Bleacher Report - Articles by Jacob Mowat

The Ghosts Return: New York Yankees Rekindle Championship Magic

Jacob Mowat — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:34:43 -0400

It's a sight that we've seen oh so many times. One Yankee or another hitting a walk off homer in the playoffs. Then being bombarded by teammates, coaches, and media. It's a sight Yankee fans have longed for since 2003. The series against Boston which nobody will ever forget. Aaron Boone's homerun off Tim Wakefield sent to almost the same part of the yard as the one last night were the ghosts final appearance.

Since then it's been all disappointment. The Yankees lost in six games that year and followed it up by blowing a 3-0 lead in the championship series against Boston who would go on to break the curse. Then three division series losses followed by missing the playoffs in 2008.

That brings us to 2009. After an offseason makeover to bring in CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeira the Yankees went 103-59 to win the division by eight games over Boston. The Yankees have finally begun to play like the old guard did. In the days of Williams, O'Neill, Young Jeter, Rivera, Pettitte, Mussina, and Posada.

The Yankees have played well all year led by their Captain Derek Jeter. Teixeira, A-Rod, and Damon have provided the power. Finally the pitching led by free agent acquisitions CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. The Yankees have it all there to win the championship for the first time since 2000 and we'll see if they can.

Game one was quite easy for the Yankees, winning 7-2 over a Twins team that was running on six hours of sleep after a memorable classic of there own, on Tuesday night. Sabathia played very well allowing two runs in 6.2 innings of work. The Yankees bats took care of the rest.

So here we are at last night. Burnett and Nick Blackburn both pitched well allowing one run each. In the top of the eighth the Twins got two runs via small ball to put them ahead three to one. Then in the bottom of the ninth the ghosts of the New York Yankees woke from there six year long slumber.

Teixeira hit to get on base to start the rally then the suddenly rejuvenated Alex Rodriguez did exactly what the Yankees brought him in for. He smacked the Joe Nathan offering over the wall in right center to tie the game. New Yankee Stadium was ecstatic! A-Rod got a curtain call and the Yankees were back in it.

The Yankees blew a chance in the bottom of the tenth to win it with a guy on third and one out. The Twins then came up and Mauer hit what everyone in the world except apparently the umpire saw was fair! The Twins would load the bases with none out but couldn't capitalize. Then the ghosts came out in full force to begin writing the history of New Yankee Stadium.

Teixeira was up to start the bottom of the eleventh. His at bat started with two balls and one strike. Then he hit the ball straight down the left field line. It was a "wall scrapper" as he put it but it bounced out. It was extraordinary to see the stadium erupt the way it did. Teixeira was greeted by teammates at home plate after rounding the bases. The whole team was out there with him.

Teixeira went over for an interview and Burnett gave him the shaving cream pie in the face. He was greeted by Alex Rodriguez as he was also sent over. Teixeira talked about how Yankee fans were the best in baseball and how he knew he wanted to play in New York this year.

Now the Twins are all but sunk and Yankee fans are looking forward to what looks like a matchup with the Angels. The ghosts are what have made the Yankees the most magical team in sports for so many years. Hopfully they'll help lead the Yankees all the way to the World Series. A place they haven’t been since 2003.

What's The Buffalo Sabres Hold Up Retiring Haseks No. 39

Jacob Mowat — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:19:40 -0400

In my opinion Dominik Hasek is the greatest Buffalo Sabre ever. However in almost everyone else’s opinion Hasek is second best after Gilbert Perrault. In Hasek's time with the Sabres he amassed six Vezina trophies (tied for 2nd all time), two Hart Trophies (most ever by a goalie), two Lester B. Pearson Awards (most ever by a goalie), and legions of fans. He also went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings.

So why is it that with all those trophies and the fact that he led them to Stanley Cup final despite a less than spectacular team in front of him he still didn't get his number retired last year? I understand that he wasn't exactly Steve Yzerman as a teammate but come on. He'll be in the Hall of Fame without a doubt and he's easily the third best goalie in the post expansion era if not better.

His slinky for a spine, unmatched intensity, and his self invented and perfected style made him one of the few players that helped fill buildings themselves. Hasek brought the fans back to Buffalo after what seemed like a lifetime of subpar play.

All this for a 4th round pick and a goalie that never played a single game in the NHL!

The Canadians raised Roy's 33 to the rafters despite a dreadful exit. Why can't the Sabres honor there past and do the same?

Jim Balsillie: A Good Example Of How Not To Get an NHL Team

Jacob Mowat — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:16:59 -0400

Jim Balsillie has proven that he is a very good businessman, but clearly he doesn’t have very good manners and isn’t very good at getting into clubs.

I like Jim Balsillies vision to bring another team to Canada. I think it’s a great idea and will happen in the next three to five years. However Jim Balsillie’s approach is all wrong.

When trying to get into a club it’s usually best not to piss off all members of the club.

Jim Balsillie has gotten a progressively worse reputation with the NHL in every attempt he has made to get into the NHL and I’m more than certain that in 16 months when the Phoenix Coyotes are still the Phoenix Coyotes and Charles Wang puts the New York Islanders are up for sale Jim Balsillie will be right there once a gain trying to get into the NHL.

