A Goal Is A Goal And Kane Gets Cup Winner posted by richard Kagan

I've seen the the replay 10 times and it still feels sort like you stole cookies from the jar and didn't get caught.  No one said, "Hey, no dessert."  In this odd ending to a helter-skelter Cup Finals, nobody said "No goal, Patrick"  and the Hawks survived Philly's onslaught to steal the game on Kane's great shot, and thus win the Stanley Cup.

The Flyers had the momemtum going to OT, tying the game with just under 4 minutes left on a Scott Hartnell goal in a scrum near the Hawks net.  The fans went wild.  The energy was back in the building and it seemed the Hawks were lucky to get to an OT.  Then the OT started and Niemi came up with some great saves to keep the Hawks in the game.

But Chicago, who seized the early action and looked like the better team in this all important game 6.  It was a home team win series until game 6 when something had to give.  The Hawks took a 3-2 lead into the clincher and although gave their hungry fans fits and grief, their talented winger stepped up to make the huge shot.

It seemed like a phantom goal.  No light went on.  Nobody made an annoucement.  All one saw was Kane skating down the ice in jubilation, throwing off his gloves, and helmet.  Players pounded him near his own net...then, as a stunned crowd sat in silence, the Hawks learned the goal was a good one.  And the expectant joy turned into a euphoria. 

The Hawks had done it.  Won a game they had to win, not to force a game 7 in their building.  They had been there before in 1971 and lost to the Canadiens at the old Chicago Stadium.  They weren't going to let the Series go to a game 7.  And Kane, who faked like a wide-receiver with the ball, zoomed 20 feet and let off a shot to the net that eluded goalie Michael Leighton.  It crossed the goal line in the blink of an eye.  No one saw it except Kane.  Game over, and Hawks win a championship. 

Illinois Derby the most betable prep today posted by Johnny Matheis

The Wood is a six horse field, and the two chalkier runners look tough, while the other 4 need improvement. Improvement is possible. But this not a betable race. There are many words for people who bet this race, but "handicapper" is not among them. To win money on races like this involves nothing but "dumb" luck.

 If Eskendereya does get beat, and still runs a good second or third, then the winner deserves note.

The Illinois Derby is the most betable, with Calfornia being more of a form filler race.

7th RACE HAWTHORNE 1 1/8 MILE GRADE 3 ILLINOIS DERBY

PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH:

PROGRAM NUMBER-NAME OF RUNNER-ROBABLE ODDS-COMMENTS:

7 BACKTALK 6-1 Amoss has emerged as one of the secret handicapper's trainers the last few years. This one comes off a track that probably wasn't that rock hard, and figures to be healthy. Expect a better time here.

1 AMERICAN LION 5-2 Has just a little bet better forward move so far than Dixie, but it's close

6 DAVE IN DIXE 9-5  runs even, but needs to step it up a bit in his fifth lifetime start

3 BOULDER CREEK 8-1 looks 4th best

9 GAME BALL 30-1 looks well outmatched,but is well bred for distance

5 TURF MELODY 8-1 closes well, and could hit the board

4 YAWANNA TWIST 8-1 looks to have run his best races, and has an outside shot at best

2 STEPHEN'S GOT HOPE 50-1 is a maiden and would be a huge upset

BEST BETS: WPS on 7. Exact Wheel 1,7 over 1,3,4,5,6,7: Trifecta Box 1-3-6: Superfecta: Wheel 7 with 1,3,6,9 with 1,3,5,6,9 with 1,3,5,6,9, Wheel 1,7 with 1,7 with 3,5,6,9 with All, Wheel 1,7 with 1,6,7,9 with 1,6,7,9 with All. 

NCAA East Region breakdown. posted by john howard

Here is how I see the east region and their chances of advancing to the final four.  I have them ranked on likely hood of reaching the final four, not on their seeding.  The seed is in paranthesis.

1--KENTUCKY (1)  The Wildcats are by far the best team in this region.  The biggest "scare" for this team could be Texas in the second round. But even if Texas plays at the level they were at before Christmas, the Wildcats are still better.  West Virginia will be the biggest challenge for the Wildcats.  The biggest weakness for this team is inexperience and that is why I'm not picking them to win it all and possibly fall in the elite 8.  They have 2 unbeleivable freshman.  But, Keven Durant, the fab 5 from Michiga, and Carmelo Anthony were freshman. They have a new coach this year. But Calipari is one of the best ever in the tournament.  What concerns me most is that at this time last year, they were in the NIT. 

