Category Archives: Hockey

Hockey

2015-2016 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins

Hello everyone !

They did it- the Pittsburgh Penguins have defeated the San Jose Sharks to win the franchise’s 4th Stanley Cup and 2nd in the past 10 years! I’ve been a fan during both Cup victories and I can tell you, there is nothing like it!

The Pens overcame a lot to make it to the top, of course in my opinion they deserved to be hoisting the cup this June. This season was tough and for a while I wanted to stop watching games because of frustration. In October the team was mess and I was devastated; everything I loved about the team was gone. Players were fighting with each other and there was no sense of pride. How can a team expect to win when they can’t even get along? Hockey is a lot about teamwork and having a family-esque atmosphere. The NHL season is a long one, 82 games, and the Stanley Cup is described as the toughest trophy to win in all major sports. To make it through the season with a winning record, a team has to work together and want to win.

I want to focus on a crucial point in the season- the firing of coach Mike Johnston right around the 30 game mark. He HAD to go. He was replaced by Mike Sullivan who was familiar with the system because he was coaching the Penguins AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins when he was called to coach the NHL team. Having coached some of the players in the minors, Sullivan came in already comfortable with a lot of the players- I believe that was very important. Sullivan is a completely different type of coach compared to Johnston.

He instilled a sense of pride and togetherness in his players. All of a sudden they were a part of something bigger and they all had important roles. This was the first season I can honestly say that EVERY player had a significant impact. In past years the story every game was Crosby this and Malkin that. Don’t get me wrong – I love these two guys and they are elite skilled players. But it was so refreshing that it was the Penguins vs. the Sharks and the Penguins vs. the Rangers. Players young and old stepped up. Brand new NHL faces and players who didn’t live up to their potential on their old teams both shined night after night. Key injuries happened- players like Malkin, Fleury, and Daley missed a significant amount of games. But do you know what never changed- players were ready to step up and contribute to fill in their places.

Speaking of injuries, I’d like to take this time to talk about some of them. First off, young Finnish defenceman Olli Matta missed a lot of time due to complications resulting from cancerous growths. Fellow defenceman Kris Letang missed weeks because he suffered a stroke. Perhaps the most heart breaking injury was suffered by forward Pascal Dupuis. Dupuis was in the league for many years; and a member of the Penguins for several- including the championship 2009 season. He missed a lot of time with injuries; in fact, he had to hang up his skates and quit the game he loved because of his health issues. Seeing him raise the cup meant a lot to longtime fans.

So here we have it- the cup is going back home where it belongs. Myself, thousands of fans and a city of supporters are beyond delighted to welcome it back. Since 2009 there was a lot of talk that the Penguins were not performing as well as they should have. To all the haters: hockey is hockey- there are a lot of ups and downs, it takes a lot of pieces and sometimes a lot of luck to win the cup. Some chances were taken with lineups and free agents and trades- sometimes they work out and sometimes they don’t. Fortunate for the Penguins, they were able to go on the ice every night with a stacked team who was ready to take on the competition.

Congratulations to the players, coaching staff, training and equipment staff, management and supporters. Each person, no matter the size of his or her role helped the Penguins make it to the top.

Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey, NASCAR

Top 25 Greatest Teams That Failed To Win The Championship

#25: 1988 New York Mets

mets88

Notable Statistics
Record: 100-60 (1st in NL)
Won NL East
Led NL in HRs, RBI, Slugging, OPS, ERA
Notable Players: David Cone, Dwight Gooden, Gary Carter, Keith Hernandez, Darryl Strawberry
Manager: Davey Johnson
Finish: Lost in NLCS to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 7.

Only two years removed from their ’86 World Series, the Mets were at it again, dominating the National League for the season. The Mets led the NLCS 1-0 and 2-1, but the Dodgers came back to lead 3-2. Future Met and NL Cy Young Award Winner Orel Hershiser blanked the Mets in Game 7 and the Dodgers went on to win the World Series.

#24: 1998 #6 Team, Roush Racing (Mark Martin)

markmartin98

Notable Statistics
Finished 2nd in the Winston Cup Points Standings
1998 Statistics: 7 Wins (2nd), 22 Top 5s (2nd), 26 Top 10s (2nd)
Average Finish: 8.6 (2nd)
Crew Chief: Jimmy Fennig

Mark Martin’s most impressive single season came at the same time that Jeff Gordon was setting modern day NASCAR records. Year in and year out Martin has finished in the top 5 of the points standings but each year he would just fall short for one reason or another. Usually, Martin would score two or three wins a season and fill out the rest of the year with a steady dose of Top 10s. In 1998 Martin would win seven times, and if Gordon wasn’t out putting up the most ridiculous season in NASCAR history at that time (13 Wins, 5.7 average finish), who knows how many other victories Martin could have gotten.

Consider this. In 1998 Martin averaged 150.4 points a race. That would have beaten Jeff Gordon’s 1997 Championship average (147.2), Terry Labonte’s 1996 Championship average (150.2), Gordon’s 1995 Championship Average (148.8). Dale Earnhardt’s 1994 average (151.4) beats Martin’s ’98, but Earnhardt also won that title by about 400 points. Hell, Martin’s point total in 33 races is actually greater than 2nd place Earnhardt in 2000 (34 races) and Tony Stewart’s 2nd place total in 2001 (36 races). Martin would have flat out WON the Championship in the 36 race 2002 with his 33 race total in ’98.

#23: 1995 Cleveland Indians

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Notable Statistics
Record: 100-44 (1st in AL)
Won AL Central
Led NL in HRs, RBI, Slugging, OPS, ERA
Notable Players: Orel Hershiser, Charles Nagy, Jim Thome, Albert Belle, Manny Ramirez, Kenny Lofton, Omar Vizquel
Manager: Mike Hargrove
Finish: Lost World Series to the Atlanta Braves in 6.

