Canada gets the Gold... *sigh*

What an amazing game that was, just as any gold medal game should be. But this one was particularly great. It started off all Canada, as they took a 1-0 before the end of the first on a Jonathan Towes goal. Canada had really controlled the tempo and kept the USA from really getting any kind of real scoring chances. The first period was a good one with Canada taking a 1-0 lead into intermission.

The second period was the same story. Canada looked like the better team, and they put another one in the net because of it. Corey Perry put in the goal for Canada that put them up 2-0. The US was in trouble after that goal. Canada was imposing their will upon the US and it showed on the scoreboard. Something needed to changed for the United States; something was brewing in the air. On a play which should of been whistled offside upon further looking, the US take advantage and finally find the back of the net. Ryan Kessler tipped in a Patrick Kane shot. It was a simple play, just putting the puck on net, but it worked. US went into the third with the momentum and only down one.

The third period starts, and Canada quickly takes away all momentum the Americans had by doing what they've done all game; peppering shots and Ryan Miller and controlling the puck, like any Babcock team. But Miller stood tall and kept it a one goal game. With about 5 minutes left to go in the game, things started to turn around. The US started to take control of the game, but couldn't beat Roberto. 1:30 left, US pulls the goalie... Under a minute to go, still 2-1... Then Roberto gloves a shot which he then decides to play... Canada doesn't clear the puck, it comes around to Kane who lets a shot fly, tipped by Langenbrunner, sat out front for Zach Parise. With 24.4 seconds left, Parise put the puck where it belonged, in Canada's net. The match to decide everything needed more than 60 minutes.

Overtime was back and forth, both teams playing more cautious than they had all game, but trying to get the game winner. oe Pavelski almost turned a Neidermeyer turnover into a gold medal. But Canada's counter attack did turn into a gold. Crosby brought in the zone, took it to the corner, gave it to Iginla then made a B-line to the net. Iginla hit him with the pass and Crosby wasn't going to be denied. Rafalski was caught out of position, but almost made the play on Crosby on the recovery. But it wasn't to be... Canada wins gold.

Is it bitter? Yes. Am I angry Crosby was the one to score? Oh you better believe it. But do I appreciate the run the US made? Absolutely. They were not supposed to be undefeated, going into the last game. They were not supposed to take Canada to overtime. They were;nt supposed to be there, but they were, and I salute them. 2014 the team should all be back, with a few exceptions. Rafalski won't be back :( but Ryan Miller will, and so will many others.

USA v Canada for the Gold.

Well it's a rematch. Canada vs USA for the gold. This is going to be their second matchup in these olympic games. US won the first one 5-3 in what was one of the best games of the Olympic games. But it's not going to be the same game. I think the US surprised Canada, and that won't happen again. Not that US won't win, but they won't be able to surprise the Canadians like they did before. But it should be one hell of a game, but how did we get to this one?

USA had a semi-final rendezvous with Finland. And this game was close... only when the puck dropped. The US scored all six of it's goals in the first half of the first period. Mika Kiprusoff pulled himself after giving up four goals. It started off with an Ryan Malone goal assisted by Kiprusoff, and it was all downhill from there for the Fins. Goals by Malone, Patrick Kane(2), Eric Johnson, Paul Stasny, and Zach Parise It was bad, just bad. Tim Thomas came in for Ryan Miller, not sure why, but he gave up the lone FIn goal. USA moves on to the Gold medal game with a date of the winner of this affair...

Canada Slovakia, a blow out on paper. But hockey is played on ice, not paper. Canada jumped out to a 3-0 lead and held that through the first two periods. Goals by Morrow, Marleau, and Getzlaf. Canada was dominating the play, as they should have. The Slovaks looked out-matched. It wasn't pretty. But a funny goal led the comeback trail... Visnovsky scored a funny goal when he was coming down the side towards Luongo that took a funny roll to beat Roberto. Handzus then put in another goal to make it 3-2 with five minutes to go. What was a boring game quickly became interesting. That's what's great about hockey: It's one shot away from turning around. And with the goalie pulled, the Slovaks came heavy, but Pavel Demitra could not put it home as he missed an empty net; Luongo may have gotten a piece of it. The cinderella story of the Slovaks' "good-bye tour" came to a close. No gold for the Slovak, but they have a chance to medal for the first time ever. I think they will beat the Fins tonight, 4-2.

