I am not a big fan of parity because it represents mediocrity. My preference is one or two dominant teams that one either loves or hates.

 

Miami currently represents that big name team in the NBA, although dominant is too strong a word until Lebron leads the Heat to a title(s). The Canadiens of the late 70’s, or the Islanders of the early 80’s, and the Oilers of the mid to late 80’s, are the last of the NHL dynasties that we likely will not see again in our lifetime. Everyone it seemed had a strong opinion on these aforementioned powerhouses.

 

The NHL has reached a point where parity has never been greater. Here’s the latest example. In the first round of the playoffs, a number one to number eight Conference seed all won, but a number one to eight seed lost as well. #1New York Rangers, #2 St Louis, #3 Phoenix, #4 Nashville, #5 Philadelphia, #6 New Jersey, #7Washington and #8 L.A. all advanced to the conference semi-finals. On the other hand #1 Vancouver, #2 Boston, #3 Florida, #4 Pittsburgh, #5 Detroit, #6 Chicago, #7 San Jose and #8 Ottawa were all eliminated. Yes, unpredictably adds intrigue and gives everyone hopes, but also suggests that the regular season has little significance outside of earning one of the 16 playoff spots.

 

In the NBA, an 8^th seed like Philadelphia or Utah has virtually no chance of winning a championship, compared to the NHL where an 8^th seed like LA can ride a hot goalie like Jonathan Quick to a Cup Final. Think about this; it’s a problem when very few hockey enthusiasts outside of the local market are indifferent and don’t really care who wins and who loses in the Western semi-finals. Are you going to lose sleep if St. Louis falls to L.A. or Nashville comes up short against Phoenix? All four teams play a boring defensive style and wait for a break. The lack of star power on these four hurts the game in the long run. David Backes led the Blues in regular season points with 54, tied for 74^th in the league. Martin Erat was the top Predator with 58 points, a resounding 63^rd. The Kings scored 194 goals, one of only two teams below 200 (Minnesota was the other with 177). The Coyotes are only in this position because of their goalie, Mike Smith, who was a Tampa back-up and a journeyman until this year. Granted there is star power in the East, but overall there is little broad appeal not having marquee  teams in the 2^nd round with multiple stars like the Penguins, defending champion Bruins, Blackhawks, Red Wings and yes, the Canucks.

 

I’m sorry but the Blues are bland and so are the Darryl Sutter coached Kings, the Predators and Coyotes. None of those four has ever won the Cup and the fact one will make it all the way to the Finals causes no reason for celebration. Playoffs should get more exciting each round. It actually works that way in the NBA, but this year is a prime example that after a terrific opening round, all the NHL now has to offer is a “Case of the Blues”!

 

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I do not have any more insight than the next guy about where Roberto Luongo will be traded to, but it certainly will not be to a Western Conference team. Luongo has stated he will waive his no-trade, but he still has a say about which team he goes to.

 

Columbus needs a goalie but Luongo will never agree to go a rebuilding team where its best player (Rich Nash) desperately wants out.

 

Chicago certainly needs an upgrade over Cory Crawford, but the Canucks would not deal with a conference rival that they dispise. The last thing Vancouver would want would be to see Luongo come back to Rogers Arena and eliminate them from the playoffs.

 

There really aren’t many other Western destinations, although Luongo is better than the starters in San Jose, Colorado, Dallas and Edmonton, but Canucks GM Mike Gillis will not play with fire and send him to a team in the West.

 

The strong Eastern possibilities include destinations such as Tampa and Toronto. The Leafs should make a serious pitch, but I suspect Gillis won’t do Brian Burke and Dave Nonis any favors. The Lightning make the most sense since they need a starting goalie more than any other team and have plenty of assets to offer in a deal.

 

The dark horse is New Jersey. If Martin Brodeur retires, and that’s a big “if”, I would consider the Devils prime players in the sweepstakes. After all, by acquiring Luongo, New Jersey will obtain a new number one man in the crease, and they would be obtaining the “Devil” they know, rather than the “Devil” they don’t.

 

Psychologists claim over 75% of people feel a need to punish themselves for perceived failures. In a related story, Roberto Loungo is willing to be dealt to the Maple Leafs. 

 

Denver Broncos wideout Eric Decker got engaged to country music star Jessie James. Even she was an easier catch than any of Tim Tebow’s passes. 

Amar’e Stoudemire apparently punched a glass fire extinguisher after the New York Knicks’ Monday loss to Miami. He did as well against the glass as his team did against the Heat.

What’s the difference between Albert Pujols and Amar’e Stoudemire this spring? Stoudemire has at least proved he can hit with power.

 

 

I heard that the Knicks had a smashing time in Miami. 

 

 

Amare Stoudemire will not only miss the playoffs, but faces a flagrant foul against Smokey the Bear.

 

 

On the career RBI list, A-Rod has passed Willie Mays. That’s like Kate Smith being passed by Lady Gaga. 

 

 

 

Former CFL wide receiver Brad Smith will be the first contestant on The Bachelor Canada TV Show. The show has a nod to the CFL when Smith takes his dates to McDonalds and a walk thru a park as his dream date.

This is the 1st time a female from a reality TV show can truthfully answer "I love him for more than his money".

Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgaryhttp://smacksport.blogspot.com

 

The Memphis Grizzlies blew a 27 point lead in their playoff game with the LA Clippers. Who do these guys think they are, The Vancouver Grizzlies?

New rules in B.C. will no longer allow motorcycle riders to wear helmets known as skid lids, skull caps and beanies. However, if you are from Saskatchewan, you will still be allowed to wear a watermelon. 

 

 

 

Poker legend “Amarillo Slim” Preston died at age 83. There will be a graveside service at the end of which he’ll go “all in”.

Comedy writer Jerry Perisho http://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/