Well folks, we have arrived at the NHL All-Star Break and the races are heating up. First, however, let's talk a little about the festivities this weekend. The fans in Atlanta actually showed up for the event with starts like Crosby, Staal, and Malkin headlining the game. I don't think the people in Hotlanta are as passionate as those in Toronto or Detroit, but at least their preventing the Thrashers from moving (at least for the near future). The Super Skills competition was one of the best in some years with newcomers participating in a host of activities. Sure, we all miss Ray Bourque hitting target after target and Al McInnis breaking the twine of the net, but Thomas Karbele and Zedeno Chara aren't bad substitutes.
The game was a high scoring shootout as usual, but the goalies had the last word. In fact, the Bruins played a decisive role in the game. Marc Savard scored the game winner to break a 7-7 tie with about 20 ticks remaining. Tim Thomas was a show stopper near the end of the game and helped to put an end to the bleeding of the second period. Staal put on a solid performance and brought home the MVP trophy.
The Eastern Conference is extremely bunched up with just tweleve points separating the eight seed from the first. Ottawa, like Detroit, has a comfortable lead both atop the Conference and their division. Montreal has played extremely well and is second in the Northeast and fourth in the Conference with 60 points. They have played a solid 60 minutes of hockey nearly every game as a team. Nobody, including myself thought the Canadiens had anything more than an outside shot at the playoffs. Huet is incredible in big games and the Habs have managed to pull out the close ones. (Did I mention the fact that they've killed the Bruins the past six meetings--still hurts!) Philly and New Jersey are tied atop the Atlantic with 59 points and have made the best with some injuries. New Jersey doesn't score a lot but have an experienced defense and Marty Brodeur. Need I say more? Philly has a young but talented team. Nittymaki (I make no attempt to correctly spell his name) is solid. The team should finish strong, but lacks (besides Donald Brasher) the physical toughness that epitomized the team in the 70s and the early part of this century. I expect Philly to fold in the playoffs due to lack of experience. Look for the Devils to compete deep into Lord Stanley's competition.
Now, this is where the logjam begins. The Penguins are solid at 58 points and have done well in a tough division. Conklin has won them games in the absence of Fleury, but has reliability issues down the stretch. The team quickly gained experience last year and made a splash in the playoffs. The defense needs to step up if the Penguins want to separate themselves from the pack.
Three points behind are the Bruins (55 for the mathematically challenged---good for 7th in the Conf). The B's have struggled at times, but have also played solid hockey. When Tim Thomas is hot, the team is hot and no puck seems to find its way into the back of the net. Marc Savard has been dominant with Bergeron and Murray out of the lineup. Savard earned his first All-Star nomination this season. Dennis Wideman and Zedeno Chara have been warriors on the blue line directing the team and leading them in ice time. Look for the Bruins to make a run at some point in time. They could surprise someone in the playoffs if they find their "A" game. Pulling up the rear (tied for 8th place) are the Islanders and the Rangers with 54 points. The Rangers are too talented a team to keep playing inconsistently. The defense needs to step up, but the lack of overall depth on the team seems to have hurt them dearly.
An interesting team that is currently just six points out of the playoff picture are the Maple Leafs. The Leafs, with a mix of veteran experience and young talent, were expected to reach playoff glory for the first time in three years in TO. The natives have grown restless as the Leafs are stuck in the pit of the Northeast Division. The replacement of incompetent GM John Ferguson Jr. with Cliff Fletcher seems to have motivated the team. Like the Rangers, the Leafs seem too talented not to make a run at some point. If the Leafs manage to squeak into the playoffs, watch out Ottawa. The Leafs have a great deal of playoff experience and could make a cinderella run. Just don't get your hopes up TO.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Sens. Lieberman and McCain support troops
Recently, Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut)and John McCain (R-Arizona) filled legislation to fund the troop surge in Iraq. Lieberman, who traveled to Iraq with McCain over Thanksgiving, said he has spoken with soldiers and commanding officers and realized the troop surge is working. The unlikely pair is attempting to convince a hostile Congress (and media for that matter) of the progress overseas.
