Second Round of Playoffs Begins Wednesday

The second round of the NHL playoffs kicks underway starting tomorrow evening.

Here is a preview of some of the first round matchups!

NY Rangers @ Buffalo Sabres
Vancouver Canucks @ Anaheim Ducks
Ottawa Senators @ New Jersey Devils
San Jose @ Detroit

Last time I went 5 for 8 (Even though it was closer to 6 of 8 given I really didn't have much confidence in the young Penguins, which I stated on my post. Still like this time I REFUSE to pick the Senators even if I think they might win it out) :)

So here's my picks for this round. They are getting harder!

Buffalo over NY
Vancouver over Anaheim
San Jose over Detroit
New Jersey over the Sens (OK no more excuses, I firmly believe the Devils will take this series)

The way the Rangers are playing, if there was to be an "upset" I figure this would be it. Still, Buffalo is just too good not to pick.

Let's see how this pans out! Right now, Im routing for the Vancouver Canucks all the way!!! Bring Lord Stanley home guys!!!

Until next time,

It Was a 4-1 Score, but It Was a 2-1 Game!

The Vancouver Canucks just advanced into the next round of the playoffs.

Roberto was his usual, brilliant self and with the help of the crossbar, Vancouver gets to meet the Anaheim Ducks!

Although the score was 4-1, it was a 2-1 game and what a game it was. Both the final 2 goals were scored on an empty net, so those barely count. Vancouver was all over them after the first period, I had no doubt they were advancing and this was their night. Give credit to Marty Turco and the Dallas Stars. What a hell of a game they put out, and honestly if anyone else was in net, it wouldn't even have been close!

Trevor Linden scored the game winner and the way they played, the Ducks should be worried. Vancouver has such a great defense, and Roberto is literally in FIRE! Honestly, it is a shame one of these teams has to go home. They BOTH deserve it, and BOTH played one great hockey game, and an even better series! This in my opinion was the best opening round series of the bunch!

Roberto Vs Turco. Give Roberto this one!

Until next time,

NHL League Sends Message to Flames

The Calgary Flames, Jim Playfair and Goaltender Jamie McLennan ALL received punishment for yesterday`s actions against the Detroit Red Wings.

McLennan has also been suspended five games, while coach Jim Playfair has been fined $25,000 and the organization has been fined $100,000. This was as a result of the play and obvious frustration at the end of Detroit`s 5-1 win yesterday evening.

McLennan's slash was part of an undisciplined display from Calgary that included a Daymond Langkow uppercut to the face of Brett Lebda following a Lebda hip-check, along with a Jarome Iginla butt-end, leading to a late game crosscheck on Red Wings veteran Mathieu Schneider.

The League had the following to say about the situation.

'In our pre-playoff conference calls with the coaches and general managers of the respective organizations, we addressed a number of topics - and one of them was actions late in the game when the score was out of hand,' said Colin Campbell, NHL Senior Executive Vice president and Director of Hockey Operations. 'The coach and the organization must be held accountable for the players' actions.'

Calgary and Detroit play game six tonight in Calgary.

Dallas Forces Game 7 Back In Canada

Marty Turco and the Dallas stars avoided elimination once more, beating Vancouver 2-0 to force a 7th and deciding game.

Turco should silence his critics with back to back shutouts against a high powered Vancouver offense (although you wouldn't know it by this series).

The road teams had won 4 straight going into this game, and after an overtime victory in their last matchup, Dallas needed to break the trend. They did in dynamic fashion and Turco has now gone more than two games without allowing a goal.

Both teams now head back to Canada to see who advances to round two! I will keep you posted, lets go Canucks!

Until next time,

Raiders Shopping Multiple WR's?

According to Adam Schefter on the NFL network, the Oakland Raiders are shopping both Porter AND Moss, two of their best WR's.

This is very interesting, given the Raiders have the number 1 overall pick in the draft.

I have also heard the Raiders are in talks with the Detroit Lions for QB Josh McCown.

Does this mean the Raiders are not completely sold on JaMarcus Russell or is this some kind of smokescreen and they have full intentions of making him their franchise QB.

