Poor Len, again! Since Ed. gives me the floor so infrequently, I am reluctant to yield it, particularly when yesterday's post didn't really focus on my favourite team, the Montréal Canadiens.
Last night I Watched the Habs guarantee their participation in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs with a 6-2 thrashing of the hapless Florida Panthers. During the second intermission, one of the RDS commentators noted that Montréal defenceman Alexei Emelin had added to his "bank of enemies". He had delivered one of his thundering hits to the Panthers' Shawn Thornton, who gave him the Salmon Arm Salute on the way back to the bench. The teams meet again in Florida on Monday. I'll make the popcorn.
True it is that M Emelin (one of five Russians on the "Canadiens") has become feared, even hated by players and fans alike of the other 29 NHL teams. It's not that he's a dirty player. It's just that he's merciless. It seems his sole and only aim is to make sure that anyone on the receiving end of one of his bodychecks -- especially his patented hip check -- will get up slowly, and remember the experience a long time. That opposing players stay out of his way makes him a real asset to the Habs' defence.
One picture being worth 1000 words, and one video being worth a million, we present an excellent YouTube video which illustrates the point.
Footnote: RDS jock talkers Stéphane Langdeau and Pierre Houde have been nominated for awards for excellence in sportscasting. Congratulations to both of them and to the entire RDS team.
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