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Last Word On Sports

Sports News Since 2011. Honestly.

Last Word On Sports Logo

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Month: March 2012

Serie A Review Week 29, Preview Week 30

Posted on by Frank Giuliano

Serie A Review of Week 29

Last weekend, AC Milan hosted AS Roma at the San Siro. The Rossoneri snatched the 3 points with a 2-1 victory. The Giallorossi took the lead in the first half with a Pablo Osvaldo slider. In the second half, the Diavoli clawed back with a Zlatan Ibrahimovic pk equaliser. In the 83rd minute, it was the league’s top scorer, Ibrahimovic again, to finish off the Lupi with a sublime solo effort chipping the ball over Maarten Stekelenburg and then nodding in the winner. Who can stop this man? Milan continues to lead the league with 63 points.

The match of the day belonged to the Derby d’Italia as Juventus welcomed Internazionale to the Juventus Stadium for the first time. In the opening minutes, the Nerazzurri missed a great opportunity to take the lead with Diego Milito scuffing his effort into Gigi Buffon. At the other end, it was Alessandro Matri’s turn to miss as his header was too central and too easy for Julio Caesar to parry. At this point, Inter began to take control of the first half. Diego Forlan headed on net from a tight angle, but was cleared off the line by Buffon. Then, Dejan Stankovic launched in an over-the-top through ball to Milito who fired on goal which Buffon miraculously saved. In the second half, Juve took control of the game and the Old Lady did not fail to net. January loan signing, Martin Caceres was left unmarked and very easily nodded the ball in from a perfect Pirlo corner. Mirko Vucnic had his solo effort saved when he was sent in 1 on 1 with the ‘keeper. Soon after, it was 2-0 for the home side as Arturo Vidal slid in a precise through ball into the box for Alex Del Piero to kick it into the bottom left corner. Juve continue their unbeaten record and are currently in second with 59 points. Inter sit 8th with 41 points.

 

In the race for third place, Lazio defeated Cagliari 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico with Diakite bagging the only goal in the 88th minute. Udinese tied Palermo 1-1 at the Renzo Barbera in Sicily, while Napoli gave up a 2 goal lead to draw with Catania 2-2 at the San Paolo in Naples. Lazio currently claim third place with 51 points, while Napoli and Udinese follow with 48 points.

 

Other results are: Atalanta 2-0 Bologna; Cesena 2-2 Parma; Chievo 1-1 Siena; Genoa 2-2 Fiorentina; Novara 0-0 Lecce.

 

Preview of Week 30

This weekend, AC Milan travels to Sicily to take on a hot Catania side that is stubborn at home. At home, Catania has won 8, tied 4, lost 2; has scored 20 goals and conceded only 9 which places the Sicilian side in the top 4 for the least amount of goals conceded at home. Vincenzo Montella will certainly not make life easy for the Rossoneri on Saturday and may even pull an upset over Allegri’s men.

Lazio will take on Parma at the Tardini Stadium in Parma. These two sides are on the opposite ends of the spectrum this season. The Biancocelesti are aiming to qualify for Europe whereas the Gialloblù are fighting to remain in the Serie A. Udinese will hope for a Parma win as the bianconeri of Udine take on Siena in Tuscany.

The game of the day again features Juventus as the Bianconeri will welcome Napoli to the Juventus Stadium in Turin. This is normally an exciting affair and it is promising to provide great enthusiasm and team spirit as both clubs cannot afford to lose the 3 points at stake. In the first encounter this season, Juve was 2 goals and came back to tie the match 3-3. The Bianconeri are aiming to continue to make life difficult for Milan as the Old Lady currently sits 4 points behind, while the Partenopei are fighting for a 3rd place finish in order to qualify for the Champions League which is a very tight race in itself. Certainly with players such as Hamsik, Cavani, Lavezzi up against the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Mirko Vucinic and Giorgio Chiellini, this fixture will surely provide entertainment for the fans.

Other fixtures: Bologna v Palermo; Cagliari v Atalanta; Fiorentina v Chievo; Inter v Genoa; Lecce v Cesena; Roma v Novara.

Enjoy the games!

…and that’s the last word!

