NHL WEEK #1 SUCCESS

Week Number 1 in the NHL is not even over and it’s already been one hell of a ride. I think to a lot if amazement…fans have been attending these early games in record attendance. This could not have been predicted a few months back when the possibility of having a season was slim to none. This shortened season actually makes Hockey more appealing if that could make sense. There are many games being played every night…teams are being tested early and often. Lets take the Philadelphia Flyers for example. Coming into last weekend, the Flyers were one of those teams that were thought to be helped by the shortened season due to their youth and also that many of their players had played in other leagues during the strike. Well, The Flyers were 0-3 coming out of the gate, playing 3 games in five days. They just won their first game last night 2-1 to the New York Rangers. The Flyers have lost Scott Hartnell for 4-8 weeks which is a huge blow this early in the grind. They did manage to sign veteran Mike Kunuble as insurance to add some depth while they play without Scott. Danny Briere has yet to play a game but should be back shortly. Lets take a quick look back to 1994-1995 and the last lockout that lead to a 48 game season. That season, the Flyers started 0-3 and were 3-7 after ten games. They finished with the best record in the East and went to the Eastern Conference Finals to face the Devils. Of course, everyone argues that was after Bob Clark was able to pull off a huge trade that brought a young John LeClair and Eric Desjardins to the Flyers at the height of their slump. True, that trade was huge and gave the Flyers tons of momentum the remainder of the season. Nonetheless, I would argue thy this Flyers team is more skilled and ready to make a run for the Cup. Claude Giroux could be the best player in the NHL and the youth on this team is amazing. So, please do not count the Flyers out and don’t underestimate Paul Holmgren making another huge trade or more. There is still a lot of hockey to play. The Flyers will be ok…they just need to remain focused and eliminate the sloppy play and turnovers. Plus, having a shortened season will force teams to play harder going down the stretch as every point is golden. This should be an interesting few months.

In other sports, the Philadelphia Phillies signed Delmon Young from the Detroit Tigers. On the surface this Looks like a horrible signing and a poor attempt to help this inconsistent offense. I think fans are making irrational judgements here as well. First of all, the team signed him to a one year contract at less than a million dollars. Yes, Young has been a problem in the past, but he has matured and can surely provide some pop. He most likely will bat in the fifth spot to provide protection for Ryan Howard. Young was the ALCS MVP and is capable of hitting .300 and hitting 25 HR and getting 100RBI while filling the teams void in right field. There is always negativity, but really?? At lest give the guy a month to prove wether he has it.

The Pro Bowl is this Sunday, not that any one cares. The Pro Bowl might be the least important all star game in sports. Nonetheless, there is always some incredible football being played and a chance to see your favorite players. I am still sticking to my prediction that the Baltimore Ravens will win the Superbowl. Speaking of Super Bowl, I guess everyone has heard of the Chicken Wing shortage this season. Yes, you heard it right folks, chicken wing shortage…ughhh.
Finally, after all this gun control debate, a record number of weapons were purchased in a panic and now there is an ammunition shortage. People really use their heads this year. Lets just keep buying more guns. Anyways, stay tuned for more banter regarding this and other topics.

MISCELANEOUS

Ok…so it’s been awhile. Had some personal issues to attend to but I am back with a vengeance. Today I will cover a wide variety of topics. First off, I would personally like to give my condolences to the entire Saint Louis Cardinals Extended Family for losing one of the true Baseball Legends that were still alive. Yesterday, Stan Musial died at the ripe old age of 92. Well, many of us will not even see 75 so that is quite an accomplishment in itself. Musial in my mind has to be in the top 3 MLB players of all time list and he was an offensive legend. Stan Musial was probably the best all around hitter with both power and tenacity to ever play the game. RIP Stan…You were a true legend and gentleman.

Yesterday also marked the return of the NHL from its extended labor strike. There were quite a few key markee match ups including the Pittsburgh Penguins opening on the road against the Philadelphia Flyers. Well, the game did not disappoint as it was a well played game considering the long layoff…it took the Flyers two periods to really break off the rust. I must admit, I was totally shocked with the amount of support and fans that showed up all over the league yesterday, especially in Philly. There was. 10,000 people alone in the XFINITY Entertainment Lounge. With a shortened 48 game season, it should be interesting which teams will ultimately make the playoffs. By judging the games from Saturday, the playoffs are already here in spirit. This should make for some very exciting games and story lines. Stay Tuned.

