The Brooklyn Trolley Blogger

On Vacation

Stuck In The Middle With You: Wilmer Flores

Week Thirteen

Week Fourteen

Week Fifteen

Scoreboard:

Week Fifteen Record: 8-5-1
Overall Record: 97-84-4
Schmear of the Week: 7-7
BAGELS in the Basket: +10

Coin Toss:

...winner of the AFC North; what a great race.
...winner of the NFC South; what a horrific race.

1st and 10:

Patriots, Broncos, and Colts have all clinched division titles. The Cardinals are the only NFC team to clinch a playoff spot.

2nd and Long:

Ravens, Steelers, Seahawks, and Packers, hold the Wild Cards.

No Gain:

Nice melt down against the Chargers; a year after reaching the Super Bowl, no playoffs for San Francisco.

Bad Mark Sanchez showed up just in time on Saturday to ruin the Eagles season.

Punt!

This could very well be Rex Ryan's final home game as head coach of the Jets. Meanwhile, another plane flew over Jets practice last week. Hilarious! Fire John Idzik.

Week Sixteen:

Friday Line ~ NYDN

RAMS -6 1/2 (Giants)

This defense will give the Giants offensive line trouble. Eli better be careful.
Loss; 37-27 Giants

Patriots -10 1/2 (JETS)

because Tom Brady and Bill Belichick would love nothing more than to drive a stake right through Rex Ryan's heart. That's how they do.
Loss; 17-16

DOLPHINS -7 (Vikings)

The Fish are still playing for an outside chance to make the playoffs.
Loss; 37-35

Packers -11 (BUCS)

Piece of cake (famous last words). This will be the Packers last opportunity to play in such fine weather. They'll make the most of it.
Win; 20-3 Packers

SAINTS -6 (Falcons)

Both teams should be shamed of themselves. The Saints suck less.
Loss; 30-14 Falcons

STEELERS -3 (Chiefs)

Do or die time for the Steelers, so I like the atmosphere in Pittsburgh this weekend.
Win; 20-12 Steelers

Browns +3 (PANTHERS)

In the immortal words of Billy Joel - Don't Ask Me Why.
Loss; 17-13 Panthers

Ravens -5 (TEXANS)

Because that's what defending Super Bowl champions do.
Loss; 25-13 Texans

Bills -6 1/2 (RAIDERS)

The Bills are surging. The Raiders are still a bad team.
Loss; 26-24 Raiders

COWBOYS -3 (Colts)

Behind their offensive line, I like Dallas' ability to control the clock. Without Ahmad Bradshaw, the Colts can't do the same. In fact, I can see Tony Romo having a great day, and Luck getting picked off a few times.
Win; 42-7

CARDINALS +8 (Seahawks)

The Cardinals still field a stout defense, and Russell Wilson hasn't been the QB he was last season. I like the Cardinals to cover the spread at home.
Loss; 35-6 Seahawks

Schmear of the Week:

Bills -6 1/2
Loss

I totally forgot the Bears/Lions game. oh well... (I would have picked the Lions). Good luck and have a Happy Football Sunday everybody!

Post-Game:
Week Sixteen Record: 3-8
Overall Record: 100-92-4
Schmear of the Week: 7-8
BAGELS in the Basket: +2

Mike

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Today for Rising Apple - Stuck in the Middle with You: Wilmer Flores

Here's my latest for

RisingApple.com

Mike

Senior staff writer/Rising Apple

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Brooklyn Nets: Can't Hang With The Eastern Conference's Best

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

It's Gotta be The Shoes..

BROOKLYN NETS: Losing Is One Thing; Continually Getting Run Out Of The Building Is Another...

The final score in Brooklyn's loss in Toronto's was 105-89; a 16-point disparity.

Working out way back, their game against Chicago on December 10th ended 105-80 in the Bulls favor. On Dec 8th, the Nets lost to Cleveland by a 110-88 final. On December 5th, they fell by a 98-75 final to Atlanta. Against Chicago on November 30th, they lost by a 102-84 margin.

Back on November 22nd, they fell 99-87 to the San Antonio Spurs. It was then Coach Popovich paid nothing but complimentary words to Coach Hollins' Nets.

The fact remains, in the Nets last 6 losses they've been outscored 619-503, which works out to an average of 19.2 points per game.

All 5 teams presently own winning records.

The Nets do not. They are now 1-9 against teams playing above the .500 mark.

If you didn't watch the Nets take on the Raptors, don't worry, you've seen that act before. They got outscored 56-44 in the paint, and by a 14-4 margin on fast-break points.