Is it just me or is Joe Lieberman looking like a Republican these days? He is a far cry from the man who ran for Vice-President with Al Gore. Most people forget Lieberman's Republican past. It is possible that Lieberman put the "D" next to his name simply as part of an opportunistic strategy to further his political career. This sounds like something Rudy Giuliani did some twenty years ago. He is attempting to become President on the Republican ticket.
Is it just me or is Joe Lieberman looking like a Republican these days? He is a far cry from the man who ran for Vice-President with Al Gore. Most people forget Lieberman's Republican past. It is possible that Lieberman put the "D" next to his name simply as part of an opportunistic strategy to further his political career. This sounds like something Rudy Giuliani did some twenty years ago. He is attempting to become President on the Republican ticket.
Welcome back Imus
IMUS in the Morning is back and online at wtkk.com There you can listen live between 5am and 9am or check out IMUS ondemand in the podcast section. Welcome back cowboy!
Could Rudy really be president?!!
As the days get shorter and the weather colder, one’s attention turns to the upcoming Presidential Primaries, which commence in January. The decision making process begins early this election cycle, with the Iowa Caucuses taking place on January 3rd and the New Hampshire Primary occurring just five days later. After months of anticipation and seemingly meaningless debates, the time has arrived to seriously analyze the candidates for the oval office.
According to the latest primary polls, Rudy Giuliani is still the front runner for the GOP nomination, which means that many Americans have not seriously weighted the issues and analyzed the candidates. Giuliani is most remembered for his leadership during the September 11th attacks and frequently cites this in his campaign advertisements. American Republicans are willing to place a candidate in the general election as a result of one singular action. A copious evaluation of Giuliani’s record leads one to discover his socially liberal policies and decisions made as a US Attorney and eventually as mayor of New York City. Many Republicans do not realize that Giuliani originally registered as a Democrat and cast his ballot for George McGovern in 1972. He later switched to an Independent as the designation became more widely accepted in political circles. It was not until the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 that Giuliani became a registered Republican. Not surprisingly, he was named Associate Attorney General by the Reagan Administration in 1981. Giuliani almost appears to be a traitor and sell-out to the GOP.
A fiscal conservative, Giuliani has favored liberal social policies and stands by many decisions and policies made during his time in the public spotlight. Most notably, Giuliani is pro-choice and in a May debate stated that: “allowing choice keeps government out of people's lives” (May 2007). This pro-choice and slightly anarchical statement sounds more like something that would come out of Hillary Clinton’s big mouth than a registered Republican. Furthermore, Giuliani and his camp donated to Planned Parenthood, a noted pro-choice organization, while in office as mayor. Giuliani is also in favor of gay rights and opposed President George W. Bush’s proposed ban on gay marriage this January. Likewise, he believes a marriage amendment is not necessary at the present time. Giuliani’s sanctuary policies turned New York City into a haven for illegal immigrants. He is in favor of allowing children of illegal immigrants to attend public school on taxpayer money and supported the Senate bill allowing a guest worker program.
Although Giuliani has adamantly declared that hunters should not face restrictions from gun control laws, he implemented numerous gun control laws as mayor and filed a law suit against two dozen gun manufacturers. Although some laws are necessary to protect the streets of urban cities, Giuliani himself stated one should: “focus on criminals, not on guns.” Talk about contradicting oneself and flip-flopping around an issue. This reminds me of John Kerry in 2004.
The Conservative Right that dominates the Bible Belt favors conservative social policies that are rooted in the nation’s Christian values. Many of Giuliani’s policies are in direct opposition to the Conservative Right. Traditionally, the GOP nominee has to win the Bible Belt in order to win the election. This year, however, many moderate Republicans seem to view Giuliani as a compromise candidate who can defeat the Democratic nominee. Televangelist Pat Robertson, who once blamed September 11th on the decrepit social morals of New York City, publicly endorsed Giuliani last month.
Robertson, like many of the aforementioned moderates, cites Giuliani’s strong record on crime and homeland security in addition to his conservative fiscal policies. Giuliani does favor supply-side economics and is opposed to overturning the Bush tax cuts. With promises to maintain the global War on Terror and to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat, Giuliani appears to have one of the most stringent foreign policy plans of any of the candidates. While Giuliani will not win over many true conservatives in the primaries, he should gain the votes of many moderates and independents. In the process, he should prevent many conservatives from moving to Canada or booking the next flight to another planet.
