Does Montreal Canadiens Alex Kovalev Need a “C” To Perform?
February 3, 2009
“If a player needs a letter to perform, well then, I’ve got a problem with that,” was the comment from Montreal Canadiens head coach Guy Carbonneau after another 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins Sunday afternoon.
“I’m not taking the ‘C’ off Saku’s jersey. That’s it.”
So does Alex Kovalev really need that “C” on his jersey to perform? Is an “A” not enough?
We saw how he performed in the All-Star Game—came out with an MVP performance worthy of that recognition.The Canadiens have played well when he was at the helm with Saku Koivu out.
But now with Koivu back, the Canadiens have slipped, winning only one of their last six games.If Kovalev needs a “C” to perform, then, the Montreal Canadiens are not the team for him.I’ve got nothing against the guy, but he just isn’t the same that he was last season. There’s no sense of passion left over from an 83-point season. And does leadership show through having a letter on the jersey?
I hope not, because then many players in the NHL are in trouble.With the story of Saku Koivu and all the years and memories he has brought to the Canadiens organization, through his battle with cancer to second-round heartbreakers, Koivu is the man the Canadiens chose at the beginning of the decade to lead and they are sticking with him.
Controversial? Oh yeah, we’ve all heard this one before.But if Kovalev needs a letter to increase his goal and point production, I think the solution is clear: ship him.Sure, sounds harsh, but in a hockey-mad city, the Canadiens lose four games in a row and the entire city is freaking out.Just imagine if this season’s St. Louis Blues or Tampa Bay Lightning had these kind of fans. There wouldn’t be any stop to all the lunacy that follows being in the cellar.
And yet with a team in the top eight and now one win in their last six games, the Montreal media need a scapegoat to the Canadiens’ problems.
Simple. Alex Kovalev hasn’t played well with only an “A”.
I’m with Carbonneau on this one.Saku Koivu’s the captain. Not Alex Kovalev.Sure, Koivu has been struggling after a red-hot start, but who doesn’t struggle from time to time?The fact remains—to say that you perform better with a letter is absurd.If you want to perform better with a “C” on your shoulder, Mr. Kovalev, then maybe you’d best be looking for another team.
‘Cause Kaptain Koivu would not be happy.
A Team in Disarray: Raptors GM Holds His Cards Close To His Vest
February 3, 2009
by
Pictures say a thousand words, but this snapshot of Toronto Raptor Chris Bosh says “I give a damn.”
Eight months later, and still no one knows what’s going through the mind of CB4.
Teams around the league have been reacting to the recent report from ESPN personality Steven A. Smith that Chris Bosh recently notified the Raptors organization that he would not be re-signing with the club in 2010.
As expected, Bosh and Colangelo shot down the rumor yesterday. Bosh gave a simple, “No, no, no,” response, while Colangelo seemed frustrated that such garbage could be found on an ESPN forum.
Today, the fans in Toronto prepare to put Bosh’s potential departure behind them as the Raptors face LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
However, one would be advised to use caution before dismissing Smith’s report.
While he named no source, and the timing of the rumor seems strange considering Bosh is coming off one of his worst performances of the season against Orlando, Smith might actually have broken something quite legitimate.
The writing has been on the wall for some time. Unfortunately, athletes are interviewed quite a bit, and are under the public microscope constantly. Most of the time, these players say the right things, however, they do slip at times. This is especially true in a major media market like Toronto.
One might say, Bosh has slipped quite a bit lately.
Three years ago, no one in their right mind would question Bosh’s passion. His head was down after every loss, his eyes at one point even swelled with tears at the sight of the score board.
He has, to some extent, always been someone who took losing very personally, even when he was on a team destined to be in the lottery. This passion was the root cause of the fans’ love affair with him.
It certainly wasn’t his clutch domination.
Three years later, one can’t help but marvel at a laid back Bosh whose team sits at the very bottom of the lesser Central Division of the Eastern Conference.
He isn’t upset. He isn’t yelling at his team mates. He’s asking for refunds on technical fouls, making YouTube videos about anything and everything, and laughing it up in blowout losses.
Steven A. Smith doesn’t need a source. He need only use his eyes.
Former Raptor Vince Carter was a special talent, and a special case. His love affair with the city of Toronto was an example of a man who embraced the city in every way. He was an excellent citizen, a promoter of Canada, and someone who cared little about the glitz and glamor of the United States fan base.
