Bleacher Report - Articles by Sterling Eby

2009-10 NFL Opening Day: Power Rankings

Sterling Eby — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:44:03 -0400

1.) Pittsburgh Steelers—A team that still manages to baffle the mind. This is an improved team from last year. An improved team from a team that won the Super Bowl? Is that possible? This Steelers team has 19 of the 22 starters on last year's Super Bowl returning.

Their concern is on Ben Roethlisberger's health. This is a Steelers defense that is one of the most feared in the league, but with an offense ranked at 26. Their offensive line is shaky at best.

If the Steelers can't get the combination of Mendenhall-Parker-Moore going, Roethlisberger is gonna have to use his arm to get him out of trouble. Then the pressure is on the defense, which is pretty much perfect. Defense wins championships as they say.

2.) New England Patriots—This was an 11-5 team last year, without it's key player. Could you imagine if the Colts finished 11-5 with Jim Sorgi as their quarterback; how many headlines we'd see. The facts are simple, Tom Brady is the man in charge in New England and it is simply possible for him to throw another 50 touchdowns this season.

However, this is a team with clear and obvious defensive flaws. A once solid defense, the Patriots were ranked 29th in yards allowed last season. This season they gave away their star defenseman Richard Seymour.

Can you imagine how bad this defense can be? As I said before. Defense wins Championships. But offense can easily win the AFC East Division Title.

3.) Indianapolis Colts—One fact. When Peyton Manning is healthy, the Colts score points. And lots of them. With the addition of rookie Donald Brown, he adds another threat in Manning's passing game.

Joseph Addai when healthy is a decent running back, but Donald Brown adds much needed depth and help to the Colts offensive game, which struggled in the first part of last season.

Some people believe the Colts have been ranked too high in a bunch of Power Rankings that I have read. But how can you argue with their success. They've made the playoffs seven straight seasons and have been to the playoffs in nine of the last 10 seasons, all at least 12 win seasons. Peyton Manning = Success.

4.) Minnesota Vikings—Vikings too high for you? I am not a Vikings fan but lets lay the facts straight first. They have the best running back in football with Adrian Peterson. They have the best statistical quarterback in NFL history with Brett Favre. There is absolute zero pressure on Brett Favre.

The Vikings made the playoffs last season, and let me tell you, it wasn't because Tavaris Jackson was an unbelievable quarterback. Favre just needs to understand his role on the team and not try to be the superstar. In games last season where Adrian Peterson ran for 100 or more yards the Vikings were 7-3.

In those games he averaged 25 runs a game. So in order to win, Peterson has to get around 25 rushes a game. In games where Brett Favre had 30 or less passing attempts the Jets were 5-1. He still throws a lot of interceptions, but he also throws a lot of touchdowns. He threw 22 and 22 last season. Expect his numbers to slide a little bit. I predict 18 and 17 this season. Unless his ego kicks in.

5.) Baltimore Ravens—The Baltimore Ravens football team is a team still improving. Joe Flacco is on the rise, and still not fully proven, it seems the Ravens are letting him fly. Flacco is looking to improve his touchdown/interception ratio as he threw 14 Touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2008.

The signing of Matt Birk might help take some pressure off of Flacco, and help Ray Rice finally take the reigns as the running back in charge in Baltimore. Willis McGahee is a solid running back, but the Ravens are crazy not to let Ray Rice take control of the running game (in my opinion of course).

6.) Tennessee Titans—The loss of Albert Haynesworth is the biggest story on the Titans this year. He was a valuable asset to the Titans defense. It's hard to believe that this team is led by Kerry Collins.

Collins will most likely do what he did last year, throw few interceptions and hand the ball off to his running backs. You can't argue with that success. It worked, it was simple, and teams couldn't stop it.

What may be the matchup of the season in week six, the Tennessee Titans defense vs the New England Patriots offense, should be awesome to watch.

7.) New Orleans Saints—Drew Brees to Lance Moore Touchdown. Get used to it people. They will be the top passing team in the NFL again, even over the Patriots.

And Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas will get their fair share of carries and get yards because the simple fact is, everyone thinks the Saints are gonna pass the ball.

The Saints demise is their pathetic defense. The Saints had the best pass offense and the worst pass defense. So if the Saints can stop the pass on defense, expect the Saints to make a run in the playoffs. If not, Atlanta will top the Saints once again in the NFC South.

8.) New York Giants—I really dislike this Giants team and I think they are gonna be a bust this season, but as of now, I'm putting them at No. 8 on this list. They have many things to prove this season.

They made zero improvements this season and cut their top two receivers, and their Super Bowl star David Tyree. Okay, he wasn't a top receiver but he was depth.

Eli Manning is getting paid $100 million dollars...to hand the ball off to Brandon Jacobs. And trust me, when teams start getting that simple game plan, the Giants offense will be stopped once and for all. Who are they gonna throw the ball to, Kevin Boss?

The defense is one of the top 10 in the league especially with a healthy Osi Umenyiora. The defense will have to carry the team this season.

9.) Atlanta Falcons—I really like this Falcons team. It seemed last year they were missing one piece. I think Tony Gonzalez is that piece. Gonzalez has led all tight ends in every category in the past half century, and Matt Ryan now has another talented player to throw the ball to. And someone who takes some pressure off of Michael Turner.

The Falcons offense improves much more then people can see on paper, and once the regular season starts, people can truly understand how good the Falcons are.

10.) Green Bay Packers—The Pack haven't proven much. They were a 6-10 team last season. Why are they so high this season? Dom Capers. He isn't a genius but he plans on utilizing the Packers linebackers and transform them into a 3-4 team.

A.J. Hawk is one of my favorite players to watch and he is one of the names leading the Packers D. Hopefully the defense can help the Packers turn from one of the bottom 10 defenses in the league and turn them into a top five defense

11.) San Diego Chargers—Mark my words. The Chargers will win the AFC West. Why you ask? Because they have a lock for a quarterback and the Raiders, Chiefs, and Broncos don't.

The Chargers offense is phenomenal but with the injury to Shawn Merriman last season the defense sunk a little bit causing their value to slip. With Merriman back this is easily a top 10 defense in the league.

There are only three ways that the Chargers do not win the AFC West Title:

1.) Phillip Rivers is out for the season.

2.) LaDainian Tomlinson stays injured all season.

3.) The world explodes.

12.) Philadelphia Eagles—They went to the NFC Championship last season. A place they are used too. They have been there six times in the past 10 seasons, only to make the Super Bowl once.

They have the depth to make it to the playoffs once again. This may be one of the most purely talented and athletic offenses in the NFL, which will make them a fun team to watch this season.

With the loss of Stewart Bradley and Brian Dawkins through injury and free-agency respectively, how good is this Eagles defense and can they keep Vick-Nabb into the game?

13.) Arizona Cardinals—This is the same Super Bowl team from last season. Still highly underrated. Yet still overrated. This is the same exact team that rose to the occasion as of late last season in the playoffs. But went 3-7 in non-division games last season.

Beanie Wells is a good running back but in his rookie season can he take control of the Cardinals running game? Their offense is still amazing, but their defense is less then amazing. Don't get fooled by their showing in the playoffs against the Panthers.

14.) Washington Redskins—In a run-first division the Redskins made an impact move by signing the All-Pro run stopper Albert Haynesworth. This Redskins team could be a sleeper team going into the season and easily could sneak into the playoffs and maybe even the NFC East title.

They have a cupcake schedule against Detroit, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay in the first six weeks of the season. Three of those four games are at home.

So say they win those four games. They go 3-3 in the tough division. That leaves the Redskins at 7-3. Their other games are against Carolina, Atlanta, Oakland, and San Diego on the road and Denver and New Orleans at home.

Oakland is another cupcake victory making it 8-3. The Redskins schedule easily makes them a sleeper team for the year.

15.) Carolina Panthers—This is easily a team on the downfall. They have the same exact game plan as last season. Their defense actually has gotten worse, even with Julius Peppers.

Don't expect the Panthers to make the playoffs.

It is possible for them to reach nine wins, but the Panthers have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the football to show the NFL that the Cardiac Cats are back in the chase for a Super Bowl Title.

16.) Dallas Cowboys—This Cowboys team is another team whose value went down despite the value of their stadium. Tony Romo's stock slid after they released Terrell Owens.

The Cowboys do have Barber and Jones in the backfield. But they lack a big offensive threat. However, the Cowboys are still easily a nine win team, and only a few division games from being a 12 win team.

In fact, I believe the Cowboys can win 10 games, and still finish last this season in the NFC East. I have booked the Cowboys to win nine.

With minor changes like adding a backup quarterback and a backup linebacker this offseason, and getting rid of five starters it will be a tough year. They won nine games last season with a solid team. Take that for what it's worth.

17-tie.) Seattle Seahawks—Along with the Washington Redskins, the Seattle Seahawks are up for the award of possible sleeper team of the year. They signed Edgerrin James, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Ken Lucas.

They had the worst passing defense and Ken Lucas can show a slight improvement to that category. The Seahawks will go to the playoffs if Matt Hasselbeck can remain healthy and show he can be an all-pro quarterback.

But ultimately the offensive line could be the demise of Matt Hasselbeck. They need to keep him and Edgerrin James healthy.

17-tie) Cincinnati Bengals—Yes its true. Carson Palmer is the starter of the Bengals in 2009. But what exactly does that change? This is a team that made no changes to the offensive line; that ultimately led to the demise of Carson Palmer last year.

If you haven't been watching Hard Knocks, which you should be, you can see the talent level of the Bengals defense. Any Bengals fans can be proud of a defense with talent. Sure they aren't the best, but they are talented.

Ultimately, the Bengals season is on their offensive line, and tight end problems. It isn't even week one and they are down to their third tight end on the depth chart. Good luck this season Chase Coffman.

Great when healthy, atrocious when injured. One guarantee: J.T. O'Sullivan will start at least one game in 2009. Oh, how I don't envy Marvin Lewis' job.

19.) Houston Texans—They have one of, if not the greatest defensive lineman in football with Mario Williams. One of, if not the greatest wide receiver in football with Andre Johnson. The problem with the Texans is they can't connect all of the pieces.

In a very tough division with two teams winning 12 plus games last season, the Texans let too many games get away from them last year. The Texans have a solid team, and a fun team to watch, but they just don't have all of the pieces to be a solid playoff team.

Unless they win their four games against the Titans and Colts, then maybe the Texans can at least snag a Wildcard spot. I'm rooting for you Houston.

20.) Chicago Bears—Easily what may be the most overrated football team in the NFL as of right now. Jay Cutler moves from an offense with many deep threats to throw to, to a team with one talented wide receiver in Devin Hester.

While Hester is the lead man in Chicago, their offense reminds me of Carolina. They are a blatant run-first team and Hester, much like Steve Smith, is an offensive threat that's highly underused.

Nothing changes in Chicago. Much like last season their defense will fall apart. They are an eight win team at most.

21.) Buffalo Bills—There are two things we know. Trent Edwards is the quarterback in Buffalo. Terrell Owens is the star receiver. This offense is in a rut right now, and they fired their offensive coordinator because of this.

If Marshawn Lynch can stay healthy and out of suspension long enough to play, expect the Bills to play competitive down the road against Carolina, Jacksonville, and Tennessee. If the injury bug bites, expect the Jets to pass them and the Bills to dwell on the bottom of the AFC East.

22.) Jacksonville Jaguars—The only reason this team can win a game is because of Maurice Jones-Drew. David Garrard is not an impact football player in the NFL.

It's kind of pathetic looking at the Jacksonville Jaguars starting lineup and noticing that half of them are has-been players whose better years were with other teams (Tra Thomas, Troy Williamson, Torry Holt) and the other half are a list of players you know nothing about because you are not a Jacksonville fan.

It's hard to understand a team you do not know. They have the schedule and the talent to win eight games this season, maybe even slip into the playoffs.

23.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers—This is a disappointing story. The Buccaneers don't make much sense to me. Jeff Garcia has proven to be a star pretty much anywhere he goes, and he is always thrown under the rug and forgotten about.

I have always liked Byron Leftwich and the fact that he is getting a second chance to start in the NFL is enjoyable to me. But the fact that he is only playing because the Buccaneers don't have any other talent at quarterback kind of ruins it for me.

The Bucs will run the ball. If Cadillac Williams can stay healthy the Buccaneers might win eight. If not, they will dwell in the bottom of the NFC South.

24.) San Francisco 49ers—First off, Shaun Hill is the starting quarterback of this team. When I think of a leader, I don't think of Shaun Hill. The leader of this team is easily Frank Gore. If Gore goes down early, this team is done for. The only good news about this division is anybody can win it.

25.) New York Jets—First question. How will Mark Sanchez play this season? Second question. When will he win his first game?

Mark Sanchez is going to be bad in his first four games.

They are immediately firing him to the wolves with road games against the Texans and Saints, and with home games against the Patriots and Titans. Not a good start for a rookie.

Sanchez will get his first win in week five against the Miami Dolphins. This team is not like the Baltimore Ravens or Atlanta Falcons from last season. The Ravens had a stellar defense to protect Joe Flacco's lack luster offense.

The Falcons had the best running game in the NFL to protect Matt Ryan's lackluster offense. The Jets have an improving defense yes, and a solid running game. But everybody knows that the Jets are gonna run the football now.

The question is, how is Mark Sanchez gonna pass?

26.) Miami Dolphins—Okay. Yes I have the Dolphins at 23rd. But this is still a very young team. They are an improving team.

But with a healthy Tom Brady, and an absolute schedule that would hurt any team, don't expect the Dolphins to make the playoffs this season.

There is a slim chance this Dolphins team can win 10 games with a schedule that has them facing only two teams that were under .500 last season and that is the 7-9 Buffalo Bills and the 5-11 Jacksonville Jaguars.

They end the season facing the Steelers at home, and have home games that have them facing the Panthers at home, Falcons, Chargers, and Titans. Not to mention games against the Colts, Patriots, and Bills. The Dolphins may be an 8-8 team, and I would applaud them if so. But I see them with a 6-10 season. Sorry Dolphins fans.

27.) Denver Broncos—It's kind of pathetic when, at No. 27, the Denver Broncos are booked to finish SECOND in the AFC West. You could argue and make jabs that McDaniels got rid of Jay Cutler. You could argue that he suspended Brandon Marshall. But you can't blame him for how children act.

The Denver Broncos demise is on the Denver Broncos, not Josh McDaniels.

With that being said.

