- 03:37 AM
- 12/22/24
Wow. MeatSaber, I didn't know you cared. I gave up hope after missing to post my picks again. Just for giggles and shits, Flyers in 6 and Sharks in 7. p.s. this whole 'busy with life' thing is a major drag on 'Net living.
posted by garfield at 12:25 PM on May 20, 2010
Pitt in 7 - Habs always play the Pens tough, but home ice should be enough for Sid 'no longer a whiner' the Kid.
Bos in 6 - Boucher will not win two series, Philly is starting to battle injuries, and Bruins are getting stronger.
Van in 6 - Hawks looked shaky in rd.1. Physicality should favor the Nucks.
SJ in 6 - I'm certifiable.
posted by garfield at 11:37 AM on April 29, 2010
holden, Let's just say Stevie Y isn't voting for the Norris.
So, does Boudreau lose his gig? Does Big Ted start to break up the team? Jettison Semin. Start acquiriing veteran defensive defensemen?
I'm still in shock, but in retrospect, the experience gap is hugely in favor of the Habs. Small or not, savvy carried the series.
posted by garfield at 09:14 AM on April 29, 2010
Dater is a moron. News at 11.
posted by garfield at 08:57 AM on April 21, 2010
Dagnabit, I missed my annual thread appearance. Oh well. Still gonna go through the motions despite being late.
Pens in 5 - Crosby & Co. can't lose in the first round, can they? Caps in 5 - Plekanec should shut his mouth. Buffalo in 6 - Little scoring vs. no scoring. Devils in 7 - Boucher shouldn't be able to win a series, despite the regular season dominance by Philly.
Kings in 7 - The Crown Royal is working its magic... Sharks in 5 - Picking the sharks is the textbook definition of insanity. Hawks in 6 - Preds one injury away from oblivion. Wings in 5 - Champs don't get chumped by the frosh coming to the dance.
posted by garfield at 12:41 PM on April 15, 2010
Not to say that these two incidents are identical, but the Pittsburgh FSN crew that withheld video evidence on a reviewed goal also calls into question the integrity of the NHL product. Sadly, FSN Pittsuburgh is the organization that can admit that fact, while the NHL runs and hides from reality.
Did I mention I hate Bettman?
posted by garfield at 05:34 PM on January 13, 2010
Bergeron should be on the shut down defensive trio along with Richards and Morrow.
The Sharks that kill together will stay together.
Same with the Ducks, plus Staal who apparently is thriving on the wing at the moment...
That leaves Crosby Nash and Toews.
Why couldn't Stevie Y pick some player with Young or Stills as a last name? Canada is now doomed to win silver.
posted by garfield at 09:14 AM on December 31, 2009
Interesting that Yzerman picked Doughty over Bouwmeester for the smaller NHL sized surface. I think he made the right choice, but the D is made up of 4 prototypical puck movers and three stoppers. Going with Drew must've been a match-up decision.
The fact that Dion isn't on the team makes me smile.
posted by garfield at 01:58 PM on December 30, 2009
stupidworkstupidhousestupidtimespace.
posted by garfield at 03:43 PM on September 28, 2009
Can't stay away from my favorite spofi activity. I'm in like Flynn. Phatcat FC is back in nicked Hull City kits.
posted by garfield at 11:01 AM on July 21, 2009
$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.
posted by garfield at 05:51 PM on July 15, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2009
Believe me, I would be the first to protest such an injustice.
posted by garfield at 10:17 AM on June 10, 2009
Is it too late to put in my picks? Fly fishing with 86 trumped submitting my Detriot pick, and I can live with that.
...and I really like the Osgood pick for the CS. Your dues have been paid, sir. Congratulations.
posted by garfield at 06:59 PM on June 09, 2009
Could a rematch of last year's finals really happen? When was the last time that happened? It would be great way to end a great Playoffs.
Battle for Central Dominance - Hard to argue with Wings. 4-2 in the regular season, with the only two losses coming after home-ice was sewn up. Wings in 5. Should go 2 Ws at home, split the trip to Chi-town, and finish in 5.
Pens v Canes - Sounds like a CIA memo heading. This is intriguing based on regular season match ups, as the Pens won twice in '08 while they were still playing like crap, and the Canes won twice down the stretch when both teams were peaking. Ward makes this pick iffy, but Pens will take it in 6.
3pts is cool with me for the Conn Smythe pick.
posted by garfield at 12:54 PM on May 15, 2009
MeatSaber, thanks for running with this.
Beans vs. BBQ - According to Paul Maurice, the Canes' strength is offensive puck possession below the dots. Unfortunately for him, the Bruins can carpet bomb that area of the ice. Canes will score their way to a couple of wins. Bruins in 6.
OV vs Bing - Best player in the game vs. the player Bettman wanted to be the best player in the game. The edge has to go to Pittsburgh because they were able to do it last year. The mediocre regular season seems like ancient history. Staal is centering an effective L3, which is the key line in many Cup runs. The deadly Gonch catfish stalks the blueline once again. Guerin's legs have been located after have gone missing for several months. But, the gut is favoring Washington. An unconscious rookie tender. A Fedorov in top form. OV that looks like every shot could score. Brashear trumps any toughness the Pens can insert into the line-up. It's going to be a 7 game dandy. This year it's Ovechkin's turn to take a deep run.
Wings vs. Ducks - Body part vs. whole. Why do we believe in the Sharks? They are like the Ottawa Senators - regular season darlings, post season chumps. But so to were the Wings regular season specialists. But enough history. Ducks looks good. Bobby Ryan is the missing link for L1. Pronger and Neidermayer are still back there. Beauchemin is back. They didn't need Selanne to win round 1. Hiller is on his game. What's not to like? The Wings are rested. The call up rookies are providing ridiculous depth. Hossa likes the playoffs...alot. Osgood still lets in too many. So, I think that could be the difference. But if Anaheim takes too many dumb penalties, it won't even be close. I say Wings in 7.
Nucks' vs. Hawks - First impression is the Canucks will prevail with superior defense. But looking at the numbers on both sides of the puck, the edge should be with Chicago, especially with home-ice. Can Luongo steal a series? I wouldn't put it past him. Can the Sedins continue their strong play? Not with Keith and Seabrook on them. Can the Sundin Kesler Demitra line carry Vancouver? I'm not so sure given Mats' wonky hip. On the flip side, who does Kesler line key on? The Havlat line? I would. Kane is up to speed. Toews is game. Pahlsson has fit in great. Against my initial impression, Hawks in 6.
posted by garfield at 09:15 AM on April 29, 2009
The Rangers have a shot if they can get to Jose early. Game 1 would be great, but a win in D.C. is needed before they head home. Caps in 6.
Boston will not have an easy time of it, but will make it through. Boston in 5.
Carolina is white hot and Marty is shaky, so I'm going with the Canes. Canes in 6.
Home Ice should be the edge for the Pens to get by Philly. Pens in 7.
Out West, its tougher to call. Sharks have ex-Ducks who provided depth for Anaheim. Goalies are pretty even. D is pretty even. Forward depth goes to San Jose and should decide the series. Sharks in 5.
I'd love to see Steve Mason de-rail the Detroit Cup Train. Not sure that will happen, but I'd love to see it. Wings in 7.
Canucks-Blues series total number of goals will be 7. All 1-0 games. Who knows who wins a series like that. Vancouver because of forward depth. Canucks in 7
The Flames should pound the Hawks into a pulp, but they are pulp themselves. Hawks will win if the Flames injuries don't heal in time. Neither team is good defensively, so it should be a fun series. Hawks in 7.
posted by garfield at 05:33 PM on April 15, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2008
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, 2008
Still waiting for an all around peformance from my squad. Cylinder deactivation is great in certain circumstances, but I'm trying to build some horsepower.
