Recent Comments by prof

NHL Playoff Pickem: Third Round

As usual, my Flames are out and I am out. Also, my picks suck. GL all

I dislike all the teams in the west, so am watching the Lightening-Rangers like it is the Cup final :)

posted by prof at 01:22 AM on June 02, 2022

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

Courtois had amazing game

posted by prof at 08:45 PM on May 29, 2022

NHL Playoff Pickem: Second Round

My picks:

Avalanche in 6
Hurricanes in 5
Flames in 6
Top goals: Kucherov,TB
Top goalie (save %): Mike Smith
Team scoring 6 goals: Hurricanes
Game 1 winner: Panthers

Puck about to drop on TB-FLA, I pick TB in 7

posted by prof at 07:12 PM on May 17, 2022

Arizona Coyotes Are Moving to a 5,100-Seat Arena

Having lived between Alberta and Arizona for many years, there is a good collection of snowbirds that make that journey. Though, I cannot imagine many would switch allegiance from their northern childhood team to the Coyotes.

posted by prof at 02:31 PM on May 02, 2022

Enter the SportsFilter NHL Playoff Pickem

My picks:

Hurricanes in 6
Maple Leafs in 6
Wild in 7
Oilers in 6
Rangers in 6
Panthers in 5
Avalanche in 6
Flames in 5
Top goals: Nikita Kucherov, TB
Top goalie (save %): Mike Smith
Team scoring 6 goals: Lightning
Game 1 winner: Rangers

Wife and I have tickets to Game 5, if necessary, at MSG

posted by prof at 02:25 PM on May 02, 2022

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

Sometimes a team needs a guy on the edge of madness to win a title.
Edge of madness or willing to push team in odd, unexpected directions, which often looks like madness?
Some reason my mind when to the Chicago Bulls, where Rodman definitely filled that roll from 96-98. You could almost say Jordan filled that roll in the 91-93 championships. Not to the extreme of those listed above, but someone who did things the rest of the team did not always agree with. (Last Dance added some great insight into this.)

posted by prof at 12:05 PM on January 03, 2022

10 things we learned from F1's 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

I am a new-ish F1 fan and Sunday's race did not sit well with me. I enjoy the on-trace racing battles and the tire/pit strategy, both of which seemed missing from this race, or at least on the back burner.
I hope the last race is better. I do not have a dog in the fight. My preference, right now, would be someone other than Hamilton or Verstappen wins the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

posted by prof at 04:28 PM on December 06, 2021

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

My college soccer season is over, so I will be back regularly reading and commenting.

I have thought in past about getting a subscription to The Athletic and a twitter ad popped up for 12-months at $1 per month. If anyone is interested, you can see if the link still works.

Otherwise, I have a 30-day Guest Pass to share with 5 friends offer also.

Enjoy all

posted by prof at 02:11 PM on November 29, 2021

Cleveland Ex-Indians Unveil New Name

Watch the video, but ignore the twitter comments

posted by prof at 11:20 AM on July 23, 2021

England Reaches First Final Since 1966

And then said: That's 19 tournaments without a final.

England has not qualified for every World Cup since 1966, missing 74, 78, and 94 in the US.
They also have not qualified for every Euro since 1966, missing 72, 76, 84, and 08.
I think the math then works out.

Source

posted by prof at 07:07 PM on July 08, 2021

SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle

Three Power 5 schools have never won a national championship in a team sport.
That could change today.

posted by prof at 11:11 AM on June 30, 2021

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

I can't remember which Euro game and am guessing it was Derek Rae, but...
An announcer was talking about some player's off-the-field good deeds and mentioned he had a meeting with a name I did not initially recognize. A second later, I figured he was talking about Barack Obama. I am not sure if he said his last name, it may have been just Barack.
I am still dumbfounded how you could mess that name up. I understand if you have no idea who the man is, but if you are trying to name drop...

posted by prof at 06:37 PM on June 15, 2021

Enter the European Soccer Pick'em on SportsFilter

In. Forza Italia

posted by prof at 12:19 PM on June 11, 2021

Enter the European Soccer Pick'em on SportsFilter

In. Forza Italia

posted by prof at 12:19 PM on June 11, 2021

Edmonton Ex-Eskimos Unveil New Name

According to Massey Ratings Mascot Search this is the first professional team with the name.
23 high schools use this mascot, including one a few miles from where I use to live and once refereed a basketball game.

