Sergio Garcia Could Expose a Flawed World Golf Ranking System

March 12, 2009

by Martin Fitzpatrick… If Sergio Garcia were to win the WGC-CA Championship this week, he could move past Tiger Woods in the World Golf rankings and become the first player to do so since Vijay Singh briefly overtook Woods back in late 2004.

The fact that Garcia could very well become the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world with a win this week clearly demonstrates a problem with the World Golf ranking system.

Although Garcia did have a very strong year in 2008, with wins at The Players Championship, two wins on the European Tour, and a second place finish at The Tour Championship, it doesn’t seem like quite enough to overtake Tiger Woods, or Padraig Harrington for that matter, atop the World Golf Rankings.

Garcia has been very consistent lately; there is no doubt about that.

In fact, he won the Vardon Trophy for the lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour in 2008.

However, true golfing greatness is defined by the way a player performs in the big-time events, particularly the major championships.

Garcia did win the Players Championship in 2008, which is widely regarded as the fifth major.

But, Garcia’s win at the Players Championship was more or less the only big-time win of his career.

Garcia has finished within the top-10 in just two out of the last majors he’s played in; the 2007 British Open and the 2008 PGA Championship.

In the past eight majors he has played in, Garcia has missed the cut three times and was disqualified from the 2007 PGA Championship for signing an incorrect scorecard.

Does two top-10 finishes in the last eight majors sound like a performance worthy of the No. 1 spot in the World Golf rankings?

The fact of the matter is that whatever complicated point system being used for the World Golf rankings clearly does not place enough weight on the major championships.

Padraig Harrington won the year’s final two majors in 2008, but was overtaken by Garcia in the World Golf rankings just a few months later when Garcia won twice on the European Tour.

This more or less indicates that consistent play plus a couple of wins on the European Tour was enough to overtake Harrington in the rankings despite the two consecutive majors he had just won a couple of months earlier.

If Garcia were to win this week and move in to the top spot in the World Golf rankings, he would move past both Harrington and Woods who have combined to win five of the last eight majors.

When evaluating the greatness of a player’s career, we can often put too much emphasis on their performance in four events; the majors.

So, it is good to see the World Golf Ranking system also acknowledges consistently great play in their formula for ranking players.

However, although sometimes we can put too much emphasis on just the majors, the World Golf ranking system appears to not put nearly enough emphasis on the majors.

The fact that Sergio Garcia is in a position to overtake Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington as the world’s No. 1 player despite Woods and Harrington having combined to win 63 percent of the majors over the past two years, demonstrates a flawed criteria for ranking the world’s top golfers.

With a win this week, Sergio Garcia could expose a flawed World Golf ranking system and have a lot of knowledgeable golf fans and analysts scratching their heads.

Don Cherry Creating Storms in Tea Cups

March 12, 2009

by Ben Dover… In recent weeks, reading through the Toronto rags, I have noticed in most sports opinion and fan pages an almost continuous reply and response to Don Cherry’s eccentric opinions. In the Toronto Sun, Steve Simmons even gave old “Grapes” a full page write up. It seems, every Canadian sports fan has got something to say about Cherry, taking him at face value or as a joke.

When I first moved to Canada and first saw Coach’s Corner, I thought it was quite odd to have an affectionate but irreverent parody on Hockey, during a live telecast of an NHL game. It brought a wry smile to my face, much the same way the great Australian sport humorists Roy and HG, or the 12th Man did back home. (See video).

However, unlike the Australian equivalents above, this wasn’t tongue in cheek, this segment was taken seriously.

To an outsider, the man is quite a contradiction, it’s hard to make sense of him.

Is Cherry a performer or a pundit? The distinction is not very clear.

To be sure, I like that he is patriotism about Canada. In a country where patriotism is not particularly encouraged, it is refreshing to see an identity show some Canadian spirit.

He shows great passion towards Canadian players and athletes in general. He is eager to exhibit the strong, tough, and skillful attributes Canadian athletes have in spades.

Unfortunately, he likes to really bag foreigner players, and in the past, Canadians from Quebec.This distracts from his message and makes his opinions seem bigoted and ignorant, further making him less meaningful and less able to take serious.

A recent example of this, is Cherry’s criticism of Alexander Ovechkin and his post goal celebrations. In his opinion, Ovechkin behaviour is similar to what soccer players perform. Over the top and “goofy”. Cherry then compared Canada’s Jarome Iginla’s low key celebrations, making the point that Hockey doesn’t need this excessive jubilation. Canadians don’t go on like this.

