Boston has earned the right to party like madmen. The 2013 Red Sox have won the World Series. If you are a Boston fan stop here now to go celebrate! You guys deserve it. It took work and it wasn't easy facing the reigning champs, the St. Louis Cardinals. I had called it from the beginning of the season, then again I always say my teams are going to win it all. That shows how much I actually pay attention to stats in baseball. Boston, enjoy this victory and try not to be too rowdy, people might talk.
With what seems like every possible sport under the sun being played right now, it's hard to know what to pay attention to. I would watch football, just not the Redskins. Somehow the Redskins are not as good as they were last season (gasp). RGIII isn't as good as everyone thought he was going to be. My reasoning: RGIII found a time machine went to his second year player self, brought him back to last season to make a great rookie year but now since he caused a rip in his own timeline he now is actually playing his rookie year this year instead of last year. Ok, I might have gone off the deep end with that one but hey, it sounds way better than what the reality is. The fact is that Griffin isn't as good as he's been cracked up to been. Sure he's a decent player but come on, look at how he's playing, and look at the talent just sitting there on the bench waiting for his turn. Kirk Cousins is just as talented if not more so than Griffin. If the Redskins want to waste time trying to get RGIII back to how he was last year fine, that's their business. But I hope they bear in mind that with every loss the fan base is shrinking. As of writing this post the Skins are 2-5.
Now the Steelers aren't doing much better, they have the same record as the Skins (2-5) but I don't have any ideas on what's happening in Pittsburgh. It's just not happening. Plain and simple, nothing is happening. They need to pull it together if they want to have any hope of making the playoffs. But considering how the rest of the league is looking at the moment, it could be any one's game. It's just a big ball of confusion. They'll figure it out, they always do.
New England is honestly in a league of their own. Not because they have some amazing record, but because of the record they have with the players they have. With several of their key receivers missing, they are still pulling out wins. They are 6-2, again not entirely sure how they have kept such a decent looking record.
Oh and hockey's happening. But let us ponder the whole RGIII time travel theory.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
Nerve Wreckers
If you happen to be a New England sports fan, of any sport, be it baseball, hockey, or football, you might be needing some anxiety medicine. Now the Bruins haven't crossed the line into heart-stopping action quite yet but the hockey season is still young, it could very well happen. The Red Sox won their game with a grad slam Sunday night. I didn't see said grand slam because I wasn't watching the game for two reasons: 1). I was watching the Redskins loose pitifully to the Cowboys (more on that game further in the post) and 2). I can't stand watching baseball on TV. Final Score of the Red Sox game: Boston 6 - Detroit 5.
If you didn't see or hear any thing about the Patriots game you are either very lucky or don't care about them. It came down to the last 11 seconds. Literally. This isn't some drama crazed person writing here. It came down to the last play with 11 seconds left. The Saint had been down, but with Drew Brees leading the charge they came back. They were still down, so they tried an onside kick. It went their way for once. But the Pats defense dug in and refused to let the Saints into the end-zone. So they settled for a field goal. They weren't done yet, once again they tried an onside kick. This one bounced and was recovered by the Pats. The player looked like he wasn't going to let the ball go ever. He knew that time was running out and that they needed this chance to make up the difference. Brady and company ran out onto the field only to get right back off due to Brady being intercepted on the first play of the drive on a pass meant for Julian Edelman. Back onto the field came the Saints; they didn't make any progress. So with 1:30 left in the game Brady marched his team up field running no huddle plays and converting on a fourth-down (with 23 seconds remaining). And down it comes. Brady spikes the ball to stop the clock with 11 seconds remaining. Brady takes the snap, they have to score here other wise the game is lost. He fires a perfect pass to Kenbrell Thompkins for 17 yards and the touchdown. Stephen Gostkowski kicks the extra point. The Pats are up 30-27, leaving 5 second for the Saints to pull off an upset. If there had been more time we might have gotten another touchdown. The ball was fumbled by the Saints; recovered and returned by the Pats for a touchdown after time had run out. Final Score: New England 30- New Orleans 27.
Something happened over the week five bye in favor of the Steelers. Whatever was said or changed is working. They beat the Jets in New York (technically New Jersey). Even with a home field advantage the Jets couldn't keep the Steelers from pulling out their first win of the season. Final Score: Pittsburgh 19 - New York 6.
The Redskins were not as productive as the Steelers had been during their bye week. They came out waving the 'we got this' flag going into the Cowboys game and left waving ' we need to work on a few things'. At this point they need to work on a few more things than 'a few'. They came into the game 1-3 (Dallas was 2-3). They might have had a chance after the Cowboys the previous week had suffered a devastating lost to the Denver Broncos. But no, the Skins let the Cowboys use the drive and determination gained from the last loss to push past the faltering Skins. Honestly, when will the Skins learn. Be aggressive. Make bold plays. Follow through, and for crying out loud do something about your defense! Granted the offence isn't that much better but it's getting there, ever so slowly. Final Score: Dallas 31 - Washington 16.
