Good hitting requires good timing. Here's a story about the timeliest hit I have ever witnessed.
My little sister was married on NFL jerseys Saturday near Port Colborne, Ontario. The city sits on the northeast shore of Lake Erie, a two-hour drive from downtown Toronto..
Early on, starting pitchers David Purcey and Ian Snell were working at a pretty good pace, and this made my frequent glances at the Rogers Centre clock less concerning. But things slowly changed; Purcey started to leave some pitches up, and his control began to wane. Soon, the bullpen was called in to action, and we all know pitching changes take time.
On the opposing side, Snell was moving through the order efficiently, until Jose Bautista hit a sixth-inning home run that brought Toronto to within a run. By the seventh, the Mariners increased the lead to two and, this being another non-playoff year, I felt content with the situation if it meant seeing my only sister married.
But then the eighth inning arrived. Aaron Hill hit a double, and Adam Lind stepped to the plate.
Funny things can happen when the love of family and devotion to a team intersect. So when Lind hit his game-tying shot over the left-field wall, I became a bundle of confliction. Extra-innings appeared likely.
When the Blue Jays needed to shut down Seattle in the ninth, they brought in the right man for the job. I admire Jason Frasor in every sense; as a person and as a pitcher. And I don't mind his habit of taking long strolls around the mound when contemplating his next pitch.
Except, of course, on the day my sister is getting married.
That day, I was scheduled to broadcast the afternoon game between the Blue Jays and Mariners, knowing the average ballgame lasts about three hours. The exchange of vows was scheduled for 6:30pm, so if Saturday was destined to be an average game, I'd roll in to Port Colborne with about a half-hour to spare
Fortunately, Frasor was exceptional in the ninth. Unfortunately, he was about to throw another inning. The Blue Jays went down in order in the bottom half, and my greatest fear was realized: they're going to play at least 10.
Now, it's easy to suggest a wedding could simply be delayed to accommodate a late-arriving brother, but you must understand this: the reception hall was stocked with about 600 beers. My family likes beer. My soon-to-be brother-in-laws' family likes beer. The congregation wasn't going to let the absence of one person impede their plans for a good party.
I knew this as I watched the Rogers Centre clock hit 4:10 pm. It was the bottom of the tenth.
None more than me.
After a replay of the game-winner, and a quick sign-off (that's TV-speak for saying goodbye), I was out of the broadcast booth quicker than Carl Crawford. My car was parked so strategically that by the time I got to the highway, radio announcer Jerry Howarth was still engrossed in his game recap.
The drive was relatively smooth, save for a smoldering car outside St. Catherines that caused a minor delay.
By the time I finally rolled in to the church parking lot, the pews were full and the bride was moments from making her entrance.
Dedication to the job is extremely important, but in my world, family comes first. Thanks to Adam Lind for ensuring this on Saturday.
2010年5月15日星期六
2010年5月14日星期五
Baseball's apocalypse
Steroid culture has reared its ugly head once more with NHL jerseys Mark McGwire 'coming clean' on Monday. His name, along with all the other steroid users, should never be placed in the same sentence as integrity.
Don't look so shocked.
Smoother and easier? Neither should happen. He clammed up in front of the U.S. Congress on that fateful March day in 2005, answering some pointed questions about his steroid use with a weak, "I'm not here to discuss the past."
While he never lied before Congress (which may prove to be the smartest thing he did during the whole sad episode) that doesn't mean that baseball, as an institution, should welcome him back with opened arms. The bottom line is he cheated; smashing Roger Maris' 1961 home run record by not one or two, but rather by nine. The lofty tally aided, as he now confesses, by steroids. How could he have hugged members of Maris' family with a straight face when he broke the single-season home run record? Only McGwire can answer that now.
Am I the only one who's starting to feel like there are many tentacles attached to this story? Here we sit, just over a month until training camps open, and suddenly, without warning, this pops up. Everyone, including McGwire, Cardinals' manager Tony LaRussa and commissioner 'Bud' Selig, say the right things. McGwire says he only turned to 'roids after suffering through a string of injury-plagued seasons. LaRussa confesses that he was "encouraged that (McGwire) would step forward ... and his explanations will be well received." Finally, there is Selig's assessment that the admission will make "Mark's re-entry into the game much smoother and easier."
I failed to mention Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, both strongly alleged but not proven PED users, but each will get what's coming to them when the legal system runs its true course.
As I've written in columns previously, none of the steroid/performance enhancing drug users should ever be feted in Cooperstown. Not McGwire, not Alex Rodriguez, or Jose Canseco, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Jason Giambi or Andy Pettitte. Or any of the players mentioned in the Mitchell Report. Quite simply, each represent cheating and have no place in the Hall of Fame. Not with their own wing; only with asterisks in the record book.
I guess we'll really see what's up over the next couple of winters. Rafael Palmeiro, a member of the 3,000-hit club, is on the ballot for the first time with a failed drug test on his resume. Other first-timers include 1998 American League MVP Juan Gonzalez, Kevin Brown and Benito Santiago - all of whom appeared in the Mitchell Report.
So, where does this leave the Baseball Writers Association of America, the protectors of the game? Until now, the most votes that McGwire has received hovers around 23 per cent, far short of the 75 per cent needed for induction. It says here that the number may go up slightly but not even close to the number required. And this will have a significant effect on who gets in from this generation of players, a dozen or so who had Hall of Fame numbers, but all tarnished by drug use.
Clemens, Bonds and Sammy Sosa will all appear on the ballot. Hopefully all will have come clean, either forced through legal proceedings or voluntarily.
With that being two years away anything is possible.
For the sake of the game, long based upon records and tradition, here's hoping all the names of players who juiced are finally public and this mess can finally be left to the historians.
For the uninformed, Home Run Derby was a TV show back in 1960 that pitted the top sluggers of the day in a home run contest; something that wouldn't be possible in the modern game.
It was an era before power in a bottle arrived onto the baseball scene.
I'll let you in on a bit of irony that I encountered upon checking into my hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota on Tuesday night to prepare for the Canucks/Wild game on Wednesday. As a flipped around the dial, I came across the four ESPN channels. Of course, college hoops were on the main network and the 'Deuce'. On ESPN News, though, McGwire was getting grilled by Bob Ley and 'Big Mac' was in pure spin mode. Then when I went one channel higher to ESPN Classic, there was Home Run Derby, without any chemically-altered sluggers, in all of its black & white glory. And there was a young Hank Aaron, who once held the most cherished home run record of all, opposing Ken Boyer. Back-to-back channels, with all that is currently wrong with the game butted right up next to all that used to be good.
Don't look so shocked.
Smoother and easier? Neither should happen. He clammed up in front of the U.S. Congress on that fateful March day in 2005, answering some pointed questions about his steroid use with a weak, "I'm not here to discuss the past."
While he never lied before Congress (which may prove to be the smartest thing he did during the whole sad episode) that doesn't mean that baseball, as an institution, should welcome him back with opened arms. The bottom line is he cheated; smashing Roger Maris' 1961 home run record by not one or two, but rather by nine. The lofty tally aided, as he now confesses, by steroids. How could he have hugged members of Maris' family with a straight face when he broke the single-season home run record? Only McGwire can answer that now.
Am I the only one who's starting to feel like there are many tentacles attached to this story? Here we sit, just over a month until training camps open, and suddenly, without warning, this pops up. Everyone, including McGwire, Cardinals' manager Tony LaRussa and commissioner 'Bud' Selig, say the right things. McGwire says he only turned to 'roids after suffering through a string of injury-plagued seasons. LaRussa confesses that he was "encouraged that (McGwire) would step forward ... and his explanations will be well received." Finally, there is Selig's assessment that the admission will make "Mark's re-entry into the game much smoother and easier."
I failed to mention Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, both strongly alleged but not proven PED users, but each will get what's coming to them when the legal system runs its true course.
As I've written in columns previously, none of the steroid/performance enhancing drug users should ever be feted in Cooperstown. Not McGwire, not Alex Rodriguez, or Jose Canseco, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Jason Giambi or Andy Pettitte. Or any of the players mentioned in the Mitchell Report. Quite simply, each represent cheating and have no place in the Hall of Fame. Not with their own wing; only with asterisks in the record book.