posted by prof at 11:18 AM on June 10, 2021

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

Jomboy has turned me on to some great head-scratchers lately. Here is one I originally saw on Jomboy and then did a little more research on.

posted by prof at 09:13 PM on May 03, 2021

NFL Playoff Pickem: Divisional Round

My picks:

Packers by 3
Ravens by 3
Chiefs by 10 (lock)
Saints by 5
Passer: Tom Brady
Rusher: Aaron Jones (GB)
Receiver: Stefon Diggs (BUF)
Player with interception: Darnell Savage Jr. (GB)

posted by prof at 10:22 AM on January 15, 2021

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

+1 NoMich

posted by prof at 06:17 PM on December 24, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 15: Packers Tiebreaker Edition

Revised picks:

Steelers by 10 (lock)

posted by prof at 12:09 PM on December 18, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 15: Packers Tiebreaker Edition

My picks:

Raiders by 6 (lock)
Bills by 9 (lock)
Packers by 9 (lock)
Buccaneers by 4
49ers by 5
Titans by 7 (lock)
Colts by 7
Patriots by 2
Vikings by 3
Seahawks by 5
Ravens by 17 (lock)
Rams by 20 (lock)
Cardinals by 5
Saints by 2
Giants by 2

posted by prof at 06:10 PM on December 17, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 14: You Caught That Tyreek Edition

My picks:

Rams by 4
Bears by 4
Bengals by 4
Chiefs by 7 (lock)
Cardinals by 4
Buccaneers by 4
Panthers by 4
Titans by 7 (lock)
Colts by 4
Seahawks by 9 (lock)
Packers by 8 (lock)
Saints by 8 (lock)
Falcons by 5
49ers by 7 (lock)
Steelers by 3
Ravens by 8 (lock)

posted by prof at 08:09 PM on December 09, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 13: 269 Receiving Yards Edition

My picks:

Saints by 4 (lock)
Bears by 4
Titans by 7 (lock)
Dolphins by 7 (lock)
Vikings by 11 (lock)
Raiders by 7 (lock)
Texans by 3
Cardinals by 3
Seahawks by 10 (lock)
Packers by 9 (lock)
Chargers by 3
Chiefs by 17 (lock)
Steelers by 17 (lock)
49ers by 6
Ravens by 10 (lock)

posted by prof at 01:13 AM on December 05, 2020

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

billsaysthis, I use the ESPN Roku app, so get the full race, but find it tough to navigate app without catching a spoiler. I knew Perez had engine problems before the race started :(

posted by prof at 05:32 PM on December 01, 2020

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

The F1 race in Bahrain was very unusual.

  • A big fiery crash on lap 1 red flags (stops) the race. Many commented they had not seen a crash this fiery in 10+ years. The fact that Grosjean ended up on the other side of the guardrail and was able to get himself out of the car while on fire is a miracle. Even though Grosjean has relatively minor injuries, mostly burns. He will probably not race in the final 2 races of the season. Also because he does not have a contract for next year, this will likely have been his last F1 race.
  • On the restart, another car ends upside-down and brings out the safety car.
  • A marshall ran across the track in front of an F1 car.
  • The tire situation meant most drivers had to stop twice, in addition to the red flag. This made it very tough to follow who was on what strategy.
  • Perez, who spent most of the race in 3rd, had a mechanical failure with 3 laps left, to give 3rd place Albon. Perez does not have a seat/contract for next season and one of the rumors of who he could unseat is Albon. This also meant the race finished under a yellow flag/safety car.

posted by prof at 11:21 AM on November 30, 2020

Diego Maradona has died

I am on a soccer coaching group chat and we have been discussing this all day. The main conversation has been about was he the best ever :)

posted by prof at 09:55 PM on November 25, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 12: Turducken Edition

My picks:

Lions by 4
Cowboys by 4
Steelers by 4
Falcons by 4
Bills by 4
Bengals by 4
Colts by 4
Vikings by 4
Patriots by 4
Dolphins by 10 (lock)
Browns by 4
Saints by 10 (lock)
Rams by 5
Chiefs by 6
Packers by 6 (lock)
Seahawks by 6

posted by prof at 09:18 PM on November 25, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 11: Hail Murray Edition

My picks:

Seahawks by 4
Browns by 3
Saints by 4
Bengals by 3
Panthers by 4
Steelers by 13 (lock)
Ravens by 6
Patriots by 4
Dolphins by 4
Chargers by 10 (lock)
Colts by 2
Vikings by 9 (lock)
Chiefs by 9 (lock)
Buccaneers by 3

posted by prof at 09:14 PM on November 18, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 10: What Happened to the Bucs Edition

