Deja Vu For the B's

Photo Credit Google Images hockeyindependent.com

Tim Thomas stopped 52 shots tonight, including 22 in the third period and 46 straight after the Flyers jumped out to a 2-0 lead within their first six shots.

The second best player on the ice tonight (behind Timmy of course) was James van Reimsdyk, who tallied both of the Flyers goals tonight, to push his post-season total to eight. 

Philly came out flying as they jumped out to an early 2-0 lead.  The Bruins, with no panic, battled back with two goals in a 1:35 span.  Chris Kelly notched the first one on a rebound put-back.  The key to this goal was the traffic in front of the net.  Michael Ryder, who has been criticized like no other, stood only inches in front of Brian Boucher, enabling Kelly to sneak the puck past him to cut the lead to one.

Only a minute and a half later, Patrice Bergeron made a beautiful pass to rookie Brad Marchand, who whistled a wrist shot by Boucher to knot the game at two.

The third period was completely dominated by the Flyers as they out-shot the B's 22-7.  Nobody was bigger than our unconventional goalie Tim Thomas.  Thomas made spectacular save after spectacular save, allowing his team to reach the overtime period.

With about six seconds left in regulation, the Flyers had an offensive zone face-off.  The puck hopped to the stick of Flyer winger who back-handed it on net.  Timmy made a right pad save but let up a rebound to Danny Briere who had a wide open net.  The puck was on edge, and Briere fanned, sending the game into overtime. 

This overtime period was one of the best I've ever seen.  Back and forth, up and down the ice they went.  Both teams had ample opportunities to end this game, but both goaltenders (and posts and crossbars), helped keep this game tied.

At the 14 minute mark of the overtime period, David Krecji took a beautiful feed from Nathan Horton who had just came off the bench.  All in one motion, Krecji one-time the puck top-shelf to give the Bruins a 2-0 series lead.  

An unorthodox end to tonights game, as the referee initially waved off the Krecji game-winner, only to overturn his call upon further review.

I liked all three of our top lines tonight.  The Bergeron and Peverley lines have been playing great all playoffs long.  With Krecji's line coming on strong, the B's can be a force to be reckon with in these Stanley Cup playoffs.  

On a more sour note, defenseman Adam McQuaid was sent to a local hospital after whiffing on a check and slamming his head into the boards.  I have no report as of yet, but hopefully its nothing serious because this kid has been a rock all year on defense for the black and gold.

With the series at 2-0 in favor of the B's, the series shifts back to Boston where the Bruins look to grab a strangle hold on this series.  

Game 3 will be played Wednesday at 7:00 et in Boston.....and you know the fahkin' Gahden will be rockin'.

Oh, did I mention how fucking huge Timmy was tonight!

WOOOO!!!!

Pats At It Again

Photo Credit Google Images giantsgab.com



And with the 17th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select....some big goofy white dude from Colorado.

Per usual, the Pats drafted somebody who was on nobody's radar but their own.  Trade talks were swirling around yesterday in New York.  Many people thought the Pats would try and trade up this year to draft a perennial pass rusher.  Instead, they stayed put.  It seemed to work out perfect.  Two of the most talked about DE's were still on the board at 17, in Cameron Jordan and DeQuan Bowers.  Here it is.  It is time.  Time for the Patriots to make a splash.  Nope.  The left tackle from Colorado's name is called, and Patriots fans around New England are left puzzled.

Alright, second chance.  The 28th pick.  Let's go Bill. Make it happen.  At 28, Bowers was still on the board, as well as Heisman Trophy winning running back Mark Ingram. 

And with the 28th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select running back from Alabama, Mark Ingram.  Wait what?  The Patriots traded down again?

This is my take.

Tom Brady has what, five years left, give or take.  This was the draft to take a chance.  Swing for the fences.  Try and get that player that other teams have to scheme for.  Try and get that player that puts the fear in the eyes of the other teams.

Bill Belichick has done a tremendous job here in New England.  He drafts players that fit his system.  Players who are versatile.  Players with a high level of intelligence.  It works.  Its what he does.  Thats why he is one of the greatest coaches ever.  A pure genius in my eyes.

One time Bill.  Swing for the fences.  Come on.

Now I'm not knocking Solder.  I am almost certain that he will be a solid player.  With Matt Light on his way out of New England, Solder will be the one to replace him.  Solder will most likely provide solid play and probably be a rock at left tackle for the Pats for years to come. 

The Pats will kick off the second round with the first pick, and 33rd overall.  I know its crazy of me, but I have a hunch that Bill and the Pats might, just might, trade this pick.  Who knows.

BRUINS WIN BRUINS WIN

Photo Credit Google Images boston.cbslocal.com

With the puck in the corner in overtime, Adam McQuaid pinched down and kept the puck in the corner.  Milan Lucic scraped it out of the pile, found a wide open Nathan Horton at the blue line.  Horton, with open ice in front of him, stepped into a slap shot that found its way behind Carey Price for the game winning goal in overtime.  

The Bruins took both the game and series, 4-3.

Boston took the lead only minutes into the game as Johnny Boychuck, ripped an absolute missile past Price.  Minutes later, the ageless Mark Recchi found himself wide open and whistled a wrist shot top shelf to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead.  

The Canadiens then took their timeout to try to regain their composure.  It proved to be a critical timeout, as the Habs controlled the flow of play for the majority of the next 25 minutes.

Special teams proved to be critical once again, as both the penalty kill and powerplay let the Bruins down.  With Danielle Paille's stick 15 feet away from him, the Habs had a defacto five on three powerplay and took full advantage of it as Yannick Weber lifted a wrist shot over Tim Thomas's glove.

Five minutes into the second period, the Bruins were again short-handed.  Dennis Seidenberg then made a sloppy play in the neutral zone, only to be picked up by Tomas Plekanec who snapped a wrist shot by Thomas on a break-a-way.  The flow of play was dominated by the Canadiens for the rest of the second period, but Timmy Thomas held his ground, and the two bitter rivals went into the third knotted at two.

The Bruins got back on top of their game in the third and took a 3-2 lead at 9:44 of the third on a rebound put-back by Chris Kelly.  This play opened up because of a check Kelly put on a Canadien defenseman.  The defenseman, I forget who the flopper was, laid there on the ice like there was a sniper in section 814 of the balcony.  The B's then had transition, and Andrew Ference got a wrist shot through to the net.  Kelly scooped up the rebound, and backhanded the puck into the back of the net to give the black and gold a 3-2 advantage.  

The Bruins kept up their intense flow of play and had multiple scoring chances, only to be stoned by Carey Price.  Patrice Bergeron got his stick up near the face of a Canadien defenseman with only three minutes left in the game, and the Habs once again had the man-advantage.

The dangerous Montreal power play took the ice trying to send this game to overtime.  With crisp passing and phenomenal puck movement, the Habs got the shot they were looking for; a one-timer from their talented young (cough pussy cough) defenseman, PK Subban.  Subban ripped the shot past Thomas, tying the game, and sending it into overtime. 

Up and down, back and forth.  This is how overtime started as both teams had great opportunities, but the netminders stepped up and held their ground.  Five minutes and forty three seconds into overtime, Nathan Horton ripped the slapper by Carey Price to send the Bruins into the next round.

What a fantastic series.  What a fucking great game. Holy shit.

Time to enjoy this one for a few days, but then its back to business.  A first round win is just a step in the right direction, and the Bruins as well as the fans are not satisfied......but it does feel good to be the ones to knock Montreal out!

Lock of the Day

Tampa Bay Lightning (+110) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (-130)


Here it is; another game seven.  In my pre-playoff picks, I had the Penguins advancing in this one, but I'm going in the other direction here.  I like the way the Lightning are playing.  The Penguins are showing signs of missing the best player in the NHL, Sidney Crosby.  Decimated with injuries all year, the Penguins have had a tremendous year, but I think it comes to an end here.  I expect the Lightning to come out fired up and take down the mighty Penguins.

Lock of the Day - Tampa Bay Lightning (+110)

Game 7 in Beantown

Photo Credit Google Images daysofyorr.com

Game Seven.  The two greatest words in sports.  Boston Montreal, the two biggest rivals in hockey.  This is it.  This is what they play the season for.  It's do or die.  Win or go home.  Game seven!

The Montreal Canadiens forced a game seven by beating the Boston Bruins 2-1 last night at the sold-out Bell Center.  The two teams will face off tonight to decide who goes home, and who moves on.  This is the eighth game seven between the two teams, with the Habs taking five out of the seven.  

The Habs scored twice last night, both on a two-man-advantage.  Once again, the special teams had a huge impact on a game this series.  The Bruins could barely get a shot on net on their ample power play opportunities, while the Habs grabbed both their tallies on the man-advantage.  The B's are still sporting a goose egg in the PPG column.  The last team to win a playoff series without scoring a power play goal was the Anaheim Ducks in 2001.  You see how rare it is to win with such a terrible power play, and that is exactly what Boston's man-advantage is...terrible.  

The Bruins played better last night in 5-on-5 situations.  Tonight, they will need to be physical, yet discipline, to win this game.  The Montreal power play is deadly, with the likes of Brian Gionta and Mike Cammalleri.  Tim Thomas has bounced back from a shaky first couple of games, playing up to his potential the previous four games.  

The Bruins need to score first.  They need to lay some big hits, and get on the score-board first.  Doing this will get the crowd in the game, and when the Garden is rockin', it's unlike any other arena.

With all that being said, I still like the Bruins to prevail.  I think they have the better goalie and are just a better team.  But do not expect this to be an easy game.  This game will be a classic.  You do NOT want to miss it.

Lets go B's WOOOOO

Lock of the Day

First day of the NBA playoffs, and I've got three locks for tonights games.

Atlanta Hawks/Orlando Magic O/U 181

Portland Trailblazers/Dallas Mavericks O/U 186

Portland Trailblazers +5 @ Dallas Mavericks

The Hawks and Magic face off tonight in game one of their best of seven series.  I like the Magic to win this game, and more importantly, I look for some scoring.  I do not see this game reaching the 100's, but anything in the 90's will get us over the number here.  Look for a game in the 90's and the total to go over.

The Mavs host the Blazers in game one of their series tonight as well.  I picked the Blazers to win the series and I think it starts with game one.  The Mavs drew a tough matchup here.  The Blazers have an abundance of talent, with probably their best player, Brandon Roy, coming off the bench.  The addition of Gerald Wallace was huge for Portland, and all-star snub, Lamarcus Aldridge is having a phenominal season.  It will be tough to slow down Dirk, but I like the young guns of Portland.  I expect this one to come down to the last possession, so take the Blazers with the points.  Again, I expect another game in the 90's and I'd roll with the over here also.

Lock of the Day - Atlanta Hawks/Orlando Magic OVER 181

                                  Portland Trailblazers/Dallas Mavericks OVER 186

                                  Portland Trailbazers +5 @ Dallas Mavericks

Lock of the Day

St. Louis Cardinals (-105) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (-105)

Jon Garland will be making his first start of the season for the Dodgers.  The Cardinals have registered at least 16 hits in three straight games.  They will have Kyle Lohse on the bump tonight.  Lohse has been solid for the red birds this year logging a 1-1 record so far.  Lance Berkman seems to be resurecting his career in St. Louis behind Pujols and Holliday.  I like the Cards here.

Lock of the Day - St. Louis Cardinals (-105)

B's Fall in Game One

Photo Credit Google Images slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com

Thomas Kaberle flipped the puck over to Dennis Seidenberg and headed up the ice, leaving his man behind.  Brian Gionta took a cross-ice feed from Scott Gomez and buried it top shelf to put the Habs up 1-0.

This is how the game started for the Bruins.  After that, the B's seemed to dominate the flow of play but could not create any solid scoring chances.  It seemed as if the Bruins had control of the puck in the Montreal zone almost the entire second period, but resorted to slap shots from the blue line. 

I think the Bruins came out with plenty of effort, but just couldn't create the scoring chances they needed.  Brad Marchand had plenty of opportunities to knot the game at one, but couldn't come through. 

Once again, the Bruins power-play looked awful.  They continue float around and go D to D until Chara is open and then he lets it rip.  That Canadiens know exactly what the Bruins are doing on the power play, the whole world knows.  You've got to get more creative.

Carey Price pitched a shutout for the Habs, stopping all 31 Bruin shots.  I'm not going to sit here and praise Price for his play, because frankly, he didn't do much.  Yeah, the B's had 31 shots, but how many of them were actual scoring chances.  I think it'd be safe to say that at least 25 of the 31 shots hit Price right in the chest.

All in all, a disappointing first game.  I'm not worried yet, I think the B's are still the better team, but if they don't start being more efficient and creative with the puck, they'll be going home earlier than expected.



Game two is tomorrow night at 7 pm in Boston.

Lock of the Day

Milwaukee Brewers (-112) vs Pittsburg Pirates (+102)

The Brewers were my preseason pick to win the NL Central, and after an 0-4 start, they are playing great baseball.  The Pirates are just bad.  They have been bad, they are bad, and they will be bad.  They can't hit.  Randy Wolf is going for the Brew Crew.  He has gotten off to a rough start, but look for him to have a solid outing against a terrible offensive team.  Go with Milwaukee tonight.

