Going to The Garden as Rangers Host Panthers

My Wife, cousins and friend are meeting for dinner then heading to The Garden as the New York Rangers host the Florida Panthers tonight. The Blueshirts are playing great hockey with so many starters hurt. We’re sitting near the bench and it promises to be a great night.

AFC Championship Game Posting Later

I will post on the AFC Championship Game shortly. I think I’ve almost over the shocking performance in the first half.

Sanchez and Jets Will Show Up Tonight to Earn Victory Over Steelers in AFC Championship Game

The New York Jets and in particular Mark Sanchez will show up tonight to continue to silence the critics. Gang Green must do more than a few things to come out victors and earn their way to the Super Bowl:

• Quarterback Mark Sanchez needs to be perfect: no interceptions, 60% minimum completion percentage with a quarterback rating of 90 or better – get the ball to tight end Dustin Keller and roll out of the pocket to avoid sacks – he was excellent last week
• Jets needs big games from ex-Steeler Santonio Holmes and punter Steve Weatherford
• Cannot turn the ball over and cannot commit penalties
• Must control the clock with long drives that result in points with no three and outs avoiding 3rd and long
• Defensive backs must limit yards after the catch by Pittsburgh’s tight end Heath Miller plus wide receivers Hines Ward and Mike Wallace
• Hopefully the officials will throw flags on the extremely dirty play by Hines Ward, one of the dirtiest players in the entire NFL – Ward blocks in the back and cheapshots on a regular basis – if you don’t believe me just watch him do it tonight
• The other very dirty player in Pittsburgh is right tackle Flozell Adams – just keep an eye on #71
• Jason Taylor needs to be present and play well – it would be a great time to see the old Taylor make a come back
• Defense cannot give up the big play downfield – Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is listed at 6’5”, 241 pounds but looks heavier than that – defensive backs bounce off him – Big Ben plays schoolyard football, scrambling to avoid the pass rush from the left side – cannot give up big plays and must strip the ball
• Defense must give different looks and try to keep him off balance – play different defensive backs on their tight ends and change coverage as the game progresses

Now, that’s quit a list but it’s doable. I hope the Jets show up today and play their best. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

If Jim Nantz Annoys You During CBS’ Broadcast of AFC Conference Championship Tonight Listen to WMTR – AM 1250 Instead

In the past I’ve enjoyed Jim Nantz during football broadcasts but he has an anti-Jet bias and it shows. I’m not just saying that as a Jet fan either. On top of that Nantz and Phil Simms dole out so many useless stats fed to them from the production truck that it makes me want to scream. I wish they’d just call the game. Last week I muted Nantz and Simms and listened to Bob Wischusen and Marty Lyons call the game on the radio. The timing was off by a couple of seconds on the Jet flagship radio station 1050 ESPN (WEPN – AM) in New York City. However games are simulcast on WMTR – AM 1250 in NJ and this station was only slightly ahead of the TV. Put on the oldies station and enjoy an excellent play-by-play game call. WMTR may have the stream on their website as well and remember

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

Rangers Playing .500 Hockey in Last Ten Games and Need to Earn More Points

The New York Rangers are 5-5 in their last ten games and need to earn more points as they go into the second half of the season. The Blueshirts are playing much better team hockey in the face of adversity with so many players getting hurt. The young players who are brought up from the Hartford Whale have played very well and are being thrown right into the mix. Sean Avery has seen much more ice time and is making an impact. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist has been terrific in net even after the tough 4-1 loss to the Hurricanes last night. If they continue to play hard with contributions from everyone on the bench they will assuredly make the Playoffs this season. I would love to see them go deep into the Playoffs in fact.