Denver needs to get their offensive game going, a problem that Kyle Orton had with his tenure in Chicago. Knowshon Moreno could take a lot of the pressure off of Orton. Well then again, Matt Forte ran the ball well and Orton still didn't do so well.

Well, at least the Broncos don't have to start their fullback as their running back. That is a good start Denver.

28.) Cleveland Browns—The first game of the season officially starts today. The Browns haven't even named a starting quarterback yet. I'll give this team one tip. Bench Jamal Lewis, start James Davis.

In a league that pushes the start of Mark Sanchez and Matt Stafford, we all know James Davis is eventually gonna be the starter in Cleveland. While he may be second or third on the depth chart in Cleveland, he is easily the most talented running back on the team.

While Eric Mangini is the man in charge, he is not in charge of signing the players. With the amount of talent his team currently has, his team is still gonna finish fourth in the AFC North due to this.

29.) Oakland Raiders—The Raiders are still a possible sleeper team in the AFC. Not a 10 win team, but a possibility to win the AFC West title.

I mean, the Chargers won the division with eight wins last season. The Raiders had Satan decide their fate this year as their schedule is Hell.

They got talent behind center, but will McFadden and Russell finally show us why they were first round draft picks or will they continue to let their stock slide and continue the demise of the Oakland Raiders franchise?

30.) Kansas City Chiefs—This season is gonna show plain and simple that just because you're a star quarterback does not mean you can be a star anywhere. Kansas City decided to snag Matt Cassel from the Patriots. They have zero stars on the offensive side of the ball.

Tony Gonzalez was the biggest lock in Kansas City and he now plays football in Atlanta. How in the world do the Chiefs plan on showing Cassel is a star with next to zero offensive talent?

Larry Johnson continues to slump more and more every year so the running game should slide more. The good news on the defensive side: HEY you got Mike Vrabel. The Bad news: you got rid of Donnie Edwards. If they win six games, I would consider the season a success.

31.) Detroit Lions—The Lions will start the season 0-7 unless a miracle happens. Whoever made the NFL schedule this season was definitely going for a record for most consecutive losses in NFL history.

The record is 26 losses in a row by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1976-1977. The Lions currently have 17 straight losses. Lets look at their schedule.

Week one at New Orleans. 18.

Week two vs Minnesota. 19.

Week three vs Washington. 20.

Week four at Chicago. 21.

Week five vs Pittsburgh 22.

Week six at Green Bay. 23.

The streak will end after their week seven bye when they face the St. Louis Rams in Detroit. They are an improving team, but they aren't even a dream team. They still are a nightmare.

32.) St.Louis Rams—They did cleanup in the offense and on the field. They cut loose all the loose ties and tightened them up with a whole new crew of players. However, they do not have the right mindset to be a winning team yet.

They play in one of the weakest divisions in football and this team will still find a way to lose 12 or more games in 2009-2010.

A Man of Dishonor: Who Are We To Judge Vick?

Sterling Eby — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:23:27 -0400

To start this off with a warning: I want to say, in no way at all do I condone the actions of Mr. Michael Vick. I do not agree with what he did to dogs. This article is just an opinionated article expressing my thoughts on the NFL.

The last two-and-one-half years in Michael Vick's life has easily been the hardest years in his life. After his arrest, after his confinement in prison, after the loss of his home, and the loss of over $100 million, Michael Vick is in serious need of some help in his life.

With the advisement of Tony Dungy, and the support by the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles Organization, Michael Vick is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Michael Vick is moving on, but it seems nobody else is. Here are some arguments from disgruntled fans (all from sackvick.com):

"second chances are for people who make mistakes"

"I am sending e-mails to all to the Eagles sponsors and I am boycotting all of their products. Some Eagles fans have shown that their love for life and the rules, are stronger than the love for their team (as it should be). Having said that, it is evident why so many avoid the “City of Brotherly Love” as it clearly the city that loves sinners."

In no way do I condone Michael Vick for his actions, but in what way does he not deserve a second chance for the heinous mistake he made. To say second chances are for people who makes mistakes would mean you are absolutely perfect.

I am man enough to say I made a mistake, and so has Michael Vick. In his 60 Minutes interview, he did not point the finger, he put the blame on himself solely. Just because his mistake may have been bigger then yours, just because he hurt so many people with his actions, where do we get the right to judge a man's actions so severely.

In a country where we say it is the land of the free and the home of the brave, why is it that even though Michael Vick is free, we insist on slandering his already blemished name.

In a country where many prisoners have a hard time getting a job, why is it we bash Michael Vick for going back to doing what he likes to do. As a human being who is imperfect, does he really not deserve the right to play in the NFL.

Does he not deserve the right to climb back up the food chain and make his name an everyday name in the NFL again?

Instead of praising Michael Vick for finding a team in the NFL that will allow him to play, we insist on protesting, and finding any reason what-so-ever to not allow his past to make up for his present.

There was a person in the MLB who wore out his welcome with his team. He was drafted first overall in the 1999 MLB Draft. His name was Josh Hamilton.

He had repeated drug offenses that eventually sent him out of his way. He left baseball all together for two years. He left baseball in 2004, and returned in 2006. The Cincinnati Reds took a shot on Josh Hamilton's tarnished reputation and offered to rebuild it.

With what was given Josh Hamilton played in 2007 and rebuilt his reputation in MLB with the second chance he was given.

There is no reason re judge Michael Vick any different then Josh Hamilton. Both are human beings who made mistakes. Both have been given second chances and who are we to say they did not deserve the chances that they were given.

God knows that Michael Vick is human, but it is up to Michael Vick to make the most out of the opportunities that he is given with his life. All we can do is hope for the best, and that's what I as a football fan am doing.

WWE House Shows: Are They Worth the Money?

Sterling Eby — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:46:01 -0400

This is my first article I have written in about a month or so. First off, I apologize, I am working on a new website. Two, my passion hasn't died. I have been writing a lot of material for my new website.

First off, I would like to say I went to a WWE house show this weekend in North Charleston, South Carolina. I have always enjoyed going to wrestling events no matter how much the price, or who's wrestling. But this was the best wrestling event I have been too...wrestling wise at least.

I have gotten the honor of seeing Eric Bischoff getting fired. The day Paul Heyman was fired, I saw him leaving the Coliseum in a limo, to read later he was fired. I got to see William Regal crowned King of the Ring. But all those shows had a lack of wrestling.

The opening match at this house show was William Regal vs. Finlay. That is like a dream match up right there. These two played the crowd card so well, and they did things I haven't seen done in a WWE ring in years, including 20 seconds of them exchanging European uppercuts.

Of course they are on separate brands now, but for the sake of the show and opening contest, this match was amazing.

But with the decent wrestling and match ups, I got to thinking, are the house shows worth how much they cost? All the house shows down here advertised $15 dollar tickets for the worst seats. With the building fee included the minimum tickets cost $19 dollars.

Of course, i would pay $19 bucks, but I had to get the best seats available...of the day of the event. $44 bucks. Not to bad. But for a house show is it worth it?

I got front seats to two separate TNA events for 40 bucks. Both shows were really good, got to meet every single wrestler in TNA, for $40 bucks. Two separate times. So with that being said, is the WWE overcharging for house shows?

For the wrestlers advertised for the WWE show, I got to see Jeff Hardy, CM Punk, Kane, John Morrison, Christian, and Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat.

The crowd was mostly sold out. But I still honestly feel like the tickets were overpriced for a non-televised event.

When you have families spending their hard earned money, and they want front row seats, is it fair they have to pay $55 bucks a piece just to see (some of) their favorite wrestlers wrestle for 3.5 hours?

If you have a wife and two kids. It'll end up costing you $220 dollars on tickets alone. Not to mention overpriced Coliseum food and souvenirs. You are gonna be spending $300 bucks plus on a WWE event.

To me, the WWE has no honest competition with TNA. Lowering ticket prices a little bit will not hurt their monetary value. They are the most watched television program weekly on television and tour the country 300+ days a year.

If they lower ticket prices, more people will spend money on souvenirs and products. They can make up money easily by lowering ticket prices. It's not like they will lose much. But then again, my name isn't Vince McMahon. So what do I know!

Denver Nuggets vs WWE: How to Solve the Arena Problem

Sterling Eby — Wed, 20 May 2009 02:48:38 -0400

The WWE is enjoying the free publicity right now. From ESPN, the Associated Press, and even Jim Rome is Burning.

Stan Kroenke was personally insulted by Vince McMahon for quote: "Impersonating a good business man." With all of the facts pointing right at Kroenke Sports Entertainment, it is hard to disagree. KSE is clearly to blame with the problem. But the question is how do they solve the problem.

My idea will never get used, but I think it would be the best idea ever.

First off, the WWE is getting all the free publicity from it. So they are making their fair share of money off of it as it is.

Second, sometimes to win, you have to lose.

My idea is to host Monday Night Raw live from a sold out Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado.

When the city of Denver is having trouble with this, I am pretty sure they would not mind the two events going on at the same time.

Re-sell all of the tickets with new updated pricing, cheaper, so you can sell out the Invesco Field at Mile High, seeing as there could be problems due to people being Nuggets fans.

If you put Invesco Field on the map, and host an outdoor episode of Raw, you not only would have the first ever Raw hosted outdoors, it has the potential of having the largest Raw Crowd ever.

Invesco Field hosts 76,000 for football and 50,000 for concerts. If every ticket was sold for 20 bucks you would make a million off of attendance at the very least.

Vince said so far he has sold over "10,000 tickets, ranging from 20-70 bucks."

With the quick re-do its a new game. Use the publicity, and get a big crowd. For the nose-bleed seats, give them away for free to the rest of the city.

Sometimes in business you have to lose to win. Vince McMahon will end up being the loser of the Pepsi Center, but he could end up the winner in the end through some good business moves.

Bruins-Hurricanes: Walker Punches 'Canes to Eastern Conference Finals

Sterling Eby — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:09:27 -0400

"I'm ten years older then Staal and Ward and I learn more from them every day," a tearful Scott Walker said in a postgame interview after he scored the game winning goal in Boston on the road in game seven to advance the Hurricanes into the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Scott Walker has been in the NHL since 1994, but the 35 year old has only played in 11 career playoff games before this season. Tonight was his 25th career playoff game, and in that game, he scored his first career playoff goal, a game-winning goal on Tim Thomas with 1:12 left in the first overtime.

In a game that was equally balanced on both sides, Boston got the game started with an early goal by one of the most underrated players of the playoffs Byron Bitz.

Later in the first period, Dennis Seidenberg took a slap shot from the blue line that Hurricanes captain Rod Brind'Amour tipped in through the five hole of Tim Thomas to tie the game at one.

In the Second Period, Sergei Samsonov scored his fourth goal of the playoffs as he put one past Tim Thomas to make the score 2-1.

It took six minutes into the third period for Milan Lucic to put one top shelf on Cam Ward to tie the game at two and later force overtime.

In a winded overtime that saw the Hurricanes lose Rod Brind'Amour and Jussi Jokinen leave the game, and leave the Hurricanes with two centers, Ray Whitney took a shot on goal in which Tim Thomas left the rebound out and Scotty Walker barely knocked it out of the air, and put it past Tim Thomas to give the game, series, and match to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Hats off to the Boston Bruins who may be a first seeded team, and may have lost, but definitely played a seven game series as hard as a team could play. They were beaten by the better team. Marc Savard, Tim Thomas, and Milan Lucic played about as good as three players could play in the playoffs. Hats off to those three.

The Penguins and Hurricanes faced off four times in the regular season, in which the Penguins won two games, and the Hurricanes won two games. But in all honesty, these stats don't matter anyway.

The sports experts picked New Jersey to beat the Hurricanes. The sports experts picked Boston to beat the Hurricanes. Without a doubt, the sports experts will pick Pittsburgh to beat the Hurricanes.

They aren't called the Cardiac Canes for nothing. It's hard to bet against a team that has nothing to lose.

Carolina-Boston: Are the Hurricanes Classless After Game Five?

Sterling Eby — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:34:37 -0400

I go into forum, after forum, after forum, and all I can find about Game Five is about how classless the Carolina Hurricanes team is. Here are a few comments I have found"

"Goodnight 'Canes fans. Your team is a bunch of classless punks who can't take a beat down. F them. See you in Game Six."

"Much like everyone else on this board, there goes all my respect for the Carolina Hurricanes, Scott Walker, and Maurice. What a pathetic way to try and catch an edge. Go Bruins!"

This season Carolina was 29th in the NHL in penalty minutes. A team that rarely even fights. But last night they needed to fuel some fire going home for Game Six. A game in which Boston was throwing the Carolina Hurricanes around at every corner, Carolina woke up in the third period and played hockey.

However, they played Broad Street Bully hockey.

It started actually in the end of the third period when Jussi Jokinen put a love tap to the ankle/leg of Zdeno Chara with his stick. Chara fell to the ice like a sack of potatoes.

Just logically, after watching this game. Eric Staal was thrown around by Zdeno all day. Zdeno manhandled the whole Canes team by himself. Yet little 5'11", 180 Jussi Jokinen gives Zdeno a slash and knocks him down.

When watching this game, I immediately thought it was diving. I still think it was embellishment, and I even think so after the referees obviously talked to Jussi about it, and no penalties after the "injury."

The Hurricanes and Bruins racked up 21 penalties and 67 minutes in the final period in Game Four.

Now moving forward and talking about Scott Walker.

Was it a sucker punch to Aaron Ward? No. A sucker punch you don't see coming. When you see Scott Walker's gloves go flying, shouldn't you expect fists to start flying as well?

Was it a cheap shot to Aaron Ward? Yes. It was a cheap shot, and anybody can agree on that, but Aaron Ward had it coming. He played physically the whole game, and when the Hurricanes are down 4-0, you have a target on your back. Not to mention you are sitting there grabbing and shoving Matt Cullen. He was in the eye sight of Scott Walker, and Walker took exception to it.

Scott Walker did get lucky, and avoided suspension in which many Bruins fans are "thrilled" about because Scott Walker will get "punished" now. In which I say good for the Bruins.

Carolina wasn't the NHL's second most disciplined team this year for nothing. The more the Bruins push Scott Walker, the more penalties they will assess, and lead to the Hurricanes going on the power play.

Seriously, if Boston even thinks about retaliating in this game, I don't expect the series to go to seven games. Boston needs to think smart and hard about the Scott Walker situation before they jump all over him in Game Six.

Canes-Bruins: Hurricane Warning Still in Effect

Sterling Eby — Sat, 09 May 2009 00:36:28 -0400

In case you haven't been watching television in the past three months, there is a hurricane warning in effect for Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes are storming right now and the Boston Bruins are the latest victim.

