Brier final is a true clash of titans
Sunday, March 16, 2008 | 06:12 PM ET
Semifinal recap
Ontario needed an extra end to dispose of Saskatchewan yesterday in a battle that saw the team of destiny finally put to rest.
Anyone who witnessed Saskatchewan’s defeat against Alberta Friday night could rightfully understand if this team decided not to show up against Ontario during the semifinal. But that just wasn’t the case, the big green machine showed a lot of heart and soul, scrapping it out right to the end, pushing Ontario to an extra end before Glenn Howard coolly drew to the four foot for the victory.
Tough couple of days for the prairie boys, but I know they will be back.
Classic final
The top two teams in the world will battle it out today for bragging rights and the chance to represent Canada at the world curling championships April 5-13 in Grand Forks, ND.
I’m still sticking with my earlier prediction that Alberta will win this game. Don’t get me wrong, this one will come down to the final end and last shot. That’s how close these two titans of the game are right now.
Howard’s team is searching for a little more respect (they don’t need it as all the curlers know just how great this team is) and I can’t blame them for questioning why the media and some fans think Team Martin is the best team in the world right now.
Howard leads the CTRS standing 251.70 to 240.05 and the Order of Merit standing 484.7 to 483.05 and is still the defending Brier and world champion. Martin leads the money list at $111,000 to Howard’s $95,795.
So, if Martin is supposed to be hands down the best team in the world, shouldn’t all the points and money lists be in his favour, and by a huge margin? If Howard was to win today’s game, not only would they confirm that they are the best team in the world, you would have a tough time arguing against this team being one of greatest of all time.
Martin’s team is looking for their first Brier victory together, with all signs pointing to this being their week. Undefeated during the round robin then having their only average game against Saskatchewan in the 1 vs 2 matchup (a game they should have lost, but the curling gods did not allow it). I can’t see this team having another sub-par performance in the final today.
What to Watch For:
Ontario
Craig Savill: Rock position is key in order to keep Alberta’s hit game in check.
Brent Laing: Will need to make a few run backs and doubles to help out when in trouble.
Richard Hart: If he gets off to a great start look out, he has the best touch in the game and keeps his team loose and relaxed.
Glenn Howard: Will need that tee line draw weight early just in case his team needs a bail out.
Alberta
Ben Hebert: Watch out if this team gets down early, rocks may fly.
Marc Kennedy: The run back kid needs to make them all to set up Morris and Martin.
John Morris: Great chemistry with Martin when things are going well, loves the big shot like a skipper.
Kevin Martin: Will need to make a couple of high hard ones to win this game.
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Stoughton's Spin »
About the Author
Former world and Brier champion Jeff Stoughton joins CBCSports.ca with his take on the 2008 Canadian men’s curling championship.
The Winnipeg native - widely regarded as one of this country's top skips - captured Brier titles in 1996 and 1999, winning the world championship in 1996 and finishing second in 1999.
Stoughton has won a record six provincial titles over his career. He currently curls out of the Charleswood Curling Club with teammates Ryan Fry, Rob Fowler, Steve Gould.
Fans can keep track of Team Stoughton on their website: http://www.teamjeffstoughton.com
Recent Posts
- Brier final not a classic
- Monday, March 17, 2008
- Brier final is a true clash of titans
- Sunday, March 16, 2008
- Can reeling Saskatchewan recover from its bad break?
- Saturday, March 15, 2008
- Round robin is over but we have overtime
- Friday, March 14, 2008
- Down to the wire at the Brier
- Thursday, March 13, 2008
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- March 2008 (10)
Comments
Dan
Calgary
Martin is a class act. As for Howard - all he does is blame the ice when things don't go his way. He constanly complains about players on the other team leaving hand/knee prints on the ice when his team does the same thing.
Very happy Martin won today.
Posted March 17, 2008 02:56 AM
Cliff
The younger brother of the Howard family is by all appearances a very class act, an excellent curler and, as expressed by others, a titan of the current world curling scene. In many respects Martin is all of these as well. Considerable discussion has resulted from an unusual "outburst" by K.M. Let's not forget that many Canadian's eventually excused a celebrated prime minister for uttering out of frustration a "fuddle-duddle". Professional sports add another element to the moment, besides exasperation from a sudden-death situation there is huge determination from any athlete capable of achieving world class. Mr. Martin's response during an intense moment may receive repeated media highlighting but many recognize this is for viewer impact. Regardless of the eventual success story tonight, Mr. Howard or Mr. Martin (as the skip of 4 other greats) will do Canada proud both as a team competitor and as an ambassidor for Canada in international curling. It's just a pleasure to view tonight's game because they are truly "the titans".
Posted March 17, 2008 02:12 AM
Mark G
USA
What a class act team Simmons is- how upset would most people be when you get a pick like that in a game winning situation. They didn't blame, point fingers or make excuses like many would have. I have a lot of respect for them for that.
Posted March 16, 2008 11:24 PM
Wes
Saskatchewan
As a westerner I should be cheering for Alberta NOT, after the childish antics by Morris again who is a sore loser and the swearing by Martin whose even worse at losing than Morris, I will be cheering for Howard all the way.
Posted March 16, 2008 09:26 PM
peter mergens
this is not about the match, but rather the tv coverage. the lead rocks are as important to the game as all the others. yet we must suffer commercials, comments, charts, and interviews while the leads deliver their rocks. i think that the producer and director of the program coverage must not understand the game and the tv fan's wish to see all of the shots just like the folks in the arena do.
thanx
Posted March 16, 2008 08:40 PM
anne burant
edmonton
What a bad break for Sask. They should of won that game.I think Kevin Martin thinks he is the greatest and he just shrugged his shoulders when Sask. rock picked,that showed me what kind of a guy he is and John Morris that is another story . I do not have time to orint what I think of him.I hope they lose to Howard who is a great guy.
Posted March 16, 2008 07:24 PM