NYRangers ~ THWARTED BY TIM THOMAS; Boston
The Boston Bruins were in town tonight for an Original Six match-up as the Rangers continued their 85th Year Celebration by unveiling their third alternate/throwback jerseys. The Rangers will wear these jerseys for all remaining Original Six scheduled match-ups. The last time these two clubs met was in Boston as the Rangers were able to leave town with the win.
Early in tonight's contest, the maturation of Brandon Dubinsky continued in the First Period. Has the game begun to slow down for Brandon? His play has gotten so much smarter. These last three games are just mere snapshots in a bigger and still developing picture. An assist by Lundqvist and Callahan on Dubinsky's First Period goal gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead. Brandon's Power Play goal was his 11th of the year.
But after two periods there were two mistakes that led to two Boston goals which were Too Bad for the Rangers tonight. The fact of the matter is it was a well played game to this point. The Rangers had a lot of traffic in front of Tim Thomas. But he was up to the task over the first forty minutes.
The Rangers could have used a little more luck in front of the net tonight against him (Thomas). They played a little too unselfishly blowing a scoring opportunity early in the first period. They later missed another scoring opportunity in the First Period as a Fedotenko pass from behind the red line went right through the crease and past an unsuspecting Anisimov.
Boston tied the score at one each with a goal by Lucic off a turnover in our defensive end with 8:50 left in the 2nd period. Girardi made his play smartly down low but Anisimov was out of position. Marc Staal got caught pinching on the offensive end and Anisimov came back to cover, but left the boards free and open. Boston converged and scored.
Then with 3:25 left in the second period, the Rangers misplayed a puck on the offensive blue line. Unbelievable! ~ I thought as I watched Boston's Rookie Seguin intercept the misplayed puck and blaze his way down ice where he blasted a shot past Henrik. That incredulous goal made the score 2-1 Boston and that's the way the 2nd Period would end.
Boston struck again in the Third Period. Old Man Hockey ~ Marc Recchi scored for Boston on a gimmie, offered up by Henrik Lundqvist. He made the save off the Recchi shot but couldn't secure the puck and it trickled in over the goal line; Totally cheap.
The Rangers soon after capitalized on a turnover by Boston with Stepan making a sweet play to secure the give-away and backhanded a pass to a net-breaking Gaborik where "the Finisher" scored to make it a 3-2 game at the 14:35 mark.
Callahan and Gaborik had great chances to tie the game at three all; chances all thwarted by Thomas.
At 5:35 left in the Third Period, the Rangers went on the Power Play with a two man advantage off a Boston delay of game penalty while already on the PP. Callahan had a shot at the doorstep but did not go in. Thomas made the save with his toe and didn't even know it.
Boston killed off the two man advantage and eventually the Power Play. The Rangers were not meant to score off Thomas tonight it seemed. He was owning the final thirty minutes too.
With 3:30 remaining, the Rangers spent the next 90 seconds buzzing Thomas to no avail. And with 1:00 left in regulation, Lundqvist left the ice for an extra skater. Tim Thomas repelled the extra skater too.
The NHL's top rated defense wasn't so much the problem for the Rangers tonight because we had our quality chances in good supply. What snapped our three game win streak and our problem tonight was Tim Thomas himself. We needed him to see Henrik's gift-goal, and raise him one. He never did. He made almost half of his saves against the Rangers in the Third Period. He made 34 saves in all.
Chara might be the biggest Bruin, but tonight Tim Thomas was the best Bruin. We could have used a little luck against him tonight.
The Free Sean Avery Society!
THE TORTORELLA~SEAN AVERY DILEMMA: FROZEN IN ICE
After first period ~ 2:14 Ice Time ~ 4th Line with Stepan and Boogaard.
After second period ~ 5:17 Ice Time ~ 4th line with Stepan and Boogaard.
After third period ~ 7:11 Total Minutes of Ice Time on 4th Line. Only Boogaard had less ice time tonight.
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
N.Y. Giants ~ Dallas Aftermath
NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS:
Coaches Not On Same Page.
One of the more disturbing things I saw Sunday versus the Cowboys was Coach Coughlin and Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell bickering with each other. The way Dallas and Dez Bryant torched our secondary I can see why they'd both be frustrated.
But here's my concern. Coach Perry Fewell has been mentioned lately as a candidate to become a Head Coach. The talk originally surfaced when Wade Phillips was fired from Dallas. I'm hoping this was just an isolated in-game argument during a game gone bad, that was quickly forgotten by the two. What I'm hoping against is this being the beginning of a rift between the two. I don't want Coach Fewell leaving to take a Head Coaching job so soon after taking our position like Coach Steve Spagnuolo did; it's just disruptive to the big picture.
What Happened To Perry Fewell's Defense?
