The Tampa Bay Lightning offense continues to work like a well oiled machine, and the scary thing is it still doesnt feel like they have completely clicked. They appear to have even solved the second period woes that have haunted them in the first four games. After Stamkos got the bolts on the board with an aggressive rebound shot, the Panthers tied it on a fluke goal just fifteen seconds later. Instead of folding up, the Bolts responded to retake the lead less than two minutes later. Early in the second Tom Pyatt extended the lead to 3-1 and from there it was cruise control for the Bolts who coasted into protect the lead mode and still managed two goals in that situation.
The Bolts have a +14 goal differential, best in the Eastern Conference by a very wide margin, second place is +7.
Both of the Panthers goals were unassisted and somewhat fluky. Cory Conacher was robbed of what should have been a second period goal. The final score really could have and probably should have been 6-0.
two more power play goals for the Bolts has them at a even 30% clip on the season. For a team scoring 4.8 per game thats actually lower than projected. Shows how lethal this team is even at even strength.
Cory Conacher continued his calder cup campaign with a goal and an assist. Again, should have been two, but Im not bitter.
The Penalty Kill has been 10 for 10 the past two games and now stands at over 86%
the Special teams index for the Lightning is 117% so far this year. Anything over 100 is above average, over 110% is sensational. 117 is unexplainable.
As for that much maligned second period, the Bolts won it 2-0
Sami Salo another +1 to give him a NHL high +10 for the season
This team is special man, Im falling in love with them more and more every game.
And the rest of the division went 0-3 tonight meaning the Bolts gained a full 2 points on every team in the division! and the pens got blown out to an inferior team! at home! could this night get any better?
3 stars standings
Cory Conacher: 5 points
Mathieu Garon: 2 points
Vincent Lecavalier: 8 points
Martin St Louis: 5 points
Ryan Malone: 3 points
Sami Salo: 4 points
Dana Tyrell: 1 point
Tom Pyatt: 2 points
Southeast Standings
1. Lightning: 10 points
2. Jets: 7 points
3. Hurricanes: 4 points
4. Capitals: 3 points
5. Panthers: 2 points
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Game 6: Florida Panthers (1-4-0) At Tampa Bay Lightning (4-1-0)
The Florida Panthers are the defending southeast division champions, but you wouldnt know it the way they are playing to start this season. The Panthers have lost four in a row, including a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of the Flyers in their last game, the same team the Lightning just thrashed 5-1. The Bolts on the other hand with a win tonight would be off to their best six game start since the 03-04 season, otherwise known as the Stanley cup season. This meeting will be the first of five Bolts-Panthers game this season, and first of three at the Tampa Times forum, with the other two at the litter box. The Panthers are the only team in the league to visit the forum more than twice this year.
Part of the problem for the Panthers on their losing streak has been offensive inpetitude. Since scoring four goals in the opening period of the season, they have scored four goals in their last fourteen periods. They hope that the return of Versteeg tonight, who has been out with a groin injury, will help get some of that offensive spark back.
the Panthers top line this season has combined for four points, the Bolts top line has combined for 27 points. That is probably the most telling stat as to how the season has gone for these two teams this far.
Head to Head
Goals per game: Panthers: 1.6 (30th in NHL) Lightning: 4.8 (1st in NHL)
Goals against per game: Panthers: 3.8 (29th in NHL) Lightning: 2.6 (10th in NHL)
Shots per game: Panthers: 28.2 (23rd in NHL) Lightning: 28.6 (21st in NHL)
Shots against per game: Panthers: 35.0 (29th in NHL) Lightning: 34.2 (27th in NHL)
Save Percentage: Panthers: .891 (21st in NHL) Lightning: .924 (6th in NHL)
Power Play: Panthers: 19.2% (17th in NHL) Lightning 28% (5th in NHL)
Penalty Kill: Panthers: 76.9% (20th in NHL) Lightning 84.6% (11th in NHL)
Around the southeast: The Jets travel to Montreal to take on the Canadians, and the Caps are north of the border as well to battle the Senators. The Canes have the day off to recover from their tough loss last night.
Part of the problem for the Panthers on their losing streak has been offensive inpetitude. Since scoring four goals in the opening period of the season, they have scored four goals in their last fourteen periods. They hope that the return of Versteeg tonight, who has been out with a groin injury, will help get some of that offensive spark back.
the Panthers top line this season has combined for four points, the Bolts top line has combined for 27 points. That is probably the most telling stat as to how the season has gone for these two teams this far.
Head to Head
Goals per game: Panthers: 1.6 (30th in NHL) Lightning: 4.8 (1st in NHL)
Goals against per game: Panthers: 3.8 (29th in NHL) Lightning: 2.6 (10th in NHL)
Shots per game: Panthers: 28.2 (23rd in NHL) Lightning: 28.6 (21st in NHL)
Shots against per game: Panthers: 35.0 (29th in NHL) Lightning: 34.2 (27th in NHL)
Save Percentage: Panthers: .891 (21st in NHL) Lightning: .924 (6th in NHL)
Power Play: Panthers: 19.2% (17th in NHL) Lightning 28% (5th in NHL)
Penalty Kill: Panthers: 76.9% (20th in NHL) Lightning 84.6% (11th in NHL)
Around the southeast: The Jets travel to Montreal to take on the Canadians, and the Caps are north of the border as well to battle the Senators. The Canes have the day off to recover from their tough loss last night.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Big Ten Week 5 Picks
I went 9-3 in Week 4, putting me at 32-12 on the season.
Tuesday
Wisconsin at Ohio St: Pick: Ohio St
Nebraska at Minnesota: Pick: Minnesota
Wednesday
Northwestern at Michigan: Pick: Michigan
Indiana at Purdue: Pick:Indiana
Thursday
Illinois at Michigan St: Pick: Michigan St
Penn st at Iowa: Pick: Iowa
Saturday
Purdue at Northwestern: Pick: Northwestern
Ohio st at Nebraska: Pick: Ohio st
Michigan at Indiana: Pick: Indiana
Sunday
Iowa at Minnesota: Pick: Minnesota
Wisconsin at Illinois: Pick: Illinois
Big Ten Standings
1. Michigan: 6-1
2. Indiana: 6-1
3. Michigan St: 5-2
4. Ohio st: 5-2
5. Wisconsin: 5-2
6. Purdue:4-3
7. Minnesota: 3-4
8. Northwestern: 3-5
9. Illinois: 2-5
10. Iowa: 2-5
11. Nebraska: 2-6
12. Penn St: 0-8
Tuesday
Wisconsin at Ohio St: Pick: Ohio St
Nebraska at Minnesota: Pick: Minnesota
Wednesday
Northwestern at Michigan: Pick: Michigan
Indiana at Purdue: Pick:Indiana
Thursday
Illinois at Michigan St: Pick: Michigan St
Penn st at Iowa: Pick: Iowa
Saturday
Purdue at Northwestern: Pick: Northwestern
Ohio st at Nebraska: Pick: Ohio st
Michigan at Indiana: Pick: Indiana
Sunday
Iowa at Minnesota: Pick: Minnesota
Wisconsin at Illinois: Pick: Illinois
Big Ten Standings
1. Michigan: 6-1
2. Indiana: 6-1
3. Michigan St: 5-2
4. Ohio st: 5-2
5. Wisconsin: 5-2
6. Purdue:4-3
7. Minnesota: 3-4
8. Northwestern: 3-5
9. Illinois: 2-5
10. Iowa: 2-5
11. Nebraska: 2-6
12. Penn St: 0-8
Penalty Kill ignites Lightning to 5-1 romp
To put it mildly, Sunday nights game against the Flyers did not at all start the way the Lightning wanted it to. For starters, Lindback allowed in a soft goal less than a minute into the game, and then 7:15 into the game, BJ Crombeen was called for a triple minor, meaning the Lightning were put on a four minute penalty kill, already down a goal. The Lightning had two options, fold up, give up a power play goal and call it a night, or fight on the long PK and gain momentum. They chose the latter, and they chose it in a loud way. The penalty kill was one of the most impressive Ive seen for some time. The Bolts stifled the Flyers cold the whole four minutes, and when it was over the crowd rose to their feet in appreciation. The momentum swing from that kill opened the way for three first period goals in a four minute twenty one second span. The much maligned second period was much better tonight, the Bolts did get outshot 11-5 in the period, but the score for the period was 0-0, a large improvement. Then Hedman provided the dagger as he tapped in a rebound less than a minute into the third for a 4-1 lead. Stamkos tacked on his third of the year later to make it officially a blowout.
This was, far and away, the Bolts best game of the season. 60 solid minutes of dominating hockey against a very good team. Its really starting to look like this could be a special season for the Bolts, and people are starting to take notice. Even Barry Melrose said last night that this team was for real. When Barry Melrose, who openly hates the Lightning (we hate you too Barry), admits the Bolts are good, people should take notice.
It was the second straight game where the Lightning ended a two game or longer winning streak by their opponent. These arent pushover teams or cold teams that they are beating.
Lecavalier got in his first fight since 2009, and he made it a good one. This can also be looked on as a momentum booster along with the four minute PK
The Penalty kill wasn't just dominant in the first period double minor. It was dominant all night long. The Flyers went 0-6 on the power play and the effort from the Lightning rose their penalty kill percentage on the season from 80% to 84.6%.
The Lightning outshot their opponent for the first time this season, 26-25.
Sami Salo picked up two more assists. It's really starting to look like this pickup was a good quality under the radar signing.
The Bolts are averaging 4.8 goals per game through five games, number one in the NHL. obviously 4.8 goals per game isn't sustainable over the course of a season, but its fun to watch while it lasts. Just a note, the most prolific offense in the NHL over the past 25 years was the 2005-06 Ottawa Senators who averaged 3.8 goals per game. I could see the Lightning contending with that, but only because its a short season.
The Lightning blocked 26 shots, compared to just 8 from the Flyers. This is a tad concerning though, because it means the Lightning only attempted 33 shots, a very low number.
Steven Stamkos has a point in all five games this season
Cory Conachers four game point streak came to an end.
St Louis picked up four assists.
3 star standings
Cory Conacher: 2 points
Mathieu Garon: 2 points
Vincent Lecavalier: 8 points
Martin St Louis: 5 points
Ryan Malone: 3 points
Sami Salo: 4 points
Southeast standings
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 8 points
2. Winnipeg Jets: 7 points
3. Carolina Hurricanes: 4 points
4. Washington Capitals: 3 points
5. Florida Panthers: 2 points
Not only are the Lightning in sole possession of first place in the division, they have sole place in the Eastern Conference as well. The Bolts take on the last place Panthers tomorrow night.
