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How the Kevin Hayes trade impacts the NHL playoff picture

The New York Rangers decided that it was more  beneficial for their “rebuild” plan to move on from Kevin Hayes as opposed to re-signing him to a long-term contract. Whether you think it was a smart move by management to part ways with one of the best second-line centers in the league or not, it has now impacted the overall outlook of the 2018-19 season.

In his first four seasons with New York he averaged 43.5 points, 18 goals and logged a 7.5 +/- rating. This season he is on pace for nearly 60 points (career high) and has been one of the best players for the Rangers throughout this new learning curve. Sure, they were nowhere a playoff spot, but what he brought to this young roster was a veteran presence and consistency night in and night out.

I still cannot believe Jeff Gorton opted to not pony-up and sign Hayes to a long-term deal, and quite frankly, it was not a “smart” move as many analysts think. They traded him to the Jets for a first-round pick in 2019 and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2020 (which they will get if the Jets win the Stanley Cup), plus 22-year-old winger Brendan Lemieux. So the reality of it is that by looking at this current team from top to bottom, management believes that an extra first-rounder (LATE ROUND PICK…) and a prospect that hasn’t fit in well on an offensively loaded team will be better suited than a player who has proven his worth for nearly five years. One is a guaranteed NHLer, while the other option weighs in the balance of an unknown pick in the draft. Interesting…let’s see how this one plays out, cotton.

The former Boston College alum has been playing at a dominant level in 2019 and brings tremendous depth to a stacked Jets franchise. Not only does does he make Winnipeg legitimate Cup contenders, but his style of play fits in nicely with the current core already in place. He is a solid penalty killer and can chip in with the man-advantage, while also playing a full 200-foot game. With Josh Morrissey sidelined with an upper-body injury, Hayes will have to step in and be a factor right out of the gate.

The Hayes trade not only impacts the Central Division, but it has ripple effects across the rest of the Western Conference as well. Las Vegas and Nashville both felt pressure to get significant deals done at the deadline buzzer after seeing Winnipeg pull the trigger earlier in the day.

The Golden Knights won the Mark Stone sweepstakes and inked him to an 8-year deal worth $9.5 million annually. Vegas was a heavy favorite in the preseason to get back to the Finals, and after an up and down month of February they are positioned right back in the thick of things. The Predators made a play for Philadelphia’s Wayne Simmonds and added another big, physical forward to their roster, while also trading for Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund.

If the season ended today, the Central Division would have five representatives (the most a division can have) and the top two seeds are separated by a single point, with the third place team just 5 points back. Oh, and that third team is the St. Louis Blues who have won 12 out of their last 14 games and are catching fire at the right time. Talk about a playoff race HEATING up!

San Jose added Detroit’s Gustav Nyquist to make an impact on the third line, while Calgary stayed quiet and decided to keep their roster intact just as the Presidents Trophy run-away Tampa Bay Lighting did out East. Was it smart? Well, that remains to be seen, but as the old saying goes–“if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Now, if I had a gun to my head and was forced to pick a team this minute to represent the East, I’m taking the Bolts. They have the league’s leading scorer and rank first overall in power play percentage (29.7%) and penalty kill percentage (85.7%), and they have the soon-to-be Vezina Trophy winner shutting the door in Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Their track record in the postseason isn’t great, but their experiences losing the past four years will finally pave the way for them to get over the hump in 2019. I mean, how else can you look at it…they have lost in Game 7 of the Conference Final to the eventual Stanley Cup winners in both 2016 and 2018. This has to be the year, right?

As far as the West goes, I actually don’t know. At the beginning of the year I picked Winnipeg to be the representative, but they have looked shaky at times. Patrik Laine has had one of the strangest seasons out of any superstar, but looks like he might have regained his scoring touch heading into the final stretch of the year. With Dustin Byfuglien in the lineup they have a steady back-end and rank fourth in the league in PP% (25.3%).

Calgary doesn’t have the overall experience in my opinion to get it done, and their goaltending could be the difference between a deep run or a one-and-done finish in April. San Jose is the type of team that on paper they should be a lock, but have yet to really take that extra step, while Vegas has taken a step in the wrong direction in February after a dominating month of January to open the 2019 calendar year.

I already mentioned St. Louis’ hot hand, but I truly believe that the Western representative will come out of the Central Division, and will ultimately come down to another hard-nosed, Game 7 series between the Jets and Predators. Both team’s have loaded up and added depth to positions in need, and the final 20 games of the year will dictate who gets home ice advantage in the second round.

The Hayes trade not only impacted the Jets, but it likely gives them the upper hand come playoff time. The Rangers loan is the Jets’ biggest deadline acquisition in franchise history and the Boston native will look to guide the city of Winnipeg to their first Stanley Cup title in franchise history.

 

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Who Should the Blue Jackets and Rangers Sell at the Trade Deadline?

The 2019 NHL trade deadline is just one week away and several franchises across the league are faced with the difficult decision of either buying or selling their star players.

Team’s that think they have a legitimate shot at winning the Cup, but believe they are a player short, will take out a loan for an athlete that they believe will put them over the hump. Last year Tampa made a huge splash acquiring Ryan McDonagh to solidify their back end, while Boston took a chance on the recently retired forward Rick Nash. It can be added depth to the third or fourth line, a goalie, or even a legitimate All-Star…it all depends on what management feels they need in order to put themselves in a position to compete.

This year, however, the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers quite possibly have the hardest decisions to make ahead of Sunday. The Jackets have two elite players on the final length of their contracts who will become unrestricted free agents this summer. The blueshirts have a flurry of players who could become available if the opportunity presents itself, but the question is whether or not Jeff Gorton be willing to pull the trigger.

Columbus has to decide if they want to shop their Vezina Tropy award-winning goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky along with All-Star forward Artemi Panarin. As of now, the Jackets are sitting in third place in the Metropolitan Division and are two points clear of the final wild card slot in the East. With just seven days until the deadline, would it make sense for Columbus to throw in the towel and gear up for the future?

Well, it is extremely difficult to say, but I would say no. The likelihood of both Bob and Panarin signing in July are very slim, but this current roster has the potential to make a deep playoff run. They have skilled forwards up front and have four skaters with 20 or more goals. Defensively, they have a Norris-caliber talent in Seth Jones, along with two younger stable pieces in Zach Werenski and Ryan Murray.

The top line of Panarin-Pierre-Luc Dubois–Cam Atkinson has combined for 173 points in just 55 games, and they have depth with captain Nick Foligno Anthony Duclair, and up-and-coming star Josh Anderson to round out the top-six.

Getting rid of Panarin now would at least get you something in return, but would come at the cost of making the playoffs. You simply cannot remove your most skilled asset offensively and make the playoffs in 2019, but if we learned anything from last years off season it is that your franchise can still be viable without a superstar. The Islanders held on to franchise star John Tavares and lost him in July for nothing, but have been the biggest surprise this winter and sit a top of the Met standings. So what are the Jackets waiting for then…an elite offer?

