The HD Corner: The Mike Milbury Effect

Welcome everyone to the new and improved Illegal Curve!  Although it is still the middle of summer, there is plenty of action over at the CBC. With CBC failing to renew the rights to “da da da da daaaa” they have invested their funds in acquiring Mad Mike Milbury from TSN. As previously mentioned on an earlier post, the three candidates for replacing him on TSN are: Ray Ferraro, Marc Crawford, and Larry Murphy. At this point, Ferraro seems to be the front-runner due to his TV experience. But what would make an HD Corner column without some mild criticism of all three candidates.  Drum roll please…

Ray Ferraro

As discussed, Ray “Chicken Parm” Ferraro is the favourite to fill Milbury’s shoes based on his experience being the colour guy for the Oilers on Sportsnet, and working on NBC.  The fact that he has been able to survive several seasons of hearing “Shawn Horcoff….overtime winner!” being screamed in his ear by Kevin Quinn says a lot about his focus and dedication.  He may even be able to withstand working with both Pierre’s inflated voice and ego.  In all seriousness, despite his mild lisp, Ferraro and NHL on TSN host James Duthie should have chemistry equivalent to that of Ferarro and Donald Audette in the late 90’s.  (It’s only July and I’ve already had to dig into the vault and make a Donald Audette reference.  This could be a long season).

Marc Crawford

Speaking of chemistry, I would rather spend my leisure time next season determining the molecular structure of polypropylene than listening to Crawford’s squeaky voice on TV.  The ex-coach with a Dan Cloutier fetish, and best known for once making fun of Scotty Bowman’s metal plate in his head, is best suited behind the bench.  Besides, the last time Crawford thought he was saying something insightful, he told the ref to put Ray Bourque in the shootout over Gretzky.

Larry Murphy

Many people might be wondering how on Earth Larry Murphy fits into this equation.  He does have some broadcasting experience, and currently is the colour guy on FSN Detroit.  However, Murphy only works Detroit games when the Wings are on west coast road trips, so regular colour guy Mickey Redmond can focus on his true passion: whiskey.  I wish I was kidding.

In summary, this year Ferraro will win the new gig at TSN, Crawford will be the coach for the AHL’s Iowa Chop’s with Cloutier between the pipes, and Murphy will work 10 Red Wings games this year and eat 72 slices of Little Caesar’s Pizza when the Wings aren’t on the west coast.