Newfoundland had historically been opposed to Confederation, initially rejecting it in 1867 and later opting for Dominion status and responsible government with Great Britain. However, when Newfoundland fell on hard times during the Great Depression, it sought assistance from the British. Britain obliged the request and took over governance with the imposition of the Commission of Government.
Following the conclusion of the Second World War, Britain was eager to lighten its financial commitment and Canada’s new rollout of social assistance programs were enticing to many Newfoundlanders.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:30PM
2014-15 Records: TBL 47-23-7 (2nd in the Atlantic); TOR 28-42-6 (7th in the Atlantic)Leading Scorers: Steven Stamkos (40G, 28A); Phil Kessel (24G, 33A)
After notching his 40th goal of the season against Detroit on March 20, Steven Stamkos has been held scoreless for five-straight games. The fact that this constitutes the longest goal-scoring drought he’s had all season is actually somewhat impressive. Tonight, the Markham, Ont. native faces his hometown team. In 23 career regular season games against the Leafs, Stamkos has racked up 14 goals and 16 assists. You do the math.
Prediction: Tampa Bay by 2
Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings, 7:30PM
2014-15 Records: OTT 37-25-12 (5th in the Atlantic); DET 40-22-12 (3rd in the Atlantic)Leading Scorers: Erik Karlsson (19G, 41A); Henrik Zetterberg (16G, 45A)
According to Sports Club Stats, Ottawa’s playoff chances are now down to 25.3 per cent following an abysmal effort against Toronto on Saturday, losing to Florida in regulation on Sunday, and Boston’s win over Carolina. Tonight’s game against Detroit is crucial if they want to stay alive in the pursuit for the East’s final playoff spot. Since the Red Wings moved to the Eastern Conference for the 2013-14 season, Ottawa is 3-3-1 against Detroit, but are 2-1 in Joe Louis Arena, outscoring the Red Wings 13-7 in those games.
Prediction: Detroit by 1
New York Rangers at Winnipeg Jets, 8:00PM
2014-15 Records: NYR 47-20-7 (1st in the Metropolitan); WPG 39-24-12 (5th in the Central)Leading Scorers: Rick Nash (40G, 25A); Andrew Ladd (24G, 35A)
If the playoffs started today, the Winnipeg Jets would be facing the Anaheim Ducks in the first round. Is that a matchup that Jets fans would want to see? No. Anaheim has taken all three meetings this season, but only one was secured in regulation. However, this kind of speculation is putting the cart before the horse. Winnipeg is still in a close race with Los Angeles for the second wildcard, and they will need a big win tonight against the Rangers if they hope to stay in the hunt.
Prediction: Winnipeg by 1
Vancouver Canucks at Nashville Predators, 8:00PM
2014-15 Records: VAN 44-27-5 (2nd in the Pacific); NSH 47-21-8 (1st in the Central)Leading Scorers: Daniel Sedin (16G, 52A); Filip Forsberg (23G, 36A)
Is Nashville’s Filip Forsberg still the odds on favourite for the Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) this year? Earlier on in the season, he was leading the pack, but the emergence of Calgary’s Johnny Gaudreau and Florida’s Aaron Ekblad have challenged Forsberg’s bid for top honours. Heading into tonight’s game he sits one point back of Gaudreau in rookie scoring and is also closely trailed by Ottawa’s Mark Stone, another viable Calder candidate.
Prediction: Nashville by 1
Last Minute of Play:
On the question of Newfoundland’s future, many remained opposed to the prospect of Confederation and others were drawn to the idea of returning to Dominion status and responsible government. When it came time to put it to a vote in a referendum on June 3, 1948, 45 per cent voted for responsible government, 41 per cent for Confederation, and 14 per cent in favour of under the British system of commission government. With no clear majority, another referendum needed to be tabled.
Leading the charge for Confederation was Joseph “Joey” Smallwood, a charismatic trade unionist and radio personality. He promised Newfoundlanders that joining Canada would spell the end of economic certainty. Newfoundland went with Smallwood, returning a razor-thin majority of 52 per cent in favour of Confederation in another referendum in July 1948. At midnight on March 31, 1949, Newfoundland joined Canada and Smallwood became its first premier, a position he held until 1972. It was not until December 2001 that the province officially changed its name to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Current Record: 13-9
