It's been a while since I've posted, so I want to make some quick remarks about the Pens and their recent activities.
I almost vomited when Pierre McGuire went on and on and on last Monday night about how much the Capitals miss Mike Green. How good the Captials will be when Mike Green returns. Is this the same Mike Green that the Caps were rumored to be shopping around last summer? Is this the same Mike Green that plays about as much defense as me sitting on the couch?
Well hey Pierre, just think about how good the Penguins would be if they had a healthy Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Brooks Orpik, Chris Kunitz, Paul Martin, Aaron Asham, and Tyler Kennedy. They just got Mark Letestu and Dustin Jeffrey back and it already paid dividends against Toronto.
The Pens are completely decimated by injury. Jordan Staal missed the first half of the season. Staal, Malkin, and Crosby only played 2 games together all season. I understand that injuries are part of the game, it happens. This team could be really good if healthy; however, they are not and this is probably not the year they make another run at the Cup, but Shero still was wheeling and dealing.
This team still has the third most points in the East while fielding a squad of AHLers. Wilkes-Barre was dominating the AHL, then their whole team was shipped up to the big leagues, and they still are dominating. Kudos to the management in WBS.
One thing we can count on, year in and year out, is Ray Shero making moves to improve the team. Sometimes it works: Roberts, Laraque, Hossa, Gill, Guerin. Sometimes it doesn't: Ponikarovsky. But nonetheless he will make moves. This year was no different. He traded Goligoski, I hated to see him go for the sole reason that I own his jersey, for a talented young winger in James Neal, and a young, talented but unproven D-man in Matt Niskenen. Goligoski had to go. All 7 defenders were signed through next season. Letang, Orpik, Martin, and Michalek couldn't be traded. So out of Goose, Lovejoy, and Engelland, Goligoski was the obvious candidate to garner a return. So Shero make the move, pulls the trigger and gets Neal. A winger that has another year on his contract and knows how to light the lamp. This could be a move for next year, but why get Sid a winger if he won't be back this season. Maybe they know something we don't know. A line with Crosby, Neal, and Kunitz has the making of something special. Crosby is the superstar play maker, Neal the sniper, and Kunitz the grinder that every good line needs.
Then Shero steals Kovy back from Ottawa. It only took a conditional 7th round pick to bring the Cosmonaut back the Pittsburgh. Granted Kovy had worn out his welcome with the Sens, and he is a little old and nowhere near the player he was during his first stint in the Burgh. Wouldn't be terrible to see him do this again though.
Sign Bobby Lang and Marty Straka and bring back the KLS line. Why not bring back JJ while we are at it. Doesn't matter if we don't win the Cup it would be an awesome post season.
So far Neal has looked pretty tough. He hasn't scored, but he backchecks like a beast, throws his body around in the corners and is not afraid to get in front of the net and mix it up. It doesn't look like he can create his own space to shoot, but when he gets a healthy Crosby skating next to him he will be fine.
Kovy has looked awesome so far. He scored a goal in regulation and the winner in the shootout to beat the Leafs. He looks like he means all business right now. He knows he is playing for a contract somewhere next season. He methodically carries the puck like Gonch did, maybe that is a special skill the Ruskies have, which takes a great load off of Letang, especially on the Power Play. Kovy might not be as fast as he once was, but he is still a playmaker and can be a difference maker in a long series.
Speaking of Letang, these moves Shero made has helped him out the most. Since the slew of injuries, Letang hadn't looked like his pre-All Star Game self. He was just trying to do too much. Without Crosby and Malkin, he is the best puck handler and skater on the team. He was trying to do too much offensively while logging team-high minutes on D. Something was going to give. Thanks to the acquistions of Kovy and Neal, he won't have as big of a burden on himself offensively, and can focus on his main duties on defense.
We will have to wait and see where this season goes, but one things for sure, it's gonna be a fun ride.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
NBA trade deadline
The best NBA season in a decade got a little better with all the trades that were made prior to Thursday trade deadline, very similar to the Fast and Furious franchise adding "The Rock" to their cast for the next installment. Unlike the played out Melo drama and the trading of expiring contracts that normally dominant the trade deadline, Thursday featured some out of nowhere moves that involved stars and changed the dynamics of contenders and playoff teams.
Boston trades Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City for Jeff Green and Nenad Kristic.
Easily the most shocking deal of the day as you don't expect the best team in the East and favorite to make the Finals deal their starting center. Boston did get the best player traded in Jeff Green, who is a real piece for the future and a multi-position threat as a backup to this team. I am not about to count out the Celts even if they are relying on the health of Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal and getting anything from Kristic, but I hope Danny Ainge knows something we don't right now, like a buyout possibility or Rasheed Wallace music in the background?
Great overall move for OKC, who got beat up like Morales on the best new show of the year, FX's "Lights Out", on Wednesday night in San Antonio. The Thunder had to make a move to get tougher and Perkins is the perfect center for Westbrook and Durant and a Perkins/Ibika frontcourt has all the makings of a shutdown unit.
Winners: James Harden (will now get his chance), Jeff Green (meaningful role on a favorite), OKC's playoff chances.
Losers: Anyone who wanted to see the Rando, Allen, Pierce, KG, Perkins squad make another Finals' run (most notably the other 4 Boston starters left who didn't want Perkins traded ). Jeff Green's fantasy owners. Danny Ainge if the Celts get bullied by the Lakers in the finals.
Utah trades Deron Williams to New Jersey for Devin Harris, Derrick Favors and 2 first round picks.
New Jersey acted quickly after losing out on Carmelo and acquired Williams and now have a season and a quarter to convince him to sign long term. Stars are few and far between in the NBA, so you can't fault Jersey for the move, but if they fail to re-sign Williams the future without him, Favors and two 1st round picks will be bleaker than a Russian winter.
Utah has always stayed under the radar and they do so again by trading Williams a year before the will he, wont' he drama began. Favors has been less than impressive so far and will join a disjointed front line of Jefferson, Millsap, and AK 47. Too bad Utah doesn't have a hall of fame coach to get them through this transition.
Winners: New Jersey (they have their star and over a year to convince him to stay long term). Favors, he will have a chance to develop out of the trade rumors. Jerry Sloan.
Losers: Utah fans (in 10 days they lost both Sloan and Williams).
Houston trades Shane Battier and Ishmael Smith to Memphis for Hasheem Thabeet and a first round pick. Houston then trades Aaron Brooks to Phoenix for Goran Dragic and a first round pick.
Houston continues to stockpile first round picks, acquiring two more in these moves and also gets an underrated point guard in Dragic and former #2 pick Thabeet. Not exactly the haul Houston fans were expecting when they were rumored to be the 3rd team in talks for Melo and Williams' desire to play in Texas. They did buy low on Thabeet and Dragic and a pick is robbery for Brooks.
Memphis adds a nice piece for the playoffs in Battier and admits defeat by moving Thabeet after only two years in the league.
Phoenix adds a nice backup point guard to a team that will likely look to move their starting point guard (Nash) this summer.
Winners: Memphis playoff hopes, not only are they playing well lately, but with the Battier addition and the subtractions in Utah and Denver they are looking at a potential 6 or 7 seed. Battier, his game translates well to a team in playoff contention. Brooks and Thabeet, no two players need a fresh start more.
Losers: Memphis GM Chris Wallace, he missed the deadline on the Mayo to Indy trade or he would have traded back to back top 3 picks on the same day. Houston and Phoenix, the rebuilds continue.
Charlotte trades Gerald Wallace to Portland for Joel Pryzybilla, Dante Cunningham, and 2 first round picks. Charlotte then trades Nazr Mohammed to OKC for DJ White and Mo Peterson.
Portland adds a player who rebounds as well as anyone at his position and will add toughness to a versatile front line that already includes Camby, Aldridge, and Batum. The Blazers were one team that clearly improved with a deadline trade by adding Wallace and not having to give up any significant pieces.
Charlotte dumps salary in both moves, but does not receive any building block pieces in return and the first round picks Charlotte receives will be unintentional comedy as GM Jordan wastes them away. How can a re-building team not trade away their biggest asset in Cap'n Jack?
Winners: Portland and Wallace
Losers: Charlotte and Jackson
Atlanta trades Mike Bibby, Mo Evans, Jordan Crawford and a first round pick to Washington for Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong.
Washington did well to get anything for Hinrich even if that had to take back Bibby. Crawford has a bright future and I had to check this move three times thinking the first round pick went the wrong way.
After this move is there any question why Atlanta stays mediocre? As someone who gets every Wizards game can attest to, Hinrich will be exposed during playoff basketball.
Winners: Hinrich, at least one GM still thinks he can help a playoff team. Crawford, he will get a chance with a young team in Washington. Wash GM Ernie Grunfeld, even having to take on Bibby doesn't diminish this robbery.
Losers: Shots in Washington, with Crawford and Nick Young shots will be scarce in DC. Hawks playoff chances, they needed a major addition or a total teardown and this deal is neither.
LAC trades Baron Davis and a first round draft pick to Cleveland for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon.
Cleveland gets what looks to be a top ten draft pick in next year's draft and all they had to do was take on Baron Davis and his 14 million/year for the next 2+ seasons. Their inability to get a piece for Jamison and a weak draft on the horizon has to be discouraging even for a Cavs fans.
If Williams is healthy he will be a nice addition for the Clipps and clearing Baron's contract allows them to re-sign some of the upcoming free agents like Jordan and Gordon.
Winners: Williams and Moon, the chance to escape Cleveland for LA and Blake Griffin is obvious.
Losers: Byron Scott, who has already tangled with Baron before. Baron Davis, he has always been one of my favorites since his days at UCLA, but since he left Golden State he has looked as out of place as Will Ferrell in a drama. At his best he is a top 5 talent at the point guard position, but his inability to stay in shape or stay focused at 14 million/year is indefensible. As if they didn't know it already, Cavs fans.
The Carmelo Trade
Naming the players involved alone takes 3 paragraphs. The big winner was obviously Carmelo and sports talk radio as this lasted longer than an American Idol season. Denver did as well as they could, but wouldn't it have been great for them to hold the line and see if Carmelo would have really given up $20 million? Meanwhile NY has two stars, and though they aren't close to contending this year, stars win in the NBA and the Knicks have renewed hope and a bright future. I find it hard to be believe that Carmelo will not win a title in his prime as a Knick.
The biggest loser in this deal has to be Minnesota who gave up a solid defender and bench guy in Brewer and currently has a roster of Darko, Eddie Curry, Anthony Randolph, and Michael Beasley.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Western Conference check in
After a full NHL schedule Tuesday night, I thought it would be a good chance to check back in with the numbers to see what has changed from last week's projections of the Western conference playoff picture. Digging a little deeper from last week, I have expanded the projections to include games remaining against the weaker Eastern conference. My theory being if a team has games, especially home games vs. the bottom half of the Eastern conference a win should be expected and a loss crippling. Since teams 3 through 13 in the standings are so close together finding anything to differentiate them is vital to making an educated guess about the final results.
Vancouver and Detroit continue to hold commanding leads in their divisions and are 10 and 5 points clear of the third place, so I will refrain from repeating their praises from last week and move into the third place Phoenix Coyotes.
3) Phoenix (75 points, 21 games remaining, 11 Home, 10 away): A 3-0 week keeps the Coyotes on top of the Pacific division and last night's OT win in Philly shows this team's ability to beat good teams on the road. Tough scheduling has Phoenix visiting Tampa tonight in their last game vs. an Eastern conference opponent, and they follow that game with 4 straight against Western playoff contenders, 3 being on the road. If they can continue their good play through this stretch they finish the season with 7 of 9 at home. A remaining opponent's winning percentage of .525 is 4th toughest of the 11 teams in contention.
4) San Jose (74 points, 21 games remaining, 13 Home, 8 Away): The Sharks also completed a 3-0 week with an impressive victory on the road in Detroit and moved from 7th to 4th. Two more road games, tonight @ Pittsburgh and @ Calgary are followed by 6 straight home games. Their remaining opponent's winning percentage of .530 is second toughest of the teams in contention and after Pittsburgh tonight their only remaining games vs. the East is a home game vs. the Rangers. The home game advantage over the Coyotes indicates that San Jose has a great chance to win the Pacific and it could easily come down to a home and home with Phoenix on the last two days of the regular season.
5) Minnesota (70 points, 22 games remaining, 10 Home, 12 Away): A busy 4 game week allowed Minnesota to make up ground. Last week we talked about their league low .498 remaining opponent's winning percentage and that includes 6 games vs. the East and only two of those being on the road against teams with winning records. Winning games they should will determine if the Wild make the playoffs and how high they can climb.
6) Nashville (70 points, 22 games remaining, 14 Home, 8 Away): No team in contention in the West has more home games and less road games than the Predator's and a remaining opponents winning percentage of .505 is more than manageable. Nashville's remaining schedule can be broken down in two parts; 5 of their next 7 are on the road vs. the West, while only 3 of their last 15 games are on the road and all 3 are against teams with losing records. The numbers love Nashville's chances of making a run at the 4 seed even coming off a 1-2 week.
7) Calgary (70 points, 20 games remaining, 10 Home, 10 Away): Every team behind Calgary has at least two games in hand and some have three, so the Flames must really take advantage of an opponent's winning percentage of .499 (2nd lowest of the 11 teams). They also don't have any remaining games vs. the East, so every game is an opportunity for a major swing in the Western standings.
8) LA (68 points, 23 games remaining, 14 Home, 9 Away): The Kings have the more games remaining than every team that currently sits in playoff position and after a road game tonight @ Anaheim the Kings play 6 straight at home. No games remain vs. the East after their recent successful road trip, but the numbers are favorable for a Kings push to avoid Vancouver or Detroit in round 1.
9) Anaheim (68 points, 22 games remaining, 14 Home, 8 Away): Ducks' goalie Jonas Hiller was the one player we mentioned when reviewing the numbers last week and his three game absence during which Anaheim went 0-3 and gave up 21 goals moved them from 4th to 9th and currently out of the playoffs. A seven game home stretch beginning tonight with LA and a remaining opponent's winning percentage of .521 are favorable, but if team MVP Hiller is not back soon it will not be enough this year in this conference.
10) Dallas (68 points, 22 games remaining, 10 Home, 12 Away): A home loss last night to the Devils capped off a 0-3 week and dropped Dallas from 5th to 10th. The numbers predicted this fall and a league high .533 opponent's winning percentage and 5 of their next 6 on the road vs. teams above them in the Western standings indicate that the Star's will continue to slide.
11) Chicago (68 points, 22 games remaining, 9 Home, 13 Away): No Western conference contender has less than Chicago's 9 remaining home games, but on the bright side 8 of their remaining games are vs. the East and how they play on the road in 6 of those games will determine their fate. Their remaining opponent's have a winning percentage of .526 (3rd toughest).
12) Columbus (66 points, 23 games remaining, 11 Home, 12 Away): Gaining 5 of a possible 6 points this week, including home wins over Nashville and Chicago, has kept Columbus on this list and a remaining opponent's winning percentage of .504 (3rd easiest) and a game in hand over everyone but LA gives them a fighting chance.
13) St. Louis (63 points, 23 games remaining, 9 Home, 14 Away): 14 remaining away games might be a positive after back to back home losses to Chicago and Colorado that have all but eliminated the Blues from contention. An upcoming 3 game Western trip to Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary will determine if the Blues are on this list next week.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A closer look at the NHL's Western Conference
We are currently in the midst of a year in the NHL where the disparity between the Eastern and Western conferences has never been more apparent. Yes, the Eastern conference has a few teams that can contend for the Cup, most notably Philadelphia and maybe Boston, but as an overall conference it is the "Fredo" of the NHL. The Western conference playoff picture changes from day to day and game to game with teams closer than A-Rod and Cameron Diaz sharing a box of popcorn. Currently the 12th and 13th teams (Columbus and St. Louis) in the Western conference would be comfortably in the playoffs if they played in the East. In an effort to sort out the muddled Western conference playoff picture I went back to basics and studied the numbers. After complying each teams' points, games left to play, home and road split, I also put together each team's opponent's winning percentage for the remainder of their schedule as a way to judge "strength of schedule". Since these numbers are always changing I felt this would be a great way to get a day to day snapshot of the playoff picture. For our first installment below are what the numbers say after NHL games played 2/15/10.
1) Vancouver (83 points) (24 games remaining, 12 home, 12 away): The Northwest division leaders are also in the driver's seat for the President's Cup given to the team with the most points during the regular season. There is no need to dig deep into the numbers on a team that will coast into the playoffs as the conference's #1 seed. The big questions for the Canucks will be if they can add defensive depth at the deadline due to recent injuries and if Ryan Kesler can continue his breakthrough performance and give the Canucks the first back to back teammates to win the Hart Trophy (MVP) since Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr in 68/69 and 69/70.
2) Detroit (74 points) (26 games remaining, 12 home, 14 away): The Central division leaders are back after a year hiatus to where every hockey fan expects to find them in the standings, at or near the top. They have been the most consistent franchise in the NHL both pre and post lockout where everyone knows their role, plays a team game, and sacrifices stats for wins. Like Vancouver there is no need to dig into their remaining schedule, goaltending as always will be the main question between Detroit and the Cup finals.
3) Phoenix (69 points) (24 games remaining, 12 home, 12 away): At this very moment the Pacific division leaders in a division where all five teams are within 4 points of each other (Phx, Ana, Dallas, SJ, LA). The numbers tell us that they probably will not stay in this spot for long. 24 games remaining is the second fewest of all 13 playoff contenders and their opponent's winning % for those remaining games are the third highest at .525%. Their remaining intra-division schedule is mixed with 3 of 4 games at home vs. Dallas and SJ, while all 3 games left vs. LA and Anaheim are on the road. The numbers tell us that a 5 or 6 seed is more likely than a 3 for the desert dogs.
4) Anaheim (68 points) (25 games remaining, 15 home, 10 away): Only one team in the West has more than the Duck's 15 remaining home games, so if they and surprise Vezina candidate Jonas Hilller can take care of business at the "Pond" a division title and 3 seed are within reach. 3 of 4 left vs. Phoenix and Dallas are at home with 1 of 2 and 2 of 4 at home vs. SJ and LA respectively.
5) Dallas (68 points) (25 games remaining, 11 home, 14 away): The Stars are surprise contenders up to this point in the season, but the numbers the rest of the way don't look promising. 14 road games is the second most remaining in the west, and their opponents winning percentage the rest of the season is 2nd highest at .530%. Their intra-division schedule is even worse with their remaining 2 games against Phoenix on the road, and 2 of 3 on the road vs. Anaheim, SJ, and LA. Holding on to a playoff spot would be quite an accomplishment for this team and the numbers tell us that is unlikely, while exploring Brad Richard's trade value might be a good idea.
6) Nashville (68 points) (25 games remaining, 16 home, 9 away): The numbers indicate that the Pred's have the best chance at the 4 seed a home ice in the first round. 16 homes games remaining is the most in the West and their remaining opponent's winning % is only .512. Presently only 3 of their remaining 9 road games are against a team with a winning record.
7) San Jose (68 points) (24 games remaining, 15 home, 9 away): The 15 home games remaining are a major positive, but the Sharks have the highest remaining opponent's winning % at .531. It will be interesting to see which number turns out to be more significant. This rosters talent and history at the Shark tank indicates a 5 or 6 seed is likely.
8) Calgary (66 points) (23 games remaining, 13 home, 10 away): The Flames have played the most games in the West to accumulate their 66 points, so they will be forced to watch the scoreboard as teams behind them make up their games at hand. It seems unlikely that they will hang onto a spot, but recent results and a remaining opponent's winning % of .503 (2nd lowest) will make it interesting and very hard to trade Iginla before the 2/28 deadline.
