Today, I was mentioned by Sports Illustrated! No, I didn't do anything wonderfully athletic (though I will do a half ironman this weekend). Rather, I sent them an interview that they found interesting. Hot Clicks threw the article up and gave me a shout out!
You can check it out here ... Hot Clicks - May 28, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
And another thing ...
Maxime Talbot ... are you seriously complaining that Osgood dove on the play at the end of the game? After you just tried to slew-foot Holmstrom about two minutes earlier? Man up you dirty little punk and admit that you got beat by a better team.
Reruns on CBC?
Maybe it wasn't exactly the same ... Detroit jumped out to the lead earlier and never got that fourth, meaningless, goal. But that game tonight sure looked a lot like Pittsburgh hadn't learned any of those lessons they claimed to be clinging to from game 1.
See if any of this is reminiscent of the first game ...
In other good news, the Pistons also got a big win in the Motor City tonight and take their series back to Boston all even. I'll keep my fingers crossed for big road wins from both Detroit teams on Wednesday!
See if any of this is reminiscent of the first game ...
- Malkin makes a lazy play to cough up the puck leading to goal number 1
- The Pens defense falls apart in their own zone and mishandle the puck leading to a scrambling second Wings goal
- Chris Letang gets out hustled in his own zone by one of Detroit's third-liners leading to a pretty third goal
- Ozzy doesn't face much rubber, but gets a little bit of luck and comes up big when he's needed
In other good news, the Pistons also got a big win in the Motor City tonight and take their series back to Boston all even. I'll keep my fingers crossed for big road wins from both Detroit teams on Wednesday!
Wings in Six
Sometimes work gets in the way. Unfortunately, I was not able to post late last week as promised with my predictions for the finals, and now that everyone has seen the first game, some of the predictions may ring hollow. However, it is with best intentions that I will now come up with the goods as I would have reported them Friday before the game one beatdown that Detroit put on the young bucks from Pittsburgh.
As I alluded to in my previous post, I think that there are two real difference makers in this series. The first is the depth of Detroit's defense. When Lidstrom and Rafalski play half the game and then the Wings can roll out guys like Kronwall, Stuart, and Chelios (even though he didn't dress for game one), the Pens are going to have a difficult time penetrating deep enough to create chances. The bigger question mark I had was whether or not Osgood was going to be able to step up and be the best goalie in the series. Clearly in game one he was phenomenal, but the Wings are going to have to be better than they were in the first period at limiting opportunities for Sid and company because Osgood can't be expected to hold down the fort alone.
My prediction before it began was for Detroit in six. I think that the opportunity to take advantage of home ice and their depth on defense will allow them to get a lead in the series and their experience will allow them to finish what they've started. After watching the first game there's a part of me that would like to shorten that prediction to five games, but I'm going to stick with six. I think that Pittsburgh is going to learn several lessons from that first game and they're going to come back with a better effort for a full 60 minutes tonight rather than coming out hard in the first and then losing their grip after intermission.
Detroit looked great Saturday night, but this one is a long way from over yet. Let's just hope that the boys can keep rolling and take a more commanding lead tonight!
As I alluded to in my previous post, I think that there are two real difference makers in this series. The first is the depth of Detroit's defense. When Lidstrom and Rafalski play half the game and then the Wings can roll out guys like Kronwall, Stuart, and Chelios (even though he didn't dress for game one), the Pens are going to have a difficult time penetrating deep enough to create chances. The bigger question mark I had was whether or not Osgood was going to be able to step up and be the best goalie in the series. Clearly in game one he was phenomenal, but the Wings are going to have to be better than they were in the first period at limiting opportunities for Sid and company because Osgood can't be expected to hold down the fort alone.
My prediction before it began was for Detroit in six. I think that the opportunity to take advantage of home ice and their depth on defense will allow them to get a lead in the series and their experience will allow them to finish what they've started. After watching the first game there's a part of me that would like to shorten that prediction to five games, but I'm going to stick with six. I think that Pittsburgh is going to learn several lessons from that first game and they're going to come back with a better effort for a full 60 minutes tonight rather than coming out hard in the first and then losing their grip after intermission.