According to the latest primary polls, Rudy Giuliani is still the front runner for the GOP nomination, which means that many Americans have not seriously weighted the issues and analyzed the candidates. Giuliani is most remembered for his leadership during the September 11th attacks and frequently cites this in his campaign advertisements. American Republicans are willing to place a candidate in the general election as a result of one singular action. A copious evaluation of Giuliani’s record leads one to discover his socially liberal policies and decisions made as a US Attorney and eventually as mayor of New York City. Many Republicans do not realize that Giuliani originally registered as a Democrat and cast his ballot for George McGovern in 1972. He later switched to an Independent as the designation became more widely accepted in political circles. It was not until the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 that Giuliani became a registered Republican. Not surprisingly, he was named Associate Attorney General by the Reagan Administration in 1981. Giuliani almost appears to be a traitor and sell-out to the GOP.
A fiscal conservative, Giuliani has favored liberal social policies and stands by many decisions and policies made during his time in the public spotlight. Most notably, Giuliani is pro-choice and in a May debate stated that: “allowing choice keeps government out of people's lives” (May 2007). This pro-choice and slightly anarchical statement sounds more like something that would come out of Hillary Clinton’s big mouth than a registered Republican. Furthermore, Giuliani and his camp donated to Planned Parenthood, a noted pro-choice organization, while in office as mayor. Giuliani is also in favor of gay rights and opposed President George W. Bush’s proposed ban on gay marriage this January. Likewise, he believes a marriage amendment is not necessary at the present time. Giuliani’s sanctuary policies turned New York City into a haven for illegal immigrants. He is in favor of allowing children of illegal immigrants to attend public school on taxpayer money and supported the Senate bill allowing a guest worker program.
Although Giuliani has adamantly declared that hunters should not face restrictions from gun control laws, he implemented numerous gun control laws as mayor and filed a law suit against two dozen gun manufacturers. Although some laws are necessary to protect the streets of urban cities, Giuliani himself stated one should: “focus on criminals, not on guns.” Talk about contradicting oneself and flip-flopping around an issue. This reminds me of John Kerry in 2004.
The Conservative Right that dominates the Bible Belt favors conservative social policies that are rooted in the nation’s Christian values. Many of Giuliani’s policies are in direct opposition to the Conservative Right. Traditionally, the GOP nominee has to win the Bible Belt in order to win the election. This year, however, many moderate Republicans seem to view Giuliani as a compromise candidate who can defeat the Democratic nominee. Televangelist Pat Robertson, who once blamed September 11th on the decrepit social morals of New York City, publicly endorsed Giuliani last month.
Robertson, like many of the aforementioned moderates, cites Giuliani’s strong record on crime and homeland security in addition to his conservative fiscal policies. Giuliani does favor supply-side economics and is opposed to overturning the Bush tax cuts. With promises to maintain the global War on Terror and to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat, Giuliani appears to have one of the most stringent foreign policy plans of any of the candidates. While Giuliani will not win over many true conservatives in the primaries, he should gain the votes of many moderates and independents. In the process, he should prevent many conservatives from moving to Canada or booking the next flight to another planet.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
The BCS is coming together with a few undefeateds falling each week. Currently, Ohio State and LSU are poised to go dancing in the National Championship but both teams have tough competition in the finally weeks of the season. Ohio State has to travel to Illinois before hosting #12 Michigan in the Big Game. LSU, after squeaking by #15 Florida, #25 Kentucky, and #18 Auburn, has a fiesty Arkansas team the day after Thanksgiving.
Oregon, with Heisman candidate Denis Dixon at the helm, keeps rolling on all cylinders. The Ducks have to go to Los Angeles to play the Bruins, but Oregon should defeat them just as they beat Southern Cal. Look for the Ducks to win out and find themselves in the National Championship game against LSU.
