- 02:25 AM
- 11/08/09
Aside from the intangibles, the thing I found amazing about his play was his quick release snap-shot. He could give no hint that a 85 mph shot to the five-hole was coming. He also could work the fast break decent.
Thanks Joe.
posted by garfield at 04:12 PM on July 10
Say goodbye to the playoffs for a while. I like Joe N and this is change for change's sake, but its still a bad move. Tippet got Ribeiro to be a game changer for an entire season. Miracle worker, imho.
posted by garfield at 06:02 PM on June 11
Manny's contract troubles stem from his age and the term he was seeking. At least, that is why the Mets took a pass. Or so I've heard. And my ears somehow never hear anything other than the truth.
posted by garfield at 04:45 PM on April 07
Today is a missed opportunity by the NFL to embrace some new findings which could eventually lead to better equipment and protection for players. The hawkish legal response disgusts me.
posted by garfield at 05:17 PM on January 27
I'm with rcade. Except for the fact that the NHL had to be proactive and avoid the appearance of complicitly allowing players to intentionally injure one another. I think that the fear of being held liable is the motivating factor here. That, and the NHL is marketed to little kids who haven't even heard the term 'sloppy seconds' yet.
posted by garfield at 10:47 AM on December 03
I like his concept of what a team should be. I like his blustery personality. I like the fact that he intimidates members of MLSE. I like that the players are scared for their jobs. I like the fact that Wilson is an old friend, which should bode well for him outliving his current contract. I hope he has the patience to do what it takes to build internally.
Cliff did ok, but he betrayed the longview, that being to collect picks and prospects like its easter morning.
posted by garfield at 01:49 PM on December 01
The owners got their 'linkage' in the CBA so if revenues drop for some reason, so will Vinny's paycheck. Cost certainty remains. All is well. Except now the media thinks the owners are idiots rather than thinking the players are greedy. All is indeed well.
posted by garfield at 02:37 PM on July 14
Best. Temple to the Hockey Gods. Ever.
posted by garfield at 11:15 AM on July 11
I'm still amazed Nadal was only broken once because his actual serve isn't anything special. Improved, yes. But it usually takes a dominant serve to avoid breakage. And as great of a match as it was, Federer beat himself, imo. So many mishit balls and unforced errors. His backhand was nowhere near his average backhand. Nadal was fortunate to win the first two sets. And Ralph Furley very unfortunate to be down 0-2. But I have to say there is something to be able to conjure points when up against it, and Nadal was able to do that very efficiently. I'm still not sure how he was doing it, but he did it. And on a side note, Nadal's clothing sponsors need to do something about his underroos. Dude picks his ass constantly.
posted by garfield at 03:56 PM on July 07
Holland explains himself here. [via] I'd take Avery on my team in a heartbeat. The guy is effective during the regular season against division rivals, and can win you a playoff series by distraction. He's worth every penny, even if you don't agree with his means.
posted by garfield at 11:15 AM on July 03
rcade, you nailed it. This hoopla is about some senior writers getting scooped by the night shift intern on the news desk. These writers have been sniffing around the soon to be corpse and are mad they didn't get the first bite. For a myriad of reasons, isn't it common for these types of personnel decisions to be exercised on the road, or do I have a distorted memory of how professional sports franchises work?
posted by garfield at 01:41 PM on June 17
Seems to me the Wings attack the puck carrier more effectively than earlier Pens' opponents, negating the advantages of Malkin and Crosby in open ice. (I've even started to think the weaker Central allows the Wings to experiment throughout the regular season with more game tactics, molding them into a more flexible and opportunistic team.) But the same rule applies to these Wings that applied to the Devils' dynastic teams: you must get the lead first to make them chase you, or else game over.
posted by garfield at 08:41 AM on May 27
somewhat related - New aggressive treatment of concussions [via]
posted by garfield at 10:29 AM on February 08
I've had a thing for maryjane for fifteen years now.
posted by garfield at 01:38 PM on February 05
Biron/Tiittykaka tandem could get hot. And I don't think anyone wants to play Philly in the first round. There will be a physical toll paid against Philly higher than other clubs.
posted by garfield at 02:29 PM on February 04
Peter doesn't want to come back and lead a team. He wants to be the piece of the puzzle that puts a team over the top. With all the Avs injuries, Forsberg would be front and center without the top flite supporting cast he would prefer. If Sakic were healthy and having a great season, it would be different. But he isn't. And somehow Forsberg really respects the club that traded him away all those years ago, and again last year. Whatever floats your bat.
posted by garfield at 02:07 PM on February 04
I'd be shocked if he lip synched. He was behind on the lyrics for a bit of the first song. The anthem on the otherhand was way over mastered to be live. And maybe I'm old, or appreciate a lack of dancers or medleys, or prefer the tightness of Petty, but Prince last year pales in my mind. Or maybe its because Petty is underrated in general and Prince is overrated.
posted by garfield at 12:51 PM on February 04
Dude, prince opened with Queen. I admit, the symbolled one was pretty rockin, but he wasn't no Petty. They managed to create a tripped out concert experience at the sanitized Superbowl. Impressive.
posted by garfield at 12:17 PM on February 04
Smart money is on the Flyers landing him. And Holmgren could've won GM of the year even before a Forsberg signing, if his team hadn't developed a collective case of suspendmeitus.
posted by garfield at 11:53 AM on February 04
Petty was the best halftime act ever.
posted by garfield at 09:16 AM on February 04
two words: bud get
posted by garfield at 04:32 PM on January 31
Thems fightin' words. I'll let a Wings' fan do the fightin' though. But I will say he is pretty much a lock for first ballot admittance.
posted by garfield at 12:20 PM on January 31
What an uncanny resemblance to Raycroft you've found goddam.
posted by garfield at 04:55 PM on January 29
Bo, cart before the horse. Players are still getting used to taking penalty shots all the time. The circus tricks will come. I would prefer the theatrics to come during an elimination shoot out challenge, or something similar. Maybe give bonus points after goals are scored to break a tie or something. But points for a spin-o-rama swing and a miss was pretty lame.
posted by garfield at 04:04 PM on January 29
The hardest shot and accuracy comps are always my favorite. I missed the team relay and quickest lap around the rink. The team obstacle course has potential, but needs some tweaking. The shoot-out sudden death elimination also was a cool addition. The fancy pants show off session could be shelved, and I wouldn't mind. Or, maybe adjust the dumb ass judges so that scoring a goal was heavily weighted. And Dominique Wilkins? "Well, skating looks tough, so I give that an 8." "But Dominique, he just turned around?"
posted by garfield at 03:18 PM on January 29
You're bang on about the shooting percentage. Stajan would constantly defer to Steen for the shot every rush up the ice. When Stajan finally would shoot the damn biscuit, it'd be a game winner late in the third. Steen frustrates the hell out of me, because he so much talent but has difficultly translating that skill into production. But yeah, I'm definitely part of the steen-hype backlash crowd. But over the past 20 games, he might be our best forward. Tucker might be a good reason to fire Maurice. The coach has to recognize the weak link and make changes way before he did this year. I don't care how much the room likes Darcy. You're right about Antro's deal looking affordable, and therefore tradeable. I don't think you can make a good decision on Antro simply because the unknown factor looms so large. Which is why I'd hold onto him. I'd rather him play decent for cheap, than to trade him and get a middling return and have him tear it up in Detroit. Of course, I take $200 to a casino, so take that into consideration. Wellwood looks miserable. He sucks all over the ice. Takes no initative. But we know what he's capable of. Oates type assist numbers, if he can survive the punishment. But I'm not sure he wants to play in the NHL. For someone who missed so many games last year, he sure did fuck up his rehab. Maybe he can read about the career he might've had in those books we always hear about him reading. Can you tell I'm disappointed in the lad? But selling low will always eff you in the bee, so....a clearance sale isn't necessarily the way to go.
posted by garfield at 04:34 PM on January 22
I fear Antro will get injured again, but at his current salary, he's a bargain. And if career totals have anything to do with it, he should make no more than $2.5m on his next deal. (speaking of $2.5m, I can't believe the job Ken Holland has done keeping salaries down in Detroit) I love Stajan's game. He's a shut-down centerman with pretty good play making ability. His off-season regiment this past summer has done wonders for his play, and if he continues to progress, he'll be very valuable. He partnered well with Steen and Devereaux to form the best line of the season, imo. But I'm wondering what you had for lunch after your better hands comment. I'd keep Stajan, but I was trying to keep the untouchable list short. And Steen can't be traded. I see him as a future Jere Lehtinen; smart, and deadly given the space. Sundin should allow a trade. A Doug Weight, see you again in the summer situation would be ideal. But if he leaves, I doubt he'll come back. But Sundin should fetch 4 or 5 assets, two of which should be blue chippers. Mirtle says trade Kaberle, but I disagree. PPP is on the money with his assessment. Tomas is like fine wine just beginning to garner a worldclass reputation. Trade him now, and you really would be foolish. I think they'll put on a run and come up short again. Yay! Of course, whatever happens from here on out, Kulemin will come next year and make this team much better.
