Not a whole lot of time as the bus to Montreal is leaving in twenty minutes. So I am going to be in Montreal tonight when Game Seven is played...our tour guide says regardless of what happens..a gong show will ensue...can not wait.
The Canucks can thank Chris Campoli for their ticket to the second round. Brutal turnover in his own end, Alex Burrows buries and the Canucks avoid being the most epic failure in NHL Playoff history.
That is all for today...I will try to check in with some stories from the gong show that is Montreal tonight...if not, talk to you next week.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Another Night..another opinion
First off, could I have been more wrong about the Chicago - Vancouver game from last night. Whereas I said the Hawks would come out flat and cede the series to the Canucks, the exact opposite happened. The Hawks were full of life, and looked like the defending Stanley Cup Champion in a 7 - 2 rout at the United Centre. The night for the Hawks was summed up by the performance of captain Duncan Keith who on one shift had three hits, albeit took a penalty for his actions, and then thirty seconds after getting out of the bin buried one past Luongo to give Chicago a 3 - 1 lead.
For me the lasting impression of last night's game was the performance by Canucks blueliner Kevin Bieksa. After getting his bell rung by Victor Stalberg of the Hawks, Bieksa showed hit true grit and toughness by jumping Stalberg who we all know is well known for his actions with his fists. While I am okay with a guy taking his frustrations out, and to Stalberg's credit, despite being bloodied, mouthed Bieksa off all the way to the box. What gets me is Bieksa's demeanor after the game in saying 'he got what he deserved.' So what, you ring a guy's bell and in turn you should just expect to get jumped and beaten up. The actions of Bieksa just give me more reason to cheer AGAINST the Canucks.
What was greater last night? The Sharks comeback win, or the Kings implosion after jumping out to a four goal lead. Look for Dustin Penner and his piano to be square in the middle of the King's bench come Game Four. For that matter, he may have to drag his Baby Grand up to the Press Box. The guy absolutely loafed it back, leaving Devin Setoguchi completely untouched and free to score the game winner. Thank God he isn't an Oiler anymore. And to think, we got a first rounder for that? That's like trading lobster for frozen weiners.
That's all....tonight you can expect:
The Cap's to finally put some goals on the board and take a 3 - 1 series lead
The Predators to put the Ducks on the ropes, and.....
The Coyotes season does NOT come to an end but the fans in Phoenix should enjoy it as this will be their last game in Arizona..
Later
For me the lasting impression of last night's game was the performance by Canucks blueliner Kevin Bieksa. After getting his bell rung by Victor Stalberg of the Hawks, Bieksa showed hit true grit and toughness by jumping Stalberg who we all know is well known for his actions with his fists. While I am okay with a guy taking his frustrations out, and to Stalberg's credit, despite being bloodied, mouthed Bieksa off all the way to the box. What gets me is Bieksa's demeanor after the game in saying 'he got what he deserved.' So what, you ring a guy's bell and in turn you should just expect to get jumped and beaten up. The actions of Bieksa just give me more reason to cheer AGAINST the Canucks.
What was greater last night? The Sharks comeback win, or the Kings implosion after jumping out to a four goal lead. Look for Dustin Penner and his piano to be square in the middle of the King's bench come Game Four. For that matter, he may have to drag his Baby Grand up to the Press Box. The guy absolutely loafed it back, leaving Devin Setoguchi completely untouched and free to score the game winner. Thank God he isn't an Oiler anymore. And to think, we got a first rounder for that? That's like trading lobster for frozen weiners.
That's all....tonight you can expect:
The Cap's to finally put some goals on the board and take a 3 - 1 series lead
The Predators to put the Ducks on the ropes, and.....
The Coyotes season does NOT come to an end but the fans in Phoenix should enjoy it as this will be their last game in Arizona..
Later
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
More Post - Season Suspensions..
NHL disciplinarian came down on two more NHLer's today handing out one game suspensions to both the Lightning's Steve Downie and the Penguins Chris Kunitz. I can't say I am okay with either of these decisions. Downie left his feet, launching himself at Ben Lovejoy of the Pens. Downie HAS a history of this, and isn't the NHL said all along repeat offenders will be punished more severely. Looks like you dropped the ball there. Secondly, the Kunitz hit was everything wrong with the league. Kunitz simply sticks out his elbow to give Simon Gagne of the Lightning a good one in the back of the head. And he get's one game? Are you kidding me NHL, just when it looks like you have your stuff together, you go and do this. What a joke..one game for two hits that could have seriously hurt people, and Raffi Torres, a repeat offender delivers a blow to the head and walks? It should not matter that it is the play - off's; you break the rules, you pay the piper. This is just sending the message that you can be a little more vicious in the post season because Colin Campbell is not going to hold you accountable. BRUTAL!
As I calm down a little, did I call the Bruin's/Habs game last night or what...early goal shuts the crowd up...and the B's win. Thank you David Krejci and the rest of the Bruins for making me look like good. Also, the Lightning drop a tough one at home and the Red Wings have the Coyotes on the verge of elimination.
Tonight...
Look for the Canucks to sweep the Hawks...I know they are professional athletes but I don't even think anybody in their room thinks they can win four in a row. The Hawks will have a minimal effort tonight...the 'Nucks move on and start resting.
Also the Kings and Sharks go at it in Game Three in L.A. Which Sharks team shows up? If it is the one from Saturday night, look for the Kings to go up in the series, if the Sharks that CAN show up do, look for them to gain the advantage.
Also, the Caps look to put the Rangers on thin ice. How have the Capitals let the Rangers outshoot them throughout the series. It is Neuvirth who is winning this series for the Caps right now...who saw that coming?
Another great night of Play - off hockey awaits..enjoy!
As I calm down a little, did I call the Bruin's/Habs game last night or what...early goal shuts the crowd up...and the B's win. Thank you David Krejci and the rest of the Bruins for making me look like good. Also, the Lightning drop a tough one at home and the Red Wings have the Coyotes on the verge of elimination.
Tonight...
Look for the Canucks to sweep the Hawks...I know they are professional athletes but I don't even think anybody in their room thinks they can win four in a row. The Hawks will have a minimal effort tonight...the 'Nucks move on and start resting.
Also the Kings and Sharks go at it in Game Three in L.A. Which Sharks team shows up? If it is the one from Saturday night, look for the Kings to go up in the series, if the Sharks that CAN show up do, look for them to gain the advantage.
Also, the Caps look to put the Rangers on thin ice. How have the Capitals let the Rangers outshoot them throughout the series. It is Neuvirth who is winning this series for the Caps right now...who saw that coming?
Another great night of Play - off hockey awaits..enjoy!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday....
The first weekend of the NHL Play - off's has come and gone and....
What is up with the Bruins? One goal in two games at home? They need to play better tonight or it'll be curtains for a team many picked to win the East. Montreal has done this the last two seasons; make a team they are inferior to play their style of game. It worked last year against Pittsburgh and Washington. Why don't the Bruins just watch film of how the Flyers beat the Habs last year? Clearly they have the type of players who can also play this style of hockey. Don't be surprised with a Bruins victory tonight..an early goal should shut the Bell Centre up quickly.
Nashville looks like they may actually break through into the second round for the first time in franchise history. Minus that atrocious thirty seconds yesterday and they pretty much dominated the Ducks.
I hate to say this, but the Canucks look good; in fact they look like the team to beat in the whole league. They have not only slayed their proverbial dragon in Chicago, they are going to do it in the minimum four games.
It will be interesting to see which Marc - Andre Fleury shows up for the Pens tonight; the one who played great in a shutout victory in Game One or the Swiss Cheese from Game Two.
While Jarret Stoll returns tonight from his one game suspension, I have to wonder why the NHL allowed Raffi Torres hit yesterday on Brent Seabrook go unpunished. Clearly, Torres hit Seabrook from behind, used his elbow and targeted his head. What shocked me most was the fact that not only was he returning from his four game suspension for hitting Jordan Eberle of the Oilers, but this hit to me was far more dangerous in the sense that it came from behind. Torres, should have been viewed as a repeat offender and given at the least a handful of games to think about it. And do the Canucks really need him? I think they played better without him.
