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domiandsascha · 6 years ago

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The Sweetest of Heartbreaks

An emotional essay on Domi’s run at the Us Open.

Sport is the most heartbreaking of passions. Believe me, I've tried them all. I don't know how to be an average fan. I don't "like", I obsess. And even though I think being passionate is wonderful, I really wish I could tone my emotional investment down, because sport, and especially tennis, hurts more often than not.

The day after Arsène Wenger retired from Arsenal, a customer, devastated and unable to put his pain into perspective, told me "Sport is the most important of irrelevant things. It means nothing on the big scale of life and yet, it means the world. It's silly how sad I am, but I can't help it". Twenty four hours after the Madrid final, I could relate, big time, being way more upset than one should be following a tennis match. But as he had said, I couldn't help it. There's no way to rationalize the disappointment when your heart belongs to a team or a player.

Since the day Dominic Thiem has taken, unknowingly, full ownership of mine, I feel like I've been on a never ending rollercoaster ride. It's psychologically exhausting. Now, would I jump out of my seat if I could? No. Never. But I've been trying to protect myself in case of unavoidable nosedives. The most efficient seatbelt I've found is to lower my expectations to what I'm certain Dominic is capable of, based on current circumstances. Don't get me wrong, my faith in him is limitless and he will achieve greatness. But history has proven that a few things beyond his control can get in the way of his tennis abilities. And also, Hope is a perverse b*tch. So I'm being cautious and pragmatic. It's safer and healthier considering the irrational impact of Dominic's results on my wellbeing.

Therefore, two days before the beginning of the US Open 2018, my take on Dominic's chances would have cost me a few "And you call yourself a fan??" had I made it public. But let's face it. He hadn't won a single match on hardcourt since Indian Wells in March and he had just been injured, sick and through a heavy personal disappointment in Kitzbühel not too long before. So draw in hands, facts in mind and my arch enemy Hope silenced in the basement, I set my expectations to what I knew Dominic could do: reach Round 4 and defend his points.

I watched his first game against Basic on my phone, a great friend of mine face-timing me from Grandstand where she was seated, sixth row. I couldn't really follow the points, seeing only Dominic and a third of the court on my screen, but I understood he had broken his opponent, playing flawless and lethal tennis. So Hope got rid of her gag and yelled "OMG! He's going to have an epic US Open!". I shut her up. "Don't you start!".

He won easily, but struggled against Johnson, which I had seen coming after Steve's epic run the previous week. Dominic did it the hard way, probably harder than he could have. He drove me to turn off the stream at some point and to fear a premature heartbreak. But he did it and reinforced one of my certainties: he was born for five setters and epic battles. Then came the match against Fritz. Dominic lost his cool, which I like to see, even though I maybe shouldn't. And not only did he play great tennis, he also displayed, once again, his unbelievable sportsmanship, advising Taylor to challenge a call on break point. A friend told me "Domi shouldn't do that. He's too nice!". And I thought "Oh, he should. Always". He didn't become my favorite player because of his backhand or his deep runs at the French Open. He's my favorite player because he's a gem of a human being and I'll forever value kindness above all qualities.

And there we were. Round 4. Points had been defended. Personal expectations had been reached. Facts in mind once again -their head-to-head, the surface and Anderson's current form-, I allowed Hope to come back in the leaving-room but asked her not to be too loud. Winning this one would be difficult, but it was possible.

Before the match, I tweeted "May our boy play his best tennis and enjoy himself". That's all I've ever wanted. That's why the finals in Madrid and Paris had been so painful and hard to recover from, despite the pride from watching him reached them. Because Dominic hadn't enjoyed his time on court and had left both tournaments thinking he could have played better. So yes, if he had to lose against Kevin, I was hoping he would do it in style.

Two hours and thirty-five minutes later, at 5-2 in the third set tiebreak, I was bawling my eyes out, both my hands pressed against my chest, overwhelmed and dizzy, but feeling so light I could have flown away. This, right then, this rush, this very instant, was the reason why I would never jump out of the rollercoaster. That was the point when the train reaches the top of the highest slope, when your heart starts racing, as you know what's coming, but you let go of the security guardrail and raise your arms, because you feel a hundred percent safe. I was feeling so safe. I didn't think for one second I should silence Hope. "It's not over til it's over!". It wasn't hope. It was over. It had been over from the moment Dominic had broken Kevin in the first set and it had made no doubt from then. It might have taken a fourth set, but ultimately, Dominic would have won this match. He was playing his absolute most clever and efficient tennis and he was having the time of his life doing so. Up to the very last point, he showed the full extent of his skills and his reaction after his amazing final shot increased my life expectancy by a decade.

During the following forty-eight hours, there was no way to silence Hope. It didn't matter that Dominic had to play Rafa next. Feeling this safe is too rare, I had to make the most of it. So I was walking down the streets, grinning like an idiot, day dreaming he was going to beat Djokovic in straight sets on Sunday evening and lift the trophy. There was no stopping him, there was no stopping me.

The morning of the match, I tweeted "May our boy pull off the upset we all know he's capable of". And the reason why we all knew it, was that Dominic had made it clear he knew it too. Everything he had said in interviews was screaming fierceness and willpower.

I've explained it at the beginning, I set my expectations to what I'm certain Dominic is capable of.

So at 2am UK time, Hope sat right next to me in my chair and I hugged her tight.

The first set was a surreal experience. It was mesmerizing and more satisfying than any set of tennis I had ever watched. But somehow, it was terrifying. It felt like one of those dreams, where everything is perfect, but a tiny part of your subconscious is aware you're asleep, aware the dream might end or turn into a nightmare at any second. Dominic was flawless, his tennis was spectacular and he wasn't playing against a diminished opponent. Rafa was being outsmarted, outrun, outgunned and it was all about Dominic's genius. But still, such a score line was abnormal.

A year before, to the day, Dominic had won an opening set with a score line that felt abnormal. The circumstances were way different, but it was impossible not to think about it. I don't believe any Dominic fan has fully recovered from this heartbreak. I know I haven't.

Oddly, I would have felt safer if Dominic had won this first set 6-4. He was playing Rafa, a man whose ability to recover, adapt and start fresh has been proven to be the best there's ever been. I couldn't help but picture a beast, which had just been deeply provoked and was about to attack, with all it had. So I was smiling, still, of course, but biting my nails and glancing at Hope who was really confused and had no clue what to do.