My picks:

Titans by 4
Browns by 3
Buccaneers by 4
Eagles by 4
Packers by 10 (lock)
Lions by 4
Raiders by 4
Dolphins by 4
Cardinals by 4
Rams by 4
Steelers by 9 (lock)
Saints by 4
Ravens by 9 (lock)
Vikings by 4

posted by prof at 12:22 AM on November 12, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 9: Undefeated Steelers Edition

My picks:

49ers by 4
Falcons by 4
Seahawks by 4
Titans by 4 (lock)
Ravens by 4
Chiefs by 14 (lock)
Vikings by 4 (lock)
Washington by 2
Texans by 4
Chargers by 4 (lock)
Steelers by 10 (lock)
Cardinals by 3
Buccaneers by 4
Patriots by 17 (lock)

posted by prof at 03:18 PM on November 05, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 8: Don't Score Todd Edition

My picks:

Panthers by 3
Patriots by 4
Titans by 8 (lock)
Browns by 4
Colts by 4
Packers by 6
Chiefs by 17 (lock)
Rams by 9 (lock)
Ravens by 4
Chargers by 4
Saints by 3
49ers by 3
Eagles by 4
Buccaneers by 9 (lock)

posted by prof at 10:32 AM on October 29, 2020

Lewis Hamilton Grabs 92nd F1 Win in Portugal

Hamilton is an amazing driver in that he does a lot of the simple things very well. It sometimes can make a race boring with the fact that if he is in the lead, he rarely loses it.
I have only watched F1 racing for the last 2 years but it has been a joy to watch a master at his craft. I think it would be amazing to see everything he does in the off-season and during a race week to prepare for the race.

posted by prof at 06:46 PM on October 27, 2020

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

My local college, Boise State, has released their Mountain West only college basketball schedule. They start with two games in the last week of 2020. As a season ticketholder I am amazed I have seen that much :)

posted by prof at 06:31 PM on October 27, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 7: Tank for Trevor Edition

My picks:

Eagles by 4
Falcons by 3
Bengals by 2
Titans by 3
Saints by 4 (lock)
Bills by 10 (lock)
Cowboys by 4
Packers by 3
Cardinals by 2
Chiefs by 9 (lock)
Patriots by 3
Chargers by 7 (lock)
Buccaneers by 3
Rams by 4 (lock)

I knew when there was no Thursday game and going on vacation, I would forget to turn in my picks. Argh!!! And I was in 4th place. Well just going to have to take some Lock risk for rest of season to make up for it :)

posted by prof at 05:26 PM on October 22, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 5: Undefeated Bills Edition

Prof is clearly cheating.

I somewhat forgot I picked the Bears. Figuring most missed last nights game, I came out to see who got it right and was shocked that I did :)

For close games I usually pick the home team and did so in this one.

posted by prof at 01:31 PM on October 09, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 5: Undefeated Bills Edition

My picks:

Bears by 2
Falcons by 4
Titans by 4
Chiefs by 12 (lock)
Cardinals by 4
Steelers by 4 (lock)
Rams by 10 (lock)
Ravens by 11 (lock)
Texans by 3
49ers by 9 (lock)
Colts by 3
Cowboys by 10 (lock)
Patriots by 7 (lock)
Seahawks by 4
Saints by 4

posted by prof at 11:27 AM on October 08, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 4: Let Russ Cook Edition

My picks:

Broncos by 4
Bears by 2
Bengals by 2
Cowboys by 4 (lock)
Saints by 4
Titans by 4
Seahawks by 4
Buccaneers by 3
Ravens by 14 (lock)
Cardinals by 3
Vikings by 3
Rams by 12 (lock)
Chiefs by 3
Raiders by 2
49ers by 10 (lock)
Packers by 4

Should be some close games this weekend, and a few blowouts

posted by prof at 10:59 AM on October 01, 2020

SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle

Somwhat related or not...

  • In 2008, New York lost the MLS Cup to Columbus after winning the Western Conference Final after finishing the regular season 5th in the Eastern Conference.
  • In 2009, Real Salt Lake won the MLS Cup after winning the Eastern Conference Final after finishing the regular season 5th in the Western Conference.
  • In 2010, Colorado won the MLS Cup after winning the Eastern Conference Final after finishing the regular season 5th in the Western Conference.
Until 2012 for the playoffs, MLS would take the top few teams from a conference and then fill the rest of the bracket with wild cards. More than once during this time I remember having to explain this oddity to a new fan of the league. Especially in 2009 and 2010 as Colorado and RSL were the two teams that would regularly show up on our regional sports channels.

posted by prof at 10:49 AM on October 01, 2020

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

So you had a bad day, TikTok style

posted by prof at 12:37 PM on September 24, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 3: Pay Dak Prescott Edition

My picks:

Jaguars by 7 (lock)
Falcons by 2
Rams by 3
Browns by 3
Titans by 3
Patriots by 7 (lock)
49ers by 10 (lock)
Eagles by 3
Steelers by 4
Colts by 10 (lock)
Chargers by 8 (lock)
Broncos by 3
Cardinals by 6
Seahawks by 4
Saints by 3
Ravens by 4

posted by prof at 10:10 AM on September 24, 2020

NHL Playoff Pickem: Stanley Cup Finals

I bowed out of the Pick-em after my 1st round performance but excited to watch the Cup Finals start tonight :)

posted by prof at 12:44 PM on September 19, 2020

SportsFilter: The Saturday Huddle

Tadej Pogacar stuns Primoz Roglic, set to win Tour de France.

I have only watched the last half of this Tour de France but today was exciting with all the story lines.

  • Roglic had less than a minute lead over Pogacar at the start of today's time trial.

  • Roglic team had been dominate all week in the mountains

  • Roglic and Pogacar are friends from Slovenia

  • Pogacar will win the yellow jersey (general classification), the white jersey (best young rider), and the polka dot jersey (King of the Mountain)

  • Pogacar will turn 22 on Monday

  • Porte, started day 4th and in his likely last Tour, will finish on podium in 3rd place. Again shows how close this tour was
  • posted by prof at 12:41 PM on September 19, 2020

NFL Pickem Week 2: Chiefs Are Still Good Edition

My picks:

Browns by 2
Bears by 6 (lock)
Cowboys by 3
Packers by 4
Titans by 6 (lock)
Vikings by 3
Bills by 4 (lock)
49ers by 6 (lock)
Rams by 3
Steelers by 3
Buccaneers by 2
Cardinals by 3
Chiefs by 5 (lock)
Ravens by 7 (lock)
Seahawks by 2
Saints by 3

posted by prof at 10:00 AM on September 17, 2020

Enter SportsFilter's NFL Pickem

My picks:

Chiefs by 5
Falcons by 2
Bills by 4
Bears by 3
Vikings by 3
Patriots by 8 (lock)
Eagles by 4
Panthers by 2
Colts by 2
Ravens by 7 (lock)
Chargers by 3
Saints by 4
49ers by 6 (lock)
Rams by 3
Steelers by 3
Titans by 3

posted by prof at 04:04 PM on September 10, 2020

Join SportsFilter's Fantasy Premier League

Thank you and good luck all

posted by prof at 12:50 PM on September 10, 2020

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

rcade, Any update on SportsFilter Fantasy Premier League?

I am willing to help in any way possible but am guessing there is not much I can do :)

posted by prof at 10:42 AM on September 08, 2020

Gasly surprise Italian GP winner as Hamilton given penalty

Monza is a tough track but there seemed to be a lot of unusual mistakes by experienced drivers and teams. Makes me wonder if the compressed schedule of 8 races in 10 weeks has caused some fatigue. * Bottas going backwards at the start * Lewis and Giovinazzo pit stops * Haas, Ferrari, and Red Bull mechanical retirements

Just a thought :)

posted by prof at 10:15 PM on September 06, 2020

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

rcade depends on ultimate goal. Transfers are free until week 1. So, I just let the app autopick my line-up and I will go back later and pick my actual team.

posted by prof at 11:36 PM on September 01, 2020

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

heart rending sounds that are emitted when players like Neymar and DiMaria take a dive.