The contradiction here is that Cherry is all about pomposity, grandiose, and prima donna behaviour. His outrageous suits, his controversial opinions, his own, on field behaviour (see him behind the Boston bench during his coaching days). It’s like taking economic advice from Bozo the clown.

Why Cherry get’s some much attention is that the NHL is void of any real characters. It is the characters that make a sport. Hockey’s pinup boy Sidney Crosby is about as bland as they get. Yet it’s a systematic problem with quite a few sports, especially Tennis and Golf.

Hockey is a great game, but without the characters to jeer or cheer for, what’s the point of watching?

Sport is theatre, it is a symbolism of war, it needs differing characters to keep people, outside of core hockey audiences watching. It proves that someone like Sean Avery, a villain, isn’t such a bad thing for the game.

Cherry gives hockey an entertaining voice. If you take him at face value or for a giggle, be sure, that even watching another woeful Leafs season, you will get something to smile or grimace about in his weekly ten minutes on a Saturday night.

Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton Returns to Action May 3rd

March 12, 2009

by Stoker Dafire… Their exists an historic Mecca in the north of England that has been home to many great sporting achievements.

Most of those great victory’s are from the country’s premier Football team, Manchester United.

The great MEN Arena in Manchester has also been a proud host to the single greatest triumph in British Boxing history.

On a beautiful spring day in June of 2005 a young–26 year old–English fighter named Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton demonstrated to the world his boxing excellence.

Hatton thoroughly demolished the–unbeatable Australian warrior–Kostya Tszyu in 11 rounds, and catapulted himself high among the ranks of the greatest junior welterweights of all time.

Hatton won the Junior Welterweight Championship of the World in dominating fashion, leaving the long standing champion(Tszyu) totally drained of spirit and will power and unable to finish the last round of the fight.

Prior to the fight, most critics didn’t give the little English underdog much of a chance against the tough Aussie brawler, who had been a stead–fast–assailant among boxing’s pound for pound elite.

Regrettably, I’m also one of many who thought such a task was beyond the scope of the little Englishman’s pugilistic skills.

Tszyu presented a mountainous challenge for Hatton, but he scaled the near vertical crest and stuck in the British flag at the very summit of boxings Junior Welterweight division.

Hatton staked his claim on the 140 pound title right then and there, and he still to this day remains undefeated at Junior Welterweight.

Hattons next boxing challenge is scheduled for May 3rd of this year, and it represents another Mt. Everest in the career of the little “Hitman.”

Manny Pacquiao’s straight left hand has cut through the monotonous drone of boxing critics who said the sport was all but dead; and by presenting an attitude of gratitude the Filipino superstar has almost single handedly saved boxing.

Pacquiao became the first Asian to win titles in five different weight classes including two legitimate ring magazine belts for Featherweight and Junior Lightweight titles.

Pacquiao has–big time left hand power shots–that are arrow straight and seem to come from odd angles; in Dec of last year he punished Oscar de la Hoya with this very weapon which awarded himself another stunning victory.

The may 3rd showdown is just as huge for Pacquaio as it is for Hatton..Pacquiao has never fought at this weight and Hatton practically owns the 140 pound division.

Both these fighters lack good solid defence. Hatton cuts easily and has trouble with slick movers.

On the other hand “Pacman” can be out boxed and is somewhat predictable; which could lead to him being timed and countered coming in.

I’m looking for Hatton to punish Pacquiao to the body, and beat him to the punch; but the biggest factor will be the 140 pound weight class that Hatton has made his bread and butter for 44 straight fights without a loss.

May 3rd and for the rest of his famous career, there will only be one Ricky Hatton; and after all is said and done I’m betting that “The Hitman” will remain as the undefeated 140 pound Champion.

Ron Wilson vs. Howard Berger: Give Rd. 1 to Ronny Boy

March 12, 2009

by Derek Harmsworth… His act long gone stale with the fans and followers of the team, Toronto Maple Leafs beat writer Howard Berger has officially now worn thin with head coach Ron Wilson.

We all know about the incident that happened near the conclusion of the Leafs/Senators game from Monday night. For those who may not, a quick recap: Ron Wilson called for a stick measurement on the cue of Jason Spezza, tipped off by Martin Gerber perhaps.

The stick was deemed to be illegal, and Spezza was given a penalty for it.

Following the game, Wilson defended his decision, saying his young team played their hearts out, and played well enough to win. He was trying to give them that chance to win the game. A chance he, and yours truly, thought they deserved after a solid road effort in Kanata.

