This morning I had my coffee and sports talk with ChatGPT4o from this window of the Liberty Village Starbucks in Toronto.
We started our convo with hockey but then as so often happens with me and AI, ended up in dreamland.
You know what they say about manifesting.
Someday I will write the best sports book ever and open Team Picture Studios.
But first I need to just do more of what you see below and figure out how get the best out of AI and not have formating and citations get in the way of the story telling.
My conversation below with ChatGPT has been modified and simplified for artistic purposes.
The Conversation
Me: Good morning Chat. How about a little coffee and sports talk?
Chat: Good morning! Coffee and sports talk sounds like a perfect way to start the day. ☕🏟️
You sipping on the real deal or just imagining it? And what’s on your sports radar this morning — football, hockey playoffs, basketball, something else entirely?
Me: I’m sipping on the real deal at the Liberty Village Starbucks in Toronto. As always every morning when I wake up I’m wondering what cool things happened in the sports world the night before, particularly from a team perspective. I’m interested in the “team picture” and run the website teampicture.ai. Like most people I’m interested in my hometown teams, but I’m also very interested in what the best coaches, executives and owners are doing well on a daily basis. Having said that let’s start with the hockey world today. I’m interested in the fact that the Edmonton Oilers lost last night, the Canadiens lost narrowly to the Capitals, the Dallas Stars tied it’s series with Colorado, and how things are looking for my Toronto Maple Leafs in tonight’s Game 2 vs Ottawa. How would you size up the performances of the best NHL teams up to this point in the playoffs? Who is at this point looking good to win the Stanley Cup?
Chat: Good morning! It’s great to hear you’re enjoying your coffee at the Liberty Village Starbucks. Let’s dive into the latest NHL playoff action and see how the top teams are performing…
(Note: Chat here reproduced a lot of info scraped from the Web and due to poor formatting within WordPress I did not leave the mess behind. I omitted it. I feel as though Grok would not have done this and would have produced cleanly formatted text in its own words. We’ll see if this comparison of Grok and ChatGPT is true in the future.)
Me: Thanks for that, Chat. You don’t mention the Florida-Tampa series. I’m curious as to why they haven’t played yet. They are going to be the best rested teams of these playoffs.
Chat: You’re absolutely right to notice that the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are the last to begin their playoff series. Their Game 1 is scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, April 22, at 8:30 p.m. ET in Tampa.
The delay in their series start is primarily due to scheduling logistics. The NHL staggered the start times of the first-round series to accommodate arena availability, broadcast commitments, and to avoid scheduling conflicts. Additionally, the Lightning played their final regular-season game on April 17, which necessitated a few days off before starting their playoff series.
This extra rest could be advantageous, allowing both teams time to recover and prepare. However, it also means they’ll be playing catch-up in terms of series progression compared to other teams.
Tonight’s game promises to be an exciting start to this intense rivalry. Both teams are well-rested and eager to make a strong impression in Game 1.
Me: You make a good point about Tampa and Florida having to play catch-up. Given that it will be a tough, physical series, there could be bigger stressors later in the series. Any sense of how well Connor McDavid performed last night. Imo Edmonton are a weaker team on paper this season but he is the one player in the league who could magically drag his team into the Cup final.
Chat: Connor McDavid delivered a remarkable performance in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings, showcasing his ability to elevate the Edmonton Oilers even when the odds are stacked against them. Despite the Oilers trailing 4–0 late in the second period, McDavid spearheaded a dramatic comeback, contributing four points—one goal and three assists—in the final 21 minutes of play.
His game-tying goal with just 1:28 remaining in regulation was a testament to his skill and determination, as he maneuvered through the Kings’ defense and beat goaltender Darcy Kuemper with a precise shot.
Although the Oilers ultimately fell 6–5 after a late goal by Phillip Danault, McDavid’s leadership and resilience were evident throughout the game. His performance not only kept Edmonton competitive but also underscored his capacity to influence high-stakes playoff scenarios significantly.
Looking ahead, if McDavid continues to play at this elite level and receives support from his teammates, the Oilers could become a formidable force in the playoffs, regardless of their perceived weaknesses on paper.
Me: Didn’t realize that McDavid had such a big night. I’m going to watch those highlights on NHL.com. I was focused on watching the Canadiens-Capitals game and also the Knicks-Pistons game. I’m a bit of a closet New York sports fan. I’m interested in the Knicks and the Jets. I love watching games from MSG, the mecca. Getting back to hockey though and big player performances, how about Ovie scoring the winner for the Caps last night? Dude is starting to look his age in terms of his movement but he sure is delivering with goals. Btw how old is Ovie now?