2--WEST VIRGINIA (2). This team is playing as well as anybody right now.  They won the Big East tournament.  They play #2 and #3 seeds almost everyday in the Big East.  And, Villanova could easily be a one seed.  So, they play tough games against tough teams and were perhaps one win away from being a one seed themselvs.  I think they could upset Kentucky. 

3--NEW MEXICO (3).  This team is really intriuging.  If they make the final four, they would be a true Cinderella story. Steve Alford is an NCAA icon and he has become a very good coach.  This could be the year that moves him into another level in the coaching world.  The MWC doesn't have a very good track record in the tourney.  I just don't see this team beating both Marquette and West Virginia.  I say they make sweet 16 which is awesome, but that is it.

Golden Effort Falls Just Short posted by Brad VanFossan

A Golden Effort Falls Just Short By Brad VanFossan I know it’s more than just a hockey game when my 63 year old father is looking forward to watching, and has been watching most of the hockey games during this Olympics. I know it’s more than just a game when patrons at bars ask to turn the hockey game on, both the men’s and women’s games, as I have seen happen over the last couple weeks. This is about reliving nostalgia for those who were around for the 1980 Gold Medal team‘s “Miracle“ run. And it’s about wanting to experience that same feeling for those of us who were too young or weren’t around then. This is the kind of thing the brings generations of sons and fathers together creating memories that become part of family lore. More importantly, this is a message to the world that hockey isn’t a secondary sport in the United States anymore, but one we can excel at, and even be the best.  It’s almost time for the opening face off, winning twice on enemy territory won’t be easy, but I think if anyone can, it’s this group of relentless young men. No matter what the outcome, they will put forth an effort to be proud of.My in game thoughts from the penalty box: -In the first U.S./Canada match up the U.S. was able to score first, taking the crowd out of things for a bit, today Canada scored first, it’s the first time the U.S. has trailed all Olympics. -Jonathan Toews goal was off of a rebound, not too much cause for concern yet. The U.S. is still playing pretty well, theyContinue reading "Golden Effort Falls Just Short"

2 year old Eclipse nominees posted by Jan Hoadley

Some nice 2007 foals hit the track as two year olds in 2009 and among the best are those nominated for Eclipse awards in the 2 year old division.

The top nominations for colts are Lookin at Lucky, Noble’s Promise and Vale of York while the top fillies nominated are Blind Luck, Hot Dixie Chick and She Be Wild.

Lookin’ at Lucky brings some strong credentials to the table and is among the early hard looks for the Kentucky Derby. A son of Smart Strike out of the Belong To Me mare Private Feeling, he has the classic connections of Mike Pegram (owner) and Bob Baffert (trainer) along with breeding that can get the job done. He went into the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile undefeated with two G1 wins and a G2 win following his maiden win. He ran second in the Juvenile to Vale of York but bounced back with another G1 win in the CashCall futurity at a mile and 1/16 and has earned serious consideration for the award based on performance.

Godolphin Racing’s Vale Of York has little to shrug at. The son of Invincible Spirit out of Red Vale by Halling did win the Juvenile. That wasn’t all he’d done, winning twice before then in stakes class in addition to a second in a G1, 3rd in G2 and 5th in G3 races.

Noble’s Promise was second his first out then broke his maiden in his second race. He put together three wins including a G1 before his third place run in the Breeders Cup Juvenile and second to Lookin’ at Lucky in the CashCall Futurity. The Cuvee son is out of the Clever Trick daughter The Devil’s Trick.

Strike Three? posted by Goon Squad

Yes, I'm an Ovie fan.
He's fun to watch when he is on top of his game.

His show-boat style and wild goal celebrations are entertaining to me.
He may not be the games classiest player, but he does demand our attention, and usually gets it. Good or bad.

However, I am not a fan of dirty, cheap hits, or this double standard that the NHL denies exists.

It's alive and well and we all know it.

