The subject heading says it all. Sunday, February 21st was one of the most enjoyable nights I've had in quite some time. First off, I went to the WWE's Elimination Chamber PPV and it was one of if not the best live wrestling event I've been to since my friend Ben Huelsing and I were able to get first row tickets to a Raw back in January of 2000. A little more on that in a bit. But after returning home from a great night of wrestling and the usual intriguing, amusing and thought provoking conversation with my friend Mike Daoud I was lucky enough to avoid being told or seeing who had won the U.S.A./Canada hockey game. Little did I know I was to witness, although a few hours later, one of the best hockey games I have ever seen on television. (Live games have their own category) So, this blog will be separated into two categories. One about hockey and one about wrestling. Each will have my usual random thoughts afterward.
The way the U.S. team played, overall, reminds me of what I've seen and read about the Miracle on Ice 1980 men's hockey team. The United States played with heart and passion and enthusiasm. They played with speed but control. They played with aggressiveness but not reckless abandon. They were outmatched in many aspects of the game and still finished the contest victorious. While a game played between two teams made up of 100% NHL players is not even close to the significance of that contest thirty years ago in Lake Placid between a group of college kids who knocked off a veteran Soviet team that had years if not decades of experience as a team, the similarities remain. Canada, like the Soviets, is expected to win. They have the most skill, the best players, the best goaltending, the most pressure (those red jerseys also). The U.S. is young, not expected to do much other than hope for a medal, they're scrappy (they also have some Johnsons, a Brooks and a Suter). Stretches to be sure, but comparisons nevertheless.
In the end it came down to the Americans doing everything they needed to do and minimizing mistakes. The red, white and blue got spectacular goaltending, to say the least, out of Ryan Miller. The guy turned aside 42 of 45 shots with a good 20-30 of those being quality scoring opportunities. The stars and stripes continues to get scoring from players they were not necessarily looking to for goals. Defenseman Brian Rafalski added to his goal total by putting two more in the back of the net along with Chris Drury, Jaime Langenbrunner and Ryan Kesler. Just a fantastic hockey game despite the heartbreak that I'm sure it gave to our friends north of the border. It was the kind of hockey game that I wish any and all doubters about hockey's excitement would have watched and still argued that it isn't a great sport.
- David Backes continues to impress. He added an assist tonight and was just a beast in front of the net and along the boards. Let's hope he doesn't wear down and keeps this up in a blue uniform of a different sort.
- EJ looks good too, though he's disappeared a few times as well. One good spot out of the Canada game was he was taking those open shots on the powerplay. Another good sign if he carries that into the stretch run for the Blues.
- What the heck was up with Scott Niedermayer? He pretty much slung one of the American players into the boards WELL after the horn sounded to end the period. I thought it deserved a penalty but nothing given out.
- I don't buy into this blaming Martin Brodeur kick that many Canadians are on. No, that was not the top form Brodeur. Yes he came out to play the puck way too much. Maybe I'm viewing this through red, white and blue colored glasses, but I just didn't see the game being put squarely on his shoulders. I'm a goalie at heart and have been known to make excuses but in my own opinion, I don't think Roberto Luongo or Marc-Andre Fleury make a difference in that game.
All that said, I'll go in reverse a little bit and discuss the Elimination Chamber event as well. A standing ovation to the WWE writers and all the wrestlers who performed last night. This event renewed my excitement for pro wrestling as it was getting quite stale and predictable. And while there was a degree of predictability to the event, it was still full of good wrestling, good mic work, surprises and things that lived up to expectations even though you may have known it was coming.
They surprised us all by opening the night with one of two Elimination Chamber matches. The surprises continued when Batista came down to take the WWE title off John Cena who had just defeated TripleH with a submission. The night progressed with a surprisingly entertaining Intercontinental Championship match between Drew McIntyre and a very agile Kane. Then a women's match that was actually entertaining until they blew the ending. William Regal came out and did his thing, making us all laugh even though he was making fun of us and then Edge came out and speared him for the crowd pop. After that was a solid match between my buddy Mike and Josh Layton...I mean between MVP and the Miz. The ending of that was eh, but I'll give it a pass. Then came the final Elimination Chamber match for the World title.