This was, far and away, the Bolts best game of the season. 60 solid minutes of dominating hockey against a very good team. Its really starting to look like this could be a special season for the Bolts, and people are starting to take notice. Even Barry Melrose said last night that this team was for real. When Barry Melrose, who openly hates the Lightning (we hate you too Barry), admits the Bolts are good, people should take notice.
It was the second straight game where the Lightning ended a two game or longer winning streak by their opponent. These arent pushover teams or cold teams that they are beating.
Lecavalier got in his first fight since 2009, and he made it a good one. This can also be looked on as a momentum booster along with the four minute PK
The Penalty kill wasn't just dominant in the first period double minor. It was dominant all night long. The Flyers went 0-6 on the power play and the effort from the Lightning rose their penalty kill percentage on the season from 80% to 84.6%.
The Lightning outshot their opponent for the first time this season, 26-25.
Sami Salo picked up two more assists. It's really starting to look like this pickup was a good quality under the radar signing.
The Bolts are averaging 4.8 goals per game through five games, number one in the NHL. obviously 4.8 goals per game isn't sustainable over the course of a season, but its fun to watch while it lasts. Just a note, the most prolific offense in the NHL over the past 25 years was the 2005-06 Ottawa Senators who averaged 3.8 goals per game. I could see the Lightning contending with that, but only because its a short season.
The Lightning blocked 26 shots, compared to just 8 from the Flyers. This is a tad concerning though, because it means the Lightning only attempted 33 shots, a very low number.
Steven Stamkos has a point in all five games this season
Cory Conachers four game point streak came to an end.
St Louis picked up four assists.
3 star standings
Cory Conacher: 2 points
Mathieu Garon: 2 points
Vincent Lecavalier: 8 points
Martin St Louis: 5 points
Ryan Malone: 3 points
Sami Salo: 4 points
Southeast standings
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 8 points
2. Winnipeg Jets: 7 points
3. Carolina Hurricanes: 4 points
4. Washington Capitals: 3 points
5. Florida Panthers: 2 points
Not only are the Lightning in sole possession of first place in the division, they have sole place in the Eastern Conference as well. The Bolts take on the last place Panthers tomorrow night.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Game 5: Philadelphia Flyers (2-3-0) Vs Tampa Bay Lightning (3-1-0)
The Lightning look to continue their hot start as their five game homestand continues sunday night against the Flyers. We documented the Lightnings failures against the Senators over the past ten years, but with Philly it has been just the opposite. The Lightning have been masters over the Flyers as of late, including a 3-0-1 record last year. lindback will once again get the start in net.
Head to Head
Goals Per game: Flyers: 2.4 (21st) Lightning: 4.8 (1st)
Against: Flyers: 2.6 (13th) Lightning: 3.0 (15th)
Power Play: Flyers: 16% (20th) Lightning: 25% (10th)
Penalty Kill: Flyers: 70.8% (24th) Lightning: 80% (13th)
Around the southeast: Caps still looking for first win Vs Buffalo, Jets face the Islanders at home.
Head to Head
Goals Per game: Flyers: 2.4 (21st) Lightning: 4.8 (1st)
Against: Flyers: 2.6 (13th) Lightning: 3.0 (15th)
Power Play: Flyers: 16% (20th) Lightning: 25% (10th)
Penalty Kill: Flyers: 70.8% (24th) Lightning: 80% (13th)
Around the southeast: Caps still looking for first win Vs Buffalo, Jets face the Islanders at home.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Lightning erase two goal deficit to win 6-4.
Another big offensive outburst has woke people up as to just how lethal this offense may be. Down 4-2 and their backs against the wall, the Lightning railed off three goals in an impressive rally, and added an empty netter at the end, to win 6-4. Matt Carle opened the scoring for the Bolts just 1:09 into the game for an early lead, Ottawa tied the game early in the second, and the score hung tight 1-1 late in the period. I honestly thought this was looking to be a 2-1 or 3-1 game at this point. I was in no way prepared for the outburst that ensued. The Senators scored two goals in 15 seconds to take a 3-1 lead. Just fifteen seconds after that the Bolts got one back to make it a one goal game. When Ottawa extended the lead back to 2, Tampa scored just 40 second later to make it a one goal game again. In all, the two teams combined for five goals in three minutes, 40 seconds. In the third period, it was the Ryan Malone show. Malone tied the game early in the third, then put the Bolts ahead for good on a deflection with 7:02 remaining. The two goal period earned Malone the number one star of the game.
So here we are, a 3-1 start, an amazing 4.8 goals per game, and a two goal comeback, something that always defines a character win. That doesnt mean there wasnt cause for concern though, here are some points to consider:
The Lighning allowed 36 shots, just below their season average, which ranks 28th in the league. That number really needs to come down. The defense looked downright bad at times.
Victor Hedman: Really looked like a traffic cone two of the Senators goals. He answered with one his own, but the defense is what is concerning.
2nd period: The Lightning have been marvelous in the first and third periods this year, but downright atrocious in the 2nd. In four games this season the Bolts have been outscored 10-3 in the second period. In the first and third combined they've outscored their opponent 16-2. Its perplexing how they can be so bad in the 2nd, but dominant in the other two periods. The answer is its probably a short term coincidence, but we'll have to see if the trend continues.
Lets look at a couple things that looked promising for the team
Sami Salo: two assists and a team leading +5. One of the big vet signings this year could really pay off for the Bolts.
Cory Conacher continues his hot start with a point in all four games now this season
That along with the obvious of Malone and Stamkos looking good, and Ill take this game as a positive. Four goals against in one period is not good, but once again when Lindback needed to make big stops, he did.
3 star standings
Cory Conacher: 2 points
Mathieu Garon: 2 points
Vincent Lecavalier: 5 points
Martin St Louis: 4 points
Ryan Malone: 3 points
Sami Salo: 2 points
Southeast Standings
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 6 points
2. Winnipeg Jets: 5 points
3. Carolina Hurricanes: 4 points
4. Florida Panthers: 2 points
5. Washington Capitals: 1 point
Love seeing the craps in last place, but cant believe they got a point out of tonights game, they should still be at 0.
So here we are, a 3-1 start, an amazing 4.8 goals per game, and a two goal comeback, something that always defines a character win. That doesnt mean there wasnt cause for concern though, here are some points to consider:
The Lighning allowed 36 shots, just below their season average, which ranks 28th in the league. That number really needs to come down. The defense looked downright bad at times.
Victor Hedman: Really looked like a traffic cone two of the Senators goals. He answered with one his own, but the defense is what is concerning.
2nd period: The Lightning have been marvelous in the first and third periods this year, but downright atrocious in the 2nd. In four games this season the Bolts have been outscored 10-3 in the second period. In the first and third combined they've outscored their opponent 16-2. Its perplexing how they can be so bad in the 2nd, but dominant in the other two periods. The answer is its probably a short term coincidence, but we'll have to see if the trend continues.
Lets look at a couple things that looked promising for the team
Sami Salo: two assists and a team leading +5. One of the big vet signings this year could really pay off for the Bolts.
Cory Conacher continues his hot start with a point in all four games now this season
That along with the obvious of Malone and Stamkos looking good, and Ill take this game as a positive. Four goals against in one period is not good, but once again when Lindback needed to make big stops, he did.
3 star standings
Cory Conacher: 2 points
Mathieu Garon: 2 points
Vincent Lecavalier: 5 points
Martin St Louis: 4 points
Ryan Malone: 3 points
Sami Salo: 2 points
Southeast Standings
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 6 points
2. Winnipeg Jets: 5 points
3. Carolina Hurricanes: 4 points
4. Florida Panthers: 2 points
5. Washington Capitals: 1 point
Love seeing the craps in last place, but cant believe they got a point out of tonights game, they should still be at 0.
Game 4: Ottawa Senators (3-0-0) At Tampa Bay Lightning (2-1-0)
Craig Anderson may very well be the MVP of the league for the first week of the season. In minding the net for the Senators he has compiled a 0.67 goals against average, 3-0 record, and a .976 save percentage. The Senators have allowed a mere two goals in three games this season, both of the goals allowed have been power play goals. That means the Senators have yet to allow an even strength goal this season. To make matters worse, as good as the Senators have been this season against other teams, history says they will play better against the Lightning. Since the beginning of the new millennium, 2000, the Senators and Lightning have played 45 times, Ottawa has won 33 of them. Ottawa swept the season series last year from the Lightning 4-0, and the aforementioned early MVP candidate Craig Anderson? He has shut out the Lightning the last two times hes faced them at the SPTF. So its all doom and gloom tonight right? Wrong! Thank the hockey gods or the schedule makers, but the Senators played last night and Anderson started, meaning theres a 80-90 percent chance Anderson wont play and backup Ben Bishop will start in place. Bishop has a career 7-11 record, and would be making his first start of the season.
On the Lightning side, Anders Lindback will be getting his third start of the season, looking to improve his 3.51 GAA and .902 save percentage. Both numbers which have startled some bolts fans. Heres something to chew on though: The Lightning are giving up 36.7 shots per game, 28th in the NHL. Its beating a broken record, but the defense is as much to blame for the Lightnings goals against woes over the past seven years as the goaltending. Its still hard not to be skeptical about Lindback though, the Lightning have had about 12 goalies since Khabibulin left, and at one point or another, all of them have given Bolts fans hope that this is the one who will finally bring them the success Khabibulin provided. They've all failed. Why should lindback be any different? But then I think, Steve Yzerman himself hand selected this guy, so hes gotta be good. Lets just wait and see it play out, But I do think Lindback will end up being the best goalie in Lightning franchise history. Of course the last time I said that was when Marc Denis was brought in. Yikes. Moving on.
The Lightning will honor Captain Vincent Lecavalier for his 1,000th career game tonight. His 1,000th game happened on the road Monday in the loss to the Islanders, but he will be honored for it tonight. Its unfortunate Tuesday night wasnt hiis 1,000th game, as I think it was his best game in some time. Lecavalier will be a spark plug for the Lightning this season. They can certainly contend if he has an average season. But if he has a real productive year like he had in the game Tuesday? this team will be downright lethal.
Finally, Cory Conacher will look to continue his fast start. Hes already the first player in franchise history to record a point in his first three career games. Can he make it four?
