Emotion.
Good or bad, that's what Todd Bertuzzi has always been about. Love him, hate him, you can't ignore the guy's presence. Whether he's impressing you with a fantastic goal or disgusting you with a gutless play, he can't be overlooked. Such was the case in the Detroit-San Jose series.
Bertuzzi's level of play has always been a big factor in games. The only thing Bertuzzi does more than work harder than anybody is slack off more than anybody.
So, in Game 4, with the Wings trailing 3-0 in the series and looking as if they were about to go quietly, Devin Setoguchi did the dumbest thing he could possibly do: ticked off Big Bert. And as they would later say during the intermission, you don't wanna make Todd Bertuzzi mad. After a hit, a broken up scrum, and an exchange while on benches, Bertuzzi responded with a spin-o-rama goal that, had the Red Wings pulled off a game 7 victory, would have likely been remembered as the turning point in the series.
Granted, it's not all that easy to see exactly where Bertuzzi helped from there. But we do know some things. Bertuzzi certainly showed a physical presence in the series from that point forward. His big hits changed a lot. In fact, the Red Wings suddenly appeared to shockingly be the physically dominant team. Clearly, Bertuzzi was fired up. And there's a funny thing about that kind of attitude.
It spreads really quickly.
All of a sudden, bang! It went from a Sharks series to a Red Wings series in the blink of an eye. The Red Wing Invincibility seemed to have returned. The Wings rallied back for three in a row, showing themselves to clearly be the better team. Heading into game 7, it looked like it was Detroit who had a stranglehold on the series.
And then came game 7. And in the first period, Big Bert was taken out of the game due to injury. All of sudden, bang! The Sharks came roaring back. Poor officiating and 1st period miscues by the Red Wings had their effect on the outcome. But consider: if Bertuzzi were in, he would've minimized the cheap shots taken by the Sharks in the first place. And it's likely that his departure was a big reason that the miscues occurred.
I'm not sure if any man in the NHL has ever attracted a larger combined amount of hate, liking, frustration (from both supporters and opponents), and awe than #44 of the Red Wings. In this series, Bert was the Red Wing hero, and his departure left them too crushed to carry on. Of course, with the series over, it's obvious that we are now going to hear more about whether "this is it" for the older Red Wing players. Bertuzzi is, in fact among that group in discussion.
Bertuzzi gone? Really? Well, I'm sure the only group of NHL fans larger than those who love him and want to see him continue are those who despise him and hope that he leaves.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Back In
As usual, my busy schedule has been getting in the way of my blogging. However, a recently pulled back has opened a lot of time up. Hope to blog a lot more as a result.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Bowl Forecast
Well it's time for that final pick.
Though the Steelers possess an advantage in Super Bowl experience and superior defense, I'll stick by my original pick at the beginning of the season. I trust Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to pull this off.
Though the Steelers possess an advantage in Super Bowl experience and superior defense, I'll stick by my original pick at the beginning of the season. I trust Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to pull this off.
Last week: 2-0
Playoffs Overall: 5-5
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Super Bowl offers great matchup (again)
Let's be honest here. 2010 was a disappointing Super Bowl.
Yes, it did have the nice story of a city once hit by a devastating hurricane winning it all. But it just wasn't that interesting. The game was short and not all that special, other than its circumstances.
It certainly didn't lead up to those which came before it.
Let's examine, if we will, why it did not work as well.
A key element to a successful Super Bowl is contrast between teams. In 2007 it was the offensive Colts against the defense-first Bears. In 2008 it was the unstoppable New England Patriots against the underdog New York Giants. And in 2009, perhaps the best Super Bowl of all, it was the powerhouse Pittsburgh Steelers and their all-powerful defense against the mega-surprise Arizona Cardinals and their formidable passing attack. All 3, with the possible exception of the first, were classics.
But last year, the Saints faced the Colts, basically playing their reflection. Two highly likeable teams whose main attractions were their big quarterbacks.
