Will Ohio State Do The Right Thing???
The Jim Tressel story continues to unfold as reports have come out indicating that Tressel sent e-mails to an advisor of Terrell Pryor back in April 2010. Of course, we know that Tressel did not tell the university anything.
At a press conference on March 9, 2011, Ohio State University Athletic Director Gene Smith quickly cut-off Tressel after the coach was asked whether he forwarded e-mails to anyone else. What a joke!! This is a cover-up. The university knows that they have trouble on their hands. Their respected head coach has been caught in a lie. Moreover, he in essence was complicit in activity that is in violation of the NCAA. Yet, he is going to receive a five game suspension and life goes on.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=6232153 The 5 game suspension is a joke as indicated in the article attached. Tressel will continue to work during the week preparing the Buckeyes for the five games he will not be on the sidelines. And life will go on in Columbus, Ohio.
What bugs me about this whole thing is Tressel's high and mighty status while in essence he's nothing more than a win-at-all cost hack coach. Someone of his stature should have blown the whole thing in once he knew about it. But to do that would have meant that he may have had to blow up the 2010 football season, a season that some had the Buckeyes winning the national championship.
Tressel had the resume' to do the right thing. He has won a national title, numerous Big Ten titles and has a 9-1 record against arch rival Michigan. His job would not have been in jeopardy if he came clean. Yet, he decided to look the other way. The sad thing is that despite not doing the right thing, his job is still not in jeopardy. Ohio State is a joke. Jim Tressel is a joke. Here's hoping that the NCAA investigation sheds more light that will cause the university to do the right thing: Fire Tressel
Playoff Run Over: Leafs Lose 4-2 In Motown
After winning the first two games of the three game road trip, the Leafs needed to win to keep pace with the red hot Buffalo Sabres. But Saturday night they faced a team they should aspire to being as the Detroit Red Wings showed why they are one of the class teams of the league by defeating the Leafs 4-2 at the Joe Louis Arena.
One of the most glaring differences between these two teams were on display: the power play. The Red Wings scored twice on the power play with the ever present Tomas Holmstrom being a key factor. His presence in front of the net caused all kinds of problems for James Reimer. Meanwhile, the Leafs were 0-4 on the power play. This has been a continuous problem all season long and one that needs to be addressed in the off season if the Leafs are to be a playoff team next year.
The Red Wings seemed to be in control throughout the game. It looked like the Leafs were going to pull it out when they tied the score at two with a goal from Joffrey Lupul. But 38 seconds later the Red Wings took the lead that ultimately sealed the Leafs fate for this season.
While mathematically they are still alive, the Leafs would have to win all of their remaining six games which would give them 12 points. The Sabres, who have 7 games remaining, would have to go 2-5 for the Leafs to pass them. With Ryan Miller in net, a 2-5 end of the season record seems highly unlikely.
The Leafs need to send a message for next season to their QEW rival on Tuesday by going after the Sabres. While they may not make the playoffs, they need to continue to build the foundation for next season. The construction continues on Tuesday at the ACC against Buffalo.
Yankee, Leaf Notes
Yankee Notes
Well things are beginning to percolate down in Tampa. It's apparent that Ivan Nova will be the No.4 starter. Nova has pitched very well this spring and showed some promise last year. I'm good with this decision and its hoped that Nova can get 12 wins this year.
It appears that with the trade of Sergio Mitre, the Yankees will be going north with both Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon. I think it makes sense to slot Garcia in as the 5th starter. Garcia was solid last year with the White Sox. He gave the Pale Hose a lot of innings and I believe 12-13 wins. He may not be able to crack 90mph on his fastball but he knows how to pitch. Putting Colon in the bullpen is probably the best move since he has got his fastball up to 93-94 mph during the spring. Also, because he's out of shape there would be less strain on his frame.
The signing of Kevin Millwood is interesting. Millwood had a down year last year. The previous seasons, Millwood gobbled innings up while pitching fairly well on some bad teams. It's not a bad move in that if Millwood doesn't make the team by May 1, he could opt-out and he probably would since I've heard that Millwood has no intention of staying in the minors all year. It's rather depressing that the Yanks are looking at Garcia, Colon and Millwood to round out their pitching staff. A couple of things are clear: Cashman knows that his cavalier approach to Lee in the winter has put the Yankees in a difficult position and would indicate that they will have to make a deal before the end of July. And secondly, the youngsters down on the farm are not ready for prime time yet.
