Bleacher Report - Articles by Anthony Lopopolo

The Leafs Are Falling, Falling, Falling...

Anthony Lopopolo — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:09:20 -0400

The cameraman always seems to catch the moment correctly, never on the basis of a fluke.

Whoever is behind the lens, they’ve noticed Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson roaring “let’s go!” to his roster, glaring up and down the bench with an aging countenance of despair.

Another conceded goal, he must be thinking.

The next shot is cut to general manager Brian Burke, usually visibly stone-faced in anticipation of being plastered all over TV and Sportscentre.

Another blowout, he must be swallowing.

This cameraman assembles rows upon rows of images that bear the same reality. This person is the team’s unknown tormentor, although commendably so. For he or she is the truth teller.

And the Leafs, who filed a 3-1 loss against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, couldn’t have provided a more predictable template to continue the trend for viewers across Canada.

Playing good enough to lose, however, has different ramifications. It summons, like worms after a rainy day, the if question.

If it wasn’t for the five penalties committed in the first period, Wilson may have stood witness to his team’s opening victory to the season. A smile, we may guess, was vaulted for another day.

If Roberto Luongo hadn’t maintained his composure after making 35 stops for the Canucks, the game may have been pushed into overtime. A point, we may imagine, would have been displaced.

If Alex Edler hadn’t stealthily cupped his hand over the puck in Luongo’s crease, maybe the Leafs would’ve led a comeback upon a penalty shot. A streak broken, we could suspect.

But at 0-7-1 (enough for Toronto’s single worst start to any season, ever) pretences aren’t tolerable.

Panic isn’t the operative term anymore. No, describing the Leafs current debacle is harder than that. It’s past the point of merely dismissing the team’s legitimacy, to take refuge in the it’s-too-early-in-the-season argument.

For almost a month, nothing notably good has come out of the Leafs’ locker room. Wilson couldn’t fire up his squad after six days of preparation for their road swing, despite that being the longest span of consecutive days off in franchise history.

Instead, the Leafs will spend the next five games away from Toronto’s dropping temperatures and equally glacial agony.

Players have shouldered the blame for their inadequacy, defenseman Mike Komisarek in particular, and have realized all the concerns that had initially been posed before the first faceoff.

Undisciplined penalties have prevailed, to no end or fix in sight; goals have appeared as scarcely as leaves clinging to an autumn tree; and goaltending has been inconsistent, to put it plainly.

Fights have been breaking out without any positive effect and singing Joey MacDonald, an import from the lowly New York Islanders, has suddenly taken on unwarranted significance.

"We can't lose hope. We're working through this. We're going to get through this together," said Komisarek, who was openly contrite about his performances in prior interviews to the game.

No, the Leafs are clawing at the Kleenex box, blowing their noses and are trembling under a nagging cough, and they hope, as any flu-ridden victim does, it doesn’t become chronic. They hope, unfairly, that hyped acquisition Phil Kessel can apply a touch of grace and aid the Leafs into a healthier form.

For a team that had tacked playoffs on their to-do list this season, it’s absurd that one player has to carry the weight of the city for redemption. And out of some act of cruelty, should Kessel not perform, where will this team be headed?

Burke, facing the heat of the Toronto media for the first real time in the last week, has had to reaffirm his confidence in his players’ abilities. They can play better, he says. They need to learn each other, he repeats.

But it’s no longer premature to suggest how bad the Leafs are. Records have been posted and comparisons to the ugliest Leafs squads in history have ensued.

At this point, they’re 10 points below the last playoff berth, 17 points behind the league-leading Pittsburgh Penguins, waiting on a saviour, and are palming an evasive idea of hope to soothe their angst.

As this story continues to be weaved, though, it will be up to the cameraman to track down the same victims, the same expressions, the same sufferers and witnesses.

The storm hasn’t passed. It’s in full force. And one win won't change that.

San Jose Sharks Add Bark to Bite with Dany Heatley

Anthony Lopopolo — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:57:55 -0400

All along, an irritated—and irritable—Dany Heatley believed he merited more accountability and, in due course, a large chunk of ice time with it. More, anyway, than what Ottawa Senators head coach Cory Clouston was willing to offer.

Like a child deprived of their favourite toy, Heatley has spurned, squirmed and turned through his quarrel with Ottawa management and challenged Phoenix Coyotes for off-season headlines.

So he requested a larger role, said he hasn’t sharpened his skates as frequently in the nascent stages of Clouston’s tenure.

In San Jose, it’s been seen, the fish come big. Heatley recognized this, followed bait for months and finally got hooked and reeled into GM Doug Wilson’s pond of sharks.

Validation for Heatley—and yes, the Sharks can be happy about that.

On the other side, mapping their inexorable route to Ottawa for NHL employment, are Jonathan Cheechoo, five-year veteran Milan Michalek and a second-round draft pick.

In that sense, the Senators can march forward without a potential slug in Heatley slowing them down.

Clouston already has enigmatic forward Alex Kovalev to tame and harness, one who could either come out firing or be as detrimental as gas sprayed on a fire during his two years with the Senators. But the acquisition of Michalek is the plus in this ordeal.

Michalek notched 57 points last season and has recorded an average rating of plus-44 throughout his career, proving that he can be a steadfast player on both ends of the ice.

Yet another entity of ambiguity is bestowed upon the second-year coach in Cheechoo.

Now that he no longer toils as a shadow of the 2005-06 Rocket Richard trophy winner in the Sharks’ offensive unit, the Senators can prep him for rebirth or be left with his regression.

Only mustering 29 points and a minus-3 rating last season, this right winger will have to be handled delicately, or he may find himself buried in the third or fourth line.

And so arrives no one, really, who is as remotely distinguished or as promising as this summer’s sulk case.

A trade with the Edmonton Oilers would have shaken a more fruitful return for the Senators—a deal that purportedly included sophomore Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner, and Ladislav Smid.

Although in the aftermath of this saga, of why the first trade never came to fruition, we see that Heatley was indeed the captain steering matters and Senators GM Bryan Murray was the matchmaker—not simply a broker.

Even if he didn’t sound so resigned to the task, there was still a tinge of exhaustion in his words.

"I talked to Dany (on Friday) and he was adamant that he wanted to be moved. And we felt based on that, more than anything, that we should get the value that we could get for him and move on,” Murray said to reports a few hours after months of ongoing turbulence.

“What we care about are the guys that are in our room and we feel that this makes the core group know where they are going forward."

What Wilson may care about more than anyone, though maybe more than the gain of Heatley, is the emphatic retention of Patrick Marleau, who was subject to trade rumours not a week ago.

Granted, Heatley’s gargantuan cap hit at roughly $8 million doesn’t make the player any more alluring and certainly lessened compensation for him.

But with the 28-year-old in a new environment, there’s no reason for him to flop. He’s proven that change is good—remember, the winger potted 50 goals in the two consecutive seasons after trekking on from the Atlanta Thrashers and his own controversy involving drunk driving.

Of course, Cheechoo could become an impact player in Ottawa all the same. But the fact remains, Heatley, at his prime and duly paired with an awesome power-play unit to which the Sharks are conducive, is third-highest scoring forward since the lockout.

Cheechoo, on the other hand, is so far fitting the bill of a one-hit wonder.

Calls for Antonio Cassano Recognize Apparent Evolution

Anthony Lopopolo — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:20:29 -0400

There was a time and place to simply ignore Antonio Cassano.

His demeanour could've challenged the conduct of a sulking child, given that the Italian turned off many pundits and fans with on-field bravado as a burgeoning star.

Speaking out of turn would have been considered a mild response from him, as he hurled himself—and unsanitary language—to fellow managers, referees and teammates daunted with the task of restraining him. It was an eclectic act that eventually shaped his public persona.

Not that he did anything to really curb it in his infant stages on the football scene. He’d be the one leading a charge of bulls if the moment had it right.

Effusive, acrimonious and averse to the concept of team play, it was as though Cassano was more suitable to redirect all that bottled anger and aggression in a ring.

It stemmed from no singular event—though being raised in bruised neighbourhoods and around sketchy alleys in Bari, perhaps his temperament is something of an inborn tendency—but his petulance festered as his stints with renowned clubs became the butt of derision and scorn.

Fabio Capello, current coach of the England national team, knows more about what Cassano preaches than perhaps anyone else. Capello oversaw the irritable striker at Roma in 2002 and was then again reunited in 2006 at the helm of Real Madrid.

As if nature would cease to be tranquil, the two engaged in so many quarrels and disputes that not only were both bickering incessantly, but they also began a love-hate affair that to this day bears more anecdotes that can be gestated.

Their only mutual quality was that each helped blend a dog’s breakfast of mean-spirited jives and sporadic bouts of respect between them. For opinions cast on each man dithered with the caprice of an eager pup.

“I looked on him as the source of all truth, and then thought [he] was about as genuine as a €3 coin. We couldn’t agree on anything. He would stress the importance of order and discipline; I’d tell him the reasons for disorder and indiscipline. I started doing the opposite of what he said,” Cassano recalls in his recent autobiography, Vi Dico Tutto (I’ll Tell You Everything).

Although Cassano’s infidelities ranged further than what was experienced between him and Capello, it proves to be the most durable example of hardship from his career.

He later recounted that Capello, while at Madrid, would associate anyone with whom Cassano courted off the field as a proponent of his lifestyle. It made him feel like “a malignant cancer, so that anybody with me would be considered an enemy to (Capello)."

Like David Beckham, for example.

"When we were in front of the coach I pretended to hardly know Beckham, in case that made his life more difficult.”

And the fire continued to be stoked. Unsure of who exactly was the villain and who was the hero, Cassano and Capello would bestow the following public with massive reasons for confusion.

One could rationalize that their relationship was maintained by this habitual rite, but what led to the utter exclusion of Cassano in Madrid during the 2005-06 season initiated a period of distance between the coach and striker.

Left estranged, Cassano was delivered to Sampdoria. Bound in the air is still a yearning for an explanation for his isolation in Spain; though sifting through his memory, he finds clippings of his time with Madrid that illustrate a retroactive—and quite ironic—image.

In a strange twist of sensations worthy of being showcased on the Twilight Zone, there’s underlying compassion for his stern coach of yesterday.

“If it’s a fact that he pushed me out at Madrid and left me out of the team from time to time at Roma, he was true to me in that when I was playing well he picked me and he was almost always right...I’ve had a million problems with him, and he’s hard. But he’s fair. He’ll stand his ground and he’s usually right. That’s his strength.”

Now fighting for the blue jersey in Genoa, there has been an evident decrease in steam released on and off the pitch. Conversely, much of his efforts have been directed to goal and propelling Sampdoria into contention for a spot in Europe.

Since arriving in 2007, Cassano has become a supreme choice in the role of secondary striker. He has netted 22 goals in 57 Serie A matches, coincidentally forging a prolific tandem with leading forward Giampaolo Pazzini, and his team stands tied in first place atop the Italian league thus far this season.

Sampdoria president Riccardo Garrone voiced his glee in witnessing Cassano develop and channel his tenacity in a way not abundantly seen before.

"He is still a bit of a lively guy, so let's hope that by marrying he will become a good husband and good father,” said Garrone to sportmediaset.it. “On the pitch he has learnt to control himself and that is not easy, because he is massacred and I don't know how many fouls he suffered in Catania [last game]."

And it is that balance that has led to a campaign vying to see Cassano included in the Italy’s 2010 World Cup squad.

Current coach of the Azzurri, Marcello Lippi, has declined inviting Cassano to upcoming qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. The media have contrived a see-saw battle over Lippi’s decision, which has subsequently pushed the 61-year-old into an unfavourable corner.

It isn’t so much about why Lippi won’t crumple his opinion of his current selection of players for Italy’s roster, but why Cassano represents such an alluring option for most around the game. Because in a matter of two years, Cassano evolved from an object of pillory and anguish to the Azzurri’s supposed knight in shining armour.

"Cassano? I have nothing against him, he is an excellent professional and a very good guy," Lippi said in a press statement. “I respect people's opinions and those who want him in the national team. But it would also be nice if my opinion was respected too.

"This argument doesn't bother me. This situation has happened to many coaches before me and it will continue to happen in future."

Reserving his judgement on this fiasco—one in which Cassano is, ironically, a direct bystander instead of the provocateur—the 27-year-old has been calm and temperate throughout the days of seeing his name juggled around.

“We have touched upon this many times, but Lippi is the coach, and he has to decide," Cassano told Sky Sport Italia. "I will always give my availability for selection, but I cannot hold a gun to his head."

No blood vessel is bursting on the scene here. It may happen on the seldom occasion—like last season’s tussle that involved him throwing a shirt at an official after being issued a red card—but he has accomplished as much as he has redeemed in the past two seasons.

If goals won’t indicate that, wholesale admiration has.

It’s true that no one has been working harder to advance the ticking of the clock as Cassano has. And now, certainly, he’s making it even more difficult to discount him or his ascent to relevancy.

Capello included.

Quiet on Their Feet: Napoli and Palermo Are Overlooked Serie A Contenders

Anthony Lopopolo — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:50:34 -0400

Reigning champion Inter Milan has received an ample quantity of attention and applause following an impressive transfer season, as they look to compete for a legitimate shot at not only retaining the Scudetto but capturing the Champions League title, too.

The nonchalance on display across town, conversely, has created much uproar, as AC Milan has been very passive in the market this year following the exodus of former stalwarts Paolo Maldini, Kaka and manager Carlo Ancelotti.

AS Roma has managed to stagnate to an even higher degree, losing more talent than gained in a clear demonstration of managerial disorder. They’ve fallen down in the hierarchy of Italian football, while Fiorentina and Juventus look sharp enough to vie for a top-three finish.

Yet flying so quietly and unassumingly around the radar are two sides that possess a more-than-capable chance at securing their position among Serie A’s contenders.

Those are the clubs that reside in Palermo and Napoli.

Although neither club has seized the headline in what has become an eventful off-season, neither has been static. In fact, both have been as active in underpinning their respective rosters as any other team living on the upper echelon, albeit the players signed were of a lower class in celebrity.

And the rebuilding project for Palermo has been just as productive as Napoli leading up to this moment.

For the Sicilian outfit, it began with bleak conditions upon the closure of last season’s transfer window.

Taking into account that a total of four managers replaced each other throughout the past two years, stability wasn’t a strong point.

The concession of developed players in forward Amauri, defender Andrea Barzagli and Cristian Zaccardo upon the beginning of the 2008-2009 season was an evident low-blow, with each player looking to capitalize on their prospects elsewhere.

Heading into the 2009-2010 campaign, the bulb is much more brilliant.

Working on top of fundamental signings in midfielder Fabio Liverani and the snarly Antonio Nocerino in last year’s off-season, president Maurizio Zamparini has scoured Europe and beyond for unheralded talent hiding in the corners.

To assure himself that his side is enhanced, Zamparini uncovered burgeoning midfielder Nicolas Bertolo, Javier Pastore, and Dorin Goian. These names are hardly tantalizing, although each possess a wealth of potential.

