This post is a little late, but this weekend was super busy and this is my first chance since the big win to get my thoughts down...
As much as I would like to say that the Bruins play, which was probably the best we've seen from them all playoffs, was the deciding factor in the game, it's just not the case. The most important factor to the outcome we saw was the ref's decision to put their whistles in their back pockets. I've been saying all playoffs and during the season as well, the Bruins are the best 5 on 5 team in hockey. As long as they stay out of the penalty box and prevent any bleeding on the power play, they will win. I would like to say that there were no penalties in that game, so the ref's has no need to make any calls, but all of us who have watched hockey for any length of time know that just couldn't be the case. There was plenty of clutching and grabbing and interfering that was being called for the first 6 games that wasn't called in game 7. If I was a Lightning fan I would probably be pretty pissed. I'm sure the ref's didn't want to be the deciding factor in the game by making a call or a bunch of calls that led to one team winning, but by not making any calls they gave the Bruins a decided advantage.
Even with no penalties, someone still had to put the puck in the net. I haven't written much about David Krejic on this blog. Raving about his skill as a play maker, his ability to always find open ice, his knack of getting the puck to where his linemates will be and not where they were, just all seems to obvious an observation to write about. But, at some point you have to acknowledge the great ones and I think Krejic is the best play maker I've ever seen in the black and gold. Horton will get credit for that game winning goal, be called the hero, but as even he admitted in an interview, that goal was Krejic's. The pass he put through a defender's legs and right on the blade on Horton's stick was incredible. It's easy to have three game winning goals when all you have to do is put your stick on the ice and let your teammate hit it. With all the talk about the importance of Bergeron and Thomas to this team, Krejic seems to be left as an after thought. Let's not forget that it was his absence last year that led to Philly's four game comeback.
The fact of the matter is, this Bruins team is a collection of talent and I'm not sure that one player is the key to victory or defeat. From Bergeron to Daniel Paille, every player has had their moments in the sun and their let downs and there has always been someone else on the team their to pick them up. The reason the Bruins are going to be playing for the Stanley Cup is because they play as a team. It might not be the best collection of talent that has ever graced the ice, but the way the work together and believe in each other makes them a force to be reckoned with.
Are they a big enough force to stop Vancouver? That I'm not so sure about. If they play as sloppy as they did in games 2 and 6 of this series, they don't stand a shot. The Bruins are going to have to come out in game one and make a statement, play like they did in games 3 and 7, and kill whatever momentum Vancouver has built, let them know it's not going to be an easy series. If the Bruins don't establish themselves early, it's going to be a short series. Otherwise, strap yourself into you seat, because this final could be a classic.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Movie Review: Thor
Thor: 3 out of 5 stars
writers: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz, Don Payne
director: Kenneth Branagh
The first big blockbuster of the summer is out and in all honesty I was a little leery. I love me some comic book movies, but Thor was never really my cup of tea. The character just always seemed silly, and as far as comic book heroes go, his origin pedestrian. My interest was piqued none the less because I'm intrigued by the set up of the Avengers movie and I wanted to see what Branagh could do with a pure action flick. Most times low expectations are the perfect expectations for seeing movies and Thor was no exception. Highly entertaining, action packed, and, thanks most likely to Branagh, surprisingly poinent, Thor was a great start to the summer blockbuster season.
That's not to say the movie didn't have its flaws. The Asgard storyline was much more compelling then the Earth one, leaving the scenes on Earth feeling flat and unimportant. I understand the need for Earth in the story, Thor needed somewhere to be banished to find redemption and the writers needed to find a way to link him to the Avengers movie, but the time spent away from Asgard hurt. I found myself wanting the Earth scenes to speed up so we could return to Asgard and the more interesting story. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s presence made sense in the Marvel universe but did nothing to further the story or even really effect the movie's events. They were just there and, other then providing one action sequence, served no purpose. I would have been much happier if they just had a peripheral presence and more time was spent in Asgard or developing the relationship between Thor and Jen Foster.
Which brings me to the Jen Foster character. It certainly didn't help the movie that Academy Award winner, Natalie Portman, turned in a highly forgettable performance. I understand that most actresses in these action packed comic movies, if they aren't the many character, fall flat, but you tend to expect more from Portman. In all honesty, Portman has turned in as many horrible performances as she has brilliant. She doesn't seem to be the type of actress that can turn weak writing into something with depth and Thor is just a further example. We are supposed to feel that there is some connection between her character and Thor, but it just isn't there. It would have been nice to establish something between the two other then two beautiful people finding each other pleasant to look at.
At it's core Thor is a familiar story of redemption and maturity and Branagh does a great job pulling that core out of the comic book action that surrounds it. I'm sure his Shakespeare roots helped him see the deeper story and allowed him to present it between wormholes and giant killer robots. Thor never loses it's themes to silly action, but instead uses the action to bring those themes home. Thor is a comic book movie with the heart of a Shakespearean tragedy. Even with a few minor flaws that heart shins through and makes the movie worth going to see.
writers: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz, Don Payne
director: Kenneth Branagh
The first big blockbuster of the summer is out and in all honesty I was a little leery. I love me some comic book movies, but Thor was never really my cup of tea. The character just always seemed silly, and as far as comic book heroes go, his origin pedestrian. My interest was piqued none the less because I'm intrigued by the set up of the Avengers movie and I wanted to see what Branagh could do with a pure action flick. Most times low expectations are the perfect expectations for seeing movies and Thor was no exception. Highly entertaining, action packed, and, thanks most likely to Branagh, surprisingly poinent, Thor was a great start to the summer blockbuster season.
That's not to say the movie didn't have its flaws. The Asgard storyline was much more compelling then the Earth one, leaving the scenes on Earth feeling flat and unimportant. I understand the need for Earth in the story, Thor needed somewhere to be banished to find redemption and the writers needed to find a way to link him to the Avengers movie, but the time spent away from Asgard hurt. I found myself wanting the Earth scenes to speed up so we could return to Asgard and the more interesting story. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s presence made sense in the Marvel universe but did nothing to further the story or even really effect the movie's events. They were just there and, other then providing one action sequence, served no purpose. I would have been much happier if they just had a peripheral presence and more time was spent in Asgard or developing the relationship between Thor and Jen Foster.
Which brings me to the Jen Foster character. It certainly didn't help the movie that Academy Award winner, Natalie Portman, turned in a highly forgettable performance. I understand that most actresses in these action packed comic movies, if they aren't the many character, fall flat, but you tend to expect more from Portman. In all honesty, Portman has turned in as many horrible performances as she has brilliant. She doesn't seem to be the type of actress that can turn weak writing into something with depth and Thor is just a further example. We are supposed to feel that there is some connection between her character and Thor, but it just isn't there. It would have been nice to establish something between the two other then two beautiful people finding each other pleasant to look at.
At it's core Thor is a familiar story of redemption and maturity and Branagh does a great job pulling that core out of the comic book action that surrounds it. I'm sure his Shakespeare roots helped him see the deeper story and allowed him to present it between wormholes and giant killer robots. Thor never loses it's themes to silly action, but instead uses the action to bring those themes home. Thor is a comic book movie with the heart of a Shakespearean tragedy. Even with a few minor flaws that heart shins through and makes the movie worth going to see.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Top 5: Chicago Songs
Chicago is a band I have been dying to see live for years, but for whatever reason, no money, busy schedule, I haven't been able to make it happen. That is until tonight. In honor I thought of doing Top 5 Bands I Must See Live Before I Die (or more likely, before they die), but other then the Beastie Boys and the Foo Fighters, I couldn't come up with anybody. If anyone can think of other worthy bands, please comment, but I've been lucky enough to see most of the bands I enjoy and respect. So, instead I'm doing Top 5 Chicago Songs.
I know a lot of people don't understand my love of Chicago, but most of those people aren't familiar with early Chicago. Most people my generation or younger have the impression that Chicago is a cheesy '80s band that sings sappy love songs. Once, when I was playing a Chicago greatest hits CD at work, a co-worker commented that he felt like he was at a wedding. In all honesty, my thoughts on the band weren't much different until Rhino re-released the first three Chicago albums and I was introduced to the brilliance of early Chicago. They found a way to do something no other rock band has ever been able to repeat. They fused rock, jazz, classical and soul music and did so with amazing results. I don't know that there is a band that has fallen further from musical genius. There is a good chance the death of Terry Kath help this disparity, along with the natural de-evolution every rock band goes through. But the fact remains, early Chicago is ground breaking and amazing, late Chicago sucks. So, when I made this list, I ignored the crappy Chicago, that band doesn't exist to me. Here is my Top 5 Chicago Songs...
5. Happy 'Cause I'm Coming Home (Chicago 3)
This is an instrumental. It reminds me a lot of the song played during the bank robbing montage in "Butch Cassidy And the Sundance Kid." If nothing else it has one of the best rock flute solos this side of Ian Anderson.
4. Getting Stronger Every Day (Chicago 6)
A song that sounds like a sappy love song but is really about breaking up. At least that's the way I interpret it. It has to be the happiest song about breaking up I've ever heard and for whatever reason the irony makes me love it.
3. Lowdown (Chicago 3)
Probably the most pedestrian song on this list, but I just love it. Nothing really sticks out, it's just a solid rock song. Kath has a pretty good solo. If anything is more exceptional then most Chicago songs it's probably Cetera's bass line. Like most of Chicago's early songs, it's more about politics then love, something else that makes the early stuff stand out.
2. Free (Chicago 3)
It's a short song, but is totally intense and amazing. It also has the best horn line in any rock song ever. It blows my mind every time I hear it. Definitely an example of how amazing Chicago's horn section is, especially for a rock band.
1. 25 Or 6 To 4 (Chicago 2)
Kind of the Joe Blog answer, but there is a reason the song is so well known. It has great horn lines, amazing guitar riffs, and rocks. This is the song that got me into Chicago and got me to listen more. I still get a little excited every time I hear that opening bass/guitar riff. This is the song that contains everything that makes Chicago a great band.
Honorable Mentions: Beginnings (Chicago Transit Authority), Mogonucleosis (Chicago 7), Sing A Mean Tune Kid (Chicago 3), Make Me Smile (Chicago 2)
I know a lot of people don't understand my love of Chicago, but most of those people aren't familiar with early Chicago. Most people my generation or younger have the impression that Chicago is a cheesy '80s band that sings sappy love songs. Once, when I was playing a Chicago greatest hits CD at work, a co-worker commented that he felt like he was at a wedding. In all honesty, my thoughts on the band weren't much different until Rhino re-released the first three Chicago albums and I was introduced to the brilliance of early Chicago. They found a way to do something no other rock band has ever been able to repeat. They fused rock, jazz, classical and soul music and did so with amazing results. I don't know that there is a band that has fallen further from musical genius. There is a good chance the death of Terry Kath help this disparity, along with the natural de-evolution every rock band goes through. But the fact remains, early Chicago is ground breaking and amazing, late Chicago sucks. So, when I made this list, I ignored the crappy Chicago, that band doesn't exist to me. Here is my Top 5 Chicago Songs...
5. Happy 'Cause I'm Coming Home (Chicago 3)
This is an instrumental. It reminds me a lot of the song played during the bank robbing montage in "Butch Cassidy And the Sundance Kid." If nothing else it has one of the best rock flute solos this side of Ian Anderson.
4. Getting Stronger Every Day (Chicago 6)
A song that sounds like a sappy love song but is really about breaking up. At least that's the way I interpret it. It has to be the happiest song about breaking up I've ever heard and for whatever reason the irony makes me love it.
3. Lowdown (Chicago 3)
Probably the most pedestrian song on this list, but I just love it. Nothing really sticks out, it's just a solid rock song. Kath has a pretty good solo. If anything is more exceptional then most Chicago songs it's probably Cetera's bass line. Like most of Chicago's early songs, it's more about politics then love, something else that makes the early stuff stand out.
2. Free (Chicago 3)
It's a short song, but is totally intense and amazing. It also has the best horn line in any rock song ever. It blows my mind every time I hear it. Definitely an example of how amazing Chicago's horn section is, especially for a rock band.
1. 25 Or 6 To 4 (Chicago 2)
Kind of the Joe Blog answer, but there is a reason the song is so well known. It has great horn lines, amazing guitar riffs, and rocks. This is the song that got me into Chicago and got me to listen more. I still get a little excited every time I hear that opening bass/guitar riff. This is the song that contains everything that makes Chicago a great band.
Honorable Mentions: Beginnings (Chicago Transit Authority), Mogonucleosis (Chicago 7), Sing A Mean Tune Kid (Chicago 3), Make Me Smile (Chicago 2)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Boston Bruins: Round Three Game Six (Lightning)
Tonight's even strength score... 3-2 Bruins. I figured going into the series that the key for the Bruins was staying out of the penalty box. The biggest advantage Tampa had was how dominate their power play was compared to Boston's. That advantage didn't really show it's head until tonight. What I saw tonight was Boucher going all in with his power play unit, while Julian only half-assed his. After a 0-4 night in game 5, Boucher put all his weapons on one unit, Lecavalier, St. Louis, Stamkos, Gagne. Julian still seems to think spreading his offense out is going to do something for him. He came up with a great wrinkle, putting Chara in front of the net, but then kept Kaberle on the point. Why not put Bergeron out there? Go big and have Chara, Lucic and Horton down low with Bergeron and Boychuck on the points or Krejic, Chara, Lucic, Bergeron and Boychuck and have your best play makers and your best scorers all out there. At this point what is there to lose? The power play isn't going to get any worse.
I still can't believe the ice time Julian is giving Kaberle. I get the argument not to sit him because there is no better option, but that doesn't mean you give the guy important minutes. Having him quarterback the power play at this point is just plain lunacy. He's proven to be a waste yet Julian keeps putting him out there. I just don't get it.
Thomas reverted back to non-god like status as well. A few of tonight's goals were soft. Thomas seems to play best when people are down on him, like he has to prove something. In that case, I think Julian should sit Thomas in game seven, give Rask a shot because I'm just not sure Thomas can get it done.
The one big highlight for the Bruins was the first line. After being shut down in the Montreal series, this line has been the driving force for the B's and tonight seemed to be the only line on the ice. What a waste of a Krejic hat trick. If the Bruins are going to win this last game they are going to need offense from someone else. Peverly or Ryder or Marchand or even that kid Seguin, who was anointed earlier in the series, need to step up and make something happen.
Sorry these thoughts are a little jumbled. Usually I give myself a day to think things over, but this is a direct reaction to the game. We're headed to a game seven and it's got me a little nervous. This series has had so many ups and downs for both teams, game seven could easily be epic. So, I'll be holding my breath for the next 48 hours, hoping this Bruins team has what it takes to pull it off.
I still can't believe the ice time Julian is giving Kaberle. I get the argument not to sit him because there is no better option, but that doesn't mean you give the guy important minutes. Having him quarterback the power play at this point is just plain lunacy. He's proven to be a waste yet Julian keeps putting him out there. I just don't get it.
Thomas reverted back to non-god like status as well. A few of tonight's goals were soft. Thomas seems to play best when people are down on him, like he has to prove something. In that case, I think Julian should sit Thomas in game seven, give Rask a shot because I'm just not sure Thomas can get it done.
The one big highlight for the Bruins was the first line. After being shut down in the Montreal series, this line has been the driving force for the B's and tonight seemed to be the only line on the ice. What a waste of a Krejic hat trick. If the Bruins are going to win this last game they are going to need offense from someone else. Peverly or Ryder or Marchand or even that kid Seguin, who was anointed earlier in the series, need to step up and make something happen.
Sorry these thoughts are a little jumbled. Usually I give myself a day to think things over, but this is a direct reaction to the game. We're headed to a game seven and it's got me a little nervous. This series has had so many ups and downs for both teams, game seven could easily be epic. So, I'll be holding my breath for the next 48 hours, hoping this Bruins team has what it takes to pull it off.
Boston Bruins: Round Three Game Five (Lightning)
Tim Thomas is a goaltending god. There really isn't much more to say. I suggested that it might be time for Julian to give him a rest but I couldn't have been more wrong. Thomas' diving stick save in the third period brought back memories of Reggie Lemelin sprawling back across his crease to make a game saving save against the Devils in '88. It's not always pretty but Thomas finds a way to make the stops when it matters. I know he's a shoe in for the Vezina, but I think he should be in the conversation for the Hart, as well. I also think it goes without saying, if the Bruins find their way into the finals and end up hoisting the cup, there is no other candidate for the Conn Smythe. There aren't enough accolades for what Thomas has meant to this team.
The series seems almost impossible to get a hold of. The play changes from period to period, forget about game to game. One minute it's a tight defensive battle, the next, the two teams are flying back and forth up the ice trading scoring chances. One team jumps up early and then the other team takes over the rest of the game. As much as I would love to see the Bruins wrap it up tonight, it seems destined for seven.
If there is one thing that is consistent, it's how bad the Bruins power play is. It has almost reached a point where being on the power play hurts the team more then helps. Julian did make an interesting change late in game five, putting Chara in front of the net instead of at the point. I remember a game a couple years ago when the Bruins were down by two late and pulled the goalie to try to catch up. Chara was the extra skater and parked himself in front of the net and the Bruins scored two goals to win. I remember watching that game and thinking, why don't we set up like that for the power play? You can't move the guy. He's bigger then any other player you have to screen the goalie. He can't keep the puck in the zone at the point. Why not put Seidenberg and Bergeron at the points and Chara down low? I think Julian needs to try this in game six again, if for no other reason then to give the Lightning a different look. What do they have to lose? It's not like the power play can get any worse.
Three wins down... one more to go. Let's hope the B's can wrap this thing up and save us the heart attack of a game seven.
The series seems almost impossible to get a hold of. The play changes from period to period, forget about game to game. One minute it's a tight defensive battle, the next, the two teams are flying back and forth up the ice trading scoring chances. One team jumps up early and then the other team takes over the rest of the game. As much as I would love to see the Bruins wrap it up tonight, it seems destined for seven.
If there is one thing that is consistent, it's how bad the Bruins power play is. It has almost reached a point where being on the power play hurts the team more then helps. Julian did make an interesting change late in game five, putting Chara in front of the net instead of at the point. I remember a game a couple years ago when the Bruins were down by two late and pulled the goalie to try to catch up. Chara was the extra skater and parked himself in front of the net and the Bruins scored two goals to win. I remember watching that game and thinking, why don't we set up like that for the power play? You can't move the guy. He's bigger then any other player you have to screen the goalie. He can't keep the puck in the zone at the point. Why not put Seidenberg and Bergeron at the points and Chara down low? I think Julian needs to try this in game six again, if for no other reason then to give the Lightning a different look. What do they have to lose? It's not like the power play can get any worse.
Three wins down... one more to go. Let's hope the B's can wrap this thing up and save us the heart attack of a game seven.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Book Review: Taking The Field: A Fan's Quest to Run the Team He Loves
For whatever reason, I have been reviewing a bunch of baseball books lately. Most likely it has something to do with the start of the season, everyone is trying to get their baseball books out while people are still excited about the new season and a bunch of these books have found their way into my lap. The problem with reading a bunch of baseball books, or really books of any same genre, all together is they start to all sound the same. They share the same themes, the tell similar stories, they make all the same points. You start to struggle picking out what is actually a good book and what is just rehashed ideas because they begin to all blur together. I didn't have that problem with "Taking The Field," a book that felt as original as a book about baseball can be. That's not to say it didn't contain elements most baseball books contain. Howard Megdal, the book's author, talks about obtuse offensive stats, bemoans bad player trades, and shares fond ballpark memories, but does so in a voice, both passionate and humorous, that breaths new life into these old topics.
"Taking The Field" starts with the premise that Megdal is going to run for the office of New York Met's general manager, a position that is not an elected position. Part political platform, part passionate memoir, part team history, "Taking The Field" argues how Megdal can change the culture of his favorite team while telling it's tragic history and documenting his struggles passing this tortured love on to his new born daughter. With equal parts humor and love, Megdal shares his journeys from hardcore fan to general management candidate without getting too bogged down in boring baseball detail. He uses just enough stats to make his argument clear and convincing without losing those of us who have no idea what WORP is. The wonderful blend of team policies and blunders with personal family stories keeps the book feeling fresh and personal unlike a lot of sterile books of a similar nature.
This book is probably only for baseball enthusiasts. You have to have some interest in the history of the game, where it's future is headed, and all the statistical stuff that goes along to keep turning pages. As touching and fun as the memoir elements of the book are, they still center around baseball and its fandom and will not be enough to entertain someone who doesn't care about the game. But there has been no better book I've read this season that tackles these subjects. "Taking The Field" succeeds in every way that "The Extra 2%" failed. It deals with similar topics but makes them more interesting, uses the right examples to form a convincing argument and does all that in an entertaining and engaging manner. "Taking The Field" is a must read for any Met fan (which I am not) and a highly suggested read for any baseball enthusiast (which I certainly am).
"Taking The Field" starts with the premise that Megdal is going to run for the office of New York Met's general manager, a position that is not an elected position. Part political platform, part passionate memoir, part team history, "Taking The Field" argues how Megdal can change the culture of his favorite team while telling it's tragic history and documenting his struggles passing this tortured love on to his new born daughter. With equal parts humor and love, Megdal shares his journeys from hardcore fan to general management candidate without getting too bogged down in boring baseball detail. He uses just enough stats to make his argument clear and convincing without losing those of us who have no idea what WORP is. The wonderful blend of team policies and blunders with personal family stories keeps the book feeling fresh and personal unlike a lot of sterile books of a similar nature.
This book is probably only for baseball enthusiasts. You have to have some interest in the history of the game, where it's future is headed, and all the statistical stuff that goes along to keep turning pages. As touching and fun as the memoir elements of the book are, they still center around baseball and its fandom and will not be enough to entertain someone who doesn't care about the game. But there has been no better book I've read this season that tackles these subjects. "Taking The Field" succeeds in every way that "The Extra 2%" failed. It deals with similar topics but makes them more interesting, uses the right examples to form a convincing argument and does all that in an entertaining and engaging manner. "Taking The Field" is a must read for any Met fan (which I am not) and a highly suggested read for any baseball enthusiast (which I certainly am).
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Boston Bruins: Round Three Game Four (Lightning)
I was already to write my blog all about how the Bruins are looking like the best team in hockey and then the you know what hit the fan. Either the Lightning made some big changes in between periods or Boucher made a "Miracle" type speech or the Bruins just fell apart. I'm not sure what it was but after watching four games of this series I'm leaning towards the Bruins falling apart. There has only been one game in the last four that the Bruins have finished anywhere near as strong as they began. Each third period, with the exception of game 3, has felt like the Bruins are just trying to survive. Are the Lightning just better conditioned? It feels like it. The B's just don't seem to have the legs late in games that Tampa has.
The other thing to consider is that this Bruins team all year has had a tendency to go through spells of pure stupidity. Making bad passes, missing defensive assignments, taking stupid penalties. Luckily, Tim Thomas has been there more times then not to save the team's bacon, to cover up whatever series of mistakes they make. Yesterday was not one of those cases. It's hard to fault Thomas for anything that happens after the historic year he put in and all the times so far in the playoffs that he's been asked to stand on his head, but all but one of the Lightning goals were pretty weak. Even though the scoring chances were caused by bad decisions or stupid play, they were shots that Thomas would usually eat up. Julian seems to be the type of coach that never sits his veterans, something he's proving by keeping Kaberle on the ice night after night, but maybe if Thomas puts in another effort like this in the next game, he should think about giving Rask some minutes. We have the best one-two goaltending punch in hockey, it can't hurt to use it. Again, that's not saying anything bad about Thomas, just that maybe he needs a little rest and our backup would be starting on most other teams.
The next game is a big one, a must win for the Bruins. They need to come out strong and put a stop to whatever momentum Tampa is riding from this three goal comeback. Then they need to figure out how to keep that going for 60 minutes. They don't want to head back to Tampa, one game away from elimination, with Tampa feeling unbeatable.
The other thing to consider is that this Bruins team all year has had a tendency to go through spells of pure stupidity. Making bad passes, missing defensive assignments, taking stupid penalties. Luckily, Tim Thomas has been there more times then not to save the team's bacon, to cover up whatever series of mistakes they make. Yesterday was not one of those cases. It's hard to fault Thomas for anything that happens after the historic year he put in and all the times so far in the playoffs that he's been asked to stand on his head, but all but one of the Lightning goals were pretty weak. Even though the scoring chances were caused by bad decisions or stupid play, they were shots that Thomas would usually eat up. Julian seems to be the type of coach that never sits his veterans, something he's proving by keeping Kaberle on the ice night after night, but maybe if Thomas puts in another effort like this in the next game, he should think about giving Rask some minutes. We have the best one-two goaltending punch in hockey, it can't hurt to use it. Again, that's not saying anything bad about Thomas, just that maybe he needs a little rest and our backup would be starting on most other teams.
The next game is a big one, a must win for the Bruins. They need to come out strong and put a stop to whatever momentum Tampa is riding from this three goal comeback. Then they need to figure out how to keep that going for 60 minutes. They don't want to head back to Tampa, one game away from elimination, with Tampa feeling unbeatable.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Boston Bruins: Round Three Game Three (Lightning)
Before I get into last night's game I would just like to point out that people are reporting that Milan Lucic has been seen limping around off the ice. Now, I don't have any connections to the Bruins team. I don't spend any time in the locker room. I haven't even seen a live game all year. All I have to go by is what I see on TV, and not to toot my own horn, but I wrote last series (I thought it during the Montreal series but forgot to write about it) that Lucic was playing hurt. Just saying.
Last night was more like the Bruins I want to see the rest of the playoffs. They scored the goals they needed and shut the Lightning down on the defensive end of things. Thomas was solid, and thanks to much better defensive play, didn't have to make the phenomenal stand-on-his-head types of saves he was forced to make in game two. All that leads to a shutout of one of the best offensive teams in hockey. I have to give some credit to Chara. I'm not a huge fan and haven't been shy about it in this blog, but Chara stepped up last night and played the type of solid defensive game we needed him to. Whatever plagued the Bruins defense in game two was mostly gone last night and Chara seemed to be leading the change.
One person who still seems a little lost out there is Johnny Bochuck. I love Bochuck and I think he is going to grow into a solid NHL defensemen, but right now the Lightning are making him look like a pylon. I don't know if he is starting to tire out or what, but maybe Julian should give him a rest and give someone like Kemper a shot.
Two wins down, two more to go...
Last night was more like the Bruins I want to see the rest of the playoffs. They scored the goals they needed and shut the Lightning down on the defensive end of things. Thomas was solid, and thanks to much better defensive play, didn't have to make the phenomenal stand-on-his-head types of saves he was forced to make in game two. All that leads to a shutout of one of the best offensive teams in hockey. I have to give some credit to Chara. I'm not a huge fan and haven't been shy about it in this blog, but Chara stepped up last night and played the type of solid defensive game we needed him to. Whatever plagued the Bruins defense in game two was mostly gone last night and Chara seemed to be leading the change.