My argument to this comes down to one thing–win now mode. The Jackets are in a win now mode and have the pieces to compete. If they get rid of their play making, top-line wing, then the city of Columbus will go 19 seasons without a playoff series win. 10 months ago, this same roster had the Washington Capitals on the ropes in overtime…at home…in Game 3, and were a goal away from basically ending the Caps’ dreams of winning the title. Sure, you are going to lose him for nothing in July, but who is to say the prospect or draft pick you trade him for will be anywhere near the type of talent that Panarin is? Hang on to him and try and make some noise in the playoffs this time around.

As far as Bob goes, this one is even trickier. Looking at the current playoff teams and the team’s on the outside looking in, it is tough to say what organization would take out a loan for a playoff run. The majority of the teams in the playoffs have either one legitimate goalie or two that have been decent enough to win games, although, Vancouver is a worthy destination for the 30-year-old Russian.

The Canucks are just two points out of a wild card spot in the West, but have an inexperienced goalie owning the crease as of now. Jacob Markstrom has a record of 22-17-6 (solid, but not great), to go along with a 2.77 GAA and a .911 SV%. Vancouver has one of the most talented young cores in all of hockey right now, but a string of injuries have restricted them from maintaining a playoff spot over the past several weeks.

The question is whether or not the Canucks would be willing to give up a first round pick or top prospect in return, and if the Jackets believe that they can survive and keep pace in the Met with backup Joonis Korpisalo taking over the reins.

If history has taught us anything it is that Bob has had his fair share of struggles in the postseason. In just 24 playoff appearances he has a .891 save percentage, 3.49 goals against average, zero shutouts and a record of 5-14. The Russian’s kryptonite throughout his career has been the playoffs and if the Jackets can get some type of return on him they should.

Both superstars contracts are expiring at seasons end and Columbus would risk losing them for nothing come July. If they choose to bypass the deadline and keep both Bob and Panarin, then it is boom or bust for the 19-year-old franchise.

Another interesting team to follow this week is the Rangers. New York is supposed to be in a “rebuilding” stage, but have been doing anything but that in 2018-19. They are 10 points back of a wild card slot and most certainly will not be making the playoffs, but isn’t the whole purpose of a rebuild to sort of tank for the future?

Tanking is generally highlighted by losing games (in regulation) and playing for a lottery pick in the summer. I’m not saying physically go out their and play like garbage, but put a number of young prospects in the lineup and move on from veteran players who have a valuable return. But for the Rangers…Henrik Lundqvist stands in the way of issuing a full on rebuild.

Lundqvist’s numbers might not be eye popping, but if you watch New York on a nightly basis it is easy to tell that he is one of the biggest reasons that the Big Apple cannot tank. Night in and night out the Swedish net minder has been stealing points for his club and it has now put them in an awkward position ahead of the Feb. 25 deadline. His no trade clause has hindered their chances of developing other goalies at the NHL level and prevents them from moving on from their Hall of Fame talent altogether.

During this “rebuild”, Kevin Hayes has emerged as a valuable piece to the Rangers’ puzzle. Although he is currently on a 1-year contract, the Boston native has had his best season as a pro and is nearly averaging a point-per-game (40 in 48 GP). The Rangers could get a lot in a trade for Hayes and have the upper hand based on his current line of work. Winnipeg, Colorado, Vegas and Boston could all be solid trade options, but they risk not being able to re-sign him in the off season once his contract is up.

Team’s who are desperate for the Cup and who feel their window is closing will almost certainly pull off a deal, but should the Rangers even do it? If Hayes is fitting in so well with this roster that consists of some key young players, then they might as well sign him to a long-term deal. I would argue that the blueshirts should try and move Mats Zuccarello before Hayes.

Zuc has been a cornerstone for the franchise and has been a reliable player over his career, but with the direction the franchise is heading in, along with the current core of prospects, they should part ways with the fan favorite. I’m not saying that New York is a player or a few picks away by any means, but if the goal is to somehow end up in the lottery for Jack Hughes, then it is time to “tank” and move on from their most skilled forward.

Mika Zibanejad has demonstrated that he can be a franchise forward and is on an absolute tear in the 2019 calendar year. He has 21 points in his last 14 games and leads the Rangers in points with 57. New York should build around the former Senators 2011 first-round pick and attempt to get a favorable return on Zuccarello.

If a high offer comes in for Hayes or if his asking price is too high, then by all means make the deal, but don’t get pressured by the media to move on from either player if you believe they can help the city compete for a championship in the next few years.

Both the Jackets and Rangers have a lot of thinking to do in the next week that will alter the direction of the franchise for years to come. So, grab your Starbucks and pay attention because a tidal wave is about to hit the league and you do not want to miss this!

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How the Lakers Won by Not Landing AD

The NBA Trade Deadline came and went on Thursday, but the LA Lakers failed to land Pelicans star Anthony Davis. Wednesday night looked as if the deal was going to get done, but New Orleans countered Thursday morning with an offer that only an insane GM would accept.

Selling the farm for a perennial All-Star top-5 NBA player sounds like a sure thing, especially adding him to a roster with LeBron James, but the reality of it is that it would have actually been the worst decision LA could have made. The Lakers would have had to give up their entire young core (Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram) as well as three first-round picks and three second-round picks.  Yes, you read that correctly…

How could a team that lost four players who log significant minutes possibly function by adding just one injury-prone superstar? The answer to that question is that they wouldn’t…at least this year.

Now, looking at the big picture, maybe the trade would make sense. Land AD, make LBJ happy, open up cap space to land a notable free-agent in July all with the mindset of dethroning the Golden State Warriors. Sounds simple enough…right?

Not so fast! The NBA is changing and has changed drastically over the past decade. It’s a shooters league now and the only way to win in this league is if you have players who can hit from beyond the arc. The only way to be the best is if you beat the best and the Warriors have three stars who shot over 41 percent from downtown in 2017-18. Thursday night’s win on the road at Boston simply demonstrated why the Lakers needed to keep some of their younger pieces.

Kyle Kuzma not only went toe-to-toe with the C’s point guard, but he made numerous big time buckets from deep when LA needed him the most. He is second on the team in PPG and is shooting over 31 percent from three. Kuz has taken big strides this year and has played very well through the trade talk rumors. His performance in Boston is why LA needs to keep him around and why he will be a piece to this puzzle they are trying to put together.

The Rajon Rondo buzzer-beater was the type of moment that the Lakers can rally around with the current roster and possibly shake some things up in the West. LeBron’s injury is the only reason they aren’t currently in a playoff spot, but if this team can find a way in (which they will…they have the King), I would not want to be the team facing them in round 1.

As far as missing out on AD, the Lakers are not in any rush to win this year. The goal was to never win this year…it was to develop their core, see who they can elevate and trade, and then bring in one or possibly two free-agents in July. The plan wasn’t to panic and throw the kitchen sink at the Pelicans because Davis suddenly wanted a trade. The plan all along or what it should have been all along was to get Kawhi Leonard on July 1, and then take a bid at Kevin Durant or Klay Thompson. Disrupting Golden State’s roster is the single most important play in the signing of James, and if that fails…then you must re-load.