Detroit looked great Saturday night, but this one is a long way from over yet. Let's just hope that the boys can keep rolling and take a more commanding lead tonight!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Who's it gonna be?
I'm sure everyone is dying to hear me tell the world what's going to happen in the finals between Detroit and Pittsburgh, but I haven't decided yet. This one is too close to call in my mind, though I will make a prediction before it all gets under way on Saturday.
For now, who has the advantage? Pittsburgh's top two, Crosby and Malkin, have combined for 40 points in their first two rounds. For Detroit? 40 points from Hank and Pav. The Penguins have had Staal step up with some secondary scoring. The Wings saw Franzen step up until he got hurt and Hudler step up in Franzen's absence. On defense, Detroit would appear to have an advantage with all-world D-man Nick Lidstrom having no comparator on the Penguins and guys like Rafalski and Kronwall playing tough and putting up points. While Pittsburgh doesn't quite have an answer for the Wings backline though, they have shown great ability to win 1-0 just as well as they can light it up in a 6-5 game.
So who is going to make the difference? I'm thinking goaltending. Fleury suffered the high ankle sprain half way through the season and came back incredibly strong. He's looked really solid in the playoffs despite this being his first really deep run with all the pressure on his back. On the Wings side of the ice, Osgood has been impressive after coming in to take over for the struggling Hasek against Nashville. He's gotten himself technically better this year, worked harder at positioning and it seems to have paid dividends. He hasn't been called upon a great deal by a Detroit team that just doesn't give up many shots or chances, but when he's been tested, he's stepped up big. I would guess that he's going to be called upon a lot more this series though, so we'll see what he can do!
I'm leaning one way on my call, but I'll give it a few more days thought before laying it out there to be laughed at. Look for my call at the end of the week and look forward to game one getting underway Saturday night!
For now, who has the advantage? Pittsburgh's top two, Crosby and Malkin, have combined for 40 points in their first two rounds. For Detroit? 40 points from Hank and Pav. The Penguins have had Staal step up with some secondary scoring. The Wings saw Franzen step up until he got hurt and Hudler step up in Franzen's absence. On defense, Detroit would appear to have an advantage with all-world D-man Nick Lidstrom having no comparator on the Penguins and guys like Rafalski and Kronwall playing tough and putting up points. While Pittsburgh doesn't quite have an answer for the Wings backline though, they have shown great ability to win 1-0 just as well as they can light it up in a 6-5 game.
So who is going to make the difference? I'm thinking goaltending. Fleury suffered the high ankle sprain half way through the season and came back incredibly strong. He's looked really solid in the playoffs despite this being his first really deep run with all the pressure on his back. On the Wings side of the ice, Osgood has been impressive after coming in to take over for the struggling Hasek against Nashville. He's gotten himself technically better this year, worked harder at positioning and it seems to have paid dividends. He hasn't been called upon a great deal by a Detroit team that just doesn't give up many shots or chances, but when he's been tested, he's stepped up big. I would guess that he's going to be called upon a lot more this series though, so we'll see what he can do!
I'm leaning one way on my call, but I'll give it a few more days thought before laying it out there to be laughed at. Look for my call at the end of the week and look forward to game one getting underway Saturday night!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Deep Thoughts
After a second 2-10 stretch this season, are the Tigers on track to be one of the biggest disappointments ever in baseball? Clearly all of that money they spent on bringing in offensive power has seen them shut out in nearly 15% of their games and their pitching has given up more runs than every team but one. The may not approach the records they set for futility a few years ago, but they sure aren't going to have that run to the World Series this year like everyone expected.
