Bruins @ Capitals: Game 3 Preview

A lot of people are giving Braden Holtby a lot of credit, and rightfully so to a certain extent, but you you really want to give someone the MOST credit, that would go to the Captials coach Dale Hunter.

The Capitals are known for scoring, not playing defense, and basically choking in the playoffs. Over the first two games the Capitals have played an extremly patient game. They are using a 1-4 attack, which mean only 1 guy forechecking, while the rest shut down the neutral zone. It not the most exciting thing in the world, but it's basically how the Bruins got it done last year.

Boston needs to crash the net harder, they are taking way to many shots from the outside. Rob made the point the other day that they miss Recchi, and he is right. They are missing that guy who will just go in front of the net and try to tip shots coming from the point. When I think of players that can fill that void I think of Marchand. He has the skill set, adn he is tough as nails.

I realy have nothing bad to say about the Bruins goaltending or defense. They just need to keep hitting, and I think they can wear down this Caps team. It's starts night..

Bruins win 3-1
Player of the game: Marchand
Gand starts at 7:30pm

Why Not?

Why not see what GI Joe does for fun?

The Ballad of G.I. Joe from Olivia Wilde

Jacoby DLsbury

After suffering a partial dislocation of his shoulder Friday afternoon, Jacoby Ellsbury was placed on the 15 Day DL. There is, as of yet, no timetable for his return. The Sox don't even seem to be sure how partial the dislocation was, or whether or not Ellsbury should undergo surgery.

The Sox really didn't need this. They're already very weak in the outfield, and already have some potential holes in the lineup.

What has me worried is the lack of a timetable. This seems like the kind of injury that is healed when it's healed. And until it feels healed, it's considered injured. There's no test for a doctor to conduct and say "It's all better."

And that means that if Ellsbury takes more than a week to recover, the amateur M.D.s in this town will start questioning his toughness. Ellsbury, probably unfairly, got a reputation for taking his time to return from injury in 2010. So if this shoulder problem takes more than a month to be resolved, expect moans and groans from Red Sox Nation.

And another thing that worries me is Ellsbury himself. What if he feels the need to return as fast as possible to avoid reaffirming that 2010 reputation? What if he returns before the injury is properly and completely better?

I don't mind DL stints in April. Even if they stretch deep into May. But I do mind 60 Day DL stints in September and October.

So take your time, Jacoby. Don't worry what morons say.

-The Captain

Top 25 Under 25: #25 Matt Moore

Born: June 18, 1989 (22 years old)
Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Position: Pitcher

Of the players on my list Moore has the least amount of experience, but I could just not get myself to leave him off the list. When almost ever scout and baseball commentator says that this guy is already one of the better lefties in baseball you know you have something special. I have more then 1 scout say by next year this guy will be up for Cy Youngs. You don't hear that very much.

He is going to go through some growing pains this year, but I fully expect at least 12 wins this year and that's damn impressive for a rookie. I mean look at this kid's stats from the minors last year...

12-3 1.92 ERA 155 innings 210 Ks 46 BBs.

Yea, this kid is going to be a stud, and a good chance he's int he top 10 on our list next year.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Day 5*

Things are getting nuts out there. Bad blood, rats on the ice, and a sad octopus. It was a very entertaining weekend of hockey.

PREDATORS 3, RED WINGS 2 - (Predators lead series 2-1)

The Red Wings only lost 10 times at home in the regular season. The Predators, however, won a huge game in Detroit yesterday afternoon. The Preds have been able to get early leads and force the Red Wings to chase the game. And with Pekka Rinne, any lead is a very safe lead.

Game 4 Tuesday night in Detroit.

FLYERS 8, PENGUINS 4 - (Flyers lead series 3-0)

I hate the Penguins more and more every game. James Neal levels a dirty and late hit on Sean Couturier, injures him, then gets absolutely no penalty for it. The Flyers tried to take care of business themselves (Neal, right after Couturier had been helped off the ice, was messing with Claude Giroux), which got messy. Then Crosby looked like he was trying to initiate a fight with Brayden Schenn, then refused to drop the gloves. Moments later, Crosby tried pulling Hartnell off Neal. Hartnell went after Crosby as if he were anyone else, then Craig Adams becomes the 3rd man in (automatic game misconduct), then fights Hartnell, then pulls Hartnell's hair.

In short, a Pittsburgh player dishes out a dirty hit and injures an opponent. He doesn't get penalized (we've heard this story before, haven't we). Then the Penguins fight dirty. That's if they're willing to fight at all.

Game 4 Wednesday night in Philly.

Go Flyers

PANTHERS 4, DEVILS 2 - (Series tied 1-1)

Nobody took Florida very seriously. They were used as an example of the NHL's imperfect playoff system. Stephen Weiss, who's getting his first taste of playoff hockey in south Florida, scored two Power Play goals. That's pretty impressive against the Devils' PK unit, which was the best in the NHL in the regular season.

Game 3 Tuesday night in Jersey.

Tonight's games:
7:30pm - Rangers @ Senators - CNBC - Tied 1-1
7:30pm - Bruins @ Capitals - NESN/NBC Sports - Tied 1-1
10:00pm - Blues @ Sharks - NBC Sports - Tied 1-1

-The Captain

Bobby V Calls Out Youk

"I don't think he's as physically or emotionally into the game as he has been in the past for some reason," Valentine said in an interview for WHDH-TV's Sports Xtra. "But [Saturday] it seemed, you know, he's seeing the ball well, got those two walks, got his on-base percentage up higher than his batting average, which is always a good thing, and he'll move on from there."

I have defended Bobby V at basically every turn since he has become manager. I think he deserves a chance, and I actually went as far as to say his loud mouth ways was good for the team, because it made him the story instead of the players, but I can't defend this. It just make sense on any level. We ripped ownership for saying they didn't want Crawford, and that really isn't all that different from this. Why are you calling out a guy this early in the season? Does anyone really believe Youk cares less then he used to? I don't think Youk is a guy who would do that. He might be a shell of himself, but I would put that on his injuries from the past and the fact he is getting older. Yes, Youk is hitting .200 this year, but he also has 4 hits in his last 3 games with 3 RBIs, so the timing is odd.