This apparent rumor that Kyrie Irving is going to reunite with LeBron in LA is pretty comical, but you never know for certain. His public comments about being frustrated along with him announcing that he called the King about leadership is something to be noted…but I just don’t see them teaming up again unless it is in the All-Star Game! I’m not saying that it won’t happen because the NBA is the one league that it could…but it all depends on how Boston finishes in June or even May for that matter.

The game is changing and you need a combination of play-makers and shooters, not an injury prone power forward in exchange for depth and talent. Davis is one of the game’s best players, no question, but the only way to disrupt the Bay’s dynasty is to either lure one of the Big 4 away or stock up on positions that can compete with them and not selling the farm in the process.

Sure, if LA had to give up the silo and a few tractors to nab the Brow then it would have been a no brainer, but you simply cannot sell the farm for anybody in today’s game. A little patience goes a long way sometimes and this time it will almost certainly pay off.

Durant did what he left OKC to do–win titles. So he will likely be on the move in July. DeMarcus Cousins signed a cheap one-year deal to win a ring and win or lose he will be gone. If the Lakers can lure Thompson, which will be a stretch because he seems to love it in Oakland, then they will have successfully completed what they set out to do. But that is a big stretch to say the least!

The Lakers basically have three years to figure this out and win a title, but it all starts with landing Kawhi this July. If the Lake Show can land the Claw then they will be able to make the farm trade for AD. It cannot be the other way around because who knows what could happen. Toronto makes a run and he feels they can win and signs another year. Or Durant decides to stay or Irving stays…it is not a guarantee. Nothing is a guarantee, which is why you need some form of security in your back pocket.

Missing out on Davis at the deadline was a blessing in disguise for LA and only strengthens their championship rebuild plans even further. Magic Johnson just better create some noise in July or this entire plan burns to pieces before year two even begins.

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New Orleans, give it a rest already

The entire state of Louisiana has been complaining and crying about the Saints’ 26-23 OT loss to the LA Rams last Sunday, but I have one thing and one thing only to say–boo-hoo!

We get it, you feel robbed. One of the worst calls in playoff history behind the Tom Brady “Tuck Rule Game” will haunt the Saints faithful for eternity. But should have there been a pass interference call against LA defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman? Absolutely. No doubt about it. However…you cannot sit here and say that is the only reason why New Orleans lost the game.

The opening drive of the game, TE Dan Arnold dropped a tough pass in the end zone. Yes, it was a drop. Two hands on the ball, coming down to the ground and then letting it slip. That left four points off of the board. After an interception on the Rams opening drive inside their own 25, the Saints didn’t pick up a first down, settling for three more.

Then after holding the Rams to less than 10 yards and forcing a third straight punt, the Saints gave up a 12-yard fake punt, allowing LA to drive down and get three points of their own on the board.

Oh, but we aren’t done there. The second half has been the Saints’ best portion of the game over the past 10 weeks, specifically in the fourth, and they allowed the Rams to out gain them in yards, points and time of possession. New Orleans should have also been flagged for a face mask penalty on Jared Goff on a 2nd down run, which would have led to 1st and goal on the one yard line, and likely would have given LA the lead with just under four minutes to play.

The longest pass of the day for Drew Brees came on the Saints’ final drive of the fourth. A 43-yard completion to Ted Ginn Jr. that set up what could have been a game icing field goal if not for one of the worst final play calling sequences I have seen in a long time.

With just under two minutes remaining, the Saints had first down on LA’s 13 yard line and the Rams had two time outs. On first down Sean Peyton called a slant and Brees threw it straight at his feet, stopping the clock (free timeout for LA). Second down they ran it and Rams spent their second TO. On third down, instead of making the Rams burn their final timeout by running it, Peyton called a swing pass that had beaten LA all day, except it was intended for TommyLee Lewis…not Alvin Kamara.

Obviously we all know what happened after, but Goff was then able to lead the Rams down the field with a timeout in his back pocket, giving LA just enough time to send the game to added time.

BUT EVAN…WE WERE ROBBED!

Okay, so the team with the better quarterback won the coin toss in OT, got the ball first and threw an interception. So not only were you given a lifeline after the blown call, but your defense couldn’t keep LA from tying it up. They couldn’t get one stop after the INT, and your “MVP QB” threw Louisiana right out of the playoffs in what could have been another NFC Championship game-winning drive (which I will touch on in a minute).

Give me a break! Sports are fast paced, and plays are bang-bang. It is officiated and performed by imperfect humans. That’s just life. Yes, the call was missed, and in that moment it could have possibly iced the game if called correctly. But a missed face mask on the other end on Goff isn’t being discussed, and it has just as much of an impact on the game as the PI on Robey-Coleman.

Now, I know I pledged for the Brady-Brees Super Bowl, and I still wish it were the veteran QB’s going toe-to-toe, but I feel no sympathy for the New Orleans Saints whatsoever. My reasoning stems from the 2010 NFC title game against the Minnesota Vikings…also known as “BOUNTY GATE.”

Bounty Gate isn’t remembered by many, but for Minnesota fans it will never be forgotten. The Vikes were led by 40-year-old Brett Favre and were one possession away from sending Minneapolis to the big dance for the first time since the late 70’s. Even though it was the sloppiest game by Minnesota all season (5 turnovers), they were still in a position to win the game in the fourth.

If you want to talk about reffing after last Sunday, let’s not forget the shit-show of a crew the NFC Championship had nine years ago.

-A horrible no-call PI on Visanthe Shiancoe (who was getting his jersey pulled from behind) made the Vikes punt instead of having first-and-goal on the five.

-In overtime: Saints won the toss and should have had to punt after an overthrown ball by Brees led to a PI call in which a New Orleans player fell backwards and went untouched. A flag was thrown giving the Saints a fresh set of downs…literally went untouched.

-On fourth down on the Vikes 43 yard line the Saints ran the ball. The ruling was a first down, but after a booth review demonstrated that Pierre Thomas jumped over the pile…he fumbled the ball mid-air and recovered short of the first down line. But, as you already know from history, it was ruled a first.

These are just a few calls that Minny had to deal with in the Superdome. But the biggest blunder of all were the multiple roughing the passer no-calls against what was considered a bounty on Favre’s head. Hitting him late, low, high and driving him into the turf consistently. There was literally a damn bounty on an NFL quarterback and the purple and gold just about had justice served if not for a too many men penalty in FG range, leading to a forced Favre INT (which he later said his arm was so numb he couldn’t get anything on it).

Losing to the Saints in 2010 will always sting, especially with that stacked roster, but justice has continually been getting served on the black and gold’s football faith and I can’t help but smile.

