Tech

'I don't fear it': Canucks' Conor Garland ready for gritty, challenging series – MSN

Published

5 months ago

April 21, 2024

VANCOUVER — Three years before Nathan MacKinnon became the current favourite to win the Hart Trophy as the best player in hockey, Conor Garland managed to make the Colorado Avalanche superstar the best bowler in the National Hockey League.

During the fan-less pandemic regular season in 2020-21, MacKinnon became so angry after a reverse hit by Garland when the Arizona Coyotes visited Denver that he ripped off his opponent’s helmet and threw it underhand towards Garland’s face before the players came together and wrestled on the ice.

The bowling-for-dollars cost MacKinnon $5,000 when the NHL fined him for violently returning Garland’s helmet.

“He just threw me down and then we went at it and kind of wrestled for a little bit,” Garland recalled Saturday. “He had four points. I said to him in the pile: ‘Why are you mad? You’re winning 9-3 and you’ve got four points.’

“The next game we played them there was a scrum and I could see him come flying in and I was like, ‘Oh, my god, we’re going to do this again?’ And he just stopped and apologized. So I appreciated that.”

The point of this story is that Garland, who is five-foot-nine, not a dirty player and rarely initiates contact, has a knack for infuriating opponents with the relentless manner in which he plays. Traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2021 after that pandemic-shortened season as part of Oliver Ekman-Larsson fiasco, the whirling winger is as unafraid as he is unyielding when badgering opponents for the puck.

This is important to remember because on Sunday, the 28-year-old from Boston will play his first genuine Stanley Cup playoff game when the Canucks face the physical Nashville Predators in Vancouver’s first home playoff contest since 2015.

Like most of the Canucks’ youngish core players, Garland’s only previous playoff experience was in the antiseptic and artificial 2020 bubble in Edmonton amid the arrival of COVID-19. (Fun fact: Garland’s Coyotes eliminated the Predators in the qualifying round that summer).

As with Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Filip Hronek, Garland will be a popular target for Nashville.

“I don’t fear it,” Garland said after Saturday’s practice. “I don’t fear contact. I think there’s a perception of smaller guys fearing contact. But if you look at our guys, we certainly don’t. Huggy (Hughes) certainly doesn’t. Hoggy (Nils Hoglander) certainly doesn’t. Jonathan Marchessault doesn’t and he won the Conn Smythe Trophy last year (with Vegas). You’ve just got to embrace it. You’re going to get hit, you’re going to throw hits. It’s fun. It’s better than playing shinny hockey. I’m looking forward to it.”

Seemingly predisposed to conflict on the ice, Garland is probably looking forward to this more than most after waiting eight years as a pro and 404 regular-season games in the NHL to finally compete in a real playoff game.

“Chip on his shoulder,” Canuck coach Rick Tocchet said of Garland, whom he also coached in Arizona. “All his life, you’re a small, little kid, you-can’t-play-with-the-big-boys type of thing. We laugh about it, but he’s had to change his game from junior. We’ve had talks about this. He was a heavy point guy (in the Quebec League) and he knew he’s not going to come up here and score 100 points like in junior. Maybe one day he can. But he’s got a little bit of a chip. He likes going in the corners, and he likes the confrontation. That’s his game. That’s why he drives lines.”

Asked about the broader combination of the Canucks’ top-of-the-lineup playoff inexperience and the Stanley Cup tournament’s heightened intensity, Tocchet said: “You’ve got to embrace the pain. There’s going to be pain, and you’ve got to love it. I’m being serious.

“You’ve got to crave that walk to the bus when you’re tired and you’re limping or you’ve got a cut. That should be something you crave. Don’t be afraid of it. Obviously, (physicality) is ramped up. It’s a different level. You’ve just got to make sure that, you know, you can’t shy away. You’ve got to play uncomfortable.”

Garland and linemate Dakota Joshua have been making it uncomfortable for opposing defencemen most of the season, driving play and creating scoring chances. Now partnered with centre Elias Lindholm, the third-line trio could be a huge X-factor in this series.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1: Canucks vs. Predators

Keep up with the latest news and analysis as the Vancouver Canucks take on the Nashville Predators in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Full Coverage

Garland’s tally in Vancouver’s regular-season finale Thursday in Winnipeg made him a 20-goal scorer for the first time in four years. His 47 points were fourth-most among forwards, and he led the team with expected-goals-for of 59.6 per cent. The Canucks outscored opponents nearly two to one, 55-30, with Garland on the ice at five-on-five.

This excellence came after a tumultuous start for Garland, with reports the day before the season-opener that he had demanded a trade. Canuck management, in fact, was exploring options to provide salary-cap relief and, with the player’s permission, brought Garland’s agent into conversations.

Garland eventually made it unequivocally clear that he had no desire to play elsewhere. But despite pushing possession for most of the fall, he had just two goals and five assists in the first 25 games before his play-driving with Joshua started generating goals in December.

“I think I’d say I’m proud of myself,” Garland told Sportsnet. “You know, there was some sh– there at the start. I had some help here from the staff, mentally and on the ice. I’m grateful for that, and we got through it. There was some other stuff that went on off-ice and we got through that, too. It was a grueling start for me. But we made the playoffs and I felt like our line was a big key to that. Now we’ve got to be a big part of winning games at this time of the season.

“I told Toc — we had a meeting in early March — and I said I felt like I made a jump in my game here. And, you know, I hadn’t felt that since the trade. The last time I felt that (jump) was in the summer before my last year in Arizona. I felt like I improved a lot and I felt that again this year.

“I felt really good about my game. This is a different level, so you have to raise your game again to match it. But I feel confident that I can do that. There’s a first for everything, so we’ll find out (about the playoffs). But I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

He does have a way of annoying people.

“Yeah, ask my family,” he said. “Come to play a card game at my house. You’ll see.”

• In the final practice before Game 1, Tocchet elevated speedy, grinding winger Sam Lafferty to play on the second line beside Pettersson and Hoglander, while Ilya Mikheyev was dropped to the fourth line. With Vasily Podkolzin an extra, the forwards lines were: Pius Suter-J.T. Miller-Brock Boeser; Hoglander-Pettersson-Lafferty; Joshua-Lindholm-Garland; and Phil DiGiuseppe-Teddy Blueger-Mikheyev. The defence pairings were: Hughes-Hronek; Carson Soucy-Tyler Myers; Nikita Zadorov-Ian Cole.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.