Tomorrow after I perform my working duty at the museum, I will hop in the VW and an expedition to Cleveland for my first ever NBA game. And what a good one it should be. It is the Cleveland Cavs and the Washington Wizards with Cleveland up 3-1 in a first to four series.
The nice thing for me is that not only will we get a chance to see the Cavs clinch a berth to the next round, but now all of a sudden, it is possible that the Cavs can go even further. The Atlanta Hawks has shown that Boston is beatable. Did anyone see the fourth quarter of last night's game in Atlanta? Boston was one punch away from delivering the knockout blow to the Hawks. Now instead of the series going back to Boston with a 3-1 Celtics lead, they go back to the Northeast tied at two and Atlanta feeling some confidence.
But more importantly for the Cavs, that swagger that the Celtics appeared to have from October all the way to last week is dying. I know you have to take it one series at a time, but Cleveland now has three opportunities to knock Washington out. If Atlanta knocks the Celtics out of the playoffs, it could go down as one of the largest upset in NBA postseason history.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
A busy day
There is so much on this sports fan's mind today. The main one for us here in the C.O. has to be the death of Columbus Blue Jacket owner John H. McConnell. The news is not shocking as the 84-year-old founder of Worthington Industries had a prolonged battle with liver cancer, but his prescence is surely going to be missed.
No one has done more for the economy or pro sports for Columbus than McConnell. When Columbus needed someone or something to step up to the plate to write a check to the NHL to cover the expansion fee, McConnell was there. And has been there since, often in his luxury box at Nationwide Arena as the Papal of the team. His wave and reception is much like the Pope, and he may very well be the only person to be shown on the video screen of Nationwide Arena so many times to never get booed.
The fans realize HE is the reason why the National Hockey League has a home in Columbus. HE is the reason why we have such a vibrant area of downtown. HE is the reason why this city has made it to the next level in pro sports. And that does not cover his accomplishments before turning 74.
John McConnell loved this city, and this city returned that love. Now his son John P. McConnell will now bankroll the team. One can only hope because of the sagging attendance with the team, that his son will live his dad's dream to fruition. To bring championship hockey to the city of Columbus. There will certainly be pressure on the son to sell the team, or move it. However his dad was certainly not in it for the money. McConnell never made anything of this team, but he wanted to make sure this city could enjoy the NHL.
Lets just hope Mr. Mac will be able to find a good seat from up above, and be able to wave down on us from time to time.
Now onto the business of sports today. Wow! Was that a dramatic NFL Draft today? Who would have thought that Jake Long would have been selected first? Hmm... everyone's hand went up. So I guess I could be wrong on that.
Why is there such glitz and glamour for something that is something along the lines of being prestaged? Several days ago, Miami pretty much signed their first round draft pick to a contract. This is why there has been so much talk about having a rookie salary cap. Part of why the NFL has a draft is to give teams a chance to bring in talent, not have to hook someone in with money. Not in today's NFL. Now the dollar sign is as important to teams looking for players as combine results.
Nothing against Jake Long. I would accept $57.5 million to play 80 football games. Yes my friend, that breaks down to be about $700,000 per game for someone to protect a quarterback. That is one expensive bodyguard for whoever emerges as the starting quarterback on the beach.
Just let these guys play their first year NFL. It almost makes me sick that they give these guys more money than what they know to do with. I am not insisting they won't do the right the things with it, but these guys need to realize that the careers of pro football players are short and the fact that they're getting paid big money right out of the starting gates is not helping young men. It is all about playing a game. That is it.
No one has done more for the economy or pro sports for Columbus than McConnell. When Columbus needed someone or something to step up to the plate to write a check to the NHL to cover the expansion fee, McConnell was there. And has been there since, often in his luxury box at Nationwide Arena as the Papal of the team. His wave and reception is much like the Pope, and he may very well be the only person to be shown on the video screen of Nationwide Arena so many times to never get booed.
The fans realize HE is the reason why the National Hockey League has a home in Columbus. HE is the reason why we have such a vibrant area of downtown. HE is the reason why this city has made it to the next level in pro sports. And that does not cover his accomplishments before turning 74.
John McConnell loved this city, and this city returned that love. Now his son John P. McConnell will now bankroll the team. One can only hope because of the sagging attendance with the team, that his son will live his dad's dream to fruition. To bring championship hockey to the city of Columbus. There will certainly be pressure on the son to sell the team, or move it. However his dad was certainly not in it for the money. McConnell never made anything of this team, but he wanted to make sure this city could enjoy the NHL.
Lets just hope Mr. Mac will be able to find a good seat from up above, and be able to wave down on us from time to time.
Now onto the business of sports today. Wow! Was that a dramatic NFL Draft today? Who would have thought that Jake Long would have been selected first? Hmm... everyone's hand went up. So I guess I could be wrong on that.
Why is there such glitz and glamour for something that is something along the lines of being prestaged? Several days ago, Miami pretty much signed their first round draft pick to a contract. This is why there has been so much talk about having a rookie salary cap. Part of why the NFL has a draft is to give teams a chance to bring in talent, not have to hook someone in with money. Not in today's NFL. Now the dollar sign is as important to teams looking for players as combine results.
Nothing against Jake Long. I would accept $57.5 million to play 80 football games. Yes my friend, that breaks down to be about $700,000 per game for someone to protect a quarterback. That is one expensive bodyguard for whoever emerges as the starting quarterback on the beach.
Just let these guys play their first year NFL. It almost makes me sick that they give these guys more money than what they know to do with. I am not insisting they won't do the right the things with it, but these guys need to realize that the careers of pro football players are short and the fact that they're getting paid big money right out of the starting gates is not helping young men. It is all about playing a game. That is it.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Don't get excited Cavs fans
As I am roaming campus of Columbus State this morning sporting my number 23 Cavs jersey, there is one thing I am reminded of, though this team is looking good against the Wiz, look at which team is on the horizon.
I really want to see King James and the boys make it back to the finals again, but the additions of Wally Szczerbiak, Ben Wallace, Delonte West, and Joe Smith has not improved this team to the point where they are title contenders unlike most what those PR types in Cleveland want you to think. Look at it this way, the Cavs aquired the players in a multi-team trade dealing Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden elsewhere in late Februray. Since the quartet made their debut, the Cavs are 14-13, before that they were 31-24.
Do not get me wrong, these were good acquisitions, and these players aren't playing up to expectations. Szczerbiak who was averaging double-digits is now only scoring eight per game. Same with Smith. This is still LeBron's team. Look at Monday's big win for the Cavs, James led the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocks yet only had one turnover.
Washington is good, but are the names of Caron Butler, Antwan Jameson or Antonio Daniels going to do as much for you as Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, or Ray Allen? The Celtics could possibly be the most dominating team in the East since the days of Jordan. I don't have to tell you much about that team. Can the King drag his followers into the fight against the Celtics like he did against Detroit in the Conference Finals last year, or is one man not enough to lead a team like the Cavs showed in the NBA Finals against the Spurs. The Celtics are surely the team to the beat from the East. For the Cavs to defeat the almighty Celtics, some of the players are going to have to get off the pews and join the King on his court.
I really want to see King James and the boys make it back to the finals again, but the additions of Wally Szczerbiak, Ben Wallace, Delonte West, and Joe Smith has not improved this team to the point where they are title contenders unlike most what those PR types in Cleveland want you to think. Look at it this way, the Cavs aquired the players in a multi-team trade dealing Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden elsewhere in late Februray. Since the quartet made their debut, the Cavs are 14-13, before that they were 31-24.
Do not get me wrong, these were good acquisitions, and these players aren't playing up to expectations. Szczerbiak who was averaging double-digits is now only scoring eight per game. Same with Smith. This is still LeBron's team. Look at Monday's big win for the Cavs, James led the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocks yet only had one turnover.
