I've been looking around the preseason blogs and everything seems to be ragging on Colorado College. They had one of the worst seasons in the history of their program last year. After an offseason that features quite a few new faces, I've decided to focus on 4 of the members of the incoming class.
First, I should mention I love the goalie position. I'm a firm believer that a program should work it's talent from the goalie forward. Placing special emphasis on defense and shot blocking.
Coach Haviland of Colorado College did just that with the incoming crew. Though not drafted (at least yet) Jacob Nehama brings a spark to my eye. Standing at 6'0 tall, he's not a Jon Gillies type of netminder but his stats speak for themselves.
He finished the season with 29 wins, 13 losses and 4 ties. Kick in his .913 save percentage and this guy appears to be on track to do some serious damage. To put this into perspective, take Joe Howe (current volunteer goalie coach at Denver) during his time in the USHL. He finished his first season with his best record of 13-5-1 with a .915 save percentage. I liked Howe in net and I think I'll like this guy too. If you compare Jacob to similar goalies in stature, I think you will find he is a top notch goaltender. His size makes him not as marketable as current CC netminder Tyler Marble. Either way, in net CC will have the ability to have dueling goaltenders. MN State - Mankato has had the same issue for the past 2 years and it's produced wonderful dividends.
Next, let's look a bit at Trey Bradley. He's a very small player. Based on size alone, I wouldn't expect too much from him given how large CC's ice surface is. However taking a look at his USHL stats, I would have no problem looking at Trey as a serious set up man on any line.
Next up is Nathan Kwiecinski. He's no Jacob Slavin, and he has quite a bit of growth to do. I'm not sure where he will fit in the scheme of things. His offensive side stats are not very good, which leads me to believe he is a stay at home defense man - my favorite kind (as a goalie of course). If Kwiecinski can keep opposing players off Marble or whoever is in net, the tigers can do their job in the front.
The show stopper of all of these should be considered Mason Bergh. He's an absolute monster of a player. Not the tallest forward at 6'0, but his stats are oh so good. I would wonder how Bergh and Bradley would do on the same line. Either way, Bergh is an incredibly gifted player. He's going to make the rounds at CC.
CC has reason to believe in it's incoming class. In 2 years, people may be talking about how good this crop of recruits was. Maybe they will all break out this season. Just maybe.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Sunday, September 6, 2015
College Football Rankings.......
With most of college football's best week 1 games complete, it's safe to say that we have a baseline week. Or maybe not.......
Of the top 10 teams, only 1 played a ranked team (Alabama). I'm a Wisconsin fan myself, but I kept my cool on this game way before coming in. I knew that Wisconsin is NO WHERE near Alabama's recruiting level. So I almost expected a loss.
So let's take a look at last year's 4 playoff teams and analyze what they did, or didn't do. Then we'll move on to the actual ranking.
Rankings are as of this season, teams are the final 4 of last season.
#1 Ohio State. They have not played yet so no judgement.
3. Alabama. I've never looked at Alabama and said "that's a high scoring team". I've always thought of Alabama as a Python. They use their defense to constrict any team they play. Offense is always a product of where the defense can get the ball to. This year is no different. They have a very potent offense which can score from any point on the field. The defense speaks for itself. They destroyed the Badgers and took away the only weapon Wisconsin has had for the last 5 years, the run game.
#7 Oregon. They won 61-42 over a team that should not have scored more than 20. I know Oregon has a potent offense. But just like the ducks proved last year, they do not have the defense to compliment such a great offense. On the plus side, if the Ducks do find themselves in a showdown against a similar up tempo offense they will hang around much longer than any other team wants. Easily able to outscore opponents and take advantage of mistakes.
#10 Florida State. FSU has been full of the Jameis Winston distraction for well over 2 years. They key question was: Can the Seminoles win without Winston. Although Texas State doesn't really present the ability to answer this question, FSU was able to run up the scoreboard. I would say this leaves them at Neutral.
Winner of last year's big 4: Alabama.
Side Notes.
Rankings as of current.
2. TCU. I would love, LOVE the opportunity to roast this entire squad. I don't think Minnesota is a top of the pack Big 10 team. They are in the middle with Wisconsin and Nebraska. TCU is supposed to have this Air Raid offensive system that annihilated every team in it's path last season. Due to the amount of starters returning on offense, TCU was supposed to blow their way to the Big 12 games. Minnesota didn't really play that well and still came within a touchdown of beating the Horned Frogs. Not too good if you ask me. If TCU is indeed the top of the conference, I would downgrade the Big
Stanford and Arizona State. Neither of these teams should have been ranked. Even though the preseason rankings are a combination of the previous year's results and recruiting, I don't understand how these two teams ended where they did. Good thing for both of these teams: They both lost to bad opponents.
Which brings us to the conclusion:
Although the BCS is gone, the ranking system that enveloped it's entire time is still in tact. Currently we have a ranking system in place that stays until about week 8. It's pointless to put rankings on these teams. Everyone is fighting but no one will see the truth until the committee come's out with it's top 4. Every conference swings from time to time. For a while it was the ACC which was taking recruits from California and Texas. Since then, it's been all SEC. I understand giving any team which is in this conference a chance to compete early for a top 4, but placing a team like Arkansas at 18 when they finished 7-6 over all and 2-6 in conference play is atrocious.
Conclusion: We run a modified BCS system. Same drama, except with a tiny playoff.
Of the top 10 teams, only 1 played a ranked team (Alabama). I'm a Wisconsin fan myself, but I kept my cool on this game way before coming in. I knew that Wisconsin is NO WHERE near Alabama's recruiting level. So I almost expected a loss.
So let's take a look at last year's 4 playoff teams and analyze what they did, or didn't do. Then we'll move on to the actual ranking.
Rankings are as of this season, teams are the final 4 of last season.
#1 Ohio State. They have not played yet so no judgement.
3. Alabama. I've never looked at Alabama and said "that's a high scoring team". I've always thought of Alabama as a Python. They use their defense to constrict any team they play. Offense is always a product of where the defense can get the ball to. This year is no different. They have a very potent offense which can score from any point on the field. The defense speaks for itself. They destroyed the Badgers and took away the only weapon Wisconsin has had for the last 5 years, the run game.
#7 Oregon. They won 61-42 over a team that should not have scored more than 20. I know Oregon has a potent offense. But just like the ducks proved last year, they do not have the defense to compliment such a great offense. On the plus side, if the Ducks do find themselves in a showdown against a similar up tempo offense they will hang around much longer than any other team wants. Easily able to outscore opponents and take advantage of mistakes.
#10 Florida State. FSU has been full of the Jameis Winston distraction for well over 2 years. They key question was: Can the Seminoles win without Winston. Although Texas State doesn't really present the ability to answer this question, FSU was able to run up the scoreboard. I would say this leaves them at Neutral.
Winner of last year's big 4: Alabama.
Side Notes.
Rankings as of current.
2. TCU. I would love, LOVE the opportunity to roast this entire squad. I don't think Minnesota is a top of the pack Big 10 team. They are in the middle with Wisconsin and Nebraska. TCU is supposed to have this Air Raid offensive system that annihilated every team in it's path last season. Due to the amount of starters returning on offense, TCU was supposed to blow their way to the Big 12 games. Minnesota didn't really play that well and still came within a touchdown of beating the Horned Frogs. Not too good if you ask me. If TCU is indeed the top of the conference, I would downgrade the Big
Stanford and Arizona State. Neither of these teams should have been ranked. Even though the preseason rankings are a combination of the previous year's results and recruiting, I don't understand how these two teams ended where they did. Good thing for both of these teams: They both lost to bad opponents.
Which brings us to the conclusion:
Although the BCS is gone, the ranking system that enveloped it's entire time is still in tact. Currently we have a ranking system in place that stays until about week 8. It's pointless to put rankings on these teams. Everyone is fighting but no one will see the truth until the committee come's out with it's top 4. Every conference swings from time to time. For a while it was the ACC which was taking recruits from California and Texas. Since then, it's been all SEC. I understand giving any team which is in this conference a chance to compete early for a top 4, but placing a team like Arkansas at 18 when they finished 7-6 over all and 2-6 in conference play is atrocious.
Conclusion: We run a modified BCS system. Same drama, except with a tiny playoff.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
NCAA Hockey: Reactions
I don't get too wrapped up into the first day of the tournament. That's why I didn't write yesterday, and why I waited until everything had sorted out today.
My first reaction was to the way that Michigan Tech played St. Cloud State. I thought it reflected poorly on the conference, and I wasn't too thrilled to see what RIT would bring to Minnesota State. After today, I feel pretty confident in saying the WCHA was all bark and no bite. It's a step up from the Big 10 which was no bark, and no bite.
St. Cloud should have been easy work for the Michigan Tech. But the Huskies of Northern Michigan let off the gas peddle and the Huskies from Central Minnesota saw it as an opportunity to move in the kill. Teams in the WCHA can take the peddle off the gas in conference play. That's because the only teams remaining in that conference were the bottom feeders of the old WCHA and CCHA respectively. Somebody had to rise up. So it's really of no surprise to me that two WCHA teams went down on day 1, even with that being the number one overall seed.
