Meanwhile, back in the U.S. …
Am I the only NFL fan getting sick and tired of what’s going on these days?
As if we needed another reminder of what’s wrong with sports these days, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick flipped off his home fans not once, but TWICE while leaving the field after the New Orleans Saints defeated the Falcons to take charge of the NFC South Division race.
Vick, of course, immediately issued a statement apologizing for his actions. That’s all well and good, but shouldn’t highly paid, allegedly mature athletes be above that stuff?
Bone to pick No. 2. If I read one more story such as the recent cover articles in Sports Illustrated about what great guys players such as Chad Johnson and Ray Lewis are, I’m going to barf.
Good guy Johnson has four children from multiple women and says he regrets having to spend so much time away from them. Of course, he has plenty of time to party with his pals in Miami and drive his sportscar 100mph in South Beach.
Good guy Lewis has six children from four different women and laments that he never had a man in his life to teach him about women. I think he figured out plenty about women on his own, but self-control is another story.
I don’t mean to be harsh on these two, because they may well be good guys and support their children, but they have a platform to tell those coming after them that there is a better way. Instead, we’re treated to more “poor millionaire me” talk.
It’s enough to make me sick.
(Incidentally, Johnson’s Bengals and Lewis’ Ravens play on Thursday night in the second NFL Network telecast. For the record, I think Cincinnati will figure out a way to solve Baltimore’s defense.)
Monday, November 27, 2006
Guitar discoveries up yonder
Guitar discoveries:
Had a chance to test drive a number of acoustic guitars that were new to me, including some impressive Canadian-made entries, at GuitarWorks in Northwest Calgary.
Tried some Gretsch acoustics for the first time and loved them. Priced under $1,000 (Canadian), they compare to several higher priced ones I’ve seen in the States. Their semi-hollow electrics are as good as they get in that genre, and I came away impressed with the acoustics.
Canadian-made Simon & Patrick guitars also impressed me. Not only do they look great, but every one I played (particularly the Cedar tops) sounded great, too. Most were priced in the $700 (Cdn) range and compared very well to ones priced much higher.
Larrivee Guitars are a more expensive member of the same family Simon & Patrick come from (Tacoma guitars also are, and those are more widely distributed in the U.S.). The Larrivee’s compared very well to the Taylors in the same price range.
Had a chance to test drive a number of acoustic guitars that were new to me, including some impressive Canadian-made entries, at GuitarWorks in Northwest Calgary.
Tried some Gretsch acoustics for the first time and loved them. Priced under $1,000 (Canadian), they compare to several higher priced ones I’ve seen in the States. Their semi-hollow electrics are as good as they get in that genre, and I came away impressed with the acoustics.
Canadian-made Simon & Patrick guitars also impressed me. Not only do they look great, but every one I played (particularly the Cedar tops) sounded great, too. Most were priced in the $700 (Cdn) range and compared very well to ones priced much higher.
Larrivee Guitars are a more expensive member of the same family Simon & Patrick come from (Tacoma guitars also are, and those are more widely distributed in the U.S.). The Larrivee’s compared very well to the Taylors in the same price range.
Three Stars over Western Canada
A quick comparison of the three Candian cities we spent time in:
Third star: Edmonton. Oil Country greeted us with minus-16 (Celsius) temperatures and unplowed roads. Granted, this was the final stop on the tour, but Alberta’s capital city didn’t do a lot to impress. Its parting gift was minus-30 temps and a white-knuckle drive at 6 a.m. to its international airport, which was 40 minutes outside the city. … Rexall Place is a fun place to watch the game, and it’s rafters are a virtual history of the NHL over the past 25 years. But the barn is showing its age. It’s a shame a great hockey city such as this can’t get a new building built. And in a area that offers restaurants close by. Aside from one sports bar and a few gas stations, there was nothing for miles.
Second star: Calgary. The Stampede city had more attractions (Calgary Tower, The Olympic Oval and the Canadian Pacific HQ), and, judging by the vast amount of construction going on, people are taking notice. The facilities at the University of Calgary and the Alberta Children’s hospital appeared top notch. … The Pengrowth Saddledome is an interesting, older building. Situated in the middle of a fairgrounds, it also show its age. It was louder and more entertaining than Edmonton’s venue. It’s close enough to downtown that location is not an issue.