Pastore, who was hounded by Manchester United and AC Milan, has a game equipped to befit that which is played in Italy, having been dubbed the Argentine Kaka for his intelligence and deadly precision.

His performance at 20 years of age has inspired aficionados of the Primera Division de Argentina to vest belief in Pastore to one day deliver on the international level as well, not only as a fixture but as a principal component.

“I like to be right in the thick of the action,” Pastore told Tuttomercatoweb, stating his desire to embrace a trequartista role. “The position that Zenga put me in against St. Veit [during training session] is definitely my favourite. The coach has instructed me to keep things simple, and I won’t let him down.”

To the delight of Palermo fans, Pastore feels he will be productive with fellow countryman Bertolo.

Considering Palermo wields acute goal scorers Fabrizio Miccoli and Edinson Cavani—both of whom found the net 14 times each last season—and a supremely underrated ball supplier in Fabio Simplicio, there’s reason to suspect that Pastore’s influence will only augment the offensive flank.

“I am getting on with everyone really well,” Pastore continued. “I must say Miccoli and Cavani are incredibly great players, but I am also really looking forward to forming a partnership with Bertolo in the middle of the park.”

Along with the arrival of new coach Walter Zenga, a former goalkeeper for Inter and the Italian national side, projection—and in the case of their silent activity, interjection—into top consideration for the championship is warranted. To improve on the eighth position earned last year should be expected.

If nothing is attained this year, then the next seems equally viable, though the impetus remains blatant.

"It’s about time we stopped accepting our roles as sparring partners for the big three," said an eager Zamparini in an open media announcement.

A more tentative Cavani added: “Palermo can aim high this season and we will try and demonstrate that this team is one to be reckoned with in the Italian championship.”

Matching that discretion would be Roberto Donadoni, the coach of a Napoli team that could contain as much promise as the days in which Maradona suited up for the Partenopei in the late 1980s.

"The squad has been reinforced, of course,” said the former coach of the Azzurri.

“The lads were interesting [in pre-season], but apart from Fabio Quagliarella, [the new signings] do not have much experience. They will certainly raise the level of quality in the team. I repeat, however, that I will be cautious."

However, the welcoming of Quagliarella and international Morgan De Sanctis in goal adds validity to the opinion that Napoli could have one of the most balanced rosters in Serie A. The legion of starlets exploding into stars begins with Fabiano Santacroce at the centre-back position to Luca Cigarini and Marek Hamsik in midfield to Ezequiel Lavezzi up front.

It may just be a matter of development before the collective consciousness of Italian football recognizes the aptitude of this version of Napoli, that it may simply be a case of growing into their uniform.

And if Donadoni won’t concede that, he’ll at least tip his forwards as likely leaders.

“I knew before, but I can see with my own eyes now that Quagliarella will be an important player at this club for a very long time,” he said. “He and Lavezzi? Their partnership will only improve further with time. We are looking forward to seeing what they can do in the Serie A this season.”

So in the fury of these Diego, Samuel Eto’o and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar exchanges, there lie some opportunities underneath the teams inextricably linked to the sensational headlines.

Perhaps enough to even cause an upset or two.

Jeremy Roenick's Persona Is of a Dying Breed

Anthony Lopopolo — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:53:46 -0400

The man was never a complex being, only stating his intentions and thoughts with various hues and arrays. And yet, it could not be more complicated to invoke a sentence, painting or photo that would singularly encompass the character and persona of Jeremy Roenick.

Splatter a paint ball on canvas, however, and it might be a closer portrayal.

Taking the number of video montages done in homage of his extensive career, most of his on-air memorabilia are from side projects, spontaneous dance routines and segments of verbal jousting.

From his cameo as a desk sergeant on the show Hack to his rendition of Enrique Iglesias, the public – not necessarily hockey supporters—witnessed the Roenick effect. The clothing lines and entrepreneurial engagements simply added to his ubiquity, too.

Then, when it came to addressing the NHL during the lockout of 2004-2005 and the more serious issue of resuming the next season, he got right into the face of the head honchos. He didn’t ease off the pedal.

“Our sport still is great. It's just ruled by Neanderthal people, that's all. Our sport is awesome, it's the best sport,” a transparent Roenick told USA today in 2004. “We just have to learn how to run it right."

Roenick always had his stinger primed for a target. His mantra—that of the truthful and honest, profanity and controversy be damned—is one many colleges and former teammates hold in high-esteem. That turned off some fans, who will undoubtedly indict him for being haughty and focused on fulfilling selfish aspirations.

But the most credible account isn’t founded on that jaded perception.

“When you're around J.R., there is never a dull moment," said former teammate Tony Amonte, who first encountered Roenick as an 11-year-old. "He's got people everywhere, friends in every city, and that electric personality. It doesn't matter where you go, people are drawn to him. He made himself a star."

He’s been quite the philanthropist for young hockey fans as well, as he revealed in his inspiration during his retirement press conference Thursday.

"Once, when I was seven years old, Gordie Howe got a bunch of snow on his stick, and dumped it on my head. I thought that was the coolest thing that has ever happened in my whole life,” he explained in earnest.

"Then he skated around a little more, and he looked at me again, and he winked. For three seconds it was just me and Gordie Howe...it took nothing out of his time. But it resonated my whole life."

That particular attitude has been reflected in a whole host of ways, whether it was a concession of post-game souvenirs to crowd members or a personal meeting with a child gawk-eyed.

Reverting to his on-ice capabilities, though, we see the foundation of what would have been granted a certain Hall of Fame permit to Roenick if he had captured the elusive Stanley Cup.

Despite that, he stilled managed to tie Larry Murphy at the 39th position in all-time scoring and coincidentally became the third most prolific American in NHL history. At 1,216 points and 513 goals, he caused just as much damage to the back of the opponents’ net as he did to the opponents themselves.

Because lest we forget, his mouth wasn’t the only way he was scoring points on the collective consciousness of the nation’s radar.

Add the fact that he recorded two 50-goal seasons and three 100-point campaigns, that he was a nine-time all-star and a component of two Olympic squads, maybe the absence of a Stanley Cup isn’t a gaping hole in his HOF resume. Or one requiring a filling.

He also provided moments of clutch and resilient performance, as seen during the 1989 conference semifinals against the St. Louis Blues. Reacting to the vicious slash to the teeth by Blue defenseman Glen Featherstone, Roenick approached referee Kerry Fraser with a bloody mouth, pleading in every which way he could to express his fury.

Featherstone was assessed a five-minute major while Roenick, ostensibly from his argument, landed a two-minute trip to the penalty box.

Blood still cupped in his mouth—with bits of his teeth lingering—it was the 19-year-old rookie who scored a power-play goal that would prove to be the game clincher.

Moments like these have been rarely mentioned when defining Roenick and how he affected the spirit of the game solely on the engine of his determination.

And despite travelling to five different cities for employment—after his eight-year stint with the Blackhawks, he joined the Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks—his stay in the Windy City carries the heaviest impression of Roenick’s hockey lifespan.

If time won’t indicate that, former coach Mike Keenan made sure he would.

“I remember Mike Keenan grabbing me around the throat and threatening me to play a certain way when I didn't think I could,” Roenick said in an interview with ESPN. “He taught me the mental toughness and the ability to overcome adversity when you don't think you can. I learned a lot as a young player.”

The saddening aspect of his retirement is that Roenick is of a dying breed—a rare one at that. A player with a high penchant for goal scoring and mouth-flapping—and one who is able to balance it proportionately, to walk the line and not cross it—is something of the needle-in-the-haystack variety.

Especially now, in a post-lockout league concerned with salary cap adherence and the precious accumulation of prospects with a specific skill set, it will be difficult to see someone fill Roenick’s void.

"He talks without a script and he played without a script," Columbus Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock said to NHL.com.

But Hitchcock doesn’t believe the factories are done producing players like Roenick.

"I think there is a lot of room for guys like that in the NHL. How he feels is how he's going to perform. He doesn't read from a pamphlet or a teleprompter. Whatever he feels he says."

If there is ample room to step in after Roenick’s departure, though, there’s no one checking in at the moment.

Alex Ovechkin could be thought of as the headliner, but he lacks the extraordinary flair—and the provocative vitriol—that Roenick so idiosyncratically possessed.

Sean Avery could be invited, though his PR image is spoiled by an established premise of villainy.

Since more and more skillful players like Sidney Crosby are being marketed, however, the position for someone of Roenick’s stature may not even be there to seize. Ambassadors are exponentially selected on skill, on being modest and politically correct rather than direct and politically just.

Crosby, in no slight against him, is a very stern and focused individual, yet he helped pique the interest of many newcomers to the sport during the Pittsburgh Penguins’ seven-game playoff series with Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

That only emphasizes the rare crop Roenick belonged to. The thing with him is that he never insulted anyone who didn’t warrant an affront, because he maintained his unyielding compassion for the health of the sport, by any means necessary.

He was gallant in his diatribes, hilarious in his off-ice exploits, and brave in tackling banner issues.

If there was an enduring ambassador for the game, he was it. Roenick plastered his image on numerous endorsements, but he didn’t just lure popular culture into the game.

He was a loyal servant. Through jaw fractures and concussions, he spoke. And a vote to the HOF will suggest it wasn’t in vain.

Are Foreign Investors Being Welcomed by Serie A?

Anthony Lopopolo — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:36:32 -0400

The recent purchase of Bologna FC, which narrowly escaped relegation last season by finishing in 17th position in Serie A, hadn’t met the scale of other eminent signings during the concurrent transfer window.

Granted, the first goal scored by Cristiano Ronaldo in a Real Madrid jersey last week was feted with more ceremonious reaction than the managerial change witnessed by the lowly Italian club.

There are seemingly subtle, if non-existent, reverberations following the footsteps of Albanian businessman Rezart Taci, who now officially owns an 80 percent share in the Bologna-based side. But this particular change in ownership warrants appropriate recognition in studying the greater scope and health of Italian football.

Unlike the English Premier League—which has felt the largest brunt of temptation to capitulate clubs to wealthy entrepreneurs under lucrative circumstances—there has been an inviolable air about teams in the Italian system.

Foreign investors were hardly mentioned in the refrain of purchasing a football organization in Italy, but Taci has cut the banner as the first to do so.

Taci has explained he will be assertive as the majority stakeholder in the club, alluding to a more active participation off the pitch.

"It's a pleasure for me to come into the Italian football market,” he said. “Our objective is to strengthen the team and we will spend aggressively in order to make the team competitive."

Of course, the monetary value of the aforementioned 80 percent share is at an approximate €43 million, thereby limiting the extent of his machinations and purse in the market.

However, this presents a unique and unprecedented proposition for Serie A. A once impregnable league replete with native owners may be caving into the pressures of the recession-ridden economy and the challenges of maintaining the pace of the EPL and La Liga.

Real Madrid, it must be said, has only upped the ante required to compete with the best in Europe, with president Florentino Perez spending lavishly on Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema to create an intimidating—and gaudy—facade.

In that case, it has become harder for lesser teams to be appreciated, acknowledged or relevant in their own domestic enterprise.

However, up until a few weeks ago, tradition was also being waged in Italy.

For this project is not about turning a minnow into a monstrosity, as Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan wishes to accomplish with Manchester City. Rather, this has more resounding implications in the direction of ownership in Serie A, and the subsequent finances foreign leadership would afford clubs in the peninsula.

In other words, despite Bologna’s modesty, they could have very well set the dominoes in motion.

The same theme confronts AS Roma, which has publicly stated their interest in selling to a Swiss consortium to overtake the club in 2008. Negotiations have stalled, and it is clear that Roma has been handcuffed in the market as a result of the team’s lack of secure finances and unstable managerial structure.

Robert Aquilani, who is the subject of reports indicating he will join Liverpool on an €18-million deal, and Mirko Vucinic—along with Daniele De Rossi before he explicitly rebuffed a move to Arsenal—were once considered fixtures in the starting XI.

Under Rosella Sensi, who overtook Roma after her father’s death, the team has looked like it would severe relations with some of those players, making no real progress in patching together a stronger squad than last year.

Though she insists the transfer sheet will be used by the expiration of the window.

"Roma will always play with reliability and balance," Sensi told Rai Due. "We will do well in the transfer market, even if we have not been very active so far. It is a difficult market, but we will pull out all the stops and do the best we can."

If a consortium does end up buying a branded team like Roma, this may profoundly nudge the gate ajar for sponsors looking for a stake in Italian football. Even AC Milan has been embroiled in rumours about relinquishing the club to a group of Israelis.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has warned about the ramifications of foreign investments, especially in fresher environments like Italy.

“In some cases a club can be used as a platform for politics,” he told ESPN in 2006.

“People are getting involved in football for political reasons ahead of football interests. We must safeguard the independence of football and we need the help of politicians to do this.”

Taci himself has his own selfish interests, as it is reported by USA Today that he could use Bologna as a portal for Albanian players.

Ideas like these contribute to the thought that, should Bologna’s purchase be a precursor of transformations to come, the complexion of Serie A could be reasonably different for both players and ownership tandems.

And it is a theory rooted in a team that has no greater significance in intercontinental competition, less so than Ronaldo.

Favre Averts a Juvenile Affair with Vikings

Anthony Lopopolo — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:36:00 -0400

For a quarterback who tossed 22 touchdowns and as many interceptions in the overt twilight of his career last season, Brett Favre still managed to carry the airy lustre of a top draft pick.

At least that’s the way he was viewed by the Minnesota Vikings, whose exhausting pursuit and inexorable patience for the 39-year-old was more astounding than ambitious.

Adding the fact that Favre is tending to a freshly operated right arm—his throwing appendage, at that—and is but frail in his sense of being, one would be remiss not to question the motives of the Green Bay Packers’ divisional rival.

Queries were cleared yesterday when it was publicly announced that Favre would indeed remain retired, ending coach Brad Childress’ idea of seeing Favre in the centrefold of the Vikings offense.

Whether there is any long-term veracity in Favre’s vow to leave football for the second time around is secondary.

However, the sentiment of his most recent confirmation leads us to believe that there is neither the zest nor commitment to play football again.

The Vikings, of course, possessed an exclusive scenario under which Favre could exact revenge on his former team, the Packers, and general manager Ted Thompson, to whom Favre attributes his previous quarrel and ultimate severance with Green Bay.

Presumably noticing he couldn’t endure the wear of another season at his age, Favre proved that he wasn’t a selfish man when he left the sport, even though he was as stubborn as a rusty nail in wood. He didn’t allow the petty prospect of sticking it to Thompson cloud his decision.

According to ESPN, though, the Vikings were more so complicit in trying to see the record touchdown passer’s prospect of retribution come to fruition at the Metrodome.

For the Vikings, it is reported, handed Favre an additional 36 hours to reassess his final conclusion; deployed several players including star running back Adrian Peterson and ubiquitous defensive end Jared Allen to entice Favre with a final persuasive message; and maintained contact until the decision was irrevocable.

All that was missing was an open plea. Through all that, Favre—for his standards—was remarkably lucid, and that could indicate an end to perpetuating a ragged comeback.