One person who still seems a little lost out there is Johnny Bochuck. I love Bochuck and I think he is going to grow into a solid NHL defensemen, but right now the Lightning are making him look like a pylon. I don't know if he is starting to tire out or what, but maybe Julian should give him a rest and give someone like Kemper a shot.
Two wins down, two more to go...
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Top 5: Beastie Boy Songs
This is a little late, but two weeks ago the Beastie Boys released their 8th studio album and the first in six years. In honor of one of the greatest music groups of all time, three men who revolutionized the music industry and how music is made, and their newest gem, this week's top 5 is Top 5 Favorite Beastie Boy Songs Of All Time...
5. Sure Shot (Ill Communication)
"I've more action than my man John Woo. And I've got more hits than Rod Carew"
A contender for my Top 5 First Tracks list, which I hope to write one day. Sure Shot sets the tone early for what is probably my favorite Beastie's album. It has all the elements of previous Beastie efforts thrown together. It's a straight up rap song with a typical punk rock structure. And by the way, is there a better flute sample in all of hip hop?
4. Girls (License To Ill)
"Girls- to do the dishes, Girls- to clean up my room, Girls- to do the laundry, Girls- and in the bathroom"
I don't know what it is about Girls, but it gets people out on the dance floor like no other. Even odder is girls go the craziest for it. Obviously they haven't actually listened to the lyrics because it's far from complementary. It's on the list primarily for this weird appeal, misplaced or not, but it's also one of my all time favorites. It's super simple, but upbeat and fun.
3. Paul Revere (License To Ill)
"Mike D. grabbed the money, MCA snatched the gold, I grabbed two girlies and a beer that's cold"
This is a classic. An early harbinger to what was going to come from three of the biggest rap pioneers. One of the staples of any Beastie Boy song is clever rhymes. Although this song's lyrics are a little juvenile, it's a great early example of what they had to offer.
2. Intergalactic (Hello Nasty)
"If you try to knock me you'll get mocked. I'll stir fry you in my wok. Your knees will start shaking and your fingers pop like a pinch on the neck from Mr. Spock."
Of all the Beastie's songs this one has my favorite rhymes. Released after a long hiatus, Intergalactic reminded us of all the genius we were missing out on. This song had the Beastie's jumping back into the music scene with a fury. Keeping with their revolutionary style, the boys found a way around paying for the sangs they sampled by sampling themselves. Intergalactic was not only a step forward in the evolution of the Beasties but in music as well.
1. Sabotage (Ill Communication)
"I can't stand rockin when I'm in this place because I feel disgraced when you're all in my face. But make no mistake and switch up my channel, I'm Buddy Rich when I fly off the handle"
I won't lie, there is no way the awesomeness of this songs video doesn't effect my ranking of the song. It's hard to separate my love of the video from the song itself. That being said, Sabotage was both groundbreaking in music and video. It took music video to a level it hadn't reached at the time, and in all honesty, I'm not sure it has reached since. As far as music goes, it was the first original song to truly blend rock and rap. Part of me thought of keeping it off the list because one could argue it paved the way for all the horrible rap/rock that defined early 2000 music. But ultimately I can't take away from music genius because of what it led to. Sabotage was genius, Nookie was crap and the second half of that equation had nothing to do with the Beastie Boys.
Honorable Mentions: Unite (Hello Nasty), So What'ca Want (Check Your Head), Hey Ladies (Paul's Boutique), Pass The Mic (Check Your Head), Brass Monkey (License To Ill)
5. Sure Shot (Ill Communication)
"I've more action than my man John Woo. And I've got more hits than Rod Carew"
A contender for my Top 5 First Tracks list, which I hope to write one day. Sure Shot sets the tone early for what is probably my favorite Beastie's album. It has all the elements of previous Beastie efforts thrown together. It's a straight up rap song with a typical punk rock structure. And by the way, is there a better flute sample in all of hip hop?
4. Girls (License To Ill)
"Girls- to do the dishes, Girls- to clean up my room, Girls- to do the laundry, Girls- and in the bathroom"
I don't know what it is about Girls, but it gets people out on the dance floor like no other. Even odder is girls go the craziest for it. Obviously they haven't actually listened to the lyrics because it's far from complementary. It's on the list primarily for this weird appeal, misplaced or not, but it's also one of my all time favorites. It's super simple, but upbeat and fun.
3. Paul Revere (License To Ill)
"Mike D. grabbed the money, MCA snatched the gold, I grabbed two girlies and a beer that's cold"
This is a classic. An early harbinger to what was going to come from three of the biggest rap pioneers. One of the staples of any Beastie Boy song is clever rhymes. Although this song's lyrics are a little juvenile, it's a great early example of what they had to offer.
2. Intergalactic (Hello Nasty)
"If you try to knock me you'll get mocked. I'll stir fry you in my wok. Your knees will start shaking and your fingers pop like a pinch on the neck from Mr. Spock."
Of all the Beastie's songs this one has my favorite rhymes. Released after a long hiatus, Intergalactic reminded us of all the genius we were missing out on. This song had the Beastie's jumping back into the music scene with a fury. Keeping with their revolutionary style, the boys found a way around paying for the sangs they sampled by sampling themselves. Intergalactic was not only a step forward in the evolution of the Beasties but in music as well.
1. Sabotage (Ill Communication)
"I can't stand rockin when I'm in this place because I feel disgraced when you're all in my face. But make no mistake and switch up my channel, I'm Buddy Rich when I fly off the handle"
I won't lie, there is no way the awesomeness of this songs video doesn't effect my ranking of the song. It's hard to separate my love of the video from the song itself. That being said, Sabotage was both groundbreaking in music and video. It took music video to a level it hadn't reached at the time, and in all honesty, I'm not sure it has reached since. As far as music goes, it was the first original song to truly blend rock and rap. Part of me thought of keeping it off the list because one could argue it paved the way for all the horrible rap/rock that defined early 2000 music. But ultimately I can't take away from music genius because of what it led to. Sabotage was genius, Nookie was crap and the second half of that equation had nothing to do with the Beastie Boys.
Honorable Mentions: Unite (Hello Nasty), So What'ca Want (Check Your Head), Hey Ladies (Paul's Boutique), Pass The Mic (Check Your Head), Brass Monkey (License To Ill)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Boston Bruins: Round Three Game Two (Lightening)
For two periods last night, the Bruins looked like world beaters. They were the first ones to all the loose pucks. They won all the battles on the boards. They dominated at the face-off circle. They were finding so much open ice it seemed like Tampa played the total of those periods shorthanded. When ever the defense slipped and let a Lightening player through (which happened more then I'd like) Thomas shut them down cold. The only thing that kept Boston from establishing an insurmountable lead was the play of Dwayne Roloson. And then the third period hit and everything changed. I'm not sure if it was a change of Tampa's game plan or a surge in their efforts or the Bruins just got tired, but all the advantages the Bruins had went away and once again Tim Thomas became the Bruins savior.
It's weird to save the goaltending was the difference in a 6-5 game, but it was. The Bruins could have easily been up 8 or 9 to 3 going into the third if Roloson didn't play so well early. I don't get what about the playoffs brings out the best in Roloson, who during the regular season over his whole career has been average at best, is beyond me, but it can't be argued once it hits April there's arguable no better goalie in hockey. But Thomas is making a strong case that he the best. He was amazing stopping multiple break outs during the first two periods, then stood on his head during the third as the Bruins started to fade and Tampa crept back into the game. I can honestly say it wasn't 6-5 because of the goaltending but because of the horrid defense.
It's weird how similar both Roloson and Thomas' careers are. Both had successful college careers at smaller New England schools. Both took 6 or 7 years toiling in the minors before they broke into the pros. Both are regularly looked at as unorthodox goalies. Roloson was 37 when he took his first team to the Cup finals. Thomas is 37 this year. Just saying.
The other obvious stand out was Seguin. Some people are starting to ask, why has it taken so long for the Bruins to find a place for him on the ice. Those of us who watched the kid all year know that he wasn't ready when the playoffs started. It would have been great to have his speed to answer that of Montreal's, but he wasn't showcasing the maturity or skill that we have seen the last two games when the playoffs started. Julian has a history of sitting young talent in the playoffs to light a fire and give them a chance to watch from the sky box before jumping into the fray. Ask Phil Kessel. It always seems to work. I don't know if it's because he has fresher legs or he was able to learn from watching, but Seguin is now playing like the player we hoped he would be all year. If he can keep it up and Bergeron comes back strong, this team just got much tougher to beat. Now if the defense can get their heads straight we'll be looking good.
It's weird to save the goaltending was the difference in a 6-5 game, but it was. The Bruins could have easily been up 8 or 9 to 3 going into the third if Roloson didn't play so well early. I don't get what about the playoffs brings out the best in Roloson, who during the regular season over his whole career has been average at best, is beyond me, but it can't be argued once it hits April there's arguable no better goalie in hockey. But Thomas is making a strong case that he the best. He was amazing stopping multiple break outs during the first two periods, then stood on his head during the third as the Bruins started to fade and Tampa crept back into the game. I can honestly say it wasn't 6-5 because of the goaltending but because of the horrid defense.
