- Baseball - I love that the Red Sox are out. "Best team of all time" Perhaps they believed the hype. I am sorry to see Francona go - he'll be picked up quickly. Do you think he and Ozzie Guillen will just change teams?
- Baseball - predictions - I have no reason to really believe they can win but I sure hope the Diamond Backs get to the World Series - I'll be in Phoenix later this month and it will be a blast if they are playing.
- CFL - wide open in both the East and West. Only thing we know is the Riders and Argos will not make playoffs. Argooooos .......Suck!
- How about those Bills? Great year to give up my season ticket.
- Will Indy win a game? Will the Vikings bench Donovan and then win a game? How about those Dolphins?
- Leafs - they will get more points this year than the Habs (and I am not talking about games between the two 'cause that is a given)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
The Best time of year
Baseball playoffs, CFL games mean more, NFL heading into fourth week and NHL about to start for real. Some observations
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Another season with no playoffs
Howdy everyone. Stirring finish by the Leafs with improved play from D, Reimer standing on his head and Phil Kessel getting wake up call after being last pick at the all star game. Clearly we need a stud center. Joffrey Lupul a great addition - not only can he shoot, he gets to the net and has good vision on the ice.
Playoff predictions. Sabres will play Phili in first round and have some bad playoff history against the Flyers (Cup final loss). Sabres the hottest team going into the playoffs. Look for them to upset.
Chicago not in yet - they need a point today. If they get in, they play Vancouver. Now Vancouver has a terrible record against Chicago. If you are in a hockey pool, think twice about loading up on Canuks
Habs come 6th and play Bruins. What a rivalry here - one sided in recent games. Habs go down quickly (5 games max)
Washington versus Rangers - hmmm - can Caps go all the way? Not sure but the Rangers are not going to take them out - bank on it.
Detroit versus Anaheim? Tough call - Anaheim seems to have Wings number.
And how about those Blue Jays!
Playoff predictions. Sabres will play Phili in first round and have some bad playoff history against the Flyers (Cup final loss). Sabres the hottest team going into the playoffs. Look for them to upset.
Chicago not in yet - they need a point today. If they get in, they play Vancouver. Now Vancouver has a terrible record against Chicago. If you are in a hockey pool, think twice about loading up on Canuks
Habs come 6th and play Bruins. What a rivalry here - one sided in recent games. Habs go down quickly (5 games max)
Washington versus Rangers - hmmm - can Caps go all the way? Not sure but the Rangers are not going to take them out - bank on it.
Detroit versus Anaheim? Tough call - Anaheim seems to have Wings number.
And how about those Blue Jays!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Toronto Raptor Game - What an experience
I was lucky enough to score 4 tickets to last nights Raptor/Timberwolves game at the ACC. What a different experience than a Leaf game. First of all, I'm a huge Toronto sports fan. Raps were in the midst of a 13 game winless streak (nice way of saying 13 losses in a row)
Minnesota ranks just below Cleveland in term of inept play. You would think the arena would be half empty and the fans would be sitting on their hands. Well think again.
The Raptor management and Toronto press have not really set high expectations for this year's team. Injuries continue to plague the team and last night we were without Leandro Barbosa, the Brazilian Blur and Jerome Bayless.
The crowd for a Raptor games is much different than a Leaf game. Many more females, much younger crowd in general and fans are appreciative of the effort the team puts forth. You would think a 13 game losing streak would create some unrest in the crowd - frankly it seemed the opposite. Not once did I hear a boo from the crowd directed toward the Raps ( a few directed at the referees as they called significantly more fouls on the Raps)
The Raptor dance pack does a great job of energizing the building. The team is showcasing the dance pack more and having fewer goofy time out games involving selected participants from the crowd. I've said this before and I'll say it again - the Raptor is the best mascot in sports. Both funny and athletic and fan friendly, the Raptor is the best.
In terms of the game, Demar DeRozan was almost flawless from the floor and put up a quiet 20 points on predominantly outside shots. Andrea clearly was the center of attention for the Raps offense and put up 30 on 26 shots. I can't believe Minnesota kept falling for his fake shot then fake drive and shot. Andrea is not going to drive much.
