Caniac Karma

Since game 1 of the season in Finland, I’ve listened to every Canes game online since I’m too far away to watch on tv. Then this past week, the new guy at work has been torturing me, talking about how his friend had tickets to the Canes v Rangers game, so he was going. I wanted so badly to go see my boys play since they’d be up here in NYC, but was having a hard time convincing someone they wanted to buy a ticket and go with me. About 2 hours before faceoff, my love and undying support for the Canes paid off in the form of a pair of tickets that someone couldn’t use coming through a long chain of people to me & a friend. I couldn’t have imagined a better away game to watch live! Well, I’d love to see a Canes v Habs game at the Bell Centre, but still, quality-wise, this game was great.

I was the away fan I hate to sit near. I cheered my boys on from just 12 rows up from the blue line. My friend and I were two of maybe 10 people in all of Madison Square Garden that stood up and screamed when the rest of the crowd sat silently observing each of the 4 Canes goals. We yelled shouts of approval to Cam with each of his amazing saves, and threw in a couple cheers for Finland whenever Joni, Jussi or Ruutu were near enough to potentially hear us. Somehow, I managed all this cheering with just a sore throat and no black eye!

As for the more technical side, Cam did have several amazing saves, which isn’t out of the ordinary. Henrik Lundqvist had some amazing saves, too, though and made the game exciting to watch. Since this was the first time I actually got to watch them play this year after the games in Finland, it was great to see the speed of the new guys. Skinner looked great out there, and he’s so freaking young! He even made NHL First Star of the night. I’m hoping he stays with us for a while. He’s been working well with Cole, it seems, and I’m loving the switch of Ruutu to center. The switch created the new Skinner-Ruutu-Cole line, which apparently has already been dubbed the JET line—for Jeff Skinner, Eric Cole, Tuomo Ruutu—and it looks damn good. They got all 4 goals against the Rangers, and just generally looked like they’re going to work really well together. Cole’s even looking better now that he’s working with his young protégé. I hope this shifting of the lines continues to have a positive impact, keeping us in contention this season. For now, one game at a time… Let’s go Canes!

PATs:

• I had every intention of finally writing about the NFL games last night, but got a little distracted. Prepare for an in-depth analysis of the Jets v Packers this week, since I’m capping my celebration of my favorite sports weekend of the year with a trip to the New Meadowlands. The big news from this past week was mostly injuries, which seems to be the theme this season. Romo ended up with a broken clavicle and may be out for the rest of the season. Ouch. Literally. Bring in Kitna… Favre’s consecutive start streak is in jeopardy, thanks in part to the beating his ankle took against my Packers. Guess we’ll have to see on Sunday what Childress actually decides to do.
• I was so excited about the Magic’s great start (well, ok, great preseason), then they go and lose to the Heat. Of all teams… And Dwight got blocked by a little guy in Washington. Boston beat Miami, but then the Cavs beat Boston. Things are all crazy. I’m planning to get to a Magic game this season, whether that ends up happening here against the Knicks or as planned in Milwaukee against the Bucks.
• The Rangers (Texas version) seemed to have lost their spark once they got to the World Series. Based on how close the ALCS and NLCS matchups were, I was convinced this World Series would be a little closer. Maybe things will change with tonight’s game, otherwise the Giants (SF version) will be in a pretty good position for the title.
• Florida v Georgia today! I’m not saying anything on this yet, cause I’m a little too nervous for a pre-game analysis…
• Gator bball won their first exhibition game against Florida Tech (one Florida school I didn’t know existed). I’m excited to see how Billy D’s team will do this season. At least they’re actually televising a game Nov 16^th when we play Ohio State!

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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

As a fan of most sports, this week or so is my favorite time of year. NFL and college football season is in full swing. It’s the most exciting part of the MLB season, even if your team isn’t in it anymore (maybe next year, Sox…). Hockey season, my second favorite, is just getting started. The NBA is wrapping up preseason games, and NCAA bball is starting to pop up randomly on ESPN. All that’s missing is some tennis…

I’ve been neglecting Bill Simmons this week, but I have been keeping an eye on baseball on my own some. I watched part of games 3, 4, and 5 of the Rangers v Yankees and the last in the Giants v Phillies series. I haven’t followed baseball as much this year, so maybe I shouldn’t be surprised, but where did the Giants come from? I didn’t see either of these matchups coming, and expected the Phillies to at least keep it closer when the matchup was announced. With the Rangers, I remembered them sweeping the Yankees in September and hoped whatever they figured out in that series would get them to beat the Yankees again now.  As a Sox fan, I am of course ecstatic that the Yankees lost, and decided I’d be happy with whatever else ends up happening as long as they’re out. It’s actually been more fun to watch the games this postseason since they’ve been so close in both matchups. Congratulations to both the Rangers and Giants on their well-deserved wins, and I look forward to what should be a close World Series.

