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Putting the "Me" in Mediation |
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A short blog for you on this Monday afternoon, as I'm busier then heck.
Topic #1 - Send in the Clowns
Okay, so the NHL and NHLPA are gonna do the mediation iggy. I hope none of you feel any optimism at this news, because you're wasting your time.
Here's the truth: If the two sides wanted this sorted, we'd already be watching NHL hockey games instead of reading my blogs complaining about the lack of hockey. The NHLPA says the two sides are only $182mil apart, but that's BS. They're still more interested in winning the PR war than sorting out a new CBA. As for the NHL, they don't seem all that interested in playing hockey anymore this season either. I have no proof of this, but my gut tells me the league will lose more money attempting to save the season than they would letting the season go and using the situation to absolutely destroy the NHLPA.
The whole mediation iggy is being done because both sides sort of have to do it before they go nuclear. Keep in mind we're fighting a PR war here. How would it look if the league pulled the plug on the season without trying mediation first?
The NHL wants the Fehrs gone, and I can't say I blame them. The players need a good spanking, a clue, and some humility. Mediation is going to be a gong show, and quite possibly, the situation will get uglier the second a third party is brought in to listen to both sides whine and complain.
Topic #2 - Taylor Hall is Teenager of the Year
Was it Frank Black who put out an album called "Teenager of the Year"? God, I'm old.
Hall had nine points in three AHL games last week, which proves he's feeling fine and he's on his game. That OKC team looks scary right now. SCARY! As in, good enough to play in the NHL. Which makes sense when you consider half the Oilers roster is there.
For those of you keeping track, Justin Schultz had four points in his last game, and he continues to lead the league in scoring. I think someone posted on Twitter that he's on pace to score 119pts this season? Ridiculous. The Oilers have found their new Paul Coffey.
Topic #3 - The Anton has Landered
Lander finally got a goal. Thank God. I love this kid, and want him to have a long career on the Oilers. Heart and soul player who actually cares about winning.
If I'm the Oilers, I'm letting Martin Marincin and Justin Schultz be defensive pairing partners for the rest of their careers. Were they a combined +8 last game? Redonk.
Topic #4 - Get Your Hor-Coffs!
Someone Tweeted me a picture of Shawn Horcoff and Theo Peckham jerseys for sale at half price during the last Edmonton Oil Kings game. 50% off isn't enough to make it a good deal. I got asked if there's a message in the sale. Yep. No one wants to buy Horcoff or Peckham jerseys. Hell if I know if their careers are done in Edmonton. Go Lockout!
Topic #5 - Sometimes a Cigar is Just a Cigar
Did any of you watch the 100th Grey Cup? Worst. Game. Ever.
It started off with a hilariously painful 17 hour long pre-game show. Anyone who complains about interviews with hockey players should try to endure countless interviews with football players. Not exactly the brightest light bulbs in the drawer.
What in the world was Burton Cummings doing to the poor national anthem? O Canada on a Casio keyboard? We have a passive anthem that's weak-sounding compared to the Star Spangled Banner without the Casio keyboard. I thought he was going to start singing "Duh Duh Duh". Anyone remember that song? A band called "Trio". God, I'm old.
The game itself was awful. Seriously, these were the best two teams in the CFL last season? I've seen high school football teams execute plays better. The game was a disgrace. Completely lacked emotion, a storyline...Kevin Glenn shouldn't be allowed to throw peanuts to fans at a baseball game.
But the high-point of the evening was the halftime show. I don't know about you folks, but when I think football fans, I immediately think Justin Bieber. Bieber lip-synced, which was predictable. He got booed, which was predictable too. Where is Nickelback when you need them?
Carly Rae Jepsen unfortunately didn't experience a wardrobe malfunction, and Marianas Trench was soft and sissy. They make My Chemical Romance seem like a goon squad.
And then there was Gordon Lightfoot. Poor ol' Gordon Lightfoot.
I realize I'm attacking a Canadian institution by complaining about Lightfoot's performance. Actually, it reminded me of this one time when I was a DJ...the bar I worked at hired Ronnie Hawkins for a week. God, I'm old. Anyway, I had one of the bartenders go over to Hawkins every half-hour to check for a pulse. Lightfoot is perfect for a folk festival. But the Grey Cup? A huge, snarly, over-beveraged crowd? It makes no sense.
I forgot to mention warm-up act Johnny Reid. Hey Johnny, Eddie Money called. He wants his songs back.
Between the NHL being idiots and the CFL being amateur night, it might be time to set fire to my television. I give up.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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