On behalf of all of the fathers out there, here are this week's questions.
From: Chappy
Comments:
I have had a heated debate with a friend of mine on what the hardest trophy in all of sport is to win. I say the Stanley Cup because of the amount of games and the physicality of the sport and he says the World Cup because it only happens every 4 years, I know you a fan of both sports. What's your opinion???
Answer:
Hi Chappy, nice question. I do love the "beautiful game" and I am huge fan of the World Cup of Soccer. However, there is nothing that can really compare the physical and mental grind that is the run to the Stanley Cup final. Italy had to play 7 games in 27 days to win the 2006 World Cup. The Penguins had to play 24 games in 58 days to win the Stanley Cup this year. To me, the Stanley Cup is far and away the hardest trophy to win in all of sports.
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From: Donnie
Comments:
Hey Jim, does the NHL ever "fix" the results for a game? No offence to the tremendous effort put forth by the Pittsburgh Penguins, but I found it just a bit odd that the Detroit Red Wings were playing the way they were, committing so many errors, in the Final game of the season. This came to me during the presentation of the Cup: when Mr. Bettman mentioned that Pittsburgh had won a cup despite struggling in the past, I couldn't help but wonder if the NHL had fixed the game to help their case in the Relocation trial.
Answer:
Donnie, Donnie, Donnie. You are one man who really loves his conspiracy theories. To the best of my knowledge, the NHL has never "fixed" the results of any game. You have to give credit where credit is due. The Penguins eventually wore down the Red Wings and their combination of youth, speed and skill played a major part in forcing the errors.
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From: Andrew
Comments:
Here's something I've always wondered. When listening to the Fan 590, and a "hockey expert" in an out of town city is on and being asked for their opinion or stories, are they getting paid to be on the air? Do they get any type of reward for passing along possible inside information about their home team?
Answer:
Hi Andrew. According to Nelson Millman, the GM and program director at the Fan 590:
"It depends on the guy and how often we use him. We have paid deals with some guys like the morning show hockey insiders…Pierre Maguire and a couple of others.
Again, it depends on the situation." And now you know.
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From: Charles
Comments:
Do you even like sports? You seem like you would be more into the theatre and ballet??
Answer:
LMAO!!!! Charles, you rock. Yes, I do like sports. Some might say I am a tad obsessed with sports, especially football. I have two young daughters so I have no choice but to attend their dance recitals and school plays.
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From: Jon
Comments:
Hey Jim, in your opinion, what will happen with the Sedin Twins?
Answer:
Well Jon, after hearing he reports that Henrik and Daniel are seeking identical 12-year, $63-million dollar contracts, I have a feeling they will be sitting on their Swedish butts waiting for the phone to ring all summer. Considering the state of the North American economy and the fact the cap will go down this year and next year, I think the Sedins have completely lost their minds. Who in the hell would give either one of them a 12-year deal? It makes zero sense. Five or six years I could stomach, but not 12. Someone will sign them, but not for a 12-year term, that's insane.
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From: Goodenbergeur
Comments:
Hey Jim. I was just wondering when scouts come and look at young Baseball players and which area in Canada do they particularly come and scout these young and talented ball players. Thanks!!
P.S. I really, really want to play MLB baseball for a living!
Answer:
Well Goodenbergeur. If you're good and you have talent, major league scouts will find you, no matter where you live or what country you live in. It doesn't hurt if you play for a showcase team like Team Ontario or the Junior National team. There's a lot of good baseball talent in Canada. Right now, B.C. has produced the biggest studs in the major leagues, Jason Bay and Justin Morneau. Quebec produced the best catcher in the National League, Russell Martin.
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From: LileLovesHockey
Comments:
Hey Jim, big fan! Here's my question:
Do you believe in sports conspiracies? I mean, how many 7-game finals can the NHL have in a row?? It seems pretty convenient that there have been so many in the 2000s and so few since hockey began! And don't give me this parity stuff, that's too easy! Conspiracy! Do you believe?
Answer:
Hi "LileLovesHockey." I appreciate the respect, but I do not believe there's a conspiracy in the NHL to make sure there that every Stanley Cup Final goes seven games. However, I DO believe there is a full blown conspiracy to keep Jim Balisillie out of the NHL.
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From: Brian in Windsor
Comments:
If Taylor Hall were one year older, would you draft him ahead of John Tavares?
Answer:
Hi Brian, that's a tough question. I guess it would all depend on what kind of forward I thought my team needed. I love Taylor Hall, the dude has amazing acceleration. However, at this point, I think Tavares is more ready to make the jump to the NHL. You ask anyone who follows the OHL closely and they will tell you that Tavares is more of a pure scorer. So, to answer your question, I would still take Tavares, at No. 1. Any team would be thrilled to have either player. Both of them are the real deal.
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From: Trevor
Comments:
Hey Jim, from all the hype of this wonderful series and Game 7 from the Wings and Penguins, what is your opinion on this Game 7 and what are some of your all-time favourites?
Answer:
Hi Trevor, I loved this year's Game 7 battle between the Penguins and the Red Wings. I think Jim Hughson is amazing, but I dearly missed hearing Bob Cole's golden pipes when Fleury robbed Lidstrom right at the end of the game. One of my all-time favourites was the Oilers Game 7 win over the Flyers in 1987.
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From: Patrick
Comments:
Hey Jim, did anyone ever tell you that you look just like Wink Yahoo, the TV host from the hit game show "Uh Oh!!" (YouTube link for you to see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLembqleKEM) It played on YTV way back when I was little. The resemblance is stunning!!
Answer:
Hi Patrick, nope, you are the first. I did check out "Wink Yahoo" on YouTube and I do have to admit, I see the resemblance. I guess it beats being told I look like Bob Saget. That guy makes me ill.
I have received a ton of questions regarding Brian Burke and what he's planning to do this weekend at the NHL entry draft. Burke has a lot of scenarios of what he would like to do this week, but it all depends on who will be willing to do a deal with him. Personally, I can't wait to see what kind of deals are going to come together this week from teams all across the NHL.