I guess we'll really see what's up over the next couple of winters. Rafael Palmeiro, a member of the 3,000-hit club, is on the ballot for the first time with a failed drug test on his resume. Other first-timers include 1998 American League MVP Juan Gonzalez, Kevin Brown and Benito Santiago - all of whom appeared in the Mitchell Report.
So, where does this leave the Baseball Writers Association of America, the protectors of the game? Until now, the most votes that McGwire has received hovers around 23 per cent, far short of the 75 per cent needed for induction. It says here that the number may go up slightly but not even close to the number required. And this will have a significant effect on who gets in from this generation of players, a dozen or so who had Hall of Fame numbers, but all tarnished by drug use.
Clemens, Bonds and Sammy Sosa will all appear on the ballot. Hopefully all will have come clean, either forced through legal proceedings or voluntarily.
With that being two years away anything is possible.
For the sake of the game, long based upon records and tradition, here's hoping all the names of players who juiced are finally public and this mess can finally be left to the historians.
For the uninformed, Home Run Derby was a TV show back in 1960 that pitted the top sluggers of the day in a home run contest; something that wouldn't be possible in the modern game.
It was an era before power in a bottle arrived onto the baseball scene.
I'll let you in on a bit of irony that I encountered upon checking into my hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota on Tuesday night to prepare for the Canucks/Wild game on Wednesday. As a flipped around the dial, I came across the four ESPN channels. Of course, college hoops were on the main network and the 'Deuce'. On ESPN News, though, McGwire was getting grilled by Bob Ley and 'Big Mac' was in pure spin mode. Then when I went one channel higher to ESPN Classic, there was Home Run Derby, without any chemically-altered sluggers, in all of its black & white glory. And there was a young Hank Aaron, who once held the most cherished home run record of all, opposing Ken Boyer. Back-to-back channels, with all that is currently wrong with the game butted right up next to all that used to be good.
2010年5月11日星期二
Fish out of water
Here is the rundown of my night on the wild side: NHL Jerseys
6:13 pm - I'm at home trying to decide what to wear to my first MMA fight. I don't want to be the only guy in the building wearing Dockers. Plus, everyone there is going to have a tattoo and I don't have any ink on my body. Perhaps I can get my wife to draw something on my arm using one of our Mr. Sketch markers. It will be hard to pull off the intimidating look while simultaneously smelling like artificial grape. Unfortunately, it turns out my wife can only draw those 3-D box shapes, so I think I'll pass on a homemade tattoo.
6:47 pm - I pull into the Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau. I'm surprised to see a long line at the ticket window. This marks the first time in history that people have paid to watch violence at a QMJHL arena without any members of the Roy family involved.
7:27 pm - I take a look down at the souvenir stand. I wanted to see if they had a T-shirt that said "I went to a MMA fight and a WNBA game broke out." (Author's Note: This joke has a 7-day shelf life. If someone accesses this article six months from now, they will be wondering what the hell I'm talking about.)
On Saturday night, I was assigned to cover my first-ever mixed martial arts fight, as former CFL star Glenn Kulka stepped into the ring for his MMA debut.
For those of you that don't know me, I'm a pretty conservative guy, who isn't into blood sports. I drink San Pellegrino and I cringe every time I get a hangnail.
So like a Jehovah's Witness who inadvertently rings the doorbell of the Playboy mansion, I was really out of place in this environment.
7:44 pm - The first fight of the night is about to start. They actually check the fighters for weapons as they enter the ring. There is a security guy that pats them down and everything. Evidently, this is where the rejects from the TSA Airport screening program end up. Or maybe it's a promotion for them. I'm not quite sure.
8:07 pm - Am I the only one who thinks it should be mandatory for all ringside officials to wear a white shirt with a black bow-tie, like Super Mario did when he served as a guest referee in Mike Tyson's Punch Out?
8:22 pm - A guy named "Showtime" just won his fight and proceeded to swear in his post-fight interview, which was broadcast throughout the arena. Can you imagine this happening in the NHL?
Reporter’s question: "Jason Spezza, you just won the game in a shootout. What are your thoughts?"
Spezza’s answer: "I know Toskala has a (expletive) blocker side. We (expletive) own those guys and they know it."
8:57 pm - I suddenly realize that I haven't seen any other visible minorities tonight. Now I expect certain spectator events - like curling or a production of Mamma Mia - to be filled with white people in the stands. But I guess I just didn't think it would be like that here. I feel like I did at a Mennonite wedding about 10 years ago, when I was the only minority in the whole place. That night, I ended up hugging a Chinese guy when he walked into the reception hall (I looked foolish when I found out he was with the catering staff).
9:31 pm - I really have to use the bathroom, but I admit - I'm kind of afraid. This is the type of event where I could get jumped or knifed if I go in alone. And that's if I try using the women's washroom. So I've decided to risk a mild bladder infection and wait until I can use a washroom in a safe zone. I feel like Homer Simpson when he drank too much crab juice at the Kalkalash stand in New York. (For the record, "Kalkalash" came up as "calculus" on the spell-check for this blog).
10:04 pm - Kulka's fight lasts only 73 seconds, as he disposes of his opponent with relative ease. Not to make another "Punch Out" reference, but I'm pretty sure Kulka would have had a tougher time with either Glass Joe or Don Flamenco.
10:27 pm - I head back across the river to the safety of Ontario, where MMA fighting has been banned by the provincial government. I can once again sip my San Pellegrino (with a twist of lemon), while wearing a comfortable pair of Dockers.
6:13 pm - I'm at home trying to decide what to wear to my first MMA fight. I don't want to be the only guy in the building wearing Dockers. Plus, everyone there is going to have a tattoo and I don't have any ink on my body. Perhaps I can get my wife to draw something on my arm using one of our Mr. Sketch markers. It will be hard to pull off the intimidating look while simultaneously smelling like artificial grape. Unfortunately, it turns out my wife can only draw those 3-D box shapes, so I think I'll pass on a homemade tattoo.
6:47 pm - I pull into the Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau. I'm surprised to see a long line at the ticket window. This marks the first time in history that people have paid to watch violence at a QMJHL arena without any members of the Roy family involved.
7:27 pm - I take a look down at the souvenir stand. I wanted to see if they had a T-shirt that said "I went to a MMA fight and a WNBA game broke out." (Author's Note: This joke has a 7-day shelf life. If someone accesses this article six months from now, they will be wondering what the hell I'm talking about.)
On Saturday night, I was assigned to cover my first-ever mixed martial arts fight, as former CFL star Glenn Kulka stepped into the ring for his MMA debut.
For those of you that don't know me, I'm a pretty conservative guy, who isn't into blood sports. I drink San Pellegrino and I cringe every time I get a hangnail.
So like a Jehovah's Witness who inadvertently rings the doorbell of the Playboy mansion, I was really out of place in this environment.
7:44 pm - The first fight of the night is about to start. They actually check the fighters for weapons as they enter the ring. There is a security guy that pats them down and everything. Evidently, this is where the rejects from the TSA Airport screening program end up. Or maybe it's a promotion for them. I'm not quite sure.
8:07 pm - Am I the only one who thinks it should be mandatory for all ringside officials to wear a white shirt with a black bow-tie, like Super Mario did when he served as a guest referee in Mike Tyson's Punch Out?
8:22 pm - A guy named "Showtime" just won his fight and proceeded to swear in his post-fight interview, which was broadcast throughout the arena. Can you imagine this happening in the NHL?
Reporter’s question: "Jason Spezza, you just won the game in a shootout. What are your thoughts?"
Spezza’s answer: "I know Toskala has a (expletive) blocker side. We (expletive) own those guys and they know it."
8:57 pm - I suddenly realize that I haven't seen any other visible minorities tonight. Now I expect certain spectator events - like curling or a production of Mamma Mia - to be filled with white people in the stands. But I guess I just didn't think it would be like that here. I feel like I did at a Mennonite wedding about 10 years ago, when I was the only minority in the whole place. That night, I ended up hugging a Chinese guy when he walked into the reception hall (I looked foolish when I found out he was with the catering staff).