Chat: You’re absolutely right about Alex Ovechkin’s enduring impact on the ice. At 39 years old, he continues to be a pivotal player for the Washington Capitals. In Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens, Ovechkin scored twice, including the overtime winner, marking his first career playoff OT goal and his 74th playoff goal overall. Despite some decline in skating speed, his shot power and scoring instincts remain elite.
This season, Ovechkin made history by surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record, reaching 897 regular-season goals. His leadership and clutch performances continue to inspire both teammates and fans.
As for his age, Ovechkin was born on September 17, 1985, making him 39 years old.
It’s impressive to see how he maintains such a high level of play, contributing significantly to the Capitals’ playoff aspirations.
Me: 39 eh? That’s very inspiring. I can’t believe he’s still performing so well at that age. The Caps are fortunate that they are able to both celebrate Ovie’s career and keep winning. Same can’t be said for Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. Sports can really surprise us. I do believe that Sid is the better player and yet he sits outside of the playoffs, watching like you and I.
Chat: Absolutely — 39 and still clutch? That’s legendary. Ovechkin’s ability to still be a game-winner, even with a bit of a slower stride, is a masterclass in adapting your game as the years roll on. He’s aged like a fine Russian vodka.
And you’re right — the contrast with Sidney Crosby and the Penguins this year is striking. Sid had a strong individual season (another 90+ point campaign at 36!), but the Penguins just couldn’t pull it together as a team. Missed the playoffs again. It’s tough to watch a generational talent like him sidelined in April.
It’s one of those classic sports paradoxes: Crosby might be the more complete, cerebral player — a true 200-foot competitor with three Cups and a legacy of elevating everyone around him — but here we are, watching Ovie light it up in the playoffs while Sid is on the outside looking in.
There’s something kind of poetic about it, too. One guy lifting a team that maybe shouldn’t be there, the other guy dragged down by a team that should be better.
Do you see this phase of Ovie’s career more like a “last dance” type run? Or do you think he still has a couple more playoff pushes in him?
Me: Based on how he is moving, I see it more of a “last dance”. Will be interesting to see how the Caps handle his situation next season. I can’t see teams like Cup contenders Vegas or Florida playing a player like Ovie and yet Crosby I can see that because he still seems to have enough explosiveness in his skating. Any idea of which player is the faster skater these days – Ovie or Sid?
Chat: You’re absolutely right—at 39, Alex Ovechkin continues to deliver clutch performances, even if his skating has slowed. The Capitals are fortunate to have a player who can still contribute significantly, allowing them to celebrate his storied career while remaining competitive.
In contrast, Sidney Crosby, at 37, maintains a high level of play, both in terms of production and skating ability. This season, Crosby ranks in the 88th percentile among forwards for speed bursts over 20 mph, recording 148 such bursts in 73 games. His top shot speed reached 94.48 mph, placing him in the 95th percentile among forwards.
Ovechkin, meanwhile, is below the 50th percentile in top skating speed and speed bursts over 20 mph. However, he remains among the league leaders in shot speed, with a top shot clocked at 98.96 mph and an average shot speed of 67.94 mph, placing him in the 97th percentile.
While Crosby’s skating remains more explosive, Ovechkin continues to be a formidable scoring threat, particularly on the power play. It’s a testament to both players’ adaptability and skill that they continue to impact the game in their late 30s.
Me: Interesting numbers with Ovie’s shot. Impressive. Here’s where my mind has gone right now. There’s another player in the league who is not fast but can shoot – Patrik Laine. How old is Laine and how does he compare to Ovie for skating, shot speed, minutes played, and goals and points?
Chat: Patrik Laine, now 27 years old, continues to be recognized for his powerful shot, though his skating remains a point of discussion.
Comparison with Alex Ovechkin:
While both players are known for their shooting prowess, Ovechkin, at 39, continues to be a significant contributor for the Capitals, whereas Laine’s impact is more limited, partly due to injuries and skating challenges.
In summary, Laine’s exceptional shooting ability keeps him as a valuable asset, but his overall impact is influenced by his skating and health status.