The acquisition of Chris Dickerson is a good move in that it provides the Yanks with outfield depth. But this move also shows that the Yankees have not done a good job in developing outfield prospects particularly left-handed hitting prospects. With that right field porch, they need to start doing it. It appears that the Cashman regime focuses on developing pitchers and not so much with outfield prospects. It's a failure as far as I'm concerned. Hopefully, Curtis Granderson will be able to play sooner rather than later.
Leaf Notes
Last night dealt a big hit to the Maple Leaf playoff hopes. Buffalo and Carolina both won leaving the Leafs 5 points behind the Sabres and 2 points behind the Hurricanes with both teams having a game in hand on the Leafs. As a result, tonight's game against Detroit is a must win. With Buffalo playing at home against the Devils, there is a fairly good chance the Sabres will be victorious. Reports out of New Jersey indicate that the Devils seem to realize that last night's 1-0 loss to the Penguins may have ended their remarkable run to try to make the playoffs. With that mind set, who knows what Devils team will show up tonight.
If the Sabres win and Leafs lose tonight, the Leafs would be 7 points out and the Sabres still would have a game in hand. Even with a win on Tuesday against Buffalo, the Leafs would pretty much be done. After the Devils and Leafs, the Sabres have games against the Rangers, Hurricanes, Lightning, Capitals, Flyers and Blue Jackets. It's possible they could stumble. But it won't matter if the Leafs fall 7 points behind.
Tonight's Original Six contest starts at 7pm at the Joe Louis Arena.
The Flame Of Hope Is Still Flickering: Leafs Win 4-3
Back in the 80's, the Maple Leafs scored an end of the game win against the St. Louis Blues on a late goal by Miroslav Frycer. Hall of Fame broadcaster Danny Gallivan was calling the game as Leaf broadcaster Bill Hewitt was ill. As Frycer and his teammates celebrated the game winning goal, I'll never forget Gallivan's call: "the flame of hope is still flickering, but the chances are a million to one."
The current edition of the Maple Leafs find themselves in a similar position, however it sure is fun to see this team continue to grow as evidenced by last night's 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Up to a couple of months ago, falling behind 1-0 particularly giving up a shorthanded goal, would have meant a sure Toronto loss. But not anymore as the Leafs bounced back with two goals from Nikolai Kulemin to take a 2-1 lead which the Leafs never relinquished.
Kulemin has been an unsung hero this season. I have always like Kulemin because he's a hard worker who is responsible defensively, kills penalties, and can score goals. The 24 year old is really developing into a solid player and one who can be a key piece for this team to become a Stanley Cup contender. I'm not sure Kulemin gets a lot of publicity. As we know he was a linemate of Evgeni Malkin in Russia and while he will never be a scorer like his former linemate, Kulemin may be a better all around player if he continues to develop.
As I mentioned in my last Leaf post, Luke Schenn continues to show more offensive skill as evidenced by the play that led to Tyler Bozak's goal. Schenn seems to be getting better at picking his spots as to when he should pinch in the other team's zone. He also seems to be getting better at handling the puck to make an offensive play. Let's remember he's only 21. If he continues to develop offensively, the Leafs could have something really, really special.
Not much more I can say about James Reimer. The saves he made at critical junctures of last night's game are what a team needs to be successful. There were several that were unbelievable, particularly in the second period as Milan Hejduk had two glorious opportunities where he was robbed by Reimer. One wonders where the Leafs would be right now if Reimer had been playing since early December.
I want to go on record as saying that Mike Komisarek's open ice hit last night was not a cheap shot. If you compare that hit to the one Boston's Marchand gave to Scott Gomez its even more apparent that Komisarek's was not out-of-bounds. In fact, Komisarek's hit may have woke the Leafs up and hopefully is a sign that the big defenseman may be going back to the form that was evident back when he was with Montreal.