Then once again he will be denied.

Jim Balsillie won’t get an NHL team because of his terrible way of going about it.

Here is a list of things he has done to piss of the NHL: sell season tickets in Hamilton before even owning the team or a lease to the arena, start a website which was essentially his way of getting 180,000 hired PR guns for free, get a building lease for Copps Coliseum and do everything but bring in the cranes to begin renovations, and most recently launch a probe into why the NHL rejected him.

This is no manner to conduct yourself if trying to get an NHL team and I hope people realise this

Look, I hate the idea of hockey in the desert as much as everyone else and I am not a Phoenix fan, I’m a Detroit fan. If were going to get hockey out of stupid places like Florida, Phoenix and Atlanta, I sure hope Balsillie isn’t the only option.

Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi Gives Teams Until Tuesday to Ante up on Halladay

Jacob Mowat — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:51:50 -0400

Toronto Blue Jays General Manager J.P. Ricciardi has given teams until Tuesday, July 27, to make their offers for six-time All-Star Roy Halladay.

Ricciardi also said that it is unlikely he will move his ace. This is a step backward from when he and Halladay both said it was a 50/50 chance he would be traded.

Halladay is scheduled to start on Friday, so a start on Tuesday might not be out of the question. However, it is unknown who will be the starter on Tuesday.

This could either be Ricciardi pouring more gasoline on the media fire or he is trying to hasten teams to make their offers for Halladay, but I still think there is a 50/50 chance of Halladay getting moved. The reason Riccardi is rushing this is because the earlier Halladay moves the more time Ricciardi has to move Alex Rios, Scott Rolen, Lyle Overbay, and whoever else.

It's clear that none of those players are leaving Toronto unless Halladay is out first.

So if Halladay is moved at 9:30 p.m. at the trade deadline, then all those other high-end players are locked up in Toronto—and the team gets even worse.

It's become very clear that Ricciardi is either going to blow the whole team up or keep it together.

In my opinion, blowing it up is the only logical option. The Blue Jays are in a situation where there's a dogfight for first place at the top of their division and the loser is still going to be the second best team in the playoffs.

The Blue Jays will not make the playoffs in the foreseeable future. That much is clear, because the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are just too good, too smart, and too rich.

For those reasons alone, why not blow the whole thing up and start over?

There is no other option. It's time for the Blue Jays to rebuild.

J.P. Ricciardi fails to realize that he is not the general manager of the Yankees or Red Sox. Rebuilding is a path he can take without losing his job.

The rest of the world knows that the current team can't compete in the AL East.

Why can't Ricciardi figure it out?

Trying to Make Sense of the Roy Halladay Sweepstakes

Jacob Mowat — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:59:21 -0400

Okay, before people go crazy about Roy Halladay, there are a few things you need to know. First and foremost, Roy Halladay is leaving Toronto at this year's trade deadline.

Secondly, he has one year remaining on his contract so he is not a rental. Everyone knows that.

What many people fails to realise or acknowledge is that Roy Halladay has a no-trade clause. So I'm sorry for all those wishful fans in Seattle, Queens, Chicago, and most other cities: Roy Halladay is not coming.

Roy Halladay will only waive his no-trade to four teams: the Red Sox, Yankees, Phillies, and Dodgers. Those are the top four contenders for the World Series.

Another thing is that as the Yankees showed two years ago with Johan Santana, they have gotten smarter and aren't giving up picks and prospects for a player that may not re-sign. So in my opinion, the Yankees may be interested in Roy Halladay, but to no serious degree.

This is also true with the Dodgers; they may have shown interest but same as the Yankees have no real interest in giving up their future for Halladay.

So that leaves the Red Sox and the Phillies. In my opinion, the Phillies will simply out bid the Red Sox because the Red Sox have gotten to the top with patience and there young players.

So Boston has enough patience to wait until the end of next season and battle it out with there division rivals in free agency.

So in my mind, Roy Halladay's future is going to be in Philadelphia and if he wins a World Series, there chances are he will re-sign.

If not, the Yankees, Red Sox, or maybe even the Dodgers will come out of free agency in 2010 having not given up their future and still have Halladay.

So that just explains why most of the talk about Roy Halladay and where he's going is pointless, because he is going to Philadelphia and there really is no argument for any other team except Boston.

How to Make the New York Yankees the Great Team It Once Was

Jacob Mowat — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:09:14 -0400

As opposed to writing an article evaluating the Yankees' recent trade deadline history, I’ve decided to give my opinion on the New York Yankees' system of running a baseball team.

I’ve said it before: If the Yankees were to spend some of their money on a decent scouting department, they would reclaim the power they had from 1996-2001, where they won four World Series Championships and made it to the World Series in all but one of the seasons.

The Yankees have continuously gone out and tried to buy the World Series, which simply doesn’t work anymore. Instead of building the team through free agency and dealing away prospects the summer after they draft them, they could invest more money in their scouting department and minor league system.

With all the money that the Yankees have, they could sign every good prospect they draft to a long-term deal after he has proven himself. The Steinbrener era is over, and the Yankees can take time to bring players through the system and not rush them because they have to win today.

