NHL TOP 30

TOP SHELF

1) Boston Bruins - The B's earned 23 of a possible 24 points in their last 12 games. What a run. Its safe to say the Cup champs are back, and probably better than ever. The Bruins are licking their chops as a home and home with the Leafs is next, with first place in the Northeast division at stake.

2) Pittsburgh Penguins - 8 points and a plus -7 rating for 87 but, most importantly, 7 points for the Pens in the 4 games since Crosby's comeback. Crosby's return has also sparked Evgeni Malkin, who has looked brilliant in the last 4 games, also tallying 8 points.

3) Detroit Red Wings - Gaining two points against the Bruins in November alone, is worthy of a top 3 ranking. The Wings have won 5 straight, including that shootout win over the Bruins, propelling themselves back to the top of the Western Conference. With some worry about the Wings stars and their age, youth is beginning to emerge, led by Valtteri Flippula, who has 4 goals in their last 3 games.

4) New York Rangers - Going into last night's game against the Pens, the Rangers had given up just 29 goals at even strength in 20 games. That defence may get even better soon, as Marc Staal has begun skating, progress in his attempts to return from a concussion.

5) Philadelphia Flyers - The Flyers have proven they are a much different team when Chris Pronger is out of the lineup. They will be pressed to maintain their ranking near the top of the NHL East with Pronger missing 4 weeks when undergoing knee surgery. His absence is likely to add fuel to fire that is an ever growing goaltending controversy brewing in the City of Brotherly Love.

6) Chicago Blackhawks - The Hawks played their first home game in 16 days last night, hosting Phoenix. The Hawks have already played a Western Conference leading 14 road games, and will be looking forward to continuing their success in the United Center (7-1-2), with 10 of their next 14 at home.

7) San Jose Sharks - The Sharks have lost two straight, but still remain in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. However, the Sharks have been a one line team this year, especially as of late. Consider these stats; Logan Couture has just 1 goal in his last 8, Ryane Clowe hasn't scored in his last 10 games and worst of all, Martin Havlat has just one goal all season.

8) Vancouver Canucks - Quite the situation between the pipes for the Canucks. Coach Alain Vigneault remains firm in his stance that Roberto Luongo is the number 1 goalie in Vancouver, despite the fact that Cory Schneider got his 6th straight start last night and was the second star last week in the NHL. During that stretch, the Canucks have won 5 straight. Its definitely a problem, but a good one to have.

9) Toronto Maple Leafs - You have to think Brian Burke is kicking the tires on acquiring Bobby Ryan, the player Burke drafted just one spot behind Sidney Crosby. But is he needed? The Leafs offence has looked better than ever under the Burke regime, sparked by Connolly reuniting with MacArthur, creating some 2nd line offence. Meanwhile, Kessel continues to roll, and leads the NHL is All-Star voting.

10) Phoenix Coyotes - The Coyotes will welcome Kyle Turris back to the lineup this week after ending his holdout and signing a two year deal with the Desert Dogs. Reportedly, Turris was asking for upwards of three million per year, but settled for an average of 1.4 million and missed two months worth of pay. Turris needs to seriously reevaluate the negotiating skills of his agent.

MIDDLE OF THE PACK

11) Buffalo Sabres - The Sabres sealed the fate of Bruce Boudreau when an AHL-like Sabres lineup, as nine starters were out with injury, beat the Capitals 5-1 over the weekend. The Sabres were able to exercise some demons despite the shootout loss to the Bruins in a scrappy, fight filled affair and can now move forward. 


12) Florida Panthers - Minus Jason Garrison and the top line, the Panthers don't have a player with more than three goals. The Panthers lost both in a home and home with the Lightning over the weekend, but still remain atop the Southeast Division.

13) Dallas Stars - Kari Lehtonen out at least three to four weeks with a groin strain? Apparently not a problem when you have Andrew Raycroft as a backup. Raycroft was spectacular backstopping the Stars to a 3-1 win over the Avalanche in his first appearance in relief of Lehtonen.

14) St. Louis Blues - Ken Hitchcock is off to the best coaching start in St. Louis Blues history, leading them to a 7-1-2 record since taking over. But the real reason behind the Blues success is the play of Brian Elliot, who is a mind-boggling 10-1 this season with a ridiculous 1.31 GAA.

15) Minnesota Wild - After a tough weekend, in which they lost ground in their divisional lead with losses to the two Albertan teams, the Wild bounced back with a win over the Wild. Cal Clutterbuck has been promoted to the top line along side Koivu and Heatley, fuelling the Wild with his league leading third shorthanded goal.

16) Edmonton Oilers - Taylor Hall insists he won't change the way he plays, but the fact of the matter is that the way he plays will cost him 2-4 weeks, as he is sidelined with a shoulder injury. In his absence, the Oilers top line of Smyth, Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle will have to conintue to be one of the NHL's best. Jordan Eberle is starting to steal some thunder in Edmonton, just a point off the team lead.

17) Los Angeles Kings - Terry Murray shook up his struggling lineup and got a big win over San Jose. Mike Richards has been on a tear with 11 goals on the season and Jonathan Quick recorded his 4th shutout. Drew Doughty has just 7 points and is a minus -3 in 19 games. The Kings need more from their Norris trophy finalist if they hope to hang around in the West.

18) New Jersey Devils - The Devils have picked up 16 points in their last 12 games, certainly heading in the right direction. The improvement however, cannot be attributed to the improved play of Ilya Kovalchuk but to the impressive penalty killing of late, vaulting up to the top spot in the NHL at a sparking 94%.

19) Washington Capitals - Out goes Bruce Boudreau, in comes Dale Hunter after the Caps  picked up just three wins in their last 11 games. Alex Ovechkin finally got his wish with the axing of Boudreau and better start playing better to justify it.

20) Nashville Predators - The Preds started an important road swing with a 2-1 win in Edmonton which put the brakes on a 4 game losing streak. Anders Lindback won his first of the year in Edmonton and gave Pekka Rinne a well deserved rest. But what Rinne really needs is more offensive support.

BASEMENT

21) Montreal Canadiens - Max Pacioretty's 3 game suspension makes room for highly regarded prospect Louis Leblanc to make his NHL debut. Eric Cole is warming up but the big news is that Andrei Markov's return should come later in the week.