And is Friedel done? He looked horrible over the weekend.
posted by garfield at 02:16 PM on August 26, 2008
Any guesses on the player with the highest point total at the end of the season?
posted by garfield at 12:34 PM on July 16, 2008
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, 2008
I'm going to delete the new league. I didn't know about the auto-renew and was over excited after EURO 08.
posted by garfield at 11:22 AM on July 11, 2008
Best. Temple to the Hockey Gods. Ever.
posted by garfield at 11:15 AM on July 11, 2008
That is correct, sir.
posted by garfield at 10:04 AM on July 10, 2008
Bo, there definitely should be no fear of laughter. I didn't have a clue what I was doing three seasons ago, and look at me now.
posted by garfield at 04:29 PM on July 09, 2008
gspm, did I create an extra league? Should I delete?
posted by garfield at 04:03 PM on July 09, 2008
Just fill your roster with warm bodies. You can re-tool all you want until the ball is kicked, no transfer fees. And heed chico's warning. Key players can switch teams and put you over the 3 per team limit.
posted by garfield at 03:30 PM on July 09, 2008
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, 2008
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, 2008
From what I've seen Spain should take it because the RussD can be disorganized at times. If Pavlychenko(sp?) converts early, which is entirely likely, Russia may sit back a bit, exposing said D, and that could spell doom. But if Russia pushes the attack for at least the first 60, they might pull it out. Spain needs to bring Fabregas on earlier because the Russians are a physical bunch in the midfield, are were able to bully the Nederlanders. (sniff, sniff). And with a few slick passes behind the 18, Villa and Torres should bury at least 2, maybe 3. 3-1 Spain is my greedy neutral prediction, despite the fact the Russians looks like they are playing hockey out there on the counter. As for Turkey, there is no way they get past the Germans. Simply no way. This has been my first full on Euro watching experience, and it has thoroughly distracted me from my main preoccupation, for which I am eternally grateful. Oh, and a slight side note, the Spain Italy match was horrendously called. The Italians get away with murder. Perhaps because of their defensive reputation they recieve a large benefit of the doubt, but that quarterfinal should've been 2-0 at the half on penalties alone.
posted by garfield at 04:13 PM on June 24, 2008
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, 2008
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, 2008
gspm, thanks for your bonus coverage. It remains my favorite feature of spofi. The form and recent overall tables are truly awesome.
posted by garfield at 08:30 AM on May 27, 2008
Dagnabit...I never miss this thread. Stupid autoimmune disease. I'll agonizingly observe from afar. I give the brave pick award to Folkways and Monica Poland for picking the Bruins who haven't figured out the Habs for what seems like a decade.
posted by garfield at 11:55 AM on April 15, 2008
somewhat related - New aggressive treatment of concussions [via]
posted by garfield at 10:29 AM on February 08, 2008
I've had a thing for maryjane for fifteen years now.
posted by garfield at 01:38 PM on February 05, 2008
I hope you're right, chico. I won't be around for a couple weeks, so the good ship garfield will be asea with no one at the wheel. You can breathe easy squealy...unless Wheater scores 20 this week.
posted by garfield at 01:33 PM on February 05, 2008
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, 2008
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, 2008
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, 2008
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, 2008
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, 2008
Petty was the best halftime act ever.
posted by garfield at 09:16 AM on February 04, 2008
I wish I could join a group that could buy the Maple Leafs. Then ownership could be eliminated as a problem source.
posted by garfield at 04:34 PM on January 31, 2008
two words: bud get
posted by garfield at 04:32 PM on January 31, 2008
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, 2008
What an uncanny resemblance to Raycroft you've found goddam.
posted by garfield at 04:55 PM on January 29, 2008
Goal and an assist says Cesc is keeping his starting spot.
posted by garfield at 04:53 PM on January 29, 2008
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, 2008
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, 2008
His fixture record says the same. Time to re-tool for the remainder methinks.
posted by garfield at 02:59 PM on January 25, 2008
Blocked at work? Maybe I should get a job that does that. That would probably help with the income situation. Is Fabregas going to start scoring again, or is he back to last seasons titillating but no results type of game?
posted by garfield at 12:09 PM on January 25, 2008
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, 2008
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, 2008
Stanley Cup Finals Pickem 2010
Flyers in 6. Giroux. dude is a gamer.