But the game that matters, USA v Canada. Canada was my initial prediction, and I usually never change my predictions until I'm wrong. And wiht the way Canada played against Germany and Russia I would have definitely taken the Canadians. But with these last two performances (USA v Finland; Canada v Slovakia) I think for the first time, I'm going to waffle on my prediction. I am officially picking the Red, White, and Blue to take home the gold. Ryan Miller has been unbeatable in the games thus far, and he will continue it. USA will beat Canada, 3-1, chalk it up right now.

USA v Finland: Slovakia v Canada

We've reached the semi's and it's been such an amazing ride. But what do you expect? It's Olympic puck people! The Bearded Fellow has got you covered friends. That other guy has had a total of ZERO olympic posts. It's the greatest time in Sports and he doesn't cover it. Rookie mistake, ya hate to see it. I have five, six if you include this one. That's why you get your sports from the bearded one, and not some wanna be. But anyways, back to the puck.

USA takes on FInland today at three for a chance to play for the Gold medal. Finland and USA got here by blanking their opponents in the last round 2-0. The US scored on a Parise tip and the FIns scored on a Nickolas Hagman goal. Kiprusoff and Miller got the shutouts for their respective teams. Should be a good match up. Mika Kiprusoff and Ryan Miller are the keys to this game. Which ever goalie plays better will win the game. And so which one is going to play better? Ryan Miller. He's been the best goalie in the olympics thus far and he will continue to be. US will win this one 3-1 over the Fins and get to the gold medal game with a date of the winner of our next matchup

In a stunning upset, the Slovaks on their "Good-bye tour," beat the Swedes in what winger Pavel Demitra calls the "biggest win in this teams history." They beat the Swedes in a crazy game 4-3. A game of quick strikes, it was an affair that was dominated by the Swedes. But Halak played an amazing game between the pipes to keep the Swedes from tying it late. The Slovaks scored on 4 of their last 5 shots. That was over a span of a period and a half. They got dominated, but when they shot the puck, they foudn the net. Lundqvist's one save was followed by a rebound goal by Kopecky. It was the perfect game for the Slovaks, and now they have a date with the Canadians.

In what was supposed to be the match of the tournament, Canada played Russia in the quarterfinals. It was most certainly not what we anticipated. Canada destroyed Russia. 7-2. They chased Nabokov from the game. It was a brutal affair. Canada dominated Germany then dominated Russia since losing to the United States. I think they're a little pissed off and very hungry to win. They will probably destroy the Slovaks, but that won't stop me from rooting for Ziggy Palfy and the rest of those crazy Slovaks.

So there you have it, I am predicting a rematch. USA vs Canada for the gold. Earlier I predicted Canada would win gold... I am reluctantly sticking with it, but I won't be shocked, or upset, if the US of A pulls this one out. Should be a good one.

Keeping up with the Rival

He posted two blogs today... or yesterday, or something... He took the lead back. This is my article from Spartan Edge. It's going in here for the soul purpose of aiding me in beating my rival this month. I'm too tired, angry, and sick to come up with a fresh original blog at the moment. Now I remember why I stopped playing for St. Mary's... I was tired of the stress and blame. But anyways here's my article


The Olympic games come every two years. Whether it’s summer or winter, the Olympics are an event to behold. The Winter Olympics are well underway, and they aren’t disappointing. The US is leading the medal race thus far, so we have plenty to cheer about. But what the Olympic games are about is the patriotism. Everyone unifies to root for their country. You don’t know who that athlete is, but they are wearing your flag. An entire nation pulls together for their country to beat the rest of the world in athletic competition. They are truly the greatest sporting event in the world; nothing tops it. The entire world is watching, rooting for their country.