9) LA (65 points) (26 games remaining, 14 home, 12 away): The Kings recent play on their Grammy's/NBA All-Star game road trip has proven that a talented and hot team can thwart the traditional numbers. 11 of their last 26 games are intra-division games, and 7 of those 11 are at home, so the Kings control their playoff destiny and a .519% opponent's winning percentage is in the middle of the western pack.
10) Minnesota (65 points) (26 games remaining, 13 home, 13 away): The winning percentage of the Wild's remaining opponents is a playoff contender low at .498, so it would not be a surprise to see this workman-like team grab one of last playoff spots. The numbers indicate a Dallas/Calgary/LA/Minny race for the final two spots is likely.
11) Chicago (62 points) (26 games remaining, 12 home, 14 away): Hard to believe that the defending champs are on the outside of the playoff pairings; with no games in hand and more remaining road games than home the numbers are not favorable. Chicago needs to do damage on the road and against good teams (.524 remaining opponent's winning %) to threaten, but they clearly have the talent to go on a run.
12) Columbus (61 points) (26 games remaining, 13 home, 13 away): After a more than forgettable year last season, Columbus is back fighting for a playoff spot. With more than a couple teams between them and the playoffs, the #8 seed is a long-shot, but there are still better than 8 teams in the East.
13) St. Louis (59 points) (27 games remaining, 12 home, 15 away): The Blues have a game in hand vs. everyone in the West and an opponent's winning % of .504 (2nd lowest in West), but 15 games on the road are too much to jump 5 teams. Injuries have ruined a promising season, but the future is bright for this organization.
Speaking of bright futures, Colorado has taken a step back this season after making the playoffs last season, but with their young talent at the NHL, AHL, and junior level they will be back in the playoff picture next season. Edmonton is also rebuilding this season with young players and next year might be asking too much, but the future is also very bright in Edmonton, which is a lot more than you can say for at least a third of the East.
Like I said previously the numbers above are very interesting and change day to day, so I will keep updating the Western conference playoff picture ongoing for the rest of the season to see if things shake out like the numbers suggest.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Act Your Age
Watching the Pebble Beach Pro-Am today, I couldn't stop help thinking that it was due time for Bill Murray to act like an adult. He is a 60 man-child running around in an Elmer Fudd hat during a nationally televised golf tournament at one of the most prestegious courses in the country.
Don't get me wrong, I love Murray's work on the big screen, but come on, we know you are funny and quirky, but can't you just act like a normal guy for 4 days a year.
I know I might be construed as a hypocrite because I have been known to take my shoes off and play golf barefoot, but that is at local course during an outing that is comprised of friends.
Normally I would have brushed the Space Jam star's antics aside and not thought twice about it, but the fact that he continued his disruptive behavior while his Pro-Am partner was in contention for the tourney title, is what irked me.
Granted Murray's partner D.A. Points eventually captured the 2011 Pebble Beach Pro-Am crown, but to me I felt the guy deserved a little bit of respect from Murray. The announcers said Points was fine with Murray's behavior and even welcomed it as a stress reliver, but for a guy gunning for his first PGA title, I would think that he would want to focus on his game rather than the tomfoolery displayed by an aging Hollywood icon.
Next year if we are lucky, Charlie Sheen, teamed with Davis Love III, will be doing lines off of his putter on the 4th tee, with the whole lineup from Vivid Entertainment carrying his bag.
Don't get me wrong, I love Murray's work on the big screen, but come on, we know you are funny and quirky, but can't you just act like a normal guy for 4 days a year.
I know I might be construed as a hypocrite because I have been known to take my shoes off and play golf barefoot, but that is at local course during an outing that is comprised of friends.
Normally I would have brushed the Space Jam star's antics aside and not thought twice about it, but the fact that he continued his disruptive behavior while his Pro-Am partner was in contention for the tourney title, is what irked me.
Granted Murray's partner D.A. Points eventually captured the 2011 Pebble Beach Pro-Am crown, but to me I felt the guy deserved a little bit of respect from Murray. The announcers said Points was fine with Murray's behavior and even welcomed it as a stress reliver, but for a guy gunning for his first PGA title, I would think that he would want to focus on his game rather than the tomfoolery displayed by an aging Hollywood icon.
Next year if we are lucky, Charlie Sheen, teamed with Davis Love III, will be doing lines off of his putter on the 4th tee, with the whole lineup from Vivid Entertainment carrying his bag.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Over the Line
Hockey is a great and beautiful game and if you ever want to turn a person into a hockey fan all you have to do is to take them to see a game live. There is no sport that combines skill and speed with physical play and it is all done on ice, the game at its best is played at an up and down pace with very few stoppages. A new hockey fan will either love that fighting is allowed early on, or will question it, it can seem out of place and sometimes feel like it takes away from the flow of the game. I am a big proponent of fighting, and have been in my previous posts. I feel that it is a major part of the game when done correctly that allows the players to police themselves to an extent and is a way for a team to change momentum of a game and sometimes a season. Every day before I check TSN.com or read the Toronto Sun online I always check hockeyfights.com to see the best bouts of the previous night. I wanted to write about the exciting Western Conference playoff chase that is evolving this season and how every game played is so vitally important, but after watching this week as the Canadians/Bruins and the Islanders/Penguins disgraced the game with their antics disguised as "fighting" the focus has again been taken away from the game.
The Canadians and Bruins entered their game on Wednesday night in Boston battling for the Norheast divison title as both teams are firmly inside the Eastern conference playoff picture. These are two Stanley Cup contenders this year and two of the original 6 franchises who are long time rivals and have two of the biggest fan bases in the league. Boston won 8-6 in a game that should have been a talking point to the amount of goals against two All-Star goalies in Tim Thomas and Carey Price. Instead, the game featured 187 penalty minutes, and 10 fighting majors (all can be found on hockeyfights.com) that did not include the dance that Thomas and Price engaged in while laughing and removing each other jerseys while not throwing any punches. The problem with 3 of the 5 fights in this game was that in each bout a fighter was fighting a guy who does not fight reguarly or at all. This is a clear violation of the code that lead to one sided beatings and will only lead to more revenge fights when these two meet again.
When Montreal's Benoit Pouliot choose to drop the gloves with the often concussed David Krejci and Bruin tough guys Shawn Thornton and Johnny Boychuck laid into Roman Hamerlik and Jaroslav Spacek it felt wrong from the get go. A line had been crossed with these bouts, like on Thursday's Jesry Shore episode that turned into 45 minutes of domestic violence caught on tape. I am not saying that Krejci, Hamerlik, and Spacek were not game to fight, but the "professional" fighters on the the other side should have known better and respected why fighting is allowed in the game. Colin Campbell and Gary Bettman need to use this game and these incidents as an example and sit down Pouliot, Thornton, and Boychuck.
It only took two days for the thuggery Montreal/Boston game to be overshadowed by the Penguins/Islanders game Friday night on Long Island. 65 combined penalities, 346 penalty minutes, 15 fighting majors, 20 misconducts and 10 ejections (again all on hockefights.com) were the totals for a game that the Islanders were clearly looking for revenge and the chance to make a statement. The Islanders felt disrespected after their last loss to Pittsburgh, they felt that Max Talbot's season ending hit on Blake Comeau was dirty, and were upset about Brent Johnson's knock out punch on Rick DiPietro.
Their solution was to bring up AHL tough guy Micheal Haley who made his first impression ten minutes in with a convincing win after dropping the gloves with Craig Adams. After a professional draw between fighters Eric Goodard and Trevor Gillis, the Isles resorted to a Todd Bertuzzi like move when Matt Martin sucker punched Max Talbot that led to three seperate fights and 30 minutes of game stoppage. First, Talbot should have dropped the gloves on his own early in this game and all of this might have been avoided. Even though he was not fined or suspended for his hit on Comeau he should have answered the bell on his own in the first period. Martin should be suspended double digit games for his sucker punch and shoud be happy he wasn't arrested. Same goes for Trevor Gillis and his assualt on Eric Tangradi and the most excessive suspensions should be handed out for Haley, who went after goalie Brent Johnson and Eric Goodard for leaving the bench in defense of Johnson. Hard to believe that winning the actual game 9-3 was not enough for the Isles.
The Islanders are a team that have less to play for then Washington Generals and the call up of Haley and his subsequent actions coupled with the Martin and Gillis assualts should be enough for Bettman and Campbell to lay down penalties stiff enough to stop this ongoing behavoir that continues to overshawdow the greatness of their game.
The Canadians and Bruins entered their game on Wednesday night in Boston battling for the Norheast divison title as both teams are firmly inside the Eastern conference playoff picture. These are two Stanley Cup contenders this year and two of the original 6 franchises who are long time rivals and have two of the biggest fan bases in the league. Boston won 8-6 in a game that should have been a talking point to the amount of goals against two All-Star goalies in Tim Thomas and Carey Price. Instead, the game featured 187 penalty minutes, and 10 fighting majors (all can be found on hockeyfights.com) that did not include the dance that Thomas and Price engaged in while laughing and removing each other jerseys while not throwing any punches. The problem with 3 of the 5 fights in this game was that in each bout a fighter was fighting a guy who does not fight reguarly or at all. This is a clear violation of the code that lead to one sided beatings and will only lead to more revenge fights when these two meet again.
When Montreal's Benoit Pouliot choose to drop the gloves with the often concussed David Krejci and Bruin tough guys Shawn Thornton and Johnny Boychuck laid into Roman Hamerlik and Jaroslav Spacek it felt wrong from the get go. A line had been crossed with these bouts, like on Thursday's Jesry Shore episode that turned into 45 minutes of domestic violence caught on tape. I am not saying that Krejci, Hamerlik, and Spacek were not game to fight, but the "professional" fighters on the the other side should have known better and respected why fighting is allowed in the game. Colin Campbell and Gary Bettman need to use this game and these incidents as an example and sit down Pouliot, Thornton, and Boychuck.