Head to Head
Goals Per game: Ottawa: 3.7 (7th in NHL) Tampa Bay: 4.3 (3rd in NHL)
Goals against per game: Ottawa: 0.67 (2nd in NHL) Tampa Bay: 2.67 (18th in NHL)
Power Play: Ottawa: 33.3 percent (6th in NHL) Tampa Bay: 25 percent (11th in NHL)
Penalty Kill: Ottawa 85.7% (10th in NHL) Tampa Bay: 81.3% (15th in NHL)
Shots per game: Ottawa: 37 (2nd in NHL) Tampa Bay: 28.7 (20th in NHL)
Shots against per game: Ottawa 28.3 (10th in NHL) Tampa Bay: 36.7 (28th in NHL)
Save percentage: Ottawa: .976 (2nd in NHL) Tampa Bay: .927 (8th in NHL)
Around the southeast: Panthers have off, Carolina travels to Buffalo, Caps still looking for first win (haha) against the Devils in Jersey, and Winnipeg returns home to face the Penguins.
On the Lightning side, Anders Lindback will be getting his third start of the season, looking to improve his 3.51 GAA and .902 save percentage. Both numbers which have startled some bolts fans. Heres something to chew on though: The Lightning are giving up 36.7 shots per game, 28th in the NHL. Its beating a broken record, but the defense is as much to blame for the Lightnings goals against woes over the past seven years as the goaltending. Its still hard not to be skeptical about Lindback though, the Lightning have had about 12 goalies since Khabibulin left, and at one point or another, all of them have given Bolts fans hope that this is the one who will finally bring them the success Khabibulin provided. They've all failed. Why should lindback be any different? But then I think, Steve Yzerman himself hand selected this guy, so hes gotta be good. Lets just wait and see it play out, But I do think Lindback will end up being the best goalie in Lightning franchise history. Of course the last time I said that was when Marc Denis was brought in. Yikes. Moving on.
The Lightning will honor Captain Vincent Lecavalier for his 1,000th career game tonight. His 1,000th game happened on the road Monday in the loss to the Islanders, but he will be honored for it tonight. Its unfortunate Tuesday night wasnt hiis 1,000th game, as I think it was his best game in some time. Lecavalier will be a spark plug for the Lightning this season. They can certainly contend if he has an average season. But if he has a real productive year like he had in the game Tuesday? this team will be downright lethal.
Finally, Cory Conacher will look to continue his fast start. Hes already the first player in franchise history to record a point in his first three career games. Can he make it four?
Head to Head
Goals Per game: Ottawa: 3.7 (7th in NHL) Tampa Bay: 4.3 (3rd in NHL)
Goals against per game: Ottawa: 0.67 (2nd in NHL) Tampa Bay: 2.67 (18th in NHL)
Power Play: Ottawa: 33.3 percent (6th in NHL) Tampa Bay: 25 percent (11th in NHL)
Penalty Kill: Ottawa 85.7% (10th in NHL) Tampa Bay: 81.3% (15th in NHL)
Shots per game: Ottawa: 37 (2nd in NHL) Tampa Bay: 28.7 (20th in NHL)
Shots against per game: Ottawa 28.3 (10th in NHL) Tampa Bay: 36.7 (28th in NHL)
Save percentage: Ottawa: .976 (2nd in NHL) Tampa Bay: .927 (8th in NHL)
Around the southeast: Panthers have off, Carolina travels to Buffalo, Caps still looking for first win (haha) against the Devils in Jersey, and Winnipeg returns home to face the Penguins.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Lightning get back on track with 4-1 road win
The Lightnings road struggles in the 2011-12 campaign were a big reason they took a huge step back from their Eastern Conference finals season. After losing their first road game of the season, the Bolts were staring straight into another bad road start, against a rested Hurricanes team. The Lightning battle tough however, thanks to a fast start, for a 4-1 win.
A big reason for the win was the fast start. Their was a good chance the Lightning would be lagging and tired by the last 10 minutes of the game, so being ahead was crucial. Just 5:18 into the game, the Captain Lecavalier made a beautiful feed to Tom Pyatt who tipped it in for the 1-0 lead. Then a few minutes later, Lecavalier got the puck in front of the net, where Cory Conacher made a great heads up play crashing the net allowing for a point blank shot and a 2-0 lead. The Canes got back in it early in the second to draw within one, and the Lightning were starting to show the lag, and were on their heels for the remainder of the period but did not squander the lead. Less than two minutes into the third Keith Aulie gave the bolts a two goal lead back, and then the dagger was delivered midway through the period on the power play from Ryan Malone.
The Lightning were outhsot badly for the second straight game, 36-26. Matheiu Garon, in his first start in ten months, showed absolutely no rust in what was the Lightning best goaltended game so far this season. With 35 saves, Garon earned a .972 save percentage and the second star of the game.
Lecavalier earned the first star, and deservedly so. He was largely responsible for both of the Lightings first period goals. Lecavalier, who for about 12 years has been a guy who seems to alternate between a great year and an off year, appears set to have one his on years, with a goal and three assists in the first three games.
Cory Conacher has got off to a sensational start to his Lightning career. Another goal tonight has him with two goals and three assists. Its early, but right now hes a favorite for rookie of the year.
Lightning goalies have a .900 save percentage or better in all three games this season, a good sign.
the Power play stands at an impressive 25% through three games.
3 stars standings
Cory Conacher: 2 points
Mathieu Garon: 2 points
Vincent Lecavalier: 5 points
Martin St Louis: 4 points
Southeast Standings
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 4 points
2. Winnipeg Jets: 3 points
3. Florida Panthers: 2 points
4. Washington Capitals: 0 points
5. Carolina Hurricanes: 0 points
A big reason for the win was the fast start. Their was a good chance the Lightning would be lagging and tired by the last 10 minutes of the game, so being ahead was crucial. Just 5:18 into the game, the Captain Lecavalier made a beautiful feed to Tom Pyatt who tipped it in for the 1-0 lead. Then a few minutes later, Lecavalier got the puck in front of the net, where Cory Conacher made a great heads up play crashing the net allowing for a point blank shot and a 2-0 lead. The Canes got back in it early in the second to draw within one, and the Lightning were starting to show the lag, and were on their heels for the remainder of the period but did not squander the lead. Less than two minutes into the third Keith Aulie gave the bolts a two goal lead back, and then the dagger was delivered midway through the period on the power play from Ryan Malone.
The Lightning were outhsot badly for the second straight game, 36-26. Matheiu Garon, in his first start in ten months, showed absolutely no rust in what was the Lightning best goaltended game so far this season. With 35 saves, Garon earned a .972 save percentage and the second star of the game.
Lecavalier earned the first star, and deservedly so. He was largely responsible for both of the Lightings first period goals. Lecavalier, who for about 12 years has been a guy who seems to alternate between a great year and an off year, appears set to have one his on years, with a goal and three assists in the first three games.
Cory Conacher has got off to a sensational start to his Lightning career. Another goal tonight has him with two goals and three assists. Its early, but right now hes a favorite for rookie of the year.
Lightning goalies have a .900 save percentage or better in all three games this season, a good sign.
the Power play stands at an impressive 25% through three games.
3 stars standings
Cory Conacher: 2 points
Mathieu Garon: 2 points
Vincent Lecavalier: 5 points
Martin St Louis: 4 points
Southeast Standings
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 4 points
2. Winnipeg Jets: 3 points
3. Florida Panthers: 2 points
4. Washington Capitals: 0 points
5. Carolina Hurricanes: 0 points
Game 3: Tampa Bay Lightning (1-1-0) At Carolina Hurricanes (0-1-0)
The Carolina Hurricanes were expected to be one of the darkhorse teams in the Eastern Conference last year. But after a 5-1 thrashing in their opening night game, its clear this still have some work to do. The Lightning meanwhile, are already off to the Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde bit that to often derailed their season last year. After blowing out the Capitals, one of the best teams in the Eastern conference, the Lightning fell behind 4-0 against one of the worst. then came storming back to close withing 4-3, but fell short. Consistency will be the key to a short season, so it will be important to get back on track.
one of the bright points of the season so far for the Lightning has been the penalty kill. There seems to be some disagreement over whether or not the Islanders first goal yesterday was a power play goal, but if it was the Lightning are 9/11 on the PK, if it wasnt they are 10/11, either way its not too shabby. The Hurricanes meanwhile, had an awful penalty kill in their first game, allowing three power play goals in six chances.
The Hurricanes actually outshot the Panthers 44-25 in their 5-1 loss Saturday nights, while the Lightning are giving up 37 shots per game over their first two games, and alarmingly high number. On the power play front the Lightning are 3/10 this year on that front, the Hurricanes have yet to score a power play goal.
This game worries me for a myriad of reasons. Its a back to back for the Bolts, while the Hurricanes have had two nights of rest. We may see some fatigue from Tampa tonight due to it being the first back to back of the year and they are still probably not in top shape yet. Expect Mathieu Garon to get his first start of the season. Last time we saw Garon was back in March when he was playing the best hockey of his career, before pulling a groin and being lost for the season. When he went down the Lightning were just two points out of the playoffs but faded once he got hurt.
Martin St Louis has got off to a hot start to the 2013 campaign, with three goals and two assists in the first two games. He had a down year last year leading some to believe age was catching up to the former MVP of the league, but it appears hes not quite done yet.
Around the southeast division: The Jets and Capitals will face off in a division matchup, both looking for their first victory of the season. The Panthers head to Montreal looking to rebound from their own loss at Ottawa yesterday.
Update: Mathieu Garon is confirmed to be the starter tonight.
one of the bright points of the season so far for the Lightning has been the penalty kill. There seems to be some disagreement over whether or not the Islanders first goal yesterday was a power play goal, but if it was the Lightning are 9/11 on the PK, if it wasnt they are 10/11, either way its not too shabby. The Hurricanes meanwhile, had an awful penalty kill in their first game, allowing three power play goals in six chances.
The Hurricanes actually outshot the Panthers 44-25 in their 5-1 loss Saturday nights, while the Lightning are giving up 37 shots per game over their first two games, and alarmingly high number. On the power play front the Lightning are 3/10 this year on that front, the Hurricanes have yet to score a power play goal.
This game worries me for a myriad of reasons. Its a back to back for the Bolts, while the Hurricanes have had two nights of rest. We may see some fatigue from Tampa tonight due to it being the first back to back of the year and they are still probably not in top shape yet. Expect Mathieu Garon to get his first start of the season. Last time we saw Garon was back in March when he was playing the best hockey of his career, before pulling a groin and being lost for the season. When he went down the Lightning were just two points out of the playoffs but faded once he got hurt.
Martin St Louis has got off to a hot start to the 2013 campaign, with three goals and two assists in the first two games. He had a down year last year leading some to believe age was catching up to the former MVP of the league, but it appears hes not quite done yet.
