Stormin Norman Rumack

The Atlanta Thrashers Associate General Manager discussed the Team Canada roster exclusively with latenightvampire.com, just after it was announced this afternoon. He thought the toughest decisions for Steve Yzerman and the hierarchy were the omissions of Martin St.Louis,  Brad Richards, and Steve Stamkos. There are several players who Dudley is as familiar with, as anyone working in the National Hockey league.  Dudley was with the Lightning when Dan Boyle was on their blue line as a Stanley Cup winner, and recalled how assistant coach Craig Ramsey, now in the same role with the Boston Bruins, worked with him in developing Boyle’s defensive game. Dudley, the former Sabres power forward, is particularly keen on Dan Boyle’s character attributes. Specifically, he admires the Ottawa native’s desire to be “the guy” in pressure situations. He says the Sharks defenseman wants to have the puck when everything is on the line, and responds very well when the heat is on.  Dudley says that Boyle always had the “jam” in his...

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Team Canada for 2010 Olympics looks like a great team; Canada's juniors not nearly a sure thing

It’s tremendous for hockey in this country, that Canada has been a gold medal contender since the inception of the World Junior Tournament.  Even though there are some years when the color may change to silver or bronze, the point is that Canada always has the potential to be considered a gold medal favorite. This is a credit to the elite coaching and development in this country, that begins right at the grass roots of the sport, in communities across this great country.

Having said that, what is not a credit to hockey, or the World Junior Tournament, is having teams getting destroyed on the scoreboard, as we’ve already seen in this year’s version of the annual holiday event.  I am aware of the argument that countries trying to develop the sport need a stage for their youngsters, and exposing them to the best might help them progress. If this tournament is ever going to grow to the point where it ever becomes popular outside of Canada, which is not the case now,then the organizers will have to re-think...

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It doesn’t get much stranger than the Saturday night Toronto- Montreal game, at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs dominated the second and third  periods. They got off to their usual slow start, falling behind 2-0 in the first 5 minutes. On the first goal, Gustavsson failed to grab a rebound on a man advantage for the Habs. Scott Gomez took advantage of the opportunity. Very shortly after that, Tomas Plekanec beat “The Monster” on a breakaway, with a high shot over the shoulder, after Gustavsson went down early on the play.

Once the second period began, Montreal stopped working.  The Habs were outshot by 17-5 in the second period, and 16-8 in the third period. It must be painful for any of the Canadiens greats from decades ago to watch this current edition of the NHL’s most decorated franchise. It’s hard to believe any professional team can just punch the clock and fill time ,like the Canadiens did for two periods on Saturday night. I’ve seen some bad Montreal hockey, as we all have,the last few years,...

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CHARGERS AT TITANS; The Tennessee turnaround is one of the best stories this season. Having said that, the Chargers are, for the most part, playing as well as anyone. San Diego is an eye popping 6-1 on the road, and the Titans are a very respectable 5-2 at home. I think this game will go right down to the wire, with the Chargers winning by a field goal, 33-30.

BILLS AT FALCONS; Another disappointing Buffalo season is winding down, and although Atlanta isn’t perfect at home, they are pretty tough in their dome, at 5-2. The Bills are 3-4 on the road. I like the Falcons to win 28-17.

CHIEFS AT BENGALS;  With the tragedy the Bengals have gone through, I’m certain they will be as focused as can be on winning this game, against a vastly inferior opponent. Cincinnati is 5-2 at home, while the Chiefs are 2-4 on the road.  Cincinnati 38- Kansas City 10

RAIDERS AT BROWNS; Oakland has shown a little bit of grit and character on the field recently. They are 3-4  away from home, while Cleveland is 1-5...

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It’s amazing how well Dwayne Roloson is playing goal ( 12 wins, 7 losses, 5 OT losses, 2.87 G.A.A., SV% .908 in 24 games).  I don’t get to see all of his games, but when he plays against the Leafs, at times he looks like a one man show. To be fair, that sounds like a shot at the rest of the Islanders, and it’s not meant to be. There’s a lot to like about that team. Their young players hustle and John Tavares, ( 16 goals, 12 assists, 38 games) as promised, has been showing super star potential.  Matt Moulson’s ( 15 goals, 11assists, 38 games) well documented story is an inspiring one of never giving up on your dream, and Kyle Okposo ( 5 goals, 18 assists, 37 games) appears to be a hard working type, based on what I’ve seen in their games with Toronto. The big learning curve for this team, will be much smaller,  when they can start playing with poise in the third period, especially when they have a lead or are involved in a close game. Their lack of confidence was painfully evident in their game at Toronto, when...

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What a waste it is, for the Minnesota Vikings to be completing their regular season, with a rediculous public confrontation between Brett Favre and Brad Childress. Their are reasons to side with both the coach and quarterback in this situation. If Childress wants to protect Favre because Julius Peppers is abusing the Vikings with his domination, as he did in their recent game, then that is a smart thing to do. The Vikings have at least one playoff game to prepare for, so with Favre being 40,and having a very good season, why risk injury ,even with the Vikings being ahead by one point in a game. It’s just not worth losing a quarterback like him to injury, if he’s not being adequately protected by his linemen. It is surprising that Favre doesn’t understand that, or at the very least, he doesn’t accept it. If if he vehemently disagrees with the coach, this is the sort of dispute that should remain behind closed doors. What is accomplished by making this more public than it already is ?

I’m not saying that...

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There's finally some optimism for Maple Leafs; world juniors are great holiday tradition

so much talk about head hits in hockey and helmet to helmet hits in football but lets make sure of one thing.