And speaking of playoff runs, the Wings couldn't manage to finish off the Stars last night. The calls by the refs were the biggest black mark on this game though. For Detroit's first goal to be disallowed because Holmstrom breathed somewhere in the vicinity of Turco and then see the Stars first goal count with Loui Eriksson actually in the crease is extraordinarily frustrating as a Wings fan, but Babcock was right in his assessment that the refs are human and they frequently screw up. Detroit didn't lose the game specifically because of the two wrong calls. Though +2 would have been a lot more desirable than -2 versus the refs. Still, the series will shift back to Detroit on Saturday and the Wings should finish it off with a more solid effort and the advantage of home ice. Let's see too if Pittsburgh can finish the job tonight and walk into the finals or if they're going to take an extra game too.
Finally, the ponies will run again on Saturday at Pimlico. I'm hoping that Big Brown can demolish the field again and keep those Triple Crown hopes alive, perhaps helping to move the general public move beyond the lasting image of poor Eight Bells down on the track at Churchill Downs.
And speaking of playoff runs, the Wings couldn't manage to finish off the Stars last night. The calls by the refs were the biggest black mark on this game though. For Detroit's first goal to be disallowed because Holmstrom breathed somewhere in the vicinity of Turco and then see the Stars first goal count with Loui Eriksson actually in the crease is extraordinarily frustrating as a Wings fan, but Babcock was right in his assessment that the refs are human and they frequently screw up. Detroit didn't lose the game specifically because of the two wrong calls. Though +2 would have been a lot more desirable than -2 versus the refs. Still, the series will shift back to Detroit on Saturday and the Wings should finish it off with a more solid effort and the advantage of home ice. Let's see too if Pittsburgh can finish the job tonight and walk into the finals or if they're going to take an extra game too.
Finally, the ponies will run again on Saturday at Pimlico. I'm hoping that Big Brown can demolish the field again and keep those Triple Crown hopes alive, perhaps helping to move the general public move beyond the lasting image of poor Eight Bells down on the track at Churchill Downs.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Weekend Review
I was wrong about Sergio not being able to win a big one this weekend, but I still think his putter is balky when he needs it the most. He managed to hit a few bombs early in the round yesterday and, obviously, he hit a really big one on the 72nd hole, but that missed three footer on 16 and the missed two footer on the first playoff hole tell me that he's not all the way there yet. That said, his ball striking is still so good that he doesn't have to be perfect around the greens. It's going to be interesting to see if this can boost his confidence and if he can build off of the win. You certainly need to still question his psyche when he made a point of thanking Tiger for not showing up, and giving him a chance to win! Oh well, maybe the $1.7 million winners cheque will help his state of mind!
More importantly, it's starting to look a lot like a Detroit-Pittsburgh final for the Stanley Cup. Dallas and Philly sure didn't put up a very strong fight the first two games. Anything can still happen when the series shift cities, but the Wings and Pens are both looking great! The thing that stood out for me in game two between the Wings and Stars on Saturday was that Detroit managed to be even more dominant in the faceoff circle than they were in game one. Unfortunately, though, the goal that Dallas got was the direct result of Stuart getting out-hustled after a faceoff win by Draper. I hope that Detroit's dominance on the draw doesn't make them let up off the gas just that little bit because that will get them into trouble for sure. They need to keep the pedal down and the pressure on. Game 3 tonight is going to be fun to watch!
More importantly, it's starting to look a lot like a Detroit-Pittsburgh final for the Stanley Cup. Dallas and Philly sure didn't put up a very strong fight the first two games. Anything can still happen when the series shift cities, but the Wings and Pens are both looking great! The thing that stood out for me in game two between the Wings and Stars on Saturday was that Detroit managed to be even more dominant in the faceoff circle than they were in game one. Unfortunately, though, the goal that Dallas got was the direct result of Stuart getting out-hustled after a faceoff win by Draper. I hope that Detroit's dominance on the draw doesn't make them let up off the gas just that little bit because that will get them into trouble for sure. They need to keep the pedal down and the pressure on. Game 3 tonight is going to be fun to watch!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Fine Spring Weekend!