NHL Final Analysis: Northeast and Northwest Divisions

Posted on by Grant Alexander

Northeast Division

Team: Boston Bruins

Current Position: 2nd
Probable Finish: 2nd
Possible Finish: 2nd, 6th-7th
Current Status: Playoff bound

Possible First Round Opponents: Washington, Buffalo, Ottawa
Probable Playoff Finish: Semi Finals

Draft Ranking: Late first round pick
Position Targeted: Best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: It would be nice to have Boston’s problems. They won the cup last year, are a top seed going into the playoffs this year, and have the nucleus of their team locked up through next season. The perfect mix of grit, scoring, and toughness that spells success come playoff time. And believe it or not, they have been doing this all without their franchise forward who is still making $4 million and hasn’t played for two years. Unfortunately Marc Savard will most likely never play again. But back to their current roster, and their only real problem, which is goaltending. Thomas is turning 38 and showing signs of fatigue. The Bruins were hoping Rask would be ready to take the reins, but he has been shaky at best. Free agency might be an option here.
Status Next Season: Playoff team

Team: Buffalo Sabres

Current Position: 9th
Probable Finish: 8th
Possible Finish: 7th-9th
Current Status: Fighting for a spot

Possible First Round Opponents: Pittsburgh, New York Rangers
Probable Playoff Finish: 1st round

Draft Ranking: Mid first round pick
Position Targeted: Best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: Last year Buffalo’s new owner threw his wallet on the table, and management salivated and spent to the cap. The end result was a pretty good-looking squad that everybody thought could be a contender. Fast forward 75 games and this team is desperately fighting for a playoff spot. The good news is that they are starting to gel at the right time. The bad news, they will be at the cap again next year with no room to wiggle in the off-season. They will have about $6 million, with 4 or 5 minor guys to sign including Ennis, who will probably want close to half of that. At least their franchise goalie is back at top form.
Status Next Season: Will be fighting for a playoff spot

Team: Ottawa Senators

Current Position: 7th
Probable Finish: 9th
Possible Finish: 2nd, 7th-9th
Current Status: Fighting for a spot

Possible First Round Opponents: Pittsburgh, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins
Probable Playoff Finish: 1st round

Draft Ranking: Mid first round pick
Position Targeted: Forward, best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: Ottawa has to be the biggest surprise of the season. Many sports writers had them finishing at the bottom of the league (including myself). But Spezza brought his game back to an elite level, and Michalek doubled his goal and point production from the last few seasons, but the big reason, Erik Karlsson. This Norris trophy shoe-in has had the breakout of all breakout seasons. He’s put up 80 points, and has turned his -30 from last year into a +19 this year. But not only that, he’s multidimensional, young, and has blinding speed. This team is still far from a contender, but they did seem to rebuild over night and should be in the mix next year. Notable moves down the stretch include “stealing” Kyle Turris, and Ben Bishop while practically nobody was looking. This team is heading in the right direction.
Status Next Season: Will be fighting for a playoff spot

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

Current Position: 13th
Probable Finish: 13th
Possible Finish: 10th-13th
Current Status: Awaiting the draft

Possible First Round Opponents: N/A
Probable Playoff Finish: N/A

Draft Ranking: Top 10 pick
Position Targeted: Forward

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: Yet another year out of the playoffs, but does that make them anymore desperate this off-season? Burke made it clear on trade deadline day that this is the team he is riding into next season. Of course he will still be a buyer come July 1st – one would hope! The Leafs are getting a top pick this year, but that’s as good to Burke as a timbits player. He needs results now. Look for him to sign guys like Kulemin, Gustavsson, and Franson, whether he wants them or not, because if he doesn’t he’ll look bad for not trading them for a picks when he could have. All of his other pieces are locked up, but he will be looking to deal whoever he can to make room for whomever he can pick up. He will also try harder than ever to get that top centreman that has eluded him during his tenure. He’s at the cap, he knows this team isn’t good enough, and his back is against the wall. Let the scrambling begin! Oh and Carlyle will be wanting some muscle.
Status Next Season: Will be fighting for a playoff spot

Team: Montreal Canadiens

Current Position: 15th
Probable Finish: 15th
Possible Finish: 14th-15th
Current Status: Awaiting the draft

Possible First Round Opponents: N/A
Probable Playoff Finish: N/A

Draft Ranking: Top 5 pick
Position Targeted: Forward

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: I know this isn’t what the Habs want, but I think it’s what the Habs need. They are going to get a top-tier talent in the draft this year, and they should be so lucky to do the same thing next year. Rebuild, and don’t be too proud to rebuild properly. Look what teams like Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Edmonton have done versus teams like Calgary and Toronto. And now’s the perfect time to do it, they have a new coach, new management, and no aging superstar. Sign your young talent, trade your aging assets, leave the veterans to free agency, sign some character guys, and give some call ups a shot. The only problem then will be Price stealing games. Well that and Montreal’s stubborn pride…
Status Next Season: Long shot to make the playoffs

Northwest Division

Team: Vancouver Canucks

Current Position: 2nd
Probable Finish: 2nd
Possible Finish: 1st-2nd
Current Status: Fighting for Presidents Trophy, playoff bound

Possible First Round Opponents: San Jose, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix
Probable Playoff Finish: 2nd round

Draft Ranking: Late first round pick
Position Targeted: Best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: One game away… That’s going to haunt the people of Vancouver for a long time, as this team is a few years away from remembering these years as the “good times”. Luongo and the Sedins are in their early 30’s, and the team is and will be at the cap for years to come. They need to win now. If this playoff run doesn’t yield a cup, its shake up time. Free up some cap, make some deals, and be aggressive. Due to their domination of their division the last couple of years, there’s not much waiting in the system. It’s all or nothing and the time is now.
Status Next Season: Playoff team

Team: Colorado Avalanche

Current Position: 10th
Probable Finish: 10th
Possible Finish: 7th-11th
Current Status: Long shot to make the playoffs

Possible First Round Opponents: N/A
Probable Playoff Finish: N/A

Draft Ranking: Mid first round pick
Position Targeted: Defenseman, best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: Colorado is a great young team that couldn’t wait to show their talent. They’re currently fighting for a playoff spot but should really be drafting a top pick and trading up for more. They are just raw and unfinished. And even when they’re fully developed won’t be quite good enough to be a contender. But they’re so close. There is so much talent there. But the other great things about the Avalanche is, they have loads of cap space for when they need it, and nobody except their young guns are under contract. This team is a clean slate and can go either way. They can rebuild for another year or two. Or they can load up and go for it. I recommend the former over the latter, but either way the possibilities are exciting.
Status Next Season: Will be fighting for a playoff spot

Team: Calgary Flames

Current Position: 11th
Probable Finish: 11th
Possible Finish: 7th-11th
Current Status: Long shot to make the playoffs

Possible First Round Opponents: N/A
Probable Playoff Finish: N/A

Draft Ranking: Mid first round pick
Position Targeted: Forward, best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: What is Calgary’s identity? They really need to sit down and figure that out. Year after year of mediocrity is unacceptable. They should really be rebuilding but as if right on cue they make a trade for another veteran player (Cammelleri) locked in a big contract. This team is at the cap, it’s incredible. I know they want to make a run with Kipper and Iginla, but that ship has sailed. They can’t even bulk this team up anymore because they have no cap space. I hate to say this but they need to rebuild, and it starts by moving Iginla. Dump some salary, get some picks, and eat that Bouwmeester contract. They are the Western version of the Leafs and it’s frustrating to see their fans suffer. At least they have had some success in the last decade though…
Status Next Season: Will be fighting for a playoff spot

Team: Minnesota Wild

Current Position: 13th
Probable Finish: 13th
Possible Finish: 12th-14th
Current Status: Awaiting the draft

Possible First Round Opponents: N/A
Probable Playoff Finish: N/A

Draft Ranking: Top 5 pick
Position Targeted: Defenseman

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: Can you believe that at one point during this season the Wild were the best team in the NHL? Well they were, and it was a long hard drop back to reality. This is another team that could use a proper rebuild. I liked the addition of Heatley, it will put fans in the stands, but they really need to concentrate on getting some young assets. I didn’t like the Burns trade but they did get some picks, and the Zidlicky move was positive as well. These are all steps in the right direction, including the big pick this year. I hope they keep rolling in the right direction.
Status Next Season: Will be fighting for a playoff spot

Team: Edmonton Oilers

Current Position: 14th
Probable Finish: 14th
Possible Finish: 13th-14th
Current Status: Awaiting the draft

Possible First Round Opponents: N/A
Probable Playoff Finish: N/A

Draft Ranking: Top 5 pick
Position Targeted: Defenseman

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: Edmonton is like that old barbeque in the sitcoms that just wont light, so they keep soaking it in lighter fluid until it finally blows up. Edmonton is going to blow up. The question is when, and how. This will be their last top draft pick because the kid line is too good and will put them in the mix on sheer talent alone. So I think it’s time to act. Not just because they won’t get another top pick, but for the next two years they are getting their big three (Eberle, Hall, Hopkins) for around $9 mill. After two or three years that number will double. So phase 1 would be the two-year plan, and Phase 2 the plan beyond that. Phase 1- teams never win their first year in the playoffs so they need to get in next year. First, trade big veteran contracts for any picks you can get and then drop the rest. Shed as much money as possible. Use your top pick, as well as any other picks to draft as many defenseman as you can for phase two. Buy a goalie, your probably going to pay through the nose, but it’s a must. And gritty character guys for cheap that you will need for the playoffs. Then start loading up talent, but avoid long-term contracts. Next year (after hopefully getting in), keep loading up and use a few picks as trade bait. Players will see what’s happening and want a part of it. Phase 2- It’s time to pay the big three what they deserve, so money will be tight. That means freeing up more cap space. Trade, drop, and shed once more, and pray that out of all of those defenseman you drafted, you found some gems. There’s nothing better than a young talent on an entry-level contract, which funny enough is how this whole thing got started.
Status Next Season: Will be fighting for a playoff spot

Bright Lights, Big City, BIG MONEY! The Dubai World Cup of Horseracing

Posted on by Dwayne Edwards

Dubai – home of modern day miracles! An underwater hotel, the world’s tallest building, indoor snow oasis, (yes skiing in the desert) and many architectural phenomenons that are waiting to blow your mind.  It seems only right that this city holds the richest day in horse racing.

On Saturday, March 31st, The Dubai World Cup of horse racing will be taking place at Meydan racecourse. This spectacle of horse racing attracts horses from all over the world; Great Britain, France, Japan and North America, among others. A total of 27.2 million of purses are up for grabs in nine races. The richest, the most prestigious race of the day is the $10 million Dubai World Cup!

Our American neighbours have two horses running in the $10 million dollar race and one is a filly trying to beat the boys and become the first ever female horse to win it. Royal Delta, the filly trained by Bill Mott ridden by Jose Lezcano, breaks from the seven hole. The favorite at 3-1 hailing from California, USA-ridden by the girl from Toronto, Chantal Sutherland, hall of fame trainer Bob Baffert’s entry – GAME ON DUDE! It has been done before; the money has been converted to American dollars when both Cigar and Curlin went across the ocean to win this big race!

Other Americans on the card are Baffert’s; The Factor, ridden by Bejarano; Graham Motion Lucky Chappy; Assmussen’s Regally Ready with Nakatani aboard in the five furlong turf sprint. Good luck to all and don’t miss this incredible event!

Now back to our homeland as we await perhaps the most talked about prep race for the Kentucky Derby, which takes place this weekend. The Florida Derby, with a purse of $1 million, and only seven horses are supposed to run. That maybe because they are afraid of this monster horse, Union Rags, who is scheduled in and likely to be the favorite come Saturday at post time of 5:45. He is not alone, as El Padrino, who is hot off his victorious battle at the Fairgrounds, is ready to prove he’s going to be the champ. Along for the ride and eager to upset are Take Charge Lady; Neck’n Neck; News Pending; Reveron; Fort Loudon.

The following day, the Fairgrounds gets the spotlight with their own derby prep, the million dollar Louisiana Derby. A full field of 14 horses is taking post in what is shaping up to be a very interesting race where everyone thinks they are going to win. Larry Jones has his strong entry ready again as they are likely to go off as favourite. This won’t intimidate the other 12; Discreet Dancer, Cigar Street, Z Dager, Shared Property and Rousing Sermon all have their trainers ready for the winners circle and are already looking down the road to that first Saturday in May.

An interesting fact from the past weekend was the same jockey/trainer combo that won last year’s Derby with Animal Kingdom, who has another horse this year that just won the same prep race this past weekend. Went the Day Well won the Vinery Racing Special at Turfway Park – is this a sign? In other “signs”, Assmussen has a certain Derby horse in Daddy Nose Best as he took down the Sunland Derby on Sunday. Isn’t He Clever ran second and Stirred Up was third. Here’s some food for thought – Lucky Chappy, the horse running in Dubai Saturday, ran second to Daddy Nose Best in his last race.

…and that is the last word

Shakespeare Continues to Write Hamilton Ti-Cats' Off-season

Posted on by Carl Mostacci

The Hamilton Tiger Cats continue their 2012 off-season makeover in preparation for the upcoming campaign.  Last week they announced releasing veteran defensive end Stevie (Shakespeare) Baggs and the signing of defensive ends Angelo Craig, Darius Powell and Marc Schiechi.  Earlier in the week, they signed veteran kicker Luca Congi to replace Justin Medlock, who signed with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.  Congi spent the past five seasons with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders, winning the Grey Cup in 2007.  He’s hoping to recover from a knee injury that forced him to miss the entire 2011 campaign.

Many were surprised to see Baggs released.  I for one was not.  I noticed this past season he had lost a step, compared to 2010.  Quarterbacks were escaping his pursuit and on many occasions his former team-mate Justin Hickman, now with the Indianapolis Colts, bailed him out.  Perhaps age is starting to catch-up with Baggs and his breakout is not as fast as it once was.  Having said that, I thank him for his service to both the team and community.  Baggs was always good with the media and becoming involved in community events.  I wish him well and am confident he will land elsewhere in this great football league.  Hopefully it just won’t be with the Argos!

Ticat General Manager Bob O’Billovich noticed this and has brought in younger and talented prospects to try to fill these vacant positions.   Since arriving in Steeltown in 2008 as GM, I feel O’Billovich has been very successful in constantly upgrading the Ticats player personnel with a good mix of younger players and quality vets.

I’m optimistic Congi has fully recovered from his injury and will provide an accurate and reliable kicking foot in key game situations.  Being a Canadian will allow the Cats to use one of the 20 reserved import spots at another position.  Perhaps Hamilton will look either in free agency or the college draft for a punter and/or place kicker because Congi’s average punt only travels 35 yards.

As the Cats continue to gear up for the upcoming season and the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their free fall from the NHL’s playoffs, my excitement for the 2012 CFL campaign continues to build.  With all the changes the Cats have made recently, I believe they will have a really competitive team this year.  I’m really looking forward to the Cats 2012 CFL Season Opener on Friday, June 29th against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Ivor Wynne Stadium, the last in the iconic football venue.

What do you think?

…and that is the last word.

NHL Final Analysis: Atlantic and Southeast Divisions

Posted on by Grant Alexander

Now that we’re in the home stretch, all that’s left for this 2011-12 season is a little bit of posturing and last-minute scrambling. So besides the few teams that are still in the mix, we basically know which teams are; ramping up for the playoffs, analyzing for the draft, or begging for the off-season and a fresh start next year. Here is an in-depth analysis of where each team stands, and their plans for the relative future.  Let’s start with the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic and Southeast Divisions:

Atlantic Division

Team: Pittsburgh Penguins

Current Position: 4th
Probable Finish: 1st
Possible Finish: 1st, 4th, 5th
Current Status: Fighting for Presidents Trophy, playoff bound

Possible First Round Opponents: Buffalo, Washington, Ottawa
Probable Playoff Finish: Stanley Cup Finals

Draft Ranking: Late first round pick
Position Targeted: Best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: With basically their whole team signed through the 2012-13 season, not much is needed for this top team to be a contender again next year. Although it will be interesting to see how Crosby handles the rigors of the playoffs.
Status Next Season: Playoff team

Team: New York Rangers

Current Position: 1st
Probable Finish: 4th
Possible Finish: 1st, 4th
Current Status: Fighting for Presidents Trophy, playoff bound

Possible First Round Opponents: Philadelphia
Probable Playoff Finish: 2nd round

Draft Ranking: Late first round pick
Position Targeted: Best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: The Rangers have the best goalie in the league, and one of the best defensive units. They do have some signings to make to lock up that back-end, but I don’t see that being a problem. So with that taken care of, some more fire power upfront wouldn’t hurt.
Status Next Season: Playoff team

Team: Philadelphia Flyers

Current Position: 5th
Probable Finish: 5th
Possible Finish: 4th, 5th
Current Status: Playoff bound

Possible First Round Opponents: New York Rangers
Probable Playoff Finish: 1st round

Draft Ranking: Late first round pick
Position Targeted: Defenseman, best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: With so much young talent on the team, another year of growth and cultivation is as good as anything, but they do need to figure out what they are going to do with some of their veterans. Jagr, Kubina, Voracek and Carle remain unsigned for next season, and of course Pronger’s status and future is unclear right now. Still a solid youthful squad without those guys anyway.
Status Next Season: Playoff team

Team: New Jersey Devils

Current Position: 6th
Probable Finish: 6th
Possible Finish: 6th
Current Status: Playoff bound

Possible First Round Opponents: Florida, Washington
Probable Playoff Finish: 2nd round

Draft Ranking: Mid first round pick
Position Targeted: Defenseman, best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: They have two serious situations to deal with this off-season. The first is Parise. They need to get this guy signed, as he is a big piece of their puzzle right now. The other is Brodeur. He might play another year, but there is also a really good chance he could retire. Either way, neither him nor Hedberg are signed next year.
Status Next Season: Playoff team (provided they address the above issues)

Team: New York Islanders

Current Position: 14th
Probable Finish: 14th
Possible Finish: 14th, 15th
Current Status: Awaiting the draft

Possible First Round Opponents: N/A
Probable Playoff Finish: N/A

Draft Ranking: Top 5 pick
Position Targeted: Defenseman, best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: The biggest thing working against the Islanders is the division they’re in. They have to play 24 games against the best teams in the league. The good news is they are getting more competitive. They have a ton of young talent up-front, and re-signing Nabokov was a great move. They do have a lot of work to do on the back-end though, and might want to hit free agency pretty hard.
Status Next Season: Will be fighting for a playoff spot

Southeast Division

Team: Florida Panthers

Current Position: 3rd
Probable Finish: 3rd
Possible Finish: 3rd, 7th-9th
Current Status: Holding on to 3rd, but still fighting for a spot

Possible First Round Opponents: New Jersey
Probable Playoff Finish: 1st round

Draft Ranking: Mid-late first round pick
Position Targeted: Forward

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: Florida was a surprise this year. They went into “free-agent day” with guns blazing last year, buying up anything and everything. They then took those spare parts and turned them into a pretty good-looking club, taking their team from third last in the league last year, to third best in the East this year. The only problem is they may have to do it again as they have a ton of expiring contracts to deal with, and the bad thing about finishing so high is; they won’t be getting another Huberdeau in the draft this year.
Possible Finish Next Season: Will be fighting for a playoff spot

Team: Washington Capitals

Current Position: 8th
Probable Finish: 7th
Possible Finish: 3rd, 7th-9th
Current Status: Fighting for a spot

Possible First Round Opponents: Boston, Pittsburgh
Probable Playoff Finish: 1st round

Draft Ranking: Mid first round
Position Targeted: Best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: A big shake-up is needed. This should be the same cup contending team we have seen over the last few years. I think there could be a problem in the dressing room (can’t blame coaching anymore). Anyways, they do have a bunch of key players with expiring contracts. Which includes Semin, Knuble, Green, Wideman, Carlson, and Vokoun. They need to route out the problem, make some moves, and fix this team asap. They still have a good nucleus.
Status Next Season: Will be fighting for a playoff spot

Team: Winnipeg Jets

Current Position: 10th
Probable Finish: 10th
Possible Finish: 10th-13th
Current Status: Long shot to make the playoffs

Possible First Round Opponents: N/A
Probable Playoff Finish: N/A

Draft Ranking: Top 10 pick
Position Targeted: Defenseman

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: It was a pleasant surprise for Jets fans this season, but it looks like they will fall a little short. So as we look towards next season, they may have to work a little harder to win at home as some of the allure will have surely worn off. Management decided to stand pat last year (which ended up being a good decision), but they certainly don’t have that luxury this year. Their D is pretty much locked up, but they have a lot of work to do up-front, and both their goaltenders are in need of contracts. It will be an interesting off-season to say the least. The unfortunate part is that I don’t see them luring any top-notch talent to Manitoba anytime in the near future.
Status Next Season: Fighting for a playoff spot

Team: Tampa Bay Lightning

Current Position: 11th
Probable Finish: 11th
Possible Finish: 10th-13th
Current Status: Long shot to make the playoffs

Possible First Round Opponents: N/A
Probable Playoff Finish: N/A

Draft Ranking: Top 10 pick
Position Targeted: Best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: It was a really disappointing season for Tampa after making the conference final last year, and they now have two glaring problems that need to be dealt with. Number one is goaltending. Roloson is 42 now, let the poor guy retire! Signing or trading for a top goaltender is an absolute must. The other problem is the age (and on going injury status) of top snipers St. Louis, and Lecavalier. GM Yzerman has to decide if he is going to load this team up and try to win now, possibly at the expense of the future, or ride it out and build around Stamkos and the future. It just doesn’t look like they have the luxury to do both. And that is pretty much the way the team is set up for the off-season. Their key players are all locked up, and that’s pretty much it. So do they fill the spots with call-ups and spare parts? Or do they go after that top-tier talent?
Status Next Season: Fighting for a playoff spot

Team: Carolina Hurricanes

Current Position: 12th
Probable Finish: 12th
Possible Finish: 10th-13th
Current Status: Awaiting the draft

Possible First Round Opponents: N/A
Probable Playoff Finish: N/A

Draft Ranking: Top 10 pick
Position Targeted: Best available

Free Agency and Off-Season Moves: Carolina will have basically the same team returning next year unless some major moves are made. They have some young talent, but not enough to make a serious impact. My advise would be to move all of their secondary talent for picks and prospects and do this thing right. Staal and Ward are in their late 20’s, but only a semi re-build is needed. The problem is, I think, they think, that they are good enough to win now. I guess we shall see…
Status Next Season: Long shot to make the playoffs

 

There you have it boys and girls.  Please feel free to add comments below!  And remember, the rest of the divisions are upcoming!

They're Nuts – Have Quebec's Politicians Lost Their Minds?

Posted on by Carl Mostacci

Both the Quebec Provincial and Quebec City Governments announced funding a $400 million arena in hopes of luring an NHL team to the provincial capital.

What kind of stupid idea is this?  What are these Quebec politicians thinking?  Like many other world governments during this global recession, the Quebec provincial and municipal governments are cash-strapped.  Just last week thousands of Quebec’s post-secondary education students protested against higher tuition fees.  Now we found out why they are increasing; to fund the building of this arena.

The last five Canadian NHL arenas that have opened since 1995 (Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg) were all privately financed.  Governments in Canada have lost big time on building sports facilities (Hello Skydome and Olympic Stadium) and have all but ditched that business (unless an event comes along like the 2015 Pan-Am Games allowing a much needed new stadium to be built for my Ticats).  Why would the Quebec City and Provincial Governments fund an arena for a team they don’t even have, with money that don’t even have?

To make it worse, Quebec City isn’t even guaranteed getting an NHL team if the arena is built.  Look at my hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.  Almost 30 years ago Hamilton funded $33.5 million to build Copps Coliseum in hopes of landing an NHL team and is still waiting.  Yes the arena has allowed many big acts, events and concerts to pass through Steeltown and is home of the American Hockey League’s Hamilton Bulldogs, but many, most, view the arena as a white elephant because that NHL team has never arrived.

Speaking of white elephants, the Province of Quebec knows what that is like.  Spending $1 billion to build Montreal’s Olympic Stadium in preparation for hosting the 1976 Summer Olympics and as a future home for Major League Baseball’s Montreal Expos and the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes.  Today the large stadium sits mainly empty as the Expos left for Washington in 2004 and the Alouettes play two games there annually – if they are lucky.

I know many in Quebec City would love to see NHL hockey return for the first time since 1995.  I would also love to see the return of Les Nordiques.  But I feel a better course of action can be taken.  Currently Le Coliese, Les Nordiques’ former home, is still in use.  The Quebec City and Provincial Governments can set the huge sum of money aside in a bank account or some other investment type.  If Quebec media giant and potential Nordiques owner Quebecor is successfully able to purchase the Coyotes, Panthers, Hurricanes or insert your Southern U.S struggling NHL hockey franchise here, and seek NHL approval to move it to Quebec City, they can play in the old arena first for two seasons, then move to the new one upon its completion.  At least Quebec City has this option with the old arena, whereas Hamilton did not when they decided to build Copps Coliseum.  I would not want to see both the province and city spend $400 million on an arena and no NHL team arrives.  The old saying if you build it they will come does not work in all cases.  I hope not but I feel this maybe one of them.

What do you think?

…and that is the last word.

Tiger Woods is Back!

Posted on by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

Tiger wins, Tiger wins, Tiger wins!  And everything seems as it should have been.

Tiger Woods has had quite a difficult few years, wouldn’t you agree?  Or perhaps you are of the opinion that no matter what difficulties he has on the links it’s just karma, and he deserves everything he gets (or doesn’t get).  Maybe you’re right.  For the sake of completely amateur journalism, however, I’ll take the low road and completely ignore his, umm, indescretions.  Afterall, if I had to consider morality every time I wrote about an athlete I’d have a very small sample to work with.

In the past couple of years, Tiger’s all too familiar red shirt on Sunday has not struck the same fear in his opponents as it once did.  How many collapses did we see back in the day on Sunday from Tiger’s playing partner?  It was as automatic as his driver.

Today belonged to Tiger.  After a bit of a rocky start with a boogey on hole #2, Tiger was quite solid with few peaks and valleys.  He was all business.  There was a point, probably around the sixth or seventh hole, where you could tell Tiger was “feeling it”.  His irons were spot-on, and he adjusted his game accordingly.  He became more aggressive, despite having a small lead for much of the front nine.  Add to that, he finished first overall in “Greens in Play” and “Total Driving Distance”.

But his opponent for the day, Graeme McDowell, fought him the entire way.  McDowell came into the final round only one-stroke behind.  He showed bravity, but when it came down to it, Tiger’s aggressive irons were the end up the lad from Northern Ireland.

Tiger Woods is the winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the seventh time.  He also ends a 28-month championship drought.

Today, as I watched Tiger return to form, I can’t help but have renewed interest in golf.  Maybe it’s because Tiger is playing better. I used to love the fist-pumps, and his intense, yet sometimes angry, style, and secretly I need that in order to really buy into the sport.  Or maybe I am looking for the return to form of the world’s greatest athlete.  It’s hard to argue that through the late 90’s and spanning the entire first decade of the 21st century, Tiger was unrivalled (maybe Lance Armstrong has a little argument…nah!).  Golf was never more popular then it was during Tiger’s 20-somethings.

Whether you are a Tiger Woods fan or not, he is still the face of golf.

…and that is the last word.