Game Four was all Jussi Jokinen again, as the Juice was loose with the game-winning goal, and two more assists.

Eric Staal scored on the power-play to get the scoring started in Game Four five minutes into the game.

The first 10 minutes of this hockey game was full of hits and shots, and the Caniacs were as loud as ever. In my honest opinion, it was one of the loudest crowds in the NHL this season at least. The crowd was in it through the whole game.

Early in the second, Marc Savard showed us how savvy he could be scoring on the power-play.

However, another costly penalty by Bruins captain Zdeno Chara put the Hurricanes on the power-play. Without the best defenseman on the team, Chara, the Bruins could not kill the penalty and Jussi Jokinen put one in on Thomas to make it a 2-1 game.

Halfway through the third, the game was all Hurricanes as the "Finnish Line" of Sergei Samsonov, Tuomo Ruutu, and Jussi Jokinen hooked up for the second straight night to put the Canes on the board 3-1. (I won't even go into detail about how Samsonov is Russian and he plays on the Finnish Line).

Eric Staal finished the game off late with a goal on the delayed penalty as he helped the Canes put the Bruins on the brink of elimination with the 4-1 victory Friday night.

The play that I believe may have fueled the entire game for the Canes was very early on the power-play in the first period. The Canes gave up a turnover, and Cam Ward made a dandy of a save on P.J. Axelsson on the breakaway. Shortly after, Staal scored the first goal, and the crowd came alive.

Eric Staal has now scored nine goals and three assists in the playoffs, and he also has 15 goals in his last 16 games.

In games Eric Staal has a goal in the playoffs, the Hurricanes are 7-0. In games he is pointless, the Hurricanes are 0-4. Playoff beards are growing strong in Raleigh.

Pittsburgh Penguins Fans: Proving a New Level of Fanaticism

Sterling Eby — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:00:57 -0400

Let's start this article off by saying there is a difference between a fan and a fanatic.

Fans are the group of people cheering for their team when it scores a touchdown or goal. Fans wear their team's colors through thick and thin.

What's a fanatic? A fanatic is the drunk guy that messes with Tie Domi and gets thrown in the penalty box to his own displeasure.

In sports, you can say there are a group of fanbases whose stadiums you already know you don't want to visit with the wrong colors. I would never want to go to Fenway Park wearing a New York Yankees hat. I would never go to a Phillies game wearing a Mets jersey. And now, I would never wear an Alexander Ovechkin shirt to Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.

A kid in Pennsylvania was arrested for threatening Ovechkin's life. First off, the kid was 17 years old. The threat he said in an Internet message board said:

"I'm killing Ovechkin. I'll go to jail. I don't care anymore."

When Johnny Damon jumped ship from Boston to the New York Yankees, even Damon didn't receive death threats. Brett Favre went from Green Bay to New York, and I'm even sure he didn't receive death threats.

It's dangerous enough with all the threats Ovechkin probably gets on the ice, not to mention he is getting threats while the other team has weapons in hand; however, a game is a game.

This article is picking fun at Penguins fans; don't take it too seriously...I don't wanna receive any death threats if my article hurt your feelings.

2009-2010 Carolina Panthers: My Expectations as of May

Sterling Eby — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:23:46 -0400

I know it's May, but football season is right around the corner. We just finished off the NFL Draft.

Now it's almost time for preseason football, and there are still too many unanswered questions in Charlotte for the Carolina Panthers.

The 2008-2009 Panthers were probably the best team in the history of the franchise, winning the NFC South for only the second time (the first was in 2003, when they faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl).

Last year, the Panthers were led on offense by their power running duo of DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart. Williams led in touchdowns, but Stewart showed Panther Nation a ton of potential.

But the Panthers hit rock bottom in 2009 in the divisional playoffs against the Cardinals. Arizona man-handled Carolina in a 33-13 stomping in Charlotte.

It is one thing to get stomped on the road, but when you're at home in the playoffs, it's a whole new chapter to a different story.

The 2009-2010 Carolina Panthers are the same exact story that you read in last year. The story, so far, is all about Julius Peppers.

The former first round pick by the Panthers wants to leave the Panthers. He was hit with the franchise tag, and so far has not cooperated with the team.

So with that being said, let us take a look at the Carolina Panthers defense for 2009-2010.

With no Peppers, our defensive line is dwindled down to Tyler Brayton, Charles Johnson, and Hilee Taylor. With Peppers last season, the Panthers were 20th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game.

I hate to say it, but without Peppers, I don't see the Panthers' defense improving.

In passing yards allowed, the Panthers were literally a middle-of-the-road team, ranked 16th in the NFL.

So let's do a little Peppers equation. No Peppers on the defensive line equals less pressure on the quarterback. Less pressure on the quarterback equals more time in the pocket to throw the ball.

If this was the AFC, the Panthers' issues probably wouldn't be as bad.

But when you're 2009-2010 schedule has you playing two games each against Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo, Kurt Warner, Tom Brady, Eli Manning, and possibly Brett Favre (if the Vikings rumors are true), not getting pressure on the quarterback can hurt your team.

Last season, the Panthers were ninth in the NFL in sacks with 37. Peppers had 14.5 of those. If you subtract Peppers' stats, the Panthers had 23.5 team sacks, making the team 29th in the NFL.

But lets be honest, half of the time other people on the Panthers had sacks, it was because Peppers was getting double-teamed.

Without Peppers, our defense is bowling shoe ugly.

Now, on with the Panthers offense.

Our offense was our strong point last season. We had a top five rusher with Williams, and a top five receiver with Steve Smith. However, that offense was no where to be found in the last game against the Cardinals in the playoffs.

Quarterback Jake Delhomme threw five interceptions in that game, afterwhich many Panthers fans were quick to fire insults at him.

Well, Carolina management fired back, giving him an extension until 2014. Needless to say, Delhomme is in charge of the Panthers' offense once again.

Delhomme's playoff interceptions came mostly as a result of the pressure on Smith. Smith and Muhsin Muhammad didn't get any help in the NFL draft, as the Panthers looked in a defensive direction.

The Panthers' offense was the staple of the team in 2008, and it should be again in 2009. But how far can the Panthers possibly go?

I think, as a Panthers fan, the highest you can possibly predict at this point is an NFC Wild Card position. We definitely have a team that can win seven games and steal two more.

The Panthers are the Cardiac Cats for a reason, and they can make the playoffs if they work as a team and not as a bunch of individuals.

However, if our defense doesn't play strong, we could easily finish last in what looks like the best division in football.

Canes-Bruins: Cardiac Canes Do It Again in Game Three

Sterling Eby — Wed, 06 May 2009 23:23:05 -0400

He is becoming a popular name in hockey, and he is becoming a popular name in Raleigh.

His name is Jussi Jokinen.

"The Juice" scored in sudden death against the Bruins to give the Hurricanes their second straight win against the Bruins and give the Hurricanes a 2-1 lead in the series.

Jokinen scored after a steal in sudden death, and the puck trickled in front of the net until Jokinen put it home on Thomas.

The Bruins took the early lead as Milan Lucic powered his way in front of the net and put one in on Cam Ward. Lucic has been a strong force for the Bruins in these playoffs, but he scored his first goal of the playoffs tonight to give the Bruins the 1-0 lead.

The Carolina crowd heated up in the second period, after an interference call by Michael Ryder led to many scoring chances on the delayed penalty. Ward was out of net for nearly a minute and the Canes had four scoring chances by Ray Whitney. With the crowd behind the Hurricanes, an Eric Staal steal led to an easy powerplay goal on Tim Thomas to tie the game at one.

A minute later, the Hurricanes crowd pumped up after the Staal goal roared some more, and a beautiful pass by Scott Walker one-timed by Sergei Samsonov led to Samsonov's first goal of the 2009 playoffs.

In the third period, former member of the 2005 Stanley Cup Carolina Hurricanes team, Mark Recchi scored his first goal of the postseason on Ward to tie the game at two.

As easy as it is to say this was a close game because it went to overtime, the Hurricanes controlled every aspect of the game. The Hurricanes out shot the Bruins, they were laying more hits, more steals, and the Hurricanes crowd was in it the full 62 minutes.

With the goal by Staal, it leads to my favorite Hurricanes stat of the postseason. In games where Staal has a goal in the postseason, the Hurricanes are now 6-0. In games where Staal doesn't have a goal, the Hurricanes are 0-4.

Jokinen has just been phenomenal in the postseason. He has more goals in the postseason then in the regular season.

His goals include a game-winning goal with 0.2 seconds on the clock against Martin Brodeur, a game tying goal in game seven against the Devils, and now a game-winning goal in sudden death of game three against the Bruins.

Jussi "the Juice" Jokinen may be getting a new nickname in Raleigh. Jussi has just been clutch this postseason.

MLB: Week Four Power Rankings

Sterling Eby — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:27:08 -0400

In a week polluted with more Alex Rodriguez steroid allegations (in which none of us on B/R really honestly care about), the baseball was pretty good.

Carl Crawford showed us why he was the second draft pick by the Rays in 1999.

Trivia question: Can anybody tell me who the Devil Rays picked up with the first pick in the 1999 draft.

If you answered Josh Hamilton, you are correct!

Here's this weeks power rankings:

1.) Toronto Blue Jays: (18-9) (Last week: 1)
2.) Los Angeles Dodgers (18-8) (Last week: 3)
3.) St. Louis Cardinals (17-8) (Last week: 2)
4.) Boston Red Sox (15-10) (Last week: 5)
5.) Seattle Mariners (15-10) (Last week: 6)
6.) Kansas City Royals (14-11) (Last week: 11)
7.) Florida Marlins (14-11) (Last week: 8)
8.) Detroit Tigers (13-11) (Last week: 7)
9.) Cincinnati Reds (13-11) (Last week: 13)
10.) Chicago Cubs (13-11) (Last week: 10)
11.) Chicago White Sox (12-12) (Last week: 9)
12.) Philadelphia Phillies (12-10) (Last week: 15)
13.) New York Yankees (13-11) (Last week: 16)
14.) Pittsburgh Pirates (12-12) (Last week: 4)
15.) Texas Rangers (12-12) (Last week: 21)
16.) San Francisco Giants (12-11) (Last week: 24)
17.) Milwaukee Brewers (13-12) (Last week: 25)
18.) Atlanta Braves (11-13) (Last week: 12)
19.) San Diego Padres (11-14) (Last week: 14)
20.) Minnesota Twins (12-13) (Last week: 22)
21.) New York Mets (10-13) (Last week: 18)
22.) Tampa Bay Rays (11-15) (Last week: 19)
23.) Houston Astros (11-14) (Last week: 26)
24.) Arizona Diamondbacks (11-14) (Last week: 27)
25.) Los Angeles Angels (10-13) (Last week: 20)
26.) Oakland Athletics (9-13) (Last week: 29)
27.) Colorado Rockies (9-14) (Last week: 28)
28.) Cleveland Indians (9-16) (Last week: 23)
29.) Baltimore Orioles (9-16) (Last week: 17)
30.) Washington Nationals (6-17) (Last week: 30)

Will Jaromir Jagr Return to the NHL...and Edmonton?

Sterling Eby — Sat, 02 May 2009 03:11:04 -0400

Jaromir Jagr is currently 13th in the NHL in career goals with 615 and ninth all-time in points with 1599.

Jagr was the biggest asset in the opening of the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia, when the former NHL star signed with Avangard Omsk in the KHL this past season. He signed a two-year deal worth roughly $10 million.

Jagr said in a recent interview at the World Championships: "If I ever go to (the NHL), they would be my No. 1 pick because they showed the interest first. I never forget that and I respect that. They would be my first pick."

That team being the Edmonton Oilers of course. On July 3, 2008, the day he signed with Avangard Omsk, he was quoted saying: "I want to thank all the teams that still believed in me and still made an offer," Jagr said. "Edmonton was probably the biggest offer I got. It was a great offer, to be honest with you."

Jagr will be going into his second year of his contract next season, and he is locked in for the full year. So the earliest Jagr could return would be the 2010-2011 season. By that time, Jagr will be a mere 38 years old.

I know all of you Oilers fans are hoping for a Jagr return this season. Count it out, because Jagr can't break the contract. However, don't expect Jagr to sign with a different team other than the Oilers.

The Oilers are the only team that offered Jaromir a lucrative contract to play hockey there after the Rangers released him. However, there is some good news behind Jagr.

He will after all play hockey in America in 2010. He said he will be in Vancouver in 2010 playing for his beloved Czech Republic in the Olympics.

Hurricanes-Bruins: Eastern Conference Semifinal Preview

Sterling Eby — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:12:38 -0400

These two teams in the Eastern Conference faced off on four separate occasions this season.

The Bruins won all four meetings by a combined score of 18-6.

But don't let those facts fool you. Since their last meeting, Carolina has been 21-8-2, and the Hurricanes have has been a refound team

Since that game, the unspoken leader of the Carolina Hurricanes has been assistant captain Eric Staal. Staal has had 21 goals and 19 assists (40 points in 30 games) since that last Boston game.

In this current playoff season, Carolina is 4-0 in games Staal scores a goal. In games he doesn't get on the scoreboard, Carolina is 0-3.

Staal has had a decent playoffs, and he isn't the whole team—but when Eric Staal gets hot, he stays hot. When he netted the series-clinching goal against New Jersey with 30 seconds left in the game, he showed the NHL Nation why he wears the "A" on his jersey.

The other unspoken leader on defense would be Cam Ward. No one has faced more shots in this playoffs then Mr. Ward, and he has simply played phenomenally. He faced over 28 shots in every single game in the playoffs, and even managed to snag a shutout against a team full of offense, All-Stars, and future Hall-of-Famers.

Now moving on to Boston. Boston is in the second round of the NHL Playoffs for the first time since 1998. With that said, they had smooth sailing in the first round, as they coasted through the Montreal Canadiens in four games.

In those four games, Montreal only shot over 30 shots in one game (31). Carolina was fifth in the NHL in the regular season in the shots taken category. If Carolina wants to win, they gotta put pucks on the net against Tim Thomas.

Boston has one of the bigger defenses in the NHL (including Zdeno Chara). Carolina needs shots from Anton Babchuk, Joe Corvo, and Tim Gleason to get on net to make Thomas make some saves.

Boston's biggest threat is thinking Carolina is easy pickings. I'm not making assumptions, but New Jersey might have been on that mental level, and now the Eastern Conference's third-seeded Devils are back home in New Jersey.

Boston needs to play their hard-hitting, high-percentage shooting style of hockey. Milan Lucic created all sorts of havoc against the Montreal Canadians, completely taking them off of their game. Expect Milan Lucic and Carolina's Tuomo Ruutu to lay some hits out in the series, however unlike the Canadians, don't expect either team to be scared.

My Pick

Anybody who has Boston sweeping the Carolina in four games is nuts. However, being a Carolina Hurricanes fan, I feel Boston has a great team. Boston showed us up at home twice this season, and kicked our butts twice more in Boston.

Any normal hockey fan would pick Boston in six games. However, as a Carolina fan, I'm making the official pick as Carolina in seven games.

Chris Burke: The Downfall

Sterling Eby — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:07:12 -0400

Chris Burke's career hit a new low on March 29.

On this day, Burke was acquired by the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations to take place at the non-roster invite camps.

How much were the cash considerations, you ask? Well, exactly $1.00.

Chris Burke was traded to the Seattle Mariners for a buck. That won't even buy you a baseball. It won't buy you a bat. It won't buy you a hat.

Well, today Chris Burke was given back to the Padres for cash considerations.

How much were the cash considerations, you ask? Well, $1.25.

Chris Burke was a talented kid in college at the University of Tennessee, where he led his team to the College World Series in 2001. That year, Burke's Volunteers beat Mark Prior's Southern California Trojans. They ended up finishing third, as they were eliminated by the 2001 College World Series Champs, the Miami Hurricanes.

Chris Burke made such an impact, he was named to the All-Tournament team as shortstop, and was eventually drafted by the Houston Astros with the 10th pick in the 2001 Major League Draft.

He made his Major League Baseball debut with the Astros in 2004. In 2005, he was rated the top prospect in the Houston Astros system. That year, he was part of their World Series team roster.

He was eventually traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008, and signed with the Padres in 2009.

I have always liked Chris Burke as a player. He is a good all-around, versatile player, who can play every position on the field. He is a career max .250 hitter, doesn't hit heavy, and is probably best batting seventh or eighth in the lineup.

But he always has had the potential to be a star. In 2005, he hit the game-winning home run in the 18th inning of game four during the National League Divisional Series against the Atlanta Braves off then-rookie Joey Devine, now an Oakland Athletics prodigy.

I wish Chris Burke all the best in his career, and I hope the rest of the baseball fan-nation is rooting him on for success!

Carolina-New Jersey: Cardiac Canes Do It In Seven

Sterling Eby — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:47:45 -0400

It took 58 minutes for the Canes offense to get going but with 1:20 left in the game Jussi "The Juice" Jokinen scored his third career playoff goal to give the Canes a 3-3 tie.

With 30 seconds left a great pass off of the boards by Chad LaRose gave Eric Staal a scoring chance and the game winning goal as the Carolina Hurricanes upset the New Jersey Devils 4-3, winning in game seven and making Carolina history as they delivered their first ever game seven victory on the road in Newark, New Jersey.

With their victory, the Carolina Hurricanes will now face the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

In what I believe was one of the most evenly matched playoff series of all time, the Hurricanes won the seventh game after the Devils and Hurricanes alternated wins and losses through the first six games.

Martin Brodeur and Cam Ward both were heroes for both teams, but tonight Martin Brodeur let in a few soft goals that he should have made saves on, including the opening goal by Tuomo Ruutu and the game-winning goal by Eric Staal.

Cam Ward is playing hockey like his rookie season when he won the Conn-Smythe trophy, and the Hurricanes have an unspoken hero who is playing for more than just himself.

His name is Jussi Jokinen (The Juice). On March 2nd, he left the Carolina Hurricanes and went to Finland for a week due to the death of his father. Before that time, he had 21 points for the Lightning and Hurricanes. In the past month of play including the playoffs he has two game winning goals and ten points for the Hurricanes.

Jussi was on the waiver wire once this season and eventually was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes where he made Raleigh his new home.

Welcome to the Hurricanes Jussi!

MLB: Week Three Power Rankings (April 28)

Sterling Eby — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:07:35 -0400

1.) Toronto (14-7)(Last Week: No.2)

They are the best in the American League so far this season. The pitching has been excellent. Roy Halladay already has four wins. Ricky Romero has been bit of a surprise only giving up four earned runs in three starts.

However he will be on the disabled list for the next two weeks. Plus their stud second baseman Aaron Hill has been lighting up the plate.

He is currently on an 11-game hitting streak, for all you fantasy nerds. If Aaron Hill is available in your league, you'd be nuts not to pick him up.

2.) St. Louis (14-6)(LW: No.4)

They won five of six this week, including a sweep of the New York Mets. The one player I'm highlighting on their team this week is Skip Schumaker. He bats in the top of the order for the Cardinals.

He isn't big in the stolen bases category, but he is consistently batting above .300. He is a great hitter, learning from one of the best, as his hitting coach is none other than Mark McGwire.

He doesn't get a lot of RBI's, doesn't hit many home runs. But when La Russa needed someone to fill the void at second base this season, Schumaker took over at second and even though he has made two errors so far, he is replacing Adam Kennedy well. Kudos to Schumaker.

3.) Los Angeles Dodgers (13-7)(LW: No.1)

This week the Dodgers had some games against the struggling Houston Astros and couldn't get the wins. Chad Billingsley is still pitching lights out, and up to four wins (still my early favorite for the National League Cy Young Award).

Clayton Kershaw however has been a bust so far this season. Currently 0-2, with a 7.29 E.RA. He lasted four innings against the Rockies on Sunday giving up nine, and gave up six runs in four innings on Tuesday.

Not the sharpest effort, however lets think positive. The Dodgers are the best in the National League Not-so-Best.

Jonathan Broxton is 6-for-6 in save attempts to start the season. And Manny Ramirez has been, well, Manny Ramirez. Things are looking good in Los Angeles (at least for the Dodgers)

4.) Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8)(LW: No.12)

I wanna keep this one on the down low. This team is for real. They have been building up talent for the past four seasons, and the talent is finally showing. They have my second favorite set of young arms in the Major Leagues (I like the Marlins' arms first).

They yield the league's best Earned Run Average, the only team giving up less than three runs per game, doing so with the leagues least amount of strikeouts. They aren't the biggest "power" team, but have a "whatever it takes" philosophy about them.

They are in the top ten in stolen bases, and in the top ten in sacrifice bunts. Let's think on this, young arms, young talent, and doing whatever it takes. I don't wanna hop the train early, but didn't the last team that had this kind of team go to the World Series?

5.) Boston Red Sox (13-6)(LW: No.13)

They have won 10 games in a row. That's always the best way to shut up the critics. When their bullpen needed to step up Saturday for Josh Beckett, Delcarmen, Okajima, Ramirez, and Papelbon answered the call, only giving up one run to the Yankees in three innings of work.

They had to work with rain on an early game Monday, rain Tuesday, a double-header Wednesday, and the Yankees on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They swept the Yankees, and won all five games.

I hate to say it for the Blue Jays, but the Jays got a lot of work to do if the Red Sox keep playing like this.

6.) Seattle Mariners (12-7)(LW:No.9)

The Mariners are playing good baseball as of now. They are in the American League West, and are the only team above .500 in the American League West.

To win this division they got to win their in division games. This weekend they won two out of three against the Angels.

That is exactly what the Mariners need to do to win the division. The only disappointment for the M's so far is the lackluster bat of Ken Griffey.

In 15 games, he has three RBI and a batting average of .192. As much as they might not want to do it, the Mariners must let Mike Sweeney get some at bats at Designated Hitter.

Sweeney is a career .300 hitter, and is always a power threat. He doesn't need to play the field in Seattle, so the injuries he seemed to always have in Kansas City should be gone. Get Sweeney some at bats.

7.) Detroit Tigers (11-8)(LW:No.8)

The Tigers are the front runners in the American League Central at the moment. For the Tigers I am gonna highlight a player I've grown to like since last season. His name is Brandon Inge.

Last season, Miguel Cabrera came in and took Brandon Inge's starting position at third base. He started the season in center field. He would then become catcher, and played anywhere else where needed.

However, 2009 a new season, Brandon Inge opens the season as the starting third baseman for the Tigers, and starts of red hot, batting .323, with seven home runs and 17 RBI.

8.) Florida Marlins (11-8)(LW:No.3)

I said it last week, and it came true. The Marlins met some decent competition in the National League this week, and they did not do so well. They lost every game they had this week.

The Marlins were swept by the World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies with ease. They were swept by the Pirates as well.

The Marlins may have done well against the Nationals early, but it looks like we might have to further examine this Marlins team before we give them an early case of "Favorite Fever."

9.) Chicago White Sox (9-9)(LW:No.6)

The White Sox have some rotation problems that they need to get situated. Their top three starters of Mark Buehrle, John Danks, and Gavin Floyd are pitching pretty decently.

But there are some woes with Jose Contreras and Bartolo Colon. Look for the White Sox to attempt to get a fifth starter in the rotation. D.J. Carrasco or Kyle McCulloch are two names that could be getting some spot starts for the White Sox.

10.) Chicago Cubs (9-9)(LW:No.7)

The Cubs had nice pitching efforts from Harden and Lilly this week, but the bats were dead this week. The Cubs scored 13 runs in five innings until they finally woke up and scored ten against the Cardinals Sunday.

The injury bug is hurting the Cubs at the very least and it shows. Milton Bradley, Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee out of the Cubs lineup is losing the Cubs some serious runs. The starting pitching is doing great, but the bullpen is struggling.

The Cubs are converting only 50 percent of their save opportunities. They could easily be 12-6 instead of 9-9. The Cubs need to get their bullpen problem solved or this division will slip away from them.

POSITIVE and NEGATIVES ON THE NEXT FOURTEEN

11.) Kansas City Royals (10-9)(LW:No.10)

Positive: Zack Greinke the early front runner for the American League Cy Young Award.

Negative: Without Greinke, the Royals would be 6-9.

12.) Atlanta Braves (9-10)(LW:No.14)

Positive: They took two of the three games against the Reds last week.

Negative: They lost two of the three games against the Nationals.

13.) Cincinnati Reds (10-9)(LW:No.20)

Positive: Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. Joey Votto is batting .371 with 19 RBI while Jay Bruce has five home runs so far for the Reds.

Negative: They have the league's 27th-ranked batting average of .233

14.) San Diego Padres (10-9)(LW: No.4)

Positive: Adrian Gonzalez is off to a great start. He was a Gold Glove Winner last year, and this year he leads pretty much every First Baseman in every offense category that matters, hitting .323 with seven home runs and 15 RBI's.

Negative: After Heath Bell their bullpen is a little on the sloppy side. The Padres are among the leagues lowest in Innings Per Start with an average of 5.5 innings per start. After that they have converted 7-of-11 save opportunities. Heath Bell, he's 7-for-7. The rest of the Padres, 0-for-4.

15.) Philadelphia Phillies (10-8)(LW:No.24)

Positive: The quickest rising team on the list. A very slow start, but they are on pace to be in the top ten by next week, with their fourth straight win. By the end of the week could be in first in the National League East.

Negative: Last Year's World Series MVP Cole Hamels is fighting the injury bug. 13 innings of work and he is 0-2 so far. If healthy he will face the Nationals this week though. A very favorable matchup.

16.) New York Yankees (9-10)(LW:No.21)

Positive: Nick Swisher has been a real team role model. He has offered to pitch. He is hitting .286, with 13 RBI's and four home runs so far this season.

Negative: Currently hold the league's worst Earned Run Average (6.26), and they were just swept by the Red Sox. The injuries are piling up, and there is a laundry list of problems in New York. They will figure it out though. They always do.

17.) Baltimore Orioles (9-11)(LW:No.18)

Positive: Nick Markakis is batting .389 with 21 RBI.

Negative: Struggling in the pitching category.

18.) New York Mets (9-10)(Lw:No.11)

Positive: Johan Santana, and Carlos Beltran are playing lights-out baseball.

Negative: Francisco Rodriguez has only had four save opportunities thus far for the Mets in 19 games. Last season he made 62 saves, this season he is on pace for 35 saves. I know it's early, but math is power.

19.) Tampa Bay Rays (8-12)(LW:No.16)

Positive: Evan Longoria.

Negative: They are 2-5 at home, and once again at the bottom of the American League East.

20.) Los Angeles Angels (7-11)(LW:No.17)

Positive: Torii Hunter still playing hard, with seven home runs, and batting .338.

Negative: Playing in the easiest division, the Angels are 3-6.

21.) Texas Rangers (9-10)(LW:No.15)

Positive: Playing just under .500 baseball, and haven't even played Oakland, Seattle, or the Angels yet.

Negative: Josh Hamilton still struggling, and now he is battling an injured rib cage.

22.) Minnesota Twins (9-11)(LW:No.19)

Positive:Kevin Slowey, 3-0 in four starts. The leader of the Twins Rotation.

Negative: The rest of the Twins, 6-11.

23.) Cleveland Indians (7-13)(LW:No.22)

Positive: Since getting called up from the Minors, pitcher Aaron Laffey is 2-0 with a 2.41 ERA, the lowest of the Indians Rotation.

Negative: In the top five in these pitching categories: On Base Percentage, home runs allowed, Earned Run Average, Runs Allowed, Walks, and worst of all, Losses.

24.) San Francisco Giants (9-9)(LW:No.27)

Positive: Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum, one of the best duo of young pitchers in the Majors.

Negative: Hard to judge with Giants team you are gonna get every day. The pitching is almost always decent, but the hitting is either on, or not.

They have talent to hit, but nothing to show for it. They are in the last in the majors in Runs Scored. They need to start hitting the ball, to show off their excellent pitching.

THE FINAL SIX:

25.) Milwaukee Brewers (9-10)(LW:No.28)
26.) Houston Astros (8-12)(LW:No.29)
27.) Arizona Diamondbacks (8-11)(LW:No.26)
28.) Colorado Rockies (7-11)(LW:No.23)
29.) Oakland Athletics (7-10)(LW:No.25)
30.) Washington Nationals (4-14)(LW:No.30) (on pace to finish 41-141) <--- I'm keeping track!

Martin Brodeur: Time To Put Up or Shut up

Sterling Eby — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:46:22 -0400

Tuesday night, we saw the Devils lose with 0.2 seconds on the clock. During that time, Dennis Seidenberg took a shot that deflected off of Jussi Jokinen's skate. Martin Brodeur didn't take too kindly to a little bump Jussi Jokinen gave him. You can view the video at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmMqotFGoI0

Of the incident, Martin Brodeur had this to say:

"'I had time to reset myself.' That's always the same answer. It doesn't matter which referee," Brodeur said. "It's the easy way out for them to say that. It's hard. You want to play your game. You want to do what's right and be in the best position you can.