The Marshawn Lynch run heard around the world ousted the Saints from the playoffs in 2011. The Vernon Davis last-second TD in San Francisco eliminated Who Dat in 2012. A little pay-back in 2018 with the Minneapolis Miracle crushed the hearts of the bayou, and the helmet-to-helmet no-call buried New Orleans and the city this past Sunday.

All I can do is smile and say “oh well!”

You can call me a hypocrite all you want for wanting the Saints in the Super Bowl for the Brady-Brees story line, but I never stated that I wanted them to win. I would never want New Orleans to win again after the 2010 scandal, but as a fan of the game…I respect the hell out of number 9. Brees plays the game the right way and is one of the best to ever do it. All I wanted was for the two 40-year-old’s to prove that age is just a number and battle for the World Champion accolade.

So go ahead New Orleans, keep shouting out that the Saints were robbed. Nobody is listening, and nothing is going to happen. Just be sure to grab a front row seat and a big bowl of gumbo at your Super Bowl party as you witness TB12 win his record-setting 6th ring.

Sincerely,

Vikes fans everywhere.

 

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Brady vs Brees: the Super Bowl We Deserve

The final four teams are set and ready to compete for the conference championship tomorrow, but while many of you want the electric rematch from Monday Night Football in November, the matchup we all deserve is the one between two of the best quarterbacks to ever lace ’em up.

Patrick Mahomes is without a doubt the most talented and athletic quarterback remaining, and even in the league now for that matter, but his time will come and same with Jared Goff. These two young studs will be back, especially with their rosters and contract situations, but will Tom Brady and Drew Brees?

Maybe…maybe not.

Even at age 40 these two future Hall of Famers are still playing at an elite level and changing the game for generations to come. We have never seen two QBs win MVP awards or finish in the top two at this stage of their career and it is something that we might not see again. Brett Favre‘s untimely interceptions hindered his ability to get back to the big dance at 40, and John Elway and Peyton Manning both went out on top after winning Super Bowl’s, but age and injuries didn’t allow them to play past 39.

Here is a list of QBs to play in a SB since 2011:

Eli Manning, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Nick Foles, Colin Kaepernick, Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Over the past decade we haven’t had two for sure HOF’ers meet up in the Super Bowl since Big Ben and Aaron Rodgers in 2010.

Sure, maybe Mahomes and Goff could find their way to Canton, OH, but it’s wayyyyy to early to tell. This is not a knock on the Chiefs or the Rams by any means. They both have unbelievable offensive minded coaches in Sean McVay and Andy Reid, and they have more weapons than the Saints or Pats on offense. But it’s not the sexy and storylined matchup between two of the best to ever do it.

These two games have the potential to be highlight reel shootouts or tight defensive battles, but one thing is for certain: the four best teams are left standing and have the making for unbelievable finishes.

Arrowhead will be louder than it has ever been, but if you told me to pick 1 QB to win in that stadium, I will take TB12 10 times out of 10. A few hundred miles south in the Superdome the Saints faithful will be louder than it was in 2009, but Drew and Sean Payton together are a perfect 7-0 at home in the playoffs.

Something has to give, right?

The Chiefs and Rams might have more talent, but I will take the veteran quarterbacks and the SB winning coaches over the high powered offenses any day of the week.

Tom and Bill Belichick will have a game plan ready, and they will try to get the better of Andy Reid yet again, but this game will come down to the final possession and who controls the ball more.

Payton or McVay will try to do to much and have a massive gamble go the wrong way. The difference will be who’s gamble pays off and who’s doesn’t.

I want the Saints and the Patriots simply for the quarterback matchup and head coaching matchup, and it is the Super Bowl that we are gonna get. Both team’s have won in the past and have one thing that trumps all in games like this–experience!

I’ll take experience over skill any day of the week and twice on Sunday’s.

Brees will look for his second ring while Brady attempts to lock up the GOAT accolade for good.

Pats over Chiefs, 24-20

Saints over Rams, 26-23

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Best Sports Moments of 2018, New Year’s CFP Picks, SNF AFC Showdown and 2019 Preview

This year went down as one of the greatest calendar years in a long time. From Alabama’s second half comeback in the National Championship with a backup quarterback to Nick Foles playing two of the greatest playoff games in the history of the NFL and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, 2018 most certainly did not disappoint.

I could write a novel about the 2018 season from the Olympics to the Fall Classic, but for the sake of my sanity…I will limit my favorite moments from this past year to just 5.

Top 5 Greatest Sports Moments in 2018 

5- Loyola-Chicago March Madness Final 4 

The small catholic school from Chicago took the NCAA Tournament by storm, upsetting Miami, Tennessee, Nevada, and K-State en route to the Universities first ever Final 4 berth.

A series of upsets in their region allowed for the smooth run, but not without the help of Sister Jean! Air Jean’s prayers were answered night in and night out, helping the Ramblers take down some of the country’s top schools.

One of the coolest March Madness runs that I have witnessed in my lifetime, and I don’t think their will be another one quite like that, especially from a small school double digit seed.

4- Washington Capitals win the Stanley Cup

After so many seasons of heartbreak in the DC area, the Caps finally slayed Goliath in the second round, defeating the Penguins en route to the Cup Finals. Washington trailed in every single series during their 2018 run, and erased a 3-2 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals against the top ranked Bolts.

After dropping the first game in Vegas, the Caps won 4 straight games to claim the franchises first ever Stanley Cup, while Alex Ovechkin FINALLY broke through and got his ring, along with the Conn Smythe in the process.

3- Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl 

It was a lot of firsts in 2018, but both the Caps and Eagles claimed their sports first ever championship this past season. Philly’s year took a turn for the worst in mid-December (or so everyone thought) after Carson Wentz went down with an ACL injury, and backup QB Nick Foles looked extremely rusty in his first 2 starts. BUT…the rust wore off once the NFC Championship game started.

The TRUTH not only threw all over the Minnesota Vikings’ top ranked defense, but he converted on 72 percent of 3rd downs…against one of the best 3rd down defenses in the modern era. His play didn’t stop there. Foles’ arm was just heating up as he traveled North to Minneapolis and out dueled the greatest QB of all time in the Super Bowl. His 373 yards passing, 3 passing TD and 1 Philly-Special receiving TD sealed the game for the Eagles as he took home MVP honors and handed the city of brotherly love its first ever NFL title.

2- Alabama wins the National Championship

The Crimson Tide looked lost in the first half against the SEC rival Georgia Bulldogs and could not get anything going. 2017 SEC Player of the Year Jalen Hurts was benched in favor of a lefty from Hawaii, Tua Tagavoila, and the rest is history.

The Tide stymied the Bulldogs in the second half and clawed their way back into the game. Tua set up a potential game winning FG at the end of regulation, but it was shanked worse than Mike Vanderjagt in the 2006 AFC playoffs. The Bulldogs settled for a FG in the first OT, and after a sack took the Tide out of FG range…Tua let loose for a 35 yard strike for a walk-off TD to win the Natty!