First star: Vancouver. Yes it rained (a lot), and yes it’s not the easiest city to navigate, but the variety it offers and milder climate give it the nod. Like Calgary, it is booming from growth and ecomonic standpoints. It’s also the most beautiful of the three cities, but I’m biased toward coasts. … GM Place is one of the nicest of the NHL’s new buildings, and it has a far superior atmosphere to most of the comparable U.S. venues. The Canucks also have the retail thing down. Their selection and quality of apparel was by far the best of the three clubs. Great move bringing back the retro sweaters for this season, and all of their retro merchandise sells big.
Third star: Edmonton. Oil Country greeted us with minus-16 (Celsius) temperatures and unplowed roads. Granted, this was the final stop on the tour, but Alberta’s capital city didn’t do a lot to impress. Its parting gift was minus-30 temps and a white-knuckle drive at 6 a.m. to its international airport, which was 40 minutes outside the city. … Rexall Place is a fun place to watch the game, and it’s rafters are a virtual history of the NHL over the past 25 years. But the barn is showing its age. It’s a shame a great hockey city such as this can’t get a new building built. And in a area that offers restaurants close by. Aside from one sports bar and a few gas stations, there was nothing for miles.
Second star: Calgary. The Stampede city had more attractions (Calgary Tower, The Olympic Oval and the Canadian Pacific HQ), and, judging by the vast amount of construction going on, people are taking notice. The facilities at the University of Calgary and the Alberta Children’s hospital appeared top notch. … The Pengrowth Saddledome is an interesting, older building. Situated in the middle of a fairgrounds, it also show its age. It was louder and more entertaining than Edmonton’s venue. It’s close enough to downtown that location is not an issue.
First star: Vancouver. Yes it rained (a lot), and yes it’s not the easiest city to navigate, but the variety it offers and milder climate give it the nod. Like Calgary, it is booming from growth and ecomonic standpoints. It’s also the most beautiful of the three cities, but I’m biased toward coasts. … GM Place is one of the nicest of the NHL’s new buildings, and it has a far superior atmosphere to most of the comparable U.S. venues. The Canucks also have the retail thing down. Their selection and quality of apparel was by far the best of the three clubs. Great move bringing back the retro sweaters for this season, and all of their retro merchandise sells big.
The NHL's best division
Having seen three of the Northwest Division’s teams in person and the other two (Colorado and Minnesota) in on Center Ice numerous times, here is how things could shake out. The NHL’s best division top to bottom, the Northwest likely will have three teams make the playoffs (figuring Dallas, San Jose and Anaheim from the Pacific appear to be locks and Detroit and Nashville will go from the Central).
I think Minnesota is for real. The Wild skates, plays defense and has the most offense in its history. I don’t know that it will win the division, but goalie Manny Fernandez gives them a chance every night. … I think Edmonton is going to be right there with the Wild. Goalie Dwayne Roloson (acquired last season from the Wild) has picked right up where he left off in the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Oilers also have adjusted well to the new NHL. Their forwards are as deep as anyone’s and defensemen Daniel Tjarnqvist and Ladislav Smid have stepped in to help fill the void left by Chris Pronger and Jaroslav Spacek. … Calgary, which is coming on after a rough start, also boasts good goaltending with Miika Kiprusoff, and is starting to get more scoring from forwards such as Kristian Huselius and Alex Tanguay in support of captain Jarome Iginla. The defense, led by Robin Regehr, Dion Phaneuf and Rhett Warrener is rock solid. … That leaves Vancouver, which must have better play from goaltender Roberto Luongo and more scoring, and Colorado, which has had weak goaltending from Jose Theodore, on the outside looking in. Put any of these teams in the Central Division, and they’d be a threat to win it.
I think Minnesota is for real. The Wild skates, plays defense and has the most offense in its history. I don’t know that it will win the division, but goalie Manny Fernandez gives them a chance every night. … I think Edmonton is going to be right there with the Wild. Goalie Dwayne Roloson (acquired last season from the Wild) has picked right up where he left off in the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Oilers also have adjusted well to the new NHL. Their forwards are as deep as anyone’s and defensemen Daniel Tjarnqvist and Ladislav Smid have stepped in to help fill the void left by Chris Pronger and Jaroslav Spacek. … Calgary, which is coming on after a rough start, also boasts good goaltending with Miika Kiprusoff, and is starting to get more scoring from forwards such as Kristian Huselius and Alex Tanguay in support of captain Jarome Iginla. The defense, led by Robin Regehr, Dion Phaneuf and Rhett Warrener is rock solid. … That leaves Vancouver, which must have better play from goaltender Roberto Luongo and more scoring, and Colorado, which has had weak goaltending from Jose Theodore, on the outside looking in. Put any of these teams in the Central Division, and they’d be a threat to win it.
