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.

Selfish Celtics...ME ME ME ME ME..

Photo Credit Google Images masslive.coml

The Boston Celtics almost blew a 23 point lead last night against the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves, only days after blowing a big fourth quarter lead to the Charlotte Bobcats.  After that game, Doc had some interesting things to say.  

"The way we're playing shocks me....We're just not ready to win any games right now.  We've become very selfish.  Guys struggle, he pouts, he moans, everything is me me me right now."

The Celtics have not been playing team basketball, and it all starts with their point guard, Rajon Rondo.  Rondo just haven't been the same since his best friend, Kendrick Perkins, was traded at the dead-line.  Rondo was out of last nights line-up with a "pinky injury".  I'm not saying Rondo's pinky isn't bothering him, but this is more than that.  At this point in the season, everyone is banged up, everyone is playing hurt.  I think Rondo was benched.  I think Rondo is the main culprit of Doc's comments.  His numbers have not been the same since the departure of his starting center and best friend.  His demeanor on the court has not been the same, and obviously his attitude in the locker room has not been the same.  Rondo is having a pity party for himself it's rubbing off on the rest of the green.

Rondo needs to get over his little temper tantrum and start playing like the All-Star point guard he is.  There is no way that Rondo was sitting because of his pinky.  He was sitting because he's pouting and being a selfish baby.  Listen, I love Rondo.  When he is on top of his game, he is fantastic, maybe the best passing PG in the game, but the Celtics will go as far as Rondo takes him.  The big three cannot create shots for themselves anymore, they need Rondo distributing the rock.

We all know Rondo has always had an ego.  It is known around the league that many people do not care for Rondo.  He has a big head.  It goes back to a year or two ago when he declined a contract extension.  Listen Rondo, thousands of players never ever win a championship and you have a chance right now, to win your second.  Take a back seat, enjoy playing with four future hall of famers for a couple more years.  WIN NOW.  You will get a big contract somewhere.  It will happen.  So get off your high horse and start playing basketball.

Here is the full clip of Doc's comments after the Bobcats loss:

Lock of the Day

UConn/Arizona O/U 146

This is going to be an up and down game.  A lot of Derrick Williams and a lot of Kemba Walker, which means a lot of points.  Go with the over.

Lock of the Day - UConn/Arizona OVER 146

Lock of the Day



VCU +4 vs Florida State

This should be a really good game.  VCU has been on fire from three, and Florida State is just so good defensively.  Something's gotta give.  Florida State played their best game of the season against Notre Dame and VCU has won three straight games they "weren't supposed to".  Sooooo, I think it will be a close game, toss-up on who's gonna win.  I'll take the points and run.

Lock of the Day - VCU +4

B's Rape Canadiens. Someone call 911!

Photo Credit Google Images sportsblognetwork.net

All the build-up, all the hype, and only one team showed up last night in Boston.  The Boston Bruins absolutely dismantled the Canadiens last night, 7-0.  They B's came out with energy and fire.  They wanted this game, they wanted it bad.  From the opening puck drop, you knew who was going to win this game.

The Bruins are starting to pull away, now five points ahead of the Canadiens for first place in the Northeast Division, and also have two games in hand.  It looks like these two bitter rivals will meet in the first round of the playoffs.  The Canadiens have basically handled the Bruins prior to last nights shalacking.  This win will give the Bruins momentum down the stretch and into the playoffs.

The game was exactly what I thought it would be.  The Canadiens did not take many runs at the biggest man on the ice.  When they did, Chara just tossed them to the side like rag-dolls.  The Bruins out-skated, out-hustled, and just out-played the clowns from Montreal.  What a fucking game to watch.  I thought that the Canadiens would start taking shots at some B's once it got out of hand, but they knew better.  They are smaller and would have just got their faces kicked in.

Gregory Campbell and Nathan Horton both scored twice last night for the B's.  Campbell netted a five on three short-handed goal with a huge fuck you to the Canadiens.  Other goals were scored by Johnny Boychuck (1:01 into the game), Adam McQuaid, and Thomas Kaberle (first as a Bruin).  David Krecji, Milan Lucic and Zdeno Chara all tallied three assists amist the romping.

