2011-12 Pinnacle Review (In Which I Actually Give Panini Some Respect), The WHA, Derek Sanderson, And A Little Benoit Pouliot For Good Measure

December 23rd, 2011

I haven’t updated in a bit and with the holidays upon us, I figured it was time for something, so you’re going to get a little bit of everything in this post.

First up is a review of Panini’s 2011-12 Pinnacle release. I had actually forgotten that these were coming out because Panini releases so much junk, that I have started to tune them out. A trip to my LMC jogged my memory and seeing as I like to support local businesses, I ended up buying five packs, mostly because I wanted to get some of the Tough Times inserts. Sadly, I didn’t get any inserts, but that is okay because the base cards were enough to satisfy me.

WAIT, WHAT!?!

Yes folks, it’s true; Panini has managed to release a product that doesn’t totally suck. In fact, it rivals Upper Deck’s main release. Maybe not in terms of lasting value, but at least in terms of photography. Let’s look, shall we?

Here we have “Jumbo” Joe Thornton. Flat on his back. Basking in some as-yet-unknown happiness. So, the first thing about these cards is that they are all in landscape orientation. I don’t really have an opinion on this one way or another, but I applaud Panini/Pinnacle for trying something a little different. The front design is pretty minimal, which I like. I do wish the name and position were just a hair big, but I’m nitpicking. The photo is great, both because it is a non-typical hockey shot and because it captures pure emotion.

Now let’s look at the back…

I have a lot of thoughts on this. First, I really wish they used a different picture OR just replaced the picture with stats, but I get why they didn’t. I do like the write-up they provide which basically tells the story of the picture. Again, I can appreciate Panini/Pinnacle for changing it up. Without stats, though, this set has an Upper Deck Biography of a Season feel to me. I need my cards to have stats!

Before I show you some of the highlights, let me show you what the rookie cards look like…

Basically, it’s the same as a regular card only it has that totally unnecessary Panini foil. WHY?!?!! Panini, you are KILLIN’ ME with this stupid foil stuff. Just stop. Seriously, stop. NO ONE LIKES IT! Not only is it ugly, it takes away from the photography which you have OBVIOUSLY put time and thought into; maybe not with this particular card, but with most of the set.

Here are some more cards…

Teemu is pretty good, eh?

Really cool card of Vrbata shortening his stick.

Really cool Winter Classic shot!

Pussy.

Not a pussy.

I thought Russian judges were notoriously stingy?

Price flashing some leather. Unfortunately I see no puck and will assume it’s in the net.

Anyways, I give the overall base set a B+ and my valuable endorsement as a worthwhile set nearly equal to Upper Deck.

Next up is an early Christmas gift from my uncle. Check out this beauty:

The Rebel League: The Short and Unruly Life of the World Hockey Association by Ed Willes. I can’t wait to read this! I’ll post a review when I finish it.

Next I want to share a couple YouTube clips that are insane. Seriously guys, these clips are mental. There is comedy and then there is a(possibly) coked out Derek Sanderson talking about signing autographs, getting propositioned by female fans, selling surfboards in Australia, and not being thrilled by anything.

You’re welcome.

Lastly, I just got done watching the Bruins put an 8-0 ass whoopin’ on Florida. Sure, they are the Panthers, but they are also first in the Southeast Division. It’s a really good time to be a Bruins fan. Y’know, with them being one of the best, if not THE best team in hockey. They have it all: killer defense, great goaltending, toughness, balanced scoring, and good special teams. Bring it on, NHL. BRING. IT. ON!

Anyways, here is a highlight reel goal by this joker: