The Hockey News: Adam Proteau's Blog: THN.com Playoff Blog: Laughs and last gasps

THN.com Playoff Blog: Laughs and last gasps

Scotty Bowman coached both the Wings and the Pens to their last Stanley Cups. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images)

Adam Proteau
2008-05-29 10:33:48

Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final was easily the best game of the series, thanks mostly to Sidney Crosby’s offensive heroics and Marc-Andre Fleury’s prowess in the Penguins net.

Sure, the Pens hung on for dear life in the third period – and I still believe Detroit will make the most of their home ice advantage to win it all – but it was tremendous to see Pittsburgh not roll over and expire like many expected them to.

• U.S. veiwers, unfortunately, didn't get to see it, but the ceremonial puck drop that took place in honor of Scotty Bowman was highly entertaining.

For those who missed it, the legendary coach strode out onto the red carpet, turned quickly to drop the puck between Crosby and Nicklas Lidstrom, and was halfway back to the bench by the time Penguins P.A. address announcer John Barbaro finally said his name.

For a second, I thought I was watching it on time-lapse camera, a la Benny Hill. But it was all business for Bowman, which is quite apt given the similar philosophy that marked his career behind the bench.

Related Links

• So Mats Sundin is exploring “options” other than re-signing with Toronto, eh? What a hoot that is.

If the Leafs captain thought his name was dragged through the mud when he refused to waive his no-trade clause this past spring – ostensibly, because of his undying love for the franchise – he’ll look back on that time fondly compared to the endless fury he’s bound to face if he signs with another team.

As well, for Sundin to imply the direction the franchise is heading in will affect his decision is absolutely hilarious. He could’ve greatly aided Toronto’s direction by agreeing to be traded, then returning this summer. But he selfishly stuck to his guns – and because of that, the Leafs have a slimmer shot at contending for a playoff spot.

There’s probably only one person with connections to the city who would love to see Sundin in another NHL jersey. And that person is Vince Carter, who’d no longer be the most reviled ex-Toronto athlete.

COMMENTS (12)

Sort: Oldest | Newest Filter: All | Videos

Jim Goodwin Posted
(2009-04-30 06:22:48)

Proteau you just don't get it. Nobody forced the Leafs to sign those players to no-trade/no-move contracts. Lay the blame where it belongs, with the idiot who gave out all those contracts. When Yashin held out mid contract everyone roared about how he had a contract and should be held to it. Well the pendulum swings both ways, a contract is a contract.

JW Posted
(2009-04-30 06:22:45)

Not to worry Toronto. If Sundin signs with another team than the Leafs jet to the top of the John Taveres sweepstakes in summer O9.

Carolyne Abbey Posted
(2009-04-30 06:22:34)

With Cliff Fletcher pearing down from the box looking every bit the Grim Reaper, I don't blame Sundin in the least for considering heading to another team, or into the sunset. Fletcher has created a horrific team morale for the Leafs.

CC Posted
(2009-04-30 06:22:34)

Assuming the reason for a potential move from Toronto is that Mats wants to win the Cup, how much (how little) would he be willing to sign for? Would he be willing to take the league minimum and sign for a top team (not just a "contender")? Anaheim? Detroit? Pittsburgh?

John Birmingham Posted
(2009-04-30 06:22:34)

What has been the hit of the series so far? I submit that it was Kronwals crunch on Malone in game 1. I hope you've honed your knowledge as to the greatest all time defensemen. What it takes and the results a team can expect if they don't have them. Now that Pens have been given their token game will the friends of the new NHL fraternity let it go by itself so that we can all start cheering for the Blue Jays. I still can't believe the defensemen you thought you could leapfrog over. Astonished,

Doug Posted
(2009-04-30 06:22:34)

Sundin has many choices, contrary to what others think. However, he must guage what impact a signing will have on his legacy and the Leafs must also guage the importance or lack thereof, that his legacy has. As always, it is known that a position will always be filled, however, the person may never be replaced.

Fred Bartsch Posted
(2009-04-30 06:22:32)

The Fans booing Sundin if he went to another team is what fans do. Stop and think for a minute, if a player leaves a team after playing there many years he is booed by the fans upon his return. But on the other hand if a player is traded away by a team, upon his return he is cheered by the fans. Circumstances, or double standard. I think what fans tend to forget (and they always hear it from teams when they trade players away) IT'S A BUSINESS! I can understand some fans questioning Sundin's refusal to waive his NO TRADE, but I also support his position in not waiving his contract, as it is a business. This whole situation is the fault of all teams who give multi-year no trade contracts to players, then they and their fan base get upset when the team wants to trade the player and can't. More power to players who can talk teams into giving no trade contracts (They have the right to ask), but boo's to the teams that do issue no trade contracts as they are the one who have the final say. Yes teams do run some risk in possibly losing a player, but this is where ALL the owners have to band together and refuse to sign players that point a gun to their head. Of course in the next few years this may prove to be a deadly tactic, because if the Russian Super League gets off it's feet, and the NHL doesn't have player agreements with other countries then we could see many player fleeing the NHL for BIG dollars. Only time will see.

Caz Posted
(2009-04-30 06:22:30)

Kevin - If I was a Leafs fan I would also be annoyed if he signed elsewhere and they had nothing in return to show for it. I agree with your point that Leafs fans will not view it the same way and that will be a shame. If he's vilified and booed when he returns to Toronto, that will also show betrayal and low class by the fans for a player who is their all-time goal and point leader.

Kevin I Posted
(2009-04-30 06:22:29)

Caz, i have all the respect in the worl for Sundin, he can do whatever he wants as far as im concerned, but all im saying is thats not how leafs fans will see it, theyll see it as utter betrayl and low class, something i think Sundin is not and i dont want to see that happen to him. good point though

Caz Posted
(2009-04-30 06:22:26)

Kevin - I'm a hockey fan and would not think any less of Sundin if he signed elsewhere. In fact, I hope he does sign with another team. Calling him selfish is like the pot calling the kettle black. The fans are just as selfish for wanting him to waive is no trade just so they could get something in return after he's been the leader of the team for so many years. It's the GM's fault for handing out no trade clauses like they were going out of style. The Leaf fans ideal scenario was for Sundin to agree to get traded to a contender for some prospects and then for him to re-sign with the Leafs in July. Some may say he's an idiot for not trying to win a cup but the fans should respect his decision. Sure Ray Bourque won a Stanley Cup to end a great career but he didn't win one in a Bruins jersey.

1 2 Next »