Squid The Sports Head

An All-American Champion

thesuperviewer — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 14:26:37 -0400

Today is the 4th of July. Canada had their fun a few days ago, so now it’s our turn. When it comes to today, we like to think of all the American things: baseball, apple pie, and hot dogs. There are a few baseball stories swirling around, but I’ll save those for later. Right now, it’s all about the hot dogs. Also, in a little bit of a change up from the norm (see what I did there?) I’m gonna bring in a special guest for this blog. Nathan’s contributor and my good friend, Jon Nielsen. We’ll be tag-teaming this go-round.Thanks, Erik! Having watched the competition since 2001 when Takeru Kobayashi obliterated Kazutoyo Arai’s 25 rate with 50; it was long thought that the Japanese would dominate the competition for all eternity. After peaking at 54 in 2006, Kobayashi was threatened by an impressive rookie with 52; a man we now know as Joey Chestnut. For the next three years, Joey destroyed the glass ceiling of the low 50s, pushing to 66, 59 (muggy weather dogged the ‘08 event - which had another oddity we’ll mention later), and a still-standing world record of 68 in 2009; marking Kobayashi’s final official appearance.

Speaking of that final appearance, Jon, the last five years have seen the highs of a new dynasty and the lows of turmoil within the competitive eating ranks. First, in a lesser note, the IFOCE (International Federation of Competitive Eating) officially changed its name to MLE (Major League Eating, to align with the major professional sports). Second, there were some dramatic precedents in the contest, the first notable one being 2008. For the first time in history, there was a tie. Both Chestnut and Kobayashi finished the regulation 12-minute contest with 59 hot dogs and buns. This forced the first five-dog eatoff since 1980, which Chestnut won. This was the second eatoff in the event’s history, and the first which decided a winner.

Looking at the past 5 years, 70 seems to be the new glass ceiling. When Joey gets close competition he’s usually able to push into the upper 60s, as he did in ‘09. Since Kobayashi’s departure, we’ve been seeing wins by Chestnut at 54 and 62 last year, when the women’s competition was split off from the men’s. This year featured an impressive rookie from the 5-time champion’s home town of San Jose, CA.

Going into this year’s contest, it was clearly Chestnut’s to lose. However, it wasn’t without a dark cloud. Prior the 2010 event, Takeru Kobayashi was scheduled to compete and continue his long-standing rivalry with Chestnut for a fifth straight year. However, MLE wanted him to sign an exclusive contract forbidding him from competing in non-sanctioned events. Kobayashi wouldn’t, and he was subsequently barred from the competition. He was in attendance at the event, and crashed the stage at the end of the competition with support from the crowd. He was ushered off the stage, and led from the event in handcuffs.

While he was not in attendance last year, he did compete remotely on the rooftop of 230 Fifth, a bar in Manhattan, under supervision of two officials from the New York State Gaming Commission. While Chestnut defended his title for the fourth straight year, his record was allegedly beaten by Kobayashi, who reportedly ate 69 dogs and buns. While Gothamist reported the number at 65, it would have still beaten Chestnut’s number of 62.

So flash forward to this year. As we were looking for information about Kobayashi, none was to be found; but instead, we a new competitor from San Jose, either 19 or 20 years of age (depending on whether you believe George Shea or ESPN); Matt “Megatoad” Stonie looked like Chestnut did when he came on the scene.

Chestnut did struggle early as Stonie and Pat “Deep Dish” Bertoletti had early leads within the first minute and a half, but that’s about as long as the competition lasted. At the two minute mark, Chestnut began to pull away, and halfway through the contest he established a three-dog lead. Over the next two minutes, the lead ballooned. First five, then six, then by the eight-minute mark it was ten.

The last three minutes were dominated by the possibility of a new world record, despite warm humid weather at Coney Island. Joey Chestnut peaked at a rate of 7.5 dogs per minute, but faded near the end and could only maintain about 6.5. A quick surge in the last five seconds helped him to tie the record at 68, while Tim “Eater X” Janus finished second with 52, and Deep Dish finished third with 51.

The women’s contest finished in similar fashion, with Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas setting the women’s record with 45, and her rival Juliet Lee finishing in second with 33. With Kobayashi gone, this is the new big rivalry in MLE. While Megatoad finished outside of the top three, expect to hear more from him in years to come.

In the meantime, sit back, relax, and have a hot dog for me. Happy 4th!

We're Talking About Playoffs!

thesuperviewer — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 22:28:00 -0400

It’s been clamored for for years, it’s been talked about for months, and it’s been planned for weeks. Now, it’s officially official. The BCS as we know it will cease to exist. For the first time ever, we’re gonna have a playoff in major college football.First, the conference commissioners had to settle things. Then, today, the presidents of some of the major colleges in the BCS conferences (and Notre Dame, yes, they STILL get a seat at the table) got together in Washington, DC to hammer out an approval.

The meeting was originally scheduled for 3-6 this afternoon, but early this morning, they were told to clear their schedule until AT LEAST 10 o’clock tonight because they were gonna stay until something was arranged. At about 8:15 tonight, word was official. This is what we’re gonna get.

It’s gonna be the top four teams. Exactly how that’s decided will be determined in the near future. We do know it will be by committee and will be akin to March Madness, and it will factor in things like strength of schedule, win-loss record, and conference champions will get weight.

It’s gonna start in 2014, so the BCS fans have two full years to prepare and eventually mourn.

The Big Four bowls: Rose, Sugar, Orange, and Fiesta, won’t be slighted. In fact, they along with two other bowls will create a six-bowl, 12-year rotation cycle for the national semifinals. The national championship will be similar to the Super Bowl. Neutral site, highest bid wins.

Is it perfect? No. I didn’t want perfect. Does it work? Yes, for now. I like to think that within the next decade it’s going to expand to a top eight and stay that way. While 16 would work for everyone (especially under my system), we’re a good generation away from that.

I will end this exciting news on one good, debatable question. Now that there’ll be a committee and an actual playoff, does this mean that the NCAA will start officially recognizing the champions?

It's About Damn Time

thesuperviewer — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 19:39:00 -0400

LeBron James couldn’t have said it better himself. He became the 10th man to win NBA MVP and Finals MVP in the same season, the 8th to win 3 MVP awards and a title, and the 7th to claim two triple-doubles in the NBA Finals. All of that punctuated by one thing: King James earned his crown.Averaging 30 and 10 during a 23-game stretch is one thing. That stretch being the playoffs? That’s another. Having one triple-double during a season is one thing? Making that triple-double game the closeout game of the NBA Finals? That’s another.

The series went almost to my plan…almost. Oklahoma City took Game 1 off of more rest. Miami won Game 2 in a bounce back game, and took Game 3 at home. I honestly thought that Game 4 would be the best chance for the Thunder to take one in South Beach, but no. Miami came out and did just a little bit more to win yet another close game. The pressure was actually on the Heat to close out the series and avoid a repeat of last year’s failure against Dallas. They did.

Yes, Miami started out slow in Game 4 and quickly found themselves 17 points down in the first quarter and had to fight back. That wasn’t like any other game in the series, but it would only be the beginning. Game 5 was REALLY unlike any other game this series. Miami started out close, but the Thunder really started to lose answers. It was tough, but all of a sudden, the game turned. LeBron was his usual self, leading the team with 26. But, he defended Kevin Durant and shut him down. He had a key block in the third quarter during a 19-1 run. You heard me, 19-1. The Heat turned a 10 point lead to 25 and closed the game out.

Chris Bosh contributed, 24 in a double-double. Mike Miller didn’t hit a three-pointer throughout the entire series, but with a bad back and a major tape-up job he went and hit seven. Dwayne Wade found himself in the game and finished with 20. In the end, it was LeBron silencing Mario Chalmers and warning him not to celebrate too early, and it was LeBron winning the trophy in the end.

To Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the rest of the Thunder, don’t be ashamed. You beat three of the best teams in the league, and this is the third straight year you lost to the champions, and this year you beat the last two. There’s next year. You may not get there right away, but I see a title in your future.

For the present, though, all hail King James. Live it up.

Now the Fun Begins...

thesuperviewer — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:17:56 -0400

Tonight is the beginning of the series that NBA fans have been waiting for: Miami plays Game 1 of the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City.

I’m not gonna make an entire pick for this one, and I’ll explain what I mean by that in a second. I do, however, have a good idea of how this series will start to play out.

Oklahoma City dispatched Dallas, the Lakers, and San Antonio because of their speed. This will play to their advantage in Game 1 because guys like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are younger, fresher, and more well-rested, in most cases playing over 100 minutes less than DWayne Wade, LeBron James, and the rest of the Heat during these playoffs. If Miami makes it interesting in the 4th quarter, they’ll have momentum for a potential Game 2 win. If not, OKC could be up 2-0.

Miami will be at home for the middle three games, and they’ll take two of them. I trust the Thunder to make enough adjustments to at least steal a game in South Beach, possibly Game 4. However, one way or another, this series will go back to Oklahoma City with someone holding a 3-2 lead.

Everyone’s talking about Durant vs. James as the key matchup, and others are touting Westbrook vs. Wade, but I’m personally curious as to who Oklahoma City will use to defend Chris Bosh. He’s shown he can shoot from outside with his three three-pointers in Game 7, and he’s proven he can be a strong, tough interior presence. He can block, play the low post, and crash the boards. If he can average about 7 or 8 rebounds a game, maybe a block, and about 15 or 16 points, that takes a lot off pressure off the rest of the Big Three.

The Thunder do have James Harden, but he’s more of a backup and could tire easily. Serge Ibaka? Not enough of a scoring threat most nights, plus defensively he’s at a disadvantage. Kendrick Perkins? OKC didn’t trust him enough to give him key minutes for a reason.

This series is open to both teams. I’m really just going to sit back and watch.