"With these guys [Carolina], they go to the net. They play hard," he added. "I am not complaining about how Carolina is playing. They don't take liberty. They're pretty fair about it. They got to the net. The referee has to do their job. Today was pretty awful."

Martin Brodeur was complaining about Jussi Jokinen's bump, and he believes that the call should have been Goalie Interference.

In the NHL Rulebook under Rule 69 of Goalie Interference, it says (and I quote): "A goalkeeper is not “fair game” just because he is outside the goal crease. The appropriate penalty should be assessed in every case where an attacking player makes unnecessary contact with the goalkeeper. However, incidental contact will be permitted when the goalkeeper is in the act of playing the puck outside his goal crease provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such unnecessary contact."

Martin Brodeur was at least two feet in front of the goal crease at the time of the incident, while Jussi Jokinen was not making any unnecessary efforts to interfere with Brodeur. Jussi, in fact, didn't even see Brodeur as his eyes were looking forward the whole time, looking at the puck.

This incident is similar to last year's incident where Sean Avery screened Brodeur differently than no other. At the time of the incident, I believe it was pure genius of Avery, as many will argue that it was stupid and exhibited unsportsmanlike conduct, but I say if it hasn't been done before, why not try it, and it worked. Martin Brodeur was very critical of the officiating of that game, and of Sean Avery. When the Devils lost the series, he refused to shake his hand, even though Avery did the move following every rule in the book at the time.

Martin Brodeur may be a four-time Vezina Trophy Winner, ten-time all-star, and a three-time Stanley Cup Winner, but there comes a time where you have to shut up and play, and that time comes tonight when the Carolina Hurricanes are in New Jersey and face the Devils.

MLB Week Two Power Rankings

Sterling Eby — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:23:01 -0400

All rankings are as of Apr. 20.

1.) Los Angeles Dodgers (10-3) (Last week: No. 8) — The Dodgers had a perfect week: Good hitting mixed with good pitching. In their last seven games, they have given up 18 runs, while scoring 53.

Chad Billingsley is an early front-runner for the NL Cy Young, while the “O-Dog” Orlando Hudson may be going for a batting title.

2.) Toronto Blue Jays (10-4)(LW: No. 9) — The Blue Jays have been hitting the ball and pitching well. This is something nobody could have predicted. Roy Halladay has stepped up without A.J. Burnett, and the Blue Jays bats have as well.

Adam Lind is showing a lot of potential with his bat, as well as Aaron Hill, who's bat has been very lively, unlike last season. The Blue Jays lead the American League East.

3.) Florida Marlins (11-1) (No. 3) — As easy as it is to give Florida the No. 1 or No. 2 spot because of their record, six of their wins come from sweeping the Nationals twice. That’s not to degrade this Marlins team, whose bats have been blazing to start the season.

Florida has the best rotation in the National League, even though you may not even know their names. They’ve also won seven games in a row.

4.) St. Louis Cardinals (8-5)(No. 2) — Putting the Cardinals at No. 4 may be a no-no to some. But with Adam Wainwright, and Kyle Lohse pitching well, and the bats of Ryan Ludwick, Chris Duncan, Yadier Molina, and Albert Pujols hitting well, they should be OK.

However, I’m pretty sure the Cardinals want Chris Carpenter back in the rotation as soon as possible.

5.) San Diego Padres (9-4) (No. 4) — The Padres had another fantastic week in baseball. Heath Bell is the team’s best player right now. The fact that the Padres let Bell get a day off Sunday may have cost them a victory against the Phillies.

With the Dodgers playing as well as they are, the Padres are sticking right beside them. Two teams in the NL West are actually playing above .500. Amazing.

6.) Chicago White Sox (7-5) (No. 14) — The White Sox had an outstanding week, winning five out of seven. They are in a dogfight in the AL Central, with four teams above .500.

The team’s hitting and pitching has been OK after twelve games. The White Sox are going have to maintain both to win this division. The question is, can they?

7.) Chicago Cubs (7-4) (No. 6) — The Cubs won three of five games this week. My only problem with the Cubs is the lack of relief pitching. They’ve got relievers, but who is going to step up and take control of the closer role in the bullpen?

8.) Detroit Tigers (7-5)(No. 7) — A team I called inconsistent last week. I still can't hop on the bandwagon. They are playing decent stickball at home, but on the road they aren't the same team.

They do have some decent pitching right now, and without Jeremy Bonderman or Dontrelle Willis, that’s not too shabby.

9.) Seattle Mariners (8-5) (No. 5) — Easily one of the most underrated teams in baseball right now. They are hitting the ball extremely well, especially contributors such as Ken Griffey.

Ichiro’s return to the Mariners lineup helps. Sweeping the AL West rival Los Angeles helps even more.

10.) Kansas City Royals (7-5)(No. 25) — OK putting them at No. 25 last week may have been a mistake. But after watching Zack Greinke pitch this week, I think we have extremely underrated this Kansas City team.

Their pitching is amazing, and one of the hitters that fantasy players don't know about—Mike Jacobs—is on fire right now. The Royals are tied for first in the mumbled and jumbled AL Central right now, and they have won five of their last seven.

11.) New York Mets (6-6)(No. 13) — The Mets are playing above .500, and Johan Santana has been excellent to start the season. New York is playing in the tough NL East, and needs to start playing better.

They may be No. 11 this week, but the Mets need to win the easy games, and start playing better in the tougher games to make the playoffs.

12.) Pittsburgh Pirates (6-6) (No. 17) — They had two straight shutouts against the Atlanta Braves to end the week, and they are above .500 right now.

The Pirates are in the same division as the Cubs and the Cardinals, who are always tough. This week, they’ve got the Marlins.

13.) Boston Red Sox (7-6) (No. 24) — OK putting the Sox at No. 24 last week was wrong of me as well (It was the first week; I’m allowed, right?) Well the Red Sox woke up this week and won five of their seven games.

The entire AL East seems to have woken up a little bit as well. With all five teams playing good baseball, September is starting to look a little bit better.

14.) Atlanta Braves (6-6) (No. 1) — I put the Braves No. 1 last week because they were amazing.

What the hell happened this week?

They lost five games, including two straight to the Pirates in which they didn't score. The bats were silent this week for Atlanta.

15.) Texas Rangers (5-7) (No. 15) — Good at home, not on the road. They lost four of six week. The bats showed up every other game in a very inconsistent effort by the Rangers.

Josh Hamilton is hitting .229 at the moment as well, with only one home run. Hopefully his bat will light up soon. At the very least, veteran Kevin Millwood is pitching well.

16.) Tampa Bay Rays (5-8) (No. 16) — The Rays bats have been hitting well. The pitching has been a little bit...well, not the same as last year’s World Series team.

Maybe they should think about calling up David Price. Hopefully Evan Longoria can keep his hitting up as well. If that happens, the Rays should be OK.

17.) Los Angeles Angels (4-8) (No. 12) — The Angels pitching staff is lost right now. They only have three true starters in the rotation, and without a starting rotation they’ve been getting beaten up.

Without Vladimir Guerrero in the lineup, the Angels are struggling in the simplistic AL West.

18.) Baltimore Orioles (6-7) (No. 10) — They have lost five in a row, including four losses to the Red Sox as they were swept on the road in Boston. The Orioles played so well last week; hopefully, they can get back on track.

19.) Minnesota Twins (7-7) (No. 23) — The Twins had an OK week of baseball. They started very poor, but won three straight as they swept the struggling Angels.

One positive note: Glen Perkins. He is playing very good baseball, and is the Twins’secret weapon as of now. However, without Joe Mauer, the Twins aren't a playoff team.

20.) Cincinnati Reds (6-5) (No. 20) — This week ,they won two out of three against the Brew-Crew and the Astros. It doesn't say much. But the Reds are above .500 right now.
This week they face the Cubs and the Braves. If they can win two out of three against both of them, the Reds will be on the top of the NL Central.

21.) New York Yankees (7-6) (No. 18) — Giving up 22 runs to the Indians at home is unacceptable. They lost by eight runs three times this week. In fact, their best pitcher of the week was Nick Swisher.

As easy as it is to make fun of the Yankees, CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Andy Pettitte are all pitching decent right now. They just need to get better depth in the bottom of the rotation.

Maybe they should put Joba Chamberlain back in the bullpen and let Phil Hughes get some action in the Bronx.

22.) Cleveland Indians (4-9) (No. 26) — They went 3-4 this week. However, they hit extremely well. Their pitching staff is struggling again this season.

23.) Colorado Rockies (4-7)(No. 11) — The Rockies lost four of five this week. The NL West has three potential last-place teams, but I refuse to believe it’s the Rockies.

Colorado has a bunch of young talent, and they can hit the ball well. However, they haven’t done so this week, and haven’t pitched well either.

24.) Philadelphia Phillies (5-6) (No. 22) — What else is there to say. They have a better team then last year, but they aren't playing good baseball.

We all know what to expect from this team. They just aren't playing smart.

25.) Oakland Athletics (5-7) (No. 28) — The Athletics are a team I personally like to watch. However, I believe they are just sporadic. They don't really have a starting lineup.

Hopefully, their young staff will start pitching well, because they could have one of the most underrated pitching rotations.

26.) Arizona Diamondbacks (4-8) (No. 19) — They only scored two runs this weekend. Two runs with one of the youngest teams in Major League Baseball. Not showing much talent as of lately.

27.) San Francisco Giants (4-8) (No. 21) — The Giants won the series against the Diamondbacks this weekend by winning two of the three games, by only scoring four runs in those three games. Tim Lincecum just amazes me.

He is a phenomenal pitcher, and the fact he lost the game Saturday after pitching such an amazing game just makes me angry. Lincecum is a talent.

28.) Milwaukee Brewers (4-8)(No. 27) — They went 2-4 for the second straight week. They aren't getting the big bang from J.J. Hardy and Ryan Braun.

29.) Houston Astros (4-8)(No. 23) — This team is just not good. Roy Oswalt is pitching mediocre — un-Oswalt like, even. And Miguel Tejada is hitting well, but only has one RBI to show for it. The Astros need to start playing some baseball.

30.) Washington Nationals (1-10) (No. 30) — This team is flat out embarrassing to watch. Adam Dunn is about the only positive note on this team.

They are so embarrassing the MLB doesn't even care about their merchandise. In case you missed it, this weekend the Nationals jerseys spelled out "Natinals."

Just embarrassing.

Life's Scapegoat Known as the WWE

Sterling Eby — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 02:23:34 -0400

**NOTE: Just a side disclaimer, I may get onto subjects that may lead you to base opinions on me, please leave your opinions of me to yourself, and just read the article as an article, and not a way to say "you're stupid" or "get a life"**

So, I ran across an article on the Internet the other day that just baffled me. If you haven't seen it, Google it. Apparently the word is, a nine-year-old boy in Brooklyn, New York jumped out of his 13-story apartment building with a parachute that he made. Of course, tragically the kid didn't make the landing.

Immediately, the mother of the child says that the 9-year-old was a WWE fan, especially of Jeff Hardy, and claims the kid "may have been imitating Jeff Hardy's Swanton Bomb."

People in the wrestling industry are quick to blame the parents of this tragedy. People in the regular world are quick to blame wrestling on the tragedy.

As stupid and pointless the arguing is, it made me glance at another subject I am to write about now. That subject is Backyard Wrestling.

Wrestling gets its worst rap out of everything because of the extreme stunts involved with Backyard Wrestling.

Backyard Wrestling can be very dangerous without the proper training, and with the videos from Combat Zone Wrestling, Juggalo Championship Wrestling and old school ECW makes kids want to do even stupider spots without practice or training.

Many professional wrestlers acknowledge the facts that they themselves used to backyard wrestle. CM Punk, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Tyler Black, and even the great Mick Foley all frown upon backyard wrestling even though they all acknowledge doing it in the past.

I don't get angry at them though. They are just protecting their image, and for good reason.

The reason I get so angry about it is because I myself am a Backyard Wrestler. The only difference is I am all against the "traditional" backyard wrestling style.

When I say "traditional" i mean I am against the "beat each other with weapons" montage videos. I love wrestling. I enjoyed the Dean Malenko-Rey Mysterio feuds from WCW. As much as I love a good high spot, I enjoy even more a good counter.

And needless to say, if you have a match that doesn't involve some sort of headlock takedown or even a snapmare, it's not really a wrestling match.

In my opinion, people that go in the backyard and beat each other senseless with chairs, fluorescent light tubes, glass, and other objects do not know the true art of wrestling. The whole point in professional wrestling is to tell a story.

When you sit and watch a backyard wrestling match that is nothing but gore and weapons, there is no story told.

All you have is reckless abandon, lack of general direction in the match, and most likely lots of blood. None of that honestly matters to the real wrestling fans.

My favorite part about backyard wrestling is practicing the spots, and/or coming up with cool spots.

You cannot tell a story without having a general direction in it. Whether it consists of rest holds, high pace, quick submissions, or direct ground wrestling, if there is a general direction that is a good place to start.

When I wrestle people my number one rule I have is to make sure all the moves are landed safely. That is exactly why we practice all of our moves and spots.

I know I am not trained, or the wrestlers I wrestle with aren't trained, but if my life depends on them, I make sure at the least, I am gonna be safe at the end of the day.

Which is where backyard wrestling gets its worst rap: the lack of safety, such as the kid who was literally lit on fire in a match.

Reasons like this are why I get mad about backyard wrestling. It not only makes me look stupid as a backyard wrestler, but it makes all of us wrestling fans look stupid.

When Eddie Guerrero tragically died, as wrestling fans, we all justified the situation nd tried to all blame the drug abuse and past steroid abuse. But to be honest, Eddie killed Eddie, and when Eddie died, he didn't help the view of steroids in wrestling.

When Chris Benoit's tragedy happened, as wrestling fans, we all attempted to justify the situation, and that's when it was just too hard to justify.

As wrestling fans we know that nobody forced a steroid needle down Eddie Guerrero or Chris Benoit. Nobody forced Eddie Guerrero to take any drugs at all. Nobody forced Chris Benoit to kill his family (that we know of).

As a wrestling fan, when I tell people I like wrestling, they are ignorant and all they can talk about is the steroids and drug use, which their ignorance makes me just feel pretty stupid.

