The Devils began this series down 3-0 to the LA Kings. The won Game 4 in Los Angeles. The only time in history an NHL team has come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the series was the Philadelphia Flyers a couple years ago.
Now facing a 3-1 deficit, the Devils have an uphill battle. They have to get past Jonathan Quick three games in a row, which is not easy. With that being said, hockey is a different beast. Unlike other major sports, coming back from a 3-0 deficit isn't out of the realm of possibility. Even though it has only been done once, the Devils just need to take it game by game.
Now, will the Devils make the comeback? Unlikely. If the Devils were able to win the next three games, that would be an absolute miracle. Maybe the best effort in NHL history since we're in the Stanley Cup Finals. Something tells me Jonathan Quick won't let enough goals past him to make this possible.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Where will Chad Ochocinco Go from Here?
The Patriots just released WR Chad Ochocinco. This move was long overdue. The Patriots signed Jabar Gaffney this offseason and the feeling was that Ochocinco was going to be the fifth receiver at best. No use in keeping him. He didn't pick up the playbook well and there weren't any signs that was going to change. Now let's look to the future for Chad Ochocinco:
He's got talent. The question is will teams be fearful after his terrible performance last year. I believe some team will take a chance on him. It could be because of injury or a player getting cut, but he should be on a roster before the regular season begins. There's not that many teams in the market for him, but one is all it takes. The Raiders, 49ers, Chargers, Seahawks, Rams, and Broncos are possibilities. These teams all have needs at receiver and could all use a nice complementary receiver with experience. I don't think this is the end of the ride for Chad Ochocinco.
He's got talent. The question is will teams be fearful after his terrible performance last year. I believe some team will take a chance on him. It could be because of injury or a player getting cut, but he should be on a roster before the regular season begins. There's not that many teams in the market for him, but one is all it takes. The Raiders, 49ers, Chargers, Seahawks, Rams, and Broncos are possibilities. These teams all have needs at receiver and could all use a nice complementary receiver with experience. I don't think this is the end of the ride for Chad Ochocinco.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Celtics vs. Heat Game 7 Who Wins?
The Celtics had their chance in Game 6. Just when the Heat seem to be written off, they find a way to claw back with their backs against the wall. The perception is that Dwayne Wade is the leader of the team, but LeBron James is really the catalyst. Even if Wade plays well, they need a great game from LeBron to win this game.
Paul Pierce was uncharacteristically bad in Game 6. He was 4-18 from the field and only had 9 points. Naturally, the Celtics need him to step up in order to win Game 7. They also lost the rebounding battle and Rajon Rondo had 7 turnovers. He needs to be spectacular in this game. Unfortunately, if LeBron James goes off for 45 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists, the Celtics have no chance in this game. The key will be to contain LeBron getting to the basket.
Prediction: Heat win. They have the added advantage of being at home. The Celtics outplayed them for four out of the first five games, but when LeBron James plays as the primary scorer, that's when the Heat are at their best. I expect Coach Spoelstra to do the same and let LeBron take control. This may be the last game for the Celtics Big 3.
Paul Pierce was uncharacteristically bad in Game 6. He was 4-18 from the field and only had 9 points. Naturally, the Celtics need him to step up in order to win Game 7. They also lost the rebounding battle and Rajon Rondo had 7 turnovers. He needs to be spectacular in this game. Unfortunately, if LeBron James goes off for 45 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists, the Celtics have no chance in this game. The key will be to contain LeBron getting to the basket.
Prediction: Heat win. They have the added advantage of being at home. The Celtics outplayed them for four out of the first five games, but when LeBron James plays as the primary scorer, that's when the Heat are at their best. I expect Coach Spoelstra to do the same and let LeBron take control. This may be the last game for the Celtics Big 3.
Sharapova vs. Errani Who Wins the French Open?
Easy choice: Sharapova. She's only dropped one set the entire tournament and it looks like she'll complete the career slam. Errani is a formidable opponent, as she's played incredibly well over the past two weeks, but Sharapova will simply overpower her. I see this as an easy straight sets win for Sharapova. Errani hits decent shots, but lacks anything powerful to beat Sharapova.
Errani has faced some trouble at the French Open. There's no room for error against Sharapova. Her shots are too good right now and the serve has been great. While Errani's run has been remarkable, I see this tournament as sort of having been a fluke for her. She just won the women's doubles title today and is now in the single's final. She came out of nowhere. This tournament will boost Errani's ranking to #10 in the world, but Sharapova is playing like a #1 right now.
Was Rob Gronkowski Deal Worth it
Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski signed a 6-year $53 contract extension today making it the biggest deal for a tight end in league history. No doubt the extension was worth the money. He's arguably the best tight end in the league and is Tom Brady's favorite target over the middle, not just in the red zone. He led all tight ends in receiving with 1,327 yards and had 17 touchdowns. Those numbers make him the best tight end.
Yet, his value isn't just through the numbers. Over the last couple years, Tom Brady has relied more and more on his tight ends. The Patriots aside from Wes Welker have a pretty mediocre receiving corps, which is why the tight ends are so critical. With 90 receptions last season, Gronkowski was a favorite of Brady's. The Patriots made a surprising, but logical move today. If Gronkowski continues to play at this high level, he will be a future Hall of Fame tight end.
Yet, his value isn't just through the numbers. Over the last couple years, Tom Brady has relied more and more on his tight ends. The Patriots aside from Wes Welker have a pretty mediocre receiving corps, which is why the tight ends are so critical. With 90 receptions last season, Gronkowski was a favorite of Brady's. The Patriots made a surprising, but logical move today. If Gronkowski continues to play at this high level, he will be a future Hall of Fame tight end.
Euro 2012 Predictions
This should be a great tournament. A lot of competition, especially in Groups B and C with Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. These countries are definitely the frontrunners to win the tournament. They've had the most success in international play and have the most talent. Here's who will likely come out of each group:
Group A:
Russia and Poland. By far the weakest group in the Euro 2012. With the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, and Greece, there really isn't any threat of these teams going deep into the tournament. With that being said, I like Russia and Poland to come out of this group. These teams haven't had a lot of international success, especially in the Euro tournaments, but this year is different. Russia and Poland have more talent this year and with weak competition in their group, I expect these teams to come out into the knockout stage.
Group B:
Germany and the Netherlands. Many aren't picking the Netherlands to advance, but they seem to forget that this team was in the finals of the World Cup two years ago. Portugal has some ability and you can never discount a team with Christiano Ronaldo playing on it, but Germany and the Netherlands are more well-rounded with better defenses and scoring threats. Denmark shouldn't pose much of a problem either.
Group C:
Italy and Spain. This is the easiest group to predict. Italy and Spain are proven teams with boatloads of talent. Spain just won the World Cup two years ago and their forwards looks terrific. Italy isn't as stacked as Spain, but they make up for it with good coaching and great game planning. Ireland and Croatia have never been international players and still lack the talent to go far in tournaments.
Group D:
England and France. This group will probably be the most competitive. England and France are great teams, but won't totally overpower Sweden and Ukraine. England and France have been in transition for the last few years. They have a new generation of players. The one wild-card here could be experience. Many players on England and France only have a limited number of international caps under their belts. I expect the superstars on England like John Terry and Steven Gerrard to take charge though. France doesn't have a superstar, but a group of more than capable players who can defend well and stretch the field.
Group A:
Russia and Poland. By far the weakest group in the Euro 2012. With the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, and Greece, there really isn't any threat of these teams going deep into the tournament. With that being said, I like Russia and Poland to come out of this group. These teams haven't had a lot of international success, especially in the Euro tournaments, but this year is different. Russia and Poland have more talent this year and with weak competition in their group, I expect these teams to come out into the knockout stage.
Group B:
Germany and the Netherlands. Many aren't picking the Netherlands to advance, but they seem to forget that this team was in the finals of the World Cup two years ago. Portugal has some ability and you can never discount a team with Christiano Ronaldo playing on it, but Germany and the Netherlands are more well-rounded with better defenses and scoring threats. Denmark shouldn't pose much of a problem either.
Group C:
Italy and Spain. This is the easiest group to predict. Italy and Spain are proven teams with boatloads of talent. Spain just won the World Cup two years ago and their forwards looks terrific. Italy isn't as stacked as Spain, but they make up for it with good coaching and great game planning. Ireland and Croatia have never been international players and still lack the talent to go far in tournaments.
Group D:
England and France. This group will probably be the most competitive. England and France are great teams, but won't totally overpower Sweden and Ukraine. England and France have been in transition for the last few years. They have a new generation of players. The one wild-card here could be experience. Many players on England and France only have a limited number of international caps under their belts. I expect the superstars on England like John Terry and Steven Gerrard to take charge though. France doesn't have a superstar, but a group of more than capable players who can defend well and stretch the field.
Nadal vs. Djokovic Who Wins?
Very intriguing matchup. On paper, the logical pick would be Rafael Nadal based on his dominance on clay. He hasn't lost a set the entire French Open and just came off winning two big clay court tournaments in Monte Carlo and the Italian Open. But Djokovic cannot be taken lightly.
He just finished off Roger Federer in straight sets pretty easily and not has a little time to rest. Djokovic is looking to become the first man since Rod Laver to win four straight Grand Slam tournaments. He saved four match points against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinals, so he's definitely going to fight until the end, even if he is two sets down.
Prediction: I like Nadal in four sets. He's just playing out of his mind right now demolishing #13 ranked Juan Monaco, #12 ranked Nicolas Almagro, and maybe his best effort against #6 ranked David Ferrer. The fact that he hasn't given up a set yet can't be overlooked. I'd have to say he's the best clay-court player in the history of the game. This is his time and despite how good Djokovic is, I don't think he can stop Nadal this time around.
He just finished off Roger Federer in straight sets pretty easily and not has a little time to rest. Djokovic is looking to become the first man since Rod Laver to win four straight Grand Slam tournaments. He saved four match points against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinals, so he's definitely going to fight until the end, even if he is two sets down.
Prediction: I like Nadal in four sets. He's just playing out of his mind right now demolishing #13 ranked Juan Monaco, #12 ranked Nicolas Almagro, and maybe his best effort against #6 ranked David Ferrer. The fact that he hasn't given up a set yet can't be overlooked. I'd have to say he's the best clay-court player in the history of the game. This is his time and despite how good Djokovic is, I don't think he can stop Nadal this time around.
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