A monster offensive team with a monster record. Prorate that 100-44 record to 162 games and you get about 112 wins. You had five guys on this team hit at least 25 home runs that season (again, a shortened season). You had good pitching. The Indians had 10 more wins in the regular season than anyone else in baseball. This Indians team should have tore through the post-season and ended Cleveland’s long lasting drought.

Cleveland ripped through the Red Sox and Mariners in the post-season, but ran into the great pitching staff of the Atlanta Braves. Highlighted with a World Series winning 1 hitter by Tom Glavine and Mark Wohlers, the Braves upset the Indians and continued to do quite well in the National League throughout the rest of the decade.

#22: 2005 Indianapolis Colts

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Notable Statistics
Record: 14-2 (1st in NFL)
Won AFC South
NFL Ranks: 2nd in Points, 2nd in Points Allowed
Won First 13 Games in the Regular Season
Notable Players: Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, Bob Sanders, Dwight Freeney
Head Coach: Tony Dungy
Finish: Lost in the Divisional Round to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-18

An epic upset forgotten by the Colts winning the title the very next season. There was a lot of undefeated talk for the Colts during the 2005 season and it looked like, with New England not being as good as they had been in the last couple of seasons, that this was their year. Elite passing, elite running and a good defense seemed like it would be enough.

The Steelers had other plans, pressuring Peyton Manning all throughout the game, sacking him five times and rushing him everywhere. Peyton failed to complete a pass in the first quarter, and the Steelers ran up an early 14-0 lead. The Colts wouldn’t score a TD until the 4th quarter, but the Steelers would barely hang on 21-18 (this included one of the worst referee overturn challenges in the history of the league, when Troy Polamalu intercepted Manning cleanly and it was ruled incomplete). In fact, we may not be talking about the Colts losing here had Ben Roethlisberger not made the tackle of his life when Jerome Bettis fumbled as the Steelers were looking to ice the game and Mike Vanderjagt made the game tying FG. The Steelers would become the first #6 seed to get to the Super Bowl a week later.

#21: 2000-2001 New Jersey Devils

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Notable Statistics
Record: 48-19-12-3, 111 Points (2nd in NHL)
Won Atlantic Division
NHL Ranks: Goals 1st, Goals Against 5th
Notable Players: Martin Brodeur, Scott Niedermeyer, Scott Stevens, Patrik Elias, Alexander Mogilny, Petr Sykora
Head Coach: Larry Robinson
Finish: Lost in the Stanley Cup Finals to the Colorado Avalanche in 7.

It’s not even that it was an upset victory for Colorado. The Avalanche had a huge 118 point season and seemed destined for the Cup. That doesn’t change just how good the Devils were. The Devils were already the defending Stanley Cup Champions and brought back most of the team from the season before. Martin Brodeur had proven he could win tough, low scoring playoff hockey games with his stellar performance from the season before. Colorado proved to be too talented and too deep for New Jersey though.

#20: 2011 Green Bay Packers

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Notable Statistics
Record: 15-1 (1st in NFL)
Won NFC North
NFL Ranks: 1st in Points, 19th in Points Allowed
Won First 13 Games in the Regular Season
Notable Players: Aaron Rodgers (MVP), Ryan Grant, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews Jr.
Head Coach: Mike McCarthy
Finish: Lost in the Divisional Round to the New York Giants 37-20

In the pass happy post 2007 NFL, Aaron Rodgers put together the greatest QB season in NFL history as the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers ripped through the league with ease. It wasn’t like they were just ranked 1st in points, they scored 35 a game and no one could hang with them. When you have a QB having the best QB season in NFL history at that point, a lot of things that could be considered weaknesses get swept under the rug. The Packers had one weakness, their defense was average at best.
The Giants tore that defense apart. The Giants D caused some turnovers and never let Green Bay get into rhythm. The Giants would find ways to come up with points on each drive of theirs. The big moment? When The Giants looked comfortable taking a 13-10 lead at halftime and Ahmad Bradshaw broke a big run. With six seconds left, Eli Manning took a hot at the end zone and suddenly it was 20-10 Giants. Green Bay never recovered.

#19: 2010-2011 Vancouver Canucks

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Notable Statistics
Record: 59-19-9, 117 Points (1st in NHL)
Won Northwest Division
NHL Ranks: Goals 1st, Goals Against 1st
Notable Players: Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kesler, Roberto Luongo
Head Coach: Alain Vigneault
Finish: Lost in the Stanley Cup Finals to the Boston Bruins in 7.

It’s quite difficult to beat a team that scores the most goals and allows the least, but that’s what Boston managed to do in the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. The Canucks almost lost in the Quarterfinals, luckily winning Game 7 in overtime against the Blackhawks.

Still, the Canucks were stacked, featuring the Sedin twins and 41 goal scorer Ryan Kesler. They just got outplayed in the Stanley Cups Finals.

#18: 2001-2002 Sacramento Kings

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Notable Statistics
Record: 61-21 (1st in NBA)
Won Pacific Division
NFL Ranks: 3rd in Offensive Rating, 6th in Defensive Rating
Notable Players: Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic, Vlade Divac, Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Bobby Jackson
Head Coach: Rick Adelman
Finish: Lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers in 7.

First of all, we have to consider all the referee shenanigans that cost Sacramento Game 6. It’s one of worst officiated games in league history.

Getting past that, the 2002 Kings had everything it seemed. A star player in Webber. A crunch time guy in Bibby. A dead eye shooter in Stojakovic. The 2002 Kings were so close. Robert Horry hit a dagger in Game 4 that saved the Lakers from a 3-1 deficit. Were the Lakers beating the Kings in three straight? Not likely. Game 7 went to overtime as well. The Kings were so close to knocking off the Shaq-Kobe Lakers and just couldn’t get it done. It’s a shame, because the Nets were waiting in the NBA Finals and stood no chance of beating that Kings team (the Lakers swept them with ease). The Kings spent the next couple of years losing Game 7s to Dallas and Minnesota. They never had a greater chance than they did in 2002, referees or not.