If you didn't see or hear any thing about the Patriots game you are either very lucky or don't care about them. It came down to the last 11 seconds. Literally. This isn't some drama crazed person writing here. It came down to the last play with 11 seconds left. The Saint had been down, but with Drew Brees leading the charge they came back. They were still down, so they tried an onside kick. It went their way for once. But the Pats defense dug in and refused to let the Saints into the end-zone. So they settled for a field goal. They weren't done yet, once again they tried an onside kick. This one bounced and was recovered by the Pats. The player looked like he wasn't going to let the ball go ever. He knew that time was running out and that they needed this chance to make up the difference. Brady and company ran out onto the field only to get right back off due to Brady being intercepted on the first play of the drive on a pass meant for Julian Edelman. Back onto the field came the Saints; they didn't make any progress. So with 1:30 left in the game Brady marched his team up field running no huddle plays and converting on a fourth-down (with 23 seconds remaining). And down it comes. Brady spikes the ball to stop the clock with 11 seconds remaining. Brady takes the snap, they have to score here other wise the game is lost. He fires a perfect pass to Kenbrell Thompkins for 17 yards and the touchdown. Stephen Gostkowski kicks the extra point. The Pats are up 30-27, leaving 5 second for the Saints to pull off an upset. If there had been more time we might have gotten another touchdown. The ball was fumbled by the Saints; recovered and returned by the Pats for a touchdown after time had run out. Final Score: New England 30- New Orleans 27.
Something happened over the week five bye in favor of the Steelers. Whatever was said or changed is working. They beat the Jets in New York (technically New Jersey). Even with a home field advantage the Jets couldn't keep the Steelers from pulling out their first win of the season. Final Score: Pittsburgh 19 - New York 6.
The Redskins were not as productive as the Steelers had been during their bye week. They came out waving the 'we got this' flag going into the Cowboys game and left waving ' we need to work on a few things'. At this point they need to work on a few more things than 'a few'. They came into the game 1-3 (Dallas was 2-3). They might have had a chance after the Cowboys the previous week had suffered a devastating lost to the Denver Broncos. But no, the Skins let the Cowboys use the drive and determination gained from the last loss to push past the faltering Skins. Honestly, when will the Skins learn. Be aggressive. Make bold plays. Follow through, and for crying out loud do something about your defense! Granted the offence isn't that much better but it's getting there, ever so slowly. Final Score: Dallas 31 - Washington 16.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Update
A quick update on the post I put up a few days ago. As of posting 'With one last loss', the Boston Red Sox hadn't played. Later that night they won their seat into the next round of the MLB postseason. They made nice use of ski goggles. You can see a few photos of their celebrations on their Facebook page.
On a sadder note, Steeler fans now have to hope for the best with the rest of football season. Their distraction in the Pittsburgh Pirates has ended as they were eliminated last night. Meaning that the St. Louis Cardinals are moving on. Is it just me (and it very well could be considering I might be the only one who cares) that the Cardinals are one of the most annoying teams once they get in the postseason? I mean it's not just the team, the fans can be bad too. Worse than a Boston fan.
Any hockey fans reading this (and are unfamiliar with the MLB postseason) and are like, "But they only played five games they can't be done yet." They can (and are) because the MLB has it right, it's best of five not seven like the NHL (well until the Championship Series for the AL and NL, and the World Series roll around. Then it switches over to best of seven). Things move along so much faster this way (again, up until the Championships and World roll around. Then they go on forever).
On a sadder note, Steeler fans now have to hope for the best with the rest of football season. Their distraction in the Pittsburgh Pirates has ended as they were eliminated last night. Meaning that the St. Louis Cardinals are moving on. Is it just me (and it very well could be considering I might be the only one who cares) that the Cardinals are one of the most annoying teams once they get in the postseason? I mean it's not just the team, the fans can be bad too. Worse than a Boston fan.
Any hockey fans reading this (and are unfamiliar with the MLB postseason) and are like, "But they only played five games they can't be done yet." They can (and are) because the MLB has it right, it's best of five not seven like the NHL (well until the Championship Series for the AL and NL, and the World Series roll around. Then it switches over to best of seven). Things move along so much faster this way (again, up until the Championships and World roll around. Then they go on forever).
Is this still the preseason?
It's week 6 of the 2013 NFL season, and the teams are separating out into good and bad. The first 3 weeks almost looked like the preseason still, no clean wins and losses that shouldn't have happened. A good number of teams looked like they were playing second string players. Some teams still (cough, cough Redskins and Steelers, cough cough) look like they're finding the roster.
The Redskins had bye this past week, meaning they didn't lose. They're 3rd in their division with a win-loss record of 1-3. So much for the great return of RGIII. He doesn't look so great. The way number 10 has been playing, he looks like a rookie. Maybe he used a time machine to travel to from the future last season to make a great debut, but now time has caught up to him and we're now getting his rookie season. It's not all bad news for the Skins. If they win on Sunday, and the Cowboys, Eagles, and Giants lose, then the Skins will be at the top of their division because everybody else in their division sucks just as much as they do.