And indeed, Rafa recovered and adapted, but Dominic didn't falter. He didn't get scared. He held on, he kept fighting, kept painting lines, kept producing mind-bending tennis and kept believing. So I kept believing too. Until he lost the third set. I switched off my laptop. The commentator on Amazon Prime had just said "I feel like Thiem deserved to win this set, considering the terrific tennis he's been playing" and that's exactly how I was feeling. Dominic was maintaining an unbelievable level and still, it wasn't quite enough. So would anything be? Hope had left my place and discouragement had taken over. And even though Dominic looked nothing but discouraged, I was too exhausted to watch him fight in vain. The idea of seeing him lose three sets, after that miracle of an opening one, was unbearable. Cruel and heart wrecking.

I went to bed as dawn was glimmering through my curtains. But of course I couldn't sleep, of course I couldn't let go of my phone for more than three minutes in a row. Of course I was following the score and reactions on twitter. I knew Dominic was still battling with a mental and physical strength that was about to go down in tennis history. And I felt guilty to be hiding underneath my duvet like a coward. To have given up when he hadn't.

When he won the fourth set tiebreak, Hope stormed back into my room, turned the lights and my laptop back on and glued me to my chair. She had never seemed so dangerous and perverse. I could foresee the violence of the shock, should this specific ride end up in a wall after so many ups and downs. It would be painful. Really painful. But this time, something was different. This time, I was protected by a brand new kind of seatbelt, I was snuggled in a cocoon of pride and gratitude. After four hours, Dominic was still playing his heart out and he was turning mine into a colorful and sweet substance that wouldn't break, no matter what. Watching him save breakpoints by the shovelful, throw winners left and right, keep his focus and his cool, show so much resilience, all the while being an absolute angel towards everybody on court, was a dream come true. Except this one was and would remain a hundred percent real. Nothing could erase it. No outcome could stain the joy of witnessing Dominic achieve greatness.

Dominic was Great.

The fifth set tiebreak began and Hope tried to hide underneath the table. I pulled her back next to me and smiled. Whatever was about to happen, to Dominic and to my heart, we would face it together.

At 3pm, I went to work, having slept two hours and a half, my fingers skinned from all the biting, my throat hitching from all the nervous cigarettes smoked, my stomach aching from the amount of chocolate swallowed frenetically. My colleague and good friend greeted me with a sad face and a comforting hug. But he quickly took a step back and frowned "How are you so cheerful??". He had just seen the score line. He just knew Dominic had lost. He had no idea how painless this heartbreak was.

Yes, my heart had cracked, despite everything, when Dominic had hit this final overhead wide. Tears had filled up my eyes and a rush of bitterness had shaken my entire body. I had cursed the "fifth set tiebreak rule" out loud, because it had felt so freaking unfair that, after such a fight, a single mistake on serve could be decisive.

But then, there had been this hug, this proof of Rafa's respect and affection. A respect and affection earned through years of rivalry and sportsmanship. There had been Dominic's peaceful acceptation while he was still on court, his smiles to the umpire and the crowd, something about his face whispering to my ear "He's okay, he will be okay". The standing ovation and the praising headlines already pouring in on social medias. His press conference, turning the whisper into a loud promise "He's okay, he will be okay".

And finally, this long overdue consequence: the world falling in love with Dominic. He was finally given the credit he had always deserved, as a player and as a person. He was finally seen for who he is: a man with an arm of steel and a heart of gold.

I was cheerful, because I was happy beyond words, still snuggled in my cocoon of pride and gratitude.

Writing those lines, a week later, I'm still really emotional about it all. That's why I needed to set it down on paper. So I never forget. So the next time tennis feels like the most heartbreaking of passions, I'll remember how fulfilling it also is.

Sport is, indeed, the most important of irrelevant things.

In a world that's constantly shaking underneath our feet, it is an anchor. In a life that goes so fast it can consume our feelings and leave us empty, it is an inexhaustible source of raw emotions keeping us alive.

I don't know how to be an average fan and I'm not planning on ever trying. Because I'm lucky enough to have chosen someone who makes every twist of the ride worth it.

Thank you, Dominic. From the bottom of my heart.

#dominic thiem #us open 2018 #helene writes

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sbknews · 2 years ago

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17th victory of 2022 for double WorldSSP Champion Dominique Aegerter

Aegerter won the final race of the 2022 season before stepping up to WorldSBK next year. Race 2 highlights - WorldSSP P1 – Dominique Aegerter (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) - Aegerter took the final win of the 2022 season to conclude his last race in WorldSSP. - Race 2 win was his 27th overall in WorldSSP, his 17th this season and he now holds the record for most win in a single season in the category. - In 2023, Aegerter will move up to Superbike with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. "I think we couldn't finish the season in a better way! We won the Championship three races ago. Both years we took the Teams' Championship, the pole position awards, the fastest lap! These two seasons were fantastic, we wrote some history. The race today was amazing. We were finally able to ride in dry conditions in the fantastic track at Phillip Island. There was some wind. I had a big battle with Caricasulo and Baldassarri, also with Bulega. I was trying to always stay in front. And once I saw I had a small gap I tried to push a little bit more so I can open the gap and that they couldn't overtake me on the slipstream. 17 races won in one season with 19 podiums is just amazing. Again, a huge thanks to the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha team, they did a fantastic job to keep me always fully focused on racing. The team did a super job to prepare the bike because to ride 24 races without any technical issues, it means they have a lot of experience and are very precise. Without them I wouldn't have achieved all of this! I will miss them next year, but we will have some nice celebrations together before I have the first Superbike test in mid-December."

P2 – Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing) - Caricasulo claimed second place in Race 2, bouncing back after yesterday’s crash in Race 1. - He finished the race 1.888s behind Aegerter and 2.637s ahead of Baldassarri. "After yesterday, I was so angry with myself. Everything was perfect but I missed only the last few corners. Today I wanted to be back on the podium. My target for this weekend was to give the team the first victory in World Supersport but yesterday was closer. I'm really happy about the weekend, we were fast in every condition, so I'm happy about that. To finish on the podium is important and I want to thank my team. We started from zero, with a new bike and everything new and now I think we have a very good level! My goal and the team goal is to stay together for 2023. The feeling is really nice with all the team, with Ducati. It's been a really nice year on the sporting and personal side!"

