I always enjoy watching a great pitching performance, whether by or against the Blue Jays. That's why Felix Hernandez's eight-inning, 11 strikeout win in the opener of the final homestand of the kept NFL jerseys my interest.
Believe me, I never enjoy when the Blue Jays lose. Never have and never will, and even though I have to remain somewhat partial, a win is always better than a loss when you're working on the telecast. But watching Hernandez, still just 23 and already with 800 career K's on his resume, makes you remember that it's not always about the long ball. Six of the nine Jays in their starting line-up struck out at least once. Jose Bautista might want to beg off the next time his team sees 'King Felix'. I can't remember which of Bautista's four strikeouts it came in, but Hernandez threw a two strike curve that was the best I've seen all summer.
So, that got me thinking about who the American League Cy Young Award winner is?
Too bad I won't be able to bring Roy Halladay in for consideration. Back on June 7, Halladay would have been the central figure in this column. He had just completed his second complete game in a row, a crafty seven single shutout (say that three times quickly) in just 97 pitches to raise his record to 10-1 after 13 starts. Quite frankly it was as well as I've seen Halladay pitch in his career. But then it all suddenly came apart thanks to a groin strain, constant trade deadline rumours and terrible run support. Then he started missing the spots he always hits and home runs, leading to extra runs that their flagging offence couldn't match, led to some tough losses.
In my mind, the top five for Cy 2009 are - in no particular order - Detroit's Justin Verlander, Yankee lefty CC Sabathia, Royals righty Zack Greinke, Boston's Josh Beckett and the Mariners aforementioned Hernandez. And here's why.
After watching Verlander a couple of weeks ago it was apparent that no one throws harder in the game today. Sure he got knocked around for five runs in the sixth inning of a September 14 start against the Jays when, for some reason, he stopped throwing his triple-digit heater and starting going off-speed. Bad choice. When you bring the high cheese like he can, Verlander should keep firing until they beat him. He leads the A.L. in strikeouts and has helped to return the Tigers to the top of the Central Division. But he doesn't get a lot of ink outside of the ghost town formerly known as Detroit.
You have to tip your slightly askew cap to Sabathia. His 18 wins lead the league under the weight of playing in the new Yankee Stadium, has been Teflon in his first season in New York and he has yet to lay a shaving cream pie on a teammate. He was brought in to get the Yankees back to the post-season, which he accomplished. He's 7-3, 3.20 ERA in 12 start against the A.L. East but has some unfinished business. Last season, brought into Milwaukee as a mercenary, he failed miserably in his lone playoff starter, going just 3.2 innings allowing five runs on six hits and four walks against the eventual World Champion Phillies. His 2009 numbers are worthy of serious Cy Young consideration.
Greinke was the story of the first two months of the season, winning eight of his first ten starts while posting a microscopic 0.84 ERA and almost 10 strikeouts per start. While he did cool in the middle months, Greinke is finishing strong, having allowed only one earned run over his last five starts. His numbers could be far better with a little support. Of his 15 starts that he either lost or was given a no-decision, the Royals only scored a grand total of 23 runs in those starts. On pure stats alone, he should be the hands down winner, but like the Indians' Cliff Lee last season, the fact he makes half of his starts in the weak A.L. Central should be taken into account.
Then there is Red Sox ace Beckett, the hard throwing Texan whose uneven season probably leaves him out of the money. Of the five contenders, his 3.78 ERA is the highest and his numbers were inflated dramatically by a five-start stretch beginning in the middle of August where he gave up 14 home runs - including five in a pair of starts against the Blue Jays. Sure he has 16 wins but that can be attributed, mostly, to a Red Sox offence that has given him over six runs of support this season, which ranks fifth most in the American League.
I've been able to see all five of these pitchers first hand this season. Actually, as I think about this, I'm going to throw a sixth name into the mix in Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera. With just two blown saves in 44 opportunities and a 1.88 ERA playing half of his games in that band box of a home stadium, the ageless right-hander is putting together one of the great seasons of his 15 season career at 39 years of age. Those numbers should not be discounted.
In the end, my choice is Kansas City's Greinke based on his full body work, playing on one of the worst teams in the game. But in a season that may end up devoid of a 20-game winner, the race still has two furlongs to go.
2010年5月15日星期六
2010年5月14日星期五
On Spec
In 17 months of this column, we had yet to receive the NHL jerseys kind of reader response that the Alex Burrows-Stephane Auger incident has garnered. Nothing even close.
But the line of objectivity is crossed as soon as Ron MacLean starts putting made-up quotes into Burrows’ mouth, as Burrows lies on the ice speaking with Roberto Luongo and the Canucks trainer that December night in Nashville. At that point CBC is inventing quotes and misleading the viewer. From there the piece has no integrity and becomes a shill job for the league and its refs.
As Luongo leans down to speak with Burrows after the Smithson hit, Burrows says something to Luongo. "It looks to us on TV like he’s saying, 'Don't worry, I'm just going to get more bang for the buck here,'" MacLean says. When Burrows talks to the Canucks trainer, MacLean paraphrases Burrows’ end of the conversation as "Don't worry, has he (the referee) signaled five yet?'"
Canucks fans are over-the-top passionate and blindly loyal — almost to the fan standing behind Burrows. It’s great to see. You’re fans — you are supposed to be that way.
But we had no problem with Hockey Night in Canada’s highlight package of past indiscretions by Burrows on Saturday. That’s not an actor on tape doing all of those things. It is Burrows.
The dives and goaltender-baiting sessions are part of his resume and impact the Auger incident, to an extent. They should be a matter of record in the debate.
The one reader response that irks us the most is when it is implied that we "hate the Canucks." Or the Flames. Or the Leafs.
Every so often a trend in sport comes to a spike. A place where we know that, one day down the road we’ll look back and say, "That was the day that everything changed for me."
The latest version of this moment arrives in baseball this season as Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer plays out the final year of his deal. If the Twins can’t extend the Minnesota native, despite all the good reasons there are for Mauer to stay put in Minny, then you can put to rest whatever faith you might have had in the slim chances of a small-market club in Major League Baseball.
That’s the moment we’re waiting for. Or the moment we’re dreading.
• McGwire’s Facade
"He grew up there," Twins slugger Justin Morneau pointed out to the National Post. "He’s a guy that loves being around his family, loves having his parents there, loves having his grandparents there at the game. He’s got strong ties there and people in Minnesota feel close. And people in the front office realize that special bond he has with the fans."
But will Mauer, the American League’s MVP last season, choose all of those intangibles over the millions upon millions of tangibles sure to be offered up by the Boston Red Sox and New York Yank
If you were waiting for Mark McGwire to sit down behind a microphone and truly answer all the objective questions from truly objective reporters, you can give up on that dream.
There are so many holes in McGwire’s efforts to "come clean" this past week, I think we’re beginning to like him even less as a man than we did before. Did anyone think that was a possibility?
• Namistai
The Florida Panthers will host Panthers Yoga Day prior when the Toronto Maple Leafs visit Saturday night, where fans come to the rink at 4:30 p.m. for a pregame yoga session.
They would have done it earlier, but they had to wait for an opponent who was a true Downward Dog before they could pull off the promotion.
McGwire opened with a contrived statement delivered to Associated Press, moved on to an in-house interview with Bob Costas on MLB network, and then bathed in the cheers of the Cardinals faithful this weekend at the team’s annual winter fanfest. When the media wanted some time with McGwire, the Cardinals shuffled them all into a crowded hallway, surrounded McGwire with security guards, and limited the interview to six minutes.
But the line of objectivity is crossed as soon as Ron MacLean starts putting made-up quotes into Burrows’ mouth, as Burrows lies on the ice speaking with Roberto Luongo and the Canucks trainer that December night in Nashville. At that point CBC is inventing quotes and misleading the viewer. From there the piece has no integrity and becomes a shill job for the league and its refs.
As Luongo leans down to speak with Burrows after the Smithson hit, Burrows says something to Luongo. "It looks to us on TV like he’s saying, 'Don't worry, I'm just going to get more bang for the buck here,'" MacLean says. When Burrows talks to the Canucks trainer, MacLean paraphrases Burrows’ end of the conversation as "Don't worry, has he (the referee) signaled five yet?'"
Canucks fans are over-the-top passionate and blindly loyal — almost to the fan standing behind Burrows. It’s great to see. You’re fans — you are supposed to be that way.
But we had no problem with Hockey Night in Canada’s highlight package of past indiscretions by Burrows on Saturday. That’s not an actor on tape doing all of those things. It is Burrows.
The dives and goaltender-baiting sessions are part of his resume and impact the Auger incident, to an extent. They should be a matter of record in the debate.
The one reader response that irks us the most is when it is implied that we "hate the Canucks." Or the Flames. Or the Leafs.