22) Tampa Bay Lightning - Two wins, which featured strong goaltending performances by Mathieu Garon, and two losses for the Lightning this week. With firings in Washington and Carolina, Guy Boucher is the longest tenured coach in the Southeast division.

23) Ottawa Senators - A quiet .500 week for the Sens. Erik Karlsson's great season continues. Zach Smith has chipped in offensively and physically, Nikita Filatov gets another tryout for top line duty and Sens fans continue to stuff the All Star ballot boxes.

24) Winnipeg Jets - With points in 4 of their last 5 games the Jets continue to climb from a turbulent takeoff. Kyle Wellwood generates offence and Andrew Ladd is back to last year's form with 9 points in his last 9 games. The Jets will have plenty of home cooking with 13 of the next 15 at the MTS Centre.


25) Calgary Flames - A convincing win in Minnesota stopped the bleeding on a 1-3 road trip. The acquisition of Blake Comeau isn't expected to turn things around. Jarome Iginla reiterated his desire to stay in Calgary but the trade flames are being fanned in Southern Alberta.

26) Colorado Avalanche - A third period explosion Saturday against Edmonton was the first positive news in awhile for the Avalanche. Erik Johnson has been a major disappointment so his replacement Stefan Elliott picked a good time to make an impression by scoring the GWG against the Oilers.

27) Carolina Hurricanes - They couldn't fire Tomas Kaberle so the Hurricanes dispatched coach Paul Maurice instead. We blame Kaberle and Eric Staal more for the Canes woes. Kirk Muller will get it turned around but this season is lost.

28) New York Islanders - The Islanders are the NHL's lowest scoring team, shutout 3 times in the past 7 games. The loss of Evgeni Nabokov hasn't helped. Michael Grabner and Travis Hamonic are eligible for the sophomore slump club. Owner Charles Wang has given GM Garth Snow and Coach Jack Capuano his vote of confidence. We're just not sure for how long.

29) Anaheim Ducks - When is it rock bottom for the Ducks? Anaheim has now lost 16 of its last 18 games. Its been an horrendous first quarter for captain Ryan Getzlaf. Now the vultures are circling in case GM Bob Murray makes a panic move and trades Bobby Ryan.

30) Columbus Blue Jackets - The Blue Jackets are slowly emerging from the wreckage of their disasterous start going 4-4-2 in the past 10 before Tuesday night's game in Vancouver. If they can improve on their 1-7-2 road record an escape from the dirty 30 rank might be in reach.

ROOKIE COACHES, CAPS HUNTER, CANES MULLER

It was Black Monday for two NHL coaches as Bruce Boudreau and Paul Maurice were given pink slips. Joining the NHL head coaching fraternity are Dale Hunter in Washington and Kirk Muller in Carolina.

The hiring of Hunter in Washington is not a huge surprise. Hunter is one of four players in Capitals history to have his number retired by the Washington franchise. A fierce competitor over his 19 year career, Hunter racked up over 1000 points and over 3500 penalty minutes. He has also established himself as one of the most successful coaches in junior hockey. Hunter’s London Knights have won a Memorial Cup, and he has a .691 winning percentage at that level.

The compelling question as Hunter takes over in Washington; will that track record in junior translate into NHL success? There are more than a few reasons to believe the jury will be out for a while on this one. The London Knights are one of the CHL’s “have” franchises. In the Hunter era in London the Knights have averaged over 9,000 a game giving the franchise more financial clout almost any other team in the CHL. In recruiting, drafting and dealing with agents, the Knights have deftly exploited their position of power to build powerhouse teams. The Capitals have talent but the NHL playing field is far more level.

Often Hunter’s teams were unleashed without much system or attention to detail but had too much talent for opponents to handle. Star players like Corey Perry, Patrick Kane and Sam Gagner were allowed to play full 2 minutes on the power play. Not unusual for a junior team. But does Hunter do the same with Alexander Ovechkin at the next level? It wouldn’t be the first time but aren’t the Capitals tryig to get away from that?

Washington has placed a premium on defensive hockey this season. How much defensive hockey did Nazem Kadri learn in London? Not enough to be NHL ready to be sure.

Hunter’s combative presence could intimidate officials at the OHL level. He will have a commanding presence behind the Capitals bench but that demeanor won’t influence NHL officials.

It’s also interesting to note that in the heat of stretch runs and playoff battles brother  (Knights GM) would join Dale on the bench to help stabilize things. It will be interesting to see who Hunter leans on when the fire gets hot in Washington.

Perhaps most interesting will be how Hunter handles the media; a duty he has chosen to ignore regularly at the Junior level. Hunter will be required to deal with the NHL media and, when things aren’t going well in Washington, media sessions may make some of John Tortorella’s media confrontations look like Mister Rogers reruns.

This isn’t to suggest that Hunter can’t be a success in Washington. As a player and a junior coach he has displayed the ability to do whatever it takes to win. Whether his methods and formula translate to the NHL’s Capitals will be a fascinating case study.

In Carolina, another Southeast division coaching change will be under scrutiny as Kirk Muller assumes the reins. Unlike Hunter, Muller has spent time behind an NHL bench as an assistant. His work with Montreal was well respected by the players and the Canadiens early season struggles were linked by some observers to Muller’s absence.

Muller revealed his head coaching desires a year ago and admitted that he needed experience as a head man at either the Junior or AHL level to convince an NHL team that he was ready for the assignment.

Is a two month stint in Milwaukee enough prep time for Muller? I believe so since he has the advantage of being in a smaller market without the intense pressure of a Montreal market or the immediate expectations to win that Hunter will feel. The Muller fit in Carolina should be a good one with only one direction to go.

THE MORNING AFTER WEEK 12 - TUESDAY EDITION

You have to feel for the Houston Texans. In 2011, with the injury to Peyton Manning, the Texans have finally emerged from the shadow of the Indianapolis Colts. However, in Houston's year in the AFC South, they have been completely ravaged by injuries. So far, they have been able to overcome each bump and bruise but now, onto their string quarterback, with the injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart, the best they can do is limp into the playoffs, and be easy pickings in the first round. TJ Yates had is shoulder tapped on Sunday after Leinart left the game with a broken collarbone and unless they find an unemployed QB for next Sunday, Yates will become the first QB from UNC to make a start in the NFL. Yates, who troublingly seems less than enthused in getting his opportunity, is surrounded by one of the best teams in the NFL which boasts the league's best run game. However, salvaging the Texans season will be a tall task for the 5th round rookie.