Around the southeast division: The Jets and Capitals will face off in a division matchup, both looking for their first victory of the season. The Panthers head to Montreal looking to rebound from their own loss at Ottawa yesterday.
Update: Mathieu Garon is confirmed to be the starter tonight.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Lightning rally but fall short, lose 4-3
From the moment the puck dropped, it was clear this one was going to be physical. One second into the game, the Lightning sent three men into the box, all on fighting majors. The rest of the first quarter was a chippy chess match, which resulted in a scoreless period. The second period started much the same way, until Michael Grabner, catching the Lighting napping on the penalty kill, got a lead feed for a breakaway which he slammed home for a 1-0 Islanders lead. Late in the second period, Matt Martin, just released from the penalty box got a feed creating his own odd man rush, resulting in a 2-0 lead. Just one minute later the lead was suddenly swelled to 3-0. One minute into the third the Isles appeared to deliver the dagger, but the bolts fought back ruthlessly. The Bolts scored 3 goals in 5:38 to get within a goal with a full 12 minutes left. The rally was highlighted by Steven Stamkos first goal of the season. Unfortunately Nate Thompson and Brian Lee took undisciplined penalties in the final three minutes of the game, giving the Islanders a 5 on 3 advantage, making the bolts opportunities to tie the game at the end nonexistant.
Lecavaliers 1,000th game resulted in a minus two and only one shot on goal in seventeen minutes of ice time.
Victor Hedman led the team with a plus two
The Lightning were outshot 44-26, and 18-11 in the third period.
The Islanders went 1 for 7 on the power play, while the bolts went 0 for 3.
Lindback save percentage exceeded the season opener with a .909
No time to dwell on this one as the team is right back on the ice tomorrow. This is the first of 8 back to backs this season for the Lightning. Seven of the eight are two road games, while the Bolts play at home back to back nights once, February 2nd and 3rd.
St louis got the third star so the standings through two games are as follow
St Louis: 4 points
Conacher: 1 point
Lecavalier: 2 points
Southeast Standings
1. Florida Panthers: 2 points
2. Tampa Bay Lightning: 2 points
3. Winnipeg Jets: 1 points
4. Washington Capitals: 0 points
5. Carolina Hurricanes: 0 points
Lecavaliers 1,000th game resulted in a minus two and only one shot on goal in seventeen minutes of ice time.
Victor Hedman led the team with a plus two
The Lightning were outshot 44-26, and 18-11 in the third period.
The Islanders went 1 for 7 on the power play, while the bolts went 0 for 3.
Lindback save percentage exceeded the season opener with a .909
No time to dwell on this one as the team is right back on the ice tomorrow. This is the first of 8 back to backs this season for the Lightning. Seven of the eight are two road games, while the Bolts play at home back to back nights once, February 2nd and 3rd.
St louis got the third star so the standings through two games are as follow
St Louis: 4 points
Conacher: 1 point
Lecavalier: 2 points
Southeast Standings
1. Florida Panthers: 2 points
2. Tampa Bay Lightning: 2 points
3. Winnipeg Jets: 1 points
4. Washington Capitals: 0 points
5. Carolina Hurricanes: 0 points
Game 2: Tampa Bay Lightning (1-0-0) At New York Islanders (0-1-0)
After a lackluster start to the 2011-12 campaign, the Lightning are looking to get off to a 2-0 start like they did in the 2010-11 season. That season the Lightning put together their second best season in the twenty year franchise history, and came within one goal of the stanley cup finals. Last year however, was a different tune, and it all came down to road woes. The Lightning put together a woeful 13-28 record on the road last season, including an 0-2 record against the Islanders on the road.If the Lightning can win their first road game of this season, it will only further advance the thoughts many Lightning fans are already having; this could be a special season.
Win or lose, this will be a special game for the Lightning franchise and fans, as the longtime Lightning captain, Vincent Lecavalier, will play in his 1,000th career game, the most in Lightning history. Lecavalier is one of two Lightning players in frachise history to score 50 goals in a season, along with Steven Stamkos. He has been the captain of the team for nearly ten years, and for that reason, this is a special game for the team.
Anders Lindback will square off against Evgeni Nabokov in this game. Lindback won his first game, while Nabokov lost his, but Nabokov put up better numbers in the GAA and save percentage categories. As it stands Nabokov has a .929 and a GAA of 2.04, but he faced the Devils, an offense nowhere near as potent as the Lightnings.
The Lightning havent won on the road against the Islanders since 2010, lets end that drought today, Go Bolts!
Around the division:
The Jets travel to Boston to take on the Bruins today, while fellow first place brethren Florida Panthers travel to Ottawa to face the Senators. The Hurricanes and Caps are off.
Win or lose, this will be a special game for the Lightning franchise and fans, as the longtime Lightning captain, Vincent Lecavalier, will play in his 1,000th career game, the most in Lightning history. Lecavalier is one of two Lightning players in frachise history to score 50 goals in a season, along with Steven Stamkos. He has been the captain of the team for nearly ten years, and for that reason, this is a special game for the team.
Anders Lindback will square off against Evgeni Nabokov in this game. Lindback won his first game, while Nabokov lost his, but Nabokov put up better numbers in the GAA and save percentage categories. As it stands Nabokov has a .929 and a GAA of 2.04, but he faced the Devils, an offense nowhere near as potent as the Lightnings.
The Lightning havent won on the road against the Islanders since 2010, lets end that drought today, Go Bolts!
Around the division:
The Jets travel to Boston to take on the Bruins today, while fellow first place brethren Florida Panthers travel to Ottawa to face the Senators. The Hurricanes and Caps are off.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Lightning open season with 6-3 victory
Coming into the game, coach Guy Boucher and the Lightning players knew this would be an emotional game, playing in front of your homes fans for the first time in over nine months. It seemed at first the Lightning struggled to control the emotions, as they took two early penalties. But goalie Anders Lindback, in his first start with the Lightning stole the show early, turning aside every puck that came his way during the first two penalties. Still, the Lightning were being outshot 7-0 early and were clearly no at the top of their game. That changed when the Lightning got on the board, on their very first shot of the season, from a player who only had one goal all of last season, Eric Brewer. The Caps tied the game on yet another power play, but the Lightning took the lead right back when Lecavalier put home a rebound into a basically empty net.
The Capitals took the second period 2-1, but the 3rd period was utterly dominated by the Lightning, as they outscored the caps 3-0 in the period and outshot them 13-7 en route to a 6-3 lead. some notes from last nights game:
Eric Brewer put up two goals, surpassing his goal total from all of last season.
The Capitals peppered Anders Lindback with seventeen shots in the first period, and he turned away 16 of them, a save percentage of .941. The Capitals only managed thirteen shots over the final two periods combined. Lindback finished the game with a .900 save percentage.
Braden Holtby, who dazzled with a sub 2.00 GAA in the playoffs last year, managed a feeble .824 save percentage last night.
The above stat is a great indication of just how special this Lightning offense could be this year. They put in 6 against a great goalie, and their best scorer didnt even get one of the six. Imagine how good the offense will be when Stamkos gets going.
Which means a .900 save percentage should be just fine from Anders Lindback. A 3.00 GAA and .900 save percentage over an entire season should equal a lot of ones. Good news is I think Lindback will do even better than that. I really think this will be a special team.
The Lightning scored 3 power play goals on seven opportunities. After the Capitals got the first three power plays of the game, the Lightning were awarded with six straight before the Caps got their fourth and final one midway through the third.
Brian Lee and Ryan Malone were the only players with a minus in the Plus/Minus category. Lee a minus 2 and Malone a minus 1.
Teddy Purcell managed three assists, all in the third period.
Sami Salo led ice time for the Lightning with 22:23. John Carlson led for the Caps with 25:02. Ovechkin had 23:35
The Lightning outhit the Capitals 27-16.
What a great atmosphere at the forum last night. the Place was sold out, and it was loud, especially for a regular season game. Anyone who says Florida isnt a good hockey market can kiss my ass, you couldnt be more wrong.
I love Jeff Vinik, I love Guy Boucher, and I love this team. Im so excited for what this season has in store.
One thing well keep track of this year is the 3 stars. Third star is one points, second star 2 points, first star 3 points. three stars tonight
3. Conacher
2. Lecavalier
1. St Louis
Lets take a look at the Southeast standings
1. Florida Panthers: 2 points
2. Tampa Bay Lightning: 2 points
3. Washington Capitals: 0 points
4. Winnipeg Jets: 0 points
5. Carolina Hurricanes: 0 points
Technically the Panthers own the tiebreaker over the Lightning because of goal differential, but its just the first game, no big deal.
The Capitals took the second period 2-1, but the 3rd period was utterly dominated by the Lightning, as they outscored the caps 3-0 in the period and outshot them 13-7 en route to a 6-3 lead. some notes from last nights game:
Eric Brewer put up two goals, surpassing his goal total from all of last season.
The Capitals peppered Anders Lindback with seventeen shots in the first period, and he turned away 16 of them, a save percentage of .941. The Capitals only managed thirteen shots over the final two periods combined. Lindback finished the game with a .900 save percentage.
Braden Holtby, who dazzled with a sub 2.00 GAA in the playoffs last year, managed a feeble .824 save percentage last night.
The above stat is a great indication of just how special this Lightning offense could be this year. They put in 6 against a great goalie, and their best scorer didnt even get one of the six. Imagine how good the offense will be when Stamkos gets going.
Which means a .900 save percentage should be just fine from Anders Lindback. A 3.00 GAA and .900 save percentage over an entire season should equal a lot of ones. Good news is I think Lindback will do even better than that. I really think this will be a special team.
The Lightning scored 3 power play goals on seven opportunities. After the Capitals got the first three power plays of the game, the Lightning were awarded with six straight before the Caps got their fourth and final one midway through the third.
Brian Lee and Ryan Malone were the only players with a minus in the Plus/Minus category. Lee a minus 2 and Malone a minus 1.
Teddy Purcell managed three assists, all in the third period.
Sami Salo led ice time for the Lightning with 22:23. John Carlson led for the Caps with 25:02. Ovechkin had 23:35
The Lightning outhit the Capitals 27-16.
What a great atmosphere at the forum last night. the Place was sold out, and it was loud, especially for a regular season game. Anyone who says Florida isnt a good hockey market can kiss my ass, you couldnt be more wrong.
I love Jeff Vinik, I love Guy Boucher, and I love this team. Im so excited for what this season has in store.
