Fantasy Football is HERE!

I am SO jacked about this year's football year. I am stoked to see how my Packers will do this year under Aaron Rodgers. Definitely will miss my favourite player in Brett Favre but it's time to see what this new team with an awesome defense will do.

I am a bit of a fantasy football junkie as well. I have 6 leagues I am in and look to win championships in most of them (hopefully 6 for 6 lol).

My friend and I are going on a THE Ultimate Football Vacation:
We are flying down to SD for the Sunday Nighter then to New Orleans for the Monday nighter and finally to Dallas to watch the Thurs Thanksgiving game.
Colts vs Chargers
Packers vs Saints
Seahawks vs Cowboys.
Week 12 & 13 are going to be stellar for us.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!! I am.

Stanley Cup Finals: Penguins vs Red Wings

Here we are…THE FINALS. What every team’s goal is at the beginning of the year (or should be because some are just a business). All the regular season, signings, flights, warm-ups, training camps, trades, and playoff battles to find out who is in the final.

Here’s a question for you: Is it only a successful year if you don’t win the Cup? Think about it,

There are many goals each team has like make the playoffs, win their division, get home ice advantage, make it past the 1^st or 2^nd round or the conference finals and make the Cup final. Look at Philly last year, they were dead last. After great signings, trades and management they made the top 4. I think that is a successful year. Now the Canucks, Flames and Wild had what I would consider unsuccessful years. Lots of expectations and not many results. Most Oiler fans, even though they didn’t make the playoffs, felt they had a successful year and have much optimism going into next season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins vs The Detroit Red Wings

What a match-up! The NHL can’t be happier to have these two teams colliding for Lord Stanley’s Cup. The biggest name in hockey against the best team in hockey.

I would imagine that most of Canada would be cheering for the Penguins in this series. And why wouldn’t they? This team is fun to watch, it has the super stars and they finally are living up to the hype.

Let’s break this series down:

Who’s got better goaltending? Really who knows; it’s debatable. I think Marc-Andre Fluery is on fire. This kid had lots of hype when he was drafted and until now hasn’t lived up to it. Finally he looks great for more than a game or two. His lateral movement is quick and he isn’t out of position much.

Osgood on the other hand is old faithful. I feel this guy has never gotten the love he’s desired. There has to be something said about a goalie that won a cup already and beat out future hall of famer D.Hasek for the job in the playoffs. He is proving many, many people wrong. Chris seems to be making very few mistakes and is a great positional goalie. I know you can argue that he has a great team in front of him but can’t you do the same for many Cup goalies like Roy in Colorado, Fuhr in Edmonton, Vernon in Calgary.

If I had to make a choice I would go with experience over youth.

These line combinations that the Pittsburgh Penguins are putting out night after night is amazing. It looks like they have 2 #1 lines. Crosby has Dupuis and Hossa with him. Malkin is with Malone and Sykora. On any given night they can put out some sick lines on the Power Play units.

What I like about Pittsburgh is that they have incredible speed and they hit so well. Not to fail to mention, that these guys are super talented. The last time a team had two superstar players like Malkin and Crosby was probably back in Pittsburgh with Lemieux and Jagr. And then the Penguins go and add a super talent in Marian Hossa from Atlanta. Hossa has 19 pts in the playoffs. WOW! Staal and Rutuu are causing head aches to all opposing players and coaching staffs.

Detroit is not going to lay down and let the kids win the Cup. These guys are playoff warriors and have won the cup a few times themselves. Let’s start with their foundation and that is Nicklas “I might be the best defenseman ever” Lidstrom. This guy is a rock. He’s amazing and he’s 38. He won’t be fooled by these kids anytime soon and you better believe he’s been playing against the best players in the world since before this super kids were born. Speaking of old, will Chris Chelios ever retire? He is solid. His experience alone will add depth to this Cup run. We can’t forget that this Red Wing team has some young guns themselves in Datysuk and Zetterburg. These kids can play! They have been torching the league all year long. Can the Penguins D handle these guys? The thing about Detroit is that they are stacked as well. Adding Ralafski to this defensive core gives them more championship rings experience. Draper and Holmstrom might be the two best shut down players in the business.

So to say this series could go either way is an understatement.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it. Here’s the prediction everyone and you might be surprised with my winning and the amount of games I am picking.

Detroit wins the Stanley Cup in only 5 games. Remember experience over youth.

2008 NFL DRAFT Analysis

The NFL draft has now come and gone. Most drafts are filled with anticipation and predictions. No matter what the experts predict most don’t have a clue what’s going on in the war rooms of each NFL team. This year was a great year of trades and unexpected selections. Who will be the next Peyton, LT, Ray Lewis, Reggie White, or Ryan Leaf?

I will go through the 1st 5 picks and then comment about what teams I think did really well in the draft and some that didn’t.

With the 1^st pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Miami Dolphins select from the University of Michigan, Jake Long. There was no surprise here because Miami signed him to a 5 yr deal worth $57.5 million (that's a ton of $). This was the safest pick in the draft as OL Jake Long should be around for 10+ years. The 'Big Tuna' Bill Parcels is dreaming that Long will turn into a new Jumbo Elliot but who really knows. This will help John Beck’s development and Ronnie Brown’s health. I wonder if John Beck really is the answer here and if they should have selected Matt Ryan. What if Matt turns into the next Peyton? But they did select QB Chad Henne in the 2^nd round out of the same school as J.Long. Maybe McFadden would be the best pick for this team because of Ronnie’s terrible injury record and Ricky Williams as the back up. The problem with the Dolphins is they have so many wholes that could have drafted anyone in the 1st 5 picks and improved.