The Leafs now head to the Motor City for a Saturday night showdown against Original Six rival, the Detroit Red Wings. Back in the Norris Division days, this was a bitter rivalry capped off by the glorious Leaf playoff victory over the Wings in the 92-93 playoffs. The Leafs did what they needed to do on this road trip by winning the first two games against teams that they should beat if they want to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, with Buffalo and Carolina both with 2 games in hand, Saturday's game can't be written off. They need to compete and get at least a point. What would be nice is if Tuesday's game against the Sabres means something. For now, that flame still flickers with a lot of legitimate hope for the future.
The Madness Continues
It's probably a good thing I didn't share my brackets last week because it was blown up big time with the losses by Pittsburgh, Louisville and Notre Dame. Call it the curse of the Big East!!! So I will try again with the Sweet 16 and look to these at your own risk.
East Regional
I think Kentucky could give Ohio State a run for their money but the Buckeyes should prevail but it should be close. Marquette's run will come to an end against North Carolina. In the East Regional Final, I'll go with Ohio State in what should be a fun game to watch.
West Regional
I'm going to predict an upset: Arizona will knock off Duke. I was impressed with Arizona and I think Duke was fortunate to beat Michigan. UConn has been red hot since winning the Big East Tournament however I like San Diego State to move on. In the West Regional Final, I'll go with the Aztecs.
Southwest Regional
In what will be a mismatch, Kansas ends the one-half of the Virginia Cinderella story by defeating Richmond. VCU and Florida State should be an interesting contest as VCU's high scoring offense meets the number one defensive team in the country. Remember VCU had to participate in a play-in game to get into the Big Dance. I'm going to go with VCU as I don't think that Florida State will be as good offensively as they were against Notre Dame. In the Southwest Regional, my pick is Kansas.
Southeast Regional
The Butler-Wisconsin game should be another good one to watch. Tough one for me to pick but I'm going to go with Butler to advance. The other game in this region also should be a good one. Another toughie for me to pick, but I'll go with Florida over BYU.
Final Four
Based upon the above, Ohio State will take on San Diego State. The Aztecs have had a great year but I don't see them being able to pull this one off and I'm going to go with Ohio State. In the other semi-final game, I'm leaning toward Kansas but would not be surprised if Florida pulled it off.
I don't think it's going to matter because I'm going to pick Ohio State to win it all. Old Brutus will celebrate a championship which will be more than the football team will do this fall.
Leafs Win, But Gain No Ground
The Toronto Maple Leafs got what they were looking for: production from their top two lines and another solid goaltending performance from James Reimer as they did what they needed to do by defeating the reeling Minnesota Wild 3-0. The frustration of it all is that both Buffalo and Carolina won meaning that the Leafs remain 5 points behind the Sabres and 3 behind Carolina.
While the playoff chase certainly is exciting, last night's results show the difficulty the young Leafs have in front of them. However, as I've been saying for the last three weeks, what's more important is watching this team continue to grow and gain confidence. Last night, James Reimer was outstanding stopping four breakaways and withstanding a furious onslaught by the Wild in the second period. The calm and confidence that Reimer shows in the net is impressive for a 23 year old. His continued play at this level will certainly make Leaf management's decision on whether to pursue a goalie such as Ilya Brzygalov a tough one. It is certainly nice to hope that we are seeing the emergence of the Leaf goalie of the future similar to Felix Potvin. It's been that long since the Leafs have made the right decision about a goaltender developed from within their system.
The top two lines provided the offense needed last night as Joffrey Lupul and Mikhail Grabovski scored for the Leafs on bullet shots that Niklas Backstrom had no chance on. Lupul had a couple of other chances and has been a pleasant addition for the Leafs. This guy can be a valuable player if he can stay healthy.
Once again I thought the young defense corp played well. Carl Gunnarsson showed last night why I feel he can be a power play partner with Dion Phaneuf. This kid has offensive upside while being solid in his own zone. His goal was a pretty one as he wired a wrister past Backstrom as he pinched in while the Leafs were on the power play. Earlier in the third period he made a nice play at the blueline in the Wild zone by not panicking and avoiding a Wild forward and slipping a nice pass to Lupul which set up a nice scoring chance.