Here is Youk's reponse...

"That's not what I see. I go out every day and play as hard as I can. I take every ground ball in the morning, take every at-bat like it's my last. I don't think my game has changed at all. I still get upset with myself and still get mad. That's just not how I go about my game of baseball. Never have, never will."

"I'm more confused than anything, because I think everyone knows I go out and play the game as hard as I can. That's just my style of play. I never was blessed with the raw tools … so I've always had to use playing the game as hard and with full effort my whole life. I don't know any better, so that's just the way I play."

Pedroia's were even more interesting...

"I know that Youk plays as hard as anybody I've ever seen in my life,"Pedroia said. "I have his back, and his teammates have his back. We know how hard he plays. I don't really understand what Bobby's trying to do. But that's really not the way we go about our stuff here. I'm sure he'll figure that out soon."

"Maybe in Japan or something," he said, referring to Valentine's stint as a manager there. "Over here in the U.S., we're on a three-game winning streak, we want to feel good and keep it rolling. We feel we have a good team and we've just got to get each other's backs and play together. Because if you don't do that, I don't care what sport you're playing, you're not going to win."

Pedroia is right. They are riding a 3 game winning streak against a very good team, and you decide to blast your starting 3rd baseman. It is very odd. Youk isn't in the lineup either (groin injury).

Rays @ Red Sox Preview

Things have turned around quickly for the Red Sox. Their starting pitching looks better, they are hitting the cover off the ball, and even their bullpen has been good. All these things have lead them to a 3 game winning streak against the Rays, who they play again today.

This is one of the stranger games of the year. Every in Mass is in Boston today, it's a Monday day game, and it starts at 11am. On top of that the Red Sox are dealing with Bobby V calling out Youk, who isn't in the lineup today (more on that in a later post).

Boston has Bard on the hill. He was decent in his first game, in which he gave up 5 runs over 5 inning, but actually didn't pitch all that bad. In 18 innings of relief work against the Rays Bard has only let up 2 runs. I don't know how much you can read into that, but it's impressive.

Going against Bard is Shields, who has not been good when having to play in Fenway. Shields is 1-9 with a 6.75 ERA in 10 starts. Boston needs to get on him early, because he is a guy who can go deep into games. I think they do and win again today.

Red Sox win 7-6
Player of the Game: Ortiz
Game starts at 11:05am

94 Celtics, 82 Bobcats

I know it's hard to get excited about winning against a 7 win team, but I am. Doc Rivers sat the big 3 and the Celtics were still able to win the game. Everyone asks what it will be like without the big 3 or if the team will be awful with Rondo being the only star on the team. Let me tell you something, Rondo will be the exact same player but more aggressive. If not for a stinger in the arm Rondo would have played every minute of the game (he played 43), he told Doc before the game he wanted to go the whole game to see his conditioning.

All he did was put up 20 points, 16 assists, 6 rebounds and a steal over 43:14 while pacing Boston to a 94-82 win over the Bobcats. He did have 8 TO, but I believe that can be attributed to the unfamiliarity he has with the non big 3ers.

His main targets were Brandon Bass and Avery Bradley who had 22 points a piece. Steimer had a great game with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 6 blocks.

So much for the tough schedule. The Celtics have played 10 games in 15 days and are 7-3.

Capitals 2, Bruins 1 (2OT)

On the bright side, with just one more goal the Bruins could be up 2-0 in this series. On the not-so-bright, with just one more goal the Capitals could be up 2-0.

As painful as double OT losses are, I'm going to start with a very positive thing I've seen in this series.

Tim Thomas is in Conn Smythe form. Maybe it won't last, but he is fresh and playing at his absolute peak. 2 goals in 144 minutes. He's stopped 96.4% of the shots he's faced. He's averaging less than a goal allowed per game (0.83 GAA).

Statistically, he's been matched by Braden Holtby. In fact, Holtby's save percentage is higher (.977). The 22 year old former Hershey Bear has become one of the biggest stories of the playoffs so far.

But Thomas' saves have been much harder. That's no knock on Holtby, it's a compliment to the Capitals and a criticism of the Bruins' forwards. The Caps are occupying space in front of and around Thomas. The Bruins aren't doing the same to Holtby. Holtby has had the crease to himself.

The B's seem content with peppering Holtby from the perimeter. The Caps seem fine with that too. They're yielding the outside to the Bruins and clogging up the middle. Holtby's given up rebounds that would be juicy if there were anyone in a black sweater to capitalize.

Guys like Marchand, Lucic, Bergeron, and Rolston need to get to the front of the net. Be there for rebounds. And be there to make Holtby's job difficult. Screen him, disrupt him, get him angry. He's already taken a minor for roughing. Push his buttons some more. See if he unravels.

The Bruins have not produced any offense. The Power Play has been crap, and Kelly's line are the only players with points.

Part of the problem might be Bergeron's line being on the ice to face Ovechkin. Seguin, Marchand, and Bergeron were #1, #2, and #5 on the list of Bruins goal scorers. They've been playing in much fewer offensive situations than usual. And lining up against a tough line.

Maybe Seguin can move to the Krejci line. Seguin is a bit out of place when facing Washington's top guys anyway. And his playmaking ability could spark Krejci and/or Lucic. Peverley can move to the Bergeron line which might even make them better defensively.

Lucic and Krejci need to step up. It's the playoffs. Krejci was 1-8 on faceoffs Saturday. He played close to 28 minutes and I can't remember that he was ever on the ice. He's been a ghost.

