Frustration: Another tough loss for the Winged Wheel

Oh boy did we let that one get away. Lidstrom gets two late goals and just like that, the Coyotes won this game... How did that happen???? Well it all started when Helm got called for hooking. It was hard to tell on my laptop screen, but it appeared to be a goal saving hook. There was a cluster around the net and I believe the penalty may have prevented a goal. It may not have, I don't know. But there were good plays made around the net with Howard out of position, and the puck stayed out but at the cost of a 2 minute minor. Well the Coyotes scored right away, and right then, I knew we were in for a nail-biting finish. A cluster behind the net after Stuart (who else) fails to clear the puck leads to the puck perfectly finding the skates of Ed Jovanovski. Skate-to-stick then puck to net and we have a tie game with 20 seconds left. Then the profanities start flying, and the mentors on duty tell you to keep it down... well that's what happened here at least. But all kidding aside that is inexcusable. Then in the overtime, Brad Stuart kept turning the puck over. I said BRAD STUART!!!!! more than anything else in that entire overtime. And a bad play by Stuart and bad defensive positioning by the rest led to Shane Doan getting a shot that a scrub could make, so you know it was going in the net for Doan. And you're just left wondering... How the hell did that just happen??? Well kiddies, I won't deny I am very VERY angry with this game, but I will do my job, and find the positives... I mean they have to be here somewhere. Before I do that I want to be disgusted by giving you this stat. 3 out of the last 4 game the Wings have blown a 2 goal lead. Play some damn defense PLEASE.

Well now I will try and find some positives out of that God-forsaken game I witnessed last night... This should be tricky... Okay first off, Kronwall is back. As much as I dislike Kronwall at times, he is an important part of this team. We have been struggling with our depth at defenseman, and it's nice to get an experienced guy like Kronwall back in the lineup. I expect his return to be a positive influence on the rest of the season, and be a much needed boost to this teams attempt to right the ship. The second positive... well as much as it hurts, because we should have gotten two, but we did get a crucial point. If you're going to lose Wings, do it in OT or shootout. Get that point. We need every single point we can get right now. Obviously I am not happy we got the point, because we blew that game, but at least we didn't blow it in regulation. Get that crucial point, because it may come down to one point at the end of the season. We've never had to rely on those one point games and haven't been in such tight races, but this is what the hunt for the 8th seed is all about. Picking up any point you can get. The third positive in this bad boy would be the two goals by Nicklas. Maybe this will get him some confidence. They were both nice goals, one being a snipe backhander and the other good positioning on the powerplay. But maybe those two goals are what Lidstrom needs to get back to the top defenseman in the NHL. We all know he is one of the top, easily. He has all those Norris trophies to prove it, but this year has been a struggle for him. After all, he is 40 now, okay 39, but still he's been dominant up until age 39. So when is he going to have that down turn all veterans have before they retire? I guess right now, but if he follows the career path of all those veterans, he should play until Chelios's age. If that doesn't make sense I'll explain. It always seems like players go through a cycle. Young and learning, prime years, and the veteran down turn. Well Lidstrom's down turn starts at 39... in theory we should have him for a few more years. But that's just me being me, in all seriousness I think he's still one of the best in the game, just having a bad year for the first time since like... ever.

To the TRUE Detroit Red Wing fans, not the ones that won't joke about joining the Blackhawk bandwagon, (Just kidding Andrew, if you do read this, you're still my favorite coach) my message to you is hang in there. We are going to make the playoffs. There is so much time in the season. "Yeah, plenty of games left to blow it, Dave!" Go away pessimistic fans! This isn't the Tigers, or Pistons. This is the Detroit Red Wings, out cities rock. The most reliable team in sports. If it were some kind of product, Billy Mays would pitch them because they're a guarantee. Have faith people, do not give up on the Winged Wheel. This is the first time for alot (including myself) Wings fans that they are struggling to make the playoffs, struggling to get ahead, just struggling in general. I believe that most Wings fans are spoiled and only want to be fans when they're winning. But give them some love back after the 19 (or 18, fact check...) straight years of being in the playoffs. Show you're a true fan, by sticking through it. Support the Wings, do not give up on them. Do not be one of those "fans" that gives up whenever the team struggles. Clearly then you don't watch the Lions, didn't watch the Pistons until Dumars came to be the president of operations, but quickly turned off you television this year. And you most certainly weren't a Tiger fan like me. When they lost 119, I watched every game I could. I bet you "fans" didn't watch until Magglio hit that walk off against Houston Street. Those of you who jump ship and give up, do not, I repeat, DO NOT call yourself Red Wing fans, for clearly you are not. Support your team, do not jump ship, and most of all, do not give up on them yet, they are definitely in this one.

Detroit Red Wing Hockey: The Number One source of my frustration.

Saints vs Colts: Preview and Review

Well well well, we have our Super Bowl teams, now we just have to wait for the Pro Bowl, which I hate, and then we can actually play the Super Bowl. Yeah it's too long in between, Super Bowl should just be next weekend, but it's not, thanks for being dumb NFL. But anyways let's just talk about this weekends action, and a Super Bowl preview. Also you will get the official Bearded Fellow pick.

Let's start off with the Colts and Jets. This was a good game, for the most part. The Colts dominated the second half. The Jets played very well the first half. The key to the game was the big completion to Austin Collie that set up a Colts touchdown, also caught by Austin Collie. Peyton Manning was just too good. Darrelle Revis was a non factor. Why? Because the Colts just threw where he wasn't, which is what you do against a good corner. The Jets running game was held in check, thanks to Dwight Freeney, one of my favorite NFL players. He is unstoppable on most nights, just too good for the Jets O-line. I am so glad to see Mark Sanchez out of the playoffs. I am aware I will still have to hear "Oh wow, a rookie leading the Jets to the Conference title game, what a story! he's so good! Blah Blah BLah." For those of you that don't know, I would like to inform you of this. Sanchez's numbers were like those of our own Matthew Stafford. What?!?!?!?! How could this be?!?!?! Sanchez led his team to the playoffs, Stafford went 2-10!!!!! Well it's true folks. The Jets are a good team, the Lions are not. Jets can play defense and run. The Lions can barely play football. But congrats to the Jets on making it as far as they did with a sub-par quarterback. And congrats to the Colts, on making it to the Super Bowl,

Now for the good game, the one that could have gone either way. Everyone knew the Colts would take care of the Jets, but this game was harder to call. The Vikings taking on the Saints in the Super Dome. And this game did not disappoint. It was all back and forth action. Each team had an answer for the other. I felt that Favre and Brees played amazing and they were right with each other every step of the way. It looked as though Minnesota was going to come out with a win, driving late... but two things happened... The first was a 12 men in the huddle penalty, pushing them out of field goal range. The second was Brett Favre trying to be the hero, making a horrible decision to throw it when he had room to run. That's why they lost. But to those who love to blame the refs, I will say they have a beef on a couple calls. There was a Favre interception thrown in which he took a shot below the knees. I believe that is the "Tom Brady" rule and a 15 yard penalty. The pass interference in overtime was questionable. Yes I know, he didn't turn around to locate the ball. But the pass was uncatchable and the "interference" itself was questionable. There appeared to be little if any contact in that play. BUT the Saints played well, and they get to go to the Super Bowl for the first time ever. SO add another team to the list of teams in the Super Bowl before the Lions; leaving only the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and of course, the Detroit Lions. Congrats to the New Orleans Saints, NFC champions.

But now the Super Bowl prediction. We have the Colts and Saints, the top two teams in the NFL. Two teams that are all about the arial assault. Manning verse Brees; should be epic. But what do I think? Well folks, I am going to take the MVP of the league and his Indianapolis Colt squad. I think Manning is just too good this year, and he will tear apart any defense thrown at him, including this one. Colts 38 Saints 28.

Just a Cluster of Thoughts

Why hello sports fans, how are you this morning? I'm terrific. I just want to get a blog out there, I'm in the blogging mood... the problem is that they're isn't a story out there that tickles my fancy. Oh the dilemma, whatever will I talk about??? Well there's plenty of sports out there, so I'll just talk about whatever comes to my mind... This should get interesting...

First thing, I would like to officially express my already well known hate for the NBA. It's not basketball. I hate turning on a game and seeing what passes off as a foul in the NBA. Those aren't fouls, let the men play. Oh and you can't watch Sportscenter without hearing the name "LeBron James" or "Kobe Bryant." I respect how good the superstars are, but I hate the superstar calls. DOn't breathe on Kobe, that's a foul. There is no defense in the NBA, and I'm all about defense. I just find the NBA boring, I can't watch it. I know what's going on, I can talk about it, but I just can't stand it. But anyways The Pistons are garbage, but once they got rid of Chauncey, I lost almost all interest in the team. Although that Jerekbo guy... he's awesome.

Next thing that tickles my fancy is the Red Wings. Nice win against the WIld, but did you see their two ridiculous goals? That first one was just gross, and the the third goal was nasty. But at least we got the win in the shootout, need those points. With 58 points, they are tied for the 8th spot with the Calgary Flames. I don't know who has the tie breaker, but it's good to be in the playoff hunt and, slowly but surely, on the rise. Next the Wings take on the LA Kings, who currently hold the 7 spot with 59 points. Obviously this is an important game for the Wings, the points are the evidence. I do believe that Babcock is going to have those guys focused and ready to go. In the Winged Wheel I trust. I refuse to change my prediction made the day after the Wings lost the Cup, and that is the 2010 Stanley Cup will be raised by Nicklas Lidstrom and the rest of the Detroit Red Wings. Bold yes, but I never change it until I'm wrong.

One final note is something that came to my attention this morning, that the Michigan State Spartans are getting a new logo. I've seen it, and oh boy is it bad. I hate it. I think it's just a change to add some new details to add flare Completely unnecessary. Don't do it Nike, do not listen to your motto. Keep the old Spartan helmet. Thank You

Tragedy in Sports: RIP Jeron Lewis.

Today's blog is a short one. Short, but powerful.

Jeron Lewis, a 21 year old forward for D-II Southern Indiana died last Thursday after collapsing on the court with four minutes left in the game. Initial thoughts were it was due to the blow to the head caused by the impact. Fans saw his head whip back against the court when he fell. Later, however, it was shown that it was a probable heart attack, and not in any way related to the fall; they found no sign of trauma in his head. Lewis fell when his feet got tangled with another player. He then started convulsing when trainers got to him. He was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead at 9:52 CT
"There's no victory tonight," Southern Indiana head coach Rodney Watson told the Courier and Press. "With this Jeron Lewis situation, it's not about basketball."
A tragic event for the school, for sports, for the team, but most of all, his family. Lewis had missed two games earlier in that season. Why? To attend the birth of his first child in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I think that's what hit me the most. Not that this young man died during a simple game of basketball, but that he left a kid, a wife/fiance/girlfriend (idk which.)
It's something that's rare, and unexpected, but it isn't something that can be taken lightly. I know, he's a DII kid, not going to go pro, but it's tragic nonetheless.

RIP Jeron Lewis, my sympathy and prayers go out to the school, the team, and his family