The cat is out of the bag. The Giants have been exposed. Attack our suspect secondary utilizing three step quarterback drops. Our pass rush is predicated on our Defensive Front-Four. The best way to thwart them is getting rid of the ball quickly.
I'd suspect Coach Coughlin had a bigger problem with the gaping holes in secondary coverage than the lack of a pass-rush. It seemed as if Coach Fewell didn't have any reasonable solutions for containing Dallas' Dez Bryant. Corner-back Terrell Thomas offered, "They attacked our weakness. They went right after us and kind of caught us off guard."
My questions are how and why? How did they catch you off guard and why did they catch you off guard?
If this be the case then maybe Coach Coughlin was justified snapping at his Defensive Coach.
Oh, Our Aching Line!
With every pun intended, it's painfully obvious, injured Center Shaun O'Hara is one of the most important players in a Giants' uniform. It was painfully evident when the Giants could not convert a fourth down and one with a hand-off to Brandon Jacobs. Although I thought he made the first down, there was little to no surge from the Offensive Line. Shaun O'Hara's importance was painfully evident when Kevin Boothe got called for a holding penalty calling back a touchdown pass to Hakeem Nicks. It was also painfully obvious on the missed snap and Eli's ill advised pass attempt. While iron-man David Diehl's importance to this line should not go under-spoken, everything starts with the Center position.
Kevin Boss added his name to the list of casualties by injuring his tail bone making a stellar catch and having his legs removed from under him.
Fourth Down and Gilbride To Go..
Because our Offensive Line is compromised my next comment should be taken in stride. It's been my pet-peeve this season, as you know.
The failure to gain one yard and get a first down when faced with 4th down and 1 is representative of something I've been saying and stand by.
Coach Gilbride calls plays based on what he wants to do. He's pass happy; gets cute and greedy. Blah blah. There are enough play calls to go around to throw the ball less than he does, and invest those plays into getting Brandon Jacobs more touches and a better vibe for attacking the line of scrimmage. There's things Coach Gilbride likes to do, but there's things we absolutely must do in dire situations. Whether you like it or not, Jacobs is on this roster and has to be looked to in short yardage situations as your bread and butter. Coach Gilbride just has not given him enough touches this year. As the inclement weather gets closer, the ability to execute when you absolutely have to becomes more detrimental to a team's success.
Mike.BTB
Coaches Not On Same Page.
One of the more disturbing things I saw Sunday versus the Cowboys was Coach Coughlin and Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell bickering with each other. The way Dallas and Dez Bryant torched our secondary I can see why they'd both be frustrated.
But here's my concern. Coach Perry Fewell has been mentioned lately as a candidate to become a Head Coach. The talk originally surfaced when Wade Phillips was fired from Dallas. I'm hoping this was just an isolated in-game argument during a game gone bad, that was quickly forgotten by the two. What I'm hoping against is this being the beginning of a rift between the two. I don't want Coach Fewell leaving to take a Head Coaching job so soon after taking our position like Coach Steve Spagnuolo did; it's just disruptive to the big picture.
What Happened To Perry Fewell's Defense?
The cat is out of the bag. The Giants have been exposed. Attack our suspect secondary utilizing three step quarterback drops. Our pass rush is predicated on our Defensive Front-Four. The best way to thwart them is getting rid of the ball quickly.
I'd suspect Coach Coughlin had a bigger problem with the gaping holes in secondary coverage than the lack of a pass-rush. It seemed as if Coach Fewell didn't have any reasonable solutions for containing Dallas' Dez Bryant. Corner-back Terrell Thomas offered, "They attacked our weakness. They went right after us and kind of caught us off guard."
My questions are how and why? How did they catch you off guard and why did they catch you off guard?
If this be the case then maybe Coach Coughlin was justified snapping at his Defensive Coach.
Oh, Our Aching Line!
With every pun intended, it's painfully obvious, injured Center Shaun O'Hara is one of the most important players in a Giants' uniform. It was painfully evident when the Giants could not convert a fourth down and one with a hand-off to Brandon Jacobs. Although I thought he made the first down, there was little to no surge from the Offensive Line. Shaun O'Hara's importance was painfully evident when Kevin Boothe got called for a holding penalty calling back a touchdown pass to Hakeem Nicks. It was also painfully obvious on the missed snap and Eli's ill advised pass attempt. While iron-man David Diehl's importance to this line should not go under-spoken, everything starts with the Center position.
Kevin Boss added his name to the list of casualties by injuring his tail bone making a stellar catch and having his legs removed from under him.
Fourth Down and Gilbride To Go..
Because our Offensive Line is compromised my next comment should be taken in stride. It's been my pet-peeve this season, as you know.
The failure to gain one yard and get a first down when faced with 4th down and 1 is representative of something I've been saying and stand by.
