Tonight should see some great action starting in Newark with Game 4 of Devils and Panthers. Can Florida take control going up 3-1 or can New Jersey tie the series? I expect the Devils to play with a sense of urgency. Can the Panthers match?
With all the buzz around hitting and shots taken at each other, game 4 in Washington between the Caps and Bruins should dictate the remainder of the series. Without Nicklas Backstrom, dethroning the Stanley Cup defenders just got more difficult. This season, Backstrom's presence was a world of difference as the Caps surged late in the regular season back from injury.
In Chicago, will we see extra hockey again, along with extra-curricular activity? Maybe extra hockey we'll see, but we will not see Marian Hossa who took a very hard hit from Raffi Torres, whom we also will not see due to the suspension from the aforementioned hit on Hossa. Not only is Torres suspended, but Andrew Shaw is also serving disciplinary action for previous actions. And the personnel must go deeper as undisclosed injuries have hit the Coyotes' Martin Hanzal and Lauri Korpikoski. Time for some others to take charge on both sides.
Can the Sharks stay out of the box? The penalty kill for San Jose was a very weak point in game 3 against St. Louis (carrying over from the regular season ranked 29th in the NHL). The best way to kill a penalty is not to get one. Also, can Patrik Berglund and Andy McDonald be stopped along with Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski stepping up?
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
2013 Winter Classic...where?
After a fifth consecutive Winter Classic yesterday, we should wonder where to next. And yesterday's game between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers lived up to the classic term. Credit Henrik Lundqvist saving a penalty shot late in the game to give the Rangers a 3-2 victory at Citizens Bank Park.
Now where will the 2013 Winter Classic be played. Here are my likely locations.
Comerica Park, Detroit
Red Wings' owner Mike Ilitch also owns the Tigers. Detroit would have friendly weather for outdoor hockey. A popular team.
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Not too far from Detroit. Would likely draw the biggest NHL crowd ever, over the first 2008 Winter Classic in Buffalo. Plus, a college hockey rink was placed on this field recently.
Target Field, Minneapolis
Though the Wild have not been a storied franchise during its short existence, outdoor hockey in Minnesota makes sense.
CitiPark, New York
Since Yankee Stadium seems booked with the Pinstripe Bowl, and MetLife Stadium having two tenants busy near New Year's Day, this may be the best option remaining in New York. Rangers-Islanders?
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
With the star presence of Alexander Ovechkin, this would somewhat work, however, don't trust the weather too much. Plus, I think RFK would be a better venue, just not enough time to lay a rink with the Military Bowl that close to New Year's Day.
Now where will the 2013 Winter Classic be played. Here are my likely locations.
Comerica Park, Detroit
Red Wings' owner Mike Ilitch also owns the Tigers. Detroit would have friendly weather for outdoor hockey. A popular team.
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Not too far from Detroit. Would likely draw the biggest NHL crowd ever, over the first 2008 Winter Classic in Buffalo. Plus, a college hockey rink was placed on this field recently.
Target Field, Minneapolis
Though the Wild have not been a storied franchise during its short existence, outdoor hockey in Minnesota makes sense.
CitiPark, New York
Since Yankee Stadium seems booked with the Pinstripe Bowl, and MetLife Stadium having two tenants busy near New Year's Day, this may be the best option remaining in New York. Rangers-Islanders?
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
With the star presence of Alexander Ovechkin, this would somewhat work, however, don't trust the weather too much. Plus, I think RFK would be a better venue, just not enough time to lay a rink with the Military Bowl that close to New Year's Day.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Quiet week in sports?
No NFL, NBA or NHL in season.
And very little baseball. The All-Star Game in Phoenix however, has a lot of players voted in and not playing or worthy pitchers getting rest. Has the game lost its luster?
And very little baseball. The All-Star Game in Phoenix however, has a lot of players voted in and not playing or worthy pitchers getting rest. Has the game lost its luster?
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Now That Hockey and Basketball Seasons Ended...
Congratulations to the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas was amazing in net.
It seems like baseball is an afterthought to casual sports fans. And a shame it is as a baseball follower myself.
I expect more consensus focus in the next six weeks to be on...
