To call this an evolving situation would be the understatement of the century.
Yet that is how world leaders continue to define this unprecedented moment in human history. Things that would have seemed unthinkable as recently as a couple weeks are now a reality.
The economy is in a free-fall. The border to Canada is closed. Well sort of. All across Ontario, bars and restaurants are being asked to stay closed. And based on the way things have progressed the last few days, it’s safe to assume that there’s more to come today.
The experience of other countries continues to underscore the importance of doing everything we can to follow the guidelines in place.
Stay home if you can. Avoid panic-buying. Keep a safe social distance but now more than ever, reach out to those feeling isolated. And keep in mind that these unprecedented circumstances have a different effect on all of us.
Take care of yourself and be kind to each other. And wear green, obviously.
***
The Ottawa Senators are one win away.
After a dramatic victory in Game 6, the Senators are heading home for a decisive seventh game. Lord Stanley’s Cup will be in the building.
Yet in a stunning move, Commissioner Gary Bettman has changed the rules in advance of the deciding game. And I think you’re going to want to hear this. He has named YOU as the General Manager and with the help of time travel, has allowed you an opportunity to set your perfect Game 7 roster.
12 forward. 6 defenceman. 2 goalies. One Head Coach.
You can select any player in Sens history to fill out your line up. The only catch is every player you put in your line up, arrives in their peak Sens form.
So while the likes of Peter Bondra, Alexei Kovalev and Sergei Gonchar might seem like good options, you’d get the Ottawa-version of those players. And you might be tempted to put Mika Zibanejad in there but know that you won’t be getting the 40-goal version of Mika. Bobby Ryan might seem like a reach but what if you get “Playoff Bobby”?
Do you load up on talent throughout all your forward lines or do you leave room for a grind line? Is your blueline stacked with puck-movers or do you have a couple shutdown guys back there? Do you go with actual line combinations and duos from the past or come up with your own team chemistry?
The decision is yours. And Gary’s head is wobbling back and forth in anticipation.
Fill in the blanks.
FORWARDS
________-________-________
________-________-________
________-________-________
________-________-________
DEFENCE
________-________
________-________
________-________
GOALIES
__________
__________
HEAD COACH
__________