9:31 pm - I really have to use the bathroom, but I admit - I'm kind of afraid. This is the type of event where I could get jumped or knifed if I go in alone. And that's if I try using the women's washroom. So I've decided to risk a mild bladder infection and wait until I can use a washroom in a safe zone. I feel like Homer Simpson when he drank too much crab juice at the Kalkalash stand in New York. (For the record, "Kalkalash" came up as "calculus" on the spell-check for this blog).
10:04 pm - Kulka's fight lasts only 73 seconds, as he disposes of his opponent with relative ease. Not to make another "Punch Out" reference, but I'm pretty sure Kulka would have had a tougher time with either Glass Joe or Don Flamenco.
10:27 pm - I head back across the river to the safety of Ontario, where MMA fighting has been banned by the provincial government. I can once again sip my San Pellegrino (with a twist of lemon), while wearing a comfortable pair of Dockers.
2010年5月10日星期一
Ultimate Sens Quiz
On top of that, nobody has the motivation to go back to their cubicles and work this week. (My rule of thumb: you don't need to work hard until the egg nog in the staff fridge has expired).
So for the good people of Ottawa, I've decided to put together a fun Sens quiz from the past decade. Fifteen multiple choice questions to help you kill some time and pretend you are working at the office.
I hope you enjoy "The Ultimate Sens Decade Quiz"
1. What's the one thing you'd like to see the Sens do in this next decade?
A) Win a Stanley Cup
B) Beat the Leafs in a playoff series
C) Acquire Gary Roberts
2. Which late-season addition had the least impact on the Sens?
A) Tyler Arnason
B) Petr Bondra
C) The Gladiator Guy From 2008
3. What was the worst decision of the decade made by Sens management?
A) Choosing Redden over Chara
B) SigningC) Trading Havlat for Preissing/Hennessy/Barinka
4. What was the funniest moment of the decade involving the Leafs-Sens rivalry?
A) Alfredsson's fake stick-toss to make fun of B) Tie Domi deciding to take on noted tough guy Magnus Arvedson
5. Which player wore the biggest goat horns in the decade?
A) Ricard Persson for his untimely boarding major on Tie Domi in 2002
B for his infamous Game 7 meltdown in 2004 against the Leafs
C) Peter Bondra for his no-show in the 2004 playoffs
6. Which player did the most damage to Ottawa from a PR standpoint?
A) Alexei Yashin
) Ray Emery
7.What was the best thing about Dominik Hasek's tenure in Ottawa?
A) We learned what an adductor was
B) Hasek leaving at the end of the season with all of his possessions in a Glad garbage bag.
C) We got to do impressions of Hasek's thick Czech accent on a regular basis.
8. Which one event do you wish actually happened to the Sens this decade?
A) They acquired Gary Roberts at a trade deadline
B) They beat the Leafs in a playoff series
C) They acquired Gary Roberts and then beat the Leafs in a playoff series.
9. What do you miss most about Ray Emery?
A) Driving on the Queensway seems boring now
B) Sens practices seem boring now
C) Everybody's suits seem boring now
10. What was the most annoying thing about playing the Leafs in the playoffs?
A) Constant TV shots of Ken Dryden awkwardly clapping in the press box
B) Alyn McCauley pushing the net off repeatedly - but never getting called for a penalty
C) Hearing Leafs fans saying their team was "built for the playoffs" - but avoiding the fact that their team lost every series immediately after playing Ottawa.
11. What ritual do you miss the most?
A) Jacques Martin constantly looking up at the scoreboard
B) in a Stevie Wonder-like trance listening to the anthems.
C) Bill Muckalt missing the net
12. What was the most heart-breaking goal scored against Ottawa?
A) Jason Pomminville's OT goal in 2006
B) Jeff Friesen's third period goal in Game 7 in 2003
C) Cory Cross' OT winner in 2001. (I mean come on, seriously...Cory Cross!?)
13. Which was the best Sens celebrity girlfriend of the decade?
A) Carol Alt
B) Hilary Duff
C) Carrie Underwood
14. What was the best trade the Sens made in the decade?
A) Yashin for Chara/Spezza/Muckalt
B) Comrie for Kaigarodov
C) Leclaire and a 2nd rounder for Vermette
15. Which was the best moment of the decade?
MLB jerseys
A) Daniel Alfredsson's OT goal in Buffalo to put the Sens in the Cup Finals
B) OT goal to force a Game 7 in 2003 vs. New Jersey
C) Team is saved from bankruptcy by Eugene Melnyk
So for the good people of Ottawa, I've decided to put together a fun Sens quiz from the past decade. Fifteen multiple choice questions to help you kill some time and pretend you are working at the office.
I hope you enjoy "The Ultimate Sens Decade Quiz"
1. What's the one thing you'd like to see the Sens do in this next decade?
A) Win a Stanley Cup
B) Beat the Leafs in a playoff series
C) Acquire Gary Roberts
2. Which late-season addition had the least impact on the Sens?
A) Tyler Arnason
B) Petr Bondra
C) The Gladiator Guy From 2008
3. What was the worst decision of the decade made by Sens management?
A) Choosing Redden over Chara
B) SigningC) Trading Havlat for Preissing/Hennessy/Barinka
4. What was the funniest moment of the decade involving the Leafs-Sens rivalry?
A) Alfredsson's fake stick-toss to make fun of B) Tie Domi deciding to take on noted tough guy Magnus Arvedson
5. Which player wore the biggest goat horns in the decade?
A) Ricard Persson for his untimely boarding major on Tie Domi in 2002
B for his infamous Game 7 meltdown in 2004 against the Leafs
C) Peter Bondra for his no-show in the 2004 playoffs
6. Which player did the most damage to Ottawa from a PR standpoint?
A) Alexei Yashin
) Ray Emery
7.What was the best thing about Dominik Hasek's tenure in Ottawa?
A) We learned what an adductor was
B) Hasek leaving at the end of the season with all of his possessions in a Glad garbage bag.
C) We got to do impressions of Hasek's thick Czech accent on a regular basis.
8. Which one event do you wish actually happened to the Sens this decade?
A) They acquired Gary Roberts at a trade deadline
B) They beat the Leafs in a playoff series
C) They acquired Gary Roberts and then beat the Leafs in a playoff series.
9. What do you miss most about Ray Emery?
A) Driving on the Queensway seems boring now
B) Sens practices seem boring now
C) Everybody's suits seem boring now
10. What was the most annoying thing about playing the Leafs in the playoffs?
A) Constant TV shots of Ken Dryden awkwardly clapping in the press box
B) Alyn McCauley pushing the net off repeatedly - but never getting called for a penalty
C) Hearing Leafs fans saying their team was "built for the playoffs" - but avoiding the fact that their team lost every series immediately after playing Ottawa.
11. What ritual do you miss the most?
A) Jacques Martin constantly looking up at the scoreboard
B) in a Stevie Wonder-like trance listening to the anthems.
C) Bill Muckalt missing the net
12. What was the most heart-breaking goal scored against Ottawa?
A) Jason Pomminville's OT goal in 2006
B) Jeff Friesen's third period goal in Game 7 in 2003
C) Cory Cross' OT winner in 2001. (I mean come on, seriously...Cory Cross!?)
13. Which was the best Sens celebrity girlfriend of the decade?
A) Carol Alt
B) Hilary Duff
C) Carrie Underwood
14. What was the best trade the Sens made in the decade?
A) Yashin for Chara/Spezza/Muckalt
B) Comrie for Kaigarodov
C) Leclaire and a 2nd rounder for Vermette
15. Which was the best moment of the decade?
MLB jerseys
A) Daniel Alfredsson's OT goal in Buffalo to put the Sens in the Cup Finals
B) OT goal to force a Game 7 in 2003 vs. New Jersey
C) Team is saved from bankruptcy by Eugene Melnyk
2010年5月9日星期日
Panthers get 3-2 win over playoff-bound Devils
Clemmensen, who signed a three-year contract with the Panthers in July, faced the Devils for the second time this season. He stopped 26 shots in a 4-2 Florida win in New Jersey on Dec. 11.
Coming off the 600th win of his NHL career on Tuesday night in Atlanta, Martin Brodeur made 15 saves.
