This was the year, I tell you. The year that I would've picked the Sharks to win the Stanley Cup, Guaranteed. Oh, but there's a lockout instead. I was convinced this time despite the evidence that the Sharks choke every year in the postseason. You had me, San Jose, but there's a lockout. What a shame.
Hockey here in North America hasn't learned it's lesson, has it? The NHL and the NHLPA have gone into lockout mode (again) with both sides refusing to budge on the issues. Okay, the one issue really and that is shared revenue. The players get 57% of the total NHL revenue and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman (insert your boos here) wants to make that number is closer to half and half and possibly under it. Suggestions like a more rigid salary caps, no signing bonuses or back loaded contracts are the goals of the league. The Players, obviously, want to keep as much as possible.
It pains me to see the sport go through another lockout here considering how bad it affected Hockey after the 04-05 lockout which came at the cost of that season. Now we are not missing any games yet but it just doesn't look any good to me or some of the players. Quite a few of them have either signed to play in another league or are talking about playing in another league. Alexander Ovechkin has commented on this whole thing saying "If the league (NHL) continues to insist on their (demands), then it will take a full year. That's because we are not going to cave in. Then I will spend the entire season in the KHL. It's an absolute reality."
Now I can be a bit glass half empty at times but I do expect the league to miss some games and possibly the entire season like in 04-05. To be honest, I'm not sure if the league can take another hit like they did 7 years ago and be able to compete with the other leagues. I might miss them but most of the country won't.
P.S. Canada will lose it's mind but what can you do considering that most of the teams by far are located in the U.S.
P.P.S. Expecting the Sharks to lose every postseason isn't pessimism, that's just fact. But here's some optimism: at least they can't lose now.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Falcons Beat Manning and Broncos on MNF
Peyton Manning had a fine week 1 performance and so did the replacement refs for the most part. Both sucked this week.
Yesterday had the Broncos and Manning going into Atlanta to face the Falcons. Manning threw for 253 yards and 2 TDs last week vs. the Steelers defense so it should stand to reason he should do better against the Falcons D. However, Atlanta was ready for him, especially in the 1st quarter. Peyton Manning threw 3 picks and all in the 1st quarter and all in the first three drives of the Broncos. Now the Broncos managed to cut the lead down to 6 late in the 4th quarter but the Falcons got it back and managed to convert for 1st downs to win the game. Falcons win 27-21.
The other story of the week were the replacement refs and their mistakes. They didn't really have an overall effect on the outcome but with time. The game took forever to complete because of the officiating mistakes and delays. They couldn't even manage to separate players after a fumble. It wasn't just this game but all over the NFL this last week. Fumble call on a throw in the Eagles win, a play that shouldn't have happened in the 49ers win, ruling that Roger Goodell's Toupee looks real.
The NFL's arrogance is getting tiring to see here and everywhere else. As for Manning, too little evidence to say this is cause for concern. Probably just a fluke performance. Can't afford that vs. the Texans, though.
Yesterday had the Broncos and Manning going into Atlanta to face the Falcons. Manning threw for 253 yards and 2 TDs last week vs. the Steelers defense so it should stand to reason he should do better against the Falcons D. However, Atlanta was ready for him, especially in the 1st quarter. Peyton Manning threw 3 picks and all in the 1st quarter and all in the first three drives of the Broncos. Now the Broncos managed to cut the lead down to 6 late in the 4th quarter but the Falcons got it back and managed to convert for 1st downs to win the game. Falcons win 27-21.
The other story of the week were the replacement refs and their mistakes. They didn't really have an overall effect on the outcome but with time. The game took forever to complete because of the officiating mistakes and delays. They couldn't even manage to separate players after a fumble. It wasn't just this game but all over the NFL this last week. Fumble call on a throw in the Eagles win, a play that shouldn't have happened in the 49ers win, ruling that Roger Goodell's Toupee looks real.
The NFL's arrogance is getting tiring to see here and everywhere else. As for Manning, too little evidence to say this is cause for concern. Probably just a fluke performance. Can't afford that vs. the Texans, though.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Pats and Cowboys Get Upset, Eagles Outfly Ravens and More
A wild Sunday of football across the NFL as there were two notable upsets.
The first one was the Cardinals going into Foxboro and getting a win over the Patriots. The Cardinals went in there and looked like the Giants... in the sense that they stifle the Pats and limit their points total. The Patriots didn't get a TD until the 4th quarter. They needed to convert the two-point conversion but failed. Luckily they got the ball back from the Cardinals by way of the fumble with about a minute to go. But then luck turns against them once more as Stephen Gostkowski misses a 42 yd FG as it sails wide left. Cardinals hold on and win it 20-18.
