Darren DuPont’s Moose Droppings!
Welcome back!
1. ROUND 2 – We are into the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs and the nights are getting long and the mornings short. I love it, my sleep schedule does not. Either way the first round was unbelievably good round two is already running full throttle. My predictions: Edmonton, Winnipeg, Florida, Carolina.
2. GAME 7 – We were treated to a pair of game 7’s that were two of the best in a while to close out round one. The Winnipeg Jets win will go down as an all-time great game. The drama of the comeback, blowing a series lead to get to game 7, and the goalie battle from the Four Nations Faceoff all combined for some incredible theatre. I get the feeling that Canada is collectively rooting for the Jets more than the other two and why not? They’ve got new life!
3. ESPN – Canadians got to see ESPN’s full coverage of game one between Washington and Carolina. That also included the panel where Chris Pronger joined Mark Messier. PK Subban, and Steve Levy. I love seeing the other panels and comparing the product. Speaking of that series, it’s already feeling like the one that none of us will pay much attention to even though game one ended with some suspense.
4. CANADA – Three of the four series have a Canadian team in it. That’s pretty good. In Winnipeg they are ready to get going against the Dallas Stars. There’s a chance that game 7 win could spark something in Hellebuyck to turn his game around. Here’s hoping!
Earlier this week Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf was listed among three finalists for the Calder Trophy as rookie-of-the-year. I don’t think he’ll win it but he is definitely worthy of the honour.
5. WORLDS – When was the last time you were genuinely into the World Championships? It’s usually a group of players we know but not the Tier 1 talent we see at the Olympics and recently at the Four Nations. For me it’s been a while since I’ve followed it closely but that all may change this year.
6. REUNION– First, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon both chose to represent Canada and play. Then, this week we find out Marc Andre Fleury will push retirement a couple of weeks and join them. I’m not sure if Fleury will play or if he will be a backup but this creates some major interest. Canada’s first game is Saturday morning at 6:30am ET.
7. NHL Notes – Congrats to the New York Islanders on winning the draft lottery on Monday. Don’t make the mistake of passing on Matthew Schaefer. I love the way that kid plays… Should there have been a suspension on Sam Bennett? No, but probably a fine. Just can’t do NOTHING when it comes to head contact…
8. COACHING CAROUSEL – Mike Sullivan and Rick Tocchet were both let go by their respective clubs but both are expected to land new gigs in short order. When this happens it’s usually a case of simply needing a change but also shows how highly thought of these two are. Joel Quenneville’s name is also coming up and it feels like he will be on a bench in the fall. Speaking of openings, we are seeing Mitch Love’s name come up among the candidates to land one of these jobs. Love is currently an assistant with the Washington Capitals.
9. TRAINING CAMP – CFL players are on the field this week and camps officially opening in just days. This snuck up on all of us but I’m getting more excited by the day. I think about players and coaches in new homes, and then the Grey Cup in Winnipeg and I start to get really excited for the season. I think once camps open the chatter will pick up too.
10. RANDOMS – Why do the Oilers have to be asleep to start games? They are practically unbeatable though when they turn it on. Frustrating… I can’t stop watching clips of Tennessee Titans rookie QB Cam Ward work at Titans rookie camp. It’s always fun to see how draft picks and young players will pan out. Yes, most are busts but that’s the beauty of it… The Canada West football schedule is coming. A structure of it is out there and it kicks off the final week in August. Before you know it we will be in September… Drive as fast as you want just signal and tell me where you’re going… It’s ice coffee season. Pro tip is the Alani chocolate protein drinks from Costco with a couple shots of espresso… Watching the Oilers/VGK in game one it made me think I need to get back to Vegas. It’s been years since I’ve been and I’m over due… If it’s true Connor Bedard declined a spot on Canada at the Worlds how do we feel about this? I don’t think it’s a story but it could have helped his chances of playing in Italy.
Until next week,
DD
