Stormin Norm's Ramblings

BEING WRITTEN OFF:OFTEN NOT WORTH THE PAPER IT’S PRINTED ON.

Tue, 03 May 2011 22:08:40 GMT

There is absolutely nothing sweeter in life, than being an underdog in almost anything, whether it is professional sports, or something relevant to one’s own personal life, and then showing all the doubters and prognosticators, how useless and obsolete their predictions and evaluations were.

I have been through this in my career recently, and I can tell you that overcoming the odds when they are stacked against you, in any scenario, is one of the most rewarding life experiences one can have. It is a feeling that you can’t buy, and can only be realized through first hand experience.

I suppose that special endeavors, like climbing a mountain, or achieving supremacy in sports or any profession, would also generate this kind of satisfaction, for those who have lived the reality of being an underdog for whatever reason.

Even before I started my career, I had to beat the underdog tag. The first time I applied to Syracuse University, I was declined, because the scores on my Graduate Record Exam ( know as the G.R.E. ) were well below what the school and most other universities would accept. As opposed to rolling over and giving up on my goals, I applied and was accepted into the University Of Windsor, in graduate communications. After scoring a high “B” average that year, I re-applied to Syracuse, and the Dean of the program I was applying to, Dave Berkman, decided that my grades and letters of recommendation from professors at Windsor, were sufficient to convince him that I could be successful at S.U. He was right in his assessment, as things turned out. I graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School Of Public Communications, at Syracuse University, with a 3.25 grade point average,( scored out of 4 ), which would translate into a high “B” average. That’s not too bad of a score for a one time reject.

I was determined, blessed, and most fortunate to get on the air in Toronto, the 4th largest media market in North America, in 1992. At that time, I was already 37 years of age, and had almost no on-air experience, with a background as a producer. However, I was determined not to take no for an answer, and I didn’t. I applied to the program director, at the soon to be launched, Fan 590. At the time, it was Alan Davis, and for some reason, he liked the way I presented myself, and the way I sounded on a demo reel. With hardly any experience on the air, I had become a sports radio talk show host, and a significant part of the footprint of The Fan 590, in the southern Ontario and Toronto radio landscape, creating strong name recognition for both The Fan 590, and myself, as “Stormin” Norman Rumack, “The Late Night Vampire”, the additional title that I created for myself. I didn’t quit before that opportunity arose, and I haven’t given up on myself in the face of any adversity since then, no matter what the circumstances.

Similarly, I enjoy supporting sports teams that are not the favorites of most fans, and my media colleagues. The clubs I follow and support, are the EPL’s Chelsea Blues, the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, and of course my alma mater, Syracuse University, with the football and basketball Orange teams.

The vast majority of soccer fans in Canada, support Manchester United, Arsenal , or Liverpool, along with others who like some of the Spanish or Italian club teams.

The Chelsea Blues had a strong start to their 2010-2011 season, went through an awful slump along with injury problems in the fall, and slowly turned themselves around after the new year. They were mostly written off, as having any chance to maintain their Premiership title from last season. Through determined efforts, and refusing to listen to the deafening doubters, the Blues still have a remote chance to maintain their title, if they can somehow get a tough road win against their very skilled opponents from Manchester United, at Old Trafford next weekend. Blues captain John Terry, in a recent interview with espnsoccernet.com, spoke of the same spirit in professional sports, which I identify with in all aspects of life. “ There have been times when they (Manchester United) were running away with it. United were 15 points clear ( as of March 1) at one point which I thought made them out of sight, so to get it down to three points shows what we’ve done. We certainly never give up and this is the ideal situation for us……If we go there and lose , then fair play to them, but they know we’re certainly capable of going there and getting a result. The manager’s done the right job, kept the players hungry, and all the supporters have been like that as well – they’ve never let us give up and think it was over.” Chelsea have won eight of their last nine games, although they lost two games to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, in Champions League quarter final play in the past two months.

