What an Olympics we have had! And who could have guessed that we would be in for the gold medal game that we are being given in the Men's Ice Hockey tournament. Now, everybody knows that the women's hockey tournament will almost always come down to the US vs. Canada, but I don't think anybody predicted that on the men's side.
The USA seriously benefited from their underdog persona that they brought into the olympics. As far as everybody is concerned, right now, they are over achieving. Not only did they beat Finland to get into the Gold medal game, they embarrassed them. Canada was in control for all but the last 5 minutes of the game against Slovakia, when they decided to be the Colorado Avs for the last bit of the game, and allow their opponent to make it close before holding on for the win. So what kind of a gold medal game are we going to have?
I think that it is safe to say that we are going to continue to see Luongo in the net for Canada, and just as easy to say that we will see Ryan Miller for the US. Canada seems to have broken out of their goal scoring drought, after blasting Russia in the quarter finals. Canada owned the shots on goal against the US in the first round, but the US got a few early ones that just stunned Canada, and never really allowed them to get going. I think we are pretty safe in thinking that a goal 40 seconds into the game probably won't happen this time around. Canada has learned their lesson, in my opinion. They know that they have to come to play against this USA team, and I think we can all agree that if the team that embarrassed Russia comes into this Gold medal game, then the US could be in a lot of trouble.
The US has already proven that they can beat Canada, and I doubt that we will see a formula too much different than the first time. We can all count on this game to be physical, fast, and exciting.
All in all, I think that Canada is going to prevail in a close game, and the country will go absolutely nuts. I give it to Canada by a score of 6-4.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Big day for the Americans!!!
The 2010 Olympics have already had some amazing ups, and some very agonizing downs. The big down came before the games even started with the Georgian luge competitor who died after a crash on what is known as the world's fastest luge track.
We've had 18 goals in one game by the Canadian Women's Hockey team, and some great men's games as well.
Today was, by far, the biggest day that the Americans have had, to date, in the 2010 Winter Olympics. 3 big events, and 3 gold medals.
Shaun White won the men's smowboarding half-pipe, again. No real surprise there, he's pretty much always the favorite in that particular event. Congrats to him, although I do have one silly thing with him. Shaun White doesn't want to be called the Flying Tomato anymore. He's suggested that people call him "The Animal". A silly thing to take him to task for, but come on Shaun!!! You can't choose your own nickname!!!
Shani Davis became the first person to ever win back to back gold medals in the 1000 meter distance in speed skating. Shani Davis always seems to be in the news for bad reasons. Not that he goes out drinking and beating people up or anything, but he just always seems to be quoted as making really snarky comments about people and about the US Olympic committee. Still, you can't argue with his results. He clearly has a fantastic work ethic, and has proven, yet again, that he is the best in the world at the 1000 m. Chad Hendricks also won the Bronze in this event. So congrats to him!
Third, and probably the most reported on before the games, was Lindsey Vonn. How would her injury hold up? Would the weather delay mess things up? Simple answer. Nope! Not only did she overcome her injury and the weather, she became the first US Woman to EVER win the Women's downhill event. Just an amazing performance after all of the hype.
A huge congratulations to all Olympic performers, but a special congratulations to the record setting American Gold Medalists today. GO TEAM USA!
We've had 18 goals in one game by the Canadian Women's Hockey team, and some great men's games as well.
Today was, by far, the biggest day that the Americans have had, to date, in the 2010 Winter Olympics. 3 big events, and 3 gold medals.
Shaun White won the men's smowboarding half-pipe, again. No real surprise there, he's pretty much always the favorite in that particular event. Congrats to him, although I do have one silly thing with him. Shaun White doesn't want to be called the Flying Tomato anymore. He's suggested that people call him "The Animal". A silly thing to take him to task for, but come on Shaun!!! You can't choose your own nickname!!!
Shani Davis became the first person to ever win back to back gold medals in the 1000 meter distance in speed skating. Shani Davis always seems to be in the news for bad reasons. Not that he goes out drinking and beating people up or anything, but he just always seems to be quoted as making really snarky comments about people and about the US Olympic committee. Still, you can't argue with his results. He clearly has a fantastic work ethic, and has proven, yet again, that he is the best in the world at the 1000 m. Chad Hendricks also won the Bronze in this event. So congrats to him!
Third, and probably the most reported on before the games, was Lindsey Vonn. How would her injury hold up? Would the weather delay mess things up? Simple answer. Nope! Not only did she overcome her injury and the weather, she became the first US Woman to EVER win the Women's downhill event. Just an amazing performance after all of the hype.
A huge congratulations to all Olympic performers, but a special congratulations to the record setting American Gold Medalists today. GO TEAM USA!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Winter Olympics! 2010!
Ever since I was a little kid, I always remember getting incredibly excited for the Olympics. I'm about to turn 28, and I still feel the same kind of excitement. I remember watching the 2008 summer games, just a little bit back, watching the US Men's 4 x 100 Meter freestyle relay team have a magical anchor leg to win the gold medal. My wife and I both jumping up and down and shouting at the TV to GO GO GO!! I remember being a kid and pretending that I was a speed skater flying around my living room while my parents laughed at me. And I remember having a monster crush on Kristi Yamaguchi.
I think we can all agree that there is just something special about the Olympic games. During the rest of the year, people could care less about figure skating, or cross country skiing, or curling. But when the Olympics come around, suddenly everybody knows something about each event. I'm sure that national pride has a lot to do with it, but there is a little bit more as well, I think.
The Olympics is still one of the last pure sporting events left. True, recently the summer games have had issues with doping scandals, but even those have been less and less this last time around. And we know that there always seem to be some kind of judging issue to come up in the figure skating competition, but still, there is something incorruptible about the Olympics. Something pure. Something that people all around the world see, and recognize every other year. A time when honoring your country and respecting your competition is celebrate more than the next big signing bonus or possible work stoppage. A time when bitter enemies can shake hands at the end of a match, or race, and each side can forget about the hate bred between them. For 2 weeks, at each Olympic games, we see peacefulness. We see the world the way that it aught to be.
For all the scandals that come and go, for all the corruption and greed that may prevail, the Olympics, summer or winter, remain good and pure. Success and failure is measured differently. People fulfill their dreams just by being able to compete, and a medal is just icing on an already amazing piece of cake. I cannot wait for the start of these games, and I cannot wait to see the ICE HOCKEY Tournament! Go Canada!
What events will you be watching?
I think we can all agree that there is just something special about the Olympic games. During the rest of the year, people could care less about figure skating, or cross country skiing, or curling. But when the Olympics come around, suddenly everybody knows something about each event. I'm sure that national pride has a lot to do with it, but there is a little bit more as well, I think.
The Olympics is still one of the last pure sporting events left. True, recently the summer games have had issues with doping scandals, but even those have been less and less this last time around. And we know that there always seem to be some kind of judging issue to come up in the figure skating competition, but still, there is something incorruptible about the Olympics. Something pure. Something that people all around the world see, and recognize every other year. A time when honoring your country and respecting your competition is celebrate more than the next big signing bonus or possible work stoppage. A time when bitter enemies can shake hands at the end of a match, or race, and each side can forget about the hate bred between them. For 2 weeks, at each Olympic games, we see peacefulness. We see the world the way that it aught to be.
For all the scandals that come and go, for all the corruption and greed that may prevail, the Olympics, summer or winter, remain good and pure. Success and failure is measured differently. People fulfill their dreams just by being able to compete, and a medal is just icing on an already amazing piece of cake. I cannot wait for the start of these games, and I cannot wait to see the ICE HOCKEY Tournament! Go Canada!
What events will you be watching?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
WHO DAT?!
Firstly, and most obviously, congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for winning their first ever Super Bowl, on their first ever trip there. What a season, and what a way they managed to silence critics, and always just go about things in their way.
I have to say, this was such an amazing game, I can hardly believe it. Just a bunch of moments where you had to sit back and literally rub your eyes because you can't believe what you just saw. I was completely and utterly stunned by that onside kick at the start of the second half. And I have never seen a scrum for a loose football like that, ever! Where people were pulled out and then went back in 2 or 3 times because they knew what was at stake. Just an astonishing game.
One cannot say enough about what Sean Peyton and Drew Brees have done for that team. This is a team that, not very long ago, was once again being referred to as the Aint's. Then you get Drew Brees, you draft Reggie Bush, you get a hell of a coach in there, make some great signings and look what you have. It is truly astonishing.
As for the Colts, there is no need to worry about them. They will be back just like they always are next year. And I want to comment on another thing about the Colts. They have shown, again, that they are still one of the classiest teams in the league, especially Peyton Manning and Jim Caldwell. I mean, both of them said it exactly how it was. Knew what happened, told it like it happened, made no excuses, and gave every single bit of credit to the team that won. I credit Manning and Caldwell for showing the kind of class that all people who play any sport should aspire to. Unlike other players and coaches who, coincidentally enough, have gone through similar things in the last few years, and just seem to want to sit in the locker room and sulk instead of speaking to anybody. (coughing noises) **brady** **Bellichick** excuse me, I feel a bit of a cold coming on. I'll have to take something for that.
Once again, we have had an amazing Super Bowl. A new team is crowned champion. Another season has ended. And now we await free agency and the draft. I look forward to all of that, and will work to continue to provide fun sports insight. Congrats, once again, to the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl 44 champions.
I have to say, this was such an amazing game, I can hardly believe it. Just a bunch of moments where you had to sit back and literally rub your eyes because you can't believe what you just saw. I was completely and utterly stunned by that onside kick at the start of the second half. And I have never seen a scrum for a loose football like that, ever! Where people were pulled out and then went back in 2 or 3 times because they knew what was at stake. Just an astonishing game.
One cannot say enough about what Sean Peyton and Drew Brees have done for that team. This is a team that, not very long ago, was once again being referred to as the Aint's. Then you get Drew Brees, you draft Reggie Bush, you get a hell of a coach in there, make some great signings and look what you have. It is truly astonishing.
As for the Colts, there is no need to worry about them. They will be back just like they always are next year. And I want to comment on another thing about the Colts. They have shown, again, that they are still one of the classiest teams in the league, especially Peyton Manning and Jim Caldwell. I mean, both of them said it exactly how it was. Knew what happened, told it like it happened, made no excuses, and gave every single bit of credit to the team that won. I credit Manning and Caldwell for showing the kind of class that all people who play any sport should aspire to. Unlike other players and coaches who, coincidentally enough, have gone through similar things in the last few years, and just seem to want to sit in the locker room and sulk instead of speaking to anybody. (coughing noises) **brady** **Bellichick** excuse me, I feel a bit of a cold coming on. I'll have to take something for that.
Once again, we have had an amazing Super Bowl. A new team is crowned champion. Another season has ended. And now we await free agency and the draft. I look forward to all of that, and will work to continue to provide fun sports insight. Congrats, once again, to the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl 44 champions.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Super Bowl Sunday!!
It is upon us, ladies and gentleman. One of the greatest American traditions that really actually does manage to bring everybody in the country together around a single event. Everybody can agree that the Super Bowl is today's definition of excellence in sports. And we know that this year's Super Bowl is going to be quite the show.
#1 Saints vs. #1 Colts.
How can you possibly pick a winner in a game like this? Both teams are so immensely talented that it seems like the scoring will never stop! So how do you choose a winner in this kind of a game? Well, I'll give it a try.
Offenses, we know that both offenses are pretty much unstoppable. Both offenses are incredibly deep and give opposing defenses troubles because how do you focus on just one person? Brees has 5 receivers that he will throw to all over the place, and a running back who might as well be a wide receiver. Manning is just Manning. He has 3 great receivers, and when he can't find one of them, probably the best receiving tight end in the game today. If there is an offensive advantage to be gained here, it goes to the Saints in that New Orleans has a better running game than the Colts do.