P3 - Lorenzo Baldassarri (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) - Baldassarri completed the podium for his last WorldSSP race before moving up to WorldSBK for 2023. - He finished his rookie season with four wins and 16 podium places. "A great way to end the season. We had a nice battle for the fans but then Domi made a small gap and we were struggling to catch him in the last part of the race. For sure, we ended the season in a very good way. Yesterday we had a wet race, today was a dry one at the best circuit in the world. I want to thank my team, to Yamaha and to all the people who believed in me this year. Now I can't wait to start a new challenge next year." Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) was fourth, finishing 7.287s behind Aegerter. Race 1 winner Yari Montella (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) finished in fifth place despite a Long Lap Penalty after a collision with his teammate. Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing Verdnatura WorldSSP) completed the top six. Wildcard Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto) finished in seventh place. He was followed by Australian rider Oli Bayliss (Barni Spark Racing Team) in eighth place. To note: Niki Tuuli (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was declared unfit following Sunday’s Warm Up session with stomach pain. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was the first retirement of the race after he had a collision with teammate Montella, with the incident placed under investigation by the FIM WorldSBK Stewards and Montella was given a Long Lap Penalty for his role in the collision.

WorldSSP Results Race 2 1. Dominique Aegerter (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) 2. Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing) +1.888s 3. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +2.637s 4. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +7.287s 5. Yari Montella (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +7.597s 6. Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura WorldSSP) +10.707s Championship standings (after Race 2 - Round 12) 1. Dominique Aegerter (SUI) Yamaha (498 points) 2. Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA) Yamaha (388 points) 3. Can Oncu (TUR) Kawasaki (264 points) For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport/ Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com Read the full article

#AUSWorldSBK #PhillipIsland #Pirelli #Tissot #WorldSSP #WorldSSP2022

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sheyrenawyrsabane · 8 years ago

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Hockey/Leverage!AU

1. Flower - First time Sidney hears of Marc Andre Fleury

“I don’t like change,” Sid says as he relaxes in his favorite chair, eating his customary peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Mario looks up from his tablet where he’s playing single-deal Solitaire (cheating) while supposedly having an “important” conversation with Sidney. “Really?” Mario asks, dry. “I didn’t know that.”

Sid casually flips Mario off, his heartbeat steady even though it still fills him with mild panic to be so familiar with Mario Lemieux.

Everyone in the business, and even people outside of it have heard of Le Magnifique. No one with a brain dares to cross him and people who think they’ll be the one to bring Mario down always find themselves in handcuffs at the end of the experience.

If Mario is feeling kind then he delivers the idiots to the local authorities.

If he isn’t; well, Sid’s still isn’t sure what happened to Adam Graves after Mario was done with him. Mario has never said where he left him, preferring to let whispers and rumors warn people off. Some say he dropped Graves in the Allegheny River and watched as he drowned. Others say he turned him over to the Russians as a show of good faith.

Reputation is everything in this business, and no one’s name carries more weight than Mario Lemieux’s.

He can’t be leaving.

He threatens it every once in awhile and sometimes even “retires” but as soon as there’s a threat in his city then he brings the crew back together.

Sid stopped believing Mario would retire after the third time he left, but this time is different. He has files of replacements for him as if anyone could replace Mario fucking Lemieux.

“Backstrom in Sweden does good work.” Mario says, tapping a folder.

“Fuck no,” Sidney says. He spins lazily in his chair. “Ovechkin’s part of his crew, and I like having an ocean between us.”

“He likes you.”

“I knocked out two of his teeth and he turned them into friendship necklaces. That’s creepy territory.”

Mario shrugs. “Price is settled in Montreal.”

“Too settled. He has PK and the Gallys, and even if they didn’t have Prusty as their hitter I would stay away. The Gallys are young.”

Mario grins. “Tough words coming from The Kid.”

“I’m not a kid anymore. Do you have anything local?”

“Like the States?” Mario asks.

“Like Pittsburgh.”

Mario’s grin grows, proud that Sid’s grown to love his adopted city. “It just so happens that I do. A former protege of mine. Marc Andre Fleury.”

“No,” Sid says. And then, in case that wasn’t strong enough, “Hell fucking no.”

“He’s not that bad.”

“He’s obsessed with explosives which is all well and good for him, because he’s never on site. I’m the one who has to worry about being blown up if I can’t clear a building fast enough.”

“We should revisit speed and endurance training then,” Mario says.

Sid glares at him. He’s run with Mario since their paths crossed on a job that had been double-booked. Sid knocked out Tie Domi, Mario’s hitter at the time, but the Lemieux crew ended up swiping the Monet first. And then, a couple days later, Mario showed up at Sid’s current lodgings with a job offer.

Sid’s grown used to having a crew, used to having people to rely on. He wouldn’t call them family, he has a family somewhere, a mom and a dad and a sister that he hasn’t spoken to in years. Sometimes, between jobs, he’ll swing by Cole Harbor to see how they’re doing. When he can, he leaves money for Taylor or he’ll have Duper hack into her Amazon and send her things off her wishlist.

His family still thinks he’s in the army. It’s better that way. What Sid does now is just as dangerous and sometimes, when a job is over, he feels better than he ever did behind a sniper rifle.

Mario’s expression softens into something more serious. “I’m done for real this time, Sid.”

“Heard it before,” Sid says, affecting boredom.

“I went to the doctor.”

Sid’s posture straightens as his gaze snaps to Mario’s.

“My heart,” Mario says, staring at an original Van Gogh he has hanging on his wall. “Nathalie and I, we’re ready to retire. I’ll play golf and make sure the kids all go to college.”

“Boring.” Sid turns his head so Mario won’t see the tears welling up. He’s sat across from Mario for dozens of these conversations, but this one is different. He might be telling the truth this time. This might really be the end.

“We’ll keep in touch, of course.”

“Yeah.” Sid shrugs as if he doesn’t care. He holds his hand out. “Hand me the Fleury file? We can’t let anyone move in on Pittsburgh, not after all the years you put in straightening it out.”

“Of course.”

#prettiest brickhouse there ever was #Shey's hockey fic #hopefully the inspiration will continue #this has been fun to write so far #leverage is a wonderful show and should be crossed over with everything #i don't actually know much about crime so...fade to black there #art too #haha

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thrashermaxey · 7 years ago

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Ramblings: Max Domi for Alex Galchenyuk, & If Tavares Leaves, Who Suffers the Most?