The other major upset was in Seattle as the Seahawks played host to them Cowboys. It was an interesting game as the Seahawks got in front early with a FG and then a TD return off a blocked punt. The Cowboys then scored their only TD of the game but then failed to do anything else. A couple more TDs from Seattle in the second half put this one away for the Seahawks 27-7. Two NFC West teams are the cause of the biggest upsets of the week.
One of the great match ups to watch on the day had the Ravens going into Philly to take on the Eagles in the battle of the birds. The Eagles ran it considerably more to help Michael Vick but he still had problems. Vick threw for 371 yards and a TD but still had 2 INTs on the day. Despite that and two more fumbles by the Eagles, they somehow win it again late 24-23. After the Eagles TD, Joe Flacco and the Ravens had one more shot within two minutes but could not convert a 4th down to keep the drive alive.
As for the other games, the Giants avoid joining the Pats and the Cowboys in the getting upset department as they hold on for a win over the Bucs 41-34. Eli Manning comes through in the clutch again leading his team to 25 4th quarter points to get them the win. Andrew Luck records his first win as an QB in the NFL as the Colts beat the Vikings 23-20. Luck went 20/31 for 224 passing yards and 2 TD passes. Adam Vinatieri made the game winning 53 yd FG with 8 seconds left. The Panthers beat the dysfunctional Saints 35-27. Maybe dysfunctional is the wrong word but what else do you call a team where half of management is suspended. Last I'll mention is that the Rams beat the Redskins 31-28. Robert Griffin III scores his first two rushing TDs of his career but picks up his first career loss along with it.
What did we learn from this Sunday? The rough lesson that we have to reminded of from time to time: that there is no such thing as a sure thing. Perhaps the one powerhouse team that looked the most consistent yesterday was the 49ers.
P.S. To see my full scoop on the 49ers beating the Lions, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for my take on the 49ers each week before and after the games.
The first one was the Cardinals going into Foxboro and getting a win over the Patriots. The Cardinals went in there and looked like the Giants... in the sense that they stifle the Pats and limit their points total. The Patriots didn't get a TD until the 4th quarter. They needed to convert the two-point conversion but failed. Luckily they got the ball back from the Cardinals by way of the fumble with about a minute to go. But then luck turns against them once more as Stephen Gostkowski misses a 42 yd FG as it sails wide left. Cardinals hold on and win it 20-18.
The other major upset was in Seattle as the Seahawks played host to them Cowboys. It was an interesting game as the Seahawks got in front early with a FG and then a TD return off a blocked punt. The Cowboys then scored their only TD of the game but then failed to do anything else. A couple more TDs from Seattle in the second half put this one away for the Seahawks 27-7. Two NFC West teams are the cause of the biggest upsets of the week.
One of the great match ups to watch on the day had the Ravens going into Philly to take on the Eagles in the battle of the birds. The Eagles ran it considerably more to help Michael Vick but he still had problems. Vick threw for 371 yards and a TD but still had 2 INTs on the day. Despite that and two more fumbles by the Eagles, they somehow win it again late 24-23. After the Eagles TD, Joe Flacco and the Ravens had one more shot within two minutes but could not convert a 4th down to keep the drive alive.
As for the other games, the Giants avoid joining the Pats and the Cowboys in the getting upset department as they hold on for a win over the Bucs 41-34. Eli Manning comes through in the clutch again leading his team to 25 4th quarter points to get them the win. Andrew Luck records his first win as an QB in the NFL as the Colts beat the Vikings 23-20. Luck went 20/31 for 224 passing yards and 2 TD passes. Adam Vinatieri made the game winning 53 yd FG with 8 seconds left. The Panthers beat the dysfunctional Saints 35-27. Maybe dysfunctional is the wrong word but what else do you call a team where half of management is suspended. Last I'll mention is that the Rams beat the Redskins 31-28. Robert Griffin III scores his first two rushing TDs of his career but picks up his first career loss along with it.
What did we learn from this Sunday? The rough lesson that we have to reminded of from time to time: that there is no such thing as a sure thing. Perhaps the one powerhouse team that looked the most consistent yesterday was the 49ers.
P.S. To see my full scoop on the 49ers beating the Lions, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for my take on the 49ers each week before and after the games.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
USC Seeing Cardinal Red
This season is the first season since the bowl ban that USC can now have a postseason. They didn't have a bowl game, necessarily, in mind but they might have to settle for one.
#2 USC went up against #21 Stanford with Matt Barkley giving it one more shot to beat the Cardinal. USC was 0-3 under Barkley vs. Stanford entering the game. Barkley's day did not go well. He threw 20/41 for 254 yards and 2 INTs, no TD passes. Stanford manages to tie the game at 14 after a failed trick play by USC. Then later, Zach Ertz makes a 37 yard TD reception with an amazing juke move to get the lead. USC tries to make a comeback late but are unable to convert a 4th and 40 (no joke). Stanford upsets Matt Barkley and USC one more time, 21-14.
Despite their being no Andrew Luck to bail the Cardinal out, the Trojans still can't beat them. Matt Barkley has to be bummed out that his only national title hopes might've been dashed by a consistent thorn in his side. At least he can get rid of it in the spring. As for what USC can still achieve this season, a BCS bowl game is still something to strive for and they might not even be out of the running for a BCS Title shot. Title games have been played by one loss, even two loss teams before. All you have to be is good the rest of the year and popular to vote for.
#2 USC went up against #21 Stanford with Matt Barkley giving it one more shot to beat the Cardinal. USC was 0-3 under Barkley vs. Stanford entering the game. Barkley's day did not go well. He threw 20/41 for 254 yards and 2 INTs, no TD passes. Stanford manages to tie the game at 14 after a failed trick play by USC. Then later, Zach Ertz makes a 37 yard TD reception with an amazing juke move to get the lead. USC tries to make a comeback late but are unable to convert a 4th and 40 (no joke). Stanford upsets Matt Barkley and USC one more time, 21-14.
Despite their being no Andrew Luck to bail the Cardinal out, the Trojans still can't beat them. Matt Barkley has to be bummed out that his only national title hopes might've been dashed by a consistent thorn in his side. At least he can get rid of it in the spring. As for what USC can still achieve this season, a BCS bowl game is still something to strive for and they might not even be out of the running for a BCS Title shot. Title games have been played by one loss, even two loss teams before. All you have to be is good the rest of the year and popular to vote for.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Bears Get "Bumped" by Packers 23-10
Jay Cutler and the Bears had a great first week while the Packers struggled in their opener. Yesterday their roles were reversed.
The Bears and the Packers played each other last night in the first of many Thursday Night Football games to be played throughout the year. Heaven forbid if we have to wait until Sunday each and every week to see some football. The Packers defense came out wanting to prove they were better than week 1 vs. the 49ers and showed that tonight. They got in Jay Cutler's face and got familiar with it by sacking him 7 times. Jay Cutler's woes didn't stop there as he threw 11/27 for 126 yards, 1 TD, and 4 INTs. The Packers offense didn't look to great either but they did better than the Bears (along with a trick play by the FG team which led to a TD). Packers win 23-10.
Now we can finally stop talking about how the Packers are "falling apart" and talk about how the Bears are "falling apart." This is going to be fun. While this team does need to improve some, there is no need to push the red button. It can definitely start with some better pass blocking but QB play could improve as well. No one throws 4 INTs solely because of the pressure. Cutler needs to make better decisions.
The O-line knows they stunk and will get ripped by the coaches plenty. So stop bothering the line and worry about your own game. Yes, the risky throws are what can make a QB great but it's also deciding when not to throw them that can make them better.
P.S. Remember when we just had Thursday Night football on Thanksgiving? Why did we change that?
The Bears and the Packers played each other last night in the first of many Thursday Night Football games to be played throughout the year. Heaven forbid if we have to wait until Sunday each and every week to see some football. The Packers defense came out wanting to prove they were better than week 1 vs. the 49ers and showed that tonight. They got in Jay Cutler's face and got familiar with it by sacking him 7 times. Jay Cutler's woes didn't stop there as he threw 11/27 for 126 yards, 1 TD, and 4 INTs. The Packers offense didn't look to great either but they did better than the Bears (along with a trick play by the FG team which led to a TD). Packers win 23-10.
Now we can finally stop talking about how the Packers are "falling apart" and talk about how the Bears are "falling apart." This is going to be fun. While this team does need to improve some, there is no need to push the red button. It can definitely start with some better pass blocking but QB play could improve as well. No one throws 4 INTs solely because of the pressure. Cutler needs to make better decisions.
The O-line knows they stunk and will get ripped by the coaches plenty. So stop bothering the line and worry about your own game. Yes, the risky throws are what can make a QB great but it's also deciding when not to throw them that can make them better.