Howard Berger, however, didn’t see the cleverness, or the charitable ways of the tactic, and went on record to say that Wilson should have been trying this stuff in November when the games mattered. He even questioned his integrity as a coach for calling for the measurement when he did.

Do I need to say what happens next?

No matter where they are in the standings, no matter how many wins they have on the year, you don’t tell players and coaches that games don’t matter, no matter what time of the year.

And you certainly don’t tell Ron Wilson games don’t matter.

Upon hearing of Berger’s comments, Wilson decided to publicly call out the reporter after Tuesday night’s game. In his customary postgame presser, Wilson was patient, quiet, and methodical. However, once he got his opening…WHAM.

Wilson sounded off on Berger, using the word integrity in a mocking type fashion when answering the question Berger posed. He then went off on about a two-minute tirade about how Berger questioned his integrity.

No question many fans reveled in Wilson’s bashing of Berger, someone who has been on thin ice with Leafs fans for a long time.

You can even credit Wilson for looking away, attempting to answer the next question. He wasn’t able to however, because Berger immediately interrupted with yet another comment.

This is just the latest blemish on the record of Howard Berger. One other most recent incident occurred when he reported that two New York Ranger players told him Sean Avery made a cancer comment to Jason Blake.

It was later denied by any member of the New York Rangers, Avery threatened to sue Berger, and he had to issue a retraction saying it was all fabricated.

Even if the Leafs may not be fighting for playoff positioning, there appears to be plenty to look forward to down the stretch in terms of feuds between figureheads.  Heck, the post game press conference just got a little more popular no doubt.

It’s nothing against Howard Berger on a personal level, but on a professional level this guy lacks many of the qualities that being a journalism entails.

He is not an honest guy and will do whatever he can to get his name out there.

Not that Ron Wilson isn’t a self promoter, mind you. We all know he is, it’s evident in the press conference.

He doesn’t, however, ever run from any statements he has ever made.  That’s probably the difference the two.  One of many I suspect.

News on the Heward-Kolzig Trade

Some quick news on some members of the much talked about trade that seen the Leafs send Richard Petiot to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Jamie Heward, Olaf Kolzig, Andy Rogers and a fourth round pick.

While it was thought at the time this was solely a trade that consisted of cap space for a draft pick, it appears the Leafs may be getting a little more out of this than they thought.

Jamie Heward, injured with a concussion suffered early in the season, is getting increasingly closer to returning to on-ice activity.  According to the Toronto Star, Heward could be about 10 to 14 days away from returning to the practice.

It is unsure whether or not he will see time with the big club or will be sent to the Toronto Marlies for added grit and depth for a Calder Cup playoff run.

Olaf Kolzig is a bit of a different story. The veteran netminder, who is currently recovering from season ending bicep surgery, will meet with doctors next few weeks to see how far along his progress is.

Following that he will meet with Brian Burke and the management team of the Toronto Maple Leafs to see if he can somehow fill a role within the organization for the remainder of the year.

The Maple Leafs would consider having Kolzig hang around the team, in order to mentor their young goalies and players at the NHL level.

It is unclear as to what Kolzig’s plans are after this season, but if he were ready to hang it out, I would suspect the Leafs would find a job for him if he so desired.

Check out Derek’s weekly radio show www.leafstalktoday.webs.com

Arsenal Fans Attacked In Rome But Do Platini and Blatter Even Care?

March 12, 2009

by Maire Ofeire… On a tension packed night in Rome last evening, events on the pitch were once again overshadowed by matters off it.

In a nerve wrecking shoot-out, Arsenal beat their capital counterparts Roma to progress to the quarterfinal stage of the prestigious Champions League competition.

Come May, two sides will return to the Stadio Olimpico to battle it out for the right to be called European Champions of 2009, but should Rome get the honour and financial rewards of hosting such an event?

Owing to violent clashes and racist chants that have marred European games in recent seasons, at the start of this season UEFA announced that it would have no hesitation in moving either the Europa or Champions League final if they felt the well-being of fans was endangered.

Judging by events when Manchester United visited last time, and the events of last night, the safety of away fans visiting Rome is questionable.

Prior to the match, Arsenal fans travelling to the game were each issued a booklet, warning them not to visit certain parts of the city or travel to the game alone.

“If you travel to the stadium independently, please be aware you are at risk,” stated the booklet circulated by Arsenal.