This game should do wonders for the B's, who couldn't seem to keep the Canadiens from putting the puck in the net in their previous meetings this year.  Tim Thomas played well last night, notching his 8th shutout of the season.  He didn't really get tested too much, as the B's just flat out raped the Canadiens. 

The biggest thing I took from last nights game was the Bruins power play.  It had been dreadful, absolutely horrid.  Last night, they looked fucking phenominal.  Everyone was moving, everyone was making good decisions, and everyone was getting involved.  I need to see more consistancy from the PP though, but all signs point in the right direction.

Did anyone call 911 last night?  I hope so....

The next game is tomorrow afternoon as the B's host the Rangers at 1:00 ET.

Round 2?

Photo Credit Google Images habseyeontheprize.com

If tonights game does turn into a bloodbath, expect the bigger, tougher Bruins to easily handle the weasel Candiens.  Pretty much like they did on February 9th....here it is if you missed it...

B's Meet Habs For First Time Since Chara Hit

Photo Credit Google Images sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Tonights game in Boston features two bitter rivals;  the Yankees-Red Sox of the NHL.  The Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins hate each other, absolutely despise one another.  They will meet tonight in Boston for the first time since the Chara/Pacioretty incident in Montreal.

The Bruins are three points ahead of the Canadiens for first place in the Northeast Division, and have two games in hand, which is very crucial.  Most people are focusing on the brawl about a month back, and the Chara hit.  Also, most people are expecting the Canadiens to take several swipes at our captain.  I'm not sure if that's how it is going to be.

There is two HUGE points on the line tonight, and I believe both teams are focusing on grabbing those points.  I do see the Canadiens taking a few runs at Chara, whether it be big hits and some rubbish after the whistle.  I do not see this game getting out of hand though.  I think both teams are looking at the bigger picture.  Do I think Chara will end up squaring off with someone? Yes.  But I don't see much more than that.  They Canadiens need to play their game.  They need to skate and use their speed.  If they try to turn this into a physical battle, I give the upper hand to the Bruins.

Big one tonight in Boston.  You don't wanna miss it.

Lock of the Day

I went 2-1 yesterday, winning the C's under and Bama over Miami.  I lost the C's game, but still, that puts me at 7-1 over my last 8 LOD's.  I'm high on todays pick.

Minnesota Timberwolves +15 @ Dallas Mavericks

The Twolves lost their best player Kevin Love, and got blown out by the lowly Kings.  The Mavs are poised to make a deep playoff run and I just do not see how they do not win this game by 20 points.  Also they are at home.  Roll with the Mavs, 104-81.

Lock of the Day - Dallas Mavericks -15

Lock of the Day

If you haven't been following, I have been absolutely en fuego, winning my last 5 LOD's; including two blow-out wins with the Bulls and Blazers last night.  Here are three for tonight.  Couple NBA and one NIT game.

Memphis Grizzlies +6.5 @ Boston Celtics

Memphis Grizzlies/Boston Celtics O/U 186

(2) Miami Hurricanes +5.5 @ (1) Alabama Crimson Tide

The Celtics need to win to keep pace atop the Eastern Conference with the Bulls.  The C's seem to be clicking on all cylinders, as their bench is rounding out and playing well, leg by Delonte West and Jeff Green.  The Grizz just learned that they will be without start forward Rudy Gay for the remainder of the season with a dislocated shoulder.  I like the Celtics and their defense.  94-85 Celtics.

The Crimson Tide were snubbed from the NCAA tourney and have been playing with a chip on their shoulder.  Unlike the big tourney, the NIT gives home-court the the higher seed.  I believe this will come into play as Alabama handles the Canes at home by about 10 points.

Lock of the Day - Boston Celtics -6.5 vs Memphis Grizzlies

                                 Boston Celtics/Memphis Grizzlies UNDER 186

                                  Alabama -5.5 vs Miami

B's All But End Devils Playoff Hopes

Photo Credit Google Images examiner.com

The Boston Bruins had two days of intense practice in which they focused and worked hard.  They needed to put this past week behind them and get back on the winning track.  They hosted the hottest team in the NHL, the New Jersey Devils, who were 23-3-2 in their last 28 games.  With a 4-1 win over the Devils, the B's virtually ended the Devils chances of recovering from a horrid start and making the playoffs.  