Lock of the Day - Milwaukee Brewers (-112)

Bruins Habs Preview

The moment we've all been waiting for ladies and gentlemen.  The biggest rivalry in hockey, the B's and Habs.  The two teams will face off for the 33rd time in the playoffs.  More than any two teams in any of the professional sports.  The Habs have been on the victorious side 24 times.  Think about that, in 24 seasons, the Canadiens have celebrated in the face of the Bruins as the B's buried their heads in their hands.  This is a new year though.

Montreal has taken four out of six games from the rival Bruins this season.  

The last time these two teams met in the playoffs, the B's swept the Canadiens in 2009.  Don't expect this series to be as easy as the last.

Playoff hockey is unlike anything else.  Every face-off matters, every save, every shift.  It all means more.  

The Bruins need to dominate the physical game.  They are bigger and stronger.  They need to assert themselves along the boards and in the forecheck.  On the other hand, the Canadiens want to skate.  They want to get out in transition and use their speed and offensive talent, which they have a lot of.

Much is being made about the "criminal charges" being brought on by Montreal Police on Bruins' Captain Zdeno Chara.  Honestly, don't pay attention to this.  This will not interfere with Chara bullying the smaller forwards of Montreal.  He will play his game and put people on their wallets.  

With new faces in the locker room, the Bruins are poised to make a deep playoff run this year.  Mainstays such as Chara, David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron, and Mark Recchi, are ready to carry this team.  Milan Lucic bounced back from and injury filled season in a thunderous way.  Rookie Brad Marchand became our little spark-plug.  He gets under the skin of every single person on the opposing team.  Nathan Horton found his scoring touch again which is a tremendous sign for B's fans.  Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton have provided a solid fourth unit, one of the best if not the best in the league.  New-comers Rich Peverley and Chris Kelly provide solid forward depth that the B's desperately needed.  I haven't even mentioned likely Vezena Trophy winner, Tim Thomas.  Timmy has been a rock all season for the B's, having an even better season than he did in '09 when he won the Vezena Trophy.

With all that being said, it is still going to be a good series.  It's never easy for either team when these two meet.  I expect the black and gold to prevail and advance.

Bruins in 6.

NHL Playoff Predictions

Photo Credit Google Images nhlhomeice.com

A day late, but what can ya do.  The NHL Playoffs kicked off last night.  The NHL playoffs are unlike any other playoffs in professional sports.  Any team can win.  Last year, the Montreal Canadiens, an eight seed, pushed their way to the Eastern Conference Championship, on the back on their red-hot goalie, Jiroslav Halak.  Who will be this years Canadiens?

First Round Matchup Predictions


#1 Vancouver Canucks vs #8 Chicago Blackhawks

The Vancouver Canucks won this years Presidents' Trophy, the league's best team.  They did it with the outstanding play of the Sedin twins, who have chemistry like no other.  Also, they've relied on Olympic Gold Medalist, Roberto Luongo, who seems to play every single game between the pipes.  They square off against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks.  This looks like a good series on paper, but the Canucks are just an overall better team.  Chicago needed a win in their last game of the season to secure a playoff spot and lost it.  They got in by Dallas also failing to win, giving the Hawks the number eight seed. The Sedin twins and potent power play should dominate this series.

Canucks in 5.

#2 San Jose Sharks vs #7 Los Angeles Kings

Hockey is relavent in California.  This is a big series for both teams.  The Kings look to make a deep run after a solid season, while San Jose tries to get over the hump.  The Sharks are notoriously known for choking in the playoffs.  I do not see this happening this year.  It is the year of the Shark.  Former Bruin great, Joe Thornton, will lead his team past the Kings with relative ease.

Sharks in 5.

#3 Detroit Red Wings vs #6 Phoenix Coyotes

I like the Coyotes.  I think they have some talented young players to go along with a bunch of solid veterans.  One problem, they are facing the Red Wings.  Come playoff time, Detroit knows how to get it done.  They are fast and fundamentally sound.  The Coyotes had a good season, but their playoff run will be short-lived.

Red Wings in 6.

#4 Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators

I think Nashville is the better team here.  The Ducks have one of the best American-born players in Corey Perry, but I really like the Predators here.  I think this will be a good series.  Never the less, Predators will prevail.

Predators in 7.

#1 Washington Capitals vs #8 New York Rangers

The Caps went on a run towards the end of the season to capture the number one spot in the East.  The Rangers are a scrappy bunch with some talent, but I just don't see them winning this one at all.  The Caps tightened up defensively, and have that explosive play from Ovenchkin, Backstrom, and Semin.  Caps take this one with ease.

Capitals in 4.