With the 2^nd pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the St.Louis Rams select from the University of Virginnia, Chris Long. No relation to Jake Long but this kid seems to have a lot of upside. Most people where thinking they would select Glenn Dorsey but they thought Howie Long’s son will be better. He looks fast and ferocious.

With the 3^rd pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Atlanta Falcons select from Boston College, Matt Ryan. I really like this pick. I believe it was a statement saying the Michael Vick era is now over in A-town. Ryan looks to be the new face of the franchise. It doesn’t hurt that they signed coveted Free Agent RB Michael Turner either. Some where thinking Atlanta would take Dorsey here and select different QB in the second round but Ryan was the best QB option and they weren’t going to pass on him. They also drafted OT Sam Baker (6’5 312) to help Ryan and Turner. Barker allowed just 4.5 sacks on his last 889 pass plays at USC so he should help.

With the 4^th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Atlanta Falcons select from the University of Arkansas, Darren McFadden. The rumours before the draft were GM Al Davis LOVED McFadden and with the chance would select him. They were right. I think Davis and all Oakland fans hope McFadden will be the second coming of BO JACKSON. He might. This kid is big and very fast. Many said he will is the best player coming out of this year’s draft. The biggest comparison is that he will be like Adrian Peterson but they both have a lot of football to play to prove their hype. In three years at Arkansas, McFadden carried 785 times for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns. Question, why would they be selecting McFadden when they had 3 other RB’s? Because they were ready to release Rhodes and they did just that. Now Indy picks Rhodes back up and both Oakland and Indy win with that pick. The Raiders are trying to turn a corner with this selection and with last year’s 1^st overall pick QB Russell. Trading for Deanglo Hall helps big time as well. I don’t think they will beat SD to win the division this year but at least they are on the road to recovery.

With the 5^th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Kansas City Chiefs select from Louisiana State University, Glenn Dorsey. Some were predicting the Dolphins picking this kid. Supposedly he is the most NFL ready. This might be the best steal in the draft. But they must have been thrilled when Dorsey was available especially after trading NFL sack leader J.Allen to Minnesota. The Chiefs need MUCH help and they selected 12 players on draft weekend. Why didn’t they select a QB like Flacco or Brohm or Henne…is Croyle the real deal? We will see.

Surprises at the draft:

1. There were some big surprises at the draft this year. All the trades were surprising and exciting. Many teams were really active moving up and down all weekend.

2. No WR’s taken in the 1^st round? I think that is the 1^st time that has happened since 1990. Are the WR’s in this draft that weak? I guess teams felt that way or the other players were just too hard to pass up on. Actually if the Jets didn’t trade up to get TE Dustin Keller out of Purdue it would have been they 1^st time ever no WR or TE was selected in the 1^st round of any draft.

Who drafted really well:

Most people feel that the Kansas City Chiefs drafted the best but I wonder if that is accurate. Yes Dorsey was a steal at 5 and yes they made some good picks but their team is so bad that there is no where but up for this team. Last year they were 3-13 and I wonder if they will finish the same or worse. Maybe in 3 years this draft will really prove itself for KC. Here’s some teams I thought did well drafting.

Dallas Cowboys – I think Felix Jones will replace Julius in BIG D nicely. That kid is quick and the load isn’t on his shoulders as Barber is a work horse and amazing. Taking CB Jenkins is a good pick as well.

Washington Redskins – say what you will but this team needed help at WR…they got it in selecting Devin Thomas AND Malcolm Kelly.

Pittsburgh Steelers – I don’t know why they needed a RB with Fast Willie Parker on the roster but selecting Rashard Mendenhall out of Illinois has to be good. Also they picked up Limas Sweed from Texas which will add to H.Ward, S.Holmes and N.Washington. Thinking Pittsburgh might be a force this year.

Baltimore Ravens – Flacco was the next guy on their draft board once Ryan went to Atlanta. Plus they traded down to 18 and still got Flacco. With McNair finally retired Flacco should be the starter in Baltimore with Boller having too many opportunities with not much success. They also drafted highly touted RB Ray Rice from Rutger University.

Green Bay Packers – I got to comment on my Packers. Love that they picked up a WR and a QB. Actually they selected quite a few draft picks. This team is solid and these guys hopefully help. WR Jordy Nelson out of Kansas State supposedly has track speed and great hands. Selecting QB Brian Brohm out of Louisville is a great move after the Brett Favre era has ended (sob! Sob!) Some think this kid is the best option after Matt Ryan. Aaron Rodgers is definitely the starter but we needed some help if Rodgers is injured. What surprises me though is why they drafted 2 QB’s this draft? Is Matt Flynn really a good selection? That might not help Rodgers confidence.

Who can’t draft:

Tennessee Titans – What is this team doing? They have Lendale White and drafted Chris Henry high last year and now they select a RB in Chris Johnson from a ‘great’ school in East Carolina. Wow. Don’t you think you could have helped your team with a WR or OL?

