All-purpose hockey thread...

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Sirs, Madames,

I don't get the hate for Bobby Clarke. Every dealing I've had with him he has been great, accomodating on phoning back, giving time, whatever. Yes, he's a Type A personality, but what do you expect? I think it speaks volumes that his best friend among executives is Bob Gainey, who's the most dignified and arguably most respected GM in the mix. Clarke was labelled for the handling of Lindros. Media and fans turned on him. But exactly what did BC do wrong in that situation? Giving him the C in Nagano? Clarke did a lot in Lindros's favour (besides making him rich) and eventually said enough's enough.

Two quick Clarke stories:

1. In a bar in Toronto, Clarke and Gainey. I'm making my rounds and come up on puck's version of Newhart and Rickles. Clarke asks me if there's anyway I can find cigarettes for the pair of them. (Both are nicotine chippers.) I got them to sign a napkin and came back with a pack from the bartender, told them they lacked imagination.

2. Had to do a feature on Clarke. Arranged to go with him on a YYZ to Philly flight (even phoned ahead to arrange to sit next to him, your basic captive interview, strapped in). We were having a coffee pre-flight with a scout and a lady walks up, pointing at him, stuttering. "I know you but I don't know from where? That face." The scout pipes up: "Try hockey. Try the name Clarke." And she says: "Omigod. You're Wendel Clark." Picture the gritted teeth. (I guess that's how he keeps them in).

I dunno about you but I'd almost bet that the Pens don't send this kid back to Rimouski.

YHS, etc

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Mr. Miler

"We didn't ask Roger Neilsen to get cancer"

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Mr R,

Neilson was fired by a lot of people. Clarke is blunt to be sure, and blunter when the notebooks are away. He would give a media trainer nightmares. What he said about Neilson doesn't make Clarke Marge Schott. If he had chosen a nicer way to say things would it have made it any easier to swallow? You might not like what he said about this or other things--but he hits you with the truth in a liars' league.

YHS, etc

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Mr. Miler

Blunt? That's one way of putting it.

Crass and thoughtless might be another way.

However, a Clarke/Gainey relationship does speak volumes.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Just ask the Lindros family.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Mr R,

Finding a less crass and more thoughtful way to let go a coach with cancer is all about keeping up appearances. I won't defend what he (and the organization) did re Roger. (And the fact is, Snider had to sign off on it or direct him to do what he did.) But I don't know why people in our business would complain about him. He's a great character, greater copy. He's Ignatz to Tim Panaccio's Krazy Kat.

Ms Girl,

There's no higher character reference than a complaint from the Lindroses.

YHS, etc

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

I think it's well documented and public knowledge that Lindros' parents are the ultimate Hockey Parents from Hell.

I'm sure that they were every minor hocley coach's nightmare --beginning in Tyke and going straight through to Bantam. Wouldn't report to the Soo in Junior hockey and his refusal to go to Quebec was responsible for the Avs winning two Cups.

No sympathy in this corner for the Lindros family--other than Eric.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Mr R,

Re Clarke and Gainey. Clarke did hire him. Explains a lot. Gainey wouldn't have worked for an ass and appreciated the break. Nice call by Clarke, who, though no gold medal or Cup as an exec, has managed to get a lot right.

YHS, etc

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Mr. Miler,

My dislike of Bobby Clarke goes way back to his playing days. Couldn't stand him as a player and he played for the knuckle-dragging Broad Street Bullies, a group that set hockey back 30 years.

(This is Leafs' fanboy speaking here)

I agree he's good copy but I thought his handling of Roger's cancer was a diplomatic disaster.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

BTW, Mr. Miler, I watched the first episode of the second season of "The Tournament" on the Mother Corp last night. HIghly recommended.

Two best lines:

"This isn't Atom any more, this is PEEWEE"
and
"We're a funeral home. It makes perfect sense for us to sponsor a hockey team"

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

I know this was discussed earlier, but now that we are closing in on the quarter poll who do you think will end up rookie of the year?
My pick right now is Ovechkin. I can't stand the guy for the shit he has pulled in the World Jrs., but what he has done this year is astounding. With all due credit to what Crosby has done, Ovechkin has been just as good, and arguably better with absolutely zero supporting cast. He's doing it with high light reel goals on a nightly basis, and not just high light reel worthy, but clutch as well. And it seems just about every other game he's laying somebody out with a big hit - so much for the supposed lack of physical play in the new NHL. I know Crosby is likely the popular pick but I think Ovechkiin is the right pick.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Beef
I think it's too early to tell. I'd say it's a dead heat right now. Problem is, they're quite different players so it's difficult to rate one over the other.

When we get to March we'll see how each of them has handled the grind of an 82 game schedule.

I am undecided at this point although if neither of these guys were around, Phaneuf would be the hands down favorite--in my opinion.