Follow @james_tanner123 Since +/- is the NHL's worst stat, I thought it would make sense to appropriate it and make it useful as we review the best and worst of the past week in the NHL.
MINUS: If you want to know why I've been so heavily against the bringing back of Antoine Vermette to the Coyote's fold, then look no further:
The Coyotes brought back Boyd Gordon, Zbynek Michalek, and Antoine Vermette on short-term deals. This should solidify their #1 and #4 center spots for the upcoming season, with Martin Hanzal occupying his traditional #2 spot and new arrival Brad Richardson anchoring the third line.
Now, whether the writer is wrong or that is the actual intention of the team is irrelevant. The problem with bringing back Vermette is that that could even be a thought anyone on earth could have: Antoine Vermette #1 C.
Are you kidding me?
First of all, Hanzal is superior in every way, and not just a little. Massively.
Secondly, has anyone watched Vermette in like three years? OH BUT HE'S SO GOOD AT FACEOFFS....yeah, well then, where is David Steckel? Jeezzzzz.
One of the main reasons I was so happy when the Coyotes first got rid of Vermette was that, just because of his reputation he was getting minutes that easily could have went to better players. What a joke.
Here is something I guarantee: As much as everyone says "You can't rush Strome" (usually followed by a not-so logical false comparison to Peter Mueller or Kyle Turris) if you did, he would be two to five times more effective than Vermette, whose decline has been going on for so long it too is in decline.
You hate to say it, but the Coyotes are stuck in the past and in love with a group that never really did anything. They traded Yandle, Vermette and Michalek. They should have used the off-season to get rid of Doan and Smith. They didn't.
Instead, the world's most sentimental sports organization brought back two of the three players they traded at the deadline (although, not the best one). Michalek, I don't mind because he's actually good (although taking ice-time from Stone and Murphy and Gormley isn't) but I still would't have even brought him back.
In order to rebuild, you need to move on. But with Tippett, Smith, Vermette, Michalek and Doan, it's just more of the same.
PLUS: The influx lately of several new actual Coyotes fans as participators on the the forum attached to this blog.
PLUS: This slice of musical genius.
PLUS:Speaking of things I usually hate, I went golfing the other day. Now, I hate televised golf, because it lacks a certain intensity and the announcers make me feel like I just read Emily Dickinson for an hour while listening to the Cure (basically I get so bored that I end up sad and like, my shirt gets soaked in tears and I feel dizzy).
But actual golfing is much more fun, although having to be absolutely silent every time someone steps up for a shot is a little much. Overall, I enjoyed golfing, but the cost of the game, the cart, and the beer was pretty pricey - although that is to be expected, I guess, as it is the game of fatcats the world over, after-all.
My friend lent me a spare golfing glove (who knew?) and I ripped it and I left his pitching wedge on the 8th hole. I am not certain of being invited back!
MINUS: I just read someone complaining because Phil Kessel did not give a proper thank-you to the people of Toronto when he got traded. I wish there was a way I could accurately display my contempt for such people.
Apparently the proper protocol is four separate thank-you tweets, an airport banner and one full-page ad taken out in the paper of note in the city in which you play.
I also wish I was so satisfied with my product that I could afford to get angry about inconsequential things like this.
Think about this: If a "proper" thank-you to the city you play in is a requirement, where is the meaning in it?
No word on on how John Scott did on the thank-you protocol upon his exit of San Jose.
MINUS: Speaking of which, the Coyotes signing of John Scott gets a full-on thumbs down.
@James_Tanner123 Coyotes are just straight up trolling you by signing Scott.
โ Steven Andrews (@StevenAndrews) July 11, 2015The family is safe, but now homeless. The dog did not get away. Obviously, people are going to be skeptical about things like this, but unless these people have been planning this for several years, and have kept dozens of interconnecting Facebook pages active just to perpetrate a scam, then it's for real. It was also on the front page of the gofundme site and listed as 'verified.'
Anyways, I felt bad for the guy, I have a forum here, so I thought I'd at least publicize his campaign.
PLUS: Drive By Truckers. Great song, and you get to learn a lot. It's like a history lesson with guitars.
PLUS: You. Thanks for reading.