One thing well keep track of this year is the 3 stars. Third star is one points, second star 2 points, first star 3 points. three stars tonight
3. Conacher
2. Lecavalier
1. St Louis
Lets take a look at the Southeast standings
1. Florida Panthers: 2 points
2. Tampa Bay Lightning: 2 points
3. Washington Capitals: 0 points
4. Winnipeg Jets: 0 points
5. Carolina Hurricanes: 0 points
Technically the Panthers own the tiebreaker over the Lightning because of goal differential, but its just the first game, no big deal.
Big ten week 4 picks
I went 5-4 in picking big ten games this week, putting me at 23-9 on the season.
Tuesday
Iowa at Ohio st: pick: Ohio st
Michigan st at Wisconsin: Pick: Wisconsin
Illinois at Nebraska: Pick: Nebraska
Wednesday
Penn st at Indiana: Pick: Indiana
Minnesota at Northwestern: Pick: Northwestern
Thursday
Purdue at Michigan: Pick: Michigan
Saturday
Ohio st at Penn st: Pick: Ohio st
Minnesota at Wisconsin: Pick: Wisconsin
Northwestern at Nebraska: Pick: Northwestern
Sunday
Michigan st at Indiana: Pick: Indiana
Iowa at Purdue: Pick: Purdue
Michigan at Illinois: Pick: Michigan
Standings through 3 weeks
1.Michigan st (5-1)
2. Michigan (4-1)
3. Wisconsin (4-1)
4. Indiana (4-1)
5. Minnesota (3-2)
6. Ohio st (3-2)
7. Purdue (3-2)
8. Iowa (2-3)
9. Northwestern (2-4)
10. Illinois (1-4)
11. Nebraska (1-5)
12. Penn St (0-6)
Tuesday
Iowa at Ohio st: pick: Ohio st
Michigan st at Wisconsin: Pick: Wisconsin
Illinois at Nebraska: Pick: Nebraska
Wednesday
Penn st at Indiana: Pick: Indiana
Minnesota at Northwestern: Pick: Northwestern
Thursday
Purdue at Michigan: Pick: Michigan
Saturday
Ohio st at Penn st: Pick: Ohio st
Minnesota at Wisconsin: Pick: Wisconsin
Northwestern at Nebraska: Pick: Northwestern
Sunday
Michigan st at Indiana: Pick: Indiana
Iowa at Purdue: Pick: Purdue
Michigan at Illinois: Pick: Michigan
Standings through 3 weeks
1.Michigan st (5-1)
2. Michigan (4-1)
3. Wisconsin (4-1)
4. Indiana (4-1)
5. Minnesota (3-2)
6. Ohio st (3-2)
7. Purdue (3-2)
8. Iowa (2-3)
9. Northwestern (2-4)
10. Illinois (1-4)
11. Nebraska (1-5)
12. Penn St (0-6)
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Game 1: Washington Capitals (0-0-0) At Tampa Bay Lightning (0-0-0)
Today is a day every hockey fan has been waiting for for a long time, opening night of the hockey season. After a four month long lockout that featured non stop twists and turns, its finally here, and I couldnt be more excited to see the puck drop.
The Lightning open the 2013 season with a home tilt against the rival Washington Capitals. The Capitals are once again favorites to take home the division crown, but the division is much more wide open this year than in years past. In fact the southeast division is the only division in the NHL this year where four out of the five teams in it can be looked on as legitimate threats to win the division. Only the Jets are looked on as a team that cant win it. The Panthers division title last year ended a run that saw the Captials win it four straight seasons. The Lightning have the longest division title drought in the division, not winning it since their stanley cup campaign in 2004.
The Capitals and Lightning have distinct advantages for a shortened, cramped schedule, in that they both boast two legitimate goalies who can shoulder large loads. For the Lightning, they brought in Anders Lindback from Nashville, a young star on the rise who is expected to be the Lightning best goalie since Nikolai Khabibulin. Backing him up will be returning goalie Mathieu Garon, who was thrusts into the starting position last year after Roloson struggled. Garon played very well down the stretch, helping the Lightning back in the playoff picture, before getting injured and lost for the seaso in march. The Capitals have Braden Holtby and Michael Neuvirth, the former stood out with a 1.95 GAA in 14 playoff games last season.
The matchup with the Capitals is highlighted by two of the best scoring threats in the NHL today, but possibly heading two different directions in their career. Alex Ovechkin for the Caps has seen his point total decrease each of the last three seasons, while Steven Stamkos is coming off a sixty goal season and is just entering the prime of his career.
The Lightning went 3-1-2 against the Capitals last season, and I expect a similarly exciting series between them this year. Im not Picking against my guys in the home opener here, Bolts win 4-2. Here are my picks in the other opening day games:
Penguins at Flyers: Pick: Penguins
Blackhawks at Kings: Pick: Kings
Senators at Jets: Pick: Jets
Rangers at Bruins: Pick: Rangers
Maple Leafs at Canadians: Pick: Candians
Devils at Islanders: Pick: Devils
Hurricanes at Panthers: Pick: Panthers
Red Wings at Blues: Pick: Red Wings
Blue Jackets at Predators: Pick: Predators
Coyotes at Stars: Pick: Stars
Avalanche at Wild: Pick: Wild
Ducks at Canucks: Pick: Canucks
Go Bolts!
The Lightning open the 2013 season with a home tilt against the rival Washington Capitals. The Capitals are once again favorites to take home the division crown, but the division is much more wide open this year than in years past. In fact the southeast division is the only division in the NHL this year where four out of the five teams in it can be looked on as legitimate threats to win the division. Only the Jets are looked on as a team that cant win it. The Panthers division title last year ended a run that saw the Captials win it four straight seasons. The Lightning have the longest division title drought in the division, not winning it since their stanley cup campaign in 2004.
The Capitals and Lightning have distinct advantages for a shortened, cramped schedule, in that they both boast two legitimate goalies who can shoulder large loads. For the Lightning, they brought in Anders Lindback from Nashville, a young star on the rise who is expected to be the Lightning best goalie since Nikolai Khabibulin. Backing him up will be returning goalie Mathieu Garon, who was thrusts into the starting position last year after Roloson struggled. Garon played very well down the stretch, helping the Lightning back in the playoff picture, before getting injured and lost for the seaso in march. The Capitals have Braden Holtby and Michael Neuvirth, the former stood out with a 1.95 GAA in 14 playoff games last season.
The matchup with the Capitals is highlighted by two of the best scoring threats in the NHL today, but possibly heading two different directions in their career. Alex Ovechkin for the Caps has seen his point total decrease each of the last three seasons, while Steven Stamkos is coming off a sixty goal season and is just entering the prime of his career.
The Lightning went 3-1-2 against the Capitals last season, and I expect a similarly exciting series between them this year. Im not Picking against my guys in the home opener here, Bolts win 4-2. Here are my picks in the other opening day games:
Penguins at Flyers: Pick: Penguins
Blackhawks at Kings: Pick: Kings
Senators at Jets: Pick: Jets
Rangers at Bruins: Pick: Rangers
Maple Leafs at Canadians: Pick: Candians
Devils at Islanders: Pick: Devils
Hurricanes at Panthers: Pick: Panthers
Red Wings at Blues: Pick: Red Wings
Blue Jackets at Predators: Pick: Predators
Coyotes at Stars: Pick: Stars
Avalanche at Wild: Pick: Wild
Ducks at Canucks: Pick: Canucks
Go Bolts!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
NFL Conference Championship picks
I really dont care about either of these games, but Ill pick just to say I did. I went 1-3 last week, 5-3 now in the playoffs. I dont really think either of these teams are going to win, but i want them to win so Im picking them.
49ers at Falcons: Pick: Falcons
Ravens at Patriots: Pick: Ravens
49ers at Falcons: Pick: Falcons
Ravens at Patriots: Pick: Ravens
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Big Ten Week 3 Predictions
I went 8-4 in Picking big Ten games this week, now standing at 18-5 on the season.
Tuesday
Wisconsin at Indiana: Pick: Indiana
Wednesday
Michigan st at Penn st: Pick: Michigan St
Purdue at Nebraska: Pick:Purdue
Thursday
Michigan at Minnesota: Pick: Michigan
Northwestern at Illinois: Pick: Illinois
Saturday
Nebraska at Penn st: Pick: Penn st
Ohio st at Michigan st: Pick: Michigan st
Wisconsin at Iowa: Pick: Wisconsin
Sunday
Indiana at Northwestern: Pick: Indiana
Standings through two weeks
1. Indiana: 3-0
2. Wisconsin: 3-0
3. Michigan: 3-1
4. Minnesota: 3-1
5. Michigan st: 3-1
6. Ohio st: 3-1
7. Purdue: 2-2
8. Illinois: 1-3
9. Iowa: 1-3
10. Northwestern: 1-3
11. Nebraska: 0-4
12. Penn st: 0-4
Tuesday
Wisconsin at Indiana: Pick: Indiana
Wednesday
Michigan st at Penn st: Pick: Michigan St
Purdue at Nebraska: Pick:Purdue
Thursday
Michigan at Minnesota: Pick: Michigan
Northwestern at Illinois: Pick: Illinois
Saturday
Nebraska at Penn st: Pick: Penn st
Ohio st at Michigan st: Pick: Michigan st
Wisconsin at Iowa: Pick: Wisconsin
Sunday
Indiana at Northwestern: Pick: Indiana
Standings through two weeks
1. Indiana: 3-0
2. Wisconsin: 3-0
3. Michigan: 3-1
4. Minnesota: 3-1
5. Michigan st: 3-1
6. Ohio st: 3-1
7. Purdue: 2-2
8. Illinois: 1-3
9. Iowa: 1-3
10. Northwestern: 1-3
11. Nebraska: 0-4
12. Penn st: 0-4
Looking ahead to 2013
Never to early to start looking forward to next season, and whenever the Packers season ends I always look forward with great excitement. I know the next time a game is played at Lambeau field Ill be there, as I have been for the past 3 preseason openers. I also know when the 2013 season kicks off fall will be beginning, my favorite time of the year, and Halloween Horror Nights will just about be here again, so I always look to August/September with eager eyes. Flatly put, theres no way around the fact the Packers have an absolutely brutal 2013 schedule, on of their most brutal in teams history maybe even. Its always hard to look at this because you never truly know how good these teams will be next year already, but just by looking at this schedule you know it going to be difficult.
