The more I watch Mike Smith, the more I appreciate his “I’ll make you pay for getting in my face” style.
Don’t get in his way: Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (L) goes after Los Angeles Kings right wing Justin Williams (14) in the first period during Game 1 of the NHL Western Conference final. REUTERS/Todd Korol
The Western Conference semi-finals are going to be… interesting.
All defense, all goaltender.
Did you know?
One of the weirder traditions in hockey is for Florida Panther fans to throw rubber rats on the ice.
Rat trick! Victory rats cover the ice following the Florida Panthers win against the New Jersey Devils in the NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final. Photo: REUTERS/Rhona Wise
The Flyers-Penguins series is the craziest playoff hockey series I’ve seen in a long time.
26 goals, 100 penalty minutes and game three (best of seven) isn’t even over yet.
Just a reminder that Brian Burke is awesome.
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke was honoured by PLFAG Canada (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) with the “Ally Award” on Monday. Here is part of his speech via MapleLeafs.com (Photo: Mark Blinch/Reuters):
I believe that the PFLAG “Ally Award” has great significance, and I was flattered to accept it on Monday night on behalf of the Burke family. But I hope the day comes, and soon, when this award is retired as obsolete.
A parent’s unconditional love and acceptance of their child is unremarkable, and should be automatic. It deserves no accolades or praise. Make no mistake, the hero here was Brendan. What Brendan did took courage. Coming out in arguably the most macho of the professional sports. Now that was worthy of an award.
Most walls in society have been breached or levelled over time. But not this one – professional sports in North America has no gay presence. And certainly the NHL does not. These walls have not been breached, have not been levelled. Bias, suspicion and prejudice still prevail. Our goal has to be to continue to level these barriers.
Great progress has been made. But much hard work still lies ahead. Gradual change has been interspersed with radical statements and positions. Brendan’s lot as a gay man in general was far better than it would have been in 1980. But the process must continue. Today, we are talking about battling ignorance, fear and bias. And I am going to ask everybody to agree to take three steps going forward – and to eliminate homophobia.
Why am I receiving this award? Because my son was gay. And I lost him in a car accident on February 5, 2010. Brendan came out in a very public way shortly before we lost him. He changed lives, and he has inspired me to do the same.
The last season Francois Beauchemin scored two goals in a game, the Ducks won the cup.
Just sayin’.
You may not realize it, but the LGBT community is gaining significant support from professional hockey. Brian Burke, one of the gruffest and most prominent leaders in the hockey world, is a staunch supporter of LGBT rights.
A lot of smiles at today’s practice.
Hiller’s special mask for Movember. This is beyond awesome.
GPOY: Hanging out with the Rocket Richard (Top Goal Scorer) and Hart (League MVP) trophies.