Games 2 and 3 of hockey road trip, plus Hawk thoughts
Games 2 and 3 of the Great Hockey Escape followed similar patterns, unfortunately. … Blackhawks take a lot of early penalties and fall into 2-0 (Calgary) and 3-0 (Edmonton) deficits. Blackhawks then fight back, score a goal and carry play through the middle of the games only to fall apart in the final 10 minutes and lose.
Hawk highlights: Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin most certainly is back. He was Chicago’s best player on the ice each game I saw. … Their trio of young defensemen, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and Lasse Kukkonen, played good to very good. Seabrook, in particular, is being targeted by other teams in trades, but GM Dale Tallon would be foolish to deal him. … Forward Tuomo Ruutu appears to be healthy and capable of big things. He scored in the Vancouver and Calgary games, and created many of the Hawks’ relatively few other chances. Another forward who impressed me but didn’t have a lot to show for it: Johan Holmqvist.
Chicago’s lack of offense was apparent, and I don’t believe Monday’s firing of Coach Trent Yawney is the answer. Without injured first-line forwards Michael Handzus and Martin Havlat, Chicago has too many players in roles above their abilities.
Speaking of Yawney, with Khabibulan back and a solid young defense (veterans such as Jassen Cullimore and Adrian Aucoin have been more problematic), he was smart to have the Hawks play it close to the vest. … If Tallon thinks switching to Denis Savard as coach and opening up the offense is the answer with this crew, he’s wrong. Instead of losing 3-1, Chicago will lose 9-3 if they run and gun with teams such as Edmonton, San Jose or Anaheim.
Hawk highlights: Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin most certainly is back. He was Chicago’s best player on the ice each game I saw. … Their trio of young defensemen, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and Lasse Kukkonen, played good to very good. Seabrook, in particular, is being targeted by other teams in trades, but GM Dale Tallon would be foolish to deal him. … Forward Tuomo Ruutu appears to be healthy and capable of big things. He scored in the Vancouver and Calgary games, and created many of the Hawks’ relatively few other chances. Another forward who impressed me but didn’t have a lot to show for it: Johan Holmqvist.
Chicago’s lack of offense was apparent, and I don’t believe Monday’s firing of Coach Trent Yawney is the answer. Without injured first-line forwards Michael Handzus and Martin Havlat, Chicago has too many players in roles above their abilities.
Speaking of Yawney, with Khabibulan back and a solid young defense (veterans such as Jassen Cullimore and Adrian Aucoin have been more problematic), he was smart to have the Hawks play it close to the vest. … If Tallon thinks switching to Denis Savard as coach and opening up the offense is the answer with this crew, he’s wrong. Instead of losing 3-1, Chicago will lose 9-3 if they run and gun with teams such as Edmonton, San Jose or Anaheim.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Take off ... to the Great White North ... take off
Now this is hockey weather!
Elizabeth and I landed in Calgary and were greeted with minus-11 temps and snow. Forecast calls for a lot of snow over the next day, so the Calgary leg of our Excellent Hockey Journey likely will be extended.
More evidence the hockey gods are smiling on us in this city: In addition to landing tickets with my favorite player, former Blackhawk and current Flame Tony Amonte, gracing them, our rental car (or in this case truck) is bright red, which works for either the Hawks or Flames.
Very much looking forward to tonight's tilt in the Saddledome and hopefully hitting the ice ourselves at the Olympic Oval on Thursday. More on tonight's game between Chicago and a Calgary team that will be seething after losing last night in Edmonton later on.
Elizabeth and I landed in Calgary and were greeted with minus-11 temps and snow. Forecast calls for a lot of snow over the next day, so the Calgary leg of our Excellent Hockey Journey likely will be extended.
More evidence the hockey gods are smiling on us in this city: In addition to landing tickets with my favorite player, former Blackhawk and current Flame Tony Amonte, gracing them, our rental car (or in this case truck) is bright red, which works for either the Hawks or Flames.
Very much looking forward to tonight's tilt in the Saddledome and hopefully hitting the ice ourselves at the Olympic Oval on Thursday. More on tonight's game between Chicago and a Calgary team that will be seething after losing last night in Edmonton later on.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
A closer look at the teams from Game 1
As the NHL season heads to the quarter pole, here are my impressions on Vancouver and Chicago after watching them play in person Sunday night.
