Thursday, January 20, 2011
What to Expect
I plan on providing a unique non-statistical perspective from the viewpoint of an avid sports fan, but a relatively new hockey fan. During each game, I will provide real-time analysis and then a brief and (hopefully) interesting take on the Dallas Stars. Feel free to add your opinion so long as it doesn't get personal. :)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Defending Big D
Make sure to head over to Defending Big D for some great inside information on the daily happenings of the Dallas Stars. If you get an itch for hardcore statistical analysis, check out some of Brad and Brandon's in-depth articles.
An Open Apology to Trevor Daley
Dear Mr. Daley:
I want to formally and publically apologize to you for my early season abandonment of hope for your future contributions to this hockey club. I was one of a group of people who publically berated you and called you a worthless piece of a hockey player. I thought you were nothing more than a speedskater who had missed his calling to tryout for the US Olympic Team (referring mainly to the sport where you synchronize your triple axel with a contemporary musical piece). I saw you as the best scorer the opponent could ask for. And I would have rejoiced in your trade that would have netted the Stars a new zamboni driver and called it a steal...for us. And up until around early December, I probably wasn't unreasonable in my feelings towards you.
But then something happened. What was it Mr. Daley? I certainly don't have any illusions that you one day woke up and read all my posts and decided to prove me wrong like everyone else on this site. Was it a come-to-Jesus talk you had behind closed doors with Mr. Crawford or Mr. Joe? Or maybe it was just a motivational soliloquy in front of your mirror one morning? Whatever it was, you finally woke up and started showing the management, team, and fans just how dangerous (to the other team for a change) you can be.
In recent games I have watched you use your explosive speed to move the puck effortlessly out of the defensive zone, join the rush in transition, and actually finish with a positive result! You hustle to get back on defense and are using incredible ice intelligence to be better positioned and disrupt the opponents passing options. I've even noticed how you are improving in your playmaking skills when you get involved in the occasional odd-man rush. Did I mention how Mr. Crawford seems more comfortable using you on special teams too? AND I would be remiss not to mention your improved judgment on knowing when to jump into the play. Your timing has been impeccable sir.
And frankly, who am I fooling? You probably will never read this letter. But it's good therapy for me. Just as it made me feel better when I verbally castigated you when you skated around like a chicken with its head cut off, it makes me feel even better to feel the necessity to write this open letter to you to apologize - to admit how WRONG I was about you. Yes, I can admit that when it is the truth.
And that's what people here at this site will learn about me. As equally bold as I am to trumpet my correct analyses and opinions, I will not hesistate to admit when I am wrong. And Mr. Daley, I was totally WRONG about you. And for that I am deeply sorry. Please forgive me.
P.S. Your emergence as a defensive force, in my opinion, is equivalent to aquiring a defensemen at the trade deadline. So, as things stand now, I would ask you pass along to Joe that we don't need to give up our future for a rent-a-defenseman before the trade deadline. Thanks to you, we have what we need to win a Stanley Cup.
Sincerely,
Your potentially biggest fan
I want to formally and publically apologize to you for my early season abandonment of hope for your future contributions to this hockey club. I was one of a group of people who publically berated you and called you a worthless piece of a hockey player. I thought you were nothing more than a speedskater who had missed his calling to tryout for the US Olympic Team (referring mainly to the sport where you synchronize your triple axel with a contemporary musical piece). I saw you as the best scorer the opponent could ask for. And I would have rejoiced in your trade that would have netted the Stars a new zamboni driver and called it a steal...for us. And up until around early December, I probably wasn't unreasonable in my feelings towards you.
But then something happened. What was it Mr. Daley? I certainly don't have any illusions that you one day woke up and read all my posts and decided to prove me wrong like everyone else on this site. Was it a come-to-Jesus talk you had behind closed doors with Mr. Crawford or Mr. Joe? Or maybe it was just a motivational soliloquy in front of your mirror one morning? Whatever it was, you finally woke up and started showing the management, team, and fans just how dangerous (to the other team for a change) you can be.
In recent games I have watched you use your explosive speed to move the puck effortlessly out of the defensive zone, join the rush in transition, and actually finish with a positive result! You hustle to get back on defense and are using incredible ice intelligence to be better positioned and disrupt the opponents passing options. I've even noticed how you are improving in your playmaking skills when you get involved in the occasional odd-man rush. Did I mention how Mr. Crawford seems more comfortable using you on special teams too? AND I would be remiss not to mention your improved judgment on knowing when to jump into the play. Your timing has been impeccable sir.
And frankly, who am I fooling? You probably will never read this letter. But it's good therapy for me. Just as it made me feel better when I verbally castigated you when you skated around like a chicken with its head cut off, it makes me feel even better to feel the necessity to write this open letter to you to apologize - to admit how WRONG I was about you. Yes, I can admit that when it is the truth.
And that's what people here at this site will learn about me. As equally bold as I am to trumpet my correct analyses and opinions, I will not hesistate to admit when I am wrong. And Mr. Daley, I was totally WRONG about you. And for that I am deeply sorry. Please forgive me.
P.S. Your emergence as a defensive force, in my opinion, is equivalent to aquiring a defensemen at the trade deadline. So, as things stand now, I would ask you pass along to Joe that we don't need to give up our future for a rent-a-defenseman before the trade deadline. Thanks to you, we have what we need to win a Stanley Cup.
Sincerely,
Your potentially biggest fan
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