A Hollywood Ending

thesuperviewer — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 23:28:00 -0400

As Jim Brown once said in Any Given Sunday: We hit, we win. We attack, we win. We pressure, we win, in all things. Tonight, the Kings did just that, and they won their first ever Stanley Cup.

I picked them to win the series in five, and they took one more game than expected, but that game was CRAZY!

It started with a five-minute major halfway through the first period. New Jersey RW Steve Bernier pushed L.A. defender Rob Scuderi into the boards. Scuderi bled, and Bernier earned himself a trip to the penalty box. The Kings took advantage with not one, not two…well, okay, I have to stop at three. But still, a power play hat trick did enough to kill all momentum that the Devils would have had to come back. Los Angeles smelled blood, and they went after it.

New Jersey didn’t help themseves with six consecutive penalties that took their forwards out of the game, and when Jeff Carter scored early in the second to make it 4-0, it was a mere formality. New Jersey tried, but it was one goal scored, two goals scored against (first time I’ve ever seen a team pull their goalie in the third when they’re down by three), and the Kings’ dream finally came to fruition.

This series was all about hitting. Tonight it was about key calls, but they all revolved around hitting. Los Angeles showed me what I’ve seen all throughout the playoffs: they’re a team that will smack you in the mouth and not think twice. They generated scoring chances, especially early. They kept getting shots, 21-10 at one point in the third. More importantly, they hit. They were outhit in the game 48-34, but their hits were harder and just counted more.

Honestly, I haven’t liked New Jersey since 2003, and this has given me a double measure of revenge. I wanted Anaheim to win back then, and I wanted my Panthers to win their series against them this year. I’ve also had a soft spot in my heart for the Kings for a while, and ever since they changed their uniforms and eliminated the purple, it feels right that they won it all. Hopefully they’ll keep it for good this time.

Congrats to L.A., party hard at L.A. Live for me.

Round One in the Books

thesuperviewer — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:13:18 -0400

Today wrapped up the first round of EURO matches, and as I felt some time ago, this tournament is wide open. You do have your favorites in teams like Germany and Holland, and you have your dark horse in France. However, with the way the past eight matches finished, anything can happen.

Group A

Poland 1-1 Greece

The announcer said it best in the Poland-Greece game: sometimes you’re good, sometimes you’re lucky, and sometimes you’re Greek. Even though it was the opener, it quickly gained contention for the “strangest match of the tournament” award. It was the first match ever to see a substitute goalkeeper make a penalty save, and the first match since 1976 to see both teams have a player sent off. If you just look at the match (which, you really can’t), it was a tale of two halves and the draw fits.

If you look beyond, it was crazy. Poland was off to a flying start thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s header in the 17th minute, and Greece finished the half a man down when Sokratis Papastathopoulos saw red in the 44th after being shown his second yellow (both cards were harsh, but the ref did have the distinction of giving the most reds in La Liga, so it was really no surprise).

When Greece used the numbers to their favor, they scored. Dimitrios Salpingidis equalized in the 51st, and it was a game again. The second moment of high drama came when Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny got his marching orders after a bad tackle in the box, and Tyton, coming on cold, made the key penalty save and it spared the team their point. Greece could have, and should have won. But then again, expect the unexpected.

Russia 4-1 Czech Republic

Think USA-Scotland, except the Czechs actually scored, and the Russians shot more often and from farther back in the attacking third. The Russians scored four for the first time in a long time, and Alan Dzagoev became the first Russian to score two in a Euro match ever. This was described as the Group of Life, and right now everyone’s seeing red.

Group B

Netherlands 0-1 Denmark

From the Group of Life to the Group of Death. Denmark made their names for upset of the tournament, as you wonder if the Dutch had something else on their mind. They didn’t have their shooting boots on, as their 28 shots yielded nothing but 5 on goal, despite Wesley Sneijder’s efforts in midfield. For the Danes, they stole one thanks to Michael Krohn-Dehli. Don’t be surprised if they’re one of the last eight standing.

Germany 1-0 Portugal

Portugal can’t score. Period. They know it, so they sat back. Things were working just fine until Mario Gomez scored on a header in the 72nd minute. The Portugese managed some effort in chasing the game, but you don’t get points for hitting the crossbar. Germany wasn’t at their best, either, but they did just enough to get the three points. The Group of Death could be the group of boredom and upsets at this rate.

Group C

Spain 1-1 Italy

This was the most hyped game of the match, and it was eventful. There were times where it was really indicative of the standard of play for the tournament: sit back, made technical moves up the pitch, create one or two scoring chances, and sit back again. However, the Spanish and the Italians are known for style, and they showed it.

Antonio di Natale took advantage of a crisp pass from Andrea Pirlo to score on a beautiful strike right through the heart of the Spanish defense and into the corner of the net. Cesc Fabregas wouldn’t be outdone, however, as four minutes later he equalized, thanks to Spanish pressure from the likes of Fernando Torres (who did have a good chance late, but couldn’t finish). Di Natale terrorized Spain for the rest of the match, but lightning didn’t strike twice. Expect these two to come through the group.