The Steelers also had bye this past week of football. They aren't doing so well, somehow the Skins are actually better than the Steelers. The boys from Pittsburgh are at the very bottom of their division, with a 0-4 win-loss record. Or maybe a loss-loss record because that seems to be the only thing they can do at the moment. I really want to see them start winning, but really? 0-4? That's just sad. They even had a chance to make a tally in the win column when the played the winless (at the time) Vikings in London. But no, even then they couldn't pull out a win. The bright side? The Pittsburgh fans still have the Pirates to cheer for (see previous post you're not sure who these Pirates are).
Thank goodness for New England, at least in my world. They have gone without some of their top receivers and the ones they have are still adjusting. The reliable targets for Brady have left the team (darn Welker. Why do you have to help Payton win?? I'm glad you're having more fun, but really? Denver?) or are injured, like Gronkowski (who might play Sunday's game). They've pulled out four wins in the first five games, finally falling last week to the Cincinnati Bengals, 6-13. Brady just couldn't find a reliable guy to throw the ball to, but if you look at the previous four games you'll see that those wins were hard earned. In particular the 30-23 win against the Atlanta Falcons. It came down to the last play of the Falcons' last drive in the last minutes of the game. The Pats had the lead; after two on-side kicks (one recovered by the Falcons, the other by the Pats. The player who recovered the ball for the Pats held onto the ball like his life was solely dependent on keeping that ball. Which in a Belichick run team, his spot on the roster could have depended on that play). The security of a ten point lead went away when the Falcons scored a field goal after the first on-side. The Pats recovered it the second time but the Falcons dug in and the Pats were forced to punt. Taking the poor ball hostage, the birds from Atlanta marched up the field making a last ditch attempt to score, but it was just not to be. It was too amazing and reliving to put into words. Just go look at this picture to understand. Next up for the Pats are the unbeaten New Orleans Saints.
The Redskins had bye this past week, meaning they didn't lose. They're 3rd in their division with a win-loss record of 1-3. So much for the great return of RGIII. He doesn't look so great. The way number 10 has been playing, he looks like a rookie. Maybe he used a time machine to travel to from the future last season to make a great debut, but now time has caught up to him and we're now getting his rookie season. It's not all bad news for the Skins. If they win on Sunday, and the Cowboys, Eagles, and Giants lose, then the Skins will be at the top of their division because everybody else in their division sucks just as much as they do.
The Steelers also had bye this past week of football. They aren't doing so well, somehow the Skins are actually better than the Steelers. The boys from Pittsburgh are at the very bottom of their division, with a 0-4 win-loss record. Or maybe a loss-loss record because that seems to be the only thing they can do at the moment. I really want to see them start winning, but really? 0-4? That's just sad. They even had a chance to make a tally in the win column when the played the winless (at the time) Vikings in London. But no, even then they couldn't pull out a win. The bright side? The Pittsburgh fans still have the Pirates to cheer for (see previous post you're not sure who these Pirates are).
Thank goodness for New England, at least in my world. They have gone without some of their top receivers and the ones they have are still adjusting. The reliable targets for Brady have left the team (darn Welker. Why do you have to help Payton win?? I'm glad you're having more fun, but really? Denver?) or are injured, like Gronkowski (who might play Sunday's game). They've pulled out four wins in the first five games, finally falling last week to the Cincinnati Bengals, 6-13. Brady just couldn't find a reliable guy to throw the ball to, but if you look at the previous four games you'll see that those wins were hard earned. In particular the 30-23 win against the Atlanta Falcons. It came down to the last play of the Falcons' last drive in the last minutes of the game. The Pats had the lead; after two on-side kicks (one recovered by the Falcons, the other by the Pats. The player who recovered the ball for the Pats held onto the ball like his life was solely dependent on keeping that ball. Which in a Belichick run team, his spot on the roster could have depended on that play). The security of a ten point lead went away when the Falcons scored a field goal after the first on-side. The Pats recovered it the second time but the Falcons dug in and the Pats were forced to punt. Taking the poor ball hostage, the birds from Atlanta marched up the field making a last ditch attempt to score, but it was just not to be. It was too amazing and reliving to put into words. Just go look at this picture to understand. Next up for the Pats are the unbeaten New Orleans Saints.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
With one last loss
The baseball season for most people in D.C. is now over. The Nationals had been looking like they might make up for the horrid start to the season by barely making it in to the MLB postseason. But those hopes are now dead. The lost one too many games and now get to sit and watch others play. Or sulk; either one works.
One team that I'm willing to bet no one, and I mean even their biggest fans, never saw coming. Even thought it came like a freight train. The Pittsburgh Pirates have made it in the postseason. You are reading that right. How, I haven't the faintest idea. A good team, manager, and coaching staff might have helped get them there. Even so, who predicted this one? Other teams to qualify: Boston Red Sox (Not that much of a surprise), Tampa Bay Rays, St. Louis Cardinals (not a surprise at all. What is surprising is that the Pirates are showing them up in some games), Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, and the L.A. Dodgers.