“They (the Vikings) were telling me, ‘You went through all this, you had the surgery and you’ve got to finish it off,” Favre told Ed Werder of ESPN. “It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. I didn’t feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable.”

Creating such a spectacular stir for Favre didn’t deter Tavaris Jackson, one of two leading candidates for the quarterback position.

“He was his cool, calm and collected self,” agent Joel Segal said of his client, Jackson, after Favre’s declaration. “He said, ‘Great, let’s get ready for camp.’”

Sage Rosenfels is the second option in the position and would have been in a spot to battle for a back-up role should Favre have come on to the team.
Though considering Jackson wasn’t so rattled, perhaps there isn’t much need for extensive damage control on Childress’ behalf.

Besides, the Vikings haven’t actually lost anything by way of talent on their roster.

“It was a rare and unique opportunity to consider adding not only a future Hall of Fame quarterback, but one that is very familiar with our system and division,” Childress said in an open statement. “That does not detract from the team that we have.

“As we have consistently communicated, we feel good about our team. With this behind us, we look forward to getting to Mankato (Minn.) and getting training camp under way.”

But the real testimony is for Favre in this ordeal, as he had a chance to severely hamper not the perception of his Hall of Fame credentials, but of Favre the mind. His stint with the Jets only lasted one season, understandably, although he would have made a legitimate farewell all but impossible if he signed with the Vikings.

Favre was stepping into the realm once inhabited by the late efforts of Michael Jordan, Dominik Hasek and Evander Holyfield—all of whom were unable to identify an appropriate end to their careers.

Sure, Favre played that game for a year. But say his stay in Minnesota saw him embroiled in a quarterback controversy—which the Vikings’ situation could have potentially lend itself to—or his arm couldn’t produce.

It could have been the last five games of last season with Jets, magnified and multiplied.

Looking at Holyfield, for example: the man is 47 years old, unequivocally discouraged by the New York State Athletic Commission for his diminishing skills, and, all be damned, he fought and lost to Nikolai Valuev, the current WBA heavyweight champion, last December.

If this is to be Favre’s last period of contemplation—and the Hamlet act is emphatically closed—then there is no chance of seeing him, the historic and storied quarterback, distantly decrepit in action.

Hopefully these are finalized words: “I would like to thank everyone, including the Packers, Jets and Vikings—but, most importantly, the fans.”

And with that, let his name card be affixed to a mantle in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, not another locker.

Favre Averts a Juvenile Affair with Vikings

Anthony Lopopolo — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:32:20 -0400

For a quarterback who tossed 22 touchdowns and as many interceptions in the overt twilight of his career last season, Brett Favre still managed to carry the airy lustre of a top draft pick.

At least, that’s the way he was viewed by the Minnesota Vikings, whose exhausting pursuit and inexorable patience for the 39-year-old was more astounding than ambitious.

Adding the fact that Favre is tending to a freshly operated right arm—his throwing appendage, at that—and is but frail in his sense of being, one would be remiss not to question the motives of the Green Bay Packers’ divisional rival.

Queries were cleared yesterday when it was publicly announced that Favre would indeed remain retired, ending coach Brad Childress’ idea of seeing Favre in the centrefold of the Vikings offense.

Whether there is any long-term veracity in Favre’s vow to leave football for the second time around remains to be seen.

However, the sentiment of his most recent confirmation leads us to believe that there is neither the zest nor commitment to play football again.

The Vikings, of course, possessed an exclusive scenario under which Favre could exact revenge on his former team, the Packers, and general manager Ted Thompson, to whom Favre attributes his previous quarrel and ultimate severance with Green Bay.

Presumably noticing he couldn’t endure the wear of another season at his age, Favre proved that he wasn’t a selfish man when he left the sport, even though he was as stubborn as a rusty nail in wood. He didn’t allow the petty prospect of sticking it to Thompson cloud his decision.

According to ESPN, though, the Vikings were more so complicit in trying to see the record touchdown passer’s prospect of retribution come to fruition at the Metrodome.

For the Vikings, it is reported, handed Favre an additional 36 hours to reassess his final conclusion; deployed several players including star running back Adrian Peterson and ubiquitous defensive end Jared Allen to entice Favre with a final persuasive message; and maintained contact until the decision was irrevocable.

All that was missing was an open plea. Through all that, Favre—for his standards—was remarkably lucid, and that could indicate an end to perpetuating a ragged comeback.

“They (the Vikings) were telling me, ‘You went through all this, you had the surgery and you’ve got to finish it off,” Favre told Ed Werder of ESPN. “It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. I didn’t feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable.”

Creating such a spectacular stir for Favre didn’t deter Tarvaris Jackson, one of two leading candidates for the quarterback position.

“He was his cool, calm and collected self,” agent Joel Segal said of his client, Jackson, after Favre’s declaration. “He said, ‘Great, let’s get ready for camp.’”

Sage Rosenfels is the second option in the position and would have been in a spot to battle for a back-up role should Favre have come on to the team.

That’s not the vote of confidence required for two players who were equally instrumental in capturing the NFC North title last year, Peterson’s athleticism aside.

Considering Jackson wasn’t so rattled, perhaps there isn’t much need for extensive damage control on Childress’ behalf.

Besides, the Vikings haven’t actually lost anything by way of talent on their roster.

“It was a rare and unique opportunity to consider adding not only a future Hall of Fame quarterback, but one that is very familiar with our system and division,” Childress said in an open statement. “That does not detract from the team that we have.

“As we have consistently communicated, we feel good about our team. With this behind us, we look forward to getting to Mankato (Minn.) and getting training camp under way.”

But the real testimony is for Favre in this ordeal, as he had a chance to severely hamper not the perception of his Hall of Fame credentials, but of Favre the mind. His stint with the Jets only lasted one season, understandably, although he would have made a legitimate farewell all but impossible if he signed with the Vikings.

Favre was stepping into the realm once inhabited by the late efforts of Michael Jordan, Dominik Hasek and Evander Holyfield—all of whom were unable to identify an appropriate end to their careers.

Sure, Favre played that game for a year. But say his stay in Minnesota saw him embroiled in a quarterback controversy—which the Vikings’ situation could have potentially lend itself to—or his arm couldn’t produce.

It could have been the last five games of last season with Jets, magnified and multiplied.

Looking at Holyfield, for example: The man is 47 years old, unequivocally discouraged by the New York State Athletic Commission for his diminishing skills, and, I'll be damned, he fought and lost to Nikolai Valuev, the current WBA heavyweight champion, last December.

If this is to be Favre’s last period of contemplation—and the Hamlet act is emphatically closed—then there is no chance of seeing him, the historic and storied quarterback, distantly decrepit in action.

Hopefully these are finalized words: “I would like to thank everyone, including the Packers, Jets and Vikings—but, most importantly, the fans.”

And with that, let his name card be affixed to a mantle in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, not another locker.

Milan's Inactive Transfer Season: No Deterrent for Upcoming Campaign

Anthony Lopopolo — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:21:10 -0400

Trailing behind city rival Inter Milan off the pitch just as they have on it, AC Milan cannot feel but inert in this year’s transfer season.

Seeing off Kaka to Real Madrid upped the yardstick by which the market would play, not helping Milan’s own cause in forging a roster capable of challenging for the Champions League and Scudetto next year.

Handing Carlo Ancelotti an early leave of absence further split the club and the retirement of Paolo Maldini left the defence in need of rejuvenation.

Then capturing the services of burgeoning American defender Oguchi Onyewu—along with the singing of 24-year-old Brazilian Thiago Silva prior to the transfer period—provided reason to believe the backline would be replenished with a tandem of young players.

But the exodus of players from the San Siro has superseded the influx of arrivals.

The legs of Kaka will not be sprinting down the field, and vice president Adriano Galliani has identified myriad possible replacements without actually applying ink to page for any of them.

This truth, however, shouldn’t eclipse the fact that Milan can still be a competitive club come the beginning of the 2009-'10 season.

For their acquisitions of a year before—a list which includes Ronaldinho and midfielder Mathieu Flamini—have yet to enjoy the playing time initially planned upon the onset of their Rossoneri venture.

In Ronaldinho’s case, he’s now the beacon: An indication that progression is evident, not regression.

"Our objectives get bigger, a bit like Milan. We wanted to qualify for the Champions League last year, and now we want to win it," said the former Barcelona man.

"I started well last year but then I got injured. In addition, Ancelotti never played me. This time I want to play my best from the very first game. I feel more important now. I feel the trust of my teammates, the club, the fans. Responsibility is something that I like and I am not worried at all.”

Besides Ronaldinho, fresh-faced players like Felipe Mattioni can now supplement Milan’s current makeup, while those who are returning to the team—Massimo Oddo from Bayern Munich; David Di Gennaro from Genoa; and Ignazio Abate from Torino—present more options across the field.

Granted, none poses the reverberations or convincing qualities of a premium transfer target. But nonetheless, they contribute to the understanding that Milan is comprised of a more resolute contingent of players than last year.

In respect to Maldini, there cannot be a mistake about the reality that he was a shadow of himself at such a late stage in his career in his last campaign—that he was more venerable than he was productive.

Presently, the aforementioned Onyewu, Silva and even a quasi-suspect Daniele Bonera will engage in strong contention for a spot in Milan’s central defence, with a chance for Alessandro Nesta, who missed all of last season due to a recurring back injury, to reassert his claim as the sturdy knot in the club’s fabric as well.

Proceeding up the field, Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini—the newly elected captain in Maldini’s void—both have an opportunity to become the veritable lynchpins in central midfield.

That area, though, is conditioned on the hope that injuries aren’t a nagging distraction, as Andrea Pirlo and Gattuso can attest from their off-field frustrations last season. Gattuso was sidelined for six months and Pirlo for three.

And that is the most troubling prospect, considering the ramifications of last year’s injuries—especially at the average age maintained by the club.

Flamini, who substituted for Gattuso yet saw his field time reduced upon Beckham’s injection, is reliable as a surrogate. Even Marek Jankulovski, who flirted with the midfield position last year, could be immersed in that role if the formation accommodates him.

(Cue novice manager Leonardo.)

The lack of guaranteed wingers, of course, does make it difficult to organize a formation conducive to the collection of players over whom Leonardo has control.

A 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 configuration could be adopted, like Dunga’s Brazil, but Milan is devoid of wingers, in exception for Ronaldinho and, should Beckham return for a second loan, the 34-year-old Englishman.

There foundation of strikers, in spite of Galliani’s aim to land one in the market, is inherently underrated, as a mobile option in Alexandre Pato and a rehabilitated Marco Borriello—remember the 19-goal player with Genoa two years back—have proven the opponent’s net is a familiar area for them.

Couple these players with Filippo Inzaghi and, if initiatives are pursued to lure David Trezeguet, there will undoubtedly be the presence of experience and accountability up front, too.

The failure to sign Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano would have made the line of offense a complete unit, surely. But Galliani, as it appears, wasn’t prepared to increase the proposal above the original €14 million price tag.

“We had a desire to see (Fabiano) play for a big team and that all parties were would be left happy,” said Jose Fuentes, who represents Fabiano. “But they have not behaved like a big club.”

Though the reserve of cash provisioned by Kaka’s sale is not known to have eradicated the immense amount of debt harboured by Milan for years, Gallliani has been wise—not shy or ignorant—for being prudent in these recessionary times.

The club consists of willing and tried players alike, a good combination for any team looking to chase a title, and Leonardo has the belief—naive or not—that success is there to be had.

"We started with the idea to bring in a heavyweight forward such as (Edin) Dzeko or a real winger, and at the moment the only one who can play on the wing is Ronaldinho,” he told Sky Italia recently. “It's true that we haven't been reinforced, but I honestly believe that this squad can have a good season.''

That ploy may not be enough to knock Inter off their perennial perch or even help seize the Champions League, but Milan, should they spend another year barren, have laid a formidable base that is ripe for success.

Now, or in the future.

Inter's Transfers Will See Them Compete for Champions League

Anthony Lopopolo — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:52:48 -0400

Longing for some wholesale production in Europe is Serie A champion Inter Milan, with the machinations of President Massimo Moratti certainly focused on satisfying that itch.

And to validate that quest, his team is vying to rip off a page of FC Barcelona’s recent recipe for Champions League triumph. That interest is reported to be in the form of Samuel Eto’o and some €40 million in compensation in exchange for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The swap has not been consummated yet, but it is reported that Jose Maria Mesalles, the agent of Eto’o, will engage in negotiations with Inter’s camp of executives to iron out personal terms, according to Sky Sports.

If the deal is concluded and eventually becomes a reality, it could be noted as the most incisive transaction of this offseason.

Of course, the swap heavily favours the Italian giant. And this type of movement happens when a club wins the majority of their competitions—as Barcelona did by earning the treble of victories in the Copa Del Rey, La Liga, and Champions League.

"There is not a single major reason for this decision. It is a matter of feeling and sensations,” said coach Pep Guardiola. “It's just that after winning so much, we must change the squad; that's all. There are no other reasons.”

To the contrary, word about an alleged rift in the dressing room between the Cameroon striker and management has spread, but no such notion was verified.

Though that doesn’t dramatically change Guardiola’s stance on the current affair, as he has his hands ready for the send off.

"I think it would be the best for Barcelona if Eto'o does leave, and his sale is my decision,” he said. "Inter have the money to make Eto'o happy, but if he wants to stay, then I will have no problem with that.”

Considering the way in which Inter has manipulated the market to capture some of the most touted targets, the addition of Eto’o and Aliaksandr Hleb, who may join the Milan-based club on a loan spell, implies the club should be a supreme force in Europe next season.

With freshly signed Lucio consolidating the line of central defence along with midfielder Thiago Motta and clinical striker Diego Milito, Inter could wield one of, if not the most prolific attack in Europe next season.

Although Eto’o was plighted by injury in the past three years, he managed to resurrect his scoring touch last year, notching 36 goals in all competitions.

The underrated Hleb, who struggled to find a position in Barcelona’s midfield but showcased his playmaking prowess with Arsenal, could easily facilitate play and, with Dejan Stankovic, provide a one-two punch.

The absence of Ibrahimovic would be hardly missed, and perhaps should even be prodded, for Inter would also drop their reliance on a single striker. A one-dimensional reliance in the offensive flank of the field would give way to a more balanced and multi-faceted attack, one bearing even more strengthening options in one Mario Balotelli and David Suazo as well.

Even if Balotelli blows steam over a potential lack of playing time, a heated medley of eminent and nascent talent striving for more responsibilities on the front end isn’t necessarily a bad thought—and that’s where coach Jose Mourinho will be tested.

These new fixtures, of course, pose the biggest impact on Inter’s disappointing Champions League performances in recent campaigns, which the club is evidently amid rectifying.

Plus, this is happening without the caustic publication of any imminent financial distress afflicting the club.

Sure, Real Madrid made the biggest and most spectacular of signings in Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, but they have yet to really outline a team that looks indomitable.

Rounding out at nearly €200 million in transfer expenditures, Madrid also ventured into loans, one of which was publicized at €76 million from an agency called Caja Madrid. Whether they will be able to earn enough to reimburse that investment through the concessions of players like Arjen Robben, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and Wesley Snejider is yet to be known.