While I was impressed by the young guys, including Matt Lashoff, the same cannot be said for Brett Lebda. Not sure what his problem is but its hard to see how this guy was a plus 30-something with the Red Wings. I can't see how this guy remains with the Leafs next season.
As an aside, I have really come to appreciate the Leaf braodcast team of Joe Bowen and Greg Millen particularly after watching last night's broadcast which featured the Wild broadcast team. Complaining about calls and getting names messed up was really annoying. It was as bad as listening to Howie Rose and Butch Goring who do the Islander games.
The Leafs continue the road trip on Thursday at Colorado against the Avalanche, another game where they need to get two points. And hopefully some help from others.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While cursing the weatherman who is calling for 2 to 4 inches of snow tomorrow, here's what I'm thinking about this morning:
The NHL issued a 10 game suspension to Penguins rock head Matt Cooke plus suspending Cooke for the first round of the playoffs. It's a good first step. Ray Shero did come out in support of the suspension and supposedly Mario Lemieux has had a conversation with Mr. Cooke. Now what needs to happen is two things: 1.) the Penguins need to add to the suspension and the NHLPA needs to back it and 2.) the League needs to institute financial penalties to the teams when one of their players commits such an act.
It seems the Yankees have awarded the No. 4 spot in the rotation to 24 year old Ivan Nova. I think its the right move and hopefully the kid can have a good year. My understanding is that there is no innings limit for Nova. The No.5 spot is another story. The team is impressed with Bartolo Colon and not so much with Freddy Garcia. I have some concerns about Colon. I'd almost go with Garcia and leave Colon in the bullpen or send him down to Scranton. Colon's overweight and needs to get in shape. Funny how Cashman hasn't indicated concern over Little Andre the Giant's huge gut but came out guns a-blazing about Joba Chamberlain.
This past week we had the two most ridiculous statements made by athletes when Jalen Rose called Grant Hill and every black Duke basketball player an Uncle Tom and Adrian Peterson equated the NFL players to slaves. With respect to Peterson, maybe Adrian didn't take any history classes or watch Roots because blacks who were slaves weren't driving fancy cars, living in fancy houses and wearing designer clothes. They were in chains and at the whim of their masters. Somehow I don't see the same scenario for NFL players. I'm on the players side in this situation but when you hear this garbage from Peterson it makes you wonder. As far as Rose goes, I think that he is a disgrace. Hill, Johnny Dawkins and others are not "black enough" because they had the opportunity to go to Duke University?? Quite frankly, the idolization of the Michigan Fab Five is a joke and Jalen Rose should be thankful that he has had the opportunity to play basketball for a living.
The Maple Leafs signed Tyler Brenner, a power forward from R.I.T. Brenner is 6' 2 200 pounds and scored 26 goals in 37 games this year. Five teams had been scouting Brenner. Not sure how this kid will pan out but once again Brian Burke has dipped into the college ranks to get a prospect. Prior to Burke, I never remember the Leaf organization doing this. Keep it up Brian.
Yesterday it was announced that the University of Tennessee fired head basketball coach Bruce Pearl. Pearl was in hot water for lying to NCAA investigators about a cook out he had at his home with high school seniors. Pearl brought the Volunteer men's team back to the NCAA Tounament several times, including a Sweet 16 appearance. He had a record of 148 - 65. My question: How is this any different than Jim Tressel?? Tressel lied to NCAA investigators and to Ohio State. If a player did that he would be suspended and probably thrown off the team. Tressel should be fired. But Ohio State doesn't have the guts to do it.
Last night while walking the dog I was thinking about how I can't wait until the weather warms up and I can sit outside with a cool drink and a cigar and listen to a baseball game on the radio. Radio you ask?? Try it if you get the chance this summer. Before Extra Inning packages and cable TV, you followed your team via radio broadcasts. There's nothing better!!!
Here's hoping Curtis Granderson has a big year in 2011. There's not a better guy in all of sports. This guy has his head screwed on straight and does a lot for the community and is an excellent goodwill ambassador for the game. In an era when you have many spoiled and pampered athletes, Granderson is one of the guys who understand what a privilege it is to play a kid's game and earn a great living.
