Match Play Problems

2011 Accenture Match Play Champion Luke Donals

I really like the idea of a match play tournament on the PGA Tour.  It's completely different from every other tournament, and provides fans with an exciting alternative to the same old same old that is most tournament's on the year's schedule. But then why aren't I crazy about the Accenture Match Play Championship that Luke Donald won this year?

I see many flaws in the tournament, but I'll be the first to admit I have no idea how to fix them.  The biggest problem in my mind is that on Saturday and Sunday, the television coverage is, in a word, boring.  On both the weekend, there are only four golfers playing and simply not enough golf is ever shown.  Instead we get to listen to the likes of Johnny Miller.  That's a chore at the best of times, but made far worse when he needs to fill air time while players walk 300 yards to their drive, then each go through a seven minute pre-shot routine.  As riveting as that may be to some, I only see it as an increased chance of me hearing about how great the '73 Open was.  No thanks, I'd rather go clean out the neighbour's litter box. 

Flames Bear Down, but Lose

I wasn't bored Tuesday night.

I watched the Bruins/Flames game and I wasn't bored.  Despite being 1-0 for almost 45 minutes, it was an exciting hockey game.  Some I've talked to disagreed with that, saying "the Bruins played the trap for 59 minutes."  While I appreciate other fans perspective, I think I'll stick with my statement.

The Flames played well.  Yes, they were sluggish in the first period, but they moved the puck well, despite having to constantly regroup because of the Bruins' quality positional play.  The Flames managed 29 shots on net, they went 1 for 2 on the power play, and they killed off the only penalty against them, a double minor to Glencross.  Nic Hagman, after being waived the day before, was everywhere (in a good way) and even Steve Staois was getting in on the rush.  They had several scoring chances in the first 40 minutes, and Boston's first two goals both came on errors; one on a line change and the other running around after not being able to get it out when they had the chance.

Classic Indeed

The day Flames fans had been eagerly awaiting all year has now come and gone.  Sunday, playing in rather chilly conditions, the Flames were able to beat the Canadiens 4-0 in the Heritage Classic at McMahon Stadium.

First and foremost, the win got the Flames a big two points, and they now find themselves tied with the Nashville Predators for fifth place in the Western Conference.  I think the result speaks volumes for the Flames and how much this team has changed in the past two months.  It would have been very easy to get lost in all the hoopla that goes with playing in an outdoor game.  With all the off ice activities and the extra attention the games was receiving, it would have been east to get distracted and lose focus, forgetting that this game counts as much in the standings as 81 others on the schedule this year.  The team deserves full credit for playing a good game, dominating parts of it, and in the end getting a shutout and a victory.

The Heritage Classic is Here!

The day has finally arrived; Christmas in February for Flames fans. Today is the day of the Heritage Classic. The opportunity to watch the Flames play outdoors, at McMahon Stadium is a once in a lifetime event.

But really what’s so special about watching this Flames game? Yes, it’s outdoors, but that only means it’ll be much colder than the climate-controlled confines of the Saddledome. The stadium itself isn’t anything special. First off, I’ve seen many a Stamps game there; secondly, McMahon is kind of a dump. The opponent isn’t especially riveting. Sure, the Flames played them in the Cup finals twice, but that was over twenty years ago. Today, the Habs are simply a team we rarely see, save a home and home each year. There aren’t any head to head battles for a playoff spot, and let’s be honest, the game would be more exciting if it were between the Flames and Canucks or Oilers. Then why the hell am I so excited to see this game!?

To be perfectly honest, I’m not really sure. I might just be looking forward to almost every aspect of today. I can’t wait to arrive at the stadium several hours before puck drop to see the hoopla and spectacle that the NHL has created in an effort to separate me from my money. I can’t wait to tailgate in -15C weather, sharing beers with perfect strangers. I can’t wait to see what McMahon stadium looks like with an ice rink. Sure, I’ve seen the photos and the webcam, but seeing it live is totally different. I can’t wait to see the Flames play a game in their ‘new’ uniforms. And perhaps most important to me, I can’t wait to see the Flames play in another venue.

It isn’t one of the league’s 30 home arenas, but McMahon Stadium will be the 18th different venue I’ve seen the hometown heroes play in, and of course I’m always happy to add to my total. Of course, unlike the other arenas, the Flames won’t be returning to this one anytime soon. This truly is a once in a lifetime event. For the next few decades, when people talk about the outdoor game at McMahon, I’ll always be able to say, “I was at that game…”


Don’t forget to dress warm, pack your flask, and cheer loudly, it should be a helluva hockey game!


-TheRev


twitter.com/TheRevBW
thesportsroundup@gmail.com
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Different Strokes: Flames and Sens headed in opposite directions

Friday January 14. Two meandering Canadian NHL teams face-off looking to jump start their season and climb back into the playoff race in their respective conferences.


The Calgary Flames were victorious on that cold January night and have since gone on an unthinkable tear going 9-1-2 in their next 12 games. The Ottawa Senators, the Flames opponent that night, have gone in the opposite direction. The loss to the Flames began a string of 10 consecutive defeats and after tonight, 11 straight games without posting a W.

Ottawa is doing exactly what (some) Flames fans hoped Calgary would do – tank to snag a good draft pick, whether intentionally or not. Ottawa is now without their Captain and on the verge of likely dealing one of Chris Phillips, Mike Fischer, or Alex Kov-a-lev. They are a sinking ship and only the Islanders envy their position.

Calgary Flames Finally Win in ATL

Rack’em up. Wins, that is.


It’s what the Calgary Flames continue to do.

Despite never winning in Atlanta before tonight, the Flames pulled off their second straight comeback win and won their sixth in a row for the first time since 2008.

They are currently (as I type this) tied for the final playoff spot. Depending on what plays out in the Colorado Minnesota game, they will either sit one point back of 8th or be tied for the spot.

Tied for a playoff spot on February 3rd! You must be joking!