Inter, meanwhile, have gone quiet into that good night before stepping up for this final centrepiece.

On the return flight, though, Barcelona would receive a competent forward in Ibrahimovic. Despite winning the Capocannoniere—the scoring title in Serie A—this year, the 27-year-old Swede has experienced disheartening trials on the international stage, including his time with the national outfit.

He has scored at least 15 goals in the past three seasons with Inter, but he lacked the game-to-game consistency needed from the sole scorer in the starting rotation. At times, he would be totally ineffective on the pitch, almost stupefied for a month’s worth of games.

Assimilation into Barcelona’s systemic football would be a refreshing start for Ibrahimovic, provided he learns to accept the club’s collective approach to their attack.

Just as this deal is titillating for Inter fans, it is also apparent that should Eto’o not receive the signing bonus he wants, the present agreement between the two clubs would potentially fall out.

"Everything depends on Eto'o. He has the right to evaluate Inter's offer and make a decision," Guardiola continued.

That wouldn’t be a terrible fate to befall Mourinho and his men, however. Inter has done what they failed to really do in the past: Generate a bundle of shrewd acquisitions.

Their transfer history is blighted by dreadful decisions, culminating in the release of Fabio Cannavaro for Fabian Carini in 2004, a goalkeeper who now plays in Spain’s second-tier league.

Eto’o and the money that would accompany him would surely erase the relevancy of that predisposition.

Future Fighters Must Challenge the Status Quo in UFC

Anthony Lopopolo — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:54:00 -0400

With all the post-fight analysis and reaction penned to paper—yes, some major newspapers covered the event, like the New York Times—MMA fans are now compelled to contemplate and discuss the reality of the UFC and its proximity to mainstream coverage.

But the outcome of UFC 100 contains so much to deliberate, including Brock Lesnar’s public image, the status of the heavyweight division, and, yes, the few people scratching their heads at Georges St. Pierre’s domination over Thaigo Alves.

At the Soho bar and grill in Burnaby, BC, some thought, "How could Alves be taken down so easily? How could he not have landed any real significant shots?" Alves was supposed to be St. Pierre’s biggest challenge, but the fight was incredibly one-sided.

However, this fight was never going to be that close. St. Pierre is the co-pound-for-pound fighter in the world—tied with Fedor Emelianenko, according to Yahoo! Sports—and is highly skilled at wrestling, striking, and jiu-jitsu, while adhering to rigorous cardiovascular training.

Alves, being a bigger and more powerful striker, had a puncher’s chance. While that means he shouldn’t have been counted out—think Matt Serra—it’s usually safer to bet on those who possess the complete package and higher skill set.

Considering that the UFC has now reached its zenith though, there is the obligation for Dana White to realize he has set a benchmark.

Granted, UFC 100 was a rare occasion in which many renowned fighters culminated in the event; but the company illustrated it has become the utmost iteration of MMA—at least in North America, where the sport has blossomed.

And this is where the casual fan will misinterpret the parameters of that particular depiction.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is a business. Mixed Martial Arts is a sport. The two should not be used interchangeably, but spoken in that order.

White and matchmaker Joe Silva always want to put on the best fights for fans and often do a great job, but at the end of the day they need to make a profit.

Their inexorable task is to maintain interest while capturing the imagination of more fans willing to invest in the sport.

If St. Pierre–Alves was advertised as five-round wrestling domination with little stand-up tactics and a few solid exchanges to show for it, fewer fans should dish out $40-50 for pay-per-view access.

Patrick Cote versus Rich Franklin wouldn’t be a close fight, so why was Anderson Silva–Cote billed as a tight matchup? Basically, the UFC had to deceptively dub these fights as blockbusters to sell PPV’s, whereas a fight like Rampage Jackson versus Dan Henderson sells itself.

Fans want to see fights that get finished, but not at the expense of entertainment; but close fights will always be more exciting than blow-outs.

Sometimes, it’s a fighter’s technique that affects the way in which White and Co. approach an event’s promotion.

Recall that Lyoto Machida, before he was handed the light heavyweight title against Rashad Evans, was not appreciated for his elusive, cerebral fighting prowess. Despite the fact that he has never lost a round or an encounter in any of his 15 fights, Machida only began to earn patches of respect after ousting Thiago Silva via KO at UFC 94.

A slated meeting at UFC 104 against Mauricio Rua will further determine the validity of boycotts against Machida’s style.

Matchmaker Silva, meanwhile, faces complications when fighters like St. Pierre and Anderson Silva have cleaned out their division and are forced to fight lower-echelon opponents in their respective weight classes.

That problem is present in the welterweight, middleweight, and it could be argued, in the near future of the heavyweight division.

So now is the time to fortify the company’s reputation as a predominant carrier of MMA, or risk degrading it.

As the extra digit added to future UFC events indicates just how far the company has progressed, it also suggests that the status quo must not remain.

This was written in collaboration with Cory Wright, a frequent MMA contributor to Sports Caddy.

Dana White Must Evaluate Heavyweight Division, Not Lesnar

Anthony Lopopolo — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:33:06 -0400

Perhaps Brock Lesnar mistook the octagon for a wrestling ring after seeing his belt returned to him amid a successful title defence against challenger and interim champion Frank Mir.

Lesnar certainly used the canvas as his personal stomping ground, trampling on it with the menace and effusiveness of a feral, 265-pound primate.

Add shots of saliva to the image, too.

But there was definitely a reason for him to rejoice, with his tool of vengeance—a brace of abnormal hands and customized mitts—used to strategic and jarring expedience.

There was obviously the lasting spectre of his previous encounter with Mir, the one Lesnar repeatedly attributed to the intervention of luck rather than naivety, lingering in the air.

There was the realization that he had conquered Mir on the ground, the touted area of authority for the eventual loser.

There was the underlying hate and animosity between two combatants ready to engage in a rematch not only signifying a unification of belts, but one that would determine the face of the UFC’s heavyweight division.

And out of it all, MMA fans in the U.S., Canada and worldwide are conferred a villain and common target of derision.

“I love it,” Lesnar said in acknowledgment of the crowd’s jeering. “Keep it coming.”

Like Dan Henderson’s needless punch on Ultimate Fighter rival Michael Bisping early in the pay-per-view lineup, Lesnar sent an irritable finger-flip in the direction of the fans simply for good measure.

He basically turned into a flea circus, an act UFC boss Dana White has discouraged from his prized fighters.

“Straight WWE,” White told Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports after the post-fight conference. “Brock went so far over the top tonight I can’t even describe it. I don’t think in the history of the UFC we’ve ever done anything like that.”

Not that having a scoundrel running rampant is necessarily a bad thing; it’s just accentuated when that same specimen happens to hold the title and actually have some credentials. Because abhorrence, a la show business, can generate so much interest.

But Lesnar has only experienced four fights in the UFC, and has been in a title position twice. That goes to show that the 32-year-old champion represents little in the way of other fighters and how they have established their careers.

“Hell, I might even get on top of my wife tonight,” a smug Lesnar said to commentator Joe Rogan immediately after his defence, a statement for which he later apologized. It was White who had coaxed Lesnar into repentance to demonstrate that derogatory remarks and disrespect aren’t tolerated in the UFC.

Controversy aside, here is a lumberjack of a man in Lesnar, a gigantic athlete now with his wrestling seemingly adapted to the confines of the octagon in—still—the beginning stages of his MMA career with possibly no one but a remote Fedor Emelianenko, who is in the final months of his contract with Affliction, capable of stealing the heavyweight title.

Another bout against Mir, to cap off a trilogy, would be more of a headline than a legitimate threat to the overwhelming prowess of Lesnar—unless Mir can rejuvenate his training regimen and avoid making hasty errors like the flying knee in the second round.

An undefeated Shane Carwin may be worth calling, but he has yet to fight elite talent. Nor has Cain Velasquez, but he is still regarded as the next prodigious fighter in the UFC.

Before last night, however, Lesnar was an athlete with a profound background in wrestling—in the entertainment aspect of it as well as the mastery of its technique. He fought a fleeting Randy Couture and won in UFC 91—an upset, but one that could be argued against.

His frame did match the size of his ego, but all of that lacked substance. The bravado he gave off had the effect of steam from a train, apparent but later vaporised or gone unacknowledged.

There the man was, proprietor of the title but still in need of proving he can avenge and deal with the biggest loss in his petite career that has incidentally yielded so much.

Mir was hammered down like an upright nail, and now Lesnar is looking for the next one.

But White knew exactly what would happen when he signed Lesnar to a contract. The villainous qualities were inbred in the fighter’s appearance and antagonistic speech.

“Brock hasn’t made himself very lovable,” White said, an understatement at the very least. “They hate Brock.”

And White was then the one who immersed Lesnar into the upper echelons of the heavyweight class like a match lit hurriedly. This personality—the by-product of Lesnar’s rapid ascent—was unleashed.

The PR game is intensifying, though. The sport is feeling the ride of a projectile into mainstream recognition, and White, it seems apparent, must pursue signing Fedor to keep Lesnar and his weight division away from entering the checkmate position it may inhabit.

The image Lesnar exudes is only healthy when there's some else there prompt to derail him.

Lesnar's standup holds key to victory against Mir

Anthony Lopopolo — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:36:00 -0400

Showdown Joe Ferrero, host of Sportsnet’s MMA Connected, believes that Interim Heavy Champion Frank Mir will beat Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar in Saturday’s unification bout at UFC 100.

It is also the same opinion of many UFC fighters, at least those daring enough to publicly denounce Brock Lesnar.

Although Mir did take the first fight—and looked great in the fight with Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira—Lesnar has improved tenfold since their first fight in February 2008, one which he saw him, according to Heath Herring, “Donkey Kong-ing” Mir.

Ferrero has noted that Mir has the better ground game—obviously—but claims that he has a better boxing background. That seems peculiar considering that Lesnar dropped Mir with strikes in the first fight, and took him down at will. Lesnar’s stand-up face may not be as clean as Anderson Silva’s, but he has been able to drop every opponent with his power—and 81’ inch reach.

Also, there’s a reason Lesnar’s chin hasn’t been truly tested yet: no one’s been able to find it. So, the stand-up game clearly has to be an advantage for Lesnar.

Lesnar has some of the strongest wrestling credentials in the UFC, too, making him somewhat of a threat on the ground to the Jiu-Jitsu ace Mir. As we saw in Lesnar-Mir 1, Lesnar-Herring, and Lesnar-Couture, the former NCAA wrestling champion can move on the ground and gain dominant control of an opponent with ease.

However, given that Lesnar got caught in the first fight, it would be smart for him to keep the fight upright, or only use his takedowns to score points if—God forbid—this fight goes to decision.

There is no doubt some lingering bitterness among UFC fighters who are displeased about Lesnar’s quick path to the title; but personal feelings aside, Lesnar has dominated his last three fights (yes, even the Mir contest) and will probably win if he stays on his feet.

Ferrero doubts Lesnar, but he may have to change his tune on Monday’s MMA Connected.

This column was submitted by my colleague Cory Wright. He is a contributor to the blog mentioned below.

Stockpiled Defense Offers More Questions for Burke

Anthony Lopopolo — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:37:55 -0400

Toss Francois Beauchemin into the newly assembled core of defensemen, which will be on display next season.

Except Tomas Kaberle may not be a part of it come training camp.

The signing of the 29-year-old Quebec native from the Anaheim Ducks, with whom he won a Stanley Cup under the managerial direction of Brian Burke in 2007, holds nothing new in the way one would perceive the reconstruction of the Leafs.

Burke’s preference for players who have a gritty exterior is reflected in the acquisition of Beauchemin, and coincides with the theme of signings already completed since the free agency window opened on Jul. 1.

However, the Leafs now own 10-plus potential defensemen all capable of or determined to crack the final roster—all of whom are cast-iron fixtures behind the blue line, but possess no penchant for generating offense.

Of course, the latter statement would insinuate the departure of Kaberle via trade in order to restock the Leafs’ current makeup of forwards.

The possible swap for Boston Bruins sophomore Phil Kessel is pending, but it nonetheless demonstrates the kind of return that would have to be proposed.

A player of Kessel’s standards would undoubtedly enhance the Leafs’ plane of offense, especially if the player that is received for Kaberle in fact is a centre—a position in which the Leafs’ are in dire need.

But it would remove the only mobile defenseman within the roster as the lining of coarse skin that will surround Vesa Toskala, or maybe even Jonas Gustavsson, if he so chooses to make a lot of starved fans a bit more optimistic and Burke a securer man.

And they don’t boast particularly great vision nor the ability to send out a two-line pass idiosyncratic to Kaberle’s game.

The moves made by Burke alone are not exciting in the loosest definition of the word, and perhaps, at this point, it shouldn’t create the buzz and enthusiasm that Hedo Turkoglu has for the Air Canada Centre’s other primary tenant.

It is phase one, ground zero—call it what you will.

The time allotted for this project gave the franchise some buffer room and dampened short-term expectations.

Yet adding layers of ferocity may only suggest more minutes will be spent developing or toiling in the practice of penalty-killing scenarios.

Goal scoring, as it appears in the team that took a skate today for the first time since the end of the season, is a notion that has been totally neglected in Burke’s endeavour to lure the aforementioned Swedish netminder and build a steady fortress around the crease.

The Leafs lost 147 points of man power on the Mar. 4 trade deadline in conjunction with the trade involving Pavel Kubina to the Atlanta Thrashers, suggesting that the abundance of defensemen owned by the Leafs will at least be put to the test.

The rookies are coming through the system and may fill the spectre of the Leafs’ lost point getters. They too, however, aren’t of A-list and assured quality, considering the collegiate merits of Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson.

So the excitement, it seems, may simply belong to the plausible dismay of the Leafs’ next season in the form of a heightened draft position, of course.

Like the fact that the name of a Francophone will finally adorn the backside of a Leaf jersey, the equivocal direction of the Leafs’ rebuilding process isn’t being fully realized.

Consulting Beauchemin’s term of contract, the three-year signing suggests a time span much shorter than that afforded for attaining the status of a contender.

Or will he not be part of the equation when the Stanley Cup is a viable thought?

And the irony of all this haziness is that Burke, out of candour or swagger, has been more vocal than any other GM in the last month.

Roddick Merited a Victory Of His Own

Anthony Lopopolo — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:40:27 -0400

Heading into the men’s final at Wimbledon, there laid the inevitability of witnessing a match with a noteworthy end, regardless of who received the trophy.

For Roger Federer, the man looking to reroute the passage of greatness as kept in tennis’ history books, could strengthen his claim to being the best player to ever step foot on a court. Or Andy Roddick, the American who had struggled to find his way back to a grand slam final ever since his defeat by the Swiss at the 2006 US Open, could open the tour ajar.

The player with a puncher’s chance—a label NBC colour commentator John McEnroe used to describe Roddick’s odds—proved to be a bit defter at countering his opponent, staying in prolonged rallies and moving around with an agile air.

History, on this day however, wasn’t willing to wait.

Federer’s 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14 victory did secure a record 15th grand slam under his surname, as well as the repossession of his former No. 1 world ranking, but it wasn’t without the imposition of Roddick.

In the final set alone, serving second, Roddick was forced to hold his serve 15 consecutive times before a break opportunity arrived for Federer, one that presented a championship point.

The American had not surrendered his service game until that moment in time.

“I was just trying to survive each time and hold serve and give myself a shot,” Roddick said. “It didn't work out, but I definitely gave myself a look.”

Although Federer certainly deserved to win his sixth Wimbledon title—which was attained in seven successive finals at the All England Club—it was the determined and steadfast play of Roddick that managed to string the match out to its furthest extremity.

It didn’t produce the same brand of spellbinding tennis as the previous final did between Federer and Rafael Nadal last year—it had more of the feel of a marathon—but a rigorous display of gallantry and fortitude was manifested throughout.

Roddick, who adhered to those aggressive tactics seen in the past week by approaching the net 69 times and earning 42 points, continued to execute in the way coach Larry Stefanki has taught his pupil. He exercised a typical reliance on his serve—of which Roddick hit 27 aces—but also ran down points, yanking Federer to each end of the court on multiple occasions.

Federer, by his own margin, looked to be tentative and perhaps was stunned by the persistence of his adversary. There were various incidents where the Swiss botched what apparently looked to be routine forehands and was left flatfooted on some of Roddick’s passing shots.

At that juncture, memories of previous matches between these two players fleeted.

But the responsiveness of Federer was demonstrated in its full capacity, as he shot 50 aces to ensure his serve would be safeguarded. Despite eventually losing it twice—once in the first set and then later in what was then a pivotal moment at 2-1 in the fourth frame—the 27-year-old record-breaker made it difficult for Roddick to identify a weakness or hole to exploit.

Even down 2-6 in a second set tiebreaker, the most decorated man in the sport was able to expunge the spectre of seeing the deficit increase from one set to two. That had implications for the rest of the final, considering Roddick would have garnered perhaps enough buffer room to win the title in four sets.

So by the final’s conclusion, many things transpired.

Of course, the argument for Federer’s placement at the summit of professional tennis was substantially boosted, given the unprecedented number of victories (15); grand slam final appearances (20); consecutive semifinals reached (21); and the fact that he has finally coupled both the French Open and Wimbledon championships in a calendar year.

What may only be left to decide is whether this makes Federer the greatest of all-time. The debate will surely be a bit more lopsided after Sunday’s outcome, but the presence of Nadal on the tour, who has a 65 per cent winning percentage against Federer, definitely accompanies the opposing side of the issue—especially if the role of career statistics are incessantly consulted.

“I'm aware that Rafa didn't play here,” Federer admitted. “Injuries are part of the game, unfortunately, but I'm happy I became No. 1 in the world by winning this title because this is the biggest one there is out there. I love playing here.”

Federer’s victory, though, was one shaped and ultimately born by the play of Roddick. There are evident what ifs and could haves that may be applied to his performance at the utmost stage in tennis, bearing in mind that he was dictating the direction of the match within the first two hours of their encounter.

If the American had averted the historical theatrics of the day, a thought one could wrestle with, the potential clamour could have drastically changed the complexion of the ATP tour.

Playing in front of legends in Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver and the seldom seen Pete Sampras on Centre Court, however, just seemed to indicate that the stage was prepared for historic proportions.

“It's not really one of those goals you set as a little boy, but man, it's been quite a career and quite a month,” Federer said of his accomplishment. “It feels amazing, but this is not why I'm playing tennis to break all sort of different records. But it's definitely one of the greatest ones to have.”

Behind him stood a sullen and distraught Roddick, a player who graciously accepted his subordinate position to his opponent.

"Don't be too sad. I've been through some rough ones, like last year," said Federer, referring to last year's Wimbledon loss to Nadal.

Roddick, who never punched as blindly as some suggested, was sharp until the very end.

"Yeah, but you'd already won five.”

Roddick Claims Shot at Wimbledon Redemption

Anthony Lopopolo — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:08:25 -0400

The consequences and burden of bearing the collective interest of a country may not be justified for a 22-year-old.

But that was the story for Scot Andy Murray—a player so much under the spotlight that the media’s perennial darling at this event, the five-time champion and record-seeking Roger Federer, hasn’t had to deal with his ordinate time in the spotlight.

Dozens of pages covered Murray’s journey to the semifinals of Wimbledon, ranging from features on girlfriend Kim Sears to exposés on the tactics of his training regimen.

The press have only two more days with which to feed their papers; however, that documentation will be without Murray providing sensational headlines.

Thanks to a timely renaissance by No. 6 seed Andy Roddick, the United Kingdom will not see one of the more astounding droughts in a sport swept away. No, Murray will not be able to become the first male Brit to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry did in 1936.

And Queen Elizabeth II will need no necessary reason to attend the All England Club for the first time in more than three decades.

After Roddick dispatched Murray 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, the emotional outpouring experienced by the 26-year-old American was indicative of his reaction to an opportunity that has eluded him for nearly six years—a shot at Grand Slam glory.

“I never thought I would get a chance to play for another grand-slam title and now I can; it’s just a dream,” he said. “(Murray) has been a much better player than I have over the past year, but I can play some tennis sometimes, too.”

By his standards, though, Roddick is having a great season. He earned a spot in the final four of the Australian Open earlier in the year, while posting the highest finish in the French Open by reaching the fourth round.

On Centre Court, his improvements were on display.

Under the tutelage of coach Larry Stefanki, who was chosen as the replacement to Jimmy Connors and interim trainer Patrick McEnroe, Roddick has learned to tread with more grace and economy on the court. He has become more of an aggressor, too, as he made a total of 75 trips to the net, from which he earned 48 points.

His newfound proficiency at prevailing through duress this season—Roddick has collected 25 possible sets out of 29 pushed to tiebreakers—facilitated the outcome of this encounter, as well.

Incidentally, his preparation for this year was born out of doubt, which required a conference with wife Brooklyn Decker before realizing his weaknesses.

"Brook and I had a lot of talks—if I still thought I could play and at least be toward the top of the game," Roddick told ESPN. "I definitely openly questioned it at that point. Then the rest of the year I was kind of hurt.

"So this offseason, we said, 'You know what, if you're not going to be up there, let's at least not wonder. Let's prepare yourself and give yourself every opportunity.'"

His forehands are hit with more conviction and fluency; his service game is more reliable and consistent, despite the blistering pace of it; and he appears to be adept at adjusting at requisite intervals of the match.

Although Roddick hit four less aces than Murray (25 to 21), for example, his first serve efficiency topped out at an admirable 75 percent.

Considering he was tossed out of Wimbledon in the second round only a year ago, Roddick has the momentum of a projectile to finally enjoy wholesome victory on London grounds.

However, Roger Federer, who is wagering his own war against the current alignment of the record books, has a penchant for subduing Roddick every time both suit up on the same court.

"I don't know how much my great record I have against Roddick would come into play," said Federer, who has only lost two of 20 matches against his fellow finalist.

"I'm not sure. It starts from zero... I've had plenty of time to study his game, to understand his game.

"I've had many different looks against Roddick. I enjoy how he leaves everything out on the court. I can only marvel at how incredible his serve is. I like playing against him, not only just because of the record."

Federer has had the luxury of avoiding a top-10 player so far this tournament, playing wildcard seeds such as Ivo Karlovic and Tommy Haas.

Roddick, to be sure, has dug deep in his matches against both fledgling and fleeting talent alike. This was seen in his five-setter with 2002 Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt, and tonight with a responsive Murray.

He has also ridden the wave of the underdog.

Although Roddick has lost his past three matches with Federer in England—two of which were in the final—the naivety and errant areas of his tennis person are seemingly shed.

Regardless of the result, however, Sunday will still be met by a noteworthy end.

Leafs' Fundamental Signings Expose Lack of Skill

Anthony Lopopolo — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:55:22 -0400

When Brian Burke made his first official transaction in January to acquire the services of brawny left winger Brad May, the direction of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ reconstruction was realigned. It was only fitting that the Anaheim Ducks, for which May formerly plied his trade, was involved, considering Burke’s success with the team before heading a massive overhaul in Toronto.

That move stills stands as a microcosm of the mentality harboured by Burke, whose aim to perfect his current project disregards the common Western adherence to and obsession of time—except for the number of minutes posted in the penalty box.

"I don't give a rat's ass what they do in Pittsburgh or Detroit," he told reporters last week after being questioned about the lack of grit employed by the two Stanley Cup finalists. "There's been four different Cup winners the last four years, and I got one of them (Anaheim) and it was a fighting team. We're playing it that way regardless."

It was evident he approached July 1 in that way.

After the Sedin twins—both of whom Burke sought to sign—were announced and secured as Vancouver Canucks for another five years at a deserved $6.1 million cap hit per season, Burke immediately began to pursue other players required to enhance the foundation of his franchise.

Colton Orr, who recorded 193 penalty minutes last season with the New York Rangers, was signed to a four-year deal worth $1 millon per year as the first addition of the free agent frenzy.

Then there was a moot trade consummated later in the evening when Pavel Kubina and his $5 million cap hit were sent to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for Garnet Exelby and Colin Stuart, both recognized for their size and ability to use their weight as a hitting mechanism. Although roughly $2 million has now been cleared for the Leafs to maneuver, it is expected that it will be exploited for a future asset.

Part of the allocated cap space was handed to Mike Komisarek, as he inked a five-year, $22.5 million contract, the sole singing made by the Leafs for a coveted player and shutdown defenseman known across the league.

To be sure, these guys haven’t been selected for their flair; all four players have accumulated a meagre total of 22 goals in 963 games. But when there aren’t goals to be scored, then we are to assume their aggregate 1,556 penalty minutes are part and parcel of their character and attributes, primarily the stock into which Burke bought.

However, this is not the appropriate juncture to begin comparing the Leafs’ newfound aggression and value to that which was seen in Anaheim.

We can be assured Burke is using his former team as a template, but it has also had talent in players such as Corey Perry, Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne, Ryan Getzlaf and Andy McDonald. Some were inherited; some were obtained through the entry draft.

The Leafs are in a similar position, but they are lacking a few requisite add-ons before their identity as a contender is fully realized.

Jonas Gustavsson now becomes a must-sign for Burke, who was not able to land a legitimate backup to Vesa Toskala. Even collegiate stars like Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson—if they’re to become the great players of whom so many scouts projected—have somewhat of a heightened onus to live up to their billing, considering that the Leafs are replete with secondary and tertiary scoring.

Freshly drafted Nazem Kadri is expected to hone his skills for one further year in the OHL; while the Leafs’ AHL affiliate will have to do a great job moulding their prospects in order to verify the merits of their promotion.

The abundance of defensemen on the Leafs’ roster—with the new signings, there are about 10 potential d-men—suggests Tomas Kaberle may be expended in order to garner that elusive elite forward the Leafs are missing.

But there is also that sentiment dictating that if Kaberle was dealt, the team would be bereft of any puck-moving or offensive defensemen. Another avenue would be consulted to retrieve someone of his stature, and Burke has stated his impetus on keeping Kaberle should no deal “blow off his socks.”

Waiting until next year’s free agency will require a lot of persistence on Burke’s behalf, as there is some discussion about current Columbus Blue Jacket Rick Nash and his availability next summer. The trading route will pose difficulties, too, with Kaberle being the only reasonable option that would bring in a significant return.

The Leafs also have ample cap room, and Burke could still play that card this month if a team would like to unload a few unattractive contracts.

It is obvious, though, that Burke no longer wants to see his team be tossed like a top and no longer be courted as the loveable loser. For Leaf fans, there should be vested confidence in the structure and strategy implemented so far by Burke & Co., which has yielded modest, but fundamental signings.

"It was apparent from the time Brian Burke took the job, he wanted the Leafs to be tougher," said assistant GM Dave Nonis. "We wanted players who would not just fight, but play hard. We think we accomplished that."

A lot is still on the table, however, and Burke would be wise to confer with all his outstanding priorities by the end of this offseason.

Rain Invited As Wimbledon Unveils Roof

Anthony Lopopolo — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:46:00 -0400

Those sullen clouds, the ones indigenous to London and an oft-maligned target of contempt in the past, were not going to impede with the progression of Wimbledon any longer.

Well, that was the intention of organizers at the All England Club, although it only took a meagre amount of precipitation on Monday to summon the new, $165 million retractable roof on tennis’ most celebrated stadium.

It’s unveiling, which occurred during the start of a third and final set in a round-of-16 encounter between Dinara Safina and Amelie Mauresmo, elicited much zeal and awe for the near-capacity crowd, who beheld the roof’s closure with eccentric fixation.

It had the feeling of a watershed moment, a unique and bewildering—even intimidating—piece of architecture draping over the worn grass on Centre Court, yet functioning in a way that stretched time as it slid across with glacial speed and never seemed to fully veil the brooding sky, like a tease before the actual showcase.

Then both sides met each end. It linked, devoid of any spectacular pyrotechnics often associated with majestic moments, but nonetheless was greeted by an enormous roar—an effusive release reminiscent to buzzing electrons.

The seal of tradition, it had hitherto been realized, was officially and irrevocably broken.

And it was welcomed, along with the detested rain of yore.

"We've been waiting for it for so long—it's the first time ever at Wimbledon somebody's waiting for rain—but we'd still prefer the sunshine," said Ian Ritchie, the chief executive of the club. "It's a historic moment in many ways, and I'm sure they all feel delighted to be here.”

Safina ended the match as the victor, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in what was a dogged comeback, and experienced the initial sequences of play under the roof along with an erratic display of tennis by Mauresmo, who surrendered a 3-0 lead in the third set.

"The ball is flying a little bit more. That's how I felt. And we both kind of took a little time to adjust," Mauresmo said. "When the ball is in the air, and when you have the overhead or stuff, it's very bright."

Exchanging surfaces of racket heads, the sound of the ball seemed to be amplified by the freshly heard acoustics of the translated facility. On television, the echoes evidently rattled throughout the court and emitted a sort of walloping menace that would have suggested to the unaware ear that more power had simply been applied to the ball.

The concourse, too, seemed more engrossing.

“Somehow, you feel a little bit more of the crowd,” said Safina.

Tournament favorite Andy Murray, meanwhile, enjoyed the first full match played under the supervision of the roof, engaging in a five-set jostling affair with former training partner Stan Wawrinka in which the Briton escaped and claimed victory.

It was befitting that a British hopeful, the one touted to be the first native player to win Wimbledon on the men’s tour since Fred Perry captured the title in 1936, partook in the history of the day, which ended at 10:39 p.m. local time due to his prolonged match with Wawrinka.

The match was also the latest ever played on Centre Court."Always, when you play indoors the atmosphere is great," Murray said in a rare on-court interview, which is something traditionally designated to the final weekend.

"But when you have 15,000 people supporting you, it's pretty special."