Bosh is a different story. His goals for any season have always been individual. His play has always been selfish. His aspirations have always been his own personal statistics, popularity, legacy, and star status.
He’s never heard the word championship. He’s never heard three years of “we’d like to get out of the first round if possible.” He’s enamoured with the idea of having a team built around him.
Personally, I’m starting to doubt Colangelo shares his enthusiasm.
In this hoopla about staying or leaving, has anyone bothered to assess whether a player like Bosh is worth his $133 million price tag? Can you build a team around a guy who doesn’t defend, can’t create, and is otherwise a rather incomplete offensive player?
We’re not talking Dirk Nowitzki, or even Rasheed Wallace.
We’re talking about a guy who puts up 20 points and pulls down 10 rebounds in both wins and losses, disappears in the deciding moments of games, has twigs for legs, butter on his fingers, and owes at least seven of his twenty some points to bail-out whistles as he drives his child-like frame near the opposing team, who could knock him over with a few good puffs.
To some degree, I proclaim Chris Bosh as the power forward equivalent to Allen Iverson, with half the heart and half the off-court issues.
He’s not Wade, LeBron, Duncan, Garnett, Paul, Howard, Pierce, Nash, or even Joe Johnson.
He’s a more consistent Pau Gasol with less skill, and an inflated ego.
$133 million? I pity the team that thinks he’s worth it.
In a nutshell, I commend Smith for backing his claims, saying that Bosh just wasn’t ready to admit it. While it certainly is fun to throw Smith under a bus, a train, or perhaps a 747, one might wish to take Colangelo’s words with a grain of salt.
This is the same man who called Charlie Villanueva one of his three “building blocks” for the future less than twenty four hours before trading him to the Bucks for TJ Ford. The only thing keeping Bosh in Toronto was Sam Mitchell. He’s now attending “Coaching for Dummies” off the coast of South America.
Since Mitchell’s departure, Bosh’s productivity has dipped considerably, and so has his interest in remaining with Canada’s lone franchise. Expect a deal around the 2009 NBA Draft.
The best part is that Steven A. Smith is actually an analyst for the draft, and I expect him to get up, take a bow and throw cheese doodles on all his hecklers when the deal is announced.
Robbie Keane Escapes Rafael Benitez and His Liverpool Nightmare To Rejoin Spurs
February 3, 2009
Robbie Keane’s six month sojourn at Liverpool ended in dramatic
fashion today as he braved the winter weather and dashed to White Hart
Lane for a medical despite the two clubs having failed to reach an
agreement.
But the i’s were dotted and the t’s crossed later as Spurs agreed to
cancel their debt with Liverpool, some £10m and pay the Anfield club
another £5m depending on appearances.
Effectively making the transfer fee £15m, or a six month loan deal
that cost Liverpool £5m, depending on which way you look at the deal.
Keane’s time at Liverpool did not go the way of the Dubliner’s
wanting, and despite giving his all for the club it quickly became
apparant that Rafael Benitez did not want the Irishman, as exclusivley revealed in Bleacher Report last week.
His treatment of Keane can be compared to “the death of 1,000 cuts”
as the striker was never really given a chance by the Liverpool
maestro. During his 34 game career at Anfield, Keane started 23 times
but only finished a full match five times. His league career was played
19 scored 5, an average of one goal in four games which is quite good
for a player who was never helped by his manager.
The move to Spurs was first mentioned
in mid December as Rafa made it clear for the first time that Robbie
Keane did not figure in his plans. As Christmas came and went the two
clubs danced with each other tentatively before Harry Redknapp set the
ball rolling with his comments to Sky Sports on January 26th where he
expressed an interest.
From then on it was only a formality that the two clubs should agree
a fee, the main sticking point being Keane’s wages which were doubled
from £45k to £90k when he moved to Anfield. Liverpool are believed to
have given in to Spurs demands to pay a portion of Keane’s wages. He is
understood to have taken a drop in wages to £70k per week with
Liverpool picking up £20k.
Keane will be welcomed back to White Hart Lane with open arms by
both Harry Redknapp and the Spurs faithful who feel he was never given
a chance by Benitez and that he will be keen to show what he is made of.
Many Liverpool fans are understandably unhappy with Keane’s forced
exit and for the first time during his reign the fans at Liverpool are
beginning to question his judgement and man management skills
especially as Keane is seen as an innocent victim in Benitez’s war with
Chief Executive Rick Parry.
However the final consequences of this gamble have yet to be
calculated, Benitez may have won this battle by forcing Keane out but
he may lose the war if Liverpool do not win the league.
Robbie Keane will join Jermaine Defoe and Pascal Chimbonda who have
also rejoined Tottenham from Portsmouth and Sunderland respectivley.
All three were key figures under Martin Jol and Juande Ramos was said
to be furious at their forced sales.
Harry Redknapp revealed today that Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy
had never wanted the trio to leave but that he felt obligated to let
Keane chase his boyhood dream in going to Liverpool and that he needed
to back his Director of Football Damien Comolli in Defoe’s and
Chimbonda’s sales.
Damien Comolli was sacked
in a night of the long knives along with Juande Ramos and Gustavo Poyet
after Spurs worst start to a season since 1912. And within hours Harry
Redknapp had been installed as manager.
Redknapp’s impact was instant as Spurs claimed 10 pts from 12 and
then qualified for the next phase of the UEFA Cup, however that good
run came to an end in mid December and Harry moved quickly to bring
Defoe back to Spurs for £15m after he had bought him for Portsmouth 12
months previously for £12m.
Defoe had scored three goals in four games and was on course for a
starting berth in next months League Cup Final against Manchester
United, however a training ground injury where Defoe broke his fifth
metatarsal has ruled him out for the rest of the season, so with goals
being an urgent need Spurs moved to resign Keane.
How this new signing will effect Defoe has yet to be seen as when
the duo were at Spurs the first time they failed to strike a
partnership, and Keane’s continued involvement with the team forced
Defoe to move.
The two strikers will link up with Pascal Chimbonda after he failed
to settle in the North East with Sunderland and the Wearside club
decided it was best to terminate the Frenchman’s contract and let him
return to London on a free transfer.
Chimbonda made his second debut in White at the Reebok against
Bolton on Saturday and he laid on two goals for Darren Bent in the 3-2
defeat.
Spurs have also signed Wilson Palacios from Wigan, the Honduran is a
real throwback to midfielders of old who both attack and defend, and
his signing is probably the most crucial of all four as Spurs were in
desperate need of strengthening in central midfield.
With the signing of Keane and Palacios, it looks grim for Luka
Modric and Tom Huddlestone who have both featured this season. Modric a
big money signing from Croatia Zagreb has not settled as well as
expected and although he has showed some of his undoubted class, all
too often he is bypassed in midfield.
Carlo Cudicini also joined Spurs on a free transfer from Chelsea
after Scolari surprisingly accepted to let the Italian move for free.
Tottenham also made a move for Inter Milan’s Ricardo Quaresma today
but the deal fell through after Jose Mourinho intimated that he wanted
Jermaine Jenas or Aaron Lennon plus cash in return, and after Spurs
offered cash only the Portuguese was offered to Chelsea instead.
One deal fell through at the final moments as Spurs had accepted a
bid from Tony Adam’s Portsmouth for Giovani Dos Santos but the transfer
hit a snag late on and the bid was cancelled.
So all in all a busy transfer window for Spurs, five new players in
even though three of them are familiar faces. The front line and
midfield have been strengthened significantly and Chimbonda’s signing
is seen as a stop gap until Alan Hutton returns from injury.
The all important left sided problem that has dogged Tottenham for
four seasons now has still to be addressed but Redknapp has definitely
taken a step in the right direction with his new additions. And it will
be interesting to see who he pursues in the Summer…should Spurs
survive relegation.
Aussie Open 2009: Rafael Nadal, the Pirate at the Gates of Dawn
February 3, 2009
The Pirate at the Gates of Dawn
Do you remember this old Pink Floyd tune? The Piper at the Gates of Dawn? That’s the song I remembered all day, here is why…
Imagine yourself to be the master and commander of this beautiful kingdom. Everything was perfect except one small clay tomb that was missing, on top of the cathedral, up north outside. You always thought, you will eventually get the clay tomb one fine day in the future.
But other than that, everything was fine…you had what you want, you have a lovely life with a beautiful queen who supports you every step along the way. You love her more than life in itself, you are blessed with a plethora of talent, profuse of class, and grace.
