The HD Corner - Sens/Pens Thoughts

Just as I was sitting down to watch game #1 between Ottawa and Pittsburgh, CBC’s HD feed caught my eye – all for the wrong reasons. Lo and behold, although the game was shown in widescreen and with 5.1 Dolby surround sound, it was in fact being shown in standard definition. Was this some kind of sick joke? Would CBC really not show its opening playoff game in true high-def? Apparently so. According to the Globe and Mail, CBC only has a limited amount of HD trucks at its disposal, and therefore opted to show the Calgary-San Jose game in true HD. The CBC only has two HD trucks; one will be used for the Calgary series, and one split in between the Ottawa and Montreal series. Once the series shifts to Ottawa, the HD truck will follow, meaning the Habs’ road games will be seen as if you were watching the game on a TV with rabbit ears and tinfoil, in your grandma’s kitchen. Instead of showing Venture or the Royal Canadian Air Farce in HD, maybe the CBC will come to realize that no one else cares about their other programming. I take that back – I actually quite enjoy a good episode of The Nature of Things from time to time.

Great work yesterday by Hughson and Garry Galley during the Sens game. Besides Hughson mixing up Meszaros with Commodore a couple of times (Meszaros wears 14 and Commodore wears 44), it was an impressive effort. More impressive than the Sens’ effort that’s forsure. I started to hyperventilate when Hughson called Commodore’s name during a Sens’ 5 on 3. If the CBC shows all the scratched and injured Sens sulking in the press box one more time I might snap. Why can’t they just show us a fat Mario Lemieux eating poutine in his private box like the good old days. I’d even take an interview with Ryan Malone’s father, talking about his son growing up in Pittsburgh and playing the role of hometown hero, than seeing another shot of Luke Richardson drinking a Bud Lite.

On a completely unrelated note, TSN revamped its entire website to correspond with the start of the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs. No word yet if Bob McKenzie put some liposuction or at least a couple botox injections on the TSN corporate account, to coincide with TSN.ca’s new look.

The HD Corner - Trade Deadline Preview

With the Super Bowl coming to a dramatic finish, it can only mean that the NHL Trade Deadline is around the corner (February 26th, 3pm ET). With Illegal Curve’s Richard Pollock already getting ready with bags of Doritos and his favourite sweatpants (complete with an elastic waist), I thought I would break down what to expect from each of the big three sports networks’ upcoming broadcasts.

Network:
Rogers Sportsnet

Probable Cast:
Host: Darren Millard
Insiders: Bill Watters, Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick
Other Analyst: Eklund

The Good:
Sportsnet Connected’s laid-back approach will be quite evident during their trade deadline show. This informal broadcast often makes the viewer feel as if they are watching the show with their buddies and joking around; which is how Sportsnet wanted to differentiate itself from TSN when they reformatted Sportsnetnews to Sportsnet Connected last year. Darren Millard’s faux hawk is enough evidence of this casual mentality. Here’s hoping that Bill Watters shows up with a keg, while wearing flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt.

The Bad:
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I always find it kind of awkward when Kypreos’ cell rings on air with breaking trade news, and he then briefly leaves the set to go talk to his inside source. Similar to how Dan Marino’s phone was going off two weeks ago during the NFL playoffs, I’m sure viewers are hoping Kypreos has a custom ring tone this year. (Notable ESPN columnist Bill Simmons thinks the funniest scenario for Marino’s ring tone would be either Gangsta’s Paradise or the Titanic theme). Either the Hockey Night in Canada theme or The Thong Song are my bets for Kypreos’ ring tone this year.

The Ugly:
When there is no trade activity, the show is incredibly boring. I guess this is the case with all trade deadline shows, but I recall Bill Watters giving an extensive analysis of a meaningless trade for at least five hours at last season’s deadline to kill time. Watching “Gone With the Wind” for that length of time would have been more entertaining.

Sportsnet could also do without expert insider/FBI agent “Eklund”. First off, enough with the secret identity, Eklund. We all know that you probably live in your parents’ basement and play XBOX 360 online against other nerds. Second of all, come back when you can actually break a story. I don’t need to have to have a secret identity to tell you that teams will be after Mats Sundin this deadline.

The X-Factor:
Pierre LeBrun has been a welcome addition to the Sportsnet crew this year, and will no doubt show up with a mustard stain on his blazer.

The Token Sports Chick:
Martine Gaillard will hopefully be present for the broadcast as her on-air charisma is second to none. That, and she may be having an ongoing fling with Roger Millions.

Network:
TSN

Probable Cast:
Host: James Duthie
Insiders: Darren Dreger, Pierre McGuire, Gord Miller, Bob McKenzie
Other Analysts: Darren Dutchyshen, Jay Onrait

The Good:
TSN and Sportsnet usually go toe to toe in terms of breaking trades each year, with TSN more often than not prevailing by the end of day. Luckily, TSN will also broadcast its deadline show on TSN broadband throughout the day. This feature will sure make work go by that much quicker on February 26 (and by work I do mean playing Minesweeper for 4+ hours).

The Bad:
TSN just has too many personalities. The cast listed above did not include other possible personalities that could make appearances, such as: Gino Reda, Tie Domi, Keith Jones, James Cybulski, Glenn Healy, Dave Hodge, Holly Horton, Dan O Toole, Rod Smith, and Cory Woron. Maybe Jock Climie will even stop by! While many of these individuals normally do quality work, there isn’t a studio large enough to contain this many people, or Glenn Healy’s ego.

The Ugly:
Bob McKenzie in high definition.

The X-Factor:
Maggie the Monkey is likely to make a guest appearance. Her guess is as good as mine in terms of who will win the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes. I think the San Diego Zoo may be the leading candidate at this point.

The Token Sports Chick:
J-Hedge is sure to ruffle a few feathers with a SportsCentre update periodically. I on the other hand will be looking out for any elements of trade deadline collusion between Hedger and her husband (Sportsnet broadcaster Sean McCormick).

Network:
The Score

Probable Cast:
Host: Steve Kouleas
Insiders: Mark Osborne, Steve Ludzik, Dennis Beyak
Other Analyst: Al Strachan

The Good:
How can you not love The Score’s 24 hour ticker? Unlike TSN and Sportsnet, The Score’s ticker never sleeps and goes strong during commercials. Watching that brainless Bowflex commercial suddenly became slightly more entertaining.

The Bad:
Unfortunately, The Score is usually the last of the three big sports networks to break stories. Steve Kouleas’ big time information source (ie: Cabbie), will have to step it up a notch this year.

The Ugly:
Having a panel member that can’t speak English and that has previously sworn on-air isn’t the best choice to have on a live panel, adlibbing for five consecutive hours. Sorry Steve Ludzik, you’re cut.

The X-Factor:
Sid Seixeiro and Tim Micallef are the two wildcards here. The Score Tonight is arguably The Score’s bread and butter, so what better than a little cross promotion when there is time to kill after the only trade is Jon Klemm for a fourth round pick?

The Token Sports Chick:
With Vancouver correspondent Sarah Orlesky flying the coup to TSN, Caroline Frolic is probably everyone’s favourite female analyst these days on The Score. Now if she will only add me on Facebook.


Enjoy the deadline everyone, and make sure to check out Illegal Curve’s live blog throughout the day on February 26.

The HD Corner - The Cliff Fletcher Saga

I’m writing this article today with a heavy heart, as legendary broadcaster Don Wittman has passed away. Always a staple on the treadmill at a local Winnipeg gym, Wittman will be best remembered in my mind for calling Jets playoffs games for CBC. For more details on Wittman and his illustrious career, please click on this link.

In other breaking news CLIFF FLETCHER HAS BOARDED A PLANE TO THE MAYAN RIVIERA!!!

How is this news? I actually wanted to throw my remote at Bob McKenzie’s head when he dropped this bombshell. While we’re on the subject, I would like to dedicate this column to some TSN personalities. In no particular order…

Pierre McGuire: the Sean Avery award for most annoying TSN personality
-Is there anyone else more annoying on TV than Pierre McGuire, let alone on TSN? The former Habs radio colour guy (I refuse to acknowledge his prior NHL coaching duties) is just too intense. Yes, he brings tremendous insight to the game, but at a cost of blowing out my subwoofer. Tone it down a notch Pierre.

Jay Onrait: the Brett Hull award for funniest TSN personality
-Onrait has been my favourite ever since I ran into him one fateful summer afternoon at a restaurant in Winnipeg. You’ll often find Onrait and his 6’5” towering frame cracking jokes at his SportsCentre co-host or making fun of his own suits. His column on tsn.ca is also worth checking out for a chuckle.

Michael Landsberg: the Mike Cammalleri award for best Jewish TSN personality
-The duo of Michael Landsberg and Brendan Connor will go down in TSN history as one of the all-time greats. Thelma and Louise. Sonny and Cher. Bonnie and Clyde. Peter Bondra and Michal Pivonka. Landsberg was one of the best TSN Sports Desk (RIP) hosts, but Off The Record doesn’t really cut it. There’s only so much analysis a WWE wrestler can give regarding the Argonauts off-season acquisitions. Just when you thought Landsberg made the wrong career move, please remember that Brendan Connor was last seen covering women’s volleyball on CBC. I rest my case.

Dave Hodge: the Chris Chelios award for most senile TSN personality
-Dave Hodge has got to be pushing seventy but still manages to toss out a good one-liner once in awhile. Gone are the days of TSN Inside Sports (thankfully), and now Hodge can usually be seen hosting TSN’s The Reporters on Sunday mornings. Sorry, 100 Huntley Street fans, this may create a scheduling conflict.

Rod Smith: the Rod Brind’Amour award for most multi-dimensional TSN personality
-Although Rod “The Bod” Smith can hold his own in the weight room, his versatility is best personified in how he closely resembles Brind’Amour. Whether it is hosting SportsCentre, doing TSN voiceovers, or calling CFL football, Rodsky always brings his best. Speaking of weight…

Bob McKenzie: the Teemu Selanne award for largest cranium at TSN
-Selanne’s signature Jofa helmet has reached a cult following simply because of the large melon which it protects. Bobby Mac was the obvious candidate for this prestigious title, as his oversized skull is chalk full of vital hockey information. Bob’s skills are best exemplified during the NHL Entry Draft each year when he always accurately predicts where every player will be drafted. That, and he could tell you where the best “all you can eat buffets” are located in the Greater Toronto Area.

Gord Miller: the Wade Redden award for most overrated TSN personality
-Since Pierre was already awarded the most annoying personality, I didn’t think it would be fair to have a TSN column without ripping into Miller and several of his chins. Having the opportunity to see Miller tape a segment of That’s Hockey! years ago, I can attest to the fact that he is definitely over hyped (it actually took him about 25 takes to record a proper intro to his “ground breaking” Ryan Smyth interview). How Miller is still viewed as the #1 play-by-play guy over Chris Cuthbert is beyond me. It may have something to do with Cuthbert snubbing Illegal Curve’s own Richard Pollock at a downtown Minneapolis hotel in 2003, but details are still to be confirmed.

Darren Dutchyshen: the Martin LaPointe award for best TSN bodybuilder
-My highlight of high school definitely has to be coming to school with a newspaper clipping outlining the details of Dutchie’s brawl with the groom at a wedding. No one in their right mind would want to start “chucking knuckles” with this guy. Martin LaPointe may be able to bench 300+ pounds, but I can guarantee he doesn’t look as good as Dutchie does in ruby red lipstick.