The Olympic games are all about bringing the world together and uniting everyone in the spirit of sport. It gives little-known athletes competing in unknown sports a chance to shine and show the world what their sport is all about. How often do you see downhill skiing, curling biathlon, and speed skating on TV? Never. The Olympic games give these athletes, who work just as hard if not harder than the athletes of mainstream sports, a chance to show off their skills and give their sport some attention.

The Olympics give the host country a chance to show the world something. Olympics are always good for the host city. They boost the economy, bring attention to it, and force the people to clean up the city, if it needs to be. But they bring so much attention and tourism to the host nation that it does wonders for the country. Plus, it will always be in history. ”The Olympics were held here.” Vancouver will always be able to say that. The people of Vancouver can always swell up with patriotic pride knowing that fact.

The best part of the Olympics is the unifying aspect. People gather with friends to watch as their athletes compete in the name of their country. Jubilation and glee are shared across the country whenever your nation brings a gold. That’s what’s great about the Olympics: they unify the world with patriotism and pride as they watch their athletes compete for three medals on ribbon.

Bring Back the Whale and Co.

What happened to the Whale? They moved to Carolina :( What happened to Winnipeg? They moved to Phoenix :( What happened to the Nordiques? They moved to Colorado :( Why am I talking about them? Because I believe they need to be brought back. These three teams were apart of the glory days of the NHL and I believe if you revitalize these fan-bases that it would do nothing but good for the NHL. It makes sense to me, and here's my gameplan

1. Move Phoenix back. It's no secret that the Coyotes have no fan-base. Yes now this year they're doing good, but they still need to go. They still struggle to fill the arena, except when teams with well traveled fan bases like the Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Bruins, and Blackhawks come to town. Hell I remember watching a Coyote game on TV and I saw more Winged Wheel sweaters than Coyote sweaters. The Coyotes, at one point this year, were in the discussion for moving back to Canada. They need to move back to Canada. Canada deserves more teams than what they have now, it's a shame they don't have more. Step one of revitalizing the NHL: Move Phoenix back to Winnipeg.

2. Move a combination of these teams: Tampa Bay, Florida, Nashville, Atlanta, or Los Angeles. All these spots don't deserve hockey in my opinion. The only one I would be okay with staying where it is are the Kings. But the other four have to go. They have no fan-base. I have family in Tennessee, so I know for a fact they cover no hockey. My grandpa told me that the most you can find about hockey in the paper is a score and recap. He said that covered about a paragraph or two. Open the Free Press. We get a little more than a paragraph about the Wings in almost every sport's section. Move these teams to Canada or areas of the country that have good hockey followings. One of those teams can become the Hartford Whalers. How? Carolina used to be the Whale? The answer to that is the city of Hartford owns the logo. The Hurricanes don't own the old logo, the city of Hartford does. One of the best logos in the NHL I might add.

Possible places to move teams: Hartford, Winnipeg, Quebec, Milwaukee (somewhere in Wisconsin,) Seattle (I don't know if the Pacific northwest follows hockey but it's close enough to Vancouver that there may be hockey fans up there) Somewhere cold. Don't move to a big city in Texas, or some southern state. Have to move north. I am 100% sure of this fact: There are cities without NHL teams that would have a better following than those currently in the NHL mentioned before. So NHL, you want to get some fans back, take the initiative.

I know it's not easy, teams have to be sold, or owners have to decide to move the team. It's not a simple task, and it's only a pipe dream. But I believe it's something that has to be done. Maybe the owner of the Panthers will read this... realize no one watches Panther hockey, and move the team to Wisconsin or somewhere in Canada. It's a pipe dream, I know, but I think the NHL would be better off with more Canadian teams, and more teams in the North. Heck if you're feeling ambitious, move the Stars, Sharks, Ducks, and any other warm weather team. Those teams have a solid fan base, so I say you can keep them... as long as they keep the fan base. They lose it, then move em.