Every so often a trend in sport comes to a spike. A place where we know that, one day down the road we’ll look back and say, "That was the day that everything changed for me."
The latest version of this moment arrives in baseball this season as Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer plays out the final year of his deal. If the Twins can’t extend the Minnesota native, despite all the good reasons there are for Mauer to stay put in Minny, then you can put to rest whatever faith you might have had in the slim chances of a small-market club in Major League Baseball.
That’s the moment we’re waiting for. Or the moment we’re dreading.
• McGwire’s Facade
"He grew up there," Twins slugger Justin Morneau pointed out to the National Post. "He’s a guy that loves being around his family, loves having his parents there, loves having his grandparents there at the game. He’s got strong ties there and people in Minnesota feel close. And people in the front office realize that special bond he has with the fans."
But will Mauer, the American League’s MVP last season, choose all of those intangibles over the millions upon millions of tangibles sure to be offered up by the Boston Red Sox and New York Yank
If you were waiting for Mark McGwire to sit down behind a microphone and truly answer all the objective questions from truly objective reporters, you can give up on that dream.
There are so many holes in McGwire’s efforts to "come clean" this past week, I think we’re beginning to like him even less as a man than we did before. Did anyone think that was a possibility?
• Namistai
The Florida Panthers will host Panthers Yoga Day prior when the Toronto Maple Leafs visit Saturday night, where fans come to the rink at 4:30 p.m. for a pregame yoga session.
They would have done it earlier, but they had to wait for an opponent who was a true Downward Dog before they could pull off the promotion.
McGwire opened with a contrived statement delivered to Associated Press, moved on to an in-house interview with Bob Costas on MLB network, and then bathed in the cheers of the Cardinals faithful this weekend at the team’s annual winter fanfest. When the media wanted some time with McGwire, the Cardinals shuffled them all into a crowded hallway, surrounded McGwire with security guards, and limited the interview to six minutes.
2010年5月11日星期二
Swedish for newest Sens
I took him to IKEA.
Erik had agreed to meet me at NHL Jerseys Scotiabank Place, after he was finished with an afternoon workout. He comes out of the locker room wearing a grey T-shirt, with denim capris and slip-on canvas shoes - a stark departure from the suit and tie he wore on draft day.
The unique thing about European men is they can wear denim capri pants and look completely fashionable and chic. If say, a 31-year-old Ottawa-based TV reporter were to try wearing capris, he would be inundated with jokes about flood warnings and questions from people asking if his dryer was set to the correct temperature.
We get into my KIA Sedona minivan, which I chose to drive today instead of my Honda Civic, which periodically has a "Check Engine" light flash up. I made sure the vehicle was clear of raisin boxes, Dora movies and anything else that would make a foreign teenager feel uncomfortable.
As we cruise down the 417 highway towards IKEA, our conversation flows effortlessly from topic to topic. Erik explains how he worked out with NHL players last summer near his hometown of Landsbro, Sweden. He proudly mentions that he scored three times on five penalty shots against New York Rangers superstar Henrik Lundqvist during one session.
Moments later, we've switched topics and he tells me that his favourite TV show is Two And A Half Men and that he loves watching episodes of The Simpsons, Friends and Seinfeld. Erik assures me that Kramer is just as funny with Swedish subtitles.
Pulling into the parking lot, I am relieved to hear that Erik feels comfortable in this environment.
The Ottawa Senators surprised a lot of people when they moved up in the NHL Entry Draft and selected little-known defenseman Erik Karlsson with their first round pick.
After reading a series of articles about the 18-year-old Swedish kid in the days that followed, I was intrigued by his personality and background. I wanted to dig deeper and find out more about the Senators' newest prospect.
So I did the only logical thing a responsible journalist would do in this situation.
"This is just like the IKEA back home," he tells me, as he exits the vehicle. And that is truly the beauty of the big box stores. You can be in Nepean or Nepal and it feels exactly the same.
As we walk into the store, you are probably ready for a joke about Erik's height (he's generously listed as 5'11") and the ballroom inside IKEA. But come on - that's too obvious. Besides, Erik is the perfect host for this venture and is ready to answer any of my Swedish-related questions.
The first thing he does is explain all of those ridiculous names they have for products in IKEA.
"Klippan means rock," he says, pointing to the sign above a loveseat. The IKEA marketing department in Sweden must think we are absolute fools in North America. If they can get us to buy a sofa which is named after a rock, we will probably purchase just about anything.
I see a rug with the name "Sigrid" on it and Erik quickly explains that one as well.
"Sigrid is a name for old ladies in Sweden."
Scratch that one off the potential baby name list for me.
We walk into the restaurant in IKEA, where I intend to conduct the majority of our interview. After spending most of the afternoon at an off-ice workout, Erik is clearly hungry and doesn't turn down my offer to buy him a meal.
I've always been curious to see if the Swedish meatballs sold at the IKEA restaurant measure up to the ones back in the motherland. Now, I finally have an authentic test subject.
Erik peers at his potential supper through the cafeteria-style Plexiglas with a healthy dose of skepticism.
"These don't look like Swedish meatballs," he says. "And I've never had my meatballs with fries before."
Welcome to North America, Erik. I think you can get fries with your sushi over here.
Before we hit the cashier, Erik grabs a cup of coffee. He has been drinking coffee for many years now and even admits to having the odd cup between periods of games.
"When you are sweating and hot, a cup of coffee can really cool you down," he explains of his practice of drinking a hot beverage during an intermission. He also drinks his coffee black and wonders how North Americans can put so much cream and sugar in theirs.
I let Erik take three or four bites of his meatballs before I ask him to give me his opinion. And much to my surprise, he has a favorable review.
"These taste just like the ones at home. I would definitely come here and eat my meatballs," he declares, wiping the lingonberry sauce from his chin.
And as much as I was surprised by his love for the IKEA meatballs, Erik had a bigger bombshell in store for me.
"You know, I've heard a lot of Swedish players in the NHL will go to the IKEA in their city to buy their food," he divulges to my amazement.
So there you have it, autograph hounds.
If you're looking for Daniel Alfredsson, don't bother waiting outside of Scotiabank Place in sub-zero conditions. Just park yourself in front of the pickled herrings and squeezable smoked roe fish in the IKEA grocery department for six weeks and Captain Senator is bound to turn up at some point.
As we gradually move away from the topic of food, Erik begins to tell me about his childhood and his love of video games. An avid Xbox player, he often can be found battling his friends in FIFA or NHL games.
"When you play against your friends, you never want to lose. There is a lot of prestige there," he says with a reasonable amount of seriousness. He also explains that back in Sweden, it is frowned upon to choose Detroit as your team in any NHL video game - even though the Red Wings are the most popular club because they have eight Swedes on their roster.
"They are too good. If you pick Detroit, everyone will say you are a wuss because it's too easy. So you are not allowed to use them." Remember that rule the next time you are playing a video game in Stockholm.
Ironically, he says he often used the Ottawa Senators as his team of choice growing up. "Before the salary cap came in, they were great. They had big hitters like Zdeno Chara and Chris Phillips that I loved using."
So even though Erik's scouting report says that he is a small and skilled defenseman, the fact that he appreciates using Zdeno Chara in a video game has to count for something.
Only two teams - Chicago and San Jose - did not interview Erik in the days leading up to NHL Entry Draft. Because he was a relatively unknown commodity, he was subjected to a lot of intense and unusual questions during the interview process. The strangest question he got came from an unidentified team who was looking to get a better sense of the teenager's mental make-up.
"They gave me a test. You could take a pill to be 6'-feet tall, 210 lbs and play like Nick Lidstrom starting tomorrow. But when you turned 40 years old, you would have a 50-50 chance to live. Would you take the pill?"
After a few moments passed, my curiosity got the better of me.
"How did you answer that question?"
"I told them of course I would like to play like Nick Lidstrom," he replied. "And I would do whatever it takes to make it."
That was certainly the answer the club wanted to hear. And that mentality is likely a reason why the Senators traded up to the 15th spot overall to nab Erik.
Erik seemingly has all of the traits Bryan Murray is looking for in a player, The general manager has been quoted a number of times lately saying he wants to bring quality people into his organization.
After he finishes his meal, Erik displays his boy scout nature for me first hand. He spends a good chunk of time making sure his dirty plate and cutlery are put in the proper spot. Murray would be proud.
Winding our way out of the store, we pass the "As Is" section and my mind immediately wanders to the topic of Ray Emery. Perhaps it's because Emery is now sitting in the NHL's version of the "As Is" section. I was curious to know if word of the netminder's escapades had traveled overseas.
"Of course, everyone has heard of Ray Emery. The thing I remember most is the time he fought the Buffalo team," chuckles Erik, recalling the time Emery fought both Andrew Peters and Martin Biron in a February 2007 game. "But most of us know more about Martin Gerber because he is European."