The Devils came out and out-skated the B's for most of the first period.  They were all over the ice, logging 16 shots and scoring only seconds into their first power-play.  Momentum shifted as Shawn Thorton tipped in a Chara wrist shot from the blue-line to knot the game at one.  

The power-play has been a serious issue for the Bruins as of late; scoring only once in their last 29 chances (3%).  The power-play came out and looked really good tonight.  They had great puck movement, and skaters moving without the puck.  The B's took a 2-1 lead on a PP goal in the second.  Lucic set up on the half-wall as Krecji moved to the middle, forming a triangle with the three forwards.  With all Devil eyes on Lucic and Krecji, Chara cut back-door for a one-time as Lucic went tape to tape to take the lead.

The B's had all momentum on their side as all four lines brought their skating game and were being aggressive.  The icing on the cake came when Chara carried the puck over the blue line and dangled through three defenders.  He dumped the puck in and Bergeron, who was fresh off a line change, scooped it up behind the goal line and feed perfect pass to Lucic in the slot for a one-timer that ended up in the net.

Mark Recchi added and empty net goal, stretching the lead to three.  Tim Thomas returned to form as he was fantastic in the first period, stopping 15 of 16 shots, and 30 of 31 overall.

The B's really looked good in this game.  They skated circles around the Devils for most of the game.  Brad Marchand returned from his two game suspension and looked hungry.  He was being his usual self, out-skating opponents and causing turnovers.  

Michael Ryder played on the fourth unit, along side Thorton and Campbell; as Paille was a healthy scratch.  Tyler Seguin stayed on the third line with Peverley and Kelly.  This line looked really good.  They didn't score, but they provided a ton of energy, thus creating multiple scoring chances.  I'm glad coach Claude Julien decided to keep Seguin on the third line, and also put him on the power play.  He seems to be adapting to Julien's system quite well and is starting to show the offensive skill that we all know he has.

Lucic netted his 30th goal of the season, becoming the first 30 goal scorer in a Bruin uniform since Phil Kessel in the 08-09 season.  Also, Zdeno Chara logged his 400th career point in this game with a goal and two assists.

The Bruins pull three points ahead of the Canadiens in the Northeast Division, with Montreal losing to Buffalo tonight 2-0.  The Bruins will host the Canadiens Thursday night in a game that will surely be a physical one.  This will be the first time the two teams will meet since the infamous Chara hit.  I'm sure a few Canadiens will take a run or two or 85 at Chara, but in the end, the two points are huge.

Lock of the Day

I've been on fire with my locks as of late; got two for ya tonight.

Chicago Bulls -4 @ Atlanta Hawks

Washington Wizards +16 @ Portland Trailblazers

The Bulls are the superior team here.  They are battling for the first place spot with the Celtics, and I think first place means a lot to Tom Thibodeau and the Bulls.  Although the Hawks are young and athletic, I'll take my chances with the MVP candidate, Derek Rose, and the Bulls.  Bulls by 6.

The Washington Wizards are on the road and just terrible.  Their best player, Rashard Lewis, isn't playing, and Nick Young, the young talented shooting guard, is doubtful.  Considering these are the only two players who score for the Wiz, I just really like the Blazers to dominate this contest from start to finish.  The Blazers don't get talked about a lot, but they have a butt-load of talent.  The blazers run away with this one.  Blazers by 21.

Lock of the Day - Chicago Bulls -4

                                  Portland  Trailblazers -16

NFL Rule Changes

Photo Credit Google Images washingtonexaminer.com

As the lock-out continues, the NFL owners are still working on rule changes.  They have agreed to move kick-offs from the 30 yard-line to the 35.  Also, the kick-off team will have a five yard running start, as opposed to a 10-15 yard running start before.  Another rule change is that referees can review any scoring play at any time during the course of the game.