I know this article is kind of sporadic, and is just kind of a revolving circle of opinions but thank you to all those that took the time to read it. I just get angry with the Wrestling Industry getting such a bad rap for things that honestly have nothing to do with wrestling.

I love watching all kinds of wrestling, and the fact that people frown doesn't hurt my feelings. I'm always gonna watch wrestling. I just hate the fact it gets the blame game thrown around. That is all!

Carolina Hurricanes: 2008-2009 Awards

Sterling Eby — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:31:03 -0400

The Carolina Hurricanes have had a great season. Finishing second in the Southeast Division for a second straight season. They finished in sixth in the Eastern Conference after being in eighth for most of the season. They broke out late and at one point was in fourth in the Eastern Conference before losing their last two games. Now. It's time to hand out are seasonal awards.

Best Forward: Eric Staal

Eric Staal has broken out as of late. In his last twenty games he has thirteen goals and sixteen assists (29 points) He is on a pace that would have him 53 goals and 65 assists (118 points). In those twenty games he has had two hat tricks, a plus-14 rating, and only six penalty minutes. He's currently second in the NHL in shots, fifth in goals, and eighth in powerplay goals. Eric Staal has shown his team leadership as of late!

Best Defenseman: Anton Babchuk

This one was a toss-up between Joe Corvo and Anton Babchuk, but one stat gives this one to Anton. Anton is plus-13 on the season while Joe Corvo is -1. Much like Eric Staal, Anton has been on fire late in the season. In Anton's last 22 games, he has 11 goals and 9 assists, a pace for 41 goals and 33 assists (74 points). In those 22 games, he is plus-12, seven powerplay goals, only four penalty minutes. A pace that would have him in the top of every single defenseman category (except Assists).

Breakout Star of the Year: Tuomo Ruutu

He's improved every single one of his stat categories, and broke out into a first line winger on the Canes line of Staal Cole and Ruutu. He ended the season third on the Canes in points, with 54, 26 goals and 28 assists and 10 power play goals. He also ended the season even for the first time in his career, the last time he had 40 or more points in a season was his rookie season, and he finished -31. Its nice to see that he has improved his defense a lot!

Team MVP: Cam Ward

Cam Ward once again has kept the Hurricanes into the playoff hunt. Just three seasons ago he was the Conn-Smythe winner for the Hurricanes in the playoffs as team MVP, and once again he is the Hurricanes team MVP. He is third in the league in wins, fifth in games played, six shutouts, and as of late, simply been on fire, only allowing two goals or more in two games in the last two months.

WWE Supplemental Draft Finished, Who's Going Where?

Sterling Eby — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:35:25 -0400

With the Draft Over this is how it is looking for each brand!

RAW ENDS UP GETTING

Bella Twins
Big Show
Chavo Guerrero
Festus
Hornswoggle
Diva's Champion Maryse
Matt Hardy
Mr. Kennedy
US Champ MVP
Unified Tag Team Champions Primo and Carlito Colon
The Brian Kendrick
The Miz
WWE Champion Triple H

RAW ENDS UP LOSING

Candice Michelle
Chris Jericho
Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk
Cryme Tyme
Dolph Ziggler
DH Smith
Kane
Layla
Womans Champion Melina
Mike Knox
IC Champ Rey Mysterio

SMACKDOWN ENDS UP GETTING

Alicia Fox
Candice Michelle
Charlie Haas
Chris Jericho
Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk
Cryme Tyme
Dolph Ziggler
John Morrison
Kane
Layla
Womans Champion Melina
Mike Knox
IC Champ Rey Mysterio
Ricky Ortiz

SMACKDOWN ENDS UP LOSING

Bella Twins
Big Show
Chavo Guerrero
Ezekiel Jackson
Festus
Hurricane Helms
Diva's Champion Maryse
Matt Hardy
Mr. Kennedy
US Champion MVP
Natalya
Unified Tag Team Champions Primo and Carlito Colon
The Brian Kendrick
WWE Champion Triple H
Vladimir Kozlov
Zack Ryder

ECW ENDS UP GETTING

DH Smith
Ezekiel Jackson
Hurricane Helms
Natalya
Vladimir Kozlov
Zack Ryder

ECW ENDS UP LOSING

Alicia Fox
Hornswoggle
John Morrison
Ricky Ortiz
The Miz

WHAT RAW GAINS

Raw gains Triple H, who is ultimately a prime time candidate along with John Cena. Triple H has main evented Wrestlemania after Wrestlemania and is in a major feud with John Cena at the moment.

The Big Show is always a threat for the Championship, and with names like Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, The Miz, The Brian Kendrick, along with Kofi Kingston and William Regal, it looks like the United States Champion may be weighing a little heavier on MVP's shoulders as of now.

The odd superstar out would be Festus, but this could be very interesting. Biscuits and Gravy is no more. So lets just say this, once the ring bell rings, Festus has no mediator in between him and his opponent. Meaning, nobody is holding Festus back anymore. This could be very good for Festus!

As for Chavo Guerrero. Chavo Guerrero on Raw is simple. He is there to push Vickie Guerrero's wheelchair around. That's obvious! However I wouldn't mind seeing a Chavo Guerrero/The Brian Kendrick matchup. Unlikely though!

WHAT RAW LOSES

Chris Jericho is money on the mic. In fact, without his promo skills he probably wouldn't be the WWE Slammy Award Winner for Superstar of the Year in 2008. Raw also loses credibility seeing as for the first time Money in the Bank is now on Smackdown (not counting Edge holding it for one day on Smackdown). Raw losing Kane to Smackdown may not be good for Raw, but Raw's loss, is Smackdown's Gain!

POTENTIAL MATCHUPS

John Cena vs Triple H Title vs Title (not likely)
Randy Orton vs Mr. Kennedy
Festus vs The Big Show
MVP vs Matt Hardy

SMACKDOWN GAINS

Smackdown gains matchup credibility. They gain Chris Jericho, Kane, Rey Mysterio, and CM Punk to the Main Event picture. Edge has many fresh faces to showdown with on his brand of Smackdown.

However, Edge truly has to carry the blue brand as of now. Smackdown does gain a few interesting things. Charlie Haas on Smackdown could lead to a potential tag team re-reunion, of the World's Greatest Tag Team.

With Kane on Smackdown we have a chance of seeing the Brothers of Destruction. Cryme Tyme is also on Smackdown, along with John Morrison. There may not be a big main event picture, but the title pictures will always be interesting.

Plus you can't forget the 7 foot Punjabi Playboy, The Great Khali, or the Charismatic Enigma, Jeff Hardy.

SMACKDOWN LOSES

A lot of credibility was lost on the Blue Brand in the draft. They lost their World Champion, who main evented this year's Wrestlemania for the Blue Brand representing Smackdown and defending the championship.

They lose good wrestling in the Colons. They lose potential in Mr. Kennedy, MVP, The Brian Kendrick, Hurricane Helms, and Matt Hardy. But Smackdown is looking on the upside. They got a young roster, and it could pull out potential matchups off the galore.

POTENTIAL MATCHUPS

Chris Jericho vs Edge
Rey Mysterio vs Shelton Benjamin
CM Punk vs Shelton Benjamin
Rey Mysterio vs Shelton Benjamin vs CM Punk
John Morrison vs R-Truth
Dolph Ziggler vs The Undertaker (Eh?!)

ECW GAINS

The only gain that ECW made this year was keeping Christian in the Land of Extreme. Christian and Finlay are the only main eventing faces on the roster in ECW. Vladimir Kozlov, Jack Swagger, and Mark Henry are the only threats those two have, minus each other.

However, Finlay is separated from Hornswoggle, so it may be just wrestling now. Which should be interesting. Evan Bourne has more opponents to challenge now, as Hurricane Helms will be joining him in the land of extreme, as well as Zack Ryder. Who may be able to show off his talents!

Another interesting gain for ECW is DH Smith, and Natalya. Natalya has been on ECW the past few months with her boyfriend Tyson Kidd. But it should be interesting to note, DH Smith hasn't been on television in months, but it could be a new stable in the WWE in the Land of Extreme by the name of New Hart Foundation. That should be very interesting.

ECW LOSES

ECW loses Miz and Morrison who carried a lot of the ratings by themselves. Whether you were a Miz-fit or a Mo-Fo, those two carried a lot of the ratings on ECW by themselves since Matt Hardy left to go to the Blue Brand.

Potential Matchups

Hurricane Helms vs Evan Bourne
Vladimir Kozlov vs Mark Henry
Finlay vs Ezekiel Jackson

Other Notes

Tag team wrestling in the WWE seems to be near the end, by the looks of it. Primo and Carlito are on Raw with only one other visible tag team, that being Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase. Smackdown has Cryme Tyme, but I don't see them feuding with the Colons. Now Jesse and Festus are separated.

Which I think could be good for both of them. Jesse is a very talented kid who can wrestle his butt off. Son of Terry Gordy from the Freebirds he's always a secondary threat to join a certain Legacy, but who am I to start rumors!

Another tag team group separated by the draft is Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins. Both of these guys have loads of potential and the WWE wouldn't have given them the Tag Team titles if they didn't see that in the first place. However, if this is a move to release one of these wrestlers, its gonna hurt both of them.

Ezekiel Jackson is separated from The Brian Kendrick. I don't know how to look at this. With The Brian Kendrick's gimmick, I think he is gonna be very scared without his enforcer, the Big Zeke! With the correct push, Ezekiel Jackson could soon become a threat in the WWE such as Mike Knox was given just by his work with Finlay!

MLB Week One Power Rankings (For April 13th)

Sterling Eby — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:01:11 -0400

In what will be a memorable week of baseball for every baseball fan, here is this week's power rankings.

1.) Atlanta Braves (5-1)—They won on opening day and nearly swept the World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Their only loss was by one run. They start off the season at No. 1.

2.) St. Louis Cardinals (5-2)—They got big things from Albert Pujols over the weekend, and Lohse, Carpenter, and Wainwright are stellar after the first week.

3.) Florida Marlins (5-1)—They swept the Nationals, and came close to sweeping the Mets. However, they have a lot of work to do in a hectic NL East to keep this spot.

4.) San Diego Padres (5-2)—They split four games with the Dodgers, but then showed superiority by sweeping the Giants. They have won four games in a row.

5.) Seattle Mariners (5-2)—Whoa. The team that was everybody's No. 30 last year starts at No. 5 this year. And this has been without their star player, Ichiro.

6.) Chicago Cubs (4-2)—They won both season series of the season by winning two out of three against the "Brew Crew" and the Astros.

7.) Detroit Tigers (4-3)—They are a very inconsistent seventh. This team has been off and on. They have scored runs, but then their pitching has blundered. Still a long way to go for the Tigers.

8.) Los Angeles Dodgers (4-3)—Started the season by only giving up 14 runs in five games.

9.) Toronto Blue Jays (5-2)—Anytime you lead the AL East, you are definitely doing something correct. As of now, the Blue Jays are the front runners in the AL East. Wow.

10.) Baltimore Orioles (4-2)—Anytime you are second in the AL East. That means you are doing something correct. As of now, the Orioles are second in the AL East. Wow. Did I mention it's just the second week in the season?

THE REST

11.) Colorado Rockies (3-3)
12.) Los Angeles Angels (3-3)
13.) New York Mets (3-3)
14.) Chicago White Sox (3-3)
15.) Texas Rangers (3-3)
16.) Tampa Bay Rays (3-3)
17.) Pittsburgh Pirates (3-3)
18.) New York Yankees (3-3)
19.) Arizona Diamondbacks (2-4)
20.) Cincinnati Reds (2-3)
21.) San Francisco Giants (2-4)
22.) Philadelphia Phillies (3-3)
23.) Minnesota Twins (3-4)
24.) Boston Red Sox (2-4)
25.) Kansas City Royals (3-3)
26.) Cleveland Indians (1-5)
27.) Milwaukee Brewers (2-4)
28.) Oakland Athletics (2-4)
29.) Houston Astros (1-5)
30.) Washington Nationals (0-6)

NHL Eastern Conference: Who's Going To the Second Round?

Sterling Eby — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 03:16:56 -0400

The Eastern Conference has only posted three championship teams since 2000, but this could be the year for the Eastern Conference. Lets take a look at the matchups!

No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens (Boston won season series 5-0-1)

A little fact for you hockey fans: The most frequent playoff matchup in the history of the NHL is Boston vs. Montreal. These two teams have faced off 31 times in the history of the NHL. Montreal has won 24 of the 31 playoff matchups against Boston. However, Boston is the top seeded team in the Eastern Conference.

This season the Bruins were on fire against Carey Price. Montreal goaltending averaged just under four goals a game against Boston, however they could only muster out two goals a game against Boston.

Also, Boston has won eight of their last 10 games, while Montreal has lost four games in a row. There are two x-factors that could make a play in who wins the series. Montreal will ride with very high momentum at their home games. It is Montreal's 100th season in the NHL, and the Bell Centre will be rocking hard in Montreal. Carey Price is the second x-factor. Can he show us why exactly he was voted to the NHL All-Star game this year, or will he show us why Boston is the top ranked team in the Eastern Conference?

My Prediction: Boston in Five

No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 7 New York Rangers (Capitals won season series 3-0-1)

This will be a match up of offensive fire power. Henrik Lundqvist is easily the best player on the New York Rangers. He has struggled against the Capitals all season as the Rangers offense struggled against them as well. Other then the New York Islanders, nobody has scored less goals in the Eastern Conference than the New York Rangers, and other then the Boston Bruins, nobody has scored more goals in the Eastern Conference than the Washington Capitals.

Jose Theodore didn't play lights out this season, but he plays with an offense that can help him out a lot. If the Rangers want to win, they need to score goals, and Lundqvist needs to play perfect. Literally. Sadly, I don't see that happening for the Rangers.

My Prediction: Washington in Four

No. 3 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes (Carolina won season series 3-1)

In what may be the most intriguing matchup of the first round, the New Jersey Devils will face the Carolina Hurricanes. This is the only matchup in the first round of the playoffs where the underdog has had a better season series record.

Cam Ward and Martin Brodeur have faced off once during the regular season. In that game, the 'Canes won 2-1 as Martin Brodeur made 46 saves, and Ward made 31 saves to edge the Hurricanes over the Devils. The Hurricanes have been lighting up goalies since March however, averaging just under four goals per game.

The leader of the Hurricanes in March was Eric Staal. Staal has 29 points in his last 20 games including two hat tricks since March. Carolina has been on fire since March going 13-3-2, while New Jersey teetered from second place to third by going 11-8-1. This series should go down to the wire.

