The Stanley Cup Finals are about to start but something else is grabbing attention in the hockey world. The Atlanta Thrashers have been sold to True North Sports and Entertainment as part of a $170 million deal that includes a relocation fee. That's right, the team is moving to Winnipeg next season, specifically the MTS Centre where the deal was announced. The team will still play in the Southeast for the 2011-12 season.
This one splits me a bit. It is sad to see Atlanta get another shot at hockey to only lose another team (used to have the Flames franchise till 1980) but I feel happy for Winnipeg getting a NHL Franchise back. As for a team name, it won't be the Thrashers, that's practically a fact. The frontrunner is of course the Jets, the name of the old team that was in Winnipeg. There could be other names considered as well as the renaming process has not been finalized.
This move is no doubt the biggest off season move of the NHL this year, literally. It will take a few years, however, to see if it is the best thing financially for the team.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The 2011 NBA Finally
Horrible attempt at a pun, I apologize. Let's move on.
The NBA Finals featuring a rematch from the 2006 Finals have started with game 1 in the books. The stage was set with Dirk Nowitzki vs. the Triple Heat. Both teams shot poorly averaging below 40% from the field so defense was the game. It seemed that the Heat, though, pulled away in the 4th. Heat take game 1, 92-84. LeBron James scored 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win while Dwayne Wade had 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Meanwhile, Dirk had 27 for the Mavs but it wasn't enough.
This game 1 shows that the Heat can beat the Mavericks and are the favorite to win the series. Jason Terry might want to schedule some laser surgery for arm now you jinxing jerk.
The NBA Finals featuring a rematch from the 2006 Finals have started with game 1 in the books. The stage was set with Dirk Nowitzki vs. the Triple Heat. Both teams shot poorly averaging below 40% from the field so defense was the game. It seemed that the Heat, though, pulled away in the 4th. Heat take game 1, 92-84. LeBron James scored 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win while Dwayne Wade had 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Meanwhile, Dirk had 27 for the Mavs but it wasn't enough.
This game 1 shows that the Heat can beat the Mavericks and are the favorite to win the series. Jason Terry might want to schedule some laser surgery for arm now you jinxing jerk.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tressel Resigns as Buckeyes Head Coach
The beginning of the year had Jim Tressel and his Buckeyes winning the Sugar Bowl over Arkansas. Now, nearly six months after that last game, Jim Tressel is gone. He resigned earlier today from his head coaching duties at Ohio State. This stems from the fact that Tressel failed to report on a scandal that involved several Buckeyes players, including Terrelle Pryor, and a tattoo parlor. Tressel had won 4 BCS Bowl games and a National Championship on top of that while at Ohio State. That era has passed as Luke Fickell will now coach the team for the whole 2011 season and not just the games that Tressel was originally suspended for.
A sad chapter comes to a close... for Tressel. The scandal stills rages on as the NCAA are still investigating the matter. They even started a special investigation of their star quarterback, Terrelle Pryor. Perhaps this is what Ohio State football needed: a fresh start with a new head coach. It will take a while for that fresh start to take effect but good for them starting a new chapter while trying to close an old one.
A sad chapter comes to a close... for Tressel. The scandal stills rages on as the NCAA are still investigating the matter. They even started a special investigation of their star quarterback, Terrelle Pryor. Perhaps this is what Ohio State football needed: a fresh start with a new head coach. It will take a while for that fresh start to take effect but good for them starting a new chapter while trying to close an old one.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Crash and Burn at Indy
The last big race of the year was earlier today with the Indy 500. There was a lot of excitement around the race and it would last through the final turn, literally. The rookie driver, JR Hildebrand, was in the lead and making his final turn when he crashed into the wall. Dan Wheldon would take advantage of the opportunity and grab the lead and the win. This win is Wheldon's second at the Indy 500 having won the event back in 2005.
Very unfortunate to hear anyone blow it on the final turn but a rookie? That's heartbreaking. True, he has a full career of racing ahead of him but you have to wonder how many times you'll have the chance to win the Indy 500. As for Wheldon, congrats on your second win at the Brickyard. Hope you enjoyed the milk.
Very unfortunate to hear anyone blow it on the final turn but a rookie? That's heartbreaking. True, he has a full career of racing ahead of him but you have to wonder how many times you'll have the chance to win the Indy 500. As for Wheldon, congrats on your second win at the Brickyard. Hope you enjoyed the milk.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
FC Barcelona: The Champion of Champions
The day was finally here for soccer fans: the UEFA Champions League Final between Barcelona and Manchester United in Wembley Stadium. It was a rematch of the 2009 UCL Final with the same thing at stake: the European Cup. Both clubs were considered the best in Europe and both had in fact won their respective league titles. All that was left was this match.
