February 17, 2012
Sports fans are in for a smorgasbord of action in the upcoming month. Whatever your sporting fancy may be, there will be plenty to speculate, watch and love. The next month will be stuffed with non-stop rumors of trades, free agent signings and March Madness bracketology.
Fans should cancel their plans, hunker down and plan on ingesting all things sports over the next month.
Here’s a run-down of things to come:
MLB: Spring training is near as pitchers and catchers report to their teams any day now. This means that baseball fans can breathe easier as our national pastime resumes. Just when all are tired of the long, cold winter, baseball swoops in to save the day.
Fans won’t be disappointed as plenty has happened in the offseason to stir the chili.
The St. Louis Cardinals look to defend their title as teams like the Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim all made considerable noise in the winter months.
The St. Louis Cardinals will have alot of reloaded teams hoping to prevent a repeat of this image next season.
This season will be nothing short of spectacular.
NHL: The NHL trade deadline is February 27 as teams look to shake up their rosters in a last ditch effort to solidify themselves as playoff contenders.
While some may be skeptical that things will be rather calm—be patient. While there may not an abundance of chatter at the moment, there will be plenty of moves to satiate our desires.
From now until the Stanley Cup is won, the NHL will be nothing but excitement.
NBA: The NBA has rebounded quickly after the lockout that cut the season short. Thanks to stars like Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and some kid from Harvard named Jeremy Lin, the NBA has plenty of momentum.
Speaking of stars, the NBA All-Star break in Orlando takes place the weekend of February 24-26—Magic will be in the air.
This year there’s a kick to the star-studded event as the Rookie/Sophomore teams will be selected and coached by NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley. This matchup between the NBA’s best young talent will be highly amusing as the coaches are two of the NBA’s All-Star personalities.
Shortly after All-Star weekend, the NBA gets serious as the trade deadline is March 15. With a shortened season, the NBA is all business as massive trades will go down as always. The NBA deserves credit for always providing entertainment with at least one eight-player, three-team deal before the deadline.
Expect the unexpected from the NBA the rest of the season.
NFL: The NFL may have been somewhat silent since the Super Bowl, but that all changes when the NFL Scouting Combine takes place in Indianapolis from February 22-28. The scouting combine has become primetime television as NFL fans must fill their football needs. NFL die-hards will then have a better idea of which player may be on their team’s roster come April.
Something else that will have NFL fans stirring is the upcoming opening of free agency. This year, March 13 is when millions of dollars will change hands as players will be on the move.
An interesting twist to the new NFL collective bargaining agreement is that NFL teams will be able to carry over leftover cash from the previous year’s salary cap. Teams that have loads of cash heading into the free agent market include the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins.
The NFL has gotten to the point where no one can get enough. We’ll get plenty of football in the near future.
NCAA: Well, the month of March is just a few weeks away and that can only mean one thing—March Madness.
The showcase of 68 well deserving colleges and universities is the best sporting event the United States has to offer. Besides the Olympics and the World Cup, March Madness is the best thing on earth.
Who doesn’t love it?
From the future NBA stars to the Cinderellas of the big dance, March Madness is the sporting world’s cherry on top.
February 9, 2012
When it comes to the Detroit Red Wings, people have grown to expect the continued success they have had in the NHL. Having won four Stanley Cups in the last 14 years and having not missed the playoffs in the last 20, winning in the regular season normally wouldn’t make headlines. That being said, their newest winning streak is above and beyond even what Detroit fans have come to expect from their team.
The Red Wings have won their last 18 games at home, adding more meaning to the nickname “Hockeytown”. The Wings play their next 5 games at home, so how long can this streak continue? I break down each game and see which one of them could be the end of the streak.
Anaheim Ducks - 2/10
Detroit won both previous contests with the Ducks, 5-0 and 4-2, respectively. Detroit is the first stop of a long, 8-game road trip for the Ducks. Anaheim will look to win early in that trip, before the road takes its toll, so look for Anaheim to be aggressive. However, the Ducks haven’t been able to keep opponents from lighting the lamp, and Detroit has proven they can do that frequently against Anaheim. I don’t think the record ends here.