It only took two days for the thuggery Montreal/Boston game to be overshadowed by the Penguins/Islanders game Friday night on Long Island. 65 combined penalities, 346 penalty minutes, 15 fighting majors, 20 misconducts and 10 ejections (again all on hockefights.com) were the totals for a game that the Islanders were clearly looking for revenge and the chance to make a statement. The Islanders felt disrespected after their last loss to Pittsburgh, they felt that Max Talbot's season ending hit on Blake Comeau was dirty, and were upset about Brent Johnson's knock out punch on Rick DiPietro.
Their solution was to bring up AHL tough guy Micheal Haley who made his first impression ten minutes in with a convincing win after dropping the gloves with Craig Adams. After a professional draw between fighters Eric Goodard and Trevor Gillis, the Isles resorted to a Todd Bertuzzi like move when Matt Martin sucker punched Max Talbot that led to three seperate fights and 30 minutes of game stoppage. First, Talbot should have dropped the gloves on his own early in this game and all of this might have been avoided. Even though he was not fined or suspended for his hit on Comeau he should have answered the bell on his own in the first period. Martin should be suspended double digit games for his sucker punch and shoud be happy he wasn't arrested. Same goes for Trevor Gillis and his assualt on Eric Tangradi and the most excessive suspensions should be handed out for Haley, who went after goalie Brent Johnson and Eric Goodard for leaving the bench in defense of Johnson. Hard to believe that winning the actual game 9-3 was not enough for the Isles.
The Islanders are a team that have less to play for then Washington Generals and the call up of Haley and his subsequent actions coupled with the Martin and Gillis assualts should be enough for Bettman and Campbell to lay down penalties stiff enough to stop this ongoing behavoir that continues to overshawdow the greatness of their game.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
NBA Trade Machine
After spending more time over the last couple of days on ESPN's NBA Trade Machine than a typical Charlie Sheen marriage, I have come to a few conclusions. First, the NBA Trade Machine is one of the absolute best inventions of all time and almost makes up for ESPN hiring and continuing to keep Colin Cowherd on the air (almost). Second, you know NBA GM's use this all the time and it has to make an "NBA Capologist" the most out-dated job since being Jessica Simpson's agent. Third, the new wave of fantasy leagues for all sports is going to be keepers with a cap, this adds an entire new element to everything beginning with the draft. It reminds me of when Hi-def was introduced and how it totally changed the sports viewing experience or how the Challenge changed reality TV. Fourth, the NHL needs their own Trade Machine immediately. Fifth, and probably most importantly, I need a new hobby. Anytime you are actively looking forward to spending hours, not minutes, on making fake NBA trades you have a serious problem. Below are seven trades accepted through the Trade Machine that would be more than intriguing before the February 24th trade deadline.
1) Denver trades C. Anthony to New York for W. Chandler, D. Gallinari, Eddie Curry's expiring contract and a first round pick the Knicks acquire for A. Randolph.
Denver: The Knicks are still the most obvious trading partner for Denver, who can't afford to lose their star player for nothing as the Cavs have shown. At least with this move they get a future All-Star to build around in Gallinari, and a solid rotation guy in Chandler. The addition of Curry's expiring contract will put them well under the luxury tax and cap and allow for other moves. A second first round pick in the '11 draft will give Denver two picks in the middle of a deep, but not spectacular draft.
New York: The Knicks first need to move Randolph for a first round pick or they risk having to include rookie Landry Fields in the deal for Anthony. Even if Fields needs to be included it is still a move that the Knicks need to make. As a Knicks fan I have made a complete 180 on this deal. At first I was reluctant for the Knicks to include Gallo, Chandler, or Fields in a deal for Anthony, assuming Anthony would come to NY as a free agent this summer. As the Knicks have swooned latley I have realized they need a major upgrade to compete in the top heavy Eastern conference as they currently would face either Chicago or Miami in the first round of the playoffs. Anthony would give the Knicks another legit star to team with an already wearing down Amare and as much as I like Gallo, Chandler, and Fields available stars are a lot harder to find than even top flight role players.
2) Denver trades Nene and JR Smith to Golden State for Monta Ellis and A. Biedrins.
Denver: After trading Anthony and most likely Billups in a smaller deal, Denver can use their cap savings to trade free agent to be Nene and Smith for a dynamic scorer in Ellis and a serviceable replacement for Nene. Ellis can be had for a big man and he comes relatively inexpensive (4 yrs 11 million per) and could be counted on to replace Anthony's points. In Biedrins (4 yrs 9 million per) Denver would get a high energy big man who can run and doesn't need the basketball offensively. After these moves a Lawson, Affalo, Gallo, and Ellis core is a good start for a franchise who is being held hostage by their star player.
Golden State: Ellis has been great for the Warriors, but he is an odd fit with the inexpensive, younger, and also undersized Curry at the point. In return for Ellis the Warriors would get the big man they have been after for years in Nene. Golden State's new ownership would have to be willing to pay Nene, but that shouldnt' be a problem with the money heading out the door with Ellis and Biedrins. JR Smith is a bigger two guard who would compliment Curry much more effectively for the rest of the season than Ellis and with the Nene and Smith additions the Warriors would go from an awful defensive team to mediocre.
3) LA Lakers trade Gasol to Atlanta for J. Smith, M. Williams, and J. Teague.
LA: Definitely the most unlikely of my possible trades, but hear me out. The Lakers management thinks too highly of Andrew Bynum's potential that they will not trade him, leaving Gasol as the only trade-able piece the Lakers have. Gasol was part of back to back title teams and was the reason LA won game 7 last year vs. the Celtics, but he seems to be wearing down this season like the Lakers as a whole. In Phil Jackson's final season the Lakers need to get younger and more athletic and with Smith (3 yrs 11.7 million per), Williams (4 yrs 7.2 million per), and Teague (1 yr 1.4 million) LA becomes a team with potential. If anyone and any situation can bring the best out of Smith and Williams you would think it has to be Kobe and the Lakers. I for one can see Kobe's final years as the veteran leader to a lineup with these three additions and Bynum at center.
Atlanta: The definition of a team that is good, but not great and a team that is comfortably in the playoffs, but not a threat to win big. Smith and Williams are talented, but seem to have run their course in Atlanta. Bringing in Gasol would add professionalism and accountability to the Hawks roster along with one of the most skilled big men in the game. Gasol (4 yrs 17.8 per) would combine with Horford to form an intimidating and successful front line and make the Hawks a threat to win big.
4) Phoenix trades Nash and Hill to Dallas for R. Beaubois, D. Jones, C. Butler's expiring contract and Dallas first round pick in '12.
Phoenix: The Suns need to take a serious look at the Raptors to see what their future looks like if they continue to insist on keeping Nash until his contract expires in two years. Nash will still make the Suns a draw, but they are 10th in the Western conference and have little hope of improving on that even with Nash on the roster. The Suns already added a nice piece in Gortat and an expiring contract in Carter and making this trade would give them two more pieces and an another expiring. Beaubois is a future star at the point and rookie Dominique Jones will be a NBA scorer when given the chance. Trading Nash will hurt the Suns this year and next, but in the future this is a good one for the Suns as an organization and if they are unsure all they need to do is to call former exec and current Toronto GM Byan Colangelo.
Dallas: Cuban needs to do everything he can to try to make up for the biggest mistake the Mavs made under his leadership , allowing Nash to walk as a free agent. Adding Hill and Nash to a team with Dirk, Kidd, Terry, and Chandler would be quite a story as those players and this franchise chases that elusive title. It is only a matter of how quickly the Mavs can say "yes" if Phoenix puts this deal on the table.
5) Memphis trades Z. Randolph to Oklahoma City for J. Green, J. Harden, E. Maynor, N. Kristic.
Memphis: I don't understand why Memphis has allowed their most effective player and a guy who must be double teamed on the block every possession to come to the last year of his contract while they sign other not as effective players like Gay, Allen, and Conley. Those moves and their decision to make Gasol a priority have left Randolph as the odd man out in Memphis. With this deal they bring back inexpensive wing guys with potential in Green (restriced FA next year) and Harden and Kristic's expiring contract. Maynor would also fill a big need as a back up point guard that is clearly evident with the Grizzles' recent Jayson Williams signing.
Oklahoma City: Randolph does not address the Thunder's most pressing need at the moment, their inability to defend consistently, but he does give the most effective perimeter offense in the league a post presence that must be accounted for in the half court set. OKC has been reluctant to take on guys with "character issues", but Randolph has been a model citizen lately and would give the Thunder a championship caliber offense.
6) Philadelphia trades Iguodala and Hawes to the LA Clippers for Kaman, Aminu, and '11 1st round pick.
Philadelphia: The 76ers are presently 7th in the East and looking at a first round matchup with the Heat, this move would allow them to shed Iguodala's contract (4 yrs 12.35 million per) for a younger replacement in Aminu and a healthy Kaman is immediately one of the best centers in the Eastern conference. This move would also lead to more playing time for rookie and overall #2 pick Evan Turner and a chance to find out if he is part of the future along with Holiday, Meeks, and Williams. A Kaman/Brand combo is a potent frontourt duo in the East.
LA Clippers: The Clipps have the ability to take on money and have a huge hole in their lineup at the 3 spot. Iguodala fills that need and he showed at last summer's World Championships that he is very effective as a team's 3rd or 4th option. His ability to get to the rim would open things up for Griffin and Gordon and most importantly for the Clipps winning percentage he is a relentless defender. Hawes also gives the Clipps a back up for DeAndre Jordan, who has made Kaman more than replaceable.
7) Charlotte trades S. Jackson to Chicago for T. Gibson, R. Brewer, J. Johnson and a '11 first round pick.