Last year, 16% of kick-offs resulted in touch-backs.  Touch-backs will most likely increase this upcoming season.  Bill Belichik stated that touch-backs would increase but most likely 2/3 to 3/4 of kick-offs will still be returned.  I guarantee the number will come somewhere between those two numbers since Bill is a genius and I believe anything he says.

Most coaches do not agree with this decision and neither do I.  This is football, you can't just change the game.  There was actually a proposal to eliminate kick-offs all together and just place the ball at the twenty yard-line.  That might be the most absurd thing I've ever heard.  Many teams have invested millions of dollars in kick-return specialists such as Devin Hester, Leon Washington, and Joshua Cribbs.  Cribbs actually tweeted his displeasure with the rule change.

The only good thing that might come from this is maybe a few more pooch kicks.  I'd love to see that as a Pats fan, considering we have the best pooch-kick-returner in the history of the NFL in Dan Conolly.  Fucking gold footage right here:

C's Knock Off Knicks for 3rd Time

Photo Credit Google Images

The Boston Celtics out-scored the New York Knicks 59-35 in the second half and closed out the game on a 23-4 run to defeat the Knickerbockers 96-86.  This is the second consecutive game that the C's overcame a 15 point deficit to secure the W.  

Kevin Garnett led the way for the C's with 24 points 11 boards and 4 steals.  Rajon Rondo returned to form, logging 13 points to go with 12 assists.  The rest of the big four finished in double digits as well, with Pierce putting up 21 and Ray tallying 15, but going 0-4 from three. 

Carmelo led the Knicks with 22 points while Billups put up 21.  The Knicks only got 12 points from their bench.

The game was close through the first quarter, but the Knicks pulled away in the second.  The C's then went on to dominate the second half, putting the game out of reach as the Knicks couldn't buy a bucket down the stretch. 

Good win for the C's as they improve to 3-0 against New York this season, a potential first round opponent in the playoffs.  The C's are still tied atop the Eastern Conference with the Bulls who absolutely dismantled the lowly Kings tonight.  

Next game is Wednesday night against the Grizzlies.  Neither the Bulls nor the C's have an advantage down the stretch; with both teams having 13 games remaining; 6 on the road and 7 at home for both squads.  The C's do travel to Chicago as one of their road games on April 7th.

It's going to be a fun last few weeks of the season.  Here we go.

Lock of the Day

Golden State Warriors +11.5 @ San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are good and the Warriors are okay.  Basically, the Spurs should take care of the Warriors tonight.  Golden State is on the second night of a back to back, getting blown out by the Mavs.  The Spurs are at home and trying to wrap up the number one seed.  I see this game being at least a 15 point difference in favor of the old guys.

Lock of the Day - San Antonio Spurs -11.5

Lock of the Day

Florida State +5.5 vs Notre Dame

Notre Dame is just a hard team to predict.  They can light the lamp and win by a gillion; but they could also struggle from downtown and have a hard time winning.  I like what FSU did last game.  They are very solid defensively.  I look for this to be a close one.  I'll take the 5.5 points.  Roll Seminoles.

Lock of the Day -  Florida State +5.5



Matt Cooke Does It Again

Photo Credit Google Images

I'm watching the Rangers Penguins game inbetween tourney games, and the first thing I see is Matt Cooke throwing an elbow to a Ranger player's head.  This guy is fucking something else.  Cheap shot after cheap shot, this mother fucker doesn't get it.  He is exaclty what the NHL doesn't need.  This dude just has no conscious.  He drops Savard and with another concussion, Savard's NHL career seems to be in jeopardy; and it just doesn't effect Cooke.  He doesn't care.  He comes back and just throws blatent elbow's to people's dome.  Honestly, what the fuck is wrong with you?

Then you have Mario Lemieux, the President or owner or something of the stupid fuckin Penguins.  After the brawl they had with the Islanders, he comes out saying this isn't what the NHL should be about and he doesn't want to be associated with the league if it stays this way or some stupid shit.  Oh ok Mario, you're a moron too.  You have probably the dirtiest player in the NHL; right up there with that goon Ott; and you name Cooke an assistant captain on YOUR team!!!!  You don't want to be associated with a league with brawls but your basically promoting cheap shots by naming Cooke assistant captain.  What a fucking circus they have over there. 