And finally, sports fans finally won one with the coverage of the NCAA Basketball tournament. The four network partnership allowed fans to watch every game without having to purchase a premium package through your cable or satellite provider. Too bad my bracket didn't do as well.
It's looking like a Ohio State - Kansas final. Not a fan of either team but what else is new. Oh well, enjoy the rest of the toournament.
A Deafening Silence From Pittsburgh
Several weeks ago Mario Lemieux blasted the NHL for not taking action about the head shots that have been prevalent in the league and has resulted in the best player in the game, Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby, being out since early January. Yesterday, repeat offender and lack of respect, Matt Cooke deliberately elbowed a New York Rangers player in the head. It wasn't a hockey play. It wasn't a clean hit. It was a deliberate elbow to the head with intent to injure. By the way, Matt Cooke plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pittsburgh Penguins who lead the league in penalties. The Pittsburgh Penguins who continue to put up with the antics of Matt Cooke. Curiously, I have heard nothing from Super Mario or Ray Shero, general manager of the Penguins.
If Lemieux and Shero wanted to send a message that something needs to be done to protect players like their own Sidney Crosby then here's what they should do: Whatever, the NHL suspension is, tack on another 5 games. They do this in the NFL why not in the NHL. If they are serious, put up or shut up.
Now I'm sure this will not be appreciated by the hockey establishment. Already today I'm reading on twitter hockey writers and analysts saying that its not right for Cooke to get suspended based upon past indiscretions since in this case the Ranger player continued to be in the game. Are you kidding me??? Becuase the guy wasn't knocked out cold, Cooke should get only 6 games?? If the message is we are not going to tolerate this anymore then regardless of what happens to the other player, the offender should get hit hard. 10 games minimum regardless. If we are going to base the penalty on what happens to the injured player, then Matt Cooke should have missed a lot of hockey as a result of the hit he put on Marc Savard which probably has ended Savard's career.
I do agree with a suggestion that Super Mario made which was to also fine the team if one of their players commits such an act. Right away the establishment said, "that won't work. what about the teams that are losing money how could they survive." Well maybe the Islanders wouldn't dress all those goons if Mr. Wang was having to shell out some cash.
Please don't misunderstand me. I love the hitting in the game. I love fighting, I think its part of the game. But I have no tolerance for the miscreants like Matt Cooke who are ending people's careers. I loved hockey in the 70's and don't remember this sort of nonsense.
Don Cherry is right on two points: Do away with the instigator rule and the NHLPA and the League need to look at the equipment that these guys are wearing. Shoulder pads now look like football shoulder pads. Elbow pads are weapons.
I have to tell you that I'm sick and tired hearing about these commissions that the NHL has with Brendan Shanahan chairing them. Who the hell is he??? His all-star nonsense was a joke and now he's going to meet with some others to examine the issue of head injuries in the NHL. The same Brendan Shanahan who was on the committee to make the game more wide open after the lockout. How did that work out since scoring is not up.
How about some common sense. Do something about the equipment. Do away with the instigator rule. Nail an offender with a minimum 10 game suspension and fine his team. The fact that Sid the Kid has been out half a season, the fact that Marc Savard may be done for good is a disgrace!!! Wake up Mr. Bettman!!!
Leafs Dominate Bruins 5-2
Five different players scored a goal, none of which were on the first two lines, and James Reimer made 34 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins. Luke Schenn, Mike Brown, Nazem Kadri, Keith Aulie and Joey Crabb all scored for Toronto. Crabb also chipped in with two assists.
Reimer was outstanding, particularly in the second and third periods where he robbed Tyler Seguin twice, once on a breakaway. The rookie netminder seemed to be having trouble controlling rebounds in the first period and allowed one goal on a deflection off of Dion Phaneuf's skate. After that he was extremely solid as he continues to impress Leaf fans with his play. In fact, it was the first time since the Eddie Belfour days that the ACC crowd was chanting their goalie's name late in the third period as a tribute to the youngster's solid effort.
Once again I was impressed with the play of Keith Aulie. The goal that he scored was nice but what continues to impress is the fact that being teamed up with Dion Phaneuf means that he is usually out there against the other team's top lines and he doesn't look out of place. Will the 21 year old make mistakes: yes. But as each game goes by you can see Aulie gain confidence and if he continues progressing he will be a top 4 defenseman next year for the Maple Leafs.