Amir Johnson got into early foul trouble but came back in midway through the second quarter and stayed out of trouble for the rest of the game. Jose Calderon tied a club record with 19 assists but struggled with a couple of outside shots that would have been daggers for the Wolves.
I thought one of the key moments in the game was the last 4 minutes of Q3 when Jose and Andrea were out of the game and we had a six point lead. With 10 day man Tre Johnson at the point position, we were able to maintain our lead going into Q4 when the starters came back into the game.
Nice night out - great job by the Raps and their organization to entertain the crowd.
Minnesota ranks just below Cleveland in term of inept play. You would think the arena would be half empty and the fans would be sitting on their hands. Well think again.
The Raptor management and Toronto press have not really set high expectations for this year's team. Injuries continue to plague the team and last night we were without Leandro Barbosa, the Brazilian Blur and Jerome Bayless.
The crowd for a Raptor games is much different than a Leaf game. Many more females, much younger crowd in general and fans are appreciative of the effort the team puts forth. You would think a 13 game losing streak would create some unrest in the crowd - frankly it seemed the opposite. Not once did I hear a boo from the crowd directed toward the Raps ( a few directed at the referees as they called significantly more fouls on the Raps)
The Raptor dance pack does a great job of energizing the building. The team is showcasing the dance pack more and having fewer goofy time out games involving selected participants from the crowd. I've said this before and I'll say it again - the Raptor is the best mascot in sports. Both funny and athletic and fan friendly, the Raptor is the best.
In terms of the game, Demar DeRozan was almost flawless from the floor and put up a quiet 20 points on predominantly outside shots. Andrea clearly was the center of attention for the Raps offense and put up 30 on 26 shots. I can't believe Minnesota kept falling for his fake shot then fake drive and shot. Andrea is not going to drive much.
Amir Johnson got into early foul trouble but came back in midway through the second quarter and stayed out of trouble for the rest of the game. Jose Calderon tied a club record with 19 assists but struggled with a couple of outside shots that would have been daggers for the Wolves.
I thought one of the key moments in the game was the last 4 minutes of Q3 when Jose and Andrea were out of the game and we had a six point lead. With 10 day man Tre Johnson at the point position, we were able to maintain our lead going into Q4 when the starters came back into the game.
Nice night out - great job by the Raps and their organization to entertain the crowd.
 |
| Demar - keep on driving the ball |
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Observations from Leafs win over Panthers
- The Leafs are starting to move the puck a lot better. They are clearing the puck from their end and having fewer turnovers in the neutral zone
- Exception to this is Phil Kessel - he really struggles when he gets the puck on the boards in the defensive end. Doesn't handle pressure well from pinching D nor did he show much grit on the boards. Phil we need ya to start putting the biscuit in the basket - great speed and move to create the breakaway chance late in the game but man a goal would be nice.
- I have to give Beuachemin some credit for his game last night - blocked shots and decent puck movement. Phaneuf made some good offensive moves and Kaberle made a brilliant wrist pass on the Grabovski power play goal
- Keaton Ellerby with the Panthers is going to be a stud D in the NHL. He absolutely crushed Mike Brown along the boards with as good a check as you'll ever see.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
How about those New Year's Predictions
December 31st post featured 10 predictions for the New Year.
- Kadri is not even being mentioned as a possibility for call up. We're using Crabb,Rosehill, Bryce and of course James Reimer in net.
- Sid not winning scoring title looks like it is coming true also - too bad it's due to a concussion.
- Leafs and Raptors not making playoffs - well Raps have lost 11 in a row - injuries and D is too weak with the scorers out that they need to consistently score 100. Leafs have to play 700 hockey - not going to happen.
- Vernon Wells was traded making Jose Bautista the man for the Jays. 40 Home runs - we need 'em now. Wow has the bullpen ever deep now too.
