Big Daddy Navigates Uncharted Waters: posted by Les Leonard

     The Saints have gotten unprecedented rewards out of this season’s motto, “Finish!” Sunday the Who Dat Nation watched the Saints turn in another dominant second-half performance after trailing early to post a new franchise record 8-0 start. Saints fans remember last year’s painful gut-wrenching losses, when the team displayed innovative ways to snatch defeat from the hands of victory in the fourth quarter. In this week’s edition of Saints Beat, Big Daddy questions the SEC’s officiating, reports from Section 645, recaps the Carolina game, reviews a vault classic from Lost Treasures of NFL Films, and releases his World Famous Pregame Information.

     Before we talk Black ’ n’ Gold, Big Daddy must vent about the despicable officiating which crowned Alabama the 2009 SEC Western Division Champs last Saturday. Seeing the continuous favoritism aid Alabama throughout the contest, Big Daddy understood that the SEC’s top brass met with the officials to fully explain how important a Florida/Alabama Championship match-up would be to their job security. Naive viewers might have noticed “the foul stench in the state of Denmark,” but orchestrated flag throwing never fools obsessed football junkies. That said, nothing could have prepared Big Daddy or LSU fans for what transpired with about 5:30 remaining in the game. Officials on the field called Tiger cornerback Patrick Peterson’s obvious interception an incomplete pass, drawing absolute outrage from every Kingpin patron. Tiger faithful felt certain the replay booth would correct the egregious mistake, giving LSU one more chance to defeat the Crimson Tide. However, the replay booth confirmed the ruling on the field, cementing the tainted victory. Since the zebras (guided by the SEC) used the Tim Donaghy approach to ensure the desired outcome, we’ll never know whether blunders like LSU Head Coach Les Miles’ decision to go for 2 in the third quarter, the foolish waste of all three timeouts early in the second half, or the injury to starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson cost the Tigers a shot at this year’s Western Division title. What a shame!

Inter-League Game Could Spell Bad News for NHL posted by Jeff Ponder

Could an exhibition game really give bad publicity to a major North-American sports league?

The NHL has constantly been trying to show that their league is the best to the public all over the world.  For the past few seasons, the league has sent four of their teams overseas to play in places such as Germany, Sweden and England.  The teams usually open the NHL regular season a week early, playing two games in the country that they were designated.  This season the league has decided to send the St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings to Sweden, and the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers to Finland.  Not only are these teams playing each other, but they will see time against some of the best teams of the chosen nation in pre-season play.

Why is this a possible threat to the league?  The NHL holds themselves as the greatest hockey league in the world with the most powerful teams and the best players.  There is almost no way of disputing that prestigious honor as long as the teams are playing against each other all the time and do not allow any outside teams to jeopardize that point.  Allowing other teams from other leagues could harm the reputation of the NHL. 

Here is the schedule for the games that will be played against other league teams:

Tuesday, September 29:  St. Louis Blues vs. Linkoping HC at Cloetta Center

Tuesday, September 29:  Chicago Blackhawks vs. ZSC Lions Zurich at Hallenstadion

Wednesday, September 30:  Florida Panthers vs. Jokerit Helsinki at Hartwall Arena
Continue reading "Inter-League Game Could Spell Bad News for NHL"

Goaltender Options for the Flyers - Part 3 posted by Kevin Christmann

Part 3 of my “Goaltender Options for the Flyers” series will include a couple of “international” goaltenders, and additionally, I will give you my final opinion on what I’d like the Flyers to do.

Part 1 of the series covered Unrestricted Free Agent Options. Part 2 covered Restricted Free Agent Options as well as trade possibilities.

Before I begin, I’d just like to make an update to one of my previous entries. I read a rumor today from Eklund (love him or hate him…I personally hate him) that I thought I’d just throw out there. It said that Giguere is apparently Holmgren’s Plan A this offseason. Although Giguere has his no trade clause and was in the Anaheim area for his son’s eye condition, he doesn’t really want to be a backup goalie, and if the Ducks plan to stick with Hiller he may consider moving. If true, it is certainly interesting news. The Flyers would definitely need to shed some salary in order to get him. To me that means Briere, Lupul, Carle, Jones or maybe Gagne.