posted by garfield at 02:46 PM on January 22
Mirtle roundtables with PensionPlanPuppets
posted by garfield at 02:09 PM on January 22
There are a couple of untouchables that need mentioning: Steen, Tlusty, Kulemin, Stralman, Antropov, Kaberle, any future 1st or 2nd round pick. I wish Peddie would take the fall, but how can he when he can play a trump any time he chooses. And the really sad part of all of this is that the Leafs really aren't as bad as their record indicates. Atleast 10 points have been squandered on game managing errors. Having said that, committing such mental errors indicates a weakness of the team that needs to be addressed, and so surrendering points could be a good thing.
posted by garfield at 01:30 PM on January 22
fyi, hockey-recap is back as hockey cube
posted by garfield at 04:08 PM on January 08
Holmgren might've actually won GM of the year if not for his team's pitiful excuse for grit.
posted by garfield at 09:45 AM on January 07
The 'taken without knowledge' defense was already used by Bonds.
posted by garfield at 02:56 PM on January 04
I just wish the commentators would've stopped giving by the second weather updates. Other than that, great stuff.
posted by garfield at 11:52 AM on January 02
Simon was suspended 25 for the battle-ax attack on Hollweg, managed to play 26 games this season before earning a 30 gamer. 55:26 isn't a very good ratio, however which way you want to look at it.
posted by garfield at 03:10 PM on December 19
The next team to defeat the Red Wings in a playoff series should have a fan throw a bag of octupi beaks on the ice....cause its crazy those slippery suckers have beaks. Just crazy. But it would have to be from a giant octupus.
posted by garfield at 01:59 PM on December 10
He drove his hip through the side of Alberts' skull. The same force can knock a professional athlete off his feet, on or off ice. I'm surprised the helmet didn't crack. What happened to suspensions getting longer throughout the season? When Downie got 20, I suspected things were going to change. Guess not, eh?
posted by garfield at 01:31 PM on November 28
Agreed. I was thinking about that over the weekend. My bad. Sorry yerfatma. Though I still think certain teams had more incentitive to drive revenue than others, despite how crazy that sounds, due mostly to need. The more stable the franchise, the longer it played nice with prices. I still need to map ticket prices to half validate my hair brained theory.
posted by garfield at 10:27 AM on November 12
Mirtle has two good posts on what is driving revenue growth and what 'small market' actually means = 'big market, indifferent to hockey.'
posted by garfield at 09:04 AM on November 08
Thanks, and understood. While I agree in theory, I don't think that is what happened. I think teams evaluated their individual markets, and either lowered prices, kept status quo, or upped prices when the league resumed play based upon revenue needs and or what they thought the ticket buying market would bear. This was an unusual situation, because teams were afraid of the ill-will the lock out created and wanted to make sure people would come back. I think I'm going to do a little googling and see if I can map out ticket price changes for the 30 teams, maybe get a better idea how these changes relate to revenue sharing.
posted by garfield at 04:20 PM on November 07
how can a small minority of teams get anything voted into a CBA? Fantastic question! I'd like to know myself, because as it appears now their votes carry more weight. Ticket prices are set to maximize revenues and nothing else. You can't set them to account for a change in the price of inputs I understand and agree with the first sentence. Can you explain the second further? change in price of inputs?
posted by garfield at 03:13 PM on November 07
Same overpriced tickets, but they aren't up against it because of TV revenue. The NHL is unique in the major NA sports landscape because of its dependence on the gate. way outside the margins : Going to an NBA game crystallized the realization what freaks NBA players are. 7' and can dribble through zone D in a phone booth. Freaks I say!