Home: Bears, Vikings, Lions, Browns, Eagles, Redskins, Falcons, Steelers
Away: Bears, Vikings, Lions, 49ers, Giants, Ravens, Bengals, Cowboys
The division games will be tough as always, so theres six toughies off the bat. at 49ers and at Giants, as well as Vs Falcons and at Ravens are all brutal games so theres ten that are tough. Steelers didnt make the playoffs this year, but history says that means theyll bounce back next year, 11 tough games. If RG3 is healthy, well, we know what a running QB can do against this defense, 12 tough games. Bengals is a road game against a playoff team, 13 toughies, and at Cowboys isnt brutal, it certainly isnt easy, 14 really tough games. That leaves just two games, Vs Eagles and Vs Browns as the two games that are bank on it wins next year, and you cant even really say with the Eagles yet, they might bounce back. Ive broke it down into three categories; bank on it, toughie, and brutal
Bank on it: 2 games
Toughie: 8 games
Brutal: 6 games. Road games against playoff teams count as brutal, so thats 4, plus the Giants were put on this list, also the Falcons game.
Compare that to this year, as to how I viewed it in the preseason, and their record in those games.
Bank on it: 5 (4-1) I had the colts as a bank on it win before the season. Also Titans, Jaguars, and Cardinals.Also the Vikings coming off a 3 win season.
Toughie: 8 (6-2) At Vikings and at Seahawks are the losses in this category.
Brutal: 3 (1-2) Vs 49ers and at Giants the losses, at Texans the win.
Twice as many games in the brutal category next season from this season. This is way to early, but doing a game by game prediction, right now Id expect an 11-5 season. Give one home loss, Ill say to the Steelers, then 4-4 on the road again, losing at Vikings, Giants, 49ers and one clunker in an undecided game.
Home: Bears, Vikings, Lions, Browns, Eagles, Redskins, Falcons, Steelers
Away: Bears, Vikings, Lions, 49ers, Giants, Ravens, Bengals, Cowboys
The division games will be tough as always, so theres six toughies off the bat. at 49ers and at Giants, as well as Vs Falcons and at Ravens are all brutal games so theres ten that are tough. Steelers didnt make the playoffs this year, but history says that means theyll bounce back next year, 11 tough games. If RG3 is healthy, well, we know what a running QB can do against this defense, 12 tough games. Bengals is a road game against a playoff team, 13 toughies, and at Cowboys isnt brutal, it certainly isnt easy, 14 really tough games. That leaves just two games, Vs Eagles and Vs Browns as the two games that are bank on it wins next year, and you cant even really say with the Eagles yet, they might bounce back. Ive broke it down into three categories; bank on it, toughie, and brutal
Bank on it: 2 games
Toughie: 8 games
Brutal: 6 games. Road games against playoff teams count as brutal, so thats 4, plus the Giants were put on this list, also the Falcons game.
Compare that to this year, as to how I viewed it in the preseason, and their record in those games.
Bank on it: 5 (4-1) I had the colts as a bank on it win before the season. Also Titans, Jaguars, and Cardinals.Also the Vikings coming off a 3 win season.
Toughie: 8 (6-2) At Vikings and at Seahawks are the losses in this category.
Brutal: 3 (1-2) Vs 49ers and at Giants the losses, at Texans the win.
Twice as many games in the brutal category next season from this season. This is way to early, but doing a game by game prediction, right now Id expect an 11-5 season. Give one home loss, Ill say to the Steelers, then 4-4 on the road again, losing at Vikings, Giants, 49ers and one clunker in an undecided game.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
49ers extend lead 38-24
Frank Gore has run it in on the first play of the fourth quarter to give the 49ers a two touchdown lead. Unless the Packers work some magic, this may be it for me tonight. For the third time in the last four years, the defense crapped the bed in the playoffs.
49ers retake lead 31-24
Kapernick fooled Erik Walden badly on the option, and Kapernick took advantage and ran for a 50+ yard touchdown. Kaepernick has shattered the record for rushing yards by a QB in a postseason game, and San Francisco had the lead with less than seven minutes left in the third quarter. Packers are 0-4 this season when allowing 30+ points.
Packers tie it 24 all
On a drive that started at their own ten, Rodgers hooked up for a long reception to Jennings, and Cobb had a long run in the wildcat, setting up a 31 yard field goal for Mason Crosby to tie the game halfway through the third quarter. This drive may still be alive if not for a false start by Newhouse making a 3rd and 6 a 3rd and 11. Weve got a wild finish on our hands, buckle your seatbelts.
49ers lead 24-21
David Akers booted a 36 yard field goal as time expired in the first half to give San Fran the lead heading into the locker room. On the first possession of the first half the Packers went three and out, a predictable outcome when you run on first and second down. The 49ers will now start at their ow 34 yard line with about 13 minutes left in the third quarter.
Rodgers gets going and ties the game
Benefitting from a couple penalties against the 49ers, the Packers have tied the game. The drive was highlighted by a beautiful catch from Finley at midfield, then a laser to Jones on a slant in the endzone, which he bobbled then caught. Theres still 2:33 left in the half though. At the very very least, the Packers need to keep San Francisco out of the endzone here, but zero points is obviously preferred.
Another 49ers TD
The 49ers just keep converting third downs. Two more on that drive, now 6 for 8 on the game, 3 of which third and nine or more, simply inexcusable. To end the drive Kapernick threw a twenty yards TD pass to Crabtree his second TD reception of the game. With 5:26 to go in the first half the 49ers now lead 21-14. This is where its nice to get the ball to start the second half. Some points here heading to the locker room would be some nice momentum going into the second half. One final note, we knew the turnover battle would be huge, all three turnovers in the game have led to touchdowns.
Rodgers throws pick
And the ever important turnover battle has suddenly shifted to San Franciscos favor. On a deep bomb to Nelson, Rodgers overthrew him and got intercepted. It could have basically been a punt, but the return was about fourty yards so instead the 49ers will begin the possession in Packers territory. Defense needs to step it up now.
49ers tie the game at 14
In a series of very unfortunate events, Jeremy Ross muffed the punt at the ten yard line, recovered by the 49ers. Then on third and goal from the 12, Kaepernick found Crabtree on a slant for a touchdown. These third and longs need to be stopped. The third down was truly a make or break play for this game and the Packers lost it. Holding them to a field goal would have been ok, but a touchdown could be crippling.The 49ers are 4 of 6 converting third downs, and at least two of them were third and very longs. That needs to stop now.
Packers retake lead 14-7
Maybe the x-factor of this game will really be Dujuan Harris, he picked up the Packers first first down of the game all by himself, Then Rodgers threw a bomb to James Jones who came up with what may have been the catch of the year. On the next play Dujuan Harris ran in a fifteen yard run for a touchdown. I havent looked it up, but the Packers may have more rushing yards in this game already than they did in the whole opening day game. One last note, what the hell is an incidental facemask? never heard of such a thing.
Update: The Packers had 36 first half rushing yards, compared to 45 in the whole opening day game. all 36 yards belong to Dujuan Harris, which is nine more yards than the Packers leading rusher, Aaron Rodgers had in that game.
Update: The Packers had 36 first half rushing yards, compared to 45 in the whole opening day game. all 36 yards belong to Dujuan Harris, which is nine more yards than the Packers leading rusher, Aaron Rodgers had in that game.
Colin Kapernick ties the game
Well the 49ers quickly got the Touchdown back after the pick six. After a couple errant throws to start the drive, Kaepernick found Frank Gore for a long pass on 3rd and ten. Then the Packers had the 49ers at second and 17, but a long Gore run, followed by a long Kaepernick scramble for a touchdown has tied the game. Ill guess a tie score when Rodgers first gets his hands on the ball is not bad but the Packers had the 49ers on the ropes twice this drive and couldnt get the stop.
Sam Shields gets a pick six
The biggest keys to todays game was turnovers. The Packers didnt get any in the opening day game against the 49ers. one possession in, and they have one already, and for a score. Sam Shields returned a pick 53 yards for a touchdown and the Packers lead 7-0 just two minutes into this game. #GoPackGo
Live blog update for Packers-49ers
Since this blog took off in September, this is the biggest game for any of my seven sports teams this blog covers. Anytime a really big game occurs, such as this one, for any of my sports teams, I will live blog them, that is post updates periodically throughout the game after scores, turnovers, or other big plays. Kickoff time is set for 8:05 PM Eastern time. Go Pack!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Top 12 games of the Aaron Rodgers era Part 4
On the eve of the Packers divisional round matchup, we have reached the top three regular season wins of the Aaron Rodgers era. Here we go.
3. 2011 Week 13 at New York Giants. W 38-35. After this game was over, I thought for sure we had just witnessed the most significant victory not only of the Aaron Rodgers era, but maybe in Green Bay Packers history. In a back and forth battle, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers down the field in the two minute drill and Mason Crosby drilled a field goal as time expired for the victory. it was the first game winning field goal at the end of the game for the Packers since the opening game of the 2007 season. It still stands as one of only two game winning drives in the final five minutes of a game for Rodgers. Coming into this game the Packers sported a 11-0 record, the best start in franchise history, and this game was viewed as the last legitimate threat to derail a 16-0 season as three of the Packers final four games were at home, and the road game was against a losing team. It didnt turn out that way though, the Packers did lose that one road game, finishing the season at 15-1, slightly marring the significance of this victory. It was marred even further when The Giants went on to defeat the Packers in the playoffs the same season.
2. 2010 Week 7 Vs Minnesota Vikings. W 28-24. This game was significant for a myriad of reasons, the most obvious of which being it was the first time the Packers knocked off Brett Favre after two unsuccessful attempts the previous season. But that reason alone doesnt justify the high ranking this game earns. Coming into the 2010 season, the Packers were seen as legitimate super bowl favorites for the first time in fourteen years. But coming into this game the Packers were a mere 3-3, and coming off back to back excruciating overtime losses. On top of that, the Packers were injured beyond belief. Almost half of their starting unit would not be able to suit up for this game, making the Packers underdogs for this game on their home field. A loss would have been 3 in a row, a 3-4 record, and almost put a nail in their season coffin early. However the Packers won in heart pounding fashion, sending their rival Vikings into a complete tail spin and igniting a four game winning streak for Green Bay. If your looking for a game that began the run to the super bowl, this was it.
1. 2010 Week 17 Vs Chicago Bears. W 10-3. This is it, the biggest Packers win of the Aaron Rodgers era. It was an ugly game, as evidenced by the low score, the ultimate chess match, a game Halas and Lombardi would have been proud of. The Packers were 9-6 heading into the game, needing a win to clinch a playoff berth. the Bears had the two seed wrapped up, but opted not to rest starters in hopes of knocking their rivals out of the playoffs. Rodgers threw a touchdown pass early in the fourth for a 10-3 lead, and Cutler threw a pick in the final minute as the Bears were driving in to tie the game. The win gave the Packers the six seed in the playoffs, where they won their fourth super bowl and 13th world championship in franchise history.