#2 Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres

On the heels of their Stanley Cup run, the Flyers had a fantastic season.  They held the number one spot in the East for most of the year, giving way to the Caps down the stretch.  Ryan Miller can steal a game or two for the Sabres, but Philly is too strong up and down their roster.  Flyers advance.

Flyers in 6.

#3 Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens

Here it is folks.  The best rivalry in hockey.  These too teams meet again, and it will be a good series.  The Boston Bruins have added pieces to their already deep team that they expect to get them over the hump.  The Canadiens rode Halak to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, but now they hope to get a similar performance from goalie Carey Price.  Boston is the bigger, more physical team, and I think that wins them the series.

Bruins in 6.

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightening

The Penguins have been absolutely decimated with injuries this season, losing their top two players in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.  They have still found a way to win.  I think they continue to win with guts and determination.  The hope to have Crosby back maybe by the next round.  The Lightening do have a good team in Tampa, but I like the Penguins here.

Penguins in 7.

Stanley Cup Prediction


San Jose Sharks vs Boston Bruins

The Sharks will finally get over the hump and reach the Stanley Cup Finals.  The Boston Bruins, with their depth and goaltending will push their way through a tough Eastern Conference.  This will make for a great series.  Neither team will go down easy.  I'll take the hometown B's to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup for the first time since 1972.

Bruins in 7.

Lock of the Day

Tampa Bay Rays +1.5 (-125) @ Boston Red Sox -1.5 (+105)

Both teams are struggling, both teams have their ace on the hill.  Jon Lester has notoriously been bad in April, but he came out his last outing and pitched like the ace the Sox dubbed him.  With the BoSox getting hammered last night, I expect them to come out tonight with a chip on their shoulder and win this game.  Red Sox 6-2.


Lock of the Day - Boston Red Sox -1.5 (+105)
 

Latest Betting Scandal

Photo Credit Google Images topnews.in

An assistant coach and two players are the University of San Diego have been charged with running a sports betting business to affect the outcome of games.  In layman terms; they shaved points. 

One of the players was Brandon Johnson, who is the school's all-time leader in points and assists.  

Hey, I don't mind this.  It's a small school, which nobody cares about.  Why not shave points and make some money?  It's not like they were going to win the Big Dance, or even come close to getting it at that.  They best player on the team is the perfect candidate.  He is going to have his hands on the ball most of the game.  Fuck it, why not miss an open jumper at the end of the game to win by 7 instead of 9.  Let the other team hang around and cash in on that shit.  

There is no doubt in my mind that this goes on in other schools, especially small schools like San Diego.  Good thing I never even thought about looking at a San Diego game or I'd be pissed if I dropped a dime and lost it because this mother fucker was shaving.

Some people are saying that because of this, they should ban gambling.  That is a load of horse shit and will never happen.  From Vegas, to local bookies, to online gambling websites, people are making a shit ton of cash.  Banning gambling will only cause problems for the government because people will still bet.  Legal, illegal, people don't give a shit.  They wanna drop a few hundred bucks on a meaningless NBA game that's on TNT at 10 o'clock when they don't have shit to do.  Do yourselves a favor and don't try to make it illegal, you'll only give yourself a headache.   

The only problem I have with this is that it didn't somehow leak to me while it was going in.  Fuck, could have cashed in on that shit.

You can read the whole story here:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6330566

Sox Look to Bounce Back in Cleveland

Photo Credit Google Images bosoxinjection.com

The Boston Red Sox head to Cleveland tonight to start their second series of the 2011 season.  Josh Beckett will take the mound for the BoSox.  Beckett looks to bounce back from a "shaky" 2010 campaign, to say the least.  Beckett threw the ball well in his final Spring Training outing, and looks to give the Sox their first win of the year.

Once again, Carl Crawford will be changing spots in the line-up.  Crawford is moving to the two hole, with Pedoia occupying the three spot.  This is how the rest of tonight's line-up rounds out:

1. Ellsbury CF

2. Crawford LF

3. Pedroia 2B

4. Gonzalez 1B

5. Youkilis 3B

6. Ortiz DH

7. Drew RF

8. Saltalamacchia C

9. Scutaro SS

Huskies: National Champs

Photo Credit Google Images sportsuntapped.com

The Connecticut Huskies won their third National Championship since 1999.  Coach Jim Calhoun now moves into elite coaching status with this being his third time cutting down the nets.

The Huskies won their 11th straight game in 27 days to defy all odds and capture the title.  