Please excuse any glaring errors tonight. My mind is nearly mush from the release of my Final Top-130 2018 NHL Draft Rankings on Thursday night. The time that goes into these rankings is astronomical. Fortunately, it’s a labour of love.

The MAJOR NEWS of the evening was another one-for-one deal done by the Canadiens. Boy, do the Habs ever love a straight up trade.

Fun fact: It was one year to the day that the Habs dealt Sergachev for Drouin.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Canadiens have acquired forward Max Domi from the Arizona Coyotes tonight, in return for Alex Galchenyuk. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHabsGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHabsGo</a></p>— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadiensMTL/status/1007799370232877056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

At first glance, it sure looks like Montreal paid an awfully steep price for a player coming off a nine-goal season – four of which came via the empty-net variety. However, it had become increasingly more clear that Galchenyuk was not in the long-term plans for the Canadiens. His inability to play the middle of the ice resulted in the organization overpaying to land Jonathan Drouin a year ago (another player who can't play the middle of the ice).

Domi and Galchenyuk are comparable in many ways. Galchenyuk is 24. Domi is 23. The two of them have played at virtually the same production levels in their young careers – both clicking at 0.61 points-per-game.

One thing is certain though, Montreal gave up the more dangerous goal-scorer. Domi has 36 career goals over 222 NHL contests – 0.16 goals-per-game. Galchenyuk has 108 in 408 games – 0.26 goals-per-game. Both players saw their shooting percentages dip last season, but Domi has never been much of a goal-scoring threat in the NHL. Meanwhile, Galchenyuk clicked at just 8.9 percent last season – between four and eight percent lower than any time in the prior three campaigns.

The other major difference comes via the cap implications. Galchenyuk has two more seasons at 4.9 million before hitting unrestricted free-agency. Domi, on the other hand, is an RFA without arbitration rights. Coming off a down season, his cost will surely be low. The Habs will very likely offer him a shorter-range deal at a reasonable number to control the costs and keep him as an RFA. Look for a two-year bridge deal.

It sure looks like Galchenyuk will continue to get looks in the middle of the ice in the desert too.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chayka on Galchenyuk: “He’s has success playing the center position. … I don’t think we’d make this trade if we didn’t think he had the ability to play center.”</p>— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) <a href="https://twitter.com/SWhyno/status/1007806996010192896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

The first thing that came to my mind when I read those comments from Chayka was, "What does this mean for Dylan Strome and Clayton Keller?"

If the Coyotes plan to line Gally up at centre, we'd have to assume it's in the top six. Derek Stepan seems like a lock to get the other top six pivot position in the short term. Keller played primarily on the wing next to Stepan last season but has long projected as a pivot. Strome played his season in the AHL, but has played the middle of the ice exclusively for years.

One of Galchenyuk, Keller or Strome won't be centres long-term. Could be beneficial for their fantasy value in leagues that count positions.

Regardless, I like this deal for Arizona and I love the direction they're trending. It's not a horrific deal for Montreal which has to be considered a step in the right direction. Right?

Hey, have you bought the Fantasy Prospect Report yet? Well, if you haven’t, you can grab it here. The guide is the quintessential tool to navigate any and all youthful endeavors in the world of fantasy prospects.

Here’s a snippet of what you can expect to get:

On top of the blockbuster, the Arizona Coyotes have made a couple of minor trades the last few days. Both deals saw them send a defender in exchange for a forward.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">OFFICIAL: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coyotes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coyotes</a> Acquire Helewka from San Jose in Exchange for Wood <a href="https://t.co/Ok6aIPB31Q">https://t.co/Ok6aIPB31Q</a></p>— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArizonaCoyotes/status/1007427501499379712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2018</a></blockquote>

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">TRADE: We've acquired defenseman Brandon Hickey from <a href="https://twitter.com/ArizonaCoyotes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArizonaCoyotes</a> in exchange for forward Hudson Fasching. <a href="https://t.co/6i9L3yIYhn">pic.twitter.com/6i9L3yIYhn</a></p>— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/1007390087154368517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>

Kyle Wood looked as if he might have some fantasy potential down the line after scoring 14 goals and 43 points in 68 AHL games as a rookie defenseman in 2016-17. He took a sizable step back last season for the Roadrunners though.

At 6’7 and 235lbs, the massive right-shot blueliner is a worthy gamble for the Sharks at just 22 years of age. Despite his size, however, he’s not even a boon in PIM leagues. He has just 34 penalty minutes in 119 AHL contests.

The other player who may have relevancy here is Hudson Fasching. The power winger has a history of piling up points at the NCAA-level but has bounced between the NHL and AHL the past two seasons never really finding his footing. He turns 23 this summer and is in need of an RFA contract.

He may be a player who needed a change of scenery and Buffalo facilitated it for him.

Fun fact: Brandon Hickey heads to Buffalo in the exchange and reunites with his former Boston University teammate, Jack Eichel.

The Senators actually did something right? I can hardly believe it. The team announced on Friday that Assistant GM, Randy Lee has been suspended effective immediately until his court ruling on harassment charges.

Lee has been charged with second-degree harassment of a 19-year-old hotel shuttle driver in Buffalo during the NHL combine weekend. He is due in court on July 6.

P-A Parenteau announced his retirement from hockey on Thursday. The feisty winger was a personified motivational speech for anyone who ever thought about giving up. Here’s a player who was drafted in the ninth round back in 2001. There isn’t even a ninth round anymore!

He scratched and clawed his way through 450 AHL games before finally securing a full-time NHL gig as a 27-year-old. His time next to John Tavares from 2010-2012 produced 38 goals and 130 points in 161 games. It’s amazing what chemistry next to an all-world talent can do for a guy.

Parenteau ended up accumulating over 19 million in career earnings. You’ve got to think he bought JT a dinner or two for helping bump that number up.

All the best in retirement, P-A.

Speaking of Tavares and his ability to elevate players around him. How devasting will his potential departure be for rest of the forwards on the Island?

The answer: Greatly.

Now, obviously, the loss of a franchise centre will hit his former wingers hardest of all. Anders Lee has been climbing the ranks of elite goal-scorers the last two seasons. His 74 goals over that span sit tied for fifth most with Auston Matthews. He trails only Alex Ovechkin (82), Patrik Laine (80), Nikita Kucherov (79), and Evgeni Malkin (75).

Lee’s evolution has been a carbon-copy of what everyone says of power-wingers –don’t give up on them too early as they take longer to develop. Having one of the best pivots in the game dishing you the puck in all-situations surely doesn’t hurt either.