The Blues may come up short in their quest, however, just the fact that they were able to climb back into the race and have this opportunity, is in itself a testimony to never quitting, as spoken by the reinstated captain of England’s national team, when most others dismissed this possibility as nothing more than a hallucination

When the Syracuse Orange won the NCAA men’s basketball championship at the 2003 Final Four in New Orleans, they overcame the label of chokers, as did the Indianapolis Colts, in winning the 2006 Super Bowl, which took place in February of 2007. The Tampa Bay Rays made it to the World Series in 2008, before losing to the eventual champions, the Philadelphia Phillies. Considering they were a last place team for more than a decade, it was a monumental achievement for manager Joe Maddon and his high character, very athletic squad, which he took over in 2006, when they were still at the bottom of the baseball standings.

Labeling people, or groups of individuals, is often easy for others. It can simplify life for those who want everything they see and observe, to be categorized instantly. This enables them to feel smart, because they think that they have an answer for everything and anything.

What those applying the labels often overlook, is that these adjectives, are only words that with few exceptions, as in psychological or psychiatric analysis, are as temporary and relevant as yesterdays newspapers. Much like the ones on food items, labels placed on individuals also expire,quite often through the determination of those who are on the receiving end of the convenient titles, applied by those in desperate need of instant and often inaccurate identification.

I’ve been on the receiving end of some of those labels. I know exactly how inaccurate and useless they are, and how much fun it is, to make those applying them, seem as ignorant as they usually are.

NORM’S SECOND ROUND NHL PLAYOFF PICKS:

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:22:11 GMT

NASHVILLE VS VANCOUVER

I wrote in my preview of round one of the playoffs, that for the Canucks to beat the Blackhawks, it would require that Roberto Luongo overcome his past poor performances, and that of his teammates, against last season’s Stanley Cup champions. He and most of the Vancouver roster struggled horribly after gaining a 3-0 lead in the series, with Luongo being pulled during games 4 and 5, as well as being benched at the start of game 6. With all the pressure of a seventh game, at Rogers Arena, the former Florida Panther puck-stopper, did just that. He was simply brilliant, and the work ethic of the entire Canucks crew was inspiring. Even after surrendering a late third period goal to the Hawks, the “Nucks” never waivered, and prevailed with sheer determination, and a bit of luck in the overtime period.

In facing the Nashville Predators, Vancouver is dealing with the Barry Trotz coached club, that thrives on tenacity. They are not a star studded team, beyond defenseman Shea Weber, and goalkeeper Pekka Rinne, who like Luongo, is also a nominee for the Vezina Trophy. The Blackhawks had as tough a series with the Predators, on the way to their 2010 Cup win, as they did with San Jose, Vancouver, or even the Flyers in the final.

The Canucks will have their hands full with plucky Predators. Vancouver has more skill, but Nashville never quits on anything under any circumstances.

Coach Alain Vigneault and Vancouver, managed to overcome the Blackhawks after two troubling postseasons of disappointments, but now they are facing a team that might be just as frustrating to play against, in a best of seven series.

The Canuck will need the same solid and smart hockey that got them past Chicago, and a parallel of their previous persistence, to put away the Predators.

Vancouver will win in seven games.

NORM’S NHL SECOND ROUND PLAYOFF PICKS

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:21:04 GMT

WASHINGTON VS TAMPA BAY:

The Lightning almost seem like a new team, under the leadership of general manager Steve Yzerman, and coach Guy Boucher. The acquisition of veteran goalkeeper Dwayne Roloson, owner of the best playoff save percentage so ( .949 ) in the postseason as of this moment, was a brilliant move by the former longtime captain of the dynastic Detroit Red Wings. It is not surprising that Yzerman would make wise moves in his first year on the job, considering that he was groomed for the job, by two of the smartest hockey men, in terms of Wings executive vice-president, Jim Devellano, and general manager, Ken Holland.

Bruce Boudreau realized that for his star studded team to become a Stanley Cup winner, they needed to improve at the defensive part of the game. They can score as well as any team in the NHL. The change in their style of play has been obvious to even the most casual of hockey fans. It was particularly noticeable in their first round match with the New York Rangers. Michal Neuvirth has the best goals-against-average ( 1.38 ) thus far in the playoffs.

