Tampa Bay Sucks.

Image result for Bruins vs. Lightning

The Big Bad Lightning!  The Tampa Lightning, wire to wire have been the  the best team in the NHL.  They currently sit at 102 points, which is four ahead of the Bruins (98).  They added pieces such as J.T. Miller, and Ryan McDonagh at the trade deadline, and surely the up-start Bruins couldn’t keep up with Big Bad Lightning, right? Wrong.

Saturday saw the Bruins limp into Amalie Arena down Patrice Bergeron, Charlie McAvoy, Zdeno Chara, and Jake Debrusk.  Each one is a major piece to the puzzle for the 2018 Bruins.   DOES NOT MATTER.  The Bruins not only went to Tampa, and won, but they fucking emasculated the them.   3-0 final was the final.  With the win the Bruins move to just 4 points behind Tampa for first play in, well the NHL.  Personally, let Tampa have the Presidents Trophy.  This win just shows me how much more of a sound team the Bruins are than Tampa.

The game opened up with the Bruins hounding the Lightning all over the ice, despite being down so many key players.   Early on in the first period, Tory Krug fed a streaking David Pastrnak in the high slot.  Pastrnak took the puck to the cage, and shoveled a backhander around the pad of Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Early on things were looking great for the Bruins as they completely hounded the Lightning.  The Bruins gave up chances to the Lightning, but for the first time in awhile Tuukka Rask was in the zone, and the Bruins depleted D Corps played the best game they’ve had as unit all season healthy, or otherwise.

On the Power Play just over the halfway point of the season, David Backes banged home a Tory Krug rebound to make it 2-0.  Finally, early in the second Riley Nash slammed home a rebound to make it 3-0 Bruins.  It was their second Power Play goal of the game, and would effectively put the game on ice.

The Bruins would coast home in the third to seal 3-0 win over the best the NHL has to offer.  The scoreline definitely could be higher, but the if I were Tampa I’d be embarrassed.  The Bruins are missing so many key players, and lost ANOTHER (David Backes) mid-game.  They allowed the Bruins to bully them.  You had guys like Kuraly, Acciari, and Schaller drilling the Tampa D behind their own net, which forces mistakes, and causes havoc.  Not only did the fourth line throw their body around, the whole team was finishing their checks.  Physically wearing down the best team in Hockey.

Tampa is too good to keep down for long, and Tampa certainly had their chances to get back into the game.  The Bruins Defense and Goaltending shut down Kucherov, Stamkos, Miller, Hedman, Johnson, Palat, and Killorn all night long.  I would not be overly optimistic with Saturday’s effort if I were a Bolts fan.

Tune into NESN tonight @ 7pm to catch the Bruins against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  The Jackets sit at 4th in the Metropolitan Division with 83 points.  They are currently locked into the first Playoff Wildcard seed.

The Bruins will have a new Rookie making his debut tonight:

Top Forward Prospect, Ryan Donato has signed a 2 year Rookie Contract with the Bruins.  Donato is the Bruins top forward prospect after shining at Harvard University for three seasons, and for Team USA at the 2018 Olympics.  Most kids sign their rookie contracts and spend 1-2 years in the AHL developing their game.  Donato is a special talent.  Special enough that Bruce Cassidy is inserting him to tonights lineup:

 

Let’s go Bruins!

Tom Izzo Proves Once Again To Be The Most Overrated Coach in College Basketball

Michigan State started off the tournament as one of the most popular picks to win the title — what a JOKE. Syracuse weaseled their way into the tournament, as they always seem to do as of lately and keeps justifying it. Michigan State took a 30-5 record into this game and well..

cuse state.JPG

Of course, everybody this weekend is talking about Virginia so not much will be focused on the poor job that Izzo did here. Syracuse, which came into the game playing their zone defense as they always do were able to stifle and shut down Michigan State.  The Spartans missed their last 14 (!!) shots and did not record a FG for the last 5:43 of the game.