Meanwhile, Josh Bailey has been slowly marinated for years, living in the 0.4-0.59 point-per-game range between 2008-2016. He then took a sizable step forward with 56 points in 82 contests in 2016-17 before exploding for 71 points in 75 contests last season.

That evolution coincides directly with his contact with Tavares. Up until 2014-15, Bailey saw virtually no ice-time next to the Islanders’ captain. In 2014-15, he earned 60% of his even-strength ice with Tavares and set a then career-high for goals (15) and points (41) in 70 contests. He spent most of his power play time on the second unit though– recording just four power-play points.

In 2015-16, he saw his five-on-five time next to Tavares dip to 30 percent and continued second unit power play time. The result: A dip back down to 32 points in 81 games.

2016-17 is when things started to heat up. Bailey played 75 percent of his shifts next to JT and saw 2:50 of top power play deployment. He set new career-highs in goals (13), assists (43), points (56) and PPPs (12).

At 28 years old, last season was another for milestones. Bailey played 73 percent of his even-strength ice next to Tavares, saw three minutes a night on the top unit and once again recorded career-highs in goals (18), assists (53), points (71), and PPPs (31).

Suffice to say, Bailey has only been viable as a fantasy option next to Tavares thus far in his career. It's difficult to imagine him replicating anywhere near his 2017-18 totals if JT leaves.

The Isles are blessed to have a replacement top line centre waiting in the weeds. Being able to slide Mathew Barzal up the depth chart won't make losing Tavares any easier, but it's a luxury that very few teams have.

I was asked recently how Tavares’ decision will impact Barzal. If he leaves, does the elevation up the lineup push the 20-year-old soon-to-be Calder Trophy winner into superstar status or does it hurt to lose out on playing with such a great talent?

The answer is layered. Tavares leaving will indeed force the upcoming sophomore into a top line role. He’ll be afforded the pick of the winger bunch. But does that mean he simply inherits Lee and Bailey?

It seems safe to assume will be Lee on the left side. His style is unique on the team and remains unchallenged for the foreseeable future. The right side is a little hazier. Jordan Eberle lined up next to Barzal for over 70 percent of his even-strength ice time last season and bore strong results. Barzal was on the ice for 41 or Eberle’s 49 even-strength points.

Maybe it’s Eberle bumping Josh Bailey down the depth chart next season. And that would coincide with Bailey’s need for Tavares to prop him up.

Back to the question at hand. If Tavares leaves, Barzal will become the number one priority for opposing defensive schemes. The kid is an amazing talent, so that focus was bound to come sooner or later, but the insulation Tavares provides at even-strength was massive in Barzal ripping it up as a rookie.

The second season can be daunting for some players, and losing the team’s best player and captain won’t help that out in any way for Barzal. For that matter, it won’t be too helpful for anyone on the Islanders.

Who knows, maybe we won’t even have to worry about all this.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">More on Insider Trading. Tavares is now focusing on negotiations with the Islanders on an extension. Daily discussions last two weeks…</p>— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/1007366670023843840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

I was on Sportsnet650 earlier this week talking about Olli Juolevi’s back surgery, Canucks’ prospects and the upcoming 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

I jump in around the 29-minute mark.

I took to Twitter for a couple questions to round out today’s ramblings.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top three coolest names in the 2018 draft.</p>— Colin Cudmore (@CudmoreColin) <a href="https://twitter.com/CudmoreColin/status/1007248918751731712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>

Blade Jenkins

Nando Eggenberger

Jett Woo

HM: Sampo Ranta

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Non 18 draft related: can only build your team around one of the following Russian goaltenders: Samsonov, Sorokin or Shesterkin. Who would it be and then who would rank 2 and 3?</p>— Core Four of 94 (@mcohen29) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcohen29/status/1007251932472279040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>

I’m taking Ilya Samsonov here.

Shestyorkin second and Sorokin third. It’s pretty close amongst the three though.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who are the best fantasy prospects outside the top 30 in the 2018 draft?</p>— Mike Karschti (@mikekarschti) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikekarschti/status/1007328815142580225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>

Depends on whose board you're looking at. The 20-40 range is an absolute blender this year. That said, from the “consensus” boards, you’re looking at:

Jake Wise

Ryan Merkley

Niklas Nordgren

Ruslan Iskhakov

Logan Hutsko

Jan Jenik

Kristian Tanus

Some deeper dives in there, but you get the idea.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Koneckny vs Zadina…. who provides the higher ceiling in goals over the next 3yrs?</p>— Ryan Crowells (@rcrowells) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcrowells/status/1007317668116946944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>

Usually, I’d say let’s wait and see where Zadina ends up, and that will play a role. However, I’m taking the talented Czech kid here. Zadina’s upside is very high. That’s not a knock on Konecny either. He’s a good player in a decent position.

That’s all for this week. Thanks for reading and feel free to follow me on Twitter @CrazyJoeDavola3

from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-rambling/ramblings-if-tavares-leaves-who-suffers-the-most/

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thepeakmoment · 8 years ago

Text

More Returns

Here's a superb podcast on Peaks. May 30 is the most recent episode. A great listen. Counter Esperanto Podcast: Tangents About Twin Peaks: 10th Secret: The Return

On Tue, Jun 13, 2017 at 1:53 PM, Dom wrote: I'll check it out tonight.

So my Diane prediction was on the fucking money.

I got another theory I'm working on.

Who's the mysterious billionaire? I heard some people say it may be Audrey Horne. I heard some people say it is Jack (John Justice Wheeler). I heard some people say it is Phillip Jeffries or Evil Cooper.

Put on your tinfoil hat for this one. The Billionaire is Leo Johnson. He lived through his spider ordeal. Then he took everything that Windom left behind (notes, computer files, other assorted Windom things) and built a criminal empire. I find it very hard to believe that the fucking casting director's son who was in the 1st two seasons and the fucking movie is NOT in this one.

The secret history of twin peaks tells us what happens to a bunch of characters like Leo. For instance Hank dies in prison. But not one word in the book about Leo? I got to believe that he lives and he’s not just a slobbering fool any more. I know this is probably not going to happen. But that's my theory.

I cannot imagine Leo is a rich billionaire — how did he make his money? A theory that makes sense I’ve heard on EW TP podcast that it could be BOB-Cooper attempting to catch Good Cooper if he ever left the Lodge. But really, I have no idea… not as of end of P7.