#4 Kansas and #15 Hawai'i are the only other two undefeated teams in the BCS. Kansas plays division opponents Iowa State and #6 Missouri and then could play in the Big 12 Championship Game. The only challenge the Rainbow Warriors face is WAC opponent Boise State, but the #20 Broncos would like nothing more than to knock off an undefeated. If Hawai'i can get by Boise they should work their way into the BCS.
Boston College fell in a hotly contested game against Florida State in tropical storm conditions at the Heights. The Eagles are still a very good team with a potent offense and defense. The Seminoles proved, however, that if you stop the Matt Ryan's passing attack you essentially stop BCs offense. Look for them to win out and win the ACC Championship against either Virginia or Virginia Tech. BC should find themselves in a BCS game in January.
The Big East has seen its share of surprises over the past two seasons. First, it was Rutgers turning around a completely abismal program to send them to a major bowl. Earlier this year, South Florida proved themselves to the nation with several key wins, but faltered recently and will probably find themselves on the outside looking in on the BCS. West Virginia is still the best team in the Big East, but has Louisville this weekend. The Mountaineers won't be playing on New Years this season, but it won't be because they accepted a bid to a small bowl.
The Big 12 is more competitive as ever, but the Sooners appear to have a strong hold on the Southern division. Missouri and undefeated Kansas are battling for the Northern title, but Colorado has shown great promise this year. Oklahoma will be heading to another BCS game and will be seeking revenge for last year's game against Boise State.
At the end of the season look for:
1. Oregon
2. LSU
3. Ohio State
4. Oklahoma
5. Boston College
6. West Virginia
7. Michigan
8. Hawai'i
9. Georgia
10. Missouri
National Championship:
#1 Oregon v. #2 LSU
Rose Bowl:
#7 Michigan v. #4 Oklahoma
Sugar Bowl:
#10 Missouri v. #9 Georgia
Fiesta Bowl:
#8 Hawai'i v. #6 West Virginia
Orange Bowl:
#3 Ohio State v. #5 Boston College
Oregon, with Heisman candidate Denis Dixon at the helm, keeps rolling on all cylinders. The Ducks have to go to Los Angeles to play the Bruins, but Oregon should defeat them just as they beat Southern Cal. Look for the Ducks to win out and find themselves in the National Championship game against LSU.
#4 Kansas and #15 Hawai'i are the only other two undefeated teams in the BCS. Kansas plays division opponents Iowa State and #6 Missouri and then could play in the Big 12 Championship Game. The only challenge the Rainbow Warriors face is WAC opponent Boise State, but the #20 Broncos would like nothing more than to knock off an undefeated. If Hawai'i can get by Boise they should work their way into the BCS.
Boston College fell in a hotly contested game against Florida State in tropical storm conditions at the Heights. The Eagles are still a very good team with a potent offense and defense. The Seminoles proved, however, that if you stop the Matt Ryan's passing attack you essentially stop BCs offense. Look for them to win out and win the ACC Championship against either Virginia or Virginia Tech. BC should find themselves in a BCS game in January.
The Big East has seen its share of surprises over the past two seasons. First, it was Rutgers turning around a completely abismal program to send them to a major bowl. Earlier this year, South Florida proved themselves to the nation with several key wins, but faltered recently and will probably find themselves on the outside looking in on the BCS. West Virginia is still the best team in the Big East, but has Louisville this weekend. The Mountaineers won't be playing on New Years this season, but it won't be because they accepted a bid to a small bowl.
The Big 12 is more competitive as ever, but the Sooners appear to have a strong hold on the Southern division. Missouri and undefeated Kansas are battling for the Northern title, but Colorado has shown great promise this year. Oklahoma will be heading to another BCS game and will be seeking revenge for last year's game against Boise State.
At the end of the season look for:
1. Oregon
2. LSU
3. Ohio State
4. Oklahoma
5. Boston College
6. West Virginia
7. Michigan
8. Hawai'i
9. Georgia
10. Missouri
National Championship:
#1 Oregon v. #2 LSU
Rose Bowl:
#7 Michigan v. #4 Oklahoma
Sugar Bowl:
#10 Missouri v. #9 Georgia
Fiesta Bowl:
#8 Hawai'i v. #6 West Virginia
Orange Bowl:
#3 Ohio State v. #5 Boston College
NHL month in
Well, after a long October, things are finally beginning to take shape in the National Hockey League. Some teams got off to slow starts (ie. Toronto, Montreal), while others were flying from the start (ie. Ottawa, Detroit).