I am convinced Tim Tebow does have a higher power looking out for him. Tebow has quarterbacked the Broncos to a 5-1 record, all of which can be considered miracles.

Why did CBS continue to broadcast Nick Novak urinating on the sideline?

There is cause for concern for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Troy Polamalu. The perennial pro-bowl safety has suffered concussion-like symptoms after throwing a hit, for the second time in less than a month. For the safety of Polamalu, the Steelers need to find him a seat on the bench.

I love how highlight worthy hurdles are becoming weekly occurrences. Roy Helu leaped over a defender on his way to his first NFL touchdown on Sunday. And not to be outdone, all 247 pounds of LaGarrette Blount leaped over a Titans DB as well.

What will the spread look like when New England hosts Indianapolis next weekend? 30 Points? Even so, my money is on Brady who dissected the "dream" defence Sunday.

Props to Jared Allen for filling in admirably for the injured Colin Loeffler, the Vikings long snapper. Allen placed a perfect snap into the hands of Kluwe and then chased down Eric Weems to save a potential punt return touchdown against the Falcons. It is a shame that the best pass rusher in the NFL is wasting away in Minnesota right now.

Sticking with the Falcons-Vikings game. I'd like to thank Christopher Owens for chasing down Percy Harvin late in the fourth at the three yard line. Not only did it prevent a TD for Atlanta, as the Falcons stuffed Gerhart on 4th and goal, but saved my parlay.

Caleb Hanie might be okay. One less interception, and the Bears could have won that game.

Throwing for 400 yards is cool, Vince Young, but LeSean McCoy needs more than 10 carries. I don't care how far behind the Eagles are.

Jerome Simpson deserves a 10 for his dive against the Browns Sunday. He made Cristiano Ronaldo look like an amateur.

Week 12 Game Balls

1) Patrick Peterson - Peterson has four punt return TDs of 80+ yards in 31 career attempts. Devin Hester has 5 in 197 career returns. Start looking over your shoulder, Devin.

2) Julian Edelman - One of the more entertaining things in sport is seeing a player play out of his normal position, especially when they succeed. Edelman filled in at defensive back for the Patriots Sunday, and combined for more tackles than Asante Samuel and Nmamdi Asomugha.

3) Lance Louis - Louis, a big O-Lineman for the Bears showed more effort and hustle in one play than the Colts have all year. Lewis sprinted from the Raiders red zone to inside his own 20 yard line to finally catch Cameron Wembley with a horse-collar tackle, and desite the penalty, it eventually saved the Bears four points. Love seeing those big men rumble witha purpose.

4) Oakland Raiders Kicking Game - Shane Lechler put on a punting clinic against the Bears, including a booming 80 yard (yes, 80 yards) punt that even Devin Hester couldn't track down. In addition, Sebastien Janikowski proved to be the difference for the Raiders, splitting six field goals, a career high.

5) Beanie Wells - The Cardinals' RB had his best game as a pro, dashing for 228 yards and a TD in the Cardinals win over the Rams.

6) Connor Barwin - No Mario Williams? No problem. Barwin was an absolute menace in place of Williams Sunday, chasing Blaine Gabbart out of the game while picking up a Texans' franchise record, four sacks. 

7) Tennessee Titans Return Game - When you have no running game all year, you need to score points some how. Mariani has had a great year returning kicks for the Titans, which allowed the Titans special teams to set up a perfect lateral option to Tommie Campbell, who ran in untouched against the Bucs.

8) Rex Grossman - How did John Beck ever get consideration to start for the Redskins? I get that Grossman is not a good QB, but he is light years ahead of Beck. Grossman threw for 314 yards and two scores, but more importantly, keeps the Skins competitive.

Week 12 Goats

1) Dwayne Bowe - I have never liked Dwayne Bowe but didn't really have a reason. Now I do. With Tyler Palko playing out of his mind and driving late in attempts to shock the Steelers, Bowe completely gave up on both his route and his team by failing to make an attempt at a slightly errant throw from Palko, trying to protect his ribs. The pass found the hands of Keenan Lewis, and the Steelers survived the Chiefs because of Bowe's gutlessness.

2) Ndamukong Suh - Is there any doubt that he is a dirty player now? Not only is he dirty, Suh is selfish and stupid. Suh stomped on Packers O-Lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith after a scrum and was ejected from the game on Thursday. After the game, Suh showed little remorse and actually claimed innocence, proving that he is also delusional. Suh will get suspended for his stupidity, and may have cost the Lions a chance at the playoffs.

3) Stevie Johnson - Another meathead. After scoring a touchdown against the Jets, Stevie Johnson celebrated by pretending to shoot himself with a gun in the thigh - a la night club Plaxico Burress. To add insult to injury, Johnson had three drops, one a sure TD that slipped through his fingers, with the Bills driving to win in the 4th quarter. Good on Burress for taking it in stride and being the bigger man, subtly pointing out how much Johnson cost his team Sunday.

4) Antonio Cromartie - There can't be much worse of a feeling than coughing off a punt and then getting burned on the route after the turnover for the major score. A different type of island.

5) DeSean Jackson - Drop after drop, Jackson finally earned a seat on the Eagles bench for the entire fourth quarter against New England. Jackson has it backwards, you get a new contract when you produce, not embarrass.

Rankin' Em After Week 12

1) Green Bay Packers (11-0) - The '72 Dolphins should be nervous.

2) New Orleans Saints (8-3) - With 577 yards of offence, the Saints would have beat anyone in the NFL last, including the Pack.

3) New England Patriots (8-3) - The Patriots are back to where they are year after year, the top team in the AFC heading into December.

4) Baltimore Ravens (8-3) - If the Ravens could beat the teams they are supposed to beat, they would be atop the AFC with home field advantage in their grasps. But, the Ravens have found a way to win the big games this season, and John Harbaugh claimed family bragging rights on Thanksgiving.

5) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) - Troy Polamalu's concussion-like symptoms are not the Steelers only problem. The Chiefs should never have been in that game.

6) San Francisco 49ers (9-2) - The 49ers may not be ready for the NFL elite. But since they had the Ravens in Baltimore on short rest, the deserve the benefit of the doubt. The offence needs to be better.

7) Houston Texans (8-3) - There's a bit of a drop off comparing Matt Schaub and TJ Yates. When the box is stacked on Foster, can he continue to dominate?

8) Atlanta Falcons (7-4) - It's not pretty when you let the Vikings storm back from a 17-0 halftime deficit. But a win is a win.

9) Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) - Has there been a better draft in NFL history than the Bengals in 2011?They got their franchise QB and the best young receiver in the NFL. Just how they drew it up.

10) Dallas Cowboys (7-4) - The NFC East is now theirs to lose.

Bubble - Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions

WIDE OPEN

Hockey Canada announced Monday morning the 41 young men who will be vying for a spot on our 2012 World Junior Championship squad which opens Boxing Day in Edmonton. The first thing that struck me about this roster was not who is or isn't on the list, but the number of players, a total of 41.

Never in history have there been more players invited to the final Team Canada selection camp. The template the brass has worked off usually is 4 goalies 12 defencemen and 18 forwards for a total of 34 candidates. In past years the camp has grown to as many as 36 or  37, but 41 is a change.

So the question you might be asking now is why? The simple answer, in my opinion, is that the battle for the final 22 spots has never been closer. Its also fair to suggest that Hockey Canada staff, when putting their puzzle of players together, has perhaps never been farther away from knowing exactly how it's going to fit at the end.

The annual exodus of eligible players participating in the NHL always makes the selection process more difficult. To me this year is different. Lets not kid ourselves. Every year at this time, even though there is a selection camp, some players have already been slotted into certain spots. In years gone by, you could maybe write a lineup in pen. My guess is, that this time, it starts in pencil and an eraser will be used.

The competition is that good and yes that wide open. Congratulations to those in particular who find themselves in the mix after not taking part in the summer evaluation camp. Now fellas the stage is yours starting on December 11th in Calgary. Good luck. I can't wait to watch the show!


Peter Loubardias 

CC-FL GREY CUP WRAP

The 99^th Grey Cup won’t go down as a classic (trumped by this year’s Vanier Cup for pure entertainment) but it will be remembered for a few significant CFL notations including the renewal of a 48 year old grudge between Joe Kapp and Angelo Mosca and the first Cup home field win since 1994.

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Wally Buono won his fifth Cup to pull into a tie with Hugh Campbell, Don Matthews, Frank Clair and Lew Heyman atop the all-time list. After the game I mentioned to Buono that one more Grey Cup victory would give him the outright lead. “That’s irrelevant,” he responded, still soaked in champagne from the post game celebration.  Buono made it clear that if he continues it won’t be for personal records.

A strong argument can be made that this is the perfect time for Buono to turn the Leos over to an assistant such as Mike Benevides with a stable, potential repeat championship calibre team in place. Or does it make more sense for Wally to ride out one more year with a veteran core before focusing on his GM duties and a youth movement a year from now.

 Likely gone from the champs next year are Solomon Elimimian and Jovan Olifioye to the NFL. Brent Johnson is expected to retire and the futures of Paris Jackson and Angus Reid are up in the air.

A week ago, I would have bet that Buono was planning to return. So were members of his staff. But in the afterglow of a Grey Cup title it now seems more likely that Buono will move upstairs. We should know within a week or two.

This season has been touted as Buono’s best coaching job in his 22 year career but his work as GM might have been better. Free agent signings of Ben Archibald, Khreem Smith and Eric Taylor don’t make headlines but all three were difference makers in the trenches where the Lions dominated games this year.

Trading for Tad Kornegay and Arland Bruce were both shrewd acquisitions of proven veterans for a team that was struggling mightily out of the gate. He also re-signed kicker Paul McCallum and dealt Sean Whyte which went against conventional wisdom and counter to Buono’s track record on jettisoning players late in their careers. McCallum repaid Buono with the best season by a kicker in CFL history.

Perhaps Buono’s best move was handing the keys to the franchise to Travis Lulay. Buono had the foresight (as he usually does with quarterbacks) to know that Lulay was ready to put the franchise on his shoulders. In his first season as the full time starter, Lulay established himself as the CFL’s newest marquee name.

Speaking of Lulay, there were a couple of hints that he wasn’t 100 percent going into the Grey Cup game. In Day One practice last week Lulay ran to the Lions dressing room with athletic therapist Bill Reichelt. He missed only a few minutes of practice so at the time it didn’t seem significant. On the eve of the Grey Cup Lulay underwent a lengthy acupuncture session. He admitted after the game that he was hampered by a groin injury he had suffered on his 61 yard touchdown run in the Western final.

Lulay outplayed his friend and former teammate, Buck Pierce. Pierce is a free agent, but after producing 10 wins for the Bombers is most likely to be re-signed. But the Bomber will be looking closely at their future at quarterback. Alex Brink made huge strides and was pushing Pierce by season’s end. The organization is also high on Joey Elliott who was the number 2 before an ACL injury early in the year and will be ready for training camp. GM Joe Mack likes his depth at the position also citing the tools of Justin Goltz. But there are some across the league who believe Winnipeg could join Toronto and Hamilton in the bidding for Henry Burris.

The Argos reported agreement with Scott Milanovich to take over Toronto’s head coaching duties raised some eyebrows on Grey Cup weekend. I’m not sure owner David Braley was pleased that the Milanovich story was breaking as his other franchise was involved in the championship game. It was expected that Milanovich would succeed Marc Trestman in 2013 when the Alouette head coach’s contract expires.

There were some in the Argo camp hoping that Mike O’Shea would succeed Jim Barker as head coach. O’Shea believes he’s ready and is a marketable name in Toronto. But the Argos need help on the offensive side of the ball and Milanovich fits that bill.

If Milanovich gets signed Barker’s next task will be to do a better job of recruiting talent. Do the Argos make the splash of the off season with Henry Burris and perhaps free agent Andy Fantuz. Fantuz made news at the Cup by changing agents and is now represented by Tim Fleizer. There were rumblings that Fleizer and Fantuz will be seeking a new deal in the 300,000 dollar range. That’s not CFL salary cap friendly but the Argos may be that desperate to turn things around and make an off season impact in the Toronto market.