Coach Gilbride calls plays based on what he wants to do. He's pass happy; gets cute and greedy. Blah blah. There are enough play calls to go around to throw the ball less than he does, and invest those plays into getting Brandon Jacobs more touches and a better vibe for attacking the line of scrimmage. There's things Coach Gilbride likes to do, but there's things we absolutely must do in dire situations. Whether you like it or not, Jacobs is on this roster and has to be looked to in short yardage situations as your bread and butter. Coach Gilbride just has not given him enough touches this year. As the inclement weather gets closer, the ability to execute when you absolutely have to becomes more detrimental to a team's success.
Mike.BTB
Monday, November 15, 2010
NYRangers; Fighting For Everything and Avery Too
The Gang is all in!
The injury bug isn't gone just because Marian Gaborik is back. We still have players we need their quick returns to health.
But everyone dressed in a Blueshirt and present yesterday was ready, willing and able to lock arms, plow forward and through Edmonton early yesterday afternoon. Sean Avery will be topic one, as many accuse him for instigating yesterday's on-ice fracas. But I'm thinking Coach Torts is not only happy with how the Rangers responded after the fracas, but how they all came together during the fights.
Penalties be damned!...when you win 8-2.
I'm thinking after a gritty Over-Time win over Buffalo where Torts could be seen pumping his fist in triumph, the response to a game like this makes Torts want to go out and hit someone himself. He didn't, which is a good thing. Instead, Torts had to restrain Brandon Dubinsky from getting involved while he was on the bench as he was getting pulled into the fight by his jersey. I'm guessing Torts was thinking and feeling like Flounder in Animal House, "Oh Boy! This is great!" as he was holding Dubinsky back. But did you think, like me, Torts really wanted to let him go?
OK...So the Sunday matinee game wasn't an exercise in sportsmanship. It was more like Grown Men Behaving Badly. I'm sure the kids in attendance had a blast watching things transpire despite an appalled soccer mom or two.
But in Hockey, the game is tough, the crowds are rough, Coach says and does crazy stuff, and we can't get enough, of a game like this. Just because the Sunday game is usually "kids day" doesn't mean you're going to get a P.C. game. We got a Tuesday night game this Sunday. It was a little bit of Hell for the Oilers but Heaven to the Blueshirt Brotherhood.
So what about this fight? What about Sean Avery?
Sean Avery laid a clean shoulder to shoulder hit on Colin Fraser which sent him into the boards and down to the ice. Fraser didn't appear to have a problem with the hit and got up and skated on. Ladislav Smid seemingly had a problem with the hit on his team mate and skated cross ice to confront Avery. The story on the Oilers side is Avery told Smid "No" or "Next shift" with regards to dropping gloves.
If you were watching, Smid was still talking at Avery and snapped his stick up and away from Avery. Smid might have been about to skate away from Avery, but Sean pounced on him connecting with a first shot; a solid right to the jaw. Smid saw Avery drop his gloves and couldn't react in time. But why was he challenging Avery in the first place? He did so and forgot the cardinal rule of self-defense; never let your guard down. Too bad for him.
Avery was peeled off Smid and escorted off the ice. That's when the place went all Mike Milbury and the Bruins. Some Oilers, who were in the middle of a change so therefore had about 8 men on the ice, went after Avery as he was being escorted off the ice, as he was done for the night riddled with penalty minutes. Avery's team mates came to his aid and it was on. Several fights and struggles ensued before the Refs and Linesmen restored order.
The Oilers used Gutless and a few other descriptions when speaking about Avery. But when Avery was told the Oilers said he said things like, "No" and "Next Shift".... Avery's response was, "That's what they said? Funny."
Avery is many things to many people; mostly bad. But I don't think he's a liar. He doesn't need to be. He beats his own drum and isn't out to win any popularity contests. So why lie? Who knows what Smid said to Avery or Avery to Smid. Smid picked a fight with the wrong guy and got more than he bargained for. Too bad for him.
I can't tell you what Torts was thinking as he watched Avery in action before things got out of hand. Most likely the thoughts were not positive. I don't believe Tort's disdain ever went away for Avery, just because he's on the roster. My friend and I discussed the fight and Avery and he said even Ryan Callahan could be seen snipping at Avery as the Refs led him off ice. But by that time the Oilers were closing in and Avery was still exchanging pleasantries with them. I myself did not see Callahan yell at Avery.
But the aftermath is something I think Torts feels is a positive if you look how they ran up the score afterwards. It turned out to be somewhat of a Kumbaya moment for the team....I hope.
But now I really want you to pay attention. Sean Avery is partly the result of bad coaching by Torts. That's right. I said it.
Busy hands are happy hands. Torts is not doing enough to maximize his skill. We know Avery has loads of it. He is fantastic behind the net and is a good, crisp and above all smart passer. He skates very well and finishes his hits (yea....that's part of the problem. Don't stop me now). He's a great battler along the boards. He does many things well. You know this to be true.