I know it sounds blasphemous, but I was kind of glad to have a break from Gator football this weekend, I’m not gonna lie. The whole Dan Mullen v Steve Addazio homecoming loss last week was just heartbreaking. From what I hear, there is talk amongst members of the Gator Nation about who is to blame for this rough season. I, for one, am not a huge Steve Addazio fan after seeing the tangible difference since Dan Mullen left for Mississippi State, and am glad Urban came back before he could have had total (albeit, interim) control over the entire team’s fate. Some apparently are saying Urban is to blame, completely disregarding the whole 2 national championships and success on many other levels., etc. With Zook, we had reason to voice our frustration while marching on campus in small angry mobs. I really think this situation is just a huge change in personnel, both on the field and behind the scenes, and different personalities than we got used to seeing.  That being said, Cam Newton, our QB-in-waiting before Brantley, is doing a ridiculous job at Auburn, leading the team really well and looking pretty good in the Heisman race. Though it makes me wonder “what if…” a little bit, I still back Brantley 100% and hope things start to look better for my Gators asap.

PATs:

• The Magic managed to go undefeated through their pre-season games. I would have loved to have seen the matchup with the Heat, but it was cancelled due to unsafe court conditions. When I saw that go across the bottom line on Friday, I was confused for a sec (Unsafe conditions for an indoor sport? Really?), then later heard that it was because of the oil-based cleaning solution used on the court. So random. Either way, for those who actually still pay attention to the NBA, let the season begin!
• My Canes have had a tough start to the season, with their first 7 games on the road (or maybe “in the air” would be more accurate) between the Finland season opener and the West Coast trip. Now they’re coming home to play the Caps on the 27^th.  Since I couldn’t watch the games yet this season, I’ve been listening to the radio feed, and we’ve been doing pretty decent from what Chuck K. is saying. The team is noticeably younger this year, and while younger brings some inexperience, it also brings speed, which has been evident in our games as well. Skinner’s been great at putting up the effort as our regular guys have been adjusting to the new lines. Jussi, one of my favorite Finns, has continued his impressive play, saving the game against Phoenix in overtime with an assist from Joni, “his fellow countryman” as the announcers keep saying. For any Canes fans out there, there’s a group on Facebook campaigning for Jussi as a write-in for the All Star game called “Jussi Jokinen for 2011 NHL All-Star Game” if you’re interested in joining and getting Jussi the recognition he deserves after being left out of the Olympics!

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Up For Debate

The Gators played football again this weekend. Once again, I don’t want to talk about it.

Green Bay played, too. See above.

It may have been a rough week for my teams, but all true sports fans learn to take the ups with the downs. As a friend of mine often reminds me, those of us who are fans of teams that have regularly been successful for a while get spoiled. We’re used to coming out ahead, not having to worry about working our way up in the rankings, but rather watch that we don’t fall too far out, and start to take these things for granted. Before the Gator loss was final, I heard that Kentucky beat South Carolina, who beat Alabama last week, which gave us a potential (though small) chance to work our way back into contention. Not so much anymore. The upside from this week was that Wisconsin beat Ohio State, taking out one more of the unbeatens. Things are always more interesting when the field is more even. The dilemma, though, if so few are left undefeated in the end, is whether or not that will be enough for Boise State to get in the championship, or if their weaker schedule will end up keeping them out. If they win out, will they be deserving of a chance?

As for the NFL, there were some close games this week, namely Green Bay v Miami and Baltimore v New England that went into overtime. Surprisingly- well, at least somewhat surprisingly- the Chargers lost to St. Louis. Yes, the Rams. It’s sad, really. They haven’t looked the same since they got rid of LT. In today’s NFL text commentary, there was discussion of San Diego’s tendency to let guys go, thinking they’re past their prime or need new blood, like with LT and Drew Brees. Then these guys go on to be successful with their new teams, winning a Super Bowl, making plays like they used to, general successes elsewhere. Are they actually getting rid of guys too early, or is it that they're just not meshing with the system anymore? Though it might happen more often with the Chargers, it's happening elsewhere, too. Look at Randy Moss and his supposed hair debate with Bieber, I mean, Brady before he joined Brett at the Vikings last week got them all riled up. And then there's Jake DelHomme being let go by Carolina and going on to the Browns to... oh wait, nevermind. But still, with San Diego, the question is legit.

Losing to the Rams may have been the final straw for Norv’s job security, which was already on its last leg. PR’s been doing relatively ok still, either that or Orton’s been doing a lot better. They’re my usual tandem for the fantasy league, though I’d typically end up using Orton on the weeks he did the worst, but this year they’re literally even as of today’s games in fantasy points for the season. Watching him today, I was seriously starting to rethink leaving Orton on the bench, really impressed by his performance so far. I even apologized for any negative comments in the past season as he was leading a successful drive within the 2 minute warning to potentially beat the Jets. Then he fumbled and the game was over. That was the Orton I knew….

In other NFL news, Big Ben came back this weekend and delivered a win for the Steelers over the Browns in Colt McCoy’s debut. Considering it was his first time leading the Browns, and considering that it’s the Browns, he didn’t do half bad, going 23/33 for 281 yards, 1 touchdown and unfortunately, 2 interceptions. The 49ers managed to finally get a win. Minnesota prevailed in the battle for survival with Dallas. The Sunday night game is going on as I write, but the Skins are going at it without the, um, help(?), of Albert Haynesworth who was scratched with “Coach’s decision” given as the reason. I have no words for that man.

PATs-

• The Canes lost their first game after the Finland trip and have a crazy travel schedule ahead through early November. The bright side is they get a break toward the end of the season having most of their games at home. For now, they’ll have to keep adjusting to time zone changes all over the place as they do a tour of the west coast, then return at the end of October to face some of the toughest teams in the eastern conference. Their game v the Canucks is in progress, too, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that that great 4 point start to the season doesn’t get completely lost in the time changes.

• Even though the rest of my weekend was rough sports-wise, the highlight of my Saturday was watching the Yankees lose 7-2 to the Rangers in the ALCS Game 2. And it was even more appropriate that this happened while I was in Boston. In the B.S. Report this week, Bill Simmons discussed his theory that the Yankees blew the end of their season so they’d face the Twins instead of Texas at the beginning of the ALCS. I have to say, he just might be right… it’s starting off as a great matchup!

• This may seem completely random, but UCF is looking pretty good from what I caught of their game this Thursday. They had to skip halftime, taking just a short break between the 2^nd and 3^rd quarters, due to an intense rainstorm. They were doing well, forcing Marshall to punt quite a bit, avoiding penalties, and dominating in rushing yards. While it being against Marshall might not be saying too much, they still looked pretty legit and like they might be on the path to becoming yet another force in the realm of Florida college football in the years to come.

• Alright, fine, I’ll talk about it. I couldn’t watch it (which was good), but I was getting the play-by-play from my good friend that is my faithful sportscaster via text for Gator games I can’t watch—earning her the title henceforth of The Sportstexter—and it wasn’t pretty. I sensed the glimmer of hope in her texts when Miss. State missed their field goal and we got the ball on their 35… then the disappointment as Demps fumbled on the 16 yard line. Then hope again as we were driving down the field with under 2 minutes left in a challenging, but do-able last ditch effort… then the disappointment when Henry missed the field goal attempt we worked so hard for wide right. My phone battery died right after that text, and with it, our post-season hopes. It’s official. This season is all for rebuilding…

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In a Glass Case of Emotion

The Gators played football this weekend, and I don’t want to talk about it.

LSU ruins the birthday weekend almost every season, regardless of how either team is playing otherwise. This year was no exception, with a game that had 7 lead changes and some crazy calls that ended in the Gators’ second loss in six weeks. Most coaches I at least respect, but Nick Saban and Les Miles are two I’m not a fan of. Now I’m a strong supporter of the fake punt whenever I play Madden (mostly because that’s one of the few plays I can actually execute), but when a coach is known for using them, his team is in the ideal situation to use one, and you don’t plan to counter one—not cool. The feeling of Gator Nation slipping into the coma of a rebuilding year is becoming more real. If nothing else, at least Alabama lost to South Carolina and Miami lost to FSU. Almost makes up for our loss… but not quite. It does bring up the question, though… with Alabama out, who is deserving of the #1 spot?

