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.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
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.
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