“Do not take trains to the Piazza Flaminio or attempt to use the Ponte Duca D’Aosta bridge as these are habitual routes taken by the ‘Ultras’ (Roma’s hardcore supporters). Please stay away from the Campo De Fiori.”

The fears of the club came to fruition when a bus carrying Arsenal fans to the game was attacked by a large group of Roma fans.

Windows were broken by stones thrown at the bus, as the Roma fans tried to make their way on to the vehicle to attack the travelling support, with one Italian being successful.

In the melee that followed, one Arsenal supporter was injured and required hospital treatment.

A spokesman for the British embassy in Rome said: “He was on board a private bus when they got lost near the stadium. Some Roma fans tried to get on to the bus and in the ensuing fight he got injured in the leg. It’s not clear if the weapon was a knife or a shard of glass from one of the windows on the bus which was broken.”

In the grand scheme of things, this can be considered a minor incident, however, when are UEFA and the powers that be going to grow a set of balls and actually follow through on their threats to severely punish clubs caught up in such behaviour?

As already noted, prior to the tournament UEFA pledged to move a game if they felt the safety of travelling fans was in doubt. Does someone have to be killed before they do so?

Italy is renowned for its extremely violent “Ultras”, which were infamously responsible for the death of a policeman not so long ago, and there have been serious clashes between Italian supporters and travelling fans in the recent past.

FIFA and UEFA seem to content to issue threat after idle threat.

Someday they will learn actions speak far, far louder than words.

Suck It Up Sally!

March 12, 2009

by Louis “King of Roncesvalles” Pisano… All this whining about fighting in hockey is ridiculous. Having played hockey since I was five years old and having been in my fair share of tilts on the ice, whether while playing in the MTHL for the Toronto Olympics or in high school hockey or in a shinny game in High Park, fighting is part of the game.

Hockey is a physical game and there are all sorts of players out there. Some good clean players and some cheap shot artists, some skilled and some big bodies to limit the space for those slick skilled guys. Some guys need someone to watch their backs, and with the money those skilled players are paid and the draw they bring to their facility, in my mind it’s understandable to protect your assets as an owner. The fact of the matter is that refs don’t catch every little butt end and spear or elbow for that matter, and whether you solve the problem right then and there yourself, or in the case of the NHL your “enforcer” solves it for you next shift, you have to settle the score, or you and your team are going to get run over, which is also applicable to everyday life.

Are you going to let a bully in the school yard push you around and take your lunch money? There are two ways to solve it, smash the bully in the mouth and take your chances in a fight and stand up for yourself, or call someone, your brother, your teacher or your parent, and have it solved that way. Apply that scenario to hockey and there you have it!

As it goes for guys going after an opponent for a solid clean hit, that’s just poor sportsmanship and should have an additional penalty as apparently it does, it seems the rule just has to be enforced. For the guy that got caught with his head down, that’s your own fault, keep your head up Sally!

If you’re a cheap shot artist then get ready to take a punch in the face and if you are getting picked on stand up for yourself, if you can’t, call someone who cares! If you don’t want to watch fighting in hockey, then go and watch a knitting show. If you’re not ready to play a man’s game then don’t step on the ice Sally.

All the Best!

Ritters Power Rankings

March 12, 2009

by Mark Ritter…

1.    San Jose Sharks- 5-4-1 in the past ten match-ups, the Sharks boast the 2nd ranked Power Play, the 6th ranked Penalty kill, the 3rd most wins, and the least amount of losses, any questions? Clearly, despite a tough stretch, the Sharks are still the team to beat in the West.