Torts needs to put more talent around him on a more consistent basis. Sean Avery flat out needs a better line to play with. The more he is engaged into the offense the less reckless he is.
Torts has buried him all season so far on the third and fourth lines; playing with Boogaard and Christensen at times. As is Tort's way to mix lines in-game, Avery has played at times with Prust and Callahan. But if Torts continues to bury Avery on the 4th line, he's playing right into the mind of a mischief maker. Idle hands are the Devil's playground.
Coach Torts needs to engage Avery. His game and skill is waiting to be utilized. Yes, there's things that come along with that. But if you want Good Avery, give him Good Time with a Good Line.
** There are no suspensions as a result of last night's fight. Only Brandon Dubinsky received a monetary fine. How ponderous is that?
Tonight the NEW YORK RANGERS take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in their new arena. Let's see if the Gang is still All In.
Mike.BTB
The injury bug isn't gone just because Marian Gaborik is back. We still have players we need their quick returns to health.
But everyone dressed in a Blueshirt and present yesterday was ready, willing and able to lock arms, plow forward and through Edmonton early yesterday afternoon. Sean Avery will be topic one, as many accuse him for instigating yesterday's on-ice fracas. But I'm thinking Coach Torts is not only happy with how the Rangers responded after the fracas, but how they all came together during the fights.
Penalties be damned!...when you win 8-2.
I'm thinking after a gritty Over-Time win over Buffalo where Torts could be seen pumping his fist in triumph, the response to a game like this makes Torts want to go out and hit someone himself. He didn't, which is a good thing. Instead, Torts had to restrain Brandon Dubinsky from getting involved while he was on the bench as he was getting pulled into the fight by his jersey. I'm guessing Torts was thinking and feeling like Flounder in Animal House, "Oh Boy! This is great!" as he was holding Dubinsky back. But did you think, like me, Torts really wanted to let him go?
OK...So the Sunday matinee game wasn't an exercise in sportsmanship. It was more like Grown Men Behaving Badly. I'm sure the kids in attendance had a blast watching things transpire despite an appalled soccer mom or two.
But in Hockey, the game is tough, the crowds are rough, Coach says and does crazy stuff, and we can't get enough, of a game like this. Just because the Sunday game is usually "kids day" doesn't mean you're going to get a P.C. game. We got a Tuesday night game this Sunday. It was a little bit of Hell for the Oilers but Heaven to the Blueshirt Brotherhood.
So what about this fight? What about Sean Avery?
Sean Avery laid a clean shoulder to shoulder hit on Colin Fraser which sent him into the boards and down to the ice. Fraser didn't appear to have a problem with the hit and got up and skated on. Ladislav Smid seemingly had a problem with the hit on his team mate and skated cross ice to confront Avery. The story on the Oilers side is Avery told Smid "No" or "Next shift" with regards to dropping gloves.
If you were watching, Smid was still talking at Avery and snapped his stick up and away from Avery. Smid might have been about to skate away from Avery, but Sean pounced on him connecting with a first shot; a solid right to the jaw. Smid saw Avery drop his gloves and couldn't react in time. But why was he challenging Avery in the first place? He did so and forgot the cardinal rule of self-defense; never let your guard down. Too bad for him.
Avery was peeled off Smid and escorted off the ice. That's when the place went all Mike Milbury and the Bruins. Some Oilers, who were in the middle of a change so therefore had about 8 men on the ice, went after Avery as he was being escorted off the ice, as he was done for the night riddled with penalty minutes. Avery's team mates came to his aid and it was on. Several fights and struggles ensued before the Refs and Linesmen restored order.
The Oilers used Gutless and a few other descriptions when speaking about Avery. But when Avery was told the Oilers said he said things like, "No" and "Next Shift".... Avery's response was, "That's what they said? Funny."
Avery is many things to many people; mostly bad. But I don't think he's a liar. He doesn't need to be. He beats his own drum and isn't out to win any popularity contests. So why lie? Who knows what Smid said to Avery or Avery to Smid. Smid picked a fight with the wrong guy and got more than he bargained for. Too bad for him.
I can't tell you what Torts was thinking as he watched Avery in action before things got out of hand. Most likely the thoughts were not positive. I don't believe Tort's disdain ever went away for Avery, just because he's on the roster. My friend and I discussed the fight and Avery and he said even Ryan Callahan could be seen snipping at Avery as the Refs led him off ice. But by that time the Oilers were closing in and Avery was still exchanging pleasantries with them. I myself did not see Callahan yell at Avery.
But the aftermath is something I think Torts feels is a positive if you look how they ran up the score afterwards. It turned out to be somewhat of a Kumbaya moment for the team....I hope.
But now I really want you to pay attention. Sean Avery is partly the result of bad coaching by Torts. That's right. I said it.