#17: 1994 Montreal Expos

expos94

Notable Statistics
Record: 74-40 (1st in NL)
Led NL in ERA
Notable Players: Pedro Martinez, Moises Alou, Larry Walker, Ken Hill
Manager: Felipe Alou
Finish: Baseball Went on Strike

A really tough break for Montreal as some cite the strike as a big reason Montreal moved to Washington years later. The Expos were on pace for a 105 win season led by some really good pitching led by Ken Hill and Pedro Martinez. Moises Alou was on pace for a great season as well. Montreal would lose most of their players in Free Agency.

#16: 2010 New England Patriots

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Notable Statistics
Record: 14-2 (1st in NFL)
Won AFC East
NFL Ranks: 1st in Points, 8th in Points Allowed
Notable Players: Tom Brady (MVP), Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Jarod Mayo, Devin McCourty, Vince Wilfork
Head Coach: Bill Belichick
Finish: Lost in the Divisional Round to the New York Jets 28-21

This was supposed to be the year the New England Patriots got back on track. Ever since their upset loss in Super Bowl XLII the Patriots were in a bit of a funk (for them). Tom Brady got hurt in Week 1 the very next season and while New England went 11-5 they managed to miss the playoffs. The following year they got beat up by Baltimore in the opening round. But Brady was fully healthy in 2010 and showed it, throwing for 36 Touchdowns against merely 4 Interceptions. With the double TE combo of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski causing trouble for the rest of the league, as well as Wes Welker being Brady’s security blanket, it would be difficult to see how the Patriots weren’t going to win this year.

Bring on the New York Jets. The Jets were led by Rex Ryan and were the cause of one of the Pats two losses during the regular season. Still, it looked like the Jets stood no chance as they were destroyed by New England during Week 13 on Monday Night Football 45-3. But all of that didn’t matter. Ryan’s defense swarmed Brady all game and the Jets had a big 2nd quarter and went into halftime up 14-3. And just like that, New England’s return to dominance was stopped in its tracks.

#15: 2015 #4 Team, Stewart-Haas Racing (Kevin Harvick)

Kevin Harvick drives on track during a NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C., Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)

Notable Statistics
Finished 2nd in the Sprint Cup Chase
2015 Statistics: 3 Wins (5th), 23 Top 5s (1st), 28 Top 10s (1st)
Average Finish: 8.7 (1st)
15 Top 2 Finishes
Crew Chief: Rodney Childers

One of the best examples of the new eliminator Chase for the Cup format crowning the wrong driver. Kyle Busch, who had an impressive season after missing the first 11 races, was nowhere near as dominant as Harvick was in 2015. Harvick showed his 2014 wasn’t a fluke by reeling off Top 2 after Top 2. Even though he had a good Chase and even finished 2nd at Homestead, Kyle Busch won the season finale and the title. It doesn’t seem right.

#14: 1996 Denver Broncos

broncos96

Notable Statistics
Record: 13-3 (1st in NFL)
Won AFC West
NFL Ranks: 4th in Points, 7th in Points Allowed
Notable Players: John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Steve Atwater, Bill Romanowski, Alfred Williams
Head Coach: Mike Shanahan
Finish: Lost in the Divisional Round to the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-27

How do we know this Denver Broncos team was great? They brought back basically the same players and won the next two Super Bowls.

So what the heck happened here? Jacksonville, who was only in their 2nd year of existence, put together a 9-7 record and had barely survived the Bills the week before. Denver was a two touchdown favorite here. The first half was played evenly, with Jacksonville surprising everyone by leading 13-12 at the half. Mark Brunell then played what was probably the greatest half of his life. Everytime Denver got close, Brunell would throw a big TD pass and make the lead a double digit one. It’s incredible to hear just how silent Mile High Stadium became. At the ned of the game Mike Shanahan was asked if Elway was coming back next year. Luckily for Denver, he did and they didn’t blow it up.

#13: 2013 Denver Broncos

broncos13

Notable Statistics
Record: 13-3 (1st in NFL)
Won AFC West
NFL Ranks: 1nd in Points, 22nd in Points Allowed
Notable Players: Peyton Manning (MVP), DeMaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Julius Thomas
Head Coach: John Fox
Finish: Lost in the Super Bowl to the Seattle Seahawks 43-8

This is Peyton Manning’s record setting year where he trashed all the records with 5,477 yards and 55 TDs. Denver’s defense wasn’t as strong as it would be, but offensively it probably wouldn’t have mattered. They scored a crazy 606 points thoughout the regular season. Only three times did they score under 30 points in the regular season, and two of those were 27 and 28 point outings.

Unfortunately the Seattle Seahawks defense was waiting for them and Denver got smashed in the Super Bowl. Everything that could have went wrong for Denver did. I don’t think that takes away from just how dominant Denver was the rest of the season. Even in the post season they handled San Diego and New England with relative ease.

#12: 2007 #24 Team, Hendrick Motorsports (Jeff Gordon)

gordon07

Notable Statistics
Finished 2nd in the Nextel Cup Chase
2015 Statistics: 6 Wins (2nd), 21 Top 5s (1st), 30 Top 10s (1st)
Average Finish: 7.3 (1st)
Crew Chief: Steve Letarte

In 2007 we got the Jeff Gordon of old. Gordon dominated the NASCAR season that invoked memories of his late 90s dominance. Gordon has approximately a 300 point advantage before the Chase reset everything, and then Jimmie Johnson proceeded to win six of ten Chase races to steal the title from Gordon. Despite Johnson’s run, Gordon kept it competitive. Jeff Gordon would never be this dominant again. This was his best chance at a 5th Cup.

#11: 1990 Buffalo Bills

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Notable Statistics
Record: 13-3 (2nd in NFL)
Won AFC East
NFL Ranks: 1st in Points, 6th in Points Allowed
Notable Players: Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith (Defensive Player of the Year), Andre Reed
Head Coach: Marv Levy
Finish: Lost in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants 20-19

The first of the four falls of Buffalo might have been the best. Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas made up a great one-two punch that would lead the Bills to four straight Super Bowl berths, and Bruce Smith was the premier Defensive Player of his era. Unfortunately for the Bills the New York Giants had a great gameplan that shut down the Bills offense. Despite this, Buffalo still had a chance to win it…but Scott Norwood famously missed “wide right”.

To get an idea how good this Bills team was, they took out Marino and the Dolphins in the Divisional Round but dropping 44, then kick the crap out of the Raiders 51-3 in the AFC Title game. The 1990 Bills were really good.

#10: 1997 Green Bay Packers

24 Aug 1998: Defensive tackle Santana Dotson #71 of the Green Bay Packers faces quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos during the pre-season game at the Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Packers 34-31. Mandatory Cre

Notable Statistics
Record: 13-3 (1st in NFL)
Won NFC Central
NFL Ranks: 2nd in Points, 5th in Points Allowed
Notable Players: Brett Favre (MVP), Dorsey Levens, Antonio Freeman, Robert Brooks, Mark Chmura, Reggie White, LeRoy Butler
Head Coach: Mike Holmgren
Finish: Lost in the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos 31-24

The Packers had avoided Denver in the Super Bowl prior as Denver had been upset by Jacksonville in the Divisional round. This time Denver had to come out of the Wildcard round to get to the big game and they did. Waiting for them were the defending Super Bowl Champions and three time MVP Brett Favre. The Packers just completed dispatching one of the powerhouse NFC teams of the last 15+ years in the 49ers. Denver was a big underdog here.

Green Bay couldn’t stop Terrell Davis. Hell, almost no one could. Davis destroyed the Packers for 157 rushing yards. While the Packers were in the game the whole way, Denver just did enough to keep their one score lead and win. If the 1997 Packers had one Achilles’ Heel it was that they at times struggled to contain the rush. And that’s how Denver won. The mid-90s championship level Packer teams came to a close as they didn’t get out of the Wildcard Round in 1998.

#9: 1995-1996 Detroit Red Wings

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Notable Statistics
Record: 62-13-7, 131 Points (1st in NHL, 2nd All-Time)
Won Central Division
NHL Ranks: Goals 3rd, Goals Against 1st
Notable Players: Sergei Federov, Steve Yzerman, Paul Coffey, Chris Osgood, Mke Vernon
Head Coach: Scotty Bowman
Finish: Lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Colorado Avalanche in 6.

On this list strictly because 131 points in a hockey season is a hell of a lot of points. Both the Red Wings and Avalanche were stacked at this point so despite the big point differential it wasn’t that crazy that Colorado could beat them.

Like the ’96 Broncos, the Red Wings would win the next two Championships, showing that this is a great team. They’d be a title contender in the NHL pretty much for the next 20 years too.

#8: 2006-2007 Dallas Mavericks

mavericks07

Notable Statistics
Record: 67-15 (1st in NBA)
Won Southwest Division
NFL Ranks: 2nd in Offensive Rating, 5th in Defensive Rating
Notable Players: Dirk Nowitzki (MVP), Jason Terry, Josh Howard, Devin Harris
Head Coach: Avery Johnson
Finish: Lost in the First Round to the Golden State Warriors in 6.

There was proof that this Dallas Mavericks team was good: they were close to winning the NBA Title the previous year but only lost the Finals because Wade and perhaps the referees. Still, from an advanced metrics standpoint Nowitzki was unstoppable in 2007. It seemed that at worst, Dallas would have a tough series against Phoenix or San Antonio in the Western Conference Finals to get back to the Finals. But Dallas had every reason to be confident as they had beaten both of those teams in 2006.

What happened was absolutely shocking. The #8th seeded Warriors did whatever they wanted to Dallas and Nowitzki was shut down. Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson hit ridiculous shot after ridiculous shot. Don Nelson, the previous coach of the Mavericks, seemed to have the secrets for stopping Nowitzki. I have little doubt Dallas would have at least lost a tough series to San Antonio or Phoenix had they gotten by Golden State, and really Dallas might have just won the title there. Crazy match-up led to a crazy upset.

#7: 2011 Philadelphia Phillies

phillies11

Notable Statistics
Record: 102-60 (1st in NL)
Won NL East
Led NL in ERA
Notable Players: Cliff Lee, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt
Manager: Charlie Manuel
Finish: Lost Divisional Series to St. Louis Cardinals in 5.

While the 2010 Phillies could have been on here, the 2011 version gets the nod because of the Four Aces. Halladay, Hamels, Lee and Oswalt? That’s one of the best pitching staffs in baseball history. While Oswalt wasn’t great, fifth starter Vance Worley was and the Phillies led the NL by ERA by a substantial margin. Plus, it isn’t like they were weak hitting the ball as they had Ryan Howard and Chase Utley on the hitting side as well.

Unfortunately the Cardinals surprised them in the opening round, which included a masterful three hitter from Dan Carpenter in the deciding Game 5.

#6: 1998 Minnesota Vikings

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Notable Statistics
Record: 15-1 (1st in NFL)
Won NFC Central
NFL Ranks: 1nd in Points, 6th in Points Allowed
Notable Players: Randall Cunningham, Randy Moss, John Randle, Cris Carter, Robert Smith, Ed McDaniel, Gary Anderson, Robert Smith
Head Coach: Dennis Green
Finish: Lost in the NFC Championship Game to the Atlanta Falcons 30-27

Minnesota had a fearsome defensive line (Randle, McDaniel), a quarterback that dipped into the fountain of youth and returned to a near MVP form he once had in the early 90s (Cunningham), a 1,100 yard back (Smith), a perfect (or near-perfect, we will get to that) field goal kicker (Anderson), a rookie WR who only fell in the draft due to attitude concerns…only he’s turned out to arguably be the most dynamic WR ever (Moss). How could this team lose? They were 3 points away from a perfect regular season.