The NHL has begun again (pause to celebrate). The lull of summer baseball that goes on forever ends into a frozen battle field of hockey teams. Baseball may still be happening but for some fans, like me, is taking a backseat to hockey (not to mention that my favorite team didn't make it to the postseason). The Capitals started the season off by facing the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks, in Chicago. Really? We couldn't start with an easier team? I would have been nice to ease into thinks, new players and all. But no. We started with Chicago, then home for the Calgary Flames, and back out to Dallas to play the Stars. Why does Dallas have a hockey team, it's kind of weird. They don't play again till tomorrow night. So you have time to wash your favorite jersey, hop on one foot, find a rabbits foot, rub some lucky puck, or whatever it is you do because they're playing the Carolina Hurricanes. Whoop.
In random sports news, the Oracle Team USA won the American Cup back in September. Beating the predicted winner, New Zealand.
Oh, golf is still happening.
One team that I'm willing to bet no one, and I mean even their biggest fans, never saw coming. Even thought it came like a freight train. The Pittsburgh Pirates have made it in the postseason. You are reading that right. How, I haven't the faintest idea. A good team, manager, and coaching staff might have helped get them there. Even so, who predicted this one? Other teams to qualify: Boston Red Sox (Not that much of a surprise), Tampa Bay Rays, St. Louis Cardinals (not a surprise at all. What is surprising is that the Pirates are showing them up in some games), Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, and the L.A. Dodgers.
The NHL has begun again (pause to celebrate). The lull of summer baseball that goes on forever ends into a frozen battle field of hockey teams. Baseball may still be happening but for some fans, like me, is taking a backseat to hockey (not to mention that my favorite team didn't make it to the postseason). The Capitals started the season off by facing the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks, in Chicago. Really? We couldn't start with an easier team? I would have been nice to ease into thinks, new players and all. But no. We started with Chicago, then home for the Calgary Flames, and back out to Dallas to play the Stars. Why does Dallas have a hockey team, it's kind of weird. They don't play again till tomorrow night. So you have time to wash your favorite jersey, hop on one foot, find a rabbits foot, rub some lucky puck, or whatever it is you do because they're playing the Carolina Hurricanes. Whoop.
In random sports news, the Oracle Team USA won the American Cup back in September. Beating the predicted winner, New Zealand.
Oh, golf is still happening.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
IAAF World Championships
The IAAF World Championships are in progress right now for track and
field. They're being held in Moscow, Russia. The same country as the
2014 winter Olympics are going to be held next year. I happened to turn on the TV
and saw briefly some of the men's decathlon. The decathlon for those who
have never heard of it before (I hadn't until the London games last
year) is an contest containing ten events : 100 meters, long jump, shot
put, high jump, 400 meters, 110 meter hurtles, discus throw, pole vault,
javelin throw, and 1500 meters. It's held over two days, five the first
day and five the second, depending on how the competitors place scores
are given to them. So after all events the guy with the most points
wins. Ashton Eaton, who won gold at the 2012 games in London, won gold
Sunday in Moscow with a score of 8809. There were three other Americans
entered in the decathlon, Trey Hardee, Jeremy Taiwo, and Gunnar Nixon.
Hardee and Taiwo did not finish; while Nixon who lead for part of day
one fell too 13th with 8312 points. Pretty good for Nixon who was at junior worlds last year.
Usain Bolt is still the fastest man in the 100 meters. In the finals there were four Jamaicans, two Americans, a British guy, and a Frenchmen. That sounds like the beginning of a bad joke.. Bolt had hard competition with American Justin Gatlin. Leaving the blocks Gatlin seemed to have the lead but Bolt surged a head. Only a .8 second difference between them finishing, compared to the .10 second gap between second and third place.The Jamaicans finish 1, 3, 4, and 5. The other American came up in the back in 6 narrowly beating the Frenchmen by .02 of a second. The 200 meters finals took place last night and Bolt took home another gold.
Sadly American sprinter, Allyson Felix is out; possibly for the season. During the 200 meter dash, rounding the turn Felix began to hop before falling to the track in agony. She had torn her right hamstring. Ending her hope of meddling at Worlds. Felix had planned to race in three events, the 200, 4x100, and 4x400. The injury is sever, but is it season ending? Possibly but she'll just have to wait and see. I feel bad for her, at worlds feeling good about the race about to hit her stride when this happens. I hate to see any athlete out because of an injury but when it happens at such a major event, on a world stage, it sucks even more.
For a link to the IAAF site for more information click on the link under the 'League Pages' in the side bar.
Usain Bolt is still the fastest man in the 100 meters. In the finals there were four Jamaicans, two Americans, a British guy, and a Frenchmen. That sounds like the beginning of a bad joke.. Bolt had hard competition with American Justin Gatlin. Leaving the blocks Gatlin seemed to have the lead but Bolt surged a head. Only a .8 second difference between them finishing, compared to the .10 second gap between second and third place.The Jamaicans finish 1, 3, 4, and 5. The other American came up in the back in 6 narrowly beating the Frenchmen by .02 of a second. The 200 meters finals took place last night and Bolt took home another gold.
Sadly American sprinter, Allyson Felix is out; possibly for the season. During the 200 meter dash, rounding the turn Felix began to hop before falling to the track in agony. She had torn her right hamstring. Ending her hope of meddling at Worlds. Felix had planned to race in three events, the 200, 4x100, and 4x400. The injury is sever, but is it season ending? Possibly but she'll just have to wait and see. I feel bad for her, at worlds feeling good about the race about to hit her stride when this happens. I hate to see any athlete out because of an injury but when it happens at such a major event, on a world stage, it sucks even more.