An absolute dime to cap off one of the best NCAA championship finishes since the USC-Texas tilt in 2006.

1- Tiger’s win at the Tour Championship 

Tiger went 6 years without winning a PGA Tour event, but this past September was one of the coolest golf tournaments that I have ever witnessed. Tiger Woods has won again. Words that I thought I would never hear again…seriously, I did not think that he would get back to the winners chair.

But, boy was I happy that I was wrong. The scene coming up the 18th green in Atlanta was one that you cannot even describe. It looked like the scene in Happy Gilmore where everyone was chasing after Shooter McGavin for stealing the Gold Jacket…but this time, in real life, they were charging up the fairway in excitement by the thousands. You cannot make this story up. The green was surrounded by fans chomping at the bit to scream in joy once Woods tapped in his par putt for the win.

You can try and argue with me about the greatest sports moment in 2018…but you will lose.

New Year’s CFP Prediction

With all of the controversy surrounding the final four teams in the College Football Playoff, I will have to say that the committee got it right. Oklahoma getting in as the 4 seed was the correct decision, whether or not Georgia is the better team (which they are). Based on all of the criteria…OU should be in.

Georgia lost twice this season…yes to tough opponents, but they still lost twice. Two loss teams do not deserve a shot at the playoff…sorry. If you want in then take care of business in the regular season. It’s that simple.

Many have spoken up about expanding the playoff to 8 and I personally have to strongly disagree. STRONGLY disagree. Everybody is so soft these days…you can’t say this, you can’t do that, Bobby should get a participation trophy for taking 9th. Like seriously? The BCS used to take the top 2 teams based on a brutal criteria, but it was do-or-die all year long. Now, you lose once and you still have a shot. I don’t mind the 4-team playoff because, for the most part, chalk usually prevails and the top-2 teams advance.

Enough of the 8 team playoff talk…just stop it.

I won’t go into detail too much about my picks, but I do think that OU will make it a game with Bama. They are a 2 TD dog right now, but I think that they keep it within a possession. Tua is not 100 percent, and the Sooners have the most dynamic player in the game Kyler Murray. It will be a high scoring affair, but I think the difference is the Tides defense and they eventually get the critical stop they need in the 4th.

Alabama 45-37 

The Clemson-Notre Dame game is interesting with the recent suspension of Dexter Lawrence. Now, without their top defensive player, the Tigers will have to find away to put pressure on Ian Book and slow down the Irish.

I love the QB matchup (in both games for that matter). Freshmen phenom Trevor Lawrence (AKA Fabio) and Book will battle it out for a chance to play for the Natty chip next month, but this game will come down to the Tigers running game where they have the massive edge.

Clemson 27-23

 

Colts-Titans

My guy has done it. Andrew Luck has placed the Colts in the AFC playoff picture and all they must do now is win. Win and you’re in!

The Colts are the hottest team in the NFL having won 8 of their past 9 games, and they are most likely a team nobody wants to face come January. I have said this so many times before, but Andrew Luck is my 2018 MVP so far and if he comes away with the win, in a do-or-die game on the road in Nashville… just give it to him.

Tennessee is no easy out and they were in the same spot a year ago. Marcus Mariota will likely play, but it has been the Titans defense that has carried this squad in 2018. They have a top 10 defense and they have been really good in the turnover/takeaway department the past 2 months.

The difference in this game will be Luck vs. the Titans secondary.

Prediction: Colts 23-20

2018 is almost officially in the books, but it has set the stage for what should be another great year in the sports world.

The NFL playoff picture might not include the Steelers for the first time in a long time. The Eagles look to be almost finished on their journey to repeat as champs, and the Chiefs have taken the entire league by storm.

The NHL has seen a dynamic duo in Colorado light up the Central Division with Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon, while the Toronto Maple Leafs could be in position to hand Canada its first title since 1993.

The Bryce Harper sweepstakes are heating up and I think that everybody can predict where he lands. Being a Yankees fan, I must say that the pinstripes will look prety sweet on the Vegas product!

Golden State’s struggles in the Bay will only be short lived once Boogie Cousins returns to the lineup, but DO NOT count out the Lakers and LeBron James. The 2018 AP Male Athlete of the Year is starting to rally the purple and gold down in Hollywood and you can never bet against him when he has a few decent weapons at his side (2016, down 3-1). Don’t poke the bear!

Buckle up everybody, 2019 is going to be one hell of a ride!

 

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Is This the Year a Canadian Team Finally Hoists the Stanley Cup?

It has been 25 years since an NHL club from Canada hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup, but 2019 could finally be the year that the curse is put to rest.

The Montreal Canadians claimed the coveted trophy in 1993, led by Patrick Roy, but the NHL cities north of the US border haven’t had much luck. In 2004 the Calgary Flames were robbed in overtime of Game 6 at home and eventually lost to Tampa in Game 7 (Read here on how they lost).  In 2011 the Vancouver Canucks lost in Game 7 on home ice and the city literally burned down, while a Canadian team has not been in the Cup finals since. But 2018-19 could finally be the year the nation breaks through.

Canadians make up just under 50 percent of the total NHL players in the league today, far more than any other nation in the world, and even though no franchise from Canada has won in two-and-a-half decades, citizens from up north have been integral components to every single Cup champion since the NHL formed in the 1800’s. However, it still eats away at every Canadian fan and organization when another year passes without a championship banner returning home.

Now, you might be wondering…why the hell is this guy bringing this up in December? Well…after watching the Toronto Maple Leafs  dominate the Carolina Hurricanes last night in every zone of the rink for 60 minutes…I felt that I needed to.

Toronto has been Cup hungry for decades upon decades, and they finally went ALL IN this offseason. They signed hometown boy John Tavares to a long-term deal and have assembled a championship caliber roster. Last night I was able to witness the full Leafs roster with every key player in the lineup and I am sold on this ‘Buds roster. William Nylander has finally signed and added some unbelievable depth to the third line, contributing 2 assists in last nights win while finally getting accustomed to NHL speed. Auston Matthews has been back for a couple weeks now, but it feels like he never left (possible Hart candidate), and Morgan Rielly has finally been playing up to his potential on both ends of the ice, while leading the league in points (33) among all NHL d-men.

Frederik Andersen has been stellar in between the pipes, which has added a much needed element to Toronto. He currently leads the NHL in Wins (17), is 3rd in save percentage (9.28), and ranks 10th in GAA (2.44). **Stats based on goalies with a minimum of 10 starts**

Mike Babcock has turned this franchise around since taking over the helm two seasons ago and there has been a massive culture shift in the process. Offensively, Toronto ranks 3rd in the league in goals per game (3.5) and sit in 2nd place in the Atlantic Division. With the mad advantage the Leafs rank 7th with a 25.9 PP percentage and rank 14th in PK with a 80 percent kill rating (good, not great).

All in all…I’m sold on this Leafs roster and if they can stay healthy (Hugeee IF) they will be right in the thick of things come May.

