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.

10 New Year's Predictions

Here you go - a few predictions

1. Nazim Kadri spends the rest of the season in the AHL.  He broke the code by criticizing his recent demotion.
2. 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.
3. Unfortunately both the Leafs and Raptors do not make the playoffs.
4. Jose Bautista has another great season and exceeds 40 Home runs in 2011.
5. 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.
6. Argos suck! (again)
7. Habs continue their slide and Carolina catches them
8. 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.
9. Super Bowl champions - New Orleans repeats
10. Tiger Woods does not win his 15th major golf tourney.  His mistress count is still higher than his major count.

By the way following is a great shot from the last Bills game - early in the tailgate. From the left - Rob Mowder, Mike Brown, Jeff Morton, Dave Connors, Peter Thompson, Matt Connors and Paul Roberts.   What a crew!

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. 

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.