Commentary: How Nice

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Wednesdays are for Random Thoughts on this Commentary. Let’s get to em!

#1 – Game 1 of the Battle of Florida didn’t disappoint — if you’re a fan of the Florida Panthers. Sam Bennett scored 3:44 into the first period and the Cats never really looked back, cruising to a 6-2 victory over the Lightning in Tampa Bay.

It was a long drive over and back from our South Florida home, but the results seemed worth it. As for Lightning fans, they left the arena in shock.

#2 – I looked up from my press box seat and you wouldn’t believe who was sitting beside me — none other than the great Scotty Bowman. He’s number one in career wins (1,244) and won a record nine Stanley Cups as head coach and five more working in front offices.

At age 91, he’s making his home in Sarasota, FL now and we had a lonnnnnng talk. About everything. But you know what struck me the most? I couldn’t believe how nice he was.

And furthermore, if the greatest hockey coach of all-time can be so nice and give time and a photo to a nobody like me, why are there so many jerks in sports?

It costs nothing to be nice.

#3 – Waiting on confirmation, but it appears new CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston will appear on the RP Show on Friday. Stay tuned.

And #4 – We’re all awash with the Stanley Cup Playoffs – and for good reason – but I’ll be fired up for the NFL Draft by the time Round 1 rolls around Thursday night from Green Bay.

The story of how Green Bay landed the role as hosts of this year’s draft is a fascinating one, and very reminiscent of the 1995 Grey Cup in Saskatchewan. Remember the old slogan, “Huddle Up In Saskatchewan”? I do. Like it was yesterday.

NFL fans will be coming from all over the country – about a quarter million they’re guessing – but there are only 5,000 hotel rooms in Green Bay and 10,000 in the area. They’ll be coming in RV’s, tents, and staying with friends.

What a league.

That’s today’s Rod Pedersen Commentary.

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