tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86069160262619048232024-02-06T22:26:19.354-05:00Pucks_and_PolsLeft-Wing, Right-Wing, and all In-Between.
A place for good conversation about hockey and politics, please feel free to jump in and comment.Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-915321455640513552013-08-07T11:27:00.000-04:002013-08-07T11:37:09.911-04:00Yahoo! Sports Contracts NHL to 15 TeamsThose crazy folks over at Puck Daddy have taken the axe to those failing markets that can't sustain professional hockey. Despite Gary Bettman’s best efforts, hockey is never going to catch on in places like Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg. In fact, under advisement from NBC sports we are sure; they have eliminated every single team from Canada. They have taken the league down to 15 teams, all from tv friendly big US metro Areas. See their “work” below:
<a href="http://s1338.photobucket.com/user/pucks_and_pols/media/PuckDaddyContraction_zps58c71817.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1338.photobucket.com/albums/o689/pucks_and_pols/PuckDaddyContraction_zps58c71817.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo PuckDaddyContraction_zps58c71817.jpg"/></a>
Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-24308747887121046942013-08-02T18:11:00.001-04:002013-08-07T11:54:42.257-04:00Things looking up for Obama?The stock market is reaching record highs, unemployment at dec 08 levels, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down. A lot of work left to do, but things are headed in the right direction on a macro level.Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-66135320838115024382013-08-02T17:49:00.001-04:002013-08-07T11:51:36.564-04:00NC GOV Demeans WomenPat McCrory, gov of NC, condescends women protesting his policy with a plate of choclate chip cookies. Cant make this stuff up.Offering women who wish to debate healthcare issues a literal symbol of domestic servitude is a perfect symbol of some wings of the GOP. Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-49053542360191596762013-08-02T17:26:00.001-04:002013-08-02T17:26:36.854-04:00Test from phone postPucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-57929097222824512602013-08-02T17:12:00.000-04:002013-08-02T17:12:54.302-04:00Inside two sides of the GOPThe most fascinating thing in politics right now is the infighting int he GOP as they try to find themselves and regroup after being rebuked by voters in 2012. It wasn't exactly a landslide election for the Dems, but considering the state of the economy and mood of the country, the failure to unseat Obama was massive one. <br>
Now we see two different approaches moving forward. One, best exemplified by Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey is to moderate extreme stances on social issues and relent on the manaical assault on the credibility of government as a whole. Make no mistake, CC is still conservative, but he is strategic and effective as a con governing
a very blue state. He has established great cross party cred and is well liked across the political spectrum, something few others in the GOP can say. <br>
The 2nd approach to being rebuffed is best shown by Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. The js from the bluegrass state and scion of the biggest name in libertarian circles has lead the charge from the teaparty/isolationist wing of the GOP base.
In contrast to "establishment" pols like Christie, Paul sees government and corporate synergy as a huge problem and has launched a zealous crusade against the growth of big government and big business in the name of individual liberty. His support is more fevereant than Christie, but unless he can expand his message beyond the older, predominatly white, fox news watching crowd, his method of doubling down on isolationist conservatism is doomed to fail at the pols.<br>
And that is not just my idealogical opinion, it is a demographic certainty in 21st Century America. <br>
Unless they can broaden their tent to draw in more young people, the lgbt community, and minorities, who are currently shunning the GOP in astonishing numbers, the 2010 midterms will stand as the highwater mark of Paul's brand of libertarian conservatism. The Tea Party will surely be remembered fondly for generations by those politically left behind, similar in a manner as Pickett's charge was (and is) viewed by those with confederate sympathies after the civil war. The high water mark of a glorius lost cause for a demographic out of time, out of power, and out of new ideas.Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-43902248250603505052012-01-11T09:30:00.000-05:002013-08-02T16:22:03.158-04:00GOP Nomination Standings: Onward toward SoCarl<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">New Hampshire was pretty much decided before the votes were even cast in the Republican race to become that party’s nominee for President. Barring a colossal upset, Mitt Romney was going to win his New England backyard and he needed a big win to move the ball forward after squeaking out a barn burner in Iowa. His win was indeed huge, and Romney became the 1<sup>st</sup> non-incumbent Republican to capture both Iowa and New Hampshire. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are the numbers with 95% of the votes counted so far: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Mitt Romney</u>: 95,669 <strong>39.4%</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Ron Paul:</u> 55,455 <strong>22.8%</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Jon Huntsman:</u> 40,903 <strong>16.8%</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Newt Gingrich:</u> 22,921 <strong>9.4%</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Rick Santorum:</u> 22,708 <strong>9.3%</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Rick Perry:</u> 1,710 <strong>0.7%</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Buddy Roemer:</u> 918 <strong>0.38%</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Renegade Candidate Ron Paul finished significantly higher than expected with a huge influx of independents and young people turning out for the extreme libertarian. Paul has claimed to be in this race for the long haul and will take each delegate he collects to the convention. You can bet his supporters will be as disruptive as possible to the eventual establishment nominee. His post-Primary speech was rife with energy and his followers took over trending topics on twitter for a time last night. Enthusiasm is never a problem with Ron Paul voters. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jon Huntsman had a respectable showing in 3<sup>rd</sup> place with 16.8% of the vote, but there are big questions of where the former Ambassador can make his next stand after putting so much effort into New Hampshire. Unlike Paul, he has not been cultivating much of a national base of support, and although he has vowed that his ticket has been punched to South Carolina, I can’t see him making much of an impact among the Southern voters there. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The two men most likely to still unite a Conservative challenge to Romney’s nomination both came in a little bit under expectations last night with Newt Gingrich finishing in 4<sup>th</sup> place with 9.4% of the vote, and Rick Santorum sliding in right behind him at 9.3%, only a few hundred votes separating the two. It is actually good news for Romney that neither of these candidates were able to even top Mike Huckabee’s totals from 2008 in this race. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rick Perry meanwhile was persona non grata in the Granite State. He couldn’t even crack the 1% mark and for all his Texas oil millions, he barely squeezed out a margin about virtually unknown candidate Buddy Roemer from Louisiana. It seems like all momentum seeped out of the Perry campaign months ago with an unreal amount of debate gaffes. He is now a shallow hull of a candidate, only being propped up by leftover funds from the period when he entered the race with tons of energy and cash influx. Don’t expect to see him in this race much longer. </span></div>Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-71269120713256846232012-01-10T15:10:00.001-05:002013-08-02T16:22:03.164-04:00GOP Nomination Standings: New Hampshire Primary dayToday the rubber hits the road in the New Hampshire Primary. <br />
<br />