It was a good one for most part as Barcelona came ready to deliver their traditional style of play. Despite an solid early effort of Man U to stifle that rhythm, Barcelona got on track anyway. They would score first in 27th minute thanks to Pedro Rodriguez. Man U would not stay down for long, however, as they tied it in the 34th minute thanks to their all star striker, Wayne Rooney. It was tied at 1-1 at the half and looked like it was going to be a close game. Barcelona put that thought to rest, however, as Lionel Messi scored the next goal in the 54th minute and then later David Villa scored another in the 69th minute to put it away. Barcelona ends up dominating Man U in the 2nd half and win the match, 3-1, and claim the European Cup, just like in 2009.
The amazing season of Barcelona closes with a league title and the UCL title. Their nearly perfect style of play results in them being crowned Kings of Europe. They dominated the pitch controlling the ball 68% of the time. Man U had a nice season as well but fall short of international glory. I'm sure they will be fine for next season considering Javier Hernandez will only get better. However, this moment belongs to Barcelona. Congratulations on your 4th European Cup.
It was a good one for most part as Barcelona came ready to deliver their traditional style of play. Despite an solid early effort of Man U to stifle that rhythm, Barcelona got on track anyway. They would score first in 27th minute thanks to Pedro Rodriguez. Man U would not stay down for long, however, as they tied it in the 34th minute thanks to their all star striker, Wayne Rooney. It was tied at 1-1 at the half and looked like it was going to be a close game. Barcelona put that thought to rest, however, as Lionel Messi scored the next goal in the 54th minute and then later David Villa scored another in the 69th minute to put it away. Barcelona ends up dominating Man U in the 2nd half and win the match, 3-1, and claim the European Cup, just like in 2009.
The amazing season of Barcelona closes with a league title and the UCL title. Their nearly perfect style of play results in them being crowned Kings of Europe. They dominated the pitch controlling the ball 68% of the time. Man U had a nice season as well but fall short of international glory. I'm sure they will be fine for next season considering Javier Hernandez will only get better. However, this moment belongs to Barcelona. Congratulations on your 4th European Cup.
Bruins to Face Canucks for Lord Stanley's Cup
Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals was last night as the Lightning and Bruins continue their back and forth match up. Finally, there would be a winner. A close game throughout as it was 0-0 for most of the way. It was not until the third period that a goal was scored in favor of the Bruins. Nathan Horton managed to score off a pass and it was great to see the Boston crowd go wild. The Lightning's last effort push did not work as the Bruins win, 1-0, and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Boston has had a rough last few years in the postseason but they make up for it by getting to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 20 years.
As for the last round, it will be the Boston Bruins vs. the Vancouver Canucks for the Stanley Cup. While the Canucks have no Stanley Cup Titles, the Bruins have 5 with the last one being in 1972. Whoever wins, it will be epic for their respective fan bases. As to who will win, my money is one the Canucks. They've beaten great opponents, including the Cup holders, and impressively beaten the Sharks in the last round.
As for the last round, it will be the Boston Bruins vs. the Vancouver Canucks for the Stanley Cup. While the Canucks have no Stanley Cup Titles, the Bruins have 5 with the last one being in 1972. Whoever wins, it will be epic for their respective fan bases. As to who will win, my money is one the Canucks. They've beaten great opponents, including the Cup holders, and impressively beaten the Sharks in the last round.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Heat Move On to Finals Rematch
With about 3 minutes left, the Bulls were up 12 and it looked like there was going to be a game six in Miami. Instead, they decided to duplicate the Thunder's end of the game skills and blow the lead. The Heat went on a 18-3 run to end the game and won it, 83-80. This would give the Heat the Eastern Conference Title winning the series, 4-1. Once again, LeBron James switched to covering Derrick Rose near the end and shut him down. Also, LeBron was once more clutch scoring 12 points in the final quarter including the game tying 3 pointer and the go ahead bucket. Overall, LeBron had 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Dwayne Wade was also impressive with 21 points and 6 rebounds despite being a bit hurt.
The NBA Finals are set and it's a rematch of the 2006 NBA Finals: the Dallas Mavericks vs. the Miami Heat. Both teams remember it well as it was the Heats only title so far and the Mavs remember it for being up 2-0 only to lose the next 4 games. Dirk is no doubt focused and will likely have an even better performance this time around. That being said, I like Dirk, I want to say Mavericks... but I have to say the Heat will win the rematch. The Heat are not a bunch of youngsters like the Thunder, they are veterans and, unlike the Lakers, they are in their prime. They also have a great defense that will make Dirk have to give a top performance every night. I think the Mavs will win a couple but it will be a championship victory for the Triple Heat.
The NBA Finals are set and it's a rematch of the 2006 NBA Finals: the Dallas Mavericks vs. the Miami Heat. Both teams remember it well as it was the Heats only title so far and the Mavs remember it for being up 2-0 only to lose the next 4 games. Dirk is no doubt focused and will likely have an even better performance this time around. That being said, I like Dirk, I want to say Mavericks... but I have to say the Heat will win the rematch. The Heat are not a bunch of youngsters like the Thunder, they are veterans and, unlike the Lakers, they are in their prime. They also have a great defense that will make Dirk have to give a top performance every night. I think the Mavs will win a couple but it will be a championship victory for the Triple Heat.
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