Considering how well the Bruins have played defensively, and how poorly most of them have played offensively, they deserve to be tied 1-1. The good news is, these are all problems that can be solved internally. Washington has played well, but the B's haven't been making things very tough on them.

Game 3 tonight on NESN and NBC Sports. Not a bad way to end Patriots' Day.

-The Captain

Red Sox Enjoy Home Cooking

Maybe it's the proximity to Popeye's Chicken on Brookline Ave. Maybe it's the warm weather or the comfortable and familiar confines of the ballpark. Whatever it is, the Red Sox are back home, back to winning, and almost back to .500.

The offense has exploded, led by David Ortiz, who added 3 hits, a pair of doubles, an RBI and 2 runs yesterday. He's hitting at a .444 clip. And slugging .694.

The Sox have scored 31 runs in their 3 home games. This after scoring 22 in their 6 road games.

There have been some good pitching performances, too. Beckett tossed a gem on Opening Day (8 innings, 1 run), and the bullpen hasn't allowed a run since the 9th inning of Opening Day. You can feel waves of optimism emanating from Fenway Park. Beckett's back, Buchholz at least managed to go 7, Doubront did okay, and the offense is producing. Why not be positive?

Here's why not: The Sox have been scoring in bunches. Which is good. But it's been either feast or famine. The Sox have scored 53 runs as a team this year. 43 of those came in only 4 games. They've scored 10 runs in their remaining 5 games. More than 80% of their offense has come in less than half their games.

I was more impressed with yesterday's 6 runs than the 13 and 12 scored on Saturday and Friday. Because it was legitimately impressive production. Not just beating up bad pitching. This team's biggest problem last year was consistency. They could jump on subpar pitching, put up big innings, score a dozen runs, and that's great. But then they struggled to consistently score against decent pitching.

And with the rotation as unpredictable as it is, the Sox will win and lose with their bats. And with inconsistent bats, this means that the 2012 Red Sox will be just as streaky, just as inconsistent as the 2011 edition.

Bard faces James Shields this morning, in what should be a very good test for the Sox' hitters.

-The Captain

Why Not?

Why not watch Rob Gronkowski saying he is going to F Tebow To Take his V Card

Couple Of Huskies Going Pro

Both C Andre Drummond and G Jeremy Lamb have decided to leave UConn early and go pro.

Andre Drummond is making a mistake. He wasn't good last year, in fact, he wasn't even memorable. He averaged 10 and 7 last year but UConn but for the type of recruit he was he fell well short of expectations and needs more seasoning in college. I am normally a guy that wants these kids to jump immediately to the pro but Drummond has bust written all over him.

I could be wrong and he can live up to his top 5 pick, but he is really raw and will need time to turn into the hype surrounding him.

Jeremy Lamb on the other hand is ready, he's done everything he needed to do and probably should have left last year.

With those 2 leaving and Alex Oriakhi transferring, UConn is in for a long year next year.

It's Hockey Time!

I have a moral question?

Does it matter if I pick up a team only when they are in the playoffs? I'm not the biggest hockey guy and I'm not the biggest Bruins guy, however, I was intensely rooting for them last night without knowing much about them. The female population probably knows more about hockey than I do. Before last night, I probably couldn't name 6 people on the team.

I watched the Bruins a lot more last year when I lived with a Bruin fan in BMack, but haven't watched 5 minutes of the Bruins until last night. Last year I had my man crush in Michael Ryder (who was the ONLY reason they won the Cup last year) and once they didn't re-sign him, I had nothing to look forward to.

Whatever getting back to the topic, I'm going to be loud and cheer for the Bruins and take them under my wing now that they are in the playoffs. So does that make me a bad person, because I hate me when it comes to Red Sox and Patriot fans.

Josh Beckett Is Kind Of A Dick

So last night I was forced to go to the Liberty Hotel last night, and after I had a couple of drinks in me, I ultimately had to pee. So I go to the bathroom and I notice the guy next to me was Josh Beckett. This is the conversation that took place at the urinal;

Me: Hey Josh
JB: (silence)
Me: Hey, you're pitching tomorrow
JB Flushes
JB: What the fuck do you know!
walks out

I can't confirm or deny that he was drunk, but I can confirm that he's a dick.

It will be very hard for me to get past this and from now on he is my rival.

Bruins 1, Capitals 0 (OT)

Tyler Seguin won the Bruins' 7th Player Award. But that was because of Pink Hat voting. No offense, to Seguin, but Chris Kelly deserved the award. He scored a career high 20 goals, and 39 points this season. He's done all the little things that we've come to expect from the Bruins' 3rd line. And last night, he won the fucking game.

He was put in a position to do so by Tim Thomas. Thomas didn't have to stop many shots (only 17), but he worked hard to stop those shots. His save on Ovechkin in the 3rd was sheer brilliance.

Thomas hasn't allowed a playoff goal since June 13th.

If the Bruins had lost this game, it would have been really, really, really sad. The Bruins outshot the Caps 26-7 at one point, and that wasn't including the 17 shots the Capitals had blocked up to that point.

Brandon Holtby gave up so many soft, juicy, medium-rare served on a sesame seed bun rebounds. And the Bruins lacked a presence in front of the net to capitalize on them.

I missed Mark Recchi. For the first time this season. His front-of-the-net prowess wasn't just due to strength. It was due to his impeccable timing. He knew when to get to the front of the net, when to put the stick on the ice, when to put himself in position to make the play. Holtby's rebounds gave the Bruins numerous tantalizing opportunities, but they didn't move to the front of the net at the right time to capitalize on them.

Timing is everything.

The battle between Ovechkin and Seidenberg was interesting. And I have to give Seidenberg Round 1 on points. But barely. Ovechkin is a new kind of high scoring forward for the Bruins to deal with in the playoffs. He's not Stamkos. He's not a Sedin. He's a 6' 2" 234 pound block of Russian toughness. The kind of toughness that fought and won the grueling Battle of Stalingrad in 1942-43.

