Here are some thoughts on a Monday morning from the sports world:
• Ontario’s Glenn Howard is a force to be reckoned with. Howard’s rink dominated at the Brier in Saskatoon and will do well representing Canada at the Worlds.
• The NHL playoff race is as tight as it has ever been. With less than 15 games to go seven teams in the east were separated by 10 points for the eighth and final playoff spot while seven teams were 10 points apart from seventh to 13th in the west. Whoever catches on fire in the late going will get in. It is also a terrible time to take a tail spin. Just ask San Jose who was 2-6-2 in its last 10 early last week. They went from fourth or fifth all the way down to 11th.
• Who is going to win the Peyton Manning sweepstakes? I say Miami or Arizona are the likely suitors. I was intrigued that he visited Denver two weeks ago. That apparently ‘rattled’ Tim Tebow as one reporter suggested. That reporter also said he would more than likely be dealt if Manning signed with Denver.
• If Manning signs with the Broncos, which I think is a long-shot, watch Jacksonville or Miami to make a ploy to bring in Tebow. Even if he struggles, having him back in Florida should boost ticket sales in those areas since the quarterback was a Florida Gator.
• As an Eagles’ fan I am more than happy to have Mike Vick as our quarterback. Other than Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers, Vick is who I would want behind centre. Of course there is also a guy named Tom Brady but my brother-in law’s team can keep him.
• How many people wish that the CFL would get started for another season? All it took was a few nice days outside and I got the itch for the football season.
• You can also add golf to that list. I can’t wait for that sport to get going again around here.
• Will Tiger Woods ever return to his former form? I don’t think so. Woods recently pulled out of a tournament after starting the day with an outside chance at winning. Wood struggled and by hole 12 headed to the parking lot after wincing in pain with an apparent tight Achilles tendon. I think Woods’ best days are behind him although he still has some fight left in him as he has shown every so often.
• I think the PGA Tour is seeing a youth movement. What started last year has moved into this year. Golfers like Rory McIlroy have taken centre stage and it’s pretty cool to watch some youngsters make some great shots. Not to mention McIlroy is now ranked number one in the world.
• The March Madness of college basketball starts this week. College teams in the United States are vying for ultimate supremacy. I have tried to pick a correct bracket for years. Even though I’m not a basketball fan, March Madness is as intense as it gets for hoops’ fans. I won’t even venture a guess as to who wins this year although I have always picked Kansas to go far.
• Going back to the CFL for a bit. Here is a bold prediction: Darian Durant will be in the top-two for quarterbacks this year. Take it with a grain of salt since that statement is coming from a ‘Riders fan but I think he will bounce back after a rough year. Having Khari Jones as a quarterback coach will help. If Durant is not in the top two this year he will be by next season.
• Will Hamilton and Toronto get over the hump this year? With Grey Cup 100 in Toronto, the Argonauts will be doing everything possible to get into the finale. Hamilton has a solid short-term solution at quarterback and with Andy Fantuz may be able to get there too. I think both clubs give Winnipeg and Montreal a run for their money in the east.
• The ‘Riders will not be as bad as last year. With so much turnover in the west, the green and white and the defending champs, the B.C. Lions will be the teams to beat. Edmonton is such a wild card after their moves at quarterback and Calgary’s young pivot Drew Tate will determine the team’s fate.