Ireland 1-3 Croatia

Ireland is a rugby nation and a Gaelic football nation. They played like it. Mario Mandzukic scored in the third minute and it was really the end of the match from there. Sean St. Ledger equalized, but Croatia got too many shots on goal for the Irish to try and create a counter. Goals on either side of half time sealed it, and Croatia now has an opportunity to make a little noise.

Group D

France 1-1 England

Folks, if you were expecting the English to play in the Euros like they play in the Premier League, forget it. They don’t have the attacking talent, and they will play like it. Again, sit back, made some transition moves and hope for a goal. If not, clamp down and play for a draw. That’s exactly what happened. Granted, the French played pretty much the same way. France did pressure in the last ten minutes, and they did total 15 shots on goal to England’s one, but one is all it takes. Both teams can look at their young stars, Samir Nasri and Joleon Lescott, but England has more to look upon for the rest of the tournament. They may not advance, but fans are realistic for once.

Ukraine 2-1 Sweden

Andriy Shevchenko is 35. He’s the oldest striker in the tournament. He also became one of the oldest to score, and made Ukraine’s first ever Euro appearance on their home turf one to remember as he did it twice. This game had a fantastic pace, as you’re looking at two teams that don’t put an emphasis on defense, especially Sweden. They went forward, they went wide, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic finally scored for his country as he broke the ice in the 52nd minute. Shevchenko wouldn’t be denied, however, with two goals six minutes apart in the second half off of two brilliant plays. The first was on the run of play and Shevchenko got in perfect position with a header to equalize. The second was off of a blocked shot and scored his second header of the match. Sweden kept pressure, but it was more yellow than blue as Ukraine finished it off to grab hold of a quarterfinal spot. If you really want a Cinderella team, it’s Ukraine.

Tomorrow starts Round 2 of group matches. I personally wonder how the Netherlands will bounce back and respond, or whether anyone in Groups A or C will distinguish themselves. I picked the Dutch before it started, but that could go out the window. As long as it’s not Spain or Italy, I can live with that. The only thing I ask for is maybe one or two more goals, teams mostly scoring one a game doesn’t cut it for me.

Deuces Wild

thesuperviewer — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 20:52:13 -0400

In the two playoffs that are still going right now, there’s only one team that hasn’t won two games, and if they lose tonight, they could very well be runners-up for only the second time in their history. With the other three teams, anything goes.

Kings lead Devils, 2-0

The Los Angeles Kings are already halfway to the Stanley Cup. They’ve won ten straight road games (NHL record for a postseason, tied for most overall in a postseason), and really twelve if you count last season. This time, they’ve done something that hasn’t happened since 1951: they won Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup finals in overtime. That year, Toronto beat Montreal in five to win the Cup, with all five games going into OT. This year, it could be lather, rinse, repeat.

New Jersey has been a physical team who loves to hit first. This series, L.A. has given them a dose of their own medicine, and hard, too. The stellar defense that propelled them to the playoffs has been a step better, as they’ve held the Devils to just 50 combined shots in the first two games. Their offense has done a bit better, generating 57. The other difference is that they’re keying on Martin Brodeur by shooting low, where he’s the most vulnerable. They’ve scored all four goals low, and they’ve also scored early, holding two one-goal leads from the first period until deep in the third.

As far as the Devils doing something wrong, their forecheck has been weak in this series. L.A. has had an excellent transition game getting the puck out of their defensive zone, and crowding the puck while they’re there. Not to mention that the famed penalty kill has let them down again, as they’ve given up more shots than they’ve taken. If this continues, it’ll be time for the broomsticks.

Spurs and Thunder tied, 2-2

The home team has surprisingly held serve in this series. San Antonio played their typical, fundamental game on their home court, although with more of an offensive flair, topping 100 both times and scoring 120 in Game 1. While their game didn’t slow down, Oklahoma City actually sped up when it was their turn. Not only did they go with smaller lineups to take Tim Duncan out of the inside; but two of their three big men, Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka, have actually provided some interior scoring of their own. In Game 4, Ibaka came short of a record in shooting 11-11 from the floor in the Thunder’s series-tying win. I said that this series would go at least six games, and so far it’s playing true to form. If Tim Duncan gets the job done, however, there won’t be a Game 7.

Heat and Celtics tied, 2-2

If Dwayne Wade’s last second shot in overtime had gone about three more inches, this series would be 3-1 and I would have had to come up with a new title for this entry. Sadly, it wasn’t to be. This series has been as physical as the Stanley Cup finals. King James is holding his own by scoring about 30 a night, but without Chris Bosh, he’s not getting too much help. Wade started slow in Game 1, but LeBron helped him get on track and they both had big nights, combining for almost 70 and showing the Celtics’ age.

Same story in Game 2, but Wade did a bit better out of the gate. Yes, Rajon Rondo ran free, played all 53 minutes, and went for a historic 44 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists, but the Big Two still had just a little bit more and teamed up in the last minute to close it out. It also helped that Rondo was the only player who scored for Boston in the extra session, netting all 12 points.