- Yes Hamilton City Council, lead by Mayor Bob Bratina, announced plans to redo Ivor Wynne Stadium. Blown opportunity to get a great new facility.
- Argos coach nominated for Coach of the year - clearly everyone thinks they suck. Argos give up 60 more points than they score and just cause Barker makes some funny commercials, he's coach of the year candidate cause he's got a bunch of chumps playing for him?
- Habs 3 ahead of Canes. Yes things are getting tight in Hab country.
- Yankees - tbd
- Saints sucked against a Seahawk team that played for pride. Steelers and Pack will make a good Super Bowl. Prediction to follow next week.
- Tiger looks out of sorts this weekend - played 5 over par Saturday and Sunday with one hole to go today.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
This and That
Here's hoping Sydney Crosby's concussion is not too bad. Innocent enough looking hit that seems to have caused it.
Atlanta Thrashers Ben Eager had more penalty minutes than playing time in recent 9-3 ass kicking put on by the suddenly potent offense of the Leafs. You have to love Colby Armstrong - he simply called Eager a "meat head" for the sucker punch he delivered to Colby's right orbital. “I can’t believe he missed my nose,” Armstrong laughed.
Habs got lucky with late comeback against Bruins. Max Pacioretty's overtime goal gave the Habs the win. The rookie then gave Bruins captain Zdeno Chara a little shove well after the goal. What is it with the Hab's young guys that they think they can do crap like that to veteran players?
After yesterday's NFL games I have no idea what to expect today although I am picking both Ravens and Eagles to cover. We'll see.
Atlanta Thrashers Ben Eager had more penalty minutes than playing time in recent 9-3 ass kicking put on by the suddenly potent offense of the Leafs. You have to love Colby Armstrong - he simply called Eager a "meat head" for the sucker punch he delivered to Colby's right orbital. “I can’t believe he missed my nose,” Armstrong laughed.
Habs got lucky with late comeback against Bruins. Max Pacioretty's overtime goal gave the Habs the win. The rookie then gave Bruins captain Zdeno Chara a little shove well after the goal. What is it with the Hab's young guys that they think they can do crap like that to veteran players?
After yesterday's NFL games I have no idea what to expect today although I am picking both Ravens and Eagles to cover. We'll see.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
First player going in as a Blue Jay
Congratulations to Robbie Alomar for being voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame today. He deserves it - better offensive stats than one of the all time greats already in the Hall - Ryan Sandberg.
He was the best fielding second baseman I've ever seen with an uncanny ability to go to his left make a catch while sliding and get up and throw the runner out at first. And I remember lots of spectacular plays he made up the middle too.
Most Blue Jay fans can still remember his key playoff homerun off Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley back in the 92 playoffs. Eckersley was the most feared reliever of his day. What a moment!
Think back to when the Jays acquired Robbie - we gave up a lot - Fred McGriff a guy who always seemed to hit 30 plus home runs and Tony Fernandez one slick fielder who could also handle a bat. Tony used to turn around to bunt and then slap it by the charging infield. Great play! Anyway we give up Tony and Fred and get Robbie and Joe.
I remember seeing Joe at a game in Detroit when he first broke in with Cleveland in 1984. You could tell Joe was going to be something special.
We were lucky to have all four of these players in a Jays uniform. Robbie will be the only one to get into the Hall. Who knows, maybe we've got the making of some other Hall of Famers on the 2011 Blue Jays roster.
He was the best fielding second baseman I've ever seen with an uncanny ability to go to his left make a catch while sliding and get up and throw the runner out at first. And I remember lots of spectacular plays he made up the middle too.
Most Blue Jay fans can still remember his key playoff homerun off Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley back in the 92 playoffs. Eckersley was the most feared reliever of his day. What a moment!
Think back to when the Jays acquired Robbie - we gave up a lot - Fred McGriff a guy who always seemed to hit 30 plus home runs and Tony Fernandez one slick fielder who could also handle a bat. Tony used to turn around to bunt and then slap it by the charging infield. Great play! Anyway we give up Tony and Fred and get Robbie and Joe.