The Atlanta Falcons were no joke though, being 14-2 themselves and finishing off the Steve Young era in San Francisco. Chris Chandler played the game of his life. And still, Minnesota had Atlanta beat. Minnesota was up 7 and a Gary Anderson FG would put Atlanta away. Anderson missed. With John Randle injured on the sidelines Atlanta tied the game at 27 then won in overtime. Even as a 10 year old kid I remember being shocked at that outcome. I recommend the Missing Rings documentary about them.

#5: 2008-2009 Boston Celtics

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Notable Statistics
Record: 62-20 (3rd in NBA)
Won Atlantic Division
NFL Ranks: 2nd in Offensive Rating, 6th in Defensive Rating
Notable Players: Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce
Head Coach: Doc Rivers
Finish: Lost in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals to the Orlando Magic in 6.

At first it seems like the 08-09 Cavs should be on here, but truthfully I don’t find that to be a great team. I find that to be a great player carrying a pretty bad team to insane heights.

What’s forgotten about the Celtics is that Kevin Garnett was injured and missed the entire playoffs. Garnett was still one of the most important defensive players of his generation as his presence alone allowed Boston to play at an elite level. Boston started the season 27-2, which in itself was insane. They slowed down throughout the rest of the year and it seemed age was catching up a little bit. But then Garnett had to sit out the playoffs. Boston still beat a Chicago team that seemed determined to do every single thing they could to win. They took Orlando to seven games despite big trouble trying to guard Dwight Howard inside without Garnett to help. Rajon Rondo went from the Big 3 + Rondo to arguably the best player for the Celtics. If Garnett’s there, Boston probably goes to the Finals again (sorry Cleveland). Remember, the starting five of Perkins-Garnett-Pierce-Allen-Rondo never lost a playoff series where all five played each game, and they proved that by making the Finals in 2010 (Perkins got hurt and didn’t play Game 7 of the Finals), beating both Cleveland and Orlando.

#4: 1990 San Francisco 49ers

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Notable Statistics
Record: 14-2 (1st in NFL)
Won NFC West
NFL Ranks: 8th in Points, 2nd in Points Allowed
Notable Players: Joe Montana (MVP), Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, Charles Haley
Head Coach: George Seifert
Finish: Lost in the NFC Championship Game to the Giants 15-13

Everyone talks about the 1990 Bills losing in the Super Bowl (which is even on this list), but the 1990 49ers were a 14-2 juggernaut looking for their third straight Super Bowl. Led by MVP Joe Montana, it looked like nothing was going to stop the Niners from getting it done. The Giants hit five field goals and slowed Montana and the Niners enough to pull it off in Candlestick Park. Give Parcells and Belichick a lot of credit, holding Montana to 13 and Kelly to 19 was no small task.

We were that close to having a team win three straight Super Bowls.

#3: 2001 Seattle Mariners

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Notable Statistics
Record: 116-46 (1st in AL)
Won AL West
Led AL In BA, Hits, ERA
Notable Players: Brett Boone, Ichiro Suzuki (MVP, ROTY), John Olerud, Freddy Garcia, Edgar Martinez
Manager: Lou Pinella
Finish: Lost ALCS to the New York Yankees in 5.

The record itself was staggering. The Yankees though did a great job of shutting Ichiro down (4 for 18) and the Mariners couldn’t get by the more experience Yankee team. Perhaps it’s unlucky for Seattle that they ran into the Yankee dynasty, but 116 wins is a number that’s tough to overlook. They ended up with eight All-Stars that year. It’s kind of incredible that they lost.

#2: 2012-2013 San Antonio Spurs

during Game Five of the 2013 NBA Finals at the AT&T Center on June 16, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Notable Statistics
Record: 58-24 (3rd in NBA)
Won Southwest Division
NFL Ranks: 7th in Offensive Rating, 3rd in Defensive Rating
Notable Players: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard
Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
Finish: Lost in the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat in 7.

Don’t let the record fool you, this is the best NBA team to not win the title. After steamrolling through the NBA playoffs (only a still young Steph Curry led Warriors team won any games) in a tough Western Conference with a record of 12-2, the Spurs went up against the PEAK of LeBron James.

You know how hard it is to beat one of the seven greatest basketball players of all time at his peak? LeBron had an incredible season that by advanced metrics even surpassed Michael Jordan’s best season. The Heat during the year had a shot at beating the Lakers’ 33 game win streak. There was no question LeBron James was the best basketball player in the world. He had two elite level players with him too: Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. The Heat were the defending NBA Champions.

The Spurs probably came the closest to winning the NBA Title than any team ever without actually winning it. Game 6 the Spurs had a five point lead with 28 seconds to go. LeBron knocked down a three to bring it to two. The Spurs made one free throw, which led to Ray Allen hitting one of greatest shots in NBA history, a three from the corner to tie it up. Miami prevailed in overtime. From there it took a masterful performance from LeBron, a 37-12-4, to win the title from the Spurs. THAT’s what it took to beat these guys. The next year LeBron regressed slightly, Wade wasn’t the same and Kawhi Leonard improved and the Spurs easily won the title.

#1: 2007 New England Patriots

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Notable Statistics
Record: 16-0 (1st in NFL)
Only 16-0 Regular Season in NFL History
Won AFC East
NFL Ranks: 1st in Points, 4th in Points Allowed
Notable Players: Tom Brady (MVP), Randy Moss, Mike Vrabel, Vince Wilfork, Asante Samuel
Head Coach: Bill Belichick
Finish: Lost in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants 17-14

The final tally on the New England Patriots 2007 season will forever read 18-1. Somehow Eli Manning escaped a for sure sack. Somehow David Tyree caught the ball on his helmet. Somehow The Patriots, with Brady throwing for 50 TDs that season, 23 of them to arguably to the greatest receiver of all time in his prime, had only managed 14 points. Somehow, somehow, somehow, the Giants upset the Patriots.