Games 3 and 4 were a bit more troubling. Boston got the home cooking they desperately needed from TD Garden, and got out to a quick lead in the second half. LeBron helped out early again, but the Celtics’ Big Three dominated by getting 58 points in the paint. Dwayne Wade was cold, but Shane Battier was even colder, and when you can’t shoot outside, you can’t go inside. When you can’t go inside, you can’t win. Game 4 was even more troubling early, with Boston starting on a 14-4 run, and jumping to a 34-23 lead at the end of the first quarter. Miami again couldn’t make a shot to save their life, and Boston took advantage with a killer transition game and open looks. The Heat fought back, though, holding the Cs to only 35% from the floor the rest of the game. LeBron and the Big Three were at it again, and Wade only shot 7-22 on his way to a 20 point night. While they fought back and forced overtime, it was defense all the way yet again, as a total of six points were scored in the extra frame. Wade had that chance…and missed…

Tonight could see two teams get one game closer, and one series actually interesting. However, it would be nice to see the Stanley Cup in Hollywood for a change…

It's About Time...

thesuperviewer — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 23:44:17 -0400

It took about 30 years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to get their first kickoff return for a touchdown. Now, about a decade later, the last hollowed stat is finally gone. Yes, the New York Mets finally have a no-hitter of their own.Steve Carlton, who won 21 games on a 59-win team, came close three times, but the 9th inning failed him. David Cone, Doc Gooden, Nolan Ryan, and Tom Seaver have all worn the uniform and have combined for over 10 no-hitters, but they happened after they left. Now, after 8,020 games, 134 pitches, 2 hours and 35 minutes, Johan Santana changed history forever.

The St. Louis Cardinals are no slouch, they’re the first defending champions to get no-hit since it happened to Oakland in 1990 (Dave Parker would get revenge on that fateful night in Toronto). Carlos Beltran was coming back to his old stomping grounds, but the first thing he did was strike out. Even with a pitch count of 115, it was Santana’s night. The team had faith in him, and he responded.

Seeing the highlights, I knew that he was on. Not too many strikeouts, but the team stayed awake and played defense to catch the fly balls that Santana was giving up. Plus, there was just a little bit of luck, as a foul ball in the 6th wasn’t foul at all. It hit third base, and it should have been all over right then and there, but not this time.

Five walks, eight strikeouts, and three cheers to Johan Santana.

San Diego, you’re due up now.

Third and final part of the photo blog. Hopefully one of my...

thesuperviewer — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:48:42 -0400

Right before the final whistle

Right after the final whistle

FT: USA 5-1 SCO, Donovan hat trick, ast

Had to take this on the way out

Third and final part of the photo blog. Hopefully one of my other cameras will work better, gonna remember to take one next time.

Part 2 of the USA-Scotland highlight package. I tried to take...

thesuperviewer — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:44:38 -0400

Bagpipers...of course

USA starters and refs, couldn't get SCO

Opening kick

Little blurry: 2-0 USA, 12th minute

Early USA corner, there were many

better view of the corner

HT: USA 2-1 SCO, 14 min halftime

Some idiot getting arrested

Second half action

Again blurry: USA 5-1 SCO, 86'

Part 2 of the USA-Scotland highlight package. I tried to take some more action shots, but they were too blurry from my iPod Touch. I tried to get the attendance, but it was 44,438, the largest crowd ever to watch a U.S. MNT match in the Southeast.

What better way to salute and thank the troops on this Memorial...

thesuperviewer — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:36:00 -0400

The match took place at EverBank Field

Drumming USA supporters passing by

Warmup view from the Party Zone

Scottish goalies on the pitch

Both full squads on the pitch

Scottish warmup from my seat

USA warmup from my seat

Pregame ceremony

USA team walking on to the pitch

Both teams together

What better way to salute and thank the troops on this Memorial Day than to upload my pictures from watching the USA triumph 5-1 over Scotland in their international friendly on Saturday night. This is Part 1.

I just want to say to all active members and veterans out there: thank you. Without you doing what you do, I couldn’t do this. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that this meant the world to me.

The Other Final Four

thesuperviewer — Sun, 27 May 2012 15:24:46 -0400

Thanks to Boston’s win over Philadelphia in Game 7, the conference finals are set. Even though there’s four teams still in the running, when you think about it, there’s really only three.The West has played out true to form with the top two seeds, San Antonio and Oklahoma City, playing each other in the finals. This series is a classic old-school fundamentals versus young guns with speed situation. Both styles have worked, at the two teams have combined for the best record heading into a conference finals matchup in NBA history (16-1).

The Spurs are the more dangerous team because no matter what’s going on on the court, they can handle it (see Game 3 against the Clippers). Oklahoma City, though, is the hungrier team. They have the chip on their shoulder from losing to Dallas last year, and it’s gotten bigger after Kevin Durant didn’t win the MVP trophy. Their Big Three (Durant, Westbrook, Harden) is slightly less talented than the Spurs Big Three (Duncan, Parker, Ginobili), but with division rivals, anything can happen.