Well, I worked all day and have not even turned on the TV…I had heard that Atlanta had an early lead on the 49ers in the NFC Championship. Well, my original picks for the Superbowl did not even make it to this round so at this point anything is possible. I was going to take the 49ers, but I feel that Atlanta has the edge at home. Also, I think they are out to prove that their season was not a fluke. The AFC Championship tonight…The Patriots are favored to beat the Baltimore Ravens. I’m going out on a limb to say that Ray Lewis will have one last hurrah and stun the Patriots faithful.

Speaking of Football, the Eagles did finally get a head coach this week by signing Chip Kelly. We will visit this topic many times in the near future but my only early opinion is that the Philadelphia Fan Base is out of control for some of the statements that they have made. C’MON give the guy a chance! Lets see what he can do?

On the music scene, Anthrax announced a new release of an EP this spring featuring cover songs from bands of the 60’s and 70’s. Anthrax also announced that they will be doing the Among the Living Anniversary Tour, following the footsteps of its other Big Four members. They are actually scheduled to play a show in AC so I’m sure that I will try and make it again. Also in other big news, Metallica announced that they will be doing the Orion Festival once again this summer. Should be AWESOME!

As you all know, I am a huge fan of Heavy Metal, but I am far from proclaiming myself Eddie Trunk or anywhere close to his knowledge of music. I would even venture to say that my best friend Aaron knows much more about music than me. Well, while using Pandora I actually heard a tune from Stryper…who??? Yes Stryper! I totally forgot how good this band was and them I did some research and realized that they released an album in 2011 called “The Covering” in which they covered some classics from such bands as Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Deep Purple, the Scorpions and a few others! The album is SICK and I would recommend it to any fan of metal or hard rock. These guys are way underrated in my mind. Michael Sweet is a Musical genius. Look for his new autobiography due out this spring along with a Greatest Hits Remaster album followed by a Brand New Studio Album! Awesome News! Can’t wait…so looking forward to this. Anyways, I was researching Christian Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Bands and I came across a band named Pillar. Let me tell you, heard some of their material and was absolutely impressed. More music news to follow, so many exciting stories including Def Leppard doing Hysteria as a Week Long Guest in Las Vegas. Wow! Wish I could be there for that.

Finally, I thought it necessary to bring up the fact that I think I had posted back when the school shootings occurred in Connecticut, that the one major problem of our government during these crises…is failure to act! Well, here we are a month has went by and still morning on the part of our government. Not even one BILL! I mean…geez they owe it to these families to do something. And the other horrible thing about these tragedies is that after time they are forgotten. This crime cannot and should not be forgotten and the Government must take action in the Gun Control and Mental Health realms. Well…thanks for letting me vent lol. Anyways…it’s good to be back…thanks again to my loyal fans!

NHL: NO HOCKEY LOYALTY

Well, this strike is similar to how the 1994-1995 Strike went down. I can remember it like it was yesterday. The New York Rangers were coming off a Stanley Cup Championship Title in 1994, as Mark Messier carried the Rangers to their first title in over 40 years. Then it happened, a long term work stoppage. This seasons strike actually mirrors that one in that it lasted over a half season. When the league finally came to an agreement with the players, they settled on a 48 game season. This season will be the same type of schedule. Well the 94 strike saw Eric Lindros get voted as the MVP in a 48 game season where the Philadelphia Flyers made it to the Conference Finals against the New Jersey Devils. Unfortunately, the Devils went on to beat the Flyers and win their first Stanley Cup. Well, who knows at this point what team will be the favorite. However, One thing is for sure. The fans will return, but I would suggest that they refrain from spending top rate to go to these games. Let us face it, the League owes the Fans. This has been one of the most frustrating sports strikes in history as there was not a huge gap between what the league wanted as far as the players. Nonetheless, here we are already into January, and now there will be a two week period and then a 48 game season. We will talk later how this short season could benefit a team like the Flyers. Stay Tuned.

Philly Needs an Overhaul

My how things have changed the past few years. I can remember back as recently as 2010 when the Flyers were in the Stanley Cup, The Phillies made the NLCS, The 76ers made the playoffs and the Eagles had a stellar season behind Michael Vick. Fast Forward 2 years! The NHL is probably going to skip a season (already half way into the labor dispute and lockout), The Phillies missed the playoffs and finished close to the basement in the NL East, The Sixers are still inconsistent and not close to winning a championship and the Eagles???? The Eagles?? Well, the Eagles are fading fast and are in a state of disarray. At 3-7 now, the Eagles are well on their way to their worst record since 1998 when Andy Reid took over this team, 14 seasons ago. When Andy Reid arrived in Philly, the Eagles were a team with some talent that needed a good leader and strategist. When Andy Reid and the Eagles drafted Donovan McNabb in 1998, the tables were turning. Jim Johnson built one of the most powerful defenses in the Eagles history. Five straight NFC Championships, One Superbowl, Countless memories followed as the Eagles closed down the VET, moved into the LINC, Grew into one of the real powerhouses in the NFL. The Eagles were the NFC version of the New England Patriots…without the Superbowl wins lol. The Eagles were a very successful team and provided Philadelphia with many great memories. However, the past few seasons have been inconsistent and disheartening to say the least. A few seasons back, the Eagles signed Michael Vick and traded Donovan McNabb. McNabb took most of the blame for the Eagle’s failure in the 11 years under his reign. Yes, McNabb was not the most accurate quarterback the Eagles ever had. McNabb did blow it in the Superbowl. McNabb did get injured a lot. Nonetheless, McNabb holds every Eagles quarterback record in history. He was the winningest quarterback they ever had. McNabb was a good leader at one point in his career. Let us not forget, the NFL is a team game (just ask the New England Patriots and New York Giants). After McNabb was traded, Michael Vick had one good season and all of the experts were saying…see…it was McNabb’s fault. These experts failed to place any blame on the team’s coach, Andy Reid. Jim Johmson’s untimely passing was another turning point in the Philadelphia Eagles history. The Defense has not been the same and the Eagles made Juan Castillo the Defensive Coordinator last year. No one could argue that the Eagles did not have talent on that side of the ball. I mean, they signed Namdi Asomgha to one of the largest contracts for a Cornerback in the history of the NFL. They also boasted the NFL’s sack leader and a very good defensive line. Fast forward to 2012…Juan Castillo is fired and he takes the blame for the Philadelphia Eagles failures. Well, Castillo is gone and this defense is playing even worse. It’s truly time for Jeff Lurie to throw loyalty to the side and replace Andy Reid now. This version of the Philadelphia Eagles is pathetic. It is obvious that Andy Reid has lost this team. The team lacks respect for him and there is no leadership. They have the arguably the worst offensive line in NFL history. Michael Vick showed his true colors, that he really is not the Quarterback that will take this team to Championship. Now LeSean McCoy, their superstar running back, the one weapon that this team has that really is one of the best in the NFL, has received a concussion after taking a hard hit in the last two minutes of a game. The Eagles, who were losing by 30 points to the Washington Redskins were finished. Andy Reid, when asked why McCoy was still in the game, answered “We were trying to win the game.” C’MON Andy….get real!!!! You have lost your marbles. This team is finished. The time for rebuilding is now. Why wait until the end of the season. This team needs a drastic change now. Andy Reid is done. Forget all of the good things he has done for this team. The goal of any NFL franchise is to WIN the Superbowl! Well, in 14 seasons under Reid the Eagles have exactly one appearance (a loss to the Patriots) in a Superbowl. If this was any other company or corporation, Reid would have been replaced a long time ago. Well, Reid is still here. Jeff Lurie has let loyalty reign above results. This is a huge mistake. Lurie, I hope that you will finally listen to the fans…we really are not stoopid. We really are NFL fans and we DO understand the game. It is so obvious that Andy Reid has lost this team and a change is necessary. Why are you waiting…Andy Reid should be with his family anyway, after losing his son earlier this season. Please restore the good feeling in Philly again. Bring the Eagles back to respectable again in the NFL. Andy Reid must go. This is not personal, this is an anomaly. It is time for this team to rebuild from the top on down. If I’m Lurie, everyone goes except LeSean McCoy!!! He is the only true talent that is untouchable. We need a DEFENSIVE minded coach again. Defense really does still win Championships. As good as the Patriots Offense has been under their dominance the past fifteen years, Their Defense has truly been their backbone. We need a change. This does not just go for this Football Team. The Baseball Team also needs to rebuild. After their World Series win in 2008, this team has still had playoff success but if you really look close at the team they have gotten old. They have declined tremendously both in talent and success. It’s ashame, after the Phillies traded for and signed Roy Halladay, it looked like they may be on their way to a dynasty. Then the Four Aces…Halladay, Lee, Hammels, and Oswalt. Fast forward, Oswalt is gone, Halladay was injured and had his worst season in ten years, Lee was inconsistent and not the dominant force he had been the previous five years, only Hammels was good as promised. Chase Utley is done. Ryan Howard is on a decline. They do not have a young nucleus. This team also needs to rebuild. Charlie it’s been nice knowing you. Back to the Eagles, C’MON!!! Nick Foles first start in the NFL, and you make him drop back 43X!!!!! Four Sacks, countless rushes and hurries! Reid…you will never get it!!!! Quarterbacks have changed, lines have changed, defenses have changed. The one mainstay is Reid. Now it is time for Jeff Lurie to give this city some hope! Please hear the voice of the FAN!