Are you watching someplace other than CBS? CBS had the artificial fan noise, which I find distracting at times.

posted by prof at 01:07 PM on August 20, 2020

Enter SportsFilter's NHL Playoff Pick 'Em

My picks:

Lightning in 5
Flames in 5
Hurricanes in 6
Golden Knights in 6
Capitals in 7
Avalanche in 6
Flyers in 4
Blues in 7
Top goals: Alex Tuch
Top goalie (save %): Carter Hart
Team scoring 6 goals: Flyers
Team giving up 0 goals: Blues


Go Flames

posted by prof at 02:48 PM on August 11, 2020

SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle

I cut the cord 5 or 6 years ago, maybe more. So during big tournaments, I subscribe to some online service, watch my games, then cancel. I did YouTube TV (or is it YouTube Live?) last summer for Women's World Cup in France. Did a VPN service one winter for the Olympics as NBC had no online option and Canada and England had free options. Sometimes I get lucky as I get a week or two free trial, though I may have already used my CBS All Access trial on a March Madness one year.

posted by prof at 01:08 PM on May 29, 2020

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

holden, thanks for a trip down memory lane.
Why didn't we think of this earlier? With multiple days of zero posts, bringing back Huddles or articles From the Archives, would be amusing.

posted by prof at 01:02 PM on May 29, 2020

SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle

NWSL to return on June 27 with month-long tournament haven't had time to read this, but one concern was how to handle players with young children.

I will be happy to watch as many games as I can of this as I can. Will be a bit odd though not being able to drive the 5 hours to SLC to see the games live. Some fellow soccer coaches/analysts on twitter have been offering their services for free to be able to attend these games live :)

posted by prof at 06:45 PM on May 27, 2020

SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle

NWSL to return on June 27 with month-long tournament haven't had time to read this, but one concern was how to handle players with young children.

I will be happy to watch as many games as I can of this as I can. Will be a bit odd though not being able to drive the 5 hours to SLC to see the games live. Some fellow soccer coaches/analysts on twitter have been offering their services for free to be able to attend these games live :)

posted by prof at 06:45 PM on May 27, 2020

NBA May Play Rest of Season at Disney World

The article does not state how locked down those involved will be. Some concerns and stories about isolating everyone.

  • German coach missed first game after going out to get some toothpaste a few days before a game
  • Player's want to be present for the birth of a child or present for some other life event
  • After testing everyone mental health for 7 weeks of being stuck at home, we are asking those involved to do it longer
While maybe not these exact point, I heard these types of questions is what has MLB shying away from starting season in Florida and Arizona but at home stadiums.

posted by prof at 10:57 AM on May 26, 2020

SportsFilter: The Friday Huddle

Showing up in the The Last Dance on Sunday marks part of his last dance, Jerry Sloan has passed away

posted by prof at 12:09 PM on May 22, 2020

Coronavirus: No professional sport in England until 1 June at earliest

Frauen Bundesliga could resume from 23rd May behind closed doors I am happy about this as women's soccer has made lots of gains in the last few years and many fear those gains will be lost in the current crisis.

posted by prof at 12:20 PM on May 11, 2020

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

My youth club is working out when and if we will return to play this spring while the Germany's Bundesliga gets the green light to restart in empty stadiums this month

The start date is May 15 with hopes of ending season by end of June.

In the USA, MLS, USL announce return to training update and NWSL to permit individual workouts starting Wednesday. Though it sounds like lots of individual training where small groups pick different corners and proceed to workout.

posted by prof at 10:42 AM on May 07, 2020

Uefa asks European Leagues for decision on domestic seasons by 25 May

My college soccer conference (NAIA) awards two automatic berths to national tournament. One is given to regular season champion. Second is given to tournament champion, tournament runner-up if one team wins both championships.

Conference rules always state who gets second berth if tournament cannot be completed, presumably because of weather. Always thought that little rule was silly. Not so much anymore.

posted by prof at 01:00 PM on April 29, 2020

Uefa asks European Leagues for decision on domestic seasons by 25 May

My college soccer conference (NAIA) awards two automatic berths to national tournament. One is given to regular season champion. Second is given to tournament champion, tournament runner-up if one team wins both championships.

Conference rules always state who gets second berth if tournament cannot be completed, presumably because of weather. Always thought that little rule was silly. Not so much anymore.

posted by prof at 01:00 PM on April 29, 2020

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

Currently about halfway through the 2014 Bahrain race. Little odd as the announcers are talking about fuel consumptions, as if car may run out of gas, and a 2 or 3 stop strategy, but lots of overtaking, even between teammates.

I also enjoyed the 2016(I think) Brazil race. Mixed weather so everyone trying to figure out what tire to use. Also, it was a still tight in the Championship and Constructor titles, so this effected pit strategy also.

posted by prof at 12:46 PM on April 23, 2020