Final Thoughts from Vancouver

 

- Anton MacKenzie was the Lions best player Sunday.

- Arland Bruce is the CFL’s most misunderstood player. A true pro (who is quirky) but cares deeply about the game and his craft.

- Doug Brown joins Milt Stegall in the elite group of CFL stars without a Grey Cup ring. Like Milt, Brown will have to settle for a spot in the Hall of Fame (and most likely a job with TSN if he chooses.)

- While Brown goes without a title in 11 distinguished seasons, Neil McKinlay comes out of retirement and a North Vancouver fire hall to claim one. Not to diminish McKinlay’s talents or contributions but sometimes luck plays a bigger role than talent when it comes to winning championships.

- All eyes will be on Geroy Simon when the 2012 season begins. Geroy is 66 yards from the all time receiving record which should be eclipsed on the opening weekend of next season.

- The fifth highest audience in TSN history watched the game on TSN. Just shy of 4.4 million English viewers watched the game, with over 11 million Canadians tuning in for some part of the 99th Grey Cup telecast. The Vancouver area audience share was 65%.

SATURDAY NIGHT LEAGUE

                                                                    CC, AW                           RF, CG, SL, PL, JC          

                                                                                                      CC, RF, CG, SL, PL, AW, JC

                                                       RF,CG, SL, PL, AW, JC                            CC 

                                                                        JC                             CC, RF, CG, SL, PL, AW

                                                         CC, RF, SJ, AW, JC                             CG, PL

                                                            CC, SL, AW, JC                             RF, CG, PL

2011-12 Saturday Night League Standings

Chris Cuthbert - 20-22

Ray Ferraro - 24-18



Cammi Granato - 17-25

Peter Loubardias - 22-20

Andrew Walker - 23-19

Scott Lennox - 23-19

Justin Cuthbert - 20-22

NHL WESTERN VIEW

Andrew Walker

Another week and more confusion in the Western Conference. The once unstoppable Chicago Blackhawks have hit a bump in the road, while the Minnesota Wild are on top of the mountain. Things can't get much worse in Anaheim and Calgary, while all of a sudden the Colorado Avalanche aren't too far off.

In the case of the Hawks, a 5-2 loss to the lowly Flames, combined with a 9-2 setback in Edmonton proved just how important the mental part of the game is. A planned trip to Vegas after the Oilers game was well documented and a lack of focus had to be a factor. The Hawks look to have rediscovered their game despite a 1-0 loss in San Jose but can't be happy with this blip on the radar screen. The common denominator in all of this? No Brent Seabrook. A very important player in Chicago's grand scheme of things.

In Calgary right now it's time. After years of rebuild being a matter of opinion, its quickly turned into a common sense issue. The Media knows it, the fans know it, and one would think the organization finally has to know it as well. Jarome Iginla has been the face of the franchise forever, but its time for a change. He won't be winning a Stanley Cup in Calgary and to maximize their top asset, Jay Feaster, Ken King and ownership need to plead with #12 to accept a trade. Will they do it before goal number 500? That might be a PR nightmare, but with Iginla's clear dissatisfaction with the head coach, it may have to happen sooner rather than later. In either case, Feaster's promise of post season hockey is clearly falling short.

Speaking of post season hockey, the common theme has always been, more often than not, the teams in the mix by US Thanksgiving remain the teams in the mix come April. For Columbus, Calgary, Anaheim and Colorado it's already D-Day.

Conversely, the Minnesota Wild have to be the surprise of the NHL right now, perhaps along with the Florida Panthers. Mike Yeo is today's Jack Adams winner for me, and he has a very unique approach to the game and his team.

You're a better man than me if you can tell what's exactly wrong with the Ducks. They can't seem to win for trying and its time for a change, but who?

It comes as no surprise, but the San Jose Sharks strong record has happened a bit quietly. 7-2-1 in their last 10 and an insane 7-2 road record. The Brent Burns addition was the best of any team in the offseason, finally providing the Sharks with an element they have NEVER had.

WINNERS

Ian White, Detroit Red Wings - His four game absence from the Wings lineup with a facial fracture was evident, and in his return, the blueliner posted 3 points against Calgary. He may go on a point run playing on the right side with Nick Lidstrom.

Ryan Smyth. Edmonton Oilers - Prior to Opening night, Smyth's Vegas over/under on points was 40. With 22 already Smyth will shatter that mark. He is completely reborn in Edmonton.

Mike Richards. Los Angeles Kings - After a slow start Richards is endearing himself to LA by scoring in 5 consecutive games. That's only 8 short of the team record held by Triple Crowner Charlie Simmer.

DUDS

Erik Johnson, Colorado Avalanche - The former first overall pick is minus 12 on the season, and despite claims of a sore groin, there were rumblings of being a healthy scratch against the Canucks. At this point the Blues have won the deal based on Kevin Shattenkirk alone.

RJ Umberger, Columbus Blue Jackets - To CBJ's credit they have picked up their game and have stopped the death spiral. Jeff Carter is scoring, the blueline is chipping in, but Umberger is still mired in an awful slump with 2 goals in 21 games.

KEPLEY'S GREY CUP PICK AND ANALYSIS

Each week Dan Kepley, the Hall of Fame MLB, provides his analysis and predictions. The six time Grey Cup champion weighs in on the 99th Grey Cup Classic.



Well I picked Hamilton in the Eastern final. I was reluctant to do it and as it turned out it was typical Hamilton. The Tiger Cats could be very good one game but couldn't carry it over from week to week. They didn't show up in Winnipeg.

Obviously the Bombers handled the elements better. And when your running back goes off for a buck 90 it helps set up the rest of your offence, play action and the passing game. That's something for the Bombers to have lost Fred Reid and not even blink. Give Garrett credit but the Tiger Cat run defence wasn't very good.

I called the Lions in the Western Final and it was a done deal from the start. BC took control in their own house. They have a new house and they know how to protect it. Anybody who wants to take anything out of there will have one helluva fight on their hands. The Eskimos offensive line had its hands full trying to create any time for Ricky Ray who was hurried and wasn't sharp. BC has all the weapons; Harris can run, they can throw downfield, set up screens and their QB can run. They rubbed the Eskimos noses in it.

