I’d Like to Wish a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to One and All!

I’d like to wish a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all. Just to get you in the spirit here are a few songs from the Dropkick Murphys and the Wolfe Tones. I remember the Wolfe Tones playing in my backyard 40 years ago! I kicked my Gaelic football around the yard with Derek Warfield. When they would play in Brooklyn they’d call my house looking for my Dad so they could come over and hang out for a few hours to get “tuned up” for the concert. One year my Brother was playing the Wolfe Tones on his boombox and one of the members of the band called on the phone, looking for my Dad! My Wife and I are looking forward to the parade tomorrow in NYC. I can’t wait to see my Dad’s old band, the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes & Drums and my high school band as well.

With Eleven Games Remaining the Rangers 2011 Playoff Hopes Still Alive

The New York Rangers’ Playoff hopes are still alive as they are locked in at 7th place in the Eastern Conference with 78 points. The Buffalo Sabres are only two points behind with one game in hand. The Rangers need to make the most of their remaining 11 games beginning this Friday as they welcome the Montreal Canadiens into Madison Square Garden. The Blueshirts have won four of their last five games and will hopefully continue their winning ways. Goaltender Chad Johnson is up with the club from their AHL affiliate Connecticut Whale but Henrik Lundqvist will most likely be the goalie down the stretch.

Lawrence Taylor Hall of Shame Inductee #10 with Shame-O-Meter Rating of 10

New York Giants NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor is the tenth inductee into my Hall of Shame with a Shame-O-Meter Rating of 10. In May 2010 Taylor was arrested for raping a 16-year-old girl at a Holiday Inn located in Rockland County, NY. Taylor’s storied past is well documented for his tremendous play both on the field along with his alcohol & drug use off. LT was the best football player I ever saw. Offensive coordinators would change the entire game plan in an attempt to slow down #56 as he couldn’t be stopped. Unfortunately his hard life off the field caught up with him and there is no excuse for his horrific behavior. Per Ramapo Police, Taylor paid the girl $300 for sex. The teenager sent a text message to her uncle who contacted the NYPD. The NYPD contacted the Ramapo PD who then woke up Taylor and arrested him early in the morning. The teenager was reported missing in March 2010. In January 2011 Taylor pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors and was sentenced to six years’ probation with sex-offender status per the Rockland County, NY District Attorney’s office.

"She told me she was 19," Taylor said in court.

Going to Garden as Rangers Host Sabres Tonight

My Wife and I are looking forward to dinner tonight in the Village then walking to Madison Square Garden as the New York Rangers host the Buffalo Sabres. The Rangers are in 7th place of the Eastern Conference, only 5 points ahead of 9th place Buffalo. Versus will air the game on TV tonight. LET’S GO RANGERS!

Jets Released Gholston, Jenkins (The Human Truck), Taylor and Woody Monday

The New York Jets Released Vernon Gholston, Kris Jenkins (The Human Truck), Jason Taylor and Damien Woody. The Jets needed to make roster moves and releasing these players saves them $10 Million next season. I loved Jenkins and Woody but the only player I can see coming back is Woody. Unfortunately sitting in the New Meadowlands Stadium for the home opener and not seeing The Human Truck get up after the sixth play of the game meant the end of his great career.

Get Your New Authentic Mets Bating Practice Jersey but don’t Personalize with #1 or #46

The Mets have a new Authentic Batting Practice Jersey that is a lot cheaper than the regular uniform jersey. This jersey has buttons in the front as well this season. I cannot find myself personalizing it with #1 or #46. I can only hope that Oliver Perez doesn’t make the trip north with the club and Luis Castillo earns his roster spot.

Going to Prudential Center as Hated Devils Host Rangers Tonight

My Wife, Nieces and I are looking forward to dinner tonight in Newark’s Ironbound District before walking to the Rock as the New Jersey Devils host their rivals the New York Rangers.

REALLY Back On Track with My Blog

After even more days away from my Blog I’m really back on track with postings beginning today.

Going to Madison Square Garden as Rangers Host Hated Devils Tonight

My friend and I are looking forward to going to The Garden tonight as the New York Rangers host the hated New Jersey Devils. I highly doubt Marty will be in goal for New Jersey. The Blueshirts will welcome back Vinny Prospal as three other Rangers returned from injuries last Tuesday.

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.