Did you enjoy last night’s Game 6 between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals? Well, that probably depends on which team you support. Did you notice that the players were a lot like the 9/11 first responders, showing courage and perseverance in the face of adversity? Of course you didn’t, because that’s patently offensive. But it didn’t stop CBC’s Ron MacLean from making that very comparison at the game’s outset.

"From the capital of the U.S. of A., it's New York and Washington. The economic and political engines of America, united in the birth of the country, they're also linked in tragedy. They were the twin targets of the coordinated attacks on 9/11. It's crazy to compare what the emergency responders did during that time, but a spirit has to start somewhere. And as you enjoy this series between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals — Game 6 comin' up, 3-2 New York — you can't help but be struck by the players and the way they've played these games.

"They are like police officers. They are like firefighters. You can't fight fire with ego. Brad [Richards] knows that. The pain these men have faced. The price they keep on paying. The hearts they keep on lifting. It's been through and through, five games in. You see the commitment, they're ready to go again this evening in Game 6 at Verizon Center in Washington.

"We all know about the firefighters. Our worst day is their every day. Been a joy to watch."

That right there is an argument for scripting your cold openings. I’m sure MacLean didn’t mean to say something so preposterous. Live television is brutally unforgiving. But still, not a good look.