Busy hands are happy hands. Torts is not doing enough to maximize his skill. We know Avery has loads of it. He is fantastic behind the net and is a good, crisp and above all smart passer. He skates very well and finishes his hits (yea....that's part of the problem. Don't stop me now). He's a great battler along the boards. He does many things well. You know this to be true.
Torts needs to put more talent around him on a more consistent basis. Sean Avery flat out needs a better line to play with. The more he is engaged into the offense the less reckless he is.
Torts has buried him all season so far on the third and fourth lines; playing with Boogaard and Christensen at times. As is Tort's way to mix lines in-game, Avery has played at times with Prust and Callahan. But if Torts continues to bury Avery on the 4th line, he's playing right into the mind of a mischief maker. Idle hands are the Devil's playground.
Coach Torts needs to engage Avery. His game and skill is waiting to be utilized. Yes, there's things that come along with that. But if you want Good Avery, give him Good Time with a Good Line.
** There are no suspensions as a result of last night's fight. Only Brandon Dubinsky received a monetary fine. How ponderous is that?
Tonight the NEW YORK RANGERS take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in their new arena. Let's see if the Gang is still All In.
FINAL
RANGERS 3
Penguins 2
OVERTIME
Post Game:
NYR ~ Late Heroics Save Rangers And Their King..(Henrik).
The Penguins came in waves. They buzzed Henrik all night long. They cris-crossed in front and behind him.
Shots came from all angles. The Rangers kept committing penalties and kept having to kill them off.
Through all this Henrik Lundqvist remained true. He protected a very precarious 1-0 lead as best he could till 57:29 of regulation time. If you're being honest with yourselves, you were thinking when the shoe was going to fall off this game? You were thinking that very thing all the way up until 57:28. Then it happened a second later; The Penguins scored and you didn't feel good about the rest of the game.
If you still had hope at that moment, I'm positive you were feeling queasy 28 seconds later when Pittsburgh scored again making it 2-1 with 2:03 to go. The other shoe had just fallen off.
We were feeling that because we've all experienced it and here we were again. Right? After two wins and the Penguins on the slate, recent history said we were going to lose tonight based on the win, lose, win, lose, lose, win, win model. If you're still being honest with yourself, we were over-come with this very same feeling against Buffalo, before we pulled that one out.
But a funny thing happened on the way to our Ranger Fan's abyss tonight. This team re-affirmed a remarkable break from the past. Tonight, heroes wore Blue. What makes this special, aside from being the third consecutive win, is the guys who we really want to be our new heroes, are answering the calls.
Marc Staal scored a short-handed goal with 1:26 left off a Dubinsky pass, which he brought up ice. That tied the score and sent this contest into overtime. In the extra period, Callahan wrestled a turnover in his own end and headed up the right side with Dubinsky riding shot-gun. A pass to Dubinsky and a return pass to Callahan ended this game.
The guys this organization wanted so badly to place their trust in; the guys Torts is imploring to be great; the guys we the fans so desperately want to commit to..., even the most jaded of us..., Those guys; the Callahans, Dubinskys and the Staals.. may be breaking through.
Shots came from all angles. The Rangers kept committing penalties and kept having to kill them off.
Through all this Henrik Lundqvist remained true. He protected a very precarious 1-0 lead as best he could till 57:29 of regulation time. If you're being honest with yourselves, you were thinking when the shoe was going to fall off this game? You were thinking that very thing all the way up until 57:28. Then it happened a second later; The Penguins scored and you didn't feel good about the rest of the game.
If you still had hope at that moment, I'm positive you were feeling queasy 28 seconds later when Pittsburgh scored again making it 2-1 with 2:03 to go. The other shoe had just fallen off.
We were feeling that because we've all experienced it and here we were again. Right? After two wins and the Penguins on the slate, recent history said we were going to lose tonight based on the win, lose, win, lose, lose, win, win model. If you're still being honest with yourself, we were over-come with this very same feeling against Buffalo, before we pulled that one out.
But a funny thing happened on the way to our Ranger Fan's abyss tonight. This team re-affirmed a remarkable break from the past. Tonight, heroes wore Blue. What makes this special, aside from being the third consecutive win, is the guys who we really want to be our new heroes, are answering the calls.
Marc Staal scored a short-handed goal with 1:26 left off a Dubinsky pass, which he brought up ice. That tied the score and sent this contest into overtime. In the extra period, Callahan wrestled a turnover in his own end and headed up the right side with Dubinsky riding shot-gun. A pass to Dubinsky and a return pass to Callahan ended this game.
The guys this organization wanted so badly to place their trust in; the guys Torts is imploring to be great; the guys we the fans so desperately want to commit to..., even the most jaded of us..., Those guys; the Callahans, Dubinskys and the Staals.. may be breaking through.