posted by garfield at 02:34 PM on November 07
Hold on there yerfatma. It is the Toronto's and New York's (the powerful minority) that pay out revenue sharing dollars while not receiving any in return. Not that I'm defending the big teams, I'm just saying they finally agreed to revenue sharing in the first place with this latest CBA, so they are moving in the right direction. But as revenue sharing is based on revenue growth, it has been interesting to watch how teams have generated revenue since the owner lock-out. Some teams reduced ticket prices the first year, then increased them the next. Some held the line, then increased prices in subsequent years. Others increased prices from the drop of the puck. This league wide staggering of price increases seems to relate to this newly discovered CBA clause quite closely. Of course there have been league wide revenue initiatives in conjunction with the strengthening CDN$, that has helped propel league wide revenue higher every year. However, now that the cycle of quick revenue schemes has run its course (I believe most every team has made a play for bucks) growth will slow league wide, so the small market teams won't have to worry too much about huge growth numbers. They just have to worry about achieving above average growth. And if they can't, then the league will correct itself. There's been alot of noise about Canada being able to support more teams, so perhaps the failing clubs will be re-located. Just as soon as Bettman gets the axe. marginally related rant: The thing that makes me puke about pro sport ownership, especially the NHL, is the manner in which losses are claimed for one entity, all the while profits are reaped from 'unrelated' operations. Tax shelters, I think is the term. And here's a little article that made its way to my inbox that I thought spofi might enjoy.
posted by garfield at 01:47 PM on November 07
I'm digging the new Caps 'W' logo. Works well with the eagle. Where are all the PC freaks condemning the Blackhawks crest? Just wondering. Habs should win it. Though I always loved the Nordiques badge.
posted by garfield at 11:25 AM on October 30
Let me explain myself. The eligibility DJE pointed out wasn't in the article when I first read it. Second, this possible loop hole might eliminate the need to wait until he is 21. Also, there are some salient points made over at Mirtle's blog. And finally, there have been two other 17 yrs old to play in North AMerican pro hockey; Samsonov and Bonk. Maybe this isn't such a great idea afterall.
posted by garfield at 04:25 PM on October 25
I could see his handlers liking the idea for a couple reasons. First, his agent is partially responsible for seeking out alternatives after the draft next year was ruled out. Tavares is a local kid, so I'd guess he might be a Leafs fan. Making pro money at that age while assured time to develop is probably not so bad. He might get razzed a bit more than other non-phenoms. And he might receive some unwanted attention, but he is a pro athlete in training.
posted by garfield at 03:51 PM on October 25
Aw come on. Don't be all logical and pragmatic about this. Dream a little, wouldya?! Next you'll be saying JFJ traded him for the next Minnesota goal tender to look good behind Lemaire's D scheme.
posted by garfield at 01:08 PM on October 25
As a fan of a horribly struggling team, the mere idea of landing a top prospect has me giddy. As a critic of the NHL, I blame Tavares being denied eligibility for the draft as the root of this situation. As an objective observer, the rest of the league is not going to like this one bit.
posted by garfield at 12:52 PM on October 25
The NLL is what the NHL used to be in its prime - blue collar fun. This news is a sad day for a sport that has been making steady progress for almost a decade.
posted by garfield at 01:57 PM on October 18
Fans Boo moment of silence. [via]
posted by garfield at 02:58 PM on October 09
Thing is, NA pro leagues only compete with eachother. Internal competition is second fiddle to "parity." I'd love to see the free market system in the NHL. Maybe the Leafs wouldn't treat each season as four quarterly reports.
posted by garfield at 11:46 AM on October 05
I figured it had to be posted since the prevailing argument around these parts is the same as the players' argument: you still have to be able to hit. But if you step past that prerequisite, what exactly can juicing do is the heart of the matter.
posted by garfield at 10:01 AM on September 26
Based on the revenues generated by the league, NFLPA benefits should be far and away the best retirement package short of a CEO for a Fortune 500 company.
posted by garfield at 03:15 PM on September 19
Along with other preventive efforts, most notably by Dr. Charles Tator, the STOP campaign is credited with helping reduce spinal cord injuries from about a dozen a year in the 1980s (one-quarter of those players suffered paralysis) to no paralyzed players last season.
posted by garfield at 12:20 PM on September 10
Awareness of the need for defibrillators is something I can get behind.
posted by garfield at 01:42 PM on August 30
Well said, Weeder.
posted by garfield at 12:11 PM on August 22
I wish that Samuel quote read "Reason Mother Fucker! Do you use it?!"
posted by garfield at 08:06 AM on August 21
Shit, I forgot my ten foot pole
posted by garfield at 03:35 PM on August 15
I'm frickin' oozing with pride over the fact I don't even know what this thread is about.
posted by garfield at 05:03 PM on August 13
Fiery end for Hawks' Dale Tallon; Stan Bowman named GM
$4.5M over the cap wasn't such a a smoovemove on Tallon's part, nor was planning to sign Toews, Kane, and Keith for $3m/per each next year. But Hawks' brass doesn't have to sound so damn happy about promoting Stan Bowman, especially with Tallon still working for the team.