Another 21 year old defenseman showed some offensive skill last night the likes of which we haven't seen in years. Luke Schenn's end to end rush that resulted in the Leafs first goal was a wonderful effort that if he can continue to develop his offensive game could make him a Norris Trophy candidate someday. What was also impressive was Schenn's skating on that rush, particularly his speed.
During the day yesterday I was actually wondering whether or not the Leafs willl ever see Nazem Kadri develop into something more than Kyle Wellwood. To be honest, I have not been impressed by the kid. He seems too small but more importantly I didn't see any offensive creativity in the games previous with the Leafs. Last night was different as he set up a couple of his line mates and showed a burst in and around the net. It was nice to see him get his first NHL goal but it was also nice to see that it appears that his stint with the Marlies may have taught him the importance of being defensively responsible.
Not sure what the Leafs have in mind in the future for Joey Crabb and Mike Brown but in my mind they need to be with the team next year. Brown has tremendous speed, is a good penalty killer, and is gritty as all get out. The 25 year old is excellent on a third or fourth line. I've liked Crabb since they called him up to play with Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak. He's another character guy who gives it his all.
The third defense pair of Brett Lebda and Matt Lashoff also had a strong game. I thought Lashoff played well and also looked quite good on his opportunity to be on the power play. Lebda had his best game defensively as a Leaf last night which begs the question: what are the Leafs going to do with Mike Komisarek?
I thought the Komisarek signing was a good one when Burke did it. All I could remember was how the Canadiens would send him out there every time Mats Sundin was on the ice. He would give the Big Swede fits. Unfortunately, we haven't seen that while he has been a Maple Leaf.
While their playoff hopes hang by a thread, there is no doubt that there is hope out of what we are seeing from this team. This is the latest in the season that the Leafs have been in the playoff hunt since the 2005-2006 season when the Islanders knocked them out on Easter Sunday which was the last game of the year. But in order to be a legitimate playoff team more work needs to be done.
This off season will be the biggest since Brian Burke has been in charge. Should the Leafs go after Bryzgalov or are they convinced that James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson are the goalies to get them into the playoffs??? Will the Leafs be able to get a top line center in free agency (Brad Richards) or via trade?? Will they sign Clarke MacArthur?? What will they do with Mike Komisarek?? Answers to these questions will dictate what will happen next season for the Maple Leafs and could also determine the fate of Ron Wilson and possibly Brian Burke.
The Leafs are next in action Tuesday at Minnesota to take on the Wild.
Brutus Buckeye Gets Sacked By Jim Tressel
I briefly commented on the Jim Tressel situation on Tuesday. Needless to say Ohio State was taking a beating in the joke of a press conference that took place and the minimal suspension, 2 games against The Little Sisters of the Poor and Valley Tech and a $250,000 fine, that Tressel received from the school. Now Tressel asked for and is receiving a five game suspension, similar to what the players received. However, the NCAA is still investigating.
It needs to be pointed out that similar infractions as the one that Tressel committed resulted in the firing of 11 coaches. While young athletes need to be held responsible for actions that they take, so do coaches who break the rules. In fact, Jim Tressel lied. He lied twice to NCAA investigators and one would have to believe that he lied because he knew it would impact the Buckeyes 2010 football season.
What Tressel did is the worst example that you can give to any young athlete: win at all cost even if it means lying and cheating. Have you seen that commercial where the high school basketball player tells his coach that the refs made the wrong call because the ball went out of bounds off of him?? His teammates aren't happy but the coach tells the kid, " good call" and the refs are informed of what happened. Now if Tressel is the coach in the commercial, what would he say???
This whole incident is a black eye for Ohio State and for the NCAA. What irritates me even more is that Tressel comes off as Mister Clean and Ohio State portrays itself as a clean athletic program. Moreover, what kind of example does this send to all of those young Buckeye fans.
If Ohio State wants to do the right thing, Jim Tressel should be fired before the NCAA starts digging because they may find more things out about the Buckeye football team. And believe me that could be much more serious than Rufus the Bobcat's hit on Brutus Buckeye. This hit on Brutus will be from his own sideline.