Bobby Ryan, you are a pathetic excuse for a man. Who stomps on a guys foot like he did to the Pred's Johnathon Blum. That is like a six year old who can't get his toy back from his older brother the fair way so he kicks him or something cheap. If you ask me, two games for essentially using your skate as a weapon is a joke. Give him the remainder of the first round. Where else can you use your most dangerous piece of equipment as a weapon and get that sort of punishment. Brutal, pathetic, disgusting, you name it and Bobby Ryan fits the bill.
Well the Blue Jays sure went south fast. After jumping out to a 4 - 1 start, the Jays are now 7 - 9 after getting smoked in Boston for the third day in a row. After winning the opener 7 - 6 on Friday night, the Jays were outscored 23 - 2 in losing the next three. Looks like the Jays could be in for a LONG season which throws my predictions in the AL East right out the window.
Did you know that since the NFL locked out its players, nine of them have been arrested for everything from public intoxication to possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. This brings two ideas to mind: (1) If this lockout continues, maybe we will be looking more at those who DIDN'T get arrested rrather than those who did, and (2) Why do you need to sell cocaine...you are playing in the NFL, making great money the legal way? Why ruin that be selling drugs?
While I am sure we all heard about the 42 year old San Francisco Giants fan who was nearly killed on Opening Day in Los Angeles, how many heard about the no mind who wrote an article blaming the man for the incident. I can't remember the name of the moron who wrote the article but he said that since the man was wearing a Giants jersey at Dodger Stadium he should have expected something to happen. He also referred to the victim as being immature for wearing a jersey, something the writer feels only children should wear to the stadium. Are you kidding me? The man almost loses his life to a couple of drunken loser Dodger fans and you want to blame the victim. His only crime was having a favorite team and not being afraid to show off a little pride in his team. While the actions of the men who attacked him are calloused at best, those of the reporter are beyond words. I would hope he is no longer employed.
That's all for tonight...oh and by the way Chaps, who said that maybe choosing a couple Predators might have been a good idea? Oh right, me...I was right again. Later
What is up with the Bruins? One goal in two games at home? They need to play better tonight or it'll be curtains for a team many picked to win the East. Montreal has done this the last two seasons; make a team they are inferior to play their style of game. It worked last year against Pittsburgh and Washington. Why don't the Bruins just watch film of how the Flyers beat the Habs last year? Clearly they have the type of players who can also play this style of hockey. Don't be surprised with a Bruins victory tonight..an early goal should shut the Bell Centre up quickly.
Nashville looks like they may actually break through into the second round for the first time in franchise history. Minus that atrocious thirty seconds yesterday and they pretty much dominated the Ducks.
I hate to say this, but the Canucks look good; in fact they look like the team to beat in the whole league. They have not only slayed their proverbial dragon in Chicago, they are going to do it in the minimum four games.
It will be interesting to see which Marc - Andre Fleury shows up for the Pens tonight; the one who played great in a shutout victory in Game One or the Swiss Cheese from Game Two.
While Jarret Stoll returns tonight from his one game suspension, I have to wonder why the NHL allowed Raffi Torres hit yesterday on Brent Seabrook go unpunished. Clearly, Torres hit Seabrook from behind, used his elbow and targeted his head. What shocked me most was the fact that not only was he returning from his four game suspension for hitting Jordan Eberle of the Oilers, but this hit to me was far more dangerous in the sense that it came from behind. Torres, should have been viewed as a repeat offender and given at the least a handful of games to think about it. And do the Canucks really need him? I think they played better without him.
Bobby Ryan, you are a pathetic excuse for a man. Who stomps on a guys foot like he did to the Pred's Johnathon Blum. That is like a six year old who can't get his toy back from his older brother the fair way so he kicks him or something cheap. If you ask me, two games for essentially using your skate as a weapon is a joke. Give him the remainder of the first round. Where else can you use your most dangerous piece of equipment as a weapon and get that sort of punishment. Brutal, pathetic, disgusting, you name it and Bobby Ryan fits the bill.
Well the Blue Jays sure went south fast. After jumping out to a 4 - 1 start, the Jays are now 7 - 9 after getting smoked in Boston for the third day in a row. After winning the opener 7 - 6 on Friday night, the Jays were outscored 23 - 2 in losing the next three. Looks like the Jays could be in for a LONG season which throws my predictions in the AL East right out the window.
Did you know that since the NFL locked out its players, nine of them have been arrested for everything from public intoxication to possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. This brings two ideas to mind: (1) If this lockout continues, maybe we will be looking more at those who DIDN'T get arrested rrather than those who did, and (2) Why do you need to sell cocaine...you are playing in the NFL, making great money the legal way? Why ruin that be selling drugs?
While I am sure we all heard about the 42 year old San Francisco Giants fan who was nearly killed on Opening Day in Los Angeles, how many heard about the no mind who wrote an article blaming the man for the incident. I can't remember the name of the moron who wrote the article but he said that since the man was wearing a Giants jersey at Dodger Stadium he should have expected something to happen. He also referred to the victim as being immature for wearing a jersey, something the writer feels only children should wear to the stadium. Are you kidding me? The man almost loses his life to a couple of drunken loser Dodger fans and you want to blame the victim. His only crime was having a favorite team and not being afraid to show off a little pride in his team. While the actions of the men who attacked him are calloused at best, those of the reporter are beyond words. I would hope he is no longer employed.
That's all for tonight...oh and by the way Chaps, who said that maybe choosing a couple Predators might have been a good idea? Oh right, me...I was right again. Later
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A Quickie...
Before I get to the play - off situation..which by the way consumed my entire night. I now know fully why Craig Button is no longer a General Manager in the NHL. Yesterday, Button's mock NHL draft was posted on tsn.ca. He had the Oiler taking Nugent - Hopkins number one to the Oilers. While I wouldn't take him top overall, I can see that being a distinct possibility. What floors me is that he didn't have Adam Larrson going until #6 to Ottawa. There is NO way this guy, who is big, strong and skilled, a potential Niklas Lidstrom falls that low....NO way...you can write that down.
Speaking of Junior Hockey, can you believe the Saskatoon Blades are now OUT of the play - off's. Last night the Blades lost 5 - 2 in Cranbrook to Kootenay as the Ice completed the sweep. While I thought the Ice winning was a possibility, a sweep was never in my mind. This will really hurt the Blades as not only did they not achieve their goal of at least a trip to the Memorial Cup; they mortgaged the future to get Brayden Schenn. This disappointement will linger in Saskatoon for a few years because there will be some down years for the Blades in the not to distant future.
NHL Play - off's kicked off last night on five fronts, and nothing really shocking about the results. Here are my observations:
* Surprised the Lightning never even scored a goal
* Nashville looked good, Anaheim may have issues with goaltending
* Washington looked less than over - powering in their OT win over the Rangers
* Vancouver looked very impressive in my opinion...if not for a good effort by Cory Crawford, that easily could have been a 5 - 0 or 6 - 0 game.
The big show continues on three fronts tonight, Buffalo is in Philadelphia, the Habs travel to Boston for Game One of a much anticipated series, and the all California battle kicks off in San Jose where the Sharks host the Kings.
See ya tomorrow...
Speaking of Junior Hockey, can you believe the Saskatoon Blades are now OUT of the play - off's. Last night the Blades lost 5 - 2 in Cranbrook to Kootenay as the Ice completed the sweep. While I thought the Ice winning was a possibility, a sweep was never in my mind. This will really hurt the Blades as not only did they not achieve their goal of at least a trip to the Memorial Cup; they mortgaged the future to get Brayden Schenn. This disappointement will linger in Saskatoon for a few years because there will be some down years for the Blades in the not to distant future.
NHL Play - off's kicked off last night on five fronts, and nothing really shocking about the results. Here are my observations:
* Surprised the Lightning never even scored a goal
* Nashville looked good, Anaheim may have issues with goaltending
* Washington looked less than over - powering in their OT win over the Rangers
* Vancouver looked very impressive in my opinion...if not for a good effort by Cory Crawford, that easily could have been a 5 - 0 or 6 - 0 game.
The big show continues on three fronts tonight, Buffalo is in Philadelphia, the Habs travel to Boston for Game One of a much anticipated series, and the all California battle kicks off in San Jose where the Sharks host the Kings.
See ya tomorrow...
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Just Hockey....
One things that always comes to light at the conclusion of the NHL season is not only the excitement that comes with the dash for Lord Stanley, but also the realization that coaching in the NHL is a thankless job. Today the Dallas Stars let go Head Coach Marc Crawford. The Stars missed an opportunity to grab the final play off spot in the west with a 5 - 3 loss Sunday at Minnesota. If you look at Dallas' roster, and how deep the Western Conference is, I give them a lot of credit for even having a chance to make the second season. This is the second big name coach the Stars have axed in the past few seasons as it was Crawford who replaced Dave Tippett, who by the way won the Jack Adam's the following year for his work in Phoenix. While I can understand Cory Clouston getting the pick slip in Ottawa and Todd Richards in Minnesota, I can't see why Crawford loses his job over a team that finished with 95 points and were in it right up to the end. Just proof that nobody loves you when you are a coach and in the words of my buddy Jon Keen 'coaches are hired to be fired'.
Anyway, before we get to my earth shattering play - off predictions, one quick comment about the Team Canada entry at the World Championships. Today two more names agreed to join the red and white, those being Evader Kane of the Atlanta Thrashers and Cal Clutterbuck of the Minnesota Wild. I have no problem with the addition of Kane but Clutterbuck??? I mean I know a teams needs grinders but this guy's 34 points don't make the cut in my books. Does this mean a lot of guys are choosing NOT to participate? I mean, come on guys...we don't need to be like Phil Kessel who declined an invite to join Team USA. Funny thing about Kessel is he can't be tired, he took the better part of two months off (see January and February) but still can't find the energy to represent his country...shameful.
And NOW on to the REALLY big show...my predictions for the upcoming NHL Play - offs, which for those of you who live under a rock, start tomorrow.
Western Conference
(1) Vancouver vs. (8) Chicago
The Canucks nemesis the last two seasons have been none other than the Hawks. This year, a couple of things stand out from the previous two encounters of these clubs. (1) The Hawks obviously aren`t as deep after they cleaned house following last year`s Stanley Cup run, and (2) The Canucks are quite a bit better all around, particularly on the back end with Hamhuis and Ballard so long as they stay healthy. Corey Crawford is a rookie to the Play - off scene but Antti Niemi wasn`t full of experience before last season. Regardless of the moves made last season, the Hawks still throw a pretty good line up at you, and the Canucks are yet to prove anything in the second season. Luongo is always good for a few garbage goals at inopportune times. The Canucks still need to prove a lot in the play - off`s to be considered a serious threat for the Cup. That doesn`t happen in my book because the Sedin`s will get shut down and heartbreak again on the west coast. THE HAWKS IN SIX.
(2) San Jose vs. (7) Los Angeles
Not often two California teams meet in the play -offs.. In fact not very often there are more teams from California than Canada playing for the Cup. Regardless, San Jose is starting to play some really good hockey as of late, and unlike past years, I don't hear many people talking about them. This works to take the pressure of playoff disappointment off their backs heading in. We know the Sharks can play and now they can throw a goalie who has won the Cup (Niemi) out there. This is bad news for the Kings, who with the loss of Anze Kopitar only adds to their issues. That coupled with a disappointing season from Drew Doughty puts a lot of pressure on the Kings secondary scoring to produce. The leadership of guys like Smyth and Stoll certainly help the Kings, but alas, it is not enough. SHARKS IN SIX.
(3) Detroit vs. (6) Phoenix
A repear of last years first rounder that saw the Wings win in seven in a series many didn't even have the Coyotes competing in despite having home ice. This year not a lot is different between these two excpet for one glaring problem for the Wings...goaltending. I can't see them not going with Jimmy Howard who hasn't been that good. This will help out the Coyotes for sure but I still think that even though Howard is the inferior goalie to Bryzgalov, the experience of the Wings gets it done in a hard fought series. The Coyotes again compete but come up short in the end and the inability of the Coyotes to win a series since moving to the desert continues....WINGS IN SEVEN
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Nashville
Is there a hotter player in the league right now than Rocket Richard Trophy Winner Corey Perry? The Ducks have been making his performance and have looked really good the last few weeks, but the Ducks are not without their issues. For starters, who do they throw between the pipes to get this thing started? Ray Emery? Jonas Hiller? I don't know but that isn't good for the Ducks. At the same time, the Ducks are without a whole lot of fire power once you get passed the Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan line. Those guys will be getting a steady dose of Shea Weber I would expect. Pekka Rinne has been as good as any goalie in the league this year. It won't be a quick one but if the Predators can keep the Ducks top line in check, stay out of the penalty box and let Rinne be as good as he has been, the Predators move into the second round for the firs time in franchise history. THE PREDATORS IN SIX
Eastern Conference
(1) Washington vs (8) New York Rangers
Despite finishing first in their Conference, the Capitals don't have the chatter around them that they usually do at this time. This is why I am led to believe this is the year they go somewhere, possibly not all the way but they move on. The one thing the Rangers have going for them is Henrik Lundqvist; not only can he steal a game, he can steal a series. At the other end you have an unproved goalie regardless of who the Caps go with. I read it will be Micheal Neuvrith but we all know if he struggle Boudreau won't hesitate to make a change. Nonetheless, the one area the Caps are better this year is defensively. Picking up guys like Scott Hannan and Dennis Wideman only make them that much better in their own end. And let's not forget the Rangers aren't loaded up front despite the fact they have outscored Washington 15 - 1 in their last two games. That means nothing though; Lundqvist steals a game and that is all. CAPS IN FIVE
(2) Philadelphia vs (7) Buffalo
Call me crazy. The Flyers did struggle down the stretch, winning something like just 9 of their last 25. Yes, the Sabres were well behind them in the standings. Yes, the Flyers were the Conference Champs a year ago and lost nothing from that team of great value. The Sabres, while somewhat limited up front have a tremendous goalie. Ryan Miller can be the difference. Chris Pronger, while intent on playing is not 100%. Sure he is better at 80% than most guys at 100% but I still can't help but think goaltending will once again be the Achilles Heel for the Flyers. Miller plays great, the Sabres get timely goals when needed. SABRES IN SEVEN
(3) Boston vs (6) Montreal
I am unfortunately having to again pick against a Canadian team. The Canadiens might be able to skate with the Bruins, but they can't match them physically. The Bruins have EVERYTHING you need to make a run....offensive talent, big strong back end, solid goaltending, and the ability to just wear you down with whatever lines they throw at you. Carey Price had a great season for the Canadiens but that is not enough as the B's will just wear them out in the end. In a series that will be heated, and possibly ugly at times...BRUINS IN SIX
(4) Pittsburh vs (5) Tampa Bay
This will be the most exciting series in the opening round. Lots of offensive, particularly from the Lightning. St. Louis and Stamkos had great seasons, Lecavalier is playing some of his best hockey in months and let's not forget they have the likes of Ryan Malone and Simon Gagne, both of whom are no strangers to playoff hockey. The Bolt's also have Dwayne Roloson, who if not injured in Game 1 against Carolina in 2006 has a ring on his hand. Without Crosby and Malkin, shutting down the Penguins is a much easier task; not simple but easier. The Bolts are too much...TAMPA BAY IN SIX
Let me know what YOU think???? I welcome all comments and trask talk you can muster...Let the fun begin.
Anyway, before we get to my earth shattering play - off predictions, one quick comment about the Team Canada entry at the World Championships. Today two more names agreed to join the red and white, those being Evader Kane of the Atlanta Thrashers and Cal Clutterbuck of the Minnesota Wild. I have no problem with the addition of Kane but Clutterbuck??? I mean I know a teams needs grinders but this guy's 34 points don't make the cut in my books. Does this mean a lot of guys are choosing NOT to participate? I mean, come on guys...we don't need to be like Phil Kessel who declined an invite to join Team USA. Funny thing about Kessel is he can't be tired, he took the better part of two months off (see January and February) but still can't find the energy to represent his country...shameful.
And NOW on to the REALLY big show...my predictions for the upcoming NHL Play - offs, which for those of you who live under a rock, start tomorrow.
Western Conference
(1) Vancouver vs. (8) Chicago
The Canucks nemesis the last two seasons have been none other than the Hawks. This year, a couple of things stand out from the previous two encounters of these clubs. (1) The Hawks obviously aren`t as deep after they cleaned house following last year`s Stanley Cup run, and (2) The Canucks are quite a bit better all around, particularly on the back end with Hamhuis and Ballard so long as they stay healthy. Corey Crawford is a rookie to the Play - off scene but Antti Niemi wasn`t full of experience before last season. Regardless of the moves made last season, the Hawks still throw a pretty good line up at you, and the Canucks are yet to prove anything in the second season. Luongo is always good for a few garbage goals at inopportune times. The Canucks still need to prove a lot in the play - off`s to be considered a serious threat for the Cup. That doesn`t happen in my book because the Sedin`s will get shut down and heartbreak again on the west coast. THE HAWKS IN SIX.
(2) San Jose vs. (7) Los Angeles
Not often two California teams meet in the play -offs.. In fact not very often there are more teams from California than Canada playing for the Cup. Regardless, San Jose is starting to play some really good hockey as of late, and unlike past years, I don't hear many people talking about them. This works to take the pressure of playoff disappointment off their backs heading in. We know the Sharks can play and now they can throw a goalie who has won the Cup (Niemi) out there. This is bad news for the Kings, who with the loss of Anze Kopitar only adds to their issues. That coupled with a disappointing season from Drew Doughty puts a lot of pressure on the Kings secondary scoring to produce. The leadership of guys like Smyth and Stoll certainly help the Kings, but alas, it is not enough. SHARKS IN SIX.
(3) Detroit vs. (6) Phoenix
A repear of last years first rounder that saw the Wings win in seven in a series many didn't even have the Coyotes competing in despite having home ice. This year not a lot is different between these two excpet for one glaring problem for the Wings...goaltending. I can't see them not going with Jimmy Howard who hasn't been that good. This will help out the Coyotes for sure but I still think that even though Howard is the inferior goalie to Bryzgalov, the experience of the Wings gets it done in a hard fought series. The Coyotes again compete but come up short in the end and the inability of the Coyotes to win a series since moving to the desert continues....WINGS IN SEVEN
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Nashville
Is there a hotter player in the league right now than Rocket Richard Trophy Winner Corey Perry? The Ducks have been making his performance and have looked really good the last few weeks, but the Ducks are not without their issues. For starters, who do they throw between the pipes to get this thing started? Ray Emery? Jonas Hiller? I don't know but that isn't good for the Ducks. At the same time, the Ducks are without a whole lot of fire power once you get passed the Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan line. Those guys will be getting a steady dose of Shea Weber I would expect. Pekka Rinne has been as good as any goalie in the league this year. It won't be a quick one but if the Predators can keep the Ducks top line in check, stay out of the penalty box and let Rinne be as good as he has been, the Predators move into the second round for the firs time in franchise history. THE PREDATORS IN SIX
Eastern Conference
(1) Washington vs (8) New York Rangers
Despite finishing first in their Conference, the Capitals don't have the chatter around them that they usually do at this time. This is why I am led to believe this is the year they go somewhere, possibly not all the way but they move on. The one thing the Rangers have going for them is Henrik Lundqvist; not only can he steal a game, he can steal a series. At the other end you have an unproved goalie regardless of who the Caps go with. I read it will be Micheal Neuvrith but we all know if he struggle Boudreau won't hesitate to make a change. Nonetheless, the one area the Caps are better this year is defensively. Picking up guys like Scott Hannan and Dennis Wideman only make them that much better in their own end. And let's not forget the Rangers aren't loaded up front despite the fact they have outscored Washington 15 - 1 in their last two games. That means nothing though; Lundqvist steals a game and that is all. CAPS IN FIVE
(2) Philadelphia vs (7) Buffalo
Call me crazy. The Flyers did struggle down the stretch, winning something like just 9 of their last 25. Yes, the Sabres were well behind them in the standings. Yes, the Flyers were the Conference Champs a year ago and lost nothing from that team of great value. The Sabres, while somewhat limited up front have a tremendous goalie. Ryan Miller can be the difference. Chris Pronger, while intent on playing is not 100%. Sure he is better at 80% than most guys at 100% but I still can't help but think goaltending will once again be the Achilles Heel for the Flyers. Miller plays great, the Sabres get timely goals when needed. SABRES IN SEVEN
(3) Boston vs (6) Montreal
I am unfortunately having to again pick against a Canadian team. The Canadiens might be able to skate with the Bruins, but they can't match them physically. The Bruins have EVERYTHING you need to make a run....offensive talent, big strong back end, solid goaltending, and the ability to just wear you down with whatever lines they throw at you. Carey Price had a great season for the Canadiens but that is not enough as the B's will just wear them out in the end. In a series that will be heated, and possibly ugly at times...BRUINS IN SIX
(4) Pittsburh vs (5) Tampa Bay
This will be the most exciting series in the opening round. Lots of offensive, particularly from the Lightning. St. Louis and Stamkos had great seasons, Lecavalier is playing some of his best hockey in months and let's not forget they have the likes of Ryan Malone and Simon Gagne, both of whom are no strangers to playoff hockey. The Bolt's also have Dwayne Roloson, who if not injured in Game 1 against Carolina in 2006 has a ring on his hand. Without Crosby and Malkin, shutting down the Penguins is a much easier task; not simple but easier. The Bolts are too much...TAMPA BAY IN SIX
Let me know what YOU think???? I welcome all comments and trask talk you can muster...Let the fun begin.
Monday, April 11, 2011
A New Week....
Welcome to another exciting week of sports talk. The Master's came to an end yesterday with South Africa's Charl Schwartzel earning the privilege to walk away from Augusta with the green jacket. I wasn't able to watch the final round but how good did this guy play...he chips in #1, drains it from the fairway on #3 for eagle and then birdies the last four holes. Clearly he earned the title.
How bad must Rory McIlroy feeling after blowing a four stroke lead to shoot an 80 and end up T-15. I hope he don't have another Greg Norman on our hands because it kills me to watch guys like that blow it.
The people running things down at Augusta need to be ashamed of themselves. A female reporter from I believe New Jersey was denied access to the locker room to conduct interviews following the event because..well because she is a girl. Absolutely brutal!!!
Tiger will have to wait a even longer for his next win. What a jerk he is, after his round, someone from NBC, maybe Roger Maltbie, not important anyhow, was interviewing him and asked him if he thought he had done enough to win the tournament. His response "I guess we'll have to wait and see"; not the answer that irks me but the manner in which he presents himself...class A jackass in my books.
The season is over for just under half the teams in the NHL and Ron Wilson told reporters today that the Leafs are only two or three pieces away from contending, not only for a play - off spot but the Stanley Cup. Ron, if by three pieces you mean two complete forward lines, a couple of defence pairings and a proven goalie, you are so right...you are just around the corner from a shot to hoist the cup. Actually your best shot to see that thing Ron is to travel to the Hockey Hall of Fame and pay like everybody else because your team is NOWHERE close to contending. That would be like saying I am a couple of bench presses away from Mr. Universe.
The SJHL final goes the distance after Yorkton's OT victory last night on home ice. Wasn't there but was told Clarke Breitkreutz scored a gem for the dogs. Anyways, Game Seven tomorrow night in La Ronge with the winner heading to Portage for the weekend and a date with the MJHL Champion Terriers who are becoming a bit of an MJ dynasty with their third title in four seasons.
The NHL Play - off's get underway Wednesday. Check back tomorrow for my analysis and picks on who the winners will be. Speaking of picks, I hope the Blades and Rebels don't make me look stupid..my picks to meet up in the Eastern Conference Final of the WHL Play - offs both lost two games on home ice this weekend. YIKES!
Other than that, not a whole lot going on...enjoy the next couple days off as NHL Play-off fever hits the tube on Wednesday. How big is hockey in this country? The Leader's debate for the upcoming federal election had to be moved to another date to accomodate the Bruins/Habs series on CBC. Love it, but I would like to see Stepher Harper and Micheal Ignatieff throw down if you know what I mean. With any luck, Ignatieff would be the Ivanans to Stephen Harper's role as Steve MacIntyre.
Have a good one...
How bad must Rory McIlroy feeling after blowing a four stroke lead to shoot an 80 and end up T-15. I hope he don't have another Greg Norman on our hands because it kills me to watch guys like that blow it.
The people running things down at Augusta need to be ashamed of themselves. A female reporter from I believe New Jersey was denied access to the locker room to conduct interviews following the event because..well because she is a girl. Absolutely brutal!!!
Tiger will have to wait a even longer for his next win. What a jerk he is, after his round, someone from NBC, maybe Roger Maltbie, not important anyhow, was interviewing him and asked him if he thought he had done enough to win the tournament. His response "I guess we'll have to wait and see"; not the answer that irks me but the manner in which he presents himself...class A jackass in my books.
The season is over for just under half the teams in the NHL and Ron Wilson told reporters today that the Leafs are only two or three pieces away from contending, not only for a play - off spot but the Stanley Cup. Ron, if by three pieces you mean two complete forward lines, a couple of defence pairings and a proven goalie, you are so right...you are just around the corner from a shot to hoist the cup. Actually your best shot to see that thing Ron is to travel to the Hockey Hall of Fame and pay like everybody else because your team is NOWHERE close to contending. That would be like saying I am a couple of bench presses away from Mr. Universe.
The SJHL final goes the distance after Yorkton's OT victory last night on home ice. Wasn't there but was told Clarke Breitkreutz scored a gem for the dogs. Anyways, Game Seven tomorrow night in La Ronge with the winner heading to Portage for the weekend and a date with the MJHL Champion Terriers who are becoming a bit of an MJ dynasty with their third title in four seasons.
The NHL Play - off's get underway Wednesday. Check back tomorrow for my analysis and picks on who the winners will be. Speaking of picks, I hope the Blades and Rebels don't make me look stupid..my picks to meet up in the Eastern Conference Final of the WHL Play - offs both lost two games on home ice this weekend. YIKES!
Other than that, not a whole lot going on...enjoy the next couple days off as NHL Play-off fever hits the tube on Wednesday. How big is hockey in this country? The Leader's debate for the upcoming federal election had to be moved to another date to accomodate the Bruins/Habs series on CBC. Love it, but I would like to see Stepher Harper and Micheal Ignatieff throw down if you know what I mean. With any luck, Ignatieff would be the Ivanans to Stephen Harper's role as Steve MacIntyre.
Have a good one...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday's Thoughts....
I dislike the Vancouver Canucks more and more everyday. Why? They just seem to be an organization that lacks class at certain times. Case in point, the reaction of both Raffi Torres and Mike Gillis getting suspended for four games following his hit to the head of Jordan Eberle. Not so much Torres who simply claimed that he was finishing his check, but for Mike Gillis to say that he is disappointed with the league's ruling to suspend Torres for what he called a 'hockey play' makes me angry. A hockey play is not drilling a guy in the head with your elbow after you had plenty of time to slow down and/or get your elbow down. This is exactly what the NHL needs to cut down on in order to protetct it's players. I wonder what Gillis would say if the tides were turned and that was Ryan Jones driving his elbow into the head of Daniel Sedin??? A different outlook you think?
Just more strength for my ABC (Anyone but the Canucks) going into the play - offs. While my NHL play - off predictions are right around the corner, the Canucks in my mind have already won their trophy this season...the Presidents Trophy and this is as good as it will get for them this year.
The Masters is in the middle of Round Two...Rory McIlroy continues to lead and oh great, Tiger is making a small crawl up the leaderboard. Look forward to five hours of covergae of Tiger on Saturday and Sunday with the remaining 70 plus players left to share in the remaining one hour. The potential feel good story of the week is Freddy Couples sitting at five under today, right in the thick of it. Freddy in a green jacket would make my Sunday that much better.
Manny Ramirez is calling it a career. You know what, they guy hit a ton of homers, was a huge asset in the play - off's but will forever be remembered by many, including myself as 'Manny being Manny' which got real old real quick. The guy was an idiot....flat out...tons of talent and no brains.
The Riders were fined yesterday for exceeding the salary cap by $26, 000. While $26, 000 is a miniscule percentage of the allowable $4.25 million salary cap, there are still those no minds out there referring to the Riders as cheaters, and using this as rationale for their appearance in three of the last four Grey Cups. We can safely assume these are Stamps fans looking for excuses as to why they can never beat the Riders when it counts. Just worry about your starting QB and his preference for the ladies lingerie Calgary; we'll give you a wave in November on our way to Vancouver for the Grey Cup.
Speaking of Grey Cup, the oddsmakers in Las Vegas have the Riders as the seventh most likely team to win the Grey Cup this season, ahead of only Winnipeg. Seriously...we are behind the Argos?? The Eskimos??? The Lions??? While I am not saying the Riders are a shoe in, I think they will be one of the best teams in the league. Shoot, this makes it seem like they won't even make the play - off's. Anyone have the number of a good bookie??? Looks like it is time to put some green down on the Green.
The roster for Team Canada's entry at the upcoming World Championhsip is starting to come together with a commitment today from Rick Nash. Call me crazy but you know who would be a great fit for this team...a guy who will skate through the zamboni door if that's what it takes to win...none other than Ryan Jones of the Oilers. From what I see you won't find a guy with a bigger heart and will to win than him.
Feel like I am forgetting to mention something but it isn't coming to mind right now. Cheers to a great week and a better weekend. Go Terriers in La Ronge tonight....go anyone but Eldrick at Augusta...go Stoughton and the boys at the World's in Regina....and now I am going home...
Just more strength for my ABC (Anyone but the Canucks) going into the play - offs. While my NHL play - off predictions are right around the corner, the Canucks in my mind have already won their trophy this season...the Presidents Trophy and this is as good as it will get for them this year.
The Masters is in the middle of Round Two...Rory McIlroy continues to lead and oh great, Tiger is making a small crawl up the leaderboard. Look forward to five hours of covergae of Tiger on Saturday and Sunday with the remaining 70 plus players left to share in the remaining one hour. The potential feel good story of the week is Freddy Couples sitting at five under today, right in the thick of it. Freddy in a green jacket would make my Sunday that much better.
Manny Ramirez is calling it a career. You know what, they guy hit a ton of homers, was a huge asset in the play - off's but will forever be remembered by many, including myself as 'Manny being Manny' which got real old real quick. The guy was an idiot....flat out...tons of talent and no brains.
The Riders were fined yesterday for exceeding the salary cap by $26, 000. While $26, 000 is a miniscule percentage of the allowable $4.25 million salary cap, there are still those no minds out there referring to the Riders as cheaters, and using this as rationale for their appearance in three of the last four Grey Cups. We can safely assume these are Stamps fans looking for excuses as to why they can never beat the Riders when it counts. Just worry about your starting QB and his preference for the ladies lingerie Calgary; we'll give you a wave in November on our way to Vancouver for the Grey Cup.
Speaking of Grey Cup, the oddsmakers in Las Vegas have the Riders as the seventh most likely team to win the Grey Cup this season, ahead of only Winnipeg. Seriously...we are behind the Argos?? The Eskimos??? The Lions??? While I am not saying the Riders are a shoe in, I think they will be one of the best teams in the league. Shoot, this makes it seem like they won't even make the play - off's. Anyone have the number of a good bookie??? Looks like it is time to put some green down on the Green.
The roster for Team Canada's entry at the upcoming World Championhsip is starting to come together with a commitment today from Rick Nash. Call me crazy but you know who would be a great fit for this team...a guy who will skate through the zamboni door if that's what it takes to win...none other than Ryan Jones of the Oilers. From what I see you won't find a guy with a bigger heart and will to win than him.
Feel like I am forgetting to mention something but it isn't coming to mind right now. Cheers to a great week and a better weekend. Go Terriers in La Ronge tonight....go anyone but Eldrick at Augusta...go Stoughton and the boys at the World's in Regina....and now I am going home...
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Thursday...
Baseball fans make me chuckle....shoot even baseball writers make me laugh. All I hear or read about in regards to the MLB season, which for the record is a mere one week old, is how the Boston Red Sox are out of playoff contention. Yes, the Red Sox, arguably the best team in baseball are 0 - 6 after being swept by the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Indians. LISTEN PEOPLE......there are still 156 games left to play and the Red Sox are a staggering six games out of first..OMG....stop the season, burn the stadium and start looking forward to next season. Laughable. While I generally dislike franchises who try to but themselves a pennant, for what the Red Sox spent in the off season, they WILL be there come October. If you want to write off the Red Sox on April 7th, you may as well reserve a spot for the Central leading Kansas City Royals to hang their 2011 World Series banner.