The Bruins need to attack Holtby more. Not just token shots from the point. Be patient on the rush, wait to get a body in front of the net, then shoot. Hope for a rebound and it will be there to tap in.

Game 2 Saturday afternoon.

-The Captain

2012 Sports Top 25 Under 25

Ok, so I finally took some time and made a Top 25 Under 25 that we do every year. Last year DP, and I didn't do it someone else did, so there are a couple of changes to the list, so here is a quick list of the rules and my thinking while making the list...

- Has to be under 25 years old as of today 4/12/2012
- Has to have pro experience
- Only players from the 4 major sports (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL)

I have a list done, and it could switch some over the weekend as I think more about it, but we will start with #25 on Monday sometime around noon.

Here are some highlights of my current list:

- Of the 25 players 6 are from the NBA, 4 from the NHL, 8 from the NFL, and 7 from the MLB.
- Here is a quick list of notable players that didn't make my list John Wall, Kyrie Irving, Jason Heyward, Tyler Seguin, Greg Monroe, Ty Lawson, DeMarcus Cousins, Darren McFadden, Nicklas Backstrom, Milan Lucic, Eric Hosmer, Aaron Hernandez. I also chose not to include Anthony Davis, like I said before I wanted at least some pro experience.

As I said before #25 will be announced Monday.

HBO Offers Atlanta Falcons "Hard Knocks"

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Falcons "have been offered the starring role in this season's version" of the behind-the-scenes NFL show. I am kind of surprised with this choice. Not an overly interesting team. I mean I guess Roddy White could be pretty funny, Julio Jones will be fun to watch, nothing wrong with Matt Ryan, but there is nothing that really jumps out at you.

There are a bunch of other teams that would've been more interesting (I am not excluding teams that would never do that...

Eagles
Packers
Bears
Patriots
Giants
Saints
Jets

That's just off the top of my head. I know everyone was hoping for the Jets again, and to be honest I was too, but I don't think they wanted any part of this. They already have a zoo there. The Saints would've been damn interesting, but I bet Goodell didn't want them to have any part of that. Bear would've been awesome with Marshall there now, and Forte all pissed off. I really would like to see the Eagles too, there are so many damn personalities on that team that they would've been interest.

Well, Atlanta so far hasn't accepted, but it will be entertaining no matter who it is and I'm glad it's back.

Looks Like Johnny Damon Found A Home

"The Indians will sign Johnny Damon, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The deal would include a full no-trade clause and allow Damon to opt-out on a specified date after Grady Sizemore returns (MLBTradeRumors)."

It has to be noted that no deal is final yet, so this could somehow not happen. If it does though, I think it's a nice pickup for the Indians. Damon hit .261 with 16 homers 73 RBIs and 19 steals last season for the Rays, so is a very nice stop-gap option for the Indians while they wait once again for Sizemore. I was pretty surprised that no one signed Damon this offseason. I mean those are pretty good numbers, and there are so many teams that could use a guy like this that I was just surprised.

Damon is just 277 hits away from 3,000 for his career.

Stanley Cup Preview: Senators vs. Rangers

It's surprising to see both these teams where they are. They key players on the Rangers are all having great seasons. And the Senators are back in the playoffs much earlier than anyone could have predicted.

Both teams, however, ended the regular season on losing notes. The Rangers lost the President's Trophy to Vancouver, and the Senators fell from 7th to 8th place.

Special teams are normally a factor in the playoffs, but the Rangers' weak Power Play (23rd in the NHL) won't be able to take advantage of Ottawa's mediocre PK unit. Meanwhile, the Rangers' outstanding PK (5th best) should be able to quiet Ottawa's solid Power play (11th best). This series will be determined 5-on-5.

Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best goalies in the NHL. He struggled against Ottawa this season (9 goals in 3 games), but in the past he's always been able to shut down the Senators.

Ottawa has some weapons, and they'll win a few games in this series to make it interesting. But they're too young at key spots, they make too many small mistakes that become breakaway opportunities (which the Rangers are excellent in converting), and the Rangers are just a little bit deeper than they are.

Rangers in 7.

Series schedule:
1: Thursday 4/12 - 7:00pm - OTT @ NYR - NHL Network
2: Saturday 4/14 - 7:00pm - OTT @ NYR - NBC Sports
3: Monday 4/16 - 7:30pm - NYR @ OTT - CNBC
4: Wednesday 4/18 - 7:30pm - NYR @ OTT - CNBC
5: Saturday 4/21 - 7:00pm - OTT @ NYR - NBC Sports
6: Monday 4/23 - tba - NYR @ OTT - tba
7: Thursday 4/26 - tba - OTT @ NYR - tba

-The Captain

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Day 1

Thank you NBC/Universal for broadcasting all the games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on NBC, NBC Sports, CNBC, and NHL Network. This is the greatest sports tournament in the world, and it's nice to be able to watch as much of it as possible.

Flyers 4, Penguins 3 (OT) - Flyers lead series 1-0

This game was decided in the few square feet in front of the net. The Penguins dominated the crease in the 1st period (Chris Pronger's absence was very notable) and went up 3-0. Then the Flyers fought for that real-estate, eventually tying it off a tip in a few feet in front of the net. Then winning it when Jordan Staal let Jacub Voracek sneak in the backdoor. This series was the most hyped, and Game 1 lived up to expectations. And it was just a post and/or an offsides call from going Pittsburgh's way.

Game 2 Friday night.

Predators 3, Red Wings 2 - Predators lead series 1-0

Rinne won this game for Nashville. It wasn't that Howard had a bad game though. Some really freaky bounces allowed Nashville to play with a lead for most of the night. I was actually impressed with how well Detroit played. Howard looked sharp, and they killed all 6 Nashville penalties (including an extended 5-on-3). This series will be pretty good.