We head towards the exit door and back towards my vehicle. I'm pretty sure this will be the last time Erik can breeze through an IKEA in Ottawa without being recognized by one single person.
Driving back to his hotel, I ask him if he's ever heard of Tim Horton's, since he is a self-proclaimed coffee fanatic. He says he's never heard of Tim Horton's; and for the record he hasn't been to a Starbuck's either.
I feel it's my duty as an upstanding Canadian citizen to take Erik for a cup of Tim Horton's coffee before I drop him back.
I order him a medium black coffee, which prevents me from using the "double-double" lingo I was desperately hoping to impress him with.
The coffee is too hot for Erik to have right away. As we drive back to his hotel, I'm terrified that I will hit a bump and Erik will spill coffee all over his lap. A Seinfeld fan himself, I'm sure he would find the connection to Kramer's coffee accident humorous. However, I'm not so sure Bryan Murray would think it was funny that I contributed to the second-degree burning of his prized prospect.
We wait until we are at the door of his hotel before he takes a sip. I feel like there is a lot of pressure for him to like the coffee. After all, this is like a taste of Canada.
"This is very good. I can drink this," he says, much to my relief.
Something tells me this isn't the last time he enjoys a Tim Horton's beverage. Because when Erik Karlsson comes to play for the Ottawa Senators, it won't just be for a cup of coffee.
Erik had agreed to meet me at NHL Jerseys Scotiabank Place, after he was finished with an afternoon workout. He comes out of the locker room wearing a grey T-shirt, with denim capris and slip-on canvas shoes - a stark departure from the suit and tie he wore on draft day.
The unique thing about European men is they can wear denim capri pants and look completely fashionable and chic. If say, a 31-year-old Ottawa-based TV reporter were to try wearing capris, he would be inundated with jokes about flood warnings and questions from people asking if his dryer was set to the correct temperature.
We get into my KIA Sedona minivan, which I chose to drive today instead of my Honda Civic, which periodically has a "Check Engine" light flash up. I made sure the vehicle was clear of raisin boxes, Dora movies and anything else that would make a foreign teenager feel uncomfortable.
As we cruise down the 417 highway towards IKEA, our conversation flows effortlessly from topic to topic. Erik explains how he worked out with NHL players last summer near his hometown of Landsbro, Sweden. He proudly mentions that he scored three times on five penalty shots against New York Rangers superstar Henrik Lundqvist during one session.
Moments later, we've switched topics and he tells me that his favourite TV show is Two And A Half Men and that he loves watching episodes of The Simpsons, Friends and Seinfeld. Erik assures me that Kramer is just as funny with Swedish subtitles.
Pulling into the parking lot, I am relieved to hear that Erik feels comfortable in this environment.
The Ottawa Senators surprised a lot of people when they moved up in the NHL Entry Draft and selected little-known defenseman Erik Karlsson with their first round pick.
After reading a series of articles about the 18-year-old Swedish kid in the days that followed, I was intrigued by his personality and background. I wanted to dig deeper and find out more about the Senators' newest prospect.
So I did the only logical thing a responsible journalist would do in this situation.
"This is just like the IKEA back home," he tells me, as he exits the vehicle. And that is truly the beauty of the big box stores. You can be in Nepean or Nepal and it feels exactly the same.
As we walk into the store, you are probably ready for a joke about Erik's height (he's generously listed as 5'11") and the ballroom inside IKEA. But come on - that's too obvious. Besides, Erik is the perfect host for this venture and is ready to answer any of my Swedish-related questions.
The first thing he does is explain all of those ridiculous names they have for products in IKEA.
"Klippan means rock," he says, pointing to the sign above a loveseat. The IKEA marketing department in Sweden must think we are absolute fools in North America. If they can get us to buy a sofa which is named after a rock, we will probably purchase just about anything.
I see a rug with the name "Sigrid" on it and Erik quickly explains that one as well.
"Sigrid is a name for old ladies in Sweden."
Scratch that one off the potential baby name list for me.
We walk into the restaurant in IKEA, where I intend to conduct the majority of our interview. After spending most of the afternoon at an off-ice workout, Erik is clearly hungry and doesn't turn down my offer to buy him a meal.
I've always been curious to see if the Swedish meatballs sold at the IKEA restaurant measure up to the ones back in the motherland. Now, I finally have an authentic test subject.
Erik peers at his potential supper through the cafeteria-style Plexiglas with a healthy dose of skepticism.
"These don't look like Swedish meatballs," he says. "And I've never had my meatballs with fries before."
Welcome to North America, Erik. I think you can get fries with your sushi over here.
Before we hit the cashier, Erik grabs a cup of coffee. He has been drinking coffee for many years now and even admits to having the odd cup between periods of games.
"When you are sweating and hot, a cup of coffee can really cool you down," he explains of his practice of drinking a hot beverage during an intermission. He also drinks his coffee black and wonders how North Americans can put so much cream and sugar in theirs.
I let Erik take three or four bites of his meatballs before I ask him to give me his opinion. And much to my surprise, he has a favorable review.
"These taste just like the ones at home. I would definitely come here and eat my meatballs," he declares, wiping the lingonberry sauce from his chin.
And as much as I was surprised by his love for the IKEA meatballs, Erik had a bigger bombshell in store for me.
"You know, I've heard a lot of Swedish players in the NHL will go to the IKEA in their city to buy their food," he divulges to my amazement.
So there you have it, autograph hounds.
If you're looking for Daniel Alfredsson, don't bother waiting outside of Scotiabank Place in sub-zero conditions. Just park yourself in front of the pickled herrings and squeezable smoked roe fish in the IKEA grocery department for six weeks and Captain Senator is bound to turn up at some point.
As we gradually move away from the topic of food, Erik begins to tell me about his childhood and his love of video games. An avid Xbox player, he often can be found battling his friends in FIFA or NHL games.
"When you play against your friends, you never want to lose. There is a lot of prestige there," he says with a reasonable amount of seriousness. He also explains that back in Sweden, it is frowned upon to choose Detroit as your team in any NHL video game - even though the Red Wings are the most popular club because they have eight Swedes on their roster.
"They are too good. If you pick Detroit, everyone will say you are a wuss because it's too easy. So you are not allowed to use them." Remember that rule the next time you are playing a video game in Stockholm.
Ironically, he says he often used the Ottawa Senators as his team of choice growing up. "Before the salary cap came in, they were great. They had big hitters like Zdeno Chara and Chris Phillips that I loved using."
So even though Erik's scouting report says that he is a small and skilled defenseman, the fact that he appreciates using Zdeno Chara in a video game has to count for something.
Only two teams - Chicago and San Jose - did not interview Erik in the days leading up to NHL Entry Draft. Because he was a relatively unknown commodity, he was subjected to a lot of intense and unusual questions during the interview process. The strangest question he got came from an unidentified team who was looking to get a better sense of the teenager's mental make-up.
"They gave me a test. You could take a pill to be 6'-feet tall, 210 lbs and play like Nick Lidstrom starting tomorrow. But when you turned 40 years old, you would have a 50-50 chance to live. Would you take the pill?"
After a few moments passed, my curiosity got the better of me.
"How did you answer that question?"
"I told them of course I would like to play like Nick Lidstrom," he replied. "And I would do whatever it takes to make it."
That was certainly the answer the club wanted to hear. And that mentality is likely a reason why the Senators traded up to the 15th spot overall to nab Erik.
Erik seemingly has all of the traits Bryan Murray is looking for in a player, The general manager has been quoted a number of times lately saying he wants to bring quality people into his organization.
After he finishes his meal, Erik displays his boy scout nature for me first hand. He spends a good chunk of time making sure his dirty plate and cutlery are put in the proper spot. Murray would be proud.
Winding our way out of the store, we pass the "As Is" section and my mind immediately wanders to the topic of Ray Emery. Perhaps it's because Emery is now sitting in the NHL's version of the "As Is" section. I was curious to know if word of the netminder's escapades had traveled overseas.
"Of course, everyone has heard of Ray Emery. The thing I remember most is the time he fought the Buffalo team," chuckles Erik, recalling the time Emery fought both Andrew Peters and Martin Biron in a February 2007 game. "But most of us know more about Martin Gerber because he is European."
We head towards the exit door and back towards my vehicle. I'm pretty sure this will be the last time Erik can breeze through an IKEA in Ottawa without being recognized by one single person.
Driving back to his hotel, I ask him if he's ever heard of Tim Horton's, since he is a self-proclaimed coffee fanatic. He says he's never heard of Tim Horton's; and for the record he hasn't been to a Starbuck's either.
I feel it's my duty as an upstanding Canadian citizen to take Erik for a cup of Tim Horton's coffee before I drop him back.
I order him a medium black coffee, which prevents me from using the "double-double" lingo I was desperately hoping to impress him with.
The coffee is too hot for Erik to have right away. As we drive back to his hotel, I'm terrified that I will hit a bump and Erik will spill coffee all over his lap. A Seinfeld fan himself, I'm sure he would find the connection to Kramer's coffee accident humorous. However, I'm not so sure Bryan Murray would think it was funny that I contributed to the second-degree burning of his prized prospect.
We wait until we are at the door of his hotel before he takes a sip. I feel like there is a lot of pressure for him to like the coffee. After all, this is like a taste of Canada.
"This is very good. I can drink this," he says, much to my relief.
Something tells me this isn't the last time he enjoys a Tim Horton's beverage. Because when Erik Karlsson comes to play for the Ottawa Senators, it won't just be for a cup of coffee.
2010年5月10日星期一
Team-bonding put to the test
At one point, though, I did want to take my Sportsnet microphone and yell out "This next one is for couples only" - just to see if Nick Foligno and Chris Kelly would be forced to MLB jerseys awkwardly pair up.
The last time the Sens tried this type of unique team-building thing, it didn't quite work out as planed. Anyone else remember the Great Mustache Contest of 2008? While the hair on their upper lips grew, the losing never stopped under Craig Hartsburg. The only good thing to come out of that contest, was that for a three-week period, Martin Gerber looked exactly like Super Mario.
Look at this way: At least nobody got mugged in Central Park. And that is saying a lot for this team right now, with the way their luck has gone.
For the players, this trip to the Central Park rink was a real treat. They got to go public skating without dealing with the usual obstacles like 4-year-olds using chairs for balance and Asian tourists clinging to the boards.
Today, it was another goalie who was in the spotlight. Pascal Leclaire ended the afternoon by showing off his signature dance move called "The Flower". Pascal told me that the move looks a lot better in the club than it does on the ice. Personally, I'm having a hard time picturing a location where that move would be socially acceptable. (Note to Pascal, if that's how you picked up your girlfriend, that's great. But you could have saved yourself time and embarrassment and just told her you were a multimillion dollar NHL goalie).
Now these types of team-bonding activities offer no guarantee of success. Guy Carbonneau cancelled a Habs practice in Alberta last year and took the team to a bowling alley instead. But one day after that, the Habs ended up getting bowled over 7-2 by Edmonton and their season eventually ended up in the gutter when they were swept out of the playoffs.
Before the start of last season, the Pittsburgh Penguins had a unique team-bonding activity, when they organized a scavenger hunt through the streets of Stockholm. Players were paired off in groups and had to follow a set of clues - kind of like "The Amazing Race" with just the right touch of Ruslan Fedotenko.
And guess what?
The Penguins ended up winning the Stanley Cup at the end of the year. So maybe sometimes, these crazy, off-the-wall ideas aren't so bad after all. (But it also doesn't hurt to have Crosby and Malkin on your team).
Earlier this season, John Stevens organized a Florida vacation for his Philadelphia players, complete with a sailboat regatta and fishing expedition.
Shortly thereafter, the Flyers made Stevens walk the plank and they've been trying to get their heads above water in the Eastern Conference.
But cancelling fun activities isn't necessarily the right approach either. Pat Quinn recently scrapped a Palm Springs golf trip for his players, replacing it with intense practices and video sessions. The result in the first game: A 5-3 loss to Nashville.
Would two days of sun and golf really hurt the team?
The last time the Sens tried this type of unique team-building thing, it didn't quite work out as planed. Anyone else remember the Great Mustache Contest of 2008? While the hair on their upper lips grew, the losing never stopped under Craig Hartsburg. The only good thing to come out of that contest, was that for a three-week period, Martin Gerber looked exactly like Super Mario.
Look at this way: At least nobody got mugged in Central Park. And that is saying a lot for this team right now, with the way their luck has gone.
For the players, this trip to the Central Park rink was a real treat. They got to go public skating without dealing with the usual obstacles like 4-year-olds using chairs for balance and Asian tourists clinging to the boards.
Today, it was another goalie who was in the spotlight. Pascal Leclaire ended the afternoon by showing off his signature dance move called "The Flower". Pascal told me that the move looks a lot better in the club than it does on the ice. Personally, I'm having a hard time picturing a location where that move would be socially acceptable. (Note to Pascal, if that's how you picked up your girlfriend, that's great. But you could have saved yourself time and embarrassment and just told her you were a multimillion dollar NHL goalie).
Now these types of team-bonding activities offer no guarantee of success. Guy Carbonneau cancelled a Habs practice in Alberta last year and took the team to a bowling alley instead. But one day after that, the Habs ended up getting bowled over 7-2 by Edmonton and their season eventually ended up in the gutter when they were swept out of the playoffs.
Before the start of last season, the Pittsburgh Penguins had a unique team-bonding activity, when they organized a scavenger hunt through the streets of Stockholm. Players were paired off in groups and had to follow a set of clues - kind of like "The Amazing Race" with just the right touch of Ruslan Fedotenko.
And guess what?
The Penguins ended up winning the Stanley Cup at the end of the year. So maybe sometimes, these crazy, off-the-wall ideas aren't so bad after all. (But it also doesn't hurt to have Crosby and Malkin on your team).
Earlier this season, John Stevens organized a Florida vacation for his Philadelphia players, complete with a sailboat regatta and fishing expedition.
Shortly thereafter, the Flyers made Stevens walk the plank and they've been trying to get their heads above water in the Eastern Conference.
But cancelling fun activities isn't necessarily the right approach either. Pat Quinn recently scrapped a Palm Springs golf trip for his players, replacing it with intense practices and video sessions. The result in the first game: A 5-3 loss to Nashville.
Would two days of sun and golf really hurt the team?
2010年5月9日星期日
Crosby hits 50-goal mark for 1st time
Crosby hit the 50-goal mark on a slap shot from the right point on a power play at 14:34 of the second _ the 500th point of his career.
Crosby's previous career high was 39 goals as a rookie in 2005-06. He scored 33 goals last season, when he led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup.
PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby reached the 50-goal mark for the first time in his five-season career, scoring twice in the first two periods against the New York Islanders.
Washington's Alex Ovechkin tied Crosby for the NHL lead in goals by scoring twice in Pittsburgh during the Capitals' 6-3 victory on Tuesday, giving him 48 goals. Crosby regained the lead by scoring on a wrist shot from the right circle in the final minute of the first period Thursday.
Crosby's previous career high was 39 goals as a rookie in 2005-06. He scored 33 goals last season, when he led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup.
PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby reached the 50-goal mark for the first time in his five-season career, scoring twice in the first two periods against the New York Islanders.
Washington's Alex Ovechkin tied Crosby for the NHL lead in goals by scoring twice in Pittsburgh during the Capitals' 6-3 victory on Tuesday, giving him 48 goals. Crosby regained the lead by scoring on a wrist shot from the right circle in the final minute of the first period Thursday.
2010年5月8日星期六
Bettman anticipates no problems with Coyotes sale
The commissioner declined to give a timetable for the World Cup Soccer Jersey transaction but said he doesn't anticipate any problems in the league selling the team to Reinsdorf's group, which intends to keep the club in Glendale. The NHL purchased the team in bankruptcy court last year.
"He's somebody who's well known to me and to the other owners. He's somebody who obviously owns a franchise in two other major professional sports leagues," Bettman said referring to the NBA's Chicago Bulls and baseball's Chicago White Sox.
Reinsdorf's group was in contention to buy the Coyotes last year but pulled out when it was unable to meet a deadline for submitting a firm offer.
The proposed lease agreement includes an "out clause" after five years, which Bettman indicated he did not object to. There are 24 years remaining on the current lease.
"Every lease has a termination date," he said. "... With the investment of substantial sums of money and what this franchise has been through, what they're really saying is we want to make sure it works."
Bettman congratulated the Coyotes on their season "under extraordinarily difficult circumstances."
"I think this organization from top to bottom conducted itself admirably," he said.
Phoenix is in the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and set franchise records for wins (50) and points (107).
Bettman also playfully responded to questions about Phoenix possibly winning the Stanley Cup.
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called the Glendale City Council's approval of a proposed arena lease agreement by a group headed by Chicago sports mogul Jerry Reinsdorf a "terrific step" in the process of the league finding a new owner for the Phoenix Coyotes.
"I appreciate all the efforts that are being made by the city of Glendale. But there is obviously some more work to be done," Bettman said Wednesday night in a brief news conference before Game 1 of the Red Wings-Coyotes series.
"My name, Bill Daly's name and the other 29 owners in this league will not be on the Cup. ... By the way, just to be a little hyper technical here, I'm not the owner of the club," he said. "The club is owned by the other 29 clubs. But I understand the question, and it's always amusing to get it and see the answer written about me that I will be presenting the Cup to myself."
