Final to get to the 101st Grey Cup? Can Calgary make it there for their second time in a row, or can Saskatchewan c | Forum

TORONTO – Randy Carlyle really doesnt see what all the fuss is about as it pertains to the looming intrigue of the Toronto crease. "We added the goaltender based upon adding strength to the position," said Carlyle of the Jonathan Bernier acquisition this past summer. "I dont know how I can put it any plainer, any simpler." According to the Leafs head coach, the decision to add Bernier from Los Angeles was not an indictment on James Reimer, who delivered a year of rare stability for Toronto goaltending in 2013, but an opportunity to pounce on a rising stock and thereby solidify the position beyond the 25-year-old incumbent. "Its adding strength to a position thats very critical in the NHL," Carlyle explained from the teams annual charity golf tournament in Milton, Ontario. "You show me an NHL hockey club that made it anywhere in the playoffs or even qualified for the playoffs without A-quality goaltending. And thats what were going to ask of both our goalies." Reimer guided the Leafs to their first playoff berth in nine years with "A-quality goaltending", posting a sparkling .924 save percentage in 2013, amongst the best at the position in the lockout-shortened regular season. His performance, however impressive, was not enough though to squash lingering doubts about his viability as an NHL number one – despite assertions from the organization stating the contrary – his starting status immediately thrust into question with the addition of Bernier. Leafs general manager Dave Nonis made it poignantly clear in the immediate aftermath of the trade, which sent Ben Scrivens and Matt Frattin to the Kings, that Reimer and Bernier would battle for playing time. "I like to think that I was the guy that was here," said Reimer on Tuesday morning, ever diplomatic, "and so obviously thats a position I want to keep." Itching for an opening in California, Bernier found himself stuck hopelessly behind Jonathan Quick, an opportunity set to present itself with the impending competition in Toronto. While he owns a limited track record – just 62 career games to 104 for Reimer – the organization believes that he has the tools to become a viable NHL starter, potential hes hinted at in the past, most recently in 2013 when the Quebec native strung together a 1.88 goals against average and .922 save percentage in 14 games. "Were confident that we have two very, very capable goaltenders," said Dave Poulin, the Leafs VP of hockey operations, noting the viability of a tandem approach and benefits of internal competition. Ultimately, the Leafs just need continued stability in goal, be it from Reimer, Bernier or both. Carlyle believes performance will sort out the matter. "Because theres two of them, that creates a problem – both cant play at once," Carlyle concluded of the two competing netminders. "Our motto is going to go along the lines – and you always state this at the beginning of the season and sometimes it changes and there are factors that do take place over the course of the season that force you to change – but if you win, youre in. And thats pretty simple." In the last two Grey Cups one of the two teams was also the events host, and that team came out victorious in both contests. Can the Saskatchewan Roughriders be the third consecutive team to play for the Championship in their own stadium, or will the Calgary Stampeders punch a ticket to their second straight Grey Cup? The Stamps won all but one of their contests at home in McMahon Stadium (a Week 13 loss to the Toronto Argonauts). In their three matchups against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Calgary won both of their home games. As challenging as it may seem, can the Riders overcome the odds and pull off the road upset? To win this game on the road Saskatchewan must limit the opportunities of Jon Cornish, the Western Division nominee for the CFLs Most Outstanding Player for the second time in as many years. The Riders need to dominate the ball-control game. They come to battle with a quality ground game of their own with Kory Sheets who comes into the game with as many 100-yard games as Cornish (12) impressive, considering that he played in two less games. Sheets (1598) finished second to Cornish (1813) in regular season rushing yardage. Saskatchewan displayed an efficient running performance last Sunday against the B.C. Lions, with the bulk of the team rushing yards (170) coming from quarterback Darian Durant (97). His effort included scampering for a clutch 35-yard run in the fourth quarter that brought the team into scoring range and converted into a 10-yard touchdown pass to Weston Dressler two plays later. A dual-threat at quarterback, Durant can not only pick apart a defence through the air (4,154 yards) but he also gained 369 yards on 8.8 yards per rush this season. Along with Sheets, who totaled 133 yards on 26 carries in Saskatchewans lone victory over Calgary (Week 2, 36-21), the pairing should be able to chew up yards and keepp the clock moving.dddddddddddd. This strategy can keep Cornish on the sideline and away from producing evident from his 42 yards on eight carries in that Week 2 game.That task is easier said than done however. For Cornish, playing in front of the Calgary faithful has been somewhat of a motivating tool in his last three home appearances, gaining a total 447 yards, including a bruising 109 against the Riders in the Week 18s thrilling 29-25 victory. Coming off a weeks rest Can Cornish keep up the solid work?The quarterback situation in Calgary has been somewhat adverse with Kevin Glenn, Bo Levi Mitchell, and Drew Tate all doing quality jobs with their opportunities, but like last seasons playoff run Glenn will start and look to play well enough to keep the young promising pivots Tate and/or Mitchell on the sideline. Calgarys key is to allow Cornish to take the pressure off of the passers, who will be without standout receiver Marquay McDaniel, who they lost to an ankle injury. It is unknown if Stamps star receiver Nik Lewis will play, but he surprised many by returning to practice on Thursday. In the case that the Stamps are without Lewis, Joe West, Brad Sinopoli and Maurice Price could be expected return from injuries, joining Jeff Fuller, the teams late sensation and Jabari Arthur providing the interesting passing platoon a few more able pairs of mitts. If the Argos and Lions have proved anything in 2011 and 2012, its that one shouldnt bet against a team playing before their fans in the Grey Cup. Its the getting there however that will be the biggest challenge for Rider Nation to sit through in 2013. Who is going to win the Western Division Final to get to the 101st Grey Cup? Can Calgary make it there for their second time in a row, or can Saskatchewan continue the hometown championship trend?As always, Its Your! Call. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '