The worm has turned.
Thanks to the Ottawa Senators & the Anaheim Ducks,
not to mention the bunglers at the NBA offices, my attention has been grabbed away.
I'm ready !
Ready for one of the best Stanley Cup finals in years.
No Oilers and Hurricanes to force early risers to sleep this time around.
Alfredsson, Spezza & Heatley bring it now.
Pronger, Niedermayer & Beauchemin try and stop them.
Giguere, win a Conn Smythe and a cup this time around.
Emery, grab the respect they've been giving everyone else.
He'll be the most maligned Stanley Cup winning netminder since Chris Osgood.
Give me a few moments boys, let's have some lasting memories.
Quickly, which was the last in the final that stayed with you ?
Raise your hand if you selected John Lackey to be the first in the majors to 8 wins.
Hands down, Jake Peavy of San Diego is the best pitcher in baseball.
Johan Santana is about to close the gap however
His career record in the first two months of the season is 19-16 and true to form this year he is hovering around that winning percentage again.
From June first on he is 133-67….Look Out !
Go Lebron
this is the only chance that the NBA final will be somewhat entertaining.
The Pistons and Spurs just don't move me.
I want to see some spectacular offense.
I want the Phoenix Suns.
The NBA, NHL, NFL and MLB have a habit of building teams that mimic previous champions.
More Phoenix Suns is what I want, less Pistons and Spurs.
Vote for Russell Martin !
I've got questions !
When can I watch Jamarcus Russell ?
When can I watch Kevin Garnett in an NBA final ?
When will the Black Hawks make the playoffs again ?
When will the Canadiens win a playoff series again ?
When will a Hab once again reach 100 points in a season ?
When can I watch Carey Price as a Hab ?
When will I break 80 ?
Why do I still love baseball ?
Did I miss the Indianapolis 500 ?
When can I watch Jonathon Toews ?
Why did Roger Clemens decide on the Yankees ?
What did the Rocket eat to look like that ?
Did I miss the Memorial Cup ?
And by the way, since I picked Ottawa before the season and before the playoffs
I think it might be a good idea to stay with them.
Go Sens !
Monday, May 28, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
More BS
I can't tell you just how dissapointed I am with the NBA in the aftermath of Robert Horry's bodycheck in game 4 of what should be the NBA final.
Getting it right should always be the battle cry when it comes to these kinds of things.
A little justice wouldn't hurt either.
The NBA had already missed the boat with the lack of punitive action against San Antonio's Bruce Bowen following his knee to Steve Nash's groin.
It was especially surprising considering the league's regular season policy of meting out punishment at every possible transgression.
While he may be "Big Shot" Bob, Robert Horry can be done without.
Taking both Amare Stoudamire & Boris Diaw away from Phoenix for game 5 is simply not fair.
League rules stipulate if you move off the bench to follow an on court altercation, you get suspended.
FINE !
Knowing this series will at least go 6, the league could have at least staggered the 2 suspensions.
Instead, it's possible that Phoenix will now head to San Antonio needing a road win to stay alive,
all because Stoudamire was right:
San Antonio is a dirty team...There's no justice there.
The Milwaukee Brewers have come a long way and built their division leader the right way.
They drafted better than almost anyone else and now they get to enjoy a run that Expo fans were denied.
Great, young players still cheap enough to afford to hang around awhile.
These guys are for real.
Now they need their manager to catch up.
Ned Yost watched how it was done in Atlanta and judging from the last week, didn't learn much.
First he runs out closer Francisco Cordero six days in a row, then forgets he exists.
Managers have been drawn into this pathetic pattern with their bullpens.
Every domino set up to fall exactly at the right time or not at all.
After the 6 straight days of work, Cordero has not pitched in a week.
Yost first, wouldn't bring him in during the Phillies 8th inning rally on Monday, watching a 6 run outburst turn around a 6-2 Brewers lead into defeat, staying with Derrick Turnbow while it was clear he didn't have it.
Next up, well, you can't bring your closer into a tie game, better wait for a lead you'll never have.
Turnbow again, homer, loss again.
Now Yost will probably need to use Cordero in a 10-0 game just to get him some work.
Hope the Brewers don't lose the division by a game or two.
I'm a huge believer in pain.
The pain of past dissapointment keeping the future focused.
Many teams have fed off it and I believe that's a big reason as to why the Ottawa Senators haven't taken their eyes off the prize.
Why they currently look like the best team in the NHL.
It's not a guarantee of course as Expo and Cub fans can tell you.
Mind you, Sabre fans know that only too well.
Especially if they also follow the Bills.
Getting it right should always be the battle cry when it comes to these kinds of things.
A little justice wouldn't hurt either.
The NBA had already missed the boat with the lack of punitive action against San Antonio's Bruce Bowen following his knee to Steve Nash's groin.
It was especially surprising considering the league's regular season policy of meting out punishment at every possible transgression.
While he may be "Big Shot" Bob, Robert Horry can be done without.
Taking both Amare Stoudamire & Boris Diaw away from Phoenix for game 5 is simply not fair.
League rules stipulate if you move off the bench to follow an on court altercation, you get suspended.
FINE !
Knowing this series will at least go 6, the league could have at least staggered the 2 suspensions.
Instead, it's possible that Phoenix will now head to San Antonio needing a road win to stay alive,
all because Stoudamire was right:
San Antonio is a dirty team...There's no justice there.
The Milwaukee Brewers have come a long way and built their division leader the right way.
They drafted better than almost anyone else and now they get to enjoy a run that Expo fans were denied.
Great, young players still cheap enough to afford to hang around awhile.
These guys are for real.
Now they need their manager to catch up.
Ned Yost watched how it was done in Atlanta and judging from the last week, didn't learn much.
First he runs out closer Francisco Cordero six days in a row, then forgets he exists.
Managers have been drawn into this pathetic pattern with their bullpens.
Every domino set up to fall exactly at the right time or not at all.
After the 6 straight days of work, Cordero has not pitched in a week.
Yost first, wouldn't bring him in during the Phillies 8th inning rally on Monday, watching a 6 run outburst turn around a 6-2 Brewers lead into defeat, staying with Derrick Turnbow while it was clear he didn't have it.
Next up, well, you can't bring your closer into a tie game, better wait for a lead you'll never have.
Turnbow again, homer, loss again.
Now Yost will probably need to use Cordero in a 10-0 game just to get him some work.
Hope the Brewers don't lose the division by a game or two.
I'm a huge believer in pain.
The pain of past dissapointment keeping the future focused.
Many teams have fed off it and I believe that's a big reason as to why the Ottawa Senators haven't taken their eyes off the prize.
Why they currently look like the best team in the NHL.
It's not a guarantee of course as Expo and Cub fans can tell you.
Mind you, Sabre fans know that only too well.
Especially if they also follow the Bills.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
I Only Have Random Thoughts
It was in another lifetime when the NHL drew higher TV ratings than the NBA.
Things obviously are very different now and not about to change any time soon.
A perfect illustration of why that is can be viewed in the league's respective post season games to date.
The NHL looks nothing like the regular season.
Rules to add offense are no longer a major factor as teams play not to make mistakes.
Playoff hockey means being more responsible as it's always easier to coach stopping the other guy rather than going all out to score another goal.
The longer a tie game rolls on, the less likely you are of seeing anything truly spectacular lest you let the opposition score the go ahead goal.
Pro sports have always been built on however the last champion did it.
I'm supremely dissapointed at the way the Buffalo Sabres have gone about their playoff business, looking nothing like the team that wowed all during the regular season.
On the one hand, I hope they lose because of that.
On the other, I hope they return to form so that playoff hockey will change in the future.
It's why I'm cheering for the Phoenix Suns.
All out offense that will force the future of NBA teams to go in that direction as well.
It's not like they guys don't play defense, an unfair knock to be sure.
But they didn't change their game to try and win in the playoffs.
Good on them, good on the NBA.
Someone wake me up when the next playoff game shows us more than 5 goals.
Clearly the Yankees have fingered the proper culprit.
The reason for the terrible start, last in the AL East is....The strength and conditioning coach.
He should have brought in better and healthier pitchers in the off season.
Who is that guy in the Brodeur uni for the Devils.
Are the good times really over for good ?
Hey good on you Lou.
Fire yourself !
Jamarcus Russell !!!
Shock, isn't it that the Raiders were pathetic trying to score points.
Only NFL team not to draft a quarterback, running back, wide receiver or tight end in the first round over the last 10 years.
First 4 rounds this year...Three of the four.
Maybe Martin Brodeur has changed places with Al Davis
Things obviously are very different now and not about to change any time soon.
A perfect illustration of why that is can be viewed in the league's respective post season games to date.
The NHL looks nothing like the regular season.
Rules to add offense are no longer a major factor as teams play not to make mistakes.
Playoff hockey means being more responsible as it's always easier to coach stopping the other guy rather than going all out to score another goal.
The longer a tie game rolls on, the less likely you are of seeing anything truly spectacular lest you let the opposition score the go ahead goal.
Pro sports have always been built on however the last champion did it.
I'm supremely dissapointed at the way the Buffalo Sabres have gone about their playoff business, looking nothing like the team that wowed all during the regular season.
On the one hand, I hope they lose because of that.
On the other, I hope they return to form so that playoff hockey will change in the future.
It's why I'm cheering for the Phoenix Suns.
All out offense that will force the future of NBA teams to go in that direction as well.
It's not like they guys don't play defense, an unfair knock to be sure.
But they didn't change their game to try and win in the playoffs.
Good on them, good on the NBA.
Someone wake me up when the next playoff game shows us more than 5 goals.
Clearly the Yankees have fingered the proper culprit.
The reason for the terrible start, last in the AL East is....The strength and conditioning coach.
He should have brought in better and healthier pitchers in the off season.
Who is that guy in the Brodeur uni for the Devils.
Are the good times really over for good ?
Hey good on you Lou.
Fire yourself !
Jamarcus Russell !!!
Shock, isn't it that the Raiders were pathetic trying to score points.
Only NFL team not to draft a quarterback, running back, wide receiver or tight end in the first round over the last 10 years.
First 4 rounds this year...Three of the four.
Maybe Martin Brodeur has changed places with Al Davis
Friday, April 27, 2007
Is Hockey On The Tube
There's just an incredible amount of variety when it comes to sports television and we all have our favorites.
It occurs to me that I still love baseball.
I know this is hockey central but I can't take my eyes and mind away from the diamond.
You can take the sport out of the city and sadly I guess out of just about everyone else in my hometown, but not me.
I'm a classic channel changer and I move around a lot but I still seem to focus in on baseball and especially with the baseball package on the internet where I have a choice of every game.
When I noticed Mark Buehrlie of the White Sox and Felix Hernandez of Seattle were working on no hitters, my attention was easily diverted away from the NHL playoffs.
Same with Cole Hamels outing last weekend not to mention the latest ARod exploits.
The NBA also holds my interest.
I can't look away from a golf major.
The NFL would easily win in a battle for my TV heart.
I know that almost everyone has forgiven the NHL for the lost year and while my love of hockey has been rekindeled with the "new" NHL, hockey still sits in my back seat.
This job has helped bring me back to the game.
Let's face it, how are you going to talk about something for four hours if you don't know what you're talking about.
In watching any sport I'm always looking for a memory.
Something special.
A moment in time.
Nothing of that sort for me so far in this year's NHL playoffs, nor was there last year.
The lack of upsets in the first round this year at least points to a possibility.
Good thing I have two eyes.
It occurs to me that I still love baseball.
I know this is hockey central but I can't take my eyes and mind away from the diamond.
You can take the sport out of the city and sadly I guess out of just about everyone else in my hometown, but not me.
I'm a classic channel changer and I move around a lot but I still seem to focus in on baseball and especially with the baseball package on the internet where I have a choice of every game.
When I noticed Mark Buehrlie of the White Sox and Felix Hernandez of Seattle were working on no hitters, my attention was easily diverted away from the NHL playoffs.
Same with Cole Hamels outing last weekend not to mention the latest ARod exploits.
The NBA also holds my interest.
I can't look away from a golf major.
The NFL would easily win in a battle for my TV heart.
I know that almost everyone has forgiven the NHL for the lost year and while my love of hockey has been rekindeled with the "new" NHL, hockey still sits in my back seat.
This job has helped bring me back to the game.
Let's face it, how are you going to talk about something for four hours if you don't know what you're talking about.
In watching any sport I'm always looking for a memory.
Something special.
A moment in time.
Nothing of that sort for me so far in this year's NHL playoffs, nor was there last year.
The lack of upsets in the first round this year at least points to a possibility.
Good thing I have two eyes.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
How Come The Habs Aren't On TV Tonight ?
I looked all over the dial and couldn't find the Habs playoff game anywhere
found a whole lot of baseball though.
For the record
I picked Ottawa to win the Cup before the season started
so I guess I'll stick with that.
As far as baseball is concerned
here's why you'll be laughing at me come October:
found a whole lot of baseball though.
For the record
I picked Ottawa to win the Cup before the season started
so I guess I'll stick with that.
As far as baseball is concerned
here's why you'll be laughing at me come October:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
NL EAST - New York Mets
Hitting is too good and they've got money to fill in the rotation if El Duque’s too old and/or Mike Pelfrey & Joe Maine are too young or ineffective
NL CENTRAL-Milwaukee Brewers
They finished at the bottom of the league
in hitting,fielding and pitching last year
They will win sooner or later with all that talent
NL WEST-Los Angeles Dodgers
Addition of Jason Schmidt & healthy Randy Wolf
young players all over the place and still coming
however several old guys need to stay healthy
solid rotation and bullpen
NL WILD CARD- Atlanta Braves
The return to form of Tim Hudson is a key
Bullpen most improved in the League
Young hitters keep getting better
Andruw Jones a big season in walk year
NL NOTES
Phillies bullpen will do in a pretty good team
Nationals will be baseball’s worst
Cardinals will fall a long way from championship
Rockies & D’backs coming on.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL EAST - Boston Red Sox
Best rotation in the league
Enough hitting to get by
No worries with Papelbon closing once more
AL CENTRAL-Cleveland Indians
MVP candidates in Travis Hafner & Grady Sizemore
Emerging stars in Josh Barfield & Andy Marte
Good young starters - Veteran bullpen
AL WEST- L.A. Angels of Anaheim
They’ve got VLAD
Top end starters especially if Bartolo Colon returns strong
Up and coming hitters in Kotchman & Kendrick
Smart manager in Mike Scioscia
AL WILD CARD - New York Yankees
This team will score plenty
excellent bullpen
Got to believe they’ll paper over starting rotation
if they can somehow find the money
AL NOTES
Don’t discount Twins, Blue Jays, White Sox
and especially Oakland, always more than it seems
Monday, March 26, 2007
When the Going Gets Tough...
It's been a fine run for the Habs as they try to put a terrible period behind them.
Coming all the way from a top seed to battle for a playoff spot is not the way you want your season to go after believing there are bigger and better things out there for you.
They certainly have to be feeling better about themselves and that's half the battle.
The easy part is over however.
I know the experts will tell you that every game is tough when you head down the stretch.
Teams that have nothing to lose can be just as tough with no pressure on them,
but let's face facts:
Would you rather play Boston twice and then the Caps,
or...a 3 game run against the Rangers, Senators and Sabres.
While the Habs have been picking up 8 points against non playoff teams
here's what the other playoff hopefuls have accomplished:
The two teams directly in front of the Habs
The Rangers and Hurricanes are a combined 8-0.
Add the Islanders and Leafs including Toronto's big blown lead at Buffalo
and those 4 are a combined 12-2-3.
Not a lot of wasted points as you see.
The 4 game win streak hasn't vaulted the Canadiens into a playoff spot, it has helped them hang around.
