After watching two epic and unforgettable games last weekend, it is time again to raise a couple of topics.

 

On Saturday, the Canadian Men’s Junior Hockey Team scored a brilliant 6-5 semi-final victory over Russia, and while that game was going on, the San Diego Chargers eliminated the Indianapolis Colts 23-17 in an overtime thriller.

 

During these two contests, I was coaching high school basketball, so I didn’t have a chance to watch the conclusion of either match live; however, I was fortunate to tape delay the games without knowing the final score.

 

Although Canadian hockey and San Diego football fans were obviously delighted with the outcome, let’s not overlook the ending in both.

 

Initially, I believed it would be difficult to surpass the excitement of the preliminary game between Canada and the USA (a 7-4 Canada come from behind victory with two empty net goals). However, the Canada-Russia match was a “Hart” stopper. In light of this, I still felt cheated that this game ended in a shootout. I know I have been on my soapbox about the shootout in the past, but this issue needs to be readdressed.

 

When Canada’s Jordan Eberle somehow found the spark to tie the game 5-5 with 5.4 seconds remaining this match truly earned the distinction as a classic. In my opinion, it was more compelling than the Canadian 5-1 gold medal triumph over Sweden. It was like watching a thrilling Stanley Cup playoff game, with one marked difference-NO SHOOTOUT. Yes, there was a 10 minute overtime session, but let’s get serious, this was like a tease.

 

Okay, let’s remove the emotion from this equation; it is safe to assume that most Canadians were delirious that Canada won, even in a shootout. I believe this script would have been more exciting if the two sides played until one team scored. We will never know the amount of extra periods that would have ended this blockbuster.

 

Like it or not, hockey fans have accepted the shootout as a way of ending regular hockey games, but the semi-final of a World Junior Tournament should be treated differently.

 

Do you remember when Wayne Gretzky set up Mario Lemieux (who scored in double overtime for Canada) in one of the three 6-5 games during the 1987 Canada Cup ? That series today would not have the same kind of life-long ending had it concluded in a shootout. That kind of magic moment was taken away from all of us.

 

Meanwhile, football fans also lost the magical ending when the Colts were defeated by the Chargers.
San Diego won the toss in overtime and scored on its first possession. In other words, league MVP, Peyton Manning, didn’t even touch the football.

 

Again, this NFL overtime breaker may work in the regular season, but it’s a farce during “crunch time”. One can argue that this method is like winning a tip off in the NBA, scoring right away thereby closing the match. I realize football and basketball are different sports but I think you understand my concept.

The NFL needs to modify this post-season rule so that one extra (10 minute) mini quarter is played. If still tied, then a sudden death score should determine the winner as long as each team has at least one opportunity to get the ball on offence.

 

My ideas may not be original but they are practical, and if it makes a playoff game better, then a change should be made, regardless of who makes the suggestion.

 

 

 

“It isn't whether you win or lose; it's how you lay the blame.”Drew Curtis of Fark.com, after the Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs following a 44-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

 

“Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is lobbying for the next Winter Classic and says it should be international because from her window she can see that Russia has a pretty good team.”Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

“Maple Leafs center Matt Stajan was sidelined with blurry vision after he was struck in the eye by an errant shot — while playing foosball. Team officials quietly suggested he stick to much less-dangerous pursuits like, maybe, ice hockey.”Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times 

“Conservator commentator Ann Coulter is currently slamming Michelle Obama for her sense of style. Isn’t being slammed by Ann Coulter for your style like being slammed by the Toronto Maple Leafs for your performance?”Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

“Charles Barkley was busted for DUI, but explained his driving to the police officer by saying he was in a hurry to get oral sex. Alas he’s about eight years too late for a last minute presidential pardon.”
Janice Hough

 

“Charles Barkley, who's also had issues with gambling, was arrested for DUI. He's pulling a Daly Double.”Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

 

“Golfer John Daly has been suspended for six months from the PGA tour. Which means he will now have to find something to keep him busy on Thursdays and Fridays.”Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)

 

“Matt Millen, principal architect of the 0-16 Lions, provided color commentary for the playoffs last weekend. I guess NBC has a new zero tolerance policy.”Bill Littlejohn


“First Lady Laura Bush said that her husband’s presidency has not been a failure. Then she said that the Detroit Lions’ season has not been a failure and that the Delorean could still be a darned good car.”Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/