I like how Lynch-Frost are using all official Twin Peaks releases as canon to draw the narrative from — Laura’s Diary, FWWM, Missing Pieces of blu-ray edition, as well as many classic episode threads.

And like Erik, I KNOW, that Sheriff Harry S. Truman will make an appearance in this season. I feel it in my bones.

It’s looking grim for Harry — or rather, it sounds grim from Frank saying to Harry, “beat this thing.” But actually I can see Ontkean coming out of retirement to have a role toward the end of the series. I also (want to) believe Josie returning … maybe she’s the billionaire, but why would she make such a contraption mounted to the side of building?

On Sun, Jun 25, 2017 at 2:26 AM, Erik wrote: Good Morning Gents. Grab a cup a joe and settle down a minute. I got some backed up information for yous … << Starts Tape Recorder…. >>

Spot on is right Mr Domi. You got that Diane was Laura Dern AND that she drinks at the Pub we went to. I even want to say she is seated in the area of the bar that we were sitting at that night. Glad it wasn't raining when we went, "FUCK Gene Kelly, You mother fucker!!" LOL I love Albert, he is my favorite this season. (Location: Max Von's Bar = Casey's Irish Pub, 619 South Grand, LA)

So Episode 7 should have shut up all those whiner's and complainer's of Ep 6. There was a lot of hate on the internet, and even in our FB Group, about that episode. I was ok with it. I did not like the scene with the kid getting hit by the truck, but the scene ended with the Fat Trout Telephone pole, so I'm ok with it.

"Lynch has gotten flak for the male gaze in his work, but the problems go a lot deeper than lingering shots on female anatomy.…” Laura Hudson in Vulture.

Also in EP 6 we finally got two major new pieces of music from Angelo, not his best work, but still great to hear. The overall lack of his music is my biggest complaint this season in case I didn't make that clear.

When Johnny Jewel's Windswept first appeared, I thought that was Badalamenti finally debuting new music. I was definitely disappointed it was not Angelo, no disrespect to Johnny. But I agree with you Erik about no AB original score. That music is what made classic Peaks so memorable. I don’t get why Lynch is using such popular music. There really wan’t any such tracks in FWWM, it was Angelo’s music and further cemented Peaks as evergreen. Lynch is acting like Scorcese in the epic cinematic story… and he doesn’t need to. Marty did not have a Badalamenti in his arsenal. Lynch does. Please use him.

EP 7...There's a body alright.. is definitely the shit. Now we are cooking. Jerry!!!! Come out of it man... Lets get Ben and Jerry back in action, not disfunction. The diary pages, Annie's message from FWWM, Leland hiding pages, DIANE from hell! ... Bringing it all back home.

There’s a dark undercurrent with Diane and Cooper. All signs are indicating something very bad happened to Diane. I think BOB-Cooper raped her.

I wonder where Frank Truman was at the time of Laura's murder? He says he remembers Leland, her father, did it, but is not really familiar with the case. BUT why the heck is Frank not asking "So what is "the Lodge" you keep talking about?” Hawk?

The way Hawk talks so knowledgable about both Lodges and the way Frank does not question or disbelieve him, then it must be common knowledge among the indigenous culture. Wonder if Frank is a Bookhouse Boy?

Ancient Doc Hayward, kinda sad, but he was still funny. Did you catch his Skype name? MiddleburyDoc... Warren Frost was actually living in VT right? They probably actually did just Skype him and screen capture it…lol

I caught that right away about Warren Frost’s Skype handle. And no doubt, Frost stayed in Vermont to do his scene. That just recorded the screen.… I do miss Briggs. Yet he died long before Lynch-Frost’s three-year tenure writing the new story, they had plenty of time to work the presence of him into the story.

Briggsy.. Oh Major Briggs. how we miss thee. Should be interesting how this plays out. And When the hell are we going to go back to I bet the road where Andy is waiting to meet the Truck owner is up there at Frankln Canyon Pond.

The Dog Leg.... WTF? Is Joe McCluskey the guy that rigged the car and Mr C Killed earlier on? I do think the Psycho Little guy with the Ice Pick and Gun is kinda silly. Over the top for no reason. Oh well.… It's kinda silly also that no one has taken Dougie to the Doctor. Everyone just plays along. we have to suspend disbelief I guess.

OMG enough with the guy sweeping at the Roadhosue. Is this all the extra time he told Shotime he needed more money for to tell the story properly? lol and more music used in hundreds of shows and commercials. I love Booker T and the MGs don't get me wrong, but ... UGH I miss you Angelo... Also... Kinda weird to see Jean Michel... Did Jacque Renault have a twin brother? lol Mr. C and Ray getting out of Prison.. Bad stuff gonna happen. I think they might have used San Bernadino County Jail for this locaton. The Cell block Cooper is located on looks familar. I will compare some screen grabs from my Locaton and Publicity Photos we took for Beyond Scared Straight at that jail.

And beause they needed to pad the ending to get to the alloted running time... Back to the RR Diner for the end scene, and yet another over-used stock song they probably had to pay more to use than what they paid Angelo for everything. Plus, I liked that song better when they used it in the X-files episode “Home" but No, I'm not bitter.

General notes: Glad Naomi Watts has such a big part. She really owns her scenes. Wish Jennifer Jason Leigh was more present but Mr C just left Jail for somewhere... It's slightly brilliant how Lynch (but probably Frost came up with it) still has made Harry a character in the show. even if only on the phone and never even heard. I feel like Harry is there kinda. Also brilliant... Robert Forrester.... wow. Wish he was in the original or the movie. Not sure how I feel with Dern as Diane. I'll go with it and see what happens.

Outstanding questions for me....(cause I haven't been reading blogs or listening to podcasts)

What is up with all the Arthurian Legend references? Dougie lives on Lancalot Court, down the street from the Merlin Market. Janey-E meets for the ransom drop on the corner of Gueneivere and Merlin. And of course, Glastonbury Grove... Pete Martel: "King Arthur's burried in England!"

Why is it when Dougie puts his thumb up or his hand out to shake, he turns his body 180 degrees?

What is up with the creepy guy (from Mulholland Diner scene) in the Vegas Office? I can't seem to catch his meaning in the story line.

What is up with Cooper's Room Key from the Great Northern? If has finally made it back to Ben Horne...Soooo?