Now it's the humble, quiet, Aaron Rodgers against the stained reputation of Ben Roethlisberger. It doesn't matter that both teams have great, comparable talent on both sides of the ball, the contrast in quarterbacks does enough. The two are different not only in their off-the-field personas, but also in style. Rodgers is the guy who wins by putting up pinball numbers. Big Ben is less the type to show up loud in statistics, and more the type to make intangible plays like keeping plays and drives alive and delivering under the clutch.
Now, if we see a blowout, then all this writing will be dismissed and confirmed as a waste of time. But I don't expect that to happen. The teams are evenly matched on both sides of the ball, and let's remember, we haven't really seen a Super Bowl blowout since 2003, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers laid a thrashing on the Oakland Raiders.
Their contrast in quarterbacks and tightness in abilities make these two teams a great match for the biggest game of the year.
And maybe we'll see some better commercials this year too.
Yes, it did have the nice story of a city once hit by a devastating hurricane winning it all. But it just wasn't that interesting. The game was short and not all that special, other than its circumstances.
It certainly didn't lead up to those which came before it.
Let's examine, if we will, why it did not work as well.
A key element to a successful Super Bowl is contrast between teams. In 2007 it was the offensive Colts against the defense-first Bears. In 2008 it was the unstoppable New England Patriots against the underdog New York Giants. And in 2009, perhaps the best Super Bowl of all, it was the powerhouse Pittsburgh Steelers and their all-powerful defense against the mega-surprise Arizona Cardinals and their formidable passing attack. All 3, with the possible exception of the first, were classics.
But last year, the Saints faced the Colts, basically playing their reflection. Two highly likeable teams whose main attractions were their big quarterbacks.
Now it's the humble, quiet, Aaron Rodgers against the stained reputation of Ben Roethlisberger. It doesn't matter that both teams have great, comparable talent on both sides of the ball, the contrast in quarterbacks does enough. The two are different not only in their off-the-field personas, but also in style. Rodgers is the guy who wins by putting up pinball numbers. Big Ben is less the type to show up loud in statistics, and more the type to make intangible plays like keeping plays and drives alive and delivering under the clutch.
Now, if we see a blowout, then all this writing will be dismissed and confirmed as a waste of time. But I don't expect that to happen. The teams are evenly matched on both sides of the ball, and let's remember, we haven't really seen a Super Bowl blowout since 2003, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers laid a thrashing on the Oakland Raiders.
Their contrast in quarterbacks and tightness in abilities make these two teams a great match for the biggest game of the year.
And maybe we'll see some better commercials this year too.
Super Bowl Forecast Coming Up Soon!
Monday, January 17, 2011
TD Celebrations: Having fun or showing off?
Chad Ochocinco, I hope you're listening.
Two incidents involving touchdown celebrations occurred this weekend. The first involved Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and Falcons defensive lineman John Abraham. The second involved a CBS broadcaster and a lot of New York Jets, particularly Shonn Greene and Rex Ryan.
So, now we examine the difference between having a good time and rubbing it in.
In the case of Aaron Rodgers, Abraham decided that, being down by two touchdowns against one of the league's most talented quarterbacks, a sack entitled him to make fun of Rodgers's championship belt celebration. Rodgers responded by driving down for an eventual rushing touchdown (which he himself ran) and exaggerating the celebration.
As far as the original cele goes, there's really no problem. The guy likes it when his team scores, so he does a cool little move as part of the excitement. It's not like he demands attention or gets in anybody's face.
How do I know? The simplicity of Rodgers's move is the big clue here. If he wanted attention he'd come up with something that got his whole body involved and probably lasted at least a little longer. But this is no different than a fist pump, except that it's much more original.
In the case of the two staging a celebration battle over it, I don't see a problem either. Abraham was foolish to do what he did given the circumstances, there's no doubt about that. But he did it because he was caught up in the moment. When you're as frustrated as the Falcons were, you look for small things to get adrenaline pumping. That's exactly why he did what he did. And as for Rodgers's response, good for him. He was basically showing Abraham what happens when you mock an opponent stronger than you.
But the celebration involving Shonn Greene and many Jets teammates was completely uncalled for.