It's weird how similar both Roloson and Thomas' careers are. Both had successful college careers at smaller New England schools. Both took 6 or 7 years toiling in the minors before they broke into the pros. Both are regularly looked at as unorthodox goalies. Roloson was 37 when he took his first team to the Cup finals. Thomas is 37 this year. Just saying.
The other obvious stand out was Seguin. Some people are starting to ask, why has it taken so long for the Bruins to find a place for him on the ice. Those of us who watched the kid all year know that he wasn't ready when the playoffs started. It would have been great to have his speed to answer that of Montreal's, but he wasn't showcasing the maturity or skill that we have seen the last two games when the playoffs started. Julian has a history of sitting young talent in the playoffs to light a fire and give them a chance to watch from the sky box before jumping into the fray. Ask Phil Kessel. It always seems to work. I don't know if it's because he has fresher legs or he was able to learn from watching, but Seguin is now playing like the player we hoped he would be all year. If he can keep it up and Bergeron comes back strong, this team just got much tougher to beat. Now if the defense can get their heads straight we'll be looking good.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
How I Met Your Mother: Challenge Excepted
Ummm... uhhhh... wow. I really don't know what to say. That was arguable the worst season finale in the history of television. I know I commented that the show was limping toward the end of the season but I didn't expect them to finish with one of the worst episodes they've ever made. I had to double check and make sure it was, in fact, the last episode of the season because I couldn't fathom that they would end on such a horrible note. I don't remember laughing once. The stories were so obvious and cliche they packed no punch at all. It was simply bad sitcom television, something the writers of this show are much to talented to let happen.
The two biggest revelations were that Lilly is pregnant, something that was obvious to anyone with half a brain the minute she started throwing up, and that the wedding at the beginning of the season was Barney's. In all honesty, as much as I love Lilly and Marshal, the whole pregnant thing isn't compelling at all, so the fact that they finally conceived didn't have the punch I think the writers wanted or expected. As far as the Barney's wedding goes, I'm pretty sure the writers want us to believe he's marrying Nora, but if we've learned anything over the course of this show it's not to believe anything. Barney is either marrying Robin or is actually not getting married at all. That's what happens when you continually cry wolf or keep pulling the football away, eventually we, the audience, catch on and the trick doesn't work or loses whatever dramatic effect you intend. The Ted storyline, getting back together with Zoey, didn't make me any happier or was any more believable. Why would the writers put Ted back into the worst relationship they have put him into over the course of the show? It didn't have me asking, "what is he thinking," like his continuous returns to Laura Prepon's Karen, it just made me mad. Zoey is a horrible character, who made no sense in a relationship with Ted and made Ted less likable, which is saying a lot because he's been less then interesting the last few seasons, and the fact the writers might keep them going after ending the relationship was mind boggling and infuriating.
I know the writers have picked out an end date and are writing toward it, I can only pray that fact means the next two season will be more "Legandaddy" and less "Challenge Excepted". It makes me a little sad that they won't introduce the Mom and try the show with two couples, Robin, and Barney, but what are you going to do. Keep your fingers crossed that things don't get any worse then how this season ended.
The two biggest revelations were that Lilly is pregnant, something that was obvious to anyone with half a brain the minute she started throwing up, and that the wedding at the beginning of the season was Barney's. In all honesty, as much as I love Lilly and Marshal, the whole pregnant thing isn't compelling at all, so the fact that they finally conceived didn't have the punch I think the writers wanted or expected. As far as the Barney's wedding goes, I'm pretty sure the writers want us to believe he's marrying Nora, but if we've learned anything over the course of this show it's not to believe anything. Barney is either marrying Robin or is actually not getting married at all. That's what happens when you continually cry wolf or keep pulling the football away, eventually we, the audience, catch on and the trick doesn't work or loses whatever dramatic effect you intend. The Ted storyline, getting back together with Zoey, didn't make me any happier or was any more believable. Why would the writers put Ted back into the worst relationship they have put him into over the course of the show? It didn't have me asking, "what is he thinking," like his continuous returns to Laura Prepon's Karen, it just made me mad. Zoey is a horrible character, who made no sense in a relationship with Ted and made Ted less likable, which is saying a lot because he's been less then interesting the last few seasons, and the fact the writers might keep them going after ending the relationship was mind boggling and infuriating.
I know the writers have picked out an end date and are writing toward it, I can only pray that fact means the next two season will be more "Legandaddy" and less "Challenge Excepted". It makes me a little sad that they won't introduce the Mom and try the show with two couples, Robin, and Barney, but what are you going to do. Keep your fingers crossed that things don't get any worse then how this season ended.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Boston Bruins: Round Three Game One (Lightning)
In my last Bruins post I mentioned a couple things that worried me about this series, one, that the Bruins might have a problem getting up for Tampa, two, that the loss of Patrice Bergeron might be to big a loss to overcome. The emotion last night didn't seem to be much of a problem. The Bruins came out of the gate hard and looked like they were going to be a force. It could be argued the three goals Tampa scored in 1:30 was due to rust from not playing for over a week, but the Lightning sat for two days longer and they looked fine. No, the bigger problem was the lack of Bergeron in the line-up. Without his presence the Bruins are too weak up the middle, they lose a player who plays exceptionally well in both ends, something essential when playing an offensive force like Tampa. The HuLK line looked great and was flying all over the ice, but after that the Bruins didn't have much to show. No Bergeron to center the second (or first line depending how you look at it) leaves the Bruins with a huge gap between the talent level of their first and second lines, a gap that the Lightning will be able to take advantage of. And let's not forget the importance of Bergeron's ability to win face-offs, an extremely important part of the game that tends to get over looked.
The way Tampa played reminded me a lot of the Canadians. They jumped to an early lead and then shut down the Bruins with a trap the rest of the night. The problem is Tampa has more offensive talent then Montreal. If there were any good signs from last night it was that Tampa doesn't seem to be able to shut down the HuLK line like Montreal did. Even though they didn't have any points, that line was all over the ice, playing physical and putting the only consistent pressure on the Lightning all night. Other bright points were Seguin, who got two points in his first playoff game and looked very solid, and Johnny Boychuck, who was a physical force all night.
If the Bruins are going to win this series without Bergeron, they are going to have to avoid mental lapses and stupid mistakes like the 1:30 Tampa scored three goals. Without that lapse the Bruins win the game. The first goal is hard to fault. Seideneberg lost his stick and there wasn't much else he could have done with the puck, it was just unfortunate, but everything after that was fixable. The second goal was a soft one given up by Thomas, someone who is hard to blame with all the magnificent saves he makes, but was at fault none the less. You can't make the impossible saves and then let that one in. The third goal was easily Kaberle's fault. I'm not sure what the Bruins thought they were getting in this trade, but it's panning out to be horrible. Kaberle has done nothing to help the team and most times looks lost on the ice. Maybe, now that he's healthy, it's time to give Steve Kempfer a shot and sit Kaberle.
It's still early, the Bruins were down 2-0 in the first round, but there is going to have to be some changes if the Bruins are going to pull this out. Losing Bergeron is huge and hard to replace, but I think the team has the talent to hang in there, draw this series out and maybe give him an opportunity to get back on the ice this season. One game isn't the end, but now it's time to tighten the boot straps and get the job done.
The way Tampa played reminded me a lot of the Canadians. They jumped to an early lead and then shut down the Bruins with a trap the rest of the night. The problem is Tampa has more offensive talent then Montreal. If there were any good signs from last night it was that Tampa doesn't seem to be able to shut down the HuLK line like Montreal did. Even though they didn't have any points, that line was all over the ice, playing physical and putting the only consistent pressure on the Lightning all night. Other bright points were Seguin, who got two points in his first playoff game and looked very solid, and Johnny Boychuck, who was a physical force all night.
If the Bruins are going to win this series without Bergeron, they are going to have to avoid mental lapses and stupid mistakes like the 1:30 Tampa scored three goals. Without that lapse the Bruins win the game. The first goal is hard to fault. Seideneberg lost his stick and there wasn't much else he could have done with the puck, it was just unfortunate, but everything after that was fixable. The second goal was a soft one given up by Thomas, someone who is hard to blame with all the magnificent saves he makes, but was at fault none the less. You can't make the impossible saves and then let that one in. The third goal was easily Kaberle's fault. I'm not sure what the Bruins thought they were getting in this trade, but it's panning out to be horrible. Kaberle has done nothing to help the team and most times looks lost on the ice. Maybe, now that he's healthy, it's time to give Steve Kempfer a shot and sit Kaberle.
It's still early, the Bruins were down 2-0 in the first round, but there is going to have to be some changes if the Bruins are going to pull this out. Losing Bergeron is huge and hard to replace, but I think the team has the talent to hang in there, draw this series out and maybe give him an opportunity to get back on the ice this season. One game isn't the end, but now it's time to tighten the boot straps and get the job done.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
How I Met Your Mother: Landmarks
How I Met Your Mother is limping towards this season's finally. After an extremely strong run of episodes mid-season, it is beginning to look like the show runners certainly didn't save their best for last. Last night was another lack luster episode, short on laughs and totally lacking on any emotional level. Part of the problem, as far as I'm concerned, was a misjudgment over what should be the season's important storyline. The writer's struck gold with the death of Marshal's Dad and the search for Barney's father, but once those arcs were wrapped up all they had left was Ted's relationship with Zoey. Did anyone get invested in this relationship? Did anyone find it compelling or interesting? Even outside the fact that the show's structure told us the relationship was doomed, it was quite obvious that the relationship wouldn't work and the writer's really gave us nothing else to like about Zoey. How could a relationship last where one person finds a gross decrepit building more important then the career of their significant other? Could there have been lessons to be learned from such a relationship? Maybe, but all the writer's seemed to want to do with it was waste time. This should have been a minor story this season, much like Barney's relationship with Nora, and the other two should have wrapped the season up on a creative high note. All this season seemed to prove is that we need to meet Ted's wife ASAP. The whole point of the show was to tell the story of how Ted met his wife, but at this point there is nothing more irrelevant, aside from Robin, then Ted's love life. The other characters and their stories have become much more interesting and compelling. It's time to abandon the mystery, introduce the wife and get on with the show in a new and fresh direction.
A few high points... "Zoey has magical lady parts." A classic Barney line that had me laughing. "He has a lot of keys." An attempt to describe what Barney's job is. I really need to see if someone I know writes for this show. We used to always talk about how much power a person had at work by how many keys they had on their key ring. Bob Odenkirk, Barney's boss, was great in this episode. I've kind of felt like his comedic genius has been misused in this show, but the scene with him yelling at his new dog was great.
A few high points... "Zoey has magical lady parts." A classic Barney line that had me laughing. "He has a lot of keys." An attempt to describe what Barney's job is. I really need to see if someone I know writes for this show. We used to always talk about how much power a person had at work by how many keys they had on their key ring. Bob Odenkirk, Barney's boss, was great in this episode. I've kind of felt like his comedic genius has been misused in this show, but the scene with him yelling at his new dog was great.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Boston Bruins: Round Two Game 4 (Flyers)
That was a statement series. These aren't last year's Bruins and I don't know what else the team could have done to make that more clear then not just sweeping the team that knocked them out last season, but dominating every aspect of all four games. There was never a moment were I felt the Bruins weren't the best team on the ice. As much as the Bruins proved they weren't the same team from last year, the Flyers did much of the same. There was no fight in this Flyers team. Every time the Bruins took a lead, you could see the dejection in the Flyers play. I just knew by their play that this Flyers team wasn't coming back from 3 games down. They didn't have the fight in them.
There are a few things that worry me going forward. The Bruins had a lot of emotion invested in the last two series, one against their hater rival, the other against the team that knocked them out last year coming back from a 3-0 deficit, but there is no history with Tampa. How is this team going to play when they don't have something to prove? Not that the Stanley Cup isn't a huge carrot dangling in front of the team bus, but the Bruins have been playing with such emotional intensity that there has to be a let down at some point and a series against Tampa Bay seems the most obvious time. The good news is they dominated the Lighting during the regular season, Tampa's vaunted offense being no match for Boston's defense and goal tending. I just hope Julian can keep this team playing with such fierce intensity.
The other thing that worries me is a little more obvious, Patrice Bergeron. He's been the unheralded leader of this Bruins team, the guy who does all the dirty work on both ends of the ice, the guy who makes everyone he plays with better. He's far from flashy, but does everything at the highest level. He's never going to lead the NHL in points but I'm not sure this Bruins team can go without him. Everyone talks about Chara being the key to the team's success, but for my money Bergeron is the real engine behind the big machine. He's one of those players you don't realize the importance of until he's not there and for at least the next two games he's not going to be on the ice. We can only keep our fingers crossed, both for the immediate future of the team and for Patrice's long term health, that he will be back and fully healthy sooner then later.
One last note I've been meaning to mention since the end of the Montreal series. I think Lucic is playing hurt. He's looked more like the Lucic who played all of last year so far in the playoffs then the guy who played this season. He has short bursts of speed and some physical play, but he's been far from the guy who was flying all over the ice, hitting anything that gets in his way and scoring 30 goals. Even in the first goal last night he was basically just standing still waiting for something to come to him. It's just a thought. This is the time of year nobody likes to talk about being hurt and I just have a feeling about this one. I'm not going to be surprised if we hear about Lucic going under the knife once the Bruins season is over.
There are a few things that worry me going forward. The Bruins had a lot of emotion invested in the last two series, one against their hater rival, the other against the team that knocked them out last year coming back from a 3-0 deficit, but there is no history with Tampa. How is this team going to play when they don't have something to prove? Not that the Stanley Cup isn't a huge carrot dangling in front of the team bus, but the Bruins have been playing with such emotional intensity that there has to be a let down at some point and a series against Tampa Bay seems the most obvious time. The good news is they dominated the Lighting during the regular season, Tampa's vaunted offense being no match for Boston's defense and goal tending. I just hope Julian can keep this team playing with such fierce intensity.
The other thing that worries me is a little more obvious, Patrice Bergeron. He's been the unheralded leader of this Bruins team, the guy who does all the dirty work on both ends of the ice, the guy who makes everyone he plays with better. He's far from flashy, but does everything at the highest level. He's never going to lead the NHL in points but I'm not sure this Bruins team can go without him. Everyone talks about Chara being the key to the team's success, but for my money Bergeron is the real engine behind the big machine. He's one of those players you don't realize the importance of until he's not there and for at least the next two games he's not going to be on the ice. We can only keep our fingers crossed, both for the immediate future of the team and for Patrice's long term health, that he will be back and fully healthy sooner then later.
One last note I've been meaning to mention since the end of the Montreal series. I think Lucic is playing hurt. He's looked more like the Lucic who played all of last year so far in the playoffs then the guy who played this season. He has short bursts of speed and some physical play, but he's been far from the guy who was flying all over the ice, hitting anything that gets in his way and scoring 30 goals. Even in the first goal last night he was basically just standing still waiting for something to come to him. It's just a thought. This is the time of year nobody likes to talk about being hurt and I just have a feeling about this one. I'm not going to be surprised if we hear about Lucic going under the knife once the Bruins season is over.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Book Review: Bottom Of The 33rd: Hope, Redemption and Baseball's Longest Game
Is there such thing as too much baseball? At its heart, this is the question “Bottom Of The 33rd” tries to address. When do we get too much of a good thing? When do years of trying to turn playing a kid’s game into a career become too long? At what point does waiting for a break through, whither that break though is a base hit or a single run or a major league call up or the publicity your minor league team desperately needs become tedious. Dan Barry does a beautiful job framing this theme with the dozens of stories that made up the longest game in the history of baseball. By turning a spot light on not just the game that would not end, but the plight of the players, managers, owners, and fans, Barry paints a wonderful story about not just baseball but what drives people, what lengths they’ll go to reach a goal and when it all just becomes too much.
The book doesn’t answer the question directly but instead investigates when it becomes too much for each individual. It addresses the issue both literally and figuratively through the many stories Barry has to tell about the games participants. For many of the fans too much baseball came somewhere in the early hours of the morning as bitter cold made 20 innings of baseball to much to bear, but for a handful of others huddled in blankets on the cold bench seats 33 innings felt like just a start. For many players 10 plus years of struggling in the minors is enough to realize they don’t have what it takes to fulfill their dreams, yet for others this still wasn’t enough to call it quits. One of the funnier moments in the book comes when future Hall Of Famer, Wade Boggs, singles driving in the tying run in the bottom of the 21st. Boggs celebrates on second base because he prevented his team from losing while his teammates dejectedly slump on the bench in the dugout because he just kept the never ending game going. A wonderful contrast between the desire to win at any cost and the devastating effects a war of attrition has on the psyche.
There’s a good chance that I’m a little biased, after all I’m a huge Red Sox fan, I grew up going to games at McCoy Stadium, I own one (or ten) or the souvenir cups commemorating this game and there’s a good chance my grandfather was back up catcher Roger LaFrancois’ dad’s supervisor at Plastic Wire and Cable, but “Bottom Of The 33rd” is written in such a way that even people who aren’t fans of baseball will enjoy it. Instead of focusing on the intricacies of 33 innings of baseball, Barry decided to focus on the stories that surround it, making the book more about people then sports, turning is there such thing as too much baseball into is there such thing as too much of anything. And there are plenty of interesting stories to be told, from the players on the field, some struggling to get that one big chance to play in the pros, others on their way to the Hall Of Fame, to the commentator/GM sitting in the broadcast booth, to the umpires who followed the letter of the law making the game last longer then it should, to the fans who spent Easter eve into Easter morning watching history. “Bottom Of The 33rd” is as much about community as it is baseball.