Go right through for MSU

Well Spartans, it's our time of the year again. It's time for Spartan basketball. Of course every year you have to through Michigan State in the list of contenders, and with a team that's returning so much talent, we obviously we an early favorite. MSU has done good so far this year, but one thing concerns me... We haven't won the big game. Our two toughest opponents, Texas and North Carolina, beat us pretty handedly. Now obviously we're gonna go dancing, and we're gonna go far (more than those guys in Ann Arbor can say) but what happens when we face our first good opponent in the tourney? What happens when we play Purdue? The Purdue match ups concern me, especially at West Lafayette. They have been the clear favorite and best team in the Big Ten thus far, and are going to be our toughest opponent this season. Robbie Hummel is one of the best players in the country, and Chris Kramer is a tough, hard nose defender. Will Coach Izzo be able to work his magic when we play the Boilermakers? Will Raymar show up? Will Kalin play at a top level against Purdue's defense? Who knows, but what I do know is that MSU still has something to prove. They've taken care of business against the teams that they're better than, now they need a signature win to build their confidence and increase their chances of getting to Indianapolis for the Final Four. But now, I have to set all biased opinions aside, and give my thoughts on the team and their chances. Honestly, Purdue will beat us, definitely at home, but maybe also at the Breslin. Robbie is an amazing player, almost impossible to stop. And about getting to the FInal Four... that's almost impossible to predict without seeing the bracket, but I'm going to say no right now. I think that they'll be in the elite eight for sure, but I think that's when the ride ends for the Spartans.

And as for Michigan basketball, since I don't hide to you guys I follow Michigan sports still, I am not going to abandon my roots or my team just because I go to MSU. It's not my style, and like I said before, I've only truly hated two schools: Ohio State and Notre Dame. But anyways, how bout them Wolverines? Great comeback in a must win against Penn State, quickly followed by blowing a 17 point lead against Northwestern. Can you say NIT? I can. That's where they're headed. No way they get to the big dance unless they win the Big Ten tournament. And I also believe John Beilein's job might be in jeopardy. They started as the 15th team in the nation, and they have absolutely just tanked. Losses to teams like Alabama, Utah, and Indiana are just inexcusable. Too bad, I thought they had really turned a corner with him in, but hey, thems the breaks, right?

Roll Tide: National Champs

Well now that was a pretty damn good game. Closer than the score indicated. The Texas Longhorns (my preseason pick) and the Alabama Crimson tide. An epic battle. The heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram verses the winningest quarterback in college football history in Colt McCoy. But Colt... got hurt 5 plays in. Did that make the difference in the game? Maybe... but it definitely would have been a different ball game. I'm not gonna sit here and rant and rave that with Colt Texas would be national champs. Who knows how the game would have gone? I don't know, and neither do you. But I want to give props to the that true freshman quarterback Garrett Gilbert. That second half he played was heroic. His first action is against the best defense in the nation in the National Championship in historic Pasadena. He brought that Texas team back from down 24-6 at the half. Having said that, I want to make two anti-shout outs. A couple "What are you doing????'s" My first, goes to the Texas receivers. They had too many drops, which probably hurt the young mans confidence early on. They had quite a few key drops, including one which turned into an interception. So, what are you doing, Texas wide outs, get your game proper. My second "What are you doing" goes to the Texas play calling. The offensive coordinator was making horrible play calls in the first half. I know, Garrett Gilbert is a true freshman he's not Colt McCoy. Bull crap, he's still a Texas quarterback, there's a reason why you guys recruited him. Texas doesn't run the ball, they are horrible at it, and yet that first half with Gilbert was run run pass punt. Sound familiar Michigan fans? That's the Llyod Carr offense. It's not the Texas offense. You gotta trust the kid, and run your offense. Stick to what got you wins, don't go into a shell. My third and final "What are you doing" goes to the Texas defense, particularly to anyone who tried to tackle. I haven't seen such poor tackling since the last time I watched a Lions game. I know Ingram is good, but when a guy breaks four tackles in one play... that's a little alarming. Wrap up and tackle, fundamentals. But now I have to chalk up credit up to Bama. They dominated and controlled the play. They ran it, played hard nose defense, and Mcelroy did what he had to do to win the game. The punter did a great job not letting Shipley get any returns. Yes, I just gave props to the punter. Congrats to the Alabama Crimson Tide, you are the National Champions of college football.

Oh and on a final note, no Boise, you have no beef, I don't care if teams don't play you, go to their palce, do whatever. Get a new conference, join the Pac-10 I don't know, and I don't care. I love Boise, but I am sorry, they could not play with Alabama or Texas. That is clear and evident. And no, I do not want a playoff system.