Just saying....

The Nets continue to play without Brook Lopez, who might (might!) return this weekend when the Nets host the Pistons.

In his absence, Deron Williams leads the team with 16.4 ppg, and 6.9 assists per game.

Mike

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Today for Rising Apple: Sandy Alderson Still A Transaction Away From Catching Washington

Here's my latest for

RisingApple.com

Sandy Alderson Is Still A Transaction Away From Catching Washington

Mike

Sunday, December 14, 2014

PIGSKIN 2014: Football Sunday - Week Fifteen

PIGSKIN

Football Sunday

Week Fifteen

RESULTS:

On Vacation

Week Thirteen

Week Fourteen

Scoreboard:

Week Fourteen Record: 8-5-1
Overall Record: 89-79-3
Schmear of the Week: 6-7
BAGELS in the Basket: +5

Coin Toss:

Whether obnoxious rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel wins his NFL debut.

1st and Ten:

The Eagles and Cowboys clash for sole possession of 1st place in the NFC East.

2nd and Short:

With Pittsburgh and Baltimore right up their ass, the Bengals have no room for error.

No Gain:

Vegas has lost respect for the 49ers.

Punt!

There's only one team with 11 victories; the Cardinals. Yet, there are five teams with 2-11 records; the Raiders, Jets, Titans, Jaguars, and Buccaneers. However, my vote for worst organization still goes to the D.C. Hogs.

Week Fifteen:

Friday Line - NYDN

GIANTS -6 1/2 (D.C. Hogs)

The Giants are going to look brilliant..., because the game is inconsequential!
WIN; 24-13 Giants

Jets -2 (TITANS)

Despite all their troubles this season, there's still talent on the Jets. The Titans are a good opponent to play Ground and Pound against.
WIN; 16-11 Jets

Raiders +10 (CHIEFS)

Coach Spano's football exorcism seems to be finally paying off. All of a sudden the Raiders wanna win games. I like them to cover.
Loss; 31-13 Chiefs

RAVENS -13 1/2 (Jaguars)

Captain Obvious gave me a dirty look.
Loss; 20-12 Ravens

Steelers -2 1/2 (FALCONS)

The Falcons can afford to lose because their division sucks. The Steelers need to play more desperately.
WIN; 28-20 Steelers

COLTS -6 1/2 (Texans)

The Texans aren't fooling me. They'll remind everyone what an inconsistent team they are.
WIN; 17-10 Colts

Bengals +1 (BROWNS)

Heeeeere's Johnny! You'd think the Bengals can do enough to confuse this disillusioned kid, right?
WIN; 30-0 Bengals

PATRIOTS -7 1/2 (Dolphins)

The Pats will get revenge for Week One!
WIN; 41-13 Patriots

Bucs +3 (PANTHERS)

The Bucs get a bone because a bad Panthers season that got worse just spun out of control.
WIN; 19-17 Panthers

Packers -5 (BILLS)

I thought longer than usual about this match-up; maybe too long. I like the Cheese Heads by a touchdown.
Loss; 21-13 Bills

LIONS -7 1/2 (Vikings)

This might be giving the Lions too much respect. C'mon Megatron..., I'm counting on you!
Loss; 16-14 Lions

Broncos -4 (CHARGERS)

Four points smells like freshly baked bread.
WIN; 22-10 Broncos

49ers +10 (SEAHAWKS)

Vegas obviously does not believe in rising-up to face a rival. Ten points is hard to turn down.
PUSH; 17-7 Seahawks

EAGLES -3 1/2 (Cowboys)

I'd stay away from this one. Pondering Mark Sanchez against Tony Romo hurts my brain.
Loss; 38-27 Cowboys

Schmear of the Week:

Giants -6 1/2
WIN

Good Luck and have a Happy Football Sunday!

Post Game:
Week Fifteen Record: 8-5-1
Overall Record: 97-84-4
Schmear of the Week: 7-7
BAGELS in the Basket: +10

Mike

Friday, December 12, 2014

Brooklyn Nets: Working The Phones Is Code For Trouble

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Flatbush Hoops Snap Three Game Skid

Friday Night Final

76ers 70

NETS 88

BROOKLYN NETS: Coach Hollins Deftly Points Out All The Cracks In Billy King's Castle.

The Nets previous two seasons in Brooklyn have taught us it takes roughly 2 months in order for this team to right itself.