Simply from the optics on television, there didn’t appear to be any reason outlining a problem with staging a roof setup at Wimbledon. Purists have debated the worth and requirement of such a proposal for years, but the players seemed to relish the inauguration of it and didn’t shed any shade of doubt.

"It's a plus, definitely, for the tournament to be able to play. Of course, we haven't seen really bad days so far in the tournament," Mauresmo said. "But I remember a few editions of Wimbledon when we would really have needed a roof. So it's a good thing."

On site, however, there was nothing to scorn or express discontent for, with Henman Hill reaming with spectators amidst pitch dark conditions while basking in the illuminating glow of the large projection screen, like campers around a fire.

And even though there wasn’t an obligatory necessity for the implementation of the roof on this day—the drizzle dwindled minutes after the tarp had been laid and the production began—the dynamic of that eager complex which rested on the head of Centre Court was too great to resist.

Clear skies ranged above, but all were captivated by the gratifying product of late-night tennis. So tradition, you see, wasn’t dismantled in the process, because the roof facilitated a flowing trial of great tennis that would have otherwise been deferred to the next day.

The fans cheered for the roof—and there was no inclination to bring it down.

Caution Flag Waved in Leaf Nation

Anthony Lopopolo — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:50:39 -0400

Abiding by Central Scouting projections, there were no deviations within the five first-round selections at the 2009 NHL entry draft last night.

Like cans shot off a fence with methodical pace, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke saw each player he wished to obtain escape his grasp.

The Islanders, Lightning, Avalanche, Thrashers, and Kings pounced on each prospect, while the hopes of Burke executing another draft day heist went flatter than a deflated balloon.

Shortly after, it was the Leafs’ turn to pronounce their choice at the dreaded seventh overall spot, even though fans wished it had vanished in favour of a more lucrative plateau.

It was to the surprise of some, to the ire of others and the delight of the rest that London Knights forward Nazem Kadri was the chosen as the backup plan to Burke’s futility on the floor.

Ambivalence, of course, incites us to consult the stats.

Kadri, who recorded 78 points in 56 games with the Knights this year, has been touted as a brisk centre with the ability to be an adept penalty killer, having scored 10 shorthanded goals in the OHL last season.

Although Kadri has the capability to navigate and direct play on the ice, he doesn’t quite fit the archetypal player makeup—belligerence, truculence, and testosterone—Burke so dearly covets.

Nevertheless, there is enough upside to his game to vest confidence in the 18-year-old.

"We really like him," Burke said. "He's got good offensive skills and he has a bit of feistiness, too."

Kadri has proven to be a playoff performer in the OHL, too, as he registered 21 points in 14 games last season when the Knights advanced to the conference finals.

So his prospects are compelling for a first-rounder; a fine alternative in the face of squandered efforts to move up in the draft.

But the lack of extravagant transactions—with what Burke’s previous public assertions about his intention to grab Tavares at the draft’s summit—surely did have an effect on the way in which Leaf fans, in particular, will view the night’s proceedings: a failure to capture what was desired.

And that should be taken into further consideration, given the Leafs’ plans to rebuild their franchise from this moment on.

How Burke struggled to solicit other teams for a feasible deal, it should be noted, may become a microcosm of future attempts to add and restructure this organization.

Granted, his vain endeavour to poach draft picks is different from making free agent signings or trades, as those teams which Burke had been pestering are in the same rebuilding mode as the Leafs.

Looking at the Leafs' situation, though, there aren’t many players to use as bait for a significant return. And if their cap room isn't exploited, there is a cautionary flag waving in this corner about Burke’s capability to ink complimentary and compulsory players.

He has been prudent about the salary cap, the Leafs’ ample space in that department notwithstanding and stated he doesn’t want to flirt with the ceiling of the cap in anticipation of its reduction after next season.

Burke has some $20 million free for the 2010-11 season, and that is enough buffer room to embrace bigger, expensive contracts. If he wishes to enhance his team to be a contender, Burke would be forced to exercise that muscle.

If he wants to make a decision based on maintaining cap room in the threat of a massive decrease, the project will be indefinitely extended.

The draft’s outcome proves that patience will be required. It also displayed how difficult it will be for Burke to ice a contender in the next two years.

Kadri is a step forward in initiating a return, along with collegiate stars Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson, but they’re not going to be employed as temporary bandages.

Tomas Kaberle looks like he may be cast off, so the Leafs’ defense needs to be bolstered with a more balanced core of individuals. They desperately need to rejuvenate their round of centres, and eminent goal scorers must also be tossed into the formula.

Money, needless to say, must be spent.

The forum will be presented four days from now, when free agency commences on July 1. The result of this summer will determine whether the Leafs have rectified any extant problems and if there is reason to believe the project is progressing.

NHL Entry Draft Follows Fairly Straight Line

Anthony Lopopolo — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:37:01 -0400

The plot was thickening as the NHL entry draft was inching closer to its commencement.

Just before New York Islanders general manager Garth Snow spoke his first words in the Bell Centre, one’s guess as to who would be selected as the first overall pick would be as legitimate as the next.

But for London Knights star John Tavares, there was no stopping what had been predetermined since he had been accepted as an exceptional 14-year-old prodigy in the OHL nearly five years ago.

The Islanders took the PR route—what with all the marketing luxuries Tavares brings to the ailing franchise—by claiming the popular choice in the Oakville native and managed to satisfy the masses who attended Nassau Coliseum to witness the draft from Long Island.

Now the jerseys can make their way through the printing mill.

Contrary to what hype dictated, however, the draft continued to unfold in a rather orthodox manner. Victor Hedman, the Swedish giant who has the silky qualities of a rapid defenseman, headed to the Tampa Bay Lightning; while Matt Duchene, the quiet rival to the other top two draftees, was chosen by his childhood team in the Colorado Avalanche.

Meanwhile, there weren’t any spectacular floor trades to turn the night into a dramatic occasion.

The discontented face of Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brain Burke would have affirmed that notion, seeing the subsequent fourth and fifth selections filled by Evander Kane of the Vancouver Giants and Brayden Schenn of the Brandon Wheat Kings, respectively. Burke was unable to move up any places from the Leafs’ original seventh overall position, forcing him to draw on Nazem Kadri of the Knights as an alternative.

Although Kadri is a volatile centre who has the ability to navigate on the ice, he doesn’t quite fit the archetypal player makeup—belligerence, truculence and testosterone—Burke so dearly covets. But the selection is a progressive step forward for an organization clearly in the advanced stages of rebuilding its foundation.

"He's got a chance to be a very good offensive player," TSN analyst Bob McKenzie said of Kadri. "This is a terrific kid who has tremendous offensive ability. He just needs a little consistency."

The only significant transfer of the night didn’t have any ramifications on the outcome of the draft. With Scott Niedermayer announcing he will play next season, the Anaheim Ducks were forced to peddle provocative defenseman Chris Pronger along with Ryan Dingle to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Joffrey Lupul, prospect Luca Sbisa, the 2009 and 2010 first round pick and a conditional third round pick.

The Flyers, who were heavily interested in acquiring the rights to pending UFA Jay Bouwmeester before free agency on July 1, will now have to combat their own salary cap issues after embracing Pronger, and it is speculated that forward Daniel Briere may be sacrificed as a resolution.

Briere is currently bound to an eight-year, $52 million contract.

The phones, though, were buzzing all night, despite what would become modest conclusions. The Islanders made the most notable transaction by dealing four picks in each of the first four rounds to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 16th and 77th selections, which were then parlayed in a deal that captured the Minnesota Wild’s 12th spot.

That allowed the Islanders to seal Tavares’ former teammate Calvin De Haan as their next prospect, ostensibly realizing the chemistry between both players.

However, most of the suspense was eased early on when Tavares was made this year’s draft king, preventing any paramount deviations.

For all of the public declarations made by general managers, there wasn’t much that materialized. Not much intrigue was sent in the direction of Senators goal scorer Dany Heatley, as Brian Murray said only three teams had expressed moderate interest from the beginning of the day but slowly fleeted from an advanced discussion.

Leafs rearguard Tomas Kaberle escaped a move to Boston for Phil Kessel and a draft pick following the fallout of a miscommunication between both parties, while the Florida Panthers failed to garner any return for Bouwmeester.

NHL Entry Draft Follows Fairly Straight Line

Anthony Lopopolo — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:21:00 -0400

The plot was thickening as the NHL entry draft was inching closer to its commencement. Just before New York Islanders general manager Garth Snow spoke his first words in the Bell Centre, one’s guess as to who would be selected as the first overall pick would be as legitimate as the next.

But for London Knights star John Tavares, there was no stopping what had been predetermined since he had been accepted as an exceptional 14-year-old prodigy in the OHL nearly five years ago.

The Islanders took the PR route—what with all the marketing luxuries Tavares brings to the ailing franchise—by claiming the popular choice in the Oakville native and managed to satisfy the masses who attended Nassau Coliseum to witness the draft from Long Island.

Now the jerseys can make their way through the printing mill.

Contrary to what hype dictated, however, the draft continued to unfold in a rather orthodox manner. Victor Hedman, the Swedish giant who has the silky qualities of a rapid defenseman, headed to the Tampa Bay Lightning; while Matt Duchene, the quiet rival to the other top two draftees, was chosen by his childhood team in the Colorado Avalanche.

Meanwhile, there weren’t any spectacular floor trades to turn the night into a dramatic occasion.

The discontented face of Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brain Burke would have affirmed that notion, seeing the subsequent fourth and fifth selections filled by Evander Kane of the Vancouver Giants and Brayden Schenn of the Brandon Wheat Kings, respectively.

Burke was unable to move up any places from the Leafs’ original seventh overall position, forcing him to draw on Nazem Kadri of the Knights as an alternative.

Although Kadri is a volatile centre who has the ability to navigate on the ice, he doesn’t quite fit the archetypal player makeup—belligerence, truculence and testosterone—Burke so dearly covets. But the selection is a progressive step forward for an organization clearly in the advanced stages of rebuilding its foundation.

"He's got a chance to be a very good offensive player," said TSN analyst Bob McKenzie. "This is a terrific kid who has tremendous offensive ability. He just needs a little consistency."

The only significant transfer of the night didn’t have any ramifications on the outcome of the draft. With Scott Niedermayer announcing he will play next season, the Anaheim Ducks were forced to peddle provocative defenseman Chris Pronger along with Ryan Dingle to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Joffrey Lupul, prospect Luca Sbisa, the 2009 and 2010 first round pick and a conditional third round pick.

The Flyers, who were heavily interested in acquiring the rights to Jay Bouwmeester before free agency on July 1, will now have to combat their own salary cap issues after embracing Pronger, and it is speculated that forward Daniel Briere may be sacrificed as a resolution.

Briere is currently bound to an eight-year, $52 million contract.

The phones, though, were buzzing all night, despite what would become modest conclusions. The Islanders made the most notable transaction by dealing four picks in each of the first four rounds to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 16th and 77th selections, which were then parlayed in a deal that captured the Minnesota Wild’s 12th spot.

That allowed the Islanders to seal Tavares’ former teammate Calvin De Haan as their next prospect, ostensibly realizing the chemistry between both players.

However, most of the suspense was eased early on when Tavares was made this year’s draft king, preventing any paramount deviations.

For all of the public declarations made by general managers, there wasn’t much that materialized. Not much intrigue was sent in the direction of Senators goal scorer Dany Heatley, as Brian Murray said only three teams had expressed moderate interest from the beginning of the day but slowly fleeted from an advanced discussion.

Leafs rearguard Tomas Kaberle escaped a move to Boston for Phil Kessel and a draft pick following the fallout of a miscommunication between both parties, while the Florida Panthers failed to garner any return for Bouwmeester.

Hedman in Toronto Would Spell a Tantalizing Product

Anthony Lopopolo — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:18:14 -0400

Brian Burke has already supplied the media with a bona fide answer, wherein he stated his desire to exchange, barter and consummate a deal for a top-three draft selection. On that front, there hasn’t been room for any element of surprise.

But there are still available column inches left to discuss the intricacies of Burke’s gambit, his transparency notwithstanding.

He didn’t quiver about his hitherto futile efforts to sway General Manager Garth Snow of the New York Islanders and Brian Lawton of the Tampa Bay Lightning—although the latter franchise is afflicted with managerial hierarchy issues—and that persistence has managed to string out hope in what will be met by either a disappointing or gratifying end. That is, for fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Of course, with their seventh overall pick in the cupboard—the second straight instance such a draft position has been bequeathed to them—Burke intends to move up. He may as well be courteous to bring a broom on his path to the Bell Centre in Montreal, because he’ll peruse the entire floor on Friday to sort out a mutually feasible transaction.

The player after whom all is being pursued to capture, it has been stated by Burke’s overt candour, is London Knights center John Tavares, the accomplished Team Canada gold medallist and owner of major goal-scoring records in the OHL.

"This guy is a natural goal scorer," Burke said. "You can teach hockey players just about everything. You can improve every area of skill. You can make him a better skater. You can make him stronger. But you can't teach him to score."

"This kid is going to be a big-time player. He's got a nose for the net. He'll pay a price to score. He's dominated at every level he's played at."

However, Tavares’ designation as the first overall choice in Montreal on Friday, an inevitability which has fleeted from its original status like a ball of string ahead of a cat, is what’s left to debate.

Victor Hedman, the 6-6, 220-pound Swede with a capacity to cover the ice like someone within a 180-pound frame, has been the source of the GM's plight, as he made a good case over in the Swedish Elite League. He’s a stable, reliable puck mover who can be tidy in his own end while logging 20-plus minutes each game, an attribute seldom seen in prospects heading to the NHL.

So it’s understandable as to why Snow is acting like that pickle jar with a stubborn seal.

"We know we're going to get a great player and someone that is going to help us get to where we want to be," said Snow with an ambiguous tone.

But on Toronto’s end—should a deal be swung and met with the Islanders or by means of any other unorthodox avenue (see Burke’s previous web of characters who were manipulated to heist the Sedin twins in 1999)—there’s more motive and drive in Tavares.

Why Hedman hasn’t grazed the Leafs’ liking and intrigue is perhaps aberrant, if not under-reported.

Should the Leafs snag an opportunity to draft one of the three musketeers in Tavares,

Hedman or Brampton Battalion revelation Matt Duchene, consider Hedman, for a moment, as the newest addition to their rebuilding process.

All will be decided, of course, tomorrow night. But a picture with Hedman standing on the stage, donning the blue-and-white sweater should have just as much, maybe more, appeal as Tavares joining his childhood team.

Like Burke’s previous teams, of which he claimed he’ll try to replicate and use as a template for Stanley Cup contention, Hedman and touted defenseman Luke Schenn could forge a partnership akin to what Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer enjoyed in 2007 in Anaheim. To think of Hedman’s utility package in harmony with Schenn’s stout skills would certainly spur thoughts about their potential potency.

The route to that possibility is filled with many obstructions, though, and there is onus on Burke to explore some sort of recourse.

But it reminds us how many consequences there are to a draft that, in retrospect, had etched the surname of Tavares in the top slot half a year ago when Team Canada won the 2009 World Junior Championship.