I'm excited about this Grey Cup matchup  because these are two highly touted defences ready to go. Both have tremendous D lines. I give the Lions linebackers an edge and even the BC secondary because of their veterans back there.

One of the big keys is who protects the QB better. I give the Lions an edge on the O line. The quarterbacks are fairly equal, similar style guys. Some give Lulay an edge but Pierce is playing his old team and will be motivated. The difference I see is that a QB doesn't do it himself. Lulay is surrounded by a better 11 players on offence. At RB, Harris and Garrett are both talented backs who can run and catch out of the backfield. Neither one is really big but both will be very dangerous on the fast track. I think the other edge the Lions have is at receiver where they have more veteran talent with Simon and Bruce. Edwards is really the only true vet for the Bombers.

I think what really tips the scales is that BC started 0-5. The path the Lions have taken from so far back is remarkable. Now that they're here I don't think you can take it from them. I'm sure the Bombers will rely on their D thinking that if we keep the Lions off the scoreboard we don't lose. If they make the Lions work for everything they get and get to Lulay they have a shot.

I come back to the Lions playing in their house. I never had that opportunity. I would have loved to play for a championship at home. We were always on enemy turf, the visitor and usually played the role of the bad guy. There was a lot of hate but we used to say don't hate, congratulate.

So now its pick time. In the famous words of Axel Rose of Guns N' Roses, Swaggerville, "Welcome to the jungle!" And everybody knows the Lions are the kings of the jungle.

Pick - BC Lions

Record 12-12

NFL TOP LINES - WEEK 12 PICKS

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams (PICK)
This one could and probably should be ignored, and would go completely unnoticed. The Cardinals and Rams both stink and the game couldn't be more meaningless. It will come down to which duo will have a better game; Skelton and Fitzgerald vs. Bradford and Lloyd. I'll flip a coin and go with the Cards.
Pick - Arizona Cardinals (PICK)

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets (-9)

The Bills have completely folded after their hot start, being humbled in three straight ball games. To add insult to injury, the Bills may be without their best player for the rest of the season in Fred Jackson, who was injured  last week. The Jets are also reeling a bit, losing two straight, but will be highly motivated coming into this one with their playoff aspirations still very much in tact. These teams met in Buffalo a few weeks back and the Jets trounced them, in what proved to be a turning point in the Bills season. I predict this one will be even uglier as the Jets defence dominates and helps get the team back on track.

Pick - New York Jets (-9)

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (-7)
In my eyes, Andy Dalton has eclipsed Cam Newton in the Rookie of the Year race. Not only has he led the Bengals into contention in the AFC North, he is putting up great fantasy numbers along the way. However, defence has led the way for the Bengals. Cincinnati is 6th in total defence and they match up against the Browns, who are 29th in total offence. It will be tough sledding for Colt McCoy, while Dalton continues his ROY pursuit and the Bengals bounce the Browns.
Pick - Cincinnati Bengals (-7)

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars (+4)
What does an injury to Matt Schaub mean? An increased dose of the best running game in the NFL, in the two headed attack of Arian Foster and Ben Tate. I don't expect Leinart to do much, but he doesn't have to against the Jaguars. Houston plays defence and runs the ball better than anyone, a recipe perfect for winning games, especially against bad teams.

Pick - Houston Texans (-4)

Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts (+3.5)

Line of the week. The Panthers have to be ready to absolutely explode offensively, and who better to do it on then a team who is completely uninterested in winning football games, the Indianapolis Colts. The Panthers put up more points than the Packers could against the Lions defence, with Suh playing the full 60 minutes. The Colts looked primed for an 0-16 season. Cam Newton is going to to put up gaudy fantasy numbers in a rout.

Pick - Carolina Panthers (-3.5)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans (-3.5)
The Bucs have to be encouraged by their performance against the Packers last weekend. If LaGarrette Blount runs with half the determination he had last week in his highlight reel TD romp, he'll tear up the Titans all afternoon. Chris Johnson, on the other hand, continues to define disappointment and without him playing as he did circa 2009, I dont see how the Titans can beat the Bucs by more than a field goal.
Pick - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3.5)

Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons (-9.5)
No Adrian Peterson, no chance. The Vikings are a bad team with AP, and a Colt-like team without him. The Falcons need to keep the momentum going if they want to make the playoffs this year and will tee off on the Vikings.
Pick - Atlanta Falcons (-9.5)

Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders (-4)

The Bears are too good of a football team to lay over and die without Jay Cutler. Caleb Hanie is not a chump; he will utilize Matt Forte and limit his mistakes by not trying to do too much. The Bears defence knows they have to be more than on in Oakland. In a Raider uniform, Palmer has yet to match up against a defence close to the calibre of the Bears, and it will show. The Bears will keep this game tight and if Matt Forte can have a big game, I wouldn't put it past the Bears to pull off the upset.

Pick - Chicago Bears (+4)

Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)
The Seahawks are starting to turn it around, winning two straight and doing it with stingy defence. Rex Grossman is back to "being the man" in Washington but against the 12th Man in Seattle, he'll be anything but. With limited mistakes and steady offence led by Marshawn Lynch, if the Seahawks defence plays as well as they have, they should cover.
Pick - Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)

New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles (PICK)
Michael Vick's status is still unknown for the big afternoon game on Sunday. The Eagles looked better than they have all season last week, with Vince Young leading them to a divsional win over the Giants. Although Nmamdi Asomugha hasn't been who they expected, the Eagles secondary will be stretched with him out of the lineup, and Brady will take full advantage. With questions at offence and in the secondary for Philly, and few for the Patriots, I like Brady's bunch to beat the Eagles and strike the final nail in the "Dream Team's" playoff hopes.
Pick - New England Patriots (PICK)

Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers (-6)

With Philip Rivers playing the way he is, how do you trust the Chargers to cover six points? The Broncos defence is playing lights out in support of Tim Tebow, who has led his team to a 4-1 record since taking over for Kyle Orton. Although he is still without the confidence of both his coach and upper management in Denver, Tim Tebow has done enough to make Kyle Orton expendable. And he'll do enough, in what ever way he can, along with his defence to keep the Broncos within a touchdown.