Twenty games into the Lionel Hollins era, the trend is holding true. The question remains however, can they play themselves out of this funk once January arrives?

They entered Friday's action having lost three straight, all by at least 20-point margins.

If you've listened to Lionel Hollins lately (who seemingly took a cue from Phil Jackson), he flatly states the Nets are not a good team (for the moment at least) despite Greg Popovich's recent words of encouragement.

Hollins has been brutally honest when it comes to discussing the team and their shortcomings. While I find it somewhat refreshing, it is at the same time worrisome because that tact quickly wears thin - just ask Avery Johnson.

The man also certainly knows the game, which, combined with his frankness, makes his post-game analysis a fascinating listen.

If anyone should be taking his words to heart, it should be the general manager.

While the Nets were busy Wednesday night losing to the Bulls, their general manager traded Andrei Kirilenko to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Was that the first bottle rocket in what could become a greater fireworks show over Flatbush? Recent scuttlebutt says Billy King is ready to blow up this core group of players, or, is open to the idea.

As Billy King put it before Friday's game against the Sixers, his job is to work the phones.

Good answer.

My question is, when does it become time to protect this team from Billy King himself?

Despite the huge sums of money spent on salary and luxury taxes, for a third consecutive regular season the Nets are failing to distinguish themselves as one of the NBA's top teams, or even within the Eastern Conference, or even within a pathetically weak Atlantic Division.

In what is now a trend, Wednesday's loss to the Bulls made the Nets just 1-8 against teams with a winning record. That's right in line with their previous two seasons. As one series victory in two playoff appearances might also suggest, the Nets have merely been among the best of the rest.

If rumors hold true, then Joe Johnson, Deron Williams, and Brook Lopez, the most expensive trio in the NBA, are on the block.

Joe Johnson perhaps has provided Billy King the most bang for his buck. Deron Williams battled injuries and has largely underachieved since coming to the Nets, while Brook Lopez just can't manage to stay on the floor. Good luck moving those contracts.

In their defense, the much maligned core-3 has been forced to adapt to a continually revolving cast of supporting players and four head coaches in just over two year's time.

Overall, the slow and plodding (and old) teams Billy King has assembled clearly struggle against younger, more athletic teams. They continually get victimized by fast-breaks; they fail to defend the paint; and routinely get outworked on the glass.

Even should Billy Kind ratchet up the trade mill, there's little he can do to replenish all the draft picks he traded away for years to come. So, if the present seems dark, the future doesn't appear much brighter.

If any of this seems in conflict with Friday night's victory over the Sixers, I respectfully remind you, it was the Sixers. Next Wednesday they face the Toronto Raptors; a far greater measure.

To date, however, what's done is done.

In order to endorse Billy King's continuance, we must ignore:

a severely compromised draft for several years to some.
salary cap and luxury tax hell.
per Joe Johnson (paraphrasing), a group of individuals playing selfish ball.
per Deron Williams (paraphrasing), unlike the Nets, the Bulls have benefited from consistency and continuity with regards to their roster and coaching.
on that note, four Nets head coaches in less than three seasons.
two unimpressive playoff appearances.

January is soon coming, maybe then Old Acquaintance be forgot.

Mike

N.Y. Knicks: In Search Of A Miracle On 34th Street

From the desk of: DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP

There Will Be No Miracles On 34th Street This Season

NEW YORK KNICKS: Taking A Bite Of A Rotting Apple...

I knew the Knicks would be bad this season, but even this is a little more than I anticipated. They've already managed to post the franchise's worst start over the first 20 games of a season, and realistically have little to no hope of a getting this campaign turned around.

(...unless you're playing for extra ping pong balls, which then makes sucking a good thing. So yes, at this rate there's always the draft to look forward to.)

The Knicks present losing streak is now up to ten games. Their last victory came on November 22nd against the lowly Sixers. And I'm sure you remember, earlier in November they lost seven straight.

They'll look to snap their streak this evening against Boston.

At the first quarter turn of the season, Phil Jackson rightfully accused his team of having a loser's mentality, and pointed out that certain players are still not buying into the system.

Words never rang more true.

The Knicks literally look like an uncommitted team attempting a triangle offense in a round building named Madison Square Garden. That's screwy geometry for a team that has more problems than a math book.

(...but deep down inside, dontcha think Phil wants this team to get worse before he tries ~~earning more ping pong balls~~ making it better?)

I can't say the cumulative effect of losing this season has finally gotten players openly at odds with each other because last season that was Tyson Chandler's forte. Tim Hardaway Jr. was only the latest (of the boldest) to challenge Carmelo Anthony's eminence.