Overall, the second season post-lockout has proven to be exciting with some aspects of old time hockey returning. Although the refs have not co-operated, the tough guys have come through. When the Kings and the Ducks squared off in London earlier this season, the fans were more excited to see a fight than to see the teams put the biscuit in the basket.
In the Eastern Conference, Ottawa has lived up to all the hype as defending Conference champions by winning twelve of their thirteen games and landing in first place. Ray Emery, the Senators post season savior in net went down with an injury, but Martin Gerber has risen to the challenge and posted incredible numbers (1.88 GAA; .938 SV%). Earlier this week, Jason Spezza inked a long term contract with the Sens putting him in the spotlight for the next few seasons.
A resurgent Canadiens team has played very well this season and is currently in second place in the Northeast with 17 points. Cristobal Huet has been solid in net and the rest of the team has figured out how to play team hockey for a full 60 minutes with a less than stellar roster. The Habs have a tough schedule coming up with a number of division games. They fell to the inconsistent Maple Leafs this weekend and played extremely sloppy.
The Leafs have one of the most promising rosters, but have been extremely inconsistent. The team has a seemingly perfect mesh of seasoned veterans (Sundin, Tucker, Blake, McCabe) and young stars (Wellwood, Steen, Colaiacovo). Raycroft and Toskala have split the duties in net with Toskala getting the slight edge, but both have been inconsistent. Toskala plays a great game and looks like the second coming of Cujo, and then gives up seven or eight goals the next night. If the Leafs can put it all together, they should return to postseason glory.
Tied with the Leafs for third place are the Bruins. The Bruins came out strong out of the gate with Tim Thomas carrying the load in net. Unfortunately, the Bruins have also played inconsistent with the superstars (Bergeron, Murray, Chara) taking a back seat to newcomers. The loss of Bergeron for a month or more hurts the Bs immensely, but it will allow the tough guys to get more starts and grind their way to victory.
The Sabres have extremely underachieved and look like they might miss the playoffs after a strong runs the past few seasons. Look for a shakeup in Buffalo at some point this season. It is still early, but if the Sabres want to win, Ryan Miller is going to have to step up and carry the team.
A young Flyers team has overpowered Atlantic Division opponents with their tough style of hockey, similar to that of the Bruins. The Flyers are an improved team from last season, but do not have the talent or depth on offense to take them to the playoffs. The Flyers are in first place, but in a weak division.
The Islanders are winning early, but have yet to prove themselves against a tough opponent. Goaltending and defense has been a problem and should cause havok later in the season. If the offense can keep up their pressure and DiPietro can put it together, the Islanders might make a run at the final spot.
The Rangers started off very slow but have picked it up of late. Drury is finally heating up and when the offense comes together, the Rangers will be unstoppable. Lundquist has been just average this year and needs to pick up his game.
The last place Devils are as consistent as ever with Gionta, Parise, and Pandolfo coming through in the clutch and Marty Brodeur is still stopping pucks like a brick wall. Unfortunately for New Jersey, the trap-style defense that dominated the 90s has yet to find a way to stop high-flying offenses. Catch the Devils on a good night and you'll be in for trouble. The Devils won't go away easy and could pose a serious threat to the Rangers as the season progresses.
The Hurricanes have proven themselves on offense and defense and Cam Ward is a viable NHL goalie. With a terrific power play, the Hurricanes are poised to strike at any time. The defense is still evolving, but the offense has made up for the deficit. The Hurricanes should win the weak Southeast Conference, but Tampa could have a shot if the Canes offense falters. Atlanta, like Buffalo, has underachieved a year after making the playoffs. The Thrashers have a solid core of players, but not enough to compliment them. The defense is clearly the biggest problem for the Thrashers (aside from the fact the HC draws better than them). Florida is rolling along consistently and Washington has surprised some teams with their potent offense. The Caps, however, do not have the defense to sustain a long term run.
