SCRUFFY’S THIS N’ THAT
Welcome to Friday and the usual thoughts running through my muddled mind. As always, they come in no particular order:
–Can someone get the Vegas Golden Knights some diapers after they soiled themselves in Game 7? Choking away a 3-0 lead midway through the third period and losing in overtime was bad enough, but this team than lacked the fortitude to look in the mirror and blame themselves.
Yes, the Knights got royally hosed on what should have been a minor penalty to Cody Eakin on the Joe Pavelski injury instead of a five-minute major. They didn’t. Deal with it. It’s like they have never been on the positive end of a bad call. They didn’t deal with it as they gave up four, yes FOUR power-play goals and then they still had almost a period to win it in overtime and didn’t. That isn’t the fault of the referees or the NHL, it is the fault of every player and coach on the bench. Perhaps we should place the blame on Mark Stone who turned the puck over at the blueline leading to Barclay Goodrow’s goal. That would be too easy though right? Those damn officials probably shouldn’t have counted Cody Eakin’s 2nd period goal either, but no one was complaining then right boys?
–It was only fitting that Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs ended with an overtime game. What a first round it was. It will be very tough to match that whether it be this year, next year or the year after that. What we have found again is that all you have to do is get in and you have a realistic chance at winning the Stanley Cup.
–What team comes out of the Western Conference? I am thinking we see a St. Louis vs Colorado Western Conference final and I would have to go with Colorado. That being said, one would think Jordan Binnington beats out Phillip Grubauer in the goaltending battle. The bottom line is who knows? A Twitter poll I put up Thursday asking what teams you think will come out on both sides ended up seeing Boston and St. Louis. Why not!
–Jim Hopson is heading to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. It had to be a no-brainer. What Hopson did for the Riders during his decade as president/CEO is immeasurable. We are going to Mosaic Stadium 2.0 to watch the green-and-white play because of Hopson’s efforts to make this team the CFL’s elite franchise. He may have come around at the right time, but he has to be given a lot of credit for making the team what it is today. We will never know what someone else might have done on the job, but I am guessing the same results wouldn’t have been achieved.
–What will the 2019 Riders miss more? Chris Jones the head coach or Chris Jones the defensive co-ordinator.
–When is Jon Ryan going to make a decision on what CFL team he will be calling home? I would be shocked if the Regina native isn’t doing his thing for the Riders this year. If the money is right, how could he not “come home”?
–Speaking of JR – Canada West is starting a Hall of Fame. It begs the question as to what U of R Cougar athletes/people should go to the conference HOF. Just off the top of my head, I would say Chris Biegler, Cymone Bouchard, Noah Picton, Jon Ryan and Dick White. I would also add the late Crystal (Heisler) McGregor to that list. I know there are many more who would be deserving. I also go why hasn’t Canada West had one before?
–Patrick Mahomes is the cover boy for Madden 20. He is one of the NFL’s brightest young stars. What young star (under 27) would you put on the cover of a CFL video game?
–There is a lot of excitement for Vladimir Guerrero Junior as he prepares to make his major league debut for the Blue Jays. The game’s top prospect will be on full display on both sides of the border tonight. Some believe he isn’t physically ready as his weight is a concern. I guess we will find out starting tonight if this guy is “it” or not. I just hope the hype isn’t too much for him.
That’s all I got. Have a great weekend!