B99639932Z.1_20180317161813_000_G921TSQT4.1-0.jpg

The only way to beat that Syracuse zone is to attack it, which Sparty did a horrendous job of doing so. Miles Bridges, one of the premier players in the country, was not properly utilized as they should have had him cutting to the glass. This isn’t all on Michigan State losing as Syracuse firmly deserved the win but this is just another notch into all of those people who refer to Izzo as someone to fear in March. He won one national championship all the way back in 2000, which I’m not sure if you realized was 18 years ago at this point. Michigan State has made the final four 3 times in the last 15 years which isn’t a bad thing but Izzo is constantly referred to in the Coach K category. Let’s get this straight — he’s not. He’s a good coach but the Spartans will not win another title with him at the helm.

Kudos to Syracuse, they did what they came out to do which was win an ugly game. They have Duke on the horizon who looks damn good but there’s no way we can’t justify their selection at this point. Fouling at the end of the game when up three is probably my least favorite thing about basketball but a win is a win.

Magical.

On Tuesday evening the Boston Bruins traveled down to Raleigh, N.C. to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. What happened was absolutely magical, and this team just has IT.

Generally, I’m not too inclined to watch the Carolina Hurricanes. I got stuck watching this limp dick franchise for four years in College, so enough is enough. Any-who….the Bruins looked brutal for 50 of the 60 minutes played in this one, but managed to steal a 6-4 victory. How’d it all play out?

It was a sloppy sloppy game to start out, but the Bruins managed to score first. Brad Marchand netted his 30th goal of the season. The third season in a row he’s reached this clip. Brad Marchand has turned himself into an elite goal scorer in the NHL simply overnight. Seen as a nice complimentary piece before, he now carries the team on his back.

What an absolute saucy dish from Pastrnak on this opening goal, and just abysmal goaltending from Cam Ward. Gotta hug that post, man. Things would only get worse from the Bruins from this point to about the 10 minute mark of the third period.

Early in the second period, Sebastian Aho ripped a blocker side snap shot over Tuukka Rask to tie the game at 1.

Later, Teuvo Teravainen fired a one timer over the shoulder of Rask to make it 2-1 Hurricanes.  This coming on a 5-3 power play.  Almost unstoppable for Rask.

At the end of the second period Justin Williams made it 3-1 Hurricanes.  To make matters even worse just 51 seconds into the third Brock McGinn made it 4-1 Hurricanes.  Our jolly Beat Writer, Joe Haggerty decided it was time for the Bruins to throw in the towel.

To be fair to Jolly Saint Haggs, it certainly seemed like the game was over.  The team had taken a shit ton of penalties, had coughed the puck up all night, and their number 1 tendy was playing like dog-shit again.

The Bruins were dead men walking.  Some weren’t even walking, as at Jake DeBrusk, Zdeno Chara, and Tory Krug had all left the game at this point.  It does not matter.  Countless times you think the 2017-2018 Boston Bruins are going to fold like Claude Julien’s handkerchief, but Butchy simply does not allow it.  Once the fourth goal went in, the Bruins really pressed the Canes all over the ice.  They were starting to force more turnovers, and create scoring chances when finally at the 10:04 mark of the 3rd period Matt Grzelyck fired home a snapshot passed Cam Ward.  4-2 canes with half of the third period remaining.

Just a minute later, David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand completed a beauty of a give-and-go along the right wing hash marks.  Pastrnak ripped a snap-shot over the glove of Cam Ward.  Ward looked like a dingleberry waving his glove at it, he had absolutely no shot.  With close to 8 minutes left, the Bruins cut the lead to 4-3.

https://twitter.com/mkmolnar/status/973734469697003523

With all of the momentum it was only a matter of time before the Bruins tied the game.   The Bruins wasted no time, as just 21 seconds after Pastrnak’s goal, David Krejci slid a cross ice dish for Danton Heinen to re-direct home.  4-4 with 8 minutes to go in the third period.   The Hurricanes have every right to be furious this goal counted.  Back in the Boston Defensive zone David Krejci caught the puck in mid-air, took a stride to avoid contact, and dropped the puck.  This should have been ruled a hand pass, and the play whistled dead.  Instead it was a tie game.