Washington is good, but are the names of Caron Butler, Antwan Jameson or Antonio Daniels going to do as much for you as Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, or Ray Allen? The Celtics could possibly be the most dominating team in the East since the days of Jordan. I don't have to tell you much about that team. Can the King drag his followers into the fight against the Celtics like he did against Detroit in the Conference Finals last year, or is one man not enough to lead a team like the Cavs showed in the NBA Finals against the Spurs. The Celtics are surely the team to the beat from the East. For the Cavs to defeat the almighty Celtics, some of the players are going to have to get off the pews and join the King on his court.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Jackets fans rooting for the Wings.. Again?
We all know Jackets and Wings do not mix to well. However what I have found is more of an envy towards Detroit, and not a true hatred. However I get the feeling that the Columbus fateful really despise them Predators. I am sure if we were to tie up all Blue Jackets fans and make them cheer for a team in the previous Wings/Preds series, it would have been the Wings.
But now that hatred becomes a bit more personal with this upcoming series for the Wings. It is now time for the Red Wings to take on the Colorado Avs... Led by defenseman Adam ****ing Foote. You remember him? The guy who gave up on the Blue Jackets in the first month of the season, when they were among conference contenders. Yeah, that guy.
So tell me Blue Jackets fans? What reason do you have to truly root against Detroit? They maybe the New York Yankees of hockey, but is it personal with them?
As a hockey fan, this is one of the greatest rivalries in hockey. Remember a few years back some of the barnburners Colorado had with Detroit? The 2002 Western Conference Finals were quite a battle between the two teams. St. Patrick versus the Dominator. Detroit went on to win the seven game battle and the Stanley Cup Finals.
So Jackets fans, sit their and boo at everyone, but enjoy that what you are seeing is hockey at its best.
But now that hatred becomes a bit more personal with this upcoming series for the Wings. It is now time for the Red Wings to take on the Colorado Avs... Led by defenseman Adam ****ing Foote. You remember him? The guy who gave up on the Blue Jackets in the first month of the season, when they were among conference contenders. Yeah, that guy.
So tell me Blue Jackets fans? What reason do you have to truly root against Detroit? They maybe the New York Yankees of hockey, but is it personal with them?
As a hockey fan, this is one of the greatest rivalries in hockey. Remember a few years back some of the barnburners Colorado had with Detroit? The 2002 Western Conference Finals were quite a battle between the two teams. St. Patrick versus the Dominator. Detroit went on to win the seven game battle and the Stanley Cup Finals.
So Jackets fans, sit their and boo at everyone, but enjoy that what you are seeing is hockey at its best.
Destroyers halfway there, livin' on a prayer after loss to Soul
The Columbus Destroyers desperately needing a win heading into the second half of the Arena Football League season is now in serious jeopardy of not repeating last year's surprise playoff run with a loss at home to the Philadelphia Soul for ESPN2's Monday Night Football.
The Destroyers are now 2-6 on the season where Philadelphia remains undefeated. The Soul is owned by rock singer Jon Bon Jovi. The final was 76-55. Columbus went into the game with the third worse scoring defense, and that weakness showed.
“We didn't stop them, didn't slow them down at all. Do we need to work on defense? Certainly,” Destroyers head coach Doug Kay said.
The game got off to a very fast start for the Destroyers. After taking the opening kickoff to their own eight yard line, the first play from scrimmage was a 42 yard strike from quarterback Matt Nagy to receiver Calvin Russell to give the Destroyers the game's first score at 7-0. The Soul responded almost exactly the same way when Philadelphia quarterback Tony Graziani found receiver Larry Brackins for a 40 yard reception.
Nagy's next play was a 45 yard pass to Derek Lee to give Columbus a 14-7 lead with 11:54 remaining in the opening quarter. After the Soul tied the game with another Brackins reception, Nagy hooked up with newly acquired receiver C.J. Johnson for 45 yards with eight minutes left in the first. In the first seven minutes of the game, Nagy already racked up 132 yards of passing in just three plays. The Soul controlled from here on end.
“You are not going to drop back 11 times and throw 11 touchdowns,” Kay said about Nagy. “Somewhere along the lines, you got to get sober again, but I thought he did a good job.”
Graziani found tight end Phil Bogle to end the first quarter's scoring at 21 all. Philadelphia took their first lead when from former Columbus De Sales High School and Otterbein College quarterback Matt D'Orazio found Chris Jackson for a 12 yard pass to give the Soul their first lead at 28-21.
Columbus would tie the game at 28 with 8:49 in the second with a Harold Wells run, and then re-tie the game at 35 with another Nagy to Johnson pass with one minute left in the first half.
But Philadelphia had a fourth down conversion at the first hall buzzer when D'Orazio found Jackson to put the Soul up for good when they had a 42-35 lead.
D'Orazio took a two touchdown lead to start the third and Columbus' next possession was picked off by Philadelphia linebacker Rod Davis. Columbus would not get any closer than 21 points in the fourth quarter.
“We didn't play together as a team tonight,” Nagy said. “We had some stops on offense that we gave up and they were scoring so just a bad night.”
The Destroyers are now 2-6 on the season where Philadelphia remains undefeated. The Soul is owned by rock singer Jon Bon Jovi. The final was 76-55. Columbus went into the game with the third worse scoring defense, and that weakness showed.
“We didn't stop them, didn't slow them down at all. Do we need to work on defense? Certainly,” Destroyers head coach Doug Kay said.
The game got off to a very fast start for the Destroyers. After taking the opening kickoff to their own eight yard line, the first play from scrimmage was a 42 yard strike from quarterback Matt Nagy to receiver Calvin Russell to give the Destroyers the game's first score at 7-0. The Soul responded almost exactly the same way when Philadelphia quarterback Tony Graziani found receiver Larry Brackins for a 40 yard reception.
Nagy's next play was a 45 yard pass to Derek Lee to give Columbus a 14-7 lead with 11:54 remaining in the opening quarter. After the Soul tied the game with another Brackins reception, Nagy hooked up with newly acquired receiver C.J. Johnson for 45 yards with eight minutes left in the first. In the first seven minutes of the game, Nagy already racked up 132 yards of passing in just three plays. The Soul controlled from here on end.
“You are not going to drop back 11 times and throw 11 touchdowns,” Kay said about Nagy. “Somewhere along the lines, you got to get sober again, but I thought he did a good job.”
Graziani found tight end Phil Bogle to end the first quarter's scoring at 21 all. Philadelphia took their first lead when from former Columbus De Sales High School and Otterbein College quarterback Matt D'Orazio found Chris Jackson for a 12 yard pass to give the Soul their first lead at 28-21.
Columbus would tie the game at 28 with 8:49 in the second with a Harold Wells run, and then re-tie the game at 35 with another Nagy to Johnson pass with one minute left in the first half.
But Philadelphia had a fourth down conversion at the first hall buzzer when D'Orazio found Jackson to put the Soul up for good when they had a 42-35 lead.
D'Orazio took a two touchdown lead to start the third and Columbus' next possession was picked off by Philadelphia linebacker Rod Davis. Columbus would not get any closer than 21 points in the fourth quarter.
“We didn't play together as a team tonight,” Nagy said. “We had some stops on offense that we gave up and they were scoring so just a bad night.”
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Buckeyes Athletic Department has some explaining to do
Four records -- that was what the Ohio State Athletic Department was hoping to set over the weekend, they ended up getting nada over the Scarlet and Grey Day Weekend.
They had to figure the prospects of a major flop was going to happen by Friday evening when only 3,000 people showed up to watch the Ohio State Baseball team lose to Purdue. They were hoping to set a stadium record of over 5,300. So what was the problem? Telling people you're going to set a record isn't enough to get people there? They forgot to give people a reason to show up. Previous large crowds showed up because the game provided significance. Don't get me wrong, Friday's game was a pivotal Big Ten match, however it was not even close in that respect to a season ending series against Minnesota or NCAA Super Regionals.