That said, I hold a belief: once is an occurrence, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a trend.

In successive seasons, Melo failed to mesh with Jeremy Lin; Melo couldn't get along with Tyson Chandler; and most recently, Tim Hardaway Jr. felt compelled to share his displeasure with Melo.

I also have no doubt others found/find life in Melo's world difficult to negotiate. Amare Stoudemire has perhaps exercised the most tact in voicing his opinion.

The media has largely tip-toed around Melo since his arrival in New York. Isolation, Melo Ball, the star system, et al, have surely been discussed and criticized from time to time. But, fortunately for Melo there have always been multiple angles with which to debate the state of the Knicks. And with the hiring of Phil Jackson, an extension on patience was also in order. With the recent Melo/Hardaway flare-up, however, the media finally feels inclined to make Melo's perceived acidic existence in New York a topical subject.

I hold Carmelo Anthony accountable for none of this. I place any and all blame on James Dolan for trampling over Donnie Walsh in a desperate effort to win the Melo sweepstakes (and then essentially firing Walsh).

The present state of the Knicks stems from that very moment, with Carmelo Anthony at the center of a rotten core.

Mike

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

N.Y. Rangers: O.T. Win Failed To Cure The Blues

From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

207 - 0 - 4

(weight - big hits - points)

NEW YORK RANGERS: I'm unhappy, therefore I am.

We're just about a third of the way through the season, and I can't smell what management is cookin'.

The Flyers didn't seem to pose a problem. And apparently, the Rangers seem to have the Penguins number. But if this team wants to go far, they'll need to get through Tampa, and Boston, and even the Islanders.

The Rangers can hang around with the competition, but to a certain extent.

So far, Martin St. Louis has arguably been the Rangers best all around forward; Rick Nash is up to 18 goals for the season; and they're even getting inspired play out of Kevin Klein.

Otherwise, I'm seeing a preponderance of yawn inspiring play.

Overall, the blue liners have played piss poor transitional hockey, and generally speaking, it seems as if there have been more defensive breakdowns this season than in recent seasons combined.

Kevin Klein's game winning goal is an obvious aberration, as the Rangers have benefited very little from their defensive scoring. Klein has twice as many goals as the rest of his blue line mates combined; Dan Boyle (2 goals) and Dan Girardi are the only two other defenders to find net this season.

Even since before his injury, Ryan McDonagh has not played up to his own standards, while Marc Staal has played all 26 games this season and averages 22 minutes a game, but has only registered 4 assists.

I'm not necessarily targeting Marc Staal, but maybe if he threw his body around more often (or at all) the Rangers need not go into overtime against the Penguins.

I'll take that a step further: maybe if Montreal does not eliminate Boston from last season's playoffs, we have an entirely different perspective of this team.

I digress.

As a team, they're only playing 40-minutes of hockey on any given night, which is a problem considering they are not nearly as relentless in their offensive zone as, say, Tampa, Boston, or even the Islanders (...much less the Los Angeles Kings,etc.). When you get right down to it, those are the only teams that potentially matter.

While I'm at it - Chris Kreider, Carl Hagelin..., Hello?

In truth, I still don't know what kind of club Alain Vigneault is trying to run.

I do know the Rangers are bland and clearly lack salt.

But that's on Glen Sather.

Mike

Monday, December 08, 2014

Brooklyn Nets: 25 Years After Princess Di's Visit, We Welcome The Duke and Duchess of Flatbush

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

In 1989, Princess Diana visited the

Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Tonight, Kings County welcomes back her son and his wife,

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,

Prince William and Kate Middleton

"Welcome Back..., to that same old place that you laughed about."

BROOKLYN NETS: Coach Popvich Said Be Patient, That The Nets Will Become A Conference Force. He's Friggin Hysterical Isn't He?

Just when it appeared as if he was playing his way out of Coach Hollins' doghouse, Brook Lopez is hurt again. But, this time his lower back is barking. Thankfully, his foot bone is still connected to the ankle bone.... Whew!

He'll certainly miss tonight's game against King James, with Prince William and Princess Kate in attendance. Reports say he'll miss a week.

In the mean time, remember when Milwaukee (the youngest team in the league) started two teenagers, and outscored the Nets 58-54 in the paint, and outpaced them 16-9 on fast-breaks during an overtime victory on Brooklyn's turf?

That was 8 games ago, I know. But the Nets effort against the Hawks reminded me.