The Devils, who will be making their 13th consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs, will now have to wait a little longer to clinch the Atlantic Division. They needed both a win over Florida and a Pittsburgh regulation loss to the New York Islanders to claim the title.
The Panthers were already eliminated from playoff contention.
Dvorak gave the Panthers their first lead of the night with his goal at 1:14 of the third period. Set up by Rostislav Olesz's pass from behind the net, Dvorak scored on a shot from the slot. Horton then stretched Florida's lead to 3-1 at 12:23 in the third when he scored on a wrist shot from the bottom of the left circle.
Clarkson closed the gap to 3-2 at 14:46 of the third, but it wasn't enough to complete the comeback.
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) - Radek Dvorak and Nathan Horton scored in the third period to help the Florida Panthers beat the New Jersey Devils 3-2 on Thursday night.
Scott Clemmensen stopped 42 shots against his former New Jersey teammates, and Michael Frolik added a goal for the Panthers, who won for the second time in eight games.
Patrik Elias and David Clarkson scored for the Devils in their final road game of the regular season. Coming off the 600th win of his NHL career on Tuesday night in Atlanta, Martin Brodeur made 15 saves.
Florida tied it at 1 with Frolik's goal at 6:03 in the second period. Frolik took a cross-ice pass from Horton and beat Brodeur with a wrist shot from the top of the left circle. It was the 20th goal of the season for Frolik.
NOTES: Bryan Allen (ribs) returned to the ice for Florida after missing two games. ... Florida will wrap up its season with a home-and-home series against Tampa Bay this weekend. New Jersey will return to home ice for games against the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. ... Florida signed G Marc Cheverie to an entry-level contract.
Elias opened the scoring 59 seconds into the second. Clemmensen stopped the intial shot with his leg pad and a second chance then went off the crossbar. That's when Elias tipped in the World Cup Soccer Jersey puck to give New Jersey at 1-0 lead.
Coming off the 600th win of his NHL career on Tuesday night in Atlanta, Martin Brodeur made 15 saves.
The Devils, who will be making their 13th consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs, will now have to wait a little longer to clinch the Atlantic Division. They needed both a win over Florida and a Pittsburgh regulation loss to the New York Islanders to claim the title.
The Panthers were already eliminated from playoff contention.
Dvorak gave the Panthers their first lead of the night with his goal at 1:14 of the third period. Set up by Rostislav Olesz's pass from behind the net, Dvorak scored on a shot from the slot. Horton then stretched Florida's lead to 3-1 at 12:23 in the third when he scored on a wrist shot from the bottom of the left circle.
Clarkson closed the gap to 3-2 at 14:46 of the third, but it wasn't enough to complete the comeback.
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) - Radek Dvorak and Nathan Horton scored in the third period to help the Florida Panthers beat the New Jersey Devils 3-2 on Thursday night.
Scott Clemmensen stopped 42 shots against his former New Jersey teammates, and Michael Frolik added a goal for the Panthers, who won for the second time in eight games.
Patrik Elias and David Clarkson scored for the Devils in their final road game of the regular season. Coming off the 600th win of his NHL career on Tuesday night in Atlanta, Martin Brodeur made 15 saves.
Florida tied it at 1 with Frolik's goal at 6:03 in the second period. Frolik took a cross-ice pass from Horton and beat Brodeur with a wrist shot from the top of the left circle. It was the 20th goal of the season for Frolik.
NOTES: Bryan Allen (ribs) returned to the ice for Florida after missing two games. ... Florida will wrap up its season with a home-and-home series against Tampa Bay this weekend. New Jersey will return to home ice for games against the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. ... Florida signed G Marc Cheverie to an entry-level contract.
Elias opened the scoring 59 seconds into the second. Clemmensen stopped the intial shot with his leg pad and a second chance then went off the crossbar. That's when Elias tipped in the World Cup Soccer Jersey puck to give New Jersey at 1-0 lead.
2010年5月8日星期六
Blues remove interim tag for Payne
Blues president John Davidson said that World Cup Soccer Jersey there was no reason to wait to decide whether Payne, who was with the Blues' AHL affiliate in Peoria, Ill., for the last two seasons, or someone from outside should be considered for the position.
"You can go many different ways," Davidson said. "You can wait until July and see who's available and who's not, but when you feel confident that you've got the right person and you feel confident with the job that he did during his 42 games and how he carried himself, his family values, the whole thing, I think it was a pretty easy decision."
The Blues finished at 40-32-10, which was good for 90 points, two off their mark of a season ago when they were sixth in the Western Conference. They finished ninth this season and missed the playoffs, going through exit meetings Wednesday.
"I'm very pleased," said Payne, who guided the Peoria Rivermen to a 62-44-3-6 record. "It gives me that added time with the players and the coaches to assess where we can really improve."
Payne was the ECHL coach of the year in 2006-07, guiding the Alaska Aces to the Kelly Cup Championship during a tenure that included three consecutive trips to the conference finals.
"He's young, he's got energy, he's got communication skills," Davidson said. "... We feel really good that he's from within (the organization). We feel real strong about that."
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Davis Payne is now the head coach of the St. Louis Blues.
Payne had been the Blues' interim coach since Jan. 2, when he replaced Andy Murray. The team announced his hiring Wednesday.
The 39-year-old Payne becomes the NHL's youngest coach. He led the Blues to a 23-15-4 record after taking over for Murray, including a 12-5-2 home record after the team had the league's worst home mark for much of 2009-10 season.
Payne appeared in 22 games as an NHL player with the Boston Bruins and played eight pro seasons after being chosen by Edmonton in the seventh round of the 1989 draft.
"We want to focus on the things that didn't happen for us," said Payne, who was accompanied by his wife, Jane, and two daughters. "We want to focus on why. We want to make sure the steps that are necessary to correct. We can't be looking back at any accomplishment when we aren't one of those 16 (playoff) teams playing tonight."
The native of Kamloops, British Columbia, is eager to get the Blues back into the playoffs.
"You can go many different ways," Davidson said. "You can wait until July and see who's available and who's not, but when you feel confident that you've got the right person and you feel confident with the job that he did during his 42 games and how he carried himself, his family values, the whole thing, I think it was a pretty easy decision."
The Blues finished at 40-32-10, which was good for 90 points, two off their mark of a season ago when they were sixth in the Western Conference. They finished ninth this season and missed the playoffs, going through exit meetings Wednesday.
"I'm very pleased," said Payne, who guided the Peoria Rivermen to a 62-44-3-6 record. "It gives me that added time with the players and the coaches to assess where we can really improve."
Payne was the ECHL coach of the year in 2006-07, guiding the Alaska Aces to the Kelly Cup Championship during a tenure that included three consecutive trips to the conference finals.
"He's young, he's got energy, he's got communication skills," Davidson said. "... We feel really good that he's from within (the organization). We feel real strong about that."
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Davis Payne is now the head coach of the St. Louis Blues.
Payne had been the Blues' interim coach since Jan. 2, when he replaced Andy Murray. The team announced his hiring Wednesday.
The 39-year-old Payne becomes the NHL's youngest coach. He led the Blues to a 23-15-4 record after taking over for Murray, including a 12-5-2 home record after the team had the league's worst home mark for much of 2009-10 season.
Payne appeared in 22 games as an NHL player with the Boston Bruins and played eight pro seasons after being chosen by Edmonton in the seventh round of the 1989 draft.
"We want to focus on the things that didn't happen for us," said Payne, who was accompanied by his wife, Jane, and two daughters. "We want to focus on why. We want to make sure the steps that are necessary to correct. We can't be looking back at any accomplishment when we aren't one of those 16 (playoff) teams playing tonight."
The native of Kamloops, British Columbia, is eager to get the Blues back into the playoffs.
2010年5月7日星期五
Mitchell's SO goal gives Leafs win over Canadiens
TORONTO (AP) - John Mitchell scored the shootout winner for the soccer jerseys Toronto Maple Leafs, who again played the role of spoiler and beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Saturday night.
Toronto has won six of seven and is playing its best hockey of the season. Four of those victories have come after regulation time.
Mitchell and Nikolai Kulemin beat Jaroslav Halak in the shootout. Jonas Gustavsson stopped two of Montreal's three attempts. He sealed the win with a save on Brian Gionta.
Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel scored in regulation for the Maple Leafs, who are 29th in the overall standings of the 30 NHL clubs.
Gionta had both goals for Montreal.
Gustavsson made 25 saves and extended his winning streak to five games. Halak stopped 31 shots.
The Canadiens squandered a chance to leapfrog Ottawa and Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference standings. They entered with a six-game winning streak and would have moved into fifth place with another victory.
There was very little intensity in a game between the old rivals.
Bozak opened the scoring by netting his seventh of the season at 16:05 of the first period. The rookie had a wide-open net after a shot from Kulemin hit the post and bounced out to him.
Montreal tied it before the period was over. Gionta raced up the right wing and beat Gustavsson with a backhander the Leafs goalie would probably like to have back.
Kessel put the Leafs back in front with a wicked shot from the top of the circle that beat Halak to the glove side at 18:15 of the second. Kessel has six goals in six games and is closing in on the 30-goal mark for the second straight season. He has 28 goals.
The Maple Leafs killed a four-minute, high-sticking penalty against Jamie Lundmark, but surrendered the tying goal after Fredrik Sjostrom went off for tripping.
Gionta was standing in the high slot and tipped Scott Gomez's shot behind Gustavsson at 13:54 of the third.
That set the stage for overtime _ the fourth time in five meetings this season the teams have been stretched past regulation.
NOTES: Kulemin had two assists. ... Ben Maxwell and Paul Mara were scratched for Montreal. ... Luca Caputi and Jeff Finger sat out for the Leafs. ... Toronto forward Christian Hanson played in his 21st game of the season and has yet to score a goal.
Toronto has won six of seven and is playing its best hockey of the season. Four of those victories have come after regulation time.
Mitchell and Nikolai Kulemin beat Jaroslav Halak in the shootout. Jonas Gustavsson stopped two of Montreal's three attempts. He sealed the win with a save on Brian Gionta.
Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel scored in regulation for the Maple Leafs, who are 29th in the overall standings of the 30 NHL clubs.
Gionta had both goals for Montreal.
Gustavsson made 25 saves and extended his winning streak to five games. Halak stopped 31 shots.
The Canadiens squandered a chance to leapfrog Ottawa and Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference standings. They entered with a six-game winning streak and would have moved into fifth place with another victory.
There was very little intensity in a game between the old rivals.
Bozak opened the scoring by netting his seventh of the season at 16:05 of the first period. The rookie had a wide-open net after a shot from Kulemin hit the post and bounced out to him.
Montreal tied it before the period was over. Gionta raced up the right wing and beat Gustavsson with a backhander the Leafs goalie would probably like to have back.
Kessel put the Leafs back in front with a wicked shot from the top of the circle that beat Halak to the glove side at 18:15 of the second. Kessel has six goals in six games and is closing in on the 30-goal mark for the second straight season. He has 28 goals.
The Maple Leafs killed a four-minute, high-sticking penalty against Jamie Lundmark, but surrendered the tying goal after Fredrik Sjostrom went off for tripping.
Gionta was standing in the high slot and tipped Scott Gomez's shot behind Gustavsson at 13:54 of the third.
That set the stage for overtime _ the fourth time in five meetings this season the teams have been stretched past regulation.
NOTES: Kulemin had two assists. ... Ben Maxwell and Paul Mara were scratched for Montreal. ... Luca Caputi and Jeff Finger sat out for the Leafs. ... Toronto forward Christian Hanson played in his 21st game of the season and has yet to score a goal.
2010年5月6日星期四
Sports broadcasting pioneer Simmons dies at 81
NEW YORK (AP) - Pioneering sports broadcaster Chester R. Simmons, who served as president of ESPN during the company's launch in 1979, soccer jerseys has died. He was 81.
Simmons' family said he died in Atlanta on Thursday. The cause of death wasn't disclosed.
Simmons began in broadcasting in 1957 with Sports Programs, Inc., which became ABC Sports. Simmons was involved in developing "Wide World of Sports" before becoming president of NBC Sports and later ESPN. He was also founding commissioner of the USFL.
"Chet Simmons' leadership and vision in our first years were absolutely critical to ESPN's survival," said George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports. "He was the only industry president to have pioneered both sports broadcasting in the late '50s and cable television in the late '70s.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Harriet, and his children."
Simmons influenced or launched the careers of commentators such as Jim Simpson, Merlin Olsen, Greg and Bryant Gumbel, Dick Enberg, Curt Gowdy, Tony Kubek, Joe Gargiola, Sandy Koufax, Vin Scully, Donna de Varona, George Grande, Tom Mees, Dick Vitale, Cliff Drysdale, Tim Ryan and Jack Buck among others.
"Chet did so much more than take a chance on us young people 30 years ago," ESPN anchor Chris Berman said. "What you see today would have never been possible without him. We'll miss him as a mentor and as a friend. All of us will be forever indebted to Chet Simmons."
Before going to ESPN, Simmons spent 15 years at NBC, where he was involved in utilizing instant replay and had a hand in attaining the network's major sports properties, including the American Football League, NFL, Major League Baseball, NHL, college basketball, the Rose and Orange Bowls and Wimbledon.
He joined ESPN as president and chief operating officer on July 31, 1979, just before the network's launch Sept. 7.
"There's no question that cable television sports is at the same stage right now that network sports was 15 or 20 years ago, I've lived through the evolution of sports on television, and what lies ahead for cable television is incalculable at this point," Simmons said at the time.
"I was there during the inception of ABC Sports and the rebirth of NBC Sports, and I see many similarities between those beginnings and the beginning of ESPN and 24-hours-a-day televised sports."
Among his most notable achievements were the birth and direction of "SportsCenter" on day one of ESPN; television's first comprehensive coverage of the early rounds of the men's NCAA basketball tournament; and the NFL draft telecast (both in 1980).
Simmons left ESPN in 1982 and joined the USFL, serving as the league's commissioner until January 1985. Simmons went on to serve as a media consultant to Madison Square Garden and the Marquis Group; as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina.
Simmons received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th annual Sports Emmy Awards in 2005.
Simmons was born on July 11, 1928, in New York City, and was raised in Ossining, N.Y., and Pawtucket, R.I. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in broadcasting from the University of Alabama.
Simmons had been living in Atlanta, and Savannah, Ga., since 1986. He is survived by his wife, Harriet; four children, Pam, Jed, Pete and Nikki; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are being completed with the Gamble Funeral Service, Inc., in Savannah.
Simmons' family said he died in Atlanta on Thursday. The cause of death wasn't disclosed.
Simmons began in broadcasting in 1957 with Sports Programs, Inc., which became ABC Sports. Simmons was involved in developing "Wide World of Sports" before becoming president of NBC Sports and later ESPN. He was also founding commissioner of the USFL.
"Chet Simmons' leadership and vision in our first years were absolutely critical to ESPN's survival," said George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports. "He was the only industry president to have pioneered both sports broadcasting in the late '50s and cable television in the late '70s.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Harriet, and his children."
Simmons influenced or launched the careers of commentators such as Jim Simpson, Merlin Olsen, Greg and Bryant Gumbel, Dick Enberg, Curt Gowdy, Tony Kubek, Joe Gargiola, Sandy Koufax, Vin Scully, Donna de Varona, George Grande, Tom Mees, Dick Vitale, Cliff Drysdale, Tim Ryan and Jack Buck among others.
"Chet did so much more than take a chance on us young people 30 years ago," ESPN anchor Chris Berman said. "What you see today would have never been possible without him. We'll miss him as a mentor and as a friend. All of us will be forever indebted to Chet Simmons."
Before going to ESPN, Simmons spent 15 years at NBC, where he was involved in utilizing instant replay and had a hand in attaining the network's major sports properties, including the American Football League, NFL, Major League Baseball, NHL, college basketball, the Rose and Orange Bowls and Wimbledon.
He joined ESPN as president and chief operating officer on July 31, 1979, just before the network's launch Sept. 7.
"There's no question that cable television sports is at the same stage right now that network sports was 15 or 20 years ago, I've lived through the evolution of sports on television, and what lies ahead for cable television is incalculable at this point," Simmons said at the time.
"I was there during the inception of ABC Sports and the rebirth of NBC Sports, and I see many similarities between those beginnings and the beginning of ESPN and 24-hours-a-day televised sports."
Among his most notable achievements were the birth and direction of "SportsCenter" on day one of ESPN; television's first comprehensive coverage of the early rounds of the men's NCAA basketball tournament; and the NFL draft telecast (both in 1980).
Simmons left ESPN in 1982 and joined the USFL, serving as the league's commissioner until January 1985. Simmons went on to serve as a media consultant to Madison Square Garden and the Marquis Group; as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina.
Simmons received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th annual Sports Emmy Awards in 2005.
Simmons was born on July 11, 1928, in New York City, and was raised in Ossining, N.Y., and Pawtucket, R.I. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in broadcasting from the University of Alabama.
Simmons had been living in Atlanta, and Savannah, Ga., since 1986. He is survived by his wife, Harriet; four children, Pam, Jed, Pete and Nikki; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are being completed with the Gamble Funeral Service, Inc., in Savannah.
2010年5月5日星期三
Blues beat Blue Jackets 2-1 in OT
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Erik Johnson scored on a power play with 1:01 to go in overtime, keeping the St. Louis Blues' slim playoff hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night.
Andy McDonald had a goal and an assist and Chris Mason made 27 saves for St. Louis, soccer jerseys which has won a season-high five straight at home. The Blues are four points behind Colorado with three games to go for the final Western Conference playoff spot and need to finish ahead of the Avalanche, who swept them in the regular season.
Colorado can knock out the Blues on Tuesday night with a victory at Vancouver.
Derick Brassard scored an early power-play goal and Mathieu Garon made 32 saves for the Blue Jackets, who have lost three straight. A holding call on Marc Methot with 1:43 to go in overtime opened the door for the Blues, and Johnson scored his 10th of the season on a slap shot from the point.
St. Louis avoided elimination by taking the game to overtime. The Blues have been the NHL's worst at home most of the season with the late-season surge raising their record to 17-18-5.
McDonald scored his 23rd goal and second in three games on a break, beating Garon off a feed from David Perron to tie it midway through the second period.
The Blues hardly appeared in desperation mode in the first period, going nearly 13 minutes before finally registering a shot. Columbus outshot St. Louis 11-4 and took the lead on Brassard's power-play deflection at 3:10.
NOTES: Blues F Keith Tkachuk played in his 1,200th game. He drew a double-minor penalty for boarding and roughing late in the first, slamming his stick on the ice in frustration. The player he elbowed into the boards, center Andrew Murray, did not return, and Tkachuk was sidelined with an undisclosed injury after two periods. ... Blues F Patrik Berglund (upper body) also missed the third. ... Columbus' leading scorer Rick Nash (upper body) was among the scratches after participating in the morning skate. ... Paid attendance of 17,601 was about 1,500 shy of capacity, ending a string of 15 straight sellouts for the Blues.
Andy McDonald had a goal and an assist and Chris Mason made 27 saves for St. Louis, soccer jerseys which has won a season-high five straight at home. The Blues are four points behind Colorado with three games to go for the final Western Conference playoff spot and need to finish ahead of the Avalanche, who swept them in the regular season.
Colorado can knock out the Blues on Tuesday night with a victory at Vancouver.
Derick Brassard scored an early power-play goal and Mathieu Garon made 32 saves for the Blue Jackets, who have lost three straight. A holding call on Marc Methot with 1:43 to go in overtime opened the door for the Blues, and Johnson scored his 10th of the season on a slap shot from the point.
St. Louis avoided elimination by taking the game to overtime. The Blues have been the NHL's worst at home most of the season with the late-season surge raising their record to 17-18-5.
McDonald scored his 23rd goal and second in three games on a break, beating Garon off a feed from David Perron to tie it midway through the second period.
The Blues hardly appeared in desperation mode in the first period, going nearly 13 minutes before finally registering a shot. Columbus outshot St. Louis 11-4 and took the lead on Brassard's power-play deflection at 3:10.
NOTES: Blues F Keith Tkachuk played in his 1,200th game. He drew a double-minor penalty for boarding and roughing late in the first, slamming his stick on the ice in frustration. The player he elbowed into the boards, center Andrew Murray, did not return, and Tkachuk was sidelined with an undisclosed injury after two periods. ... Blues F Patrik Berglund (upper body) also missed the third. ... Columbus' leading scorer Rick Nash (upper body) was among the scratches after participating in the morning skate. ... Paid attendance of 17,601 was about 1,500 shy of capacity, ending a string of 15 straight sellouts for the Blues.
2010年5月4日星期二
Team that will be missed in 2010 world cup
Conflicting tears of NBA Jerseys joy and sadness were shed around the world when the last slots for the 2010 world cup were filled. After grueling qualifying matches, a number of teams celebrated their qualification with a couple of games to go, some were forced to wait until the last day and others had to settle the affair with a two leg playoff. The only exception being the Egypt versus Algeria match that was had one playoff played on a neutral ground.
Although most of the big football national teams have managed to qualify, there are some notable absentees that will be reflecting on where and how they lost the chance that comes once, in every four years.
Starting in the continent where the games will be held, Egypt is yet to come to terms of accepting that their North African rivals, Algeria, overpowered them. It is without a doubt that the current Egyptian football team is the best they have ever had in a very long time hence their big desire to compete in the world cup. Although their dominance in African soccer has seen them win the African Nations Cup a record six times they yet to extend their superiority at the world cup level.
In Europe, Russia, Bulgaria and Croatia will surely be missed. Having one of the best coaches Russia was surprisingly eliminated by Slovenia. The Russian team was in superb form having produced both finalists in the Europa cup this year. The Bulgarians and Croatians are yet to find the right formula to offer credible competition as they were in the 1990s.The two teams fate was sealed when they both finished third in their respective groups. Only the two top teams were proceeding.
After the triumph of Iraq in the Asian Football confederation in 2007 many had anticipated the lions of Mesopotamia, would lead the Asian continent. However this was not to be when the Iraqis were eliminated from their group.
The continent that has all its big teams is definitely South America. Uruguay’s and Argentina may have struggled in securing a place but when they arrive in South Africa, other teams know quite well they won’t be pushovers.
Even though the qualifiers have ended, the controversial goal scored by Thiery Henry when France played the Republic of Ireland in the 2nd leg of the European playoff certainly puts FIFA on the spotlight. Ireland Football Association moved very fast to express their wishes by writing a formal letter to FIFA demanding for an immediate replay. FIFA ultimate stance is that the referee decision is always final but the big question is will they give in. FIFA doesn’t have a lot of time since the draw for the world cup will be done on 4th December.
Although most of the big football national teams have managed to qualify, there are some notable absentees that will be reflecting on where and how they lost the chance that comes once, in every four years.
Starting in the continent where the games will be held, Egypt is yet to come to terms of accepting that their North African rivals, Algeria, overpowered them. It is without a doubt that the current Egyptian football team is the best they have ever had in a very long time hence their big desire to compete in the world cup. Although their dominance in African soccer has seen them win the African Nations Cup a record six times they yet to extend their superiority at the world cup level.
In Europe, Russia, Bulgaria and Croatia will surely be missed. Having one of the best coaches Russia was surprisingly eliminated by Slovenia. The Russian team was in superb form having produced both finalists in the Europa cup this year. The Bulgarians and Croatians are yet to find the right formula to offer credible competition as they were in the 1990s.The two teams fate was sealed when they both finished third in their respective groups. Only the two top teams were proceeding.
After the triumph of Iraq in the Asian Football confederation in 2007 many had anticipated the lions of Mesopotamia, would lead the Asian continent. However this was not to be when the Iraqis were eliminated from their group.
The continent that has all its big teams is definitely South America. Uruguay’s and Argentina may have struggled in securing a place but when they arrive in South Africa, other teams know quite well they won’t be pushovers.
Even though the qualifiers have ended, the controversial goal scored by Thiery Henry when France played the Republic of Ireland in the 2nd leg of the European playoff certainly puts FIFA on the spotlight. Ireland Football Association moved very fast to express their wishes by writing a formal letter to FIFA demanding for an immediate replay. FIFA ultimate stance is that the referee decision is always final but the big question is will they give in. FIFA doesn’t have a lot of time since the draw for the world cup will be done on 4th December.
