It’s my Parting Shot for some Weekend Short Shots…..

If I’ve said it once in this commentary, I’ve said it a thousand times – or so it seems – yet fans and media over-react all the time! Just because a team or an individual in sports wins a game or match by a lop-sided score, doesn’t mean that the losing team is doomed to lose by a lop-sided score the next time out! Or, they may not even lose again! Remember, momentum doesn’t transfer from game-to-game – it is manufactured every time a game or match is played and can sway back-and-forth several times! That’s because elite athletes have short memories and aren’t wired to think negatively, unless that becomes very apparent as a game or match is nearing its end! Another exhibit – the Oilers coming back to win 5-4 in overtime in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final last night after losing 6-1 to Florida in Game 3 and trailing the Panthers 3-0 after the first period last night! Plus, now that Edmonton has home ice in what is, essentially, a best-of-three series, doesn’t mean the Oilers are destined to win! Cool your jets and emotions, people!!

I’m certain that Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch will start Stuart Skinner in goal in Game 5 tomorrow, regardless of lifting Skinner in favour of Calvin Pickard to start the second period last night! In my mind, there is no goaltending controversy with the Oilers, but I also think Knoblauch will have Skinner on a short leash!!

The same sentiment, for me, goes with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback situation. Just because Chris Streveler was victorious in last night’s 34-20 Winnipeg victory over B-C, doesn’t mean there’s a quarterback controversy with the Bombers. Zach Collaros missed last night while serving a one-game, C-F-L-imposed suspension for not taking a mandatory drug test during the off-season! Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea will have Collaros back under centre a week from tomorrow in the back-end of the home-and-home series with the Lions! Dollars to doughnuts!!

The number of players that managed to be under par in yesterday’s opening round of the U-S Open, dollars to doughnuts, will dwindle to none by the time Sunday’s fourth and final round is said and done! Oakmont is that tough, especially if there’s any kind of wind or inclement weather this weekend!!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!