A Heat repeat, a new coach in Vancouver and trouble in Calgary

From where I sit it looks like the right team won the NBA title...however, I do see a couple of issues.

The biggest one is the series format. Unlike the NHL, the NBA uses a 2-3-2 series, but just in the final. The rest of the time it's 2-2-1-1-1. My complaint is, since when has travel been a problem in the NBA? Game 7 was great, but game 6 was a marvel. Certainly the Heat came through in the clutch and the Spurs simply couldn't put them away. However, how much different could things have been if the game was in San Antonio? Would the Spurs have gotten more calls from the refs with support from the home crowd? Could Miami have rallied against the noise, instead of with it? 

Secondarily, I have a bone to pick with Danny Green. Sure, he's friends with LeBron James, but did he need to show up at the Heat party? Send a text, a tweet, whatever, just don't show up at the party. Hell, even show up at a party next week. But on the night you lost the championship...not such a smart move.

In the NHL, Boston and Chicago are helping fans forget the lockout with a thrilling series. Meanwhile, several teams are filling coaching vacancies.

The Canucks are, perhaps, making the biggest change. John Tortorella will keep life interesting for the players, fans, and most importantly the media. The big question will be if the team can follow orders from Tortorella. In spite of a mass of talent in New York, the Rangers were a defense first team, trying to stifle creativity from both sides. If the team can be brought into line, and the Sedins, Kesler et al can still produce, they will again challenge. However, if there's another New York...well, I think we won't be needing Larry Brooks to get more quotes from Tortorella.

One other NHL related thought. Calgary has been hit by heavy flooding, including severe damage to the Saddledome.

I am not now, nor will I ever be a fan of any team from Calgary. Not the Flames, not the Hitmen, not the Roughnecks, not the Stampeders. However, this not a time for sports rivalries. The city is in need. So are her people. When the time is right I will lustily boo Calgary teams and cheer anyone they play against. Until then, stand tall Calgary. My thoughts and prayers with everyone affected.

At least that's how I see it...and I sit in the cheap seats.