Moving from the boys of summer to the boys of winter, let's start talking NHL and potential Award winners. Before I move on, I love the fact that with today's technology so many people can post their opinions on sports stories on nearly every website. This morning on tsn.ca, somebody, presumably a Canadien's fan stated that without any debate PK Subban should win the Calder this year. Seriously...PK Subban...Rookie of the Year, the same PK Subban who couldn't catch Dustin Penner on a breakaway...the same PK Subban who needs to be told my somebody, in a not so verbal type of way that he needs to earn respect from his fellow players. In my mind, this comes down to two players, neither of which are named PK or play in Montreal, or Canada for that matter. Jeff Skinner of the Hurricanes who last night scored goal number thirty is at or near the top. His competition is a guy who may not win the award because he is stuck playing on Long Island. Micheal Grabner has scored 33 times for the Islanders, who for the record, are a team on the rise. Other than these two, throw names like Logan Couture, PK Subban, Cam Fowler and Jordan Eberle around but when you compare their stats with those of Skinner and Grabner, the latter two seperate themselves significantly.
From the NHL to the WHL, and four days after the season ending for the Moose Jaw Warriors they are now in the market for a head coach. Today, Dave Hunchak was rewarded for a forty win season with a pink slip. How high is the bar set in Moose Jaw when that costs you your job? How does it make sense when this guy has to look elswhere for work, which shouldn't take long, but Curtis Hunt continues as the Head Coach of the Regina Pats. Yes, Regina does have a WHL team, it is just that they have become so irrelevant that usually by Remembrance Day they are out of contention. I guess in the end, this could be a positive for Hunchak as the Warriors have in the past dismissed as their Head Coach the likes of Mike Babcock and Lorne Molleken, who are 'decent' coaches. Who would want the job in Moose Jaw? Seriously, coaching is a fickle job but what more does a guy need to do to maintain his position with the club. This just in....the Washington Capitals have just fired Bruce Boudreau....seems management doesn't think they have enough skilled forwards. Come on Moose Jaw, if you want an organization that will be respected throughout the league, and one that might contend for the League more than once in forty years, you have to stick with what works and the numbers tell me Dave Hunchak worked in Moose Jaw.
The SJHL Final is knotted up at two games a piece after the Yorkton Terriers beat La Ronge 4 - 3 in OT last night. This series looks like it might be worth taking a game or two in. Neither of these teams however could hold a candle to the 96 - 97 Weyburn Red Wings. That team was one of the BEST Junior A teams to not only play in Saskatchewan but all of Canada for that matter. They had something like a nineteen game winning streak. Their top line was ridiculous...how ridiculous? So ridiculous that a guy who the following year scored fifty in fifty was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, and has two Stanley Cup Rings (Mark Hartigan) was the centre on the 2nd line! Their fourth line centre, a little weasel by the name of Bryan Fleck was coming off 200 plus points the previous year in Midget AA and had to fight for every second of ice he got and that kid had a ton of skill. Wow, what a team they were to watch. I will forever curse the name Harlon Hayes...that guy was the goaltender of the Summerside team who hosted the Royal Bank Cup that year. The Wings ran into them in the Semi's...Hayes stands on his head making like 80 saves and the Wings lose in 2OT.
On a side note, I read today that the Sacramento Kings of the NBA want to move to Anaheim. Thinking of teams moving, I sure miss the Hartford Whalers. Geoff Sanderson scoring like a mad man on feeds from John Cullen in those awesome jerseys....oh to have the Whale back.
Oh yeah, Tiger Woods is nowhere near the top after his first round at the Masters....love it!!!!!
Have a good one...
Moving from the boys of summer to the boys of winter, let's start talking NHL and potential Award winners. Before I move on, I love the fact that with today's technology so many people can post their opinions on sports stories on nearly every website. This morning on tsn.ca, somebody, presumably a Canadien's fan stated that without any debate PK Subban should win the Calder this year. Seriously...PK Subban...Rookie of the Year, the same PK Subban who couldn't catch Dustin Penner on a breakaway...the same PK Subban who needs to be told my somebody, in a not so verbal type of way that he needs to earn respect from his fellow players. In my mind, this comes down to two players, neither of which are named PK or play in Montreal, or Canada for that matter. Jeff Skinner of the Hurricanes who last night scored goal number thirty is at or near the top. His competition is a guy who may not win the award because he is stuck playing on Long Island. Micheal Grabner has scored 33 times for the Islanders, who for the record, are a team on the rise. Other than these two, throw names like Logan Couture, PK Subban, Cam Fowler and Jordan Eberle around but when you compare their stats with those of Skinner and Grabner, the latter two seperate themselves significantly.
From the NHL to the WHL, and four days after the season ending for the Moose Jaw Warriors they are now in the market for a head coach. Today, Dave Hunchak was rewarded for a forty win season with a pink slip. How high is the bar set in Moose Jaw when that costs you your job? How does it make sense when this guy has to look elswhere for work, which shouldn't take long, but Curtis Hunt continues as the Head Coach of the Regina Pats. Yes, Regina does have a WHL team, it is just that they have become so irrelevant that usually by Remembrance Day they are out of contention. I guess in the end, this could be a positive for Hunchak as the Warriors have in the past dismissed as their Head Coach the likes of Mike Babcock and Lorne Molleken, who are 'decent' coaches. Who would want the job in Moose Jaw? Seriously, coaching is a fickle job but what more does a guy need to do to maintain his position with the club. This just in....the Washington Capitals have just fired Bruce Boudreau....seems management doesn't think they have enough skilled forwards. Come on Moose Jaw, if you want an organization that will be respected throughout the league, and one that might contend for the League more than once in forty years, you have to stick with what works and the numbers tell me Dave Hunchak worked in Moose Jaw.
The SJHL Final is knotted up at two games a piece after the Yorkton Terriers beat La Ronge 4 - 3 in OT last night. This series looks like it might be worth taking a game or two in. Neither of these teams however could hold a candle to the 96 - 97 Weyburn Red Wings. That team was one of the BEST Junior A teams to not only play in Saskatchewan but all of Canada for that matter. They had something like a nineteen game winning streak. Their top line was ridiculous...how ridiculous? So ridiculous that a guy who the following year scored fifty in fifty was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, and has two Stanley Cup Rings (Mark Hartigan) was the centre on the 2nd line! Their fourth line centre, a little weasel by the name of Bryan Fleck was coming off 200 plus points the previous year in Midget AA and had to fight for every second of ice he got and that kid had a ton of skill. Wow, what a team they were to watch. I will forever curse the name Harlon Hayes...that guy was the goaltender of the Summerside team who hosted the Royal Bank Cup that year. The Wings ran into them in the Semi's...Hayes stands on his head making like 80 saves and the Wings lose in 2OT.
On a side note, I read today that the Sacramento Kings of the NBA want to move to Anaheim. Thinking of teams moving, I sure miss the Hartford Whalers. Geoff Sanderson scoring like a mad man on feeds from John Cullen in those awesome jerseys....oh to have the Whale back.
Oh yeah, Tiger Woods is nowhere near the top after his first round at the Masters....love it!!!!!
Have a good one...
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
A Little Oiler Talk..
The Edmonton Oilers are the Chicago Blackhawks of half a decade ago..quote it, date it, star it or whatever you want to do because when the Oilers are making runs at Lord Stanley in about four or five years..I will remind you all I said that. I know they have had a tough season with extended losing streaks with very few winning streaks. BUT....look at all the ice time the kids have been getting. The combination of injuries to guys like Horcoff and Hemsky, coupled with the Penner trade and the fact that I think Khabibulin looks like he might still be drunk from last winter's escapades, the likes of Eberle, Pjaarvi, Omark, Petry have been playing quality minutes. And on top of that, Devan Dubnyk is a far superior goalie to Khabibulin and he is all of what, 25? All this adds up to is these kids knowing all about the trials and tribulations of an NHL season which will make it that much easier on them come next season. The future for this team is very bright, only made brighter by what will surely be a top three draft pick come June where if you want my opinion will hopefully see them target 6'3 D - Man Adam Larson. I know Nugent Hopkins is out there but Larson for me is more of what the team needs.