This could be a tough seven game series. That’s exactly what I’m predicting. With the experienced and clutch goalkeeping of Simcoe, Ontario native, Roloson, the Lightning upset the Capitals in the overtime of game seven.

GOOD ON GARY

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:46:38 GMT

NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman, is not exactly the most popular person in the history of the National Hockey League, and certainly not in Canada.

Most hockey fans, based on false information, blame him for the departure of both the Quebec Nordiques,as well as the Winnipeg Jets. The truth of the matter, is that no Canadian citizens or corporations, made offers to purchase either team from their respective Canadian owners at the time ( Marcel Aubut-Quebec, Ben Haskin-Winnipeg ). The Canadian dollar was very weak in contrast to the American dollar at the time, and player salaries were being paid in U.S. funds. Obviously, team revenues from tickets were in Canadian dollars as well, so it is easy to see how small market Canadian franchises might get into financial difficulties, and especially in the smaller cities, that don’t have access to major corporate support, as would have been the case at that time, in the mid nineteen-nineties. The net result, was the Jets moving to Phoenix,and the Nordiques relocating to Denver. Blaming those scenarios on Bettman, was absolute ignorance, and yet there are still some who think like that, and don’t want to acknowledge the true facts, as stated above.

The Commissioner also worked hard to keep other troubled franchises in their original cities, including Ottawa, and Buffalo.

It was Bettman and Harley Hotchkiss, former chairman of the Board Of Governors of the NHL, (1995-2007) and part owner of the Calgary Flames, who formulated the “Canadian Assistance Plan”, in which money was given by American NHL team owners, to the struggling Canadian franchises at that time, like Edmonton and Calgary. Hotchkiss has acknowledged in an interview I conducted with him on The Fan 590 several years ago, that without this supplemental funding, both teams would have gone out of business.

As for adding additional Canadian teams to the NHL, it is the board of governors who ultimately decide on that. It seems that Winnipeg is destined to regain a franchise at some point in time. The NHL owners would not have a problem with that move, because of the city’s history in the league, and that franchise would not jeopardize the well being of any other existing team, as would be the case if a team was to be relocated to Hamilton, Ontario, a desired location for many fans, media, and some entrepreneurs. A new or transplanted franchise there,would certainly bring about the demise of the Buffalo Sabres, who rely quite heavily on Canadian fans for their consumer base. It is highly unlikely, that the Toronto Maple Leafs would ever approve of a team being located there, without some major financial compensation. A possible compromise on that issue,which would be acceptable to the league’s board of governors, and would have to be worked out with the Maple Leafs, would be a second team in Toronto. The NHL’s American based owners, feel that they can draw fans in their arenas, with a team that has the name “Toronto”, as opposed to Hamilton, which would be unfamiliar to most American hockey fans, who don’t seem to turn out as much for games against Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, as they do for Toronto and Montreal.

Gary Bettman took a lot of criticism from both fans and media, regarding the lockout, which terminated the 2004-05 season, before it got started. The labor dispute ended in a crushing defeat of the NHL Players Association, however, the settlement created a hard salary cap, which has risen every year since, leading to greater spending on contracts. There has never been more parity in the National Hockey League, in terms of the standings in both conferences, as there was this season. This is a direct result of the salary cap.

Some fans and media, like to frequently blame Bettman for all that is wrong with the National Hockey League, but there is almost no objectivity in analyzing his work, and acknowledging the areas where he has helped the league, it’s teams, and those who follow the NHL.

NORM’S NHL FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF PICKS

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:56:22 GMT

ANAHEIM VS NASHVILLE:

The Ducks are loaded with talent. Corey Perry had 98 points, Teemu Selanne: 80, Ryan Getzlaf: 76, Bobby Ryan: 71, Lubomir Visnovsky: 68. Conversely, the Predators are stacked with high character players, who buy into coach Barry Trotz’s system, and deliver a solid work ethic against any and all opponents. Just ask the Chicago Blackhawks about their playoff round last year. It was as challenging of a series, as any the Hawks experienced, on their way to winning the Stanley Cup. Their most high profile players, are defenseman Shea Weber, with 16 goals, and 32 assists, in 82 games, along with goalkeeper Pekka Rinne, who registered 33 wins, 22 losses, 9 OTL, as well as a 2.12 GAA, and a solid .930 SV%. The Predators are overdue for a long playoff run.