I’m gonna hesitate when I make this prediction, but when you have a team that’s 8-0 against a team that’s 8-1, they have a slight advantage. San Antonio in six or seven.

The East would have played to form had Derrick Rose not been hurt against Philadelphia. However, the past is the past, and the time is now for Miami. They have the talent, even without Chris Bosh. They’ve faced the adversity, coming back from 2-1 down against Indiana after being called out by Danny Granger AND Dwayne Wade dusting up with head coach Erik Spoelstra and turning to his past and connecting with his college coach to watch some of his old tape. Oh, by the way, King James is being King James, and has a bit of revenge of his own to extract against Boston.

Boston is a veteran, experienced, battle-tested team. But, they’re old. Their Big Three? 36, 36, and 34. Enough said. The fact that an 8-seed took them to seven games worries me. The compressed schedule didn’t do them any favors, and they’ve also already played 13 games this postseason, the most of the four teams remaining. If Rajon Rondo can’t replicate what he did in the fourth quarter in Game 7 with his nine straight points, it could be a short series and a long offseason.

Not as much hesitation with this one, as the writing is pretty much already on the wall. Miami in five.

Well folks…it’s game time.

And Then There Were Two...

thesuperviewer — Fri, 25 May 2012 23:54:03 -0400

It’s that time again. After a miracle run in one conference and a lengthy, tiring battle in the other, we’re down to the two teams who will play each other for the oldest piece of hardware in North American sports.Los Angeles Kings vs. New Jersey Devils

My dream matchup of an Original Six final was long gone, as was my other dream matchup of two Canadian teams duking it out north of the border. Nevertheless, the Kings will now have a chance to complete one of the biggest, toughest, most historic runs in Stanley Cup history.

Yes, it’s another battle of two goalies. Jonathan Quick and Martin Brodeur. However, expect there to be a bit more scoring than you’re used to in watching these two teams. Anze Kopitar is a force to be reckoned with up the middle, both scoring and anchoring the stingy Kings defense. Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk are the two names to keep an eye on for New Jersey. Parise is a lighter version of Kopitar, but Kovalchuk is an added scoring threat. After all, that’s what he’s being paid quite handsomely to do.

I bet against the Kings a lot early on in this series, and they proved me wrong. I bet on them to beat Phoenix, and they proved me right. With a man like Jarrod Stoll on the team, who’s been through this before with Edmonton, I know exactly who to turn to in this series.

Kings in six.

Beasts of the East

thesuperviewer — Fri, 25 May 2012 23:41:18 -0400

Six games weren’t quite enough, but the New Jersey Devils needed just over a minute of overtime to beat the New York Rangers to book their ticket to the Stanley Cup finals.This was simply a fight. The Devils started it by going up 2-0 in the first period on home ice to let the Rangers know that it was their series. The Rangers continued it by tying the game in the second period to let them know that they were better in the standings, and that they’ve been through this before. However, the third period was a very painful, brutal stalemate. Both teams had their chances, but both Martin Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist turned into brick walls for the final frame. After the extra intermission, the Devils gained control quickly and, per usual strategy, crowded the net to get pound one lucky shot in the net and celebrate on home ice.

I’m not gonna lie, I knew it was going to be a tough series, and this makes me just one of two as far as the last teams standing while whiffing both times on series length. But, that’s not gonna stop me from making one last prediction…

All Good Things...

thesuperviewer — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:50:42 -0400

Didier Drogba, one of the faces of Chelsea, has decided to end his true blue career after eight seasons.First, I’m gonna remind readers that I am a Manchester United fan. That being said, Drogba was one of the few players that really irked me because he was so tough to play against. He’s had nothing but success in his time with the Blues and as a star of the Ivory Coast national team. Club wise: 341 appearances, 157 goals, 10 titles.

Country wise: 2 World Cup appearances, and 2 shootout losses in the African Cup of Nations Final, and another fourth-place finish. The man knows pressure, scoring 9 goals in 9 cup finals in the blue and white. In fact, as he said himself, if Chelsea lost the Champions League final, he would have stayed. Considering how he scored the tying goal in the 88th minute and the winning penalty kick, he wanted to go out a winner. He acknowledged that the team sacrificed the BPL to win the title, but finishing fifth isn’t so bad when you go back as title holders.

It was actually fitting. He won the Carling Cup twice, 3 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cup titles, and now the crown jewel, Chelsea’s first ever Champions League. Oh by the way, he also won the Community Shield twice, too.

After winning three doubles, I’m sad to see him go. However, this means there’s one less team that I have to worry about when it comes to United collecting more silverware.

How The West Was Won...

thesuperviewer — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:34:15 -0400

It was a Game 5 that felt like a Game 7; but after seven goals, overtime, and quite a bit of controversy, the Los Angeles Kings are going where they haven’t been since 1993: the Stanley Cup Finals.This was the highest scoring game of the series at 4-3, but that wasn’t the story. Not that Jonathan Quick and the Kings defense had one of their worst nights of the playoffs, or that they’ve allowed more than two goals in back-to-back games. The story of this game was how it ended.