The tough sledding starts NOW.
By the way,
If a silly point wasn't handed out for a LOSS in OT or shootout
Here's what the East standings would look like as of Monday morning:
6 TB 82
7 Rangers 78
8 Habs 78
9 Carolina 76
10 Islanders 72
11 Leafs 72
Coming all the way from a top seed to battle for a playoff spot is not the way you want your season to go after believing there are bigger and better things out there for you.
They certainly have to be feeling better about themselves and that's half the battle.
The easy part is over however.
I know the experts will tell you that every game is tough when you head down the stretch.
Teams that have nothing to lose can be just as tough with no pressure on them,
but let's face facts:
Would you rather play Boston twice and then the Caps,
or...a 3 game run against the Rangers, Senators and Sabres.
While the Habs have been picking up 8 points against non playoff teams
here's what the other playoff hopefuls have accomplished:
The two teams directly in front of the Habs
The Rangers and Hurricanes are a combined 8-0.
Add the Islanders and Leafs including Toronto's big blown lead at Buffalo
and those 4 are a combined 12-2-3.
Not a lot of wasted points as you see.
The 4 game win streak hasn't vaulted the Canadiens into a playoff spot, it has helped them hang around.
The tough sledding starts NOW.
By the way,
If a silly point wasn't handed out for a LOSS in OT or shootout
Here's what the East standings would look like as of Monday morning:
6 TB 82
7 Rangers 78
8 Habs 78
9 Carolina 76
10 Islanders 72
11 Leafs 72
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Looking in my Cristobal
Well Hab fans, what you've got is what you've got.
No plastic surgeon is coming in to perk up those drooping goal scorers.
There's no goalie-lift for the sagging situation left behind by M. Huet's hamstring.
No botox injection for their season long five on five ineptness.
Before the season started,
I thought this was a team that would squeeze into the playoffs.
I didn't like the wasted dollars (Almost $4 million) placed in the hands of the tendered Mike Ribiero and David Aebischer.
I hoped youngsters Chris Higgins, Mike Komisarek, Alex Perezhogin & Thomas Plekanec would continue with their improvement, not to mention the wild card up front in Latendresse.
Count me among those who did not predict that Sergei Samsonov would be almost a total bust.
I Thought Cristobal would help drag them through to the post season.
Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending.
As the Habs battle for extra time this season,
can you honestly say they are better than:
Pittsburgh or Atlanta ?
The goaltending of Rick Dipietro after the addition of Ryan Smyth makes The Islanders better.
That leaves Carolina, The Leafs and maybe the Rangers.
I can's say the Habs are better than any of those...or worse for that matter.
Buckle up !
It's going to be a bumpy ride.
Expect more wins like the one at Nashville and more duds like the one at MSG.
When you rely on special teams and goaltending that's what happens.
And when you don't have your goaltender......
No plastic surgeon is coming in to perk up those drooping goal scorers.
There's no goalie-lift for the sagging situation left behind by M. Huet's hamstring.
No botox injection for their season long five on five ineptness.
Before the season started,
I thought this was a team that would squeeze into the playoffs.
I didn't like the wasted dollars (Almost $4 million) placed in the hands of the tendered Mike Ribiero and David Aebischer.
I hoped youngsters Chris Higgins, Mike Komisarek, Alex Perezhogin & Thomas Plekanec would continue with their improvement, not to mention the wild card up front in Latendresse.
Count me among those who did not predict that Sergei Samsonov would be almost a total bust.
I Thought Cristobal would help drag them through to the post season.
Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending.
As the Habs battle for extra time this season,
can you honestly say they are better than:
Pittsburgh or Atlanta ?
The goaltending of Rick Dipietro after the addition of Ryan Smyth makes The Islanders better.
That leaves Carolina, The Leafs and maybe the Rangers.
I can's say the Habs are better than any of those...or worse for that matter.
Buckle up !
It's going to be a bumpy ride.
Expect more wins like the one at Nashville and more duds like the one at MSG.
When you rely on special teams and goaltending that's what happens.
And when you don't have your goaltender......
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