safe" neighbourhood and a place where I would feel comfortable raising kids.
The part of Journey for Justice that I did not like was part two, when we were given about twenty-pages of psychologists describing Mark Grants problems. There first few reports were alright, but they seemed to drag on after the fourth report.
The inclusion of Winnipeg Free Press articles didn't work well for some of my classmates, but I fully enjoyed them. It gave the last section a fresh outlook. However, like the Mark Grant section, McIntyre went overboard with the use of articles.
When comparing Journey for Justice to other pieces of non-fiction, it has a style that I haven't read before - which may be because I read a lot of war books. The use of the 3 parts in Journey for Justice works very effectively, and is much easily to accomplish then trying to create a weird transition in time.
We had the pleasure of meeting Wilma Derksen and Mike McIntyre during our seminar class last Thursday. While McIntyre was very interesting, speaking about the journalism aspect of the book and his career, I would have liked to hear a full hour of Wilma. She spoke with such great poise and it was a pleasure to hear her side of the story in person.
Overall, I'd recommend this story to anyone from Winnipeg/ greater Winnipeg area or someone who is interested in crime novels. It definitely has a unique quality about it and while it does have some flaws, it is a very educational and enjoyable read.
The book has works very well for the first half, but when Mark Grant is introduced, it takes a turn that I am not a fan of.
Not knowing a lot about Candace Derksen's disappearance, part one was easily the most enjoyable section of the book. Mike McIntyre does a superb job re-telling the events of the day when Candace went missing. This, along with exerts from Wilma Derksen, round the story out very nicely.
The one major aspect about the first part that was intriguing was MBCI and the Redi Mart. It struck a small nerve with me, because I used to live in that area and I have been to that Redi Mart hundreds of times as a kid.
I think that it made the book much more relatable and even though this happened almost thirty years ago, it happened in a "safe" neighbourhood and a place where I would feel comfortable raising kids.
The part of Journey for Justice that I did not like was part two, when we were given about twenty-pages of psychologists describing Mark Grants problems. There first few reports were alright, but they seemed to drag on after the fourth report.
The inclusion of Winnipeg Free Press articles didn't work well for some of my classmates, but I fully enjoyed them. It gave the last section a fresh outlook. However, like the Mark Grant section, McIntyre went overboard with the use of articles.
When comparing Journey for Justice to other pieces of non-fiction, it has a style that I haven't read before - which may be because I read a lot of war books. The use of the 3 parts in Journey for Justice works very effectively, and is much easily to accomplish then trying to create a weird transition in time.
We had the pleasure of meeting Wilma Derksen and Mike McIntyre during our seminar class last Thursday. While McIntyre was very interesting, speaking about the journalism aspect of the book and his career, I would have liked to hear a full hour of Wilma. She spoke with such great poise and it was a pleasure to hear her side of the story in person.
Overall, I'd recommend this story to anyone from Winnipeg/ greater Winnipeg area or someone who is interested in crime novels. It definitely has a unique quality about it and while it does have some flaws, it is a very educational and enjoyable read.
Friday, March 23, 2012
It's early March...that means playo...uh...draft talk
Well, it is abundantly clear the Leafs will be missing the playoffs for a 6th or 7th straight year. Who is counting anymore?
Although we are far out of 8th, Leaf Nation is still watching the standings. Sitting in 5th last, and having a chance (a real small chance that is) at possibly moving up to 1st, it is hard not to look forward to the draft in June. So who will be on the Leafs radar?
#1 - Nail Yakupov...okay okay. The Leafs aren't getting Yakupov, but I can dream.
#2 - Mikhail Grigorenko...A big centre with a ton of skill. I'm holding out some hope that we can land Grigs. He'd look real good between Lupul and Kessel.
#3 - Filip Forsberg - Big, strong, talented winger. Has already been playing against men. Doesn't fill our need of centre, but he is the next best forward.
#4 -Alex Galchenyuk - Another centre with a ton of skill. The only problem is that he has been hurt a lot this yr. Still a good pick for Toronto, though.
After that, there is a large group of dman who would be alright picks, and then the 2nd tier of forwards. Not sure what happens between now and the last 8 games, but Leaf Nation should be hoping for losses.
Although we are far out of 8th, Leaf Nation is still watching the standings. Sitting in 5th last, and having a chance (a real small chance that is) at possibly moving up to 1st, it is hard not to look forward to the draft in June. So who will be on the Leafs radar?
#1 - Nail Yakupov...okay okay. The Leafs aren't getting Yakupov, but I can dream.