I didn't have a problem with his Jets teammates running into the end zone. I did have a problem with Rex Ryan joining them. Sorry, but you're the head coach, dude. Celebrate on the sidelines all you want. But running onto the field as a coach is a no-no. Period. You can say Ryan was caught up in the moment. Uh, so? How many coaches do you think have been in the same situation? How many ran onto the field? That's what I thought. Coaches are held to a higher standard than players. They are expected to behave in a way that provides a good example. But Ryan proved once again that he never grew up. Coaches are supposed to be mature, Rex, and you've been anything but.
And Greene's celebration was fine. Until it became a "nap time" celebration. Such a celebration clearly was made so he could get a camera to look at him. Not to mention the disrespect of it. The game wasn't over yet, but Greene was basically saying that given the circumstances, he might as well sleep for the rest of it. Unacceptable. Get excited all you want. Have your players run in, but no coaches and no "nap time". It goes too far.
People seem to be on opposite ends of the coin when it comes to celebrations, but the truth is that some are OK because they are the result of pure excitement and emotion or the desire to have fun, but there comes a point where a player must remember that the game must be treated with respect.
Act like you've been there before.
Two incidents involving touchdown celebrations occurred this weekend. The first involved Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and Falcons defensive lineman John Abraham. The second involved a CBS broadcaster and a lot of New York Jets, particularly Shonn Greene and Rex Ryan.
So, now we examine the difference between having a good time and rubbing it in.
In the case of Aaron Rodgers, Abraham decided that, being down by two touchdowns against one of the league's most talented quarterbacks, a sack entitled him to make fun of Rodgers's championship belt celebration. Rodgers responded by driving down for an eventual rushing touchdown (which he himself ran) and exaggerating the celebration.
As far as the original cele goes, there's really no problem. The guy likes it when his team scores, so he does a cool little move as part of the excitement. It's not like he demands attention or gets in anybody's face.
How do I know? The simplicity of Rodgers's move is the big clue here. If he wanted attention he'd come up with something that got his whole body involved and probably lasted at least a little longer. But this is no different than a fist pump, except that it's much more original.
In the case of the two staging a celebration battle over it, I don't see a problem either. Abraham was foolish to do what he did given the circumstances, there's no doubt about that. But he did it because he was caught up in the moment. When you're as frustrated as the Falcons were, you look for small things to get adrenaline pumping. That's exactly why he did what he did. And as for Rodgers's response, good for him. He was basically showing Abraham what happens when you mock an opponent stronger than you.
But the celebration involving Shonn Greene and many Jets teammates was completely uncalled for.
I didn't have a problem with his Jets teammates running into the end zone. I did have a problem with Rex Ryan joining them. Sorry, but you're the head coach, dude. Celebrate on the sidelines all you want. But running onto the field as a coach is a no-no. Period. You can say Ryan was caught up in the moment. Uh, so? How many coaches do you think have been in the same situation? How many ran onto the field? That's what I thought. Coaches are held to a higher standard than players. They are expected to behave in a way that provides a good example. But Ryan proved once again that he never grew up. Coaches are supposed to be mature, Rex, and you've been anything but.
And Greene's celebration was fine. Until it became a "nap time" celebration. Such a celebration clearly was made so he could get a camera to look at him. Not to mention the disrespect of it. The game wasn't over yet, but Greene was basically saying that given the circumstances, he might as well sleep for the rest of it. Unacceptable. Get excited all you want. Have your players run in, but no coaches and no "nap time". It goes too far.
People seem to be on opposite ends of the coin when it comes to celebrations, but the truth is that some are OK because they are the result of pure excitement and emotion or the desire to have fun, but there comes a point where a player must remember that the game must be treated with respect.
Act like you've been there before.
Round 3 picks
Forgot to post last week's picks. I split them. Got both of Saturday's right and both of Sunday's wrong.
Forget that though, time for Round 3.
AFC Championship
I was disappointed and infuriated to see the Jets move on yet again. Now they'll face a tough Steelers team that's been lights-out in the playoffs.
Bottom line: I'm not sure I consider Ben Roethlisberger a future Hall of Famer, but when playoff time comes around, he's one of the best in the business. Two Super Bowl rings at his age is pretty good. Sanchez won't be able to handle the defense that the Steelers bring. He just isn't good enough. Troy and Co. will shut down the New York offense, while Big Ben leads the Pittsburgh offense to a couple of touchdowns, which is all that they'll need.