Just look at how well the Red Sox have played. They don’t have nearly as much money as the Yankees, but because of their great drafting and patience, they are now reaping the rewards.

Don’t get me wrong: Having the cash advantage the Yankees enjoy is great and can be a great asset in putting a team together, but they need to spend it in the right place. They need to reinvest it in the system that has pumped out home-grown talents like Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posoda, Andy Pettitte, and Orlando Hernandez and then sign those players to long-term deals.

The Yankees' management fails to realize that free agency is for filling holes and bolstering the core of your team, not building the core of your team.

The trade deadline is also for filling holes, and the team that lands the big fish very rarely has and real success.

Last year, the Milwaukee Brewers gave up picks and prospects to acquire C.C. Sabathia. Then they bowed out in the first round of the playoffs, and Sabathia was out of town and on his way to New York.

If I’m a Major League general manager, I’m not giving up my future for a rental player unless I’m sure he wants to stay with my organization and I can get him signed.

This is my take on what is wrong with the Yankees' way of doing things, and how it could be fixed.

If you have any suggestions or arguments, please comment.

My $56.8 Million Team

Jacob Mowat — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:32:06 -0400

As the major portion of NHL Free Agency comes to a close I decided to create my own NHL team. The team must have four full lines and three defencive pairings as well as two goalies. The team must also comply with the NHL's salery cap of $56.8 Million dollars. I've also included stats and a short decription to explain why I put that player on the team. So here is my team.

Begin Slideshow

Goaltending Not the Only Problem Detroit Will Have in the Playoffs

Jacob Mowat — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:46:31 -0400

Detroit's coaching and management will face a few tough questions heading into the playoffs. While goaltending is the obvious one, there are a couple others that could cause problems. Here's a look at the internal problems the Red Wings face this postseason.

Goaltending is Detroit's only major concern. With Chris Osgood playing five straight games this close to the playoffs, it seems like he will be the starter.

However, after Monday night's game against the Flames, I believe Mike Babcock may be second guessing his decision. Chris Osgood has looked shaky and almost frightened in net this year and has not been able too provide a consistent performance between the pipes. I wouldn't trust him in the playoffs!

Ty Conklin has played much better on a more consistent basis than Osgood and is clearly a better choice. Osgood has the experience in the playoffs, but that will only carry him so far. The Red Wings have been giving up three goals on 17 shots all season long and that won't work in the playoffs. Ty Conklin certainly hasn't been spectacular, but with six shutouts how can you not go with this guy?

Another problem the Wings may encounter is if one of their forwards goes down with an injury. They have Darren Helm and Darren McCarty, but an injury to one of the Wings forwards could be devastating.

This is not a major concern as the Red Wings are pretty good at avoiding injuries with the exception of Tomas Holmstrom, but Johan Franzen has done a good job of taking on that net presence Holmstrom gives.

Defense is even more of an injury concern as the replacements are less than what Detroit may like.

Chris Chelios and Derek Meech are both decent defensemen, but don't chip in on offense as well as they need too. I really don't care if Andreas Lilja or Brett Lebda get hurt because they can be replaced. However, if Nicklas Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski, Niklas Kronwall, or Brad Stuart gets hurt, the Wings will be in trouble because the replacement options either too young or too old.

If Lidstrom or Rafalski go down, the Wings are toast no doubt because of there goaltending. These three problems are what will keep Detroit from winning the cup.

Detroit Red Wings' Playoff Analysis

Jacob Mowat — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 09:24:23 -0400

The Detroit Red Wings will be unable to get any farther than the second round, if their goal tending continues to struggle. The Wings haven’t had consistent goal tending all season long and have relied much too heavily on their offence.

Ty Conklin and Chris Osgood have given Detroit 2.94 goals per game, which is terrible, considering they get around 24 shots per game.

Detroit's offence has no major weaknesses and has many players who can give scoring depth. Detroit’s experience will be a key asset in the playoffs and will play a major role against any team Detroit may face.

Another problem the Wings have is depth on the blue line. If either Lidstrom, Rafalski, Stuart, or Kronwall goes down with an injury, they’ll have to resort to Derek Meech or Chris Chelios—both are not great options.

Mike Babcock has quite a bit to work with on the front end, and my need to use it with Tomas Holmstrom’s injury is a concern.

The only team that could really cause a problem for the Red Wings in the first round would be the Dallas Stars. I don’t think they could beat Detroit, but they could very well take them to game six or seven.

Dallas’ rough style of play could wear down the Red Wings' top line and make their secondary scoring carry more of the load. However, Dallas simply doesn’t have the depth to match the Red Wings' top core of players.

The rest of Detroit’s possible playoff opponents—Nashville, St Louis, Minnesota, and Edmonton—wouldn’t be a great concern, as they don’t have the offence or depth to face the Red Wings' top two lines.

Nashville may be a problem, because of the strong goal tending they have received from Pekka Rinne. However, they don’t have the offence to compete with Detroit’s top defensive core. Nashville was the second lowest-scoring team in the Western Conference through Mar. 18.

Detroit would tear Nashville’s defense apart in a seven game series, because Shea Weber could not do it all himself.