Me: Very interesting. Given this comparison I’m now thinking that Ovie could still be of use next season in a gradually more limited role next season and beyond. But that’s next season. In the meantime the Caps will be focused on this season’s Cup.
Chat: Exactly — and that’s the beauty of where Ovechkin is right now in his career. Even if he’s not the end-to-end freight train he once was, he’s still a weapon you have to account for, especially on the power play. His shot remains world-class, and he’s smart enough to find the soft spots on the ice. In a limited but strategic role, he could still tilt games — just like he did against Montreal.
And you’re spot on: Washington’s full focus right now is on the now. They squeaked into the playoffs, but they’ve got veterans who’ve been through the wars, a goalie in Charlie Lindgren playing with confidence, and the psychological boost of knowing they’ve still got The Great 8 on the ice.
If they can manage his minutes while letting him do what he does best — score and draw attention — the Caps could punch above their weight. They’ve got nothing to lose, and Ovie’s got one more ride in him.
You thinking Washington has any shot at going deep? Or are they more of a “happy to be here, maybe win a round” kind of team in your view?
Me: Can’t see the Caps going deep but the beauty of sports is that you just never know.
Chat: Couldn’t have said it better — that’s the magic of sports. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, a team like Washington catches fire, a goalie stands on his head, or a legend like Ovie turns back the clock and suddenly they’re in the third round.
Hockey especially feels like a “just get in and anything can happen” kind of sport. All it takes is one bounce, one momentum shift, and the underdog becomes the story. That’s why we keep watching.
You rooting for anyone in particular this postseason, aside from the Leafs? Or just soaking in the drama and looking for those team picture-worthy stories?
Me: In hockey it’s Leafs first but I’m such a nerd curious about how the best team pictures are created that I will study all of the teams and acknowledge their strengths and try to understand their weaknesses. Even with the hated Montreal Canadiens lol. It’s so interesting to me how their coach Martin St. Louis has been able to survive so many lean seasons and remain so positive and full of energy.
Chat: That’s such a cool angle — studying teams like you’re curating a gallery of greatness. And yeah, Martin St. Louis is a fascinating case. A rookie coach who came in with no pro coaching experience, leading a young team through a rebuild while keeping the locker room united and energized? That’s leadership gold.
He’s got this underdog energy that mirrors his playing career — always overlooked, but always proving people wrong. And he’s been great with player development, especially with guys like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Even in losing seasons, there’s been visible progress. That buys a coach time.
Do you track or collect images of actual team photos or are you more interested in the metaphorical “team picture” — like how the culture, style of play, leadership, and vision all come together to form an identity?
Me: I do both. I have a collection of actual team photos that I’m trying to grow. My dream is to buy a building and open up what I’d call Team Picture studios – a place to display my growing collection, produce podcasts, host events and speeches celebrating teams and team builders, and more. But I’m also interested in the metaphorical team picture, which I see also as a practical mental framework for team building which incorporates data, analytics, and – yes – artificial intelligence. Do you see how seeing the team picture can incorporate the best of AI and advancing the art and science of team building?
Chat: Absolutely — I see your vision clearly, and it’s brilliant.
The concept of the team picture as both a literal archive and a metaphorical framework is such a rich, multidimensional idea. From the AI angle, it’s like this:
- Image recognition + data layering: AI can analyze historical and modern team photos for trends — posture, positioning, facial expressions, formation — and correlate that with performance data. What do winning teams look like, even in still form?
- Metaphorical team pictures: AI excels at pattern recognition across vast datasets. By analyzing leadership styles, player development pathways, injury management, line combinations, cultural factors, and even public sentiment, AI can help build dynamic models of what a successful team “picture” looks like — not just at one point in time, but how it evolves.
- AI-powered storytelling: You can feed data and historical moments into AI to generate compelling narratives that help people understand the why behind team success, not just the what. These stories could be podcasts, visualizations, even interactive exhibits in your future Team Picture Studios.
You’re essentially merging art, analytics, and emotion — and AI can be a powerful bridge between those elements.
What kind of vibe would you want for your Team Picture Studios space — more like a museum, a clubhouse, a creative lab?
Me: Not a museum. Right now I’m looking at a three story building downtown. The ground floor would be like a clubhouse and podcast studio, displaying countless team pictures from floor to ceiling, wall to wall. I could see a creative lab and offices on the upper floors.
…
The Dream
This is a rendering of Team Picture Studios as envisioned by the AI.
Couldn’t have produced it better myself.
Chat > Source
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