I remember seeing Joe at a game in Detroit when he first broke in with Cleveland in 1984. You could tell Joe was going to be something special.
We were lucky to have all four of these players in a Jays uniform. Robbie will be the only one to get into the Hall. Who knows, maybe we've got the making of some other Hall of Famers on the 2011 Blue Jays roster.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Team Canada Juniors playing fantastic
So I tune into tonight's game a little apprehensive about how we'll do. Team Canada has not shown the ability to really finish at the tourney. Before you go, yeah but look at all the goals they have scored, ask yourself - how many goals should they have scored in quarter final versus Swiss?
Other concerns - Were you concerned about D being a little sluggish and struggling to keep up with fast forwards (remember Sweden)? Forwards not doing a great job of clearing their own defensive end?
Anyway another period to go - if we maintain three goal lead through 6 minutes the game is ours.
Speaking of tough luck (not) how happy were you that Sweden's coach predicted he was afraid of Russian team (or words to that affect). Suck on that buddy -Canada would have kicked your ass in a rematch.
NFL season over - tough to predict against the spread and this last week just got me to .500 for the season -at least I won the pool for the week. What's with Seattle - man that crowd is tough - can they be that effective in helping the Hawks down Saints next weekend? Not a prayer.
Other concerns - Were you concerned about D being a little sluggish and struggling to keep up with fast forwards (remember Sweden)? Forwards not doing a great job of clearing their own defensive end?
Anyway another period to go - if we maintain three goal lead through 6 minutes the game is ours.
Speaking of tough luck (not) how happy were you that Sweden's coach predicted he was afraid of Russian team (or words to that affect). Suck on that buddy -Canada would have kicked your ass in a rematch.
NFL season over - tough to predict against the spread and this last week just got me to .500 for the season -at least I won the pool for the week. What's with Seattle - man that crowd is tough - can they be that effective in helping the Hawks down Saints next weekend? Not a prayer.
Friday, December 31, 2010
10 New Year's Predictions
Here you go - a few predictions
- Nazim Kadri spends the rest of the season in the AHL. He broke the code by criticizing his recent demotion.
- Steve Stamkos wins the scoring title for total points and Rocket Richard for most goals. Just too much firepower on Tampa Bay and Sid doesn't have the same level of offensive skill with his linemates.
- Unfortunately both the Leafs and Raptors do not make the playoffs.
- Jose Bautista has another great season and exceeds 40 Home runs in 2011.
- Hamilton City council gets their act together and agree to a new stadium location within Hamilton. Failing that Burlington location would work well - on Go Train route, easy access for Hamiltonians and Burlington has a really good football base to support the Cats.
- Argos suck! (again)
- Habs continue their slide and Carolina catches them
- Yankees do not make the playoffs for only the second time in 18 years. Derek Jeter, great ambassador for the game, won't rebound offensively and his range gets worse in 2011.
- Super Bowl champions - New Orleans repeats
- Tiger Woods does not win his 15th major golf tourney. His mistress count is still higher than his major count.
Monday, December 27, 2010
XMAS wishes coming true or end of an era?
Just taking it easy today after a big day in Buffalo yesterday. Bills really need a stud defender - no pressure on Brady yesterday and he sets some obscure no interception record. Lets see if he can continue his dominance in the playoffs.
Big tailgate yesterday - Dave's best chowder on record, met his brother Matt, Paul brings the Lick's burgers, rusty nails. Paul and Mike are not in the picture above - I think they were out yelling - "Don't pet the horses!" Nice lid Peter.
Game starts out well and then we give up 34 unanswered. With all the other lower echelon teams winning yesterday, we're setting up for top 3 pick - just as long as Jets and Mark Brunelle put up a good game next week.
Last game for the boys as a group in Buffalo. 11 years too much ineptitude for Pete and Dave. Best times are the pre games - why pay for the games?
Leafs come out with a 4-1 win over Jersey - no goals for Kessel. Habs get spanked by the Islanders - perhaps this is my XMAS wish being granted.