Minnesota is the same as Nashville with great goal tending but not enough scoring, depth, or defensive ability. Even if Marion Gaborik stays healthy, Minnesota still doesn’t have the skill to beat the Wings.

The best first round matchup would have to be Minnesota. Minnesota has goal tending far better than Detroit’s, but the rest of the team pales in comparison to the Red Wings' core of talent. Minnesota’s offence is third worst in the conference, and that’s in a division, where other than them, only Vancouver has given up less than three goals per game.

Minnesota’s defense also doesn’t have the skill to face the Red Wings. Nicklas Backstrom is the only thing the Red Wings could have problems with, and with the offensive talent Detroit has, he still wouldn’t be much of an influence on the series.

The worst case scenario for the first round matchup is defiantly Dallas, as I’ve stated before. Goal tending has been good enough but nothing spectacular, at 3.07 goals per game. Detroit will win the first round of the playoffs no matter who they are playing, but Dallas will be the hardest matchup.

The rest of the playoffs will be much harder for Detroit with San Jose and Calgary very tough opponents. If the Red Wings goal tending can hold together for the whole playoffs, they should win the Cup again.

Detroit will most likely play Vancouver or Chicago in the second round and Calgary, if they end up being the second seed. I believe Calgary and San Jose are the only teams that could beat out Detroit.

This is simply because they are a well-rounded team, with a top player at every position. They are also very deep on offence and defense.

San Jose has had past playoff failures that could strike again this postseason. Also San Jose as had an awful division this season and has taken advantage with a fourteen and three record verses divisional teams.

Detroit, however, has a division where every team is currently fighting for a playoff spot. San Jose’s depth will be a great thing to have come playoff time.

Calgary should breeze right through the playoffs, until they meet Detroit or San Jose. Calgary’s recent first round playoff exit means that most of the team doesn’t have much playoff experience. Calgary would have trouble against the battle-hardened Red Wings because of that inexperience.

Don’t expect Dion Phaneuf to produce the same, as he has during the season as his production has slipped every year in the playoffs. Calgary’s depth and toughness will help them in the playoffs, but it will all depend on how well Mikka Kiprusoff plays and how much Mike Keenan trusts him.

If Calgary and San Jose falter early, expect Detroit to have another parade in June. If San Jose and Calgary bring their best in the playoffs, unless Chris Osgood can regain his form from last year. Don’t get your hopes up on Detroit against San Jose and Calgary.

NHL To Suspend Absent All-Stars

Jacob Mowat — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 08:06:11 -0500

The NHL has decided to follow through on its threat to suspend those who chose to miss this weekend's festivities. Sidney Crosby is flying to Montreal right now because the Penguins do not want to lose their captain for one game.

Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom will both be suspended from Detroit's Tuesday night game against the Columbus Blue Jackets with pay.

In my opinion this is ridiculous, especially considering Datsyuk is hurt and Lidstrom has played in eight straight games. I don't think Lidstrom should be punished for doing the classy thing and stepping aside for a young player who may not have been to the All-Star game before.

If the NHL wants to get people to go to the All-Star game, they can start by sending the players who actually deserve to be there. It shocks me that even with all the dropouts from the All-Star game, Marion Hossa's name has never come up, when he is having the best season he has ever had. Datsyuk makes even less sense, mainly because he's hurt! No explanation necessary.

So Bettman has shown once again his inability to get anything right. At least this way Gary can shine his stupidity on a game that the fans, as well as the players just take as a one week break.

Thirty Teams in Thirty Weeks Week Four: Buffalo Sabres

Jacob Mowat — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:21:31 -0500

This is the fourth article in a series of articles where I will analyze every team in the NHL over a course of thirty weeks.

Prospects: Tyler Myers, Nathan Gerbe,Tyler Ennis. “Note to NHL teams: Common sense speaking, don’t dismantle one of the best scouting staffs in the NHL and replace them with video cameras. Thank you”.

Buffalo has a few good prospects, but the team hasn’t been the same since dismantling the scouting department in 2005. All good teams start with good performances at the draft. Buffalo needs to improve on this if they want any chance of success.

Soon too be retiring: (None) There are, however, a few players getting near this area. The oldest player is only 34. With a couple of key players nearing retirement, Buffalo needs to have prospects to fill these holes.

Division Toughness: 3/6: The Sabres are the middle team in this division.

Cap Space: $6,412,944. Connolly, Spacek, Kotalik, and Afinogenov all need re-signing. With about $6 million, I don’t think it’s going to happen under this ownership.

Spacek could be traded to free up cap space for the rest of them, as he should begin to slow down soon. One of these players may also be traded at the deadline if Buffalo gets out of the playoffs.

Current Position: NHL: 12th; Conference: Seventh; Division: Third.

Three-Year Glance: Buffalo will have a hell of a time managing to screw up this year's draft for themselves. Better ownership would significantly help this franchise.

With four key players in need of a new contract next year, Buffalo will probably sign two of them and let the other two go to allow a roster spot for their prospects.

If Buffalo can’t improve its performance at the draft, they will not be able to keep this going for very long. The main thing this team has going for them is a good solid fan base that packs the building every night, whether they’re winning or losing.