From what I can see so far, this State is definitely Mitt Romney's to lose. Coming off a razor thin win in Iowa against the surprisingly surging Rick Santorum, Romney certainly needs a more significant margin of victory to solidify his status as front runner coming out of the Granite State. The word “inevitable” is starting to find its way around Romney’s path to the nomination, but no matter how well he does in New Hampshire, he will not be able to sow things up in this 1st in the nation primary. <br />
<br />
The Anti-Romney forces have pretty much conceded the New England early battleground to him, and plan to make their last, best pitch to the much more stridently conservative citizens of South Carolina. Rick Perry is already there, hoping that some Southern Home Cookin’ will suit him better than the bitterly independent residents of small town Bedford, Berlin, and Barrington. <br />
<br />
Jon Huntsman has staked almost his entire campaign on New Hampshire and a poor showing here would all but sink his aspirations for the Oval Office. He has had a bit of a mini-surge recently, but his followers hoping for a Santorum-in-Iowa like showing are probably not basing their expectations within reality. <br />
<br />
Speaking of Santorum, he has ridden the wave of momentum coming out of his stunning surprise in the Hawkeye State with some savvy, raising quite a bit of cash which is like lifeblood to these campaigns, but New Hampshire is not exactly fertile ground for his brand of conservatism. Mike Huckabee won Iowa outright in 2008 on the back of evangelicals, but couldn’t crack 11% in this primary. Santorum should expect about the same number. He needs to somehow convince a lot of Newt Gingrich supporters that he is actually their man to beat Romney in South Carolina in order for him to extend the contest much further. <br />
<br />
And of course Ron Paul is going to be in this thing for the long haul. I am more and more convinced his strategy is not to win the nomination outright, but to force the eventual nominees hand by collecting enough delegates to get some of his stridently held ideals into the platform for the General Election. We shall see if the hardline libertarian handcuffs the Republicans or opens the gates to infuse the enthusiasm of his demographically dissimilar base into the usually staid convention halls of the Grand Old Party. <br />
<br />
It should be an interesting night to watch the results come in, not so much for the eventual winner, but to see who the real losers are. At this point it is all about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fundraising, media spin, and campaign narrative as the actual delegate count will be rather insignificant from this early race. <br />
Here are the numbers I expect to see, and if any of these candidates come in +/- 5% or more from the expected # it can be spun as a big win (or loss) for their campaign: <br />
<br />
Mitt Romney: 40%<br />
Jon Huntsman: 18%<br />
Ron Paul: 16%<br />
Rick Santorum: 11%<br />
Newt Gingrich: 10%<br />
Rick Perry: 2%<br />
.Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-24453782817375682052011-07-01T13:26:00.002-04:002013-08-02T16:22:03.147-04:00Jagr Signs with FlyersJaromir Jagr has signed a 1 year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers.<br /><br />May he burn in hell.Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-65384150156937043622011-07-01T13:16:00.004-04:002013-08-02T16:22:03.162-04:00Pens, Wings Both Out on JagrIf Jaromir Jagr was serious about a return to the NHL and trying to compete for a Stanley Cup, waiting it out until July 1st may have burned two of his best bridges to do so.<br /><br />The Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Redwings have both pulled their offers, expected to be around $2M each for Jagr's services.<br /><br />As we have stated often here, Jagr is just crazy enough that there is at least a 2% chance that he will do pretty much anything. Montreal has shown some interest, but it seems more and more like this 'comeback' was just a ruse to up his value to a Russian club. At 39, if he doesn't comeback this season, I don't forsee him ever getting another shot at playing in the NHL again.<br /><br />Here are some links to prior Jagr stories we have covered here:<br /><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/06/jagr-comeback-percentage-breakdown.html">Jagr Comeback Watch: 6/29</a><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/06/jagr-comeback-watch-june-22.html">Jagr Comeback Watch: 6/22</a><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/06/jagr-comeback-watch-june-21st.html">Jagr Comeback Watch: 6/21</a><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/06/jaromir-jagr-comeback.html">Jagr Comeback Watch: 6/20</a><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/05/hockey-notes-crosby-still-not-able-to.html">Jagr Comeback Watch: 5/12</a>Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-36749866264581603512011-07-01T10:24:00.002-04:002013-08-02T16:22:03.153-04:00Happy NHL UFA Day (Canada Day in Canada)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>ZH-CN</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>AR-SA</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> 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mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">This has already been an intriguing offseason for the NHL, and things can get even more interesting today. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here are some notes I’ve collected on various teams, players, and situations:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">*Brad Richards is interesting, but the real drama surrounds Steven Stamkos, the 21 year old restricted free agent from the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a surprise trip to the Conference Finals this year, Steve Yzerman is probably going to match any offer thrown Stamkos’ way, but it will be interesting to see at what price the market bears, and if there is any line that Yzerman will not cross to retain his young franchise Center. According to Capgeek.com, at least 19 teams have the available cap space to offer Stamkos a league maximum $12.86M contract. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">*Speaking of all that cap space: some GMs are going to make utterly stupid, franchise soul crushing deals today. It’s just a given, with the weak crop of FAs and the amount of space created with the surprising increase in league revenues. Giving Glen Sather $25M of cap space on July 1<sup>st</sup> is like putting Charlie Sheen in front of a small mountain of cocaine on his birthday. Come December there will already be hoards of fans looking back in regret at some dumb moves made today. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">*Even some traditionally lower spending, less aggressive, teams have been throwing some weight around in the pre-July 1<sup>st</sup> buildup. The Florida Panthers have taken on over $10M in salary from the Chicago Blackhawks in the form of Brian Campbell and Tomas Kopecky. The Buffalo Sabres traded for the rights to, and then inked Christian Ehrhoff to a 10 year deal and added tough blueliner Robyn Regeher to go with him. The Columbus Bluejackets dealt for Jeff Carter, formerly of the Philadelphia Flyers, and brought in James Wisniewski to sign for a big deal. And even the lowly New York Islanders have been making some noise about trying to bring some marquee talent back to Long Island. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">*One of the reasons we have seen some trades, is that after the big guy (Brad Richards) at the top, there is not a lot of premium talent out there at the UFA level this year. Simon Gagne is intriguing, but a definite injury concern. Erik Cole might be able to help bolster some teams offense, but proved in his stint in Edmonton that he can’t carry a load himself and needs some good supporting guys on his line. After that it’s a bunch of mid-tier guys like Tyler Kennedy, Scottie Upshall, Tim Connolly, Ville Leino, Brenden Morrison, and Sergei Samsonov. Those are all guys who may have some potential, but none of them are elite game breaking talents. They are either really talented 3<sup>rd</sup> liners or fill in quality top 6 forwards. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">*Then you have the older guys looking for one last deal. For Mike Modano, Kris Draper, and Doug Weight that magic # of 40 may mean the end of the road. Teemu Selanne proved he still had it last year, but for him its supposedly the Ducks or nothing. Alexei Kovalev will probably find warmer welcome in the KHL than any North American rink this fall. John Madden, Andrew Brunette, Cory Stillman, and Jason Arnott are all in their late 30s and could fill in well in a role for a contending team, or chase the most money on a retirement deal in say, Long Island. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">*On the Defensive side of the zone, Tomas Kaberle is the big “get.” Ask any Toronto fan how much they want him back. Ed Jovanovski could be an intriguing pickup for some teams looking for blueline help. I irrationally hate Roman Hamrlik. Ian White is versatile. Bryan McCabe and Sean O’Donnell are old, and play like it.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">*If a team is looking for help between the pipes, some options are available. No big names are out there, but plenty of 1A type guys who will get you through. Tomas Vokoun and Brian Boucher are the most solid of the bunch. After that it is a mismash of former Senators, Redwings, Bluejackets, and Avs.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-76726339365911513612011-06-29T14:11:00.004-04:002013-08-02T16:22:03.166-04:00Jagr Comeback Percentage Breakdown<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwWREZEgTeo5aCjPjNZOQbTlCdMnrql88hD_GQXtjP_-I4WXZSsA7Ue9d94h7V6J8gRRnXbJiKIECWWSSz8M8ViWBgXcJe8J8jlmm9Ze5Zn5U8zuoisO9LVvkGtl3wEb_pmS0O1arG5Y/s1600/Jagr+Crosby.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623706912334235858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwWREZEgTeo5aCjPjNZOQbTlCdMnrql88hD_GQXtjP_-I4WXZSsA7Ue9d94h7V6J8gRRnXbJiKIECWWSSz8M8ViWBgXcJe8J8jlmm9Ze5Zn5U8zuoisO9LVvkGtl3wEb_pmS0O1arG5Y/s320/Jagr+Crosby.BMP" border="0" /></a><br />Once and Future NHL Superstar Jaromir Jagr is on his way on a plane to New York to announce his return to play in North America.<br /><br />Here is my percentage breakdown of chances Jagr says the following when stepping off the Plane in JFK this afternoon:<br /><br />80% “I’m going back to my hockey roots and playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins. I’m honored to be working for my hockey idol Mario Lemieux and thrilled to be playing with great young talents such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. My one condition: the team goes back to its mid-90s odd colored alternate jerseys with the triangle pigeon logo so I can truly feel at home.”<br /><br />11% “I’m looking forward for a new opportunity to play in Soff Euro-troit. Their non-physical, absolutely no fighting, puck possession, subtle interference running, skate all over the neutral zone style is exactly the kind of hockey my game is tailored for.”<br /><br />5% “Je suis super a excité à être le prochain Européen énigmatique pour venir à Montréal être adoré comme un dieu bizarre. J'aimerais remercier mon google traduit application de téléphone pour ce texte prêt.”<br /><br />1% “I’m taking my talents to South Beach and signing with the Florida Panthers. Like Lebron, I will demand a contract where I get to take off the final period of crucial playoff games.”<br /><br />1% “I would like to come here to America to announce my retirement from pro-hockey to pursue a lifelong dream of chasing the lochness monster around the Scottish Highlands”<br /><br />1% “I’m just here for a quick trip down to the Jersey City blackjack tables, what are all you media types doing here?”<br /><br />1% Gets off plane, runs over to high-five Mario Lemieux, makes a sharp turn at the last second, from behind a pillar out jumps Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Chris Pronger. They beat down Lemieux unmercifully, Jagr rips off his Pens jersey to reveal a NWO/Flyer sweater underneath. Lays out the Big Guy with a stinky leg drop then hoists him back up in order to super kick him through a plate glass window. They spray paint the limp body of the Penguins owner while Brent Johnson glares down from the rafters dressed like Brandon Lee.Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-2785888555195017102011-06-28T12:41:00.006-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.173-04:002012 GOP Nomination Standings, Week 5Click Here for Prior Weeks Standings:<br /><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/04/ongoing-nhl-1st-round-series-2012-gop.html">Week 1</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/04/2012-gop-nomination-standings-week-2.html">Week 2</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/05/2012-gop-nomination-standings-week-3.html">Week 3</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/06/2012-gop-nomination-standings-week-4.html">Week 4</a><br /><br />Michelle Bachmann has vaulted up from a strong showing on a national debate, some positive press, and a new Iowa poll showing her nipping at the heels of the Romney campaign. She will be listed as trending up, but really she has skyrocketed from potential tea party darkhorse to household name seemingly overnight. She has some serious, serious momentum behind her and if her fundraising numbers come up strong, she can easily overtake Romney for the #1 spot. But not quite yet. Let’s see where this all is heading before we start to do a state by state breakdown of her vs. Obama. <br /><br />I know there is some Rudy Giulliani speculation out there. I don’t think he will run, and if he does run, I don’t think he’ll put in enough effort to win. Rudy is still a recognizable name-brand in some circles, but an empty and hollow one in proper context. He might have squeezed into the 11th spot on this list if I had one, but I feel that the 10 folks listed above are either more serious about running (Santorum and Pawlenty) or have a better chance to win the nomination if they do jump in (Palin and Perry), so the former NYC mayor remains outside my core group of candidates. <br /><br />This is also the 1st time since I started these rankings that my list consists of the same 10 candidates as the last list, I think that is a sign that as we get into the summer that the field is solidifying. Anyone seriously thinking of getting involved, such as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, better start organizing teams quickly, before this train leaves the station, if they want to have a legitimate chance to win. History shows that late coming ‘saviors’ to the party get a quick boost media fueled spike, but fizzle out as the logistics of being months behind in fund raising and ground organization ultimately dooms them.<br /><br /><br />1) Mitt Romney <em>Trending Steady</em>(Last Week: 1) Lost in all the Bachmann hoopla is the fact that frontrunner Romney still won a plurality of the Iowa poll which vaulted her into the primetime conversation. His money numbers can be expected to blow smaller ships out of the water. He got to this point for a good reason, and he may be vulnerable, but that doesn’t mean he will be an easy knock off. <br />Current Headline: <a href="http://powerwall.msnbc.msn.com/politics/mitt-romney-boring-genius-1693283.story">Mitt Romney, Boring Genius? </a><br /><br />2) Michelle Bachmann <em>Trending Up</em> (Last Week: 6) Things sure are looking up for Bachmann. It was obvious that there was plenty of room at the top of the field, and she surged into the vacuum to challenge Romney, whom hardline conservatives see as weak and compromising. Can she unite and hold the ‘Anyone but Romney’ voters all under one tent? <br />Current Headline: <a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/06/28/137453330/michele-bachmanns-moment-can-she-sustain-it">Michele Bachmann's Moment: Can She Sustain It?