These are the guys beside us at tailgate - I'm bundled with 7 layers up top and the guy on the truck is only supported by his liqueur. Temp was 9 F with wind chill.
Game starts out well and then we give up 34 unanswered. With all the other lower echelon teams winning yesterday, we're setting up for top 3 pick - just as long as Jets and Mark Brunelle put up a good game next week.
Last game for the boys as a group in Buffalo. 11 years too much ineptitude for Pete and Dave. Best times are the pre games - why pay for the games?
Leafs come out with a 4-1 win over Jersey - no goals for Kessel. Habs get spanked by the Islanders - perhaps this is my XMAS wish being granted.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Xmas - unless you are with New Jersey Devils
Come on Lou - what's with firing your coach John McLean days before Christmas. Not cool.
Speaking of not cool, Lebron rags on the NBA for having to play Christmas Day. Here's a tip Lebron - the NBA is not popular enough that they can give up the tradition of showcasing their product on Christmas Day. I'm glad the game against the Lakers was a dud.
Upcoming predictions. The World Junior Championships will featue Canada and the U.S. in the final. Canada's size may be enough to have them wear down everyone on their way to 6th gold in 7 years.
Yes I had Pittsburgh and Arizona against the spread. Other picks that seem a sure thing - Baltimore over Cleveland and the New York football Giants over Green Bay. Coughlin some how gets the Giants focused up after their collapse against the Eagles. Matt Dodge may not kick the ball in bounds again this season
Speaking of not cool, Lebron rags on the NBA for having to play Christmas Day. Here's a tip Lebron - the NBA is not popular enough that they can give up the tradition of showcasing their product on Christmas Day. I'm glad the game against the Lakers was a dud.
Upcoming predictions. The World Junior Championships will featue Canada and the U.S. in the final. Canada's size may be enough to have them wear down everyone on their way to 6th gold in 7 years.
Yes I had Pittsburgh and Arizona against the spread. Other picks that seem a sure thing - Baltimore over Cleveland and the New York football Giants over Green Bay. Coughlin some how gets the Giants focused up after their collapse against the Eagles. Matt Dodge may not kick the ball in bounds again this season
Thursday, December 23, 2010
6 Things I want for Christmas (p.s. I've been pretty good)
- Brian Burke pulls off a trade for a power forward without mortgaging the future. Give up someone like Beauchamin and Mitchell.
- Boston Red Sox fans get a grip on reality - the season needs to be played before they can celebrate a championship. Who could possibly have chosen a World Series final of Texas and San Fran at this time last year?
- The Bills get a stud for defence in 2011.
- Adam Lind and Aaron Hill get their mojo back and hit like they did in 2009 (look out Red Sox fans if they do).
- Phil Kessel gets his confidence and scoring touch back starting boxing day in New Jersey.
- Carey Price plays like most people expected him to play this season and the Habs plummet in the standings.
Merry Xmas
Monday, December 20, 2010
Ho Ho Ho
Quite a weekend for sure. Topping the list of guys whom I know longer respect or cheer for - Mike Shanahan from the Redskins. Give me a break - Rex Grossman over the classy Donovan McNab. Here's hoping the Skins don't win another game. Merry Xmas Mike.
Speaking of coaches, I absolutely loved the reaction by Tom Coughlin of the Giants after his rookie punter Matt Dodge kicked a line drive punt to DeSean Jackson. I thought he was going to hit his punter - I loved the old school tongue lashing he gave Dodge. That kid will never screw up like that again.
Tonight I'm taking a night off of workouts and I'm watching my Leafs against the Thrashers. I often do push ups when Leafs screw up - 10 when they get a penalty and 20 when they give up a goal. In the first period tonight they give up 2 goals and a penalty in the space of 28 seconds. My shoulder can't take it!