Overall Grade: Future: C+; Present: B

Why the Bleacher Report Would Be a Great Tool for Profesional Sports Leagues

Jacob Mowat — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 04:43:38 -0500

I was reading some articles the other day and it got me thinking The Bleacher Report could help professional sports more than they think.

Here's why:

I'll use for example the recent Sean Avery mess. The NHL could go on here, look at all the recent articles about Sean Avery, and have a pretty good idea of what the fans think. Because for things like that there is about six articles talking about it so you could get a lot of different points of view on the matter.

Sure, Bleacher Report does not represent everyone, but you can see most ideas. No matter what you do everyone won't like it, but it still gives the fans a say in what happens to the leagues their watching.

This could work for any sport when the league needs to make a tough decision. Because any time a tough decision needs to be made, there are several articles on here about it. Yes some of the articles on here are complete nonsense, but that's where the comments come in handy.

Also, a lot of the articles on here are exactly what the leagues don't want to hear so it would be good for them to know what the fans think compared to them.

If sports leagues really care about what their fans think, The Bleacher Report is where they should go!

Thirty Teams in Thirty Weeks, Week Three: Boston Bruins

Jacob Mowat — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 02:43:19 -0500

This is the third article in a series of articles when I will analyze every team in the NHL over a course of thirty weeks.

Top Prospects: Tuukka Rask, Matt Lashoff, Zach Hamill, Blake Wheeler.

The Bruins have one of the best groups of prospects in the NHL and will take full advantage of it in the next couple seasons. There are more good prospects than this, but they are not quite there yet. Tuukka Rask will start at least twenty games next year, but for the most part will be Tim Thomas’s backup. The other three will make the team and have an impact next season. Brad Marchand is another skilled prospect who will play in the NHL soon.

Soon too be retiring: None.

Nobody on the Bruins is really getting near retirement as the oldest player is only thirty-five. However, there are a few players that are maybe five years away and most of them are key players. Boston needs too be ready for this or they will be in heap of trouble.

Division Toughness: 3/6 Montreal is the only other challenge in this division.

Cap Space: 1,430,001. Not much cap room and two key players need to be resigned this year: Tim Thomas and Phil Kessel. Manny Fernandez will be let go to help sign these two. It would probably be cheaper for Boston to sign Kessel before he is vulnerable to an offer sheet. Both will probably cost over $5 million to re-sign.

Current Position: NHL-2 Conference-1 Division-1

3-Year Glance: If Boston can retain both of the players previously mentioned, their young players will carry them possibly to a cup. I expect the Bruins or Penguins to represent the east in the Cup final this year, but will not be able too beat the Sharks or Wings.

The future looks very bright for Boston, but the fact that this year's success was surprising may lead to a step backward next season. Even if the Bruins lose Kessel, their amazing scouting system and player development will help cushion the fall of losing one of their best players.

Overall Grade: Future: A- Present: A-

NHL Captaincy Losing Value and Its Meaning

Jacob Mowat — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 02:02:11 -0500

Before this surge of outstanding young talent in the NHL, captaincy in the NHL meant something. Now a lot of people don't care who the captain is. Now players in their second season are getting the "C." It's even going to goalies now.

If you're going to do things like that, what's the point?

Sidney Crosby is the best example of this. Four months into Crosby's NHL career, Pittsburgh named him Assistant Captain. Some were outraged, many never even noticed. The next year Crosby remained assistant, but Pittsburgh didn't name a captain.

They figured Crosby could fill the role without them having to take the heat for it. With Crosby still only 19, he was named Captain.

Crosby is an outstanding player and a great leader—but don't make him Captain.

That isn't half as bad as Ovechkin—he can barely speak English! The list of bad captains in the last 10 years (Toews, Lecavalier, Luongo) is nearly endless

There still are a few good captain choices out there; Lidstrom and Alfredsson come to mind.

Captain is no longer about leadership, it's about who you want to keep happy for contract negotiations.

So here's my plan: take captaincy out all together.

People realize there are great leaders. You don't need to put a letter on their jersey to know who stood up in the dressing room and rallied the team.

If you have to put letters on players' jerseys, at least do it intelligently.

Thirty Teams In Thirty Weeks Week Two: Atlanta Thrashers

Jacob Mowat — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:49:31 -0500

This is the second article in a series of articles where I analyze every team in the NHL over a course of thirty weeks.

Top Prospects: Zach Bogosian,Ondrej Pavelec,Angelo Esposito.

The one thing the Thrashers have going for them is these three prospects. The problem is that Don Waddell has let virtually every prospect he's had except Ilya Kovalchuk slip away.

Nothing has led me to believe that Esposito will be any different and he will run from this franchise the first chance he gets. Pavelec and Bogosian may be a little more loyal but unless Atlanta can make some major changes on and off the ice all three will get out of Atlanta eventually.

Atlanta may trade one or more of them to avoid losing them for nothing once they become unrestricted free agents. Moreover, Atlanta may gain another prospect if team superstar Ilya Kovalchuk is traded before seasons end.

Soon to be Retiring:Mathieu Schneider ,Vyacheslav Kozlov.

Two key pieces of the team are beginning to get near retirement. Kozlov isn't showing any signs of slowing down but likely will within the next two to three seasons. Schneider has begun to slow down but may hang on a few more seasons. However, Schneider wants to win a Stanley cup and will leave Atlanta or retire at the end of his contract.

Division Toughness: 1/6 They don't call it the "Southleast Division" for nothing.

Cap Space: 10,181,984 Atlanta's problem is that they just can't get enough money from the fan's. If the Thrashers could manage to put a respectable product on the ice, people will come.

Atlanta is spending about what they can afford to and until hockey in Atlanta becomes more popular the product the team provides will largely remain the same. Trading or losing Kovalchuk's $6.4 Million will open a few options, but they will probably end up overpaying someone to get above the cap floor.

Current Position: NHL-28th, Conference-13th, Division-4th

3-Year Glance: Atlanta has good prospects but as stated earlier they will not be able to retain any of them for a productive future. Losing Kovalchuk to free agency would be a disaster if they can not trade him and get someone to fill a productive role in return.

Kovalchuk will probably be traded for a top prospect, a 1st round pick and a first line forward. But then they will have the same problem they have with the Hossa trade. Unfortunately the bottom line is no one wants to play in Atlanta!

So sure you have a prospect, a pick, and a good player but no chance that they will make a career in Atlanta. It's the exact opposite of the Detroit Red Wings. This will be an endless hell unless the Thrashers do something, anything to bring in more fans and without fans the team is screwed.

Overall Grade: Present-D+ Future-D

Red Wings Thump Sharks Could This Be the Turning Point?

Jacob Mowat — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:47:34 -0500

On December 18 the Detroit Red Wings destroyed the league-leading San Jose Sharks 6-0.

I was baffled when I found out. I was wondering if I was having a flashback to last season when the Red Wings would do that. But no, this was the same Detroit team that just last week was defeated 3-1 by the Western Conference laughing stock the Dallas Stars (sorry Ken).

Then it dawns on you that if Detroit can play as sloppy on the ice as they have before the San Jose game and still be second in the West where will they be if they play like they did on Thursday. Well they'll be hosting Lord Stanley's Mug, that's where they'll be.

Last night's game should be enough for Mike Babcock to rally the team out of their hangover. They'll be back plowing through teams like they were last season. If not they'll keep it on cruse control and pick it up later.

But I don't want to wait for three months from now, just like America dosn't want to wait for Barack Obama to fix the slightly more important mess. Which is why the Wings need to use this as a turning point and get a move on.

So the city is in your hands Mike! What next?

Thirty Teams In Thirty Weeks Week One: Anaheim Ducks

Jacob Mowat — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:19:45 -0500

This is the first article in a series of articles that will look at and rate the following categories for every team in the NHL. Prospects: All top prospects on the team and a grade for their overall prospect pool, Old-timers: All players getting near retirement, Division Toughness: A rank out of six for how tough their division is (six being the hardest), Cap Space: How much cap space they have and a look at possible options, Current Position: There current position in the league, conference, and division, 3-Year glance: Self explanatory, Overall grade: A grade for present and future.

Anaheim Ducks Week One

Prospects: Bobby Ryan, Jake Gardiner. The Ducks have many good prospects but these are the only two that really jump out although Bobby Ryan is hardly a prospect since he is on the team full time. The Ducks future is not looking very bright unless they can grab a couple good prospects in the next few years. Ryan Getslaf, and Corry Perry are both young and that will cushion the blow once some of the older Ducks leave. If the Ducks begin to drop in the standings and look out of the race for the cup Neidermyar may be moved at the deadline to get some young talent in Anaheim.

Oldtimers: Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne. Scott Niedermayer is dragging his tired carcass to the end of his contract to avoid upsetting his fans. With plenty of cups under his belt don't expect him to pull a Mats Sundin. Chris Pronger may be a few years off but I’m not sure how much he has left to offer. With his rough style of play don't expect him to get any better in these last few years of his career. This should be Teemu Selanne's last season and if he does stick around another year don't have high expectations. Brad May and Brett Hedican are also nearing retirement.

Division Toughness: (5/6) If Dallas can get its act in gear this will be 6/6

Cap Space: $871,167 Not nearly enough room to do anything big unless it's gaining young talent by dumping their old dead weight Scott to gain young cheap talent and prospects. Another thing the Ducks will have going for them even if Scott doesn’t get traded is the fact that all the players I mentioned in the old-timers section combined for about $15,000,000 of cap space that will be freed up once they retire.

Current Position: NHL Eleventh, Conference Sixth, Division Second

Three Year Glance: Anaheim’s next three years depend mostly on their performance at the draft and what they do with the cap space their expensive old players free up. If they don’t do well at the draft the future will not be bright for the Ducks. The money freed up will get them out of the salary jam they are in. If they can get some good free agents and some young talent that they make the most of the Ducks will continue to have successful seasons for years to come.

Overall Grade: Present B+ Future B- Future all depends on what they do with the cap space they are sure to get and making the most of their prospects and draft picks.

Sean Avery's Suspension Six Games Too Many

Jacob Mowat — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:58:08 -0500

On Dec. 2, 2008 Sean Avery made the following statement: "I'm really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada, I just wanted to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. But, enjoy the game tonight."

A few hours later NHL commissioner Gary Bettman suspended him indefinitely for "inappropriate comments not pertaining to the game."