CC: Brain Burke, Hedman and Toronto Pose a Tantalizing Product

Anthony Lopopolo — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:48:00 -0400

Brian Burke has already supplied the media with a bona fide answer, wherein he stated his desire to exchange, barter and consummate a deal for a top-three draft selection.

On that front, there hasn’t been room for any element of surprise.

But there are still available column inches left to discuss the intricacies of Burke’s gambit, his transparency notwithstanding.

He didn’t quiver about his hitherto futile efforts to sway general managers Garth Snow of the New York Islanders and Brian Lawton of the Tampa Bay Lightning—although the latter franchise is afflicted with managerial hierarchy issues—and that persistence has managed to string out hope in what will be met by either a disappointing or gratifying end.

That is, for fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Of course, with their seventh overall pick in the cupboard—the second straight instance such a draft position has been bequeathed to them—Burke intends to move up.

And he may as well be courteous to bring a broom on his path to the Bell Centre in Montreal, because he’ll peruse the entire floor on Friday to sort out a mutually feasible transaction.

The player after whom all is being pursued to capture, it has been stated by Burke’s overt candour, is London Knights centre John Tavares, the accomplished Team Canada gold medallist and owner of major goal-scoring records in the OHL.

"This guy is a natural goal scorer," Burke said. "You can teach hockey players just about everything. You can improve every area of skill. You can make him a better skater. You can make him stronger. But you can't teach him to score.

"This kid is going to be a big-time player. He's got a nose for the net. He'll pay a price to score. He's dominated at every level he's played at."

However, Tavares’ designation as the first overall choice in Montreal on Friday, an inevitability which has fleeted from its original status like a ball of string ahead of a cat, is what’s left to debate.

Snow, to be sure of his own gamesmanship and his ultimate control over the way in which the draft will unfurl, hasn’t exactly been lauding the 18-year-old Oakville native as a coming fixture in his roster, nor has he dismissed him entirely.

Victor Hedman, the 6'6", 220-pound Swede with a capacity to cover the ice like someone within a 180-pound frame, has been the source of the GM's plight, as he made a good case over in the Swedish Elite League. He’s a stable, reliable puck mover who can be tidy in his own end while logging 20-plus minutes each game, an attribute seldom seen in prospects heading to the NHL.

So it’s understandable as to why Snow is acting like that pickle jar with a stubborn seal.

"We know we're going to get a great player and someone that is going to help us get to where we want to be," said Snow with an ambiguous tone.

But on Toronto’s end—should a deal be swung and met with the Islanders or by means of any other unorthodox avenue (see Burke’s previous web of characters who were manipulated to heist the Sedin twins in 1999)—there’s more motive and drive in Tavares.

Why Hedman hasn’t grazed the Leafs’ liking and intrigue is perhaps aberrant, if not underreported.

Should the Leafs snag an opportunity to draft one of the three musketeers in Tavares, Hedman or Brampton Battalion revelation Matt Duchene, consider Hedman, for a moment, as the newest addition to their rebuilding process.

All will be decided, of course, tomorrow night. But a picture with Hedman standing on the stage, donning the blue and white sweater should have just as much, maybe more, appeal as Tavares joining his childhood team.

Like Burke’s previous teams, of which he claimed he’ll try to replicate and use as a template for Stanley Cup contention, Hedman and touted defenseman Luke Schenn could forge a partnership akin to what Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer enjoyed in 2007 in Anaheim. To think of Hedman’s utility package in harmony with Schenn’s stout skills would certainly spur thoughts about their potential potency.

The route to that possibility is filled with many obstructions, though, and there is onus on Burke to explore some sort of recourse.

But it reminds us how many consequences there are to a draft that, in retrospect, had etched the surname of Tavares in the top slot half a year ago when Team Canada won the 2009 World Junior Championship.

With contribution from Alex Lombardi, a second-year student attending Guelph University.

Nadal's Withdrawal Opens Wimbledon Draw

Anthony Lopopolo — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:14:09 -0400

There are obvious ramifications upon the announcement that Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from Wimbledon to tend to his recurrent bout with tendinitis.

Roger Federer, the man who captured the only Grand Slam to elude his grasp at Rolland Garros only a month ago, once again sees his path ploughed; while Andy Murray, the No. 3 seed at the Championships, has his chances of being the first Briton since Virginia Wade in 1977 to win Wimbledon indefinitely amplified—along with the pressure, too.

The fallout of Nadal’s struggle with his knees is an issue that has surfaced at many other points of his career. And considering he had looked poised to hamper any response from Federer after the Australian Open was won by the Spaniard, the timing of his withdrawal is perhaps even more jarring. While he didn’t say it was a serious injury, there are doubts arising about whether he can play on the tour beyond his 30s.

“There’s no option. I don’t feel ready to compete 100 percent for two weeks,” he said in a press conference after playing a second exhibition match at Hurlingham Club in south London. “I think I reached the limit right now. I need to reset to come back stronger.

“It’s not chronic. I can recover, for sure.”

For Federer can reassert his claim to the throne of the ATP tour, and perhaps all-time greatness, with a sixth victory at the All England Club. The punctuated absence of Nadal would surely sap the poignancy of another title, if Federer so happens to pull off the record-setting 15th feat in his career, and that would cue another debate pertaining to his perceived eminence in the sport.

All that discussion aside, there is another key attribute that should be assessed before the tournament begins and the newly installed retractable roof is ever put to use.

As Robin Soderling demonstrated in his advancement to the final in Paris, in which he lost to Federer, the men’s tour is starring at an incumbent opportunity, and maybe even dire for those cynics, for the field of play to illustrate it holds talent through the ranks.

Soderling, whose recent illness has jeopardized his participation in the tournament after notching the No. 12 rank, exemplifies the possibility of seeing a dark horse not simply run the perimeter, but penetrate into the second week of play.

Gael Monfils, a player who has been touted as France’s biggest rising talent, could very well produce memories of monumental value, as some believe he is due for a Grand Slam run away from his home country.

Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, an Australian Open finalist in 2008; Novak Djokovic, who was relegated to the No. 4 position as a testimony to his ebbed play in recent months; and Juan Martin Del Potro, the 20-year-old sensation who has began to take a liking to upper echelon circuits: all could relish and revel in Nadal’s stead.

It is a chance to prove to critics of even Federer’s outstanding numbers, too, that the tour in which he plays is not diluted or debilitated by the overwhelming dominance exhibited by him and Nadal.

All of these airy possibilities, though, would have been so ill-conceived 60 days ago, when Nadal was typically—and expectedly—ripping the clay court circuit in Monaco, Rome and then Madrid and his marathon with Djokovic in the semifinals. To think Nadal would not etch his name exclusively in the record books with a fifth straight French Open victory would have been aberrant, if not an out-on-a-limb moment.

To think Nadal would not even be a part of a defence in London would have been met with a shocking look of disbelief.

Undoubtedly, he made the correct decision by not endangering the longevity of his career.

Now, several players, not just Federer, could be the beneficiaries of his sabbatical.

NHL Is the Loser in Phoenix Hearing

Anthony Lopopolo — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:02:48 -0400

It was looking as though a contemporary fable had begun to emerge in Phoenix, with the local NHL hockey team steeped in debt and a Canadian billionaire hoping to be the valiant saviour.

It was, after all, the third time Jim Balsillie, the RIM and Blackberry co-founder, attempted to uproot a franchise from its incumbent soil instead of tending to its needs and watering it on native ground.

It was beginning to look like vindication had allied with Balsillie, too, with Arizona Judge Redfield T. Baum acknowledging the lucrative and perhaps necessary offer submitted at $212.5 million, and a web campaign that enlisted the support of thousands of Canadians seemed to legitimize a claim for a seventh team in the Great White North.

It involved a cast between a legion of heroes on one side of the border and a horde of indiscreet villains on the other. Yes, it was either commissioner Gary Bettman and his goons or Balsillie and his knights. Take your pick and fill the ballot.

And now it may have ended, without the turtle finally cracking the finish line. No, the third effort did not bear any luck.

Baum exercised a plausible end to the debate about viable markets in southern Ontario and the instability of opposing grounds in Glendale, Ariz., upon the release of a 21-page ruling that ultimately rejected Balsillie’s bid. Baum cited that the deadline imposed by Balsillie was not sufficient in sorting out the complexities of the matter.

Subsequent statements released by the NHL had a particular air of victory.

"We're pleased the court recognized the validity of league rules and our ability to apply them in a reasonable fashion," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. “We will turn our attention now toward helping to facilitate an orderly sales process that will produce a local buyer who is committed to making the Coyotes' franchise viable and successful in the Phoenix/Glendale area.”

Balsillie’s camp, however, believed there was still time to settle on a number for a mutually feasible relocation fee.

"The court still controls the sale process," said Bill Walker, the spokesperson for Balsillie. "We look forward to hearing from the NHL soon on its view of our relocation application and an appropriate relocation fee, so as to allow the court to determine if that fee is reasonable.

"We still think there is enough time for the NHL to approve Mr. Balsillie's application and move the team to Hamilton by September."

The possibility of that happening, though, is even slimmer than a sudden revival of Latin. And some will assign blame to Balsillie in that regard, as it was his decision to place a bona fide deadline on June 29 to see if his bid would be accepted.

The NHL is evidently gleeful about the prospect of entertaining offers from new investors, but there isn’t quite much that should cue a smile.

There is the difficult task of securing a financially-backed investor with the incentive to keep the Coyotes viable in Phoenix, in collaboration with funds provisioned by the NHL, while appeasing a list of creditors eager to recoup their losses.

Jerry Moyes, the owner who filed for bankruptcy, has lost $300 million and, to put into perspective, he would have only recovered a third of that investment if Balsillie’s offer had been permitted.

Despite the fact that some possible investors have "expressed interest" in purchasing the franchise—including Chicago sports magnate Jerry Reinsdorf and other individuals currently holding a stake in the Phoenix franchise—none has made it official.

So the NHL has nothing to boast. Staving off the bid from Balsillie was not scrupulous for the league nor is it a generally optimistic sign for Bettman and his responsibilities, which have just become denser. Without an owner of the franchise, Phoenix will stigmatize the NHL.

Bettman, perhaps to try and ease the media’s reception of the topic, has yet to fully acknowledge the detrimental effects of Phoenix’s debt, which has amounted to $74 million in the past two years, as he continues to defer any talk about its financial dismay.

And if a suitor was nowhere to be seen in the midst of Balsillie’s fray with the NHL, who is to say there will be a justifiable individual or group ready to table a deal even remotely close to a number that would mend all of the wounds inflicted upon the Coyotes’ financial foundation?

Balsillie was the threat, in the NHL’s eyes, and not one expresser of interest wanted to interject their voice.

The team will remain in Arizona for the next season and will participate in the upcoming draft; however, if the NHL cannot find a willing and adequate owner during the next season, Balsillie could resubmit an offer upon the Judge’s and NHL’s approval.

He could rear his head. Again. Like a fable of perseverance or any whack-a-mole machine, there’s always time to appear a second, third, or fourth instance.

That will depend on the diligence of the NHL and whether they can lure a credible owner with satisfying finances.

The scene is a bit more visible, but it’s still a sordid mess.

Dan Bylsma Enjoys the Aftertaste of the Boudreau Effect

Anthony Lopopolo — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:25:45 -0400

He had 25 games to propel an inherited version of the Pittsburgh Penguins into the bounty of postseason play. Whether it was done gracefully, with aesthetics or through rugged performances, general manager Ray Shero vested his confidence in a second-year coach of whom most of the hockey world would be forgiven for having no knowledge.

Dan Bylsma, a freshman by terms of his coaching experience, was given a chance that seemed to follow a common thread in a season replete with managerial choices: the election of an AHL affiliate bench-boss to the parent organization.

Bylsma joined Cory Clouston, the recently-signed coach of the Ottawa Senators, as an extension of what has been dubbed the Boudreau Effect, which was initiated when Bruce Boudreau overtook the coaching post in Washington last season to lead the team to a Southeast division title while earning the Jack Adams award in the process.

Although Clouston wasn’t able to experience a pivot of dramatic proportions, Byslma did by winning 18 of those 25 games, of which Shero certainly coveted.

Pat Quinn, John Tortorella, and Peter Laviolette, among other worthy candidates, were all feasible individuals, full and ready to accept an invitation, but the Penguins opted to maintain the NHL’s inclination to reward AHL coaches.

The opportunity bestowed upon Byslma was carried out with the same intentions as a coach display when evaluating a burgeoning rookie at training camp—the delivery of a chance to prove one’s accountability.

Michel Therrien, whom many accredit for the Penguins’ rise as a legitimate contender from the jaws of insolvency, was not fired for his inability to contain his team; rather, it was with the confidence that his successor could provide players with a new set of eyes to see the ice differently.

“It wasn’t so much the outcome,” said Shero after pulling the trigger on Therrien, “it was how the game was played.”

Although Therrien was liable for publicly stating his distress with the team and their on-ice woes—using the pulpit at post-game press conferences to address the team through the tube and not within the confines of the locker room—he was lauded at junctures for his vision, which ultimately bolstered the team to two 100-point campaigns.

Sometimes a coach outstays his welcome, and clearly Therrien’s pedantic approach to the game stifled the creativity and listening skills of the Penguins.

For some teams, adversity tests the mettle of the 23-man roster, often wearing an organization while simultaneously preparing them for a more comfortable fit when it arrived at postseason production, like a shoe does when it moulds into the shape of one’s foot. For the Penguins, however, it altered fate.

If it weren’t for the Penguins’ turbulent and trying period in February that saw them dither in and out of the playoff picture with a record of 27-25-5, in this particular case, a Stanley Cup victory would not have been realized.

It is appropriate, then, to commend a player like Maxime Talbot for registering eight goals in a postseason decided on his stick or Malkin’s 36-point effort that sparked memories of Wayne Gretzky’s 40 playoff points in 1993. Sidney Crosby and Bill Guerin and Jordan Staal enjoyed quite a bit of the attention from the media, too, and they worked to etch their names on the Cup.

Some believe the team that comprised of this Cup-winning Penguins squad—the hard-nosed and unabashed play of defenseman Rob Scuderi in Game Six of the Finals, or Marc-Andre Fleury and his defence of each game with a spate of pivotal stops—had and attained the potential destination of such organizations like the Detroit Red Wings of the past, using depth and secondary scoring to compensate and even augment a dangerous attack.

But Byslma let the boys play without any visible harnesses. The players loved him. There was no palpable antagonism felt in the dressing room. Just a mutual understanding of what it means to realize a chance and optimize it.

“At the time, when they made the switch, things weren't going so well for us. Our confidence wasn't there even though we had a good set of young, core players, and it just wasn't there," Scuderi said. "Sometimes, when you bring in a different philosophy, it just helps. And I thought it was pretty good from Day One."

The fact that Byslma is the 14th rookie coach to win a Stanley Cup is not indicative of what was accomplished; that he is only the second individual to win with half a season out of the picture— as Al MacNeil did with the Montreal Canadiens in 1971—is the candid testimony.