Charlotte: The Bobcats have improved under coach Paul Silas, but still find themselves out of the Eastern conference playoff picture and they need young compliments to DJ Augustin and Gerald Henderson. Captain Jack is their biggest asset and this move would return two young chips in big man Gibson and a wing in Johnson. Sending Gerald Wallace to Portland for Batum would also be a makeover that leaves the Bobcats with hope for the future.
Chicago: I know I personally value Captain Jack higher than any GM in the NBA especially Bulls GM Gar Foreman, but there is no denying that he is a competitor and is not afraid of big shots or big moments. I think he would be a nice fit next to Rose and I can't help but think about him leading the 8th seeded Warriors over the top seeded Mavs in the '07 playoffs. You can't beat his recent quote about looking forward to All-Star weekend so officials can stop judging him and the story about him threatening fans who were heckling him is classic. The fans heckling him immediately stopped and said they have been scared every since. That seems like the kind of player that would be a great addition to a team that is a 2 guard away from contending for a title.
1) Denver trades C. Anthony to New York for W. Chandler, D. Gallinari, Eddie Curry's expiring contract and a first round pick the Knicks acquire for A. Randolph.
Denver: The Knicks are still the most obvious trading partner for Denver, who can't afford to lose their star player for nothing as the Cavs have shown. At least with this move they get a future All-Star to build around in Gallinari, and a solid rotation guy in Chandler. The addition of Curry's expiring contract will put them well under the luxury tax and cap and allow for other moves. A second first round pick in the '11 draft will give Denver two picks in the middle of a deep, but not spectacular draft.
New York: The Knicks first need to move Randolph for a first round pick or they risk having to include rookie Landry Fields in the deal for Anthony. Even if Fields needs to be included it is still a move that the Knicks need to make. As a Knicks fan I have made a complete 180 on this deal. At first I was reluctant for the Knicks to include Gallo, Chandler, or Fields in a deal for Anthony, assuming Anthony would come to NY as a free agent this summer. As the Knicks have swooned latley I have realized they need a major upgrade to compete in the top heavy Eastern conference as they currently would face either Chicago or Miami in the first round of the playoffs. Anthony would give the Knicks another legit star to team with an already wearing down Amare and as much as I like Gallo, Chandler, and Fields available stars are a lot harder to find than even top flight role players.
2) Denver trades Nene and JR Smith to Golden State for Monta Ellis and A. Biedrins.
Denver: After trading Anthony and most likely Billups in a smaller deal, Denver can use their cap savings to trade free agent to be Nene and Smith for a dynamic scorer in Ellis and a serviceable replacement for Nene. Ellis can be had for a big man and he comes relatively inexpensive (4 yrs 11 million per) and could be counted on to replace Anthony's points. In Biedrins (4 yrs 9 million per) Denver would get a high energy big man who can run and doesn't need the basketball offensively. After these moves a Lawson, Affalo, Gallo, and Ellis core is a good start for a franchise who is being held hostage by their star player.
Golden State: Ellis has been great for the Warriors, but he is an odd fit with the inexpensive, younger, and also undersized Curry at the point. In return for Ellis the Warriors would get the big man they have been after for years in Nene. Golden State's new ownership would have to be willing to pay Nene, but that shouldnt' be a problem with the money heading out the door with Ellis and Biedrins. JR Smith is a bigger two guard who would compliment Curry much more effectively for the rest of the season than Ellis and with the Nene and Smith additions the Warriors would go from an awful defensive team to mediocre.
3) LA Lakers trade Gasol to Atlanta for J. Smith, M. Williams, and J. Teague.
LA: Definitely the most unlikely of my possible trades, but hear me out. The Lakers management thinks too highly of Andrew Bynum's potential that they will not trade him, leaving Gasol as the only trade-able piece the Lakers have. Gasol was part of back to back title teams and was the reason LA won game 7 last year vs. the Celtics, but he seems to be wearing down this season like the Lakers as a whole. In Phil Jackson's final season the Lakers need to get younger and more athletic and with Smith (3 yrs 11.7 million per), Williams (4 yrs 7.2 million per), and Teague (1 yr 1.4 million) LA becomes a team with potential. If anyone and any situation can bring the best out of Smith and Williams you would think it has to be Kobe and the Lakers. I for one can see Kobe's final years as the veteran leader to a lineup with these three additions and Bynum at center.
Atlanta: The definition of a team that is good, but not great and a team that is comfortably in the playoffs, but not a threat to win big. Smith and Williams are talented, but seem to have run their course in Atlanta. Bringing in Gasol would add professionalism and accountability to the Hawks roster along with one of the most skilled big men in the game. Gasol (4 yrs 17.8 per) would combine with Horford to form an intimidating and successful front line and make the Hawks a threat to win big.
4) Phoenix trades Nash and Hill to Dallas for R. Beaubois, D. Jones, C. Butler's expiring contract and Dallas first round pick in '12.
Phoenix: The Suns need to take a serious look at the Raptors to see what their future looks like if they continue to insist on keeping Nash until his contract expires in two years. Nash will still make the Suns a draw, but they are 10th in the Western conference and have little hope of improving on that even with Nash on the roster. The Suns already added a nice piece in Gortat and an expiring contract in Carter and making this trade would give them two more pieces and an another expiring. Beaubois is a future star at the point and rookie Dominique Jones will be a NBA scorer when given the chance. Trading Nash will hurt the Suns this year and next, but in the future this is a good one for the Suns as an organization and if they are unsure all they need to do is to call former exec and current Toronto GM Byan Colangelo.
Dallas: Cuban needs to do everything he can to try to make up for the biggest mistake the Mavs made under his leadership , allowing Nash to walk as a free agent. Adding Hill and Nash to a team with Dirk, Kidd, Terry, and Chandler would be quite a story as those players and this franchise chases that elusive title. It is only a matter of how quickly the Mavs can say "yes" if Phoenix puts this deal on the table.
5) Memphis trades Z. Randolph to Oklahoma City for J. Green, J. Harden, E. Maynor, N. Kristic.
Memphis: I don't understand why Memphis has allowed their most effective player and a guy who must be double teamed on the block every possession to come to the last year of his contract while they sign other not as effective players like Gay, Allen, and Conley. Those moves and their decision to make Gasol a priority have left Randolph as the odd man out in Memphis. With this deal they bring back inexpensive wing guys with potential in Green (restriced FA next year) and Harden and Kristic's expiring contract. Maynor would also fill a big need as a back up point guard that is clearly evident with the Grizzles' recent Jayson Williams signing.
Oklahoma City: Randolph does not address the Thunder's most pressing need at the moment, their inability to defend consistently, but he does give the most effective perimeter offense in the league a post presence that must be accounted for in the half court set. OKC has been reluctant to take on guys with "character issues", but Randolph has been a model citizen lately and would give the Thunder a championship caliber offense.
6) Philadelphia trades Iguodala and Hawes to the LA Clippers for Kaman, Aminu, and '11 1st round pick.
Philadelphia: The 76ers are presently 7th in the East and looking at a first round matchup with the Heat, this move would allow them to shed Iguodala's contract (4 yrs 12.35 million per) for a younger replacement in Aminu and a healthy Kaman is immediately one of the best centers in the Eastern conference. This move would also lead to more playing time for rookie and overall #2 pick Evan Turner and a chance to find out if he is part of the future along with Holiday, Meeks, and Williams. A Kaman/Brand combo is a potent frontourt duo in the East.
LA Clippers: The Clipps have the ability to take on money and have a huge hole in their lineup at the 3 spot. Iguodala fills that need and he showed at last summer's World Championships that he is very effective as a team's 3rd or 4th option. His ability to get to the rim would open things up for Griffin and Gordon and most importantly for the Clipps winning percentage he is a relentless defender. Hawes also gives the Clipps a back up for DeAndre Jordan, who has made Kaman more than replaceable.
7) Charlotte trades S. Jackson to Chicago for T. Gibson, R. Brewer, J. Johnson and a '11 first round pick.
Charlotte: The Bobcats have improved under coach Paul Silas, but still find themselves out of the Eastern conference playoff picture and they need young compliments to DJ Augustin and Gerald Henderson. Captain Jack is their biggest asset and this move would return two young chips in big man Gibson and a wing in Johnson. Sending Gerald Wallace to Portland for Batum would also be a makeover that leaves the Bobcats with hope for the future.
Chicago: I know I personally value Captain Jack higher than any GM in the NBA especially Bulls GM Gar Foreman, but there is no denying that he is a competitor and is not afraid of big shots or big moments. I think he would be a nice fit next to Rose and I can't help but think about him leading the 8th seeded Warriors over the top seeded Mavs in the '07 playoffs. You can't beat his recent quote about looking forward to All-Star weekend so officials can stop judging him and the story about him threatening fans who were heckling him is classic. The fans heckling him immediately stopped and said they have been scared every since. That seems like the kind of player that would be a great addition to a team that is a 2 guard away from contending for a title.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
A Little Game Played on Sundays
For the past 2 weeks every possible story line has been covered for this year's Super Bowl between the Steelers and the Packers. "Experts" have added their analysis and two-sense and ultimately decided on a winner. If you have read my posts before you know where I stand on these expert opinions. It's funny how much stock the American public takes in what these guys have to say. Football is a game that plays itself out on the field, one injury here, one turnover there, and the whole dynamic the game is changed. Yes it's usually easy to determine the favorite in each game, however, this Super Bowl lacks a clear cut favorite in my opinion, but favorites fall, ask Coach of the Year Bill Belichick about that.
I in no way claim to be an expert. I like to think that I know a little about sports, and after 25 years of watching the NFL I think I have figured out the game. Obviously being a munchkin and weighing less than 150 pounds, I don't know what it is like inside an NFL huddle or locker room, but from what I've seen with my own eyes over the years, I think I've picked up some trends and nuances of the NFL. So without further adieu, here are my keys to the biggest game of them all.