One last question... Did Lynch quit smoking? He made two references to people (Gordon Cole even) quitting. Did we ever even see Cole smoke in the series or movie? weird for him to say he quit when the character never smoked on camera. "You think about that Tammy."

On Jun 25, 2017, at 4:29 PM, Dom wrote: I think Frank Truman was a police officer in Seattle during Laura's investigation if I remember the book correctly. But I think that a "Sheriff Truman" has been in power for over 60 consecutive years now between the 2 brothers and their father. It sort of like there must always be a Stark in Winterfell.

To my knowledge that was the first time ever we have heard name Joe McCluskey. I have no clue who that is. But I have a feeling we will learn.

Yea, I don’t recollect Joe McCluskey. Gotta watch again to see if he first appears or is mentioned earlier.

I think Ike the Spike is either from the black lodge or an agent of the black lodge. Remember he smelled "funny" per the little girl.

Spike did look a little monstery, his teeth especially.

I actually loved that scene of the sweeping. I could just imagine everyone watching was freaking out and I enjoyed that. And I thought that Walter did some great acting while on the phone as Jean-Michel. "He owes me for two!"

That ending scene from the RR diner was weird as shit. Its either the worst continuity error of all time or something truly weird happened there. Completely different set of people dining there after David Lynch's son runs in and asks if anyone has seen Billy.

Lynch did not quit smoking. He, like Harry Dean are lifers.

Both Laura Dern and Naomi Watts are killing their roles. Both doing a fantastic job. I just cannot wait to see them come face to face over Dougie.

And MacLachlan! All his Cooper iterations are really well done. I love that BOB-Cooper character. Can’t wait to see what trouble he kicks up now!

My new tin foil theory is that we may be dealing with 2 Twin Peaks. Twins of each other if you will. I'm still working this one out. Different versions of the same town in different universes a part of a greater multiverse?

Did you notice Andy was wearing a rolex? Kind of weird.

…And he was supposed to meet the guy at 4:30. Is that one of the numbers from ????? ?

The guy from the Vegas office is working directly for Phillip Jeffries or whoever is pretending to be him IMO.

Don’t overlook the black soot guy walking in the hallway toward the female FBI agent in the morgue. I think it’s related to the guy next to Bill Hastings cell.…

Lots of Arthurian Legend stuff from way back when. I never got that. But its seems to be very important. I would love to go to Merlin's Market.

During the end credits from the last episode buried in the music is Windham Earle's theme mixed into the background too!!!!!

I might try headphones for tonight’s part to see exactly what sounds I miss. I know there’s a lot of low audible noise and rumbling that I don’t hear when our apartment is 86º and the fan is going.…

On Jun 25, 2017, at 8:10 PM, Dom wrote: Some last minute thoughts...

Yeah I agree about MacLachlan is killing it and should win an Emmy for best actor. Black soot guy is awesome and its the same dude for sure from the jail cell. Some people seem to think we have seen him a third time as a homeless man outside of Vegas at the Rachera Rosa is whatever it is called. I don't think that we did. I will need to re-watch that again. Another tin foil hat theory. On those three pages from Laura's diary she refers to knowing who it is and that its not Bob. At least everyone thinks she is referencing Leland. That is probably most right. However I am thinking that she is referring to an evil more powerful and sadistic than even Bob.Like whatever came out of the glass box and mutilated those younglings.

On Jun 25, 2017, at 8:17 PM, Erik wrote: > "Yea, I don’t recollect Joe McCluskey."

I am thinking if the guy in the diner eating food non-stop the whole scene with Ray and the chick Mr C shot in the head. Just before he kills her, he tells her "i killed joe, and the she freaks out, knowing the gig is up. The previous scene the eating guy "joe" does something to a car in storage and then cooper like squeezes his face for a whole minute. Could be McCluskey?

> "Lynch did not quit smoking."

Well, its mighty fine of him to send a non smoking message to all the youths. Considering Cole does not smoke, it is a conscious message.

> "All his Cooper iterations are really well done."

Yes, Kyle will def get an Emmy nomination. Dern and Watts will also I predict.

> “RR diner was weird as shit. Its either the worst continuity error of all time or something truly weird happened there.”

There are no accidents on a Lynch set. If an error occurs and he likes it he will use it. So who knows why he did it. On the same level as the windows flashing code on the FBI jet. He is throwing out decoys i feel.

> “then it (the Lodge) must be common knowledge among the indigenous culture.”

Then why the heck is Truman not like "well lets go up there" nor does Hawk tell him he was up in those woods when Log Lady last called.

> “Don’t overlook the black soot guy walking in the hallway”

Nope, I did not mention him cause i consider it another decoy. Kinda like the shambling being behind the diner in Mulholland Drive...never came up again. i am sure he will play a part at some point.

But i did forget to mention the playing card Mr. C showed the girl in the hotel bed before he shoots her. Aliens? Very well could be.

Have a good viewing. The damn internet saying EP 8 is extra noteworthy. Could it be Phillip Jeffries? Windom Earl? More Leland and Laura? (I actually doubt we will see either of them again). Audrey? Big Ed? They got plenty of options.

Cheers! ~G

Sent from the Black Lodge.

#twin peaks: the return #commentary #showtime

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wionews · 8 years ago

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A Canadian explains fighting in ice hockey for Indians

When I told my Indian colleague that in pro ice hockey players often punch each other in the face, he wouldn't believe me. I was amused, but understood his reluctance. Only one sport in the world allows fist fighting. Say what you will about relations between India and Pakistan, when it comes to cricket there are standards of behaviour.

Ice hockey is different.

In pro puck, fighting is supervised

After two players “drop the gloves”—both a euphemism for fighting and also something literally done so players can connect fist to face—they sit in the penalty box for five minutes. Players from both teams tap their sticks against the boards in a show of support, the fans cheer, and the fighters catch their breath. The five minute penalty they earned is a “major penalty”, opposed to a two minute “minor”.

But since one penalty offsets the other, no team is actually handicapped. That fighting is on the one hand considered “major” enough to warrant a longer penalty, yet results in no actual punishment sums up hockey culture's acceptance of fighting.

Also revealing in this regard is the ease with which the announcer switches from narrating a hockey game to a fight. And how the ref doesn't stop the fight, he supervises it, only intervening after there is a clear winner or when one or both parties seem tired.

Why do ice hockey players fight?

