The Big Irish Man

In the early 2000's Pat Quinn was simultaneously the bane of my existence and a welcomed hero. His Toronto Maple Leafs defeated my Ottawa Senators on four separate occasions in the post season yet he was the man who guided our nation to Olympic gold in Salt Lake in 2002. The Big Irishman left a lasting impression on the game that few can measure up to.

His imposing stature and strong personality could be intimidating to those around him but those who knew him have spoken of a kind and good natured man who was ready to listen and communicate with his players. He as an old school coach and his players knew where they stood and exactly what was expected. If they need a pat on the back or a kick somewhere a little lower he would deliver and but was always fair. What more could they ask for? From his time in Los Angeles, to Philadelphia, Vancouver, Toronto and Edmonton, Pat Quinn had the respect of those around him. His players played hard for him because of a mutual respect and perhaps a little fear.

He was a key component in building the Canucks organization and many this week have noted that it would not be where it is today without his tenure there. He drafted the likes of Pavel Bure and Trevor Linden and help create a strong hockey tradition in that market.

His teams were successful though hockey's biggest prize, the Stanley Cup, eluded him he was an Olympic Champion with Team Canada and won and the under 18 worlds and the 2009 World Junior Championship, Canada's most recent and one of the more memorable victories.

From his legendary hit on Bobby Orr to his infectious laugh he will be missed by all those in the game. His post with the hockey Hall of Fame was well deserved as Pat had a lasting impact on many who are now enshrined there.

We're Going Streaking!

Few things capture the attention of the sporting world than a great streak. Joe Dimaggio's 56 game hitting steak, Wayne Gretzky's 51 game point streak are the stuff of legends. Right now the Chicago Blackhawks and the Miami Heat are trying to write a bit of history of their own.

The Blackhawks are undefeated in regulation in their first 24 games of the season, an NHL record, and are inching closer to the 35 game record of Pat Quinn's 1979-80 Philadelphia Flyers. This is impressive territory to say the least and the Hawks ought to be commended especially coming out of a lockout. And, contrary to the beliefs of talking head, empty as it is, Stephen A Smith the NHL does NOT have ties and thus the undefeated streak is in tack. They have lost three games after regulation but have picked up at least a point in every game so far this season. What this means going forward is anyone's guess but many of the other teams to start the start the season on elongated hot steaks have gone on to hoist Lord Stanley's mug. Chicago has a lot of depth and balance across all their lines as well as a stellar blue line and solid goaltending which many, myself included, thought could be a problem. If they can keep it up in the post season there is no reason they won't be celebrating in June.

In the NBA the Heat have won 16 in a row and while they have a long way to go to get the the record 33 of the 71-72 Lakers they have been impressive nonetheless. The funny thing is that they have played to the level of their opponents during this run. They have stepped up and won big games against the likes of Oklahoma City, Houston, Chicago, the Clippers, the Lakers (maybe not so big) and narrowly beaten the lesser light of the East in Charlotte, Cleveland and Orlando. Much like the Blackhawks streak this is all well and good but LeBron James and co will only be satisfied with playoff success. They have pretty well assured they will get home court through out the eastern conference playoffs and are poised to repeat.

Which is the more impressive streak? Let me know.