Steelers 17, Jets 6
NFC Championship
Will somebody pour a bucket of water on Aaron Rodgers? The man has been unbelievably good. Good enough for me to stick by the team I had originally picked to win the Super Bowl. The Pack is dynamic on both sides of the ball, and now they've beaten Philly and CRUSHED a universally-considered powerful Atlanta Falcons team.
Don't get me wrong, the Bears are good too. If any defense can handle Rodgers and Co., it's them. But I don't see them doing it.
Packers 24, Bears 10
Forget that though, time for Round 3.
AFC Championship
I was disappointed and infuriated to see the Jets move on yet again. Now they'll face a tough Steelers team that's been lights-out in the playoffs.
Bottom line: I'm not sure I consider Ben Roethlisberger a future Hall of Famer, but when playoff time comes around, he's one of the best in the business. Two Super Bowl rings at his age is pretty good. Sanchez won't be able to handle the defense that the Steelers bring. He just isn't good enough. Troy and Co. will shut down the New York offense, while Big Ben leads the Pittsburgh offense to a couple of touchdowns, which is all that they'll need.
Steelers 17, Jets 6
NFC Championship
Will somebody pour a bucket of water on Aaron Rodgers? The man has been unbelievably good. Good enough for me to stick by the team I had originally picked to win the Super Bowl. The Pack is dynamic on both sides of the ball, and now they've beaten Philly and CRUSHED a universally-considered powerful Atlanta Falcons team.
Don't get me wrong, the Bears are good too. If any defense can handle Rodgers and Co., it's them. But I don't see them doing it.
Packers 24, Bears 10
Last week: 2-2
Playoffs Overall: 3-5
Saturday, January 8, 2011
NFL Playoffs: Round 1 picks
The playoffs are back, and it's time to start picking again.
Today we have the Seahawks, winners of the "Shortcut Bowl" going up against the defending champion New Orleans Saints. Not exactly hard to match up. One team is 7-9 and lucky to be here, the other 10-6 and arguably one of the best in the league. And as fun as it is to go underdog, I'm taking the Saints in this one.
At night, Peyton Manning leads a wounded offense against I-can't-keep-my-trap-shut-even-when-I-lose Rex Ryan and his Jets. As bad as the Colts have been this year, they closed on a 4-game winning streak, and they are still the Colts. The Jets receive what they deserve for the sidelines incident and get pounded by the Colts in a blowout.
Tomorrow sees the third-seeded Philadelphia Eagles go up against the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers. The Green Bay defense doesn't screw around, so I see Vick getting shut down in this one. On the other side of the ball, the thing that the Eagles do well is what Aaron Rodgers does well against: Blitz. The Packers match up good in this one an get the win.
And last but not least it's Ravens vs Chiefs. As good as Baltimore is, they remain a bad turnover team, and you don't win playoff games when you don't take care of the football. I'm going Chiefs in what should be perhaps the closest of all four games.
Today we have the Seahawks, winners of the "Shortcut Bowl" going up against the defending champion New Orleans Saints. Not exactly hard to match up. One team is 7-9 and lucky to be here, the other 10-6 and arguably one of the best in the league. And as fun as it is to go underdog, I'm taking the Saints in this one.
At night, Peyton Manning leads a wounded offense against I-can't-keep-my-trap-shut-even-when-I-lose Rex Ryan and his Jets. As bad as the Colts have been this year, they closed on a 4-game winning streak, and they are still the Colts. The Jets receive what they deserve for the sidelines incident and get pounded by the Colts in a blowout.
Tomorrow sees the third-seeded Philadelphia Eagles go up against the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers. The Green Bay defense doesn't screw around, so I see Vick getting shut down in this one. On the other side of the ball, the thing that the Eagles do well is what Aaron Rodgers does well against: Blitz. The Packers match up good in this one an get the win.
And last but not least it's Ravens vs Chiefs. As good as Baltimore is, they remain a bad turnover team, and you don't win playoff games when you don't take care of the football. I'm going Chiefs in what should be perhaps the closest of all four games.
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