This is a very different Canucks team than what Vancouver fans are used to seeing. The days of hoping to outscore foes are past. Instead, the Canucks are running counter to the NHL trend of more offense. Their defense was stifling against the Blackhawks, limiting them to no more than a handful of quality scoring chances. Particularly impressive to me was the defensive commitment of many of their forwards. ... The top line of Markus Naslund and the Sedin twins controlled play every time they stepped on the ice.
Now the bad news: The top line didn't finish most of its numerous scoring chances, and after that Swedish trio, the Canucks did not appear to have a lot of offense. ... Goaltender Roberto Luongo did what he needed to, but was not stellar.
Chicago, meanwhile, received a fantastic effort from goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who appears to have rediscovered his game. Several of the Hawks' younger players (forward Tuomo Ruutu, defenseman Lasse Kukkonen and Brent Seabrook) were their best players. And the Blackhawks, by and large, played hard. ... Like Vancouver, Chicago is hampered by a lack of offense and has even less experience.
The bottom line: Vancouver will have to either add more scorers or hope some emerge from their roster or minor-league system. Playing in the Northwest Division, which I think is the league's most competitive top to bottom, won't help. And the Western Conference is brutal. Making the playoffs will be very difficult. ... Chicago has virtually no chance of the playoffs, but there is hope for the future because the Hawks have a core of young players and work hard. Getting injured forward Martin Havlat back next month certainly will help their anemic offense.
This is a very different Canucks team than what Vancouver fans are used to seeing. The days of hoping to outscore foes are past. Instead, the Canucks are running counter to the NHL trend of more offense. Their defense was stifling against the Blackhawks, limiting them to no more than a handful of quality scoring chances. Particularly impressive to me was the defensive commitment of many of their forwards. ... The top line of Markus Naslund and the Sedin twins controlled play every time they stepped on the ice.
Now the bad news: The top line didn't finish most of its numerous scoring chances, and after that Swedish trio, the Canucks did not appear to have a lot of offense. ... Goaltender Roberto Luongo did what he needed to, but was not stellar.
Chicago, meanwhile, received a fantastic effort from goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who appears to have rediscovered his game. Several of the Hawks' younger players (forward Tuomo Ruutu, defenseman Lasse Kukkonen and Brent Seabrook) were their best players. And the Blackhawks, by and large, played hard. ... Like Vancouver, Chicago is hampered by a lack of offense and has even less experience.
The bottom line: Vancouver will have to either add more scorers or hope some emerge from their roster or minor-league system. Playing in the Northwest Division, which I think is the league's most competitive top to bottom, won't help. And the Western Conference is brutal. Making the playoffs will be very difficult. ... Chicago has virtually no chance of the playoffs, but there is hope for the future because the Hawks have a core of young players and work hard. Getting injured forward Martin Havlat back next month certainly will help their anemic offense.
North of the border, Game 1
Random thoughts after Game 1 of my hockey adventure through Western Canada:
The Canadian hockey fan is a different animal than many of us are used to in the States, and that's a good thing, frankly. They're knowledgible and passionate, and that is reflected in their support (and displeasure with) their teams. Their beefs were largely well-thought out and respectful (to a point).
It starts with the anthem. There really is no need for a singer of the Canadian National Anthem in Vancouver. The FANS sang it so loudly, it was difficult to hear the singer over the loudspeakers! A very stirring experience.
Sunday's game was dominated by the Canucks, who nearly doubled the Blackhawks in shots, yet won only 2-1. Nikolai Khabibulan played the finest game he has during his two seasons in Chicago, and Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault was quoted after the game that Khabibulin "made at least 10 unbelievable saves."
My disappointment with the outcome was tempered by the fact that a long-time friend provided us with FRONT-ROW seats to GM Place. In 25 years of attending NHL games, that was a first. God bless you A.C. ... Not only was the vantage point excellent, but the entire atmosphere of GM Place was fantastic. One of the newer arenas in Canada, it gets a lot of things right.
My first game in Canada was an unbelievably good experience!
The Canadian hockey fan is a different animal than many of us are used to in the States, and that's a good thing, frankly. They're knowledgible and passionate, and that is reflected in their support (and displeasure with) their teams. Their beefs were largely well-thought out and respectful (to a point).
It starts with the anthem. There really is no need for a singer of the Canadian National Anthem in Vancouver. The FANS sang it so loudly, it was difficult to hear the singer over the loudspeakers! A very stirring experience.