Pick - Denver Broncos (+6)

Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs (+11)
Withh Tyler Palko only able to generate three points against the last ranked defence in the NFL in the Patriots, what can he possibly accomplish against the Steelers?
Pick - Pittsburgh Steelers (-11)


@kidcuthy 's Season Record - 44-44-4

NFL TOP LINES - THANKSGIVING STUFFING

In Canada, we too have a lot to be thankful for today because the NFL has blessed us with a full slate of games, all worth tuning in for. However, it is a bitter sweet day for those stuck at work. We'd rather be watching the games while enjoying some pops with buddies, but those who are employed can find a much needed distraction by sneaking away and taking in some of the action. Either way, you cant complain when you have football all day, mid week. It's fantastic.

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (+7)

The Galloping Gobbler will be up for grabs as the Pack visit the Lions and the Thanksgiving rivalry will be renewed in a huge NFC North tilt. The Packers can all but wrap up the division and severely hurt the Lions playoff chances with a win. Some cracks in the Green Bay armour were shown last week with LaGarrette Blount bullying the Packers defence. The Lions are known to be physical and sometimes dirty, but they will they be strong enough to overpower the Packers? I doubt it. The Packers want to go undefeated and want to shine in the biggest of spotlights. Both teams can score, but what offence is better equipped to win a shootout? Rodgers and company are on a different level and will score as they please in a high scoring tilt. 
Pick - Green Bay Packers (-7) 

Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys (-7.5)

The Dolphins are drinking the Sparano kool-aid. Out of nowhere, the Miami Dolphins have played some of the best football in the league, over the past three weeks. During that span, the Dolphins have outscored their opponents 86-20, boosting their record from previously winless, to 3-7. Matt Moore is not playing out of his mind, but is as steady and mistake-free as possible. Dallas has seemed to find their range over the last 3 weeks as well, picking up wins and soaring back into the NFC East race. However, the Dolphins have too much momentum and are playing with too much pride to be blown out by the Cowboys. I expect a slow start from Romo, with the Dolphins displaying more intensity early but the Cowboys will eventually escape with a W. However, they won't win by more than a touchdown.

Pick - Miami Dolphins (+7.5)

San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens (-3) 

The Harbaugh boys will become the first brothers to coach against one another in NFL history as the 49ers tackle the Ravens in the primetime Thanksgiving showdown. Defence must be valued in the Harbaugh family, as both teams feature one of the top defences in the NFL. The 49ers have something to prove in this game as there are still many doubters that question the validity of the Niners, despite their 8-1 record. However, in order to prove themselves, they need to fly back to the Eastern time zone and face a real tough Ravens team on a short week. Both team are going to play hard, tough, in the trenches football that will come down to whoever can find the scoreboard late. The game will be decided by a field goal, so I'll take the younger Harbaugh over his elder and the Niners to cover.
Pick - San Francisco 49ers (+3)

5 MINUTES WITH PATRICK SHARP

When the Blackhawks were in Calgary last week Andrew Walker spent 5 minutes with Hawks star forward Patrick Sharp.



Andrew Walker - The Hawks  lost so many players a season ago in that mini rebuild. This season it seems like you've added a different cast of free agents; Carcillo, Montador, Emery.  Do you feel that you are back to having that old winning energy in the room?
Patrick Sharp - Yeah, its been such a great mix. I think the guys who joined our team this year have some veteran experience. They've had success in the league and know what to do. Right from day one they've been a big part of our locker room, so that's a big reason we're having success on the ice, because of our chemistry off it.

AW - Compared to last year its already night and day. You're back on top and one of the teams to beat in the West. Do you feel that you are back to where you were as a team a year and a half ago?
PS - I hope so. We're certainly headed in the right direction.It seem that everyone has bought in and learned Joel's system pretty quickly. Are we back? That's not for me to make that statement. The process is ongoing. It's 82 games. It's the playoffs. We're trying to get better every week.

AW - Everybody knows about the Vancouver rivalry. Do you get caught up in it? Is it the best matchup in hockey?
PS - In my mind it is because I'm out there on the ice and know what's going on. It's two teams who probably don't like each other very much and every time we play it's an exciting game. There are good players on both sides. We have a good rivalry with Detroit as well, but I think Vancouver has to be our number one rival for sure.

AW - Is it better to beat the Canucks in Vancouver or Chicago?
PS - (laughs) It's both! It's always fun to win at the United Center. We have a great atmosphere. Our fans get loud and its always fun to salute the crowd after a win. But coming out West is fun too, not only to Vancouver but to Calgary and Edmonton as well. We have a lot of Western Canadians on the team. I even lived in Calgary for a bit so it's fun to come back and play in front of family and friends, and win on the road.

AW - The Blackhawks acquired you in a trade for Matt Ellison which turned out to be a coup for Chicago. I'm sure that you always know who you are traded for. Does it give you pleasure that the deal was such a win for Chicago?
PS - No I really don't take any satisfaction in that. I mean I played against Matt Ellison in the minors for two or three years before the trade so I had know him and the way he played very well. At the time it was just a prospect for a prospect. My motivation was never to play against Matt Ellison. It was always to the best I could to help my team and be the best player I could be.

AW -  Thanks for this Patrick
PS -  Thank you

A GOLDEN VISION, OR SHOULD I SAY VISENTIN

The National Junior Team's invite list for the final selection camp is expected to be released early next week. 

There is no doubt in my mind that Niagara Ice Dog netminder, Mark Visentin, will be one of the four goaltenders afforded an opportunity to represent this great hockey nation at the World Junior Championship starting on Boxing Day in Edmonton and Calgary.

The Phoenix Coyotes first rounder was the starting goalie in the 2011 gold medal game, and nobody, I guarantee you on the planet, remembers that evening in Buffalo more than the product of Waterdown, Ontario.

In case you forgot, Canada led 3-0 going into the third period only to give up five goals in the final 20 minutes.  Visentin surrendered those five goals in one of the most painful Canadian setbacks in WJC tournament history.

