Last night's Celtics and Spurs game was one of the worst games the Celtics have played the entire season. In the first quarter they played good, coming out scoring, and playing with some fire in their eyes. After that it was down hill from there, they got outplayed, out rebounded, and didn't play has hard as the Spurs. The final score of the game was the Celtics 73 and the Spurs 94.
The third quarter struggles continued last night, they got out scored 33-17, the second half is still a problem. They had major problems from beyond the three point line only making 1-14 from beyond the arc.
I hope I am wrong, but I think the C's are in big trouble. Some people are saying that they are lazy, or board with the regular season. If that is the case then why do they play well in the first half? It seems to me that the Celtics come out playing well, and have energy in their game, but as the game goes on the old age kicks in, they start to get tired. That is why I think they are in big trouble, they cant play well throughout the course of a game. Some of the recent wins by the Celtics they have allowed teams to come back in the second half, and make the wins a lot harder then needed. Last Fridays game against the Kings is the perfect example.
I have heard some people saying that last night's loss, blows away all the hope that the Celtics had built up, from good wins they have had recently put together. At this moment I do think the Celtics are in trouble, but that could change if they go on a nice winning streak, during the final stretch. I really do hope the Celtics prove me wrong, and they are not in trouble. I hope they are just bored of the regular season, and come playoffs they make a nice run.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
At The Right Time
The Bruins played a great game last night against the Thrashers, and it couldn't have come more at a perfect time. Coming into the game people were saying this was the biggest game of the Atlanta Thrashers franchise, they were in the ninth place only one point behind the Bruins.
The Bruins came out with energy, and once they took the early lead they never looked back. Tuukka Rask didn't face to many challenges but he still was great. His Biggest save of the night was when he stopped Colby Armstrong's penalty shot at a critical point in the game. At the time the Bruins were up 2-0 but if Armstrong scored it would have put them right back in it, and they would have had momentum. That was probably the turning point of the game.
Since Rask was good between the pipes he got backed up by David Krejci, and Milan Lucic. They both had really good games, and are starting to break out when they are needed the most.
There was one bad thing that came out of yesterdays game. The power play still is a big problem for them right now, without Marc Savard they are 0-18. That stat just goes to show how valuable Savard is to this team.
After last nights knockout punch from the Bruins, I would be very surprised if the Thrashers would be able to re-group. The way they got out play in front of their half filled arena was just embarrassing. But last week we were all saying the Bruins weren't going to make the playoffs, and now it is a completely different story, so you never know.
The Bruins are only in eighth place in the eastern conference, but are only one point behind the seventh and sixth place teams (Montreal, and Philadelphia). If the Bruins come out and keep playing the same way, they will have no problem making the playoffs.
The Bruins came out with energy, and once they took the early lead they never looked back. Tuukka Rask didn't face to many challenges but he still was great. His Biggest save of the night was when he stopped Colby Armstrong's penalty shot at a critical point in the game. At the time the Bruins were up 2-0 but if Armstrong scored it would have put them right back in it, and they would have had momentum. That was probably the turning point of the game.
Since Rask was good between the pipes he got backed up by David Krejci, and Milan Lucic. They both had really good games, and are starting to break out when they are needed the most.
There was one bad thing that came out of yesterdays game. The power play still is a big problem for them right now, without Marc Savard they are 0-18. That stat just goes to show how valuable Savard is to this team.
After last nights knockout punch from the Bruins, I would be very surprised if the Thrashers would be able to re-group. The way they got out play in front of their half filled arena was just embarrassing. But last week we were all saying the Bruins weren't going to make the playoffs, and now it is a completely different story, so you never know.
The Bruins are only in eighth place in the eastern conference, but are only one point behind the seventh and sixth place teams (Montreal, and Philadelphia). If the Bruins come out and keep playing the same way, they will have no problem making the playoffs.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
This Time The Energy Was There.
After Thursday nights awful game against the Penguins, fans were wondering if the team would rebound in a important game against the Rangers. Well the answer was yes, the Bruins looked like a different team today, and were able to come out with a 2-1 victory.
Unlike the embarrassing Penguins game the Bruins played with energy, heart, and passion in their game, and showed that they still have a spark in them. They showed some signs in the game that they might have enough gas left in the tank to squeeze into the playoffs, as the eighth or seventh seed.