My Prediction: Carolina in Seven.

No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers (Pittsburgh won season series 4-2, Philadelphia went 2-2-2)

At one point before the All-Star break, Pittsburgh was looking embarrassing. They didn't even look like a playoff team. In fact, they were 11th in the Eastern Conference at one point. Change of coach, change of players, and change of attitude came soon, as the team took two steps forward and sprinted full speed towards the finish. Pittsburgh's duo of Malkin and Crosby are arguably the best in the league. However, Philadelphia's tandem of Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne have put up more goals.

Marc-Andre Fleury has been considered inconsistent to many, but facts are facts, and he is the same goalie that led this Pittsburgh Penguins team to the Stanley Cup finals last season. However this is the not the same team as last year's. This year's team has better offense then last year's team. However the defensive side of the puck has slid a little bit as well.

Hands down, if the Penguins want to repeat, they got to play some defense and they need to play smart hockey. Jeff Carter is money on the power play, as the Flyers power-play percentage was at 22.5%. The Flyers still have that Broad Street Bully in them as they were second in the NHL in penalty minutes.

The Penguins have got to make something of their power-play which was not been much of year, as they were 20th in the league. The Penguins have got to play smart hockey to beat the Flyers.

My Prediction: Pittsburgh in Six

Second Round Predictions:

No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes

No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins

Wrestlemania's Weakness in 2009: Part Two

Sterling Eby — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:38:08 -0400

Back on February 20, I wrote an article entitled Wrestlemania's Weakness in 2009. (Found here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/127341-wrestlemanias-weakness-in-2009)

In that article, I made such claims as: "For the past five years Money in the Bank has showcased some of the coolest, roughest, and craziest spots in wrestling in the past five years. My only problem with it is, I personally believe, that it is getting stale."

I also said: "Every year, Money in the Bank is pretty much a glorified WWE Mid-Carders heaven, all the talented Mid-carders finally get a chance to show their honest talents. Which is the major reason it always steals the show. But with the lack of WWE star power in the match always makes the match pretty predictable on who will win the match."

Everybody threw around ideas with what I said, and it made for interesting conversation, but I wanted to follow up on that article.

First off, this year's opening contest has been the worst opening contest at Wrestlemania in the past ten years. The match had lackluster enthusiasm. It was sloppy at times, and it even seemed the wrestlers had intentions of not even wanting to steal the show.

Everybody knew what to expect from Mark Henry and Kane. They were gonna be the spot catchers. Having the spots given to them, and I will say, like it or love it, they did about as much as they could do in the match. However, I, as well as probably every wrestling fan, was highly disappointed when Mark Henry climbed to the top ropes and was denied the chance for doing a splash on everyone. I personally think that that could have been the coolest thing in the match; however, the WWE opted to have a leprechaun jump off of his back instead.

Shelton Benjamin's senton splash off the ladder was cool indeed, but it served no purpose. It was totally set up in a spot-monkey format, making it lame, and not as cool as it could have been.

Kofi Kingston did not do a single thing in the match that wowed me. He vertical-ed over a ladder clothesline, but that is all Kofi has proven to me in the past year. He can kick, and he can leap.

For everyone who is complaining that CM Punk didn't deserve to win money in the bank two years in a row, I say "why not?" Since last year's draft, CM Punk carried the brand. He had some of the most entertaining matches on Raw in the past year, and even had some of the most decent feuds.

Everybody else was expecting Christian to win. It doesn't matter if Christian wins Money in the Bank or not, he is already a legit contender for the title. Christian doesn't need a briefcase to prove that. One day, CM Punk will be able to hold a title on his own, but for now, he needs a boost.

Here are my last comments on Money in the Bank. This year's Money in the Bank ladder match was still better than half of the ladder matches that we have probably ever seen. But I speak for everyone when I say, Money in the Bank 2009 did not meet anybody's standards this year.

Denver or Chicago: Which Side Do You Take?

Sterling Eby — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 03:38:53 -0400

There have been millions upon millions of Jay Cutler articles on the Interweb. But this one is a little bit different.

Jay Cutler, either way you look at it, is an excellent quarterback. Proof of it shows as he has put up sensational stats in the past few seasons, visited Hawaii, and well compared himself to John Elway. As you can see, Jay Cutler isn't your average quarterback. He in fact may be one of the best in the league.

Jay Cutler threw for 4,500 yards last season. That's a hefty number only seen eight times since 2000. Jay Cutler was the youngest to achieve that mark at the age of 25.

So in March, rumors swirled early that Josh McDaniels wanted to trade their star quarterback for Matt Cassel in a three-way-trade.

When the trade hit the toilet, Jay Cutler ends up feeling bad for himself. He is the star of a Broncos team, lead by a new guy who already wants to get rid of him for his guy. Either way you look at it, that is not the way to start a new job.

You don't go to your brand new job, shine up your desk, and tell the guy who has been in town for three years sitting next to you in your office, "Hey, I'm thinking about getting rid of you even though I personally haven't seen what you can do yet."

Not to add on the part "Yeah, I think I'm gonna do with this guy where I'm from, I personally like him, and I know he is good."

Love or Hate Jay Cutler, he didn't take this news very well, and to be honest, business move or not, Josh McDaniels ruined the situation. After all was said and done and his homeboy Matt Cassel ended up in Kansas City, only then was it he went public on national television saying, "Jay Cutler is my quarterback."

Pretty much to Jay saying, "Yeah, my boy got a new job, so I guess you can stay here for now."

No, I don't side on how Jay acted. But, I definitely don't side on how Josh McDaniels acted. Since becoming a Denver Bronco he has taken a team a few steps down to accidentally dropping them down the stairs.

Every story has two sides to it. Side two of this story, Chicago.

Chicago has gone through every quarterback in the books since 1997. It's kind of like a game.

Let's name them: Erik Kramer, Rick Mirer, Steve Stenstrom, Moses Moreno, Shane Matthews, Cade McNown, Jim Miller, Chris Chandler, Henry Burris, Kordell Stewart, Chad Hutchinson, Jonathan Quinn, Craig Krenzel, Brian Griese, Rex Grossman, and Kyle Orton.

To sum it up, Chicago has put every single washed up quarterback, or quarterback that has never had full potential and let them be the star of the city.

I believe in a right act of justice, Chicago has finally gave up the rights to their 2009 and 2010 washed up players to Denver for the man who may lead their team to the Super Bowl, Jay Cutler.

Note I said may lead, and Super Bowl. That could mean, he could decide to not call his Chicago coaches back after weeks after the team insults him. Or the Super Bowl, meaning he leads the team to the stinkers which is still possible.

Let's face the facts. Chicago has been a team of mediocrity for the past ten seasons. Straight honest, I still don't know how they made the Super Bowl in 2006. I still don't know why Rex Grossman is the man who leads the team to the Super Bowl but the next season has to sit the bench.

I don't even know why Chicago was willing to give up so many draft picks to get Jay Cutler, But in this wacky and crazy world of football where players can retire and unretire and end up in any city they wish, what a better way to start off the 2009-2010 season than have a player traded to a city that truly lives and breathes NFL Football.

Now, to finish this article, I in no way shape or form consider Jay Cutler a franchise quarterback yet in my books. He was a big piece of a big picture in the Denver franchise. Chicago now gains that piece, and he could be the next Tom Brady or Peyton Manning.

Or he could be the next Craig Krenzel or Cade McNown.

We honestly won't know who got the better end of this deal until 2010, or maybe even 2020. All we do know is there is a big spill at Mile High Stadium in Denver, and it needs cleaned up, fast.

Hurricane Warning in Effect: What Turned The Hurricanes Season Around

Sterling Eby — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:35:54 -0400

With today's win over the New York Rangers, the Carolina Hurricanes are in command in the Eastern Conference.

Carolina has won seven games in a row, 10 straight at home. They streaked in March going from ninth, all the way up to fourth.

Here's how it sums up in the past month for the Hurricanes.

Eric Staal has been red hot since the trade deadline hit. Since reuniting with Erik Cole on the first line, Staal has scored seven goals and recorded twelve assists in twelve games.

That is a pace of 130 points in a season.

I know he hasn't posted numbers like that in a season since the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup run in 2006, and I know his numbers are down this season, but Eric Staal is still a dangerous man.

The last time he was on a pace like this, the Hurricanes became Champions.

Ray Whitney is considered old in hockey age, but he is still tallying points; he leads the Hurricanes in the Points category.

Lately, he has been a passing machine. In his last 13 games he has 14 assists to go with his six goals.

Ray Whitney has shown why he wears the A on the team, as he has been a true leader as of late. He has been +12 since March first, and only had one minus game in all of March.

Beside the fact that he is 37, he is about to post another 70 point season. Out of everybody in the NHL over the age of 35, he is third in points; behind only Daniel Alfredsson and Slava Kozlov.

Anton Babchuk must have just finished his Wheaties at the end of February as he has turned up the A game, and stepped into Paul Maurice's system well.

Anton has eight goals in his last 17 games, including five powerplay goals and two game-winning goals. He is also +10 in that span.

The fact that Anton is on a pace that would have him scoring 38 goals in a season is amazing, but the question I have is where did this come from?

Last, but not least, is Cam Ward.

If there was an NHL award for Second Half Player of the Year, it would have to go to Cam Ward. Ward has been sensational, to say the least, in the Second Half.

Since March first he is 11-1-2, allowing 28 goals in those last 14 games; Ward has a .939 save percentage in that span.

Cam Ward is going for his third straight NHL player of the week award, plus he has made his 25th straight start.

What is it that this kid can't do?

Carolina Canes-Florida Panthers: The Wizard Wins One for the Canes in Overtime

Sterling Eby — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:09:59 -0400

It took an extra five minute period of overtime for the Hurricanes to get the win, but "The Wizard" Ray Whitney lasered one home to give the Hurricanes their fourth straight win as they beat the struggling Panthers 3-2 in Sunrise, Florida.

Florida got the scoring started in the first as Jay Bouwmeester scored on a goal assisted by former Cane's player Cory Stillman.

Carolina fired back on the power play as the Tuomo Ruutu scored as Eric Staal and the hot Anton Babchuk got the assists.

Carolina scored the only goal in the second period as Patrick Eaves scored a goal as Rod Brind'Amour and Sergei Samsonov got the assists. With the assist Sergei Samsonov scored his 500th career point in the NHL.

Late in the third period Cory Stillman scored on the five on three powerplay to give the Panthers the tied game and guarantee them a point for the Standings.

But it was then when Ray Whitney once again took the reigns for the Hurricanes and gave them the overtime victory and give them two points for the standings.

With the win the Hurricanes have moved from sixth to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hurricanes were at 8th at the All-Star break and have moved up to 5th passing the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Hurricanes have hit a hot streak. Mostly since re-acquiring Erik Cole. Since then, the team seems to have found new meaning in the season. Since Erik Cole has returned the RBC Center has sold out every game.

The Canes are also a perfect 5-0 at home with Cole back! They have also won eight straight games at home. Raleigh is looking very friendly for the playoffs.

The Hurricanes have hit a huge hot streak in the month of March, and have a few big games coming up. They have a chance of moving up to fourth in the standings, but fifth is just as good right now as the Hurricanes are playing great on the road and as well as home.

NHL Playoffs: Who's In? Who's Out? Detailed Predictions: Part One

Sterling Eby — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:25:17 -0400

So it's almost the end of March, the NHL Playoffs are coming in a fury! I researched all the data possible, and played out game outcomes and figured out who will make the playoffs. These are predictions. This is how I came to my predictions.

First, I looked at matchups. Say it is San Jose vs Atlanta. Atlanta has been playing cruddy all season. I would give San Jose the two points.

If the game looks like a gimme game, I gave it to the team. If it was a potential playoff team vs a potential playoff team I considered four possibilities: The home record, the away record, the wins, and the points.

If the team was at home I put their home record vs the other teams away record. If it was close I would look at overall wins, and points. After all that detailed research, here are my NHL Playoff matchups.

Eastern Conference

First Seeded Boston Bruins versus Eighth seeded New York Rangers

Second Seeded New Jersey Devils versus Seventh seeded Pittsburgh Penguins

Third Seeded Washington Capitals versus Sixth seeded Carolina Hurricanes

Fourth Seeded Philadelphia Flyers versus Fifth seeded Montreal Canadians

Western Conference

First Seeded San Jose Sharks versus Eighth seeded Nashville Predators

Second Seeded Detroit Red Wings versus Seventh seeded Edmonton Oilers

Third Seeded Calgary Flames versus Sixth seeded Columbus Blue Jackets

Fourth Seeded Vancouver Canucks versus Fifth seeded Chicago Blackhawks

WHAT THE TEAMS NEED TO DO TO HELP THEMSELVES OUT!

This is part one of a two-part series. In this first part, I will take a look at the Eastern Conference and with details tell you what each team in the hunt needs to do! So let's get the fun started!

EASTERN CONFERENCE

First seeded: Boston Bruins (nine games remaining)

Boston is in a comfortable lead in the Eastern Conference. Four of their nine games remaining are against the Islanders, Lightning, Senators, and Maple Leafs. That should be eight points right there. So here is my goal for the Bruins with their fight to the playoffs.

Goal: You face New Jersey, New York Rangers, and Montreal Canadians at home, all fighting for better seeding in the playoffs. Beat two of the three, and gain confidence at home to better help yourselves in the playoffs.

Second seeded: New Jersey Devils (10 games remaining)

New Jersey is in a comfortable second seeded position right now. They have won seven of their last ten games. The Devils arguably are one of the best scoring teams in the league.

They got playoff experience everywhere, but some toughy games down the stretch (at New York Rangers, at Philadelphia, at Chicago, at Pittsburgh, and face Carolina at home on the last game of the season, a team fighting for a playoff spot.)

Goal: My goal for New Jersey is this. Win six of your last ten games, and try to win four of your six road games. Momentum is momentum, and with the playoffs coming, a win is a win no matter how you look at it.

Third seeded: Washington Capitals (eight games remaining)

Out of every team in the NHL, I personally believe that the Washington Capitals have the easiest schedule remaining. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the Capitals won the rest of their games.

They face Toronto on the road. Tampa Bay, New York Islanders, Buffalo, and Atlanta at home, and end the season facing Atlanta and Florida on the road.