This was literally a dogfight.  UConn won the game with only 53 points, the fewest for a National Champion since 1999.  Butler shot only 18.8 % from the field, the lowest field goal percentage ever in a championship game.  This was not a pretty game to watch, not one bit. 

Butler, in the loss, went 12-64 from the field (18.8 %), 9-33 from three point range (27.3%), and 8-14 from the free throw line (57.1 %).  Just dismal numbers.  UConn, in the win, went 19-55 from the field (34.5 %), 1-11 from three point range (9.1 %), and 14-16 from the line (87.5 %).

All stats aside, UConn was the better team tonight.  The dominated the paint, out-rebounding Butler 51-38.  The points in the paint were tremendously dominated by UConn.  They showed a stat with only minutes left in the game, UConn had somewhere in the 30's as Butler had 0, yes zero, points in the paint.  That was the difference in the game.

Kemba Walker had 16 points and 9 boards in the victory.  Sophmore big man Alex Oriahki was huge in this game, logging 11 points, 11 boards, and 4 blocks for the Huskies.  Freshman Jeremy Lamb came on in a big way, scoring all 12 of his points in the second half.

Butler's star guard, Shelvin Mack, went 4-15 from the field, scoring only 13 points.  The other Bulldog star, Matt Howard, shot a dismal 1-13 for 7 points.

Congratulations to Kemba Walker and the rest of the Huskies.  Yes it was an ugly one, but I'm not sure you can ever call a National Championship win ugly.

Lock of the Day

Boston Bruins/New York Rangers O/U 5

The Bruins have clinched the Northeast Division and will most likely end up in the three seed.  The Rangers are battling for playoff position.  The B's haven't packed it in and are still playing hard.  I think this will be a really good game, with some scoring.  That being said, give me the over.

Lock of the Day - Bruins/Rangers OVER 5

National Championship Preview

Photo Credit Google Images online-tvshows-spot.blogspot.com

Connecticut is a three point favorite over the Bulldogs tonight.  It should be a grind-it-out type game, and both teams have that one star player they look to for big shots, Kemba Walker and Shelvin Mack.

Butler is a tough team with a lot of grit.  They are a great defensive team.  That is their go to.  They will play good defense and they will get points from junior guard Shelvin Mack.  The key to Butler winning this game will be their ability to stop, or at least slow down, UConn star Kemba Walker.  Every team in the tournament has been trying to stop Kemba, but nobody can do it.  Also, they need to get production from big man Matt Howard.  Howard has opened up his game this year, and he needs to knock down some three's.  They will need timely shooting off the bench, specifically from senior guard Zach Hahn, who has provided some long range shooting in their tournament run.

UConn also plays tough defense, and rely on their superstar guard, Kemba.  Kemba has put this team on his back and carried them like nothing I've ever seen before.  For most of the season, UConn was a one-man show, but down the stretch other players have emerged.  Freshman Jeremy Lamb has taken on the role of Robin to Kemba's Batman.  He has been playing just great basketball the past month.  Also, freshman Shabazz Napier has been consistently knocking down shots for the huskies.  Inside, Lowell native Alex Oriahki, provides both toughness and rebounding.  His size, length, and athleticism is something that cannot be matched by the Bulldogs.  If he plays well and stays out of foul trouble, his defensive presence and rebounding ability will be a key to UConn capturing the title.

This game should be a close one.  Butler doesn't get blown out, they are in every game.  They know how to win.  But I think UConn can match their defensive intensity, and they have the best player in the tournament.  This game should be in the 60's, and come down to the last few possessions.  Butler will end this year as they did the last.  It is UConn's time.  They are simply on fire.   Kemba is determined to end his career a champion, and that's exactly what he will do. 

Two Improbable Runs, One Common Goal

Photo Credit Google Images tailgatereview.com

The Butler Bulldogs and Connecticut Huskies will battle for the National Championship tonight.  Butler will be returning to the big game for the second consecutive season, as UConn tries to remain undefeated in tournament play this season.

The Butler Bulldogs were a half-court heave away from being National Champs last season.  Tonight, they have a second chance to prove themselves.  The Bulldogs escaped the first game of this years' big dance as Matt Howard put back a missed shot as time expired to push Butler to the next round.  They then took down number one seed Pittsburgh as a Pitt player fouled Howard with seconds on the clock in a tie game.  Howard knocked the free-throw down, and Butler was headed to the Sweet 16.  From then on, the Butler defense, and the superb play by guard Shelvin Mack were not going to be stopped.  They are a veteran team who has been here before.  They play tremendous defense and just know how to win big games.