Detroit Lions – in the past they have drafted WR Charles Rodgers, QB Joey Harrington, WR Mike Williams…history might repeat itself. Ouch!

Chicago Bears – Maybe just maybe you should be picking a QB, Rex Grossman doesn’t seem to be ‘the’ guy. And Matt Forte, who is that? Benson is still their best RB in the windy city. Is Earl Bennett from Vanderbilt the answer to Bernard Berrian and Mushin Muhammad’s FA departure from Soldier Field?

If you are still reading at this point I applaud you. When it comes to the draft there is so much hype. Many are overrated and underrated. Hindsight is 20/20 but there is a reason these teams and scouts get paid the big bucks. Many will be wrong but the people who were right will make a ton of $ and a lot of fans happy. Some teams don’t need the draft to be amazing this year as they already have a great team. I am sure that New England didn’t mind getting LB Jerod Mayo from Tennessee though 10^th overall thanks to the 49ers. Even though Indy didn’t need much this year they sure did a few years ago when they selected Peyton Manning. So what happens remains to be seen but the draft sure helps the off season go by a bit quicker, gives terrible teams some hope, and me something to right about other than hockey.

NHL Playoffs: Conference Finals

So I am currently 11 for 12 in my predictions. The 2^nd round held many surprises. 1^st surprise was how many teams had the chance to sweep. 2^nd surprise was the play of unsung hero’s like R.J. Umberger and Johan Franzen. 3^rd surprise was all the Colorado injuries. What team can really compete with all those broken bones, wrecked knees and unspoken injuries?

Eastern Conference Final

Philadelphia Flyers @ Pittsburgh Penguins

This will be a blood bath. This rivalry is perfect. Hatcher started it all by roughing up Crosby and that will continue as Hatcher and Coburn are going to lay the smack down. Philly has the best fore checking in the playoffs and their forwards hit a ton too.

I think the best story of the playoffs has been the Flyers. Think about it, last year the Flyers were DEAD last in the league. With key additions like F Briere, D Jason Smith, F Lupul, and G Biron they have done a 180 degree U-turn. Added to it is the incredible play of the young guns in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. The biggest surprises have been the superb play of RJ Umberger and Scotty Upshall. And all this without Simon Gagne and the now injured Mike Knuble. These guys are fun to watch and they broke Canada’s back taking out the Habs in 5 games.

I don’t think Philly can match the speed of the Penguins (even though real Penguins are SLOW). Malkin, Hossa, and Crosby seem to be ready to take this team to the next level. Don’t forget they have solid 2 liners in Sykora and R.Malone as well.

Here are the questions to be answered in this series that will determine the winner:

- Who will be the better goaltender in this series? Will Fluery do enough to win or will Biron shut the door on the young guns?

- Can the Penguins handle the hard hitting of the Flyers?

- Can the young guns of the Flyers produce if this series gets into a shoot out?

- Can the Penguins keep showing their grit with the solid play of Rutuu and Malone?

As much as I love my Flyers and want them to win I think the Pittsburgh Penguins advance and in an convincing style. Pittsburgh in 5.

Western Conference Final

Dallas Stars @ Detroit Red Wings

I keep going back and forth with this series and really could go either way. This should be a close hard fought battle as well. Which team will stand when the dust (or I should say ice) settles? Here’s some pros and cons:

Detroit – pro

This team is on fire! They have the experience and goaltending to go all the way (Osgood is 6-0). They have the best defensemen in the league in Lidstrom and seem to have the scoring to win games. They seem poised to win the Cup. These guys are well rested as they have destroyed their opponents in the playoffs.

Dallas – pro

The Stars seem to be built for the playoffs. Brendan Morrow is not only leading his team in scoring but in hitting too. He’s an incredible leader and Captain. Turco is proving the critic’s wrong and putting up the best playoff run of his career. They have beaten two tough teams to get here and are ROLLIN’. This team is a blue collar hard working and hard hitting team.

Detroit – negatives

They really haven’t played anyone good yet. Colorado was decimated by injuries and didn’t even really compete. Nashville wasn’t that great and Detroit walked all over them. As good as Osgood has played can we trust him to out play Turco? Will Franzen have the room out there to work his magic with the likes of the Dallas in your face style?

Dallas – negatives

After playing game six which basically turned into game 7 and into game 8 in length, will they have any more in the gas tank to get to the Stanley Cup final? Will Osgood’s experience and hot play shut down the hard working Stars? Not sure they have enough scoring to win the series. My biggest concern is that they are tired after fighting with the Ducks and Sharks.

My prediction has changed 3 times over the last couple of days. My heart says Dallas and my head says Detroit. I am going with my heart and Dallas will win in 6.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it. And the way I am on fire right now I would be surprised if I was wrong.

For the NHL I think they are hoping for a Pittsburgh – Detroit final. But I am cheering for a Flyers – Stars final with my Flyers winning the cup.

NHL Playoffs Round #2

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it? Oh yeah boys…I was 8 for 8 in my 1^st round predictions (don’t look at what I picked for in how many games). 8 for 8! When I picked the Flyers to beat the sexy pick and favourite Caps many laughed. When I selected the Stars to beat the former champs people thought I was nuts. Who is laughing now? Mind you Philly had help from the refs and Dallas really out played the Ducks but its official and I am correct.