On the powerplay with 3 minutes left to go David Pastrnak added his second goal of the game, and the Bruins finally took the lead.  He would also add an empty netter to ice the win, and hat-trick.

What an absolutely fantastic game.  One of those nights that makes you feel like something special is happening with this team.  They’re not playing with any pressure, even when they were down 3.  Teams that have fun out there generally don’t have to dig as deep as some late in the third period.  Minus three guys the Black and Gold still had better legs in the third.  They were absolutely buzzing.  Lets hope the injuries to Chara, DeBrusk, and Krug are all minor.  Bruce Cassidy confirmed this morning that Krug will be a game-time decision tonight against Florida, but Chara and DeBrusk will be out tonight.

https://twitter.com/mkmolnar/status/973737819352043521

Browns Free Agency Recap.

Image result for John Dorsey

We aren’t even in the first hour of Free Agency, and the Cleveland Browns continued to add to their Roster.  There aren’t as many “WOW” names like we saw on Friday, but some solid additions overall.  Going into Free Agency, I was hoping the Browns would address the Wide Receiver position, and Cornerback.  Last year the Receiving Corps was up there as the worst in the league.    Dorsey addressed this need via trade on Friday.  The Defensive back that was acquired from Green Bay will be moved to Free Safety, so I was hoping Cornerback would be a priority.

Image result for trumaine johnson

As a flurry of shitty Quarterbacks, and mediocre Wide Receivers signed albatross contracts, the Browns made their first signing of the day:

Ah yes.  A depth lineman.  Not much to see here regarding this guy.  Stephenson is a swing tackle, who isn’t going to start unless there are injuries.  Can’t have enough lineman, especially those who have made 50 career starts, as Stephenson has.

Image result for donald stephenson

The Browns continued to add to their offensive line depth with another signing.  This time for some big money:

Interesting move as this guy was never really popped up on any rumors.  There is the connection with Todd Haley, as Hubbard comes from the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Hubbard is a Right Tackle who started 14 games total for Steelers since 2013.  He appeared in 39 total.  By all accounts , Hubbard is a versatile Right Tackle who deserves a chance to start.  He started at Right Tackle for Haley’s Steelers last year after Marcus Gilbert was injured. Solid depth move, and will shore up the right side of the offensive line.

Image result for Chris Hubbard Browns

As we went along, the moves got a little bit sexier.  Not really though.  The Browns signed a depth Defensive Lineman formally of the Cincinnati Bengals. A nice binky for Hue Jackson:

Nice! Who’s that?  Not going to pretend to know, but I do know 3 years at $14 million dollars is a lot of money.  Seems like a lot for a guy with three career sacks.  A guess a little depth hurt nobody, but man.  Three fucking sacks? Theoretically this dude could’ve downed the QB by touching him 3 times, and he still got $14 million.  The NFL is fucking stupid.

Image result for chris smith browns

Tuesday evening saw the Browns news slow down, as most of the big names were off the board.  The last piece of news we got was Isaiah Crowell departing the team after 4 seasons.

Not a bad deal for the Jets.  Crowell is coming off a disappointing year to say the least.  It seemed the Browns were going to increase his workload coming off a career year.  He touched the ball a career high 206 carries, but his yardage slipped to 853 after rushing for 952 in 2016.  Part of the reason Crowell struggled this year was Hue Jackson refusing to run the football, so Jets fans have that. Crow stats.PNG

Wednesday morning came, and the New Year STILL had yet to start.  That didn’t stop the Browns from making another Free Agent signing.

There we go!  A football player I have heard of.  Love the move by bringing in Hyde.  It gives us a good 1-2 punch with Hyde and Johnson.  Add a third bruiser, and we could have a competent offense. I would rather take this approach than draft a Running Back in the first round. This team has bigger fish to fry.

Hyde has been a solid contributor to a rotten 49ers team for the past few years. He’s rushed for 938 and 988 yards the past two seasons, while rushing for 14 touchdowns in that same time. Hyde isn’t much of a weapon in the passing game, but his yardage is slowly increasing each year. He’s only caught 3 total touchdown passes since 2014.