Mike.BTB
N.Y. Knicks ~ Signs of the Times
NYKnicks ~ Sign of the Times; Part I
Knicks Open Second Front in the Billboard War:
When the Knicks recently paid to have their billboard placed inside the footprint of Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn, it was widely thought that was in response to the Nets' initial placement of their billboard on 8th Avenue just blocks from MSG earlier in the year.
Today's new billboard discovery is proof the Knicks are clearly on the offensive now as they've opened up a second front in the Battle of the Billboards.
There are five panels from left to right, four of them depicting a word from this year's Knicks' grand advertising campaign;
YOU US WE NOW; accompanied by these captions:
YOU ~ The Republic of Brooklyn.
US ~ The Original Ball Team of the Empire State.
WE ~ Are Unstoppable Together.
NOW ~ Is the Time To Represent.
(..then) Brooklyn Stand Up - NYK - KnicksNow.com
He said he came here to inaugurate a new era in Knicks Basketball. That remains to be seen and the last handful of games are your evidence for the new era being just as ugly as the old era. (Hmm?)
This is what we know or learned about Amare Stoudemire:
* He wasn't the first choice on the list of Free Agents.
* He came here to be a Big Dog surrounded by a bunch of puppies.
* No one offered him close to the deal we offered him.
* There is a familiarity factor with Coach D'Antoni,
* He's here because LeBron James is in Miami.
* He doesn't play with his back to the basket; posting up.
* He's not that much of a dribble, self-creating play maker.
* Steve Nash served him perfectly in perfect places and Amare won't have that here. Our pick and roll is more like a bump and stumble and we give him the ball too high on and off the elbow.
All that is neither here nor there, but don't look to me for criticism for what amounts to Amare Stoudemire calling out his team mates after last night's loss to the Houston Rockets.
It's about time some one in a Knicks' uniform spoke out against futility. For too long this type of play has been soothed over with Jergen's hand lotion, baby oil, Aloe Vera, Coconut Butter and every other ointment from the 'ol "Well This and We That and We have To" medicine cabinet.
Give Amare credit. He came here and has been a damn good soldier trying his best to fill a role he was charged with (yes, because of the money!). He plays his minutes and deals with all the media. He's not a Diva; playing unselfishly and only dominating the ball when he can.
But out of everything we know or learned about him since he got to MSG, we all knew this - He can't do it alone.
He is getting paid big bucks to take big shots in big moments for this team. Last night's shots directed at his team mates should register as his biggest shots so far in this still young and salvageable season. And they should be listening to their new vocal leader very attentively. He's not used to losing like this and his team mates should know and do everything they can to change it; Not for Amare and because he said so...But because it's what's in the best interest of the Knicks, and if Coach D'Antoni can't coach it out of 'em, maybe hearing it from one of their own for a change, a very refreshing change, is what's needed.
Amare Stoudemire shouldn't be viewed by us, as someone who he is not. He is not the franchise savior. But he is a very good player who was a huge step in the right direction. He may not have a championship ring to be calling anyone out, which will be argued by some, but he's got clout as a stand-out player in this League and his resume makes every player in that locker room's accomplishments look like scribble when listed on paper.
Taking shots at his team mates isn't going to bump up his scoring average but it just might wake some players up from their slumbering play. What the Knicks got after last night's game was the extra added bonus of signing Amare. Give him credit today for speaking out instead of killing him for it. That's more accountability from a player around here that we've seen since.........(insert your choice here). You'll probably come up with a name who hasn't played here in at least 10 years.
Don't fault him for trying to lead and earn his paycheck instead of being passive in defeat like so many players before him, and as he hints, among him now.
Mike.BTB
Knicks Open Second Front in the Billboard War:
Today's new billboard discovery is proof the Knicks are clearly on the offensive now as they've opened up a second front in the Battle of the Billboards.The Knicks struck with this ad on a Duane Reade rooftop over-looking the intersection where Park Slope's 7th Avenue empties out onto Flatbush Avenue. Four more Avenues north is where the Barclays Center is under construction at the corner of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues.
There are five panels from left to right, four of them depicting a word from this year's Knicks' grand advertising campaign;
YOU US WE NOW; accompanied by these captions:
YOU ~ The Republic of Brooklyn.
US ~ The Original Ball Team of the Empire State.
WE ~ Are Unstoppable Together.
NOW ~ Is the Time To Represent.
(..then) Brooklyn Stand Up - NYK - KnicksNow.com
This billboard is in a far better location strategically, that the first, placed inside Atlantic Yards along Atlantic Avenue. This intersection is far more conducive to foot traffic coming from both sides of Flatbush Avenue and the evening scene. The tall tower in the distance is 1 Hanson Place and Barclays Center is being erected one block before.
They say necessity is the Mother of all invention. It's clear the Knicks are finding it necessary to invent new ways to reconnect with a despondent fan base.