Nashville wins in 7.

NORM’S NHL FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF PICKS

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:47:59 GMT

DETROIT VS PHOENIX:

With a run of 20 straight playoff appearances, and 4 recent Stanley Cup championships, the Wings are a dynasty. As long as they can avoid devastating injuries, and get decent goalkeeping from Jimmy Howard, they are always a threat to win the Cup. There is no team that they can’t beat. Henrik Zetterberg is currently sidelined with a left knee injury, and it is not yet known, when he will be available. Detroit coach Mike Babcock is one of the best in the business, as his track record indicates. Coyotes bench boss, Dave Tippett, is highly respected throughout the NHL, and is known to be a brilliant strategist, who inspires his athletes with his insights and knowledge of the game, that amazes even the very experienced veterans.

Wings win in 6.

NORM’S NHL FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF PICKS

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:22:16 GMT

CHIGACO VS VANCOUVER:

There is not much analysis required here for most hockey fans. It is very simple to break down. The Canucks have everything needed to win the Stanley Cup this year. The only question that remains about them, is if Roberto Luongo, can play at the top of his game, against the Blackhawks, who shattered his confidence the last two seasons in the playoffs, and made him look very ordinary. Whether the Hawks can even come close to being as pesky in front of the Vancouver net, as they were a year ago, without Dustin Byfuglien, a vital role player for them in last year’s playoffs, who was acquired by the Thrashers last off-season, is doubtful, and especially with Chicago having squeezed into the playoffs on the last day of the regular season, with the help of the Dallas Stars. The Hawks seem to be a shadow of the championship squad they were a year ago, primarily because of all the players, including Byfuglien, who are no longer with this year’s club, due to salary cap issues.

Vancouver wins in 6.

NORM’S NHL PLAYOFF PICKS- FIRST ROUND

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:51:30 GMT

PITTSBURGH VS TAMPA BAY;

The Pens did an amazing job of surviving injuries, especially losing Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. They have an incredible system set up, so that all the players in their organization, at every level, understands the systems that they use in every situation, so any player who is promoted to the Pittsburgh from the minor leagues, knows exactly what is expected of them in any and all situations during a game. Even the words they use are identical for anything involving strategy or systems. That would largely explain why there was so little drop off in their play, after they were hit with the losses of their franchise players. Steve Yzerman, made a brilliant move, in acquiring Dwayne Roloson. He has had Stanley Cup finals experience with Buffalo in 1999, carried the Oilers on a lengthy playoff run a few season ago, and has had more than a few games,where he has faced 60 or so shots on goal. He has also had international exposure, playing in world hockey tournaments for Team Canada. This has the makings of a hard fought, and very close series. Marc-Andre Fleury helped lead the Pens to their Stanley Cup win a few seasons ago.

Pittsburgh wins in 7.

NORM’S NHL FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF PICKS

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:10:11 GMT

CAPITALS VS RANGERS: Bruce Boudreau might have trouble keeping his job, if the Caps are upset victims in this series. A hot goalie can make that happen. Washington is a much better team on paper, but New York has stronger goalkeeping, with Henrik Lundqvist ( 68 GP, 36 W, 27 L, 5 OTL, 2.28 GAA, .923 SV% ). The Caps goalkeeping isn’t bad, but they have less experience. Michael Neuvirth stats are certainly respectable. (48 GP, 27 W, 12 L, 4 OTL, 2.45 GAA, .914 SV% ) Washington has improved it’s penalty killing, moving up from 25th last year, to second best this season. Colorful Coach John Tortorella, is also outspoken, and sometimes tough on his own players, as he was in leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to their Stanley Cup championship in 2004.

Capitals win in 6.