Rex Ryan Wants Green-and-White Confetti to Come Down After AFC Championship Game vs. Steelers

The New York Jets have not been speaking out this week leading up the huge AFC Championship Game this Sunday at Pittsburg against the hosting Steelers. Rex has Gang Green ready to play no doubt and knows when to let his talking take center stage. This is what Ryan said on Wednesday:

“All I want to do is find a way to win, one point, whatever. We want to be part of that – I want that green-and-white confetti coming down. We want to hold the trophy, the Lamar Hunt Trophy. We want that to be ours. We want the hat, we want the T-shirts, we want to experience that. I respect the way they play. Quite honestly, though, it doesn't matter if my dad was coaching that team or my son was playing on that team, it's on and we know it."

St. John’s Red Storm Hosts #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at The Garden Today at Noon

Today at Madison Square Garden the St. John’s Red Storm play host to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at noon. St. John’s lost by 15 points last week at South Bend so hopefully the Johnnies will return the favor and come out the winners today. The game will be televised on MSG and promises to be a good one. The Big East Conference is a powerhouse in NCAA Men’s Basketball. It would be great seeing St. John’s crack the Top 25 to make it nine Big East teams among the elite.

Cromartie and Jets Must Show Up Sunday to Earn Victory Over Hated Patriots (aka Cheaters)

The New York Jets and in particular Antonio Cromartie must show up tomorrow afternoon to silence the critics. Head coach Rex Ryan said this is the second most important game in the history of the Jets’ franchise (first being Super Bowl III). With the “War of Words” going on between the two teams this past week Gang Green must do more than a few things to come out victors and earn their way back to the AFC Championship Game:

• Center Nick Mangold needs to block defensive tackle Vince Wilfork so Jets can run the ball up the middle – Wilfork may need to play the entire game and will hopefully tire
• Jets cannot turn the ball over and cannot commit penalties
• Jets must control the clock with long drives that result in points with no three and outs avoiding 3rd and long
• Defensive backs must keep their receivers in front of the them and minimize yards after the catch
• Would like to see linebackers Bryan Thomas and Jason Taylor cover their tight ends and keep them from getting outside
• Quarterback Mark Sanchez needs to be perfect: no interceptions, 60% minimum completion percentage with a quarterback rating of 90 or better – get the ball to tight end Dustin Keller and roll out of the pocket to avoid sacks
• Defense cannot give up the big play downfield – quarterback Tom Brady will dink and dunk then go for the downfield pass when he sees one-on-one coverage
• Tackle Wayne Hunter will have his hands full but has played very well when given the chance
• Defense must give different looks to Brady and try to keep him off balance – play different defensive backs on their tight ends and change coverage as the game progresses
• Defense must get to Brady and knock him down to make him uncomfortable in the pocket

Now, that’s quit a list but it’s doable. I hope the Jets show up tomorrow and play their best. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

New York Jets and Their Fans are Saying "We’re Not Gonna Take it Anymore!"

The New York Jets and their fans are not gonna take it anymore!

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

Former MetroStar and Red Bull Defender Mike Petke Joins Red Bulls Front Office

Red Bull New York announced that fan favorite defender Mike Petke will join the front office as Individual Development Coach and Business Operations Manager. It’s great seeing Mike stay with the organization and equally great seeing the organization treating of their own so well. Petke had this to say:

“I am excited and honored to begin my post-playing career with the Red Bulls,” Petke said. “This is where I started and ended my career, and there’s no place I’d rather be. I always will consider this club as my home and I am thrilled to be able to contribute my ideas here."

Bill Belichick (aka Head Cheater) has Been a Dope with the Jets Since He Resigned as Head Coach One Day After Taking Job on January 4, 2000

Head coach of the hated New England Patriots (aka Cheaters) Bill Belichick (aka Head Cheater) has been a dope with the New York Jets going all the way back to January 4, 2000. Bill Parcells resigned as head coach of the Jets on January 3, 2000 and handed the reins to Belichick. The following day Belichick resigned leaving the Jets high and dry. At the Jets’ training facility in Hempstead, Long Island Good Ol’ Bill held the most pathetic news conference ever witnessed, mumbled nonsense for 25 minutes that came down to this:

"I just don't feel I can lead the Jets in the year 2000, I just know what I need to do. I just don't feel I can do it right now. It is not about the future, it is about the situation I am in now…It is not about trying to get out of a contract or leveraging a contract.”