With all the spygate stuff out there the Patriots had been looking for blood all season. They routinely ran up the score and no one could really stop them. Only twice did they have scares: Baltimore nearly upset them and the Giants played them tough Week 17. In fact, it was that Giants game that allegedly gave them the confidence and momentum that got them through the playoffs as well. New England was so close to perfection, and instead ended up as the greatest team to not win the title.

Hockey

RDT’s Not-So-Serious Stanley Cup Predictions…The Finals!

Just for some quick record keeping, let’s see how I’ve done this playoffs.

I went 3-5 in round 1 (Montreal, NYR, Chicago)

I went 3-1 in round 2 (NYR, Chicago, Anaheim)

I went 1-1 in round 3 (Chicago)

That leaves me at 7-7…with ONE series remaining. Can we go over .500?

#3 Chicago Blackhawks @ #2 Tampa Bay Lightning

I’ll try to take this somewhat seriously.

The case for the Lightning:

-Just shut out the Rangers on their home ice in Game 7.

-In that series, had five players record seven points or more. That’s an average of a goal or assist per game.

-They have one time 60 goal scorer (and 43 this year) Steven Stamkos.

The case for the Blackhawks:

-They’ve been here before. Goalie Corey Crawford won’t feel the pressure as he’s played well in past Stanley Cup Finals.

-They too just won a road game 7.

-They have Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, two players I know who are great. Both seemed to play well in the Conference Finals.

-They also have Duncan Keith, a defender who scored 8 assists in the Conference Finals.

This is all I know. Experience alone makes me go with Chicago. Because all hockey series as of late go seven games, we’ll go with that.

Blackhawks in 7.

 

Hockey

RDT’s Not-So-Serious NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: The Conference Finals!

Western Conference

#3 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #1 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim

Both of these series basically worked out the way I thought. Not that the thinking was logical, but whatever. Something that should be known about me: I’m actually anti-parity and usually root for dynasties. It is a big reason why I’m a big NBA fan.

How does me being anti-parity relate to this? Well the Blackhawks are as close as we are probably going to get in terms of a “dynasty” in hockey these days. Conference Finals loss in 2009, a Stanley Cup win in 2010, a 2nd Cup Win in 2013 and they lost in the Conference Finals last year. I like the Ducks, but the Blackhawks need to continue their legacy!

Chicago in 6.

Eastern Conference

#2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #1 New York Rangers

Ugh at the Lightning. Just ugh.

The Rangers just came back from down 3-1 in another Washington Capital meltdown. I mean, it’s obvious who I am picking here, right?

New York vs. Chicago baby!

Rangers in 4.

Note: Yes, I realize I just made these predictions without naming one NHL player.

Hockey

RDT’s Not-So-Serious 2015 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions – Round 2

Western Conference

#4 Minnesota Wild vs. #3 Chicago Blackhawks

The series goes with my rule of going against the post 1998 teams (sans the Jets), and going for the big market teams. So it should be obvious who pick here. I used the same rule for the Nashville-Chicago series and Chicago pulled that out. I don’t know how big of an upset the Wild beating the Blues was.

Something worries me though. Could Nashville have won the series? If Nashville had won, my head would have exploded having to pick between them and Minnesota. Two games went to multiple overtimes between Chicago and Nashville, meaning Nashville could have easily won this series as well. The Wild meanwhile were tied 2-2 and won crucial Game 5 on the road before closing it out in Game 6. I’m starting to scare myself into picking them! Go big markets!

Chicago in 7.

#3 Calgary Flames vs. #1 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim

I guess the Sedin Twins weren’t a factor. Anywho, something else I don’t really like about the Flames: their name is the Flames. Wouldn’t that be a detriment in ice hockey?

Sadly the Jets rolled over just like the Atlanta Thrashers would have (note: I have no idea if that’s true, I just wanted to take another shot at the Thrashers). Perhaps I underestimated the Ducks. Afterall, this is a team once owned by Disney! And Disney has a big movie coming out soon. Age of Ultron? Age of the Ducks is more like it?

In somewhat seriousness, I’ll just assume the #1 seed who got a 1st round sweep is actually pretty good.

Ducks in 4.

Eastern Conference

#2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #1 Montreal Canadiens

This sounds like to me that this is the top player (Stamkos) against the historical top team (24 Cups for Montreal).

Let’s look at each team’s 1st round quickly. Montreal won the first three games of the series, all by one goal (two in overtime). A glancing look makes me feel like Montreal took care of business, but had some luck on their side.

Tampa Bay just won a tough seven game series where they were actually shut out twice by Detroit 3-0 and 4-0.

Plus Montreal has Carey Price!

Montreal in 5.

#2 Washington Capitals vs. #1 New York Rangers

It’s Alexander the Great against the defending Eastern Conference Champs who just throttled the big star power Penguins. Sounds just like the type of series the Capitals have always lost. Plus I’m not going against a New York team here.

Rangers in 5.

 

Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey

Should I Bandwagon the 2015 Mets?

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I haven’t seriously watched baseball since 2007. Being a New York Mets fan left me with an obvious feeling of inferiority living in the New York City area, as everyone and their mother rooted for the Yankees. Heck, even later in 2009 I found myself cheering on the Yanks in their quest to win the World Series. Being a Mets fan just brought upon struggles that really didn’t seem worth it to be a dedicated fan. 2007 of course was the nail in the coffin, when Tom Glavine didn’t come through and the Mets completed an epic collapse to miss the playoffs. That killed it for me. At the time all my teams were either struggling or irrelevant, and it felt like the Mets were all I had left (Knicks were terrible, Jets were whatever, I lost interest in the NHL and Chris Benoit nearly destroyed wrestling).