Now when it comes to fitness, I discovered a new web site and I am pretty impressed by the guy who publishes the site - Trainer Josh. Check it out - here's a direct link to a fat burn workout http://trainerjosh.com/fat-loss/killer-medicine-ball-workout-for-extreme-fat-loss/
Ho Ho Ho! Thx to Robbie G for the XMAS sweater
Speaking of coaches, I absolutely loved the reaction by Tom Coughlin of the Giants after his rookie punter Matt Dodge kicked a line drive punt to DeSean Jackson. I thought he was going to hit his punter - I loved the old school tongue lashing he gave Dodge. That kid will never screw up like that again.
Tonight I'm taking a night off of workouts and I'm watching my Leafs against the Thrashers. I often do push ups when Leafs screw up - 10 when they get a penalty and 20 when they give up a goal. In the first period tonight they give up 2 goals and a penalty in the space of 28 seconds. My shoulder can't take it!
Now when it comes to fitness, I discovered a new web site and I am pretty impressed by the guy who publishes the site - Trainer Josh. Check it out - here's a direct link to a fat burn workout http://trainerjosh.com/fat-loss/killer-medicine-ball-workout-for-extreme-fat-loss/
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Tip of the hat to Bargnani
Surprising title? Sure is - Andrea pulled his game up a notch last night, fighting through sore knee, taped up hands and actually playing some tough D down the stretch. Plus some tough shots late in Q4 and nice dish to Demar for a key bucket. What really impressed me was Andrea actually dove for a ball on D with less than 2 minutes to go in the game - I've never seen him compete like that before. Keep it up Andrea
NFL picks of the weekend - Chicago over Minnesota - how can anyone favour Minny in outdoor game without Brett? New Orleans over Ravens in Baltimore - what has happened to Raven D? Last chance for Jets? No Troy for Pittsburgh could mean trouble - I'm picking Jets to cover. My Bills go to Miami without two top receivers in Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish - can they keep it within a touchdown? Doubtful.
Hockey news - congrats to Matt Duchene on quietly jumping into the top 10 in league scoring. More surprising performance though has to come from Dustin Byfuglien - really who predicted he would first of all be moved to D and secondly be the top scoring D man to date. Leafs in tough tonight. I still remember last year when Canucks came to Toronto - Leafs got out to a big lead and then the Sedins took over. I don't think we have an answer for them. Giggy groin issues - come on Monster, we're really counting on you tonight.
NFL picks of the weekend - Chicago over Minnesota - how can anyone favour Minny in outdoor game without Brett? New Orleans over Ravens in Baltimore - what has happened to Raven D? Last chance for Jets? No Troy for Pittsburgh could mean trouble - I'm picking Jets to cover. My Bills go to Miami without two top receivers in Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish - can they keep it within a touchdown? Doubtful.
Hockey news - congrats to Matt Duchene on quietly jumping into the top 10 in league scoring. More surprising performance though has to come from Dustin Byfuglien - really who predicted he would first of all be moved to D and secondly be the top scoring D man to date. Leafs in tough tonight. I still remember last year when Canucks came to Toronto - Leafs got out to a big lead and then the Sedins took over. I don't think we have an answer for them. Giggy groin issues - come on Monster, we're really counting on you tonight.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Spudniks prevail
Winninng is always fun but the league in total is a real blast and well organized by Peter Lemieux and Richard Bellm. Pictured below I'm having some beer out of the Cup.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Is this the same team I saw last Thursday?
Wow the Leafs have really improved down the middle in their past two games - wins over the hated Habs and payback against the young Oilers. I think props are due to Ron Wilson and likely Keith Acton, one of the Leafs Assistant Coaches. They went from not being able to win a draw to dominating both Montreal and Edmonton on faceoffs.
Bozak clearly got a fire lit under him as his game is much improved. Grabovski is playing his best hockey as a Leaf. These two guys are key for us trying to inch back into the playoffs. And of course we got scoring from the guys who are supposed to score last night - Versteeg, Grabovski and Kessel.
I am not a big hockey fight fan but Colton Orr sure knocked the hell out of Oiler Zack Sortini last night. Poor Zack spent more time in the box than on the ice and won't look good in the Christmas pictures this year.