Ray Emery

It pains me to even make this entry, but I told a friend I would, and I’d also like to shed a bit of light on him. He has been playing in Russia this past season after nobody in the NHL wanted him (or at least wouldn’t pay him what he wanted). Recently, there was word that the Flyers had contacted his agent. I guess it’s good that the Flyers are considering every option, they should be; but Ray Emery is not a very good goaltender. Ray Emery had one decent season, the only one in which he was the full-time starter. In 2006-2007 he posted a 2.47 GAA and a save percentage of .918; both of which are pretty good numbers. However, I see no reason to believe that wasn’t a complete fluke. He was on a GREAT Ottawa Senators team; a team that had 105 points that season. For comparison, the Flyers had 99 pts this past season, and Biron’s numbers were arguably better (the SV% was, the GAA wasn’t).  In my opinion, Emery rode that awesome Senators team to the Stanley Cup Final, where they were promptly run over by Anaheim.  Somehow, Emery managed to convince people he was a good starting goalie. He managed to get himself a nice contract ($3.167 million cap hit), and was bought out shortly thereafter by the Senators when he showed his true colors. Those true colors being a GAA of 3.13 and a SV% of .890. Oh yea, did I mention that as part of being bought out, you then have to clear waivers? That means every single team in the league passed on him. But I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say that no team wanted him at a hit of 3.167 million. However, that doesn’t then explain why nobody wanted him as a free agent, when they could sign him for whatever price they see fit. The explanation is one of two things. Either literally nobody wanted him, or he thinks way too highly of himself, and wouldn’t sign the contracts being offered to him. Both of those don’t speak well for Mr. Emery. Oh yea, I haven’t even gotten into the fact that he’s apparently a coke head (with former teammate Brian McGratton), was perpetually late for practice, and beat up his trainer.

My Top 10 NHL Defenseman posted by Kevin Christmann

I thought I’d give a top 10 list a shot, and I thought defenseman was the place to start. I’ve noticed that the thoughts regarding the top 10 defenseman in the league are quite erratic, and there doesn’t seem to be a widely accepted pecking order. So I present you with mine. I’ve taken all around play into consideration. Both defensive and offensive abilities have been considered.

1)      Zdeno Chara
Chara is just the most dominant force in the game in my opinion. He is so big players just can’t match up with him. He skates very well for being so big, and it’s damn near impossible to beat him one on one. He can swallow you up physically, and nearly reach from board to board, so he plays incredible defense. He’s a physical presence, and he puts up great offensive numbers, with the NHL’s hardest slapshot this past season. He is currently a nominee for the 2008-2009 Norris Trophy (as the league’s best defenseman).

2)      Nicklas Lidstrom
What can be said about Nicklas Lidstrom? One of the greatest defenseman of All-Time, and he’s been doing it for…well, forever. The guy is 39 years old and has won the Norris Trophy 6 of the past 7 years; with no hockey being played in 2004-2005 due to the lockout. The guy just does it all. He is also currently a nominee (AGAIN) for the Norris Trophy; however, I see Chara taking it from him.

3)      Chris Pronger
Chris Pronger is a guy you either love or hate. If you’re a fan of a team from the West, you probably hate him because he’s been punishing, annoying, and playing stellar defense against your team for years. He is a hard nosed, and frankly, probably a pretty annoying guy, but that is what makes him such a great player. He’s physically imposing, plays fantastic defense, and puts up offensive numbers. As a Flyers fan, he is exactly the kind of player I’d love to see in Orange and Black.

What Next for Florida? posted by Jeff Ponder

At the March 4th NHL Trade Deadline, the Florida Panthers were stuck between a rock and a hard place.  Being tied for the eighth and final seed in the NHL playoff picture, the Florida franchise had to decide what was more important: winning in the current moment and going to the playoffs, or trading away a valuable asset to the team to acquire pieces for the future of the franchise.  General Manager Jacques Martin saw it fit to keep that valuable asset, but missed the playoffs just a short month later.  Irony is a sick joke.