Is there such thing as too much baseball? I’d still like to say no. I’d like to think I would be still sitting in those stands if I had to, but Dan Barry has come as close as anyone to making me think otherwise. His stories hit you in the heart and force you to ask yourself, what would I do, all the while celebrating our national pastime, our sense of community and our desire to reach out dreams. “Bottom Of The 33rd” should go down as one of the best baseball books ever written.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Boston Bruins: Round Two Game 3 (Flyers)
What makes this Bruins team so special is they can beat you in a number of ways. They can out score you, rushing up and down the ice in a fast paced shoot out. They can grind out a low scoring affair with heavy hitting and great goaltending. They can protect a lead with the trap. They can battle from behind with tenacity. They can fight, they can show finesse, and on days when the rest of the team doesn't show up their goaltenders can stand on their heads. The only aspect they can't seem to get their heads around being the power play. Each game of the Flyer series, so far, has shown a different side to this Bruins team. Each one ending with a B's victory. Some people may consider this type of play inconsistent, and at times it has felt that way, but at this point in the season I'd like to look at it as diverse. If it was just inconsistent, the B's would most likely have found themselves more times then not on the wrong side of the win column. But this team just keeps winning, or, at the very least, is never out of a game. The Bruins seem to know that they can't have every aspect of their game firing on full cylinders every day and have learned to adapt to whatever style of play is going to get them the w. I have to attribute this on some level to Claude Julian and his coaching staff, because what else could allow for such play other then preparation and conditioning? I haven't always agreed with Julian's decisions and his inability to craft anything that resembles a successful powerplay is a glaring hole in the Bruins game, but one can't deny how diverse a team he has built.
Is this team good enough to win a cup? That still remains to be seen. I feel like they will need a lot more then one powerplay goal the rest of the way if they want to hoist the cup. But all the pieces are certainly there. This team has something that most teams don't, a little bit of everything. My fingers are still crossed that there is no giant collapse like last year, but I like the match-up with Tampa and anything can happen in the finals. I won't make any bold predictions, I'm too superstitious, but I'm enjoying watching this team find new ways to win and hope they can keep entertaining me all the way into June.
Is this team good enough to win a cup? That still remains to be seen. I feel like they will need a lot more then one powerplay goal the rest of the way if they want to hoist the cup. But all the pieces are certainly there. This team has something that most teams don't, a little bit of everything. My fingers are still crossed that there is no giant collapse like last year, but I like the match-up with Tampa and anything can happen in the finals. I won't make any bold predictions, I'm too superstitious, but I'm enjoying watching this team find new ways to win and hope they can keep entertaining me all the way into June.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Top 5: Things Killing Bin Laden Didn't Solve
I try to not get political on this blog. I'd much rather stick to nice light hearted pop culture stuff, but the whole reaction in this country to the killing of Bin Laden stuck me wrong. I'm all for bad people being removed from the streets, I believe very much in the death penalty for people who commit evil crimes, but the parties in the streets and the chants of "USA" just seemed a little much. 10 years after 9/11 is just feels like there are bigger problems to be taken care of and the whole announcement seems to me to be a wagging the dog situation. Because of all that, I'm breaking from my usual pop culture lists and doing Top 5 Things Killing Bin Laden Didn't Solve...
5. Out of Control Gas Prices
I went down to the local gas station on Monday and checked. Instead of the killing of Bin Laden lowering the astronomical prices of gas, it actually went up another three cents. I'll start chanting "USA" at a Red Sox game when Obama finds a way to get my gas back down to $2 a gallon.
4. Huge Unemployment Rates
People tell me this is getting better, but I'm still pretty sure it's lower then its been in my life time and I'm also pretty sure Bin Laden had nothing to do with it. I realize it is much easier to party in the streets all night when you don't have a job to get to in the morning, but I think if you gave people the choice between finally getting Bin Laden or them having a job, they would choose the job.
3. Unpayable National Debt
Unless Obama made some deal with all the countries we owe money to that if we kill Bin Laden they will forgive all our debt, this is still a huge problem. I know that the chase for Bin Laden and the two wars that sprung out of that chase play a big role in that debt, but I also know that it didn't magically go away when he died. His death also didn't suddenly make all our politicians agree on how to solve the debt problem. We're still going to have tons of petty arguments gridlocking things from getting done.
2. Three Wars
When I woke up Monday morning, even though Bin Laden was dead, the country was still involved in three wars. Like I said before, I realize that in some part two of those wars sprung from our chase for Bin Laden, but his death didn't stop them from continuing. I'm not arguing whither we should be taking part in any of the wars or not, that's an argument for another time. I am pointing out the fact that we were partying in the streets and celebrating our country's superiority while we continued to be involved in three wars we can't seem to end.
1. Al Qaeda
I'm no expert on the Middle East. I haven't spent any real time researching terrorist groups. I've never talked to a member of Al Qaeda. All that being said, I'm pretty sure the death of Bin Laden does not mean the end of Al Qaeda. We've been chasing the guy for 10 years. Do you really think he didn't put in some contingency plan in case he died? I'll even go out on a limb and say Bin Laden hasn't even been running the group for years. Everything seems to point towards Bin Laden being a smart guy. I highly doubt when he sent those planes into the towers he didn't figure his time might be up soon. If anything I think we probably just pissed Al Qaeda off a little bit more. Let's save the party till we get rid of the whole group, not just one man.
Don't get me wrong, I support the US troops whole heartily. I am deeply honored that they put their lives in danger so we can continue living the life we lead. I am proud of their work getting rid of this very dangerous man. It needed to be done and they made it happen. My problem is with our country's reaction. It felt like baseball teams that pop the Champagne bottles in the locker room after winning the first round of the playoffs. What are you celebrating? There's still a lot of work left to do.
5. Out of Control Gas Prices
I went down to the local gas station on Monday and checked. Instead of the killing of Bin Laden lowering the astronomical prices of gas, it actually went up another three cents. I'll start chanting "USA" at a Red Sox game when Obama finds a way to get my gas back down to $2 a gallon.
4. Huge Unemployment Rates
People tell me this is getting better, but I'm still pretty sure it's lower then its been in my life time and I'm also pretty sure Bin Laden had nothing to do with it. I realize it is much easier to party in the streets all night when you don't have a job to get to in the morning, but I think if you gave people the choice between finally getting Bin Laden or them having a job, they would choose the job.
3. Unpayable National Debt
Unless Obama made some deal with all the countries we owe money to that if we kill Bin Laden they will forgive all our debt, this is still a huge problem. I know that the chase for Bin Laden and the two wars that sprung out of that chase play a big role in that debt, but I also know that it didn't magically go away when he died. His death also didn't suddenly make all our politicians agree on how to solve the debt problem. We're still going to have tons of petty arguments gridlocking things from getting done.
2. Three Wars
When I woke up Monday morning, even though Bin Laden was dead, the country was still involved in three wars. Like I said before, I realize that in some part two of those wars sprung from our chase for Bin Laden, but his death didn't stop them from continuing. I'm not arguing whither we should be taking part in any of the wars or not, that's an argument for another time. I am pointing out the fact that we were partying in the streets and celebrating our country's superiority while we continued to be involved in three wars we can't seem to end.
1. Al Qaeda
I'm no expert on the Middle East. I haven't spent any real time researching terrorist groups. I've never talked to a member of Al Qaeda. All that being said, I'm pretty sure the death of Bin Laden does not mean the end of Al Qaeda. We've been chasing the guy for 10 years. Do you really think he didn't put in some contingency plan in case he died? I'll even go out on a limb and say Bin Laden hasn't even been running the group for years. Everything seems to point towards Bin Laden being a smart guy. I highly doubt when he sent those planes into the towers he didn't figure his time might be up soon. If anything I think we probably just pissed Al Qaeda off a little bit more. Let's save the party till we get rid of the whole group, not just one man.
Don't get me wrong, I support the US troops whole heartily. I am deeply honored that they put their lives in danger so we can continue living the life we lead. I am proud of their work getting rid of this very dangerous man. It needed to be done and they made it happen. My problem is with our country's reaction. It felt like baseball teams that pop the Champagne bottles in the locker room after winning the first round of the playoffs. What are you celebrating? There's still a lot of work left to do.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
How I Met Your Mother: The Perfect Cocktail
I wasn't going to write anything about this episode, there really wasn't much to say, but I felt I started this thing, I have to finish. The episode was OK. It didn't offend me but at the same time had nothing that really hit my funny bone or my heart. The liqueur storyline fell a little flat. It had some small moments but the potential for laughs was far higher then the execution. I liked the call back to the cock-a-mouse, but it felt like it was just thrown in to please those of us who like call backs. It could have played so much bigger a role in the storyline but instead it was just a random throw in.
I don't get why Zoey would be so grossed out she had to leave the building, but she still wants to save it, childhood memories or not. It seemed to me, the point of them staying there is the first place was for Ted to show her it wasn't worth saving, which he did, yet they're still going to try to save it. I'm missing something.
I also thought the booth joke missed as well. Do all these people live at the bar? It just so happens that every time this girl and her friends are there, so are the Lilly and Robin? If the gang is always in that booth how would anyone else know that's the booth they want? And what's going on with Robin? I feel like the writers have just forgotten about her. They've given her one or two moments all season. I really feel like they have no idea what to do with her, leaving her as this side character with no story and no good jokes. It's a shame.
I think there's only two episodes left this season. Let's hope they can end with a bang.