Off to Calgary next where Stajan and Hagman will be under a lot of pressure to prove the Leaf trade was not a total fleecing (again) of the Flames organization.
Bozak clearly got a fire lit under him as his game is much improved. Grabovski is playing his best hockey as a Leaf. These two guys are key for us trying to inch back into the playoffs. And of course we got scoring from the guys who are supposed to score last night - Versteeg, Grabovski and Kessel.
I am not a big hockey fight fan but Colton Orr sure knocked the hell out of Oiler Zack Sortini last night. Poor Zack spent more time in the box than on the ice and won't look good in the Christmas pictures this year.
Off to Calgary next where Stajan and Hagman will be under a lot of pressure to prove the Leaf trade was not a total fleecing (again) of the Flames organization.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Break up the Bills
The weather in Buffalo yesterday sucked - rain all day - it would have been much better with snow. Great tailgate regardless. We park beside the Bud Light VIP tent - the parking lot was quite empty yesterday. So empty that the Bud Light girls came over to our fire and invited us to the VIP party. I suspect they thought Dean and Dave were there and came over to chat with them.
Anyway I get the all time record for ring toss and win "top prize". One less gift to buy for XMAS. 50,000 fans braved the elements and saw the Bills D step up and shut down the Browns. Win 3 for the season - likely the last win with trips to Miami and Jets and home game against the Pats. Not sure of status of Lee Evans going forward and Steve Johnson seems to have lost is mo jo.
Nice job by Bills protecting the ball in wet conditions yesterday. With our weak pass rush it's unlikely we'll do well in last home game. Jets are in real trouble and could be 9 and 6 when we go there for last game of season.
Anyway I get the all time record for ring toss and win "top prize". One less gift to buy for XMAS. 50,000 fans braved the elements and saw the Bills D step up and shut down the Browns. Win 3 for the season - likely the last win with trips to Miami and Jets and home game against the Pats. Not sure of status of Lee Evans going forward and Steve Johnson seems to have lost is mo jo.
Nice job by Bills protecting the ball in wet conditions yesterday. With our weak pass rush it's unlikely we'll do well in last home game. Jets are in real trouble and could be 9 and 6 when we go there for last game of season.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Calcutta time
Here is a message from Chairman Nate
See you in January boys!!
Nate
Al Scott / Ivan Hunt plus 4
vs.
Ray Coates / Byron Goodwin plus 1
Rick James / Frank Thomson plus 3
vs.
Dean Lloyd / John Bodnar minus 1
Gary Long / Gord Dowbiggin plus 3
vs.
John Graham / Mark Litton minus 2
Nick Stryland / Greg Rae minus 5
vs.
Chris Barrett / Dave Peters plus 2
Gerald Marshall / Dave v Wely minus 3
vs.
John Rekrut / Ted Charuk plus 5
Peter Lemieux / Ross Vipond minus 2
vs.
Rob Bowder / Paul Grootendorst -4 minus 4
Mike Donnelly / Brent Hurtubise minus 4
vs.
Bob Sullivan / Nathan Drew minus 1
Norm Crook / Jeff Morton even
vs.
Pete Naughton / Mark Braden plus 4
- These are the final handicaps for the calcutta.
- Decisions were made by a board not just one person, in case someone wanted to complain. (Editor's note: If you want to complain speak to the hand.)
- These are the first round matchups, and I know it is over a month away but it gives more time for trash talk.
- Minimum starting bet for every team will be $40.00.
- We will not move to the next team until the previous team is purchased for at least the minimum. Anyone is welcome to bid on teams so if you have friends that want to be involved but are not playing they are more than welcome to come out.
- Remember, all matches are 2 outta 3 to 15 no additional points and single elimination.
- Calcutta's cannot be a success without people willing to gamble, so please come to the auction on Tuesday January 18th 7 p.m.in the BFRC cafe with the mindset that you will have to spend some money on a team. If it is a success then we can do it again and improve on it.
See you in January boys!!
Nate
Al Scott / Ivan Hunt plus 4
vs.
