2010-11 Predictions / Visit with Bobby Orr
- Posted In: Jay Tee's Rant
- Leave A Comment
Well, another hockey season has started and everyone is excited for a new year. I’ll start my year off with some crazy predictions. I’m sure not an expert in scouting and I don’t believe I’ve ever won one a hockey pool so be careful if using my picks! LOL!
Stanley Cup Champions: With today’s NHL, the champs are the toughest in the world to predict. I’m going to go with the Vancouver Canucks vs the New Jersey Devils. Having said that…keep an eye out this year for Tampa Bay Lighting – I think they could be the comeback team of the year.
Scoring Race – I pick a Sedin to win. (Either one of the brothers but seriously, Henrik will pull it out with 107 points.) Ovechkin gets the Rocket Richard trophy with 60 goals followed by Kovalchuk who breaks 50 this year.
Norris Trophy goes to Mike Green who finally gets his dues for what he does. Always a top player and he led the league for defenseman last year in points. Look for a great year from Shea Weber as well.
The Hart Trophy will be awarded to Ovechkin, with Crosby and Henrik Sedin as finalists.
For the Vezina I wonder if it could finally be Roberto Luongo. I think so. The team is built for him and it should be a great season for Roberto. I expect a great year from Kipper as well.
Rookie of the Year… I truly love and think Taylor Hall will be one of the best and greatest players in the NHL in a few years but I think that Magnus Paajarvi will be crowned rookie of the year this year. He has played the last couple of years with men and he will be something to watch.
***
Turning the page – a few weeks ago one of my long-time dreams came true. I got to spend the day with the great number 4, Bobby Orr. We arranged a signing with Mr. Orr in Toronto; I didn’t sleep for days because I was so excited. The morning finally came and we prepared over 300 great items to have signed. As we finished up Mr. Orr presented himself with a big, “Good morning!” with a strong hand shake. I reminded myself in that instant what an honor it really was to be in this room with him. We talked for a few hours while he was signing. I was excited that he was asking ME what color pen to use and where on the item should he sign. I asked him if number 4 was a number he liked growing up and if it meant anything. He simply said that back in those days you were given a number and you took it. You played for the crest on the front not the name and number on back. He joked about how younger players’ autographs today are sloppy as he took pride in making every autograph look amazing! He laughed as I jokingly mentioned that I was going to take my personal jersey he signed to a dance club as it was never leaving my hands. Ahhhh…..Dreams do come true.