You were No. 1 with some of the most adoring, loyal fans one can ever get, life was always the way it always was supposed to be. You had to encounter certain challenges along the way, but when all is said and done, this was ALMOST a fairy-tale, the one about this beautiful Swiss Kingdom.
But there is a small problem, fairy-tales only exist in our imagination…not reality.
Then one fine morning you woke up, and heard a ratting miles up north, outside the gates. A new, young, yet charismatic pirate was in town, you heard. He was a one trick pony, they said—and at the beginning you paid him no mind, nor should you have.
He kept possession of the clay tomb, that you so much craved for…and years went by, he kept collecting a number of clay tombs. He beat you to it every time. Now, you began to think of him as a problem—more of a one-dimensional, annoying one rather than an ominous one.
You always liked the pirate, and marginally begrudged him for keeping you away from consummate undoubted pantheon of unquestionable greatness…but you still did not think of him as a true rival.
Things changed…
Last June the pirate broke open the front gates of your kingdom. He was no more a one trick pony. It was fine, we thought, it is a big deal yes, but it was probably one of those things, that has a less than decent probability of happening again. The king went on to far Western American lands, and captured more territories. But the pirate was getting closer…
Then yesterday, the pirate broke open the front door, and then it hit the king, in that one moment that this captivating pirate is here to stay. He has broken into your front gates and front door in less than a year. Something had to be done—but you aren’t quite sure on what is it that you can do?
You also know that it is almost unreasonable, if not impossible for you to march into foreign lands and capture them in a heart beat…like you used to three or four years before. Its life, its age and its evolution, you can’t do things at 27, that you did at 20 yeas old, at least not with the same ease.
The moment of realization hit suddenly—and hence for the first time—he king cried on the stage last night. It was hard to watch, and let me stress with NO doubts, it was gut-wrenching to watch for the queen, the king’s courtiers (fans), the pirate…and for his mates (fans) on the ship, docked on the shores. It was hard for all fans of the game (most of all, myself).
The king hurt badly because he practically has had his keys stolen in the last 10 months—if he does not act now, the pirate is going to break into his living room next, and depose the king. What can the king do? Or why is this pirate so rare and unique? Read on…
I wanted to wait a day, before the raw emotions subsided a bit on both sides. It was an incredibly delicate thing Rodge did on stage last evening. There are always two sides to a tale, one side was distraught that Federer broke down in such manner on stage, which was hard to watch, very hard.
The other side felt almost as if, he stole the moment that truly belonged to Rafael (Rafa apologized for winning). That is why, what Federer did after (by saying, I don’t want to have the last word, this guy deserves it) was immensely crucial, almost as if he realized what he had done, and went back and fixed it, in the best manner in which he could.
Do not allow yourself to forget the sheer class of Rafael to go up and put his arm around Federer, and said if he was ready now to speak. That was class, nothing less for it took a big man to do that. Such is the respect they have for each other. You might not like the pirate–but don’t hate him for defeating Rodge, what else is he supposed to do? He did what he did because that is what he was supposed to do, WIN.
To show such class, when a normal human being would have felt like someone stole his moment was quite astounding to watch. The mate-ship (as they called it down under) between the two was showcased under the glowing evening lights of Melbourne.
Another perspective is, he has won 13 slams, and imagine if all the times…if his 13 opponents had cried? How would that have felt? He did not apologize to Roddick, or Hewitt as far as I remember. These are very sensitive questions—and some of them we don’t even want to hear, leave alone answer or think about them.
Do you remember, the 6-0 ,7-6, 6-0 fuse blow out (Hewitt, US 2004 final), I thought of it long and hard for I still (very unfortunately) remember that. Hewitt didn’t bat an eye lid, congratulated Rodge genuinely, attended the presentation ceremony and left Arthur Ashe, after telling Rodge “Good on You Mate,” in his vintage Aussie style. I am sure it was tough for Hewitt too.
I completely recognize different personalities behave in different ways, I am no way criticizing Rodge…for doing what he did, for I am still unsure on what I feel about it. But what I am doing is, merely presenting the various viewpoints out there. Those were the three…
I think through this drama, the match analysis itself was very interesting. Rodge’s break point conversion has been nothing short of horrendous the last year, against Rafael (I am not sure of the correct numbers, but is somewhere along the lines of six of 52).