PHILADELPHIA VS BUFFALO: The Flyers are the better team, but the Sabres have been on a roll since they introduced their new owner, who is dedicated to doing whatever it takes, to help the Sabres become a Cup contender. Ryan Miller is one of the best goalkeepers of the last decade. This season, he still carried a heavy load: ( 66 GP, 34 W, 22 L, 8 OTL, 2.59 GAA, .916 SV%.) Even the backup, Jhonas Enroth, has been superb over the final few weeks, in helping the Sabres secure a playoff spot. ( 14 GP, 9 W, 2 L, 2 OTL, 2.73 GAA, .907 SV%) The Flyers goalkeeping has also been good. Sergei Bobrovsky record overall is good:( 54 GP, 28 W, 13 L, 8 OTL, 2.59 GAA, .915 SV%). In terms of rock solid franchise blue liner, Chris Pronger, his status is still undecided, in recovering from a broken hand.

Flyers win in 7

BRUINS VS CANADIENS:

It doesn’t get much better than Tim Thomas matching up against Carey Price. Both are capable of stealing a series on their own. Thomas had 35 wins, 11 losses, 9 OTL, 2.00 GAA, .938 SV%. Price had 38 wins, 28 losses, 6 OTL, 2.35 GAA, .923 SV%. Boston has a big advantage in size and strength, while Montreal is a faster team. If the Bruins stay out of the penalty box, they have a good chance of wearing down the Canadiens. Over the season, the Habs were 4-2 against the “B”’s. Boston prevailed in their last meeting, 7-0, and pummeled them physically as well.

Boston beats Montreal in 7.

KINGS VS SHARKS:

Even with a healthy roster, Los Angeles would have a tough time with San Jose. Both goalkeepers are very good, with Antti Niemi having led the Hawks to a Stanley Cup championship last year. Jonathan Quick is also solid between the pipes, with his record of 35 wins, 22 losses, 3 OTL, 2.24 GAA, .918 SV%. The Kings lost Anze Kopitar to a broken ankle, late in the regular season. In 75 games, he had 25 goals, 48 assists, and was also a + 25. Without the 6-3, 227 pound centre, L.A., will be overwhelmed against a stacked San Jose squad, that is deep enough to win the Cup, and lost to the Blackhawks last year, in the Western Conference final.

Sharks win in 5.

ANOTHER ‘ENDLESS SUMMER’ FOR LEAFS FANS

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:36:20 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2004, the season before the year long lockout by the NHL. It is precedent setting with each and every passing season. They did provide some optimism after the All-Star break, when they managed to close the gap between themselves and the 8th spot, and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference of the league. The blue and white had trailed by as many as 14 points in early February, and pulled to within 4, but as has been the case since the lockout ended, it was too little too late.

The major difference with the 2010-2011 club, is that they now appear to have enough skill on their roster, and some prospects, to at least have a team that can stay in the middle of the pack of the league. The Leafs certainly don’t have a lot of skill, but at least enough to stay where they were in the final third of the schedule.

James Reimer,( 20-8-5, 2.51 GAA, .923 SV% ) the goaltender who was drafted by previous general manager John Ferguson, now scouting with the San Jose Sharks, has shown that he can keep his team close in games, and make several clutch saves, that may enable his team to steal some games. At the same time, there is no question, that the better teams in the league with snipers on their roster, were scoring on his glove side, and over his shoulders in general. The teams without these type of skilled players were not able to take advantage of what appears to be an area of vulnerability for the Winnipeg, Manitoba native. It remains to be seen if he can improve on that weakness, and how Reimer adjusts to the constant challenges of this type, similar to what young pitchers go through in Major League Baseball.