I thought Milan Lucic played one of his best comes of the season, you could tell he was bringing the fire today when he crushed Matt Gilory in the second period. It has been a long time since we have seen Lucic make a big hit on someone, and play a very physical game. Lucic has had a tough season with injury's, at the start of the season he was out three weeks with his broken thumb. Then soon after he came back he blew up his left ankle. He has said he is feeling better, the Bruins really need him to be the player he was last year.
Patrice Bergeron and Mark Stuart both showed some leadership today. They both played with a lot of heart in their game, and that really got the rest of the team pumped up. The team was in dire need of the leadership Bergeron and Stuart showed in today's game.
Coming into the game the Rangers were three points behind the Bruins, but after the win they are now five points behind them. Tuesday night is another big game for the Bruins. The team will be travailing to Atlanta to take on the Thrashers. If the Thrashers win tonight they will only be one point behind the Bruins in the standings. So it will be important that the Thrashers don't win because they will leap frog the them, then the Bruins will be in the ninth spot. Also if the Bruins win, that will create a little more breathing room in between the two teams.
The Bruins just need to come out and play with the same energy, and intensity. With only eleven games left in the season the Bruins need to play every game as if it is a playoff game to make it in the playoffs. It is crunch time, every game is a big game from here on out.
Unlike the embarrassing Penguins game the Bruins played with energy, heart, and passion in their game, and showed that they still have a spark in them. They showed some signs in the game that they might have enough gas left in the tank to squeeze into the playoffs, as the eighth or seventh seed.
I thought Milan Lucic played one of his best comes of the season, you could tell he was bringing the fire today when he crushed Matt Gilory in the second period. It has been a long time since we have seen Lucic make a big hit on someone, and play a very physical game. Lucic has had a tough season with injury's, at the start of the season he was out three weeks with his broken thumb. Then soon after he came back he blew up his left ankle. He has said he is feeling better, the Bruins really need him to be the player he was last year.
Patrice Bergeron and Mark Stuart both showed some leadership today. They both played with a lot of heart in their game, and that really got the rest of the team pumped up. The team was in dire need of the leadership Bergeron and Stuart showed in today's game.
Coming into the game the Rangers were three points behind the Bruins, but after the win they are now five points behind them. Tuesday night is another big game for the Bruins. The team will be travailing to Atlanta to take on the Thrashers. If the Thrashers win tonight they will only be one point behind the Bruins in the standings. So it will be important that the Thrashers don't win because they will leap frog the them, then the Bruins will be in the ninth spot. Also if the Bruins win, that will create a little more breathing room in between the two teams.
The Bruins just need to come out and play with the same energy, and intensity. With only eleven games left in the season the Bruins need to play every game as if it is a playoff game to make it in the playoffs. It is crunch time, every game is a big game from here on out.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A Statement Game
Tonight's Bruins game against the Penguins is a huge game in my opinion. The Bruins need to redeem themselves, and fight Matt Cooke as soon as he steps on the ice. They need to stick up for their teammate, and let teams know that they cant mess with them.
Wasn't this years theme was "Big and Bad are Back"? Well so far Big and Bad are not back, after letting Matt Cooke get away with a cheap shot to Marc Savard, and not going over and fighting him. I am mostly disappointed in Milan Lucic, because last year when Lucic got hit from behind, Marc Savard was the first guy to go over, and stick up for his teammate. Then when Cooke hit Savard, what did Lucic do? Nothing, he just stood there.
Tonight is another night, and the Bruins get another chance to get back at Cooke. Some people think the Bruins should cheap shot Sidney Crosby, or Danny Malkin. I will tell you this right now, that is not going to happen. First of all they did nothing wrong, they are not the ones who hit Savard. Also Patrice Bergeron, and Crosby are best friends, and the Bruins have a lot of respect for Crosby, and Malkin. Another thing about Malkin is, that he will not be playing tonight, because of a foot injury.
What the Bruins should do, and probably will do is, as soon Cooke steps on the ice you go over and fight him. I can not tell how many fights there will be tonight, or how many fights the Bruins will get in with Cooke. If they get in to one fight with Cooke, I will be happy, if its two fights, I will be thrilled, and if its three fights, I will be shocked.
