Random Thoughts From Motown Mitch: Nov. 25

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 Ice, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 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.

 

BLUE BOMBERS

WIN THE

GREY CUP

1. Blue Bombers:  Winnipeg 33 – Hamilton – 12  … The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have ended a 29-year Grey Cup drought and shook a giant monkey of this franchise’s back.

This might have been one of the most complete team victories I have seen in years and especially when you look at the quality of their opponent.

The Good:

• The two-headed monster of Zach Collaros and Chris Streveler was outstanding.
• Justin Medlock was money again. 
• Andrew Harris was in full beast mode rushing for 134 yards and a TD on 14 carries plus hauling in 5 receptions for 35 yards and a TD.
• Richie Hall and his much-maligned defence were outstanding throughout the playoffs and saved their best for the Grey Cup.  
• The front four was in full beast mode all game and dominated the Hamilton o-line.
• I loved Paul LaPolice’s game plan and I can say without a doubt that the Tiger-Cats were out-coached on both sides of the ball.

2. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets had a decent week managing to earn four of six points and improved their record to 14-9-1, good for third place in the NHL’s Central Division. 

3. Moose:  The Moose went 1-2 in their three games last week and have an overall record of  10-10-0-0.  The scoreboard won’t show it but the Moose played decent versus Marlies in the two loses. 

4. Bombers:  They say defence wins championships and Winnipeg’s defence was PLUS 13 in the turnover ratio during their three playoff games.

5. NHL:  The official that gave Robert Bortuzzo ONE penalty for his TWO vicious cross-checks on the Preds Viktor Arvidsson should be suspended.  I’m so tired of referees not being accountable and especially to the public.  The NHL says they discipline their officials but I think it should be made public just like player fines and suspensions.  Why should the referees be shielded?

6. Jets:  Its always nice to beat Nashville and especially in their barn.  

7. Bombers:  I am so relieved the Bombers didn’t waste another brilliant year from Andrew Harris.  He is an absolute beast and I was so happy when he signed here.  What a player.     

8. NHL: The four-game suspension to Robert Bortuzzo is not enough.  There was no doubt what the intent was.  (see #5)   

9. Blue Bombers:  I can’t help but feel a little sorry for Matt Nichols.  He is kind of the forgotten man that had a part in getting the Bombers to their ultimate goal.  Right now Zach Collaros and Chris Streveler are the toast of the town and Winnipeg fans would love to have them both back again next season.  Where does that leave Nichols?

10. Jets:  The Dustin Byfuglien watch.  No sightings so no “BUFFARAZZI” to report this week.

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11. Bombers:  If Zach Collaros was willing to move out west to play in Saskatchewan, why wouldn’t he consider signing with the Blue Bombers this off-season?  

12. Jets:  I wish the Jets would go back to last year’s powerplay, maybe flip Ehlers for Connor but back to Laine being in the one-timer spot.  I like Andrew Copp but he should not be on any NHL powerplay.

13. Pet Peeve:  I can’t believe we live in a world where some fans think that players traded should get championship rings if their former team wins it all.  Talk of Jonas Valančiūnas and Delon Wright getting rings from the Raptors was laughable.  C’MON MAN.   

14. Random:  I think the Bombers Grey Cup victory might have taught me an important life lesson.  I’m like most guys.  I think I know more than the guys that get paid to coach our teams.  The world needs fewer armchair QBs.  Maybe I should keep my yap shut and try enjoying the games and stop coaching.  I know I’m guilty of constantly coaching and evaluating.  

15. CFL:  Props to the CFL and the Calgary Grey Cup committee for getting Keith Urban for the half-time show.  I was sure TSN was going to try and force-feed us the Reklaws.

16. Tennis:  Canada made its first-ever Davis Cup Final in Madrid this past weekend but lost to the host team from Spain.  This was quite an accomplishment for the young men repping our country as they provided some great moments and played some outstanding tennis last week.  The new format made it even more exciting.  The semi-final versus Russia was a lot of fun and it was a history-making victory.  Vasek Pospisil, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Denis Shapovalov played their hearts out and made Canada proud.

17. This week:

• Manitoba Moose – Nov. 27, 29, 30
• Winnipeg Jets – Nov. 27, 29, 30
• Winnipeg Ice – Nov. 29, 30

18. Goaltending:

• Conner Hellebuyck:  11-7-1 … 2.42 GAA … .928 SV%             
• Laurent Brossoit:  3-2-0 … 3.90 GAA … .876 SV%

19. Special Teams:  Rule of thumb.  Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added.  (as your minimum)   I also base the movement (up or down) on the % and not the NHL ranking.

• PP:  22nd at 15.50% down from 20th at 17.20%     
• PK: 29th at 72.20% down  from 28th at 73.30% 
• FO: 8th at 51.00% down from 8h at 51.40%

20. NFL: No more Gronk, please.   

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Thanks, Mitch