First thing to take into consideration is that National Anthem singer, Christina Aguilera is a native of Pittsburgh. What a girl wants is another ring for the Rooneys.
1. The Quarterbacks
Obviously this subject has been touched upon early and often since this matchup was announced. Two of the NFLs best: one dominates in the statistical aspect of the game, another one dominates in crunch time and in big games.
I think this game comes down to, which of these guys is given a little time in the pocket. Yes, Rodgers has a very quick release, but he has to. His line doesn't afford him the kind of time that other elites like Manning and Brady have. I've stated before that Rodgers is the only other QB that could play behind the Steelers patchwork line.
Speaking of the Steelers' O-line, it consists of Jonathan Scott, Chris Kemoeatu, Doug Legursky, Ramon Foster, and Flozell Adams. How on earth did this unit make it all the way to the Super Bowl. This is the worst cast since the 2006 critically acclaimed film Employee of the Month.
Basically what I'm saying is that both QBs will get hit, and whichever one avoids turning the ball over will win.
Both guys can make plays and pick up first downs with their legs. So that story line is a push.
Hopefully for the Steelers, it takes Rodgers atleast a quarter to get acclimated to the game. It's unlike any other game he has ever played. Everyone in the world is watching. For the Steelers' sake lets hope it takes him a few series to settle in. To Ben, on the other hand, this is an old bag. He's been here twice, won twice, so he should be able to get off to a fairly decent start.
2. Troy's health
Where has he been the past two games? The answer is in center field. When on his game, Troy is as disruptive at the line of scrimmage as he is in the secondary. I can't imagine LeBeau developing a game plan in which his best player is left to covering crossing patterns in the deep secondary.
Good news for the Steelers is that Polamalu has had two weeks since he last suited up for the Jets, and Troy doesn't like to stay quiet too long, which means that he is due to make one of his patented game changing play.
3. Maurkice Pouncey's ankle
Yes every sports channel across the nation has covered this story, but I don't think it has been given enough coverage. So what we have here is a rookie Pro Bowl center, who has the intelligence and skills to play the most demanding position on the O-line at a Pro Bowl level, months after being removed from college. Yeah this guy is good.
You know who else is good, B.J. Raji. A former first round pick out of B.C., over the last few games he has shown why he is one of the elite at the position. He dominated a veteran stallwart like Olin Kreutz of Chicago a few weeks back and now he gets to go against a guy that is making his first NFL start at center. Yeah this could be an issue for the Steelers and their running game.
If Raji is able to clog the line of scrimmage and snuff out the running game, Mendenhall is quick, but most of his damage is done inside the tackles, then that means the Steelers will have to rely on the pass more and allow guys like Clay Matthews to pin back their ears and make attempts on Ben's life.
So what I am saying is losing Pouncey is a huge deal, no matter how much the Steelers are down playing it. Can the Big Legursky do it? I hope so, but I wouldn't count on it.
4. Wide Receiver speed.
The Pittsburgh receiving corps is fast. No not Hines Ward or Randle El, but I'm talking about Mike Wallace, Emanuel "in Space" Sanders, and Antonio Brown.
Green Bay knows these guys are fast, they have watched the tapes, played against Wallace last season, so they should be prepared for the speed right? Wrong, that's the thing about speed, you can watch it on tape as many times as you like, but it is a completely different story when it is coming right at you and leaves you in the dust.
Because Sanders and Brown are rookies, the Pack have never seen them live at game speed. I'm sure Ladarius Webb of Baltimore knew Brown was fast, I mean he did give him a huge cushion on 3rd and 19, and even started back pedaling before the ball was snapped, but before he could blink the rook out of Central Michigan was past him.
If I were the Steelers I would use this early. Go deep in the first possession. Try to make that big play to take the Pack's hopes down a few notches. Run an early play action, Green Bay knows the Steelers love to run the ball, and let the kids run their hearts out. Because it is early in the game, their adreneline will be pumping and they will probably be faster than they will be in the 3rd quarter. So after the fake to Mendenahall, Ben should perform his patented Pittsburgh Pump, (yep I just coined a new term, isn't alliteration great), and heave it down the field. If its caught great, if not and it falls incomplete, no harm, but the Packers will be thinking about it for the rest of the game. They will have to respect the speed and therefore open holes underneath.
5. Green Bay receivers
These guys are no slouches. They might not be as fast as the Steelers' young guns, but they could possibly be the best corps in the league. Jennings is an absolute stud and is always a threat to run an uncoverable slant near the goal line. Driver is the Hines Ward of Wisconsin, he's tough as nails, not afraid to go over the middle, and will make the impossible catch. James "Stone Hands" Jones is a good bet to drop atleast one ball, but he is also as likely to catch a deep bomb for a score. Can't hate on cracker Jordy Nelson. He's the biggest receiver in the game and is also capable of making the tough catch over the middle, along the sideline, or in the endzone. Then we have God's Gift Andrew Quarless. I watched this clown play for 4 years at Penn State, and while at times he looked like Shannon Sharpe, at other times he reminded me of Jerramy Stevens.
Just imagine if the Pack still had a healthy JerMichael Finley. Their passing game would be unstoppable. The Steelers' particularly Timmons and Polamalu are lucky that that beast is sidelined.
If the Packers decide to abandon the run and go with 5 receivers, then the Steelers will be in trouble. They aren't necessarily known for having the most stout secondary, and having to bring in the likes of William Gay and Anthony Madison when Aaron Rodgers is throwing darts all around the field could be the end of Pittsburgh. Also when in the dime, that means some of the Steelers' best defensive personnel, Casey Hampton for instance, will be forced to stand around on the sideline. Let's hope this doesn't become a full throttle aerial assault by the Packers.
6. Running game
So we know that Green Bay who have had trouble establishing the run all season, will struggle to run on the Steelers' top-ranked rushing defense. That isn't even up for debate, thus making the scenerio stated above, a real possibility.
The Steelers on the other hand have been able to run the ball all season, and Mendenhall has been playing well this postseason. If the Steelers can run the ball and keep Rodgers off the field, that will go a long way towards winning the game. The less Rodgers is on the field, the less comfortable he can get on the biggest stage in sports, all which bode well for the Steelers. A running game also sets up the play action which can utilize the speed on the outside. But as I said earlier, it comes down to how well the Big Legursky can handle Raji, Jenkins, and Pickett.
If the running game begins to falter, the Steelers should take a page out of the Patriots game plan and use the backs and tight ends in the short to intermediate passing game. I have a feeling that Mewelde Moore and Heath Miller will play a big role in the outcome of this game.
7. Prediction
Seeing as how I am a Steelers fan I obviously want to see the boys from the 'burgh bring home a seventh Lombardi, but if I were to bet on this game, I would go with the favored Pack and lay the 2 1/2. Either way I would end up a winner. It is a great hedge bet. The Steelers win and I am happy. The Packers win and my wallet is a little more full.
But I'll let Wiz Khalifa and Snoop tell you what team will win the Super Bowl.
I in no way claim to be an expert. I like to think that I know a little about sports, and after 25 years of watching the NFL I think I have figured out the game. Obviously being a munchkin and weighing less than 150 pounds, I don't know what it is like inside an NFL huddle or locker room, but from what I've seen with my own eyes over the years, I think I've picked up some trends and nuances of the NFL. So without further adieu, here are my keys to the biggest game of them all.
First thing to take into consideration is that National Anthem singer, Christina Aguilera is a native of Pittsburgh. What a girl wants is another ring for the Rooneys.
1. The Quarterbacks
Obviously this subject has been touched upon early and often since this matchup was announced. Two of the NFLs best: one dominates in the statistical aspect of the game, another one dominates in crunch time and in big games.
I think this game comes down to, which of these guys is given a little time in the pocket. Yes, Rodgers has a very quick release, but he has to. His line doesn't afford him the kind of time that other elites like Manning and Brady have. I've stated before that Rodgers is the only other QB that could play behind the Steelers patchwork line.
Speaking of the Steelers' O-line, it consists of Jonathan Scott, Chris Kemoeatu, Doug Legursky, Ramon Foster, and Flozell Adams. How on earth did this unit make it all the way to the Super Bowl. This is the worst cast since the 2006 critically acclaimed film Employee of the Month.
Basically what I'm saying is that both QBs will get hit, and whichever one avoids turning the ball over will win.
Both guys can make plays and pick up first downs with their legs. So that story line is a push.
Hopefully for the Steelers, it takes Rodgers atleast a quarter to get acclimated to the game. It's unlike any other game he has ever played. Everyone in the world is watching. For the Steelers' sake lets hope it takes him a few series to settle in. To Ben, on the other hand, this is an old bag. He's been here twice, won twice, so he should be able to get off to a fairly decent start.
2. Troy's health
Where has he been the past two games? The answer is in center field. When on his game, Troy is as disruptive at the line of scrimmage as he is in the secondary. I can't imagine LeBeau developing a game plan in which his best player is left to covering crossing patterns in the deep secondary.
Good news for the Steelers is that Polamalu has had two weeks since he last suited up for the Jets, and Troy doesn't like to stay quiet too long, which means that he is due to make one of his patented game changing play.
3. Maurkice Pouncey's ankle
Yes every sports channel across the nation has covered this story, but I don't think it has been given enough coverage. So what we have here is a rookie Pro Bowl center, who has the intelligence and skills to play the most demanding position on the O-line at a Pro Bowl level, months after being removed from college. Yeah this guy is good.
You know who else is good, B.J. Raji. A former first round pick out of B.C., over the last few games he has shown why he is one of the elite at the position. He dominated a veteran stallwart like Olin Kreutz of Chicago a few weeks back and now he gets to go against a guy that is making his first NFL start at center. Yeah this could be an issue for the Steelers and their running game.
If Raji is able to clog the line of scrimmage and snuff out the running game, Mendenhall is quick, but most of his damage is done inside the tackles, then that means the Steelers will have to rely on the pass more and allow guys like Clay Matthews to pin back their ears and make attempts on Ben's life.