East

1 Montreal Canadiens vs 6 Philadelphia Flyers

The Canadiens were the biggest disappointment out of the winners in the 1^st round. 7 games to the Boston Bruins. Carry Price is the real deal though and without him they would not have won the series. A shutout in game 7! Wow. The Habs are fast and #1 in the pp. With great goaltending they can beat anyone.

The Flyers had a tough match-up with the young guns of Washington. Semin, Backstrom and Ovechkin were all over these guys and they found a way to win. Biron proved the Sabres that he was a #1 goalie as he looked calm in game 7. #2 pp was the Flyers.

In the regular season battle Montreal owned Philly 4-0. But this Flyer team is playing great. They are hitting, scoring and getting good goaltending.

I don’t think anyone can stop Daniel Briere (6 goals and 11 pts in 7 games!).

My 1^st upset goes to my Flyers in 6 games.

2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs 5 New York Rangers

Ottawa was the worst playoff team playing a young, fast, and talented Penguin team. And NY did exactly what I said in proving too much offense for Brodeur to handle by himself.

Lundqvist was nominated for the Vezina and Malkin will be nominated for the Hart. This series could go either way. I think Lundqvist is going to see what kind of power this Pittsburgh team has as they will shoot a lot of rubber his way. The Rangers have assembled a good team as well. But Jagr isn’t the same Jagr of the past. Adding Drury and Gomez helps a lot but they need Avery to be his annoying self in order to beat the birds. Fluery is ready to make a statement that he is ready to go to the next level.

Here’s an interesting couple of stats:

- Pittsburgh ranked fourth in the league on the power play, with a 20.4% success rate. New York ranked 22nd at 16.5%.
- Pittsburgh ranked 23rd in the league in penalty killing, with an 81.0% success rate. New York ranked sixth at 84.6%.

The series will be close as they were 5-3 in the regular season battles but Pittsburgh will be too tough for the Rangers. Penguins in 6.

West

1 Detroit Red Wings vs 6 Colorado Avalanche

This series has the most history. The epic battles of the Wings and Avs have been fantastic and this series will be a great one too. Forsberg and Foote add needed Colorado playoff depth and experience. Detroit seems to be ready to make a run.

What I question the most is the Red Wings goaltending. Will Hasek be ready or will Osgood need to be the starter? Either way both these guys have enough experience to do the job but will they? On the other side, Jose Theodore looks amazing playing his best in years. The difference will be this…Colorado has more depth in their forwards. Hedjuk, Forsberg, Sakic, Stastny, Smyth, and Wolski will be difficult to stop.

Another upset in the making the Avalanche in 6.

2 San Jose Sharks vs 5 Dallas Stars

This won’t be the best series to watch but it will be close. It will be a war and when the dust settles many will be shocked. This goalie battle will be interesting. The favourite has to be the Sharks and why wouldn’t they be? Nabokov is a Vezina trophy candidate. Thorton is a top player. Marleau and Cheechoo cause major problems when playing well. With Campbell they have barely lost. Roenick is a playoff vet who produces. Clowe has been a pleasant surprise.

The Stars are very similar to the Flames. Hard working, hard hitting and hard to beat. This blue collared team is hungry and ready to make some noise. Turco has to get the playoff monkey off his back and will have the chance to this series. Captain Morrow should be the leader on this team. Richards is making his $ so far and Modano just seems to never die (great draft pick).

I was not impressed with the Sharks vs Calgary and wondered if they were going to lose. If Kipper played better in game 7 the Sharks would be cleaning up their lockers.

Going with my 3^rd upset here…Stars in 7.

So my predictions have 3 out of 4 series with major upsets. You might laugh now but may I remind you again I was 8 for 8 in round 1 and last year I picked the Cup winner before the playoffs started with the Ducks.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Nonis FIRED! What's next for Canucks?

When I first heard of Dave Nonis being fired from the Canuck organization I was surprised. Just as he cleared a bunch of cap space for the Canucks off season Free Agent frenzy he's canned. Canuck owner Aquilini obviously didn’t feel comfortable with Nonis signing free agents and resigning & drafting players.

At his press conference this week, Dave Nonis was a class act and I would have been shocked if he was any different. He didn’t rip into management or the players.

One thing he did say that did shock me was in response to the "would you change anything now after knowing you would be fired" question. His answer was no. He mentioned if he would have made deals that would have made them make the playoffs to save his job he would be acting like a 'coward'. His best intentions where the Canucks not just this year but in the years to come. I wish they gave him 1 more year.

The fact is, that under Dave, the Canucks have missed the playoffs the last 2 out of 3 years isn't acceptable. And they lost 8 of the last 9 going into the playoffs? If they won only 1 of those games they would have made it but gotten pummelled vs Detroit. Yes they missed 175 man games to defensemen this year but we should have been in the playoffs regardless. Maybe Nonis told Aquilini that he was thinking of resigning Naslund and Morrison and that and missing the playoffs got him fired. Who knows.

But maybe letting Dave go was the best statement to all the fans that we are going to shake things up on all levels. Maybe coach Vigneault is next? Hopefully Naslund and Morrison too.

Thanks Dave for not trading away our young talent on an overpaid, now decent players like Brad Richards. You have put us in a great spot for this summer I just hope the next GM will sign the right guys.

After being surprised the Canucks let him go I saw this overview of Nonis’ moves and my view of the whole opinion changed…

Nonis was promoted to General Manager and Senior Vice President on May 6 2004.In his tenure, Nonis made the following moves:
- July 2004: signed Jonathan Aitken, Joe DiPenta, Lee Goren, Wade Flaherty, and Jeff Heerema. Besides Goren, none of the above were used in a Canucks lineup.
- August 3, 2005: traded Brent Sopel to the Islanders for a 3rd round pick in 2006.
- August 22, 2005: traded the 3rd round pick in 2006 to Atlanta for Steve McCarthy.
- September 9, 2005: traded future considerations to Tampa for Craig Darby.
- October 7, 2005: traded Fedor Fedorov to the Rangers for Jozef Balej and a conditional pick.
- March 9, 2006: traded a 4th round pick in 2006 (TJ Miller) to the Devils for Sean Brown
- March 9, 2006: traded a 2nd round pick in 2006 (Jhonas Enroth) for Mika Noronen.
- March 9, 2006: traded Brett Skinner and a 2nd round pick in 2006 (Bryce Swan) in exchange for Keith Carney and Juha Alen.
- traded Steve McCarthy to Atlanta for a conditional 7th round pick in 2007 (Charles-Antoine Messier)
- traded Tomas Mojzis and a 3rd round pick in 2006 to the Blues for Eric Weinrich. Ouch.
- June 23, 2006: traded Todd Bertuzzi, Alex Auld and Bryan Allen to Florida for Roberto Luongo, Lukas Krajicek and a 6th round pick in 2006 (Sergei Shirokov).
- July 1 2006: Signed Willie Mitchell as a free agent.
- July 14, 2006: traded a 4th round pick in 2007 to the Sabres in exchange for Taylor Pyatt.
- July 20, 2006: signed Marc Chouinard as a free agent.
- July 25, 2006: signed Jan Bulis as a free agent.
- traded, Dan Cloutier to the Kings for a 2nd round pick in 2007 (Taylor Ellington) and a conditional pick in 2009.
- August 18, 2006: signed Rory Fitzpatrick as a free agent. The "Vote for Rory" campaign soon followed.
- October 4 2006: claimed Dany Sabourin off waivers.
- December 30, 2006: claimed Jeff Cowan off waivers.
- February 26, 2007: traded a 2nd round pick in 2007 for Brent Sopel.
- February 26, 2007: traded a conditional pick to Chicago (who picked Akim Aliu) in exchange for Bryan Smolinski.
- June 23 2007: traded Jason King and a conditional pick in 2009 to the Ducks for Ryan Shannon.
- June 23 2007: traded Jesse Shultz to the Thrashers for Jim Sharrow.
- July 2 2007: signed Byron Ritchie and Brad Isbister as free agents.
- July 3, 2007: signed Curtis Sanford as a free agent.
- July 9 2007: signed Aaron Miller as a free agent.
- August 1, 2007: traded Francois-Pierre Guenette to the Blues for Zach Fitzgerald.
- August 21, 2007: re-signed Trevor Linden.
- February 26, 2008: traded Matt Cooke to Washington for Matt Pettinger.
(copied from http://hockey-madness.blogspot.com/ Zanstrom’s hockey blog and a pretty good one that I check out sometimes)

4 things that Nonis did well and the rest bombed. Personally I liked Nonis but looking at that list if he didn't make the Luongo trade happen he was a bad GM. But he DID move Bert (who is done), Allen (who is average) and Auld (who is decent/done) for Luongo (a goalie stud), a decent dman in Lukas Krajicek, and a draft pick.

#1 move was the Luongo deal.
#2 move was signing Willie "I might be the next Canuck captain" Mitchell
#3 move was getting T.Pyatt from Buffalo.
#4 move was dealing Cloutier's salary and getting a pick in return.
oh yeah and #5 would be getting Shannon off Burke for Jason King.
Other than that he didn't do much except try and get Marc Chouinard, Byron Ritchie and Brad Isbister to do something in Van. Didn't work.

Now the new question is who will replace Nonis as GM of the Canucks? That decision will make or break us. Rumours are flying but don’t deceive yourself Brian Burke and Pat Quinn are not coming back to Vancouver. I have no idea who is coming but I hope it’s someone solid who isn’t afraid of signing a couple scoring Free Agents.

Canucks: More than Disappointed

Mad, frustrated, ticked off, basically not happy with my ‘beloved’ Canucks.

What in the world is going on..we missed the playoffs??? Again!? Here I sit trying to motivate myself to watch the NHL playoffs without being able to cheer for my favourite team. Many people don’t like this next statement but it’s so true. Every Canucks fan needs a secondary team to be devoted to as well. Why? Because this garbage happens and everyone else is jacked about this time of year except for us.