This is the second time in a week that Ovie has been in hot water for questionable hits, and I think this time it's karma coming back to get him.

Carolina defenseman Tim Gleason was nailed in a knee on knee hit last night that knocked the Russian star out of the game.

After being scraped up off of the ice, Ovie was was given a 5 minute major and a game misconduct.
Again.
Gleason was fortunate enough to skate away relatively unharmed.



Considering how Ovechkin was helped off the ice, kicking him out of the game was a moot point.
The punishment wasn’t going to affect him anyway because he wasn’t coming back to play anyhow.
But was that too much for a play that is questionable? Was it not enough for a guy that has started to pile up the questionable hits? Should reputation figure into the decision-making process?

Colin Campbell is going to have his hands full in deciding what, if anything, will be done to punish Ovie for this one.

Big Daddy’s Unforgettable Halloween: posted by Les Leonard

     Big Daddy's spectacular Halloween weekend could not have ended any better than with a Darren Sharper pick to clinch the victory against the hated Dirty Birds on Monday night. Don’ t you feel sorry for people around the country living in cultureless gated communities whose neighbors are from anywhere USA, half of which will move within a year chasing a more lucrative job to fulfill the false illusion of sprawling malls, 401(k)s, mortgages, car payments, and college funds which define success in today’ s misguided America? In this edition on the Section 645 Saints Beat, Big Daddy thanks the Kingpin, reports from Section 645, recaps Monday night, covers the Voodoo Music Experience, plus gives a special Halloween report from Frenchmen St., and releases his World famous Pregame Information.

     If you missed the First Annual Big Daddy Tailgate BBQ prior to that Monday Night Party in Superdome, don’ t feel bad, but Wow! You missed a serious throw down. Big Daddy wishes to thank Ben, Steve, and Tamme for making the Kingpin feel like such a special place. When you combine that feeling the Kingpin exudes with grilling skills of Eric Labouchere and Nat Carrier (the master chefs of Martinique Bistro), the chemical reaction produces the best tailgating venue the Crescent City can offer. Loading up on an all-meat diet prior to football fuels those customary outbursts required by Big Daddy's Section 645 standards, teaching opponents that the Superdome has become the NFL's toughest place for visiting teams.

Big Daddy Screams For Defense posted by Les Leonard

     Sunday’s rain showers didn’t slow down Black ’n’ Gold tailgaters readying themselves for battle. Entering the Superdome, Big Daddy encountered Jets fans displaying their typically rude, loud-mouthed New York attitudes, demonstrating why many despise New Yorkers. Cocky Jets fans’ relentless attempts to diminish Who Dat intensity were less effective than the Army Corps’ levees. After the Saints forced Jets fans to “eat it!” all day, those Yankees had nothing to say. In this week’s edition of Saints Beat, Big Daddy denounces Mayor C. Ray Nagin, reports from Section 645, recaps the New York Jets game, laughs at the NFL’s new policy, covers the 15th annual Gretna Heritage Festival, and release his World Famous Pregame Information.

     Since 2002, Mayor Nagin’s divisive, irresponsible behavior has embarrassed New Orleans so many times. In 2008 the City Council ordered an inspector general investigation into how the Nagin administration formulates financial forecasts. The IG’s 57-page report ended years of speculation concerning Nagin’s incompetence. Findings uncovered City Charter violations and state law breaches throughout the Chocolate City’s current budget. The study found numerous deficiencies in the city’s multi-million dollar information technology systems. The report says that its impossible to determine the purpose of 16 out of the 30 chief administrative office programs; the agencies don’t even divulge the number of people they employ. Yet the Big Easy pays more for basic services and contributes less to parks and recreation than other comparably sized municipalities. Don’t you love it? “Other operating” expenses comprise $678 million, doled out in city contracts without providing proper explanation, not to mention $309 million in Long Term Community Recovery dollars which has no outlined plans for its uses. The Mayor’s highly touted modern approach named “budgeting for outcomes” designed to estimate city spending outlooks is a complete shame. Any other politician would have been impeached a long time ago. In our darkest hour we needed a hero, instead we got a bigoted charlatan who lives in Dallas. Awesome!

Dallas Game posted by Henri "theactor" Ramsey

I was not happy at all about the first half. We had NO PASS RUSH and our offense just couldn't get it going. 