Philadelphia Flyers - 2/12
The Red Wings haven’t played the Flyers yet this season, and they split a pair of games in the preseason. Philadelphia is 2nd in the NHL in scoring and will test Jimmy Howard often throughout this game. Howard should have some support though, as the Flyers give up close to 3 goals a game. The key to this game is the Power Play, as Philadelphia is very effective with the extra man, while Detroit has struggled short-handed. This game is scary, and I think the streak could end here.
Jimmy Howard will have his work cut out for him when the Flyers visit Joe Louis Arena.
Dallas Stars - 2/14
Since I am known to be wrong, we will continue just in case my Philly prediction is incorrect. Dallas has been a worthy opponent to Detroit this season, losing two contests by a goal each, 5-4 and 3-2 in a shootout. The season is winding down, and at this moment Dallas is 2 points out of the playoffs. This game would break the NHL’s all-time home winning streak record, so the Red Wings will be fighting just as hard. If the Red Wings get this far in the streak, I think they will pull this one out.
Nashville Predators - 2/17
Nashville is playing solid hockey lately, going 14-4 in their last 18 games. Add to that they should be well rested heading into the game, and this could spell trouble for Detroit. The Predators and Red Wings have split a pair of games so far this year, each winning on their home ice. This rubber match could have significant playoff implications for both teams, as the Western Conference is a tight race. Again power plays could become a factor in this game as well, as Nashville is deadly on the power play, but doesn’t do a great job of killing them. The third tough opponent in a row, I think this could be a game that ends the streak, if it hasn’t been already.
San Jose Sharks – 2/19
If things weren’t hard enough, San Jose presents yet another problem for the Wings. A team that has already beaten Detroit twice this year, the Sharks would love to end the Red Wings home streak if the opportunity presented itself. San Jose is very similar to Nashville in that they are strong on the power play and would love to gain some points on Detroit in the playoff race. Antti Niemi has done a good job keeping Detroit out of the net, and Joe Thornton has scored 4 goals against Detroit this year. However, I think it is hard to win three in a row against the Red Wings, and I think Detroit will come out ready to rebound from one of the previous losses I predicted.
February 8, 2012
Hockey Day in Canada is celebrating its 12th anniversary on February 11 as the entire country of Canada dedicates a holiday to its favorite pastime. This year the province of Prince Edward Island will be on display as their culture and love for the game will be shown to the world.
Hockey Day in Canada also means that all seven Canadian NHL teams will be in action throughout the day on CBC. With the NHL gaining momentum this season, HDIC is a great chance for hockey fans in the United States to check out every team north of the border. There are only around 30 games remaining for each team and this season’s playoff races promise to go down to the wire.
Here are some players to pay special attention to during Hockey Day in Canada:
Edmonton Oilers vs. Ottawa Senators:
The Oilers are absolutely loaded with young talent and they have a chance to dominate the entire NHL after they get some experience under their belt. Led by Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers are set with top-notch talent for the next decade.
Taylor Hall is one of the many up-and-comers on the Oilers.
Let’s not forget the sudden emergence of 22-year-old Sam Gagner, who’s put up ridiculous numbers since the All-Star Game. Although the Oilers are most likely out of the playoff hunt this year, they are a blast to watch and the future of hockey.
The Senators are holding onto a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference at the moment and should be commended for coming out of nowhere this season. Much of their success this season stems from the play of young defenseman Erik Karlsson. He leads NHL defenseman in points thus far and is the prototype for the new-age NHL defenseman. His skating is impeccable and he can flat-out score. Expect to hear Karlsson’s name for years to come.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins:
Hockey is back in Winnipeg and life is good in Peg City. Led by captain Andrew Ladd, the Jets are in contention for a playoff spot. Just the fact that the NHL is back in the city is good enough for the Jets faithful at the moment.
