Sutter is King in Stanley's Game of Thrones

(photo courtesy of tsn.ca)

It was always the Kings. It had to be. Beyond their size, offensive prowess, and goaltending, there was an element of mental fortitude with this team that was ever-present. It's what made them the trendy pick after dismantling Vancouver so convincingly in round one. 

(photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com)

It isn't just a product of the right combination of personalities, which LA evidently is, but something is to be said for Darryl Sutter's ability to not just light a fire under his team, but keep that fire raging. LA never lost consecutive games until the finals, nearly tying the record for fewest games played in a championship run (I smell smoke). The parity in hockey means that nearly every team has the talent to be great, so the voice leading the way is increasingly becoming the biggest strategic difference between champs and chumps.

Big Tings A Gwan in Toronto

(photo courtesy of timescolonist.com)

The time for revolution is nigh. The Blue Jays are poised to take over Toronto in heroic fashion this season, or at least that’s the feeling in the city after the exciting start they’re off to. Two dramatic extra inning wins and a near-comeback in their opening series in Cleveland were capped by a tough, but encouraging loss to Boston in their own raucous home opener. 

(photo courtesy of thescore.com)

The SkyDome was electric as guys like Brett Lawrie, Colby Rasmus, and Henderson Alvarez gave fans reason for optimism, regardless of how early it is. The Jays showcased some sharp infielding, creative coaching, and aggressive, determined base running. The culture has changed, and the relative youth on the roster suggests that the sky is the limit for this team. If they’re strong out of the gate, AL East beware.