What the hell did that mean? Complete liar! He hired a good lawyer, got out of the remaining three years of his six-year deal signed with the Jets in 1997 and shuffled up to New England. The Jets were without an owner and lost two head coaches in just over 24 hours. Belichick held his staff meeting earlier that morning and never once told his staff he was going to resign. He wrote a resignation note that read he was quitting as “the H.C. of the NYJ.” It was a punk move on his part and nothing he does now amazes me.

Rangers and Devils Sending Three Players to 2011 NHL All-Star Game

The New York Rangers will be sending goaltender Henrik Lundqvist and defenseman Marc Staal to the All-Star Game this year. This is the first All-Star game for Staal who certainly deservers the nod. He’s been the Rangers' shutdown defenseman the entire season. The New Jersey Devils will be sending Patrik Elias. The All-Star Game is scheduled for Sunday, January 30, 2011 with the format reminiscent of what I call “Schoolyard Choose-Up” rather than the traditional Eastern vs. Western Conference. I will post more on the format in the coming days.

Red Bulls Five and Ten Game Ticket Plans for 2011 Season Go on Sale Thursday, January 13th At 10:00 AM

I’ll be purchasing a Ten-Game Plan for my Wife and me this season along with three of my friends who will be in on Five-Game Plans. Should be a good season once again and let’s hope the Red Bulls make it to the MLS Cup match and return as champions. From the New York Red Bulls via e-mail:

Five and 10-game ticket plans for the 2011 New York Red Bulls season at Red Bull Arena go on sale on Thursday, January 13th at 10:00 AM ET. Fans can purchase 5-game plans for as little as $90 and 10-game plans for as low as $170 per person. Seat locations and game selections will be chosen once the 2011 regular season schedule has been released. Renewing plan holders will be given priority access.
Red Bulls Partial Plans provide you with discounts off of day of game prices and the same seat for all of the games in your plan. Other benefits include priority to purchase home playoff matches and priority to purchase other Red Bull Arena events!

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1.877.RBSOCCER/1.877.727.6223 (TTY line/Hearing impaired call, 973.482.9060) or log onto http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/.

2010-11 Midseason Thoughts on New York Islanders

The New York Islanders are no longer the cellar dwellers, placing just ahead of the Devils and are playing much better hockey recently with a 7-3 record in their last ten games. With 40 games played their record is 13-21-6, 32 points, 4th place in the Atlantic Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders are sorely missing defenseman Mark Streit this season. Streit is a solid defenseman and runs the power play as well anybody in the NHL. While in Penn Station last year I gave directions to a young couple from Switzerland and seeing my Ranger hat they mentioned Streit to me. I told them I saw him at The Garden the previous week and he had a great game against the Rangers. The Isles have solid defenseman, notably Mike Mottau, Andrew MacDonald and Milan Jurcina. The team just doesn’t give up. Veteran forward and captain Doug Weight shows leadership to younger players Matt Moulson, Blake Comeau, Kyle Okposo, John Taveras and Rob Schremp. Taveras is only 20-years-old and will be a star for years to come. Like the Devils the Islanders also had a coaching change this season naming Jack Capuano interim head coach two months ago. They have to figure out a way to keep Rick DiPietro between the pipes in net.

2010-11 Midseason Thoughts on New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are playing much better team hockey this year, even with key players out of the lineup at various times. The Blueshirts are 6-2-2 in their last ten games. With 43 games played their record is 25-15-3, 53 points, 3^rd place in the Atlantic Division and 6^th place in the Eastern Conference, only 3 points behind the 4^th place Penguins. The Rangers have not had the services of Vinny Prospal all season. The Rangers are also missing Ryan Callahan, Erik Christensen and Derek Boogaard. Even missing the Boogie Man the team has rallied together and not let anybody push them around, especially in front of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Rookie defenseman Michael Sauer has been excellent along with the tremendous play by Mark Staal and Dan Girardi. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has been solid with a save percentage of .923, goals against average of 2.33 and a record of 18-12-3 along with 5 shutouts. Marty Biron has also been great as backup goalie. Notable mention for rookie forward Mats Zuccarello who’s made his presence on the ice known.