Less than 24 hours afterwards, the lacrosse team was hoping to take advantage of the football team to set a national lacrosse attendance record, but they only got about 1/2 of the crowd needed by the time the official total was taken at halftime. Reality says that is not a complete flop. You have now introduced thousands of people to a sport that lacks the notoriety of football and other sports.
But come on... A regular season game against Denver is no match for an NCAA Final Four game, which was what the record Ohio State was hoping to beat.
Percentages say the football team came closest to achieving their record by drawing 76,000 for the scrimmage. The goal was to get to 93,000. Ohio State could have had the record with the help of some better weather as well as maybe an appearance from a certain quarterback from Pennsylvania.
The Scarlet and Grey embarrassment ended today when only 535 showed up for a softball doubleheader against Penn State. But with all the press the team got last year, no surprise that they could not top that attendance record.
It actually appeared Ohio State fans spited the record attempts. Neither the softball or softball team had their biggest crowds of the weekend on the day they were supposed to set stadium records. The softball team had a crowd of 661 for Friday evening's game against Michigan, and the baseball team had 3,225 show up for a doubleheader against Purdue. Both are respectable crowds. This might just prove that some records are not meant to be broken (at least without rhyme or reason).
They had to figure the prospects of a major flop was going to happen by Friday evening when only 3,000 people showed up to watch the Ohio State Baseball team lose to Purdue. They were hoping to set a stadium record of over 5,300. So what was the problem? Telling people you're going to set a record isn't enough to get people there? They forgot to give people a reason to show up. Previous large crowds showed up because the game provided significance. Don't get me wrong, Friday's game was a pivotal Big Ten match, however it was not even close in that respect to a season ending series against Minnesota or NCAA Super Regionals.
Less than 24 hours afterwards, the lacrosse team was hoping to take advantage of the football team to set a national lacrosse attendance record, but they only got about 1/2 of the crowd needed by the time the official total was taken at halftime. Reality says that is not a complete flop. You have now introduced thousands of people to a sport that lacks the notoriety of football and other sports.
But come on... A regular season game against Denver is no match for an NCAA Final Four game, which was what the record Ohio State was hoping to beat.
Percentages say the football team came closest to achieving their record by drawing 76,000 for the scrimmage. The goal was to get to 93,000. Ohio State could have had the record with the help of some better weather as well as maybe an appearance from a certain quarterback from Pennsylvania.
The Scarlet and Grey embarrassment ended today when only 535 showed up for a softball doubleheader against Penn State. But with all the press the team got last year, no surprise that they could not top that attendance record.
It actually appeared Ohio State fans spited the record attempts. Neither the softball or softball team had their biggest crowds of the weekend on the day they were supposed to set stadium records. The softball team had a crowd of 661 for Friday evening's game against Michigan, and the baseball team had 3,225 show up for a doubleheader against Purdue. Both are respectable crowds. This might just prove that some records are not meant to be broken (at least without rhyme or reason).
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Blue Jackets Season Wrapup
Blue Jackets season ends with question marks
Last Sunday, the Columbus Blue Jackets season in disappointment with a 4-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues at home.
The start of the season was not all that bad for Columbus. The Blue Jackets got off to an 8-3-3 start powered by five Pascal Leclaire shutouts. Columbus maintained a good record for much of the season thanks in large part to Leclaire’s play. The team went into the All-Star Game tied for eighth in the conference.
The Blue Jackets came out of the All-Star Game break cold only winning one of nine games in a stretch following the break. That essentially knocked the team out of playoff contention, and that was confirmed by management by them trading away star veterans Adam Foote and Sergei Fedorov. The Foote deal did notch an extra first round draft pick in June’s NHL Draft from the Colorado Avalanche.
“We didn’t make the playoffs, that says it all,” Columbus forward Michael Peca said on the past season.
“We wanted a better season even though people didn’t expect us to do what we did,” forward captain Rick Nash said.
Forwards David Vyborny and Peca, and defensemen Jan Hejda, Ron Hainsey, and Dick Tarnstrom are all unrestricted free-agents and could sign with anyone after the Stanley Cup Finals.
Vyborny: In the two previous seasons, Vyborny was a 60 point scorer, however this season that production was cut by more than half. Vyborny is simply not performing, and it appears the last remaining original Blue Jacket is leaving Columbus.
Peca: The veteran center provided the closest thing the Blue Jackets saw in the way of ‘secondary scoring’. Nash and Nikolai Zherdev both scored in the 60s, the next highest was Peca with 34 points. Also this team is lacking at center even with Peca. And with not a strong free agent market at center, Peca should be able to get what he wants from Columbus.
“I would like to be part of (next year’s team), I would like to be a piece of that” Peca said.
Hainsey: Considering he was fourth on the team with scoring while playing defense, which by itself may be enough for Hainsey to get a nice offer from Columbus. Hainsey will certainly demand much more than his 2007-08 salary of $900,000.
Hejda: Hejda was unquestionably the best defenseman of the year following the departure of Foote. His +20 was the best in team history. The stay-at-home defenseman should expect a salary much higher than his current $1 million salary.
Hejda was asked if he would give Columbus the “hometown team discount” and he responded: “My agent told me you can’t say that.” Hejda did say he hopes to work out a deal with the team and return next season.
Tarnstrom: Fans have been crying for a puck-moving defenseman for years and they got one. Tarnstrom is in the prime of his career and it is hard to expect he would accept an offer anything much lower than his current $2 million salary. It is also hard seeing the Blue Jackets offering that much to Tarnstrom, so expect Tarnstrom to not sign with Columbus.
Also the team is going to have to make tough decisions on young defensemen Aaron Rome and Clay Wilson, both of which are restricted free-agents giving the team a bit more leeway. Both players provided a lot of energy near the end of the season when the team was faced with injuries and dying playoff hopes. Players like Rome and Wilson could factor into next year’s season, especially if head coach Ken Hitchcock decides his veterans are not up to par going into training camp in the fall.
“Other than two or three players… I told the players this too that ‘you might have a contract and you might be a member of the organization but you don’t have a spot,’” Hitchcock said. “We have entered a new phase and the phase is win now.”
Another big question mark is ‘who can Columbus sign from other clubs in the off season’? Star NHL players Marian Hossa, Peter Forsburg, Wade Redden, Markus Naslund, along with Foote and Fedorov are the leading unrestricted free agents. Will these players actually want to come to Columbus to play for the Blue Jackets? Columbus may be able to land some of these big free agents; however the team will likely be more dependent on non-elite free agents.
“We are not going to bring a player for growth here. The player is going to help us win or he is going to be somewhere else,” Hitchcock said. “You build a team not based on the player’s potential but is he helping you win hockey games.”
Last Sunday, the Columbus Blue Jackets season in disappointment with a 4-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues at home.
The start of the season was not all that bad for Columbus. The Blue Jackets got off to an 8-3-3 start powered by five Pascal Leclaire shutouts. Columbus maintained a good record for much of the season thanks in large part to Leclaire’s play. The team went into the All-Star Game tied for eighth in the conference.
The Blue Jackets came out of the All-Star Game break cold only winning one of nine games in a stretch following the break. That essentially knocked the team out of playoff contention, and that was confirmed by management by them trading away star veterans Adam Foote and Sergei Fedorov. The Foote deal did notch an extra first round draft pick in June’s NHL Draft from the Colorado Avalanche.
“We didn’t make the playoffs, that says it all,” Columbus forward Michael Peca said on the past season.
“We wanted a better season even though people didn’t expect us to do what we did,” forward captain Rick Nash said.
Forwards David Vyborny and Peca, and defensemen Jan Hejda, Ron Hainsey, and Dick Tarnstrom are all unrestricted free-agents and could sign with anyone after the Stanley Cup Finals.