Aside from the Leafs attempting to reverse the trend, let’s not be blinded by what Central and Western Canada is doing. Calgary currently sits atop of the Pacific Division, while the Winnipeg Jets are sitting in 2nd place in the Central, 1 point shy of Nashville for the division lead.

Remember when the Penguins visited the Saddledome back in October? The 9-1 good old fashioned s**t kicking? Yeah…talk about a wake up call. Since then the Flames are 14-5-2 and have the best record in the league in that span.

The offseason addition of Elias Lindholm was a major upgrade offensively and he has been so efficient since being being paired with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. The top line has combined for 108 points in just 31 games, and have been one of the most exciting lines in all of hockey. Mike Giordano continues to be one of the top offensive-defenseman in the league (5th, 29 points), while the other Hurricane addition of Noah Hanifin has panned out as well. Goaltender Mike Smith has gotten into a rhythm after early season struggles and he has been Calgary’s best player over the past 3 weeks. In his last 6 starts he is 6-0 with a .941 SV%, 1.50 GAA and 1 shutout.

Like Toronto, the Flames are a dark horse to contend for the Cup next spring.

The Winnipeg Jets were a popular preseason selection to win the Cup, but got off to a slow start. Since, they have turned things around and are on pace to return to the Western Finals again in 2019.

Connor Hellebyuck was my Vezina Trophy pick in September, but his numbers don’t necessarily scream All-Star thus far. Although the Jets are in a great spot heading into the Christmas break, their franchise goaltender must step up his game in the latter portion of the year if they are going to bring Winnipeg its first ever Cup.

Like the trend with Calgary and Toronto…offense is not the issue in Manitoba. Patrik Laine is T-2nd in the NHL in goals and leads the league in PP goals (10). Blake Wheeler sits atop of the Jets roster in total points (38) and is 3rd in assists in the entire NHL. Mark Scheifele (37 points), in my opinion, is easily Winnipeg’s most valuable asset. His coming out party came in the 2018 playoffs, but he has taken his game to the next level this year. He is so good with the puck and without it, but his play-making ability sets him apart from other skilled forwards. He is easily one of my favorite players to watch on any given night and is one of the most intelligent players in the game today.

On the back end, Dustin Byfuglien leads the Jets in scoring with 21 points, but Jacob Trouba and Josh Morrissey have been pivotal pieces to this city’s success over the past year and a half. Signing Trouba in arbitration this past summer stung a bit, but failing to re-sign the USNTDP alum would have been detrimental to their d-core.

Special teams has been the ultimate driver for the Jets, and taking a penalty against them has been a costly mistake. Winnipeg ranks 1st on the PP (30.3%), and 9th on the PK (82.6%). Playoffs come down to both of these categories along with stellar goaltending. Winnipeg has all the ingredients to bring Canada back its first Cup in 25 years.

The season is still very young but the pieces seem to be aligning for Canada in 2019. Tampa Bay and Washington pose serious threats to keeping the trophy in the US, but do not be surprised if Canada’s most highly touted accolade returns to its home at the conclusion of this season.

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Can the NFL give Andrew Luck the 2018 MVP Award already?

No player has done more with so little over his career than Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck.

Since entering the league as the number one overall draft pick in 2012, Luck has virtually had no running game and below-average defenses at best. Not only did he take over a franchise from one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but he guided the Colts to a playoff berth in his rookie season after the franchise finished 2-14 the previous season. He erased a 28-point deficit to the Chiefs in the Wild-Card round his second season under center and  elevated the city to the AFC title game in 2015 (deflate gate!).

The following season was where things went down hill for the Stanford product. Brutal offensive lines led to a ton of QB hits and the injuries piled up until he decided to sit out the entire 2017 season to recover…and even then he feared that his career could possibly be over.

When Luck announced his return for the 2018 season he didn’t know the week he would be debuting in and his limited training camp provided us with a very small sample size to grade him on. I figured that he would elevate his game around Thanksgiving time or for sure by 2019, but nobody could have predicted his dominance right out of the gate. In 2018 Luck is 2nd in the NFL in TD passes (32), and ranks inside the top-10 in completion percentage, passing yards, completions and QBR.

Kansas City phenom Patrick Mahomes has taken the league by storm, but the weapons surrounding him are insane. Kareem Hunt (2017 rushing champion), Tyreek Hill (could be Usain Bolt’s cousin), Travis Kelce (best TE in the game…yes he is do not argue), Sammy Watkins and one of the best offensive minded coaches in the game, Andy Reid. I’m not saying that anybody can come in and do what he is doing, but his offense allows him to put up these video game numbers. Don’t get me wrong, his talent is unbelievable and he has a legit canon for an arm, but I would love to see what he would do as the signal caller in Indy.

Drew Brees would be my runner up at this point, and I’m still shocked that he hasn’t won an MVP award already. But like the Chiefs, his cast is unreal…on both sides of the ball. He limits his turnovers and is extremely efficient, but when your ground game is the best in the league it lets you play a lot more comfortably. Brees is without a doubt a top-5 QB in the league nobody is disputing that, but his team along with his head coach are going to walk their way to a second Super Bowl and it won’t even be close.

The Colts have had a 100-yard rusher just twice in 2018 and it has been a huge relief for Luck. In the two games that Marlon Mack has rushed north of 100 yards, Indy is 2-0, outscoring the opposition 79-33. If you give Luck just the slightest bit of a run game he is going to make you pay even though his numbers are solid when the backs don’t move the chains. He hit three different tight ends for TDs in the same game this year and has made a living off of targeting that position.

Eric Ebron leads all NFL TE’s in TD (11) and is just one catch shy of being 1st on the Colts in receptions. T.Y. Hilton has missed time due to injury in 2018 but he has been a very good WR1 and leads Indy in receptions (45). 16 different players have caught a pass from Luck this season and 12 different players have caught a TD pass.

The talent surrounding Luck on the offensive side of the ball is average and he has made use of getting the ball out quickly and hitting the open receivers. Defensively…well they have improved compared to other Luck teams. They rank between 15-20th in all defensive team categories, so not terrible, but extremely average.

Luck has dominated this season with a new head coach and has picked up where he left off in 2016. I’m by all means not discrediting Brees or Mahomes by any stretch as they have been very impressive and will likely win the award, but if we are basing the MVP honor off of the definition of MOST VALUABLE PLAYER [TO THEIR TEAM] then the answer is a thousand percent Andrew Luck.

Just look at how Indy did last year without him and look at what he is doing this season with this supporting cast. If not for a brutal fumble in Week 1 the Colts would be in a wild card slot…but hey, that’s football.

Andrew Luck is without a doubt the most valuable player to his team and if the season ended today he should be the clear favorite to win the award.

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The Minnesota Vikings misconception of overpaying for a quarterback

USA Today

It has been a month since my last blog, but my recent move across the country to NYC along with every other little thing that comes with starting a new job has limited my time.