There were a few really useless plays called and I know it's just pre season but, if we are going to run a "wildcat" formation...we should at LEAST get something out of it. I'm realy glad that we held them to ONLY 10 points in the first half. Then only gave up another 3 for the rest of the game. Our defense has been suspect to big plays and that needs to be addressed.

The second half was MUCH more to my liking. Davis has won my vote for #2 QB...maybe #1 if he had a little more experience. This kid is GOOD! I just have to say that. I had not really looked too closely at Davis until yesterday. The kid is GOOD!

He moved the team down the field like a seasoned vet and I know that when he get's his shot to shine, we'll need sun glasses because he's going to shine brightly!

Even though it's only a pre season game, it was a chance for us see how well we can play against a good team. Romo has ALLLL DAY to throw the ball...not good. If we continue to give QB's that much time...we'll find ourselves fighting up hill battles all season long.

I hope that coach Singletary will find the missing piece. Our chances look good to mae the playoffs...we just need to get clicking on ALL cylinders.

I was just happy that we beat the Cowbums. I was hoping for more points but, a win is a win!

Let's just skip the last pre season game and start our run for the money! 

Wild sign Martin Havlat to 6-Year, $30 Million Contract posted by Jeff Ponder

Martin Havlat saw the writing on the wall in Chicago when they signed winger Marian Hossa to a 12-year contract earlier in the day.  The Wild jumped on the chance at grabbing the free-agent winger.

''We are excited to add the speed and scoring of Martin Havlat to our lineup,'' Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said late Wednesday night. ''He is a terrific two-way player.''

Havlat had some serious injury problems in his 3-season tenure with the Blackhawks, but managed to stay healthy throughout all of 2008-09.  He tallied 29 goals and 48 assists with the Blackhawks in 81 regular season games, and added 15 points in 16 games in the playoffs.  Havlat adds even more speed to a very quick Minnesota lineup.

The Wild lost star Marian Gaborik to the New York Rangers in free-agency earlier on Wednesday.  Gaborik played in just 17 games last season for his club, due to a nagging hip injury.  The team rallied around the loss of their dynamic player though, finishing ninth and just being two points out of a playoff berth.  With the addition of Havlat, this team is one to be reckoned with.  Stud center Mikko Koivu scored 67 points to lead the team, and crafty winger Andrew Brunette added 50 points.  Placing Havlat on a power-play line with these two strong players could improve the Wild's chances of earning a playoff spot.

The Wild are known for their defensive play behind recently-retired head coach Jacques Lemaire, but that style may change with the new man guiding the rickshaw, Todd Richards.  If he can addContinue reading "Wild sign Martin Havlat to 6-Year, ..."

Wild prospects don skates, aprons during camp

Their skates and sticks were two miles away, back at the arena.The equipment for the group of Minnesota Wild prospects thisevening? An apron and a kitchen utensil or two. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NHL

Wild camp includes cooking class (AP)

Their skates and sticks were two miles away, back at the arena. The equipment for the group of Minnesota Wild prospects this evening? An apron and a kitchen utensil or two. The Minnesota Wild hosted 37 players at their annual development camp last week, with drills and scrimmages broken up by sessions on strength, conditioning and nutrition. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Wild give captain Koivu 7-year extension (AP)

Captain Mikko Koivu signed a seven-year, $47.25 million contract extension, keeping the versatile center with the Minnesota Wild through the 2017-18 NHL season. "You could argue quite persuasively that he's the best player to ever play for the Minnesota Wild," said general manager Chuck Fletcher, who watched the organization's original first-round draft pick, Slovakian right wing... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Wild re-sign backup goalie Harding to 1-year deal

The Minnesota Wild have re-signed backup goalie Josh Harding to a one-year contract. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NHL

Wild re-sign backup G Harding for 1 year (AP)

The Minnesota Wild have re-signed backup goalie Josh Harding to a one-year, $1.2 million contract. The deal was announced Wednesday. The 26-year-old Harding went 9-12 with a 3.05 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage with one shutout in 25 games last season playing behind Niklas Backstrom. Harding was a restricted free agent whose qualifying offer from last month was set to expire on... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports