It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…..

First headline…Should the Team Canada women concede Olympic gold already?, Americans roughed up their Canadian counterparts in Rivalry Series sweep. My reaction…I expressed my concern prior to the fourth and final game of the series last week that Canada needs to be careful, or else they’ll be hard-pressed to win a silver medal in women’s hockey in Milan, Italy, in February. Being out-scored 24-7 in the four games and surrendering 10 goals in one game to the Excited States isn’t a good look. But, by no means does a Canadian – male or female – concede anything in hockey, especially against the U-S! That’s crazy talk!!

Next headline…Be thankful, Habs fans: No de-build here. My reaction…and there shouldn’t be a de-build, if that’s even a real word. The Montreal Canadiens are trending in the right direction – see, even a devoted Hab hater like myself can say nice things about the franchise. There are a lot of good people within the organization that I know and like and hope they do well. Just not too well so as to start some Montreal fans from becoming annoying as they can be! As I said, the Canadiens are trending in the right direction on the ice, but I still don’t think they’ll be in the playoffs come April!!

I’ll finish today with an answer to a question posed on the T-S-N website, and on SportsCentre during The Quiz. What grade does Stan Bowman deserve for the Stuart Skinner-Tristan Jarry trade? My initial answer would’ve been a “B.” Having seen both goaltenders come through the Western Hockey League and followed their N-H-L careers, I think Tristan Jarry is a better netminder than Stuart Skinner. But, the proof will be in the pudding – or the results as this season moves along! Last night’s 6-4 Edmonton victory over Pittsburgh ups the grade to a “B+” for now. But, that grade will either rise or fall or hold, depending on how the Oilers do this season. Personally, I hope the grade goes no better than a “B+” – because just like Habs fans, a faction of Edmonton supporters will just be incorrigible!!

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