The difference with the Raiders (compared to a team like the Browns) is Lane Kiffin is a first year coach and a very young one at that. He has time to groom a QB, and wont be on the hot seat for a couple more seasons. Crennel I could understand not taking a QB because he probably only has one year left.

So the only remaining option I can think of, is the Raiders are VERY high on Calvin Johnson and perhaps this is Al Davis's man all along. We all know how he likes to rebel, and most mock drafts have Oakland taking Russell. Thing is, if they aren't sold on him, why not take the best player available in the draft which is arguably Calvin Johnson and draft a QB with their second pick. By that time they could get either Drew Stanton or Trent Edwards to run the show.

What do you guys think about this situation? Im very curious to see this year's draft, it could be one of the most exciting drafts in recent memory.

Until next time,

Ottawa Eliminates Pittsburgh

The Ottawa Senators JUST eliminated Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Final score was 3-0.

After having the series tied 1-1 leaving Ottawa, the Senators took 2 on the road, only to return home to eliminate the feisty Penguins.

Pittsburgh is the second team to be eliminated from the NHL postseason, with the Rangers eliminating the Atlanta Thrashers yesterday evening.

Report: Calvin Johnson Admits to Smoking Marijuana

According to ESPN, Calvin Johnson as well as a few other projected top ten picks (Gaines Adams and Okoye) have admitted to smoking pot when they were 16.

Seriously, is this even news?!? Are we grasping at straws here to find a headliner on ESPN?

I won't even get into the whole debate on whether pot is "good" or "the devils plant", most people who know me, knows my view on it... my biggest question is, who cares?? The fact that they admitted it should be plenty. This should be a GREAT thing for GM's, at least they know their future star is honest and don't really care what the critic's think about the situation.

I totally understand that smoking pot is totally against the NFL and their rules, and I respect that. For that reason alone, pro-football players should think and not partake, given the millions of dollars they are about to make. In this case, they don't really have a choice. You must respect the rules of the league, and if you don't, you get suspended. But seriously, do you think this would be a good reason for CJ NOT to be drafted in the top 5??

Honestly, I think since the NFL bans pot, they should ban alcohol too. I realize the argument is pot is illegal and alcohol isn't, but that doesn't mean it is right. It just means America hasn't found a way to market, tax, and most importantly gain money (and benefit) for such a thing being legal. And until that happens it probably won't be. Still, that being said, I think this is really blown out of proportion. It makes me laugh when I read the comments on ESPN and I see stuff like "If you smoke pot, you are a looser who will grow up to be a 35 year old manager at Burger King, with 7 ex-wives and 16 homeless children who you cannot support or feed".

Seriously, who let these monkeys out of their cages? :)

I'd love to hear other people's opinions on this, no matter what side of the fence you're on! Facts about marijuana need to be identified so people know EXACTLY what it is about. Yes, if you want to go into this league, you have to respect their rules, but don't punish a guy for being honest about something that happened over 5 years ago.

Until next time,

Thrashers Flying - Right OUT of the Post Season

After winning their division, the Atlanta Thrashers just got swept by the NY Rangers.

No sooner than half a day after I posted this did the Thrashers get eliminated by the Rangers.

Honestly, the way the Rangers are playing, it didn't take a psychic to see that Atlanta was on their way out.

The Rangers will now look forward to who they will be facing in the next round. Until then, they have a break, and will take a "Wait and see" approach.

The way the Rangers are playing as of late, they probably don't care WHO they play.

Until next time,

Buehrle hurls no-hitter to lead ChiSox over Rangers

Mark Buehrle became the first White Sox pitcher in over a decade to throw a complete game, no hitter. The last person to do this was Wilson Alvarez when he threw one at Baltimore on Aug. 11, 1991.

Buehrle, who becomes an UFA at the end of the year was almost perfect. He allowed one walk over his 9 innings and ended up picking off the runner at first before anything could come of it.

This was an absolutely incredible performance, and if he keeps pitching like he did today, the ChiSox might indeed find themselves in the post season once more.

Great job, you have to tip your hat to a player who can pitch such a gem.