UConn, led by first-team All-American Kemba Walker, is undefeated in tournament play this year.  They started off this season unranked, and jumped into the polls with a splash as they defeated Kentucky and then number two ranked Michigan State on their way to the Maui Invitational Championship.  UConn, then went on to win every non-conference game on their schedule, but struggled down the stretch and finished 9th in the very tough Big East.  They went into the Big East tournament trying to do something no team has ever done, win five games in five days to win the Big East Championship.  Kemba Walker took the Huskies, put them on his back, and accomplished the daunting task.  Next step was the big dance.  UConn grabbed a number three seed and pushed their way all the way to the National Championship.  On the back of Kemba Walker, the Huskies will look to win their 11th straight game, and hoist that National Championship Trophy.

Starting Lineups For Today's Opener

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Boston Red Sox

1) Jacoby Ellsbury CF

2) Dustin Pedroia 2B

3) Carl Crawford LF

4) Kevin Youkilis 3B

5) Adrian Gonzalez 1B

6) David Ortiz DH

7) Mike Cameron RF

8) Jarrod Saltalamacchi C

9) Marco Scutaro SS

Jon Lester SP

Texas Rangers

1) Ian Kinsler 2B

2) Elvis Andrus SS

3) Josh Hamilton LF

4) Adrian Beltre 3B

5) Michael Young DH

6) Nelson Cruz RF

7) Mike Napoli 1B

8) Yorvit Torrealba

9) Julio Borbon CF

C.J Wilson SP

Play Ball

Photo Credit Google Images 1nservice.com



It is opening day for all of Red Sox nation.  The first pitch is about an hour away.  Expectations are through the roof.  Fans expect championships in Boston, and that is exactly what the front office is trying to deliver.  With a star-studded line-up, the Red Sox are front-runners to spray champagne and hoist that World Series trophy above their heads.

What are we going to see today?  A potential Cy Young taking the hill in Jon Lester?  An MVP candidate in Adrian Gonzalez?  Five plus steals by Ellsbury and Crawford combined? 

I want to see Adrian Gonzalez.  I want to see how he approaches each at-bat.  How he reacts to each pitch.  If he gets that 3-0 green light.  If he drives in those runs he's supposed to.  Being out in San Diego, most Sox fans don't know much about A-Gon, myself included.  All I know is that he is a run-producer.  I expect nothing less than 30 homeruns, 100 RBI's, and a .300 average from the lefty slugger.

I want to see the speed from the top of our line-up.  I want to see how it effects the pitcher.  Will it give Youk and A-Gon pitches to hit.  Will they capitalize on these pitches?

I want to see how Tito manages the bullpen.  Who is going to pitch the 7th and 8th innings.  Will it be Bard then Jenks, or Jenks then Bard?  How is Papelbon going to pitch this season?  Will he bounce back?  Is Danny Reyes that lefty specialist we need?  How will he do in that role?

I want to see how Jarrod Saltalamacchia handles the pitching staff.  He had a solid Spring at the plate, and seemed to handle the staff well.  Can he, with the help of Tek, handle our staff for a full season?  I don't need to see Salty hit .300, but then again I don't want to see him hitting .220.  I expect Salty to fall in the .250 range this season, at the worst.

How is our DH, David Ortiz, going to hit lefties?  CJ Wilson shuts down left-handed hitters.  With our lefty-heavy line-up, will Wilson have his way today?

These are the things I'm looking at today.  Here we go, baseball season is here.  Play ball.

Red Sox predictions coming soon.

Today is the REAL Opening Day

Photo Credit Google Images benbartley.blogspot.com

Here we go.  The Boston Red Sox open up the season today against the reigning American League Champion Texas Rangers.  Both teams have a new look to them.  We all know how the Sox reloaded.  The Rangers lost their ace in the hole, Cliff Lee, to the Phillies.  Also, with the Sox signing of Adrian Gonzalez, the Rangers tied up former Sock, third baseman Adrian Beltre. 

Today's match up features two tough lefties.  My AL Cy Young prediction, Jon Lester, gets the ball for the hometown BoSox, as CJ Wilson will take the hill for his first career opening day start.  CJ Wilson was 3-0 against the Sox last season with an ERA below one.  Wilson is a young pitcher with great stuff.  Pitching behind Cliff Lee, Wilson picked up a ton of good habits.  I expect Wilson to have a solid season, hopefully no so well today.  He is on my fantasy team so he can rack up a ton of K's just don't get the W.

