The Big Dance

Everybody loves the underdog. Unless they’re a part of the dominating force, some people tend to be empathetic towards the little guy. In this year’s edition of the Stanley Cup playoffs, an entire nation has rallied behind the Calgary Flames - the little train that could.

Calgary’s run to the finals has been nothing short of impressive. Knocking off three division leaders in a row, the Flames have achieved far and beyond what any of the so-called experts predicted. It’s a Cinderella story in the making - but like Anaheim last year and Carolina the year before, there’ll be no happy ending.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m pulling for the Flames all the way. One of their forces is a half-Ojibwe/half white dude from the rez just like me (Chris Simon). But let’s be realistic - Tampa Bay is just too good. Fast, tight defence, stellar young talent. They’re shaping up to be the next powerhouse in the NHL. The glory days of the Red Wings, Devils, and Avalanche are over. It’s time to pass the torch - you’re too old, no more rocking for you. All the Flames have going for them are luck and perhaps the best fan base in the league. But last time I checked “GO FLAMES GO” echoing at 150 decibels through a saddle-shaped arena doesn’t win you the Stanley Cup.

And in the political arena, quasi-radical platforms don’t win elections. With a federal election slated for June 28, lots of people on both sides of the political spectrum are banking on big change in the administration. The federal Liberals still can’t seem to cover up that black eye called the sponsorship scandal. You can bet that both the Conservatives and the NDP will beat that horse far beyond its expiration. But the reality in Canada is that moderate politics rule. The status quo is far too precious a thing for Canadians, who are comfortable with their view on top of the fence, thank you very much.

But the air in Ottawa isn’t exactly stale, now that Jean Chretien’s reign of terror is over. Paul Martin has some pretty good programs on the table, and his efforts to refresh Aboriginal policies could be well-received in Native communities. However, Paul Martin is fat. I don’t trust fat politicians.

I’ve been an ardent NDP supporter since reaching voting age. Because of the stain on the Liberals’ cred, many of my partisan comrades are predicting big things for the left. In the federal playoffs, the NDP are the Calgary Flames - lovable underdogs, but the Cinderella story just won’t come into fruition here either. The Conservatives have a much better chance at stealing seats given the fiscal irresponsibility of the ruling gongers in the last term. There’s a new powerhouse in the NHL, but in the House of Commons expect the same old same old for years to come. But supporters can take comfort in the fact the NDP will make a much better showing than in the past, thanks to the charisma of Jumpin’ Jack Flash Layton.

Looks like the glass slipper don’t fit. You’re not Cinderella; you’re one of the ugly sisters.

My predictions: the Lightning in 5, and a Liberal minority government at the end of June.