</a><br /><br />3) Herman Cain <em>Trending Steady</em> (Last Week: 3) Bachmann halted Cain’s advance to a dead stand still. He can really go either way from here, but the potential upswing has been blunted by the space that Bachmann now occupies. He has to be smart and prove his business sense can translate to political savvy to stay this high in the running. <br />Current Headline: <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11175/1155818-153-0.stm">Black GOP Candidate Missing Right Words</a><br /><br />4) Sarah Palin <em>Trending Down</em> (Last Week: 2) I’m beginning to really believe Palin when she says that she isn’t sure if she is running for president or not. Everything seems to indicate to me that Palin is just winging and ad-libbing her way through this summer. She has proven to be a loose cannon in the past, so who really knows with the former Alaska Gov. But I don’t think you do as many bus tours as she is without at least making a run. With Palin though, anything is possible. <br />Current Headline: <a href="http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/2011/06/28/not-a-whisper-from-palin/">Not a Whisper From Palin</a><br /><br />5) Ron Paul <em>Trending Steady </em>(Last Week: 5) Paul has become the dividing line between those in the hunt and those in trouble. If you are above Paul, you are in serious contention. Fall below and it may be time to rethink some strategies. Paul remains constant, the rest of the field shifts. What else would you expect from an old congressman who is more devoutly independent than 95% of his colleagues? <br />Current Headline: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-27/ron-paul-s-anti-fed-message-drives-2012-white-house-bid-gaining-respect.html">Ron Paul’s Anti-Fed Message Drives 2012 White House Bid Gaining Respect </a><br /><br />6) Rick Perry <em>Trending Up</em> (Last Week: 8) If the Texas Governor wants to get into the field, he had better make his decision soon, but if he is in, he has a strong chance to make up ground quickly. He is not one to shy away from controversy or a political bout. He would at least make the debates very interesting if and when the gloves come off. <br />Current Headline: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rick-perrys-tough-talking-texan-brand-may-help-him-in-the-primariesas-long-as-he-sticks-to-it-2011-6">Rick Perry's "Tough-Talking" Texan Brand May Help Him In The Primaries </a><br /><br />7) John Huntsman <em>Trending Up</em> (Last Week: 10) The good thing about being a candidate most voters have not heard of: you still have plenty of room and time to change their minds. Trying the John McCain model in 2012 though may be a tough, if not impossible, road to the nomination. <br />Current Headline: <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/06/selling-john-huntsman-the-un-republican/240790/">Selling John Huntsman, the Un-Republican</a><br /><br />8) Tim Pawlenty <em>Trending Down </em>(Last Week: 4) If Iowa’s poll numbers were a boon for Bachmann, they were an absolute bust for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. He has staked a lot in his neighbor state, and a poor showing there will all but doom his campaign. His constant focus on foreign policy in what looks to be a heavily domestic driven campaign is starting to seem bizarre as well. <br />Current Headling: <a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/2011/06/pawlenty-goes-after-isolationist-republicans">Pawlenty Goes After "Isolationist" Republicans</a><br /><br />9) Newt Gingrich <em>Trending Down</em> (Last Week: 7) Things just keep looking worse for Gingrich in 2012. His staff is abandoning him, his numbers are dropping, and the press and talk radio are killing him over attacking Paul Ryan’s fiscal plan. The end may be near for Newt. <br />Current Headline: <a href="http://savannahnow.com/news/2011-06-26/can-big-ideas-restart-newts-engine">Can Big Ideas Restart Newt's Engine?</a><br /><br />10) Rick Santorum <em>Trending Down</em> (Last Week: 9) The unrepentant social conservative from PA keeps plugging away. It is a long, uphill climb for him to even seriously get into the conversation however. His best chance has been, and remains, to latch on as a potential VEEP. <br />Current Headline: <a href="http://pottsmerc.com/articles/2011/06/28/opinion/srv0000012149862.txt">Is Rick Santorum In Line For Vice President? </a><br /><br />If you are interested in anything else in regards to these rankings, please leave a comment below or email me: zargoflaroche@yahoo.comPucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-59043809820881240952011-06-25T00:14:00.003-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.201-04:00Pens take bluelinerPittsburgh drafted Joe Morrow, a 6-foot, 197-pound defenseman from the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League, with the 23rd pick in the NHL Draft Friday night in Minnesota.<br />I don't know too much on Morrow, except that he won't be laying out big hits any time soon.<br />The draft is different than football or basketball because it takes time for some of the guys to develop. Unless, of course, they are named Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin or Jordan Staal to name a few on the Penguins' roster.<br />I guess blueline depth is always needed. I'm sure they made the right choice.JMGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14230583441678923349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-83367041802199226462011-06-24T14:23:00.006-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.216-04:00NHL 2012 Division Realignment with WinnipegThe word out of some media outlets is that Gary Bettman has put forward a plan with the League’s Board of Governors, to return to a 4 division format, with divisional playoff play, for the 2012/2013 season.<br /><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/05/realigned-nhl-divisions-with-winnipeg.html">This is something I would support, along with White Uniforms at home and a return to "Named" Divisions. </a><br /><br />If the plan is implemented, there would be two conferences, each with 1 seven, and 1 eight team division. Each team would play home and away against every other team in the league for the first time in over a decade. The new divisions would be the Pacific, Midwest, East, and South. <br /><br />Detroit and Columbus are both being promised moves East. That would mean another team besides Winnipeg would have to head West. My guess is Toronto, which will reunite with some of its old Norris Division Rivals in the "Midwest."<br /><br />Here is my breakdown as to how that would shake out geographically: <br /><br /><u>East</u><br />Montreal<br />Ottawa<br />Buffalo<br />Boston<br />New York<br />New York<br />New Jersey<br />Philadelphia<br /><br /><u>South</u><br />Washington<br />Columbus<br />Detroit<br />Carolina<br />Tampa Bay<br />Florida<br />Pittsburgh<br /><br /><br><br /><br><br /><u>Midwest</u><br />St. Louis<br />Winnipeg<br />Minnesota<br />Chicago<br />Edmonton<br />Calgary<br />Toronto<br />Nashville<br /><br /><u>Pacific</u><br />Vancouver<br />Colorado<br />Phoenix<br />Los Angeles<br />San Jose<br />Anaheim<br />DallasPucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-90574544244759319752011-06-24T12:36:00.003-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.223-04:00Flyers Explode Roster; Shakeup Hockey WorldWhen the Flyers goalie situation imploded in the 2nd round of the Playoffs this spring and the team was swept by Tim Thomas and the eventual Cup winning Bruins, owner Ed Snider had finally seen enough. He ORDERED General Manager Paul Holmgren to rectify the situation in the Flyers net that had been left derelict since Ron Hextall skated away to Quebec in a fit of rage. <br />In following his bosses orders Holmgren brought in the hottest name available, trading for the rights to restricted free agent Ilya Bryzgalov from the Phoenix Coyotes. Holmgren only then faced one problem: he was up against the salary cap and would need to move some cash off his roster to free up room to sign the hottest goalie on the market. Rumors swirled around trade deadline addition Kris Versteeg and middle pairing defenseman Matt Carle. Absolutely nobody in the hockey world saw the combination of brazen moves that Holmgren was really cooking up coming down the pike. <br />Within an hour time span yesterday, instead of tinkering around the margins, Holmgren boldly blew up the very core of his roster, trading away Team Captain Mike Richards to the LA Kings and Assistant Captain and prime sniper Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets. In doing so Holmgren cleared out a combined 20 years and $109.6 million off the team’s books through the 2021-2022 season. <br />In trading Richards to the Kings, the Flyers picked up versatile tough guy winger Wayne Simmonds and the Kings top prospect, 19 year old Brayden Schenn, and a 2nd round pick for the upcoming NHL entry draft. <br />In dealing Carter to Columbus, the Flyers acquired a former 1st round pick in Czech Winger Jakub Voracek, and two more picks for the current draft, the 1st round (8th overall) and 3rd round picks from the Jackets this year. Schenn is signed on an entry level contract for the next 3 seasons, and Simmonds and Voracek are both restricted free agents. Holmgren had better do his damndest to ink those guys by July 1, or he will have some major egg on his face. He did manage to bring Bryzgalov under wraps, signing him to a 10 year deal, with an annual Cap hit of $5.6 million dollars. That leaves his squad with $7.5 million in cap space, and sets them up nicely with a bunch of young assets to build around at forward. It does hurt them however in short term production up front, for a