For a link to the IAAF site for more information click on the link under the 'League Pages' in the side bar.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Football is Back
It would have been really nice to have added a seventh Cup to the list but it just wasn't the right time. Myself and all other Boston hockey fans will just have to wait. We couldn't have lost to a better team. Literally, the Blackhawks were the 'best' this year. They took the Cup home in six games: 4-3 (CH), 2-1 (B), 2-0 (B), 6-5 (CH), 3-1 (CH), 3-2 (CH). Three of those games ending in overtime, if you account for all the overtimes it makes five since the first game took three overtimes to decide a winner. Congrats Chicago.
One a side note the Washington Capitals open their season against the Blackhawks. Isn't that lovely.
Well football's already back. The NFL kicked off this past weekend. The Patriots and Redskins won their games. The Steelers lost theirs to the Giants. All three teams look pretty good considering this is a time to try guys out and see how they are in real games not just practices. Now time to talk about the elephant in the room; Tim Tebow. I saw a few online articles stating that Tebow proved yet again that he is not a NFL quarterback. I will wait to pass judgment on Tebow for a bit because: 1) How much did he actually play as a quarterback in New York with the Jets? So he hasn't really had the chance to be a NFL quarterback in almost a year. 2) You can only accomplish so much in practice and training camp. He needs more time to adjust to the playing style of New England. 3) He is somewhere deep down still the quarterback that brought the Denver Broncos into the playoffs two seasons ago. I'll wait and see how he turns out but I still think there's some hope for him in New England.
Baseball is still happening. Sometimes you forget it's happening since the summer days are long and filled with fun. And baseball runs from May to October. The Nationals aren't so hot these days; only winning 5 of the last 10 games they've had. One bright note, Stephen Strasburg played his first full game of his MLB career. It was a sweep 6-0 of the Philadelphia Phillies. He stayed in and played all 9 innings. Impressive for a guy who normally comes out earlier in the game.
The last story for today takes us to the golf world. Tiger lost whatever stride he was on; coming in the very back of the scoring with 4 over par in the PGA Championships. Rory McIlroy improved and end with 3 under par. Jason Dufner came in at the end of the day -10 under par. Not too shabby for a guy who blew it two years ago.
One a side note the Washington Capitals open their season against the Blackhawks. Isn't that lovely.
Well football's already back. The NFL kicked off this past weekend. The Patriots and Redskins won their games. The Steelers lost theirs to the Giants. All three teams look pretty good considering this is a time to try guys out and see how they are in real games not just practices. Now time to talk about the elephant in the room; Tim Tebow. I saw a few online articles stating that Tebow proved yet again that he is not a NFL quarterback. I will wait to pass judgment on Tebow for a bit because: 1) How much did he actually play as a quarterback in New York with the Jets? So he hasn't really had the chance to be a NFL quarterback in almost a year. 2) You can only accomplish so much in practice and training camp. He needs more time to adjust to the playing style of New England. 3) He is somewhere deep down still the quarterback that brought the Denver Broncos into the playoffs two seasons ago. I'll wait and see how he turns out but I still think there's some hope for him in New England.
Baseball is still happening. Sometimes you forget it's happening since the summer days are long and filled with fun. And baseball runs from May to October. The Nationals aren't so hot these days; only winning 5 of the last 10 games they've had. One bright note, Stephen Strasburg played his first full game of his MLB career. It was a sweep 6-0 of the Philadelphia Phillies. He stayed in and played all 9 innings. Impressive for a guy who normally comes out earlier in the game.
The last story for today takes us to the golf world. Tiger lost whatever stride he was on; coming in the very back of the scoring with 4 over par in the PGA Championships. Rory McIlroy improved and end with 3 under par. Jason Dufner came in at the end of the day -10 under par. Not too shabby for a guy who blew it two years ago.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
I Hate Hockey!
OK, not really. The nail-biting overtimes, fake goals, announcers that won't shut up about the U.S. Open starting today, while I'm dying watching chance after chance for a game winning goal being batted away by Crawford, a two minute power-play with no change, those are the things I hate about hockey. The amazing saves, even if the other goalie makes them, stunning shots on goal, impressive hits, the fans reactions to a call, the fights that rarely happen anymore (at least when I watch), are some of the things I love about hockey.
Game 1 of the Stanly Cup Finals was last night and I watched about 15 minutes before having to turn off the TV, I was about ready to curl up in the fetal position on the floor. How these guys can play while I'm yelling at the TV, the announcers, and just about anyone who will listen, they're playing away and letting it go to a second overtime, and third overtime. WHY?! Maybe I just shouldn't watch sports. Nope, I couldn't do that, I might die from lack of sports. A large dose of chill-pills is desperately needed.