I have truly admired the young goaltender for how he has handled that tough scenario ever since. In every media interview I have watched since, he hasn't shyed away, only spoken about an opportunity to go for gold again, and how he would love nothing better than another shot.  Visentin was clearly the best goaltender at the summer evaluation camp, but it's fair to say his start of the OHL season hasn't been great.

Banged up at times, a save percentage of less than .900, and was not at his best in the recently completed Canada Russia Subway Super Series. Visentin won't be handed the reigns. Plymouth's Scott Wedgewood, Medicine Hat's Tyler Bunz and Quebec's Louis Domingue lead a possible group of other invites. All with the potential to win the starting job.

I must admit I am pulling for Visentin. In the 2010 Memorial Cup Final, the Windsor Spitfires shelled Jacob De Serres for 9 goals in a rout of the Brandon Wheat Kings. De Serres owned it. Every bit of it, unfairly in fact. Like Visentin, too much. A year later, De Serres was the first star in the Saint John Sea Dogs Memorial Cup championship triumph in Mississauga over the St Michaels Majors. 

Who doesn't love a great come back story.  Here's to Mark Visentin with hopes of a golden rather than a silver lining to one bad Buffalo night.

Peter Loubardias

CC-FL REPORT - BOMBERS AND LIONS CUP BOUND

This year's East and West Finals didn't provide the epic drama we witnessed in Montreal in the Eastern Semi Final, but the results validate the importance of the CFL's regular season. Its the fourth time in the past 6 years that the two division winners will square off in the national championship.
The lack of a heart stopping finish in either game didn't hurt the ratings. The WF garnered 1.8 million viewers, the third highest rating of the day behind only the American Music Awards and The Amazing Race.

The Bombers-Lions is a rematch of the first "All West" match up in 1988 won by the Bombers 22-21 on a balmy day at Landsdowne Park in Ottawa. This year's game will mark the 7th game without geographical representation from eastern Canada; joining '88, '90(Bombers last Cup win) '92, '93, '01 and '07. There was a time when CFL officials wouldn't have dared stage a Grey Cup game without the classic East vs West format. But with Winnipeg in the East and these "All West" games becoming more frequent, would CFL officials and fans ever consider an 8 team single division league?

The Bombers finished in the basement of the CFL East in 2010 at 4-14. The last time a last place team won the Cup a year later was the '95 Argos, who also  finished 4-14, only to win the Cups in '96 and '97 with Doug Flutie at the helm. Interesting to note, both the Lions and the Bombers were below .500 a year ago. Quick turnarounds are not unusual in the CFL. With that said, the Bombers Lions clash is the first in Grey Cup history between teams both sub .500 the season before.

The two most compelling story lines of the week will feature former Lion QB Buck Pierce facing the team which cast him aside because of his injury woes as he faces former understudy Travis Lulay.


And the match up of two future Hall of Fame Canadian defensive players, Brent Johnson and Doug Brown. Johnson, who has been a force in the Lions 6 man DL rotation of late, has 89 career sacks and Cup rings from 2000 and 2006. Brown, who has declared his intention to retire at season's end, has yet to win a Cup in two previous tries. It was interesting to hear the chant of " One more win" for Brown as the Bombers accepted the East trophy, only to hear it change to "One more year." After watching Brown excel again this year on a contending team I wonder why he wouldn't reconsider his retirement plans.

The votes had already been tabulated but Travis Lulay's play in the WF reinforced why he's the CFL's MOP. I was told that Lulay had been listed as a 6-1 underdog when the award finalists were first announced. That's a bet I should have taken. Even Lulay's coach Wally Buono thought it unlikely that the voters would give it to Lulay prior to the Lions beat down of Montreal in the season finale. Its amazing how much clearer the picture is three weeks later.

Speaking of Buono, the CFL's most successful coach may be in the midst of his best coaching job ever. Buono was candid prior to the WF, admitting that he was close to blowing up this Lions team which started 1-6 (which included two early losses to the Bombers) Buono stayed loyal to his staff and veteran players and his patience which was tested to the max has been rewarded. It has to be considered the best ever race for the CFL Coach of the Year, I find it just about impossible to distinguish between the jobs done by Paul Lapolice, Kavis Reed and Buono. In the interests of full disclosure I voted for Reed, whose rookie season impact in Edmonton was enormous, but Lapolice and Buono are both deserving.

One other note on Buono. There will be stories this week about Sunday's game being potentially being his last. When I discussed it with him last Saturday, Buono said he would evaluate his future in the weeks after the big game and would be looking for a sign that the door on his coaching career was still open or closed. That type of sign came to him in Calgary when owner Michael Feterik tampered with the Stampeders winning formula. The door closed in Calgary and the one that opened for Buono in BC has been particularly rewarding. My bet, and its shared by members of his Lions staff, is that Buono will be back on the sidelines next year.

The emotional peak of Sunday's WF was watching Geroy Simon's present his touchdown ball to athletic therapist Bill Reichelt who had lost his son Dylan, a Lion ball boy, in a tragic car accident a week earlier. Later, in the Lions post game ceremonies Simon broke down as he gave Reichelt a game ball in Dylan's honour.

It was sad also to hear of the death of Jake Rayner, the Hamilton area cancer victim, who inspired Dave Stala and the Tiger Cats in recent weeks. Jake's story was reminiscent of the Saskatchewan Roughriders connection to cancer victim Chris Knox a few years ago. These stories are real and seem to occur more in the CFL than in other leagues because CFL players genuinely make an effort to connect to their communities. Its one of the many reasons the CFL is so unique.


You can add Lions defensive coordinator Mike Benevides to the list of candidates for the Riders head coaching job. Benevides, who once turned down a chance to coach the Argos in his hometown,  is now ready to make the jump. He joins Corey Chamblin and Mike O'Shea as prominent candidates with defensive backgrounds for a job which seems to be begging an offensive coach's experience. Speaking of O'Shea, there are many who feel he is ideally suited for the Argo job. Just as many think his name being linked to Saskatchewan is a smokescreen by the Riders to make it look like they are considering more candidates than the odds on favourite Chamblin.


GREY CUP NAME GAME

CFL player names you find around the big game. Tony Champion, Kevin Challenger, Dee Sterling, Marcus Winn, Justin Ring, Ed Champagne, Chris Best