Now, on Dec. 5, 2008, after much discussion by NHL officials, media, and members of the Bleacher Report, Sean Avery has been given a six-game suspension.

Why exactly Sean Avery was given a six-game suspension I do not really know, but I do know that neither the Dallas Stars nor Sean Avery are very upset about it. I personally think Sean deserved zero games, but it is Colin Campbell and Gary Bettman, and when two idiots are making a decision, they are bound to come up with an idiotic one.

Sean Avery is a good guy and does not deserve to be treated this badly for his mistake. I am sure everyone realizes that Sean Avery made a mistake and said something he should not have said on camera.

Some people in the media are making Avery look like some kind of criminal for what he said. He certainly does not deserve Don Cherry saying, "not only is that the most disgusting thing I have ever heard in hockey it's the most disgusting thing I've ever heard in sports."

I am sure more disgusting things have been said, but Cherry's narrow mindedness blinds him from seeing the truth of how little this actually means. If Sean Avery wants to act like he is in grade five, then that is his business. Let him make an ass out of himself, but there is no reason to suspend him.

The NHL has made a big deal out of nothing in an attempt to attract media attention. Sean Avery did a good enough job of that without the NHL's help.

Now we are all stuck wondering what would happen if Sean Avery were to dress and go out and have to face Dion Phaneuf and Jerome Iginla for his comments. Avery would have gotten his ass kicked and that game would have attracted way more viewers.

The NHL needs to lighten up on issues like this. Just fine him $12,000 and let's get on with life. No need for a suspension. If Avery never plays another game in the NHL, a lot of people will be very upset, and a lot of people will be very happy, but overall the NHL will be sorry it made this move.

So in the end, there are a lot of teams that should give Avery's big mouth a second chance because, as the stats for 2007-2008 prove, though a pain in the ass he still is very useful!

Colin Cambell: The Worst of the Bunch at Head Office

Jacob Mowat — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:23:16 -0500

Is anyone else getting pretty tired of Colin Cambell's terrible decisions on suspensions?

Mike Van Ryn clearly turned into the boards on the Kosopolus hit. But he got three games for finishing his hit.

Here's another example: last season Steve Downie got 20 games for the same hits Scott Stevens used to do. I think that while Gary is dreaming up his moronic ways to make the league better, he should consider losing Colin and getting one who will actually look at the play before making a decision.

But since Gary is the second biggest moron at head office he won't even consider it.

Officiating Just As Bad As Last Year

Jacob Mowat — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:30:10 -0400

From what I've seen thus far this season we're in for another season of blown calls in the NHL.Not sure how many of you watched the Wings Leafs game but wholly crap.

Antropov dove for that call on Stuart any monkey can see that but apparently the ref couldn't so Stuart goes to the box and Toronto scores on the power play. Good job ref you just decided the game.

This is just another example of refs giving calls to weaker teams the Red Wings are considered by many the Cup favorite and the Leafs are at six to one odds to come in last so the refs give calls to the Leafs to help them win. Thanks Bettman this sure is a lot better.

A Rant by Jacob Mowat

Jacob Mowat — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:03:26 -0400

Some things that have pleased me recently.

     Steven Stamkos: Stamkos has controlled this whole situation very well in my opinion. He is probably going to win the Calder trophy and after what I saw from him in the game in Prague I think he is just as good as scouts said he is.

He could soon be in the top fifty players in the NHL possibly next season. With Hasek retired, Stamkos has moved to top place for my favorite players.This will be a guy Don Cherry will go on and on about on Coaches Corner for years to come.

     Edmonton Oilers: I saw them in a pre-season game not to long ago and they were spectacular. They have a bright future and will be good for years. I put them 12th in the West in my predictions I am now saying 8th in the West after that game. Maybe it was just that game but I have heard this from many other people that the Oilers will be great this year. I don't know what you think but the Oilers are back!

     Ron Wilson: Finally a coach in Toronto who will hold players responsible for bad play and bench people not playing hard. If Tucker were still in Toronto he would be a scratch almost all the time for his lack of effort on the ice. The Leafs this year would have held Paul Maurice's hand to nowhere if he was still there. Ron Wilson will take this team closer to a playoff appearance not this season not next season but soon.

     Things that have pissed me off!

     Chicago Cubs: They were supposed to contend for the World Series but instead they went out effortlessly in three quick games. They couldn't hit, field or pitch the whole series.

People say that the Dodgers were just too good witch is just some nutty excuse to justify the loss. I don't even have sympathy for my Detroit Red Wings when they choke so I sure won't accept excuses for the Cubs.

     Crosby Haters: If people are going to criticize the best player in the NHL they should at least do it with more points than "he's a poster boy”. Yes Crosby is a poster boy who gives a crap if someone came up to you and said "I'll give you five million bucks to pose for some pictures,” what would you say?

Since most people enjoy making money for doing almost nothing most of you would say, "where do I sign.” Crosby can not live up to the hype of the next one because this is a lower scoring era then when Gretzky played. So for all the Crosby haters out there Crosby is the best in the NHL so just live with it!