The second month of the season should help to weed out the cinderellas from the rest of the contenders.
Overall, the second season post-lockout has proven to be exciting with some aspects of old time hockey returning. Although the refs have not co-operated, the tough guys have come through. When the Kings and the Ducks squared off in London earlier this season, the fans were more excited to see a fight than to see the teams put the biscuit in the basket.
In the Eastern Conference, Ottawa has lived up to all the hype as defending Conference champions by winning twelve of their thirteen games and landing in first place. Ray Emery, the Senators post season savior in net went down with an injury, but Martin Gerber has risen to the challenge and posted incredible numbers (1.88 GAA; .938 SV%). Earlier this week, Jason Spezza inked a long term contract with the Sens putting him in the spotlight for the next few seasons.
A resurgent Canadiens team has played very well this season and is currently in second place in the Northeast with 17 points. Cristobal Huet has been solid in net and the rest of the team has figured out how to play team hockey for a full 60 minutes with a less than stellar roster. The Habs have a tough schedule coming up with a number of division games. They fell to the inconsistent Maple Leafs this weekend and played extremely sloppy.
The Leafs have one of the most promising rosters, but have been extremely inconsistent. The team has a seemingly perfect mesh of seasoned veterans (Sundin, Tucker, Blake, McCabe) and young stars (Wellwood, Steen, Colaiacovo). Raycroft and Toskala have split the duties in net with Toskala getting the slight edge, but both have been inconsistent. Toskala plays a great game and looks like the second coming of Cujo, and then gives up seven or eight goals the next night. If the Leafs can put it all together, they should return to postseason glory.
Tied with the Leafs for third place are the Bruins. The Bruins came out strong out of the gate with Tim Thomas carrying the load in net. Unfortunately, the Bruins have also played inconsistent with the superstars (Bergeron, Murray, Chara) taking a back seat to newcomers. The loss of Bergeron for a month or more hurts the Bs immensely, but it will allow the tough guys to get more starts and grind their way to victory.
The Sabres have extremely underachieved and look like they might miss the playoffs after a strong runs the past few seasons. Look for a shakeup in Buffalo at some point this season. It is still early, but if the Sabres want to win, Ryan Miller is going to have to step up and carry the team.
A young Flyers team has overpowered Atlantic Division opponents with their tough style of hockey, similar to that of the Bruins. The Flyers are an improved team from last season, but do not have the talent or depth on offense to take them to the playoffs. The Flyers are in first place, but in a weak division.
The Islanders are winning early, but have yet to prove themselves against a tough opponent. Goaltending and defense has been a problem and should cause havok later in the season. If the offense can keep up their pressure and DiPietro can put it together, the Islanders might make a run at the final spot.
The Rangers started off very slow but have picked it up of late. Drury is finally heating up and when the offense comes together, the Rangers will be unstoppable. Lundquist has been just average this year and needs to pick up his game.
The last place Devils are as consistent as ever with Gionta, Parise, and Pandolfo coming through in the clutch and Marty Brodeur is still stopping pucks like a brick wall. Unfortunately for New Jersey, the trap-style defense that dominated the 90s has yet to find a way to stop high-flying offenses. Catch the Devils on a good night and you'll be in for trouble. The Devils won't go away easy and could pose a serious threat to the Rangers as the season progresses.
The Hurricanes have proven themselves on offense and defense and Cam Ward is a viable NHL goalie. With a terrific power play, the Hurricanes are poised to strike at any time. The defense is still evolving, but the offense has made up for the deficit. The Hurricanes should win the weak Southeast Conference, but Tampa could have a shot if the Canes offense falters. Atlanta, like Buffalo, has underachieved a year after making the playoffs. The Thrashers have a solid core of players, but not enough to compliment them. The defense is clearly the biggest problem for the Thrashers (aside from the fact the HC draws better than them). Florida is rolling along consistently and Washington has surprised some teams with their potent offense. The Caps, however, do not have the defense to sustain a long term run.
The second month of the season should help to weed out the cinderellas from the rest of the contenders.
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