In the afternoon more defensive dominos fell as the Brown signed two AFC West Cornerback’s.

Terrance Mitchell formally of the Chiefs signed a 3 year $12 deal with the club that wears turd colored pants. Mitchell was a 7th round draft pick in 2014. He is coming off a career year with Kansas City, where he registered 53 tackles and nabbed 4 interceptions.

Another depth Cornerback signing in Carrie. Comes at a very hefty price for a supposed “depth” signing. Carrie was a seventh round draft pick in 2014, much like Mitchell. Carrie was a solid contributor in Oakland starting 15 games in 2017, and 36 total over 4 seasons. Based off research, Carrie can play either Nickel Corner, or safety.

Sandwiched in between these moves was the signing of former Lions Tight End, Darren Fells to a 3 year $12 million dollar contract. Not much to see here other than Fells being lauded as one of the premier blocking TE’s. Always need a good blocking Tight End, as almost all good teams have one.

Last year he showed he could do some things in the passing game, as he caught 17 passes for 177 yards and 3 scores.

Decent two days for big John Dorsey. Some of the money handed out was a bit excessive for some marginal starters, but that’s what the Browns have to do to sign people. He seems to be filling depth throughout the roster, which helps the overall quality of the roster top to bottom.

I would hope the checkbook would shut for a bit here, and we move on to the draft. There is only one player I’d like to see the Browns bring in if they can….

Go Browns. #ThankYou73. (More on that later).

Are the Lakers and Nuggets Rivals If Nobody Actually Cares?

 

The Lakers played the Nuggets last night past the east coast’s deadline of caring about NBA games and were able to upset them with a 112-103 victory. The game was definitely chippy and was highlighted by one of the loudest chants during some late game free-throws.

I’ll give credit where credit is due — that’s a pretty loud chant. Count on Lakers fans to do it while their own player is shooting free throws and not even the Nuggets’ players but I guess baby steps?

I had no idea where the Murray hate came from but a few minutes digging around on the internet and here’s the reason the Lakers fans (& players) were butthurt at Jamal Murray.

tenor.gif

Dribbling around their golden boy — I actually loved the move when he did it. Completely unnecessary but got a cheap laugh out of it. Regardless, this was the reason for the chant and count on the smallest and pettiest player on the court to stick his nose in the drama:

Has there ever been a quicker turnaround of going from being loved to hated than IT? Crazy. He throws the ball at Jamal Murray to end the game as kind of payback. We got this little skirmish between Jokic and Randle to end the game as well.

I’m all for a little bad blood between teams but this one just seems so random? Does anybody really care if the Nuggets & Lakers get in a fight after midnight eastern? I don’t know. I am a bit intrigued on their next matchup to see if anything happens but I’m not circling it on my calendar.

Packers Cut Jordy Nelson & Bring in Jimmy Graham

 

Yesterday was the most wild day of free agency I can remember in a long time as the NFL continues to dominate headlines even in the middle of March. One of the bigger moves of the day saw the Packers cut ties with their longtime #1 target Jordy Nelson.

The Packers of course however would not release Jordy without a reason. And that reason was due to a former basketball player (if you haven’t heard 30 times every season)

FINALLY, a weapon for DeShone Kizer (jokes). The leader in red zone TDs for tight ends has found a new home in Lambeau. There was a massive amount of talk of a reunion in New Orleans for Graham but they were unable to agree on a number. The Packers took this opening and swooped in to sign the dangerous TE to add an interesting weapon in Aaron Rodger’s arsenal. I actually like the move because Jimmy Graham was being wasted out in Seattle. They refused to throw to him and then would toss a fade every time they got in the end zone. Painful to watch. The Packers are going to be a pretty fun offense to watch now (their defense is still garbage — but hey who cares!). However, the fallout from Jordy Nelson is sure to hurt Packers Nation.

Jordy Nelson had unreal chemistry with Aaron Rodgers which I think will hurt them a bit. Nelson no doubt will be a hot commodity on the open market, despite being 32 years in age. If he’s looking for a new home, there’s another cold weather team that wouldn’t mind having him suit up — and it looks like it’s mutual.