The game lasted over 112 minutes, the 5th longest in the NHL history for playoff games. It was going to come down which goalie slipped up first. Both Tuukka Rask and Corey Crawford were good last night. The other guys were good as well just not as good. The winning goal was scored halfway into the third overtime when it bounced off Andrew Shaw's leg. At that point I'm sure most of those guys just wanted to sleep, it was past midnight by the time the game ended. Somehow the Bruins blew a 3-1 lead; really? You would have won if you hadn't let that slip away. Final score 4-3, Chicago.
In other sports news, Tim Tebow signed with the New England Patriots. A quick back story on Tebow if you haven't heard: He was drafted in the first round to the Denver Broncos in the 2010 draft. He played for them two seasons, helping the team to win the wild card game against Pittsburgh, before losing to the Patriots in the divisional game. The Broncos traded Tebow to the New York Jets, who after one season and 8 snaps, released Tebow. It looked like his career in the NFL was over before it had really had a chance to start. Enter the N.E. Patriots. They signed Tebow reportedly to a two year deal with no guaranteed pay. He reported to their mini-camp Tuesday (it runs through today) and spoke briefly with the press.
My thoughts on Tebow being picked up by the Pats - they just made a very smart move. Tebow may not be the best QB in the world and is certainly not Brady but he is good. If they decide to use him as tight end, as some people are speculating, that could work, he's certainly big enough to play there. Just being there at Foxborough and training under Brady will do a lot to improve and strengthen his play. A bonus of the Jets letting him go, we get to use it against them. There seems to be some mixed reaction to the fact that Tebow is now in a Pats jersey, but hey if the coaching staff decides to use him, we just might get a repeat of last season's Thanksgiving game. Just a thought.
Game 1 of the Stanly Cup Finals was last night and I watched about 15 minutes before having to turn off the TV, I was about ready to curl up in the fetal position on the floor. How these guys can play while I'm yelling at the TV, the announcers, and just about anyone who will listen, they're playing away and letting it go to a second overtime, and third overtime. WHY?! Maybe I just shouldn't watch sports. Nope, I couldn't do that, I might die from lack of sports. A large dose of chill-pills is desperately needed.
The game lasted over 112 minutes, the 5th longest in the NHL history for playoff games. It was going to come down which goalie slipped up first. Both Tuukka Rask and Corey Crawford were good last night. The other guys were good as well just not as good. The winning goal was scored halfway into the third overtime when it bounced off Andrew Shaw's leg. At that point I'm sure most of those guys just wanted to sleep, it was past midnight by the time the game ended. Somehow the Bruins blew a 3-1 lead; really? You would have won if you hadn't let that slip away. Final score 4-3, Chicago.
In other sports news, Tim Tebow signed with the New England Patriots. A quick back story on Tebow if you haven't heard: He was drafted in the first round to the Denver Broncos in the 2010 draft. He played for them two seasons, helping the team to win the wild card game against Pittsburgh, before losing to the Patriots in the divisional game. The Broncos traded Tebow to the New York Jets, who after one season and 8 snaps, released Tebow. It looked like his career in the NFL was over before it had really had a chance to start. Enter the N.E. Patriots. They signed Tebow reportedly to a two year deal with no guaranteed pay. He reported to their mini-camp Tuesday (it runs through today) and spoke briefly with the press.
My thoughts on Tebow being picked up by the Pats - they just made a very smart move. Tebow may not be the best QB in the world and is certainly not Brady but he is good. If they decide to use him as tight end, as some people are speculating, that could work, he's certainly big enough to play there. Just being there at Foxborough and training under Brady will do a lot to improve and strengthen his play. A bonus of the Jets letting him go, we get to use it against them. There seems to be some mixed reaction to the fact that Tebow is now in a Pats jersey, but hey if the coaching staff decides to use him, we just might get a repeat of last season's Thanksgiving game. Just a thought.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Wait til next year... at least in D.C.
The Brooklyn Dodgers slogan in the 1920s and 30s, "Wait til next year!" has now moved to a different city and different sport. The slogan is now best suited towards the Washington Capitals. They've reached the post season every year for the past 6 seasons. So why can't we win a Stanly Cup?!?! The team is good, the players are good, the goalies are good, it doesn't add up. It's like the team has a phobia of winning in the post season. They won the first two games against the New York Rangers before falling apart. They managed to hang on until game 7 at the Verizon Center but lost; horribly, I mean, it was a humiliating. 5-0, on home ice.. IN GAME 7. Come on, that shouldn't happen in the post season (unless it's to a team like *cough the penguins cough*). If you made it into the playoffs you should be able to keep from being swept like that. Myself, along with all the other Caps fans, will just have to wait til next year.
Unless they happen to be a Bruins fan, then they don't have to wait just yet. In beating the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 4, 1-0, they put Sid the Kid and the rest of the "impressive" Penguins away for the season. The Boston Bruins are moving on to the Stanly Cup Finals. The Chicago Blackhawks are the last team standing between them and hoisting the Cup once again. It would be nice to have a 7th Championship to add to the list. It would look good next to the awesome win in game 7 against the Vancouver Canucks two years ago. First they need to play and play well. No silly giveaways or pointless penalties. The Chicago-Boston series starts June 12 at 8pm. Chicago advanced after beating the L.A. Kings, last year's champions.