P.S. Remember when we just had Thursday Night football on Thanksgiving? Why did we change that?
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Jim Calhoun to Retire
One of the biggest head coaches in College Basketball will now take his final bow.
UConn head coach Jim Calhoun will retire after 40 years of coaching the college game. He was coach of Northeastern from 1972-1986 and then from '86 onward was the head coach of UConn. He won 3 national titles in 1999, 2004, and 2011. He has won a total of 873 games during his head coaching tenure. Calhoun had two years left on his contract and the UConn basketball team was ruled ineligible from the 2013 NCAA Tournament due to the academic performance of their players in the past. Assistant coach Kevin Ollie will take over the Huskies Basketball team which is who Calhoun wanted to succeed him.
Calhoun's legendary career made UConn basketball what it is today. He gave that university a great basketball program that will hopefully continue their winning ways. He is widely respected despite the infractions and will be remembered for being a great coach.
P.S. Dwayne Wade admits the truth saying that soccer is the "number one sport in the world." Suck it, American Football fans.
UConn head coach Jim Calhoun will retire after 40 years of coaching the college game. He was coach of Northeastern from 1972-1986 and then from '86 onward was the head coach of UConn. He won 3 national titles in 1999, 2004, and 2011. He has won a total of 873 games during his head coaching tenure. Calhoun had two years left on his contract and the UConn basketball team was ruled ineligible from the 2013 NCAA Tournament due to the academic performance of their players in the past. Assistant coach Kevin Ollie will take over the Huskies Basketball team which is who Calhoun wanted to succeed him.
Calhoun's legendary career made UConn basketball what it is today. He gave that university a great basketball program that will hopefully continue their winning ways. He is widely respected despite the infractions and will be remembered for being a great coach.
P.S. Dwayne Wade admits the truth saying that soccer is the "number one sport in the world." Suck it, American Football fans.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Andy Murray Wins First Career Grand Slam Title at US Open
Andy Murray has had a roller coaster summer with a loss at the Wimbledon final and then a win at the Olympic final to claim gold while going through both of those on the same court. The gold was a consolation prize at best but he would have another opportunity to win big.
As the summer closes, so too does the US Open and any interest in Tennis for the remainder of the year. With Rafael Nadal out due to injury and Roger Federer getting bumped off early, Andy Murray had a slightly better chance of winning the tournament. So did his opponent in the final, Novak Djokovic. It was a grueling final between these two as it lasted 4 hours and 54 minutes. The momentum was shifting towards Novak but somehow Murray was able to hang on. Andy Murray would win the match 7-6 (10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 and claim his first Grand Slam title.
An historic win for Andy Murray if not for personal reasons but for country. The 25 year old Murray is the first British man since 1936 to win a Grand Slam title in singles competition. The U.K. has put the weight of their tennis tradition on Murray and he can finally take a lot of that off. Murray has been to a Grand Slam final four times before this and it was all for nothing until now. Andy Murray said afterwords "Relief is probably the best word I would use to describe how I'm feeling just now... You do think: Is it ever going to happen?"
Well it finally did happen and congratulations to Andy Murray on finally claiming a Grand Slam. Nice way to finish the year.
P.S. Also congrats to Serena for winning her upteenth Grand Slam title Blah Blah Blah. Anything you haven't done?
As the summer closes, so too does the US Open and any interest in Tennis for the remainder of the year. With Rafael Nadal out due to injury and Roger Federer getting bumped off early, Andy Murray had a slightly better chance of winning the tournament. So did his opponent in the final, Novak Djokovic. It was a grueling final between these two as it lasted 4 hours and 54 minutes. The momentum was shifting towards Novak but somehow Murray was able to hang on. Andy Murray would win the match 7-6 (10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 and claim his first Grand Slam title.
An historic win for Andy Murray if not for personal reasons but for country. The 25 year old Murray is the first British man since 1936 to win a Grand Slam title in singles competition. The U.K. has put the weight of their tennis tradition on Murray and he can finally take a lot of that off. Murray has been to a Grand Slam final four times before this and it was all for nothing until now. Andy Murray said afterwords "Relief is probably the best word I would use to describe how I'm feeling just now... You do think: Is it ever going to happen?"
Well it finally did happen and congratulations to Andy Murray on finally claiming a Grand Slam. Nice way to finish the year.
P.S. Also congrats to Serena for winning her upteenth Grand Slam title Blah Blah Blah. Anything you haven't done?
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