3. 2011 Week 13 at New York Giants. W 38-35. After this game was over, I thought for sure we had just witnessed the most significant victory not only of the Aaron Rodgers era, but maybe in Green Bay Packers history. In a back and forth battle, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers down the field in the two minute drill and Mason Crosby drilled a field goal as time expired for the victory. it was the first game winning field goal at the end of the game for the Packers since the opening game of the 2007 season. It still stands as one of only two game winning drives in the final five minutes of a game for Rodgers. Coming into this game the Packers sported a 11-0 record, the best start in franchise history, and this game was viewed as the last legitimate threat to derail a 16-0 season as three of the Packers final four games were at home, and the road game was against a losing team. It didnt turn out that way though, the Packers did lose that one road game, finishing the season at 15-1, slightly marring the significance of this victory. It was marred even further when The Giants went on to defeat the Packers in the playoffs the same season.
2. 2010 Week 7 Vs Minnesota Vikings. W 28-24. This game was significant for a myriad of reasons, the most obvious of which being it was the first time the Packers knocked off Brett Favre after two unsuccessful attempts the previous season. But that reason alone doesnt justify the high ranking this game earns. Coming into the 2010 season, the Packers were seen as legitimate super bowl favorites for the first time in fourteen years. But coming into this game the Packers were a mere 3-3, and coming off back to back excruciating overtime losses. On top of that, the Packers were injured beyond belief. Almost half of their starting unit would not be able to suit up for this game, making the Packers underdogs for this game on their home field. A loss would have been 3 in a row, a 3-4 record, and almost put a nail in their season coffin early. However the Packers won in heart pounding fashion, sending their rival Vikings into a complete tail spin and igniting a four game winning streak for Green Bay. If your looking for a game that began the run to the super bowl, this was it.
1. 2010 Week 17 Vs Chicago Bears. W 10-3. This is it, the biggest Packers win of the Aaron Rodgers era. It was an ugly game, as evidenced by the low score, the ultimate chess match, a game Halas and Lombardi would have been proud of. The Packers were 9-6 heading into the game, needing a win to clinch a playoff berth. the Bears had the two seed wrapped up, but opted not to rest starters in hopes of knocking their rivals out of the playoffs. Rodgers threw a touchdown pass early in the fourth for a 10-3 lead, and Cutler threw a pick in the final minute as the Bears were driving in to tie the game. The win gave the Packers the six seed in the playoffs, where they won their fourth super bowl and 13th world championship in franchise history.
Monday, January 7, 2013
NFL Divisional Round Picks
I went 4-0 in picking wild card games, meaning the 11-0 dream is alive and well for this season. Im going to make some crazy picks this week though, so Im not overly confident that I'll be 8-0 when this weekend clears
Ravens at Broncos: The Ravens got a nice match up in round one, but that doesnt mask the fact theyve been pretty bad the last couple months, especially on the road. Meanwhile the Broncos have the longest winning streak in the NFL, and although Payton Manning has lost a few divisional round home games in his career, I dont expect it to happen here. Pick: Broncos
Packers at 49ers: The 49ers have the better defense, are more fundamentally sound, tackle well, dont commit turnovers, and are better at the Offensive and defensive line. The Packers have the better quarterback. good news, that may be all you need. Also a quarterback who has a tendency to play out of his mind when he has a chip in his shoulder, which he will this week. This is a very biased pick, I dont feel to good about it, but Im taking the Packers. I know I said it before, but Ill say it again, the winner of this game wins the super bowl. Pick: Packers
Seahawks at Falcons: Heres a pick I dont feel good about at all. The Seahawks will be facing the most raucous environment theyve faced all season, Im not sure how they'll handle it, they are clearly a different team at home. Speaking of a chip on the shoulder, Atlanta will have one the size of a boulder for this game. The Number one seed in the NFC has lost in the divisional round 4 of the last 5 seasons, one of those four was Atlanta, who lost to Green Bay in 2011. Thats a trend bound to end sometime, since before this streak the number one seed in the NFC won in the divisional round seventeen straight seasons. I'll say the trend continues for one more season though, for no other reason other than I am desperate for a Seahawks/Packers NFCCG. Pick: Seahawks
Texans at Patriots: The Texans have been struggling the last few games, and had a chance to get hot in the wild card round for some momentum for this game. I think they failed to do that though, clunking along through their win over the Bengals for an uninspired win. I'll gladly be wrong though, of the four teams left in the AFC, I know the Packers would beat 3, but am not so sure about the Patriots. I think they win this one though, unfortunately. Pick: Patriots.
Ravens at Broncos: The Ravens got a nice match up in round one, but that doesnt mask the fact theyve been pretty bad the last couple months, especially on the road. Meanwhile the Broncos have the longest winning streak in the NFL, and although Payton Manning has lost a few divisional round home games in his career, I dont expect it to happen here. Pick: Broncos
Packers at 49ers: The 49ers have the better defense, are more fundamentally sound, tackle well, dont commit turnovers, and are better at the Offensive and defensive line. The Packers have the better quarterback. good news, that may be all you need. Also a quarterback who has a tendency to play out of his mind when he has a chip in his shoulder, which he will this week. This is a very biased pick, I dont feel to good about it, but Im taking the Packers. I know I said it before, but Ill say it again, the winner of this game wins the super bowl. Pick: Packers
Seahawks at Falcons: Heres a pick I dont feel good about at all. The Seahawks will be facing the most raucous environment theyve faced all season, Im not sure how they'll handle it, they are clearly a different team at home. Speaking of a chip on the shoulder, Atlanta will have one the size of a boulder for this game. The Number one seed in the NFC has lost in the divisional round 4 of the last 5 seasons, one of those four was Atlanta, who lost to Green Bay in 2011. Thats a trend bound to end sometime, since before this streak the number one seed in the NFC won in the divisional round seventeen straight seasons. I'll say the trend continues for one more season though, for no other reason other than I am desperate for a Seahawks/Packers NFCCG. Pick: Seahawks
Texans at Patriots: The Texans have been struggling the last few games, and had a chance to get hot in the wild card round for some momentum for this game. I think they failed to do that though, clunking along through their win over the Bengals for an uninspired win. I'll gladly be wrong though, of the four teams left in the AFC, I know the Packers would beat 3, but am not so sure about the Patriots. I think they win this one though, unfortunately. Pick: Patriots.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
NCAA Basketball Big Ten Week Two Picks
I went 10-1 in picking games in the first week of the Big Ten season, a very good record indeed. Ony Ohio State let me down by losing to Illinois, but Ill never complain about an Ohio St loss. Here are the picks for the next seven nights:
January 7th
Indiana at Penn St: Pick: Indiana
January 8th
Ohio st at Purdue: Pick: Ohio st
January 9th
Nebraska at Michigan: Pick: Michigan
Minnesota at Illinois: Pick: Illinois
January 10th
Michigan st at Iowa: Pick: Iowa
Northwestern at Penn st: Pick: Northwestern
January 12th
Minnesota at Indiana: Pick: Indiana
Illinois at Wisconsin: Pick: Wisconsin
January 13th
Penn st at Purdue: Pick: Purdue
Michigan at Ohio st: Pick: Michigan
Iowa at Northwestern: Pick: Northwestern
Nebraska at Michigan st: Pick: Michigan st
Standings through Week One
1. Michigan: 2-0
2. Minnesota: 2-0
3. Wisconsin: 2-0
4. Indiana: 1-0
5. Illinois: 1-1
6. Michigan st: 1-1
7. Ohio St: 1-1
8. Purdue: 1-1
9. Penn St: 0-1
10. Iowa: 0-2
11. Northwestern: 0-2
12. Nebraska: 0-2
January 7th
Indiana at Penn St: Pick: Indiana
January 8th
Ohio st at Purdue: Pick: Ohio st
January 9th
Nebraska at Michigan: Pick: Michigan
Minnesota at Illinois: Pick: Illinois
January 10th
Michigan st at Iowa: Pick: Iowa
Northwestern at Penn st: Pick: Northwestern
January 12th
Minnesota at Indiana: Pick: Indiana
Illinois at Wisconsin: Pick: Wisconsin
January 13th
Penn st at Purdue: Pick: Purdue
Michigan at Ohio st: Pick: Michigan
Iowa at Northwestern: Pick: Northwestern
Nebraska at Michigan st: Pick: Michigan st
Standings through Week One
1. Michigan: 2-0
2. Minnesota: 2-0
3. Wisconsin: 2-0
4. Indiana: 1-0
5. Illinois: 1-1
6. Michigan st: 1-1
7. Ohio St: 1-1
8. Purdue: 1-1
9. Penn St: 0-1
10. Iowa: 0-2
11. Northwestern: 0-2
12. Nebraska: 0-2
Packers top Vikes 24-10 in Wildcard round.
Less than two hours before the Vikings announced Christian Ponder was inactive and that Joe Webb would be starting. Viking fans got excited, thinking a dual threat quarterback, along with the best running back in the league could cause the Packers defense fits. Packer fans, myself included, become overcome with worry for the same reason. The Packers and Vikings are very familiar with each other, therefore you normally know what your getting when you play each other, so when one of those teams can throw a wrench in that familiarity its cause for concern. But that concern was quickly wiped away, Joe Webb looked like an awful QB, badly overthrowing and underthrowing open receivers all night, allowing the Packers D to hone in on AP and rendering him ineffective, opening the door for a two touchdown victory that wasn't even as close as the final score indicated.
On the first possession of the game the Vikings marched down the field, including a nice third down conversion run from Joe Webb, and it led to a Vikings field goal to open up a 3-0 lead, and it looked like this may be a good night for the Vikings. This was followed up by a three and out from the Packers, and the Vikings crossed midfield again. But the Packers finally dug down and got a stop. From there the Packers marched down, thanks in large part to Dujuan Harris, for their first touchdown of the game and a 7-3 lead. The game turned into a bit of a chess match for the next couple possessions, only a Packers field goal broke it up. leading 10-3, and in the two minute drill, the Packers got a touchdown, started with the ball in the second half, got another touchdown, and all of a sudden the lead swelled to 24-3. The Packers completely took their foot off the pedal at that point, and the Vikings got a garbage time touchdown to result in a final score of 24-10.
Three good things
1. Packers run defense: Holding Adrian Peterson under 100 yards is a major accomplishment for the Packer defense, who allowed him over 400 yards for the first two games. The Packers offense also has to get credit for this, the fact they were winning by three touchdowns the whole second half made sure the Vikings couldn't run the ball and AP only finished with 22 carries.