Here's a bracket of the NHL Playoffs:
Eastern Conference
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers --
-- Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers --
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs --
--Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins --
Ottawa Senators vs. Montréal Canadiens --
-- Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins --
New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins --
Stanly Cup Final
Boston Bruins vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Western Conference
L.A. Kings vs. St. Louis Blues --
-- L.A. Kings vs. San Jose Sharks --
San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks --
-- L.A. Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks --
Detroit Redwings vs. Anaheim Ducks --
-- Detroit Redwings vs. Chicago Blackhawks --
Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks --
D.C. just isn't the place to have a winning team. The Nationals have struggled to keep from adding up the
losses; now with a even win/loss record of 31 each. How the team that had a stellar season last year is now blundering through this one is beyond me. Yes, they don't have some of their key players like Bryce Harper; but they should be able to play a good game still. They seem to have lost the power to play like they want it. Really, how hard is it to at least look like you want it. Last night they swept the Chicago Twins in a double header, 7-0 and 5-4 respectively. They play the Colorado Rockies June 11 at 8:40pm.
Unless they happen to be a Bruins fan, then they don't have to wait just yet. In beating the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 4, 1-0, they put Sid the Kid and the rest of the "impressive" Penguins away for the season. The Boston Bruins are moving on to the Stanly Cup Finals. The Chicago Blackhawks are the last team standing between them and hoisting the Cup once again. It would be nice to have a 7th Championship to add to the list. It would look good next to the awesome win in game 7 against the Vancouver Canucks two years ago. First they need to play and play well. No silly giveaways or pointless penalties. The Chicago-Boston series starts June 12 at 8pm. Chicago advanced after beating the L.A. Kings, last year's champions.
Here's a bracket of the NHL Playoffs:
Eastern Conference
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers --
-- Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers --
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs --
--Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins --
Ottawa Senators vs. Montréal Canadiens --
-- Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins --
New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins --
Stanly Cup Final
Boston Bruins vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Western Conference
L.A. Kings vs. St. Louis Blues --
-- L.A. Kings vs. San Jose Sharks --
San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks --
-- L.A. Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks --
Detroit Redwings vs. Anaheim Ducks --
-- Detroit Redwings vs. Chicago Blackhawks --
Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks --
D.C. just isn't the place to have a winning team. The Nationals have struggled to keep from adding up the
losses; now with a even win/loss record of 31 each. How the team that had a stellar season last year is now blundering through this one is beyond me. Yes, they don't have some of their key players like Bryce Harper; but they should be able to play a good game still. They seem to have lost the power to play like they want it. Really, how hard is it to at least look like you want it. Last night they swept the Chicago Twins in a double header, 7-0 and 5-4 respectively. They play the Colorado Rockies June 11 at 8:40pm.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Through Death, Injury, and Loss.
In the world of the X-Games. At this year's Winter X-games (held in Aspen) the first death in the history of the X-games occurred. Caleb Moore, a freestyle snowmobile rider, crashed while preforming a back flip he had done many times before. The skis on the front of his snowmobile caught the top of the landing zone flipping Caleb and his snowmobile over. He died Thursday Jan. 31, 2013, age 25. His brother Colten Moore was injured in a different crash, separating his pelvis. Here's a link to the X-games article on Caleb.
Lindsey Vonn was injured in a Super-G race and needed to be air lifted to a hospital. She tore two liniments in her knee and broke a bone in her lower leg. She under went surgery on the 10th and is recovering.
Now, the Washington Capitals have struggled. There's no denying that fact. But we shouldn't given up hope for the playoffs. The players hadn't played with each other until the mini camp, they have a new coach and a new system to get used to. With a short season that is compressing everything to such a fine point everything is stressed. If you loss one game you're starting to slide. The Caps did lose 9 of the first 11 games, and are now 5-9-1, but they are only short of the 8th seed for the playoffs by 4 points. There are still games left, they have players who just need to step-up and play good hockey, and if their goalies continue to play at the caliber they are and even improve, well there is still a postseason waiting for them.
I just want to make a point about Ovie. He isn't as good as he was his first 5 years, but he could be. He still plays with passion and has drive. Ovie needs to listen to his coach and player where he's told. Adam Oats has been moving him over to the right side instead of the left. The other teams are starting to know how he plays and what he's going to do when he plays on the left side. Can Ovie still be great? Yes, most likely not as good his first 5 years but he could have a great rest of his career. Oh, and Capitals, Ovie is a franchises player. If you trade him be prepared for what will happen if another team gets him, because most of them want him.
Lindsey Vonn was injured in a Super-G race and needed to be air lifted to a hospital. She tore two liniments in her knee and broke a bone in her lower leg. She under went surgery on the 10th and is recovering.
Now, the Washington Capitals have struggled. There's no denying that fact. But we shouldn't given up hope for the playoffs. The players hadn't played with each other until the mini camp, they have a new coach and a new system to get used to. With a short season that is compressing everything to such a fine point everything is stressed. If you loss one game you're starting to slide. The Caps did lose 9 of the first 11 games, and are now 5-9-1, but they are only short of the 8th seed for the playoffs by 4 points. There are still games left, they have players who just need to step-up and play good hockey, and if their goalies continue to play at the caliber they are and even improve, well there is still a postseason waiting for them.