team who’s defense and goalie are signed to win RIGHT NOW. <br />There is rampant speculation that the other shoe is ready to drop, whether it be a UFA signing of Brad Richards from the Stars, or deal to bring in restricted Free Agent Steven Stamkos from the Tampa Bay Lightning, one hardly gets the feeling that things are completely settled in Flyerland. If they had simply traded Carter for Voracek and picks, that would have been an understandable salary dump to sign a goalie. But in moving their Captain in Mike Richards, the Flyers signaled a seismic shift in the way the organization will be structured going forward. And as the ground shifted under them, other teams felt some aftershocks as well. <br />The team setup to come out best immediately from this is the LA Kings. With Anze Kopitar already in the fold, Richards gives them an elite 1-2 punch at Center along the lines of Cup contenders like Detroit(Datsyuk/Zetterberg), Pittsburgh (Crosby/Malkin), and Chicago (Toews/Sharp). They have some good young goaltending in place, adequate role players at wing, and a solid defensive core. They will also be able to unload winger Ryan Smyth, whose numbers have been decreasing in production relative to his salary in recent years. Smyth wants to go home to Alberta, and the Kings will probably get something decent in return from either the Flames or the Oilers for the Canadian hero. The Flames already moved Robyn Regehr to the Buffalo Sabres in anticipation of bidding for Smyth. <br />The Columbus Blue Jackets are not as close to contention as the Kings, but they FINALLY have their legitimate #1 Center in Carter to play alongside their longtime standout Rick Nash. So the Flyers have a solid Goalie and the Jackets have an elite Center. This may be signs of a forthcoming hockey apocalypse. I like the Blue Jackets up front now, especially if they bring back Scottie Upshall, but on their blueline it’s a bad combination of too young, and too average. When Grant Clitsome and Fedor Tyutin are your ‘name’ guys on defense, that is never a good sign. They do have a massive $21 million in cap space however, and some key pieces in place to at least shape themselves into a playoff team, so lets wait and see how the situation unfolds for Ohio hockey. <br />Things got very interesting in the trade market yesterday, and with the draft taking place this weekend, Jagr still floating out there (although the league ruled he won’t be able to sign till July 1 now) and Ryan Smyth ready to move back home, don’t expect things to settle down from now through the start of free agency.Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-6875310031900908162011-06-24T11:59:00.005-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.205-04:00Defiance Yielding No ResultsMake no mistake that the economy of the US has been broken, in some sense, for a considerable amount of time. The unprecedented down turn that has transpired over the past few years seems as if it is never going away. I am just wondering if the GOP wants to keep it that way, at least through the 2012 elections, if not permanently. <br />
<br />
John Boehner spoke about reducing debt by cutting spending and pleaded for tax cuts. Now, when given a chance to approve a tax cut that could help create jobs, Boehner wags his finger "No". I often wonder if that is the only word some on the far right know, "No". I don't recall Boehner ever mentioning any desire to pass bills to create jobs, just asking where they were. Over and over and over again. So in that respect, you can't say he hasn't kept up his word. He never promised to create jobs, just inquire as to their wherabouts. However, to see a republican refuse tax cuts is something on a parallel with Haley' Comet. Every hundred years or so. <br />
<br />
Boehner doesn't want to support a bill that will give tax cuts to businesses for creating jobs because he only sees it as a short term solution. With the unemployment rate being what it is and the economy making no strides currently, any solution, short or long term, should be considered progress. But that isn't what Boehner and the GOP want to see. They don't want progress. They don't want jobs created. They don't the economy to recover. They want it to fail and pin it all on Obama.<br />
<br />
Since taking over control of the House, there have been no jobs bills passed. There has been a bill delaying regulation on food and gas prices, but nothing to create jobs. Why would we expect Boehner and his constituents to create jobs? They already have them, funded by the tax payers with nice expense accounts and transportation and 5 star accommodations covered on our dime. I have yet to see any member of the GOP decry such spending as wasteful. That's because they don't really care about government spending as a whole( see Bush Adminsistration 2001-2009 for proof), they care about government spending when it doesn't benefit them and their backers. It's okay for John Q. Public to pay these folks salaries and benefits, but let's see to it they get nothing in return. <br />
<br />
And that is where we stand: more elected officials talking a big game, getting a big tax payer subsidized salary and doing nothing in return. Now, if you consider blocking bills that could help stimulate the economy and job growth through obstructionism and child-like defiance a return, then you are getting your money's worth.BurressWithButterflywingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466557816631165674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-51510778569463572772011-06-22T16:21:00.003-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.196-04:00Jagr Comeback Watch, June 22The Jagr comeback is definitely boiling down to a choice between the Redwings "Style of Play" and the Penguins "Legacy and desire to Come Home" for #68. <br /><br><br />The Devils had been identified by multiple reports as the 3rd "darkhorse" mystery team, but I don't think they are actually in serious consideration by Jagr's camp. <br /><br><br />Jagr is also reported to be seeking a cap friendly amount, somewhere in the $2-3 million range. That contract will not break the bank for bringing in other crucial parts for either Pittsburgh or Detroit in their pursuit of a Title. <br /><br><br />The word is that negotiations and talks are ongoing with both clubs, and a decision could come as soon as this weekend at the NHL entry draft. <br /><br><br />Whichever of the two teams Jagr chooses, it will be a big boost for that franchise in trying to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals after two quasi-frustrating years of early round playoff exits. Neither team will be able to find a better offensive weapon on the open market for the discounted rate that Jagr is reported to be willing to come back to the NHL for this offseason.<br /><br><br /><br><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/06/jagr-comeback-watch-june-21st.html">Jagr Comeback Watch: 6/21</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/06/jaromir-jagr-comeback.html">Jagr Comeback Watch: 6/20</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/05/hockey-notes-crosby-still-not-able-to.html">Jagr Comeback Watch: 5/12</a>Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-46312226157746158082011-06-22T14:56:00.007-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.190-04:00Bruins Celebrate Cup Win: $156,679.74 Bar Tab<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJnZdVLix064eiFNcseg5Cv_rM0p-Jwt6sFs7b84GvqwszrWVEEyv_sVg6Kx5ygvIieJE1-Vm4IWmbwYVJGrxctROir2hz36JM0l9zC7SN29wWRRiPXJK8QJChH-3dw8u-IGl161y-Fk/s1600/Bruins+Bar+Tab.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621121002936584338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 232px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 427px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJnZdVLix064eiFNcseg5Cv_rM0p-Jwt6sFs7b84GvqwszrWVEEyv_sVg6Kx5ygvIieJE1-Vm4IWmbwYVJGrxctROir2hz36JM0l9zC7SN29wWRRiPXJK8QJChH-3dw8u-IGl161y-Fk/s400/Bruins+Bar+Tab.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>The Boston Bruins Celebrated their Stanley Cup victory in a HUGE way racking up a $150K+ bar tab in Connecticut Saturday night.<br /><br />The majority of that astonishing total was spent on a $100,000 bottle listed on the bill as Ace MIDAS. What did they do make the bottle out of gold? Well yes, yes they did.<br /><br />It’s a $100,000 30 liter bottle from the Champagne house Cattier. The Gold Metallic bottles are crafted entirely by hand, inspired by fashion designer Andre Courreges. There were 6 bottles in existence in the entire world. There are now 5 after the Bruins drank one out of the Cup. Here is a picture for a size comparison with the Cup. It may be $100k, but it is certainly a “Chara” sized bottle. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621122087236046898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DyhSi0hDL6XLb1HVvuwYRxCwhI4K6X5JH27KL-wC1p5IRH9TgT9xnI2BpxKbtGUUC41QJblXLoyHpvLbmSVB8onDT61UZyo6myKz5fmEbnCHd0IuONYjCOzRHRfypE8sJDTu0QRC3J0/s320/Ace+of+Spades+Midas.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our crack research staff here at Puck_and_Pols did some futher investigation into that crazy New England night and determined the following from the bill-<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A) 'Creepy-Comic-Store-Clerk’ voiced Tim Thomas was on the 2 Coors Lights. Goalies are always the weird, non-conformist ones.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>B) The ‘soff’ Euros on the team had to be the ones ordering Amstel, Blue Moon, and Heinikens. </div><br /><br /><div>C) 19 year old rookie winger Tyler Seguin underwent the hazing of a lifetime that night</div><br /><br /><div>D) Mark Recchi ordered the Corona in preparation for his well earned tour of the world’s greatest beaches next winter after grinding out a 20 year career. </div><br /><br /><div>E) 136 Bud Lights, at 20 players on the active roster + we’ll give them 10 guys who were injured and the minor league call-ups = 4.5 beers per player. And that is obviously just the tip of the iceberg, when you take into account all the shots and champagne it just gets nuts.<br />Crazy Canadians. </div><br /><br /><div>Finally: They obviously ordered the Kami Kazi because they were trying to drink the alphabet and needed a drink that started with “C”</div>Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-54041889339839491072011-06-22T14:06:00.003-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.199-04:00NHL Award tonight in VegasFor those of you that haven't experienced Sin Las Vegas, you're missing out.<br />I believe that's why the NHL hosts its annual awards show in Sin City.<br />The show will air tonight on Versus at 7 p.m. and I'm here to offer my picks.<br />First off, congratulations to the Boston Bruins for their remarkable run in winning the Stanley Cup. What a finals it was between them and the Vancouver Canucks.<br />The Hart Memorial Trophy, given to the NHL MVP, will be won by the Canucks' Daniel Sedin. Sedin had 41 goals and 63 assists for 104 this past season. He was also a plus 30 for the Presidents' Trophy winners.<br />The other finalists are Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis and Anaheim's Corey Perry. Perry led the league in goals with 50. St. Louis led the Lightning with 99 points.<br />I hate to be a homer, but it's a shame that Sidney Crosby missed all those games with a concussion. If Crosby had played a full season, he would have bettered his career-high of 120 points and may have scored over 50 goals.<br />The Vezina Trophy, which is awarded to the best goalie, will be won by Boston's Tim Thomas. Thomas won 35 games for the Stanley Cup champions and had a goals against average of 2.00 and a save percentage of .938.<br />The Canucks' Roberto Luongo and Nashville's Pekka Rinne are the other finalists.<br />Thomas was exceptional this season, and deserves the award. Keep in mind that the votes are in before the playoffs and I'm trying, even though it's hard, to judge my picks by the regular season. Thomas was the best, though.<br />The James Norris Trophy (best defensive player) will be won by Boston's Zdeno Chara. The Bruins' captain put up 44 points on 14 goals and 30 assists and was a plus 33. Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom is going for his seventh award, but I believe Chara was more important to his team, defensively. Nashville's Shea Weber, who has a wicked slap shot, is the other finalist. I believe Weber is a future winner of this award.<br />Carolina center Jeff Skinner will take home the hardware by winning the Calder Memorial Trophy. Skinner had 31 goals and 32 assists for 63 points. San Jose's Logan Couture and New York Islanders' Michael Grabner are the other finlists.<br />Lidstrom will take home the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy that is given for sportsmanship. Lidstrom is a class act, and so are Dallas' Loui Eriksson and St. Louis, the other finalists, but everyone respects the Red Wings' captain.<br />The Frank J. Selke Trophy, which is given to the best defensive forward, will be won by Vancouver's Ryan Kesler. Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk and Chicago's Jonathan Toews are the other finalists. Datsyuk is constantly mentioned as the best defensive forward in the game by the national media, however Kesler had a great season.<br />The Jack Adams Trophy is awarded to the league's best coach, and Pittsbugh's Dan Bylsma will get the honor. And no, I'm not being a homer. Bylsma did a tremendous job of guiding the Penguins to the playoffs with 106 points after losing stars Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.<br />The Canucks' Alain Vigneault and the Predators' Barry Trotz are the other finalists. Trotz is a very close second in my book. Vigneault did lead Vancouver to the Presidents' Trophy, but he had a very talented team to work with. My opinion of the best coach is the guy that deals with the least amount of talent and has success.<br />The Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy is given to the player who exemplifies sportsmanship, preservance and dedication to hockey. The nominees this year are Anaheim's Ray Emery, Calgary's Daymond Langkow and Philadelphia's Ian Laperriere.<br />I don't know too much about these guys, so I'll go with Langkow. I don't believe a Flyer deserves this award and I'm not feeling Emery on this one, either.<br />The Ted Lindsay Award (formely Lester B. Pearson Award) is voted on by the National Hockey League Players' Association to the "most outstanding player."<br />Up this year for the award are Perry, Sedin and St. Louis.<br />Sedin will get the nod from his fellow players and I agree with that pick. Perry did score the most goals, but Sedien had the most points, and I believe the guys he plays against will agree.<br />The Mark Messier Leadership Award is picked by the man himself after suggestions for the nominees are taken from fans, clubs and personnel.<br />The three finalists are Chara, Phoenix's Shane Doan and Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom.<br />I believe Messier will pick Lidstrom. I would go with Chara, but what do I know.<br />The NHL Foundation Award, which is basically the community service award, will be won by Los Angeles' Dustin Brown, although all these guys deserve to be honored for the work they do. The other finalists are both Henrik and Daniel Sedin of the Canucks and Washington's Mike Green.<br />Daniel Sedin will grab some hardware for scoring the most points and Perry will be awarded his trophy for scoring the most goals in the season.<br />Awards shows stink, in my opinion, but at least look up the results.JMGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14230583441678923349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-39256244792561709782011-06-21T15:04:00.005-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.176-04:00Jagr Comeback Watch, June 21stIt seems that Jaromir Jagr is quite serious about making a return to the NHL after playing 3 years in Russia's KHL. The 39 year old winger seems to be focused on Detroit, Pittsburgh (where he began his NHL career), and a third unnamed team (not Montreal or Washington )according to his agent. My best guess at mystery team #3 would be the New York Rangers.<br /><br /><br />He has spoken with Redwing's coach Mike Babcock about how he would fit into his teams system, and Penguins owner (and former teammate of Jagr) Mario Lemieux has also reached out to Jagr.<br /><br /><br />Both teams have been in contact with Jagr's agents in the past few days. As Jagr is currently not under a contract with a NHL club, he would be eligible to sign a deal before the July 1st date that current unrestricted free agents have to wait until. The NHL salary cap is going up to around $64 million this season, according to Capgeek.com, the Penguins have about $8 Million to work with under the Cap for the upcoming season and the Redwings have around $10 Million.