These two factions strongly disagree. As is usual in such cases, the two sides talk past each other. For the majority, it's always statistics. "See? Look at these numbers! He's AMAZING!" For the minority, it's always results and what they see on the ice. "Yeah, great numbers, I'll try to remember those the next time he's on the ice rolling around like a European soccer player while getting outplayed yet again by a 'journeyman' on the other side...."
But in politics as in sports, there is always a point where ideology and views meet the test of reality, the final judge.
And the real, objective fact of the matter is that when the season was on the line, Luongo's head coach and team had no real confidence in him, sitting him on the bench.
And now, the Captain, the super-star, the man who was signed just a little bit ago to a 12 year contract, is quietly being shown the door out of town.
Kevin Bieksa said the Luongo questions he was asked made it feel like a eulogy. More like a good-bye to an old friend, and teammate whose career in Vancouver will be increasingly appreciated the longer he is gone.
Leaving, Luongo revealed two closely guarded secrets on Tuesday. One, his injury in November was strained rib cartilage. Two, on those seawall walks he would listen to Eminem’s “Believe” and a speech on YouTube titled “I am Champion.”
And maybe now, perhaps, we can have a good Canadian goalie who doesn't need to brood on a seawall listening to lame-ass rap and a sorry motivational speech to simply prepare for a game. Maybe now we won't have to hear about how much Mrs. Luongo misses Florida.
Maybe now we can have a good, hard-charging, working-class hockey team.
You know, the kind that wins in the NHL playoffs.
Luongo reminded me of Randy Johnson when he was still with the Mariners. Johnson would give up a base hit, then there would be an error, then Johnson would walk a batter -- filling the bases. You could guarantee that Johnson would either give up a hit or walk the next batter, if not the next three. Yeah, he could pitch, but he would let his emotions get to him and act like a little leaguer.
ReplyDeleteSome of the goals Luongo would give up were pathetic. I am not sure that is it s minority that does not like him. I remember a guy who used to be on the sports station in Vancouver would ask, "What's the matter with the fans?" because they did not like Luongo. The problem is that when he was good, he was great. When he was bad, he was atrocious. We have also noticed that when Schneider would win, the rest of the team would really rally around him. When Luongo would win, his team mates would go give a cursory "good job" then leave. Lou did not make an effort to endear himself with anybody. It was as if he were too good for them.
Hey Toronto, you're welcome!
ReplyDeleteI know only Matt and Jourdan will understand my ^^^^^^
Delete:))
I have absolutely nothing to say in defense of Luongo.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I have to jump in here and defend Eminem...
...now rap may not be everyone's cup of tea and frankly I despise most of it. Not just because much is so unlistenable, but also because it's so derivative and cookie cutter.
Marshal Mathers is pretty good - he's not a white guy trying to sound like a black thug, he sounds like a crazy white guy. Comes right through. Very authentic and original style.
Very authentic and original style.
ReplyDeleteSure enough, for a patsy white boy raised in far suburbia. Closest he ever got to "Eight Mile" [Road] was around 17 Mile road.
Must b esomething in the water out there :D
Did the NHL actually have a season this year? Who knew? Sorry, no longer can get excited about the NBA on ice. And I grew up listening to and watching hockey, playing hockey, adoring hockey. My first trip to the Forum in Montreal was at age 8, with my dad. Sometimes "change" isn't so good for a sport.
ReplyDeletearidog, I deleted the spam comment just in case the link was toxic. That means that your response was automatically deleted as well.
ReplyDeleteThat was kinda my idea. Thanks.
DeleteRadioMattM -
ReplyDeleteI had never thought of the Luongo-Johnson comparison but remember well the Mariner days you note and, yes, there is a certain similarity of temperment there at work.
It just amazes me how the Luongo era has come to an end. Just last week, I was part of a very outnumbered minority that saw no real future with him and then, bam, now it's common wisdom.
Fay - Yes, but does Luongo's wife like Toronto? That is the all important question.
Lewy - Whatever the merits of the lame mainstream corporate money maker that goes by eminem, if one has to listen to that on a seawall to get up for a game, one is a lame douchebag!
Well I was thinking that TO is handier fot getting to Florida than Vancouver is.
DeleteHere's a couple candidates for modern goalie jobs .... [snicker, snort]
ReplyDeleteimgw:"http://cdn.breitbart.com/mediaserver/Breitbart/Breitbart-TV/2012/04/dan%20sav%202.jpg?w=420?w=420"