Fuck you Matt Cooke.  I hope you get suspended forever and banned from the league cuz you're a piece of shit.

Oh and the Rangers just scored twice on that power play and took the lead. HAAAAAA

Tuukka Steal Two Points for the B's

Photo Credit Google Images hockeygonewild.com

The Bruins snapped their four game losing streak tonight in Columbus as the defeated the Blue Jackets 3-2 in a shootout.  This was not a pretty one for the B's as they seemed to be out-skated and out-played all night long.  They had some energy in parts of the second period and over-time, but other than that, they were flat.  They could not get the puck out of their own zone, and could not get anything to the net. 

Michael Ryder was a healthy scratch tonight, as he has not been productive on the ice as of late.  Rookie Tyler Seguin took his spot on the third line with Kelly and Recchi.  Seguin played under ten minutes in this contest, but proved his worth as he put a dazzling move on goalie, Chris Mason, in the shootout to secure two points for the Bruins.  Seguin improved to four for seven, 57 percent, in shoot-outs. 

David Krecji tallied his 11th goal of the season as he got a piece of a Zdeno Chara's slap shot from the point to tie the game at 1-1.  The Blue Jackets took the lead in the third, but Rich Peverley tied the game up with a tremendous short-handed effort.  Peverley read the drop pass by a Colombus forward and headed into the offensive zone with Chris Kelly nearby.  Peverley put a move on the defender and stuck the puck five-hole to even the score.

The rest of the game was about the guy with two U's and two K's.  Tuukka was phenominal in net tonight stopping 34 out of 36 shots, including a fantastic save only seconds after Peverley's short-handed goal.  The Bruins have a one-two punch unlike any other team with Timmy and Tuukka.  These two goal-tenders will need to carry this Bruins team into the playoffs. 

The Bruins offense was very stagnent tonight.  They had nothing going.  They currently sit 3 points ahead of the Canadiens.  If they want to make a serious run this year, they need to get other people going besides their first line.  Nobody else is showing me anything.  With Peverley scoring tonight, maybe this will awake the inner scorer in him, and get him going. 

The B's continue their four game road trip in Nashville on Thursday night.  They are currently 1-1 on the trip.  I wouldn't be suprised to see Tuukka in net againt.

87-56....Seriously.

Photo Credit Google Images sports.espn.go.com

The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks last night 87-56. Yeah that was really the score.  I didn't watch much of the game because I was watching the selection show plotting out the perfect bracket which I will get.  I watched a little bit of the first quarter and the Bucks had 6 points with under a minute to play in the first.  

What tremendous, swarming defense by the C's, and pathetic offense by the Bucks.  They had 22 points at halftime.  Just terrible. I think if they Celtics can hold all of their opponents to 56 PPG, they have a solid shot to win every game.  HA.  I just love it.  56 points.  Pathetic. 

Felger and Mazz Simulcast with Montreal Talk Show

Hilarious.  This guy from Montreal is a moron.  Yahooism at its finest

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/03/10/felger-mazz-simulcast-with-cjad-in-montreal-on-charas-hit/

Chara Not Disciplined For Hit

Photo Credit Google Images boston.com

The NHL decided on no disciplinary action on Bruins d-man Zdeno Chara for his hit on Max Pacioretty, who suffered a severe concussion and fractured his vertebrae.  Chara said he will contact Pacioretty and also stated that he felt bad. 

This was the statements made by NHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations, Mike Murphy:

"After a thorough review of the video I can find no basis to impose supplemental discipline. This hit resulted from a play that evolved and then happened very quickly -- with both players skating in the same direction and with Chara attempting to angle his opponent into the boards. I could not find any evidence to suggest that, beyond this being a correct call for interference, that Chara targeted the head of his opponent, left his feet or delivered the check in any other manner that could be deemed to be dangerous.  

"This was a hockey play that resulted in an injury because of the player colliding with the stanchion and then the ice surface. In reviewing this play, I also took into consideration that Chara has not been involved in a supplemental discipline incident during his 13-year NHL career."

I believe Murphy and the NHL nailed it on the head on this one.  Yes, it was unfortunate, by wasn't deliberate  or viscous by any means.  The Habs will missed Pacioretty, and hopefully he can recover and eventually return to playing hockey.