Sunday's game was dominated by the Canucks, who nearly doubled the Blackhawks in shots, yet won only 2-1. Nikolai Khabibulan played the finest game he has during his two seasons in Chicago, and Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault was quoted after the game that Khabibulin "made at least 10 unbelievable saves."
My disappointment with the outcome was tempered by the fact that a long-time friend provided us with FRONT-ROW seats to GM Place. In 25 years of attending NHL games, that was a first. God bless you A.C. ... Not only was the vantage point excellent, but the entire atmosphere of GM Place was fantastic. One of the newer arenas in Canada, it gets a lot of things right.
My first game in Canada was an unbelievably good experience!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
NFL Week 10
I'm generally not a big fan of Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly, however, his column in this week's issue was excellent. Giants running back Tiki Barber, 31, has announced he will retire at the end of this season, setting off a firestorm of criticism. Reilly defends Barber, who states that being physically able play with his children when he is older played a big role in his decision. Reilly details the physical ailments of several Pro Football Hall of Fame members who had extended NFL careers. It's compelling reading and worth checking out.
Barber provides a fitting transition into this weekend's GAMES OF THE WEEK:
BEARS (7-1) at GIANTS (6-2): Expect to see plenty of Barber when New York has the ball because starting WR Amani Toomer is done for the year and fellow starter Plaxico Burress is questionable. Speaking of questionable, the Bears' offense, and QB Rex Grossman in particular, has looked just that recently. Expect a defensive slugfest between the league's No. 1 (Chicago) and No. 11 defenses. I think the Giants find a way to win despite numerous defensive injuries because Eli Manning and Barber will find a way to give New York enough points.
CHARGERS (6-2) at BENGALS (4-4): San Diego, it of No. 2 defense and No. 3 offense, is trying to stay neck-and-neck with Denver in the AFC West. Cincinnati must rank as one of the first half's biggest disappointments (I'd lump Miami, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and Carolina in that club, too). Particularly puzzling is the Bengals offense's disappearing act. Don't expect a re-appearance vs. the Chargers.
GAMES OF THE WEAK:
So many to choose from that I will pick sure blowouts by four road teams to highlight.
I expect the COWBOYS (4-4) to bounce back big against the CARDINALS (1-7) at Arizona. ... I don't think the BILLS (3-5) stand much chance against the COLTS (8-0) at Indianapolis. ... The BRONCOS (6-2) have rediscovered their offense, thanks in large part to Javon Walker, and should re-ignite the RAIDERS' (2-6) freefall. ... And I expect the RAVENS (6-2) to remember how to rout the TITANS (2-6).
Barber provides a fitting transition into this weekend's GAMES OF THE WEEK:
BEARS (7-1) at GIANTS (6-2): Expect to see plenty of Barber when New York has the ball because starting WR Amani Toomer is done for the year and fellow starter Plaxico Burress is questionable. Speaking of questionable, the Bears' offense, and QB Rex Grossman in particular, has looked just that recently. Expect a defensive slugfest between the league's No. 1 (Chicago) and No. 11 defenses. I think the Giants find a way to win despite numerous defensive injuries because Eli Manning and Barber will find a way to give New York enough points.
CHARGERS (6-2) at BENGALS (4-4): San Diego, it of No. 2 defense and No. 3 offense, is trying to stay neck-and-neck with Denver in the AFC West. Cincinnati must rank as one of the first half's biggest disappointments (I'd lump Miami, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and Carolina in that club, too). Particularly puzzling is the Bengals offense's disappearing act. Don't expect a re-appearance vs. the Chargers.
GAMES OF THE WEAK:
So many to choose from that I will pick sure blowouts by four road teams to highlight.
I expect the COWBOYS (4-4) to bounce back big against the CARDINALS (1-7) at Arizona. ... I don't think the BILLS (3-5) stand much chance against the COLTS (8-0) at Indianapolis. ... The BRONCOS (6-2) have rediscovered their offense, thanks in large part to Javon Walker, and should re-ignite the RAIDERS' (2-6) freefall. ... And I expect the RAVENS (6-2) to remember how to rout the TITANS (2-6).
Thursday, November 09, 2006
The phenoms visit the Ducks
Sidney Crosby and Evgeny Malkin did nothing to dispel the hype that they might be the future of the NHL during the Penguins' visit to Anaheim to play the Ducks on Monday night.
The Pittsburgh teens displayed speed and skill in excess, but the Ducks won in overtime in a game they dominated after the first period, in large part because the Ducks showed more discipline and played a better team game. The Ducks' passing and defensive coverage after two first-period goals was clearly superior. Anaheim's problem was it could not finish, and Penguins backup goaltender Jocelyn Thibault got better as the game went on despite little support from his defense.