2010年5月2日星期日
Five Must-See Matches This Weekend
The football is coming thick and fast now and another weekend of wonderful viewing is on the cards, so here's the guide to it all. NFL jerseys
Sports Pundit's Game of the Weekend
Arsenal v Manchester United
English Premier League
Sunday, 5pm (Central European Time)
Whenever Arsenal and Manchester United face off it is always an occasion. But when the pair are separated by only a point towards the top of the Premier League table it makes for must-see viewing.
United's midweek Carling Cup success will buoy them with Wayne Rooney currently in sparkling form. But Arsenal has managed to stay there and thereabouts this season in the Premier League and with Cesc Fabregas back to full fitness, they'll be dangerous.
Arsenal have not lost to the Red Devils in their last four home clashes between the two but this is an important clash. With Chelsea facing struggling Burnley this weekend, both these two may need the points here.
Sporting Braga v Sporting Lisbon
Portuguese Liga Sagres
Friday, 9.45pm (CET)
Domingos Pacienca's Braga are currently, somewhat surprisingly, leading Portugal's top flight but this Friday they face giants Sporting Lisbon. Interestingly, it is Sporting's city rivals Benfica who are challenging Braga in the title race, which adds a bit of a substory here.
Both sides have won their last three in the league although Sporting have been woefully inconsistent throughout and are 12 points off the pace. But their recent form suggests maybe they've turned the corner and Braga will be weary.
Deportivo Coruna v Real Madrid
Spanish La Liga
Saturday, 10pm (CET)
The Spanish title race continues with second-placed Real Madrid facing a difficult journey to Coruna to face fifth-placed Deportivo. And Los Galacticos, who have fallen five points behind leaders Barcelona, are without their suspended star Cristiano Ronaldo.
On the other hand, Depor aren't without their absentees with a lengthy injury list including dangerous left-sided pair Filipe Kasmirski and Andres Guardado. Deportivo's midweek Copa del Rey might give them added incentive but Real's quality is abundant although form slumps for Kaka and Karim Benzema are a worry.
Ghana v Egypt
African Cup of Nations Final
Sunday, 5pm (CET)
Africa's continental tournament reaches its finale on Sunday in Angola, as Ghana's Black Stars face Egypt's Pharoahs. Egypt will be defending their title as they try to make it three African Cups in a row, while Ghana will be hoping to end a drought of over 25 years with their last title back in 1982.
Egypt's impressive 4-0 thumping of Algeria in the semi-final suggests they can be considered favourites, while all of Ghana's wins have been tight 1-0 triumphs and they are without Michael Essien. In the Chelsea star's absence, though, Ghana's young stars have stepped up in Angola and they might go one step further.
Juventus v Lazio
Italian Serie A
Sunday, 8.45pm (CET)
Two Italian giants performing below expectation face off in Serie A's late Sunday kick-off. Juventus have lost their last three and are woefully out of form and undermanned, putting the pressure on boss Ciro Ferrara. Lazio, on the other hand, are struggling down in 15th and in need of a boost.
But Juventus are the focus of much attention, with talk about Ferrara's replacement with names such as Rafa Benitez and Alberto Zaccheroni thrown up. It adds another dimension to this contest and Lazio's Sergio Floccari could pop up with a crucial goal or two.
Sports Pundit's Game of the Weekend
Arsenal v Manchester United
English Premier League
Sunday, 5pm (Central European Time)
Whenever Arsenal and Manchester United face off it is always an occasion. But when the pair are separated by only a point towards the top of the Premier League table it makes for must-see viewing.
United's midweek Carling Cup success will buoy them with Wayne Rooney currently in sparkling form. But Arsenal has managed to stay there and thereabouts this season in the Premier League and with Cesc Fabregas back to full fitness, they'll be dangerous.
Arsenal have not lost to the Red Devils in their last four home clashes between the two but this is an important clash. With Chelsea facing struggling Burnley this weekend, both these two may need the points here.
Sporting Braga v Sporting Lisbon
Portuguese Liga Sagres
Friday, 9.45pm (CET)
Domingos Pacienca's Braga are currently, somewhat surprisingly, leading Portugal's top flight but this Friday they face giants Sporting Lisbon. Interestingly, it is Sporting's city rivals Benfica who are challenging Braga in the title race, which adds a bit of a substory here.
Both sides have won their last three in the league although Sporting have been woefully inconsistent throughout and are 12 points off the pace. But their recent form suggests maybe they've turned the corner and Braga will be weary.
Deportivo Coruna v Real Madrid
Spanish La Liga
Saturday, 10pm (CET)
The Spanish title race continues with second-placed Real Madrid facing a difficult journey to Coruna to face fifth-placed Deportivo. And Los Galacticos, who have fallen five points behind leaders Barcelona, are without their suspended star Cristiano Ronaldo.
On the other hand, Depor aren't without their absentees with a lengthy injury list including dangerous left-sided pair Filipe Kasmirski and Andres Guardado. Deportivo's midweek Copa del Rey might give them added incentive but Real's quality is abundant although form slumps for Kaka and Karim Benzema are a worry.
Ghana v Egypt
African Cup of Nations Final
Sunday, 5pm (CET)
Africa's continental tournament reaches its finale on Sunday in Angola, as Ghana's Black Stars face Egypt's Pharoahs. Egypt will be defending their title as they try to make it three African Cups in a row, while Ghana will be hoping to end a drought of over 25 years with their last title back in 1982.
Egypt's impressive 4-0 thumping of Algeria in the semi-final suggests they can be considered favourites, while all of Ghana's wins have been tight 1-0 triumphs and they are without Michael Essien. In the Chelsea star's absence, though, Ghana's young stars have stepped up in Angola and they might go one step further.
Juventus v Lazio
Italian Serie A
Sunday, 8.45pm (CET)
Two Italian giants performing below expectation face off in Serie A's late Sunday kick-off. Juventus have lost their last three and are woefully out of form and undermanned, putting the pressure on boss Ciro Ferrara. Lazio, on the other hand, are struggling down in 15th and in need of a boost.
But Juventus are the focus of much attention, with talk about Ferrara's replacement with names such as Rafa Benitez and Alberto Zaccheroni thrown up. It adds another dimension to this contest and Lazio's Sergio Floccari could pop up with a crucial goal or two.
Could Fabregas Lead Arsenal To The Title?
The constant twists and turns in this season’s English Premier League campaign have suggested the title race could be a three-horse race.
Chelsea’s recent indifferent form and upcoming issues minus several African stars coupled by Manchester United’s injury woes in defence, have offered third-placed Arsenal a glimmer of hope.
The Gunners have been very impressive this term, but the weekend’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa highlighted the key to their hopes. Cesc Fabregas.
The Spanish midfielder returned from a minor hamstring injury as a 57th minute substitute against Villa, before scoring twice to effectively clinch the victory single-handed.
Make no mistake, high-flying Villa had been causing Arsenal plenty of problems until Fabregas’ arrival on the pitch.
Fabregas changed the game, controlling the midfield and ultimately scoring two decisive goals.
But after scoring the second he was seen limping during celebrations and had to be substituted after re-injuring his hamstring.
It’s a concern for the Gunners going ahead and scans will reveal the full extent of the injury.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said, "If it's scar tissue, he will be out for just a few days. But if it's a pulled hamstring, it's three weeks.”
Nevertheless, more than anything, the Villa game showed Fabregas’ worth to Arsenal, who are well and truly still in the title hunt.
Fabregas’ teammate Thomas Vermaelen said after the Villa game, "I have never seen a player come on before and have such an immediate impact.
"He is the best midfield player I have played with. He is really smart. In training it is really difficult to defend against him. You'd think he has eyes in the back of his head because he sees everything.
"When he came on the pitch we controlled the game more and created some more chances. He gives passes, a good line of defence and he is really dangerous. He has great vision."
Fabregas has scored 9 goals in the Premier League this campaign along with 3 in the UEFA Champions League, for a season tally of 12.
