Yes, fans, this is what it is all about.
they “make themselves look big,” take away
The action is intense, the language is at
the top of the net, reduce the angles so the
times crude, the stakes are so high.
attackers have few options.
When the Stanley Cup playoffs coincide
Since the political parties in Canada tend
with another federal election campaign,
to aim for the middle of the political
spectators are treated to non-stop
spectrum, they clog up the neutral zone,
competition on a nightly basis.
looking for support from the right and left
In politics and hockey, this is a time when
wings, attempting to appeal to the fiscally
the masses begin to pay attention to the
responsible and socially conscious.
Hockey, politics, no contest
contests. The focus becomes sharper, the
Do you find yourself torn?
errors more glaring, the criticism more
Now that another long winter has ended,
traits of the human animal. Just as rabid
scathing. One error, and you are toast, or
that final verdict, there is a series of contests,
we are chomping at the bit to get outside
hockey fans can resort to uttering profanities,
even worse – embarrassed in full public
which are closely scrutinized and analyzed
and start playing and working in the great
political players can occasionally employ
view.
by armchair politicians.
outdoors, before the blackflies invade.
colourful language.
Defeat is not an option. Lose and you are
Apparently, the ads, polls, strategies,
We must set priorities and establish
One of the most famous expressions came
on the golf course, which, if you hate golf,
platforms, mistakes, scandals and debates
personal agendas. Could hockey trump
from one of our most famous politicians,
could be a brutal sentence indeed.
all contribute to the ultimate outcome. But,
the hosta bed? Are the Canadiens more
Pierre Trudeau, who will be remembered
The playoffs are just beginning to warm
you know that no matter what happens,
important than the crocus patch?
for, among other things, uttering “fuddle
up.
some people cannot be swayed. That is why
Well, of course, there is no debate here.
duddle.” (Google it, however, parental
The political campaign, according to the
you still see some Leafs’ fans waving their
Hockey rules.
guidance may be advised.)
many experts, just starts to get serious after
flags in June.
You would pass up a chance to enjoy the
This campaign, unfortunately, has seen a
the televised leaders’ debates.
In both hockey and politics, line-matching
great outdoors to watch a playoff game.
spate of vandalism. Potty-mouth vandals
In one of the more intelligent moves of
and mid-game adjustments are vital.
But would you rush inside on a nice clear
went on a rampage lately, targeting primarily
the campaign, Bloc Québécois leader Gilles
The debates are said to be crucial because
day to catch a show dissecting political
Glengarry-Prescott-Russell
Liberal
Duceppe suggested that the date of the
they are watched by most voters, and the
manoeuvres?
candidate Julie Bourgeois’ campaign signs.
French-language confrontation be moved
responses help the strategists fine-tune their
Fortunately, you can have it all.
Some of the words spray-painted on the
up so the debate would not be held on the
pitches for the rest of the drive.
You can spend your early evening hours
posters would make the toughest goon blush,
same night of the first game of the Montréal-
The post-debate analysis attempts to
outdoors, knowing that the TV event can be
but this is the work of small-minded
Boston series. Nobody would be watching
determine who came to play, who did the
recorded or you will be able to catch the
miscreants, after all. What do you expect?
the politicians skate around questions if the
best with powerplay opportunities, who
highlights on that Internet thingee.
Chaucer?
Habs were playing on another channel, he
scored, who best made the transition from
Hockey fans expect to see several replays
One advantage politics has over hockey
reasoned.
defence to offence.
of the most important plays, from several
is that TV viewers are subjected to less
In a rare show of consensus, the leaders of
Of course, since there is so much free
different angles, in super-slow motion. An
spitting.
the four “major” parties agreed that they
advice available out there, we are constantly
end-to-end thrilling rush by P. K. Subban
Have you noticed that whenever there is
could not compete with hockey for the
being reminded about what we have just
or a miraculous Carey Price save is worth a
a close-up of a bench, some sweaty player is
attention of the voters.
witnessed. During the leaders’ debates,
second and third look.
bound to expectorate?
At the same time, the leaders gave the
thanks to that fabulous social media
However, in the political arena, the stars,
One of the beauties of the good old hockey
impression that they were in touch with the
technology, we could provide our own
no matter how engaging they are, rarely
game is that the results are easily quantified
common folk. These guys are grounded;
running commentary on the action.
merit a replay.
– there is a clear winner and a loser.
they like hockey as much as the next fellow.
In both hockey and politics, positioning is
The looks of indignation, the finger-
The scoreboard may not always reflect
Smart campaigners know that they had
big. Experts dissect the leaders’ body
pointing, the posturing and contrived
the nature of the contest, but the final
better not try to solicit votes during a hockey
language like goalie coaches examine
passion are fixtures of political debates. But
outcome is not ambiguous.
game.
netminders’ stances. Politicians seek the best
they are not fun to watch again, unless of
In politics, the only poll that counts is the
Unfortunately, the heat of the competition
way to stand so they can fully “engage” the
course, you view them in slow motion.
one held on Election Day. But leading up to
can bring out some of the less attractive
electorate; goalies perfect their postures so
19 h à 21 h / 7 p. m. to 9 p. m.
PLANTAGENET 173, ancienne Route 17 173 Old Hwy 17 Mardi 3 mai 2011 Tuesday, May 3, 2011
HAWKESBURY 411, rue Stanley Street Mercredi 27 avril 2011 Wednesday, April 27, 2011
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