I am mad. This team not only made the playoffs last year but won a round vs a tough Dallas team led by Turco and then lost to the Cup champs the Anaheim Ducks. What happened this year? Very similar to the same thing except most teams improved in the off season with some key additions while Vancouver did jack squat. I know that Nonis was trying to make a deal for a quality centre when Morrison went down with an injury but couldn’t find a dancing partner. At the dead line he was really pursuing a deal with Tampa Bay to acquire Brad ‘I cost too much’ Richards. I am so glad they didn’t deal our young talent for Richards. Not that I don’t like the guy but you are paying him BIG $ for past success that hasn’t done much in the last couple of years.

I am frustrated. In the second to last game of the year we played Edmonton. This was a must win game for us becoming the biggest game of the year. We lose 2-1. You know who was the only person to score in that game? Alex Burrows! Where are the twins or Naslund or Morrison? You guys are supposed to be our go to guys, our big time players, our we need a goal guys. That was our problem most of the year that our ‘stars’ were not our stars.

I am ticked off. Tony Gallagher The Province columnist wrote an interesting article about the lack of scoring Canucks. He basically is blaming our coach Vigneault. I don’t think I agree with Tony because Vigneault was the coach of the year last year. But in the article this quote by Henrik Sedin took me to new levels of anger, "We started thinking too much. You're thinking, 'We should change our game.' It was similar to what happened in the playoffs last year. We didn't trust in our instincts. We didn't trust in our cycle."

The cycle! The cycle! Henrik are you serious! Now don’t get me wrong there are is no one in the league that can control the boards like the twins. But the problem is no one is in front of the net because you can’t score from behind the net Hendrik!

I am not happy about how my ‘beloved’ Canucks ended the year. I believe we need big changes. I know every Vancouver fan seems to say that but I think we have had this core together too long and it’s now time to remodel. Let’s face it the twins should be 2^nd line players. I believe the Canucks should not bring back 5 players for sure: Naslund, Morrison, Linden, Ritchie, and Miller.

Markus Naslund – This guy has been a great Canuck over the years and I personally like him a lot but he’s making $6 mil. The only way I would bring him back is if he would sign for $3-3.5 million. But I think in today’s free agency frenzy where teams love to over pay for mediocre talent (Chara $8 mil?) he will get $4 mil or more from some team with less pressure on his shoulders.

Brendan Morrison – he’s making $3 million and he needs a change of scenery. He is talented but his injury problems are making him watch more games than playing games.

Trevor Linden – actually I wouldn’t let him go. He’s only making $600,000 and I would keep him to play on the 4^th line, killing 5-3 penalties, and playing in the playoffs. But it seems the writing is on the wall the last game as he got the curtain call and much love from the fans. He will be missed.

Byron Ritchie – I don’t know why we signed this guy in the 1^st place but Mike Brown can take his spot now. That frees up $675,000 to spend somewhere else.

Aaron Miller- $1.5 million would be great to have signing someone else. Bourdon needs his spot anyway.

Unrestricted Free Agents we should consider this summer:

Mats Sudin – I don’t think he’s going any where but resigning with the Leafs. But I would love to have him.

Marion Hossa – if he’s smart he will take less $ to play with Crosby and Malkin but is he smart? If Vancouver gets him at least we spend the cash on someone who has the ability to put the puck in the net.

Brian Rolston – this guy seems to be the most realistic FA signing for Vancouver. He’s tough, talented and can score. Plus I am tired of seeing him in a rival’s uniform.

Sean Avery – yes I put him on the list. He causes major problems for the opposition and he does score every so often. Is his up side worth the pain in the butt he is to chemistry?

Nicklas Lidstrom – There is no way he’s leaving Detriot but I would LOVE to get him and so would every team in the NHL.

Ladislav Nagy – I think he has the potential to have some good years in our league.

Brendan Shanahan – I know he’s old but he’s good! Scoring is the thing he does best. Sign him up.

Vaclav Prospal – Not many people in the NHL seem to want him but I think he would be a good fit in Vancouver. Not a stud but solid and will be a consistent scorer.

Ryan Malone – why would he leave Pittsburgh? The same reason many people in this world make the same mistake…MONEY.

Brian Campbell – If he goes somewhere other than San Jose it will be back to Buffalo but I hope he is in Vancouver next year. Not going to happen but I like to dream.

As you can see there are some really quality players available but who will actually sign with the Canucks remains to be seen.

Bingo bango bongo it’s Roberto Luongo. This is a stud and we need to keep him. But if we don’t change the core of our franchise and quickly you will see #1 in a Red Wings jersey, a Capitals jersey, and dare I say it…a Leafs jersey. Now Roberto did not play well to end the season. His mind was obviously on his wife and 1^st born child (especially when there are complications). Maybe this is where Vigneault might have started Sanford but Chris is making $600,000 and Luongo is making $6 million.

I am happy Nonis didn’t move all our young guys to get an Unrestricted Free Agent who might sign somewhere else this summer. For the 1^st time in a LONG, LONG time we have some quality young guys who have cracked this lineup. We should be building upon Kesler, Edler, Raymond, Shannon, and Bieska. Of course trade any of them if we can get a stud like Malkin or Spezza or whoever but its unlikely those guys are available.

Hind sight is 20/20. Now that we didn’t make the playoffs what we should have done at the deadline was this…traded Naslund and Morrison for whatever draft picks they could have gotten.

As for these playoffs my secondary team (like always) is the Philadelphia Flyers. But this summer better have big changes for Vancouver. Until then Go Flyers!