Vyborny: In the two previous seasons, Vyborny was a 60 point scorer, however this season that production was cut by more than half. Vyborny is simply not performing, and it appears the last remaining original Blue Jacket is leaving Columbus.
Peca: The veteran center provided the closest thing the Blue Jackets saw in the way of ‘secondary scoring’. Nash and Nikolai Zherdev both scored in the 60s, the next highest was Peca with 34 points. Also this team is lacking at center even with Peca. And with not a strong free agent market at center, Peca should be able to get what he wants from Columbus.
“I would like to be part of (next year’s team), I would like to be a piece of that” Peca said.
Hainsey: Considering he was fourth on the team with scoring while playing defense, which by itself may be enough for Hainsey to get a nice offer from Columbus. Hainsey will certainly demand much more than his 2007-08 salary of $900,000.
Hejda: Hejda was unquestionably the best defenseman of the year following the departure of Foote. His +20 was the best in team history. The stay-at-home defenseman should expect a salary much higher than his current $1 million salary.
Hejda was asked if he would give Columbus the “hometown team discount” and he responded: “My agent told me you can’t say that.” Hejda did say he hopes to work out a deal with the team and return next season.
Tarnstrom: Fans have been crying for a puck-moving defenseman for years and they got one. Tarnstrom is in the prime of his career and it is hard to expect he would accept an offer anything much lower than his current $2 million salary. It is also hard seeing the Blue Jackets offering that much to Tarnstrom, so expect Tarnstrom to not sign with Columbus.
Also the team is going to have to make tough decisions on young defensemen Aaron Rome and Clay Wilson, both of which are restricted free-agents giving the team a bit more leeway. Both players provided a lot of energy near the end of the season when the team was faced with injuries and dying playoff hopes. Players like Rome and Wilson could factor into next year’s season, especially if head coach Ken Hitchcock decides his veterans are not up to par going into training camp in the fall.
“Other than two or three players… I told the players this too that ‘you might have a contract and you might be a member of the organization but you don’t have a spot,’” Hitchcock said. “We have entered a new phase and the phase is win now.”
Another big question mark is ‘who can Columbus sign from other clubs in the off season’? Star NHL players Marian Hossa, Peter Forsburg, Wade Redden, Markus Naslund, along with Foote and Fedorov are the leading unrestricted free agents. Will these players actually want to come to Columbus to play for the Blue Jackets? Columbus may be able to land some of these big free agents; however the team will likely be more dependent on non-elite free agents.
“We are not going to bring a player for growth here. The player is going to help us win or he is going to be somewhere else,” Hitchcock said. “You build a team not based on the player’s potential but is he helping you win hockey games.”
First place Marlins? How long will that last?
The Florida Marlins are leading the NL East with a payroll less than Alex Rodriguez. Through the first two weeks, Hanley Rodriquez is turning into a top tier infielder. OK so I know the NL east is not near as strong as the west or central divisions but who would have though the Marlins would ever be above .500 this season?
Here is the question, with a team led by a 24-year-old shortshop, is there finally reason to be excited about the Marlins? With the team building a new stadium which may actually be comfortable to sit in thanks to the retractable roof, maybe fans will take a new interest in the team. Obviously it will take alot for management to win over the fans of South Florida after what happened to the team following their World Series wins.
Another question could pop up here too: What if the Marlins are still contenders at the All-Star Game break? Will they go out and get a top tier player to help them win a world series. This team could win the NL east. That isn't saying much, but could they go up against the Brewers, Padres, Dodgers, and Rockies in the playoffs?
I find myself rooting for this team this year after all of what has been said about the team. The years the Marlins won the World Series, they had high priced talent. Think back to 2003. Dontrelle Willis, Juan Pierre, and Miguel Cabrerra. In 1997, Bobby Bonilla and Livan Hernandez. I could think of those team's top talent without even looking it up. Could you say that about say the 2002 World Series champs with the Angels? All I remember from that series was Dusty Baker's son interfering the play at home plate (as a member of the Giants Dugout Babysitting Service) and that stupid rally monkey. So show off Marlins, overachieve. Show the Theo Epstein's and George Steinbrenner's of the world that money doesn't buy championships.
A recap of the Blue Jacket's season can be found later on.
Here is the question, with a team led by a 24-year-old shortshop, is there finally reason to be excited about the Marlins? With the team building a new stadium which may actually be comfortable to sit in thanks to the retractable roof, maybe fans will take a new interest in the team. Obviously it will take alot for management to win over the fans of South Florida after what happened to the team following their World Series wins.
Another question could pop up here too: What if the Marlins are still contenders at the All-Star Game break? Will they go out and get a top tier player to help them win a world series. This team could win the NL east. That isn't saying much, but could they go up against the Brewers, Padres, Dodgers, and Rockies in the playoffs?
I find myself rooting for this team this year after all of what has been said about the team. The years the Marlins won the World Series, they had high priced talent. Think back to 2003. Dontrelle Willis, Juan Pierre, and Miguel Cabrerra. In 1997, Bobby Bonilla and Livan Hernandez. I could think of those team's top talent without even looking it up. Could you say that about say the 2002 World Series champs with the Angels? All I remember from that series was Dusty Baker's son interfering the play at home plate (as a member of the Giants Dugout Babysitting Service) and that stupid rally monkey. So show off Marlins, overachieve. Show the Theo Epstein's and George Steinbrenner's of the world that money doesn't buy championships.
A recap of the Blue Jacket's season can be found later on.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Cougar News Sports: April 9, 2008
Here you have it! This week's recap on Blue Jackets and Destroyers. I will have a full-season recap up sometime next week.
History made in Jackets’ loss to Blues
Sunday marked the end of the NHL season as the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to St. Louis 4-1 in front of 17,739 at Nationwide Arena. The loss followed a 3-0 loss Saturday in St. Louis.
Some will remember that Columbus’ game against St. Louis on Sunday was a part of a five game losing streak to end the season. More will remember what happened when the game was all but over. With the score 3-1 and Columbus goalie Fredrik Norrena pulled for an extra attacker, St. Louis forward Keith Tkachuk scored his 500th career goal to clinch St.Louis’ season ending victory. Tkachuk is the 41st player in NHL history to score 500 goals.
“I never thought I would be able to play this long,” the 36-yeard-old forward said. “My teammates coming (off the bench) meant the world to me. And to get the win makes it even more special.”
“That was exciting watching that puck go down the ice into the net,” Blues head coach Andy Murray said. “500 goals is something special.”
But for the Blue Jackets, what would have been special would have been still playing today. Columbus missed the cut for the playoffs by 11 points. In the 31 games following the All-Star Game, Columbus only recorded nine wins. Winning at home for the season finale would have been a huge boost going into next season.
“(Since the) All-Star break, we put some of our –by far- best efforts,” Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock said. “I know a dozen games, like the one tonight, where it is pretty hard to fault the players. We made mistakes, they end up in the net, and we don’t make the other team for all the turnovers we created.”
Columbus started the game well. They got the game’s first eight shots and even got the game’s first goal when Michael Peca scored on a well placed Rick Nash pass on a five-on-three power play just minutes into the game. But St. Louis held control the rest of the way.
St. Louis got a goal by David Backes in the first period to tie the game. Brad Boyes scored an even strength goal that was assisted by Tkachuk in the second. David Perron made it a 3-1 lead midway through the third setting up Tkachuk’s goal later in the third. Columbus did however outshoot St. Louis in all three periods, and finished with a 36-19 shot advantage.
“We couldn’t finish, we outplayed them, we got more shots, but it is just kind of the story; we couldn’t score the big goals when we needed it,” Nash said.
Columbus ended the season with 80 points at 34-36-12. A full season recap and a look at next season can be found in next week’s edition.
Storm are swept away by Destroyers
Nearly a year ago, the Columbus Destroyers started their improbable run to the Arena Bowl by defeating the Tampa Bay Storm by a single point thanks to a missed extra point late in that game. In Saturday’s rematch, one play was just as important.
Columbus went on to win Saturday’s game 51-49 in front of 14,256 in Nationwide Arena. This was the first win at home for the team this season.
Going into Tampa Bay’s drive that started with six minutes left in the game and Columbus up 37-35, each team only had one drive that did not end in a touchdown. For Columbus, it came at the start of the third quarter when kicker Mark Lewis nailed a short field goal. Seth Marler’s 22 yard field goal attempt for Tampa Bay was wide left to end the first half. With the missed field goal, Tampa Bay was unable to break the 21-21 tie.
“Anytime you get a turnover like that, now the ball is in our court, we need to make sure we execute and we take care of the ball like we did,” Columbus quarterback Matt Nagy said on his team’s defensive stop in the second quarter.
“That is Arena Football, that is the way it should be,” Columbus head coach Doug Kay said about the scoring. “That is the way we need to play the game to compete and (Tampa) is a good football team.”
Storm quarterback Brett Deitz had a first and goal from the six and was looking to pass, but his attempt was tipped in the end zone by Nate Coggins and intercepted by Tremaine O’Neal with 1:56 left. Columbus would capitalize off the huge interception 1:11 later when Nagy found receiver Calvin Russell for a 33 yard pass to give Columbus a 44-35 lead after Lewis’ extra point attempt was good.
“I was just trying to assist the D.B’s on that play,” O’Neal said on his play. “We were trying to get hands on their receivers all day. Nate Coggins made a great defensive play on them, breaking the ball up, getting it up in the air, and giving me a chance to get underneath it.”
Nagy was in tune with his game throughout the game. He was 22-32 passing with 223 yards and six touchdowns. Four of which were to receiver Derek Lee. Lee now has 16 touchdowns on the season.
“We wanted to started the game fast this week, we started off sluggish, and just wanted to bring home these great fans a win,” Lee said.
Columbus travels to New York to face the Dragons on Sunday and then returning home for an ESPN Monday Night Football game against the Philadelphia Soul. Columbus is 2-4 on the season.
History made in Jackets’ loss to Blues
Sunday marked the end of the NHL season as the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to St. Louis 4-1 in front of 17,739 at Nationwide Arena. The loss followed a 3-0 loss Saturday in St. Louis.
Some will remember that Columbus’ game against St. Louis on Sunday was a part of a five game losing streak to end the season. More will remember what happened when the game was all but over. With the score 3-1 and Columbus goalie Fredrik Norrena pulled for an extra attacker, St. Louis forward Keith Tkachuk scored his 500th career goal to clinch St.Louis’ season ending victory. Tkachuk is the 41st player in NHL history to score 500 goals.
“I never thought I would be able to play this long,” the 36-yeard-old forward said. “My teammates coming (off the bench) meant the world to me. And to get the win makes it even more special.”
“That was exciting watching that puck go down the ice into the net,” Blues head coach Andy Murray said. “500 goals is something special.”
But for the Blue Jackets, what would have been special would have been still playing today. Columbus missed the cut for the playoffs by 11 points. In the 31 games following the All-Star Game, Columbus only recorded nine wins. Winning at home for the season finale would have been a huge boost going into next season.
“(Since the) All-Star break, we put some of our –by far- best efforts,” Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock said. “I know a dozen games, like the one tonight, where it is pretty hard to fault the players. We made mistakes, they end up in the net, and we don’t make the other team for all the turnovers we created.”
Columbus started the game well. They got the game’s first eight shots and even got the game’s first goal when Michael Peca scored on a well placed Rick Nash pass on a five-on-three power play just minutes into the game. But St. Louis held control the rest of the way.
St. Louis got a goal by David Backes in the first period to tie the game. Brad Boyes scored an even strength goal that was assisted by Tkachuk in the second. David Perron made it a 3-1 lead midway through the third setting up Tkachuk’s goal later in the third. Columbus did however outshoot St. Louis in all three periods, and finished with a 36-19 shot advantage.
“We couldn’t finish, we outplayed them, we got more shots, but it is just kind of the story; we couldn’t score the big goals when we needed it,” Nash said.
Columbus ended the season with 80 points at 34-36-12. A full season recap and a look at next season can be found in next week’s edition.
Storm are swept away by Destroyers
Nearly a year ago, the Columbus Destroyers started their improbable run to the Arena Bowl by defeating the Tampa Bay Storm by a single point thanks to a missed extra point late in that game. In Saturday’s rematch, one play was just as important.
Columbus went on to win Saturday’s game 51-49 in front of 14,256 in Nationwide Arena. This was the first win at home for the team this season.
Going into Tampa Bay’s drive that started with six minutes left in the game and Columbus up 37-35, each team only had one drive that did not end in a touchdown. For Columbus, it came at the start of the third quarter when kicker Mark Lewis nailed a short field goal. Seth Marler’s 22 yard field goal attempt for Tampa Bay was wide left to end the first half. With the missed field goal, Tampa Bay was unable to break the 21-21 tie.
“Anytime you get a turnover like that, now the ball is in our court, we need to make sure we execute and we take care of the ball like we did,” Columbus quarterback Matt Nagy said on his team’s defensive stop in the second quarter.
“That is Arena Football, that is the way it should be,” Columbus head coach Doug Kay said about the scoring. “That is the way we need to play the game to compete and (Tampa) is a good football team.”
Storm quarterback Brett Deitz had a first and goal from the six and was looking to pass, but his attempt was tipped in the end zone by Nate Coggins and intercepted by Tremaine O’Neal with 1:56 left. Columbus would capitalize off the huge interception 1:11 later when Nagy found receiver Calvin Russell for a 33 yard pass to give Columbus a 44-35 lead after Lewis’ extra point attempt was good.
“I was just trying to assist the D.B’s on that play,” O’Neal said on his play. “We were trying to get hands on their receivers all day. Nate Coggins made a great defensive play on them, breaking the ball up, getting it up in the air, and giving me a chance to get underneath it.”
Nagy was in tune with his game throughout the game. He was 22-32 passing with 223 yards and six touchdowns. Four of which were to receiver Derek Lee. Lee now has 16 touchdowns on the season.
“We wanted to started the game fast this week, we started off sluggish, and just wanted to bring home these great fans a win,” Lee said.
Columbus travels to New York to face the Dragons on Sunday and then returning home for an ESPN Monday Night Football game against the Philadelphia Soul. Columbus is 2-4 on the season.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
If this rumor is true..
So rumor (claimed by a current season ticket holder and several ushers at Cooper Stadium) is that the cost for season tickets at the new Columbus Clippers ballpark Huntington Field will have a 47% increase from $425 to $625. The weird thing is I have not heard any outrage, especially considering that the county commissioners promised to keep prices constant at least for the first few seasons at Huntington Park. Last time I checked, $625 is not the same as $425 even with a slumping economy and high oil prices.
They claimed that ticket prices will be kept at or below prices of their rivals in the Western Division which all have newer ballparks, also a flat out lie. Season tickets for the newest ballpark in the West, Fifth Third Field is $540-$576 to see the 'World Famous' Toledo Mudhens. Louisville's ballpark is $438 to have a seat on or near the field. Even Indianapolis which charges high prices on tickets and parking, a person can have a season ticket for $525 a year.
As you can see, $425 is not that bad of a deal, but it is ridiculous to expect people to dispose of their income in this economy. If these rumors are true, the commissioners and management could really cost this city a chance to enjoy AAA baseball at its best. What these people have to remember that for many, it is not wear the game is played, it is what is played. It is nice to be in a comfortable place, but for $200 less, I would rather have a nice seat overlooking the evergreens at Cooper Stadium, rather than pay more to see an empty arena and near empty warehouse.