Back by popular demand (or really by the request of a small following), I thought I'd chime in on game one of the Detroit-Dallas series, the woes of the Tigers, and what to expect this weekend!
The NHL playoffs finally escaped their self-imposed hiatus last night with the Wings taking on the Stars in game one at the Joe. True to form, Marty Turco still hasn't managed to win a game as a pro in Joe Louis Arena where he actually had quite a good record (18-5, I believe) when he played for the University of Michigan. Somehow, he has become snakebitten and he didn't get any help at all from his teammates who took lazy penalties and never managed to get their legs moving. It sure looked like a round two hangover and a lot of tiredness from the four overtimes it took them to dispatch of the Sharks on Sunday. Entering the third with a 4-1 lead, Detroit just shut it down, providing for a boring finish where neither team looked like they cared much about game 1 anymore. They had both shifted thoughts to game two where hopefully Detroit can maintain their streak of 2-0 series leads.
Meanwhile, sitting in the front row last night were Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi who are in town to take on the Tigers this weekend. Yeah, those Tigers ... the ones who clawed back from their 2-10 start to almost reach .500 at 14-15, only to tank two straight series against the Twins and Red Sox. They're sitting at 15-21 now and probably going to get their hats handed to them again this weekend in a three game set with the Yanks. They've given up almost seven runs a game for the past seven days and only managed to win when they threw ten on the board against the Sox Wednesday night. Everyone said this was going to be a great offensive team before the year started ... too bad no one knew just how offensive the pitching staff was going to be.
Finally, this weekend I'm looking forward to watching game two against Dallas as discussed above, but I'm also anxious to watch some of the carnage on the 17th hole at Sawgrass in the Players Championship. You've got to love a hole where the pros are hitting an 8- or a 9-iron into a relatively large green but can't shake the giant lake from their heads. Water balls galore make it fun to watch, especially if things are tight down the stretch. Sergio opened up with a 66 and the lead yesterday, but fear not rest of the field ... his putter should fall apart again any moment. Enjoy the weekend!
The NHL playoffs finally escaped their self-imposed hiatus last night with the Wings taking on the Stars in game one at the Joe. True to form, Marty Turco still hasn't managed to win a game as a pro in Joe Louis Arena where he actually had quite a good record (18-5, I believe) when he played for the University of Michigan. Somehow, he has become snakebitten and he didn't get any help at all from his teammates who took lazy penalties and never managed to get their legs moving. It sure looked like a round two hangover and a lot of tiredness from the four overtimes it took them to dispatch of the Sharks on Sunday. Entering the third with a 4-1 lead, Detroit just shut it down, providing for a boring finish where neither team looked like they cared much about game 1 anymore. They had both shifted thoughts to game two where hopefully Detroit can maintain their streak of 2-0 series leads.
Meanwhile, sitting in the front row last night were Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi who are in town to take on the Tigers this weekend. Yeah, those Tigers ... the ones who clawed back from their 2-10 start to almost reach .500 at 14-15, only to tank two straight series against the Twins and Red Sox. They're sitting at 15-21 now and probably going to get their hats handed to them again this weekend in a three game set with the Yanks. They've given up almost seven runs a game for the past seven days and only managed to win when they threw ten on the board against the Sox Wednesday night. Everyone said this was going to be a great offensive team before the year started ... too bad no one knew just how offensive the pitching staff was going to be.
Finally, this weekend I'm looking forward to watching game two against Dallas as discussed above, but I'm also anxious to watch some of the carnage on the 17th hole at Sawgrass in the Players Championship. You've got to love a hole where the pros are hitting an 8- or a 9-iron into a relatively large green but can't shake the giant lake from their heads. Water balls galore make it fun to watch, especially if things are tight down the stretch. Sergio opened up with a 66 and the lead yesterday, but fear not rest of the field ... his putter should fall apart again any moment. Enjoy the weekend!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Not so heated rivalry
The Detroit-Colorado series has not amounted to much of the animosity that many expected before it began. Of course, that's not terribly surprising when one considers that only a few of the guys on either team actually played in the several series during the '90s where these teams developed a healthy distaste for each other.