I am really looking forward to this game tonight, it should be a great game, and fun to watch. It will be interesting to see what the Bruins do, if it will be one fight, and done, or will it be a continuing thing throughout the game. We just have to sit tight, and what till seven o'clock to see what the Bruins do, but I know tonight they will do the right thing this time.
Wasn't this years theme was "Big and Bad are Back"? Well so far Big and Bad are not back, after letting Matt Cooke get away with a cheap shot to Marc Savard, and not going over and fighting him. I am mostly disappointed in Milan Lucic, because last year when Lucic got hit from behind, Marc Savard was the first guy to go over, and stick up for his teammate. Then when Cooke hit Savard, what did Lucic do? Nothing, he just stood there.
Tonight is another night, and the Bruins get another chance to get back at Cooke. Some people think the Bruins should cheap shot Sidney Crosby, or Danny Malkin. I will tell you this right now, that is not going to happen. First of all they did nothing wrong, they are not the ones who hit Savard. Also Patrice Bergeron, and Crosby are best friends, and the Bruins have a lot of respect for Crosby, and Malkin. Another thing about Malkin is, that he will not be playing tonight, because of a foot injury.
What the Bruins should do, and probably will do is, as soon Cooke steps on the ice you go over and fight him. I can not tell how many fights there will be tonight, or how many fights the Bruins will get in with Cooke. If they get in to one fight with Cooke, I will be happy, if its two fights, I will be thrilled, and if its three fights, I will be shocked.
I am really looking forward to this game tonight, it should be a great game, and fun to watch. It will be interesting to see what the Bruins do, if it will be one fight, and done, or will it be a continuing thing throughout the game. We just have to sit tight, and what till seven o'clock to see what the Bruins do, but I know tonight they will do the right thing this time.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lacking A Leader
Yesterday afternoon the Celtics continued to struggle, and lost to the Cavilers. After yesterdays bad loss, everybody is still shacking their heads trying to figure out, what is wrong with this team. How come they are preforming so bad? They are to talented to be doing this. Yes, the age factor has something to do with it, but still something else is wrong, they shouldn't be playing at this level right now.
After the game Kendrick Perkins was asked if it was time for him to embrace a bigger role, Perkins responded, "I think maybe a different guy gotta try to step up, and be a leader. I think sometimes you try to feed off your All-stars, but maybe somebody else gotta step up." Then he went on to say, "Maybe it's gotta be me, Rondo, Sheed, Somebody".
That right there tells you that this team does not have a leader right now, and that could be part of the problem. If you are thinking of some players who could be good leaders for this team, I hope Rasheed Wallace is Not one of the people that comes to mind. A team leader needs to play well, pretty much all of the time, and Wallace does not do that. He has a good game, about every three to four games, he is to inconsistent.
On the other hand Rondo could be the guy. Rondo is still young, but he has played in this league since 2006, and he has played with veteran players. Also he produces game in and game out, how Rondo plays is a big factor, because the whole team feeds off him. He brings a spark to the team. Rondo is with this team for the next five years, and he is only going to get better.
It is not good that we are talking about the Celtics trying to find a new leader this late in the season, but that could very well be a big problem for them. Whatever the problem is they need to fix it fast, because they are falling down in the standings, (now in 4th place in the conference), and time is running out.
After the game Kendrick Perkins was asked if it was time for him to embrace a bigger role, Perkins responded, "I think maybe a different guy gotta try to step up, and be a leader. I think sometimes you try to feed off your All-stars, but maybe somebody else gotta step up." Then he went on to say, "Maybe it's gotta be me, Rondo, Sheed, Somebody".
That right there tells you that this team does not have a leader right now, and that could be part of the problem. If you are thinking of some players who could be good leaders for this team, I hope Rasheed Wallace is Not one of the people that comes to mind. A team leader needs to play well, pretty much all of the time, and Wallace does not do that. He has a good game, about every three to four games, he is to inconsistent.
On the other hand Rondo could be the guy. Rondo is still young, but he has played in this league since 2006, and he has played with veteran players. Also he produces game in and game out, how Rondo plays is a big factor, because the whole team feeds off him. He brings a spark to the team. Rondo is with this team for the next five years, and he is only going to get better.