I expected overtime simply because of how the teams played each other during the third period. I expected double overtime because of how physical and defensive the teams were during what turned out to be the last nine or ten minutes of the game. However, the last two minutes blew my mind.

It started when Kings defender Drew Doughty reluctantly took a critical interference penalty at 10:54. Phoenix killed it, but the blood started boiling from there. A couple minutes later, the Kings were playing near the net, and Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith made a big save. However, he lost his glove in the process. Instead of the referees blowing the whistle, which is standard in that situation, play went on and Smith was vulnerable having to play with his bare hand. After a good thirty seconds, play was finally stopped and Smith started…having a little chat with the officials. That was just the beginning.

At around 17:35, L.A. forward Dustin Brown got into a big collision with Coyotes defenseman Michal Rozsival that took down both men near the blue line. Both players were beat up, but the game continued. Seconds later, the Kings were in their offensive zone. After crowding the net in typical fashion, Dustin Penner got the winning goal at 17:42, and the L.A. players were not only the only ones celebrating, they were the only ones who weren’t angry. Mike Smith and Shane Doan were not pleased, and they let the refs know it. So much so, they were given game misconduct penalties, which made the team handshake even more awkward than it already was. Cooler heads did prevail, but it’s still good that kids couldn’t hear what was said between the players as it ended.

It was a game that will certainly be talked about, now more than ever since the Kings have a full week before they travel to either New York or New Jersey for Game 1 of the Finals. No matter what people will say, I would still watch out for the Kings. They’re 12-2, and L.A. captain Dustin Brown didn’t touch the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl…

Much Ado About Nothing...

thesuperviewer — Mon, 21 May 2012 23:28:44 -0400

For all the noise and all the hype about the events at the Staples Center over the last few days, the results were pretty humdrum at best for the teams involved.Where one team could have won a trophy, one team has actually been eliminated.

The Clippers ran into the buzzsaw that was the San Antonio Spurs. They had a 24 point lead in Game 3, but then the Spurs went on a 24-0 run in the third quarter to give them the lead and then they closed out the game. Game 4 was closer, but again, the Spurs had just that little bit extra. It helps when you have more than two players who are talented, you know.

The Lakers were lucky to get away with a split. Both teams scored 199 points in the two games at Staples Center, and L.A. had to ride out free throws for the last few minutes of the game to hang on for a 99-96 win. In Game 4, L.A. got off to a fast start, but the Thunder got hot, specifically Kevin Durant and Russell Westbroook. Durant did his thing with three after three after three, and Westbrook joined him in blowing past people inside for dunks and easy layups. Call it a comeback, but you should call it a 3-1 series lead.

For the Kings, they actually had the best of it. Yes, Anze Kopitar disappeared, and Shane Doan took advantage of a miscommunication when Jonathan Quick played the puck in the trapezoid and it led to a goal right near his shoulder, but that wasn’t until Game 4. Before the Kings gave up two straight goals for the first time in about a month, they hammered Phoenix into submission to get their third straight 3-0 series lead. With the way the Rangers and Devils are playing, the Coyotes actually did the Kings a favor by forcing Game 5. It’s in Phoenix, after all…

Maryland, My Maryland

thesuperviewer — Sat, 19 May 2012 22:20:51 -0400

In what was the busiest day in Maryland sports, there were good times all around, unless your a Johns Hopkins fan, that is.All the big teams were in action. In lacrosse, Maryland played Johns Hopkins on the Navy campus in Annapolis. In horse racing, the second jewel in the Triple Crown, the Preakness, ran at Pimlico. In baseball, the Beltway Series had their middle game with the Orioles playing the Nationals in D.C.

Lacrosse

The Terrapins and the second-seed Blue Jays battled it out in a quarterfinal match, with the winner playing in Championship Weekend next week. Maryland slowed down the game from the get go. While they didn’t win many of the first face-offs, their aggression in causing turnovers and their slow, four-corners style offense in the box led to several stall warnings and few goals. With a 1-1 first quarter, it shaped up to be a classic 6-5 matchup, as was the usual between these teams over the past decade. However, Hopkins couldn’t keep possession, and Maryland kept scoring. Their second-quarter run ran through the rest of the game, as they upset Hopkins 11-5. They could take on on another Maryland school, top-ranked Loyola, in the finals after the Greyhounds beat Denver 10-9 put them in the Final Four.

The Preakness

It was lather, rinse, repeat at Pimlico. Bodemeister ran out to another set of fast splits, running the first half mile in 47.68 seconds, and had the lead heading to the home stretch. However, I’ll Have Another used the outside to charge again, this time beating Bodemeister by a neck. In recent years, having the Triple Crown come down to the Belmont Stakes has been rare. This time around, the next three weeks will be dominated by talk of can the drought finally end. All I have to say is this: Belmont is the longest of the three at a mile and a half. If Bodemeister runs fast again, this will leave I’ll Have Another even more time to overtake him. However, can he get to a good outside spot with a deeper field? We’ll see.