Goal: Win five of your eight. Play your backup goalie Simeon Varlamov. Get him some playing time and rest up on Jose Theodore. Theodore is very streaky at times. Getting Varlamov some playing time could be needed in the playoffs; however, Theodore has playoff experience, and the rest could help him out!

Fourth seeded: Philadelphia Flyers (11 games remaining)

Philadelphia is almost hands down the most physical team in hockey today. I don't see a player on their team that wouldn't drop the gloves, well, maybe not Jeff Carter. The way he's been scoring though, he has no reason to drop the gloves.

Philadelphia is comfortable in fourth, and winning the division is pretty much not a possibility so here is my goals for Philly.

Goals: The Flyers face the Islanders twice, the Maple Leafs twice, and the Senators down the stretch. The Flyers should rest Biron at least once during those games. And they should win three of those five.

With that said. They also face the Rangers, Devils, Bruins, and Panthers on the road. Philadelphia is not in the safest position, just in a comfortable fourth seed. Gain some momentum by beating the Bruins or the Devils on the road. They face the Rangers in the last game of the season.

Make sure its not possible for the Rangers to get a fifth seed and face the Flyers. Beat them.

Fifth seeded: Pittsburgh Penguins (Eighth games remaining)

Many consider the Penguins a threat in the Eastern Conference. Not I. They are an extremely talented team, that rides streaks like surfers ride waves. The Penguins have hit a hot streak in March.

They lost an important game today against the Flyers. They got a few give me games against the Islanders and Lightning. But the other six games will really be a challenge for the Penguins.

Goals:In order to keep a fifth seeded state they need to most likely get 95-98 points (because Montreal has many home games, and they are good at home). Pittsburgh currently has 86 points.

Pittsburgh needs to win five or six of their last eight games to get a good seed in the playoffs. Many people want to see a Washington/Pittsburgh matchup in the playoffs, but Washington has a dangerous team and have Pittsburgh's numbers this season.

A Pittsburgh/Philadelphia series would better suit Pittsburgh. Make sure to beat the Lightning and Islanders, then you are in a position to where you can win three of your other six games. Take the gimme games.

Sixth seeded: Carolina Hurricanes (eight games remaining)

The Hurricanes have hit a hot streak at home as of late, winning eight straight games at the RBC Center. Five of their remaining eight games are at home. Among those eight games includes games at Florida, and two games in the state of New Jersey.

They have a tough set of games left, and could end up anywhere from fifth seeded, to not even making the playoffs with the schedule they have.

Goals: Carolina has got to set momentum for the playoffs first. Win three of the five home games you have. In the playoffs Carolina could be facing Philadelphia, Washington, New Jersey, or Boston. All decent teams at home.

Win one of the games they play in New Jersey to gain a boost in case they play them in the playoffs. An even better boost would be to beat the Devils on the last game of the season.

Seventh seeded: New York Rangers (nine games remaining)

The New York Rangers have a very hard road to travel to maintain a safe slot in the playoffs. As of now they'd be facing a New Jersey Devils team. They need to try and get up to a fifth seed, but it is gonna be difficult for them.

Their last seven games are against Carolina, Pittsburgh, Montreal, New Jersey, Boston, and Philadelphia twice. It's safe to say, the Rangers have a rough last seven games of the season.

Goals: Try and win six of your nine games. They face Minnesota at home and Atlanta on the road to start. Then seven games against the Eastern Conference playoff teams. If they beat Minnesota and Atlanta, that'd put them in a position to win four of their last seven games. It is possible to do it.

They face New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Montreal at home, where they own at Madison Square Garden. If they win two home games, they could then win two of the four remaining games. The odds are stacked very high, and sadly, if the Rangers don't meet the odds, it's possible that they don't make the playoffs.

Eighth seeded: Montreal Canadians (10 games remaining)

Montreal has 10 games remaining in their season. Five of those ten games are gimme games for Montreal as they face Atlanta, Tampa Bay, New York Islanders, Toronto, and Ottawa.

The other five games, three of them are at home. Montreal has a very good scheduled chance of making the playoffs, and making their dream season an even bigger dream for the much loved Canadian fans.

Goals: Montreal needs to win at least four of those five give me games. Win two of the three home games. With the remaining two road games against the New York Rangers and Boston win one of them to gain momentum for the playoffs.

If they beat the Rangers on the road, it will give an added boost, as they could gain a playoff position, or they could not make the playoffs. To sum it up, Montreal needs to win seven of their last 10 to feel comfortable in the playoffs. As you see, it is clearly possible to happen!

Florida Panthers (10 games remaining)

The Panthers currently have 80 points in the standings. They have a team that is talented, but may not be playoff talented. It is clearly possible for them to make the playoffs. They have to gain some momentum fast though. Their remaining schedule has two gimme games against Atlanta.

But their schedule isn't too friendly from there as they face Carolina, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Washington.

Goals: Florida is not in a good spot at all. They have 80 points, and have to have at least 92 points to feel comfortable for the playoffs. They have two give me games against Atlanta to make 84 points. With eight remaining games after that, they need at least eight points.

Get eight points no matter how you can. Get in overtime. Whatever they do, Florida can not lose more than two games. If they lose more than three of those other eight games, consider the Panthers done.

Come back tomorrow as I take a look at the Western Conference!

WWE Power Rankings: March Week Four

Sterling Eby — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:57:22 -0400

Wrestlemania is in 15 days! The mayhem is breaking loose. We got new matches out. We got a title unification match! Tons of titles on the line! It is breaking out right now.

Who's hot and who's not in the WWE? Let's take a look at this week's Power Rankings!

1. Edge (last week No. 1)

World Heavyweight Champion. On Monday Night Raw, he one-upped his opponent John Cena, and he one-upped his bigger opponent, The Big Show. If he keeps it up, he should be coming out of Wrestlemania still the champion!

2. Triple H (last week No. 2)

WWE Champion. There was a cage. There was a sledgehammer. And there was Cody Rhodes. No clues about it, Triple H killed Cody Rhodes, in the steel cage, with the sledgehammer. Game Over.

3. John Cena (last week No. 3)

As co-number one contender for the World Heavyweight Title, getting beaten up by both of your opponents before a big Wrestlemania match isn't good for your reputation. Expect Cena to have big plans for Raw this week!

4. Randy Orton (last week No. 4)

Randy Orton once again uses his Legacy to fight his battles. Well, I wouldn't say "fight" his battles rather than "defend" his battles. They didn't really "defend" really well. HHH killed Cody Rhodes.

5. Shawn Michaels (last week No. 6)

Shawn Michaels gains some momentum. He tagged himself into his tag match and gave JBL some Sweet Chin Music. He also beat Kane on Smackdown. Safe to say, Shawn Michaels is ready for the Undertaker.

6. The Undertaker (last week No. 5)

He was one-upped by Mr. Wrestlemania. But The Undertaker isn't scared or intimidated of Shawn Michaels. Expect The Undertaker to one-up the Heartbreak Kid on Raw next week!

7. Miz and Morrison (last week No. 10)

World Tag Team Champions. You don't usually get tag teams in the top of the Power Rankings. But these guys are unstoppable. They are heading to Wrestlemania to face the Colons in an Undisputed Tag Team Title Match. This should open Wrestlemania with a bang!

8. Jack Swagger (last week No. 7)

ECW Champion. Another week. Another week without Swagger. He's not even wrestling at Wrestlemania yet? Huh?

9. JBL (last week No. 8)

Intercontinental Champion. First week as Champ, and he loses a tag match against HBK and Taker. Well, maybe that contest was a little too much for him. He may be facing Rey Mysterio at Wrestlemania!

10. Vladimir Kozlov (last week No. 9)

He loses not once. But twice this week. He's lost his last four matches. The Moscow Mauler is now Moscow Moving down the list.

11. Jeff Hardy (last week No. 12)

Jeff beat up on The Brian Kendrick this week. Easy victory.

12. Matt Hardy (last week No. 11)

Matt was idle this week as he watches his brother wrestle The Brian Kendrick.

13. CM Punk (last week No. 14)

CM Punk wins his six man tag match on Raw. Gains some momentum for Mania!

14. Finlay (last week No. 15)

He beat up on Paul Burchill on ECW.

15. Rey Mysterio (last week No. 16)

He faced Dolph Ziggler on Raw, and beat him in less than three minutes. He may be facing JBL at Mania for the Intercontinental Title!

16. Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase (last week No. 13)

Cody, Cody, Cody. They may be Priceless, but Cody's hospital bills aren't gonna be. That match with HHH was almost painful to watch.

17. MVP (last week No. 21)

United States Champion. MVP beat the Gold Standard on Smackdown this week to become a two-time United States Champion, and he is gaining momentum for Mania. Money in the Bank is looking good.

18. The Big Show (last week No. 18)

He was one-upped on Raw by Edge, but returned the favor on Smackdown. The Big Show is idle this week.

19. Carlito and Primo (last week No. 20)

WWE Tag Team Champions. These guys are finally heading to Wrestlemania. Carlito is once again fighting in a Tag Team Match at Wrestlemania. The last time he fought at Wrestlemania, he pretty much got manhandled by Kane and The Big Show. Maybe his luck will turn around this time!

20. Kane (last week No. 17)

Kane lost his six-man tag match on Raw. Kane has dropped many positions since earning a match at Wrestlemania. Maybe his luck will turn around next week!

21. Christian (last week No. 19)

Captain Charisma commentated on Raw this week. He should have commentated on ECW as he lost again this week. He's been Captain Inconsistency as of late. Turn it around Christian!

22. Kofi Kingston (last week No. 24)

Kofi has been red hot the past few weeks. He won a six-man tag match on Raw this week.

23. Chris Jericho (last week No. 22)

This one isn't really funny. Chris Jericho got beaten up by a bunch of old-timer wrestlers. Really. He challenged them all to a Handicap Match at Wrestlemania. Who knows what'll happen!

24. Evan Bourne (last week not on list)

Evan Bourne came high flying and beat Jamie Noble this week to earn his spot on the Top 25 list.

25. Shelton Benjamin (last week No.23)

He lost on Raw. He lost his United States Championship. The Gold Standard now holds no gold.

Farewell:

Mark Henry: A loss on Raw hurts. The ECW win doesn't make up for it. Mark Henry's momentum is slipping for Wrestlemania.

Does the WWE Really Care About the Viewer?

Sterling Eby — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:30:16 -0400

So, I've been doing some reading in the past few hours about the WWE. They are upset about their pay per view buy rates. Well I, as the viewer, am upset with the WWE's pay per views.

The last year, I have watched every single pay per view except one. Royal Rumble. Well, I had to work, but thats beyond the point. Every single pay per view that the WWE has had in the past year was barely worth watching.

Yes, the WWE has shined in its moments. Jericho and Shawn Michaels in a ladder match was a great match. The Royal Rumble is always good. Wrestlemania was beyond amazing. But lets look at Royal Rumble.

The card alone is something you get weekly on WWE television. To quote Homer Simpson in the Simpsons Movie: "I can't believe we're paying to see something we get on TV for free. If you ask me everyone in this theatre (we'll change this too bar and or house) is a giant sucker. Especially you!"

The under card for Royal Rumble was extremely weak. You had Jack Swagger vs Matt Hardy. No offense, Jack Swagger hasn't wrestled a television match in the past two weeks, yet again, let him wrestle on a pay per view.

If that were the case, Funaki would be working every pay per view (bless his heart).

Melina vs Beth Phoenix for the WWE Womans Title. We can all agree on this one. The Divas on Raw can wrestle to an extent. Melina is okay. Mickie James is good. Beth Phoenix is good. Jillian Hall, Katie Lee Burchill, Candice Michelle, and Kelly Kelly all are okay.

Jillian Hall being the best of that last group, but of course, she gets the stupid gimmicks. But going back on course, the womans wrestling is getting boring.

Yet, they have two titles now. How? How is it that there are two Bathroom Break titles? I'm being dead serious on this one.

How many times have you gone to wrestling shows, and gone to the bathroom during the divas matches? I know I have! The WWE needs to step up with the Divas wrestling or step off.

Edge vs Jeff Hardy for the World Heavyweight Title. Okay, this one is where it gets confusing for me. Triple H, has a great run as champion. He rightfully loses his championship to a returning Edge. Who a month later loses the title to Jeff Hardy.

Who then a month later turns around and loses the title back to Edge. True wrestling fans can agree on this one. Two people can only face each other so much, until it gets pointless. As long as Edge is in the title picture on Smackdown, it's stale television.

Its not stale because its crap, because we all know Edge has talent. Its stale because we need change! We didn't get to see a true Jeff Hardy title run! We didn't see what he was capable of as a champion!

Whenever JBL became champion, we all thought "This is crap," yet it turned out to be one of the better championship reigns of this decade! How are we supposed to figure out if a star is a legit main eventer, if he isn't given the chance to main event.

There are so many stars on the verge of breaking out on Smackdown, yet they aren't given their dues. Shelton Benjamin is insane. He has busted his butt for the WWE for the last six years (its already six years!) and he just gets his share of Intercontinental Championships and United States Championships.

He is talented. When is his due gonna be given?

MVP showed us how great of a heel he can be since he started in the WWE. Now he makes his face turn and all of a sudden, he's in the middle of nowhere on Smackdown. He's either in need of a scenery change, or he is in need of a character change.

I know these guys aren't main eventers but this one bugs me. You got an excellent tag team by the name of Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder, and they havent even touched a television episode of Smackdown in the past two or three months (maybe longer).

Why is that? Why throw your tag team division to waste. It's gonna end up just like the Crusierweight Belt. You watch. A division of legitacy, turned into something that the viewer gets mad at because of how much it is under utilicized.

So Vince McMahon you have been mad that nobody watched Smackdown on Friday! I watched it. It was a waste of time. You wanna get angry at your employees because your product is failing. Well instead of doing what is best for the WWE, why dont you do what's best for the viewer.

From a viewers perspective, this year's Wrestlemania is gonna be a hit and miss pay per view. Chris Jericho is a miss. Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy is looking like a miss. Money in the Bank by the looks is a miss. Your two main events are hits.

The WWE needs to focus more on giving superstars the chance to show what they are made of every week, and let the viewer watch it! Quit showing stuff nobody cares about.

And to close this article off. It's been about the viewer. I got two questions for you other viewers of WWE television.

Question One: Am I the only one who thinks Paul Burchill is extremely talented, and extremely underused?

Question Two: Did the WWE miss by not making Evan Bourne and Rey Mysterio the opening contest at Wrestlemania! These two formed a partnership, earlier in 2008. They could have easily had a opening contest at Wrestlemania that would have wowed the crowd.