Wimbledon? No.
The British Open? No
Baseball All-Star Game? No
NBA Draft? Only for a moment, only to forget easily until a new collective bargaining agreement is met.
NFL Labor? Yes. And a lot of it.
There will be cameras and microphones following every minute development (even if no progress is yielded). Someone will jump on the story, even if there is no story. And often the case, no story will be the story.
My concern is that when a report indicates progress in the labor negotiation process, there will be an immediate injection of optimism of a resolution. As public viewers watching every movement in the process (especially when the NFL is the outstanding product seems to be), let's not get carried away.
Discussions among two parted sides is only that, whether it be in a hotel conference room, courtroom, office or wherever. Remember, although the effort of both parties is indicated by the existence of dialogue, there is a long way to go until there is a 2011 NFL season.
It seems like baseball is an afterthought to casual sports fans. And a shame it is as a baseball follower myself.
I expect more consensus focus in the next six weeks to be on...
Wimbledon? No.
The British Open? No
Baseball All-Star Game? No
NBA Draft? Only for a moment, only to forget easily until a new collective bargaining agreement is met.
NFL Labor? Yes. And a lot of it.
There will be cameras and microphones following every minute development (even if no progress is yielded). Someone will jump on the story, even if there is no story. And often the case, no story will be the story.
My concern is that when a report indicates progress in the labor negotiation process, there will be an immediate injection of optimism of a resolution. As public viewers watching every movement in the process (especially when the NFL is the outstanding product seems to be), let's not get carried away.
Discussions among two parted sides is only that, whether it be in a hotel conference room, courtroom, office or wherever. Remember, although the effort of both parties is indicated by the existence of dialogue, there is a long way to go until there is a 2011 NFL season.
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Decision Doesn't Pay Off
As LeBron James made his controversial decision in front of a nationwide audience, the pressure was on.
And a rally to follow up in Miami didn't help matter either. How many championships will the Heat win?
And so it goes. Dirk Nowitzki proved his worth as an NBA star. Despite his years of success, he doesn't get the hype other players get. Seeing Nowitzki walk off the court quickly after winning last night showed how he often gets away from the spotlight and simply appreciates the victory.
The entire Mavericks franchise deserves credit, even beyond Dirk. Start at the top with Mark Cuban taking an often-mocked franchise into glory.
And a rally to follow up in Miami didn't help matter either. How many championships will the Heat win?
And so it goes. Dirk Nowitzki proved his worth as an NBA star. Despite his years of success, he doesn't get the hype other players get. Seeing Nowitzki walk off the court quickly after winning last night showed how he often gets away from the spotlight and simply appreciates the victory.
The entire Mavericks franchise deserves credit, even beyond Dirk. Start at the top with Mark Cuban taking an often-mocked franchise into glory.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Is This Year's NBA Final Focused on the Potential Failure or Underdog Success?
Too much emphasis is put on LeBron James and the Miami Heat's potential NBA Finals failure. We should also look at how successful the Dallas Mavericks have been on the floor. Also, this series is not over by any means.
Obviously, the Heat have no choice but to win Game 6. Just because Dallas won the last two games, does not mean Miami is finished. The 2-3-2 format implemented only for the NBA Finals (thanks to the extra travel the Lakers and Celtics made in the 80s) could actually be an even greater home-court advantage.
Do you remember last year when the Celtics were up 3-2 at this point? They had to win one on the road. And didn't. I'm not suggesting a road win for the Mavericks to close out the series is an impossible task, but it certainly is not easy. And both teams know what is on the line Sunday night.
Obviously, the Heat have no choice but to win Game 6. Just because Dallas won the last two games, does not mean Miami is finished. The 2-3-2 format implemented only for the NBA Finals (thanks to the extra travel the Lakers and Celtics made in the 80s) could actually be an even greater home-court advantage.
Do you remember last year when the Celtics were up 3-2 at this point? They had to win one on the road. And didn't. I'm not suggesting a road win for the Mavericks to close out the series is an impossible task, but it certainly is not easy. And both teams know what is on the line Sunday night.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Memorable Stanley Cup Finals
Well I've mentioned memorable series before in other categories showcased. Now here are the most memorable Stanley Cup Finals that I watched.