Titans Sign Malcolm Butler & Dion Lewis In Attempt to Become Patriots Lite

I’m not going to hate on the strategy because the Patriots are always able to find and maximize talent. The Titans were able to combine Malcolm Butler with Logan Ryan in what is starting to look like a pretty solid secondary with Byard in the back. The Titans closed the day with another pick-up in one of the premier free agent RBs Dion Lewis.

We all knew Butler was gone. I guess 30 mil guaranteed is the equivalent of not playing one snap in the Super Bowl? Part of me hopes that we never find the real reason he got the bench during the biggest game of the year. It just adds to the mystique that is Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Would he have made a difference? Doesn’t really matter at this point. I’m happy for Butler because going from undrafted to making this play:

And cashing in after. I’m not too sure how Butler will actually be in a Titans uniform because his production has kind of tapered off a bit. The kid from West Alabama always plays with a chip on his shoulder and that’s always a great quality to have.

Losing Dion hurts. Amendola is already gone and now we lost another fan favorite in Dion Lewis. Lewis opened up the 2015 coming out of nowhere and becoming one of the best Patriots’ play-makers highlighted by this play against the Cowboys:

Lewis however, as he has in the majority of his career saw his season end to injury. Though a partial comeback in 2016 — he was able to show some of that shiftyness and highlight play ability in 2017. The Patriots have a crowded backfield with James White and Rex Burkhead both as do-it-all backs but it’ll hurt to have Dion walk away.

This No-Look Pickoff Is Already the Baseball Play of the Year

ndpzefb4gb02kkr7tcex

So nonchalant — I love it. Yeah, it’s only spring  but this is still a crazy play. Highly doubtful that anyone outside of hardo baseball purists knows who Willians Astudillo was before this play but they do now.  The Twins’ catcher knew the man on first was leading off a little too much and caught him before he even expected it.

I’ll keep an eye out for this kid now because this was a dope play. Shit like this will get people more interested in baseball — which like it or not is losing popularity. I NEED to see someone try this in the regular season.

 

Let the Madness Begin (Continue?)

Schefty LOL 2

What a freaking weekend it has been throughout the NFL.  The NFL league year starts tomorrow, when free agent signings/trades can be finalized.  Yesterday saw the legal tampering period open.  That means we have plenty of contract agreements, trades, and players getting cut.  It is truly fantastic, and this year the Browns were in the forefront.

The Cleveland Browns fired three trades in succession.  They traded a 4th round pick in 2018, and a 7th in 2019.  Absolute peanuts compared to Unrestricted-Free Agents who are signing mega deals.

Not a bad deal at all!  Shows the Browns are serious about adding some play makers.  Landry will play one season on the $16 million dollar franchise tag.  I really liked this trade even more once the following broke:

Tyrod!  Welcome aboard, guy.  Love this trade, because it enhances the Jarvis Landry deal.  Landry is a 5-8 yard pass catcher, who lead the league in catches this past season with 112.  These two seem like they were born to play together, and I am hoping this may help Taylor expand his game.

Still not done, the Browns made a THIRD trade right after the Tyrod Taylor trade was announced:

This one came at a complete shock.  The Browns shipped off second year Quarterback, DeShone Kizer for Green Bay Corner, Damarious Randall.  Sad to give up on Kizer, but he will be given a better chance to win out in Green Bay.  He won’t have to deal with Hue Jackson on a daily basis.  The Packers are getting an athletic specimen of a Quarterback.  The dude is a cardboard cutout of what you want in a Franchise Quarterback.   Kizer is a freaking oak tree standing at 6’4, 233 lbs.  He’s got the body to with stand NFL punishment, and can run with the best of Quarterbacks.  DeShone will need time and coaching to fix his footwork, and woeful accuracy.

Kizer bomb.gif

To the Browns end of the deal we go.  Damarious Randall was drafted in the first round, 30th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.  Randall came out of college as a Free-Safety, but had been playing corner with Green Bay.  He has nabbed 10 interceptions through two seasons, regular season, and playoffs.