 

Canada Shocks the US in Olympic Qualifying

Posted on by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

In somewhat of a shocker, the lads from Canada defeated their American counterparts 2-nil in Nashville, TN, in the Olympic qualifying tournament match Saturday night.

The CONCACAF region, which includes North and Central American teams, has only two spots reserved for the Olympic tournament.  Canada has not been represented at the tournament since 1984.

After a strong opening by the American side, including what looked like the first tally in the 48′ only to be called offside, the Canadians took control for the start of the second half.  Doneil Henry connected in the 57′ off a corner, heading the ball to the back of the net past the American keeper.  1-nil Canada.  Only seven minutes later, Canada doubled their lead with Lucas Cavallini making good with a second Canadian goal off a header.  2-nil Canada.

The Americans did muster a strong counter later in the second half, but the score remained after 90 minutes.  The Americans’ road to the Olympics hit a speed bump, but don’t expect them to lay down either.  Canada, with a win against Cuba (who has not had a good showing yet), and then against the second ranked team in the qualifying tourney, would earn their spot to the Olympics.

Well done, eh?

…and that is the last word.

Serie A Review of Week 28, Preview Week 29

Posted on by Frank Giuliano

Last week in the Italian top flight, Parma FC were beaten 2-0 at home by league leaders AC Milan at the Stadio Tardini in Parma. The Gialloblù were simply outclassed by the Rossoneri who played with ease throughout the 90 minutes. Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted a penalty on 17 minutes for a handball offence in the box by Christian Zaccardo. Urby Emanuelson popped in the second with an incredible solo effort from midfield! The Rossoneri continue to lead the table with 60 points.

Dubbed by Juventus head coach, Antonio Conte, as the best performance thus far this season, the Old Lady absolutely demolished Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence 5-0! The fans jeered the home side and also left the stadium early as a protest for the club to sack Director General, Pantaleo Corvino. Juventus had five different goal scorers on the night. The Bianconeri are in second place with 56 points.

The match of the day ended in a 2-2 draw between Udinese and Napoli at the Stadio Friuli. The bianconeri took the lead on 28 minutes with Giampiero Pinzi. Napoli-born Udinese captain, Antonio Di Natale, added a second in the second half. Udinese forward, Diego Fabbrini received a red card, reducing the bianconeri to 10 men and sparks a Napoli comeback. Edison Cavani bagged a brace in 4 minutes in order to give his side a crucial point in the race for the final Champions League spot!

Other results: Bologna 2-2 Chievo; Cagliari 3-0; Catania 1-0 Lazio; Inter 0-0 Atalanta; Lecce 1-1 Palermo; Roma 1-0 Genoa; Siena 0-2 Novara.

Review of Week 29

 On Saturday, AC Milan welcomes AS Roma to the San Siro. In recent years, the Giallorossi has been the Diavoli’s black beast as the the Rossoneri have lost 4 out of the last 5 encounters at home against Roma. Having an injury-plagued season certainly does not help Milan at this time as they need the 3 points to continue to sit comfortably on top. Kevin Prince Boateng is back for this fixture but will Allegri risk him knowing that Barcelona is coming to town in 4 days? Roma desperately needs to win to keep stay in the running for 3rd place. Tough match here for both clubs!

Genoa will take on rivals Fiorentina at the Marassi Stadium. Both clubs will be aiming to stay clear of relegation. Genoa currently 2 points clear of 4th last while the Viola are only 1 point above Parma who occupies the final relegation drop. Very important match for both clubs.

The Battle for the 3rd and final Champions League spot continues as Lazio take on Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, Napoli welcome Catana to the San Paolo, and Udinese travel to Sicily to play Palermo. These are very crucial fixtures for Lazio, Napoli, and Udinese as no club can afford a defeat at this point of the season with only 10 games remaining.

Finally and absolutely not least, the Derby d’Italia will be played this Sunday afternoon between rivals Juventus and Inter. It seems though that these sides have reversed roles between this season and last as both clubs are fighting for different objectives. The Bianconeri are in the running for the Scudetto currently in second just 4 points away from first whereas the Nerazzurri are in seventh and look desperate to at least remain in a position that guarantees the side European competition. Both Nerazzurri patron Massimo Moratti and Juve coach Antonio Conte have declared this game to be ‘the match’ as it is an opportunity for Inter to get a morale-boosting win against a rival. Juve has a lot to play for and it will not be easy to defeat the Old Lady at the Juventus Stadium. Looking at the form both sides are currently in, Juve may prove to be too strong for their counterparts.

Other fixtures: Atalanta v Bologna; Cesena v Parma; Chievo v Siena; Novara v Lecce

…and that’s the last word!