2007 NFL Draft Predictions - 21 Through 32

Last time I wrote about my 2007 nfl draft predictions (11 through 20) in this years up and coming draft! With less than just a quick 10 days away, I am posting the end of round 1 projections.

Without further a due, here are my picks for 21-32.

21. Denver Broncos Selects Lawrence Timmons, Florida State

Why?: With the departure of Al Wilson, the Bronco's want a 1st round talent to replace him. Timmons give them this option and would be a great fit at middle LB for Denver.

22. Dallas Cowboys Selects Dwayne Jarrett, Southern California

Why?: With a new head coach and a fast aging group of WR, getting Jarrett (one of the better WR in the draft) makes the most sense for the Cowboys. No one really knows if T.O's off-field issues and his "cancerous" locker-room situation will hurt this team. It's best to be prepared, and Jarrett was a star in college and will hopefully do the same in the NFL. Remember... everyone thought Jerry Rice was a bit slow when he was first drafted too and we all know the ending of that chapter.

23. Kansas City Chiefs Selects Dwayne Bowe, Louisanna state

Why?: There is no surprise here given the mediocre talent the Chiefs has at the WR corp. They will have a new starting QB this year (whether its Huard or Brodie) and they need a guy who can catch and run with the ball. Bowe is a great player and should fit well with Herm Edward's Chiefs.

24. New England Patriots Selects Revis Darrelle, Pittsburgh

Why?: With Asante Samuel requesting a trade, the Patriots should address their CB situation here. It will be a hard decision between Revis, Houston or Ross but I feel Revis would fit more with the Patriots. Either way, I'd expect them to take a CB.

25. NY Jets Selects Chris Houston, Arkansas

Why?: Yep, second CB in a row off the board. The Jets need some Corners to help avoid getting burned by the deep ball. Houston is a quality starter who should be a top notch corner in the league. His college stats could be a bit of a worry to make him a 1st rounder (He has had 0 int and 0 FF in college) but I think he'll be a great player in the league none the less.

26. Philadelphia Eagles Selects Brandon Meriweather, Miami

Why?: The Eagles need a solid S, and although they already increased their D with Takeo Spikes I feel they'll still address it here. They have a pretty solid offense, and they may be tempted to take a WR here but with such a deep core in that area they could use their second pick on a WR instead.

27. New Orleans Saints Selects Aaron Ross, Texas

Why?: The Saints would be THRILLED to land a CB of Ross's caliber. They desperately need secondary help and if Ross is gone before now look for them to take someone like Houston, Revis, or the top secondary help available.

28. New England Patriots Selects Joe Staley, Central Michigan

Why?: The Patriots have two first round picks due to their trade sending Branch to the Seahawks. Look for them to address their Oline with some youth. Staley is one of the better OT in the draft (at least top 3) so look for them to nap him here. They also could be tempted in taking the best Center in the league, Ryan Kalil.

29. Baltimore Ravens Selects Anthony Spencer, Purdue

Why?: The Ravens just lost Adalius Thomas to the Patriots via Free Agency, and they need a guy who can rush or stay back (like Thomas can). This makes sense for a team who relies on Defense as their bread-and-butter and their offense is pretty well in tact with Air McNair running the show.

30. San Diego Chargers Selects Steve Smith, Southern California

Why?: The Chargers need a solid, deep threat and although Smith is a little small (just under 6 feet), he is quick and would be a deep threat Philip Rivers would love to see added. This guy is going to be a star and has catapulted himself to be a late first rounder (or early second rounder)

31. Chicago Bears Selects Justin Harrell, Tennesse

Why?: Harrell is projected as a 1st round selection and he would fit the Bears D perfectly. He can play both 3-4 and 4-3, is very versatile and would fit Lovie Smith's system very well.

32. Indianapolis Colts Selects Michael Griffin, Texas

Why?: The Colts could go a number of ways. They need to get a RB to replace Rhodes but they used their first round pick last year on Addai. Griffin is simply the best player left on the board at this time, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Colts grab a Offensive Tackle like Staley if he's available.

This pretty much wraps up my first round projections. In less than 10 days we will see which potential up and coming stars goes where. I am really looking forward to draft day, this might be one of the better drafts in recent years with plenty of talent.

Until next time,