2.    Detroit Red Wings- Detroit has gone 7-3-0 in the past ten, even with spotty goaltending. The Wings are ranked in the bottom ten in the League with 119 goals against, it’s not terrible, but it is an eyesore amongst an otherwise dominant team. The Wings will be tested against the surging Calgary Flames on Thursday, should be a beauty of a game!
3.    New Jersey Devils- Martin Brodeur is heating up, he has carried the Devils since his return and is poised to take over as the all-time winning goaltender, he’s just two wins away from Patrick Roy’s 551. The Devils are 7-3-0 in their past ten and I believe they will be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference the rest of the way. Momentum is a huge factor heading into the playoffs, the Devils are ridding high.
4.    Boston Bruins- How the hell did I rank the Devils ahead of the Bruins when Boston is 6 points ahead of them? Well, for starters, the Bruins are 3-6-1 in their past ten match-ups, they have looked very average and seem to have lost their motivation to an extent. The Bruins need to get that “Loving feeling” back and fast.
5.    Calgary Flames- 6-4-0 in the past ten, not bad considering many of the upper teams are struggling these days. Calgary needs to be better on the Power Play, where they are ranked 16th overall, come playoff time that will haunt them unless they get it going. Olli Jokinen has fit in nicely with three goals in four games since his arrival, but I had a good laugh when I saw nhl.com had a survey circulating asking fans if they felt the line of Jarome Iginla, Mike Cammalleri, Olli Jokinen was the best in hockey…Not a chance!
6.    Washington Capitals- The Caps are a paltry 4-5-1 in their past ten, they too need to get it together before it’s too late. Seeding will be plenty important come playoff time, the Caps will benefit huge if they can capture Home ice. Couldn’t believe my eyes the other day when I looked on the Caps webpage and discovered that Alexander Semin led the team in plus/minus with a plus +29 ranking! Maybe he can talk Sh-t to Sidney Crosby? For the record, Crosby has a rating of plus +6, with 20 more points than Semin.
7.    Philadelphia Flyers- The Flyers are 6-3-1 in their past ten and goaltender Marty Biron is finally back in form. NOBODY wants to play this team come playoff time, if the playoffs started today the Flyers would take on the Montreal Canadiens, that should scare the bejesus out of Habs fans!
8.    Pittsburgh Penguins- The Pens are back! And I couldn’t be happier! Say what you will about coaching changes, brining in Dan Bylsma seems to be paying off large. The Penguino’s are 9-1-0 in the past ten and have knocked off 7 straight opponents. The players have been “Different” since the coaching change, the biggest difference? They seem to be smiling and enjoying hockey again, funny how winning does that to a team, huh? We can only hope the season ends just how it is laid out today, if the playoffs started today the Penguins would face the Washington Capitals in the first round, if you can’t get up for those games you just don’t like hockey!
9.    Chicago Blackhawks- 5-4-1 in the past ten, they have an important game against the Carolina Hurricanes Wednesday night, they need to send a message. It will be interesting to see how newly acquired Samuel Pahlsson fits into the Hawks plans, can he find his game in time to be a difference maker in the playoffs? Pahlsson is a minus -16, quite simply he needs to be better.
10.     Vancouver Canucks- The Canucks have been on fire since the return of goaltender Roberto Luongo, they are 8-2-0 in the past ten match-ups, make no mistake about it, the Canucks are a better team than their rather average 76 points would indicate. If the playoffs started today the Canucks would face the Blackhawks, that’s a tough assignment for a young Chicago squad.
11.     Montreal Canadiens- Despite all the bad media, change, player scandals and horrific goaltending from Carey Price, the Habs can take solace in the fact that they still have a playoff spot and are 6-3-1 in the past ten. The Habs are ranked 9th overall with 79 points, 16th spot is occupied by the Buffalo Sabres with 73 points, what does it all mean? It means if Les Canadiens have aspirations of keeping that playoff spot they best pick up the pace, there are plenty of hungry teams sniffing at the Habs butts, I think it’s safe to say the smell emanating from the Habs has been pretty bad of late!
12.     Carolina Hurricanes- Remember all the bad press the Hurricanes got when they hired former Leafs coach Paul Maurice? Well, as it turns out Maurice is doing one hell of a job in Carolina, he has the team at 8-2-0 in the past ten match-ups and he has them in a playoff spot (12th overall), not bad for a guy who many suspected would be a horrible fit in Carolina. For the record, I thought he’d be a good fit, you can look it up!
13.     Florida Panthers- Two weeks ago the Panthers were playing great hockey, that was two weeks ago. Ok, so it’s not a complete debacle or anything, but the Panthers need to keep up the pace, they are a paltry 5-4-1 in the past ten, good, but not good enough down the stretch.