Know why the Nets beat the Spurs? Because San Antonio is old, and somewhat just as plodding.

In the Nets defense, Coach Popovich had nothing but praise for Coach Hollins and the team, even saying Brooklyn would be a conference force by Spring.

Interesting.

So far, the Nets are 1-7 against .500 teams or better, which makes them 7-3 against the rest of their early competition. Their 8-10 record has allowed them to loiter in 2nd place of a very weak Atlantic Division.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 11-7 this season; not a juggernaut by any stretch.

Perhaps with Brook Lopez out, the Nets can speed up the tempo of tonight's game.

Above all, pay attention to detail..., ok? Don't embarrass yourselves tonight. The Royal Family has been very good to this Borough. So Don't Mess It Up.

And don't let LeBron James orchestrate a royal show on the court of Flatbush.

This is Kings County, not his county!

Mike

Sunday, December 07, 2014

PIGSKIN 2014: Football Sunday - Week Fourteen

PIGSKIN

Football Sunday

Week Fourteen

RESULTS:

On Vacation

Week Thirteen

Scoreboard:

Week Thirteen: 8-7
Overall Record: 81-74-2
Schmear of the Week: 6-6
BAGELS in the Basket: +5

Coin Toss:

Flip this! When you lose to the Jags, and you're PK against the Titans, it means a major rebuilding is in order, Sir.

1st and Ten:

Don't look now, but the Cardinals hold on 1st place (NFC West) is slipping fast. A loss Sunday, and a Seahawks win ties them for the division lead.

With the Falcons playing in Green Bay Monday night, the Saints appear poised to take sole possession of 1st place in the NFC South.

2nd and Short:

Miami and Buffalo in the AFC East, and Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland in the AFC North, all enter Sunday tied for 2nd place.

No Gain:

The Ravens lost DT Haloti Ngata for the season (suspended) after testing hot for banned stuff.

PUNT!

Rex Ryan's time in New York is growing shorter.

Week Fourteen:

Friday Line ~ NYDN

Giants PK (TITANS)

As a Giants fan, I really have little to say, particularly after last week's loss to the Jaguars.
WIN; 36-7 Giants

Jets +6 (VIKINGS)

I'll take the 6-points; thank you very much. The Vikings are a good match-up for the Jets. I think Rex Ryan's Ground and Pound will enjoy its one and only day in the sun.
PUSH; 30-24 Vikings O.T.

DOLPHINS -3 (Ravens)

We're about to find out how much losing DT Haloti Ngata will affect the Ravens.
Loss; 28-13 Ravens

BENGALS -3 (Steelers)

This is one of those games that makes you second-guess the Bengals: they're winners of three in a row, they can solidify their hold on 1st place with another victory; and they're playing at home - all the ingredients for a colossal let-down.
Loss; 42-21 Steelers

Colts -3 1/2 (BROWNS)

I just know Vegas is begging everyone to take the Colts knowing the Browns can ruin even the best laid plans. I'm taking the sucker's bet too.
Loss; 25-24 Colts

Texans -6 (JAGUARS)

The Jaguars have been busy partying well after defeating the Giants. Did they practice?
WIN; 27-13 Texans

SAINTS -9 1/2 (Panthers)

The Panthers are perfect opponents to make the Saints look like Super Bowl contenders again (if just for a day).
Loss; 41-10 Panthers

LIONS -10 (Bucs)

While I do not foresee the Bucs generating much against Detroit's defense, the Lions offense really makes you wonder.
WIN; 34-17 Lions

Rams - 2 1/2 (D.C. HOGS)

The situation in Washington is laughable.
WIN; 24-0 Rams

Bills +10 (BRONCOS)

If Buffalo's front four can manage some pressure by themselves, the Bills might cover this.
WIN; 24-17 Broncos

CARDINALS -1 (Chiefs)

The Cards have lost two straight, and are desperate for a win. Drew Stanton had enough practice; time to make some plays.
WIN; 17-14 Cardinals

49ers -8 (RAIDERS)

Where the hell did Vegas get "8" from? Do they expect a safety? Eight?
Loss; 24-13 Raiders

Seahawks +1 (EAGLES)

Mark Sanchez has been making me eat my words, but I refuse to trust him.
WIN; 24-14 Seahawks

Patriots -3 1/2 (CHARGERS)

Did you see the way Tom Brady was launching f-bombs all over the sidelines last game? Let's just say I like the Pats coming off a disappointing loss.
WIN; 23-14 Patriots

Schmear of the Week:

49ers -8
LOSS

Gutten Appetit: Brisket and baby back ribs; roasted red potatoes; garlic roasted corn on the cob; homemade onion rings; baked beans and side salads. What's on your Football Sunday menu?