That was his Achilles Heel last evening too, the third set was of course the most crucial part of the match, those break points he never converted at 4-4, 0-40, and 5-5 ,15-40, was costly, too costly. Once Rafael won the third set, we always knew this was an uphill struggle.
The one thing I time and again told my mates while watching the game was, (forgive me for phrasing it this way, I can’t think of a better way), this kid has balls, sheer onions as balls (as in tennis.com, we call them “wilanders” for it was Mats who first came up with that phrase “Rafael has balls as big as onions.”).
He is intrepid, he told before he believed he can take Rodge on if he stays close to him…and to play the way he did in that third set took courage, raw courage and a true big “Wilanders,” I love him for that. You are facing Rodge, you are not feeling fresh as a daisy, you know you are most probably toast if you lose this set…and he went down swinging. INTREPID.
His perseverance and the ability to play each point without the memory of the previous point, and with the same tenacity is almost unparalleled. He is in Rodge’s head…he is at the center of his head, Rafael got to Rodge by the end of the fourth set, even though Rodge won it, it was almost like it never happened. The psychological toll of playing someone this strong, this tenacious, this intrepid finally told on how Rodge played the fifth set.
Physical limitations are easier to overcome than psychological ones, and this one is going to be harder for Federer. Make sure you enjoy this phase, as he embarks on this post lunch phase of such a scintillating career. How he handles this phase and beyond is probably most crucial in what governs, on whether he is the best ever to have played the game, or one of the best to have graced the courts.
His moves to counter Rafael in the next year and a half, will govern how history judges him—and if he is successful in adapting his game to counter Rafa—then how ironic it is that it is indeed Rafa that made him a better player than what he is now. Rivals push each other to the brink and beyond.
As I told many times before, how two players match up are crucial, ROD does not match up well with Federer. Think about the dead ball play—that vicious cross-court backhand slice that Rodge plays, that has no pace, dips and spins heavily and barely gets off the ground, ROD and Hewitt hate that.
ROD because his backhand cannot consistently get under it, Hewitt because he is your counter-puncher and he loves any ball with pace, this shot has none. It’s a great shot against anyone else, but with Rafael, since he is a southpaw, the same shot goes to his forehand, and we all know that happens then.
He beautifully gets under it and goes after the whiplash cross court forehand. See, why it’s not a good match up? Rafa is a leftie—it is harder for Rodge to play the same slice down the line, the few times he pulled it off—Rafael did struggle to send the ball back. That two fisted backhand of his was ominous as well, and it has improved leaps and bounds, even from how it was two years ago.
Rodge can choose to look at this as a challenge, a mighty tough one at that—or a roadblock to his march towards immortality in the tennis world. A coach definitely helps to at least not needing to do everything yourself…may be?
Killer Cahill told last night that he heard Rodge can be very stubborn when even some of his coaches provide him some advice, well, champions tend to be that way, but may be a second voice in the camp on how to counter Rafael is not such a bad thing.
Let me put it this way, it is something he can try, if it does not work…he isn’t worse off than he is now. A long term coach in the Rodge camp would be something to think of?
I might take a few days off, we have covered OZ beautifully, and thanks to each one of you for contributing. Just a bit toast myself, hence keep it moving, I’ll take a couple of days off—but I’ll keep checking.
Just want each one of you to know that I consummately appreciate each article written, each comment posted and each sentiment expressed. You all always know, that I am a tennis fan at first…and then I take sides.
As I write the last lines of this article, the first slam has come to a closure in one of my favorite places in the world mate—Down Under…and none more fitting than a Federer—Nadal final. Sara’s article last night is a must read for Rodge fans, as am satisfied and thrilled for Rafael…I also want to express my very genuine commiserations to Rodge fans.
It is indeed true…this is a tale about “The Pirate at the Gates of Dawn”…what transpires next will be captivating …
Do allow me to say a humble “Vamos.”
The UFC Vaseline Controversy
February 3, 2009
“Yes, BJ. And how much Vaseline did they spread all over Georges St. Pierre’s body?
(see this picture)
That much, really?
Wow! That is a lot of lubrication!
And you say that you kept slipping off his body and falling to the mat on your back?
Oh, my! How awful for you!
You must have felt so helpless, kind of like a pig walking on ice or like the prince in the fairy tale trying to reach the top of the ice mountain!