Nashville might lose Shea Weber for a game or more. At the end of Game 1, he grabbed Zetterberg's head and bashed it into the glass. This was as the final whistle blew. Every year, the NHL likes to declare that they're clamping down on "message sending" in the playoffs. We'll see if they actually do anything about this message.

Game 2 Friday night.

Kings 4, Canucks 2 - Kings lead series 1-0

Vancouver lives by the Power Play, and last night they died by the Power Play. The Kings scored 2 goals with a man advantage. And despite incessant praise from the announcers, Robert Luongo just wasn't very good. He wasn't bad, but nowhere near as good as his defenders claim he is. The other Canucks were up to their old tricks. Kesler got a penalty for embellishment. Byron Bitz has caught the Canucks' disease and got a 5 minute boarding penalty, and a 10 minute misconduct. The rest of the team generally whined and moaned about only getting 5 Power Plays.

Game 2 Friday night.

Tonight's games:
7:00pm - Senators @ Rangers - Game 1 - NHL Network
7:30pm - Capitals @ Bruins - Game 1 - NESN/NBC Sports
7:30pm - Sharks @ Blues - Game 1 - CNBC
10:00pm - Blackhawks @ Coyotes - Game 1 - NBC Sports

-The Captain

Stanley Cup Preview: Blackhawks vs. Coyotes

The Coyotes won the Pacific Division, but finished dead last in the NHL in attendance. When will the NHL take this prospering team and move it to a city where people actually give a damn about hockey?

Chicago led the League in attendance, by the way.

The Blackhawks should get Jonathan Toews back from a concussion, but who knows how long it will take him to play to form. He's going from rehab to playoff hockey, so he's going from 0 to 100 in half a second.

The Coyotes have a slight edge in goaltending, as well. The generically named Mike Smith had a breakout year with a 2.21 GAA and a .930 SV%.

Chicago gives up a lot of goals (2nd most goals allowed by a playoff team), so if Smith can slow down the Blackhawks' prolific offense just a little, the Coyotes could take advantage of Chicago's inability to prevent goals, and edge out a few games.

Both these teams have struggling PP units, but Phoenix is adept at killing penalties, and Chicago's PK was 27th in the League. That might be bad enough for Phoenix to score a few man-advantage goals.

I can see Phoenix winning this series in several ways. And the only way I see Chicago winning it is if goalie Corey Crawford plays like he did in last year's playoffs. But he hasn't been able to do that since, well, last year's playoffs.

Coyotes in 6.

Series schedule:
1: Thursday 4/12 - 10:00pm - CHI @ PHX - NBC Sports
2: Saturday 4/14 - 10:00pm - CHI @ PHX - NBC Sports
3: Tuesday 4/17 - 9:00pm - PHX @ CHI - CNBC
4: Thursday 4/19 - 8:00pm - PHX @ CHI - CNBC
5: Saturday 4/21 - 10:00pm - CHI @ PHX - NBC Sports
6: Monday 4/23 - tba - PHX @ CHI - tba
7: Wednesday 4/25 - tba - CHI @ PHX - tba

-The Captain

Everett's Own Nerlens Noel Selects Kentucky

If it wasn't already awesome that Kentucky just won the National Championship, it's pretty awesome that a local boy is joining the number 1 recruiting class for the 3rd straight year and a championship winning coach in John Calipari.

Noel is a 6-11 center regarded as maybe the best shot blockers to come from the prep ranks in the last decade and will pick up right where Anthony Davis left off. Kentucky is likely to lose all 5 starters and glue guy Darius Miller. So most likely Calipari will do it again with a young team. Their starting rotation will probably be Ryan Harrow (an NC State transfer at PG), Archie Goodwin the 14th overall prospect, White boy Kyle Wiltjer at SF, number 8th ranked Alex Poythress at PF and Nerlens Noel at the Center.

It sucks SF Shabazz Muhammad got away to UCLA, but what can you do.

Stanley Cup Preview: Sharks vs. Blues

This is a new role for both teams. The Sharks are the 7th seed underdogs and the Blues have the 2nd best record in the NHL.

People think this is the recipe for an upset. The Sharks have no pressure on them, they have some considerable playoff experience, and nobody really knows much about the St. Louis Blues.

The Blues have an excellent tandem of goalies in Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott. They're the two biggest reasons the Blues allowed a mere 165 goals this season (2.01 per game). The next best were the LA Kings at 179 (2.18 per game).

The Blues are also one of two NHL teams with 30+ home wins. The other being the Red Wings, who had a losing road record. The Sharks were a .500 team on the road. It'll be tough for them to win games in Missouri.

And even though the Sharks have won a few series the past few seasons, any team with Joe Thornton carries that expectation of disappointment.

Furthermore, Antti Niemi has struggled to recapture his Cup winning form.

One thing that gives me doubts about St. Louis is that they don't have one true goalie. Two goalies works well in the regular season, but in the playoffs you have to stick to one guy. If I were a betting man, I'd stay away from this series, or even place a few bucks on the Sharks as an underdog.

Blues in 7.

Series schedule:
1: Thursday 4/12 - 7:30pm - SJ @ StL - CNBC
2: Saturday 4/14 - 7:30pm - SJ @ StL - CNBC
3: Monday 4/16 - 10:00pm - StL @ SJ - NBC Sports
4: Thursday 4/19 - 10:30pm - StL @ SJ - NBC Sports
5: Saturday 4/21 - 7:30pm - SJ @ StL - CNBC
6: Monday 4/23 - tba - StL @ SJ - tba
7: Wednesday 4/25 - tba - SJ @ StL tba

-The Captain

Terry Should Go To Tomorrows Fenway Nonsense

I'm not a Terry Francona fan, I was happy he was fired and I never thought that he was that great of a manager to begin with, but there is no denying he was a part of 2 teams that won the championship. The Sox apparently asked him to come for the Red Sox Fenway Park 100th Anniversary and he declined.