<br /><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/06/jaromir-jagr-comeback.html">Jagr Comeback Watch: 6/20</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/05/hockey-notes-crosby-still-not-able-to.html">Jagr Comeback Watch: 5/12</a>Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-44463793055151099572011-06-21T09:17:00.001-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.186-04:00Hypocritical HilarityThe Republican Leadership Council had an event over the weekend that featured a man by the name of Reggie Brown impersonating President Obama. From the video I saw, he was excellent. He looked like the President, he sounded like the President, he had the same mannerisms. The audience also found him to be a riot ( not in the Vancouver sense), at least in the beginning of his set. Brown started off by making some racist jokes about the President's mixed heritage. He commented that while February was his favorite month, his wife celebrates the whole month and he only celebrates half. The audience laughed uncontrollably at this as well as his next joke where he noted that his mom was a white woman who loved a black man but she wasn't a Kardashian. However, when Brown joked about Mitt Romney having a first lady and a second lady and a third lady and so on, the crowd turned on him. When he was about to joke about Michele Bachmann, his mic was cut off and he was taken off stage to a chorus of boos.<br /><br />Charlie Davis, head of the RLC, said that he was pulled off for the racial insensitivity of his jokes. Anybody who watched the video cannot possibly buy that explanation. The audience was rolling in the aisles when the Jim Crow jokes were flying around but when it was time to poke a little bit of fun at their own, they had none of it. I can't say this is surpring for the GOP, being that they are largely of the thin skinned and hypocritical nature. But I just wonder how many more of their blatant lies voters in the middle are willing to accept before they begin to sour?BurressWithButterflywingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466557816631165674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-8012312983320588002011-06-20T17:50:00.001-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.211-04:00Supreme Court Strikes Down Women of Walmart Class Action SuitThe Supreme Court today struck down a massive class action lawsuit by women throughout the Country who were claiming discrimination in wages and promotion opportunities based upon their gender.<br />The Majority Opinion, written by Antoin Scalia and supported by Justices Thomas, Roberts, Alito, and Kennedy, claims that the lower court classification of the female employees as a discriminated against class was not legally viable under prior precedent. The women therefore can continue to press forward in their individual cases, at their own expense, but will not be eligible for a class action settlement. <br />That these women received less pay and a lack of promotion opportunities, under the unofficial policies of local management, when compared to men in the same jobs with less senority and lower performance ratings, is not statistically in question. And yet, with the fig leaf of an 'official' corporate non-discrimination policy, Walmart was able to escape liability in the class action venue of legal pursuit by the highest court in the land.<br />This will allow Walmart to avoid a mass settlement and use divide and conquer tactics to deal with each offended party individually, putting a greater burden and cost on these working class ladies to pursue their own suits agaisnt the corporate giant. <br />This is a big win for corporate interests, and gives credance to Robert Kennedy Junior's recent claims that this current Supreme Court favors Big Corporations First, Big Government next, and puts the rights and recourse of everyday people last.Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-39023077361277759932011-06-20T13:08:00.004-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.175-04:00Jaromir Jagr Comeback?<a href="http://pucksandpols.blogspot.com/2011/05/hockey-notes-crosby-still-not-able-to.html">As I've stated before once before on this blog</a>, and many more times in different mediums, the Rule of Jagr is that he is just crazy enough that anything you hear about him and his future has a 2% chance of coming true. <br />The rumor mill surrounding Jagr has ramped up once again, with speculation being heavily focused recently on a possible return to the NHL with the Redwings. For those keeping track at home, he has also be linked in recent months to possible comebacks with the Montreal Canadians, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Rangers. <br />One of the more interesting aspects of the story that has been underreported is his purchase of his former Czech Elite Team, Kladno, which nurtured his talents as a young player. He has taken over the primary role as President of the Club from his father this February. The team is struggling financially and on the ice in recent seasons. I’m not an expert on the CBA, but would shoring up the finances of a European club with which Jagr has vested interests, or making a verbal commitment to do so upon his completion of service, be something that would be considered a violation of the established salary cap? I would think so, but it is such a unique circumstance that I doubt it is spelled out clearly, even in this league’s copious rulebooks. <br />I’m staying with my initial speculation that Jagr will stay in Russia, collect the largest amount of money he can there, and eventually retire home to Kladno and become the Czech Elite League version of Chris Chelios/Mark Recchi, playing there into his mid to late 40s. He has the talent and has been focused on conditioning long enough that he should be able to still contribute at that level for many more years. At what age will all the NHL return speculation cease to subsist? Damned if I know, but I’d say around 42.Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-87674071205724506662011-06-17T12:44:00.005-04:002013-08-02T16:37:29.801-04:00The Buc and The Thrash: A Cautionary Tale<a href="http://mutinyonthea.blogspot.com/2011/06/buc-and-thrash-cautionary-tale.html">(Please note, I am posting this in conjunction with a Baseball blog I contribute to as well) </a><br /><br />Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. After years and years of a sports team posting losing records, trading away superstars for questionable returns, dwindling away their credibility in the community with incompetent roster management by a much ridiculed GM, and piss poor ownership support in terms of payroll authorizations, the team has started to, at least on the surface, turn the corner. A young nucleus of blossoming stars is shaping itself together. Fans who had abandoned their support of the team are starting to come back on board. A few savvy offseason acquisitions are performing well above expectations. It seems that everything is in place for the team, which had bottomed out the previous season, to start to make a legitimate run, at least for respectability, if not for Titles and Championships quite yet. Approaching the halfway point of the season, the team seems to be gelling and moving in the right direction. There is buzz about who, and how many total players, will be representing the franchise in the All-Star game.<br /><br />This is obviously a situation that the Pittsburgh Pirates currently find themselves in, and that is fantastic for baseball, for the city, and most of all for the long suffering fans of the beleaguered franchise. Not to throw a wet-blanket upon unbridled optimism that is now surrounding this current squad and its possible future incarnations, but I’d like to pull some posts from one of my favorite sports blogs that was centered upon a team that found itself in a similar situation 6 months ago: The Atlanta Thrashers.<br /><br />To say the “wheels fell off” for the Thrashers would not do their fans justice. The wheels fell off, the floor of the car rusted out, the driver (fans) fell through the floor, was dragged through a bramble bush on the roadside after falling out, and was left barely conscious on side of the road, when a roving rouge biker gang drove up, smashed in his car with baseball bats, set it on fire, took his wallet, and spit upon him and kicked him a few times in the gut just for good measure.<br /><br />Now I’m not suggesting that the Pirates are going to be pulled up by the roots and relocated to the Central Canadian Prairie anytime soon. There is a better chance of the Pope resigning from his post as head of the Church to take up a lifelong secret desire to become a Hula Dancer.