Spellman's Scorecard: Toews, Kane nothing but the best
What do Carlos Boozer, Edwin Jackson, Nick Swisher, Alfonso Soriano, Jake Peavy, Alex Rios and Matt Garza have in common?
All will make more this year than Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will next year when the two Blackhawks stars become the highest-paid players in the NHL.
Doesn't seem right, does it?
Regardless:
Having these two guys signed, sealed and delivered for the next decade is a very, very comforting feeling.
Just a little FYI:
By the time Toews and Kane reach the final season of their new deals, Marian Hossa will be in Year 17 of his current contract.
Kidding!
Even though I would have no problem seeing Hoss here 'til he physically just can't do it anymore.
The guy is something.
Bottom line:
We are in an amazing hockey era - right here, right now.
Need to enjoy it.
OK, I'll admit it:
I started out very interested, then was just slightly interested, then became bored by it, then angry that it was dragging on forever, but now I'm suddenly very interested again.
Darn you, Melo!
He gone:
Item: The Red Sox release A.J. Pierzynski.
Thought: Somewhere Michael Barrett smiles.
Question:
Speaking of the Red Sox, has any team ever gone from last to world champs to last again like it looks Boston will this season?
I guess I could look it up, but that would take so much effort.
What a day:
Saturday's card at Arlington is by far, by far, the best of the season with four graded stakes and 12 races overall on tap.
And … it's Food Truck Day, to boot.
Can it get any better?
Well, maybe ... :
But only if they bring Steve Baskerville back for a record-breaking 15th winner's circle presentation this season.
Boom goes the dynamite:
BTW, has there ever been a louder, more feel-it-in-your-body fireworks finale than Arlington's on the Fourth?
Answer:
No there has not.
#GoodJob:
Sale and Rizzo totally deserved it.
Can't wait to watch … the highlights of the game.
Hating it/loving it:
Hating that the World Cup title has the potential to come down to penalty kicks.
Loving that the AHL has tweaked its overtime procedure, replacing the conventional five-minute OT session with a seven-minute period.
The teams will play 4-on-4 for a minimum of three minutes and at the first whistle after 4:00 remains on the clock, each team will remove a skater and compete 3-on-3.
If a winner doesn't emerge during OT, then it's on to a shootout.
In a word: Love it!
Paging Dr. Zaius:
The only movie that matters opens Friday.
Memories:
The last thing I can recall Joel Quenneville saying about assistant coach Jamie Kompon, who just moved on to become head coach of the Portland Winterhawks, was that the guy was a tremendous skater.
Why do I remember weird things?
Careful, Jim!
Watching the Cubs and Reds the other day, one thought kept running through my mind courtesy of the rotating signs behind home plate: I like the fact that Mutual of Omaha is still in existence.
#MarlinPerkins
And finally:
I never thought I'd say this but I'm on Twitter at @dhspellman.
You've been warned.