Well yes, I did read about it in “Rear Naked News”, but I thought it was just sour grapes because he blew his reputation as an MMA expert in choosing you to win the fight.
Anyone who uses a picture of Randy “The Natural” Couture to hide behind when reporting news and making his own predictions, which are, incidentally, quite the opposite from the authenticated athlete himself is both a coward and a liar.
Thank God with Grandma Dee using her own picture a reader has no chance of mistaking her for an authentic sports celebrity and knows that they are reading a homely old woman’s own opinions, senile though they may be.
Well, BJ, Buddy, I am so sorry I blew the rumors off.
Not long ago I was reporting on Ken Florian’s complaints that Roger Huerta used something called “Albolene” to cut weight for their UFC 87 match up.
Ken Flo claimed that it made Roger just terribley slippery and difficult to hold onto during their fight.
Of course that didn’t keep Kenny from beating Roger rather handily on that occasion.
Indeed, it is too bad that the Vaseline kept you from beating Georges to death Saturday night.
Grandma Dee uses Vaseline (Lavender scented) on her skin to hold in moisture and prevent irritating dryness.
So far Grandpa Mel has still been able to hang onto her, and neither of us has fallen out of bed.
Just a suggestion, though. The next time you try to beat Georges to death, I mean in the case of a rematch, please don’t do it with your face.
Kobe’s New York caper
February 3, 2009
by Louis “The King of Roncesvalles” Pisano…
The big guy for the Lakers down low, Andrew Bynum, who’s been averaging 29.1 mpg, 14ppg, and 8.2 rpg is listed as out indefinitely with a sprained knee, and Kobe knew he had to take the team on his back in his visit to the big apple.
Kobe scored 61 points going 19-31 shooting in his 36:48 on the floor passing his Airness Michael Jordan for the most points scored by an opposing player(previously 55) on the famed court of Madison Square Garden. Kobe also tied Michael Jordan for games at 5 in which they scored over 60+ points.
Kobe is still a far cry away from the pretty much unbreakable record of Wilt Chamberlain who accomplished the feat of scoring over 60 points an unbelievable 32 times in his illustrious career.
The crowd booed Kobe and then chanted MVP at times as well, no matter how much they hate to see their beloved Knickerbockers lose, they are still appreciative of an incredible performance and are true fans of the hard court in New York.
Halfway through the game Mike D’Antoni, the Knicks coach, basically told his players to just get a hand in his face and try to slow him down which obviously had no affect on Kobe’s performance.
Kobe had a meeting with director Spike Lee the Knicks #1 fan after the game.
Kobe said “On a lighter note, I’m going to review this documentary I’m doing with Spike Lee tonight after the game and I didn’t feel like sitting next to him and hearing him talking trash about the Knicks, so that was added incentive as well,” and that, “Seriously. He’s going to get an earful tonight.”
The Lakers won the game 126-117 as LA’s Pau Gasol added 31 points, with Al Harrington leading the scoring for the Knicks with 24 points, followed closely by Eastern conference player of the week David Lee who netted 22 in the losing cause.
Kobe continues to amaze NBA fans around the league with his clutch shooting, soaring dunks, and outstanding feats, and received the Western Conference player of the month award Monday…
Hey Shaq, how do you like them apples!
My Superbowl Wrap-up
February 3, 2009
Good day friends, I hope that you don’t have Superbowl hang-overs. I don’t, but I had a fantastic night!
I got home from work and my special friend was there with some groceries ready for a Super Sunday feast. The original plan had been for some wings and maybe a couple beers. However, the actual spread ended up including BBQ Chicken Wings, Taquitos, Crinkle Cut French Fries, fresh Celery with Ranch dressing and 6 Tall Boys of Coors Light. It was more than a simple boy could have imagined or hoped for.
Celery and Ranch were presented first to snack on while the hot food cooked in the oven. (Which we never use because here is no temperature gauge on the thing at all) The fries were then ready so we sprinkled some salt and vinegar on them, poured some Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce on the plate and ate like kings with our first beer. After the fries were wholly consumed we used the same plate to pile on the wings. The entire box of wings went on the plate and we started eating once again. Bones dropped into a cereal bowl at an almost alarming rate and beer being swallowed to quench thirsts and supplement taste. The last course was the Taquitos. I’m not sure I’d ever had them before, but I can tell you right now that I will have them again. Little tacos wrapped tightly in a cigar type shape, beef and cheese filled and tasty down to the very last bite. We dipped them in Queso Cheese and enjoyed while we moved on to beers number 2 and 3.
