Follow @james_tanner123 Hey it's me! Back again. I wonder why rappers are the only ones who announce when they're back. I think writers, and especially folk singers, should adopt this trope..........anyways, it's not snowing or below zero (Celsius) for the first time this week, the sun is shining and I just got back from running a bunch of errands.
I drove all over town playing Seperation Sunday by the Hold Steady, which is definitely worth buying or whatever it is people do to get music these days. I did my errands and then I ate McDonald's, which, if my wife is reading this, I swear is for the last time. Time to start that diet! Just had to get in one Big Mac first, which, I know it's gross and bad for you and all, but I think, perhaps because it is so ubiquitous, the Big Mac really doesn't get its due as the hands-down best fast food sandwich available in the history of the world.
Let's get to it.
PLAYOFFS:
I don't know everyone is whining about the lack of Canadian teams in the playoffs - it's just bad luck and over half the players are still Canadian, if that matters to you. (It does not matter to me).
For me, it's a bit of a bummer (dude!) that the Leafs and Coyotes are out, just because I do (vaguely) remember the excitement that comes with actually caring about outcomes, but regardless of personal investment, I just like watching, don't particularly care who's playing.
Here's my picks. I had to make 'em myself cause Miss Cleo isn't answering my pages.
Panthers vs Islanders:
The Panthers, by which I mean Roberto Luongo, will win this series quickly.
Capitals vs Flyers:
I'm calling the upset here. I think the Flyers turned it on a little late, but that they actually have a way better team than an 8th place team should have. Brayden Schenn is officially awesome, despite having one of the worst names a person could be saddled with. Seriously, your name is the sound a donkey makes - that's the worst animal! I know just the kind of people who name their kid Brayden (which is like the electronic cigarette of first names) and I do not care for them!
Pens vs Rangers:
If not for Lundqvist I'd call it a sweep. He'll steal two games and the Pens will win in six.
Tampa vs Detroit:
The perfect opponent for Tampa while Stamkos recovers. They are a way better team and should easily defeat the Red Wings. If Stralman and Stamkos where playing this series would be a walk.
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Having never seen one of his films, I don't have a take on Cassavetes, but I love this song.
My man Tony Dean won't like this, but the Stars will win in four.
St.Louis vs Blackhawks:
Appallingly, Duncan Keith will be allowed to play in this series, after game one. Won't matter, Blues are going to win in six.
Ducks vs Predators:
The team with the worst goalie never wins in the Playoffs, so that eliminates the Preds. Ducks in five.
L.A vs Sharks:
It still bugs me that this is a first round series. However, whining never got anyone anywhere, so let's just say this is the series that will go seven games and you can flip a coin to see who wins.
I will cheer for the Sharks.
--------- More on Maloney:
I just think it's really kind of refreshing and redeeming to be the sole Coyotes writer who ripped on Maloney basically everyday since July 1st (when he inexplicably signed a litany of bad players) for not using enough analytic information to make his (almost always bad) decisions, and then to have him fired for the exact reason I always criticized him.
I also got the same feeling when my boyfriend Nazem Kadri was signed for six years this morning, to an amazing and shockingly team-friendly deal.
I heard a couple interesting things recently, and one of them was that the Duclair trade - really Maloneys only good recent trade - was forced upon him and that he didn't want to get rid of Yandle or trade for Duclair.
I dunno if it's true, but it's not the first time I've heard the same story. I don't even know that it matters, but it is interesting considering that trade encompasses the only rationale for keeping him.
I have also heard - as I am sure you have, but it's worth mentioning - that Les Jackson will be the new GM of the Coyotes. Perhaps best known for being co-GM with Brett Hull for a period, Jackson is the current assistant of the Dallas Stars and honestly, I don't know much other than that. I guess if he's the guy they want, and they want to go all-in on an analytic approach, then by virtue of logic he must be a good choice.
Also, this would be the second time he became the GM of a team that Dave Tippett already coaches......so there's that.
All in all, you should enjoy the Playoffs and try not to develop a first-round drinking problem ('cause there is a double header every night for the next two weeks) I really enjoyed my last ever Big Mac.
Thanks for reading.