Oh and also, the Final step of fixing the NHL: Get rid of Gary Bettman. The man single-handedly almost destroy the National Hockey League, and yet he still has his job. Makes me sick. That's all Im going to say on him, I'll start to rant.

BRING BACK THE WHALE

USA beats Canada

What a big game yesterday. Couple of rival boarder countries playing for nothing more than pride and bragging rights. The US was playing for a first round bye, but this game was mostly for pride. My token Canadian friend was not happy after yesterday's game. He was soooooo angry. I loved every moment of it. But this game was an important game for the confidence of this young team. In fact, it's the youngest team in the Olympics. This win not only bolstered the confidence of the team, but the confidence of the nation. Many people out there now truly believe that their American boys have a legitmate chance at bringing home the gold. If they do, it rests on the shoulders of one man... Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller is the hottest goalie right now. 42 saves against Canada and a 3-0 record to go with it. He was the hottest goalie in the NHL going in to the break, and he has continued his hot play. If the Americans want to win the gold, it all rests on the play of its goaltender. A hot goalie can take you a long way, at any level. OHL, AHL, NHL or Olympic play, a hot goalie is near impossible to beat. If we win the gold, we'll have Ryan Miller to thank

But it's more than just a goalie. Obviously I feel he's the most important, but other guys have to step up. Brain Rafalski has. Four goals in two games, Rafalski has been red hot. He had the first two goals against Canada, and an assist on the fourth goal. Brain Rafalski, Michigan and the Red Wing's own, is a veteran leader for this young American squad and he is playing great defense and better than expected offense. If he keeps up the play, look out.

Other guys that have impressed the bearded fellow. Chris Drury, Ryan Kessler, and Bobby Ryan. Drury has lived up to his nickname "Captain Clutch" with important goals against the Swiss and the Canadians. Kessler's hustle and forecheck have been impressive, and Ryan's aggressive play sets the standard. If others start playing like Kessler and Ryan, I think the US might be the best team in the Olympics.

But how will they do, oh bearded one? If you read bellow, you notice i predicted bronze. Well I ate my words when I said "'They (USA) aren't at the level of the Canadians or Russians." But I stand by my bronze medal prediction. I think if they play Canada, things will be different. Roberto will be in net, not Marty. And for those that know me, I never change a prediction until it is proven wrong, so USA bronze Russia Silver and Canada Gold.

But let's enjoy this win over the, "all-star Canadians." ENjoy it America, savor the flavor, while it lasts...

Tigers Sign Damon, But was it Wise?

If you haven't heard already, the Detroit Tigers have inked Left Fielder Johnny Damon to a 1 year $8 million deal. Normally I condone 1 year deals because they are what they are. No real commitment financially and if it works out you look great. That's what I said about Hossa, Bertuzzi, Ben Wallace, and other one year deals in this city. So the same thing applies here, right? Wrong. I hate this deal. We traded away Granderson's 5.5 mil for Damons 8 mil. That makes sense, right? Plus he's 36, again perfect age for a one year hit or miss deal. But I don't think Detroit is in the position to sign those guys. We were lucky to be a contender last year, and now we lose Granderson AND Polanco and use that money towards Johnny Damon. We used Rodney's money to get Jose Valverde, who by the way says he's goign to get 74 saves. Yeah no that won't happen buddy. But I hate this deal. I used to love Johnny Damon, when he was a caveman. That was also when he was, say it with me, GOOOOOOOD. Now is a shadow of his former self. I guess if you look at it, the deal makes sense in this way: Fast, left handed lead off hitter who brings a veteran and championship presence to the the locker room, which are all things I want in a new player. But I just think this money could have been used in other, more important ways. Like resigning Placido, or maybe bringing in younger guys. I'm not talking about young prospects, but young not 36 year olds. The deal makes sense in many ways, but I am just not a fan of it. I just feel that money could and should have been used else where.

But I want to know what you think? That's right, I want some reader feed back. What do you think of this deal? Like it, dislike it, love it, hate it, LET ME KNOW!!!

Johnny Damon is a Detroit Tiger whether you like it or not...

Eve Muirhead: The Future of Curling

Eve Muirhead, you probably don't know who she is. I didn't either, until last night. It was about 4 in the morning. Curling was on. I turn my head towards the 32" T.V. And I see this young culrer for Great Britain. I will admit, I found her attractive. But when I learned more about her, that's when I was inspired to blog about her. She's 19. 19 and on the curling team. I'm 18 and just beginning to curl. So I was impressed by that. But not only was she on the team at 19, she was the skip. For those of you that don't know, the skip throws last, and calls the shots. So at 19 she is the best female curler in great Britain. Just wow. Curling is so much fun, and she's a year older than me, and lightyears ahead of me in the sport. But I'll get there, 2014 games is our goal. The US curling team is going to be changed up in 2014, makes room for me and my team. But Eve Muirhead today was called the future of curling. Just to give you a reference to how good she is. So she is definitely worth a paragraph on my blog. Plus she's attractive. Look for the next time they show the GB women's curling team. Check out who's calling the shots and throwing the hammer (last stone.) Eve Muirhead, the future of the sport.

Oh it's time for some Olympic Puck.

My favorite event, and many others favorite event, is some good ol hockey. Oh it's time to suit up with your rivals, in the spirit of patriotism. THe two weeks the NHL takes off for some good ol olympic puck. I absolutely love the Winter Games, and absolutely love hockey, so of course I love me some Olympic hockey. I am here to tell you my gold favorite, and give you a brief look at the contenders.

First, I would like to take a look at the good ol boys playin in the Red White and BLue. The US of A. Former Spartan Ryan Miller is between the pipes for the Americans, and he is one of the hottest goalies in hockey right now. And as any hockey fan knows, if you run into a hot goaltender, you are in some serious trouble. And with scores like Phil Kessel and Patrick Kane on this squad, they could be a surprise team to make a run at the gold. They really don't have many matchings team wise, like the Canadians do, but they do have a solid unit. Vets like captian Jamie Langenbrunner and Red Wing Brain Rafalski could be key components to the US's gold medal chances. They started off 2-0 and look very impressive. The third period against the Swiss was poor, but other than that, they have looked very solid. My official prediction: BRonze Medal. I don't think they are at the level of The Canadians or Russians, but I do believe they are good enough to hang with those teams and even beat a team like Sweden to win the Bronze.

Next, everyone's gold medal favorite, the home-town Canadians. And boy are they stacked. Sidney Crosby, Rick Nash, and Jerome Iginla. That's a line. My first thought to that line was "That should be illegal." They also have the Sharks first line, Marleau, Danny Heatly, and Jumbo Joe Thorton; the top scoring line in the NHL. Oh and the top defensive pairing in the NHL with Seabrook and Keith. But wait, theres more! They also have the best Goalie in the NHL today, and the best one of all time. Martain Brodeur and Roberto Luongo. They are stacked. But the Swiss took them to a shootout... hmmm a sign of weakness? Maybe, but with Babcock at the helm, I think they will win the gold medal.

My Silver medal team, it was a toss up between Russia or Sweden, but I have to go with Russia, despite the loss to the Slovaks. They are another team that has an absurd amount of talent. Nabakov and Bryzgalov between the pipes is a deadly combination. They have Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuck, and Pavel Datsyuk all on the same roster. They are almost as stacked as the Canadians, but just not quite.