The basic logic: “Enforcers” protect skilled teammates. Ice hockey is an ultra-fast game played in an enclosed rink by rough men carrying wooden sticks. If a small, skilled guy can't score because players are hacking him, that's no good. Injuries and intimidation is built in to hockey. Formally, there are five ways a hockey stick can be used for assault: Cross-checking, tripping, slashing, hooking and spearing.

So if somebody messes with the skilled guy, the goon sorts him out. A dangerous man is a bigger threat than the referee's whistle.

Historically, this worked. The mild-mannered ,140-pound Wayne Gretzky scored 2-3 points a game for the Edmonton Oilers in the '80s. Any punk who laid a finger on him dealt with a bloodthirsty animal named Marty McSorley.

Fighting is like nuclear deterrence: Peace is maintained by keeping a lethal weapon inactive. Everyone knows nuclear warheads are dangerous, but no country wants to get rid of their own while other countries have them. Similarly, no coach wants to get rid of their fighter.

This explains why fighting is so hard to remove from the game, despite modern knowledge about the long-term effects of concussions. It also explains why each professional ice hockey team has at least one player who is noticeably bad at hockey.

The "staged" fight

In peacetime when fighting is unnecessary, so are fighters. So two enforcers will fight each other because they simply have nothing else to do. They need to remind the coach of their specialty. Indeed, their only purpose.

Sometimes, before a whistle you can see two players talking. The puck drops and immediately they go at each other. This is the staged fight, probably the fight most puzzling and unnecessary to outsiders. It seems like nothing has preceded the fight, but that isn't quite true.

Even totally useless, staged fights can totally change the momentum of a game. One team gets an adrenaline rush and the game is simply different after. This is sometimes reason alone to fight a guy.

Rivalries and score settling

Here is some accepted wisdom in hockey that makes no sense but still is basically a law: It's usually OK to slash someone, but if you slash someone back the ref will see and he'll whistle you for it. Retaliation is the sin, not the slash. So players will take down the guy's number and tag them good later.

It might be next period, it might be next season. It might be a nice legal open-ice hip check, a nasty illegal hit, or a fight. It depends. But what looks on the surface like only senseless violence may be just a reasonable, measured response to senseless violence.

"Face washing"

Sometimes, two pretty skilled guys bump into each other. They might skate away, but sometimes one gives a shove or a hack. The other doesn't want to take this silently; It signals he can be pushed around. So he shoves back, and things escalate until maybe punches are thrown.

Perhaps they only reach the stage just before a fight, which is the "face wash". When a player wipes another player's face with his open hand, that's a face wash. It doesn't hurt, it's just meant to be demeaning, to goad other players into taking a penalty by protecting their honour. They're common in post-whistle scrums. At the 0:28 mark here is a decent face wash.

Sheer goonery:

Lest we think fighting is rough but rational, often it is just brainless goonery.

The retired enforcer Tie Domi--the prototypical meathead goon, bless his heart--used the term "old time hockey" to describe the time he punched a fan in the face. Video of this incident is posted below, as proof it happened and because it's insane. I watched this game live on TV, and while it seems incredible to me now on several levels, it made sense at the time, just a natural expression of my own hatred for Philly and their fans.

youtube

Sport's parallel to nationalism

I used to be a maniac fan watching games on TV by myself, screaming obscenities in response to grievances mostly imagined. I would stomp around and freak out. I've never punched anybody in my life, outside of ice hockey. I was a lunatic. Canada has many such lunatics.

Athleticism can be valued for its own sake. Its elegance, imagination and skill is ravishing. The comaraderie as a team grows together and accomplishes their mission can be beautiful. Sports are great!

But some fans support their team as rabidly and blindly as nationalists do their country. People form allegiance to their country and their sports team often for the same reason: They were born there. Rival countries interpret the same historical event in the exact opposite way, like opposing fans arguing about whether a play was offside after watching the exact same replay.

They both often have a superficial love manifested in the fanatic embrace of symbols (a team logo, a national flag, the myths of each). On the other side is hate for certain teams or countries. Both sides are toxic.

There's overlap in the underlying forces causing conflict between countries and sports teams. Self-identifying with a nation or sports team often carries a germ that warps perspective and creates endless antagonism. With countries it can lead to war. In hockey, to fist fighting.

My derangement

I have experience being deranged. My Leafs met the Ottawa Senators in the playoffs four times in five years between 2000-'04. I mean it, I hated everything to do with Ottawa. When the Weather Channel reported a storm hit Ottawa, I cheered. This is not an exaggeration, I have a specific memory rejoicing at a weather report.

Being a hockey fan was the closest I've ever got to being racist. Until a few years ago I spelled Ottawa Senators without capitalising either proper noun. The improper grammar stung, but I could not show that team any respect.

I have grown up. Notice, I used capital letters back there. I let go of my hate. I don't "Other" players or teams. Now I have the good sense to understand that, just like people are people wherever country they're from, so every single NHL player is obscenely rich, disgustingly young and physically gifted.

This past April I watched my Leafs play playoff puck for the first time in years. The hockey was great, but I was silent and enjoying it. I didn't want Washington Capitals players, our opponent, to die. I cheered for the Senators even. The Leafs lost, life went on.

Macho tradition vs modern science

If a hippie pacifist weenie like me can be brought to a near murderous rage by hockey, no wonder strapping farmboys brought up in a hyper-masculine war culture to value self-sacrifice and ferocity end up fighting people.

But hockey culture is changing. We know about the long-term impact of concussions now. Fighting is in decline. Even if it isn't entirely eliminated, "rock 'em sock 'em" hockey isn't in vogue. Fighting is less glorified and this is slowly changing the culture.

The rules have changed in recent years to promote skill, not brute toughness. It's welcome. The game has markedly improved. According to hockeyfights.com, in 2002 season, 42 per cent of games had at least one fight. Last year, this was down to 25 per cent. Progress!

But call it nostalgia, I can't help feel some fondness for the old rough stuff. If today it seems crazy that hockey still allows fighting, 90s and early 2000s puck was really crazy.

Here are a few wild, classic samples of NHL players dropping the gloves.

Exhibit #1-Goalie fights--Felix Potvin vs Ron Hextall, 1993

youtube

Exhibit #2--Goalie + forwards + defenceman fight--Detroit vs Colorado, 1997

youtube

Exhibit #3--"The Brawl", all Ottawa vs all Philadelphia, 2004

youtube

(WION)

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