     Luongo Captain: First of all he's the goalie and you don't make him captain also there is much better options on Vancouver for captain. This just hammers home the theory that captain is no longer about leadership; it's the guy you want to keep happy for contract negotiations.

Thank You, Joe Sakic: Avalance Star Makes One Fewer Retirement Question

Jacob Mowat — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:48:45 -0400

After months of waiting, Joe Sakic has finally made up his mind to come back to Colorado.

Mabye he should teach Mats Sundin how to decide between retiring or not. I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I'm tired of "The Great Wait of 2008."

If Sundin dosn't make a decision by training camp, he's likely done. I think the NHL should go back to a free-agent season of July 1 to July 31, because this is just ridiculous.

2008-2009 NHL Award Predictions

Jacob Mowat — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:16:38 -0400

With training camp in the NHL fast approaching I am going to make my predictions for the NHL's major awards.

Stanley Cup: Detroit Red Wings

Detroit added Hossa in the off-season to up an already competitive team to put them back in the drivers seat.The Red Wings should be experienced enough to avoid the Stanley Cup hangover.

President's Trophy: Detroit Red Wings

Norris Trophy Candidates: Nick Lidstrom, Dion Phanuf, Chris Pronger

Winner: Nick Lidstrom

The race here will really be between Lidstrom and Phanuf but Lidstrom has a better team and a better line mate than Phanuf.I think this will be his last though

Calder Trophy Candidates: Steven Stamkos, Kyle Turris, Drew Doughty

Winner: Steven Stamkos

The leages next top rookie will start right of the get go. Stamkos can expect some power play time next year.

Hart Trophy Candidates: Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovetchkin, Pavel Datsyuk

Winner: Sidney Crosby

It should be close between Crosby and Ovetchkin but Crosby will come out on top.

Selke Trophy Candidates: Pavel Datsyuk, Henrick Zetterburg, Marion Hossa

Winner: Henrick Zetterburg

Hank will be the best defensive forward out of an all Red Wings line up.

Can Mats Sundin and Joe Sakic Please Make a Decision?

Jacob Mowat — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 03:04:48 -0400

I think on this topic unlike most of my other ones there is going to be a lot of people who are thinking along the same lines.

I wish Mats Sundin would come with up his decision and get a move on. Just to tell you Mats, Detroit dosen't want you and don't think lounging around Sweden will get you a spot on the roster. So can you and Mr. Sakic make up your mind?

Dominik Hasek took five days to make his decision. You've had five months and still nothing. Sundin, Sakic, Hasek, and Selanne sounds like an awesome Hall of Fame class to me, so stop keeping us all waiting and make up your mind!

Why the NHL Needs to Quit the Southern U.S.A.

Jacob Mowat — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:47:37 -0400

The NHL and Gary Bettman need to get it in there heads that no matter what they think Americans don't watch hockey! So why Gary Bettman and the board of governors declined Jim Balsillie offer to buy the Nashville Predators and move them to Hamilton, a place where over five thousand fans had already put down deposits for season tickets once they were offered I have no clue. With that in mind here is my plan for how to fix the NHL.

Move the Florida Panthers to Winnipeg Manitoba,the Los Angeles Kings to Regina Saskatchewan,the Anaheim Ducks to Seattle Washington,the Carolina Hurricanes to Cleveland Ohio,the Nashville Predators to Thunder Bay,Ontario and the Atlanta Thrashers to Quebec City, Quebec.

Then put the Detroit Red Wings in the Eastern Conference.Also re-arrange the divisions and quit with the division winners being guaranteed a top three playoff spot just make the divisions for scheduling purposes only.Finally leave the salary cap at fifty-six million dollars.

This would make the NHL so much better and then the American fans might actually come out and watch a game or two and begin to follow the sport. With more revenue sharing money coming in plus the one team now in Florida and California;Tampa Bay and San Jose would prosper from less teams in that area clogging up the fan base and only one team there hockey would over take the NBA for third among Americas most popular sport.

Why NASCAR is the Most Pathetic Excuse for a Sport I Have Ever Seen.

Jacob Mowat — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 04:13:10 -0400

There are two things in my mind that make something a sport.

It has to require some kind of athletic ability and
It has to require some skill.

Lets see, NFL, check NBA, check MLB, check NHL,check even Soccer for god sakes check. Hmm... NASCAR lets do a little run down of why NASCAR gets the exx,exx.

It requires no skill I could tell a monkey to sit in the car and he could probable beat some of the pathetic rednecks they have on the track.

It requires no athletic ability. Have you taken a look at some of the lads driving in NASCAR and they're never panting when they get out.

NASCAR can't use the same reason us hockey fans use of why Americans don't watch it's because of that we've never watched a race.

F.Y.I. jackasses I have and after three laps I totally lost interest and changed the channel.

As well sooner or later the American government is going to open their god damn eyes and illegalize NASCAR because it's an environmental hazard, a waste of gasoline, and a health hazard to anyone in the building.

My final point how much freaking entertainment can you honestly get from a bunch of idiotic hillbillies turning left for four hours who have nothing better to do than pollute the ozone layer.

So in conclusion you now know why NASCAR is not a real sport and hopefully this article has been a source of sober second thought to some NASCAR fans who have realised the error of their ways.