Missing Barry and "Chicken Parm"

It's the best time of the year! Last night I watched Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals on NBC (do not even get me started on the fact that they don't carry the first two games; I guess I'll just be grateful for what I can get). It was a great game, but I am disappointed to say that NBC has hired two of the biggest dorks I have ever seen to do commentary.

I don't know who the main guy was (and I really don't wanna know) but they've got Mike Milbury doing color. Now, I must admit to having an ounce of respect for a guy who, as a player, went into the stands, removed a spectator's shoe and beat said spectator with said shoe. That, my friends, is hockey! No place for wimps on the ice or in the stands. But his dubious record as a coach and GM, and his misplaced sense of hockey coolness, left me wanting to vomit last night.

During one of the period breaks, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals was invited on to chat with Mike and his fellow dorkmeister. Apparently during one of the Capitals' playoff games, Mike had made the following comment about Ovechkin, "If it looks like a dog and barks like a dog, it's a dog." That has to be one of the most inane comments ever made in the history of the sport. I don't even know what that could possibly have meant! Ovechkin smartly turned it into a compliment saying, "I do play like a dog."

At the end of the interview, Mike had the audacity to tell Ovechkin to get a haircut! Um, buddy - if you don't like it, become a golf commentator and leave my hockey boys alone! Sheesh.

I so miss Barry Melrose and Ray Ferraro (AKA "Chicken Parm"). Heck, I even miss John Buccigross now! IMHO, Barry Melrose is the best sports commentator on the face of the planet. Watching hockey on TV is just not the same without Barry. Put it this way - Barry is to commentating on hockey what Wayne Gretzky is to playing hockey. And Chicken Parm was the perfect sidekick for him.

NBC - wise up and get Barry for your NHL broadcasts next year. He rocks! See? Melroserocks.blogspot.com.

HOCKEY RULES! GO PENS AND WINGS! BRING ON THE CUP!