Crosby was as advertised, an outstanding skater and stickhandler who brings full effort every shift. Some of his passes might have been too risky, but he also seems to be one of those players who needs highly skilled players on his wings.
Malkin skated left wing with Crosby most shifts and showed good strength on his skates, tenacity along the boards and explosiveness in stride and shot. He has 50-goal scorer written all over him for the next decade-plus.
A third Penguins teen also stood out to me: 18-year-old Jordan Staal. The third of four hockey-playing Staals (older brother Eric helped lead Carolina to the Stanley Cup in June and older brother Mark is a defensive prospect in the Rangers' system. A younger brother is in major junior hockey in Canada). Jordan Staal already is Pittsburgh's top penalty killer, and his combination of size, strength and awareness make him a two-way threat. Although he does not have the top-end offensive skills of Crosby or Malkin, in some ways his game is already more well-rounded than theirs.
Not to be over looked are some of the Ducks' young players. Center Ryan Getzlaf and wing Corey Perry get more attention, but hulking forward Dustin Penner was an animal along the wall and created space and chances for his teammates. And Chris Kunitz plays a gritty game while adding a threat of offense. It's interesting to note that while Crosby, Staal, Malkin, Getzlaf and Perry all were first-round picks, neither Kunitz nor Penner were drafted.
The Pittsburgh teens displayed speed and skill in excess, but the Ducks won in overtime in a game they dominated after the first period, in large part because the Ducks showed more discipline and played a better team game. The Ducks' passing and defensive coverage after two first-period goals was clearly superior. Anaheim's problem was it could not finish, and Penguins backup goaltender Jocelyn Thibault got better as the game went on despite little support from his defense.
Crosby was as advertised, an outstanding skater and stickhandler who brings full effort every shift. Some of his passes might have been too risky, but he also seems to be one of those players who needs highly skilled players on his wings.
Malkin skated left wing with Crosby most shifts and showed good strength on his skates, tenacity along the boards and explosiveness in stride and shot. He has 50-goal scorer written all over him for the next decade-plus.
A third Penguins teen also stood out to me: 18-year-old Jordan Staal. The third of four hockey-playing Staals (older brother Eric helped lead Carolina to the Stanley Cup in June and older brother Mark is a defensive prospect in the Rangers' system. A younger brother is in major junior hockey in Canada). Jordan Staal already is Pittsburgh's top penalty killer, and his combination of size, strength and awareness make him a two-way threat. Although he does not have the top-end offensive skills of Crosby or Malkin, in some ways his game is already more well-rounded than theirs.
Not to be over looked are some of the Ducks' young players. Center Ryan Getzlaf and wing Corey Perry get more attention, but hulking forward Dustin Penner was an animal along the wall and created space and chances for his teammates. And Chris Kunitz plays a gritty game while adding a threat of offense. It's interesting to note that while Crosby, Staal, Malkin, Getzlaf and Perry all were first-round picks, neither Kunitz nor Penner were drafted.
Knee to the ...
Monday night's antics from Raiders defensive lineman Tyler Brayton underscore the type of actions the NFL needs to get rid of. True, Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens probably had it coming after his earlier attempt to hit Brayton in the same "region" and his taunting of Brayton and other Raiders defenders. But Brayton took it a step further. The result: A $25,000 fine.
Meanwhile, Chad Johnson put a sticker over the nameplate on his jersey that read "Ocho Cinco" (he wears No. 85) and got hit with a $5,000 fine.
Some advice to the NFL: Fine actions such as Brayton's that include or might lead to injury. Don't waste your time fining players who are trying to have a little fun, which is needed and which most fans clearly are entertained by.
... And while you're at it, take a look at safety in the game. Fans pay a lot of money to go to games or watch them on cable or DirecTV, and it's an inferior product when many of the game's top players are injured or far less than 100 percent.
Meanwhile, Chad Johnson put a sticker over the nameplate on his jersey that read "Ocho Cinco" (he wears No. 85) and got hit with a $5,000 fine.
Some advice to the NFL: Fine actions such as Brayton's that include or might lead to injury. Don't waste your time fining players who are trying to have a little fun, which is needed and which most fans clearly are entertained by.
... And while you're at it, take a look at safety in the game. Fans pay a lot of money to go to games or watch them on cable or DirecTV, and it's an inferior product when many of the game's top players are injured or far less than 100 percent.
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