Beltway Series

Baltimore took the reigns of this series early with a 2-1, 11 inning win against Washington yesterday, and started off much hotter against the Nationals today. Robert Andino hit a two-run single off of left-hander Ross Detwiler in the 2nd, and Adam Jones hit his 14th home run of the season to keep him in the early race. His two-run shot made it 4-0 in the 3rd. Nick Markakis joined the party with a two-run homer of his own in the 5th, his 8th of the season, to make it 6-0.

The Nats were finally able to make a threat in the 6th, but could only score a single run. Rick Ankiel started a big inning with an RBI double, and they scored three runs in the bottom of the 6th to make it a ball game at 6-4. Ryan Zimmerman tested Jim Johnson’s consecutive save streak with a solo home run in the bottom of the 9th, but he made it 22 in a row and an MLB-leading 14-for-14 this season, as the O’s go to an AL East leading 27-14 on the season.

Yeah, we all know about Staples Center and their hosting six games from three teams in four days. But seriously, that’s just one building. How often does an entire state get to rule a sports day?

What Was Old Is New Again

thesuperviewer — Fri, 18 May 2012 23:14:47 -0400

Today Bud Selig showed that he’s going out with his career in a wash. MLB will for the 2012 season revert to the 2-3 playoff format for the Division Series.I say revert because they used this when the Division Series first became permanent in 1995 before they used 2-2-1 format that’s in place. As in 1995, the lower seed would host the first two games, while the higher seed would host the final three. It was done this year because the schedule came out after the change was announced and made. Now, don’t get too panicky, as the 2-2-1 format that makes sense can come back next year, with a few extra days in the schedule from the season starting about a week earlier.

Another wrinkle is because TBS, the network that shows the Division Series, bought the rights to the two wild-card games, the two Division Series games they won’t show will be on MLB Network. If you don’t get MLB Network, you’re screwed.

I already didn’t like the one-off situation with the wild-card teams, and now this messes things up even more.

First, why do you need to extend the season by a week to account for the 2-2-1? If anything, the schedule should be shrunk. Maybe 154, maybe 144, and add in a few more doubleheaders (I heard of a nationwide doubleheader Sunday every week, and if it’s day-night that would work beautifully).

Second, this is further proof that Selig and MLB are doing it wrong. If you’re using a 2-3 in the Division Series, why not have a best-of-3 wild-card series? That would be more beneficial to the wild card winners because of the use of pitchers and potential extra travel (especially if it’s a 1-1-1, which I would be willing to sacrifice if they did it right). This doesn’t make sense to have the lower seed rewarded for what is a relatively small effort.

I still say MLB has a chance to get it right with a best-of-3 Wild Card Series and a best-of-7 Division Series. Since we’ll be around for 2013, we just might see it then. If not, well, Selig is retiring soon, isn’t he?

The Shift Has Finally Begun?

thesuperviewer — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:51:41 -0400

The past week has brought more talk about the four megaconferences than ever. FSU leaving the ACC to go to the Big 12, the Big 12 and SEC playing in a major bowl game, the Big 12 making hot pursuits…let the game begin!This week, FSU, who has been a lackluster school in a lackluster football conference since 2005, has openly courted the Big 12 to join. The Big 12 now appears to be flirting back, and it also appears that a few other schools could join them.

Miami, Virginia Tech, and Florida State have all been lumped together in another mass migration. This time, from the ACC to the Big 12. Miami and VT have jumped ship before, from the now almost nonexistent Big East to the ACC, so it’s nothing new from them. With State though, it’s different. They, along with Miami, were one of the biggest independent schools in the country, and the best. They spent the bulk of the 80s trying to get in the SEC to no avail, mostly because Florida was already there, and the thought was that the two schools would play for the SEC title every year (if they only knew…). When the ACC came calling in ‘91, FSU accepted because they knew they didn’t have a choice. The SEC noticed and offered, but it was too late. The same thing isn’t happening here, and if this move happens, it’ll only be the beginning.

Georgia Tech, who has gone unscathed, now is being linked to the Big Ten because of their academic standards as well as their football. Notre Dame, the fierce independent still left, is now being linked to the Big 12 as well as the ACC. I’m curious to see how all of this is gonna happen, I just know that after the BCS announced that there will be a four-team playoff at the end of the current contract in 2014, the next two seasons will be guaranteed chaos. Move after move after move will be made—again—and odds are teams will be playing each other halfway across the country. When the 64-team power league gets created, I’m gonna make my personal push for a playoff format. Mine is dynamite.

Speaking of guaranteed chaos, today the Big 12 and SEC announced that starting in 2014, if both teams miss the Final Four, their champions will play each other in a New Year’s Day bowl game (Helllooooo, Cotton Bowl! Welcome back to the big time, baby!). What’s the point of introducing another game when the big petition to make 7-5 the required minimum (instead of the current 6-6, which makes a LOT of sense) will eliminate a dozen? Between that and the Cotton Bowl being played in Cowboys Stadium, it makes perfect sense. If this doesn’t happen, college football will finally go off the deep end. Trust me.