As much flack as TSN and SportCentre get for having annoying personalities, I’m thankful they still focus on actual sports and haven’t followed the path of ESPN which essential has an hour long infomercial called “SportsCenter” (note the American spelling). I’ll take Jennifer Hedger over ESPN’s Rachel Nichols any day.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. TJ Oshie pleads not guilty to disorderly conduct charges.
2. The IIHF has announced plans for a 12 team European Super League.
3. The weekly release from the USHL.
4. Bob McKenzie says that we can expect a resolution in the Cliff Fletcher - Maple Leafs saga within 24 hours. Much like the current season of America's Next Top Model, this situation can't end fast enough for me.
5. Sam Gagner and Alex Edler have been added to the Young Stars portion of the All-Star Game.
6. Scott Burnside wonders if Jaromir Jagr might be traded before the deadline rolls around.
7. The Dallas Stars have traded Junior Lessard to Tampa for Doug Jancevski. Thus ends Brian Burke's consecutive trades streak...
8. A smattering of blog links courtesy of Kukla's Korner.
9. The NHL's Junior Report gives us an in-depth look around the CHL and USHL.
10. Michael D'Orazio is featured in Draft Dandies.
11. Stamkos and Tavares will square off in the OHL All-Star game.
12. The NCAA has voted overwhelmingly in favor of allowing Canadian schools to compete in athletic conferences. I am sure some Canadian kids could challenge for top spot in the WCHA Peeing in an Elevator Cup.
13. Robin Bergman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish has left the school to return to Cedar Rapids of the USHL.
14. Possibly the best intermission entertainment I have ever seen. Makes me want to wax my zamboni...
15. Faceoff.com's around the league prospectus.
16. Peter Forsberg may try and test his rehabilitated ankle with Team Sweden. I don't think this rumor has a leg to stand on. I think he is more likely to hop to the NHL.
17. Former NHL'er Jere Karalahti has been busted in a sting on a Finnish meth operation. Interesting news, even though I don't karalahti about drug dealers...
18. Another installment from Milan Lucic's blog.
19. In related news, Jaroslav Modry also has a blog. Man, they will let anyone have one of these.
20. Ken Campbell looks at the best clutch performers in the NHL. Interesting read. Not to toot my own horn, but I was voted best clutch performer at 7 consecutive Jr. High dances.
21. The Hockey News gives us updates on Alex Pieterangelo, Kyle Okposo and Aaron Ness.
22. Mike Chen gives us his list of phrases that he feels should be banned from the hockey lexicon. Somewhere in Colorado, Ryan Smyth just became mute.
23. Mike Komisarek and Chris Higgins: Busom Buddies from Long Island.
24. Craig Simpson gives us some details on what Mathieu Garon has meant to the Oilers.
25. In an effort to keep out Leaf Content high, Scott Morrison takes us out with some words of wisdom.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

Note: News You Can Use will be updated in stages today

1. Brian Burke has called a press conference for this evening, where he is expected to announce the return of Scott Niedermayer.
2. The Leafs have demoted Stefan Kronwall and Jiri Tlusty.
3. The USA has announced their World Junior team.
4. Bob McKenzie blogs on the Team Canada and Team USA world junior teams.
5. The CHL Hot List.
6. Worcester, MA will host the 2009 AHL All-Star Game.
7. Mike Chen discusses the NHL's involvement in the Olympics.
8. The NHL Hot List.
9. The contestants for the Contintenal Cup have been announced.
10. Eric Duhatschek writes that the Flames won because they played simple hockey.
11. Want more Sam Gagner? Here you go.
12. Allan Maki details the diverging career paths of Sidney Crosby and former linemante Dany Roussin.
13. In an end to the most boring and drawn out saga of this NHL season, Scott Niedermayer is indeed returning.
14. The New Jersey Devils are going to name Jamie Langenbrunner as their captain.
15. The Canadiens have recalled Maxim Laperriere and Ryan O'Byrne.
16. The National Post's NHL Notebook observes that Todd Marchant was not happy to be a healthy scratch this past weekend.
17. Darryl Dobbs answers your Fantasy Hockey questions.
18. The Hockey News Blog notes that Ilya Kovalchuk is on pace for 69 goals, which would be the most since 1992-93.
19. Philippe Boucher will be sidelined for 4 weeks with shoulder surgery.
20. The Ottawa Senators have ended their skid by beating the Panthers 5-4.
21. The Hockey News Insider previews the projected top picks for the 2008 draft. Prospect Pulse feature has slipped to 8th on their list.
22. An update on the prospects playing in the Russian Super League.
23. Interesting article on the parallels between the Tigers and the Red Wings.
24. The Score looks at the top RFA's for this summer.
25. Scott Morrison feels that the continued whining about the state of the game is unwarranted.