Jay Bouwmeester became one of the top stories during the deadline, but ended up staying put in order to help for the playoff run.  The problem is Bouwmeester's open-ended thoughts to the media.  He was asked just before the deadline by the Florida Sun-Sentinel what the likelihood of him returning in a Panthers jersey would be for the 2009-10 campaign.

"I don’t know. Down the stretch here, there’s been a lot on your mind. To be quite honest, it’s something I’m going to have to sit down and do some serious thinking about. For me to say one way or the other right now is not really fair."

This is the kind of response that Manny Ramirez gave right before his deal to the LA Dodgers last season.  Responses like this lead the reader to believe that he is, to put in layman's terms, looking for better opportunities (**cough, cough more money**).  With his current $4.88 million price tag, it would be hard for the Panthers to give him a raise.  With just over $2 million left in salary, Florida has more holes to fill than just a star defenseman.  Stud backup goaltender Craig Anderson will be an unrestricted free-agent, as well as defensemen Nick Boynton and Jassen Cullimore and forward Ville Peltonen, among others.  Every one of these players plays an important role in the success of the Panthers. 
Continue reading "What Next for Florida?"

NHL Playoffs Rock On! First the East posted by Joshua Tarkoff

Welcome everyone to my first post here on the hockey blogs! I know I am a Floridian, but hockey certainly runs through my veins. Today, I will first be talking about the Eastern Conference. And...how about them Bruins! They look like the team they were when the season started. I was a bit concerned about them in the middle of the season, I mean after all they lost to the Panthers and the Lightning in one road trip. I did not think they were contenders when the playoffs started, but I am starting to rethink that now. Their power play gives me nightmares. Bruins in sweep, I say.

The biggest surprise series so far has to be Caps-Rangers. Just like the Bruins, I was not much of a believer in the Rangers, but after taking the first 2 in Washington, they may just have a chance. I must say that the Washington fans are tough, I watched them lose to my Panthers in March and the team started booing after just giving up 2 goals...rough crowd! Things do not look good if Ovie gets going though. Maybe it was because he was caught watching the Rangers practice the other day ( http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4083635). Lol, that Ovie. Whatever his off the ice antics, I firmly believe he is the best player we have in the game right now. I had the privilege of watching him twice this year and I was astounded at how good he is. Caps in 7.

And NJ is quietly doing their thing without much fanfare. While I am not too much of a Devils fan, it is tough to go against Brodeur and company. They may not be pretty, but they do have a solid playoff system going there. I was thinking upset by the Canes at first as they finished the regular season so strong, but I can't go against Brodeur quite yet. Devils in 6.

Cardinals Still Flying after A Panthers blood bath. posted by Vet059

The Panthers let loose and Cardinals Win.

Wow Jake Delhome should of done what most people do on their birthday......Then Again 5 picks and a fumble, Maybe he did take the day off. Now I am not trying to take away from the Cardinals, but man the Panthers did not even show up this week. I mean a 8-0 team at home and to lose like this. Steve Smith 2 catches and a td with a whooping 43 yards. Deangelo "the beast" Williams was total taken out of the mix.

Cardinals looking to play one more time. They Want another rematch againts the Giants or The Eagles. Both who beat them up prett bad last time. Kurt Warner had a decent game with 2 td's and one interception. 133 yards rush between James and Rookie Hightower. Larry Fitz did not miss Boldin as he got 8 catches for 166 yards and a TD. Cardinals D was stellar for a second week in a row. five picks and a fumble is just what a Defese needed to dominate this game. Now tommorrow they get to Sit back and Watch the Eagles and Giants bash each other up and take on the Winner. I have to think their fingers are crossed to see the Eagles at hime, but after a nice win on the east coast they might not care who they play next Sunday.

Again I go 1-1 on Sunday. Atleast if you where in Vegas and listen to me I said a close win for Carolina so if you took the points you look like a smart bet maker right now. Should of took the Dog.

Some Football blogging and Bowl game action. posted by Vet059

Tulsa and Ball sate hook up tonight.

This game could go either way. I like Ball State to prove their one lost season was not a fluke. Why Tulsa who is now the favorite had a decent season. With two close loses and a blowout by houston. The Weather in the game will effect the out come. So look for Ball State to get the upset and score should hit under.