So I detached myself from the Mets. Sure I was still annoyed about yet another late season collapse to miss the playoffs, but I didn’t care as much as I used to. The whole Wilpon-Madoff scandal flew right by me, and it was nice not to care. The only thing that peaked my interest and had me still following the Mets from a distance was Matt Harvey. But the Mets, and baseball as a whole (yeah, the whole steroid-era deal disgusts me even today, as I built my fandom then) just wasn’t worth the trouble.

So…is it time to bandwagon the Mets? The 2015 Mets were expected to be terrible…and have shot out to a 13-3 record and an 11 game winning streak. A similar situation came up in 2012 for me, as I had lost most of my interest in the NHL in the late 2000s. In 2012 though, the Devils made a run and went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. I decided it was okay to bandwagon them for a few reasons. First, my favorite player, Martin Brodeur was still the starting goalie. Second, I did get a little into hockey over the few years prior thanks to Sidney Crosby, and did attend a Devils game earlier in 2012 before they even looked like a Stanley Cup contender. Lastly, there were several instances where I really saw just how many bandwagon fans there are for teams.

I always thought that the Yankees and Lakers (and Celtics) just had a strong fanbase for decades. In about 2011 I realized most Yankee fans from my era were full of it when the Yankees finally had to rebuild. Most of those Yankee fans disappeared because the Yankees stopped winning. It’s the same deal with the Lakers…now that Kobe’s done and they are terrible, fans have left in droves or even converted to the Clippers (including you Jack!). Ditto for the Celtics, I don’t think I’ve seen a piece of Celtic apparel all year. This works the opposite way too. I once met a Clipper fan who I said he was a Clipper fan since he was a kid, but didn’t know who Elton Brand was. The Brooklyn Nets suddenly became the cool team when they moved, but all I know is no one was sitting with me in Newark when I attended Nets games, and once it was realized that Deron Williams is one of the most overrated players in recent NBA history and the team as a whole wasn’t anything special, fans again left in droves. Don’t get me started on the Miami Heat either. Going into other sports, football always has a legion of bandwagoners, especially when it comes to the New York Giants. The list goes on and on.

My favorite bandwagon story actually involved me being called a bandwagoner. The one team I’ve always stuck by has been the New York Knicks, and it hasn’t been a pretty century. I was (am) a pretty big opponent of the Carmelo Anthony trade. In 2012 the Knicks were floundering with Melo. But when Linsanity saved the Knicks that season, everything changed. I made sure I had a Lin jersey and everything. One early Sunday, after Linsanity had cooled, the Knicks lost a pretty important game against the Sixers (I think). I remember walking through NYC afterwards and someone called me a bandwagon fan because of the Lin jersey. He was wearing a Melo jersey of course. And while it may not be the case, I’d be willing to bet that this particular fan didn’t go through Marbury and Francis, or Rose and Curry. I’m willing to bet he became a fan when Carmelo showed up. Ironic, isn’t it?

So I’ve made a list of rules that I consider to be the Book of Bandwagoning. Yes it’s okay to be a bandwagoner, as long as you abide by these rules.

  1. You don’t pretend to know more than you do about the team. If you are bandwagoning this Mets team, don’t pretend to know about the 1986 Championship team just to fit in.
  2. You don’t flip flop. If you are leaving a team you are sick of, don’t run back to them when they get good again and pretend you never left. For example, the Phoenix Suns became my 2nd favorite team because my favorite player, Steve Nash, joined them. But if you asked me who would I want to win a hypothetical Finals between the Knicks and Suns at that time, I’d pick the Knicks. If your answer there is the Suns, then you’ve officially given up your Knicks fandom.
  3. You can become a real fan if you stick with the lows. For example, if you are still a LA Laker fan now, then you’re a real fan and not a bangwagoner anymore.
  4. You don’t call out others for bangwagoning. I absolutely hated seeing Giants fans call out Eagles bandwagon fans all over Facebook over the last few years. Of course, then both of those fanbases went after Dallas. Division rivalries are great without tons of fake fans. By the way, Yankee fans did this to Red Sox fans in 2004 too.
  5. You admit you are a bandwagon fan. Perhaps the most important rule. If you are a bandwagon fan, say so. Everytime I talk about the 2012 Devils, I start with “I bandwagoned them”. Because I did. And I enjoyed it. And it was fun. And I can’t even name a Devil right now.

There are some exceptions to whether or not you are a bandwagon fan. It’s perfectly fine to become a fan of a team if you are a fan of a particular player (like Peyton Manning and Chris Paul fans…or nearly like me and Nash) as long as you explain it.

In conclusion, I’m not bandwagoning the Mets yet. It’s too early. But if they are in the mix come September, don’t be surprised to see me with a Mets cap on once again.

Hockey

This Day in Sports 4/18: Wayne Gretzky Plays His Last NHL Game (1999)

Sixteen years ago, hockey’s greatest player played his last NHL Game in Madison Square Garden. Wayne Gretzky, who outright dominated the NHL for pretty much his entire career, played his last game when his Rangers took on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Anytime two National Anthems have their words changed to include your name, you knew you’ve done something special.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-amAlAtaJyM

Hockey

RDT’s Not-So-Serious 2015 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions

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I know very little about today’s NHL game. My peak fandom in the NHL was in the late 90s-early 2000s. Most of my hockey knowledge stems from three video games: NHL ’98, NHL Breakaway ’98 and Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey.  I slipped off when the 2004-2005 season was cancelled and never really recovered. I had two opportunities to get back into hockey but each time it didn’t last. The 2007-2008 season had the Winter Classic (awesome event) and a Penguins-Red Wings Stanley Cup final. The Red Wings were a great team from when I followed and the Penguins had Sidney Crosby, who was basically the LeBron of hockey. I followed a bit the next season as well and even played some Fantasy Hockey (although not well). After the rematch of the Stanley Cup final (to which the Penguins got over the hump and won the title), the NHL didn’t hold my interest. The only notable event that took place in the 2009-2010 season was that Marian Hossa made it to the Stanley Cup finals for the third year in a row with a third different team…only this time he won with Chicago.