Heres the hit if you missed it :

Lock of the Day

Edmonton Oilers +1.5 (-115) @ Washington Capitals (-105)

I'm going NHL for the first time as a lock of the day.  Edmonton is simply terrible.  Washington has been catching stride and trying make a push, gearing up for the playoffs.  Oh yea, they do have some Ovenchkin dude too.

Lock of the Day - Washington Capitals -1.5 (-105)

Habs Dominate; Chara Ejected for Hit on Pacioretty

Photo Credit Google Images bleacherreport.com

The Bruins lost two in a row after falling to the rival Habs in Montreal tonight 4-1.  The B's came out in the first period with a lot of scoring chances but couldn't get the puck behind Carey Price, as he played spectacular.  Despite the B's out-shooting and out-chancing the Habs in the first, Montreal managed to squeeze two by Tuukka, who didn't look sharp tonight.  Montreal dominated the second period adding two more to the scoreboard.  With 15.8 seconds left, Zdeno Chara attempted to run Max Pacioretty off the puck, and ended up smashing his Pacioretty's head off the area of the ice where the boards and bench come together.

Pacioretty fell to the ice and had little movement while he was down there. He was then taken off in a stretcher.  The good news is that it was reported that Pacioretty was conscious and moving while in the hospital.  Chara was handed a five minute major for interference and a game misconduct.  The league is going to have a look at the play and see whether it warrants a suspension.

My personal opinion is that Chara should not get suspended.  I think he was trying to hit him into the boards.  Yeah, maybe it was interference, but did Chara mean to ram Pacioretty's head against the 90 degree angle? No.  Chara is not a dirty player, and this area of the ice is dangerous.  There's not much that can be done about it.  You have the bench, the about 5 feet of glass, then the opponents bench.  You need to separate the teams.  The hit did look vicious on contact so I would not be surprised if Chara got a suspension or fine since the NHL is cracking down; but I do not think the hit warrants any further punishment.

Milan Lucic is one goal away from thirty as he got off an absolute missile and put it top shelf late in the third to ruin Carey Price's shut-out bid.

The Habs absolutely dominated this game and pull two points closer to the B's in the Northeast Division race. The B's still have gotten points in 8 out of the last 9 games.  You can't win 'em all, but it just urks you to see them lose to the hated Habs, who the B's haven't played too well against this year.

Next game is Thursday night as the B's take on Buffalo at the Garden.  Buffalo has been playing well as of late.  Gotta put this one behind us and take care of business on Thursday.

Lock of the Day

Oral Roberts +4.5 @ Oakland

I watched Oakland play yesterday and they can fuckin score, dropping 110 last night.   This game is televised tonight on ESPN and I think they will come out and absolutely poo on Oral Roberts, showing the nation that they are a very dangerous team.  Take Oakland.

Lock of the Day - Oakland -4.5

Crying in Miami, Boston Wins

Photo Credit Google Images hoopstopia.com

Miami Heat fell to 0-6 against the C's and Bulls combined this year.  Lebron, once again, failed to convert in the final ten seconds down by one.  They isolated Lebron at the top of the three point line and drove to the hoop for a pathetic left-handed lay-up attempt.  D-Wade scooped up the rebound and also missed a fade away jumper at the buzzer.

The C's meanwhile, beat the Bucks and now have a three game lead over the Bulls and four game lead over the Heat for first place in the East in the race for home-court advantage.  The C's were short-handed, with only nine players.  The were out-played in the first half but came on strong and proved that they are the team to beat in the East, by doing what the Heat can't do.....put the game away down the stretch.

That is the difference between the two squads.  The Heat just can't put games away.  It will come with time, but they need some help.  They need some coaching help.  If Doc coached the Heat I swear they would be undefeated.  All coach Spo does at the end of games is says, here Lebron, win the game.  That's fine if you have Kobe Bryant, but you don't, so draw up a fucking play.  You know why the Celtics are so successful down the stretch?  Because they draw plays.  Rays always open for a three, after running around 67 screens. If not, KG can pop off a screen and knock down a jumper, or roll for the alley-oop.  Then you have PP who can iso or come off screens as well.  Basically, the Heat would be more successful if they actually had a play drawn up.  Fuckin crazy isn't it?