2008 NHL Playoffs Round 1

Okay everyone the NHL playoffs are HERE! State your predictions for the 1^st rd and give me your final.

East

1 Montreal vs 8 Boston
Lovin’ the battle of the original six. These games will be hard hitting. This will be a total domination by the Habs. SWEEP! Enough said.

2 Pittsburgh vs 7 Ottawa
I wish this one would be close but I can’t see it going like last year. Pitts owns them in 5. Crosby, Malkin, Sykora, Hossa, etc but the real problem is Marc Andre Fluery is on FIRE right now. Ottawa is hurt, struggling and are cracking under pressure.

3 Washington vs 6 Philadelphia
Everyone is happy that the Caps made the playoffs. They improved at the deadline to over take Carolina for the division on the last day. But they will need more than one player to beat the Flyers. Semin, Federov, and Backstrom must step up for it to be close. The problem is the Flyers have a better team with a ton of young talent. Briere, Carter, Richards, Lupul, Upshall, and Hartnell will prove to be better than the one man Caps. Philly in 6.

4 New Jersey vs 5 New York
Broduer is one of the greatest goalies of all time. The problem is the Rangers are clicking and have great goaltending themselves with Lundqvist. What the Devils don’t have is enough scoring or defense this year. Rangers win in 6.

West

1 Detroit vs 8 Nashville
I want to go with the Predators here. Looking at these 2 teams I can’t over look the powerhouse of the Red Wings. Hasek and Osgood are the best tandem in hockey so either one will give them a shot every night. Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, and others are going to shell shock whatever Nashville goalie is playing. Detroit in 5.

2 San Jose vs 7 Calgary
I really like the Flames going into the playoffs. Iggy, Phanuef and Kipper are 3 guys you want to go into battle with. The dilemma the Flames face is the play the worst case 1^st round scenario the SJ Sharks. This Shark team is hungry and looks to make a serious run in the West. Brian Campbell has put this team over the hump and Nabokov will not be stopped. SJ in 5.

3 Minnesota vs 6 Colorado
The Wild are big, strong, hard working and play well defensively. It doesn’t hurt having Backstrom in net. The Avalanche have finished the year very strong. Forsberg is back and lovin’ being back in Colorado. This teams nucleus is in tact with Foote, Sakic and Hedjuk. But what will keep the Wild spinning is the stellar play of the 2 young guns Paul Stastny and Wojtek Wolski. You wonder about the Avs goaltending? Don’t worry any longer Theodore will be able to do the job. Colorado in 6.

4 Anahiem vs 5 Dallas
Everyone and their dog is talking about the Ducks doing really well like last year. Well I think BIG D will have something to say about it as they play the role of the underdog. Turco is a stud and will prove that he can win in the playoffs as well as the regular season. The experience of Brad Richards will help the Stars defeat the Ducks in 7.

Finals prediction: San Jose Sharks beats the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Shaq in Phoenix!!! ???

The huge announcement this week in the NBA was the trade between Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat. The Heat receive Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks (Steve Nash’s backup) for Shaquille O’Neal. The Suns are thrilled to have Shaq coming to the land of the Sun. But I don’t get it? Why Shaq? Why now late in his career? Do they know something I don’t know?

Shawn Marion at the time of the trade is averaging MORE pts and MORE rebounds than Shaq.

The Suns made this deal because Marion had asked for a trade at the beginning of the season. He only has 1 year left on his contract and instead of losing him at the end of the year they need to get something for him. Shaq has 2 years left on his deal and he is supposed to take Phoenix over the hump and win a championship.

The talk seems to be that the Suns need a C to win a championship. In the west they have lacked that C to win? In the West there is not dominating C. Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan are Power Forwards. The C’s in the West are Y.Ming, A.Bynum (injured), G.Oden (injured).

Will Steve Nash make Shaq better? Sure he makes everyone better. But Shaq is claiming he’s going to be making everyone except Steve better. This is where I disagree. He will help Amare Stoudimare to play his normal PF position but Shaq is not going to receive the attention like he once was. Not many double teams. He’s slow and aging. He is not a MVP candidate anymore. Can he run the floor with this fast break team? This side of the deal is getting all the attention but I think the team that won this deal is the Miami Heat ESPECIALLY if they resign Marion to play long term with Dwayne Wade.

Okay so maybe I am wrong. I am playing in the franchise mode in XBOX 360’s version of NBA 2k7 and I happen to be the Phoenix Suns. So I decided to trade for Shaq for Shawn Marion. Not only did they want to but they gladly did with their 1^st rd draft pick and A.Mourning too! The cool thing about this game is they made it realistic and his age has caught up with him and he is no longer a 95 overall rating but a 76. So I go into the 1^st game with the new look Suns and I don’t even it make it threw the 1^st quarter before I realize this is a horrific trade. I turn off my 360 so I don’t save this trade and go trade Marion, my 1^st rd PF, and K.Thomas to Orlando for Dwight Howard, Grant Hill, and a rookie SG. Oh yeah and I got Howard locked up in contract for 5 yrs instead of paying Shaq through the roof for 2 years.

I understand they needed to trade Marion but couldn’t they have gotten something better? Like Pau Gasol or Y.Ming? I believe the Lakers getting Pau Gasol is bigger news than an aging Shaq going to Phoenix.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it. Being a fan of Phoenix (more importantly S.Nash) I hope I am wrong. I hope they win a championshipship. I can’t see myself being wrong in this situation.