As was reported by numerous outlets over the weekend, the Browns will be moving Randall back to his natural position.  This allows Jabrill Peppers to play in a more natural spot, which is strong safety closer to the line of scrimmage.  Last season Peppers was hardly able to make plays, because he was lined up a million fucking miles away from the line of scrimmage.  It was one of few decisions Williams made that I hated.  Glad to see they may have learned from that.

https://twitter.com/Cianaf/status/964557159378726912

The Browns were still NOT done.  On Saturday morning they fired off their fourth and final trade of the Weekend:

Danny Shelton was shipped off to New England, and the two teams swapped mid-round draft picks.  Not a bad trade for either team here.  Danny Shelton isn’t a star lineman by any means, but he is a valuable piece to your defensive line rotation.  His role is limited to clogging A gap during the run game.  Don’t expect Shelton to improve your pass rush, as he’s only been able to record 1.5 sacks in his three seasons.

Image result for Danny Shelton

This all before any of the other teams made real significant moves.  This past evening saw free agents agree to terms with new teams.  There have been a shitload, so I am just going to highlight a few:

Interesting move from the Bears here.  They are starting to add outside skill players to compliment the running attack.  Robinson is coming off a year in which he was out for the whole year with a torn ACL.  The Penn State product has had success in the past (1400 yards in 2016), but down years and injuries have plagued him.  If he and Cam Meredith can return to form, that forms a nice duo on the outside for Mitch Trubisky.

Robinson stats

Another Wide Receiver choose his destination fairly quickly:

Sammy Watkins sucks.  This guy is a fucking joke.  Hyped up heavily his draft year, he’s never fulfilled expectations.   Guess that makes him a perfect fit for the Kansas City Chiefs?  The writing is on the wall for this guy.  The Buffalo Bills decided to get rid of their only outside receiving threat for pennies on the dollar this off-season.  Watkins was a solid option in Los Angeles, but had the franchise tag rescinded.  Have fun with Andy Reid.

Finally to the big boys.  The Quarterbacks.  We had a slew of shitty Quarterbacks sign some atrocious contracts today.  First and foremost our man, Kirk Cousins.

This deal right here will be applauded by many players.  Kirk gambled on himself the previous two seasons in Washington.  That gambled played off as he now has a fully guaranteed contract worth $84 million dollars with the Minnesota Vikings.  Congrats Kirk Cousins, and god speed to the Vikings.  If it don’t work out, well that really sucks. Have fun!

(I can easily see this not working out)

The funny part is, Kirk wasn’t even the first QB to pick a landing spot:

Case Keenum agreed to a 2 year, $36 million dollar contract with the Denver Broncos. $18 million?!? You’re going to give Case Keemun $18 million dollars?! This is a brutal move by Elway and the Broncos. Case Keenum played WAY over his head in 2017-18. Even if this contract is only two years, that is still a shitload of money to pay a Quarterback. That’s a shitload to pay a Quarterback who you will be replacing in draft night. John Elway has to be one of the most overrated executives in professional football.

Last but not least we have Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater. Teddy signed with the J-E-Ts. He is coming off a brutal knee injury which saw him miss the past two seasons. If we’re being honest, Teddy Bridgewater sucked before the injury.

Many other domino’s fell on Tuesday, and we’re STILL not at the league new year. The Browns are poised to make some moves to bolster their roster. Get er done, John.

Go Browns!

Warriors Forced to Cancel Practice After Steph Curry’s 30th Birthday Party

Good on the Warriors for having their first likeable move in god knows how long. Steph invited all the Warriors out and well — take a look at Steve Kerr to show you how the night went.

https://twitter.com/treyzingis/status/973552758451261440

Electric stuff from the two time Finals winning champion coach and actually the first sign of being fun in Oakland has appeared. Sure there are still some Warriors sympathizers out there but everyone’s gotten to the point where we actually have to root for James Harden to make the Finals now — brutal.

Even I can enjoy a good laugh from the team that terrorizes the NBA. Good for them showing they’re human and cancelling practice for the day. This party probably did a better job on them than any of these western conference teams are going to come May & June.