2. Dujuan harris: the statbook will say he only average 2.5 yards per carry, but that doesn't describe the large impact he had on the first half of this game. He almost single handedly helped the Packers on their first touchdown drive, and ran in for a nine yard TD run. He also led the team with recpetions, averaging over 10 yards per reception, an amazing number for a running back.
3. Aaron Rodgers: Duh. His pass to Jordy Nelson on the run inside the five yard line, right on the sideline to set up the second touchdown was one of the most beautiful passes you could imagine. Besides that one standout pass, it was typical Aaron Rodgers efficiency. 70 percent completion percentage, 104 QB rating, 274 yards, another day at the office.
three bad things
1. Handing off to Kuhn on third and goal from the one. I hate this. with a passion you would not believed. The Packers have tried this play on third and short about at least ten times this year. And it has worked a grand total of zero times (probably not accurate, but it feels like it.) its predictable, especially on the goal line, it doesn't work. STOP DOING IT MIKE!
2. Taking the foot off the pedal so early/then keeping Rodgers in the whole game: The Packers let up way to early, about five minutes into the third quarter they let up completely. That may ruin potential momentum for next week. Despite this, Rodgers curiously stayed in the game all the way through. And on the last possession of the game, a point in which he absolutely shouldn't have been in, he tripped awkwardly, then took a sack. Scary
3. Ryan Grant: seven carries for seven yards. One of the carries was for seven yards so 0 yards on six other carries. Its becoming increasingly clear the Packers didn't really need to bring Grant back, but at the time they signed him no one knew Harris was about to break out.
MVP of the week
2 points to Aaron Rodgers, even though he didn't have his best game. One point to Sam Shields and Dujuan Harris and a half point to Clay Matthews.
Candlestick next week, Rodgers first career game there! did you know Rodgers grew up in California a 49ers fan, was passed over in the draft by the 49ers for alex smith, and still has a huge chip on his shoulder because of it. Ill bet you do because ESPN says it every time these two teams play, and with this one being a playoff game and in San fran this time instead of Lambeau, expect ESPN to absolutely shove it down your throat this next week. I said last week, assuming at the time the Packers would beat the Vikings, that whoever wins the 49ers/Packers game will win the super bowl. I still think that. Do I think the Packers will win Saturday? I don't know, it will be difficult to be sure, but I know they can, especially if Rodgers shows up with a chip on his shoulder, and he will. Just a reminder, the last time Rodgers went into a game with a legitimate chip on his shoulder, he threw six touchdown passes against the undefeated Texans.
On the first possession of the game the Vikings marched down the field, including a nice third down conversion run from Joe Webb, and it led to a Vikings field goal to open up a 3-0 lead, and it looked like this may be a good night for the Vikings. This was followed up by a three and out from the Packers, and the Vikings crossed midfield again. But the Packers finally dug down and got a stop. From there the Packers marched down, thanks in large part to Dujuan Harris, for their first touchdown of the game and a 7-3 lead. The game turned into a bit of a chess match for the next couple possessions, only a Packers field goal broke it up. leading 10-3, and in the two minute drill, the Packers got a touchdown, started with the ball in the second half, got another touchdown, and all of a sudden the lead swelled to 24-3. The Packers completely took their foot off the pedal at that point, and the Vikings got a garbage time touchdown to result in a final score of 24-10.
Three good things
1. Packers run defense: Holding Adrian Peterson under 100 yards is a major accomplishment for the Packer defense, who allowed him over 400 yards for the first two games. The Packers offense also has to get credit for this, the fact they were winning by three touchdowns the whole second half made sure the Vikings couldn't run the ball and AP only finished with 22 carries.
2. Dujuan harris: the statbook will say he only average 2.5 yards per carry, but that doesn't describe the large impact he had on the first half of this game. He almost single handedly helped the Packers on their first touchdown drive, and ran in for a nine yard TD run. He also led the team with recpetions, averaging over 10 yards per reception, an amazing number for a running back.
3. Aaron Rodgers: Duh. His pass to Jordy Nelson on the run inside the five yard line, right on the sideline to set up the second touchdown was one of the most beautiful passes you could imagine. Besides that one standout pass, it was typical Aaron Rodgers efficiency. 70 percent completion percentage, 104 QB rating, 274 yards, another day at the office.
three bad things
1. Handing off to Kuhn on third and goal from the one. I hate this. with a passion you would not believed. The Packers have tried this play on third and short about at least ten times this year. And it has worked a grand total of zero times (probably not accurate, but it feels like it.) its predictable, especially on the goal line, it doesn't work. STOP DOING IT MIKE!
2. Taking the foot off the pedal so early/then keeping Rodgers in the whole game: The Packers let up way to early, about five minutes into the third quarter they let up completely. That may ruin potential momentum for next week. Despite this, Rodgers curiously stayed in the game all the way through. And on the last possession of the game, a point in which he absolutely shouldn't have been in, he tripped awkwardly, then took a sack. Scary
3. Ryan Grant: seven carries for seven yards. One of the carries was for seven yards so 0 yards on six other carries. Its becoming increasingly clear the Packers didn't really need to bring Grant back, but at the time they signed him no one knew Harris was about to break out.
MVP of the week
2 points to Aaron Rodgers, even though he didn't have his best game. One point to Sam Shields and Dujuan Harris and a half point to Clay Matthews.
Candlestick next week, Rodgers first career game there! did you know Rodgers grew up in California a 49ers fan, was passed over in the draft by the 49ers for alex smith, and still has a huge chip on his shoulder because of it. Ill bet you do because ESPN says it every time these two teams play, and with this one being a playoff game and in San fran this time instead of Lambeau, expect ESPN to absolutely shove it down your throat this next week. I said last week, assuming at the time the Packers would beat the Vikings, that whoever wins the 49ers/Packers game will win the super bowl. I still think that. Do I think the Packers will win Saturday? I don't know, it will be difficult to be sure, but I know they can, especially if Rodgers shows up with a chip on his shoulder, and he will. Just a reminder, the last time Rodgers went into a game with a legitimate chip on his shoulder, he threw six touchdown passes against the undefeated Texans.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Top 12 Games of the Aaron Rodgers era Part 3
Weve talked about games 12-6, now its time to rank the sixth, fifth and fourth best games for the Packers of the Aaron Rodgers era. Again, this list isn't about Aaron Rodgers individual performance in that game, or how exciting the game was, its about 15% Rodgers performance, 15% excitement of the game, and 70% the significance of the win. Lets get to it:
6. 2009 Week 10 Vs Cowboys: W 17-7. This will be a puzzling pick to many, but to me it is absolutely an essential game on this list, and I actually feel bad I didn't put it higher up. The Packers came into this game 4-4, coming off a loss to the winless Buccaneers, and were big underdogs to the Cowboys, which would put them at 4-5 and essentially fading from the playoff run. It was an ugly game, the first point didn't occur until the final play of the first half, and all three touchdowns were scored in the fourth quarter. The win sparked a 7-1 finish to the season for the Packers. In my opinion, it marks a large dividing line between the growing pains era of Rodgers career, and the current domination era we find ourselves in. Coming into this game Rodgers career record was 10-14, very mediocre. Since this game the Packers boast a 47-15 record, the best in the NFC in that stretch. The importance of this game cannot be denied.
5. 2009 Week 1 Packers Vs Bears W 21-15. This game is large for a myriad of reasons. First, it was the opening game of the first postseason season of Aaron Rodgers career. It also began the current domination of the Bears from Aaron Rodgers, since this game he is 8-1 against the Bears. It also still to this day marks the one of only two game winning drives in the final five minutes of a game from Aaron Rodgers. Facing 3rd and 1 from midfield and tailing 15-13, Rodgers ran the play action and threw a bomb to a wide open Greg Jennings for a touchdown. It was also Jay Cutlers first game at Lambeau Field, and he threw four picks appropriately. the TD pass to Greg Jennings was recently listed as one of the 50 most important plays in Packers history.
4. 2012 Week 6 Packers at Texans W 42-24. Theres a chance the ranking of this game may be changed depending on how the Packers do in the playoffs this year. There is no doubt this was the turning point of the 2012 Packers season. Coming off a brutal loss to the Colts, standing at 2-3 and heavy underdogs on the road to the undefeated Texans on National TV, the Packers, mostly Aaron Rodgers, thrashed the Texans up and down the field for the full 60 minutes. Rodgers finished with a career high six touchdown passes, and his post game interview now lives in Packers lore. When questioned what he had to say to the critics who had said all week the Packers were finished, Rodgers famously said "Shhhhh", then just walked away.
6. 2009 Week 10 Vs Cowboys: W 17-7. This will be a puzzling pick to many, but to me it is absolutely an essential game on this list, and I actually feel bad I didn't put it higher up. The Packers came into this game 4-4, coming off a loss to the winless Buccaneers, and were big underdogs to the Cowboys, which would put them at 4-5 and essentially fading from the playoff run. It was an ugly game, the first point didn't occur until the final play of the first half, and all three touchdowns were scored in the fourth quarter. The win sparked a 7-1 finish to the season for the Packers. In my opinion, it marks a large dividing line between the growing pains era of Rodgers career, and the current domination era we find ourselves in. Coming into this game Rodgers career record was 10-14, very mediocre. Since this game the Packers boast a 47-15 record, the best in the NFC in that stretch. The importance of this game cannot be denied.
5. 2009 Week 1 Packers Vs Bears W 21-15. This game is large for a myriad of reasons. First, it was the opening game of the first postseason season of Aaron Rodgers career. It also began the current domination of the Bears from Aaron Rodgers, since this game he is 8-1 against the Bears. It also still to this day marks the one of only two game winning drives in the final five minutes of a game from Aaron Rodgers. Facing 3rd and 1 from midfield and tailing 15-13, Rodgers ran the play action and threw a bomb to a wide open Greg Jennings for a touchdown. It was also Jay Cutlers first game at Lambeau Field, and he threw four picks appropriately. the TD pass to Greg Jennings was recently listed as one of the 50 most important plays in Packers history.
4. 2012 Week 6 Packers at Texans W 42-24. Theres a chance the ranking of this game may be changed depending on how the Packers do in the playoffs this year. There is no doubt this was the turning point of the 2012 Packers season. Coming off a brutal loss to the Colts, standing at 2-3 and heavy underdogs on the road to the undefeated Texans on National TV, the Packers, mostly Aaron Rodgers, thrashed the Texans up and down the field for the full 60 minutes. Rodgers finished with a career high six touchdown passes, and his post game interview now lives in Packers lore. When questioned what he had to say to the critics who had said all week the Packers were finished, Rodgers famously said "Shhhhh", then just walked away.
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