NYKnicks ~ Sign of the Times; Part II
You-Us-We-Now? Amare asks WHO WHEN WHY HOW?
Before the Knicks engage in this War of Billboard Words, perhaps they should see if their soldiers are up to the task. He who wins most will earn the most fans. All that matters is wins.
Amare said he isn't used to this. So let's get into "This".
While the suits upstairs are pushing the You-Us-We-Now gig up in the offices of MSG, Amare is dealing with the Who-What-Why and How's downstairs on the 5th floor.
He said he came here to inaugurate a new era in Knicks Basketball. That remains to be seen and the last handful of games are your evidence for the new era being just as ugly as the old era. (Hmm?)
This is what we know or learned about Amare Stoudemire:
* He wasn't the first choice on the list of Free Agents.
* He came here to be a Big Dog surrounded by a bunch of puppies.
* No one offered him close to the deal we offered him.
* There is a familiarity factor with Coach D'Antoni,
* He's here because LeBron James is in Miami.
* He doesn't play with his back to the basket; posting up.
* He's not that much of a dribble, self-creating play maker.
* Steve Nash served him perfectly in perfect places and Amare won't have that here. Our pick and roll is more like a bump and stumble and we give him the ball too high on and off the elbow.
All that is neither here nor there, but don't look to me for criticism for what amounts to Amare Stoudemire calling out his team mates after last night's loss to the Houston Rockets.
It's about time some one in a Knicks' uniform spoke out against futility. For too long this type of play has been soothed over with Jergen's hand lotion, baby oil, Aloe Vera, Coconut Butter and every other ointment from the 'ol "Well This and We That and We have To" medicine cabinet.
Give Amare credit. He came here and has been a damn good soldier trying his best to fill a role he was charged with (yes, because of the money!). He plays his minutes and deals with all the media. He's not a Diva; playing unselfishly and only dominating the ball when he can.
But out of everything we know or learned about him since he got to MSG, we all knew this - He can't do it alone.
He is getting paid big bucks to take big shots in big moments for this team. Last night's shots directed at his team mates should register as his biggest shots so far in this still young and salvageable season. And they should be listening to their new vocal leader very attentively. He's not used to losing like this and his team mates should know and do everything they can to change it; Not for Amare and because he said so...But because it's what's in the best interest of the Knicks, and if Coach D'Antoni can't coach it out of 'em, maybe hearing it from one of their own for a change, a very refreshing change, is what's needed.
Amare Stoudemire shouldn't be viewed by us, as someone who he is not. He is not the franchise savior. But he is a very good player who was a huge step in the right direction. He may not have a championship ring to be calling anyone out, which will be argued by some, but he's got clout as a stand-out player in this League and his resume makes every player in that locker room's accomplishments look like scribble when listed on paper.
Taking shots at his team mates isn't going to bump up his scoring average but it just might wake some players up from their slumbering play. What the Knicks got after last night's game was the extra added bonus of signing Amare. Give him credit today for speaking out instead of killing him for it. That's more accountability from a player around here that we've seen since.........(insert your choice here). You'll probably come up with a name who hasn't played here in at least 10 years.
Don't fault him for trying to lead and earn his paycheck instead of being passive in defeat like so many players before him, and as he hints, among him now.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, November 14, 2010
NY Aviators Win In Brooklyn's Home Ice Opener
ART OF THE HOME ICE OPENER:
Broome County Barons
vs.
NEW YORK AVIATORS
As/of - November 12, 2010
Aviator Sports Center
BROOKLYN
Arrive at 6:25 p.m.
Scout out a good place to sit.
Section 8 is right next to the player's entrance, the press box, and is near center ice.
Reach in pocket; take out money;
Buy reasonably priced ticket to Opening Night.
Secure a game program at the front desk.
Then stop and admire the Aviator Sports Center Trophy Case.
Take a picture of Brooklyn's
2009 NEPHL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY
On the way to your seat, stop and say hello to
ACE
By then it will be time for pre-game introductions..
...and for you to rise and take off your hats for
the singing of our National Anthem.
Finally, time to drop the puck.
After a little of this and a little of that..
..the Barons jumped out to an early lead.
They took that lead into the locker room with them after the first period,
but not before THIS!
For you Zamboni Buffs out there..., here you are;
A Zamboni.
He did a good job, didn't he?
The AVIATORS came out for the Second Period...,
...kicked things up a couple of notches...,
..and started putting up their own numbers on the scoreboard.
Then, there was another one of THESE!
Once that was settled they played some more hockey.
And the Second Period ended with the Aviators leading 3-2.
During the Second Intermission,
we were entertained by The Human Slingshot.
The Aviators started the Third Period ahead 3-2.
But then, the game was delayed as the Refs had to make quick repairs
to the ice surface.
Which resulted in a whole lot of this..
..and this.