The team has an up-and-coming superstar in 20-year-old Evander Kane, who unfortunately will have to miss Hockey Day in Canada due to a concussion. Be sure to keep your eye on Kane as he rises to stardom.
If the Jets pick up a scoring threat before the February 27 NHL trade deadline they have a legitimate chance at making the playoffs.
Montreal Canadians vs. Toronto Maple Leafs:
The Canadians may be the most storied team in NHL history, but they’re having a down year. Their opposition during Hockey Day in Canada, the Maple Leafs, are looking good and are in the thick of the playoff push.
Putting records aside, the upcoming match between the bitter rivals will be hockey at its finest. The Canadians will depend on goaltender Carey Price to work his magic against Toronto’s Phil Kessel and company. Carey is one of the league’s best net minders while Kessel is a pure goal-scorer.
No love will be lost when these two Original Six squads take the ice.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames:
In the nightcap of Hockey Day in Canada, the Canucks and Flames square-off at the Saddle Dome.
It’s no surprise that the Canucks are near the top of the Western conference after their Stanley Cup run last season. Although they came up just short of the ultimate goal, Roberto Luongo, Henrik and Daniel Sedin along with Ryan Kesler are still on the top of their game.
Watching the Sedin twins play is like watching poetry in motion. These guys can’t play forever, so catch them while you can.
As for the Flames, famed captain Jerome Iginla is trying to rally the troops at the moment and sneak into the playoffs. The team is currently on the outside looking in, but with a solid finish the Flames will make the playoffs.
Goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff has now started the most games for a goalie in Flames history with 527 and will have to play out of his mind during the stretch if the team is to make the playoffs. Kiprusoff is dazzling between the pipes and a joy to watch. He’s currently sitting on 299 career victories and with a little luck he could celebrate No. 300 at home during HDIC.
The showdown in Cow Town will be the perfect ending to Hockey Day in Canada.
February 3, 2012
While many people think they have their sports viewing schedule covered with the Super Bowl, that isn’t going to cut it for the real sports fan. This weekend is packed with must-see games, and like every other week, we want to make sure you catch all of the big games. Here is how we envision your weekend sports viewing schedule. (All times EST).
We get you ready for all of the games to watch before Super Bowl XLVI.
Friday night
Winnipeg @ Florida – NHL – 7:30pm
This is a game that has plenty at stake as we come back from the All-Star break. The Florida Panthers are the 3rd seed in the East right now, while Winnipeg is on the outside looking in as the 10th seed. So why is it intriguing? Winnipeg only trails Florida by 3 points. The Southeast division is a tight race that will be fun to watch as the season goes on. Florida has been taking advantage of power play opportunities, while the Jets have been doing well to kill them. These teams are very even statistically, and should start off the weekend right.
Saturday
Ohio State @ Wisconsin – MCBB – 2:00pm
Saturday kicks off with the Battle for the Big Ten. Ohio State has a half game lead on Wisconsin, but the Big Ten has had a rough time finding wins on the road. Wisconsin has had a rough time against ranked opponents this season though, going 2-4. However, the Badgers have won 6 in a row including their 2 wins against ranked opponents. Ohio State’s three losses have all come on the road, but they crushed Nebraska in their last road game. This game should provide a lot of back and forth with two teams trying to claim their spot atop the Big Ten.
#12 Creighton @ Northern Iowa – MCBB -5:00pm
I know what you are thinking. “Mid-majors? In the middle of my Saturday?” The fact is #12 Creighton deserves the credit they have been getting this season. The Blue Jays are first in the nation in Field Goal percentage and only have two losses on the season. Still, Northern Iowa gave them all they could handle, 63-60 AT Creighton, in January. Now, the Blue Jays have to go on the road and try to pull off another win against a Panthers squad that would like nothing more than to get a W against the a ranked team.