<br /><br />But when reading over these posts take note of how a situation for a sports team that looked so promising in the not-so-distant past went horribly bad, horribly quickly. The posts are from the <a href="http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/">Bird Watcher’s Anonymous blog</a>, a group of well informed, well written dedicated fans of the now defunct hockey team.<br /><br /><br />***<br /><br />11/26/2010 <a href="http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2010/11/26/1836981/im-thankful-the-thrashers-are-playing-smarter-hockey">I'm Thankful the Thrashers are Playing Smarter Hockey </a><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/atlanta-thrashers">Atlanta Thrashers</a> are playing the most intelligent brand of hockey in team history. Hallelujah! When the team first arrived in 1999 I was extremely excited to have the NHL in the city I call home. I watched every game that was televised and attended nearly every home game in person after Season 2. I watched many defeats and many bad decisions over the last decade. Given that context, I keep pinching myself when I watch this version of the Atlanta Thrashers--because they're playing a smarter brand of hockey. Many of the things that I'm seeing are subtle. About two weeks ago, I was at the home game and the Thrashers had a power play. The puck came over to the right side point men. That point man noticed that the opposing PK unit was sagging off him to protect the passing lanes. Inside of just burying his head and blasting a long shot, the Thrashers defenseman moved in towards the top of the circle which caused the defending PK man to move towards him opening up the middle of the ice more. It was a very small thing, but it was an adjustment that elite players or elite teams make and bad teams don't. It was an adjustment previous Thrashers teams rarely made. On Wednesday, the Thrashers beat a very good Red Wings team. The Wings didn't bring their best effort after the 1st period and the Thrashers made them pay for that. In the past, the Thrashers probably would have found a way to let the Red Wings climb back into the game. What impressed me the most about the victory over the Wings was that the Thrashers forwards were consistently getting the step on the Wings defenders and creating 2 on 1 rushes. The Thrashers ability to get out wide on Detroit's defenders was obviously the result of a team strategy because more than one line was taking this approach. The coaching staff saw something they thought they could exploit on video and the team bought into the strategy and then they executed it. The Thrashers probably have the best coaching staff in the history of the franchise--and it shows in many little details. The Thrashers players are making little clever plays in each game. Those small improvements will not always produce a victory but over the long run they could add a couple of wins to the team's total. Remember how competitive the Eastern Conference playoff race usually is--stealing a few extra points here and there over 82 games could prove to be enormous. Credit also should go to GM Rick Dudley. Not only did he bring in this coaching staff, but he brought in many of the players who fill out the roster. Some of these guys are simply smarter hockey players than the guys they replaced. The players have embraced the team concept, they are listening to the coaching staff. The scoring by committee has been enough to keep the team in the hunt. Also the Thrashers PP unit has not allowed a shorthanded goal against--something the PP defense should get credit for. The on-ice direction of the team is very good right now. Certainly the players will make some boneheaded plays as we go along, but the ratio of stupid decisions to smart decisions has shifted in the correct direction--and I'm very thankful for that.<br /><br />11/27/2010 <a href="http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2010/11/27/1838135/thrashers-blank-habs-3-0-thats-four-counting">Thrashers Blank Habs 3-0, That's Four & Counting </a><br /><br />Yes, Thrashers fans, that's four wins in a row. Not just wins, but clear-cut, make-a-statement, we-can-hang-with-anybody kind of wins. I almost don't want to jinx it by talking about it. But I will. Hit the jump for more. Some particulars of note: - Atlanta put 47 shots on net to Montreal's 25. In the second, the Thrashers fired 23 shots to the Habs' 4. - I think the Thrashers may have found a goalie. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54862/ondrej-pavelec">Ondrej Pavelec</a> has allowed just 4 goals in his last 5 starts, with a save percentage of .974 over that span. - Atlanta has now beaten three of the league's top five teams. They also have a plus-2 Goal Differential, which is a pretty good predictor of post-season eligibility.<br /><br />12/05/2010 <a href="http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2010/12/5/1857221/five-game-report-card-games-twenty-one-through-twenty-five">Five Game Report Card: Games Twenty-One through Twenty-Five </a><br /><br />This Five Game Report Card covers the games beginning with the overtime win against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/new-york-islanders">New York Islanders</a> and ending with the overtime win against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/colorado-avalanche">Colorado Avalanche</a>. The Thrashers won all five games in this series thanks to, in large part, the heroics of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/56132/dustin-byfuglien">Dustin Byfuglien</a>. Big Buff netted a team-leading 4 goals and team-leading 6 assists to go along with a team-leading +5 and team-leading 30 shots. Yeah, he was pretty awesome. Let's not forget the incredible play of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54862/ondrej-pavelec">Ondrej Pavelec</a>. OP shut out the Montreal Canadians and gave up just one goal to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a>, New York Islanders, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a>. During this series, the Thrashers finally started looking like the team that was promised: a hard-working team that gets scoring from all players. Perhaps most promising? Not a single Thrasher was a minus-player over this series.<a name="storyjump"></a> Over This Five Game Period · Record: 5-0-0 (1.000 P%) · Goals Scored/Allowed: 17/4 (4.250) · PP%/PK%: 23.8%/89.5% · Goal Leaders: Byfuglien (4), Peverley (3), Stewart (2) · Assist Leaders: Byfuglien (6), Ladd, Enstrom (5) · Point Leaders: Byfuglien (10), Enstrom, Ladd (6) · +/- Leaders/Trailers: Byfuglien (+5), Oduya, Enstrom (+4), Hainsey, Burmistrov (+1 as trailers) · Team +/-: Plus-44<br /><br />12/18/2010 <a href="http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2010/12/18/1884802/postgame-thrashers-devils-wow-just-wow">Postgame: Thrashers/Devils - Wow. Just, wow. </a><br /><br />Attention Thrashers' fans: I know your surroundings must be unfamiliar to you. Some of you have never been here before, thus leaving you confused and possibly frightened. Others of you have been here before, but it's been so long that you've forgotten. For your convenience, I have drawn up a map to help you better orientate yourselves: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619234853414634834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyetNqWY9qhqavFZRL2iVLPmCjEsmVSFnq8mOuIN-iHDf_CYzUOtGsTC97TWeR_n2q1ssopshyphenhyphenqpt6nihiKwaibspW6T9GqPQP9ACkClNC96RixgHKMjjKGdLuL_WnKxWkzKzMUfvrQ0/s320/Thrash+Stand.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Proceed with caution though, as the landscape may shift at any time. If you need me, I'll be over there. Being giddy.<br /><br />***<br /><br />As you can see, and as I'm sure you already know, sports teams go through wild and unpredictable swings all the time. 6 months after Atlanta Thrasher fans were wild and giddy with anticipation; their team was pulled right out from under their noses. There are many possible lessons here, but I will leave it up to your to draw your own conclusions.Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606916026261904823.post-75956858734476899772011-06-16T14:58:00.000-04:002013-08-02T16:39:33.207-04:00Bruins are ChampsCongrats to the Bruins, their fans, Mark Recchi, Tim Thomas, Zdeno Chara, and the United States of America.<br /><br />Shame on Vancouver, the ugly ugly riots, Roberto Luongo, The Sedins, Canada, and those who would trade in their Patriotism for a small wager in Sin City (just kidding buddy).Pucks_and_Polshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09362767382052376069noreply@blogger.com0