A genuine concern I have come this off season revolves around someone very few probably think about...Ryan Jones. This guy has been the best all around player for the club all season,and he has been rewarded for this hard work with ice time and in turn nineteen goals..and here's hoping he gets twenty. I really felt the Oilers suffered a huge blow a couple of seasons ago when they couldn't reach a deal with Curtis Glencross and in a lot of ways Ryan Jones is similar to him. These types of guys, while largely undervalued are irreplaceable if you ask me.
As for last night's Raffi Torres hit on Jordan Eberle....two games is the price Torres should pay. If you watch the replay it was a deliberate blow to the head in a dangerous location on the ice, and he had lots of time to slow down but chose not to. He meets all the criteria for a suspension as the NHL has stated over and over. Good on Ryan O'Marra for not thinking twice about taking on Torres.
That's all for tonight, see ya tomorrow..
A genuine concern I have come this off season revolves around someone very few probably think about...Ryan Jones. This guy has been the best all around player for the club all season,and he has been rewarded for this hard work with ice time and in turn nineteen goals..and here's hoping he gets twenty. I really felt the Oilers suffered a huge blow a couple of seasons ago when they couldn't reach a deal with Curtis Glencross and in a lot of ways Ryan Jones is similar to him. These types of guys, while largely undervalued are irreplaceable if you ask me.
As for last night's Raffi Torres hit on Jordan Eberle....two games is the price Torres should pay. If you watch the replay it was a deliberate blow to the head in a dangerous location on the ice, and he had lots of time to slow down but chose not to. He meets all the criteria for a suspension as the NHL has stated over and over. Good on Ryan O'Marra for not thinking twice about taking on Torres.
That's all for tonight, see ya tomorrow..
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Dance is Over....
The NCAA Men's Basketball tournament came to a crashing end last night in Houston, Texas. Actually, I think an actual crash may have been more entertaining than the show that finalists UCONN and Butler put on. Butler was an abysmal 12 for 64 from the field. 12 for 64 ??? 18% ???? Are you kidding me? As much as I wanted to see the Bulldogs finish off their run, they will go down in history....as the team that had the absolute worst shooting game in the history of the Men's Championship game. The worst thing is that on any given night, if UCONN plays like that, they lose regardless of the opponent. It is just too bad that they too laid an egg yet walk away National Champions. I wonder how the teams that lost to these two feel today. Anyways, another year, another dollar for the NCAA and in eleven more months we will all be glued to our TV's again looking for that upset, unexpected superstar, or that "One Shining Moment".
The Master's kicks off this week at Augusta, Georgia. There is nothing like the Master's if you are a golf fan. What will make this week even more enjoyable is watching Tiger not even make the cut. While this presumably won't happen, we can all dream, can't we?
Speaking of Tiger and golf, Johnny Miller is a horrible announcer. It isn't that he doesn't know the game, it is that he is such a jerk to anyone who mishits a shot or isn't Tiger. Last week watching the Shell Houston Open, he was squaking off about how the golf season had been boring this year without the likes of Tiger and Phil on the leaderboard. Honestly, I far prefer watching golf on the weekends when these guys aren't at the top. What I am saying is that if you aren't Phil or Tiger and you are in contention, or even shooting the lights out, the Johnny Miller's of the world would much rather watch Tiger line up a ten inch par putt, and then talk about the mental strength and determination he had to find to make that putt. What a joke! That is why I would much rather watch someone like Hunter Mahan, Ricky Barnes or Boo Weekley win this week.
The WHL Play - offs are into the second round, and good match ups across the board. Saskatoon takes on Kootenay in a series which I would not have given the Ice much of a chance in two weeks ago. However, given that the Blades struggled to get by Prince Albert and Kootenay won twice in the hostile Crushed Can, this should be a good one. In the other series, The Red Deer Rebels take on Medicine Hat. The Rebels disposed of Edmonton in four and have had a week off while the Tigers are coming off a hard fought six game series that saw them ride the bus to Central Manitoba abd back TWICE! The Rebels will have the edge in terms of energy but the lay - off could be a bad thing. Time will tell. As for out west...Portland is still the team to beat.
As the NHL season wind's down, there is talk of who should be nominated for the Jack Adams Award given to the Coach of the Year. Why is Barry Trotz' name seemingly never mentioned in this discussion? The only coach the Predators have ever known will once again guide them into the playoffs, and with what?? Look at their forwards; they are seriously lacking firepower unless you call Erat and Kostitsyn bonafide snipers. And it is not like this is the first season they have been lacking that go to star. Yet, he continues to put them into the play - off's. Granted he hasn't got them out of the first round, but aren't these candidates based on regular season performance alone? Look back in the days to come for my predictions on all the major award winners in the NHL.
The Toronto Maple Leafs can thank the Boston Bruins for basically killing any hope they had of making the post season. The Leafs, needing the Rangers to lose out essentially watched as the Rangers erased a 3 - 0 lead last night and skated away with a 5 - 3 victory over the Bruins last night. Now the Leafs must win out, in regulation and hope the Sabres lose all their remaining games. Sorrl Leaf's fans, looks like it's time to start looking forward to 2012.
That's all
The Master's kicks off this week at Augusta, Georgia. There is nothing like the Master's if you are a golf fan. What will make this week even more enjoyable is watching Tiger not even make the cut. While this presumably won't happen, we can all dream, can't we?
Speaking of Tiger and golf, Johnny Miller is a horrible announcer. It isn't that he doesn't know the game, it is that he is such a jerk to anyone who mishits a shot or isn't Tiger. Last week watching the Shell Houston Open, he was squaking off about how the golf season had been boring this year without the likes of Tiger and Phil on the leaderboard. Honestly, I far prefer watching golf on the weekends when these guys aren't at the top. What I am saying is that if you aren't Phil or Tiger and you are in contention, or even shooting the lights out, the Johnny Miller's of the world would much rather watch Tiger line up a ten inch par putt, and then talk about the mental strength and determination he had to find to make that putt. What a joke! That is why I would much rather watch someone like Hunter Mahan, Ricky Barnes or Boo Weekley win this week.
The WHL Play - offs are into the second round, and good match ups across the board. Saskatoon takes on Kootenay in a series which I would not have given the Ice much of a chance in two weeks ago. However, given that the Blades struggled to get by Prince Albert and Kootenay won twice in the hostile Crushed Can, this should be a good one. In the other series, The Red Deer Rebels take on Medicine Hat. The Rebels disposed of Edmonton in four and have had a week off while the Tigers are coming off a hard fought six game series that saw them ride the bus to Central Manitoba abd back TWICE! The Rebels will have the edge in terms of energy but the lay - off could be a bad thing. Time will tell. As for out west...Portland is still the team to beat.
As the NHL season wind's down, there is talk of who should be nominated for the Jack Adams Award given to the Coach of the Year. Why is Barry Trotz' name seemingly never mentioned in this discussion? The only coach the Predators have ever known will once again guide them into the playoffs, and with what?? Look at their forwards; they are seriously lacking firepower unless you call Erat and Kostitsyn bonafide snipers. And it is not like this is the first season they have been lacking that go to star. Yet, he continues to put them into the play - off's. Granted he hasn't got them out of the first round, but aren't these candidates based on regular season performance alone? Look back in the days to come for my predictions on all the major award winners in the NHL.
The Toronto Maple Leafs can thank the Boston Bruins for basically killing any hope they had of making the post season. The Leafs, needing the Rangers to lose out essentially watched as the Rangers erased a 3 - 0 lead last night and skated away with a 5 - 3 victory over the Bruins last night. Now the Leafs must win out, in regulation and hope the Sabres lose all their remaining games. Sorrl Leaf's fans, looks like it's time to start looking forward to 2012.
That's all
Friday, April 1, 2011
More Idiots in Sport.
I start today with the story coming out of Saskatoon yesterday. Some 'hero' decided it would be fun to create a false Facebook account of Blades' forward Brayden Schenn and then proceed to fill it with racially insensitive comments about First Nations people. To that person, get a life. If you ask me this is some pathetic loser of a man, probably still living at home with his mom and dad who wants so desperately to be good at hockey that he hates all those who are actually good at the game. He may or may not have played Junior B hockey and that is th end of it. When he isn't working at his part time job at Quizno's thinks this type of feces is the only way he can get sports reporters talking about him. The only problem is he lacks the masuline fortitude to let the world know who he is. LOSER!
Speaking of the Blades, what is going on there? I anticipated Prince Albert winning possibly one game in their Eastern Conference Quarter - Final, but two in a row? That right there convinces me that maybe the Blades are not the team to beat in the WHL. The way Red Deer made short work of the Edmonton Oil Kings has me thinking that Jesse Wallin's boys could very well be the team to beat. Only time will tell I guess.
And on to my promised, but late predictions for the 2011 MLB season.
NL East
How can you not take the Phillies to win this division? When you can run out Halladay, Oswalt, Lee and Hamels four out of every five days, you are in a veyr good situation. And when you couple that with a line - up that includes Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rolllins and Raul Ibanez you need to realize not only will they score runs, they aren't going to give up very many. However, don't think the Phillies win this division in a cake walk. The Atlanta Braves will be breathing down their necks most of the season.
NL Central
The St. Louis Cardinals reign at the top of this division ends in 2011. In fact, I don't even see them finishing second. The Milwaukee Brewers have offense, there is no denying that. What has held them back the past few seasons has been pitching, namely starting pitching. Remember, their birth in the second season in 2009 would probably never have occured without the acquisition of C.C. Sabathia. Saying that, they really improved their starting rotation this off season acquiring Zack Greinke from the Royals and Shawn Marcum from the Blue Jays. Those two arms, couple with Yovanni Gallardo provides them with a much improved starting staff. Some say that the Cincinnati Reds will compete for this division. While I certainly would love to see this given the fact that Joey Votto plays for the Reds, I don't think they have the arms to get it done. Give the Brewers the division, but the Reds will hand around until mid - summer.
NL West
You have to think that this is the Giants division to lose. The defending champs have got a lot of good young arms, and with Buster Posey playing everyday, the line - up is improved from last season. If the Giants get contributions from rookie first baseman Brandon Belt to go along with what you know you will get from Posey, Pablo Sandoval and Aubrey Huff, this is their divsion. However, if they struggle at all look for the Colorado Rockies to make hay in the west. They have arguably two of the best players in the National Leauge in Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. What could hurt the Rockies chances in the end is the fact that aside from Ublado Jimenez, their rotation is questionable.
Wild Card
This is a three team race between the Braves, Reds and Rockies. In the end, give it to the Reds. This might be a little wishful thinking but this gives us a big name Canadian competing for a World Series Title.
Worst Team
No questions asked, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be the worst team in the NL
MVP -- Carlos Gomez, Colorado Rockies
Cy Young -- Zack Greinke, Milwaukee Brewers
AL East
Hooray, the Yankees will not win this division. The Boston Red Sox were able to catch the bigger fish this off season. In fact the most notable acquisition the Yankees made was Canadian catcher Russell Martin. Russell Martin vs. Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez???? Hmmmm.. who dun better? Not a doubt in my mind the Red Sox win this division...better line - up, younger pitching (they aren't rolling out Bartolo Colon like the Yanks). The Boss (George Steinbrenner) will be rolling in his grave, the Yanks finish fourth in the division behind Tampa and the Jays.
AL Central
I can not stand Ozzie Guillen. He always wants to be the centre of attention. What makes this worse for me is that once the season ends, he will still be in the spotlight as the White Sox will win this division. They have a respectable rotation and a pretty good line - up before they added Adam Dunn who WILL hit forty bombs to the delight of the White Sox announcers....Put it on the board...YES! Justin Morneau and the Twins compete for the title but in the end don't get the job done.
AL West
Texas is the sexy choice to repeat in the west, and for the most part I agree. They do have the best team in the division. BUT, the Oakland Athletics are the team of the future in this divsion, and if the chips fall in the right places, the future could be now for the kids from the Bay.
Worst Team
Kansas City Royals and I don't even see any competition.
Wild Card
While I want to say the Blue Jays get there, they don't although they will continue to improve and continue to provide glimpses of a bright future. In the end, the Rays presumably win this with pressure from the Twins and A's.
MVP -- Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox
Cy Young -- Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners.
That should be all for now...have a great weekend and talk to you Monday.
Speaking of the Blades, what is going on there? I anticipated Prince Albert winning possibly one game in their Eastern Conference Quarter - Final, but two in a row? That right there convinces me that maybe the Blades are not the team to beat in the WHL. The way Red Deer made short work of the Edmonton Oil Kings has me thinking that Jesse Wallin's boys could very well be the team to beat. Only time will tell I guess.
And on to my promised, but late predictions for the 2011 MLB season.
NL East
How can you not take the Phillies to win this division? When you can run out Halladay, Oswalt, Lee and Hamels four out of every five days, you are in a veyr good situation. And when you couple that with a line - up that includes Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rolllins and Raul Ibanez you need to realize not only will they score runs, they aren't going to give up very many. However, don't think the Phillies win this division in a cake walk. The Atlanta Braves will be breathing down their necks most of the season.
NL Central
The St. Louis Cardinals reign at the top of this division ends in 2011. In fact, I don't even see them finishing second. The Milwaukee Brewers have offense, there is no denying that. What has held them back the past few seasons has been pitching, namely starting pitching. Remember, their birth in the second season in 2009 would probably never have occured without the acquisition of C.C. Sabathia. Saying that, they really improved their starting rotation this off season acquiring Zack Greinke from the Royals and Shawn Marcum from the Blue Jays. Those two arms, couple with Yovanni Gallardo provides them with a much improved starting staff. Some say that the Cincinnati Reds will compete for this division. While I certainly would love to see this given the fact that Joey Votto plays for the Reds, I don't think they have the arms to get it done. Give the Brewers the division, but the Reds will hand around until mid - summer.
NL West
You have to think that this is the Giants division to lose. The defending champs have got a lot of good young arms, and with Buster Posey playing everyday, the line - up is improved from last season. If the Giants get contributions from rookie first baseman Brandon Belt to go along with what you know you will get from Posey, Pablo Sandoval and Aubrey Huff, this is their divsion. However, if they struggle at all look for the Colorado Rockies to make hay in the west. They have arguably two of the best players in the National Leauge in Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. What could hurt the Rockies chances in the end is the fact that aside from Ublado Jimenez, their rotation is questionable.
Wild Card
This is a three team race between the Braves, Reds and Rockies. In the end, give it to the Reds. This might be a little wishful thinking but this gives us a big name Canadian competing for a World Series Title.
Worst Team
No questions asked, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be the worst team in the NL
MVP -- Carlos Gomez, Colorado Rockies
Cy Young -- Zack Greinke, Milwaukee Brewers
AL East
Hooray, the Yankees will not win this division. The Boston Red Sox were able to catch the bigger fish this off season. In fact the most notable acquisition the Yankees made was Canadian catcher Russell Martin. Russell Martin vs. Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez???? Hmmmm.. who dun better? Not a doubt in my mind the Red Sox win this division...better line - up, younger pitching (they aren't rolling out Bartolo Colon like the Yanks). The Boss (George Steinbrenner) will be rolling in his grave, the Yanks finish fourth in the division behind Tampa and the Jays.
AL Central
I can not stand Ozzie Guillen. He always wants to be the centre of attention. What makes this worse for me is that once the season ends, he will still be in the spotlight as the White Sox will win this division. They have a respectable rotation and a pretty good line - up before they added Adam Dunn who WILL hit forty bombs to the delight of the White Sox announcers....Put it on the board...YES! Justin Morneau and the Twins compete for the title but in the end don't get the job done.
AL West
Texas is the sexy choice to repeat in the west, and for the most part I agree. They do have the best team in the division. BUT, the Oakland Athletics are the team of the future in this divsion, and if the chips fall in the right places, the future could be now for the kids from the Bay.
Worst Team
Kansas City Royals and I don't even see any competition.
Wild Card
While I want to say the Blue Jays get there, they don't although they will continue to improve and continue to provide glimpses of a bright future. In the end, the Rays presumably win this with pressure from the Twins and A's.
MVP -- Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox
Cy Young -- Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners.
That should be all for now...have a great weekend and talk to you Monday.
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