It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…..
First headline…The sky is the limit, Roughriders’ receiver Emilus excited about new season under new head coach. My reaction…Ah yes, the hype before training camp starts! Everybody is great – until the ball is snapped and they start playing for real. New head coach Corey Mace and his staff deserve some time to show that they have Saskatchewan’s C-F-L team going in the right direction. Unfortunately, after back-to-back 6-and-12 seasons with no playoff games, the first time a Green and White running back is stacked up for no gain or a loss while trying to go through the middle of the line or a pick-six is thrown or an opposition receiver scores an easy touchdown on a blown coverage, the wolves will be out because there isn’t a lot of patience in Rider Nation! It doesn’t matter who the coaches are, the G-M and the President-slash-C-E-O are still the same!
Next headline…Olynyk thrives as playmaking centre for Raptors. Reaction…the Raptors? You mean those guys who have lost 14 straight?! Yeah, that’s a waste of newspaper space in every Post Media market except Toronto!
Last headline…Matthews’ nose for net has him in elite company, But unlike others who have scored 60 twice, playoff success has eluded Maple Leafs star. My reaction…and, by all appearances and rights, post-season joy will slip through Auston Matthews fingers – and those of the Toronto N-H-L side and their hopeful fans – once again! As I’ve said before, scoring 60 goals doesn’t make you the league M-V-P, maybe Most Outstanding Player and Rocket Richard Trophy-winner, but not Most Valuable!!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!…..