But…I’m back baby! Although, I don’t really know how I’m feeling. I’m a cross between pissed off, sad and confused, but it has nothing to do with the new chapter in my life. My emotions stem from the pathetic showing on Sunday Night Football by the Minnesota Vikings. But to tell you the truth I saw this coming a mile away.

After falling a game short last winter, the Vikes decided it would be in their “best interest” to go after a quarterback in free agency instead of re-signing Case Keenum and Teddy Bridgewater. Washington had its fair share of contract negotiations fall through with Kirk Cousins over the past few seasons and they finally decided to part ways and let him test the market. So, naturally Minnesota decided to throw the kitchen sink at the QB position and inked Cousins to an $84 million deal.

This brings me to my biggest argument dating back to the summer–why are we overpaying for a quarterback? Seriously though…

I get it…you need a smart signal caller that takes care of the football, but one that can also make plays and win games. The Vikings not only had a rookie quarterback in 2015 win them the NFC North (Blair Walsh costed him a playoff win as well) but he was a first-team all rookie selection as well. If not for a freak accident in training camp in 2016 the Vikes would probably still have Bridgewater under center.

Not to mention, Keenum took this current roster to the NFC title game last January. He finished 2017 2nd in completion percentage (67.6%), 2nd in QBR (72.8) and 3rd in INT (7, minimum 200 attempts), while guiding the Vikes to a first-round bye. Sure, he got lucky with a Minneapolis Miracle…but last time I checked a win is a win, and 2018 has been far from an upgrade at the  quarterback position.

Cousins has shown that he is a solid quarterback at times, but tonight on the primetime big boy stage, when the lights were the brightest…he crawled back into his shell like he has done throughout his entire NFL career.  Two untimely interceptions and a game icing pick-6 in the fourth quarter not only put Minnesota a game and a half back of Chicago for the division lead, but it also kept the Packers afloat as well.

The sad thing too is that we have one of the best defenses in the league and have for the past two years. Tonight they came to play (besides a few missed tackles, and an awful throw by Trubisky that somehow was caught in the groin area) and they even made a couple of huge plays to even keep the boys in it. But then again, this defense is the reason the Purple People Eaters have been in contention each of the past two seasons and also the reason that we didn’t need to give Kirk the keys to the city.

I get that a lot of factors come into a decision to bid for a QB and the schedule this year is a bit stronger than 2017, but my argument is more of a “why fix what isn’t broken?”

Losing Pat Shurmur to the Giants in the offseason stung, and then losing offensive line coach Tony Sparano (RIP) just before Week 1 was also a dagger, but for the majority of the staff and personnel remained the same.  What worked so well last year was that the Vikings played to Keenum’s strengths and his style of play, even though the offensive line wasn’t the greatest. The play calling got the ball out of his hands quickly to our playmakers Stephon Diggs and AdamThielen, while Jerick McKinnon and Latavius Murray controlled the ground game. BUT most importantly…Keenum was a solid game manager who always made the safe and/or right play. Limiting turnovers in the NFL is so crucial if you’re going to be successful and win games.

Cousins has a track record with untimely turnovers dating back to his stint in the nations capital, and has yet to win a big game since college…unless you want to count the Outback Bowl as a big time W! He threw the ‘Skins out of playoff contention in Week 17 of 2016 against the Giants at home and constantly seems to force one too many balls into coverage late in games.

Now, going back to tonight’s game, Cousins missed a wide open Diggs in the  end zone on the first drive of the game that would have been a for sure TD and would have changed the outcome of the game overall. Instead, two plays later…Cook fumbled and then the Vikes went on to get shutout until late in the 3rd Quarter.

Kirk leads the league in balls batted down at the line of scrimmage and he leads the league in fumbles lost since entering the NFL in 2012. Sure, the inconsistency of the offensive line this season has forced him to rush his throws, and the insane pass rush of Khalil Mack haunted him in the pocket all night, but Minnesota gave you $84 million dollars to compensate for these issues.

This brings me to the main part of my argument of why Keenum, or even Bridgewater for that matter, would have been a better asset to the Vikings in 2018. MONEY! Allocate the extra 20 million or whatever it would have been to the the biggest concern heading into the season…the O-line. I’m not saying Cousins is a bad quarterback, because obviously he isn’t. He can make some unbelievable throws and he can be elusive at times, but for the price tag…I’ll pass 10 times out of 10.

Let me make this clearer…I’m passing on Cousins’ price because we already had in hand two signal callers that have guided us to the postseason and one who pushed us into an NFC Championship game berth. Like the old saying goes…a bird in the hand is worth more than two birds in the bush. Although, Minnesota had two QB’s in hand and one in the bush that has an extremely average track record to go along with ZERO playoff wins.

In 2018, Kirk is 0-2 under the bright lights of SNF and he is 0-3 against teams with a winning record (CHI, NO, LAR). Oh…and the 5 wins to his name this year… Arizona, NY Jets, Philly, Detroit and San Fran…all of whom have losing records (don’t forget the massacre at home against Buffalo).

The generalization that you must overpay for a quarterback is non sense…unless you actually do not have a player who can play the position (Nathan Peterman would be an okay reason for selling the farm).

I get it, I really do. In order to win in this league you need a really good QB. But there are so many other factors that come into play. We can all agree that Aaron Rodgers is the most talented quarterback in the game today and maybe all time, but he has just 1 ring and is on the brink of missing the postseason for the second time since taking over the reins from Brett Favre in 2009. He is the highest paid QB in 2018, yet he might miss the playoffs? Hmm, maybe other positions do matter more than most people argue. But then again, what can you do about it with no money. This is why TB12 takes pay cuts.

But Evan…the Broncos did the same thing in 2012. Tim Tebow even won a playoff game too! Oh my bad, I didn’t realize that Kirk Cousins was on the same pedestal as Peyton Manning, and he has a Super Bowl and multiple MVPs. Denver had a really good defense, and Manning came in and broke virtually all of the passing records in a single season. Let me know when Kirk comes close to that please. I’ll wait.

Before I go, I want to make this clear as well. Keenum is the RIGHT quarterback for the Vikings system and FOR THE RIGHT PRICE! 

Sure, he is an average to below-average quarterback so far in the Broncos systems…but this is an argument about Minnesota and not Denver. It is two completely different organizations and rosters, and you cannot simply point to what he has done in Denver. Hell…Cousins literally didn’t win a thing in DC.

Cousins is more talented overall but Keenum’s price tag would have allowed for the Vikings to allocate money to the line, while already proving that he can win under Mike Zimmer.

I hate to do this but I am writing the Vikings off in 2018, especially after watching the Saints continue to score at will over the past 5 weeks. I seriously do not see anybody beating Who Dat Nation and it’s a scary offense to even defend.Minnesota’s offense has shown no signs of competing against the conferences best and the play calling has gotten way too predictable.

Money can get you far in life…but you must invest it correctly if you’re going to have any shot of being successful.

Here’s to hoping some of the checks bounce when the $84 million Man tries to cash them in while he continues to rob Minneapolis blind.