Rangers trade Defenseman Michal Rozsival to Coyotes for Left Wing Wojtek Wolski

The New York Rangers traded defenseman Michal Rozsival to the Phoenix Coyotes for left wing Wojtek Wolski. With injuries to Erik Christensen, Ryan Callahan and Alex Frolov the Rangers needed to make a move. I feel Rozsival was crucified unduly by the Garden Faithful way too much over the past few seasons. He really picked up his game last season and has been solid the year as well. Rozy always was among the leaders in ice time for the Blueshirts so I can’t image the coaches thought he was all that bad. With all the young defenseman coming up the ranks Rozy was expendable and Wolski has proven he can score goals. Rozy sat out the past two games with sore ribs and missed time over the past few seasons with various injuries. This trade will also clear some salary cap space for the club. GM Glen Sather had this to say about the trade:

“I think that the obvious reason (to be willing to trade Rozsival) is that we’ve got young defensemen progressing," Sather said.. "We’ve been happy with the youth, and when you get a player, and you move a guy that’s 33 years old with this year and next year on his contract, it gives us an opportunity to get younger and better and gives the kids a chance to play."

2010-11 Midseason Thoughts on New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils continue to go backwards this season. With 42 games played their record is 11-29-2, 24 points, 5th in the Atlantic Division, 15th in the Eastern Conference and worst in the NHL. I can’t remember it being this bad for NJ. The injuries to left wing Zach Parise and defenseman Bryce Salvador have all but shut down their offensive production and put goaltenders Marty Brodeur and Johan Hedberg in tough situations. Brodeur has been downright awful with a save percentage of .887, goals allowed average of 3.05 and a record of 6-18-1. Captain Jamie Langenbrunner was getting no ice time and was traded back to his original team the Dallas Stars. The Star fans are excited for his return so maybe they can rekindle the magic with Jamie on the ice. Head coach Jacques Lemaire also needs to name a new captain. Former captain Patrik Elias was smug after hearing of Jamie’s absence a few nights ago and said “We still have a game to play.” Maybe he wants the C back on his jersey. I can see it going to Jason Arnott or Brian Rolston.

An Update From Mets GM Sandy Alderson (January 7, 2011)

From the New York Mets via email:

Dear Mets Fans
Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday.With Spring Training just six weeks away, I wanted to update you on our preparation for the 2011 season.
Yesterday, we wrapped up two days of meetings in Port St. Lucie where we went over organizational philosophy and how to implement it throughout the major and minor leagues. It was also the first opportunity for Terry Collins and his staff to sit down and discuss the mechanics of Spring Training and determine how they will emphasize fundamentals, mental and physical preparation and hard work. As Terry has said, the driving force will be playing the game the right way, which will lead to more wins.
Over the past two months, we have followed our plan of filling out our roster with reasonably priced players who have significant upside potential. As I have said before, our payroll - which will be among the highest in baseball - gives us limited flexibility, but we do have money to spend. We have acquired players who we think can thrive at Citi Field and complement our existing group of players.
As you likely know, earlier this week we signed pitchers Chris Capuano and Taylor Buchholz. Chris is a former All-Star and 18-game winner who last year came back from his second Tommy John surgery. We are confident he has the ability to re-establish himself as a dependable starter who can excel in our ballpark. Taylor has fully recovered from elbow surgery and has the potential to be a solid arm out of the bullpen.
Every year players come out of nowhere to become success stories. Look no further than R.A. Dickey. He signed a minor-league deal last January, became a fixture in the starting rotation in May, and finished the season with 11 victories and a 2.84 ERA. I believe some of our offseason acquisitions can be this year's version of R.A.
We are excited about 2011. We have a solid core group of players who we expect will make significant contributions to making the Mets a success. As we have said all along, we will put ourselves in the best position possible to succeed both in the short and long term.
There will be an exciting brand of baseball played at Citi Field this year that matches the passion and intensity that you have for the team.
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you at the ballpark.
Sincerely,
Sandy Alderson
General Manager