The other thing, in regards to the offense, is that both of these offenses have shown that whenever they are down in a game, and it doesn't ever seem to matter by how much, both of them are capable of coming back. So even if one team does seem to have control for a bit, there is no saying when the other team will suddenly turn it on and take control back.
Defenses are roughly comparable. Although the injury to Dwight Freeney may be the biggest thing leading up to this Super Bowl. He may still play, but the way things are described with him, he may have to play through a considerable amount of pain which could make him much less effective. Both defenses are pretty strong in the secondary, and are very opportunistic. Again, if there is a team who has a defensive advantage, I have to say that it is the Saints. Starting with the injury to Freeney, this makes the Colts front 4 less dangerous. Obviously, they aren't worthless with Mathis up there, but now the Saints can really focus more on Mathis. Secondly, the Colts run game. The Colts ranked dead last in the league in rush yards per game. Obviously, Peyton Manning pretty much makes up for this, but, it does make their team rather one dimensional. For all the talk about their amazing pass game, the Saints were 6th in the league for rushing yards per game.
Time for my pick. I must state, straight off, that the biggest winner of this game is going to be the fans. We are in for what could easily one of the best games ever played. The biggest surprise of this one would be if one team comes out and completely destroys the other. I can see either team winning this one. I'm a fan of both teams. Peyton Manning is a great player and professional. The same can be said for Drew Brees. The nation is pulling for the Saints, and many of the "experts" have picked the Colts. It's really hard for me to say one over the other, but every single time I play it over in my head, there is just something in this that makes me think that the Saints are going to win this one. So that's my pick. I'm taking the Saints.
Score:
Saints 38 - Indy 33
Let me know your picks, and enjoy what should be one hell of a game!
#1 Saints vs. #1 Colts.
How can you possibly pick a winner in a game like this? Both teams are so immensely talented that it seems like the scoring will never stop! So how do you choose a winner in this kind of a game? Well, I'll give it a try.
Offenses, we know that both offenses are pretty much unstoppable. Both offenses are incredibly deep and give opposing defenses troubles because how do you focus on just one person? Brees has 5 receivers that he will throw to all over the place, and a running back who might as well be a wide receiver. Manning is just Manning. He has 3 great receivers, and when he can't find one of them, probably the best receiving tight end in the game today. If there is an offensive advantage to be gained here, it goes to the Saints in that New Orleans has a better running game than the Colts do.
The other thing, in regards to the offense, is that both of these offenses have shown that whenever they are down in a game, and it doesn't ever seem to matter by how much, both of them are capable of coming back. So even if one team does seem to have control for a bit, there is no saying when the other team will suddenly turn it on and take control back.
Defenses are roughly comparable. Although the injury to Dwight Freeney may be the biggest thing leading up to this Super Bowl. He may still play, but the way things are described with him, he may have to play through a considerable amount of pain which could make him much less effective. Both defenses are pretty strong in the secondary, and are very opportunistic. Again, if there is a team who has a defensive advantage, I have to say that it is the Saints. Starting with the injury to Freeney, this makes the Colts front 4 less dangerous. Obviously, they aren't worthless with Mathis up there, but now the Saints can really focus more on Mathis. Secondly, the Colts run game. The Colts ranked dead last in the league in rush yards per game. Obviously, Peyton Manning pretty much makes up for this, but, it does make their team rather one dimensional. For all the talk about their amazing pass game, the Saints were 6th in the league for rushing yards per game.
Time for my pick. I must state, straight off, that the biggest winner of this game is going to be the fans. We are in for what could easily one of the best games ever played. The biggest surprise of this one would be if one team comes out and completely destroys the other. I can see either team winning this one. I'm a fan of both teams. Peyton Manning is a great player and professional. The same can be said for Drew Brees. The nation is pulling for the Saints, and many of the "experts" have picked the Colts. It's really hard for me to say one over the other, but every single time I play it over in my head, there is just something in this that makes me think that the Saints are going to win this one. So that's my pick. I'm taking the Saints.
Score:
Saints 38 - Indy 33
Let me know your picks, and enjoy what should be one hell of a game!
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