I just want to make a point about Ovie. He isn't as good as he was his first 5 years, but he could be. He still plays with passion and has drive. Ovie needs to listen to his coach and player where he's told. Adam Oats has been moving him over to the right side instead of the left. The other teams are starting to know how he plays and what he's going to do when he plays on the left side. Can Ovie still be great? Yes, most likely not as good his first 5 years but he could have a great rest of his career. Oh, and Capitals, Ovie is a franchises player. If you trade him be prepared for what will happen if another team gets him, because most of them want him.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Turkey Day Football
I got the awesome gift of going to the Patriots-Jets game on Thanksgiving and it was amazing. It was the perfect game to end of day of food, family, and weird football.
I'll go in order starting with the Texans and Lions. The Lions might have won if refs had called the fumble that turned into a Texan touchdown. I think it was the right call to make, it wasn't clear enough to me that he was down by contact. Since there was no whistle the play continued. The game went into over time and the chaos broke out. The up-rights must have been cursed or something. The Lions had the ball first but fumbled it and the Texans recovered it. They lined up for a field goal attempt and it went wide left. So the Lions had the ball again. They got into field goal range and went to kick for the win. It looked good up until it bounced off the right up-right and the lower bar on the goal post. The Texans got the football back again and marched down the field. Once in field goal range they lined up to try again for the winning field goal. The announcers I was listing to were saying that they could make the field goal but having seen what had happened before they weren't so sure. The goal was good, just barely making it in side the up-rights. It almost went wide left again. Final Score: Texans 34 Lions 31
The Redskins won in Dallas. But they didn't just win, they steamrolled over the failing Cowboys. At the end of the game to kill time and avoid giving the football back to the Cowboys they stopped the clock by sliding just short of the end-zone. By the time most of the Redskin game was happening I was at Metlife stadium and saw some of the plays. Every time I looked over at the TV where they were showing the Skins game there was a score alert. The Cowboys didn't just lie there and take it. They did fight back to come within 7 points of tying the game up. Final Score: Redskins 38 Cowboys 31
The Patriots are on top of their game right now, while the Jets... well not so much to put it nicely. The Pats came onto the field with load boos coming from all over the stadium. But the boos soon turned to groans of disappointment, frustration, and the pain of suffering another loss to New England. The Pats just marched down the field to score when on offence and forced the ball back to the offence when playing defence. Or they just took the ball and scored for themselves. By halftime the stadium was half empty. By the forth quarter Patriots fans were the only ones remaining. There were a few Jets fans here and there but most had given up and left. Those who were left just wanted pain to end. One Jets fan shouted at one point after a kick off, "Just take a knee, just take a knee the rest of the game! Give them the ball!" Needless to say there was no hope for a late game victory for the Jets it was over after the first touchdown. Final Score: Patriots 49 Jets 19.
Pictures from the game:
Pre-game shot of the field.
Final Score with an empty stadium.
Edelman being helped off the field.
Post Game
I'll go in order starting with the Texans and Lions. The Lions might have won if refs had called the fumble that turned into a Texan touchdown. I think it was the right call to make, it wasn't clear enough to me that he was down by contact. Since there was no whistle the play continued. The game went into over time and the chaos broke out. The up-rights must have been cursed or something. The Lions had the ball first but fumbled it and the Texans recovered it. They lined up for a field goal attempt and it went wide left. So the Lions had the ball again. They got into field goal range and went to kick for the win. It looked good up until it bounced off the right up-right and the lower bar on the goal post. The Texans got the football back again and marched down the field. Once in field goal range they lined up to try again for the winning field goal. The announcers I was listing to were saying that they could make the field goal but having seen what had happened before they weren't so sure. The goal was good, just barely making it in side the up-rights. It almost went wide left again. Final Score: Texans 34 Lions 31
The Redskins won in Dallas. But they didn't just win, they steamrolled over the failing Cowboys. At the end of the game to kill time and avoid giving the football back to the Cowboys they stopped the clock by sliding just short of the end-zone. By the time most of the Redskin game was happening I was at Metlife stadium and saw some of the plays. Every time I looked over at the TV where they were showing the Skins game there was a score alert. The Cowboys didn't just lie there and take it. They did fight back to come within 7 points of tying the game up. Final Score: Redskins 38 Cowboys 31
The Patriots are on top of their game right now, while the Jets... well not so much to put it nicely. The Pats came onto the field with load boos coming from all over the stadium. But the boos soon turned to groans of disappointment, frustration, and the pain of suffering another loss to New England. The Pats just marched down the field to score when on offence and forced the ball back to the offence when playing defence. Or they just took the ball and scored for themselves. By halftime the stadium was half empty. By the forth quarter Patriots fans were the only ones remaining. There were a few Jets fans here and there but most had given up and left. Those who were left just wanted pain to end. One Jets fan shouted at one point after a kick off, "Just take a knee, just take a knee the rest of the game! Give them the ball!" Needless to say there was no hope for a late game victory for the Jets it was over after the first touchdown. Final Score: Patriots 49 Jets 19.
Pictures from the game:
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