So what I am saying is losing Pouncey is a huge deal, no matter how much the Steelers are down playing it. Can the Big Legursky do it? I hope so, but I wouldn't count on it.
4. Wide Receiver speed.
The Pittsburgh receiving corps is fast. No not Hines Ward or Randle El, but I'm talking about Mike Wallace, Emanuel "in Space" Sanders, and Antonio Brown.
Green Bay knows these guys are fast, they have watched the tapes, played against Wallace last season, so they should be prepared for the speed right? Wrong, that's the thing about speed, you can watch it on tape as many times as you like, but it is a completely different story when it is coming right at you and leaves you in the dust.
Because Sanders and Brown are rookies, the Pack have never seen them live at game speed. I'm sure Ladarius Webb of Baltimore knew Brown was fast, I mean he did give him a huge cushion on 3rd and 19, and even started back pedaling before the ball was snapped, but before he could blink the rook out of Central Michigan was past him.
If I were the Steelers I would use this early. Go deep in the first possession. Try to make that big play to take the Pack's hopes down a few notches. Run an early play action, Green Bay knows the Steelers love to run the ball, and let the kids run their hearts out. Because it is early in the game, their adreneline will be pumping and they will probably be faster than they will be in the 3rd quarter. So after the fake to Mendenahall, Ben should perform his patented Pittsburgh Pump, (yep I just coined a new term, isn't alliteration great), and heave it down the field. If its caught great, if not and it falls incomplete, no harm, but the Packers will be thinking about it for the rest of the game. They will have to respect the speed and therefore open holes underneath.
5. Green Bay receivers
These guys are no slouches. They might not be as fast as the Steelers' young guns, but they could possibly be the best corps in the league. Jennings is an absolute stud and is always a threat to run an uncoverable slant near the goal line. Driver is the Hines Ward of Wisconsin, he's tough as nails, not afraid to go over the middle, and will make the impossible catch. James "Stone Hands" Jones is a good bet to drop atleast one ball, but he is also as likely to catch a deep bomb for a score. Can't hate on cracker Jordy Nelson. He's the biggest receiver in the game and is also capable of making the tough catch over the middle, along the sideline, or in the endzone. Then we have God's Gift Andrew Quarless. I watched this clown play for 4 years at Penn State, and while at times he looked like Shannon Sharpe, at other times he reminded me of Jerramy Stevens.
Just imagine if the Pack still had a healthy JerMichael Finley. Their passing game would be unstoppable. The Steelers' particularly Timmons and Polamalu are lucky that that beast is sidelined.
If the Packers decide to abandon the run and go with 5 receivers, then the Steelers will be in trouble. They aren't necessarily known for having the most stout secondary, and having to bring in the likes of William Gay and Anthony Madison when Aaron Rodgers is throwing darts all around the field could be the end of Pittsburgh. Also when in the dime, that means some of the Steelers' best defensive personnel, Casey Hampton for instance, will be forced to stand around on the sideline. Let's hope this doesn't become a full throttle aerial assault by the Packers.
6. Running game
So we know that Green Bay who have had trouble establishing the run all season, will struggle to run on the Steelers' top-ranked rushing defense. That isn't even up for debate, thus making the scenerio stated above, a real possibility.
The Steelers on the other hand have been able to run the ball all season, and Mendenhall has been playing well this postseason. If the Steelers can run the ball and keep Rodgers off the field, that will go a long way towards winning the game. The less Rodgers is on the field, the less comfortable he can get on the biggest stage in sports, all which bode well for the Steelers. A running game also sets up the play action which can utilize the speed on the outside. But as I said earlier, it comes down to how well the Big Legursky can handle Raji, Jenkins, and Pickett.
If the running game begins to falter, the Steelers should take a page out of the Patriots game plan and use the backs and tight ends in the short to intermediate passing game. I have a feeling that Mewelde Moore and Heath Miller will play a big role in the outcome of this game.
7. Prediction
Seeing as how I am a Steelers fan I obviously want to see the boys from the 'burgh bring home a seventh Lombardi, but if I were to bet on this game, I would go with the favored Pack and lay the 2 1/2. Either way I would end up a winner. It is a great hedge bet. The Steelers win and I am happy. The Packers win and my wallet is a little more full.
But I'll let Wiz Khalifa and Snoop tell you what team will win the Super Bowl.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Let's Go Pens
Another win without Crosby or Malkin. Dustin Jeffrey was centering the first line. After a one-on-one with Disco Dan at the morning skate, Tyler Kennedy came up big with the game's opening goal.
Ray Shero had a game plan in the off-season; that plan was to make the defensive unit a brick wall. So far mission accomplished. #1 on the PK, #2 in the league in goals against.
Without the scoring prowess of two superstars, the defense needs to keep the game within reach.
I'm sure that Shero has something up his sleeve for the trade deadline. My personal opinion is that he will be dangling Alex Goligoski as bait. Out of our 7 regular defenders, he is the worst defensively. However, he does have the offense skill that teams covet. With all 7 defenders under contract next season, and the rapid ascension of prized prospect Simon Depres, one of our d-men are expendable. Orpik and Letang are untouchable. Martin and Michalek were just brought in for a hefty price. That leaves Goligoski and a very reasonable contract, Deryk Engelland with limited offensive skill, and still unproven Ben Lovejoy. Goligoski easily brings the most returns in a trade. A young, offensively skilled defensemen that can run you point on the powerplay is just what teams are looking for. He packaged with a winger or a nice prospect, might be able to bring in a solid winger to play along side Malkin or Staal.
As for tonight, my dad, a recently converted hockey fan, and I were talking about goalie fights. I said they never happen, the last one I can remember was during the nasty Colorado/Detroit series of the late 90s/early 2000s.
Well tonight we got to see another. DiPietro will probably be out 4-6 weeks after that punch. Good thing they signed him for 15 years, well done Garth Snow.
Like I said, my dad is fairly new to hockey but already has his own opinions on how to improve the game:
1. No Goalies
2. 4 posts
3. Shared penalty boxes
4. Fighting at intermission
5. Drinking on the bench
6. No helmets
7. More Canadian teams (his only good idea)
8. Players miked
9. One referee
He must have went to the James Harrison School of Commissioning
Ray Shero had a game plan in the off-season; that plan was to make the defensive unit a brick wall. So far mission accomplished. #1 on the PK, #2 in the league in goals against.
Without the scoring prowess of two superstars, the defense needs to keep the game within reach.
I'm sure that Shero has something up his sleeve for the trade deadline. My personal opinion is that he will be dangling Alex Goligoski as bait. Out of our 7 regular defenders, he is the worst defensively. However, he does have the offense skill that teams covet. With all 7 defenders under contract next season, and the rapid ascension of prized prospect Simon Depres, one of our d-men are expendable. Orpik and Letang are untouchable. Martin and Michalek were just brought in for a hefty price. That leaves Goligoski and a very reasonable contract, Deryk Engelland with limited offensive skill, and still unproven Ben Lovejoy. Goligoski easily brings the most returns in a trade. A young, offensively skilled defensemen that can run you point on the powerplay is just what teams are looking for. He packaged with a winger or a nice prospect, might be able to bring in a solid winger to play along side Malkin or Staal.
As for tonight, my dad, a recently converted hockey fan, and I were talking about goalie fights. I said they never happen, the last one I can remember was during the nasty Colorado/Detroit series of the late 90s/early 2000s.
Well tonight we got to see another. DiPietro will probably be out 4-6 weeks after that punch. Good thing they signed him for 15 years, well done Garth Snow.
Like I said, my dad is fairly new to hockey but already has his own opinions on how to improve the game:
1. No Goalies
2. 4 posts
3. Shared penalty boxes
4. Fighting at intermission
5. Drinking on the bench
6. No helmets
7. More Canadian teams (his only good idea)
8. Players miked
9. One referee
He must have went to the James Harrison School of Commissioning
A few theories on where we go from here
I know it is only the beginning of February, but barring a #16 seed winning the NCAA tourney or the Pittsburgh Pirates winning the World Series (with Lyle Overbay as the obvious regular and postseason MVP winner) we have already witnessed the biggest surprise of the year and it has nothing to do with the 6th seeded Packers making it to the Super Bowl. It has taken me almost a week to comprehend what I saw last Thursday on "Jersey Shore" when Jenni "JWOW" Farley buried the hatchet with her enemy and opponent in two fights that could have easily been HBO fight of the year candiates, Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola. You expect a lot from your favorites on "Jersey Shore"; outrageous outfits (JWOW), head shaking quotes (Snooki), relationship dysfunction (Sammi/Ronnie), instigation (Situation), comic relief (Pauly and Vinny), crying (Ronnie), and a laugh out loud lack of self awareness (entire cast). Who would have ever guessed that we would get a cease fire and actual steps toward forgiveness? After seeing JWOW and Sammi ordering drinks and apologizing to each other maybe special envoy to Middle Eastern peace George Mitchell should bring the leaders of Israel and Palenstine to a table at "Karma" as opposed to Camp David. The big question after this reconciliation is where does it go from here? After a week of thinking about this I have come up with four comparisons, three from the world of sports and one from the world of MTV reality TV that can hopefully shed light on this event and help us predict the future.