It is not good that we are talking about the Celtics trying to find a new leader this late in the season, but that could very well be a big problem for them. Whatever the problem is they need to fix it fast, because they are falling down in the standings, (now in 4th place in the conference), and time is running out.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Play Ball!
With the Red Sox season starting in less than a month, I thought it was a good time to recap their offseason, and preview the up coming season.
This Winter the Sox had their hands full with a busy offseason, I like the choices they made. The signing of John Lackey really gets me excited, because he was the number one starting pitcher on the Angles. Stick him into this rotation, and he is the number three pitcher behind Lester, and Beckett. As long as everybody is healthy they will have the best starting pitching in the league. I agree with the other notable signings of Beltre, Scutaro, and Cameron, they are not over paying them, and they all have short contracts. I can live with the choices the organization made this offseason.
Coming into the year there are still some questions about the team. The big questions is, are they going to be able to score enough runs. I think everybody is thinking, that just because the Sox didn't sign Jason Bay, there offense is going to be awful. But actually the offense didn't downgrade to much, you have to look at the other moves they made. Marc Scutaro will be an upgrade at the plate this year, if you look at the numbers he put up last year, and the average numbers the shortstops who played for the Red Sox last year had hitting. He will be a big upgrade if he Scutaro puts up the same numbers. Also, there will be a full season of Victor Martinez hitting third in the lineup.
If the trade deadline hits and hitting is a big problem for the Sox, then you will see Theo making a trade for a big bat. He has the pieces to get Adrian Gonzalez (who every fan is screaming at Theo to get), or a name that could come up is Prince Fielder. For now Theo is going to wait and see how the team hits in the first half of the year. He will then make up his mind on weather or not he needs to go out and get that big bat.
Another thing that could be a problem, that people are downplaying, is the bullpen. Last year Wagner and Saito were two big parts to the bullpen down the stretch, and they both ended up going to different teams. That could end up hurting the Sox, this year. I do still think the Bullpen is going to be fine with Bard setting up Papelbon, its just something to keep your eye on.
I believe the Red Sox will make the playoffs as a wild card team, and I have the Yankees winning the division (It really kills me to say that), but if the pitching staff is fully healthy in the playoffs, the Sox can easily emerge as the best team in baseball.
This Winter the Sox had their hands full with a busy offseason, I like the choices they made. The signing of John Lackey really gets me excited, because he was the number one starting pitcher on the Angles. Stick him into this rotation, and he is the number three pitcher behind Lester, and Beckett. As long as everybody is healthy they will have the best starting pitching in the league. I agree with the other notable signings of Beltre, Scutaro, and Cameron, they are not over paying them, and they all have short contracts. I can live with the choices the organization made this offseason.
Coming into the year there are still some questions about the team. The big questions is, are they going to be able to score enough runs. I think everybody is thinking, that just because the Sox didn't sign Jason Bay, there offense is going to be awful. But actually the offense didn't downgrade to much, you have to look at the other moves they made. Marc Scutaro will be an upgrade at the plate this year, if you look at the numbers he put up last year, and the average numbers the shortstops who played for the Red Sox last year had hitting. He will be a big upgrade if he Scutaro puts up the same numbers. Also, there will be a full season of Victor Martinez hitting third in the lineup.
If the trade deadline hits and hitting is a big problem for the Sox, then you will see Theo making a trade for a big bat. He has the pieces to get Adrian Gonzalez (who every fan is screaming at Theo to get), or a name that could come up is Prince Fielder. For now Theo is going to wait and see how the team hits in the first half of the year. He will then make up his mind on weather or not he needs to go out and get that big bat.
Another thing that could be a problem, that people are downplaying, is the bullpen. Last year Wagner and Saito were two big parts to the bullpen down the stretch, and they both ended up going to different teams. That could end up hurting the Sox, this year. I do still think the Bullpen is going to be fine with Bard setting up Papelbon, its just something to keep your eye on.