They claimed that ticket prices will be kept at or below prices of their rivals in the Western Division which all have newer ballparks, also a flat out lie. Season tickets for the newest ballpark in the West, Fifth Third Field is $540-$576 to see the 'World Famous' Toledo Mudhens. Louisville's ballpark is $438 to have a seat on or near the field. Even Indianapolis which charges high prices on tickets and parking, a person can have a season ticket for $525 a year.
As you can see, $425 is not that bad of a deal, but it is ridiculous to expect people to dispose of their income in this economy. If these rumors are true, the commissioners and management could really cost this city a chance to enjoy AAA baseball at its best. What these people have to remember that for many, it is not wear the game is played, it is what is played. It is nice to be in a comfortable place, but for $200 less, I would rather have a nice seat overlooking the evergreens at Cooper Stadium, rather than pay more to see an empty arena and near empty warehouse.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Cougar News Sports - Apr. 2
Sorry for being a day late but here is the Cougar News sports section!
Predators shut Jackets out of the playoffs
Even though the Columbus Blue Jackets have been having a tough time establishing a winning streak since the NHL All-Star Game, there has been hope by the team to climb back into the playoff picture. Those hopes were squashed last week by a pair of shutout losses to Nashville. The Jackets also had a shutout win last week at home to Chicago and lost in a shootout in Chicago.
Columbus went to Nashville knowing they would have to nearly win out to have a chance at the playoffs. What they got in return was not only a loss, but some bruises to boot. In the loss at Nashville Tuesday, Predator Jordin Tootoo got in a pair of fights, one with Jason Chimera and Jan Hejda. This bad blood carried on into the rematch Friday night.
Just three minutes into the game, enforcers Jared Boll and Tootoo fought and Boll scored the takedown of the Predator.
“I just knew it was on me,” Boll said. “I knew that both of our first shifts would probably be against each other so I just wanted to get it done early”
But it is the score that counts. Nashville’s first goal Friday night came off a shot that took a couple of hops and skips and eventually went through Jackets goaltender Fredrik Norrena. The goal was credited to Jan Hlavac with 15 minutes left in the second. Nashville scored one more just a minute later on a hard slap shot by Radek Bonk. That was all the scoring Nashville needed. Columbus responded with 43 shots, but Preds goaltender Dan Ellis made all 43 saves for Nashville.
“They had 43 shots but they weren’t as many hard quality chances,” Nashville head coach Barry Trotz said. “It wasn’t a hard 43 shots, but they had some c
“We can’t get down,” Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash said. We are at home, we have our fans behind us, I thought we got back on track, we just couldn’t finish.”
Through Sunday’s action, Nashville would be the last team in the playoffs with 87 points with Vancouver and Edmonton being just one point back. Columbus is now officially mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Columbus would likely still be in a playoff race if they could find a way of winning against Nashville. The Blue Jackets were 1-6-1 this season with their only win coming in a shootout in January. If Columbus went 3-3 against Nashville this year, they would only be three points away from grabbing that last playoff spot.
“I think there is a reason (for the dismal record against Nashville),” Columbus head coach Ken Hitchcock said. “I think if you look back on it, we are not able to finish against that team and there is a reason for that. We just don’t win enough one on ones against that team.”
For Hitchcock, this is the 10th full NHL season for him, and he has made the playoffs in nine of those years. Not playing deep into April is unfamiliar for Hitchcock, winner of a 1999 Stanley Cup. Hitchcock said he is going to miss not having the opportunity to play in this year’s playoffs.
“The reality hits you when you supposed to be preparing for the playoffs and I am going to have to deal with it,” Hitchcock said. “I haven’t dealt with it before, I enjoy the pressure, I love the pressure that goes with it, I really look forward to it, but it is not going to be this year.”
Columbus will finish the season this week with matches at Detroit and a home and home with St. Louis.
Safety costs Destroyers
Even in the high flying Arena Football League, many games can come down to a single play. That has been evident lately for the Columbus Destroyers. In their first home game of the season on March 15, they lost a game on a late game fumble against the Cleveland Gladiators. Saturday, they lost 47-44 to Orlando due to two points the offense of the Destroyers gave Orlando in front of an announced crowd of over 13,000.
With Orlando up 14-10 early in the second quarter, Orlando Predator Jason Hall sacked Destroyers quarterback Matt Nagy at the Columbus one yard line. On the next play, Orlando’s Rob Schroder once again sacked Nagy for a safety that put Orlando up 16-10. Orlando would also capitalize on getting the ball back and Predator quarter back Shane Stafford had two quick passes from their own 10 yard line all the way to the Columbus one yard line. After nearly pulling off a defensive fourth down stop, Columbus was called for an illegal defense which allowed Orlando to get a first down. Predator Marlon Moye-Moore scored from one yard out to give Orlando the 23-10 lead.
“That is the harshest (play)because you not only give up the two, you also get the chance to get seven more (points) so that is a nine point swing,” Destroyers head coach Doug Kay said. “If you add the nine to the seven you could have scored, big time swing.”
Columbus crawled back with a Nagy touchdown pass to Derek Lee to make it a seven point game late in the first half. Orlando played the clock management game to milk the clock to the final few seconds inside the Columbus five yard line. On the last play of the half, Stafford’s pass was deflected by Columbus defensive back Nate Coggins and intercepted by Rober’ Freeman. Columbus was happy to only be down seven at halftime.
“That was a huge play, we couldn’t let them score that one going into halftime, just lucky Rober’ made the interception,” Coggins said.
Columbus came back in the second half with another defensive stop. With Orlando 14 yards away from the end zone on fourth down, Stafford tried to force a pass to Ron Johnson into coverage, but Coggins was there once again to break up the pass. Nagy would connect with Lee on the next drive for a 33 yard pass to tie the game at 23. The teams would alternate three touchdowns on each drive the rest of the way.
After Columbus’ Harold Wells scored to tie the game at 44 with 3:03 left, Orlando would play clock management again to end the second half. This time they were playing for a field goal. Orlando got the clock all the way down to two seconds before calling a timeout. This set up a 31 yard field goal try for John Vaughn. Vaughn was 2-5 on attempts, but this one sailed above the uprights and Orlando walked out of Nationwide Arena with the 47-44 win.
“We got off to a slow start and was unable to make the last stop of the game,” Coggins said.
This is the second straight week for Columbus the game came down to a last second field goal. Last week it was Columbus’ Mark Lewis nailing one from 35 yards to win the game against the Utah Blaze 52-49.
“Now we know how Utah feels,” Nagy said. “We were sitting right there helpless, they decided to do what we did last week and trust your kicker.”
Columbus is now 1-4 on the season and winless at home. Next for the Destroyers is on Saturday when they play Tampa Bay at 7 p.m. in Nationwide Arena.
Cougar title bid falls just short in Finals
Two months ago, the Columbus State men’s basketball team sat near the bottom of the OCCAC standings with a 3-6 record in conference action and was suffering with a close loss after close loss. Have things changed since then.
In that time, the team went on a 13 game winning streak, defeated third ranked Cincinnati State in front of a large crowd and Ohio State’s Thad Matta, later find out Cincinnati State along with Owens Community College were using illegible players and were banned from postseason competition, and that is just the finish of the regular season.
The weekend of March 8-9 was supposed to be when the team would play in the NJCAA District Seven Tournament, but a large snowstorm postponed the tournament two days and Columbus State would have to wait in their Cleveland hotel until March 10 to defeat Clark State. The Cougars would then defeat Sinclair in the title game to earn a trip to the NJCAA National Championship, the first time ever for the team.
“(The blizzard) helped us, it gave us more time to prepare for Sinclair,” Columbus State head coach Patrick Carlisle said. “It helped us just fine. The kids had a lot of fun being around each other and they felt good… It was great team building.”
“During the blizzard in Cleveland during the regionals, our focus was maintained by the hunger of competition,” Columbus State guard Raylon Almon said. “We wanted to play so bad that we were determined to win.”
Columbus State would get one week to prepare for a very tough road to the National Championship game. Their first challenge was against Erie Community College who was ranked fifth in the country on March 19. It remained a back and forth battle for the entire 40 minutes, but Columbus State was able to seal the game in the final few seconds as Brandon Bland hit two free throws to give Columbus State a 66-64 lead. Columbus State’s Cyrus Smith got a steal when Erie tried to take one last shot and Columbus State advanced with a 67-64 lead. Bland finished with a team high 16 points.
The next evening, they defeated Prince George’s Community College. Prince George’s defeated Cecil College who is the number one team in the nation to earn a spot in the NJCAA Championships. Columbus State won the game 78-69.
In the NJCAA semifinal round, Columbus State had to play the host of the tournament, Danville Community College in front of several thousand local fans. Danville had a 27-16 lead at one point in the first half. The halftime score was 35-30 with Danville leading. Columbus State battled hard in the second half. The Cougars would hang tough until the midpoint of the second half when they went on a huge run to take a 65-52 lead with three minutes left. Danville made it interesting late. Danville got within four, but Columbus State hung on for the 77-69 win.
“A miserable environment to play in, a fabulous won to win in which makes it that much sweeter,” Carlisle said on the game. “In a national tournament game, you hold another team scoreless for ten minutes -- in their gym. When you think about it like that is truly amazing.”
In the championship game, Columbus State faced off against the defending NJCAA Champion Mott Bears. Columbus State would once again have to overcome a large first half deficit. After being down by 12, Columbus State fought back and tied the game right before halftime at 33 however Mott’s Jacquez Williams hit a three pointer to give Mott the halftime lead at 36-33. Columbus State’s dream season came to a close as Mott finished strong and won 83-73 to repeat as National Champions.
“(Mott) had good chemistry and everybody played their roles really well,” Almon said. “They have been there before, and knew what it took to get another championship.”
“(Mott is) the icon of the level,” Carlisle said. “I told our coaches the day we got this job ‘we’ll know when we’re there if we can beat Mott.’ We didn’t beat them but we know we’re there. They’re good.”
After Owens and Cincinnati State had their records vacated, Columbus State finished the season 10-4 in OCCAC action and 29-7 overall. Quite an impressive feat considering the team’s play going into the final month of the regular season.
Carlisle said he give s his players credit for seeing their potential after a rough start. Britt along with Greg Rice and Mariano Bowles were named to the NJCAA National Tournament All-Tournament team. Britt was also named the tournament MVP for the NJCAA District Seven Tournament, and Carlisle was named Coach of the District.
Predators shut Jackets out of the playoffs
Even though the Columbus Blue Jackets have been having a tough time establishing a winning streak since the NHL All-Star Game, there has been hope by the team to climb back into the playoff picture. Those hopes were squashed last week by a pair of shutout losses to Nashville. The Jackets also had a shutout win last week at home to Chicago and lost in a shootout in Chicago.
Columbus went to Nashville knowing they would have to nearly win out to have a chance at the playoffs. What they got in return was not only a loss, but some bruises to boot. In the loss at Nashville Tuesday, Predator Jordin Tootoo got in a pair of fights, one with Jason Chimera and Jan Hejda. This bad blood carried on into the rematch Friday night.
Just three minutes into the game, enforcers Jared Boll and Tootoo fought and Boll scored the takedown of the Predator.
“I just knew it was on me,” Boll said. “I knew that both of our first shifts would probably be against each other so I just wanted to get it done early”
But it is the score that counts. Nashville’s first goal Friday night came off a shot that took a couple of hops and skips and eventually went through Jackets goaltender Fredrik Norrena. The goal was credited to Jan Hlavac with 15 minutes left in the second. Nashville scored one more just a minute later on a hard slap shot by Radek Bonk. That was all the scoring Nashville needed. Columbus responded with 43 shots, but Preds goaltender Dan Ellis made all 43 saves for Nashville.
“They had 43 shots but they weren’t as many hard quality chances,” Nashville head coach Barry Trotz said. “It wasn’t a hard 43 shots, but they had some c
“We can’t get down,” Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash said. We are at home, we have our fans behind us, I thought we got back on track, we just couldn’t finish.”
Through Sunday’s action, Nashville would be the last team in the playoffs with 87 points with Vancouver and Edmonton being just one point back. Columbus is now officially mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Columbus would likely still be in a playoff race if they could find a way of winning against Nashville. The Blue Jackets were 1-6-1 this season with their only win coming in a shootout in January. If Columbus went 3-3 against Nashville this year, they would only be three points away from grabbing that last playoff spot.
“I think there is a reason (for the dismal record against Nashville),” Columbus head coach Ken Hitchcock said. “I think if you look back on it, we are not able to finish against that team and there is a reason for that. We just don’t win enough one on ones against that team.”
For Hitchcock, this is the 10th full NHL season for him, and he has made the playoffs in nine of those years. Not playing deep into April is unfamiliar for Hitchcock, winner of a 1999 Stanley Cup. Hitchcock said he is going to miss not having the opportunity to play in this year’s playoffs.
“The reality hits you when you supposed to be preparing for the playoffs and I am going to have to deal with it,” Hitchcock said. “I haven’t dealt with it before, I enjoy the pressure, I love the pressure that goes with it, I really look forward to it, but it is not going to be this year.”
Columbus will finish the season this week with matches at Detroit and a home and home with St. Louis.
Safety costs Destroyers
Even in the high flying Arena Football League, many games can come down to a single play. That has been evident lately for the Columbus Destroyers. In their first home game of the season on March 15, they lost a game on a late game fumble against the Cleveland Gladiators. Saturday, they lost 47-44 to Orlando due to two points the offense of the Destroyers gave Orlando in front of an announced crowd of over 13,000.
With Orlando up 14-10 early in the second quarter, Orlando Predator Jason Hall sacked Destroyers quarterback Matt Nagy at the Columbus one yard line. On the next play, Orlando’s Rob Schroder once again sacked Nagy for a safety that put Orlando up 16-10. Orlando would also capitalize on getting the ball back and Predator quarter back Shane Stafford had two quick passes from their own 10 yard line all the way to the Columbus one yard line. After nearly pulling off a defensive fourth down stop, Columbus was called for an illegal defense which allowed Orlando to get a first down. Predator Marlon Moye-Moore scored from one yard out to give Orlando the 23-10 lead.
“That is the harshest (play)because you not only give up the two, you also get the chance to get seven more (points) so that is a nine point swing,” Destroyers head coach Doug Kay said. “If you add the nine to the seven you could have scored, big time swing.”
Columbus crawled back with a Nagy touchdown pass to Derek Lee to make it a seven point game late in the first half. Orlando played the clock management game to milk the clock to the final few seconds inside the Columbus five yard line. On the last play of the half, Stafford’s pass was deflected by Columbus defensive back Nate Coggins and intercepted by Rober’ Freeman. Columbus was happy to only be down seven at halftime.
“That was a huge play, we couldn’t let them score that one going into halftime, just lucky Rober’ made the interception,” Coggins said.
Columbus came back in the second half with another defensive stop. With Orlando 14 yards away from the end zone on fourth down, Stafford tried to force a pass to Ron Johnson into coverage, but Coggins was there once again to break up the pass. Nagy would connect with Lee on the next drive for a 33 yard pass to tie the game at 23. The teams would alternate three touchdowns on each drive the rest of the way.
After Columbus’ Harold Wells scored to tie the game at 44 with 3:03 left, Orlando would play clock management again to end the second half. This time they were playing for a field goal. Orlando got the clock all the way down to two seconds before calling a timeout. This set up a 31 yard field goal try for John Vaughn. Vaughn was 2-5 on attempts, but this one sailed above the uprights and Orlando walked out of Nationwide Arena with the 47-44 win.
“We got off to a slow start and was unable to make the last stop of the game,” Coggins said.