As much as I didn't like Francona, I dislike the ownership even more in Henry and Lucchino. Even if he was addicted to pain meds and was distracted, it should never have been leaked. The way they handle smear campaigns after a player/ coach leaves is childish and downright awful.

So why should Francona go? Because he would get the ultimate Fuck You to the ownership. People would go nuts when he would walk out there, his presence would show up John Henry, Larry Lucchino, Bobby Valentine and for that moment, he would gain a ton of satisfaction in knowing that no matter what the higher ups think and tried to do, he will always be loved in Boston by the fans (well mostly).

I get the bitterness and understand it, but he should really bite his tongue and let the public go after all of the ownership.

Bruins vs. Capitals Series Preview

I'll be honest. I'd prefer it if the Bruins were playing against the team from the Canadian capital, not the American one. Simply because the B's matched up very well against the Sens. Ironically, the Bruins beating the Senators last Thursday is why they're not facing them this Thursday.

Washington has been one of the most intriguing teams in the NHL all season. Ovechkin scored 38 goals, but as a whole, the Caps didn't score like they have in the past. They were 10th in the Eastern Conference in scoring.

Tomas Vokoun had a good year and beat the Bruins 3 times, but he's out with a groin injury. Michael Neuvirth is also unavailable. So 22 year old Braden Holtby will be in net. He has 18 career starts and 21 games under his belt. And 0 playoff minutes.

The Capitals' offensive production comes from a few key people. Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, and Jason Chimera accounted for 36% of their team's goals. The first line of Ovechkin, Brooks Laich, and Troy Brouwer combines for 32% of their goals. So if Chara and Seidenberg can shut that line down, Washington loses 1/3 of its offense.

Ovechkin scored about a third of his goals on the Power Play. So if that gets slowed down, Washington will struggle. The Bruins won the Cup last year because they were able to shut down opponents' Power Plays.

The Caps shouldn't be overlooked. They have defensemen that can contribute to the offense (3 with 9+ goals). And they'll be playing with nothing to lose. They won 38 games in regulation and OT this season. The Bruins won 40. This is a team that can win.

This is the Bruins' series to lose. Thomas has looked sharp lately, but was sluggish only a few weeks ago. The Krejci line has been inconsistent all year. There are health concerns on the blue line. Boychuk and McQuaid are very physical players, and without their services, the defense isn't as intimidating.

McQuaid is out for Game 1, and Boychuk will be a game-time decision.

If the Bruins don't jump on Holtby early, or if Holtby stands on his head and wins a game in Boston, then the Caps will feel a surge of life and give the Bruins a tough series. But if the Bruins put Washington down early, they won't come back up for air.

Bruins in 5.

Series schedule:
1: Thursday 4/12 - 7:30pm - WSH @ BOS - NESN/NBC Sports
2: Saturday 4/14 - 3:00pm - WSH @ BOS - NBC
3: Monday 4/16 - 7:30pm - BOS @ WSH - NESN/NBC Sports
4: Thursday 4/19 - 7:30pm - BOS @ WSH - NESN/NBC Sports
5: Saturday 4/21 - 3:00pm - WSH @ BOS - NBC
6: Sunday 4/22 - tba - BOS @ WSH - tba
7: Wednesday 4/25 - tba - WSH @ BOS - NESN

-The Captain

88 Celtics, 86 Hawks

The fight in this team is unbelievable. I was worried about this game big time before it happened. This all had the makes of a loss, the Hawks had 3 days rest before this game, they are a running team, the Celtics were coming off an emotional win in Miami, I would have been upset but would have understood a loss. But this team really does have heart. This may have been one of the sloppiest games the Celtics have won, but everyone is giving their all.

Tonight we got a surprise performance from Mickael Pietrus, He came back from the concussion and Doc said he was only going to play 5 minutes. Well that was a good theory Doc, but he ended up playing 29 minutes, 8 points and great defense on Joe Johnson.

Before I get to the game, I have to mention the officiating. This was one of the worst officiated games I have ever seen in my life. They fouled out KG on a pick in which the Hawks players was draped on him and moments later they fouled out Greg Steimsma when he was fighting for position on Josh Smith. Then with the game dwindling down and Paul Pierce dribbling the ball down with the score 88 -86, he drove past Josh Smith and the called an offensive call on him. It was almost as if the officiating wanted the Hawks to win, it was ridiculous.

But to the game, KG was great again, he had 22 points and 12 boards, Brandon Bass had 21 points and 10 boards. Bass at one point landed on his knee, but he ended up fine. And my MVP Rajon Rondo may not have had the best shooting night, but had yet another triple double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 20 assists, yes that is at least 50 points he directly effected. That is also his 19th Career triple double, 19th game in a row with 10+ assists and moved 2nd in Celtics history in triple doubles. I guess we can all stop the "only tries on nationally televised games, nonsense."

The Celtics have a much needed day off before back to back to back games.

Blue Jays 3, Red Sox 1

Good news: the Sox can't lose for the next 48 hours.

For the second time this season, Jon Lester logged a very good performance. And yet he's 0-1. The bats have been silent for him.

The Sox went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position, continuing an alarming trend. Maybe the timing just hasn't been right. Or maybe the lineup is so full of holes that when good hitters get on base, they have bad hitters to try to knock them in. Maybe the Sox need their best hitters to play like their best hitters.

Then again, the Sox only managed 3 hits today. That's it. All of them singles. The 2 through 6 hitters combined to go 0 for 18. With 1 walk. Ricky Romero looked like an Ace today.

On the bright side, Lester is looking good. He has both of the Red Sox' quality starts.

And on an even more positive note, the Sox bullpen didn't allow a run. Lester pitched all 8 innings today.

Something that's gnawing at me is that I'm not seeing the Sox do the little things much. Throwing runners out on the basepaths, for instance. This team seems to think that they're so talented that they can relax. That they don't need to fight and claw for every out and every base.

It's very uninspiring baseball to watch.

