Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Not "Continental"..."Kontinental"










The "Continental" was a continuing sketch on Saturday Night Live focusing on a creepy self styled ladies man. The "Kontinental" is a hockey league.

James Mirtle covers the matter of the next step in the evolution of the Russian Super League and the driving force behind it -- Alexander Medvedev (the gentleman on the right, above).

One thing struck me right between the eyes when I took a look at the map to which Mirtle links in his column...

Bobrov
Tarasov
Kharlamov
Chernyshev

No, it's not some personal injury law firm with offices in Moscow. These are the divisions of the Kontinental Hockey League. Named for playing and coaching legends in the sport in Russia/Soviet Union. It recalls memories of the divisions of the National Hockey League -- Patrick, Adams, Norris, Smythe.

You remember those, don't you? When there were real rivalries in hockey?

...unless you're pining for a resumption of that rabid Capital-Panther duel next year, that is.

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