Meanwhile, there was a game going on of course. And it was a good one. I was cheering for the Steelers and thought that things were going pretty well for the good guys, but it got dicey there for a few minutes in the fourth quarter. I also said aloud that the under (46.5) was looking good even in the third quarter, but hey, what do I know. It’s a good thing I didn’t have any money riding on things.
The game ended fantastically with Santonio Holmes making a ballet inspired catch in the back corner of the end zone to put the Steelers ahead in the final minute of play and a Steelers fumble recovery with only 5 seconds left to seal the deal.
Overall I can’t say that I wasn’t happy with any part of Superbowl Sunday. It’s a holiday as far as I and many other people are concerned, and a good one at that.
Ritters Rant
February 3, 2009
by Mark Ritter…
Some fight to the death that was…Some things in life are priceless, like watching UFC bigmouth BJ Penn get completely and utterly dominated by George St. Pierre, could there have been a better script than what transpired Saturday night. Penn, who had lost once before to GSP, had the audacity to call GSP a “Coward”, a “Quitter”, a “Bitch”, said he would “Fight to the death” and suggested that GSP was more hype than talent; well bigmouth, what are you saying today? The reality is, Penn has said sweet F-all since the fight, could it be that he is embarrassed because he lost to a “Coward” a “Quitter” a “Bitch”??? What does that make Penn? Penn is a great Champion in his own right, he is an icon in the UFC, but his behavior before and after the GSP fight has been deplorable. Now, to add insult to injury, Penn’s camp has gone and filed a grievance with the Nevada Commission suggesting that GSP had Vaseline on his back, are you for real? Defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, Penn should open wide and take it like the “Bitch” he was Saturday night, you lost, suck it up “Baby J”, show some respect.
The Ottawa Senators have fired Head Coach Craig Hartsburg, nice work! How the hell can you blame Hartsburg for the circus that has been the Senators for the past three seasons, Hartsburg, only coached 48 games…It’s ludicrous! Look, Hartsburg may have been part of the problem, but, the reality is the Senators have a bunch of overpaid forwards that simply are not getting the job done. Coaching is part of the problem, character and effort and accountability are bigger issues. The Senators have more invested in their forwards than the San Jose Sharks, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Bruins- take a look at where those teams are and you’ll understand why the Senators are behind all of them in the standings. Clearly, the Senators needed to clean house here, not just fire the coach, the problem is, who the heck wants a player like Jason Spezza when he has 7 years at $7 Million per left on his contract. Henrik Zetterberg makes less than Spezza and he performs at a much higher level. My question is this, how the heck does that mumbling idiot Bryan Murray keep his job as General manager? The guy has had his head up his rear for two years, just look at the contracts he has signed his players to and the lack of quality free agent talent he has signed, not to mention the Ray Emery debacle or the horrible Joe Corvo trade. Firing Hartsburg may help, but the answers are much deeper for the Sens.
The Montreal Canadians looked more like “Jailbirds” than they did hockey players when they played in what can only be described as bad pajamas on Sunday. What were they thinking? First, the stripes looked brutal, second, the Maple Leaf on the front of the uniforms must have made many Montreal Canadien greats roll over in their graves. Do us a favor NHL teams, the next time you want to bring in a third, fourth or fifth jersey, DON’T!!! For the most part, all of these third jerseys stink! Tradition is what the fans want, not another cash-grab, especially in this economy. Think about it, the same jersey’s have been amongst the best every season, the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers all have great uniforms and great tradition, that’s what makes them so great, the history, a third jersey will never have the history factor, for that reason they will never be embraced, especially if they are as ugly as Montreal’s!
The Pittsburgh Steelers have themselves a 6th Super Bowl, but it says here they were lucky to get it or rather the Arizona Cardinals were unlucky. Hey, I called the Steelers to win last week, but they certainly didn’t dominate the way many felt they would and their number one defence looked rather ordinary, especially in the second half. The cards should hold their heads up high today, they may have lost on the scoreboard, but they gained a ton of respect from football fans everywhere.
Until next week
Peace!
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