#2 - Mikhail Grigorenko...A big centre with a ton of skill. I'm holding out some hope that we can land Grigs. He'd look real good between Lupul and Kessel.
#3 - Filip Forsberg - Big, strong, talented winger. Has already been playing against men. Doesn't fill our need of centre, but he is the next best forward.
#4 -Alex Galchenyuk - Another centre with a ton of skill. The only problem is that he has been hurt a lot this yr. Still a good pick for Toronto, though.
After that, there is a large group of dman who would be alright picks, and then the 2nd tier of forwards. Not sure what happens between now and the last 8 games, but Leaf Nation should be hoping for losses.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Leaf Nation Divided
Even after losing 13 of their last 14 games, the Maple Leafs could be a point out of a playoff spot by tomorrow evening if all goes well. This losing streaking has divided Leaf Nation into two parts.
Part one makes up the group who are stilling holding out for a last ditch playoff effort. They believe that sooner or later, the losing streak will end and open up to a winning streak. The two games this weekend will determine a lot for this group of fans. Two loses and they may change their opinion. Two wins and it's business as usual.
Part two is known as "Tank Nation." A group that largely believes this team is not playoff bound and would benefit greatly if they finished in the bottom 5 and drafted a highly touted player.
As of this moment I fit in Tank Nation. I can't see this team going on a big run to end the year and the high end talent in this draft is too much to pass up. If Toronto did go on a long run and made the playoffs, I would be ecstatic.
For now though, I will keep my expectations low. 15 games left. Lets see what happens.
Part one makes up the group who are stilling holding out for a last ditch playoff effort. They believe that sooner or later, the losing streak will end and open up to a winning streak. The two games this weekend will determine a lot for this group of fans. Two loses and they may change their opinion. Two wins and it's business as usual.
Part two is known as "Tank Nation." A group that largely believes this team is not playoff bound and would benefit greatly if they finished in the bottom 5 and drafted a highly touted player.
As of this moment I fit in Tank Nation. I can't see this team going on a big run to end the year and the high end talent in this draft is too much to pass up. If Toronto did go on a long run and made the playoffs, I would be ecstatic.
For now though, I will keep my expectations low. 15 games left. Lets see what happens.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Rick Nash
The trade deadline is just over a week away and the big fish on the market is Columbus Blue Jackets winger, Rick Nash. With an apparent short list of teams he is willing to go to and Toronto being one of the teams, should Brian Burke make a deal for the late twenties winger?
It really comes down to the price that Columbus's GM is asking for. If it brinks on ridiculousness, then I have no problem with Burke passing. I, however hope he tries to put in a decent offer.
Now, no one really knows Nash's true value, because well, we are not NHL GM's. I think a fair offer from Toronto would include Luke Schenn, Clarke MacArthur, one of Kadri/Colborne, Ben Scrivens and a 1st. Steep? Oh, it is very very steep. I'm not sure if I'd even do that trade. Realistically though, I believe that is what will be the asking price.
It will come down to a few factors. Ben Scrivens and a 1st is not a huge loss to be honest. The crucial decision will be deciding if we should let Kadri + Schenn go. Those are two big blows to our prospect pool and depth. If Burke believes Nash can push us over the top, then he will do it.
It is a very sticky situation. There is a possibility that it won't be settled by the Feb 27th deadline and it could drag on into the offseason. In any case, I don't see Nash being a Blue Jacket in the 2012-2013 season. This is the tipping point and he will be in a different jersey next year.
It comes down to which NHL GM is willing to risk it all on this underachieving winger.
It really comes down to the price that Columbus's GM is asking for. If it brinks on ridiculousness, then I have no problem with Burke passing. I, however hope he tries to put in a decent offer.
Now, no one really knows Nash's true value, because well, we are not NHL GM's. I think a fair offer from Toronto would include Luke Schenn, Clarke MacArthur, one of Kadri/Colborne, Ben Scrivens and a 1st. Steep? Oh, it is very very steep. I'm not sure if I'd even do that trade. Realistically though, I believe that is what will be the asking price.
It will come down to a few factors. Ben Scrivens and a 1st is not a huge loss to be honest. The crucial decision will be deciding if we should let Kadri + Schenn go. Those are two big blows to our prospect pool and depth. If Burke believes Nash can push us over the top, then he will do it.
It is a very sticky situation. There is a possibility that it won't be settled by the Feb 27th deadline and it could drag on into the offseason. In any case, I don't see Nash being a Blue Jacket in the 2012-2013 season. This is the tipping point and he will be in a different jersey next year.
It comes down to which NHL GM is willing to risk it all on this underachieving winger.
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