Coaches Needed please apply.

I know it might be a little early to hire a coach, Have to interview and wait for some teams to get booted from the playoffs to make a decision. So why did the Jets owner go on a Vacation?????? Would he not atleast be home for the playoffs? More reason I think the Jets chocked against Miami to keep New England out of the playoffs.

Wow Free agency coming soon!

Who will go where? Always a fun part of Football. Then the draft talk gets heated up.

Eagles have two First Round Picks?

Yes Virginia, there is two picks but if the Eagles win this week and Face Carolina the following week.......Yes we could have two picks in the 30's. eagles could win the Superbowl and have the 32nd and 30th pick.......Just figures Eagles make a smart trade and it back fires.

For a Super bowl title I take two crappy picks.......Just Stomp the Jersey Giants.

Divisional playffs posted by Vet059

The Division playoff games are set and we are in for some good NFL action. I will make my picks Friday but wanted to take a quick glance at this weekends action. I am all giddy, because these games are gonna be awesome. Then take a quick look at tonight's Fiesta bowl.

The Baltiimre Ravens will face the Tennessee Titans this Saturday. This should be a slobber-knocker, the team still standing will advance to the championship game. The ravens lost a close game in week 5 to the Titans a rematch in the work. Who will that be? have to read my pick'em blog on Friday maybe early Saturday depending the Eagles pep rally.

The Arizona Cardinals survived being a home dog and get a trip to Carolina........The days of the Cardinals might becoming to an end. Then again maybe a surprise upset is in the making. During the season these teams meet in the same circumstances in Carolina. The Cardinals had a  lead but two late Steve Smith touchdowns and The Panthers got a 27-23 victory. Tune in for your Cardinal Panthers write up at end of the week.

Sunday will be a few good games as well. I start with the late game. The San Dieg Chargers and Pittsburg had a game end on a forward/taken away TD challenge by the refs. The Stellers where up by one when Polomolu picks up a fumble/forward pass and takes it to the huse. The review the play and touchdown came back but Steelers won by 1 instead of7 or 8 and Fantasy owners where crying. This time the game should be just as close who will win find out Friday,

Week 17 pick em's And a couple Bowl games to think about. posted by Vet059

The Video is of our new President and his thoughs of college football playoffs.......If he gets this done I could care less how else he dose as long as the United States is standing.......lol.

Now on to some pick'em games. Now it is week 17 the hardest week beside week one to make picks.  Start first with Pro then throw a few Bowl games in to boot. 

Suicied /Elimination Pick.

 I am going for it. The Lions win not get a win this year. This would be the game they would do so.  The Lions would need a big game from Calvin Johnson who is hurting, and Kevin (might Start in fantasy)Smith would need 100 yeards and 2 td's for the Lions to have a slim chance.  Lions would also need to hold Grant under 75 yards and keep Rodgers in check....Very bleek for the Lions to even have a chance........Then again this is The NFL and any given Sunday.

Packers to mkae the Lions imperfect.

Which game to take, Which team will play to win????

New England Pats might be playing for not. 11-5 record and they could still be watching with the super bowl hang over.....lol. The Losing team of superbowl missing the playoffs again?????? Not for a lack of tring. AFC was the dog to start season now they are the power confrence. Now The Pats will whip up on the Bills for 11th straight time. The Bills are just hoping to keep their coach after a great start the fell faster the a house of cards.

Flames end road skid at 4, top Panthers (AP)

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From Yahoo! Sports

Ducks' Hiller beats Panthers 3-0 (AP)

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From Yahoo! Sports

Vokoun earns fourth shutout in January (AP)

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From Yahoo! Sports

Rex Ryan sorry for gesture at MMA event (AP)

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan apologized Sunday for making an obscene gesture at a mixed martial arts event. Ryan was booed Saturday night while doing a TV interview at the MMA event in the Bank Atlantic Center, the Florida Panthers' home arena. He was smiling when caught making the gesture by a cell phone camera. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Caps' Green suspended 3 games

Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green has been suspended threegames for elbowing Florida Panthers forward Michael Frolik in thehead. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NHL