This match had a lot to live up to, given that they started off with the other chamber match and it did not disappoint. The biggest shock of the night came during the Undertaker's entrance. The Deadman came out to his usual pyro, but as he stopped at the top of the ramp a flashpot accidentally went off and he was engulfed in a flame ball. His coat caught on fire and he had to quickly strip it off and run towards the ring. Ever the consummate professional, he went on with the match, merely pouring water on himself to treat the burns. I will say that he was pissed both before and after the match and it really threw off his character for the entrance. However, the event ended in spectacular fashion as Shawn Michaels came out from under the ring, popped through the chamber floor, superkicked Taker and stood over him after Chris Jericho won the belt. It was the kind of show that at least partially reminded me of what wrestling was like back in the late 90's and early 00's.
- CM Punk continued to build his character as a heel and one who is fantastic on the mic. Straight edge all the way.
- I will begrudgingly admit that I don't despise Sheamus as much as I did previously. There Mike, I said it. Although the guy still has no offense other than punches and a big boot, he did perform quite well in the chamber.
- I was pleasantly surprised that the WWE left some of the lower card guys in their matches for awhile. John Morrison, Ted Dibiase, Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio (yes, I do think of Rey as a lower card guy) were all given their time to shine and really add to the matches with some big spots.
- I'm really excited about where the storyline possibilities will lead heading into Wrestlemania. The possible destruction of Legacy is interesting. Edge vs. Jericho would be great. Cena vs. Batista will have a lot of good storyline buildup. The match could be...watchable. Will there be a Vince vs Brett Hart match?
- The HBK moment was still awesome even though Layton texted Mike and told us he saw Michaels get under the ring.
- I seem to be the only one, but I'm still worried about Taker vs. HBK 2. I loved seeing Michaels hit sweet chin music on Taker but I just hope they have something really different planned for their match. A replay of last year's 'Mania, though entertaining, just doesn't seem like it would be worth the effort.
- Chris Jericho is the man. I got to meet him on Saturday night and he comes across as a really nice guy. I was glad he got to win the title and set up a Wrestlemania main event singles match (hopefully) even though he is currently a heel.
Well that's all for now as I should be in bed. Overall, it was a great night but remember. It may be an opinion...but I'm right.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
USA men's hockey in trouble?
We'll log this one under finding something to complain about since the USA is 2-0 through two games and has won by a 9-2 margin over those two games. But this team has me worried. Their two performances so far, though decisive wins, seem underwhelming some how. I knew heading into the tournament that this was a team talented enough to win gold and inexperienced enough to come back with no medals, but their play has been slightly disconcerting at times. There have been too many miscues and needless risks taken against inferior opponents. The Swiss team was rougher than I had expected, but then they did upset the Canadians in the last Olympics and have several NHLers on their roster. The Norwegians on the other hand have only one active NHL player a couple former ones and fill out their roster with guys who either play in Sweden or have regular jobs at home. Team USA made them look like a reasonable threat through two periods of play. Norway had several odd man rushes, which could have been goals if not for reasonably solid goaltending by Ryan Miller. Team USA then gave up a shorthanded goal. The red, white and blue got a 6-1 victory. So in the end you have to ask how much you can really complain? I just get the feeling that if those mistakes aren't taken care of in the next day or two that the contest we've all waited for between Canada and the US could well be a beatdown instead of an Olympic classic. We will have to see. Canada plays a tougher opponent in the Swiss tonight and USA has a couple days to scout and practice. I will always root for the Americans and go into the game thinking we will win, but the effort will have to be taken to the next level very soon by the stars and stripes.
Random thoughts:
- Despite my misgivings with the US men's team overall, I have been impressed with the play of David Backes. He's been physical, played with a lot of smarts and shown the skill that many believe he's had but hasn't quite lived up to in NHL play. As a Blues fan I can only hope that he continues these offensive ways once the Olympics are over.
- Can someone please tell Pierre McGuire and Ed Olczyc to shut up. I cannot say that the American defenseman played a flawless game. They did pinch up from the blue line and join the attack a bit too often, but every couple minutes I have to suffer through McGuire ranting on about "I just don't get it. Can you explain it Edzo? The US will get smoked if they do this against better teams like Canada." Go broadcast on TSN if you're that disillusioned by the Americans' play.
- On a related note, both of those guys along with several color announcers in various sports make me wonder if I'd make it in TV broadcasting. It seems that the play-by-play man has become little more than a setup man for these "star" analysts who never shut up. I miss the days of Gary Thorne and Bill Clement or Ken Wilson and Joe Micheletti. The play-by-play man was allowed to paint the picture and then the analyst would chime in during stoppages or during key moments.
- What a night for US Olympians last night. Gold medals for Lindsey Vonn on her bad shin, Shaun White and Shani Davis and a silver for Julia Mancuso. Very exciting to watch. A big example of why I enjoy watching these events every couple years.
- What was with all those crashes on the women's downhill course for skiing? I don't usually care for the French, but you had to feel bad for their skier who fell a mere four strides out of the gate. Another example of why I'd never make it as an Olympic athlete. To train four years and have it all come to a crashing halt seems too much.
- USA curling has been embarrassing to watch. Their captain, John Shuster, has blown victories in four straight contests after coming into these games proclaiming that he thrives off of the pressure. I know the US team didn't have huge expectations, but to have been in control of at least three of those four contests makes it very disappointing that the guy couldn't make his shots.
There's a few other things on my mind, but those are issues that will be around for a bit so I'll discuss those later. Ciao for now and remember: It's just my opinion...but I'm right.
-
Random thoughts:
- Despite my misgivings with the US men's team overall, I have been impressed with the play of David Backes. He's been physical, played with a lot of smarts and shown the skill that many believe he's had but hasn't quite lived up to in NHL play. As a Blues fan I can only hope that he continues these offensive ways once the Olympics are over.
- Can someone please tell Pierre McGuire and Ed Olczyc to shut up. I cannot say that the American defenseman played a flawless game. They did pinch up from the blue line and join the attack a bit too often, but every couple minutes I have to suffer through McGuire ranting on about "I just don't get it. Can you explain it Edzo? The US will get smoked if they do this against better teams like Canada." Go broadcast on TSN if you're that disillusioned by the Americans' play.
- On a related note, both of those guys along with several color announcers in various sports make me wonder if I'd make it in TV broadcasting. It seems that the play-by-play man has become little more than a setup man for these "star" analysts who never shut up. I miss the days of Gary Thorne and Bill Clement or Ken Wilson and Joe Micheletti. The play-by-play man was allowed to paint the picture and then the analyst would chime in during stoppages or during key moments.
- What a night for US Olympians last night. Gold medals for Lindsey Vonn on her bad shin, Shaun White and Shani Davis and a silver for Julia Mancuso. Very exciting to watch. A big example of why I enjoy watching these events every couple years.
- What was with all those crashes on the women's downhill course for skiing? I don't usually care for the French, but you had to feel bad for their skier who fell a mere four strides out of the gate. Another example of why I'd never make it as an Olympic athlete. To train four years and have it all come to a crashing halt seems too much.
- USA curling has been embarrassing to watch. Their captain, John Shuster, has blown victories in four straight contests after coming into these games proclaiming that he thrives off of the pressure. I know the US team didn't have huge expectations, but to have been in control of at least three of those four contests makes it very disappointing that the guy couldn't make his shots.
There's a few other things on my mind, but those are issues that will be around for a bit so I'll discuss those later. Ciao for now and remember: It's just my opinion...but I'm right.
-
Monday, February 8, 2010
Thoughts on the Superbowl and random football notes.
Let me open this blog by saying a heartfelt congratulations to the New Orleans Saints. The city of New Orleans deserves a positive after so much negativity happening to it. With that said, I found the game itself to be rather anti-climactic. I had a feeling going into the game that we would not see the shootout that so many "pundits" predicted. Perhaps my opinion is tainted because I was rooting for the Colts, but I was rooting for the Cardinals the year before and still found that game very entertaining. I thought the Colts looked like they had no heart. They came out and scored the first ten points and looked like they would dominate. But then the Saints came out and played with a bold style with gutsy calls and the Colts played with no enthusiasm. Whether it's Manning's fault or the coaching staff, I don't see why they did three straight run plays at the end of the first half. And nobody can convince me that field position had to do with it. The Colts had driven the length of the field earlier, tying the Super Bowl record for longest scoring drive, but chose to play it safe and it ended up costing them. The Colts had several dropped passes that really cost them.
That being said, the Saints made the best of their opportunities. Yet all I hear is how great Drew Brees was. If not for the Colts' mistake on that pick six, then Brees' game is no better than Manning's. It would amount to nothing but lots of yards with little to show for it. Another thing that irks me is the amount of fools who say that the Colts not playing out all 16 regular season games may have played a factor in it. That is the most idiotic thing I've heard outside of my former place of work. Indianapolis won two playoff games over tough, defensive opponents in the Ravens and Jets. I can't believe that anyone would say that maybe they might have had more momentum if they'd played out their last two or three games. They made the Super Bowl for cryin' out loud. You can make that argument if they lose their first playoff game, but c'mon.
But enough of my rant on the Super Bowl. The Saints won. That's that. Now for a few random thoughts:
- I may be the only person in America who didn't think last night's halftime show with The Who was that bad. No, they don't sound the same as they used to but Townshend is at least 66 years old and Daltrey can't be far behind. Plus it was LIVE. I think too many people have gotten accustomed to lip synced performances because that's pretty much what a lot of live shows sound like. It's not the perfect smooth sound that you get from a studio recording. That's why I've never understood why rappers tour. They sound horrible live.
- I thought many of the commercials this year were funny, such as the Doritos ones and the Snickers one with Betty White and Abe Vigoda, but overall I was underwhelmed with the commercials as a whole. Too many spots for local ads and too many ads where you were just left thinking "umm...ok." I did enjoy the Brett Favre spot where he is still waffling on retirement in 2020. Nice that he can poke fun at himself.
- Following up on the Brett Favre thing, maybe I'm alone but I've gone to the side that I want Favre in the game. I was rooting for him to make it to the Super Bowl even though he played for the Viking and my second favorite team is the Bears (behind the Rams of course). I will admit that I got tired of the constant coverage and ESPN having Rachel Nichols camped out on his lawn, but isn't that really the media's fault instead of him? Doesn't the man have a right to change his mind just like any other man in any other profession? It's not his fault that the sports media wants answers right away. I acknowledge that he brought some of it on himself after the tearfilled pressers, but the media causes their own problems as well when they bombard Favre with questions about retirement the second he steps off the field after a game in which he was one step away from a Super Bowl and in which he possibly cost his team with an INT. We look back on coaches retiring and wonder if it was too soon, ala Dick Vermeil leaving the Rams or Cowher leaving the Steelers. Why is it we expect Favre, an emotional person, to give an answer that quick and then have to stick to it?
- The Rams have the first pick in this April's draft. And now they're going to blow it. There's rumblings in the local media as well as from ESPN's Chris Mortensen that if he's healthy the Rams may use the top pick on Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. This would be a mistake of epic proportions. First off I don't believe the guy will be a franchise quarterback, but that's just one man's opinion. The facts are that the Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Our line has cost us two of the best quarterbacks in St. Louis history. You give the Rams a top flight O-line and Kurt Warner never has to leave. You find a solid O-line after his departure and there is nothing wrong with Marc Bulger. But due to injuries caused by a lack of blocking we have lost those QB's. Now, with that same blocking they want to draft a QB who already has a history of shoulder problems? Also Bradford is a shotgun, spread system quarterback. He has no veteran on the roster to mentor him and will have to learn a completely new system and how to consistantly take a snap from under center. Someone made the comment on sports radio that Bradford will sell more jerseys than Suh. Wow, what a reason to draft someone. Suh is a dominant force. Granted he hasn't played against offensive linemen with the same consistant size as in the NFL but he's got the work ethic and motor to be a roadblock for years to come. The Rams have a problem stopping the run. How is this an issue? Bradford is not a top pick even if healthy and the Rams have bigger problems than just quarterback, which can be plugged for a year or two. Draft defense first. Plain and simple.
- Speaking of the draft, it won't happen but it would be sweet if the Rams or Bears drafted Dezmon Briscoe or Kerry Meier. Both teams need receivers and both players are solid.
That being said, the Saints made the best of their opportunities. Yet all I hear is how great Drew Brees was. If not for the Colts' mistake on that pick six, then Brees' game is no better than Manning's. It would amount to nothing but lots of yards with little to show for it. Another thing that irks me is the amount of fools who say that the Colts not playing out all 16 regular season games may have played a factor in it. That is the most idiotic thing I've heard outside of my former place of work. Indianapolis won two playoff games over tough, defensive opponents in the Ravens and Jets. I can't believe that anyone would say that maybe they might have had more momentum if they'd played out their last two or three games. They made the Super Bowl for cryin' out loud. You can make that argument if they lose their first playoff game, but c'mon.
But enough of my rant on the Super Bowl. The Saints won. That's that. Now for a few random thoughts:
- I may be the only person in America who didn't think last night's halftime show with The Who was that bad. No, they don't sound the same as they used to but Townshend is at least 66 years old and Daltrey can't be far behind. Plus it was LIVE. I think too many people have gotten accustomed to lip synced performances because that's pretty much what a lot of live shows sound like. It's not the perfect smooth sound that you get from a studio recording. That's why I've never understood why rappers tour. They sound horrible live.
- I thought many of the commercials this year were funny, such as the Doritos ones and the Snickers one with Betty White and Abe Vigoda, but overall I was underwhelmed with the commercials as a whole. Too many spots for local ads and too many ads where you were just left thinking "umm...ok." I did enjoy the Brett Favre spot where he is still waffling on retirement in 2020. Nice that he can poke fun at himself.
- Following up on the Brett Favre thing, maybe I'm alone but I've gone to the side that I want Favre in the game. I was rooting for him to make it to the Super Bowl even though he played for the Viking and my second favorite team is the Bears (behind the Rams of course). I will admit that I got tired of the constant coverage and ESPN having Rachel Nichols camped out on his lawn, but isn't that really the media's fault instead of him? Doesn't the man have a right to change his mind just like any other man in any other profession? It's not his fault that the sports media wants answers right away. I acknowledge that he brought some of it on himself after the tearfilled pressers, but the media causes their own problems as well when they bombard Favre with questions about retirement the second he steps off the field after a game in which he was one step away from a Super Bowl and in which he possibly cost his team with an INT. We look back on coaches retiring and wonder if it was too soon, ala Dick Vermeil leaving the Rams or Cowher leaving the Steelers. Why is it we expect Favre, an emotional person, to give an answer that quick and then have to stick to it?
- The Rams have the first pick in this April's draft. And now they're going to blow it. There's rumblings in the local media as well as from ESPN's Chris Mortensen that if he's healthy the Rams may use the top pick on Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. This would be a mistake of epic proportions. First off I don't believe the guy will be a franchise quarterback, but that's just one man's opinion. The facts are that the Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Our line has cost us two of the best quarterbacks in St. Louis history. You give the Rams a top flight O-line and Kurt Warner never has to leave. You find a solid O-line after his departure and there is nothing wrong with Marc Bulger. But due to injuries caused by a lack of blocking we have lost those QB's. Now, with that same blocking they want to draft a QB who already has a history of shoulder problems? Also Bradford is a shotgun, spread system quarterback. He has no veteran on the roster to mentor him and will have to learn a completely new system and how to consistantly take a snap from under center. Someone made the comment on sports radio that Bradford will sell more jerseys than Suh. Wow, what a reason to draft someone. Suh is a dominant force. Granted he hasn't played against offensive linemen with the same consistant size as in the NFL but he's got the work ethic and motor to be a roadblock for years to come. The Rams have a problem stopping the run. How is this an issue? Bradford is not a top pick even if healthy and the Rams have bigger problems than just quarterback, which can be plugged for a year or two. Draft defense first. Plain and simple.
- Speaking of the draft, it won't happen but it would be sweet if the Rams or Bears drafted Dezmon Briscoe or Kerry Meier. Both teams need receivers and both players are solid.
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