I can't quite wrap my head around RIT this year. Atlantic Hockey almost never puts a good fight into anything. They have the poorest teams which shows every year. They are the last team to get an automatic bid, and as a result get the last seed. They didn't quit though. They gave Omaha a very good run for their money in a game that was really decided by one mis-read by RIT's goalie. That one mistake cost them, but this was really a battle between two goaltenders. I hope RIT's goalie doesn't walk away thinking he did a bad job. His performance today would have been accepted by any other team in the tournament not named North Dakota.
For that matter, I wanted to move to Hockey East. I have been told multiple times throughout the year that BU would be a lock for the Frozen Four. Yet the only thing I hear about BU is "Jack Eichel". How does a one man show make it that far? Well when you don't see BU play much, you would not know that there are more players to this game. BU doesn't have the size of UND, but they have speed and strength.
Providence is another team that I don't understand. They played an average season and then decided to make a go of things in the playoffs. Almost like they were sandbagging. They were not busy playing BU all season, so I really don't know where this team came from. They played a Duluth team which was ranked #3 in the nation before being swept by Denver during conference playoffs.
Then they played Denver which is a very undersized and fast team. The Pioneers don't have one explosive player like Jack Eichel, nor do they have a line that matches pound for pound with skill and size like Providence's entire team. Denver got beat because they were just too small. Normally being small is a good thing, but when everyone is above 6'0" on the other side, it makes getting shots to the 6'5" goalie even harder. One shouldn't forget that when Gillies sets himself up to play a shot his shoulders are still above the cross bar. He's absolutely huge, so I still don't understand how Providence didn't take Hockey East.
Then there is North Dakota. I figured after the double loss in the NCHC games that they would be done. Somehow they found their stride and beat the very team that sent them to the consolation bracket in St. Cloud State. They look like a monster team. The problem for both Providence and North Dakota is they played in regional's where they were either the host or had the game in their back yard. North Dakota had both, Providence the latter. Neither will get that opportunity as Boston will unlikely be swarming with red and white jerseys chanting Boston University.
Unlike Quinnipiac and St. Cloud State, Boston University has 4 good lines that can play. North Dakota does too, but they surely won't be penciled in for this win. It's going to be a shitty fight for both teams.
On the other side Providence and Omaha meet in a goaltenders match up. Massa looked strong against RIT as he did in his first game. However, I have watched Providence dispatch two teams which were supposed to be much better than the fryars. Both cases were due to the absolute size of Providence, and I don't expect Omaha to fare much better than DU or Miami. Let's not forget, Miami was a good team before losing Coleman and Czarnik. I still think they were pretty good without both, but definitely not so bad they would allow 6 goals.
I think Providence will advance over Omaha, and I have no idea who will advance on the other side. Though the loss of Mark MacMillian might finally rear it's ugly head and we might see Boston University finally take advantage of an injured UND team.
We will see.
My first reaction was to the way that Michigan Tech played St. Cloud State. I thought it reflected poorly on the conference, and I wasn't too thrilled to see what RIT would bring to Minnesota State. After today, I feel pretty confident in saying the WCHA was all bark and no bite. It's a step up from the Big 10 which was no bark, and no bite.
St. Cloud should have been easy work for the Michigan Tech. But the Huskies of Northern Michigan let off the gas peddle and the Huskies from Central Minnesota saw it as an opportunity to move in the kill. Teams in the WCHA can take the peddle off the gas in conference play. That's because the only teams remaining in that conference were the bottom feeders of the old WCHA and CCHA respectively. Somebody had to rise up. So it's really of no surprise to me that two WCHA teams went down on day 1, even with that being the number one overall seed.
I can't quite wrap my head around RIT this year. Atlantic Hockey almost never puts a good fight into anything. They have the poorest teams which shows every year. They are the last team to get an automatic bid, and as a result get the last seed. They didn't quit though. They gave Omaha a very good run for their money in a game that was really decided by one mis-read by RIT's goalie. That one mistake cost them, but this was really a battle between two goaltenders. I hope RIT's goalie doesn't walk away thinking he did a bad job. His performance today would have been accepted by any other team in the tournament not named North Dakota.
For that matter, I wanted to move to Hockey East. I have been told multiple times throughout the year that BU would be a lock for the Frozen Four. Yet the only thing I hear about BU is "Jack Eichel". How does a one man show make it that far? Well when you don't see BU play much, you would not know that there are more players to this game. BU doesn't have the size of UND, but they have speed and strength.
Providence is another team that I don't understand. They played an average season and then decided to make a go of things in the playoffs. Almost like they were sandbagging. They were not busy playing BU all season, so I really don't know where this team came from. They played a Duluth team which was ranked #3 in the nation before being swept by Denver during conference playoffs.
Then they played Denver which is a very undersized and fast team. The Pioneers don't have one explosive player like Jack Eichel, nor do they have a line that matches pound for pound with skill and size like Providence's entire team. Denver got beat because they were just too small. Normally being small is a good thing, but when everyone is above 6'0" on the other side, it makes getting shots to the 6'5" goalie even harder. One shouldn't forget that when Gillies sets himself up to play a shot his shoulders are still above the cross bar. He's absolutely huge, so I still don't understand how Providence didn't take Hockey East.
Then there is North Dakota. I figured after the double loss in the NCHC games that they would be done. Somehow they found their stride and beat the very team that sent them to the consolation bracket in St. Cloud State. They look like a monster team. The problem for both Providence and North Dakota is they played in regional's where they were either the host or had the game in their back yard. North Dakota had both, Providence the latter. Neither will get that opportunity as Boston will unlikely be swarming with red and white jerseys chanting Boston University.
Unlike Quinnipiac and St. Cloud State, Boston University has 4 good lines that can play. North Dakota does too, but they surely won't be penciled in for this win. It's going to be a shitty fight for both teams.
On the other side Providence and Omaha meet in a goaltenders match up. Massa looked strong against RIT as he did in his first game. However, I have watched Providence dispatch two teams which were supposed to be much better than the fryars. Both cases were due to the absolute size of Providence, and I don't expect Omaha to fare much better than DU or Miami. Let's not forget, Miami was a good team before losing Coleman and Czarnik. I still think they were pretty good without both, but definitely not so bad they would allow 6 goals.
I think Providence will advance over Omaha, and I have no idea who will advance on the other side. Though the loss of Mark MacMillian might finally rear it's ugly head and we might see Boston University finally take advantage of an injured UND team.
We will see.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Horrible Big 10 Hockey
Watch the Big 10 hockey conference games in Detroit? I watched some of it. By the measure of the crowd, many people had better things to do.
In fact, from the looks of it about 17,000 people had better things to do. My guess was around 150 people for the opener and less than 500 for the Michigan vs Ohio State game.
This was a pathetic showing for what has been a pathetic conference. It's not that all of these teams are not trying. Its not that only the tourney winner is guaranteed a spot in the NCAA tourney. It's that these teams alls together represent nothing about hockey that anyone cares.
Look at Michigan. Touted football program and a basketball program with a history back in the day. Their hockey program leads the nation in national championships, yet no one cares.
Take a look at Penn State. New program, so they are building.
Wisconsin should be just disappointed. They have more national championships than their rival, Minnesota, yet no one makes the journey to see them.
Michigan State doesn't get a pass either. They should be right in Detroit for this game. Instead their fans are else where.
This isn't about bad teams, it's about 5 teams who really don't care about hockey and then Minnesota.
I just don't understand how this tourney stay's in Detroit.
In fact, from the looks of it about 17,000 people had better things to do. My guess was around 150 people for the opener and less than 500 for the Michigan vs Ohio State game.
This was a pathetic showing for what has been a pathetic conference. It's not that all of these teams are not trying. Its not that only the tourney winner is guaranteed a spot in the NCAA tourney. It's that these teams alls together represent nothing about hockey that anyone cares.
Look at Michigan. Touted football program and a basketball program with a history back in the day. Their hockey program leads the nation in national championships, yet no one cares.
Take a look at Penn State. New program, so they are building.
Wisconsin should be just disappointed. They have more national championships than their rival, Minnesota, yet no one makes the journey to see them.
Michigan State doesn't get a pass either. They should be right in Detroit for this game. Instead their fans are else where.
This isn't about bad teams, it's about 5 teams who really don't care about hockey and then Minnesota.
I just don't understand how this tourney stay's in Detroit.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Free Agency: What it really means
Sitting on the back porch, in the basement/family room, or at a bar, everyone watches NFL free agency with a great amount of intrigue. Free agency is no longer a place where you just pick up players to plug a hole on some portion of your team. Today's free agents glamor in the amount of money they make, even if it means they will never wear a superbowl ring. That doesn't matter.
A look past the whole championship drive, and one can easily see who ends up as a free agent and why. To find this vast sum of interest which often isn't a summer breeze thought, one should look at where the free agent came from.
Look at all the teams in the NFL. On each team, no matter which one it is, you will find a player that won't see the free agent wire. These are the players who make up either a very important leadership role, or have the intangible skills that are just not worth developing in a player. Either way, a Clay Matthews, Tom Brady, Marshawn Lynch and a host of others have found their last stops as players. They will never likely be released no matter how much they command.
But why would a player such as last year's leading rusher, De'marco Murray, be let go over a receiver who didn't lead the league? Further, why would Detroit's two best Defenders in Ndomokuh Suh and Nick Fairly be allowed to walk? I assure you, it's not because either of these teams don't have the money. Something could easily be worked out.
The problem for all of the players in free agency is they are one teams trash. They are deemed not worth the asking price and/or trouble of retaining for another couple of years. Remember when AJ Hawk was supposed to be the next great linebacker for Green Bay? He's a free agent this year. Like many of his unemployed counterparts, he doesn't have enough steam to stay on his current team.
Not to hard to wonder why these players end up in free agency.
A look past the whole championship drive, and one can easily see who ends up as a free agent and why. To find this vast sum of interest which often isn't a summer breeze thought, one should look at where the free agent came from.
Look at all the teams in the NFL. On each team, no matter which one it is, you will find a player that won't see the free agent wire. These are the players who make up either a very important leadership role, or have the intangible skills that are just not worth developing in a player. Either way, a Clay Matthews, Tom Brady, Marshawn Lynch and a host of others have found their last stops as players. They will never likely be released no matter how much they command.
But why would a player such as last year's leading rusher, De'marco Murray, be let go over a receiver who didn't lead the league? Further, why would Detroit's two best Defenders in Ndomokuh Suh and Nick Fairly be allowed to walk? I assure you, it's not because either of these teams don't have the money. Something could easily be worked out.
The problem for all of the players in free agency is they are one teams trash. They are deemed not worth the asking price and/or trouble of retaining for another couple of years. Remember when AJ Hawk was supposed to be the next great linebacker for Green Bay? He's a free agent this year. Like many of his unemployed counterparts, he doesn't have enough steam to stay on his current team.
Not to hard to wonder why these players end up in free agency.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Rivalry edition: Avalanche VS Wild
The NHL season is winding down. It's getting close to playoff time and a few teams are going to be restructuring things over the off season. While we still do have time to think about those options, the most likely final meeting will occur between the Avalanche and the Wild.
I like Minnesota. I'm an Av's fan. I don't like Minnesota because they make smart decisions or because they have a good team. I like Minnesota because they are my Avalanches' rival.
Wait what? How the hell do you like your rival?
Let's back up to discover this. The Detroit vs Colorado rivalry was great because it involved two teams that overspent their earnings each year. During the mid 90's both Colorado and Detroit were always operating from the red while fielding some of the best rosters to ever play the game. Not only did Colorado and Detroit spend, they fought. For me, I'll never forget Chris Osgood and Patrick Roy. But I think most people will remember this rivalry for how it really started: Claude Lemieux. This rivalry was not just an administrative rivalry, it was also an on ice rivalry. You could bet that their would be at least 3 fights in every game. The scoring would be high and the losing team would be run out of town in the media.
Then things changed. The salary cap was slowly put into place. Now neither Colorado or Detroit were ownership rivals. They were both about making smart decisions to gain ground for a playoff spot. This is where Colorado lost. In doing so, Colorado because "just another team" to Detroit. After all, people almost forgot that Detroit is an original 6 team behind all the chaos going on between the two teams. But soon after the salary cap, people remembered. You can't wash away an original six team. It just can't be done. So once the Red Wings moved to the Eastern conference, that rivalry officially ended. It was a good one, but not one meant to last.
Minnesota vs Colorado, that's a whole different monster entirely. The Wild sit atop one of the best hockey hub's in the U.S. while Denver is one of the few teams between Minneapolis and the West Coast.
This doesn't mean much in the whole rivalry. What does mean something is their records against each other. They both have been moderates against each other for most of each others existence. Since the Wild's inception, most pundits put the Wild as an immediate rival of Chicago. The Blackhawks have the history and Minnesota has the players. But that didn't materialize into everything people thought it would be.
Then came the hit. Just like when Claude Lemiuex hit his Detroit counterpart, Matt Cooke took out Tyson Barrie. As an Avalanche fan I was pissed. The roll Colorado was on seemed to end that day. Minnesota won the series and nobody seemed to receive payment from the Avs. It almost seemed to be swept under the rug.
Then Minnesota beat the Avs in game 7 to advance. More salt in the wound. Ideally, Minnesota wouldn't and shouldn't think of Colorado as a rival. Rivals have the ability to beat each other. Lately that hasn't been the identifier of the Avs. They couldn't beat a rug if it was hung in their face.
However this rivalry is only starting. When I say that, I mean look at the two teams. The folks in the stands hate each other. If an Avalanche player somehow found himself in broken glass situation lying on a wild fans lap, it might be best for the Wild to pull that player out. Just to keep him safe.
It's also worth pointing out that the Wild fans are vicious. I've seen them dance to a losing avalanche team. I've seen them fight in the stands. It goes both ways.
So while this rivalry is only beginning to brew, it's time for the NHL execs to take their head out of their asses and realize that something is brewing in Denver. It's not weed. It's a rivalry.
I like Minnesota. I'm an Av's fan. I don't like Minnesota because they make smart decisions or because they have a good team. I like Minnesota because they are my Avalanches' rival.
Wait what? How the hell do you like your rival?
Let's back up to discover this. The Detroit vs Colorado rivalry was great because it involved two teams that overspent their earnings each year. During the mid 90's both Colorado and Detroit were always operating from the red while fielding some of the best rosters to ever play the game. Not only did Colorado and Detroit spend, they fought. For me, I'll never forget Chris Osgood and Patrick Roy. But I think most people will remember this rivalry for how it really started: Claude Lemieux. This rivalry was not just an administrative rivalry, it was also an on ice rivalry. You could bet that their would be at least 3 fights in every game. The scoring would be high and the losing team would be run out of town in the media.
Then things changed. The salary cap was slowly put into place. Now neither Colorado or Detroit were ownership rivals. They were both about making smart decisions to gain ground for a playoff spot. This is where Colorado lost. In doing so, Colorado because "just another team" to Detroit. After all, people almost forgot that Detroit is an original 6 team behind all the chaos going on between the two teams. But soon after the salary cap, people remembered. You can't wash away an original six team. It just can't be done. So once the Red Wings moved to the Eastern conference, that rivalry officially ended. It was a good one, but not one meant to last.
Minnesota vs Colorado, that's a whole different monster entirely. The Wild sit atop one of the best hockey hub's in the U.S. while Denver is one of the few teams between Minneapolis and the West Coast.
This doesn't mean much in the whole rivalry. What does mean something is their records against each other. They both have been moderates against each other for most of each others existence. Since the Wild's inception, most pundits put the Wild as an immediate rival of Chicago. The Blackhawks have the history and Minnesota has the players. But that didn't materialize into everything people thought it would be.
Then came the hit. Just like when Claude Lemiuex hit his Detroit counterpart, Matt Cooke took out Tyson Barrie. As an Avalanche fan I was pissed. The roll Colorado was on seemed to end that day. Minnesota won the series and nobody seemed to receive payment from the Avs. It almost seemed to be swept under the rug.
Then Minnesota beat the Avs in game 7 to advance. More salt in the wound. Ideally, Minnesota wouldn't and shouldn't think of Colorado as a rival. Rivals have the ability to beat each other. Lately that hasn't been the identifier of the Avs. They couldn't beat a rug if it was hung in their face.
However this rivalry is only starting. When I say that, I mean look at the two teams. The folks in the stands hate each other. If an Avalanche player somehow found himself in broken glass situation lying on a wild fans lap, it might be best for the Wild to pull that player out. Just to keep him safe.
It's also worth pointing out that the Wild fans are vicious. I've seen them dance to a losing avalanche team. I've seen them fight in the stands. It goes both ways.
So while this rivalry is only beginning to brew, it's time for the NHL execs to take their head out of their asses and realize that something is brewing in Denver. It's not weed. It's a rivalry.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Extending Sports Seasons
For about 10 years, every league has talked about adding length to their schedules. The NHL talked it over a bit, then a big strike in 2005 wiped out the season and the talk has been pretty low ever since.
The NBA has talked about changing their structure to reduce back to back games and put the sport into summer.
The MLB doesn't really have room to move their schedule in either direction. Spring training starts at the same time March Madness kicks off and the World Series is tightly scheduled against some of the best NFL games of the year. Not to mention their mid season is already in direct competition with the NBA and Stanley Cup Finals.
The NFL has talked about restructuring their schedule to allow more meaningful games, but not actually adding anything more to the schedule as a whole.
Here is why this is bad:
For the NBA and the NHL we can kill two birds with one stone: Both leagues run off of an 82 game schedule. 41 home, 41 away. I'm guessing this game schedule has something to do with making a profit off of arena's that can host a maximum of 22,000 patrons.
While many will say that more merchandise can be sold and a better profit stream will be made, I believe the schedule will make the games unbearable especially in the middle of the season. As it stands, the NHL comes out of the season opener with teams fired up to play their first 20 games. During that time it's pure nostalgia. Fans clamor to the arena to see a fast pace game with many of the stars billed on the roster. Injuries are not really a problem and no one is saving themselves for the end of the season.
Mid way through is a different story. Just about every team begins to back off and the best teams are no where near as good as they were at the start. The worst teams are just that much worse because they are playing awful. During the final 20 games, the pace picks up and the best teams get closer to where they started. The bottom teams completely drop off, and the mid tier teams make games interesting as they are fighting for a playoff spot. Then the playoffs start and it's the best 2 months in all of hockey.
The same is said for the NBA. I mean who want's to see slouching grade A teams playing in December knowing that the schedule puts them into a July finish? The other problem facing the NBA is the biggest college basketball playoff happens only 2 months before their final title game. People are already burned out a bit on basketball. Now throw in even more games.
The NFL on the other hand has what appears to be the shortest season of all the major sports. Unlike MLB which seams to last an eternity, the NFL schedule is so short yet the profit margin is so much larger. The biggest question besides player safety is with an extra two meaningful games, would their be a point in October or November when teams start to slouch? Would their be a point when sponsors would pull their money for a certain time because the NFL isn't feasible for profit purposes?
I don't know those answers but I can tell you this: Expanding either the NBA schedule or the NHL schedule would be a big mistake. College sports are making huge strides towards closing the revenue gap between professional and amateur. It's pretty amazing that the college football championship game can fill a stadium normally reserved for the likes of a Super Bowl. That's pretty big. Not to mention more people tune into March Madness than any other time in NBA finals.
So my point: Don't expand. Contract. Make things shorter.
The NBA has talked about changing their structure to reduce back to back games and put the sport into summer.
The MLB doesn't really have room to move their schedule in either direction. Spring training starts at the same time March Madness kicks off and the World Series is tightly scheduled against some of the best NFL games of the year. Not to mention their mid season is already in direct competition with the NBA and Stanley Cup Finals.
The NFL has talked about restructuring their schedule to allow more meaningful games, but not actually adding anything more to the schedule as a whole.
Here is why this is bad:
For the NBA and the NHL we can kill two birds with one stone: Both leagues run off of an 82 game schedule. 41 home, 41 away. I'm guessing this game schedule has something to do with making a profit off of arena's that can host a maximum of 22,000 patrons.
While many will say that more merchandise can be sold and a better profit stream will be made, I believe the schedule will make the games unbearable especially in the middle of the season. As it stands, the NHL comes out of the season opener with teams fired up to play their first 20 games. During that time it's pure nostalgia. Fans clamor to the arena to see a fast pace game with many of the stars billed on the roster. Injuries are not really a problem and no one is saving themselves for the end of the season.
Mid way through is a different story. Just about every team begins to back off and the best teams are no where near as good as they were at the start. The worst teams are just that much worse because they are playing awful. During the final 20 games, the pace picks up and the best teams get closer to where they started. The bottom teams completely drop off, and the mid tier teams make games interesting as they are fighting for a playoff spot. Then the playoffs start and it's the best 2 months in all of hockey.
The same is said for the NBA. I mean who want's to see slouching grade A teams playing in December knowing that the schedule puts them into a July finish? The other problem facing the NBA is the biggest college basketball playoff happens only 2 months before their final title game. People are already burned out a bit on basketball. Now throw in even more games.
The NFL on the other hand has what appears to be the shortest season of all the major sports. Unlike MLB which seams to last an eternity, the NFL schedule is so short yet the profit margin is so much larger. The biggest question besides player safety is with an extra two meaningful games, would their be a point in October or November when teams start to slouch? Would their be a point when sponsors would pull their money for a certain time because the NFL isn't feasible for profit purposes?
I don't know those answers but I can tell you this: Expanding either the NBA schedule or the NHL schedule would be a big mistake. College sports are making huge strides towards closing the revenue gap between professional and amateur. It's pretty amazing that the college football championship game can fill a stadium normally reserved for the likes of a Super Bowl. That's pretty big. Not to mention more people tune into March Madness than any other time in NBA finals.
So my point: Don't expand. Contract. Make things shorter.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Colorado Avalanche Dig 2.0 two point ohhh
It's that time of the year in the NHL. The time where contenders get players, the pretenders stay silent, and the losers cash out players.
This year has been no different. Except my team is a pretender. My team are/is the Colorado Avalanche.
As of March 1st at 11 PM EST, the Avalanche have not done anything with their roster. They have not dumped any players nor have they reached for the sky on players.
This is of concern to me, and I'll tell you why:
The Joe Sakic era begins with observation of a team that just doesn't have the right pieces somewhere. After a full season of watching Joe Sacco tank the Avalanche, Sakic removes Sacco and now a coach is needed for a team that get's the #1 pick in the draft.
Somehow, Joe lures Patrick Roy back to Denver for a head coaching position. This is questionable only in the fact that Roy doesn't have any NHL coaching experience. Of all the people he could have hired, he hires Patrick.
Two years into that hire, I don't think Roy is a bad idea. I just would have been pissed had the rest of this story of season 1 unfolded.
Then with the best pick in the draft, the Avs have so many options. For the entire lead up, well until the entry draft all star game, Seth Jones was considered to be the best option. With a defensive core that doesn't have any backing, a free agent or a high d-man is what the Avs needed.
For months, everyone assumed Seth Jones was the guy. Then, a week prior to the draft Nathan MacKinnon shows up at the prospects game. He revs up every GM and it's all but certain this guy will be going #2 in the draft. Because Seth Jones is going to Denver.
Wait...that didn't happen. Sakic took Nathan MacKinnon and left everyone guessing at who would be the free agent D man. It was Stuart....NOOOOOO!
So this season is all but a wash, and hey guess what!? The avs are sucking this year and are half way between missing they playoffs and getting in. Yet they are doing NOTHING!
So what can we expect in Free agency? Well, probably nothing.
This year has been no different. Except my team is a pretender. My team are/is the Colorado Avalanche.
As of March 1st at 11 PM EST, the Avalanche have not done anything with their roster. They have not dumped any players nor have they reached for the sky on players.
This is of concern to me, and I'll tell you why:
The Joe Sakic era begins with observation of a team that just doesn't have the right pieces somewhere. After a full season of watching Joe Sacco tank the Avalanche, Sakic removes Sacco and now a coach is needed for a team that get's the #1 pick in the draft.
Somehow, Joe lures Patrick Roy back to Denver for a head coaching position. This is questionable only in the fact that Roy doesn't have any NHL coaching experience. Of all the people he could have hired, he hires Patrick.
Two years into that hire, I don't think Roy is a bad idea. I just would have been pissed had the rest of this story of season 1 unfolded.
Then with the best pick in the draft, the Avs have so many options. For the entire lead up, well until the entry draft all star game, Seth Jones was considered to be the best option. With a defensive core that doesn't have any backing, a free agent or a high d-man is what the Avs needed.
For months, everyone assumed Seth Jones was the guy. Then, a week prior to the draft Nathan MacKinnon shows up at the prospects game. He revs up every GM and it's all but certain this guy will be going #2 in the draft. Because Seth Jones is going to Denver.
Wait...that didn't happen. Sakic took Nathan MacKinnon and left everyone guessing at who would be the free agent D man. It was Stuart....NOOOOOO!
So this season is all but a wash, and hey guess what!? The avs are sucking this year and are half way between missing they playoffs and getting in. Yet they are doing NOTHING!
So what can we expect in Free agency? Well, probably nothing.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
NFL in Los Angeles
If you have not watched the news lately, then be prepared for what I am about to tell you: the NFL WILL be in Los Angeles in five years or less.
This has been a movement which has been brewing since the last NFL team left L.A. Every NFL team to play in L.A. has left because of poor stadium conditions and a fan base which wasn't the most loyal.
Now, three teams are trying to relocate to L.A. because guess what: They don't have the stadium needs they desire. So with these three teams set up to become the next big ticket in L.A., I've decided to break down how they might fare if they actually pull off the move.
First, St. Louis.
The Rams have the best history of any of the three teams. They've won a SuperBowl since leaving and have lost in another. They have players who retired in their stadium, and they pioneered touchdown dances. Over the years, their stadium has fallen into mild disrepair and no longer resembles the indoor behemoths that are found in Dallas, and Phoenix.
Since their last superbowl loss, the Rams have struggled each year. They've garnerned first round draft picks and multiple losing seasons. Fan attendance has been in decline, and the entire franchise is only a mirror of it's late 90's heydays.
I move certainly won't fix the problems the Rams have, but it will give them a fresh start.
San Diego.
Of the three teams, San Diego is the only team that has not been in L.A. before. In fact, San Diego has the best stadium situation of all 3 teams. Why the Chargers would want to relocate North doesn't make much sense. I do not consider San Diego to be doing anything more than bluffing their tax payers into giving them a new stadium.
The Chargers have a prime location with beautiful ocean view that is easily the most affordable among all of these teams.
Oakland.
Oakland is the team that NEEDS to move. The Oakland Coliseum is the worst stadium in the NFL and has been flooded with sewage several times. The Raiders are the only team sharing their field with a baseball team.
Unfortunately for the Raiders, they have the least amount of money. Oakland won't support a new stadium, and the Raiders won't have the money to move. This is why the Charger/Raiders deal makes the most sense. I believe Oakland would eventually lose the battle in L.A. as the Chargers are a much more popular team.
Finally what this means for Los Angeles:
L.A. doesn't want a football team. They have shown this time and time again, yet because of the population the NFL doesn't want to miss out on a big marketing chance.
San Diego is the most popular team to be in the moving discussion. Unfortunately, they probably won't be moving. As of right now, the Rams have the money and the resources to move the quickest. They also require the fewest concessions to get a team into the area.
I don't think this is a move that will result in a team moving out in a couple of years. However this is a move that will require revenue sharing to keep the team afloat the first couple of years.
L.A. isn't a great football market, but they are about to be treated like one.
This has been a movement which has been brewing since the last NFL team left L.A. Every NFL team to play in L.A. has left because of poor stadium conditions and a fan base which wasn't the most loyal.
Now, three teams are trying to relocate to L.A. because guess what: They don't have the stadium needs they desire. So with these three teams set up to become the next big ticket in L.A., I've decided to break down how they might fare if they actually pull off the move.
First, St. Louis.
The Rams have the best history of any of the three teams. They've won a SuperBowl since leaving and have lost in another. They have players who retired in their stadium, and they pioneered touchdown dances. Over the years, their stadium has fallen into mild disrepair and no longer resembles the indoor behemoths that are found in Dallas, and Phoenix.
Since their last superbowl loss, the Rams have struggled each year. They've garnerned first round draft picks and multiple losing seasons. Fan attendance has been in decline, and the entire franchise is only a mirror of it's late 90's heydays.
I move certainly won't fix the problems the Rams have, but it will give them a fresh start.
San Diego.
Of the three teams, San Diego is the only team that has not been in L.A. before. In fact, San Diego has the best stadium situation of all 3 teams. Why the Chargers would want to relocate North doesn't make much sense. I do not consider San Diego to be doing anything more than bluffing their tax payers into giving them a new stadium.
The Chargers have a prime location with beautiful ocean view that is easily the most affordable among all of these teams.
Oakland.
Oakland is the team that NEEDS to move. The Oakland Coliseum is the worst stadium in the NFL and has been flooded with sewage several times. The Raiders are the only team sharing their field with a baseball team.
Unfortunately for the Raiders, they have the least amount of money. Oakland won't support a new stadium, and the Raiders won't have the money to move. This is why the Charger/Raiders deal makes the most sense. I believe Oakland would eventually lose the battle in L.A. as the Chargers are a much more popular team.
Finally what this means for Los Angeles:
L.A. doesn't want a football team. They have shown this time and time again, yet because of the population the NFL doesn't want to miss out on a big marketing chance.
San Diego is the most popular team to be in the moving discussion. Unfortunately, they probably won't be moving. As of right now, the Rams have the money and the resources to move the quickest. They also require the fewest concessions to get a team into the area.
I don't think this is a move that will result in a team moving out in a couple of years. However this is a move that will require revenue sharing to keep the team afloat the first couple of years.
L.A. isn't a great football market, but they are about to be treated like one.
Monday, February 23, 2015
College Hockey: Power Edition
We are about 2 weeks away from the end of regular season college hockey. 2 weeks! That means that at this moment, a good portion of the races in college hockey are in the final stretches with only a few positions really up for grabs.
I normally like to cover every single conference during this edition, but this year I'll briefly touch a couple of conferences and then highlight the NCHC.
First, the Big 10.
I'm very disappointed with the B1G this season. It's probably more to do with Wisconsin than anything, but the traditional teams in this conference will only be Minnesota and Michigan. In all likelihood, WI will ride the dark horse position all the way to a loss at the B1G tourney. Their season will be over, and so might their head coach.
I expect Minnesota and Michigan to be the only teams remaining at the NCAA selection show. Penn State looks good every now and then, but only two will come from the B1G, and I don't think this year will be an upset.
Hockey East has finally settle down. After three years of fielding 4 teams, they will likely sink to 2 or 3 teams this season. BC, BU, and Providence are the 3 right now. Of those, I think BU is tied directly to the success of Jack Eichel. I think BC is a little better prepared, and Providence doesn't possess the same elite level talent it had a year ago.
Hockey East could still be an upset in the tourney, but barring that I don't think we'll see more than 3 teams in post season play.
The WCHA has finally come on strong. Nothing like the old days, but they are surely better than last season. My guess is that Bowling Green drops out with Minnesota State and Michigan Tech the representatives. I don't know how to gauge Michigan Tech. In the past, they have always had trouble against top talent. I don't know if this is due to a relatively weak WCHA, or they are that good.
My pick: WCHA fields 2.
The ECAC has finally come down to earth. Quinnipiac is as strong as they were 2 years ago during their frozen four run. Out side of the bobcats, no one will be representing this conference.
Finally: The NCHC
This has been the year the NCHC has been talking about since it's formation. They talked about power hockey, and that's what this season has been. So many people wrote Miami off after last season, but they came back strong to beat expectations.
First, top tier team: North Dakota. They have played a strong field and have done really well this season. Taking on some of the best talent in college hockey, the no named (formerly Sioux) team has found itself nearing an NCHC regular title. They play well in all situations, but can be shaky when teams present fairly good power plays.
Next: Middle tier teams:
1. Miami: Just because Miami isn't #1 this season, doesn't mean they won't be the last one standing. Like UND, they have the talent to take Boston. Their defense is strong and their offense is steady. They don't have the extra stride in their game that UND does, but they will still show strongly in the NCAA tourney.
2. Denver: I don't really know where to put Denver. They are the kind of team that is on one night, and off the next. With no net minder standing out over this entire season, it's up to the defense to maintain. The Pioneers play well against all teams, but are not in a position to claim of the last spots in the NCHC playoffs. I expect the Pioneers to make the tourney, unfortunately their goaltending situation will need to stead in the next 4 games. This is something that has not happened all season long.
3. Nebraska-Omaha: I like UNO. I like their presence in net, and their team in front of it. They play hard and skate really well. I would say that UNO is a lower mid tier team and can skate hard enough to compete with teams like Miami. They have the push to take down the best, but when the chips are all on the line I don't expect UNO to be able to stay consistent.
4. Minnesota-Duluth: UMD is a team on the brink of being low tier. They have just enough power in their skates to manage decent plays, but lack the overall vision to go end to end. They remind me quite a bit of the 2013-14 Wisconsin team. Power in certain area's but real weaknesses that will likely contribute to their demise.
Lower tier:
1. SCSU: It was only 2 years ago that SCSU was in the frozen four. They've fallen a long way since then. This is probably just a simple attrition problem, but not one likely to be fixed. They have big play ability, but have shadowed this all season long.
2. Western Michigan: Here is a team riding the rocks. Last year they were a team ready to beat down any opponent. This year they have lost their way. I don't think they are too far off from returning to the glory days of 5 years ago, but they have some rebuilding to do. Their season will likely end on Miami's campus.
3. Colorado College: The bottom of the list. The cellar dweller, that is CC. Not every team fires their coach and leaves behind a massive wave of good talent and recruits (DU). CC is rebuilding for a reason. It will likely take 2 more years for Coach Haviland to have his own system all to himself. He's got some of the best goaltending in the NCHC at his disposal, and that's one of the best things to have. CC looks very lost this season. I think this is mostly a clash of the old system with the new. Either way, CC won't give UND much trouble to end the season.
My final picks:
If it were to end today:
Frozen four: North Dakota vs. Quinnipiac and BU vs. Miami
I don't see the Big 10 making a big play this year. I think it's the year of the NCHC. My pick: UND win's it all.
I normally like to cover every single conference during this edition, but this year I'll briefly touch a couple of conferences and then highlight the NCHC.
First, the Big 10.
I'm very disappointed with the B1G this season. It's probably more to do with Wisconsin than anything, but the traditional teams in this conference will only be Minnesota and Michigan. In all likelihood, WI will ride the dark horse position all the way to a loss at the B1G tourney. Their season will be over, and so might their head coach.
I expect Minnesota and Michigan to be the only teams remaining at the NCAA selection show. Penn State looks good every now and then, but only two will come from the B1G, and I don't think this year will be an upset.
Hockey East has finally settle down. After three years of fielding 4 teams, they will likely sink to 2 or 3 teams this season. BC, BU, and Providence are the 3 right now. Of those, I think BU is tied directly to the success of Jack Eichel. I think BC is a little better prepared, and Providence doesn't possess the same elite level talent it had a year ago.
Hockey East could still be an upset in the tourney, but barring that I don't think we'll see more than 3 teams in post season play.
The WCHA has finally come on strong. Nothing like the old days, but they are surely better than last season. My guess is that Bowling Green drops out with Minnesota State and Michigan Tech the representatives. I don't know how to gauge Michigan Tech. In the past, they have always had trouble against top talent. I don't know if this is due to a relatively weak WCHA, or they are that good.
My pick: WCHA fields 2.
The ECAC has finally come down to earth. Quinnipiac is as strong as they were 2 years ago during their frozen four run. Out side of the bobcats, no one will be representing this conference.
Finally: The NCHC
This has been the year the NCHC has been talking about since it's formation. They talked about power hockey, and that's what this season has been. So many people wrote Miami off after last season, but they came back strong to beat expectations.
First, top tier team: North Dakota. They have played a strong field and have done really well this season. Taking on some of the best talent in college hockey, the no named (formerly Sioux) team has found itself nearing an NCHC regular title. They play well in all situations, but can be shaky when teams present fairly good power plays.
Next: Middle tier teams:
1. Miami: Just because Miami isn't #1 this season, doesn't mean they won't be the last one standing. Like UND, they have the talent to take Boston. Their defense is strong and their offense is steady. They don't have the extra stride in their game that UND does, but they will still show strongly in the NCAA tourney.
2. Denver: I don't really know where to put Denver. They are the kind of team that is on one night, and off the next. With no net minder standing out over this entire season, it's up to the defense to maintain. The Pioneers play well against all teams, but are not in a position to claim of the last spots in the NCHC playoffs. I expect the Pioneers to make the tourney, unfortunately their goaltending situation will need to stead in the next 4 games. This is something that has not happened all season long.
3. Nebraska-Omaha: I like UNO. I like their presence in net, and their team in front of it. They play hard and skate really well. I would say that UNO is a lower mid tier team and can skate hard enough to compete with teams like Miami. They have the push to take down the best, but when the chips are all on the line I don't expect UNO to be able to stay consistent.
4. Minnesota-Duluth: UMD is a team on the brink of being low tier. They have just enough power in their skates to manage decent plays, but lack the overall vision to go end to end. They remind me quite a bit of the 2013-14 Wisconsin team. Power in certain area's but real weaknesses that will likely contribute to their demise.
Lower tier:
1. SCSU: It was only 2 years ago that SCSU was in the frozen four. They've fallen a long way since then. This is probably just a simple attrition problem, but not one likely to be fixed. They have big play ability, but have shadowed this all season long.
2. Western Michigan: Here is a team riding the rocks. Last year they were a team ready to beat down any opponent. This year they have lost their way. I don't think they are too far off from returning to the glory days of 5 years ago, but they have some rebuilding to do. Their season will likely end on Miami's campus.
3. Colorado College: The bottom of the list. The cellar dweller, that is CC. Not every team fires their coach and leaves behind a massive wave of good talent and recruits (DU). CC is rebuilding for a reason. It will likely take 2 more years for Coach Haviland to have his own system all to himself. He's got some of the best goaltending in the NCHC at his disposal, and that's one of the best things to have. CC looks very lost this season. I think this is mostly a clash of the old system with the new. Either way, CC won't give UND much trouble to end the season.
My final picks:
If it were to end today:
Frozen four: North Dakota vs. Quinnipiac and BU vs. Miami
I don't see the Big 10 making a big play this year. I think it's the year of the NCHC. My pick: UND win's it all.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Colorado Avalanche Season in Review
Sure, the season isn't over for the Av's. Sure they are not at the top. Sure they are also in the bottom of the standings needing every win just to be looking at post season glory.
I'm an Av's fan. I've been one every since they moved to Denver. I remember the glory days of Roy beating the living shit out of Osgood. I remember watching the "Mission 16W" speech given by Joe Sakic. I'll also never forget the day that Sakic became the only captain of an NHL team not to raise the Stanley Cup first, offering it to Ray Bourque instead.
I remember my first ever game in the Pepsi Center. I remember seeing the Pepsi Center for the first time.
I also remember game 1 of the 2014 NHL playoffs featuring the Avs vs the Wild. I remember the win, and how loud the place was. It was so loud that I heard ringing for 2 days after. Probably the best environment I've ever been in. I also remember being one of the last fans kicked out of the Pepsi Center after the horrific game 7 collapse. I remember Wild fans jumping in joy and dancing in the concourse. It sucked.
I read every review on what the Avs need to do in the off season to make the team better. Almost every one of them had Stastny going away for a big name free agent on D. Little did the writers or myself realize how much Stastny meant to the organization. He was the rock on any line he played on. He was the link between a goal scorer and the puck.
But the bitter realization for Paul didn't come until after opening day. By then most Avalanche fans realized that the organization had balked in the free agency period by not signing a D man to secure the 1st line with Erik Johnson. We've paid over and over for that mistake, and just about everyone saw it coming. The only thing that has stopped the Avalanche from entering full meltdown mode is the combination of Varlamov and Pickard.
The power play has been horrific. I've lost track of the amount of games where the Avs allowed over 40 shots in a game. It's also been a horrific year for scoring. This team is near last coming off a season where Roy won coach of the year, and Varly was in line for the Vezina while MacKinnon took home rookie of the year honors.
There won't be many NHL award trophies for the Avs to collect this year, and if they keep playing like this, they won't have the opportunity to play for the best trophy of them all: the stanley cup.
Here is what I think the Avalanche need to do:
1. Trade Ryan O'reilly. He has made it clear that he doesn't want to be here. He won't sign for less than 6 million a year and we really cannot afford that price. He could be part of a great talk for a defensemen.
2. Jettison Duchene. I've committed a sin! I know! If this happens I'll have two former Avs jerseys. I love Duchene in an Avalanche jersey, but he doesn't match the gritty front man that we've gotten from Landeskog and MacKinnon. Even though MacKinnon is smaller than Landy, he will still fight. Duchene almost seems like Crosby, without the blazing skill.
3. Pick up a long term D man. I think this can be accomplished by doing 1 of the first 2. We need a stable name. Honestly I don't think the Avs have the time to develop another D man. Siemens has been a disaster, and we've only become recently fortunate by having another goalie in the wings should this long term project go into the contract of another goalie.
4. Take more risk in the draft. Duchene and Siemens were both taken in the first round of the same draft. Duchene was sure to be a success, and Siemens was thought to be a 2 year project before coming to the NHL. Not the case.
If the Avs make the playoffs this year, I'll be very happy. If they don't, I hope they address some of these issues this off season rather than watching O'Reilly walk next year. I also think of Duchene as the Patrick Kane of our team. Great skill, but not a leader.
I'm an Av's fan. I've been one every since they moved to Denver. I remember the glory days of Roy beating the living shit out of Osgood. I remember watching the "Mission 16W" speech given by Joe Sakic. I'll also never forget the day that Sakic became the only captain of an NHL team not to raise the Stanley Cup first, offering it to Ray Bourque instead.
I remember my first ever game in the Pepsi Center. I remember seeing the Pepsi Center for the first time.
I also remember game 1 of the 2014 NHL playoffs featuring the Avs vs the Wild. I remember the win, and how loud the place was. It was so loud that I heard ringing for 2 days after. Probably the best environment I've ever been in. I also remember being one of the last fans kicked out of the Pepsi Center after the horrific game 7 collapse. I remember Wild fans jumping in joy and dancing in the concourse. It sucked.
I read every review on what the Avs need to do in the off season to make the team better. Almost every one of them had Stastny going away for a big name free agent on D. Little did the writers or myself realize how much Stastny meant to the organization. He was the rock on any line he played on. He was the link between a goal scorer and the puck.
But the bitter realization for Paul didn't come until after opening day. By then most Avalanche fans realized that the organization had balked in the free agency period by not signing a D man to secure the 1st line with Erik Johnson. We've paid over and over for that mistake, and just about everyone saw it coming. The only thing that has stopped the Avalanche from entering full meltdown mode is the combination of Varlamov and Pickard.
The power play has been horrific. I've lost track of the amount of games where the Avs allowed over 40 shots in a game. It's also been a horrific year for scoring. This team is near last coming off a season where Roy won coach of the year, and Varly was in line for the Vezina while MacKinnon took home rookie of the year honors.
There won't be many NHL award trophies for the Avs to collect this year, and if they keep playing like this, they won't have the opportunity to play for the best trophy of them all: the stanley cup.
Here is what I think the Avalanche need to do:
1. Trade Ryan O'reilly. He has made it clear that he doesn't want to be here. He won't sign for less than 6 million a year and we really cannot afford that price. He could be part of a great talk for a defensemen.
2. Jettison Duchene. I've committed a sin! I know! If this happens I'll have two former Avs jerseys. I love Duchene in an Avalanche jersey, but he doesn't match the gritty front man that we've gotten from Landeskog and MacKinnon. Even though MacKinnon is smaller than Landy, he will still fight. Duchene almost seems like Crosby, without the blazing skill.
3. Pick up a long term D man. I think this can be accomplished by doing 1 of the first 2. We need a stable name. Honestly I don't think the Avs have the time to develop another D man. Siemens has been a disaster, and we've only become recently fortunate by having another goalie in the wings should this long term project go into the contract of another goalie.
4. Take more risk in the draft. Duchene and Siemens were both taken in the first round of the same draft. Duchene was sure to be a success, and Siemens was thought to be a 2 year project before coming to the NHL. Not the case.
If the Avs make the playoffs this year, I'll be very happy. If they don't, I hope they address some of these issues this off season rather than watching O'Reilly walk next year. I also think of Duchene as the Patrick Kane of our team. Great skill, but not a leader.
Sting VS. Triple H WWE Fastlane
I've covered WWE/F for quite a while now. I've watch the fake "wrestling" through it's greatest days, and it's weakest moments.
These days, WWE is nothing more than a show which is not producing. I will relinquish the time as the authority out of power as one of the worst times in recent memory. It was horrible, nothing worse than the random match generator that hosted the show for a night.
Now it's WWE Fastlane. I will be the first to tell you I won't be paying/watching for the show unless Monday Night Raw is cancelled due to inclement weather.
Here is why:
About every 4 weeks (1 month) a new WWE Pay-Per-View is loaded. We get 3 weeks of build up followed by a Raw which features the marquee match ups previewing what we will miss if we don't purchase. A good portion of the time, the lead up to the PPV isn't very good. We see one stable, Rusev, dominating the field but never contending for anything big. Then we get a bunch of B.S matches, and if the Diva's are not going for another title match that is just a show about good looking women.
The problem with fast lane, is that the matches have been promoted for well over a month now. At raw in Denver (I missed and I live here, shame) Stephanie pretty much said that the results of the royal rumble don't matter and Roman Reigns will face Daniel Bryan for the number 1 contender. Here's my problem with this: Daniel Bryan deserves a title defense. He along with Randy Orton never got their shot at redemption. It's only fitting that the Authority kicks Reigns' off the match up to give Bryan his second shot. Really, Roman's chances of being the next big thing fell last year when he had that hernia surgery the night before summer slam. So it's only natural to give the shot to Bryan.
This despite that due to the surgery, Reigns has not faced Rollins or Dean Ambroze to fully cook the Shield.
So you can pretty much expect Bryan to be head lining wwe fastlane, and wrestlemania. I think that will be a garbage match anyways because it's the last major PPV before Seth Rollins has to cash in his briefcase. So this sets up one of two situations: Bryan vs Lesnar with the winner facing Seth Rollins. Or one of the next 3 remaining PPV shows after for Rollins to cash in creating a moment that so many missed. I honestly think the lead up to Wrestlemania will have Rollins pissed at someone leaving no doubt that he cashes in.
Back to Fastlane. Normally in the Raw before a PPV, we get to see the two opponents near each other creating the need to purchase the PPV. Lesnar and the Undertaker before Wrestlemania, Cena and Lesnar before summer slam and the Night of Champions when Cena met face to face and actually brawled on Raw. Then the authority vs team Cena on the Raw before Survivor Series.
Now, we should have had sting vs triple H. Instead we get Triple H vs his mentor, Ric Flair. Raw is about selling the PPV and the lead up to it. This was a horrific gaff that certainly will be felt in the amount WWE doesn't get this weekend.
These days, WWE is nothing more than a show which is not producing. I will relinquish the time as the authority out of power as one of the worst times in recent memory. It was horrible, nothing worse than the random match generator that hosted the show for a night.
Now it's WWE Fastlane. I will be the first to tell you I won't be paying/watching for the show unless Monday Night Raw is cancelled due to inclement weather.
Here is why:
About every 4 weeks (1 month) a new WWE Pay-Per-View is loaded. We get 3 weeks of build up followed by a Raw which features the marquee match ups previewing what we will miss if we don't purchase. A good portion of the time, the lead up to the PPV isn't very good. We see one stable, Rusev, dominating the field but never contending for anything big. Then we get a bunch of B.S matches, and if the Diva's are not going for another title match that is just a show about good looking women.
The problem with fast lane, is that the matches have been promoted for well over a month now. At raw in Denver (I missed and I live here, shame) Stephanie pretty much said that the results of the royal rumble don't matter and Roman Reigns will face Daniel Bryan for the number 1 contender. Here's my problem with this: Daniel Bryan deserves a title defense. He along with Randy Orton never got their shot at redemption. It's only fitting that the Authority kicks Reigns' off the match up to give Bryan his second shot. Really, Roman's chances of being the next big thing fell last year when he had that hernia surgery the night before summer slam. So it's only natural to give the shot to Bryan.
This despite that due to the surgery, Reigns has not faced Rollins or Dean Ambroze to fully cook the Shield.
So you can pretty much expect Bryan to be head lining wwe fastlane, and wrestlemania. I think that will be a garbage match anyways because it's the last major PPV before Seth Rollins has to cash in his briefcase. So this sets up one of two situations: Bryan vs Lesnar with the winner facing Seth Rollins. Or one of the next 3 remaining PPV shows after for Rollins to cash in creating a moment that so many missed. I honestly think the lead up to Wrestlemania will have Rollins pissed at someone leaving no doubt that he cashes in.
Back to Fastlane. Normally in the Raw before a PPV, we get to see the two opponents near each other creating the need to purchase the PPV. Lesnar and the Undertaker before Wrestlemania, Cena and Lesnar before summer slam and the Night of Champions when Cena met face to face and actually brawled on Raw. Then the authority vs team Cena on the Raw before Survivor Series.
Now, we should have had sting vs triple H. Instead we get Triple H vs his mentor, Ric Flair. Raw is about selling the PPV and the lead up to it. This was a horrific gaff that certainly will be felt in the amount WWE doesn't get this weekend.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Why trading Ryan O'Reilly makes sense
It's all about dollars and cents. Or dollar$ and $en$e.
In the curious case of Ryan O'reilly, people like my self who call themselves Avalanche fans are not going to sit in the Av's home arena 20 years from now and talk about #90 going to the rafters. O'Reilly is good. In the right system, he's down right deadly. He's gritty, scrappy, and even for a whole season can take just about zero penalty minutes. He was drafted as a center, but has played mostly wing. That's an understatement of his talent, because he could easily be banging bodies on defense.
Basically, he's one of the biggest names headed into the 2016 free agent market. Let's see if he makes it.
One thing is clear: O'reilly likes his money. Around $6 Million and he is happy. He'll play every minute, and take every shift. Take a look around the league for players who are paid that kind of money. The vast majority are overpaid. Those remaining are clearly there for a reason.
O'reilly doesn't fit either of those, and what a coincidence he doesn't seem to want to fit in Denver either. Now he hasn't pulled the Javon Walker and said in the 3rd person that he wants out of Denver, but given his unrelenting pursuit of cash and the staff to help him get it he's definitely going to be leaving.
The question is: who? The next question is:When?
The who part is just as important as the when. I listened to a radio show the other day talking about this very topic. They said it was not a need for the avs to jettison Ryan and mortgage their playoff hopes to secure a defenseman. Anyone with a half way decent D-man isn't going to just let them walk free. Even the Av's best defender, Erik Johnson, took about 6 years to develop into what he is now. Ever wonder why he wear's the number 6?
So who this will be for is not going to be the next guy standing next to Erik in front of Varly. It also probably won't be the next guy standing next to Tyson Barrie. The av's will likely get someone to play third line and a couple of picks, especially with the D man market the way it is. That really narrows all the picks down, and pretty much puts the Avalanche in a situation to get a player who might match up in salary but not skill. In this situation, that might be Tyler Myers from Buffalo. He hasn't been as productive as once thought. His salary is the same and Buffalo can shed two 2nd round picks for 2 years. I mean considering they will likely be picking top 5 next season.
The minor situation is trading Duchene. Unlike O'reilly, Duchene isn't a 2 way player. If he doesn't have a set up man (see Paul Stastny), he's like a fish out of water. He's got speed and fire, but he doesn't have size and grit. One must also remember that the Avalanche still have that new Nathan MacKinnon toy in town. Seems to me that signing O'reilly long term and dumping dutchy is the smart move. Especially since Ryan can go back to center, and everyone can enjoy Crosby's local protege develop in Denver.
When will this happen? Well that depends on when the Av's want to give up on the post season. They have until the trade deadline, but their post season fate likely won't be decided until another month after that. I don't think the Avalanche have what it takes to be as impressive as last season. I think in the end, they will miss the playoffs with a bad fizzle at the end. That is of course they pull the Rockies style 20 game win streak and blow everyone's mind. In which case, O'reilly won't be worth anything to any other team and he'll either walk in 2016 or get traded for peanuts in 2015.
If the Av's do decide on dumping O'reilly before the end of the season, his stock will remain high. The av's will get a D man, this is pretty much a certainty. The av's won't have the wing grit they had with Ryan and the entire team will be a mirror of the whole reason they drafted MacKinnon in the first place: Had one thing, but didn't have another. In this case they will have all the nuts and bolts to make flashy plays and tape to tape passes, but nothing to keep them honest with a few punches or blue collar work.
The bottom line consensus here is that O'reilly is gone. He's not going to fetch top market value unless the Av's give up some serious security like a 1st round pick or Pickard. So 20 years from now, we may be talking about just the instance that unraveled the Avalanche for 3 straight years. By then the Pepsi Center will be ancient and players jerseys will be held on electronic boards. Perhaps we could buy an ad with Ryan's jersey on it to remind us of what could have been.
#holtznews
In the curious case of Ryan O'reilly, people like my self who call themselves Avalanche fans are not going to sit in the Av's home arena 20 years from now and talk about #90 going to the rafters. O'Reilly is good. In the right system, he's down right deadly. He's gritty, scrappy, and even for a whole season can take just about zero penalty minutes. He was drafted as a center, but has played mostly wing. That's an understatement of his talent, because he could easily be banging bodies on defense.
Basically, he's one of the biggest names headed into the 2016 free agent market. Let's see if he makes it.
One thing is clear: O'reilly likes his money. Around $6 Million and he is happy. He'll play every minute, and take every shift. Take a look around the league for players who are paid that kind of money. The vast majority are overpaid. Those remaining are clearly there for a reason.
O'reilly doesn't fit either of those, and what a coincidence he doesn't seem to want to fit in Denver either. Now he hasn't pulled the Javon Walker and said in the 3rd person that he wants out of Denver, but given his unrelenting pursuit of cash and the staff to help him get it he's definitely going to be leaving.
The question is: who? The next question is:When?
The who part is just as important as the when. I listened to a radio show the other day talking about this very topic. They said it was not a need for the avs to jettison Ryan and mortgage their playoff hopes to secure a defenseman. Anyone with a half way decent D-man isn't going to just let them walk free. Even the Av's best defender, Erik Johnson, took about 6 years to develop into what he is now. Ever wonder why he wear's the number 6?
So who this will be for is not going to be the next guy standing next to Erik in front of Varly. It also probably won't be the next guy standing next to Tyson Barrie. The av's will likely get someone to play third line and a couple of picks, especially with the D man market the way it is. That really narrows all the picks down, and pretty much puts the Avalanche in a situation to get a player who might match up in salary but not skill. In this situation, that might be Tyler Myers from Buffalo. He hasn't been as productive as once thought. His salary is the same and Buffalo can shed two 2nd round picks for 2 years. I mean considering they will likely be picking top 5 next season.
The minor situation is trading Duchene. Unlike O'reilly, Duchene isn't a 2 way player. If he doesn't have a set up man (see Paul Stastny), he's like a fish out of water. He's got speed and fire, but he doesn't have size and grit. One must also remember that the Avalanche still have that new Nathan MacKinnon toy in town. Seems to me that signing O'reilly long term and dumping dutchy is the smart move. Especially since Ryan can go back to center, and everyone can enjoy Crosby's local protege develop in Denver.
When will this happen? Well that depends on when the Av's want to give up on the post season. They have until the trade deadline, but their post season fate likely won't be decided until another month after that. I don't think the Avalanche have what it takes to be as impressive as last season. I think in the end, they will miss the playoffs with a bad fizzle at the end. That is of course they pull the Rockies style 20 game win streak and blow everyone's mind. In which case, O'reilly won't be worth anything to any other team and he'll either walk in 2016 or get traded for peanuts in 2015.
If the Av's do decide on dumping O'reilly before the end of the season, his stock will remain high. The av's will get a D man, this is pretty much a certainty. The av's won't have the wing grit they had with Ryan and the entire team will be a mirror of the whole reason they drafted MacKinnon in the first place: Had one thing, but didn't have another. In this case they will have all the nuts and bolts to make flashy plays and tape to tape passes, but nothing to keep them honest with a few punches or blue collar work.
The bottom line consensus here is that O'reilly is gone. He's not going to fetch top market value unless the Av's give up some serious security like a 1st round pick or Pickard. So 20 years from now, we may be talking about just the instance that unraveled the Avalanche for 3 straight years. By then the Pepsi Center will be ancient and players jerseys will be held on electronic boards. Perhaps we could buy an ad with Ryan's jersey on it to remind us of what could have been.
#holtznews
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Deflate-Gate
Ever since Richard Nixon threw out the issues created in "Water-Gate", every problem has been a something - gate.
Not surprising, the New England Patriots have inspired another "Gate". This time it's the game balls.
Let's recap: Indianapolis players get's the ball and gives it to his equipment manager. Keep in mind this is New Englands actual ball. Indianapolis has their own. The equipment manager gives the ball to an NFL official who gives the ball to a representative for competition.
A couple of days later we have a full blown problem, and yes sir it's the Patriots at the end of it.
Is there a real problem here? Probably not. The issue is that the Patriots got caught in a quagmire. The real issue is that of all the teams who mess with the football, someone got caught in a meaningful game. Even though a fully inflated ball would not have helped the Colts the Patriots are in trouble.
The question is, when did this ball deflation happen. If it happened in between the time the officials examined the ball and the start of the game, this is cheating.
If this happened before the certification from the official's then this is on the NFL. Don't believe for a minute that the NFL won't make this a New England problem.
Either way, good ole Bill will be punished. The question is to what extent?
Bill shouldn't be fired. He should be suspended for this. The problem is, what regulations come from this?
Not surprising, the New England Patriots have inspired another "Gate". This time it's the game balls.
Let's recap: Indianapolis players get's the ball and gives it to his equipment manager. Keep in mind this is New Englands actual ball. Indianapolis has their own. The equipment manager gives the ball to an NFL official who gives the ball to a representative for competition.
A couple of days later we have a full blown problem, and yes sir it's the Patriots at the end of it.
Is there a real problem here? Probably not. The issue is that the Patriots got caught in a quagmire. The real issue is that of all the teams who mess with the football, someone got caught in a meaningful game. Even though a fully inflated ball would not have helped the Colts the Patriots are in trouble.
The question is, when did this ball deflation happen. If it happened in between the time the officials examined the ball and the start of the game, this is cheating.
If this happened before the certification from the official's then this is on the NFL. Don't believe for a minute that the NFL won't make this a New England problem.
Either way, good ole Bill will be punished. The question is to what extent?
Bill shouldn't be fired. He should be suspended for this. The problem is, what regulations come from this?
Monday, January 19, 2015
Monday Night Raw
Yes, you can tell me wrestling at the WWE level isn't a sport. You can tell me it's more of a drama, and therefor shouldn't be on my sportsticker.
Well I still believe it's a sport, and that's all that matters.
This past year (2014) has been a horrible one for WWE. I started watching just prior to Wrestlemania 30. The unlimited show stopper had everything in it. That is, everything except C.M. Punk.
It only got worse from there. Daniel Bryan became a bonifide superstar and attracted some of the largest audience post-punk. Then the Authority had the foresight to strip him of his title and make him match up against other wrestlers. He lost, and they banned him. Unplanned was the injury, leaving WWE scrambling back to Punk. Instead of wrestling on the banner Raw show, Punk left WWE and created a buzz in the community about how bad he had it. Talk about a bad PR move.
While things were still down, the Authority had another awesome trick up their sleeve: They would break up the Shield. Little did they know that prior to one of the biggest matches of the year which would have vaulted Roman Reigns into power, the super samoan would require emergency surgery. Again, busting the brand. With no one out, and limited fire power left the heads began spinning b list superstars to fill the RAW bill.
Needless to say, it didn't work. Then, when everyone thought that WWE couldn't get any worse their only legitimate superstar was written off for a movie. Dean Ambrose. With no one left, and no hope for any come back the creative department came up with an idea: put the controls into the fans. Now really the control didn't go to the fans, they just wanted you to think this. But for 2 months, we didn't see any authority. Why didn't we see any Authority?
STING.
The former WCW champion made his debut on RAW in an un-hyped promotion and helped team Cena shock the wrestling world. Everyone wanted Sting to return, but at his age he really couldn't become the next superstar.
Instead, he bought time. With the time that the Authority was out of power, Ryback, Eric Rowan, and Dolph Ziggler were built into stars. They got just enough time to get people watching WWE, just so that the authority could return AND FIRE THEM.
Why would they fire the A listers? To make you angry enough to want to see them again.
Then, when everything was down and out the Authority was back. They reigned havoc on the Universe.
Now tonight, Sting returns and we are back in order for the new year.
Well I still believe it's a sport, and that's all that matters.
This past year (2014) has been a horrible one for WWE. I started watching just prior to Wrestlemania 30. The unlimited show stopper had everything in it. That is, everything except C.M. Punk.
It only got worse from there. Daniel Bryan became a bonifide superstar and attracted some of the largest audience post-punk. Then the Authority had the foresight to strip him of his title and make him match up against other wrestlers. He lost, and they banned him. Unplanned was the injury, leaving WWE scrambling back to Punk. Instead of wrestling on the banner Raw show, Punk left WWE and created a buzz in the community about how bad he had it. Talk about a bad PR move.
While things were still down, the Authority had another awesome trick up their sleeve: They would break up the Shield. Little did they know that prior to one of the biggest matches of the year which would have vaulted Roman Reigns into power, the super samoan would require emergency surgery. Again, busting the brand. With no one out, and limited fire power left the heads began spinning b list superstars to fill the RAW bill.
Needless to say, it didn't work. Then, when everyone thought that WWE couldn't get any worse their only legitimate superstar was written off for a movie. Dean Ambrose. With no one left, and no hope for any come back the creative department came up with an idea: put the controls into the fans. Now really the control didn't go to the fans, they just wanted you to think this. But for 2 months, we didn't see any authority. Why didn't we see any Authority?
STING.
The former WCW champion made his debut on RAW in an un-hyped promotion and helped team Cena shock the wrestling world. Everyone wanted Sting to return, but at his age he really couldn't become the next superstar.
Instead, he bought time. With the time that the Authority was out of power, Ryback, Eric Rowan, and Dolph Ziggler were built into stars. They got just enough time to get people watching WWE, just so that the authority could return AND FIRE THEM.
Why would they fire the A listers? To make you angry enough to want to see them again.
Then, when everything was down and out the Authority was back. They reigned havoc on the Universe.
Now tonight, Sting returns and we are back in order for the new year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)