Maybe the Sox can turn things around at home. They host the Rays Friday afternoon. Josh Beckett opposes David Price.

-The Captain

Celtics (33-24, 20-9 home) vs Hawks (34-23, 15-15 away) Preview

Depth Chart

	Atlanta (PPG)	Boston (PPG)
PG	J. Teague 12.6	R. Rondo 12.2
SG	K. Hinrich 6.6	R. Allen 14.2
SF	J. Johnson 18.9	P. Pierce 19.3
PF	J. Smith 18.9	B. Bass 12.2
C	Z. Pachulia 7.8	K. Garnett 15.8
View full depth chart: Atlanta | Boston

Boy, this schedule is just crazy huh? It seems like every night, especially in the second half the Celtics are playing a tough opponent. Tonight is no different, the Hawks are always a tough team and if any player in the NBA Joe Johnson scares the living shit out of me. He's just deadly.

My biggest fear is that the Celtics lay a collective egg after an emotional win at Miami. The good news is that the Celtics are home, where they play significantly better and have a ton of momentum going their way. The Celtics will need to bully around the Hawks and have them lose focus, if you get inside Josh Smith or Jeff Teagues head, they will be easily beatable. KG and Zaza Pachulia is always fun as I'm sure there will be a shoving match at some point.

The matchup of the night is going to be Bradley/Pierce on Joe Johnson. But like always, Rondo is the key to this game, Jeff Teague isn't good, he's not and Rondo is 10 times more cerebral than him. If Rondo can penetrate and make the smart decisions we should be able to take this game and get our well deserved day off before a back to back to back.

Celtics win 92-85
Tommy Award: Paul Pierce

Stanley Cup Preview: Kings vs. Canucks

Congratulations to the Vancouver Canucks on yet another President's Trophy. We're all very impressed here in Boston.

Anyway, the Canucks bring their same old show to the 2012 Playoffs. Outstanding Power Play, high-flying offense, and goaltending that is good but always a meltdown away from massive controversy.

The Kings will try to keep these games low scoring. Their offense is one of the least potent in the NHL. They do have Vezina candidate and Milford, CT native Jonathan Quick. If Quick can steal a game or two, then the Kings could make this 1vs. 8 matchup very interesting.

In net for Vancouver is Roberto Luongo. For now. Cory Schneider is waiting in the wings. Schneider played in 33 games for the Canucks, including 5 relief appearances. His GAA was 1.97.

This goaltending controversy is actually bad news for the Kings. Because if Luongo melts down, Schneider will be there to pick up the pieces.

The Canucks might be without Daniel Sedin, which is a major blow to their chances. But the Kings might be without Jeff Carter. And the Kings are the team that's in desperate need of offensive production.

LA will make it a tough series, but they won't be able to score that pivotal 3rd goal in tight games, at least not enough to win the series.

Canucks in 6.

Series schedule:
1: Wednesday 4/11 - 10:30pm - LAK @ VAN - NHL Network
2: Friday 4/13 - 10:00pm - LAK @ VAN - NBC Sports
3: Sunday 4/15 - 10:30pm - VAN @ LAK - NBC Sports
4: Wednesday 4/18 - 10:00pm - VAN @ LAK - NBC Sports
5: Sunday 4/22 - tba - LAK @ VAN - tba
6: Tuesday 4/24 - tba - VAN @ LAK - tba
7: Thursday 4/26 - tba - LAK @ VAN - tba

-The Captain

VMart Back This Season?

The Tigers say Victor Martinez does not need reconstructive surgery for his ACL. This is actually big news as it was thought he was going to need a 2nd surgery on his knee. Now, this doesn't definitely mean he can make it back at some point this season, but for the first time since his injury there is hope he might actually make his way back. If he was to make it back it wouldn't be until September, and even that isn't all that likely, but the thought would have to have Tigers' fan giddy. Their team looks so good right now and adding VMart to that lineup would only help.

Arkansas Fires Bobby Petrino

"Arkansas fired head coach Bobby Petrino on Tuesday, publicly dressing him down for unfairly hiring his mistress and intentionally misleading his boss about everything from their relationship to her presence at the motorcycle accident that ultimately cost him his job (ESPN)."

This story just kept getting worse. At first it was just a motorcycle accident. Then there was some young girl on the back. Then we found out he lied to the school about the girl. Then we find out the relationship between him and this girl was "inappropriate". Then we find out that Bobby had hired this girl for a position with the school. Then we find out that she was completely unqualified for that position.

He really didn't leave the school much choice here but to get rid of him. It's a big loss for this program, but I really don't see much other option. It was bad enough when it was just infidelity, but you can have a guy hiring girls to bang on your campus (plus lying). I bet he gets another job somewhere in a year or so, but it would be in Arkansas.

Francona Doesn't Want to Return for Fenway's 100th Anniversary

I read a very interesting column by Dan Shaughnessy today. The Red Sox repeatedly invited Terry Francona to Fenway Park's 100th Anniversary next Friday. And Francona repeatedly declined the invitation.

I completely understand and agree with Francona's decision. The Red Sox Front Office used Francona as a scapegoat, then planted stories in the media suggesting he was abusing pain killers. If I'd been let go in my job, and then my former employers spread rumors about me popping pills, I probably wouldn't want to participate in any celebrations held by those employers.

Call me old-fashioned.

The Sox would love to bring Francona back, trot him out as a PR move. It would remind us all of 2004 and 2007. And it would make it seem like all wounds are being healed. They've been very good at welcoming back former players, especially those that the fans loved. Even Nomar was allowed to technically finish his career in a Red Sox uniform.

Instead, Francona will be a notable absence next Friday. The only living man to manage a World Series winner in Boston. And he won't be at Fenway for the park's 100th Anniversary.

It speaks volumes about how things are done on Yawkey Way. It isn't enough to fire and hire people. The Sox feel the need to besmirch the reputations of those they let go. The more the fans love a departing player/coach, the further the Sox go to soil their reputation.