Orlando @ Indiana – NBA – 7:00pm
We might come into this game a little bit after tip-off, but plenty of time to catch most of the action. This will be the 3rd time in a little of over 2 weeks the teams have played. Orlando won the first contest at Indiana by 19, only to have the Pacers come to Orlando to win by 21. The rubber match will be played in Indiana, and should be a very entertaining game. Indiana 11-4 in their last 15, while the Magic are 8-7 and battling the drama of when Dwight Howard will be traded. After both teams suffered a blowout at the hands of the other, this 3rd battle should be full of intensity.
UFC 143 – MMA – 10:00pm
An event that was supposed to be headlined by Georges St. Pierre, we now get to crown an interim welterweight Champion. Nick Diaz, the fighter originally set to face St. Pierre, will now face Carlos Condit in what should be a great fight. Also on the card is a guy you have to love watch fight, Roy Nelson. Taking on Fabricio Werdum, Nelson looks like he just came from out of the crowd. A large beard and larger belly, Nelson looks out of place in the UFC ring. However at 16-6, not many people are laughing at him. I am only a casual UFC fan, so I can’t make any guarantees on excitement, but I am rarely disappointed when I tune in to watch.
Sunday
#22 Michigan @ #10 Michigan State – MCBB- 2:00pm
What?! Basketball on Super Sunday?! Relax; there will be plenty of time for that. Rather than watch hours of pregame, tune in to a rematch of two rivals whose previous contest in January was won by Michigan 60-59. A rivalry where both schools really just don’t like each other, you know this game will have plenty of action. The Spartans won 15 games in a row before dropping 3 of their last five, and would like to back on track with a win over the Wolverines. Michigan has had a tough time winning on the road this year, and a road victory at the Breslin Center would look great on their tournament resume. Factor into this that Michigan (.5 back) and Michigan St. (1 back) are both close to claiming the Big Ten, and another close game could be just the way to kick off Super Sunday.
Giants vs. Patriots – NFL – 6:29pm
We have finally made it to the main event! Of course the game of the weekend will be the Patriots and Giants, which should be a great matchup. The drama leading up to the game has all been focused on the ankle of Rob Gronkowski, which we all know will play, but how effectively? A rematch from Super Bowl XLII, the Patriots once again need to defeat Eli Manning and the Giants to get their 4th Super Bowl win. The Giants pass rush has been terrorizing quarterbacks this postseason and Manning and his receivers have been clicking. No one has performed like Tom Brady when it comes to Super Bowls, but can Eli and the Giants be his kryptonite again? Enjoy what should be a great Super Bowl and very entertaining sports weekend!
January 25, 2012
The 2012 NHL All-Star Game promises can’t miss action January 26-29 in Ottawa. The capital of Canada will put on an unforgettable event as the NHL’s best take center stage. Sports fans are in for a treat, beginning with the All-Star Fantasy Draft on January 26.
The NHL has the best All-Star Celebration in all of sports. The All-Star Game’s teams are decided by their honorary captains, who happen to be Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins and Daniel Alfredsson of the hometown Ottawa Senators. These men were selected by their fellow All-Star comrades, which is a sign of ultimate respect.
All-Star Captain Zdeno Chara hopes to be celebrating a win for his hand-picked team for the All-Star game.
The rules are simple—each player selects a teammate until every player is selected, similar to how kids would do it on your local pond. East vs. West no more, this is a straight-up pick-up game.
The All-Star Celebration continues on January 28 with the skills competition. This is uber fun for fans and players alike as everyone gets to see just how good these athletes truly are.
These invents include:
On January 29, the main event takes place as the puck drops on the 2012 NHL All-Star Game.
This year’s game will feature a youth movement across the NHL. Philadelphia Flyers center Claude Giroux, Boston Bruins center Tyler Seguin and Edmonton Oilers winger Jordan Eberle are all prime examples of the NHL’s up-and-coming stars. Expect to see these faces in this game for years to come.
The game will have no shortage of action, as the combined goal count will be 15-plus. Regular season play will continue on January 31, as teams compete for a chance to hoist the coveted Stanley Cup.
Enjoy.
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