NHL (NO HOCKEY LEADERS)

Today the NHL announced that it has now cancelled the season, at least through November! This all but guarantees that the league will not play a full 82 Game Schedule this season. The players and owners would have had to have come to an agreement by next Thursday for that to happen. At this point….who really cares. This league is ruining any credibility that it regained with its fans. It makes me sick to my stomache just thinking about how greedy both sides are being!!! I mean….the players make millions of dollars to play a sport they love….have fun doing it…and lots of them become stars and celebrities. Where is the leadership. These players are so selfish. This league is so second rate. I hope Alex Ovechkin never plays another game in this country. Stick to your Russian Playboy Models Alex. Where is the Jeremy Roenick’s of the League? How about the Ron Hextall’s. Claude Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Hull, Patrick Roy? Bobby Clarke? And the owners are no better. These players and owners are filthy rich. They take for granted what they have. While you and I bust our asses in retail positions, labor jobs, long hours, shitty pay. It’s rediculous. The small time employees (vendors, ticket takers, Zamboni drivers, security, etc….) are the real losers here. Them and the fans. What can this lockout teach all the young children who love hockey…the ones that play and idolize these players. What does the Die Hard Fan say to their sons and daughters who ask why hockey is not playing. These players are such bitches!!!! Seriously….Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, And all the former players as well as current flyers players. You guys suck as leaders. The only thing you are leading is the no hockey left pole. Each day that you players and owners go on with this work stoppage….the more fans you lose forever. Baseball with the World Series going on right now is at the top of its popularity in years. The NFL gets better and better every year! WTF guys….get a grip…stop being greedy and settle already. This is so sickening to myself…a die hard Flyers fan. These guys have no clue…especially the foreign players. They have no idea how they are ruining this sport forever! No Hockey Left…that is what the NHL stands for now. No hope left. I hope you and your families are happy because you have ruined your legacy. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Middle class America busting its ass while you all complain about a few million dollars. Grow up…be men. This league used to be full of players that gave a shit…now it’s just a bunch of Cry Babies! Settle soon or else risk losing the core group of fans. It took so long for the league to get back the last time…imagine how hard this will be if u do not sign the dotted line. Like if you think this league is Greedy and needs to Grow Up!

NHL (No Hockey Left)

Well, here we are October 13th…Millions of dollars later. There is still no end in sight to the NHL lLabor Dispute. Both sides are so far apart, both are being greedy, but the owners are the ones who are killing this sport now. As recent evidence shows…The NHL was on the verge of overtaking the NBA as far as television ratings. As many other Hockey Fans…I still remain optimistic that this league will get it’s head out of it’s ass and settle this dispute as soon as possible. I never knew that you could miss Steve Coats voice so much…lol. Jim Jackson is also deeply missed. By this time we would usually be settling into the regular season in the NHL…observing how our free agents are playing…how far the youngsters have progressed…will the goalie play more consistent from the start…etc. These questions remain far from answered as this strike continues. I mean the NFL is in full gear…but I am missing those 7:30 puck drops…the crisp skating…the sound of those blades going across the ice…those monster hits against the boards…those acrobatic saves…those unbelievable passes….those rocket shots….those deadly wrist shots…those five hole mistakes…those penalties…those power plays…those two line passes…those off sides…those gloves coming off…those fists pummeling skin…those irate coaches…those angry fans…those whistles for stoppage of play…the zamboni in between periods…the five minute overtimes that never seem to end…those shootouts that end quickly…the ones that never seem to end…the loud music as the player hit the ice…the flashing lights and opening frenzy…the National Anthem…God Bless America…Kate Smith…The cuts…the bruises…the stitches…the bone crunching collisions…the buzzer after each goal…the replays that are shown from every angle…the guy in the second level dancing like a wild animal…the young kid donning his teams jersey proud…the father and son bonding…the boyfriend/girlfriend locking lips…kiss cam…THE PECO POWER PLAY…the white and black referees…the chants of assssshoooole….the cold beer…the stadium smell of food galore…the locker room as the players lace up their skates for battle…the open ice turnovers….the breakaways…the penalty shots…the roar of the home crowd after a goal…the oohs and aahhs after the near miss…the puck meets post…the post game interviews…the exciting rivalries…the crowd full of jerseys…the penalty box…the players chirping at each other across the benches…the stare downs…the sound of ice. Hockey is more than a game…and this really sucks. Hopefully the owners and players will realize what this does to fans like you and I….ripping our hearts out at the seam. No Hockey Left=No Fun Left. NHL meets NFL. I mean Football will always be exciting but it only comes along 1x per week. We need our daily fix. End this hypocrisy!