I didn’t get to watch the NFL games this week, though I was keeping track of the scores. Shaun Hill seems to be doing fine with Detroit after their 44-6 win (over the Rams, mind you). Kansas City has finally lost, and poor Buffalo still can’t get a win. The backup QB switch between Washington and Chicago worked out ok for the Bears, though it’s a miracle that Todd Collins was able to pull off the win with 4 interceptions. My 2 favorite teams, Washington and Green Bay, played each other this week in a really close game. It was hard to follow rooting against the Skins (partially because Gano is my kicker in the fantasy league), but the Skins pulled it off in OT. Once I got home and saw more info than the score, I found that Rodgers had a concussion, Jermichael Finley left with a knee issue, and Clay Matthews and about 3 other guys all had random injuries, too. That might have had something to do with it. This slew of injuries on top of the loss of Ryan Grant earlier in the season leaves us with a tough 12 weeks ahead.

Finally, on a happier note, the Canes won both of their season opening games in Helsinki this week. Due to the time difference, they were on at noon here, so I was able to listen to Chuck K. call the game via streaming audio at work. I’m not gonna lie, I was having some serious regret for not blowing all my money and flying over there for the games. My team in Finland?! Too perfect. Maybe they’ll do it again since it went so well. Coming back with 4 points to start the season is definitely a better start than we had last fall. The Caps are right with us with 4 pts, too, but over 3 games compared to our 2. It’s nice to be at the top :) I completely didn’t realize how much I missed hockey until our first game started. It’s a very close second to football, all thanks to the roster full of humble guys on the Canes and the great atmosphere of the RBC Center fan-wise. We have a lot of young guys that look like they have a lot of potential, including Skinner, our prized draft pick, who won the 2^nd game for us with his shootout goal. Speaking of young additions looking impressive, Derek Stepan of the Rangers made a hat trick in his debut game. Pretty impressive, yet slightly concerning for when we face them later this month. Also good- New Jersey has lost all 3 of their games so far. It’s starting off to be a great season :)

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Change of Seasons

It feels like football season. Time to return to the blog.

With grad school applications and a stint in Manhattan (not to mention the lack of sports aside from baseball), I took a bit of a hiatus from the blog for a bit. Now that my favorite time of year is back, it’s time to get back to what’s important. So, here we go…

The NFL has been bizarre this season already. QBs dropping like flies. Dallas at the bottom of the NFC East (and the Skins at the top). The Colts are 2-2. LT as a Jet, T.J. as a Raven, and all sorts of other team switches. And craziest of all—the Kansas City Chiefs are the only undefeated team left after week 4? Weird.

I had an off-season of reflection and came to the conclusion that my heart just wasn’t completely with the Skins, but that I had somewhat secretly been hiding feelings for another team. The majority of my family (that cares about football) is loyal to the Green Bay Packers. I had always respected them and their tradition, and felt like it would just be following along to choose them as my team since I didn’t really grow up with them. Still, I had Greg Jennings and Donald Driver on my fantasy teams since season 1 (though someone else got to Donald before me this year), and I had admired them from a distance. While I will always be pro-Redskins, it was time to prioritize my split allegiance, so I made my hidden Green Bay love public. Consider this the official notice: I confess, I am a cheesehead.

That being said, it’s nice to be able to cheer for Donovan without feeling conflicted now that he’s not wearing Eagles gear. It seems that things are at least on the right track with the Skins, though it will take some time with the new personnel to get going smoothly. Aside from the bump in the road in Chicago, Green Bay is playing about as expected. Or at least as well as can be expected without Ryan Grant. Jermichael Finley’s been doing great while the whole rotating RB thing gets sorted out with Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn.

Not only is football back, but hockey comes back Thursday, too! My Canes are doing their season opener in Helsinki, Finland this season against the Minnesota Wild. While I would have loved to have gone with the 300+ Canes fans that made the trek through the AAA fan package deal, finances (and my lack of passport during booking) kept me here in the states to cheer them on from afar… during work, since they’ll be playing both games at noon our time due to the time difference. Luckily, I can get away with this to some extent since I can listen to podcasts at work with no issue J

Which brings me to my final musing before I close out this first blog entry of the NFL/NHL season… I’ve been listening to Bill Simmons (well, the B.S. Report) and PTI almost daily via podcast at work. I’ll probably work them into the blog throughout the season and hope to maybe generate some discussion with topics this season, too. Feel free to post comments and start debates as we go! Looking forward to an interesting season…

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