Ray Coates / Byron Goodwin plus 1
Rick James / Frank Thomson plus 3
vs.
Dean Lloyd / John Bodnar minus 1
Gary Long / Gord Dowbiggin plus 3
vs.
John Graham / Mark Litton minus 2
Nick Stryland / Greg Rae minus 5
vs.
Chris Barrett / Dave Peters plus 2
Gerald Marshall / Dave v Wely minus 3
vs.
John Rekrut / Ted Charuk plus 5
Peter Lemieux / Ross Vipond minus 2
vs.
Rob Bowder / Paul Grootendorst -4 minus 4
Mike Donnelly / Brent Hurtubise minus 4
vs.
Bob Sullivan / Nathan Drew minus 1
Norm Crook / Jeff Morton even
vs.
Pete Naughton / Mark Braden plus 4
Leaf Observations
I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Leafs/Flyers game by my friends Jeff V and Kevin -Wings and Bruin fans if you can believe it. Add Michelle, a Habs fan to the group and you can imagine how much ribbing I took from them.
Leafs biggest issue is their lack of strong centers. They lose most draws and really struggle in the defensive and neutral zones. In the defensive end, we lose possession and then when we do get the puck, we don't have the guy in the middle that can consistently move through defensive and neutral zone.
If you look at the Flyers their puck handling before they get in the offensive end is much better - they make longer passes which means they require fewer passes to gain the offensive end. We make too many short passes which provides more opportunity for something to go wrong - either a bad pass, pass not received well by the recipient or deflected pass leading to turnover.
In the offensive end we got snake bit with lots of quality chances.
Tonight against the Habs we need to get off to a good start - getting down 2 or 3 goals just doesn't work. We'll see - need to get winning 6 out of 10 on a regular basis to move up the standings.
Leafs biggest issue is their lack of strong centers. They lose most draws and really struggle in the defensive and neutral zones. In the defensive end, we lose possession and then when we do get the puck, we don't have the guy in the middle that can consistently move through defensive and neutral zone.
If you look at the Flyers their puck handling before they get in the offensive end is much better - they make longer passes which means they require fewer passes to gain the offensive end. We make too many short passes which provides more opportunity for something to go wrong - either a bad pass, pass not received well by the recipient or deflected pass leading to turnover.
In the offensive end we got snake bit with lots of quality chances.
Tonight against the Habs we need to get off to a good start - getting down 2 or 3 goals just doesn't work. We'll see - need to get winning 6 out of 10 on a regular basis to move up the standings.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Which team shows up tonight?
So the Leafs played well Saturday and got lucky on Monday against Washington. Here's my take on why Washington under achieves in the playoffs. Did you see the genuine joy that Clarke McCarthur showed when he scored his two goals against the Caps? I thought he was going to go through the glass on the first one and his celebration on his second was really infectious.
The Leafs are up a goal in the shootout, Semin needs to score to extend the game and as you know he missed scoring. He showed the square root of frick all emotion when he didn't score. Come on Alexander - get into it.
In Pittsburgh tonight and Sid the Kid is unstoppable right now. Look for the Leafs to put Schenn out every time Sid is on the ice. If Sid does not get two points, we'll win
Speaking of emotion there certainly is no lack of confidence in the newest Blue Jay 20 year old Canadian Brett Lawrie. He says he's going to start the season in the big leagues - I sure hope so otherwise why would we give up on Shaun Marcum.
The Leafs are up a goal in the shootout, Semin needs to score to extend the game and as you know he missed scoring. He showed the square root of frick all emotion when he didn't score. Come on Alexander - get into it.
In Pittsburgh tonight and Sid the Kid is unstoppable right now. Look for the Leafs to put Schenn out every time Sid is on the ice. If Sid does not get two points, we'll win
Speaking of emotion there certainly is no lack of confidence in the newest Blue Jay 20 year old Canadian Brett Lawrie. He says he's going to start the season in the big leagues - I sure hope so otherwise why would we give up on Shaun Marcum.
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