From the Pressbox

Before we begin the CFL portion of this entry, one quick comment about the NHL record book. It is a farce if the league does not recognize pre- and post-lockout totals when it comes to records that are affected by shootouts.

For example, I’m not really bothered by Anaheim passing the 1984-85 Edmonton Oilers by getting a point in 16 consecutive games to start the season. Yes, the Ducks do have three shootout losses and an overtime defeat, but, because the Oilers were eligible to get a point in an overtime loss of their own, this isn’t so bad.

However, Buffalo tied Toronto’s record of 10 consecutive season-opening wins thanks to three shootout victories. Now, you can’t fault the Sabres for taking advantage of the rules, but should that erase what was done before warring factions beheaded a year? And, should a team be able to, say, set a new record for points in a season thanks to new rules that guarantee a winner?

Then, there are the individual numbers. Patrick Roy goes into the Hall of Fame Monday night 100 ahead of Martin Brodeur in the career victories race. Now, Brodeur is also a sure-fire Hall-of-Famer, one of the best ever. But, what happens if he beats out Roy because of the shootout?

I don’t want to use the word tainted, because anyone who wins 552 games deserves it. But it’s not right, either.

What the NHL Guide and Record Book should do is recognize records from both eras once the old ones are broken. Don’t throw away your history, embrace it.

*****

If there is any doubt about how good a coach Pinball Clemons has become, last week’s win over Winnipeg should erase it. Clemons’ loyalty to his players is exceptional, particularly when it comes to Damon Allen. The Argonauts were annoyed in July when word of their interest in Doug Flutie became public. Clemons decided that he would appear live on the CBC pre-game – even while his team was warming up – because he wanted to answer any questions. And he was also the guy who went and told Allen, because the then-injured quarterback didn’t know calls to Flutie were made.

Clemons is Allen’s biggest defender. Two weeks ago, I asked Allen about his declining run totals. He carried just 25 times all year – lowest of his career – and averaged fewer carries per game than in any season since 1986, his second in the CFL. That’s alarming for a guy who is, theoretically, as dangerous with his feet as he is with his hands.

Allen’s response: “I am 43, you know.” That’s like a four-alarm blaze with the guy, who usually bristles at any question of age or retirement. When I asked Clemons about this, he just shrugged it off, coming back with the usual rebuttals on behalf of his quarterback.

That’s why I almost fell off my on-set stool when Clemons yanked him for Michael Bishop. (I must admit, I’m still a little skeptical. The only way you can ever get the affable Clemons to be quiet is to ask about injury information, and Allen was clobbered by Doug Brown moments before his replacement). Anyway, a good coach is supposed to make decisions like this: “I don’t care how much you mean to me, but we’re down 10 and I’ve got to do what’s best for the team.”

In came Bishop, down went the Blue Bombers. Underestimate Clemons at your own peril.

The only problem is that he probably can’t do it again as successfully. Winnipeg was clearly stunned by Bishop’s entrance, giving up touchdowns on two straight possessions. (Toronto could have also run out the clock if it wasn’t for some loopy play-calling.)

Montreal will now be prepared for this. And, the Alouettes did a masterful job on Allen in the second half of their win in Toronto two weeks ago. I also like the fact that Anthony Calvillo, who calls Montreal’s plays, had the patience to run the ball with Robert Edwards over and over again during that game. Mulching through the Argonaut defence is the best way to attack.

For those reasons, my pick is Montreal.

Flying to Vancouver, I can’t help but be reminded of last year’s Lions collapse. There was no good reason for them to lose the West final at home to Edmonton. It was self-destruction not seen since Mission:Impossible first went on the air in the 70s. Here are the Lions, again at home, again the CFL’s best, no excuse to lose.

Except, of course, that they are playing the one team that handled them all year. Saskatchewan was 3-1 against B.C., and looked very, very good in scoring 25 in a row to beat Calgary.

With apologies to my paternal grandfather Nathan – mayor of Wilkie, Sask., from 1949-59 – I don’t see it happening again. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa – whatever you celebrate – came early for the Roughriders this year, thanks to a sackful of gift-wrapped Stampeder mistakes.

I just don’t see the Lions being as error-prone. I just don’t see Kenton Keith gaining 141 yards on 16 carries against that defence. And, I just don’t see Kerry Joseph, who was pretty erratic last week, able to score enough points, unless he starts running the ball himself more often. That’s the key. If Joseph runs well, Saskatchewan might win this.

But my pick is the Lions in a close one.

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