Folk’s Last Second Field Goal Lifts Jets Over Colts 17-16 in Huge Wild Card Game at Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday Night

The New York Jets defeated Peyton Manning in a dramatic last second field goal by Nick Folk 17-16 at Indianapolis last night. Head coach Rex Ryan made it clear that he was taking the game against Peyton Manning personally and it showed. The Jets did not blitz Manning as they had in the past. Instead they changed up their defensive looks by overloading defensive backs and stayed back. The Jets held Manning to three 3-and-outs in their first three possessions to set the tone for the game. The Colts opened up the scoring on a great 57-yard pass to Pierre Garcon that split the Jet defense. The Jets had a chance to tie the game before halftime but Mark Sanchez threw an interception toward the left-corner of the goal line. Sanchez missed a wide open Dustin Keller a few seconds before that interception as Keller crossed the field. Sanchez was overthrowing every pass in the first half but got better as the game progressed.

In the 2nd half LaDainian Tomlinson scored two rushing touchdowns on the Jets’ next two possessions that took a total of fifteen minutes off the clock and kept Manning off the field. The Colts were held to just 3 field goals in the 2nd half, notably on their last drive where the Jets stopped Manning on a 3rd and 6 at the Jet 32-yard line. Adam Vinatieri kicked a perfect 50-yard field goal that gave the Colts the 16-14 lead with less than a minute left on the clock. Antonio Cromartie, taking the kickoff, ran the ball out of the end zone one yard deep and took it along the right sideline to the Colt 47-yard line. I was going nuts. Sanchez completed three passes to Braylon Edwards with the biggest pass of the game on the last completion. The Colts called timeout with 29 seconds left in the 4th quarter, confusing me and giving time for the Jets to discuss a play. Edwards went to the sideline and told Sanchez and the coaches that he could beat the cornerback covering him and he did just that, getting the ball to the Colts’ 14-yard line. The Jets let the clock run down to 3 seconds and Nick Folk came onto the field to kick the Jets into the next round of the Playoffs. I feel the Jets had the chance to win the game on their second last drive where they had a 3rd and 5 and Sanchez threw a deep ball incomplete along the right sideline to Edwards. I jumped off the couch, screaming, pleading for a slant play to get the 1st down. They were fortunate to get the ball back from the Colts. Also on that drive the Colts ran into the Jet punter Steve Weatherford which gave the Jets the 1st down and caused the Colts to use two of the timeouts before getting the ball back. My Wife and I listened to the Jet radio announcers for the 2nd half and watched NBC’s TV coverage. Marty Lyons said the Jets had no more timeouts and as we watched the clock tick down my Wife and I were screaming for the ball to be spiked. Lyons thank goodness had it wrong and the Jets were able to call timeout with :03 left and setup for the final game winning field goal. I was keeping my Cousin up to speed via text messages late in the game as the drama unfolded. Watching Manning’s puss in high definition was priceless. The Jet running game was terrific with Tomlinson gaining 82 yards, with 2 touchdowns on 16 carries and Shonn Greene gaining 70 yards on 19 carries. Sanchez went 18-of-31 for 189 yards and 1 interception. What a game. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS! Ryan said the following in his press conference afterwards:

“We've got to tip our hat to our offense. It was unbelievable," said Ryan, whose bravado made him a summer sensation in HBO's "Hard Knocks" series. "I mean, we totally dominated the second half offensively. On defense, we had to hold serve. Against Peyton, you're not going to stop him completely, but our guys played well enough to get it done and keep him out of the end zone. Our offense was just spectacular."