I don't get why Zoey would be so grossed out she had to leave the building, but she still wants to save it, childhood memories or not. It seemed to me, the point of them staying there is the first place was for Ted to show her it wasn't worth saving, which he did, yet they're still going to try to save it. I'm missing something.
I also thought the booth joke missed as well. Do all these people live at the bar? It just so happens that every time this girl and her friends are there, so are the Lilly and Robin? If the gang is always in that booth how would anyone else know that's the booth they want? And what's going on with Robin? I feel like the writers have just forgotten about her. They've given her one or two moments all season. I really feel like they have no idea what to do with her, leaving her as this side character with no story and no good jokes. It's a shame.
I think there's only two episodes left this season. Let's hope they can end with a bang.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Boston Bruins: Round Two Game 1 (Flyers)
After seven games of fighting for every inch of ice and every goal scored, it's nice to get a break. I didn't get a chance to watch any of the Flyers/Sabers series, so I don't know if Philly's play was a lack of intensity or a lack of energy, but there was no doubt the Bruins were playing on another level. After seven games of fighting and scrapping, of having to play at their very best for 60 minutes or more every game, yesterday it looked like the Bruins didn't know any other way to play other then in 5th gear. As a fan it was quite a relief to not have to sit on the edge of my seat for three hours, I can only imagine how great it felt for the players.
The only danger going forward is to make sure we don't drop our level of play to our opponent. There were moments near the end of the game when the B's seemed to get a little sloppy and they can't let that happen. They can't start taking shifts off because the level of play isn't as intense, that's when you start blowing a 3 games to none lead. Julien's main goal needs to be keeping his players as focused and intense as they were the last seven games. The problem with facing a team like Montreal, a bitter rival with years of history behind them, in the first round is no series for the rest of the playoffs will carry the same emotion. It's up to the coach's to make sure this doesn't lead to a drop in play. It worked for one game in a huge way. Let's hope they can keep it up for three more.
The only danger going forward is to make sure we don't drop our level of play to our opponent. There were moments near the end of the game when the B's seemed to get a little sloppy and they can't let that happen. They can't start taking shifts off because the level of play isn't as intense, that's when you start blowing a 3 games to none lead. Julien's main goal needs to be keeping his players as focused and intense as they were the last seven games. The problem with facing a team like Montreal, a bitter rival with years of history behind them, in the first round is no series for the rest of the playoffs will carry the same emotion. It's up to the coach's to make sure this doesn't lead to a drop in play. It worked for one game in a huge way. Let's hope they can keep it up for three more.
Boston Bruins: Round One Game 7 (Canadians)
This is a little late, but here it is anyway...
I'm an "old school" Boston sport fan, the type that has an abundance of hope but a fatalistic attitude, the type that grew up never seeing a championship (other then the Celtics who don't really fit into the rest of the Boston sports world) but did see plenty of heartbreak, the type that believes in curses and won't say "I think we can win this" because the minute he does the game is lost. No matter what has happened over the last ten years, as much as we said it was going to change, these feelings and thoughts haven't left. The Red Sox and Patriots haven't changed the attitudes and hearts of us old curmudgeons, they've just made the future brighter for those that never saw the ball go through Buckner's legs or Tony Eason take a sack... or Montreal score a power play goal on a stupid penalty late in the game. So, when Bergeron's stick popped into the air and James Wisniewski's head flew back as if hit with a metal chair with only three minutes to go and the Bruins clinging to a one goal lead, I knew it was over. How could it not? We've seen it before. Too many men on the ice, anyone? Guy Lafleur ring any bells?
The thing is, this isn't the same Boston sports I grew up with. Something has changed. Boston teams aren't expected to lose this way anymore. We broke the curse or figured it out or whatever. So as devastating as it was for us "old school" fans to see P.K. Subban blast the tying goal over Thomas' shoulder, as loudly as we all yelled out, "here we go again," all hope wasn't lost. The new school fan had no problem watching overtime because they didn't know what we knew, they hadn't lived through what we lived through. They had no idea that life wasn't all championship wins and overcoming 3-0 deficits. And they certainly had no idea that this is what Montreal does, they crush Bruin fan's dreams. I'm sure none of them had the eternal "old school" debate with themselves, should I just turn the game off now or should I keep watching? A debate always won by the continue watching side because actually watching the painful collapse even though you know it's coming was what being a Boston sports fan was all about.
Of all people, Nathan Horton saved the day, the guy I've been blasting all series long for not being there. The "old school" Boston fan tends to search out goats. Who's going to disappear when we need them most? But this isn't the case anymore. People who haven't done anything for 60 minutes now step up in those final moments to get the job done. It's still hard for me to except this. I still want to defend all my comments about Horton. I mean, if the guy played like we know he can, like we pay him to, there wouldn't have been an overtime. But the fact of the matter is, twice in the series, when push came to shove, Horton was there in position, letting the shot go, scoring the goal when we needed him to. A "new school" fan wouldn't question that this will happen. They've seen it work out for the best more times then not.
I have to keep reminding myself, it's a new day and age in Boston sports. Just because the Canadian's tied the game on a cheap penalty in the closing minutes of the game does not mean it's over. In fact, it's just the opposite, it's a rallying point. Now the Bruins bear down and make sure the job gets done. The corpse may have stood up when we thought it was dead, but that doesn't mean we can't drive the steak a little deeper or just cut the head off. In this new day and age Boston sport teams can prevail, even against the Canadians and the Yankees of the world. And last night that is just what they did, prevail.
Next up is Philly, a team even the "new school" fan has to be a little leery of. It was just last year that the Bruins blew a 3-0 game lead to them. Somewhere in their DNA there has to be a small voice muttering "here we go again." I'd like to say that I'm eager for revenge, that I see this as the perfect storybook opportunity for the B's to redeem themselves, but I'm to "old school" for that. I'll wait for the corpse to be dead and buried before I start talking about redemption.
I'm an "old school" Boston sport fan, the type that has an abundance of hope but a fatalistic attitude, the type that grew up never seeing a championship (other then the Celtics who don't really fit into the rest of the Boston sports world) but did see plenty of heartbreak, the type that believes in curses and won't say "I think we can win this" because the minute he does the game is lost. No matter what has happened over the last ten years, as much as we said it was going to change, these feelings and thoughts haven't left. The Red Sox and Patriots haven't changed the attitudes and hearts of us old curmudgeons, they've just made the future brighter for those that never saw the ball go through Buckner's legs or Tony Eason take a sack... or Montreal score a power play goal on a stupid penalty late in the game. So, when Bergeron's stick popped into the air and James Wisniewski's head flew back as if hit with a metal chair with only three minutes to go and the Bruins clinging to a one goal lead, I knew it was over. How could it not? We've seen it before. Too many men on the ice, anyone? Guy Lafleur ring any bells?
The thing is, this isn't the same Boston sports I grew up with. Something has changed. Boston teams aren't expected to lose this way anymore. We broke the curse or figured it out or whatever. So as devastating as it was for us "old school" fans to see P.K. Subban blast the tying goal over Thomas' shoulder, as loudly as we all yelled out, "here we go again," all hope wasn't lost. The new school fan had no problem watching overtime because they didn't know what we knew, they hadn't lived through what we lived through. They had no idea that life wasn't all championship wins and overcoming 3-0 deficits. And they certainly had no idea that this is what Montreal does, they crush Bruin fan's dreams. I'm sure none of them had the eternal "old school" debate with themselves, should I just turn the game off now or should I keep watching? A debate always won by the continue watching side because actually watching the painful collapse even though you know it's coming was what being a Boston sports fan was all about.
Of all people, Nathan Horton saved the day, the guy I've been blasting all series long for not being there. The "old school" Boston fan tends to search out goats. Who's going to disappear when we need them most? But this isn't the case anymore. People who haven't done anything for 60 minutes now step up in those final moments to get the job done. It's still hard for me to except this. I still want to defend all my comments about Horton. I mean, if the guy played like we know he can, like we pay him to, there wouldn't have been an overtime. But the fact of the matter is, twice in the series, when push came to shove, Horton was there in position, letting the shot go, scoring the goal when we needed him to. A "new school" fan wouldn't question that this will happen. They've seen it work out for the best more times then not.
I have to keep reminding myself, it's a new day and age in Boston sports. Just because the Canadian's tied the game on a cheap penalty in the closing minutes of the game does not mean it's over. In fact, it's just the opposite, it's a rallying point. Now the Bruins bear down and make sure the job gets done. The corpse may have stood up when we thought it was dead, but that doesn't mean we can't drive the steak a little deeper or just cut the head off. In this new day and age Boston sport teams can prevail, even against the Canadians and the Yankees of the world. And last night that is just what they did, prevail.
Next up is Philly, a team even the "new school" fan has to be a little leery of. It was just last year that the Bruins blew a 3-0 game lead to them. Somewhere in their DNA there has to be a small voice muttering "here we go again." I'd like to say that I'm eager for revenge, that I see this as the perfect storybook opportunity for the B's to redeem themselves, but I'm to "old school" for that. I'll wait for the corpse to be dead and buried before I start talking about redemption.
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