There are great teams to beat and I can’t see Phoenix beating the Spurs, Celtics, Magic, Mavericks, Pistons, and Lakers.

GREAT or GOOD Super Bowl?

I am shocked and awe stuck. I cannot believe that the New York Giants are the 2008 Super Bowl champions. To me it’s unbelievable. There is no way I thought tonight I would go to bed with NY beating the 18-0 New England Patriots. Not only did I predict NE to win but to win BIG (51-13).

I have never been this wrong ever. I didn’t think NY was going to make the playoffs but they were #7 out of #8. I did predict them beating the Bucs though that seemed to be an easy one for me. But to beat Dallas in Texas Stadium as they were swept in the season series 2-0. But Romo’s inexperience proved to be the nail in the coffin for the Cowboys. Then going to Lambeau field to face the 13-3 Packers, Brett Favre, and the cold. And to my disappointment they beat my beloved Packers. Still in sports depression (Pats fans I know how you feel). Then they go into the Super Bowl as the “underdog” and keep the Pats offense in check…then Eli leads the charge finds Boss (Shockey’s replacement) for a key big gain and wins it for the G-men…WOW!

7-3 going into the 4^th quarter most wouldn’t have said this was one of the greatest Super Bowls in history but after that last quarter they might. No doubt the Giant D put so much pressure on Brady and they got the results. Defensively NY was better. If the Patriot touchdown to Randy Moss was the winner many would have said that was a GOOD Super Bowl but with Manning escaping all those defenders and Tyree making that catch and finally Burress completes the come back with under 40 seconds to play, it makes this Super Bowl GREAT.

Don’t you think it’s interesting that people wanted NY head coach Conklin fired and Eli benched during the season now all those Giants fans are on the band wagon.

What is more amazing is how Peyton won the Super Bowl last year and then his little bro Eli wins it the next year. I guess it wasn’t that bad of a deal getting Eli in the trade with SD.

Everyone will remember the catch but the one thing most people will forget about this game that would have made Eli the goat instead of the hero was DB Samuel missed the easy INT late in the 4^th quarter. Woulda, shoulda, coulda…Samuel didn’t and Eli did.

Another difference was the run game, the tandem of Jacobs and Bradshaw looked good and the Pats couldn’t get the run going with Maroney ending up with only 36 yds.

I could be wrong and this time I DEFINITELY was.

Congrats to the G-men and all their fans.

Super Bowl Predictions 2007-2008

At the beginning of the season I predicted New England to beat the Cowboys in the SB. Pretty great prediction I would say. But with the season over, I have changed my mind. Check out my new predictions.

AFC Divisional Games

Jackonsville @ New England.

I know the Jags are the dark horse and they are on a roll right now the problem is the Pats are on a bigger role and will roll all over them.

San Diego @ Indianapolis

Let’s put it this way, last time they met the Chargers beat Indy. But Peyton Manning threw 6 int’s and Mr.Clutch Adam Vinatieri missed 2 field goals (one being an extra pt). This will not happen again. San Diego is going to get OWNED on Sun

day.

NFC Divisional Games

N.Y. Giants @ Dallas

The 1^st time these two teams collided this season was week one and it was a shootout with 80 pts scored. The 2^nd time Dallas won by 11. I can’t see the Cowboys losing this won even if they don’t have TO playing.

Seattle @ Green Bay

People think that Seattle can’t play in the winter conditions but last year on the Monday nighter Qwest field looked like Lambeau and Seattle won as Shaun Alexander rushed for 200 yds. I don’t think Shaun will do that in GB and Seattle will lose in a close game. Sorry Matt you aren’t going to receive the ball and score.

AFC Championship Game

Indianapolis @ New England

Everything within me wants to pick the Colts but I think betting against the Patriots right now is prediction suicide. Let’s put it this way, I am cheering for the Co

lts to win but my head is going with NE. Last year these guys made the AFC Championship game with starting WR’s like C.Jackson, R.Caldwell, T.Brown, and J.Gaffney. Welker, Stallworth and Randy Moss with and improved defense will beat the Colts to go to the big dance.

NFC Championship Game

Green Bay @ Dallas

I know Favre hasn’t won in Dallas. I know that Dallas is a power house. I know that T.Owens will play hurt or not and have a good impact. I know the Packers haven’t been in the playoffs for 3 years. Saying all that, this will be the last time we see Favre because he will retire at the end of the season. He is going to play amazing throwing the winning TD to Greg Jennings. With an improved running game and defense I belie

ve the Packers have enough to beat the Cowboys on their home field. Packer fans across the world will celebrate like there is no tomorrow.

Super Bowl

Green Bay vs New England in Arizona

I know what you are thinking he’s going to pick Favre because that’s his favourite team. Nope. You know years ago when Super Bowls were blow outs and not that exciting to watch? Yep you guessed it the Patriots are going to destroy my Packers in the Super Bowl and become the greatest team ever. Favre will retire (sob! Sob!) And Brady will be SB MVP cementing himself as the greatest QB ever winning 4 SB’s. As much as I don’t want this to happen I believe it will be reality.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.