Good luck and have a Happy Football Sunday everyone!

Post Game:
Week Fourteen Record: 8-5-1
Overall Record: 89-79-3
Schmear of the Week: 6-7
BAGELS in the Basket: +5

Mike

Saturday, December 06, 2014

N.Y. Islanders: Garth Snow's Critics Laying Low

From the desk of: BROOKLYN's FOSTER HOCKEY CLUB

LOCAL STANDINGS

N.Y.I. 19-7-0 38 points

N.Y.R. 11-9-4 26 points

N.J.D. 10-12-4 24 points

NEW YORK ISLANDERS: In his eighth season as general manager, Garth Snow might be the metropolitan area's junior executive next to Lou Lamoriello and Glen Sather, but he's presently doing the best job.

Although Garth Snow inevitably came up empty in the Matt Moulson trade, no one is harping about Thomas Vanek these days (unless you're a bookie that is).

At the time, the previous year's playoff series against the Penguins left many greatly anticipating the team taking another giant step forward in 2013-2014.

However, the team had obvious shortcomings on defense and in net. Not only did the trade delete John Tavares' popular line mate, Vanek addressed neither issue, which caused many fans to find a place on the fence.

We know Snow's gamble failed to pay off. The Islanders were unable to overcome a poor start, and did not qualify for last season's playoffs, and Thomas Vanek moved on to sign a free agent deal elsewhere.

In a different town; a different situation; perhaps the net-gain zero trade of a very popular player, and failure to make the playoffs adds to unemployment figures. However, the continuing post-Milbury reconstruction under Charles Wang has been a very forgiving process.

If nothing else, Garth Snow showed some poblanos, chalking the trade up to - nothing ventured; nothing gained.

Fair enough.

To that point, Snow had already put together a young, fast, and physical team, that was capable of scoring with consistency. Perhaps a chance to retain a veteran player of Vanek's caliber was worth a shot. As an impending free agent himself, it would have been far more difficult to maximize a return on Matt Moulson through another team, lest we forget Buffalo was the NHL's most highly motivated seller.

Then what?

This last off-season, Garth Snow very smartly shored up his defense, and vastly upgraded his goalie situation.

For the moment, perhaps no single acquisition indeed shines more brilliantly than goalie Jaroslav Halak. In exchange for a 4th round draft pick, I'd say Garth Snow did well.

In Thursday's 2-1 victory over the Senators, Halak, 29, earned a franchise record 11th straight victory, breaking the mark set in 1982 by Billy Smith.

Although he only ranks 19th in the NHL with 18 starts, he is t-3rd with 3 shutouts, t-4th with 14 victories (14-4), 7th with a 2.05 GAA, and 8th with a .926 save percentage.

On Saturday night, he'll have the opportunity to face his former team, the St. Louis Blues, whom seemingly had no use for Halak, yet presently find themselves desperate in net and earlier this week signed Martin Brodeur.

Playing in front of Halak, the former Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy, and former Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk, have repainted the Islanders blueline.

Nick Leddy, 23, is presently playing up to expectations, and (IMO) still packed with offensive potential. This is a trade I feel will only get better as the season progresses. Quite frankly, I don't know what Chicago was thinking. Meanwhile, in addition to the size and presence he brings to the ice, Boychuk is off to the best start of his career. In 26 games the two have combined on a +9, with 25 points.

No Moulson; no Vanek; no problem. Garth Snow and Coach Capuano unleashed Brock Nelson this season, and the young 2nd year center is responding. He is on the power play, his overall minutes are up, thus he's benefiting from increased shot opportunities. In return, he has 7 PP goals, and a team leading 12 goals, and is tied with John Tavares with a team leading 23 points.

All this so far has contributed to the Islanders NHL leading 19 victories this season. They enter Saturday night's action in sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division, and trail Tampa by one point for the conference lead.

Not incidentally, those who widely criticized Snow's lack of experience over the years are now laying low.

In his eighth season as general manager, Garth Snow might be the metropolitan area's junior executive next to Lou Lamoriello and Glen Sather, but he's presently doing the best job with the least resources.

Mike

Sunday, November 30, 2014

PIGSKIN 2014: Football Sunday ~ Week Thirteen

PIGSKIN

Football Sunday

Week Thirteen

RESULTS:

On Vacation