Phil Kessel ( 80 GP, 30 G, 32 A, –20 ) is a very streaky sniper, with 40-50 goal potential, if he had a consistent front line centre, who seriously lacks on the defensive part of the game. For most NHL teams, he would be considered a first line player, but at the same time, is not considered by scouts or other hockey decision makers, to be a franchise player, a tag that fits Crosby, Ovechkin, Toews, Kane, Doughty, Hall, or Mike Richards. He can’t carry a team on his back, like they do. He is the only Maple Leaf that would be classified as a first line player. Mikhail Grabovski, ( 79 GP, 29 G, 29 A + 15 )Nicolai Kulemin,( 80 GP, 30 G, 27 A, +9, also drafted by John Ferguson ), and Joffrey Lupul, ( 52 GP, 14 G, 16 A, –11 ) when he’s healthy, are legitimate second line forwards. Clark MacArthur, ( 80 GP, 21 G, 41 A, –2 ), is a third liner, with second line potential, when his is producing consistently. Nazem Kadri is a player who scouts still like, and is thought to have second line skills, as he continues to mature.

Luke Schenn ( 80 GP, 5 G, 17 A, –6 ) is a stay at home, number 4 or 5 defenseman on a good team, which the Maple Leafs are not at this stage. So his profile is much higher because of that. Dion Phanuef ( 63 GP, 8 G, 22 A, +0 ) also played much more effectively after the All-Star break, and was able to utilize his shot from the point on the power play, with greater accuracy. He didn’t make as many defensive miscues in the final 6 weeks of the season, as he had earlier on in the year. It is still puzzling as to why the Maple Leafs were in such a hurry to appoint him as captain of the team. There was no need for it. They could have gone with three alternates, until someone emerged, which still may not have happened.

Keith Aulie ( 38 GP, 2 G, 0 A, –1 ) and Carl Gunnarsson ( 66 GP, 4 G, 16 A, –2 ) are also considered to be 4th or 5th defenseman, in terms of how other teams would rank them. After trading Tomas Kaberle to Boston, the Maple Leafs have no one who remaining who is on a par with him, in terms of his overall skill.

Having traded their lottery pick first round choice last year to Boston ( Tyler Seguin ) in the Kessel trade, along with their second round pick from last June, as well as their own first round selection for 2011, Toronto has gambled heavily on the 23 year-old Madison, Wisconsin native. Most scouts expect Seguin to become a star in the league. Toronto has acquired some late first round picks for the June 2011 draft, through transactions with the Flyers and Bruins, but are unlikely to find any franchise players at those points in the pool of talent.

The decision by the ownership of the team, and that directive does allegedly come from the very top of Maple Leaf Sports And Entertainment, to avoid the traditional and proven way to build a consistent championship contender, by bottoming out for a few years and collecting high end first round draft picks, will deny the Maple Leafs the opportunity to consistently challenge for a Stanley Cup. It is a proven strategy, in terms of success, as has been the case with the Penguins, Capitals, Blackhawks, and the most successful team over the last twenty years, the Detroit Red Wings. They have only traded first round picks, when they were close to contending for the Cup. They weren’t willing to sacrifice high end picks, for a quick fix, or another athlete other teams had given up on, while they were still in the rebuilding process.

The fact that not every team does well in the draft, is a reflection of their scouting skills, not a statement about the reliability of the draft itself. Just ask the men who assembled the cup winners in Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Chicago.

Separate and apart from the management strategy for constructing the team, the one thing that is certain about next year, is that for Maple Leafs fans, the honeymoon is over. They will no longer be accepting of, and they shouldn’t be, a club that only plays good hockey for one third, or one half of the season. Now that the club has teased their supporters into thinking that they are climbing the ladder in the Eastern Conference, the expectations and demands of the fan base, along with the objective hockey media, will be much, much higher. For the far fallen fan favorites with most Canadian NHL faithful, it will be time to put—up or shut-up.

For those who think that M.L.S.E. will likely fire either Ron Wilson or Brian Burke, as native New Yorkers would say, ‘forget about it’ !!! With the coach’s salary said to be near $1.8 million per season, and the general manager’s, allegedly at $3.25 million a year, there is no way the Teachers Pension Fund will pay out the value of those contracts, and then hire replacements, who would also be quite expensive, if they have any kind of strong background, that would qualify them for those high profile, prestigious positions.

For the fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, it is the start of, to borrow from the sixties surf band, The Beach Boys, another ‘endless summer’.