 

 

 

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LAbron, David Price’s Breakthrough, The 6, and Le’Veon to the Browns?

Last night LeBron James made his Lakers debut for the purple and gold on the road in Portland, but the story line was not how Los Angeles lost, rather the pieces surrounding the King.

The Lakers got off to a hot start and LeBron scored his first points on a “Pick-6” dunk in the opening minutes, but the adrenaline eventually wore off and the Blazers pulled away in the 4th to win by 9. The biggest takeaway that I had from Thursday night’s opener was not the fact that LA lost, but how good Rajon Rondo looked.

The former NBA champ totally controlled the game in the first half and found ways to get points both off the dribble and through the air, dishing out a game-high 11 assists. LeBron was his usual self but only managed to play 17 first half minutes, tallying 18 points through the first two frames (finished with 26/12/6). Walton is obviously trying to limit James’ minutes for the second half of the season, but that will ultimately change soon.

JaVale McGee looked decent as well in his debut but second-year pro Josh Hart stole the show off the bench. His 20 points kept the game interesting for the majority of the second half, but Damian Lillard and the Blazers perimeter shooting was the difference.

LA has no shooters. Literally zero. They won’t be able to challenge the West’s juggernauts–Houston and GSW–without them and quite frankly, LeBron and Brandon Ingram cannot be your go-to 3-point targets. This has been the story all summer and it will continue to be the story until they either trade for one, or Lonzo Ball and his new shooting motion catches fire.

All in all, it was a nice debut for the King, however, they came up short and LeBron is now 0-4 in career debuts in the NBA. Expect them to bounce back when the real Hollywood debut takes place this Saturday at the Staples Center against the Rockets who suffered an embarrassing loss to the Pelicans on Tuesday night.

The Lakers aren’t banking on winning the title this year. 2018-19 was all about getting LeBron, developing the youth to either trade for better weapons or simply to just buy time for the 2019 summer when they will take a run at Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis.

Oh, and congrats the the Warriors for their 3-peat. Klay…you can jump ship anytime now!

The New David Price?

The Red Sox are heading back to the World Series for the first time in 5 years, but the real story behind the best team in baseballs dominating series win over the Astros in the ALCS was starting pitcher David Price.

0-9. That’s what Price’s postseason record was heading into the ALCS. Not even one win. In his career in the playoffs he had a 6.03 ERA in 10 starts. He even lost to the Yankees in Game 2 of the 2018 ALDS. But somehow he managed to turn it all around and in his two starts this series against the Astros he was 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA.

Price also changed his Twitter bio information to “Astros Father.” Maybe a little over the top, especially since it was his only career playoff win and the same club absolutely shelled him a year ago, but hey, I’m all about the chirps! Keep ’em coming!

Boston has undoubtedly been the best team all year. They won 108 games (franchise record), will likely have the AL MVP (Betts or JD), and will have an outside shot at the AL CY Young (Sale). They dominated the ALCS against their rival and now executed payback for the loss Houston handed them in 2017. They have the most athletic group of outfielders that I have ever seen in my lifetime and their infielders have absolute cannons for arms. It will be Boston’s Series to lose next week against either the Dodgers or Brewers, but for the fans…please be the Dodgers. Nobody wants to see Milwaukee in the finals…but the ratings would be the highest ever for LA-BOS.

Give the fans what they want please!

Toronto

What a time to be from The 6 in 2018. Canada’s team looks like an absolute wagon in the NHL, the Raptors have a shot at winning the East with a healthy Kawhi and Drake is bound to drop another album soon…right?

Well, anyways the Leafs overs have hit in about every game this year except like two. Their offense is scoring in waves even without William Nylander and John Tavares and Auston Matthews are both going to pot 50 goals this winter.

Matthews’ insane point streak of 2 or more points in the Leafs’ first 7 games ended last night in Pittsburgh, but the kid still leads the league in goals (10) and points (16), and Toronto is in first place in the Eastern Conference.

Tavares grew up in the Greater Toronto Area and has added depth to an already vital group of forwards. Both JT and Matthews are going to put up their fair share of points this year, but for a team that has been questioned for their lack of depth defensively, Morgan Rielly has quietly been breaking records on the blue line.

The 24-year old surpassed Bobby Orr’s 45-year-old record for the most points by an NHL defenseman through the first five games of a season in the modern era. Rielly leads all NHL defenders with 13 points (T2 in NHL) and is second on the Leafs in plus-minus (+5). Toronto leads the league in goals for (33) and ranks 4th in goal differential (+7).

Who said you have to defend if you average over 4 goals per game? It’s simple math…just outscore your opponent and you’ll be just fine!

Leonard looked solid in his Raptors debut, dropping 24 points and grabbing 12 boards en route to a 116-104 win over the Cavs. A healthy Claw means that Toronto significantly got better when they traded DeRozan to the Spurs for Leonard back in July.

Boston is the only team that could take the Warriors the distance next June, but they will have to get past a gritty Raptors team first. I’m not sold on the 76ers quite yet. They, like LA, don’t have any ‘good’ shooters and their best players only attack at the rim. Toronto can actually control a game from the perimeter, but the question is whether or not they can compete in Boston.

It’s still early, but both the Raptors and Leafs are locks to make playoff runs. How far they go…well, that will come down to a variety of factors, health being the biggest. Let’s just sit back and watch history in the making while Tavares and Matthews both go for 50 a piece, and the Claw takes Canada to an NBA Finals…and then leaves for LA right after.

Bell to the Browns

Le’Veon Bell publicly announced (through his agent) that he would be returning to the Steelers sometime during the teams Week 7 Bye. The exact date is unknown, and whether or not he will report is still a question.

The Killer B has tweeted that he wants to remain a Steeler and win in Pittsburgh, but the offensive line and current starter, James Conner, seem to be doing just fine. The Steelers are back in the win column and are just one game back in the AFC North.

Bell is demanding a long, guaranteed contract like Todd Gurley signed this past off-season, but Pittsburgh refuses to give him one due to his given history of being suspended. So, where does this leave us now? Obviously trying to spitball and guess where Bell ends up by Week 10.

Today’s Jacksonville-Cleveland trade might have just answered everybody’s questions. The Browns dished RB Carlos Hyde to the Jaguars in exchange for a 5th round pick, clearing up cap space to sign a big name…possibly Bell.

Why would the unemployed star back want to sign there? They have a rookie 1st overall QB (Baker Mayfield), they have the leagues number one receiving target (Landry) and they lead the league in takeaways. This roster is very underrated and they are missing a game changer in the backfield. Cleveland could and should trade for Bell now if they wish to have a superstar running back for the future.

The Browns already have “their guy” under center, now just give him a transcendent talent to alleviate pressure and build off of a really good defense. Also, Conner is tearing it up in Pittsburgh and is being paid at league minimum essentially. Why risk bringing Bell back and disrupt what is working as of late…

Mark it down…Bell should be and will be a Cleveland Brown.