The first and most logical comparison is to the Lauren (LC) and Heidi feud that also began with a relationship. In that "Hills" feud Spencer (the most hated reality villian, since joined by Camille Grammar), boyfriend/finance of Heidi made disparaging comments about LC and the possibility of her making a sex tape for publicity (which worked for Paris Hilton, but no so much for Screech). Heidi stood by Spencer and in turn chose her realtionship over her best-friend. Heidi was left trying to apologize for Spencer and her decision led to a split that was only resloved when LC spoke with Heidi prior to attending her wedding as she left the public spotlight. The major difference between these MTV reality show feuds aside from the Hills' lack of physical confrontation was LC, she was the one who was wronged and was willing to talk to Heidi while not forgiving Spencer. She took the high road on her way out of the spotlight which was no surprise to anyone who had watched her since "Laguna Beach". The JWOW/Sammi feud, though started by Sammi's allegiance to her relationship/Ronnie never had the person who was wronged aspect that the Hills had. Clearly Sammi should have responded better to her friends' letter about Ronnie's antics, and JWOW, if a true friend should have gone to her personally and not hide behind an anonymous letter. Without a person who was wronged and an LC like person willing to take the high road, the JWOW/Sammi fued will not end like the Hills. Maybe the biggest reason for this is I can't see either of these two leaving the cash cow that is Jersey Shore and moving on to anything else. Just as Randy "The Ram" Robinson knew that the only thing he had was wrestling, you have to figure this crew knows the same thing.
The second comparison that immediately came to me was the Shaq/Kobe feud and their subsequent burying of the hatchet. Shaq and Kobe co-existed for 3 titles with the Lakers while both wanted to be the unquestioned star of the team. Not until Kobe sold Shaq out to investigators after his rape arrest in Colorado during the summer of '03 did the feud become unbearable for everyone involved. The '04 season was the last season Kobe and Shaq played together and it is no surprise that even a team with 4 future Hall of Famers was easily beaten in the Finals by a Detroit Pistons team that lacked even one Hall of Famer. After the season Shaq was traded to the other side of the country and and Kobe became the unquestioned king of LA. They continued to make their dislike for each other known publicly for a couple of years, until they both stated that their feud had been buried thanks to the intervention of NBA legends, notably Magic Johnson and Bill Russell. After this resolution they were publicly friendly and complimentary, but behind closed doors the feud continued to simmer under the surface with Shaq's rap bad mouthing Kobe and Kobe's comment in the locker room after last year's title that he now has one more than Shaq. This simmering feud continues as Shaq chose to join the Celtics this year, who happen to be the Lakers' biggest championship rival. I can see the JWOW/Sammi feud continuing at this same pace, in the place of NBA legends, Pauly and Vinny brokered this public resolution between the two women who both think they are the biggest stars of the show, and though they are now "friends" publicly, can't you see them continuing to needle each other through the other roomates for the rest of their public lives? Just as Kobe loves to proclaim how he can win titles without Shaq, JWOW will continue to tell Snooki what a mistake Sammi is making by putting up with Ronni's antics. Just as Shaq continues to chase titles and drama, I get the feeling Sammi loves playing the betrayed girlfriend and will continue the threats to leave the Shore after every fight with Ronnie.
The third comparison that I can see the JWOW/Sammi feud playing out like is the Ali/Frazier trilogy. Ali/Frazier 1 in Madison Square Garden was dubbed at the time as the "Fight of the Century" as both men were evenly matched and more than willing to trade punches and the rematch was generally regarded as underwhelming. This parallels the first two JWOW/Sammi fights, as the first in Miami was great while the second fight in Seaside didn't live up to the hype. As Ali and Frazier braced for their third fight, Frazier felt slighted by Ali and took his trash talk as personal attacks. It became personal and much more than two athletes displaying their skills at the highest level. Just as Frazier went to bat for Ali during commissions and hearings while Ali was suspended for not going to Vietnam and felt Ali not only never recognized this but then insulted him and his family personally, JWOW felt Sammi never acknowledged that she went out of her way with a letter detailing Ronnie's behavoir in Miami and it has become personal since. The third Ali/Frazier fight is recognized as one of the best if not best fight ever as the action mirrored their first fight and it took place out of the country in the Philippines. Incidentally season 4 of "Jersey Shore" is headed out of the country to Italy and a third fight could be in the cards. The bad blood between Frazier and Ali is still alive today even though it has been over 30 years since their last fight and a third fight in Itlay between these two could lead to the same hard feelings.
The final comparison is on a little bit of a lighter note (that is right the previous 1200 words were all as serious as a Sammi right cross); both the late George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin had big personalities and more than a little fire to say the least. They exchanged a few blows, some in public, like most brothers have done and fought and reconciled as much as Sammi and Ron. Things got personal and words were often publicly exchanged; Martin called George out for being a convicted liar and George once said Billy knew so little about baseball he was unqualified to rake the field. George hired and fired Martin 5 times, in 3 instances they didn't even last the entire season, but to be fair you can sail around the world in a sailboat in less time than a baseball season lasts. Martin was also assembling his coaching staff for his 6th stint as Yankee manager when he died. Some people are so alike that they are the best of friends and enemies on the same day, and I wouldnt' be surprised if this is the first of many apologies that lead to fights and more apologies in the JWOW/Sammi saga.
The first and most logical comparison is to the Lauren (LC) and Heidi feud that also began with a relationship. In that "Hills" feud Spencer (the most hated reality villian, since joined by Camille Grammar), boyfriend/finance of Heidi made disparaging comments about LC and the possibility of her making a sex tape for publicity (which worked for Paris Hilton, but no so much for Screech). Heidi stood by Spencer and in turn chose her realtionship over her best-friend. Heidi was left trying to apologize for Spencer and her decision led to a split that was only resloved when LC spoke with Heidi prior to attending her wedding as she left the public spotlight. The major difference between these MTV reality show feuds aside from the Hills' lack of physical confrontation was LC, she was the one who was wronged and was willing to talk to Heidi while not forgiving Spencer. She took the high road on her way out of the spotlight which was no surprise to anyone who had watched her since "Laguna Beach". The JWOW/Sammi feud, though started by Sammi's allegiance to her relationship/Ronnie never had the person who was wronged aspect that the Hills had. Clearly Sammi should have responded better to her friends' letter about Ronnie's antics, and JWOW, if a true friend should have gone to her personally and not hide behind an anonymous letter. Without a person who was wronged and an LC like person willing to take the high road, the JWOW/Sammi fued will not end like the Hills. Maybe the biggest reason for this is I can't see either of these two leaving the cash cow that is Jersey Shore and moving on to anything else. Just as Randy "The Ram" Robinson knew that the only thing he had was wrestling, you have to figure this crew knows the same thing.
The second comparison that immediately came to me was the Shaq/Kobe feud and their subsequent burying of the hatchet. Shaq and Kobe co-existed for 3 titles with the Lakers while both wanted to be the unquestioned star of the team. Not until Kobe sold Shaq out to investigators after his rape arrest in Colorado during the summer of '03 did the feud become unbearable for everyone involved. The '04 season was the last season Kobe and Shaq played together and it is no surprise that even a team with 4 future Hall of Famers was easily beaten in the Finals by a Detroit Pistons team that lacked even one Hall of Famer. After the season Shaq was traded to the other side of the country and and Kobe became the unquestioned king of LA. They continued to make their dislike for each other known publicly for a couple of years, until they both stated that their feud had been buried thanks to the intervention of NBA legends, notably Magic Johnson and Bill Russell. After this resolution they were publicly friendly and complimentary, but behind closed doors the feud continued to simmer under the surface with Shaq's rap bad mouthing Kobe and Kobe's comment in the locker room after last year's title that he now has one more than Shaq. This simmering feud continues as Shaq chose to join the Celtics this year, who happen to be the Lakers' biggest championship rival. I can see the JWOW/Sammi feud continuing at this same pace, in the place of NBA legends, Pauly and Vinny brokered this public resolution between the two women who both think they are the biggest stars of the show, and though they are now "friends" publicly, can't you see them continuing to needle each other through the other roomates for the rest of their public lives? Just as Kobe loves to proclaim how he can win titles without Shaq, JWOW will continue to tell Snooki what a mistake Sammi is making by putting up with Ronni's antics. Just as Shaq continues to chase titles and drama, I get the feeling Sammi loves playing the betrayed girlfriend and will continue the threats to leave the Shore after every fight with Ronnie.
The third comparison that I can see the JWOW/Sammi feud playing out like is the Ali/Frazier trilogy. Ali/Frazier 1 in Madison Square Garden was dubbed at the time as the "Fight of the Century" as both men were evenly matched and more than willing to trade punches and the rematch was generally regarded as underwhelming. This parallels the first two JWOW/Sammi fights, as the first in Miami was great while the second fight in Seaside didn't live up to the hype. As Ali and Frazier braced for their third fight, Frazier felt slighted by Ali and took his trash talk as personal attacks. It became personal and much more than two athletes displaying their skills at the highest level. Just as Frazier went to bat for Ali during commissions and hearings while Ali was suspended for not going to Vietnam and felt Ali not only never recognized this but then insulted him and his family personally, JWOW felt Sammi never acknowledged that she went out of her way with a letter detailing Ronnie's behavoir in Miami and it has become personal since. The third Ali/Frazier fight is recognized as one of the best if not best fight ever as the action mirrored their first fight and it took place out of the country in the Philippines. Incidentally season 4 of "Jersey Shore" is headed out of the country to Italy and a third fight could be in the cards. The bad blood between Frazier and Ali is still alive today even though it has been over 30 years since their last fight and a third fight in Itlay between these two could lead to the same hard feelings.
The final comparison is on a little bit of a lighter note (that is right the previous 1200 words were all as serious as a Sammi right cross); both the late George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin had big personalities and more than a little fire to say the least. They exchanged a few blows, some in public, like most brothers have done and fought and reconciled as much as Sammi and Ron. Things got personal and words were often publicly exchanged; Martin called George out for being a convicted liar and George once said Billy knew so little about baseball he was unqualified to rake the field. George hired and fired Martin 5 times, in 3 instances they didn't even last the entire season, but to be fair you can sail around the world in a sailboat in less time than a baseball season lasts. Martin was also assembling his coaching staff for his 6th stint as Yankee manager when he died. Some people are so alike that they are the best of friends and enemies on the same day, and I wouldnt' be surprised if this is the first of many apologies that lead to fights and more apologies in the JWOW/Sammi saga.
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