The Great Vancouver Goalie Debate

(photo courtesy of passittobulis.blogspot.ca)

The Canucks are in a pretty awkward spot. After getting embarrassed in the playoffs this year, the ice is now wearing thin in the Vancouver goal crease. Reading the writing on the wall, Roberto Luongo, a man who walked on water in BC not so long ago, reportedly asked the Nucks for a trade today. In classy fashion, Luongo recognized young Cory Schneider as the future of the franchise in an interview with local reporters.

(photo courtesy of mapleleafshotstove.com)

Now comes the tricky part; Bobby Lu commands a hefty price tag, but is also under contract for another decade. That's a tough sell when you're moving a goalie you gave up on. There are several teams with the need, and the means to accommodate the dollars, but the most interesting question is "how much is Roberto Luongo really worth right now?".

UFC 145: Jones vs Evans - Believe The Hype

(photo courtesy of mixedmartialarts.com)

One of the unfortunate side effects of the UFC’s staggering growth has been the dilution of the talent pool. Dana White still puts on the best MMA show on earth, but lately there has been an element of hype missing from main events. Jon Jones vs Rashad Evans seems to remedy that perfectly. 

This is a marquee matchup the UFC usually only boasts when the likes of Anderson Silva or GSP are fighting. Evans presents the biggest challenge yet for the seemingly indestructible Jones, possessing the speed, and intelligence that could finally give the champ a run for his money. Jones on the other hand has unprecedentedly ridiculous reach and striking ability, which will make it tough for the smaller Evans to get inside and do damage. No matter what happens, this is a much-needed clash of the Titans.

Could Subban Solve Leafs Net Woes?

(photo courtesy of quintelive.ca)

The Maple Leafs are in a rough position with their goaltenders. After James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson collectively shit the bed this year, and few top-end goalies available heading into the summer, Toronto are going to be in tough to shore up their goalie situation. OHL prospect Malcolm Subban has impressed pundits lately, and has moved as high as #10 in some draft rankings.

The Subbans (photo courtesy of centericechat.com)

PK's little brother is the highest-rated goalie available in the draft, and could turn out to be a damn good NHL 'tender. With the Leafs picking at number 5, they are in the opportunistic position of being able to land a hometown goalie prospect with their top pick, something as rare around these parts as a playoff appearance. If they can sign a veteran to fill in the gap, the pick could become a home run.

Kings Have Canucks on the Ropes

(photo courtesy of thestar.com)

The LA Kings may finally become rulers of something. After a pair of convincing wins in Vancouver to kick off their first round matchup, LA is in prime position to upset the freshly minted presidents trophy winners. Darryl Sutter's stingy game plan has stifled the shorthanded Canucks, and Jonathan Quick has proven to be the superior netminder. 

(photo courtesy of cp24.com)

The reunion of best buds Mike Richards and Jeff Carter provide LA with a proven winning dynamic in their leadership group. They have big, strong scoring forwards, and an elite puck mover in Drew Doughty. These are key ingredients to winning playoff teams. The Kings history book isn't exactly rich with tales of glory, meaning that this upset would alone be a significant moment, regardless of what happens in the following rounds. If things keep clicking, however, this team could do damage. 

Pro Wrestling: Who Cares?

(Photo courtesy of OnlineWorldOfWrestling.com)

If you’re anything like me, or most of the Hustlers, you grew up during the peak of pro wrestling. Monday Night Wars and good old-fashioned rasslin'. 

Since WWE bought out their competition (TNA isn’t legit competition), it’s been a steady decline right into the shittah. Targeting violence to kids is unethical, but at least when we watched it wasn't so blatant. 

I've peeked in on programming and noticed they’re bringing back stars from the glory days, only to find that we’re long gone. Maybe, if there was choice for those who used to watch, they wouldn't have lost so many of us.

That’s what made wrestling so great. Liked the violence: ECW. Fan of the classics? WCW. Enjoy a bit of both? WWE. Now you’re force-fed whatever Vince wants you to eat. I lost my appetite a long time ago.

Lamar Odom, Dallas Mavericks part ways

(Photo Courtesy of dailyworldwidenews.com)

The Dallas Mavericks and Lamar Odom reached an agreement on Monday that will let Odom leave the team without getting released.

In Odom's only season in Dallas, he played his worst basketball of his career posting career lows in every single important statistic you can think of. Now I understand he's gone through many personal tragedies in his life, but the way he spent his time in Dallas was pathetic.

I have no sympathy for bums like this in the NBA. He's a long time veteran in the best league in the world and a lot of players would die to be given the opportunities he's had. For all I care Lamar can go to being the crybaby husband of that pig Khloe Kardashian and leave the NBA to the players who aren't mentally unstable to play a full season.

-Nard Dogg

Hey, Leafs: Apology NOT Accepted

(Photo Courtesy of QuickMeme.com)

If you live in or around Toronto, or anywhere in Ontario for that matter, you have surely seen the apology slag MLSE has sent out to try and do damage control for an abysmal finish to what started as such a promising season.

I feel like I’ve just been broken up with by a text message saying “It’s not you, it’s me.” At least if you are going to say you’re sorry to us die-hard fans who have put up with mediocrity (if that) season after season, tell us what you’re sorry for.

Taking out a full page ad is an act of sheer desperation. Just because the MLSE brass threw some extra money in the PR department doesn’t mean all will be forgotten. At least BP Oil tried to do something about it after poisoning millions of their customers.

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.  

Tiger's Comeback Turns Ugly at Augusta

(photo courtesy of supersport.com)

Tiger Woods’ comeback train made an unexpected stop in suck town this weekend, and there’s no telling how long the embattled star will be stuck there. After a huge showing at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Tiger was surprisingly one of the odds on favorites to win this year’s Masters. He had after all played some excellent golf in the months leading up to Augusta. But, instead of thrilling us with another win, inching him closer to the elusive all-time majors record, Tiger tied the worst 4-round score of his entire career. Consistency hasn’t been a trademark of the post-car accident Tiger, and the hype he garnered heading into this weekend should be a reminder of that. Tiger may have some stuff left in the tank, but we can no longer expect him to bring it on a weekly basis.

Bubba Busts His Major Cherry At The Masters

(photo courtesy of abcactionnews.com)

It couldn’t have been a better setting for Bubba Watson to win his first major. Just weeks after adopting his first child, and on the anniversary of the resurrection of his Lord, the exceedingly religious Watson was in contention after 54 holes. Bubba came close to a major in 2010 at Whistling Straits, but ultimately lost a playoff to Martin Kaymer. Going into today’s playoff, thinking that a shot other than Louis Oosthuizen’s double eagle would be the shot of the tournament would have been blasphemy. But after Bubba’s tee shot landed him in the woods on the second playoff hole, he pulled off a shot that will rival any of the best shots in Masters history. A hook from the woods, 150 yards to fifteen feet. Perhaps some divine intervention is to thank. Congrats Bubba, you earned this one.