This is the second straight week for Columbus the game came down to a last second field goal. Last week it was Columbus’ Mark Lewis nailing one from 35 yards to win the game against the Utah Blaze 52-49.
“Now we know how Utah feels,” Nagy said. “We were sitting right there helpless, they decided to do what we did last week and trust your kicker.”
Columbus is now 1-4 on the season and winless at home. Next for the Destroyers is on Saturday when they play Tampa Bay at 7 p.m. in Nationwide Arena.
Cougar title bid falls just short in Finals
Two months ago, the Columbus State men’s basketball team sat near the bottom of the OCCAC standings with a 3-6 record in conference action and was suffering with a close loss after close loss. Have things changed since then.
In that time, the team went on a 13 game winning streak, defeated third ranked Cincinnati State in front of a large crowd and Ohio State’s Thad Matta, later find out Cincinnati State along with Owens Community College were using illegible players and were banned from postseason competition, and that is just the finish of the regular season.
The weekend of March 8-9 was supposed to be when the team would play in the NJCAA District Seven Tournament, but a large snowstorm postponed the tournament two days and Columbus State would have to wait in their Cleveland hotel until March 10 to defeat Clark State. The Cougars would then defeat Sinclair in the title game to earn a trip to the NJCAA National Championship, the first time ever for the team.
“(The blizzard) helped us, it gave us more time to prepare for Sinclair,” Columbus State head coach Patrick Carlisle said. “It helped us just fine. The kids had a lot of fun being around each other and they felt good… It was great team building.”
“During the blizzard in Cleveland during the regionals, our focus was maintained by the hunger of competition,” Columbus State guard Raylon Almon said. “We wanted to play so bad that we were determined to win.”
Columbus State would get one week to prepare for a very tough road to the National Championship game. Their first challenge was against Erie Community College who was ranked fifth in the country on March 19. It remained a back and forth battle for the entire 40 minutes, but Columbus State was able to seal the game in the final few seconds as Brandon Bland hit two free throws to give Columbus State a 66-64 lead. Columbus State’s Cyrus Smith got a steal when Erie tried to take one last shot and Columbus State advanced with a 67-64 lead. Bland finished with a team high 16 points.
The next evening, they defeated Prince George’s Community College. Prince George’s defeated Cecil College who is the number one team in the nation to earn a spot in the NJCAA Championships. Columbus State won the game 78-69.
In the NJCAA semifinal round, Columbus State had to play the host of the tournament, Danville Community College in front of several thousand local fans. Danville had a 27-16 lead at one point in the first half. The halftime score was 35-30 with Danville leading. Columbus State battled hard in the second half. The Cougars would hang tough until the midpoint of the second half when they went on a huge run to take a 65-52 lead with three minutes left. Danville made it interesting late. Danville got within four, but Columbus State hung on for the 77-69 win.
“A miserable environment to play in, a fabulous won to win in which makes it that much sweeter,” Carlisle said on the game. “In a national tournament game, you hold another team scoreless for ten minutes -- in their gym. When you think about it like that is truly amazing.”
In the championship game, Columbus State faced off against the defending NJCAA Champion Mott Bears. Columbus State would once again have to overcome a large first half deficit. After being down by 12, Columbus State fought back and tied the game right before halftime at 33 however Mott’s Jacquez Williams hit a three pointer to give Mott the halftime lead at 36-33. Columbus State’s dream season came to a close as Mott finished strong and won 83-73 to repeat as National Champions.
“(Mott) had good chemistry and everybody played their roles really well,” Almon said. “They have been there before, and knew what it took to get another championship.”
“(Mott is) the icon of the level,” Carlisle said. “I told our coaches the day we got this job ‘we’ll know when we’re there if we can beat Mott.’ We didn’t beat them but we know we’re there. They’re good.”
After Owens and Cincinnati State had their records vacated, Columbus State finished the season 10-4 in OCCAC action and 29-7 overall. Quite an impressive feat considering the team’s play going into the final month of the regular season.
Carlisle said he give s his players credit for seeing their potential after a rough start. Britt along with Greg Rice and Mariano Bowles were named to the NJCAA National Tournament All-Tournament team. Britt was also named the tournament MVP for the NJCAA District Seven Tournament, and Carlisle was named Coach of the District.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Tournaments on the mind
The NCAA selection committee got it right for the first time ever -- they got the four top seeds into the final four. And only one of them really had all that tough of a challenge in their actual regional final.
When the brackets came out a couple weeks ago, I really never got a good read on all these teams. Turns out that what I thought was going to be the toughest year to predict the winners was actually the best. If you would have taken straight top seeds, you would likely be near the top of your bracket. How often can you say that? But what is the fun of stealing the NCAA's selection committee's pick.
But to be truthful, this could honestly go down as one of the most boring NCAA Tournament in history. If it were not for Davidson's run, this was a very predictable tournament. I know we had some 13 seeds win and all that, but that happens every year. Sometimes you can see these upsets coming (we all knew Villanova is up there). But there is still time for drama. What if the title game goes to double-overtime, oh yeah, this is all of a sudden a great, exciting tournament.
Now let us talk about a tournament I have all of a sudden embraced. It is the NIT. Ohio State vs Cal followed by Dayton sounds more like a good round of 32 matchup in the NCAA. But the one thing you get from the NIT's you never get from the NCAA is a true basketball atmosphere in real college arenas. For instance, did anyone watch the Cal game on ESPN last week? Did you have a tough time hearing play by play man John Saunders? It was truly that loud in St. John Arena. You get real basketball fans close to the court and look what happens. I think the handful of fathers who brought their sons as a $40 history lesson got what they paid for: An old style basketball game in front of a large rocking crowd with the blaring of Hang On Sloopy coming from the bleachers.
But when I never thought it was possible to get the Schott that loud, it was just as loud two nights later. What would have had it even louder had Dayton not bought up a section in the lowers. But still, the vast majority was wearing scarlet and grey and once again, when you don't have millionaires sitting close to the action, you notice there is a crowd. But of course that isn't likely to change anytime soon. But what a nice way to send out the seniors.
I will have Destroyers and Jackets updates later tonight/tomorrow.
When the brackets came out a couple weeks ago, I really never got a good read on all these teams. Turns out that what I thought was going to be the toughest year to predict the winners was actually the best. If you would have taken straight top seeds, you would likely be near the top of your bracket. How often can you say that? But what is the fun of stealing the NCAA's selection committee's pick.
But to be truthful, this could honestly go down as one of the most boring NCAA Tournament in history. If it were not for Davidson's run, this was a very predictable tournament. I know we had some 13 seeds win and all that, but that happens every year. Sometimes you can see these upsets coming (we all knew Villanova is up there). But there is still time for drama. What if the title game goes to double-overtime, oh yeah, this is all of a sudden a great, exciting tournament.
Now let us talk about a tournament I have all of a sudden embraced. It is the NIT. Ohio State vs Cal followed by Dayton sounds more like a good round of 32 matchup in the NCAA. But the one thing you get from the NIT's you never get from the NCAA is a true basketball atmosphere in real college arenas. For instance, did anyone watch the Cal game on ESPN last week? Did you have a tough time hearing play by play man John Saunders? It was truly that loud in St. John Arena. You get real basketball fans close to the court and look what happens. I think the handful of fathers who brought their sons as a $40 history lesson got what they paid for: An old style basketball game in front of a large rocking crowd with the blaring of Hang On Sloopy coming from the bleachers.
But when I never thought it was possible to get the Schott that loud, it was just as loud two nights later. What would have had it even louder had Dayton not bought up a section in the lowers. But still, the vast majority was wearing scarlet and grey and once again, when you don't have millionaires sitting close to the action, you notice there is a crowd. But of course that isn't likely to change anytime soon. But what a nice way to send out the seniors.
I will have Destroyers and Jackets updates later tonight/tomorrow.
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