14.     Columbus Blue Jackets- Looking for a reason why the Jackets are where they are? Look no further than rookie sensation goaltender Steve Mason. Mason has been lights out for months, making the rookie of the year award all but decided. Want another reason? Maybe it was getting rid of Mathieu Schneider??? The next three games against Pittsburgh, Detroit and Chicago will go a long way in determining just how “Real” this team is, there are 6 teams within 6 points of the BJ’s, if they falter they could be on the outside looking in when the playoffs roll around.
15.     New York Rangers- 4-4-2 in the past ten, not exactly awe-inspiring, is it? Sean Avery is back, John Tortorella is now behind the bench, yet somehow the mediocrity continues. Tort’s doesn’t have a ton of time to turn this ship around, the Rangers, while talented, will be life and death to make the playoffs. The Rangers have the 2nd best Penalty Kill in the NHL and the 6th overall goals against, not bad right?Yeah, ummm, they also have the 27th ranked Power Play and are ranked last in the League in goals scored. The Rangers’ offense has been AWOL all season long, it’s Tort’s job to get them going and fast!
16.     Nashville Predators- Here is one of those up and coming teams I have been eluding to, the Preds are 6-2-2 in the past ten, they are surging (Yeah I know they have lost 2 in a row) at the right time, if they can continue to play hard they just might squeak into the playoffs.
17.     Buffalo Sabres- 4-5-1 in the past ten, does anyone really care? I don’t, let’s move on to the next team…By the way, nice airport- I was there last week, people were lined up OUTSIDE in a snowstorm waiting to get processed, what a joke, just like everything else in Buffalo! Buffalo makes me wanna “puke”….
18.     St. Louis Blues- It’s a little unrealistic to suggest that the Blues could find their way to the playoffs, but the fact is they are just 5 points behind the 16th place Barffalo Sabres, with a game in hand, it’s do-able…The Blues are 6-3-1 in the past ten, rather see any team in the playoffs besides Barfallo, so “Go Blues Go”!!!
19.     Minnesota Wild- 4-4-2 in the past ten, praying that Marian Gaborik can somehow pull a rabbit out of a hat and get them to the playoffs, my bet, no way, ain’t gonna happen. The Wild needs to get off their kiesters and buy themselves a legitimate scoring threat, signing Nik Backstrom is nice, but last time I checked he had zero goals…
20.     Los Angeles Kings- I have said it before, this team is going to be dangerous, maybe as soon as next season. The Kings have won three in a row and are 4-6-0 in the past ten, not great. On the bright side, the Kings have the tenth best Power Play, are 15th overall in Goals Against and the Penalty Kill is ranked 11th overall. On the surface the Kings look very average, but with the addition of a goal scorer and a few of the future stars maturing the Kings will be a playoff team. Hell, it’s more than Leaf fans can say!
21.     Edmonton Oilers- The Oilers have made a name for themselves squeaking into the playoffs and often putting the #1 seed through hell, not looking like that will be the case in 2009. The Oilers are 3-6-1 in the past 10 games, sure they are only 2 points behind the Sabres for the 16th and final playoff spot, but their play has been horrific, so bad that they don’t deserve to be in the position that they are.
22.     Toronto Maple Leafs- Say what you will about the whipping boys of the Toronto media, the Leafs have been very competitive lately. The Leafs have gone 6-2-2 in the past ten games and they have earned every single point. The Leafs have shown moments of poise, grit and effort, that’s more than we saw in an entire decade in the 80’s! Leave it to the Leafs to screw up a sure-fire top five draft pick, ahh well, the misery continues! Anyone got any bullets? My Gun is out….
23.     Dallas Stars- Have been anything but “Stars” lately. Dall-ASS is an embarrassing 2-7-1 in the past ten games, just when you thought they were rolling they completely fell apart. Big changes are coming in the summer, starting with a new coach, book it!
24.     Anaheim Ducks- 3-6-1 in the past ten match-ups, seem to be confused as to what they are, is this team rebuilding or going for it? Their recent play suggests the Ducks are gearing up for golf season. The Ducks, Suck!
25.     Ottawa Senators- 4-4-2 in the past ten, would love to have Pascal LeClaire in the nets, sadly it’s not possible. Stick a fork in them, the Sens are done for the season!
26.     Phoenix Coyotes- Holding on for dear life to the 5th and final lottery pick, I’ll say it again, is it time to replace Wayne Gretzky behind the bench? He has done sweet F-All to develop that team.
27.     Atlanta Thrashers- Wow! 6-3-1 in the past ten, wayyyy too little too late!
28.     Colorado Avalanche- Andrew Raycroft? On a losing team? Get out of town! The Av’s are 12-21-1 on the road, they should “Feel shame”….
29.     Tampa Bay Lightening- It’s coming down to the wire, can the Lightening out-do the New York Islanders for the honor of having the distinction as the NHL’s worst team? Stay tuned, it’s gonna be one hell of a race.
30.     New York Islanders- I think if your team sucks for more than a decade you should be forced to give back a Stanley Cup title, if this was the case the Islanders would be down two banners. God help us all, watching the Islanders play is like watching Oprah at a Buffet, it’s horrifying, chills me to the bone!

Until next time,

Peace!