It wasn’t until the 2011-2012 that I was drawn back in. I had randomly attended a New Jersey Devils game…the Devils were my team in the time I watched, and they lost to what seemed to be the unbeatable Crosby and Evengi Malkin. The Devils would make a crazy run though, and I attended Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Devils faced the New York Rangers, and won an overtime thriller (playoff hockey is amazing). But again since then, my interest had dropped. My favorite player of all time, Martin Brodeur, left the Devils then retired from the NHL. I could never truly get back into hockey. Maybe one day I will. Probably when they get rid of awarding a point for an overtime loss (one of the worst ideas I can think of: rewarding a team for getting “close”). Shootouts are a fine way to decide games. That’s a different tangent though.

I wouldn’t take these predictions seriously, I admittedly am not taking them serious myself. I barely know any players in the NHL and how good they were or weren’t this season. So let’s go for it! Let’s call this a non-serious Stanley Cup 2015 predictions article!

Note: I barely understand this re-alignment. I assume each division has a #1-#4 seed and they play accordingly. I guess I’m not against that. We’ll do this round by round.

Atlantic Division

#1 Montreal Canadiens (50-22-10, 110 PTS) vs. #4 Ottawa Senators (43-26-13, 99 PTS)

What I know about the Canadiens: They were once the Yankees of hockey with 24 total Cups…but haven’t won in quite a while (research shows 1993). They’ve been a regular playoff team in the last decade. Carey Price was the hotshot young goalie when I played Fantasy Hockey, and he’s still there and I think good.

What I know about the Senators: Admittedly nothing.

Prediction: Canadiens in 6

#2 Tampa Bay Lightning (50-24-8, 108 PTS) vs. #3 Detroit Red Wings (43-25-14, 100 PTS)

What I know about the Lightning: Steven Stamkos is a great young goal scorer and has been basically since he debuted in the NHL. The Lightning also won the last pre-lockout Stanley Cup.

What I know about the Red Wings: One of the great teams from when I watched hockey, and again a great team back in the late 2000s. The last time the Red Wings missed the playoffs I think was somewhere in the early 90s. They boast two players I know: Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. Looking at their roster they seem to have a couple of young guns who are good too.

Prediction: Red Wings in 7

Metropolitan Division

#1 New York Rangers (53-22-7, 113 PTS) vs. #4 Pittsburgh Penguins (43-27-12, 98 PTS)

Basically the main event for me personally here.

What I know about the Rangers: I mean, I live in New York. The Rangers are the defending Eastern Conference (is that what the Conference is even called anymore) Champs. They have a bunch of players who seem good, one of which I know is good in Rick Nash. I feel like Martin St. Louis’ time has passed, but what do I know? They also have Henrik Lundqvist, who I remember as the Iron Man goalie. We also taunted him in 2012!

What I know about the Penguins: Sidney Crosby. Evengi Malkin. Kris Letang. I also have been told that the Penguins are apparently now like the mid 2000 NBA Rockets, with great players up top and a weak supporting cast. No idea if that’s true.

Prediction: Rangers in 7

#2 New York Islanders (47-28-7, 101 PTS) vs. #3 Washington Capitals (45-26-11, 101 PTS)

What I know about the Islanders: They were the last team to win four Cups in a row (unless the Oilers did it). They also have the great John Tavaras. They also are moving to Brooklyn soon, which will be great for them.

What I know about the Capitals: Alexander Ovechkin scores a lot of goals but the Capitals never win anything.

Prediction: Islanders in 7

Wow I’m totally confused here. The Central has five teams in.

Central Division?

#1 St. Louis Blues (51-24-7, 109 PTS) vs.  #4 Minnesota Wild (46-28-8, 100 PTS)

What I know about the Blues: Brodeur retired on their team. Wayne Gretzky also played for them once. And Brett Hull. That alone might make me pick them to win the whole thing.

What I know about the Wild: With an exception, the teams not in any of the NHL ’98 video games barely exist to me. That would be the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators and the Wild. I’ll get to the exception later.

Prediction: Blues in 4

#2 Nashville Predators (47-25-10, 104 PTS) vs. #3 Chicago Blackhawks (48-28-6, 102 PTS)

What I know about the Predators: See Wild, Minnesota.

 

What I know about the Blackhawks: They have two recent Stanley Cup titles! And Hossa. And an injured Patrick Kane! And Jonathan Toews! And they are CM Punk’s favorite team!

 

Prediction: Blackhawks in 4

 

Central vs. Pacific WAR!

#1 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (51-24-7 (109 PTS) vs. #4 Winnipeg Jets (43-26-13, 99 PTS)

What I know about the Ducks: They are really called the Anaheim Ducks now, were once owned (and maybe still are) by Disney. Dany Heatley also played 6 games for them. The Ducks were a part of my last favorite hockey moment when I followed, which was when the Devils beat them in the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals.

 

What I know about the Jets: That they are the exception! I hated the idea of a hockey team in Atlanta, but giving one back to Canada with their original name? Awesome! This franchise hasn’t won a playoff series ever (the Atlanta version), so let’s start here!

 

Prediction: Jets in 6

Pacific Division

#2 Vancouver Canucks (48-29-5, 101 PTS) vs. #3 Calgary Flames (45-30-7, 97 PTS)

What I know about the Canucks: The Sedin Twins (they are twins right) are awesome. I also know the goalie Ryan Miller, but I don’t know if he’s good.

 

What I know about the Flames: They have someone with 70+ points I’ve never heard of in Jiri Hudler.

 

Prediction: Canucks in 5