1994 - Rangers vs. Canucks
The curse of 1940 ended as the New York Rangers held on in a memorable Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
1995 - Devils vs. Red Wings
With lockout-shortened regular season, the revised schedule did not include interconference play. While Detroit ran away for the President's Trophy, and seemed unbreakable throughout the Western Conference Playoffs (a record of 12-2), the Stanley Cup Finals brought something very unfamiliar to the Red Wings. The neutral zone trap implemented by New Jersey head coach Jacques Lemaire and executed perfectly by great defensive skaters such as Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Bobby Holik. The offensive firepower of Steve Yzerman and Sergei Fedorov didn't answer, and got swept in the finals.
1999 - Stars vs. Sabres
Was it a goal? A question that will forever remain with Sabres fans. In Game 6, Brett Hull scored a very controversial goal on a rebound in the third overtime to win the Stanley Cup.
2001 - Avalanche vs. Devils
This one was for Ray. Ray Bourque, after many years without a Stanley Cup, finishes his outstanding career. The trophy presentation I'll never forget. After Colorado captain Joe Sakic accepted the Stanley Cup from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Sakic wasted no time to hand it off to Bourque. By the way, the series went the distance of seven games.
2004 - Lightning vs. Flames
The last NHL game to be played before the season-canceling lockout. Dave Andreychuk finally won the Stanley Cup. No team truly had full control of the series throughout, thus going back-and-forth. The classic game was Game 6 with the goal by Martin St. Louis scored in the second OT to force Game 7.
2009 - Penguins vs. Red Wings
In a rematch of the 2008 Stanley Cup Final, Pittsburgh sought payback. With both teams winning the first six games on their respective home rinks, Game 7 literally came down to the closing seconds. Max Talbot scored twice in the second period of Game 7. Detroit did not go away easily. Very late in the game, down 2-1, a shot by the Red Wings hit the crossbar. And on the final shift, Penguin goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury fought off a series of shots in the closing seconds to bring the Stanley Cup back to Pittsburgh.
1994 - Rangers vs. Canucks
The curse of 1940 ended as the New York Rangers held on in a memorable Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
1995 - Devils vs. Red Wings
With lockout-shortened regular season, the revised schedule did not include interconference play. While Detroit ran away for the President's Trophy, and seemed unbreakable throughout the Western Conference Playoffs (a record of 12-2), the Stanley Cup Finals brought something very unfamiliar to the Red Wings. The neutral zone trap implemented by New Jersey head coach Jacques Lemaire and executed perfectly by great defensive skaters such as Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Bobby Holik. The offensive firepower of Steve Yzerman and Sergei Fedorov didn't answer, and got swept in the finals.
1999 - Stars vs. Sabres
Was it a goal? A question that will forever remain with Sabres fans. In Game 6, Brett Hull scored a very controversial goal on a rebound in the third overtime to win the Stanley Cup.
2001 - Avalanche vs. Devils
This one was for Ray. Ray Bourque, after many years without a Stanley Cup, finishes his outstanding career. The trophy presentation I'll never forget. After Colorado captain Joe Sakic accepted the Stanley Cup from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Sakic wasted no time to hand it off to Bourque. By the way, the series went the distance of seven games.
2004 - Lightning vs. Flames
The last NHL game to be played before the season-canceling lockout. Dave Andreychuk finally won the Stanley Cup. No team truly had full control of the series throughout, thus going back-and-forth. The classic game was Game 6 with the goal by Martin St. Louis scored in the second OT to force Game 7.
2009 - Penguins vs. Red Wings
In a rematch of the 2008 Stanley Cup Final, Pittsburgh sought payback. With both teams winning the first six games on their respective home rinks, Game 7 literally came down to the closing seconds. Max Talbot scored twice in the second period of Game 7. Detroit did not go away easily. Very late in the game, down 2-1, a shot by the Red Wings hit the crossbar. And on the final shift, Penguin goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury fought off a series of shots in the closing seconds to bring the Stanley Cup back to Pittsburgh.
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