A video for you guys

It was easier to upload on youtube than to use this sight, plus that could give my more publicity... probably not but whatever.





enjoy

The Granddaddy of them All

The Rose bowl game. Every New Year's day means another Rose Bowl matchup. My favorite bowl game, except when Michigan's losing it. But every Big Ten team plays for this game, same with the Pac Ten squads. This game is engrossed in tradition. This year, we have a couple of fresh opponents. Ohio State, despite their Big Ten dominance, is making their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1997 (the 1996 season.) And from the Pac 10 is USC... wait no, it's Oregon. That's right the Trojans are not in it, but to be frank as much as I hate them, I'd rather see USC than Oregon, I dislike the Ducks. But the usual suspects, USC and Michigan, will be watching this one the same way I will be, on my couch. But being from the midwest, I have a strong biased towards this game. But if you think about it, of all the bowl games, the Rose Bowl has the most tradition, hype, and the best atmosphere. It is on my bucket list to go see Michigan in the Rose Bowl. I would say State... but let's face the facts here Spartans. We haven't been there since 1988, and have no real chances in the near future. But the old classic has a couple of new teams in it. I am typing this during the game, if you want to know, it's 10-3 Buckeyes. I want... the Buckeyes to win. Big Ten Pride. Now when I finish this the game will be over, but I just wanted to get this rolling.
So am I the only one that doesn't like Brett Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit? They're alright, but I can't stand watching a Michigan game that these two clowns do. I don't think they're that good, but hey that's just my opinion.
Why did they let Legarrett Blount play? That guy is a thug. What he did was unacceptable. I applauded the coaching staff when they suspended him for the season. And yet they let him come back. I don't like that out of the coaching staff. Waffling. But then again, maybe he worked hard to earn his spot back. Hmmm two sides to every story. Well I commend him. He must have done something to earn that spot back, something saint like.
It's 10-10, and what I've seen so far I've liked. I think Ohio State has played better, but Oregon has got the momentum. I think the Buckeye defense has looked really good. If the offense smoothes things out like the first drive, they will win this Rose Bowl.
One of my earliest memories is of the Rose Bowl. And yes pretty much all my early memories are sports related. But I remember watching the 1998 Rose Bowl. Michigan vs Washington State. The National Champion Michigan Wolverines. Don't give me that Co-champ bull crap. Everyone knows Michigan would have thrashed Nebraska. their coach was retiring, and the media loved him. But I remember not the details of the game, but just watching it with friends and family. It is a family event watching the Rose Bowl, and it just so happens to be my dad's birthday. Happy Birthday Pop. But the Rose Bowl has so much tradition with my family. That's why it pains me when Michigan isn't in it, and even more when they lose it. But I guess that's why I love it so much, it has a deep tradition within me.
10-10 4th and short... if they don't go for it, I'm going to be upset with the sweatervest. Okay they went for it and got it, but back play calling. Gotta run it on first and goal. So now it's 13-10.
16-10 at the half, I like what I've seen. The Buckeye defense needs to contain Masoli and the Oregon offense, and continue this consistent offense.
4th quarter, 19-17 Ohio State. Been a good game, I hope it continues, and hope you, the reader, is enjoying the game, well did enjoy the game by the time you read this. I have a good feeling that the Buckeyes will get points on the board. SO i just saw the most absurd play, what a catch. Pryor with a desperate throw, what a play. TOUCHDOWN Buckeyes, I told you guys, they were putting up points. I bet you this guy is gonna miss... Wide right, too bad. And the Buckeyes are driving, killing that clock. Jim Tressel ball. This great game is nearing it's conclusion, and as much as I hate them, it looks like the Buckeyes are going to win. And I'm happy about that, Big Ten pride. And it's the victory formation.
So this great bowl game has a victory from the good side again. The Roses are back in the Big Ten. Congrats Ohio State on winning the 2010 Rose Bowl.

Happy New Year fans, I do still blog, just been struggling for inspiration.