Matthews, Take a Bow

Auston Matthews has scored 41 goals in 52 games. I worked out in my big head, and that comes out to a 65 goal season. I in no way used a calculator. That is my story and I am sticking to it. Clearly, one could make an argument for Mathews being the second-best player in the League.  Matthews is the first Maple Leaf to win the Rocket Richard Trophy.  

Matthews has one of the best snap shots in the League. Watching his one-timers is poetry in motion. His hockey IQ is off the charts. He knows how to get to the net and he knows what to do when he gets there. His strength is his wrist shot, which has been deadly all season. What makes his wrist shot is the quick release — he gives opposition goalies no time to react.  

I have heard the naysayers' arguments about his accomplishments. The North division is weaker, making Matthews' record not as good. But in the real world, both the Sens and the Canucks have more points than the Sabres and the Devils in the East division. They also have more points than the Kings, the Ducks, or the Sharks. The North Division had less scoring than the East division. Look at the goals-against. The North Division averaged 2.96 goals against, compared to the East division 2.99 goals against—making Matthews' record stand by itself. 

I stand by my argument that Matthews is one of the best players in the League. He is a highly skilled puck handler and a pure sniper. His numbers prove that. 

Randy

Farewell to the Nassau Coliseum

 

I often get emotional when I say goodbye to old arenas. The Nassau Coliseum is no different. Even though I have never been to the old arena, I still marvel at its mystique throughout the years.  I even remembered my nickname for the arena being The Stadium That Mike Bossy Built. That was my unique nickname for the Nassau Coliseum.  

Everyone has their memories of the Nassau Coliseum. I want to share mine, even if I didn't grow up to be an Isles fan. 

January 24, 1981

One of the best snipers of all time, Mike Bossy, scored 50 goals in 50 games. That feat itself is amazing. Mike was so consistent with one of the quickest releases on a wrist shot. But the thing I remember most was, of course, the dance.

May 24, 1980

Bobby Nystrom was sent in by John Tonelli to capture the Stanley Cup over the Islanders. First of all, Bobby Nystrom should have been known as Mr. Clutch. The guy knew how to score big-time goals. The shot was heard worldwide, a classic memory for the old barn. What a terrific setup by Tonelli—a perfect touch pass. 

May 17, 1983

My third memory was the Stanley Cup Finals when the Oilers reached the final against the Islanders. The Oilers were pretty much the talk of the town. The Isles outworked the Oilers in the series, taking advantage of Oilers youth, and completed the sweep on May 17, 1983, in front of the screaming lunatics at the barn. 

All I can say is here is to all the memories. Cheers.

Randy