- “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.”
- —Mark Twain
- US humorist, novelist, short story author, & wit (1835 - 1910)
Toronto Marlies get stuffed at the one yard line
March 2, 2009
By Louis “King of Roncesvalles” Pisano…
Toronto Marlies vs Grand Rapids Griffins-Ricoh Coliseum March 1st 2009.
The Toronto Marlies played their third game in three nights, which included stops in Lake Erie Friday, where they lost to the Monsters 2-0, and then Saturday night in Hamilton, where they pounded the Bulldogs 7-1. Finally they returned home Sunday to face the division rival Griffins, only to fall just short in a 5-4 losing effort. Justin Pogge was chased from the net at 5:49 of the second period after allowing 3 goals on just 12 shots. Of the nine goals scored between the two teams six were buried during the power play, three for each club.
The Griffins LW # 16 Ryan Oulahen opened the scoring early in the first on his 16th goal of the season, and then on his 17thand second goal of the game coming in the third, he tied the affair at fours, this after the Marlies had battled back from a 2 goal deficit. Oulahen then added an assist on the game winner scored by C #19 Justin Abdelkader at 11:44 of the third. The 2 goals and 1 assist earned him first star honours. Griffins RW #20 Darren Haydar continued his torrid point per game pace adding three assists, giving him 24 goals and 39 helpers for 63 points in 61 games.
Anton Stralman who received the second star of the game and Andre Deveaux each had pair of goals for Toronto in the losing effort. Daniel Larsson the Griffins goal tender apparently stuffed Deveaux’s goal line bid for his third pro hat trick and last second attempt to tie the game, the crowd certainly thought it was in, but the only opinion that counts is the one that comes from the man in the striped shirt. Andre had this to say about the play “Yeah I thought it was in, but ya know, the ref saw something different, so, in the end that’s all that matters, I guess, but I thought it definitely crossed the line.”
Detroit Redwings veteran tough guy and 4-time Stanley Cup winner, Darren McCarty was down with the GRG and talked to me about his recovery while sitting this game out after playing in back to back games, “Yeah I think that not playing in three months and coming off the sports hernia, the decision was made after playing back to back, we had three in four this week so yeah give me a night off not push it too much early on, looking at the big picture.” I had to ask him about his band Grinder to which he commented, “Not much lately it’s been all about hockey, but I’ll always love the music.” McCarty’s arms were covered in tattoos, but even with menacing looks and history, this guy was a real gent to talk too and asked my name and shook my hand after we finished talking, I’m sure a lot of hockey fans are wishing him a speedy recovery and return to the NHL spotlight with the Redwings.
The Toronto Marlies are jockeying with seven other teams that are separated by just 11 points for position in the Western conference, and eventually a playoff berth. The Marlies host Tuuka Rask (Toronto’s former 2005 21st overall pick) and the Providence Bruins (4th Eastern Conf) Wednesday at the Ricoh Coliseum. Hopefully I’ll see ya down there, cheapest ticket is only 10 bucks!
Randy Couture vs. Big Antonio Nogueira: The Final Curtain Call
March 2, 2009
by Stoker Dafire… The great MMA pioneer Randy Couture is coming to the sunset of his career. The horse is saddled up and ready to go but before he mounts that golden steed and rides off, Couture would love to have one more big fight. Even without the recent defeat at the hands of current UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, Couture’s MMA stock has been rapidly dropping. And let’s face it, the UFC shelf life has long expired on his much-anticipated match with top-ranked Russian WAMMA champion Fedor Emelianenko. So the question remains: Who will he fight to top off his historic legacy and bring an end to his long and stoic fighting career? Well, the name that is the latest to be tossed around is Former Pride FC superstar and UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. The rumored fight was first reported as a possibility by MMA Weekly on Thursday after speaking to sources close to Couture, if true it’s expected to take place in August. It’s not up to me make such decisions but, as a fan of this great UFC pioneer, it is my personal opinion that it should be Couture’s last fight. His 46th year of life is approaching and this legendary warrior is getting a little long in the tooth to be playing a young man’s game. Let us now take an historic look back at some of Couture’s greatest fights. Couture won his first heavyweight title in a 1997 match against “Big Mo” Smith. Couture didn’t keep the belt for long however, because shortly after this he was stripped of the title when he could not come to contract terms with the UFC. After leaving the UFC, Couture signed with the Rings organization, based out of Japan, but made a championship return to the UFC Octagon in 2000, to recapture the heavyweight title from Kevin Randleman. Throughout 2001, Couture defended his heavyweight title twice, both times he was victorious in classic wars against a tough Brazilian heavyweight named Pedro Rizzo. After defeating Rizzo he went on to lose the UFC heavyweight title in a fight with Josh Barnett via TKO in the second round at UFC 36 in 2002. Sometimes with victory also comes defeat. After the fight, Barnett tested positive for anabolic steroids and was subsequently stripped of his title. With the heavyweight title vacant, the stage was set; Couture would attempt to regain it against Ricco Rodriguez at UFC 39. Couture initially controlled the fight and was arguably on his way to a decision win, but as fate would have it, Couture suffered a TKO loss to the hard punching Rodriguez in the fifth round. Of course we will never forget his famous light heavyweight trilogy with the “Iceman” Chuck Liddell, who was the dominant UFC champion at the time. These were instant UFC classics with Liddell winning two out of the three battles.
The Earliest 2009 NFL Preview Possible
March 2, 2009
by Thomas Moreland… Welcome to the state of the NFL before free agency strikes. Some teams will benefit from the host of talent suddenly becoming available this week, while others hope the draft solves their deficiencies.
I will go over each division and tell you what to expect in 2009.
AFC North
We will begin with the division that produced our Super Bowl-champion Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers capped off an incredibly difficult schedule by winning the big game as a No. 2 seed in the playoffs, flying in under the radar a bit.
I think the Steelers will continue the dominance we saw last season. Mike Tomlin is a good leader and motivator, and this will be a tough win for most teams in the NFL.
The Ravens will have more experience, but quarterback Joe Flacco can only take them so far. I think this team is again doomed for just a wild card berth and an early exit. Cleveland will make it to 8-8 or maybe even 9-7 if Brady Quinn continues to improve at the quarterback position. Cincinnati will be stuck in last place.
AFC East
Miami should be competitive and perhaps grab a wild card, but I am expecting a bit of a letdown after their resurgent season.
The Jets and Buffalo will not be able to keep pace with New England and Miami this coming season.