tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering if WGR's Jeremy White has a man crush on Sabre 18 year old rookie Mikhail Grigerenko, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* White's Sabres will be hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight at the F'N Arena in downtown Buffalo. Last week, Ryan Miller was outstanding at the ACC and unless the Leafs can figure out a way to solve him it could be a long night for the Blue and White.

* Interesting article this morning in the Toronto Star by Damien Cox. Cox is advocating that Leafs GM Dave Nonis move Phil Kessel at the trade deadline on April 3rd. Kessel is one of my favorite players on the Leafs. He is the best pure scorer that the Leafs have had in years. I've said many times that it's too bad Kessel wasn't around when Mats Sundin was the Leafs number one center. Not sure who replaces Kessel's goal scoring ability as evidenced by the 33 goal a season average that the 25 year old has produced since coming to the Leafs. To be honest, I'm tired of the constant lamenting of the trade that brought the kid to Toronto and I'm beginning to believe that as with Luke Schenn the best thing that can happen to Kessel is if he is moved to a place where his ability will be fully appreciated.

* Here's hoping James Reimer continues to play well so that the incessant Roberto Luongo to Toronto rumors can be put to rest.

* It's funny but after the cancellation of the 2004-2005 hockey season there was greater emphasis on speed and skill and many experts said that with rule changes there would be more of a chance for smaller, skilled players to succeed in the NHL. Funny how now there is more emphasis on big bruisers who will crowd the net. Kind of makes the lost season of 04-05 pointless. Thank you Emperor Bettman.

* The Sabres reaction to anyone who gets close to Ryan Miller borders on the ridiculous. I want to see how tough they are when they take on the Bruins or the Rangers.

* Full marks to Tim Gleason of the Carolina Hurricanes for going at it with Boston's Milan Lucic. In last night's game, Gleason went toe-to-toe with Lucic and didn't back down. Wonder who on the Sabres will do the same thing.

* Don Cherry continues to become more ridiculous as evidenced by his calling Edmonton Oiler rookie Nail Yakupov "an idiot" as a result of the 18 year old's goal celebration. Maybe one of those good old boy Canadians should have warned the young Russian before the season started that he must not show any emotion and be stoic. You can bet your bottom dollar that if this was some 18 year old from Kingston, Ontario that Cherry's reaction would be different. I wonder if Cherry has ever called P.K. Subban "an idiot".

* Kudos to Tim Graham and Jerry Sullivan for their work in Sunday's Buffalo News pertaining to Ray Lewis. If you get a chance check them out.

* NY Daily News columnist Bob Raisman this morning wonders whether or not a reporter will have the guts to press Lewis about what happened on that fateful night in Atlanta 13 years ago. My guess is the answer to that question is no.

* This Super Bowl could be tops in ridiculous statements from its participants. First, you have Joe Flacco saying that having next year's Super Bowl in New Jersey is "retarded". Then you have the bombastic 49er coach Jim Harbaugh proclaiming that Niner DE Justin Smith is one of the best all-time players in the NFL. And let's not forget Raven Terrell Suggs who is talking about Rex Ryan's tattoo. With media day today, can't wait for more pearls of wisdom.

* Knicks Coach Mike Woodson is going to have to get his team playing better defense if they are to have a good chance to play deep into the NBA playoffs.

* The Niagara-Canisius game on Sunday was reminiscent of year's gone by as it was a thriller that had people talking about it. All people except the gasbags at WGR 550. Too busy debating who is the Sabres number one center. Earth to gasbags: the Sabres don't have a legitimate number one center.

* Niagara University has something special going on at Monteagle Ridge with the Purple Eagles being first in basketball in the MAAC and the hockey team being ranked 17th in the country. Of course, you don't hear too much about this from Gasbag 550.

* And finally, the Yankees signed Juan Rivera to a minor league contract with the hope that the 34 year old could be their right handed hitting outfielder/DH. This must be the big January move that we have been waiting for from Brian Cashman. I wonder if Chad Curtis, Ricky Ledee or Shane Spencer are available.