Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 22 2013

By Elliot Chan, Contributor

The first week of the NHL season is underway, and that means our fantasy teams are gearing to go. After listening to the experts and analyzing the rosters, we step back and await the results.

For those who chose the Penguin’s captain, Sidney Crosby, this year in the first round— I’ll say congratulations. But I’m going with Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning as my top centre. After all, the 22-year-old was the first player to score 60 goals in a season since Alexander Ovechkin did in 2007–2008. His individual success had been overshadowed by his team’s failure, but playing alongside Martin St. Louis and Ryan Malone will always guarantee production from the young sniper.

Now, I might not have selected Crosby, but I did pick up his Russian counter-part and last year’s Hart Trophy winner, Evgeni Malkin. With the absence of the captain last season, Malkin had the best year of his career, stepping up in every aspect of the game. Finishing with 109 points, the most in the league, the man teammates and fans refer to as “Geno” will make a big impact, regardless of Crosby’s condition.

Although his stock has decreased immensely this year, Ovechkin is still a great pick, and cheaper than ever. With 40 points in 31 games in the KHL this season, Ovechkin would be on route to a 100-point year should the games and stats be combined. That would make it his first triple digit season since 2009–2010. He is still a phenomenal player and I wouldn’t be surprised if he elevates his performance this year to prove he is still in the same class as Malkin and Crosby.

On defense there was no hesitation, I took Erik Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators. With 78 points in 2011–2012, nobody expects the 22 year-old Swede to replicate the dream season. But with a seven-year contract and a Norris trophy, expectations are higher.

I could have chosen Shea Weber or Zdeno Chara as my second top line defenseman, but instead I went back to the Penguins and selected Kris Letang. Often flying under the radar on the team, Letang is one of the leagues most consistent D-men. With a plus/minus rating of +26 in six NHL seasons, Letang is reliable in all big game situations, including shootouts.

Finally, my number one goalie will be none other than Vancouver Canucks’ Cory Schneider. Regardless of Roberto Luongo’s situation, pressure is high for Schneider. Fortunately his first year as a starter is in a shortened season. With a total of 68 games in the NHL, the season will still have a familiar backup feel for Schneider.

As for some dark horses, on offense I chose Pittsburgh’s Pascal Dupuis, Buffalo’s Cody Hodgson, and Edmonton’s Magnus Paajarvi. On defense I picked up, Detroit’s Kyle Quincey and Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman. As for my backup goalie I went with Michal Neuvirth of the Washington Capitals.

That is my team for this year. I’m sure by February I’ll be regretting most of my picks. But until then, best of luck and hockey pool responsibly.

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 22 2012

Milos Raonic not among the elites… yet
by Elliot Chan, Contributor

After a shaky first round in Melbourne, Canada’s golden boy of tennis, Milos Raonic, defeated Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol in straight sets advancing him to the third round in the Australian Open. Overcoming the scorching 40 degree Celsius heat, Raonic rallied through a first set tiebreak and then cruising to a 7–6 (7–2), 6–2, 6–3 victory. Although he is a win away from matching his best grand slam performance, should he succeed he would end up facing Roger Federer in the fourth round.

“It was a little tough,” said Raonic, addressing the heat and not about the prospect of facing Federer, “you found yourself getting light-headed. Other than that it didn’t seem that hot. The sun was covered by clouds. But the air was thick, it was hard to catch your breath.”

It might help Raonic breathe a bit easier knowing that he defeated Rosol, who got most of his fame from ousting Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon last June. But with Nadal’s absence from the tournament, there really isn’t a point comparing him to Federer, Novak Djokovic, or Andy Murray. After all, they are the top dogs; the finals without the presence of two of them will be a surprise. But the idea of an upset might not be too far-fetched.

We can all agree that Federer is not the player he once was or that competition had stiffened against him. Either way, with pink shoelaces, the Swiss second seeder defeated Russian Nikolay Davydenko as the sunset in Melbourne last Thursday. After a 6–3 6–4 6–4 win, Federer heads into third round preparing to face home country favourite Bernard Tomic. Tomic had risen rapidly up the ATP standings. At 18 years old, the 71 seed Australian is the youngest player to reach the top 100.

For now, Raonic cannot worry about Federer. He has to focus on Saturday, when he takes on German, Philipp Kohlschreiber. But for fans, all eyes are towards the horizon, wondering what lies in store for Canadian tennis. It is hard to think about tennis in January, but the sport has been gaining popularity for years. With so many alternatives to hockey during the summer, it seems the powder keg is going to blow. With advancing victories from Milos Raonic, he might just be the one to light the fuse.

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 15 2013

A Dark Age for Vancouver sport fans
By Elliot Chan, Contributor

April 22, 2012 marked the last Vancouver Canucks game. September 9, 2012, the Vancouver Canadians concluded their season. November 1, the Whitecaps were defeated and knocked out of their first MLS playoffs. November 18, 2012 was the disappointing last game for the BC Lions. And the Vancouver Giants, with a current record of 11-28-0, are unworthy of being considered entertainment. Needless to say, the city has been in a sports drought. And after gorging ourselves on the brief World Junior Championship, most of us still feel unsatisfied, like having eaten candy for dinner. Now that the NHL is back, the banquet is served. But let’s not forget the other sports and other leagues around the world. Just because we’re sports fans doesn’t mean we can’t be cultured.

Not far beyond the horizon, our American neighbours are enjoying their bounty in NFL playoffs and NBA midseason. With the Super Bowl held in New Orleans this year on February 3, you know it will be a grand spectacle, regardless of the teams in the final. As for NBA, the big three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh are proving their worth, leading the conference and eager to defend their title. But all eyes are on the usurpers. Kevin Durant looks to be the key to success in Oklahoma City, and Chris Paul and Blake Griffin of the LA Clippers look posed to do some real damage overtaking the Lakers as the Los Angeles team to root for. The current unpredictability of the two America-based sports makes it worthwhile to check out.

On January 14, 2013, the Australian Open tennis championships begin in Melbourne. The opportunity to see Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer face each other in a rematch is a good enough reason to stay up late. And if those two take up the top spots, then Andy Murray will be a respectable number three. After reaching the finals in two of the last three years, it seems that Murray always saves his best for the Aussies. Since he won the gold medal at the Olympics in his British homeland against Federer, Murray is expected by many to finally surpass his long-time rival and top seed, Djokovic.

Across the pond, the UEFA Championship round of 16 has been set and there are some key games leading up to the May 25 finals: Manchester United against Real Madrid on February 13 and March 5, AC Milan versus FC Barcelona on February 20 and March 12, and Arsenal taking on Bayern Munich on the same days. With memories of Chelsea winning 4–3 on penalty kicks after a 1–1 draw against Bayern Munich at the finals in Germany, an epic tension is building up because of the finals being held at Wembley Stadium in England. Bayern would love to make their tenth appearance in the deciding game, but with so many quality teams in the mix it seems unlikely to see an England-Germany rematch.

Although there might not be a whole lot going on north of the 49thparallel, like tropical fruit in January, there are always exports from other countries to enjoy.

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 15 2013

Will the results be different?
By Elliot Chan, Contributor

For several years, the Vancouver Canucks have been a notoriously slow-starting team. But somehow by mid-season they pull a few winning streaks together and suddenly at the end they are on top of the league and Presidents’ Trophy winners. This year, with 48 games scheduled, every game becomes so much more important. Although the core of the team is still intact, several key areas of the Canucks’ lineup may require some tinkering. And if they are unable to find chemistry off the bat, then a short season will feel a lot shorter.

The most crucial problem is the absence of Ryan Kesler. After a shoulder and wrist surgery in the summer, the Canucks’ most valuable two-way forward is still recovering. With no schedule set for his return and Kesler refusing to risk any setbacks, the team will simply have to cope without him for the time being. Left winger Chris Higgins will be the most likely candidate to replace Kesler as the second-line centre. But concerning points, David Booth, Jannik Hansen, and Mason Raymond will be expected to pick up the slack.

Despite everything Roberto Luongo has done, Vancouver still remains a goalie graveyard. Amidst the skeletons of Dan Cloutier and Felix Potvin, Cory Schneider will now take the spotlight as the number one goalie in town. During his rise through the Canucks organization, fans have developed a bond with the 26-year-old Massachusetts native. But with Luongo’s departure imminent, how many chances will the fan base offer before the faith in Schneider, like that in his predecessor, runs dry?

While GM Mike Gillis was fairly idle with free agent signings this past summer, there was a notable newcomer: Jason Garrison from the Florida Panthers. With a six-year contract in place, Garrison is taking on big shoes replacing Sami Salo on the blue line. For some, the lockout was a blessing and that was just the case for the White Rock native. Garrison had been nursing a groin injury when he was signed, but now the 28-year-old player is ready to hit the ice with his new team.

The Canucks’ depth has been one of the team’s strengths for many years and this one will be no different. But since it is a tighter schedule don’t expect to see as many line changes and swaps with the farm team. Alain Vigneault needs to see the big picture and get the team to the playoffs; that means relying on the core. Daniel and Henrik Sedin must produce points, Alexander Edler and Dan Hamhuis will need to contribute on the power play, and Corey Schneider must elevate his game and become the new face of the franchise. No pressure, or anything.

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 8 2013

The future of goaltending for Team Canada

By Elliot Chan, Contributor

Imagine a golfer trying to sink a par three putt on a football field with a game in progress. In a sense, that is what goalies are—individuals playing their own sport in a larger game with all the pressure that nobody notices until they make or break. It is a unique position that requires mental and physical stability and that is what makes it difficult to pinpoint a consistent future for these athletes.

Malcolm Subban was the first goalie to be touted as the bona fide number one starter for Team Canada in the World Junior Championship since Carey Price in 2007. Needless to say, quality goaltenders don’t emerge often. Even when one does well in the World Juniors it doesn’t necessarily mean success in the NHL. For example, in 2006 Justin Pogge won the MVP and helped Team Canada capture their twelfth gold medal in the tournament, only to end up being shipped around from Toronto to Phoenix in his professional career without ever achieving the same level of accomplishment. Few goaltenders are able to savor a lengthy career, but those who do become legends.

As Martin Brodeur’s career wanes, all eyes are seeking the new fixture in Canada’s crease for the upcoming Olympics and World Championship tournaments. With the memories of Roberto Luongo’s 2010 gold medal performance tarnished by his inability to win the Stanley Cup, hockey fans can turn their attention to others remaining on the top notch. Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes has a Stanley Cup ring, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and a gold medal from the 2007 World Championships. Marc-André Fleury also has a Stanley Cup ring and was the third string goalie in the 2010 Olympics. Many suspect that it will be his turn to take the helm and solidify his legacy as the starter in Sochi 2014. Finally, there is heavily ridiculed BC boy Carey Price, famous for mimicking Patrick Roy and telling hometown fans to relax. His stats aren’t as prestigious as the others, but I believe that team Canada would benefit from his fiery attitude.

Like any other profession, good consistent performance is what sets those who are great from those who are merely decent. Goaltending is no different. But when it comes down to a one game winner-takes-all, even the best rely on luck. On January 3, 2013, the USA defeated Canada in a 5-1 slaughter at the World Juniors. Subban was pulled after allowing four goals on 16 shots during the second period, far from top prospect caliber. For now, the Boston Bruins’ draft pick remains a prospect, but with mental and physical conditioning, I foresee Subban making a big impact with the Canadian squad for many years to come.

Other top goaltending prospects for Team Canada’s future include Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals, Mike Smith of the Phoenix Coyotes, Devan Dubnyk of the Edmonton Oilers, Corey Crawford of the Chicago Blackhawks, Jonathan Bernier of the LA Kings, and Brian Elliott of the St. Louis Blues. The competition for Canada’s crease has never been so openly contested and it’ll be interesting to see who will step up and face the privilege of ultimate pressure.