Do You Remember Felix Potvin?
The 1992-93 Toronto Maple Leafs captured the hearts of Leaf Nation as they made their way to the Western Conference Final and but for a blown call by Kerry Fraser should have been in the Stanley Cup Finals. The goaltender for that team was a 21 year old by the name of Felix Potvin. Potvin played well enough that the Leafs were able to trade Grant Fuhr to Buffalo for Dave Andreychuk and Darren Puppa. The Leafs were one high sticking call away from the Finals and a date with Montreal with a 21 year old inexperienced goaltender and a defense that was anchored by veterans Jamie Macoun, Dave Ellett, Bob Rouse, Todd Gill, Sylvain Lefebvre, and Dmitri Mironov.
Why am I bringing this all to light?? Rumors are hot and heavy that the Leafs are interested in acquiring Miikka Kiprusoff. Many are saying that Toronto needs an experienced goaltender but as history shows that is not the case. If the current edition of the Maple Leafs could add an experienced defenseman to go along with Dion Phaneuf, Mark Fraser, John Michael-Liles, Carl Gunnarsson and Cody Franson, the Leafs would be able to bring Jake Gardiner and Mike Kostka into the fray if necessary.
James Reimer and Ben Scrivens have led the Leafs this far and to now add a Kiprusoff or a Luongo would make no sense. Combined their salaries don't come close to either Kiprusoff's or Luongo's and would allow the Leafs greater flexibility in the off season. Moreover, how can these kid goalies gain playoff experience if they don't play. Being in a playoff spot is great and certainly anything can happen but logic would say that the Leafs will not win the Stanley Cup this year so why not allow these kids to grow by experiencing what it means to play goal in the playoffs.
This morning Darren Dreger said that the Leafs getting Kiprusoff would make them a better team. I disagree. Getting a player like a Keith Yandle would be much better than getting Kiprusoff. Here's hoping Dave Nonis sticks to the plan and doesn't mortgage the future. Does anyone remember Owen Nolan??
Pro Bowl Selections: Who Cares??
Yesterday the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl rosters were announced. Joe Thomas made his 6th Pro Bowl and Phil Dawson was selected for the first time. While I was happy for Dawson, as a Browns fan does it really matter to me?? Am I suppose to get some gratification out of the fact that these two players made the AFC team and Josh Cribbs is a first alternate??
As a kid, I used to take pride when a member or members of my favorite team made their respective all-star teams. However, as I grew older and the all-star games lost their appeal, I could really care less how many Yankees, Browns or Maple Leafs make the all-star team. As a fan, I'm more concerned about how many wins my team has and whether or not I'm going to the post season.
The Browns are 5-10 and getting ready to play Pittsburgh with Thad Lewis at quarterback. Their facing an off season where there will be a new coach, new system and new management team. Team Upheaval on Lake Erie once again. With all of that going on I'm suppose to be happy and proud that Joe Thomas and Phil Dawson made the AFC Pro Bowl team?? Hardly.
Week 15 In NFL Provides Interesting Matchups
As we head toward the end of the NFL season, Week 15 provides some interesting matchups that could give us a clear picture on playoff seedings and who will make it to the Super Bowl Tournament. Let's take a look at what is on tap for us this afternoon:
Indianapolis at Houston: The 9-4 Colts head to Houston to take on the reeling Texans. The Texans are coming off a 42-14 beat down by the Patriots on Monday night. This once proud defense has given up 120 points in their last 4 games. The Colts have a 2 game lead over the Bengals and Steelers in the wild card race. The Texans are smarting and are returning home. Would be shocked if the Texans don't win this one.
Denver at Baltimore: The Broncos are flying high with a 10-3 record as they head into Baltimore to take on the Ravens. The Ravens are on a two game losing streak and are fortunate that the Bengals and Steelers have failed to capitalize on their problems. The Broncos have won 8 in a row. If the Ravens are going to be a factor in the AFC Playoffs they need to start to play better football. A Raven victory would give them the tiebreaker for seeding purposes with the Broncos. Tough to go with Joe Flacco over Peyton Manning. This is going to be a good one to watch.
NY Giants at Atlanta: The Giants roll into the Georgia Dome to take on the NFC leading Falcons. The Falcons are coming off a loss to the Panthers. When you look at the Falcons schedule, the best team they have played was Denver and that was in Week 1. Washington and Dallas are the only other teams with a winning record, each at 7-6. Clearly, the Giants will be the best team they have faced all year. The Giants need a win to maintain their lead in the NFC East. They need this one more than the Falcons.
Green Bay at Chicago: One of the oldest rivalries in all of sports is renewed at Soldier Field this afternoon. These two teams really dislike each other as evidenced by the back in forth comments all week between the players of both teams. The Bears are reeling big time having lost 4 of their last 5 games. Lovie Smith is under fire and a loss today could put the Bears playoff spot in jeopardy. The Packers have won 7 out of their last 8 games. This is a must win for Chicago.
Pittsburgh at Dallas: Both of these teams are 7-6 and fighting for their playoff lives. With Big Ben back last week, the Steelers were embarrassed at home by San Diego. They have lost 3 out of their last 4 games. Dallas has won two in a row and 4 out of their last 5 games. Cincinnati has already won this week so the Steelers need this game to stay tied with their AFC North rival. The Cowboys need a win to stay within striking distance of Chicago and Seattle. Two desperate teams for a win, should be a good one.
San Francisco at New England: The Niners D against the Patriots Offense. This could be a good one. It will be a great test for San Francisco as they head to Foxboro going against a Patriots team that is on a 7 game winning streak. Houston came into Foxboro last week and were spanked and sent home. Will the Niners fold in New England in prime time or will they prove to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender?
It's weeks like this one that makes the Sunday Ticket worth having. Sit back and enjoy.
Eklund’s Hockey Buzz
Pro Football Talk
Post Archive
- December 2013 (2)
- September 2013 (1)
- August 2013 (3)
- July 2013 (1)
- May 2013 (4)
- April 2013 (6)
- March 2013 (8)
- February 2013 (14)
- January 2013 (20)
- December 2012 (17)
- November 2012 (14)
- July 2012 (6)
- May 2012 (2)
- April 2012 (19)
- March 2012 (20)
- February 2012 (22)
- January 2012 (25)
- December 2011 (22)
- November 2011 (26)
- October 2011 (29)
- September 2011 (25)
- August 2011 (28)
- July 2011 (31)
- June 2011 (29)
- May 2011 (30)
- April 2011 (24)
- March 2011 (36)
- February 2011 (13)