I believe the Red Sox will make the playoffs as a wild card team, and I have the Yankees winning the division (It really kills me to say that), but if the pitching staff is fully healthy in the playoffs, the Sox can easily emerge as the best team in baseball.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
An Email Interview With Chris Price
Chris Price of WEEI.com, was nice enough to do an email interview with me. I sent him a couple of questions, and below are the answers.
Q:Do you think the Patriots are going to do much in free agency this year?
A:I think they are going to be relatively quiet this season--that is to say, there will be no big splash of a signing. That first weekend, they did what they said they were going to do--take care of their own, getting deals done with Wilfork, Neal and Banta-Cain. Going forward, I think they will continue to try and nail their own guys down (Bodden and Faulk are next on their radar screen), but they will also take a look at the second-tier guys and try and find some value there. We're already seeing things like their interest in in players like Marques Dougals, Alge Crumpler and the like. Expect more of that to continue throughout free agency, especially when it comes to depth at the wide receiver and tight end spots.
Q: Are there any names you think the Patriots will take a look at in free agency?
A:Veterans, guys who have been around the league for a few years. Not sure about specific names right now--it can literally change from hour to hour--but I think they will look into guys out there who may be flying under the radar, guys who people may have forgotten about.
Q:What do you think about Darren Sharper? Would the Patriots be interested in him?
A:I don't think they'd go after Sharper. I think he had an excellent season and will get a nice payday, but at 34, I don't think he's what the Patriots are looking for. They need bodies at corner before safety.
Q:Are there any new rumors? If so what are they?
A:Like I said, things change from hour to hour in this process. On Monday, the Patriots hosted at least three players that we know of (Alge Crumpler, Josh Reed, and Marques Murrell), all news which cropped up relatively quickly. I'd look for them to start bringing in some veteran wide receivers, second-tier guys who might be a good fit.
Q:I know its early, but what do you think the Patriots will do in the draft this year, will they move down like they usually do, will they move up and surprise some people, or are they going to stay right where they are?
A:My gut feelings is that right now, I believe they'll stick with where they are. I have a lot of respect for NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock, and he believes there are between 15-18 DE/OLBs he calls "conversion types", which bodes very well for a team like the Patriots who need help bolstering their pass rush. My overall feeling is that it is a deep draft in areas where the Patriots might need help--pass rushing linebacker and depth at wide receiver, tight end and running back.
Q:Do you think the Patriots are going to do much in free agency this year?
A:I think they are going to be relatively quiet this season--that is to say, there will be no big splash of a signing. That first weekend, they did what they said they were going to do--take care of their own, getting deals done with Wilfork, Neal and Banta-Cain. Going forward, I think they will continue to try and nail their own guys down (Bodden and Faulk are next on their radar screen), but they will also take a look at the second-tier guys and try and find some value there. We're already seeing things like their interest in in players like Marques Dougals, Alge Crumpler and the like. Expect more of that to continue throughout free agency, especially when it comes to depth at the wide receiver and tight end spots.
Q: Are there any names you think the Patriots will take a look at in free agency?
A:Veterans, guys who have been around the league for a few years. Not sure about specific names right now--it can literally change from hour to hour--but I think they will look into guys out there who may be flying under the radar, guys who people may have forgotten about.
Q:What do you think about Darren Sharper? Would the Patriots be interested in him?
A:I don't think they'd go after Sharper. I think he had an excellent season and will get a nice payday, but at 34, I don't think he's what the Patriots are looking for. They need bodies at corner before safety.
Q:Are there any new rumors? If so what are they?
A:Like I said, things change from hour to hour in this process. On Monday, the Patriots hosted at least three players that we know of (Alge Crumpler, Josh Reed, and Marques Murrell), all news which cropped up relatively quickly. I'd look for them to start bringing in some veteran wide receivers, second-tier guys who might be a good fit.
Q:I know its early, but what do you think the Patriots will do in the draft this year, will they move down like they usually do, will they move up and surprise some people, or are they going to stay right where they are?
A:My gut feelings is that right now, I believe they'll stick with where they are. I have a lot of respect for NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock, and he believes there are between 15-18 DE/OLBs he calls "conversion types", which bodes very well for a team like the Patriots who need help bolstering their pass rush. My overall feeling is that it is a deep draft in areas where the Patriots might need help--pass rushing linebacker and depth at wide receiver, tight end and running back.
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