He is amongst the league’s topscorers, yet he is a midfielder.
And with hitman Robin van Persie injured, there’s no doubt Fabregas is Arsenal’s star.
But can he do it all for Arsenal? The weekend suggested he can, but surely he needs support?
Indeed, looking back historically the 2007-2008 Premier League season poses something which will worry any Arsenal fan.
The Gunners had produced an excellent opening to their campaign, almost appearing title favourites, before their inexperienced side stumbled in the second-half of the season, with the 2-2 draw at Birmingham in February the low point after an outburst from William Gallas and Eduardo’s awful leg injury.
But two years on Arsene Wenger may believe his team have matured into realistic title challengers. And it is clear with a fit Fabregas, on their day, they can prove unbeatable.
The question of consistency remains about the Gunners. Inexperience often brings inconsistent performances thus inconsistent results, but maybe Arsenal have overcome those days.
There still remains a school of thought, Wenger should invest in a quality frontman during January and that could ease a lot of the load on the brilliant Fabregas.
But with this year’s Premier League offering a slip-up or two from the big boys, the Gunners may not have a better shot at the title for a while.
It’s about making the NHL jerseys right decisions now. And, of course, keeping Fabregas fit.
Is the title beyond them? Maybe, but you never know, especially when Fabregas is firing.
Chelsea’s recent indifferent form and upcoming issues minus several African stars coupled by Manchester United’s injury woes in defence, have offered third-placed Arsenal a glimmer of hope.
The Gunners have been very impressive this term, but the weekend’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa highlighted the key to their hopes. Cesc Fabregas.
The Spanish midfielder returned from a minor hamstring injury as a 57th minute substitute against Villa, before scoring twice to effectively clinch the victory single-handed.
Make no mistake, high-flying Villa had been causing Arsenal plenty of problems until Fabregas’ arrival on the pitch.
Fabregas changed the game, controlling the midfield and ultimately scoring two decisive goals.
But after scoring the second he was seen limping during celebrations and had to be substituted after re-injuring his hamstring.
It’s a concern for the Gunners going ahead and scans will reveal the full extent of the injury.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said, "If it's scar tissue, he will be out for just a few days. But if it's a pulled hamstring, it's three weeks.”
Nevertheless, more than anything, the Villa game showed Fabregas’ worth to Arsenal, who are well and truly still in the title hunt.
Fabregas’ teammate Thomas Vermaelen said after the Villa game, "I have never seen a player come on before and have such an immediate impact.
"He is the best midfield player I have played with. He is really smart. In training it is really difficult to defend against him. You'd think he has eyes in the back of his head because he sees everything.
"When he came on the pitch we controlled the game more and created some more chances. He gives passes, a good line of defence and he is really dangerous. He has great vision."
Fabregas has scored 9 goals in the Premier League this campaign along with 3 in the UEFA Champions League, for a season tally of 12.
He is amongst the league’s topscorers, yet he is a midfielder.
And with hitman Robin van Persie injured, there’s no doubt Fabregas is Arsenal’s star.
But can he do it all for Arsenal? The weekend suggested he can, but surely he needs support?
Indeed, looking back historically the 2007-2008 Premier League season poses something which will worry any Arsenal fan.
The Gunners had produced an excellent opening to their campaign, almost appearing title favourites, before their inexperienced side stumbled in the second-half of the season, with the 2-2 draw at Birmingham in February the low point after an outburst from William Gallas and Eduardo’s awful leg injury.
But two years on Arsene Wenger may believe his team have matured into realistic title challengers. And it is clear with a fit Fabregas, on their day, they can prove unbeatable.
The question of consistency remains about the Gunners. Inexperience often brings inconsistent performances thus inconsistent results, but maybe Arsenal have overcome those days.
There still remains a school of thought, Wenger should invest in a quality frontman during January and that could ease a lot of the load on the brilliant Fabregas.
But with this year’s Premier League offering a slip-up or two from the big boys, the Gunners may not have a better shot at the title for a while.
It’s about making the NHL jerseys right decisions now. And, of course, keeping Fabregas fit.
Is the title beyond them? Maybe, but you never know, especially when Fabregas is firing.
2010年5月1日星期六
Porto vs. Arsenal: Champiosn League Betting Preview
Manchester United’s win in the San Siro on Tuesday indicated that Premier League sides are still very much to be feared in Europe but Arsenal look up against it in Portugal on Wednesday and I’m keen to take them on.
NFL jerseys
A full strength Arsenal would be fancied to nick at least a draw in their first leg last sixteen clash against FC Porto but Arsene Wenger must do without a host of key men and their opponents are traditionally very strong on home soil.
The French manager will be unable to call upon the services of Manuel Almunia, William Gallas, Alexander Song, Andrey Arshavin and long-term absentee Robin van Persie on Wednesday and, looking at his squad on paper, Arsenal look up against it.
Porto currently lie nine points off the pace in the top flight but that owes largely to Jesualdo Ferreira’s side suffering badly once again with travel sickness and Porto’s form in front of their own fans remains as good as ever.
So far this season only Chelsea have emerged with three points from the Estadio do Dragao and wins over both Atletico Madrid and APOEL in the Champions League group stage saw Porto finish second behind Carlo Anceloti’s men. Porto have conceded just nine goals in 13 home matches all season and also welcome back striker Hulk on Wednesday.
The Brazilian forward, who is likely to partner the prolific Falcao up front, is suspended for six months domestically following a fracas with a steward earlier in the campaign and it will be interesting to see whether or not Sol Campbell, likely to be recalled in Gallas’ absence, will be able to cope with that pairing. I suspect not, and Arsenal’s best form of defensive is likely to be attack.
Despite a less than convincing start to their season, Porto are now unbeaten in 12 matches and while Arsenal represent a step up in class I think they’ll really fancy this.
The Gunners were far from impressive away from The Emirates in qualifying for the knockout stages, dropping pints against AZ Alkmaar and Olympiacos, and Wenger would surely settle for a draw ahead of the return match.
With Porto aware of their own susceptibility on their travels I expect them to go for the kill from the first whistle and the 1.75 with sportingbet about them in the Draw no Bet market looks terrific value.
We’ll get our money back should they be unable to find a way through but Arsenal have looked increasingly fragile at the back of late and that looks an unlikely scenario, in particular with captain Gallas sidelined.
NFL jerseys
A full strength Arsenal would be fancied to nick at least a draw in their first leg last sixteen clash against FC Porto but Arsene Wenger must do without a host of key men and their opponents are traditionally very strong on home soil.
The French manager will be unable to call upon the services of Manuel Almunia, William Gallas, Alexander Song, Andrey Arshavin and long-term absentee Robin van Persie on Wednesday and, looking at his squad on paper, Arsenal look up against it.
Porto currently lie nine points off the pace in the top flight but that owes largely to Jesualdo Ferreira’s side suffering badly once again with travel sickness and Porto’s form in front of their own fans remains as good as ever.
So far this season only Chelsea have emerged with three points from the Estadio do Dragao and wins over both Atletico Madrid and APOEL in the Champions League group stage saw Porto finish second behind Carlo Anceloti’s men. Porto have conceded just nine goals in 13 home matches all season and also welcome back striker Hulk on Wednesday.
The Brazilian forward, who is likely to partner the prolific Falcao up front, is suspended for six months domestically following a fracas with a steward earlier in the campaign and it will be interesting to see whether or not Sol Campbell, likely to be recalled in Gallas’ absence, will be able to cope with that pairing. I suspect not, and Arsenal’s best form of defensive is likely to be attack.
Despite a less than convincing start to their season, Porto are now unbeaten in 12 matches and while Arsenal represent a step up in class I think they’ll really fancy this.
The Gunners were far from impressive away from The Emirates in qualifying for the knockout stages, dropping pints against AZ Alkmaar and Olympiacos, and Wenger would surely settle for a draw ahead of the return match.
With Porto aware of their own susceptibility on their travels I expect them to go for the kill from the first whistle and the 1.75 with sportingbet about them in the Draw no Bet market looks terrific value.
We’ll get our money back should they be unable to find a way through but Arsenal have looked increasingly fragile at the back of late and that looks an unlikely scenario, in particular with captain Gallas sidelined.
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