Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”
Odds and Ends, Thoughts and Questions, from this past week in sports –
Just so there’s no confusion when I’m spewing my bias, I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Winnipeg Goldeyes, Toronto Raptors, all curlers from Manitoba, and all Canadian athletes competing on the international stage.
I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman or as I call him, Count Chocula. I am a big believer in the 7Ps. You’ve been warned.
1. Raptors: The Toronto Raptors swept both games at Oracle and now lead the NBA Finals versus the Golden State Warriors 3-1. The Raptors now have a stranglehold on the series returning to Toronto for game five. Check out the latest odds for the Toronto Raptors winning their first NBA title here >>> https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/nba/championship-odds/
2. Jets: A lot of Winnipeg Jets fans are getting bent out of shape about Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers trade rumours. I would be too but 95% of these rumours are coming from other wishful fan bases. Relax.
3. Raptors: In the Raptors game 3 win they had all five starters with 15 points or more AND this is only the second time an NBA team has done this in the past 20 years. The also had a sixth player in double digits with 10 points. That is solid contributions.
4. Jets: What do the Winnipeg Jets need in return for Jacob Trouba?
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5. NHL: Another game and another controversial blown call or non-call. The only way to get this right is to revamp the coaches challenges and expand them to include anything and everything. I don’t care how long a review takes as long as they get it CORRECT!
6. Jets: There was a report that Winnipeg Jets forward Jack Roslovic fired his agent (Ken Robinson) which was true but it was also reported the Jacko asked to be traded which was denied by his former agent. He did say the Roslovic wasn’t happy being on the fourth line. That is not a big deal. Jacko got a lot of Twitter hate based on this misinformation and that is too bad. He will eventually be a top-nine forward based on his play and possibly through attrition. My initial reaction was “shut up and earn your position” but I don’t mind that a player who wants more responsibility and icetime. Either way, he isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
7. NHL: I find it very hard to watch the SC Final when I can’t stand either team. Thank goodness it is almost over ……….. AND thank goodness for the Raptors filling the void.
8. Raptors: Kawhi Leonard has been an absolute beast in the postseason. He has elevated his status statistically and has joined some of the heavy hitters in NBA history. Kawhi has carried the Raptors offensively with 30 points or more almost every night. He has been the constant with Pascal Siakim, or Kyle Lowry, or Serge Ibaka, or Marc Gasol, or Danny Green taking turns supporting him. IF the Raptors can get a solid effort at home tonight from everybody there could be a parade in Toronto this week.
9. NHL: No hockey on Saturday night again? Really? Three days off in between games 5 and 6? Really? Just as well Gary, nobody gives a crap anyway. #WeTheNorth
10. Jays: The Blue Jays are embarrassing themselves by trotting out Edwin Jackson every five days.
11. Blue Bombers: The Bombers won both of their preseason games but now the real shootin’ starts. There is a quiet, guarded optimism in Winnipeg this season but we’ve all been down this road before. I’m like the rest of Bombers Nation, let’s just wait and see.
12. Important Dates:
June 15: Winnipeg Blue Bombers season opener at BC.
June 21: 2019 NHL Entry Draft – First round selections.
June 22: 2019 NHL Entry Draft – Second thru seventh-round selections.
June 23: The NHL’s interview period for UFAs (unrestricted free agents) to speak to teams other than their own will open at noon ET. During this period, pending UFAs will be able to meet with prospective teams, but are not permitted to discuss contract details (although they do).
June 26: The RFA (restricted free agent) contact or interview period opens at noon ET. During this period, pending RFAs will be able to meet with prospective teams, but are not permitted to discuss contract details (although they do).
June 27: Winnipeg Blue Bombers home opener vs Edmonton.
July 1: NHL’s free agency opens at noon ET.
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Thanks, Mitch