What's been even more unexpected is the lopsidedness of the play so far. While I figured Detroit to be a better team, I did not expect to see Colorado get thoroughly outskated for the majority of the first three games. Detroit has certainly capitalized on their opportunities and made the most of the the Avs suffering through the injury bug, but Colorado really hasn't put up the same fight that they showed in battles down the stretch of the regular season and against Minnesota in the first round. Unless there are a couple of turnarounds of epic proportions, it's going to be Detroit and Dallas fighting it out for the right to play for the Cup in May and June.
Detroit could still do a few things better though. It was painful to watch them take two straight too-many-men-on-the-ice penalties last night. Those are brain-dead penalties that shouldn't happen in the first week of the season, never mind the second round of the playoffs. More importantly though, Detroit's dominance of the faceoff circle seems to have diminished. I'm not sure if you can even find this stat anywhere, but I would like to see the faceoff stats that eliminate faceoffs in the neutral zone (because those tend to have very little game impact). Draper and Zetterberg had two of the best faceoff records in the league throughout the season, but I've had the feeling during the last couple games of the first round and throughout this round that both have been losing more than they've won when they count. A little extra focus, especially on those defensive zone draws, might just pay dividends against Dallas. After all, a faceoff win in OT allowed the Stars to set up and score the winner in game three against San Jose last night. That's a scene I'd rather not see repeated against the Wings.
What's been even more unexpected is the lopsidedness of the play so far. While I figured Detroit to be a better team, I did not expect to see Colorado get thoroughly outskated for the majority of the first three games. Detroit has certainly capitalized on their opportunities and made the most of the the Avs suffering through the injury bug, but Colorado really hasn't put up the same fight that they showed in battles down the stretch of the regular season and against Minnesota in the first round. Unless there are a couple of turnarounds of epic proportions, it's going to be Detroit and Dallas fighting it out for the right to play for the Cup in May and June.
Detroit could still do a few things better though. It was painful to watch them take two straight too-many-men-on-the-ice penalties last night. Those are brain-dead penalties that shouldn't happen in the first week of the season, never mind the second round of the playoffs. More importantly though, Detroit's dominance of the faceoff circle seems to have diminished. I'm not sure if you can even find this stat anywhere, but I would like to see the faceoff stats that eliminate faceoffs in the neutral zone (because those tend to have very little game impact). Draper and Zetterberg had two of the best faceoff records in the league throughout the season, but I've had the feeling during the last couple games of the first round and throughout this round that both have been losing more than they've won when they count. A little extra focus, especially on those defensive zone draws, might just pay dividends against Dallas. After all, a faceoff win in OT allowed the Stars to set up and score the winner in game three against San Jose last night. That's a scene I'd rather not see repeated against the Wings.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
11 Run 6th
Clinging to a precarious 7-6 lead going to the bottom of the sixth inning last night against Texas, Tigers fans were treated to the home team getting three walks, two hit batters, a pair of two run doubles, a three run homer, a couple of sacrifices to score, a one run double and run scoring single. When the Rangers finally managed to get out of the inning, they had dug themselves an 18-6 hole and Detroit added another in the seventh for good measure. That sure would have been fun to watch for the home faithful!
With the win Detroit climbs out of the cellar in the AL Central, just 3 games back of the White Sox. Even with their dreadful start this year, this team is poised to make a run. Now if they could just solidify the pitching a bit ... giving up 6 in the first four innings was not the way to get rolling last night!
With the win Detroit climbs out of the cellar in the AL Central, just 3 games back of the White Sox. Even with their dreadful start this year, this team is poised to make a run. Now if they could just solidify the pitching a bit ... giving up 6 in the first four innings was not the way to get rolling last night!
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