The hot topic this spring was how Terry Francona would handle this star-studded line-up.  Would Jacoby lead off?  Who would hit three?  Who would hit clean-up?  Would Varitek get his 11th opening day start for the Red Sox?  With Wilson going for the Rangers, a tough lefty, J.D Drew gets opening day off.  Here's what todays line-up looks like

1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF

2. Dustin Pedroia 2B

3. Carl Crawford LF

4. Kevin Youkilis 3B

5. Adrian Gonzalez 1B

6. David Ortiz DH

7. Mike Cameron RF

8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C

9. Marco Scutaro SS

Jon Lester SP

Youk gets the four hole with a lefty on the mound, and Cameron gets the start in right.  I would really like to see A-Gon hitting three or four.  He is the best hitter on our team and he needs to get as many at-bats as possible.  Kevin Youkilis is no slouch though, and this line-up is deadly.  I am excited to get this season started.  T-minus 2 hours and 45 minutes til first pitch.

Red Sox predictions to follow.

Its Opening Day! MLB Predictions

Photo Credit Google Images 213milesfromshea.metsblog.com

"Well, I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the hanging curve ball, high fiber, good scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent, overrated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days."  - Bull Durham

Baseball is finally here.  There is no better day than that of Opening Day.  Our home-town BoSox have revamped their line-up and are poised for a World Series run.  Here are some predictions for the 2011 season.

AL East

1) Boston Red Sox

2) New York Yankees

3) Toronto Blue Jays

4) Tampa Bay Rays

5) Baltimore Orioles

AL Central

1) Chicago White Sox

2) Minnesota Twins

3) Detroit Tigers

4) Cleveland Indians

5) Kansas City Royals

AL West

1) Texas Rangers

2) Oakland Athletics

3) Los Angeles Angels

4) Seattle Mariners

NL East

1) Philadelphia Phillies

2) Atlanta Braves

3) Florida Marlins

4) New York Mets

5) Washington Nationals

NL Central

1) Milwaukee Brewers

2) Cincinnati Reds

3) St. Louis Cardinals

4) Chicago Cubs

5) Houston Astros

6) Pittsburgh Pirates

NL West

1) Colorado Rockies

2) San Francisco Giants

3) Arizona Diamondbacks

4) Los Angeles Dodgers

5) San Diego Padres

AL Wild Card

New York Yankees

NL Wild Card

Atlanta Braves

World Series

Boston Red Sox over Philadelphia Phillies

AL MVP

Adrian Gonzalez

NL MVP

Carlos Gonzalez

AL Cy Young

Jon Lester

NL Cy Young

Josh Johnson

AL Rookie of the Year

Jeremy Hellickson

NL Rookie of the Year

Freddie Freeman

That's all folks.  Looking forward to a great season and an intense October.  

Lock of the Day

Miami Heat -12 @ Washington Wizards

The Heat lost last night in Cleveland....yeah Cleveland.  The thing is, these are all professional athletes and can win or lose any game.  The Cavs got up for this game.  Their first double digit win of the season.  Give it to them.  That's their highlight of the season.  The Heat will bounce back tonight and dominate the Wiz by 20-30 points.

Lock of the Day - Miami Heat -12

Playoff Bound B's Shut Out Hawks

Photo Credit Google Images myseats.wild.com

The Boston Bruins clinched a playoff birth Sunday with a win over the first-place Philadelphia Flyers.  The playoff bound B's hosted the Chicago Blackhawks, who are holding onto the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference.  The last reigning Stanley Cup Champion to fail to make the playoffs the next season was the Carolina Hurricanes in 05-06.

After a scoreless first period, defensemen Zdeno Chara and Johnny Boychuck scored only 2 minutes and 20 seconds apart in the second period to put the B's ahead 2-0.  Nathan Horton added his 24th of the season in the third to make it 3-0, and that's how it would end.  The ageless Mark Recchi assisted on the Bruins second goal, moving him into 12th place in the NHL's all-time scoring list.

Shawn Thornton took a skate to the head last night and went to the locker room for stitches.  Claude Julien said that he took a lot of stitches and the trainers didn't want to take a chance.  

Tim Thomas remains consistently great for the black and gold as he recorded is 9th shutout of the season, stopping all 32 shots.  Thomas is clearly having a Vezena worthy season, and the B's will go as far is Timmy takes them in the playoffs. 

The B's are now seven points ahead of the Montreal Canadiens, and are virtually a lock for at least the number three seed in the Eastern Conference.  They still have a chance to move higher up the ladder, as they lay only three points behind the Washington Capitals for second place.

There are now only six games remaining in the regular season, with the next one coming Thursday night as they welcome the Leafs into the Garden.