Lock of the Day

Portland Trailblazers/Orland Magic O/U 188

I like the over here.  I think the Magic will have to find other scores since Dwight Howard will be sitting this one out, but that also opens up the middle for Lamarcus Aldridge on the Blazers. The Magic still have capable scorers in Turk, J-Rich, and Nelson.  This o/u opened up north of 200 but dropped with the absence of Dwight.  I think this game ends somewhere between these two numbers.  Take the over.

Lock of the Day - Over 188

Lock of the Day

Marquette PK vs Seton Hall

Seton Hall is coming off a huge win against St. John's.  It was probably the best game of the season for them.  I expect a let down here.  Go with the Golden Eagles.

Lock of the Day - Marquette PK

Lock of the Day

Citadel +3.5 @ Elon

Finally back to .500 at 8-8.  Going to get over .500 tonight.  It'll be a close one. Take the points and Citadel.

Lock of the Day - Citadel +3.5

Bruins Take Sole Possession of 2nd Place

Photo Credit Google Images brightstarimages.net

The Boston Bruins are now in sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference with their win last night in the Garden.  They returned home after a long road trip to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightening.  This could have been a spot for a let-down for the B's, but they came out with a tremendous amount of energy.  Tim Thomas looked sharp, and the rest of the team was giving the Lightening players plenty of opportunities to put ice packs on after the game.

The Lightening got on the board first, but Steven Kampfer tied it up with a missile from the blue line.  The game started getting chippy.  Nathan Horton was already heading to the box for a tripping penalty, when Milan Lucic got hit with a roughing call and then a fighting major, when he squared off with Eric Brewer.  The B's then killed off a five on three for 1:53, and almost took the lead with as Nathan Horton had a break away chance out of the box, but was stoned by Mike Smith who played very well.  One save I remember being huge was when a Lightening D-man turned it over, Patrice Bergeron grabbed the loose puck and fed it to Brad Marchand in the slot and Smith made a tremendous glove save to preserve the 1-1 tie.

Malay broke out in front of the net with about two minutes to play.  The Krejci line, who has been buzzing as of late, took the lead on a lucky bounce for the B's.  Bodies piled on top of each other in front of Smith and a lucky bounce off an officials skate put the puck on Lucic's stick, who stuck it top shelf for the lead.  Tim Thomas got the W in net, stopping 27 Lightening shots.

I'd have to say that Steve Downie is one of the most useless people in the NHL.  He is a goon.  He skates around and plays dirty.  The Lightening want to go around and hand out cheap shots, but when push comes to shove, they won't drop the gloves.  Martin St. Louis stuck his skate to trip Mark Recchi, sending him flying into the post.  This is the shit I'm talking about.  Little weasel moves.

The Lightening coach said that Boston fans come to see fights first, then hockey; and that the crowd gets a rise out of seeing their team fight.  You're fucking right we do.  No, the B's don't need to fight every game, but when you have little bitches out there tripping our players, playing cheap, and diving like you got shot, we're going to kick the shit out of you.  It's what we do.  If you don't like it, too fucking bad.

SIDE NOTES:  D Steven Kampfer suffered a mild concussion in last nights game.  Also, Patrice Bergeron has left the team to tend to a family matter.  Both players will miss tomorrow nights game against the Penguins.

Lock of the Day

St. John's -3.5 @ Seton Hall

St. John's has won six straight games, and eight out of the last night.  They have beaten Duke, UConn, Nova, Pitt, Notre Dame, Georgetown, and lately anyone who crosses there path.  Seton Hall is 11-17 and at the bottom of the conference.  This game looks to be blowout city....BUT, Seton Hall and St. John's do have a bit of a rivalry, and I expect Seton Hall to get up for this one.  You would expect St. John's to be at least double digit favorites, making this line a questionable one.  Most people are going to jump all over St. John's, but I'm going to take the home dog.  Take Seton Hall.

Lock of the Day - Seton Hall +3.5