"He's somebody who's well known to me and to the other owners. He's somebody who obviously owns a franchise in two other major professional sports leagues," Bettman said referring to the NBA's Chicago Bulls and baseball's Chicago White Sox.
Reinsdorf's group was in contention to buy the Coyotes last year but pulled out when it was unable to meet a deadline for submitting a firm offer.
The proposed lease agreement includes an "out clause" after five years, which Bettman indicated he did not object to. There are 24 years remaining on the current lease.
"Every lease has a termination date," he said. "... With the investment of substantial sums of money and what this franchise has been through, what they're really saying is we want to make sure it works."
Bettman congratulated the Coyotes on their season "under extraordinarily difficult circumstances."
"I think this organization from top to bottom conducted itself admirably," he said.
Phoenix is in the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and set franchise records for wins (50) and points (107).
Bettman also playfully responded to questions about Phoenix possibly winning the Stanley Cup.
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called the Glendale City Council's approval of a proposed arena lease agreement by a group headed by Chicago sports mogul Jerry Reinsdorf a "terrific step" in the process of the league finding a new owner for the Phoenix Coyotes.
"I appreciate all the efforts that are being made by the city of Glendale. But there is obviously some more work to be done," Bettman said Wednesday night in a brief news conference before Game 1 of the Red Wings-Coyotes series.
"My name, Bill Daly's name and the other 29 owners in this league will not be on the Cup. ... By the way, just to be a little hyper technical here, I'm not the owner of the club," he said. "The club is owned by the other 29 clubs. But I understand the question, and it's always amusing to get it and see the answer written about me that I will be presenting the Cup to myself."
2010年5月7日星期五
Ovechkin scores in return from suspension
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Alex Ovechkin has returned from a two-game NHL suspension in style, soccer jerseys scoring in the first period for the Washington Capitals.
Ovechkin netted his 45th goal of the season on Saturday night to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead 10:47 into the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Ovechkin took a long pass off the boards from Nicklas Backstrom, skated in on a breakaway, and easily scored on Antero Niittymaki.
The two-time defending NHL MVP was suspended after shoving Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell from behind and sending him into the boards last Sunday. Campbell broke his collarbone and ribs, and is expected to miss at least the rest of the regular season.
Ovechkin netted his 45th goal of the season on Saturday night to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead 10:47 into the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Ovechkin took a long pass off the boards from Nicklas Backstrom, skated in on a breakaway, and easily scored on Antero Niittymaki.
The two-time defending NHL MVP was suspended after shoving Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell from behind and sending him into the boards last Sunday. Campbell broke his collarbone and ribs, and is expected to miss at least the rest of the regular season.
2010年5月6日星期四
Sports broadcasting pioneer Simmons dies at 81
NEW YORK (AP) - Pioneering sports broadcaster Chester R. Simmons, who served as president of ESPN during the company's launch in 1979, has died. He was 81. soccer jerseys
Simmons' family said he died in Atlanta on Thursday. The cause of death wasn't disclosed.
Simmons began in broadcasting in 1957 with Sports Programs, Inc., which became ABC Sports. Simmons was involved in developing "Wide World of Sports" before becoming president of NBC Sports and later ESPN. He was also founding commissioner of the USFL.
"Chet Simmons' leadership and vision in our first years were absolutely critical to ESPN's survival," said George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports. "He was the only industry president to have pioneered both sports broadcasting in the late '50s and cable television in the late '70s.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Harriet, and his children."
Simmons influenced or launched the careers of commentators such as Jim Simpson, Merlin Olsen, Greg and Bryant Gumbel, Dick Enberg, Curt Gowdy, Tony Kubek, Joe Gargiola, Sandy Koufax, Vin Scully, Donna de Varona, George Grande, Tom Mees, Dick Vitale, Cliff Drysdale, Tim Ryan and Jack Buck among others.
"Chet did so much more than take a chance on us young people 30 years ago," ESPN anchor Chris Berman said. "What you see today would have never been possible without him. We'll miss him as a mentor and as a friend. All of us will be forever indebted to Chet Simmons."
Before going to ESPN, Simmons spent 15 years at NBC, where he was involved in utilizing instant replay and had a hand in attaining the network's major sports properties, including the American Football League, NFL, Major League Baseball, NHL, college basketball, the Rose and Orange Bowls and Wimbledon.
He joined ESPN as president and chief operating officer on July 31, 1979, just before the network's launch Sept. 7.
"There's no question that cable television sports is at the same stage right now that network sports was 15 or 20 years ago, I've lived through the evolution of sports on television, and what lies ahead for cable television is incalculable at this point," Simmons said at the time.
"I was there during the inception of ABC Sports and the rebirth of NBC Sports, and I see many similarities between those beginnings and the beginning of ESPN and 24-hours-a-day televised sports."
Among his most notable achievements were the birth and direction of "SportsCenter" on day one of ESPN; television's first comprehensive coverage of the early rounds of the men's NCAA basketball tournament; and the NFL draft telecast (both in 1980).
Simmons left ESPN in 1982 and joined the USFL, serving as the league's commissioner until January 1985. Simmons went on to serve as a media consultant to Madison Square Garden and the Marquis Group; as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina.
Simmons received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th annual Sports Emmy Awards in 2005.
Simmons was born on July 11, 1928, in New York City, and was raised in Ossining, N.Y., and Pawtucket, R.I. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in broadcasting from the University of Alabama.
Simmons had been living in Atlanta, and Savannah, Ga., since 1986. He is survived by his wife, Harriet; four children, Pam, Jed, Pete and Nikki; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are being completed with the Gamble Funeral Service, Inc., in Savannah.
Simmons' family said he died in Atlanta on Thursday. The cause of death wasn't disclosed.
Simmons began in broadcasting in 1957 with Sports Programs, Inc., which became ABC Sports. Simmons was involved in developing "Wide World of Sports" before becoming president of NBC Sports and later ESPN. He was also founding commissioner of the USFL.
"Chet Simmons' leadership and vision in our first years were absolutely critical to ESPN's survival," said George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports. "He was the only industry president to have pioneered both sports broadcasting in the late '50s and cable television in the late '70s.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Harriet, and his children."
Simmons influenced or launched the careers of commentators such as Jim Simpson, Merlin Olsen, Greg and Bryant Gumbel, Dick Enberg, Curt Gowdy, Tony Kubek, Joe Gargiola, Sandy Koufax, Vin Scully, Donna de Varona, George Grande, Tom Mees, Dick Vitale, Cliff Drysdale, Tim Ryan and Jack Buck among others.
"Chet did so much more than take a chance on us young people 30 years ago," ESPN anchor Chris Berman said. "What you see today would have never been possible without him. We'll miss him as a mentor and as a friend. All of us will be forever indebted to Chet Simmons."
Before going to ESPN, Simmons spent 15 years at NBC, where he was involved in utilizing instant replay and had a hand in attaining the network's major sports properties, including the American Football League, NFL, Major League Baseball, NHL, college basketball, the Rose and Orange Bowls and Wimbledon.
He joined ESPN as president and chief operating officer on July 31, 1979, just before the network's launch Sept. 7.
"There's no question that cable television sports is at the same stage right now that network sports was 15 or 20 years ago, I've lived through the evolution of sports on television, and what lies ahead for cable television is incalculable at this point," Simmons said at the time.
"I was there during the inception of ABC Sports and the rebirth of NBC Sports, and I see many similarities between those beginnings and the beginning of ESPN and 24-hours-a-day televised sports."
Among his most notable achievements were the birth and direction of "SportsCenter" on day one of ESPN; television's first comprehensive coverage of the early rounds of the men's NCAA basketball tournament; and the NFL draft telecast (both in 1980).
Simmons left ESPN in 1982 and joined the USFL, serving as the league's commissioner until January 1985. Simmons went on to serve as a media consultant to Madison Square Garden and the Marquis Group; as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina.
Simmons received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th annual Sports Emmy Awards in 2005.
Simmons was born on July 11, 1928, in New York City, and was raised in Ossining, N.Y., and Pawtucket, R.I. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in broadcasting from the University of Alabama.
Simmons had been living in Atlanta, and Savannah, Ga., since 1986. He is survived by his wife, Harriet; four children, Pam, Jed, Pete and Nikki; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are being completed with the Gamble Funeral Service, Inc., in Savannah.
2010年5月5日星期三
Salo scores OT goal for Canucks
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - Sami Salo scored on a power play at 2:15 of overtime and the Vancouver Canucks bounced back from blowing a two-goal lead in the final minute to beat the Minnesota Wild 4-3 on Sunday night.
Most of the crowd of soccer jerseys 18,810 _ the 300th consecutive sellout _ headed for the exits after Alex Edler scored into an empty net with 55 seconds left to make it 3-1.
But Cody Almond went hard to the net unchecked to deflect in his first goal on Casey Wellman's centering pass with 41.5 seconds left. And Antti Miettinen tied it with 18.8 seconds left, parking at the side of the net alone to snap Andrew Brunette's pass from behind the goal past Roberto Luongo from a sharp angle.
The dramatic comeback ended after Greg Zanon took a high-sticking penalty in overtime and Salo one-timed a pass from Henrik Sedin.
Ryan Kesler, short-handed, and Kyle Wellwood, on a power play, also scored as Vancouver won consecutive games for the first time in three weeks to secure its third Northwest Division title in four seasons under coach Alain Vigneault.
Brunette ended Luongo's shutout bid on a power play midway through the third period, and Niklas Backstrom made 36 saves to keep the Wild in its first game since being officially eliminated from the playoffs Saturday.
Despite the late meltdown, Luongo celebrated his 31st birthday by bouncing back after a career-worst eight goals in Los Angeles on Thursday night, part of a post-Olympic slump that included a .888 save percentage since backstopping Canada to gold.
Pulled from his last two starts against Minnesota, Luongo wasn't tested often in the first half as the Wild failed to record a shot in the first 9 minutes. He made a great glove save off Martin Havlat from close range with 1:14 left in the first period, and a couple great short-handed stops late in the second period.
Luongo slid across his crease to deny Brent Burns on a one-timer and robbed Owen Nolan on the rebound just the first penalty of a lengthy Minnesota two-man advantage expired with 30 seconds left in the period. He got some help from Henrik Sedin, who blocked Guillaume Latendresse's shot at an empty net on a rebound just after the second penalty expired early in the third period.
Vancouver was outshooting the Wild 7-0 when Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa took an interference penalty 4:52 into the game. But before Minnesota could record a shot, Alex Burrows pounced on a loose puck in the Vancouver end and raced down the ice. He cut around Havlat to create a 2-on-1 down low and firing a perfect cross-ice pass to Kesler, who snapped it over a sprawled Backstrom.
It was the NHL-leading seventh short-handed point for Burrows, who has five goals when the Canucks are down a man. Burrows was a big part of a bounce-back game for a penalty killing unit that came into the game ranked 18th in the NHL after giving up seven goals on just 21 chances over the last four games. Instead they killed off the first six Minnesota chances, including a 5-on-3 for 1:16, before Brunette converted the seventh after a favorable bounce off the end boards.
Despite three early power plays, the Wild only had five shots when Wellwood doubled the lead on a Canucks man advantage midway through the second period.
NOTES: Sedin's overtime assist gives him 106 points, four more than Washington's Alex Ovechkin atop the NHL scoring race. ... Vancouver RW Mikael Samuelsson, who has 30 goals and 53 points, returned after missing eight games with a shoulder injury. ... It was the 300th consecutive sellout in Vancouver dating to 2002, the fourth-longest streak in NHL history. Minnesota's active 401-game streak is the third. ... Canucks D Shane O'Brien's exile ended after six days as he returned to practice Sunday morning, but did not play against the Wild. O'Brien, who hasn't traveled or skated with the team since being late to practice last Monday, made a public apology for both the tardiness and gaining too much weight during the Olympic break.
Most of the crowd of soccer jerseys 18,810 _ the 300th consecutive sellout _ headed for the exits after Alex Edler scored into an empty net with 55 seconds left to make it 3-1.
But Cody Almond went hard to the net unchecked to deflect in his first goal on Casey Wellman's centering pass with 41.5 seconds left. And Antti Miettinen tied it with 18.8 seconds left, parking at the side of the net alone to snap Andrew Brunette's pass from behind the goal past Roberto Luongo from a sharp angle.
The dramatic comeback ended after Greg Zanon took a high-sticking penalty in overtime and Salo one-timed a pass from Henrik Sedin.
Ryan Kesler, short-handed, and Kyle Wellwood, on a power play, also scored as Vancouver won consecutive games for the first time in three weeks to secure its third Northwest Division title in four seasons under coach Alain Vigneault.
Brunette ended Luongo's shutout bid on a power play midway through the third period, and Niklas Backstrom made 36 saves to keep the Wild in its first game since being officially eliminated from the playoffs Saturday.
Despite the late meltdown, Luongo celebrated his 31st birthday by bouncing back after a career-worst eight goals in Los Angeles on Thursday night, part of a post-Olympic slump that included a .888 save percentage since backstopping Canada to gold.
Pulled from his last two starts against Minnesota, Luongo wasn't tested often in the first half as the Wild failed to record a shot in the first 9 minutes. He made a great glove save off Martin Havlat from close range with 1:14 left in the first period, and a couple great short-handed stops late in the second period.
Luongo slid across his crease to deny Brent Burns on a one-timer and robbed Owen Nolan on the rebound just the first penalty of a lengthy Minnesota two-man advantage expired with 30 seconds left in the period. He got some help from Henrik Sedin, who blocked Guillaume Latendresse's shot at an empty net on a rebound just after the second penalty expired early in the third period.
Vancouver was outshooting the Wild 7-0 when Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa took an interference penalty 4:52 into the game. But before Minnesota could record a shot, Alex Burrows pounced on a loose puck in the Vancouver end and raced down the ice. He cut around Havlat to create a 2-on-1 down low and firing a perfect cross-ice pass to Kesler, who snapped it over a sprawled Backstrom.
It was the NHL-leading seventh short-handed point for Burrows, who has five goals when the Canucks are down a man. Burrows was a big part of a bounce-back game for a penalty killing unit that came into the game ranked 18th in the NHL after giving up seven goals on just 21 chances over the last four games. Instead they killed off the first six Minnesota chances, including a 5-on-3 for 1:16, before Brunette converted the seventh after a favorable bounce off the end boards.
Despite three early power plays, the Wild only had five shots when Wellwood doubled the lead on a Canucks man advantage midway through the second period.
NOTES: Sedin's overtime assist gives him 106 points, four more than Washington's Alex Ovechkin atop the NHL scoring race. ... Vancouver RW Mikael Samuelsson, who has 30 goals and 53 points, returned after missing eight games with a shoulder injury. ... It was the 300th consecutive sellout in Vancouver dating to 2002, the fourth-longest streak in NHL history. Minnesota's active 401-game streak is the third. ... Canucks D Shane O'Brien's exile ended after six days as he returned to practice Sunday morning, but did not play against the Wild. O'Brien, who hasn't traveled or skated with the team since being late to practice last Monday, made a public apology for both the tardiness and gaining too much weight during the Olympic break.
Pending owner Greenberg attends Rangers opener
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - The last time Chuck Greenberg had been in the same ballpark as Nolan Ryan on opening day was 40 years ago.
On Monday, Greenberg was sitting in the front row next to Ryan at the Texas Rangers home opener and on the verge of soccer jerseys joining the Hall of Fame pitcher and team president in owning the team.
"Opening day is the best day of the year. With what a long winter it's been, it makes it even more so," Greenberg said before the game against Toronto. "So I'm excited."
Greenberg, a Pittsburgh sports attorney, is heading the investment group including Ryan that is buying the Rangers from Tom Hicks.
While the Greenberg-Ryan group had hoped to have the sale completed before opening day, Greenberg now anticipates closing the deal the week of April 19. That means the new ownership group could be ready to take over when the Rangers open their second homestand of the season April 23.
"It's not a matter of what might have been, it's what will be, and good things are worth waiting for," Greenberg said. "It's been a long process and another few weeks really won't make any difference at all."
The transfer of ownership has complicated by the significant debt owed by Hicks' financially strapped Hicks Sports Group. Exclusive negotiations began nearly four months ago with Hicks, who is also working to sell his NHL team, the Dallas Stars.
Greenberg arrived about 2 1/2 hours before the game wearing black cowboy boots that were a gift from Ryan _ the first boots he's had since getting Dingo boots endorsed by Joe Namath when he was a kid. When the game began, Greenberg was sitting in the owner's box directly between Ryan and Hicks.
Greenberg said opening day was always a school holiday for him growing up with his dad taking him to Pittsburgh Pirates home openers. That included the 1970 opener at Forbes Field when Ryan was with the New York Mets, though Tom Seaver started the game the Mets won 5-3 in 11 innings.
"One time my dad decided to play it straight and wrote a note to the principal that talked about opening day, fathers and sons and traditions," Greenberg said. "The principal wrote him a note back and said, `Mr. Greenberg it was beautiful letter, I was truly inspired by it. It's still an unexcused absence and Chuck's going to have to serve detention.'"
No detention this time.
"It's been a productive 40 years ever since," Greenberg said.
On Monday, Greenberg was sitting in the front row next to Ryan at the Texas Rangers home opener and on the verge of soccer jerseys joining the Hall of Fame pitcher and team president in owning the team.
"Opening day is the best day of the year. With what a long winter it's been, it makes it even more so," Greenberg said before the game against Toronto. "So I'm excited."
Greenberg, a Pittsburgh sports attorney, is heading the investment group including Ryan that is buying the Rangers from Tom Hicks.
While the Greenberg-Ryan group had hoped to have the sale completed before opening day, Greenberg now anticipates closing the deal the week of April 19. That means the new ownership group could be ready to take over when the Rangers open their second homestand of the season April 23.
"It's not a matter of what might have been, it's what will be, and good things are worth waiting for," Greenberg said. "It's been a long process and another few weeks really won't make any difference at all."
The transfer of ownership has complicated by the significant debt owed by Hicks' financially strapped Hicks Sports Group. Exclusive negotiations began nearly four months ago with Hicks, who is also working to sell his NHL team, the Dallas Stars.
Greenberg arrived about 2 1/2 hours before the game wearing black cowboy boots that were a gift from Ryan _ the first boots he's had since getting Dingo boots endorsed by Joe Namath when he was a kid. When the game began, Greenberg was sitting in the owner's box directly between Ryan and Hicks.
Greenberg said opening day was always a school holiday for him growing up with his dad taking him to Pittsburgh Pirates home openers. That included the 1970 opener at Forbes Field when Ryan was with the New York Mets, though Tom Seaver started the game the Mets won 5-3 in 11 innings.
"One time my dad decided to play it straight and wrote a note to the principal that talked about opening day, fathers and sons and traditions," Greenberg said. "The principal wrote him a note back and said, `Mr. Greenberg it was beautiful letter, I was truly inspired by it. It's still an unexcused absence and Chuck's going to have to serve detention.'"
No detention this time.
"It's been a productive 40 years ever since," Greenberg said.
2010年5月4日星期二
World Cup 2010 Betting Summary
Barring an unlikely intervention from NBA Jerseys Fifa with regards the Thierry Henry handball controversy the 32 World Cup finalists are now known and South Africa 2010 promises to be the best yet.
Spain, the current European champions, head the betting and deservedly so but Brazil, a standout 5/1 with Paddy Power, are always the team to beat and that pair look head and shoulders above the rest to me.
Of the challengers the main threat appears to come from Europe. England, generally 6/1 for glory, have become difficult to beat under Fabio Capello while Germany and defending champions Italy can never be written off on the biggest stage of all.
That pair currently trade at 12/1 and 14/1 respectively but Holland looked better equipped to me at similar prices providing their key players remain fit.
France, who disposed of Ireland so fortuitously in the playoffs, are easily dismissed at a laughably short 14/1 with Stan James and likewise Argentina. I saw plenty of Diego Maradona’s men throughout South American qualifying and no sane punter could surely consider backing them, despite the presence of Lionel Messi, at the 8/1 on offer at William Hill.
Portugal, who will have the world’s best player in Cristiano Ronaldo to call upon, have a fantastic recent record in major finals and will have their backers at the current 20/1 with Extrabet but the advice is to stick with those at the head of the market as well as a couple of lively outsiders.
I can see why Ivory Coast are so popular, those on at 50/1 or bigger have themselves an excellent bet, but the price has surely gone and the two that interest me are USA (125/1, Coral) and Australia (100/1). Both stormed through qualifying, will be well rested and have already proven themselves, to some extent, on the big stage.
The Socceroos were unfortunate to lose to eventual champions Italy at World Cup 2006 while Landon Donovan’s side were a whisker away from beating Brazil to snatch the Confederations Cup, having disposed of Spain in the last four, this summer.
Plenty of people are talking up the chances of Chile (50/1) but I remain far from convinced they are good enough although we saw just how far decent defending and organisation can take you when Greece (150/1, Victor Chandler) triumphed at Euro 2004.
That style of play brings the likes of Denmark (100/1, Bet 365) into the equation but much will, of course, depend on the draw which takes place on December 4 and this looks as wide open a World Cup as I can remember. Nobody could confidently rule out any more than eight nations as complete no-hopers and I simply cannot wait for things to get underway.
Spain, the current European champions, head the betting and deservedly so but Brazil, a standout 5/1 with Paddy Power, are always the team to beat and that pair look head and shoulders above the rest to me.
Of the challengers the main threat appears to come from Europe. England, generally 6/1 for glory, have become difficult to beat under Fabio Capello while Germany and defending champions Italy can never be written off on the biggest stage of all.
That pair currently trade at 12/1 and 14/1 respectively but Holland looked better equipped to me at similar prices providing their key players remain fit.
France, who disposed of Ireland so fortuitously in the playoffs, are easily dismissed at a laughably short 14/1 with Stan James and likewise Argentina. I saw plenty of Diego Maradona’s men throughout South American qualifying and no sane punter could surely consider backing them, despite the presence of Lionel Messi, at the 8/1 on offer at William Hill.
Portugal, who will have the world’s best player in Cristiano Ronaldo to call upon, have a fantastic recent record in major finals and will have their backers at the current 20/1 with Extrabet but the advice is to stick with those at the head of the market as well as a couple of lively outsiders.
I can see why Ivory Coast are so popular, those on at 50/1 or bigger have themselves an excellent bet, but the price has surely gone and the two that interest me are USA (125/1, Coral) and Australia (100/1). Both stormed through qualifying, will be well rested and have already proven themselves, to some extent, on the big stage.
The Socceroos were unfortunate to lose to eventual champions Italy at World Cup 2006 while Landon Donovan’s side were a whisker away from beating Brazil to snatch the Confederations Cup, having disposed of Spain in the last four, this summer.
Plenty of people are talking up the chances of Chile (50/1) but I remain far from convinced they are good enough although we saw just how far decent defending and organisation can take you when Greece (150/1, Victor Chandler) triumphed at Euro 2004.
That style of play brings the likes of Denmark (100/1, Bet 365) into the equation but much will, of course, depend on the draw which takes place on December 4 and this looks as wide open a World Cup as I can remember. Nobody could confidently rule out any more than eight nations as complete no-hopers and I simply cannot wait for things to get underway.
2010年5月2日星期日
January Sales Summary Around Europe
The transfer window has just closed, but this winter's period wasn't too busy, although there's still been plenty of interesting moves around Europe's top leagues.
English Premier League NFL jerseys
Struggling Liverpool built some funds with the sales of Andriy Voronin to Dinamo Moscow and Andrea Dossena to Napoli, yet their only acquistion was Argentine international Maxi Rodriguez from Atletico Madrid on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, fellow English giants Arsenal resurrected Sol Campbell's career with a move for him having played in England's fourth tier with Notts County earlier this season. Manchester City were also typically active signing Patrick Vieira and allowing Robinho to leave on loan to Santos.
And the Sky Blues are believed to have spent the most on a single deal with a reported £7m for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson. Fellow Champions League chasers Tottenham saw Robbie Keane leave on loan to Scotland whilst adding Eidur Gudjohnsen from Monaco.
Bottom-club Portsmouth managed to establish some much-needed funds after the sales of Asmir Begovic to Stoke and Younes Kaboul to Spurs. But that probably confirms their relegation. Battling West Ham have added attacking options in Benni McCarthy, Ilan and Mido.
Spanish La Liga
Midtable Atletico Madrid needed to do something to breathe life into their season and their €10m deal for Argentina forward Eduardo Salvio was just that. They've also added Tiago Mendes on loan from Juventus for the rest of the campaign.
Elsewhere there wasn't much action, but Valencia did bolster their forward ranks with Alejandro Dominguez, fresh from consecutive titles with Rubin Kazan in Russia.
Lower in the table, Valladolid have signed defenders Asier del Horno and Borja Fernandez, while Real Zaragoza added 2002 Brazilian World Cup winner Edmilson and bottom-club Xerez signed Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Vigneri from Puebla.
Italian Serie A
Leaders Inter Milan bolstered their squad with president Massimo Moratti describing McDonald Mariga's move to the San Siro from Parma as 'the best thing that could have happened' to his side during the transfer window. That deal sees Luis Jimenez, who was on loan at West Ham, move on loan to Parma.
Struggling Rome club Lazio have worked hard during January with the addition of forward Sergio Floccari along with Sebastian Eguren from Villarreal and deadline day purchase Thomas Hitzlsperger from VfB Stuttgart.
Their city rivals AS Roma did well signing Luca Toni from Bayern, forcing out Stefano Okaka Chuka on loan to Fulham, while AC Milan famously added David Beckham along with Mancini on loan after making the move from one side of Milan to the other. Interestingly, Inter have also added Goran Pandev after his fallout at Lazio.
German Bundesliga
The big story in Germany was Ruud van Nistelrooy's move from Real Madrid to Hamburger SV and even Bayern boss Louis van Gaal got in on it all, claiming his club weren't even after the Dutchman. That's hard to believe considering van Nistelrooy's record and he could be very important for HSV.
Elsewhere, Halil Altintop ended his time at Schalke 04, moving to Eintracht Frankfurt. Felix Magath's Schalke were very busy signing Johann Baumjohann, Peer Kluge and Edu amongst others.
Battling Stuttgart also were quite active with Christian Gross keen to implement change, moving on Ludovic Magnin, Yildiray Basturk and Jan Simak, whilst unfortunately losing Hitzlsperger. Stuttgart did gain defender Cristian Molinaro from Juventus on loan.
French Ligue 1
Olympique Lyonnais spent €8m on Croatian defender Dejan Lovren from Dinamo Zagreb, while Champions League challengers Lille snapped up backman Ricardo Costa from VfL Wolfsburg. Elsewhere, Olivier Kapo returned to France after a move to Boulogne.
Dutch Eredivisie
Ajax splashed out €4m on highly-rated Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro from Nacional, while Feyenoord lost Andwele Slory to English football. Leaders FC Twente purchased Azerbaijan star Vagif Jagadov from Europa League opponents Qarabaq for an undisclosed fee.
Portuguese Liga
Fourth-placed Sporting were the big movers in Portugal as they seek to keep up with the pace set by Braga and Benfica. Sporting have signed Pedro Mendes and Florent Sinama-Pongolle.
Turkish Super Lig
Both Istanbul giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce made moves during January, with Gala signing Jo, Lucas Neill and Giovani dos Santos amongst others, while Bahce lured Gokhan Unal from Trabzonspor.
Scottish Premier League
Celtic boss Tony Mowbray promised big changes in January and he delivered with the likes of Barry Robson and Scott McDonald leaving to be replaced by deadline day trio Robbie Keane, Diomansy Kamara and Edson Braafheid.
English Premier League NFL jerseys
Struggling Liverpool built some funds with the sales of Andriy Voronin to Dinamo Moscow and Andrea Dossena to Napoli, yet their only acquistion was Argentine international Maxi Rodriguez from Atletico Madrid on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, fellow English giants Arsenal resurrected Sol Campbell's career with a move for him having played in England's fourth tier with Notts County earlier this season. Manchester City were also typically active signing Patrick Vieira and allowing Robinho to leave on loan to Santos.
And the Sky Blues are believed to have spent the most on a single deal with a reported £7m for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson. Fellow Champions League chasers Tottenham saw Robbie Keane leave on loan to Scotland whilst adding Eidur Gudjohnsen from Monaco.
Bottom-club Portsmouth managed to establish some much-needed funds after the sales of Asmir Begovic to Stoke and Younes Kaboul to Spurs. But that probably confirms their relegation. Battling West Ham have added attacking options in Benni McCarthy, Ilan and Mido.
Spanish La Liga
Midtable Atletico Madrid needed to do something to breathe life into their season and their €10m deal for Argentina forward Eduardo Salvio was just that. They've also added Tiago Mendes on loan from Juventus for the rest of the campaign.
Elsewhere there wasn't much action, but Valencia did bolster their forward ranks with Alejandro Dominguez, fresh from consecutive titles with Rubin Kazan in Russia.
Lower in the table, Valladolid have signed defenders Asier del Horno and Borja Fernandez, while Real Zaragoza added 2002 Brazilian World Cup winner Edmilson and bottom-club Xerez signed Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Vigneri from Puebla.
Italian Serie A
Leaders Inter Milan bolstered their squad with president Massimo Moratti describing McDonald Mariga's move to the San Siro from Parma as 'the best thing that could have happened' to his side during the transfer window. That deal sees Luis Jimenez, who was on loan at West Ham, move on loan to Parma.
Struggling Rome club Lazio have worked hard during January with the addition of forward Sergio Floccari along with Sebastian Eguren from Villarreal and deadline day purchase Thomas Hitzlsperger from VfB Stuttgart.
Their city rivals AS Roma did well signing Luca Toni from Bayern, forcing out Stefano Okaka Chuka on loan to Fulham, while AC Milan famously added David Beckham along with Mancini on loan after making the move from one side of Milan to the other. Interestingly, Inter have also added Goran Pandev after his fallout at Lazio.
German Bundesliga
The big story in Germany was Ruud van Nistelrooy's move from Real Madrid to Hamburger SV and even Bayern boss Louis van Gaal got in on it all, claiming his club weren't even after the Dutchman. That's hard to believe considering van Nistelrooy's record and he could be very important for HSV.
Elsewhere, Halil Altintop ended his time at Schalke 04, moving to Eintracht Frankfurt. Felix Magath's Schalke were very busy signing Johann Baumjohann, Peer Kluge and Edu amongst others.
Battling Stuttgart also were quite active with Christian Gross keen to implement change, moving on Ludovic Magnin, Yildiray Basturk and Jan Simak, whilst unfortunately losing Hitzlsperger. Stuttgart did gain defender Cristian Molinaro from Juventus on loan.
French Ligue 1
Olympique Lyonnais spent €8m on Croatian defender Dejan Lovren from Dinamo Zagreb, while Champions League challengers Lille snapped up backman Ricardo Costa from VfL Wolfsburg. Elsewhere, Olivier Kapo returned to France after a move to Boulogne.
Dutch Eredivisie
Ajax splashed out €4m on highly-rated Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro from Nacional, while Feyenoord lost Andwele Slory to English football. Leaders FC Twente purchased Azerbaijan star Vagif Jagadov from Europa League opponents Qarabaq for an undisclosed fee.
Portuguese Liga
Fourth-placed Sporting were the big movers in Portugal as they seek to keep up with the pace set by Braga and Benfica. Sporting have signed Pedro Mendes and Florent Sinama-Pongolle.
Turkish Super Lig
Both Istanbul giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce made moves during January, with Gala signing Jo, Lucas Neill and Giovani dos Santos amongst others, while Bahce lured Gokhan Unal from Trabzonspor.
Scottish Premier League
Celtic boss Tony Mowbray promised big changes in January and he delivered with the likes of Barry Robson and Scott McDonald leaving to be replaced by deadline day trio Robbie Keane, Diomansy Kamara and Edson Braafheid.
Liverpool stops the world for six minutes
Liverpool premiership title drought may have continued to take its toll this decade but their accomplishment of winning the UEFA champions league in 2005 was absolutely unbelievable. On record it simply says that Liverpool overcame AC Milan of Italy on penalty shootouts after the game had ended 3-3. What is difficult to figure out and write down is the incredible comeback that Liverpool used to score three goals, six minutes before the final whistle. Due to the events that unfolded on that memorable night in Istanbul Turkey, the reds added their loyal fans another reason to as to NHL Jerseys why they will never walk alone.
2010年5月1日星期六
Weekend Developments From Europe's Top Comps
Is the Spanish title race back on again? We think so, after Barca's loss to Atletico did Real a big favour. NFL jerseys
With fourth-placed Napoli holding leaders Inter to a 0-0 draw in Naples, [Claudio Ranieri]'s in-form AS Roma closed the gap on the leaders to 7 points with a commanding 4-1 win over high-flying Palermo. Inter look comfortable but Roma are brilliant right now and could challenge for the title.
Elsewhere, the battle for Champions League spots continues to interest with Sampdoria beating out-of-sorts Fiorentina 2-0, while Juventus returned to the winners' list with a 3-2 victory over Genoa although it came controversially with Alessandro Del Piero's penalty quite dubious. Palermo were the big sliders, down to seventh.
Down the wrong end, Parma continued their winless slide down the table as Lazio grabbed an invaluable 2-0 win on the road with Edy Reja claiming a victory on his debut for the Romans. Lazio now move out of the drop zone, while bottom-club Siena remain cemented in last despite a 1-0 win at Chievo.
With fourth-placed Napoli holding leaders Inter to a 0-0 draw in Naples, [Claudio Ranieri]'s in-form AS Roma closed the gap on the leaders to 7 points with a commanding 4-1 win over high-flying Palermo. Inter look comfortable but Roma are brilliant right now and could challenge for the title.
Elsewhere, the battle for Champions League spots continues to interest with Sampdoria beating out-of-sorts Fiorentina 2-0, while Juventus returned to the winners' list with a 3-2 victory over Genoa although it came controversially with Alessandro Del Piero's penalty quite dubious. Palermo were the big sliders, down to seventh.
Down the wrong end, Parma continued their winless slide down the table as Lazio grabbed an invaluable 2-0 win on the road with Edy Reja claiming a victory on his debut for the Romans. Lazio now move out of the drop zone, while bottom-club Siena remain cemented in last despite a 1-0 win at Chievo.
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