The Sox make business moves, then turn them personal.

The current owners of the Red Sox have done well. They've given the fans two World Series titles. But would you trust them? Would you take them into your confidence? Would you turn your back on them?

I wouldn't.

-The Captain

Stanley Cup Preview: Red Wings vs. Predators

As loaded as Detroit is with familiar names, their fate hinges on Jimmy Howard. The 28 year old goalie missed time with a groin injury, and the slide in Detroit's play was noticeable. The Wings were 35-17-4 with Howard in net. 13-11-2 without him.

The Predators also rely heavily on their goalie. Pekka Rinne played in 73 games but still managed to put up solid numbers. If they do go deep in the playoffs, it will be on Rinne's back.

But they're talented elsewhere. They had the most potent Power Play in the league. Meanwhile, Detroit's PK unit was 18th in the NHL. The Preds should be able to score some key goals with a man advantage.

If Detroit were healthy, I'd pick the Red Wings. But they have a few injury question marks. Nashville plays well at home, Detroit struggles on the road. Nashville will score on the Power Play. Detroit will struggle to stop them.

Predators in 6.

Series schedule:
1: Wednesday 4/11 - 8:00pm - DET @ NSH - CNBC
2: Friday 4/13 - 7:30pm - DET @ NSH - CNBC
3: Sunday 4/15 - 12:00pm - NSH @ DET - NBC
4: Tuesday 4/17 - 7:30pm - NSH @ DET - NBC Sports
5: Friday 4/20 - 8:00pm - DET @ NSH - CNBC
6: Sunday 4/22 - tba - NSH @ DET - tba
7: Tuesday 4/24 - tba - DET @ NSH - tba

-The Captain

Stanley Cup Preview: Flyers vs. Penguins

Apart from the Bruins series, of course, this is the matchup I'm most looking forward to seeing. These divisional rivals don't like each other. They play the game differently. They're both very physical. And they're both very good. Anything less than 7 games with a few OTs, some 8+ combined goal shootouts, and even some fights, and I'll be sorely disappointed with this series.

But who has the edge? Unfortunately, I have to say it's Pittsburgh. That's right, I'm actually rooting for the Flyers here. At least the Flyers are honest about what they are. The Penguins act all high and mighty while they headhunt.

The Penguins have the goaltending advantage. Bryzgalov hasn't had a good postseason since he was a Duck. And Marc-Andre Fleury's reputation is well known.

The Penguins are also healthier. Philadelphia will miss Chris Pronger the most in this series. Meanwhile, all of Pittsburgh's key players are fit and ready to go.

The Flyers are one of the most tenacious teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but Fleury is tough to beat, and the Penguins' health will eventually wear down the Broad Street Bullies.

Penguins in 7.

Series schedule:
1: Wednesday 4/11 - 7:30pm - PHI @ PIT - NBC Sports
2: Friday 4/13 - 7:30pm - PHI @ PIT - NBC Sports
3: Sunday 4/15 - 3:00pm - PIT @ PHI - NBC
4: Wednesday 4/18 - 7:30pm - PIT @ PHI - NBC Sports
5: Friday 4/20 - 7:30pm - PHI @ PIT - NBC Sports
6: Sunday 4/22 - tba - PIT @ PHI - tba
7: Tuesday 4/24 - tba - PHI @ PIT - tba

-The Captain

Red Sox vs Blue Jays Preview

Starting Pitchers
Boston: Lester (0-0, 1.29 ERA)
Toronto: Romero (0-0, 7.20 ERA)

The Sox season hasn't gone to plan so far and are 1-4, in the early season we have pretty much seen every issue go pretty bad for the Sox. Luckily, we have our best pitcher on the mound today. Jon Lester probably would have been 1-0 if he didn't face Justin Verlander game 1.

Today Lester faces off against Ricky Romero, who is no slouch but hasn't had much success against Boston going 2-6 with an 8.08 ERA in his first 11 starts against the Red Sox before beating them twice during Boston's collapse in September. Lester on the other hand has been very good in Canada, he's 9-2 with a 2.71 ERA in 13 starts against the Blue Jays, going 5-0 with a 1.96 ERA in his last six in Toronto.

If that holds true the Sox should be gravy. Lester will pitch well and the offense will get going.

Sox win 5-1
Tommy Award: Jon Lester

Skip Bayless Just Got Served A Dish Of Humble Pie

Daily dirtbag Skip Bayless just got destroyed on ESPN 1st Take by Jalen Rose by calling him out on Bayless' lies of him being a High School sports hero.
Bayless wrote this on twitter;
Tall for age in 9th grade, chosen MVP of state-wide basketball camp over several future D1 players. Decided I was Maravich. Coach disagreed.
March 31, 2012 4:23 pm via web Reply Retweet Favorite
@RealSkipBayless
Skip Bayless
FYI: I started for high school team that lost in state finals. Coach didn't like me b/c I shot too much and he wanted me to be more PG.
A thorough investigation of Bayless' claims by The Lost Ogle revealed that he played on the Junior Varsity team in his junior year and only averaged 1.4 points per game during his senior season. Sports By Brooks reported that Bayless didn't even register any statistics in his team's state final loss.

So it was great when Skip started challenging Jalen he lowered the boom and said, "What were you? Did you average 1.4 points as a senior in high school?" Rose asked, while Bayless tried to deflect the question and move on. "All of that Pistol Pete stuff? Water Pistol Pete Junior."

I normally don't mind Skip Bayless and I do think he is right about some things, however, it was great to watch the awkwardness surrounding that.

I hate when people lie about there glory days when they were nothing in High School. I mean if anything just be honest and say you were a scrub, unfortunately BMack and I can't admit that as we led our High School to Football, Basketball, and Baseball championships. Don't bother doing research on that, it's all true. BMack set records man, records.