Other teams to watch: The Slovaks, the Czechs, the Fins, and the Swedes. I could go on and give more info on all these teams, but I don't have that much time. These teams won't win medals, but will play hockey that is definitely be worth your time to watch. The Swedes with Nicklas Lidstrom, The Slovaks with Marian Gaborik, the Czechs with Jagr, the Fins with the Koivu brothers; all these teams have talent that I would pay to go see play. Olympic puck is a hockey fans dream, and I am loving every moment of it. I would advise all my readers to watch Olympic Puck. It's good for your health.

Olympics Underway

The 2010 Vancouver Games are underway, and not disappointing. The time for National pride is here, and boy am I excited. I absolutely love the Olympics. From Hockey to Figure Skating (yeah I watch that, what of it?) I watch as much of the games that I possibly can. And after three days, the good ol US of A are in the medal lead with 6 medals. We stole the hearts of the home crowd when Hannah Kearney won the gold on the last run of woman's moguls, beating Canadian Jennifer Heil, who almost became the first Canadian to win a gold on Canadian soil. But no worries, as Alexandre Bilodeau brought that gold medal home to Canada, beating out Dale Begg-Smith, the Vancouver native skiing for Australia and the defending gold medal winner.

Some excitement came out of the speed skating. Our favorite olympian, Apolo Anton Ohno was going for his 6th medal, which would tie him for the most decorated Winter Olympian for USA. He was in second or third place, about to make his move, when a Korean passed him, cut him off. Apolo hit the planting hand of the Korean with is skate, and had a bit of a stumble... which cost him. He slowed so much that he fell to 4th, behind 3 Koreans. But call it Karma, or whatever for the shady pass by the leader, but on the final turn the 2nd and 3rd place Koreans collided. One made a pass, on his own teammate, and they just bit it. Apollo Ohno takes Silver and fellow American JR Celski took the Bronze. A costly mishap in the final turn took two medals away from Korea, and gave two medals to America. USA USA All the Way!

I would also like to note that USA took its first medal ever in Nordic Combined. Johnny Spillane took the first ever medal in this sport for the Americans, taking the silver medal. He had the lead with a few meters left, but lost it to Frenchman Jason Lamy Chappuis.

So from Biathlon, to Luge, to Skeleton, to Hockey, I love the Olympics. I'll watch whatever NBC or its affiliates put on because I have a national pride. I want to see the US take as many medals as possible. Me and the guys went nuts when those Koreans tanked, and Ohno got the silver. That's what I love about the Olympics, the unifying of a nation with the sense of pride for our athletes.

Big Win for the Winged Wheel

Good job boys, picking up a crucial two points before the olympic break. The Red Wings beat the Senators 3-1 yesterday in an important game. The bad news is that Calgary and Dallas also won, so Detroit stays in 10th. But now they trail Nashville by only one point. Calgary and Nashville have the 8th and 7th seeds with 69 points. Dallas and Detroit have 68 points. It's going to be an interesting race this year, but the WIngs will get in.

An unlikely man got things started in yesterday's game, as Kirk Maltby got his first goal since Halloween. The Sens later tied it at 1-1. But Pavel Datsyuk tipped in a lidstrom slap pass on the powerplay and the Wing got the lead back. Dan Cleary later sealed it the win with a easy tap in goal. Jimmy Howard picks up another win and continues to play amazing.

It was really important for the Wings to get this victory, they needed to gain ground on the teams ahead of them before the break. They gained ground on Colorado, who isn't out of reach yet, but the most important thing is they got 2 points, not jsut one. Two losses in shootouts in a row, it was nice to get two points instead of one. The Winged Wheel are starting to get healthy, so maybe, we'll find our groove. We're gonna have to find it if we're going to make it 19 straight years.

A bearded fellow prediction here: Wings will get the 7th seed. They are going to get hot and overtake Nashville, who will miss the playoffs. Dallas will get the 8th spot.

Saints Win

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints on winning Super Bowl XLIV. I was wrong, and disappointed. But I am not going to pretend that I'm a Colts are Saints fan, like everyone seems to do. I'll be honest, I wasn't pulling for anyone for any reason other than I want to be right. I am a Lions fan, not one of these.

But anyways who would have thought that it would be Peyton Manning deciding the game? Everyone. Who woulda thought it was a costly pick that did it? No one. The Saints played a terrific game as soon as the first quarter was done. First quarter all Colts. The rest of the game all Saints. The play of the game obviously was the pick six that sealed it.

There really isn't much to say about this one, it was pretty straight forward. I am amazed that Manning threw that pick in the clutch. That's so anti-Peyton. The Saints were just the better team, and they proved it. They also proved me wrong... and didn't win me any squares. However my Dad won a bunch off squares... so not cool.

I really wish there was some kind of spin or something I could take from this game... but there really isn't anything. The scoreboard tells the story. Saints win, Colts lose, end of story.

So congrats again to the Saints, yet another team to win the Super Bowl before the Lions even get there... *sigh*

Red WIngs gain 2 crucial points

Goooooooooood morning sports fans. It's that time again, time for a bearded blog post. There is no other way to brighten up your morning or ignore your professor than by reading the breaded fellow on sports. SO now gather round children, I have a couple things I would like to discuss. Grab your favorite cereal, pour yourself a nice glass of Florida orange juice, and sit down and enjoy as I take you on a magical journey of sports...

First, I would like to give one big thumbs down to the Spartan basketball team. Just one sloppy game played by the Spartans last night. Poor defense, too many turnovers, and poor execution led to a blow out loss to the Badgers at the Kohl Center. We still remain two games up in the BIg Ten, so I think it'll be alright. But it's never a good thing to be just blown out and out played against a conference rival. The biggest loss from this game is the injury to Kalin Lucas. Oh which reminds me, I wold like to make a point that I never thought I would seriously have to make... that was not intentional. Everyone that knows basketball and saw the play are hopefully wondering why I am saying that. Well someone who will remain nameless was seriously calling the Wisconsin player a multitude of expletives after that play. If he's reading this, let me break this down. He sticks his hand out to contest the shot. Now to the "intentional part." He sticks his foot out... because that would be the easiest step to take to contest the shot, and to then make the turn to a box out. Watch defenders on jump shooters, most will contest the exact same way. One of my friends said it was intentional, (he said it first) but it sounded like a joke. Then the anonymous followed up by believing it was, but he probably wouldn't have said anything if someone else didn't... he's that type. But I had to say it, I'm done now, that's irrelevant, just something that was bugging me. Anyways it's a huge loss if he misses an extended period of time. He is the go to guy for the Spartans, and it could be trouble if he can't play against Purdue.

My second thumbs down goes to Michigan. They got blown out by Northwestern, and come closer and closer to sealing their fate as an NIT team. It's getting to the point where it's gonna take a Big Ten tournament win to get in. It's amazing how a team can get worse by keeping everyone. They lost C.J Lee the walk on senior point guard. But the only thing you lose from him is leadership. Don't get me wrong leadership is key, but they have Manny and Sims to take that role. Beilein better be careful, if next year goes really bad... he could be in some major trouble.

Now for some positives. My sorta thumbs up goes to the Pistons. I watched some of their game, yeah I watched some NBA, but I watched them pull out a win. Normally a good thing... but folks they were playing the Nets. NEw Jersey is 4-43. They are on pace to not even get 10 wins. So let's not get crazy folks, we were playing the Nets. And besides, we're sitting at 16-31. I don't think the Pistons are going to make the playoffs. Which means I expect Rip and/or Prince traded. I would hate to see Rip go. Prince too, but if one of them has to go, make it Prince. Maybe the Pistons will win the lottery, John Wall here we come!

But now my real thumbs up, first one goes out to Fox and Gordon Ramsey, on another terrific episode of Kitchen Nightmares. Screw Lost, I'll take Gordon over that stupid island any day. That old hag kept saying she hated Gordon's changes... No one hates Gordon's changes. Okay that's false but she was just an old hag afraid of success.

My final thumbs up go out to my favorite team. Oh Detroit Red Wings, how I love you so much. They fell down 2-0 right away. They were getting dominated. But a timely goal by Dan Cleary opened the flood gates for the Wings. Cleary made it 2-1, then Hank the Tank scored off a Holmstrom rebound. 2-2 after the 1st. Key note here, I had missed San Jose's goals, saw our goals. 2nd period I missed most of it because I was in the caf eating my delicious mac and cheese. 2-2 after the 2nd. I watch the entire 3rd period. A lucky Derek Meech goal followed by a beautiful stick lift steal, which sets up Rafalski's play to Patrick Eaves who then put that puck where it belongs: In the net. 2 HUGE points for the Red Wings, beating the number one team in the west 4-2. They move up into a tie with the Nashville Predators. The Wings have another important one, as they take on the not so Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

What's going on in the life of the Bearded One

Well this isn't really a sports blog, although I will mention some Red Wings in this, but I want to start off by giving some news that's going on in the life of Dave.

First off, I did the sports show last Friday. Last minute thing, and I nailed it. It's not up yet but as soon as it is, I'll let you guys know. So that's exciting.

Second, I'm going to be a sports writer again. Again because I was the sports guy for my high school paper. I am going to do sports for an online publication called Spartan Edge. Looking forward to that, my first assignment is Super Bowl Ads. Not my usual take on sports, but I think it could work. Which means I'll be covering everything about the Super Bowl, except halftime. I'll blog about the game, and write about the commercials. I may also be doing a podcast on Spartan Hockey or basketball, that will be played out by ear.

In related news, This blog may be published on the Spartan Edge website. They have a blog section and the Bearded Fellow may find his way up there. That would mean I would have to up this effort, as they expect three posts a week if possible. This should get interesting, you all know my posting habits. But hey, this just means you'll get more of me, and that makes everyone happy.

But now to what makes this a sports post. Just a quick blurb about the Red Wings. Yes I am angry Filpula missed a wide open net, and that Howard couldn't stop slow motion Malkin, but we need points. Two is better than one, but we need to get points in every situation possible. Every point counts and I think I will beat that concept into your skulls until you understand. Big game tonight against the Sharks, and like always, Wings gotta get some points out of this one.

From Teacher to Guard

Kyle Devan at this time last year was not beginning his offseason, nor was he finishing up classes and preparing for the combine. He was molding young minds. Devan was a substitute teacher at this time last year. How did he go from the classroom to protecting the most valuable and recognizable player in all of football? Well I'll give you a brief summary of the journey of Kyle Devan.

Devan played football at Oregon State. His senior year was the 2007-2008 season. He signed as an undrafted free agent to the Washington Redskins. He was cut, then signed with the New York Jets. But, like with the Redskins, he was also let go. Then he got his next job. He was hired as a substitute teacher. From football to teaching, just like that. But football wasn't done trying to find a home for Kyle Devan.

His next call came from the Boise Burn. I know what you're thinking... Who the heck are the Boise Burn??? The Boise Burn are an Arenafootball2 team. No that 2 is not a typo. AF2 is the developmental league of Arena Football. It's quite impressive to get a look from the Colts when you're playing in the Arena Football developmental league. But the Colts gave him a look...

THe Colts invited him to training camp, gave him a chance to make the squad, and they loved him, or at least thought he was serviceable enough to hang around. Well he hung around past the preseason, and was a member of the 2009-2010 Indianapolis Colt team.

Devan played in 15 games, with 9 starts along the way. I'm sure Kyle has been thankful for every game that he has played in. He now has a chance at a Super Bowl ring. One year ago he was substitute teaching, now he's protecting Peyton Manning. I'm pulling for Kyle Devan in this game... well I wanted to the Colts to win the entire time, but this story just adds to it.

Go Colts!