Rarely is the coach of an AHL team at one point of the year the recipient of the Cup merely months afterward. But the formula was ripe for testing, as Shero evidently believed in.

"Did we have enough time to do it? That was the question mark in my brain. I didn't really try to think about that too much," Bylsma said. "It was just about getting to play certain ways and winning the games.”

It took 25 games for the Boudreau Effect to be fully acknowledged once again. It then required an additional 24 games to realize the manifestation of that effect at its ultimate peak.

It was a term coined to befit Boudreau’s ascent in Washington, but it is his interdivisional rival who enhanced the poignancy of the proposition.

And it was born from a possibility that could have been sweet or sour.

Kaka's Transfer Has Implications in Weighing the Position of Serie A

Anthony Lopopolo — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:14:14 -0400

With Kaka absent from Serie A competition, who will replace him as an ambassador for the league?

Of course, this is the newest extension to an all-pervasive debate in European football, a contentious point that has witnessed discriminate opinions and prejudicial arguments thrown into an insatiable fray.

Florentino Perez, the re-elected president of Real Madrid, initiated the resuscitation of a Galactico era begun in 2002, consummating a deal with AC Milan for their Brazilian prized possession worth a reported fee of €65 million.

That number surely quantifies Perez’s imposition, does it not?

It has ramifications in the anticipation of a construction entailing and culminating in a handful of Europe’s ubiquitous players; it holds an intriguing mystique under which many may contend the proposed authority Perez wishes to seek by endeavouring to lure the players personified by their off-field sensation and thrusting the club back into European eminence.

It also bears an analysis of what may become of La Liga should more players abandon other leagues in a venture vested in building a team of hegemonic status.

Should Cristiano Ronaldo ever make the trip to his native land's neighbouring country, along with Franck Ribery and perhaps a civic switch for David Villa, there would be a concentration of talent in Spain that may shadow or even dwarf other leagues.

The Serie A—as evidently confirmed by Kaka’s move abroad and his former coach Carlo Ancelotti’s shift to Chelsea in the early onset of transfer season—has felt the brunt of speculative journalism thus far, most of which could not be differentiated as fact or fiction.

Kaka, after all, professed his love for the Milan shirt, asserted his desire to be captain once Paolo Maldini left his post, and recently assured fans of his loyalty to the club.

This would lead one to say this, like former Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban:

“Milan just allowed themselves to be robbed by selling prestigious players, something which has never happened previously under (Milan owner) Silvio Berlusconi.

“Milan has never sold such great players, and I am disappointed. I am sorry for all this, and it’s a shame that money makes players leave, but there have been players who stayed on. However, Kaka was free to make his own choice.”

Boban added: “There were tears and protests from the fans, and it seemed like turning down Manchester City was a definitive ‘yes’ to Milan, but obviously it wasn’t. Those players who want to stay on at Milan do, and the club never allows a player who wants to stay to leave, especially players like Kaka.”

But is it enough to believe the league is faltering?

The magnitude of Kaka as a player—although many can impose the case citing he no longer harbours the same volatile speed and unabated play as that which was seen a few years ago—is amplifying the reverberations of the move, and signs suggesting other Serie A starlets, such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic of city rival Inter Milan, could depart from the peninsula are equally ominous.

All of which could substantiate concern for the Italian league, which predominantly comprises of native talent and can only boast few renowned players within a handful of rosters—not necessarily a bad prospect for dedicated fans of Serie A, but one that may cause fringe fans to spurn the league.

The retirement of Maldini, Pavel Nedved, and Luis Figo add to the depth of players uprooted from the league this year, and that may have palpable as well as tangible repercussions in the form of the league’s appeal in Europe.

Let’s take, for example, the average home attendances that have been collected and stored from the past season. Remarkably, the Bundesliga has a stranglehold in the category, posting an average turnout of 42,600, followed by the Premier League’s 35,600, Serie A and La Liga’s 25,000 and the French league’s 21,000.

If Real Madrid are successful in swaying more prominent players to the Bernabeu, it is definite the numbers in Spain will increase, coupled by a plausible decrease in Serie A. Not to direct any disrespect to the French, but that would situate Italian football in a place of perhaps collective irrelevancy in a grand European scope.

But then, of course, that would mean internal perception would change, too.

However, there is still an entire summer of transfers looming—and the compensation fee met by Perez to Milan may suffice as enough to recoup the loss of Kaka.

So speaking of aesthetics, which Perez ostensibly coveted at the helm of his previous Galactico outfit, Serie A may be preoccupied with salvaging their own image in coming months.

Why Contraction—Not Expansion—Should Be on the NHL's Agenda

Anthony Lopopolo — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 11:44:08 -0400

With the NHL enjoying some record-breaking numbers in the U.S. and certainly showing signs of an enlivened pulse on American television—that’s right, cable network Versus finally cracked the top spot for most-watched channel last Tuesday night when the Pittsburgh Penguins routed the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in Game Three—the hockey news wire has somewhat made a digression away from the intensity of the best-of-seven series.

It’s a bit of a shame, too, because there is ample reason to discuss the value of this rerun of the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Instead, we’ve seen teams like the Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche and Phoenix Coyotes disrupt the flow of the chase for hockey’s Holy Grail, for this year’s edition of the postseason has run as fluently as a spider weaving its web.

The Panthers lost their general manager, formerly Jacques Martin, to the Montreal Canadiens as their newfound head coach; the Avalanche have capped a season of atypical managerial changes by firing coach Tony Granato and co. in the wake of rumours suggesting the arrival of Patrick Roy in some phantom form.

And the Coyotes, well, they’re still coursing through newspapers in the league’s most rigorous bouts with bankruptcy, almost becoming an entrenched vein in sports sections as other leagues have joined the NHL’s cause.

As these untimely moles elude a whack on the head—and pundits are not exempt from blame, either, having parched the issue of relocation like the desert that surrounds Jobing.com arena—another story has tossed itself into the fray.

A new group of investors comprised of Herb Carnegie, a recipient of the Order of Canada, Paul Pellegrini and Andrew Lopez of Toronto Legacy Group have publicized their intention to bring another team to Toronto, albeit via expansion. Boasting a wallet of $1 billion, all involved in the proposal harbour the hope of seeing their dream come to fruition in 2012.

The tentative team name has been announced as the Toronto Legacy, and according to Lopez, the team would aim to be the Toronto Maple Leafs’ “little brother.”

"Our vision precedes anyone else," Lopez said at a press conference in Toronto, adding that he and others had initially entertained the idea of expansion in 2004. "We're not here to talk about relocation.

"Our goal from Day 1 was to bring a second NHL team to Toronto as an expansion franchise. The Toronto Blue Jays were an expansion franchise; the Toronto Raptors were an expansion franchise, same with Toronto FC.

"I think it's the way of Toronto. We create our own."

Interesting they would announce this now, when the league could not have more on its plate.

There seemed to be a more finely tuned adherence to diplomacy, as the group announced they would not force any decision onto the NHL and that they would hope to be approached by the league if such an opportunity materialized—not the other way around, Jim Balsille-style.

Smart to entitle the project as the “little brother” to the Leafs, too, so as to not threaten their territory.

It was additionally shrewd to include Carnegie in the operations, a renowned humanitarian in the city with whom the Legacy would work as a link to charitable foundations, to which Lopez said the team would allocate 25 per cent of their hitherto hypothetical profit.

And get this: the stadium, purportedly announced to hold a capacity crowd of 30,000, will offer 15,000 of which at no more than $50 while designating front row seats solely to children.

Nice sentiment, but no, it still mounted atop a whole host of issues currently plaguing the NHL. So there isn’t anything rational in this third bid for expansion/relocation in Southern Ontario, including its fluffy, wholesome family image it has envisaged—and it may even slip into the background, like so many papers unacknowledged on a desk.

There’s no doubt a problem with this percolation of a desire to reposition and repossess teams; inevitably, a recession can change the dynamics and foci of a mainstream sports league.

One idea that has been discounted and may simplify the influx of suggestions being directed towards commissioner Gary Bettman, however, has been contraction.

If the Coyotes have taught the league and its fans any lesson, it’s that a market without a sufficient appetite for hockey should not be tapped.

As for the newest attempt to bring a team Toronto, the prospects don’t look bright given the NHL’s staunch stance against entertaining expansion in the near future.

So that may end discussions without the emphatic screeching halt, which is probably in the best interest of the league so as to prevent furthering the complexity of the revenue-sharing system.

Wouldn’t it be better to begin to flay and ultimately rid the league of teams harbouring incessant loans and have been futile in turning a profit, let alone sustaining interest in the organization within the constituency?

The idea, of course, would take years to execute—and this corner is certainly simplifying the extent of such an endeavour—but it has many benefits.

Wouldn’t, then, the NHL be a more competitive environment because of it? Instead of diluting the league’s possession of talent by allotting more jobs via expansion, wouldn’t removing 23-46 positions facilitate not only a more concentrated infusion of profit, but enhance contests as well?

(Note: I’m aware this may never remotely happen, given Bettman’s belief in not running out of a city.)

So now, hypocritically, I’ve become a part of the problem: add this to the heap of non-playoff related innuendo.

Just keep in mind there is very much a series in this summer-laden month of June. The Penguins and Red Wings have certainly concocted a spectacle that deserves to be enjoyed in its own right and it will be extended in Game Five and beyond.

But with the way the wire has been running, it’s hard to disregard flailing headlines. And perhaps it’s worth mulling over a few ideas that could command a healthier status quo in hockey.

Red Wings-Penguins: Wings Solidify More Than Home Ice Advantage in Victory

Anthony Lopopolo — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:11:51 -0400

By chance and incident, 22-year-old Michigan native Justin Abdelkader was called upon to fill the void of Pavel Datsyuk and/or Kris Draper, as in he supplied the Detroit Red Wings with some legs in the absence of the two acclaimed players.

The Red Wings already knew they would enter this year’s instalment of the Stanley Cup finals with a part of their lineup gutted, since they lost 50 man-games to injury this postseason.

But it would have been far-fetched to conceive Abdelkader as a primary contributor on the goal sheet, on limited ice-time nonetheless.

He's been exactly that.

Abdelkader provided his second straight insurance marker as the Wings successfully thwarted the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 in Game Two—not to mention maintain the same score as their previous encounter 24 hours earlier.

He’s been an archetypal manifestation of what the Wings have in abundance; the ability to compensate for what has looked like a patchy exterior by injecting unknown reserves and essentially making us forget about their ailments.

The Penguins, meanwhile, head back to Mellon Arena facing the proposition that, if Game Three is not won, the Stanley Cup will elude them a second straight time.

They could potentially attribute most of their current on-ice woes—which includes back-to-back performances where only two goals have been scored—to the enlivened boards and a manifold of other unconventional bounces, only a pinball machine may be able to replicate.

Game Two didn’t harbour the same heart-wrenching follies displayed in the 3-1 loss prior to it, but there were other means by which the Penguins were deprived of an additional tally or two. Sidney Crosby surely lamented the sound of iron on two or more occasions, while Chris Osgood and company were able to stifle flurries of offense, including a handful of plays in front of his goal.

"I think in each of the first two games we have been able to play in the offensive zone for periods of time," Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma told reporters during his post-game press conference. "We've been able to get shots; been able to out-shoot a good Detroit team. But they've been able to get the timely goals. They've been better at getting pucks in and around the net and getting that goal.

“So as there are some positives we can do and draw on, and focus on ask get better at our game. Continue to get there. Get to the on offensive zone, get to the goalie. Look for those loose pucks and build on that. That's what we'll do when we get back for Game Three."

The Penguins have dealt with a 2-0 series deficit earlier in the playoffs when the Washington Capitals retained home-ice advantage in the second round. The Red Wings, it goes without saying, are a much more formidable team and boast a three-time champion goaltender in Chris Osgood.

He has made 62 saves in the quick turnaround matches and has indefinitely detracted the premature opinions of his critiques with his stout play in goal.

What also spurred attention was Evgeni Malkin’s confrontation with Red Wing Henrik Zetterberg, who had been drawn into a fight after a late sequence with less than a minute remaining in the game.

It would be hard to envision any suspensions, given the significance and subsequent criticism such an action would incite.*

Of course, Malkin wasn’t too successful in sending a message to Zetterberg, having been undressed cleanly in the mix of the tussle.

But the Penguins will surely have to realign their focus in Game Three and find a way to shave off the old adage that is seemingly gravitating towards their direction; to play good enough to lose.

*The NHL has rescinded the automatic one-game suspension for Evgeni Malkin after instigating a fight with Detroit Red Wing Henrik Zetterberg. Both players will be available for Game Three at Mellon Arena.

Why Paolo Maldini Must Be Thanked by This Rossoneri Fan

Anthony Lopopolo — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:39:22 -0400

For football fans living in North America, the license to become a supporter of a club is not necessarily the by-product of hereditary lineage—unlike many other pro sports leagues in Europe and abroad, where the environment in which you were bred often dictates the team you follow.

Of course, there are intra-city rivalries that exist, which induces segregation amongst those living in places that house two or more teams.

That’s when pedigrees are thrown into the fray.

But that sort of familial tension is not seen in North America, unless it pertains to the NHL, NBA, MLB or NFL.

As I begun to understand football and the passion it exudes, I found it only natural to seek a club that granted me the power to at least simulate life as a European fan. I wanted the right to celebrate; I yearned for inclusion; and I sought to revel in victory—albeit in front of a television screen instead of live in a stadium.

It was during the impressionable years in which I attended elementary school—where football allegiance can be significantly altered—when I discovered a defender by the name of Paolo Maldini, a clear force in Serie A football for 25 years. It was he who provided the necessary link to AC Milan and, eventually, the keys to its clique.

Although the old adage intimates that the club chooses you, it was I who chose the club. But Maldini was the source of persuasion by which all the red and black dots were connected.

To gauge the persuasive qualities of the five-time European champion, the complexion of my closet drastically changed upon the epiphany I experienced; a moment of change which could be considered a microcosm of my journey to becoming a Milanista.

And to further put this in perspective, I had initially donned the blue-and-black stripes of the Nerazzurri and the detested referee-like stripes of the Bianconeri—all of which, by the way, have been banished from my home.

Would I have forged ties to another club if a different player affected me to the same degree as Maldini?

Possibly, and it’s a scary prospect to entertain at this point, where I tend to rebuke too many teams to name. But it’s a truth.

So as I saw Maldini play in his last home game in front of the San Siro concourse last evening, albeit a 3-2 loss to a European-bound side in Roma and a distasteful display of disparaging comments hailing on Maldini from Milan's own curva sud, it was hard to gestate.

I didn’t react to it as an end to a farewell tour—and perhaps that's due to the handful of disrespectful fans responsible for blemishing the occasion. Not Maldini; not the iron man and 902-match (soon to be 903) record holder.

It’s because of him that the natural fabric of my adherence, which has occupied seven years of my life, is no less sturdy than the perpetual boulders that line the Stonehenge.

On a personal note, this is where my gratification for one of the greatest defenders is cited from.

And his legacy, in my books, will stand as my unwavering allegiance to A.C. Milan.