Once the ice was patched-up and play resumed, the Aviators scored two more times
increasing their lead 5-2.
The remaining time wound down and
The New York Aviators won their Brooklyn Home Ice Opener.
These guys are,
"The Coolest Guys in Brooklyn"
Then it got quiet and we all went home happy.
End.
Mike.BTB
Friday, November 12, 2010
N.Y. Aviators Hockey ~ Opening Night in Brooklyn
NEW YORK AVIATORS HOCKEY
OPENING NIGHT
TONIGHT
November 12, 2010
Broome Barons
vs
NEW YORK AVIATORS
Aviator Sports Center, Floyd Bennett Field
BROOKLYN, N.Y.C.
The "Coolest Guys in Brooklyn" haven't started the 2010-2011 season in the most spectacular fashion, wrestling with a 2-5 record. They've been 'barnstorming' since October 29th when their season got under way. Tonight, finally, they play their home ice opener in front of their eagerly waiting Brooklyn Rooters. And maybe, being reunited with their fans is just what the Doctor ordered to get them started on a winning track. They may be struggling at the moment but they already have shown a flair for the dramatic. In their two wins, one came in overtime and the other victory was gained in shoot-out.
Matthew Puntureri leads the team with 6 goals. Andrew Scampoli and Casey Mignone both have 4 goals apiece. Center Jesse Felton leads the team in penalties with 27 minutes served. Kevin Druce has started 6 of the 7 games in net for the Aviators. He owns a .893% Save percentage and a 3.65 Goals Against Average. He's allowed 22 goals while stopping 183.
The A's will remain home for four games; three against the Barons and one versus the Danbury Whalers. The Akwesasne Warriors maintain an early lead in the Federal League with a 6-2 record while we find ourselves on the opposite end currently in last place. Now that the schedule calls for some home games, this is where we balance things out.
Come out and cheer on the "Coolest Guys in Brooklyn" as we try and make this game the first of many we'll have plenty to cheer about. Let's give these guys the ultimate Home Ice advantage and show the Federal League what playing hockey in Brooklyn is all about.
I'll be there doing my part. Will you?
Matthew Puntureri leads the team with 6 goals. Andrew Scampoli and Casey Mignone both have 4 goals apiece. Center Jesse Felton leads the team in penalties with 27 minutes served. Kevin Druce has started 6 of the 7 games in net for the Aviators. He owns a .893% Save percentage and a 3.65 Goals Against Average. He's allowed 22 goals while stopping 183.
The A's will remain home for four games; three against the Barons and one versus the Danbury Whalers. The Akwesasne Warriors maintain an early lead in the Federal League with a 6-2 record while we find ourselves on the opposite end currently in last place. Now that the schedule calls for some home games, this is where we balance things out.
Come out and cheer on the "Coolest Guys in Brooklyn" as we try and make this game the first of many we'll have plenty to cheer about. Let's give these guys the ultimate Home Ice advantage and show the Federal League what playing hockey in Brooklyn is all about.
I'll be there doing my part. Will you?
MIKE.BTB
Thursday, November 11, 2010
NYRangers ~ Up and Down, Face Buffalo ~ NJD, NYI
Up And Down Play Could Feel Worse:
NYRangers ~ The Blueshirts have drifted back to .500 clutching a 7-7-1 record with white knuckles after getting shut-down by the Blues and then losing a free-for-all against the Capitals in the third period Tuesday night.. They are an injured squad with little to no room for errors. That in a nutshell is Rangers' Hockey right now; having to play perfect hockey.
When you look back on the games they've played against the tougher teams in the League; Boston; St. Louis; Chicago; Washington; Philadelphia; - you see mixed results. What the Rangers have done in this young season is take care of the Maple Leafs and the sedated Devils. A loss against the Hurricanes was hard to swallow. And the beating the Thrashers gave us was deflating. That's our season. We all saw this coming. We knew we'd be an up and down team. We knew because of our overall limited size especially on defense, lack of a shooting sniper on the wing and shortcomings at center. We knew.
Even before injuries took their toll on this team, even going back to last season and camp this year, there's been a conversation about Brandon Dubinsky that no one wants to admit they were taking part in. But like an 800 pound gorilla in the room wearing boxing gloves, the notion Brandon Dubinsky needed to be more to this club, especially this year, has been thumbing around and poking everyone in the back then looking away when we turn to see who's questioning someone so beloved by the fans. No one was flatly willing to say Dubinsky needed to be a star right now. They wanted to. But he sure is playing like one just in time.
Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan are among League leaders in points; centered by Artem Anisimov and challenged by Coach Torts, they are becoming an effective 1st Line force.
Henrik Lundqvist showed up to MSG feeling ill tonight so Marty Biron will get the start. He has been a good addition. He's been a solid back-up in his few games played so far. This will pay huge dividends for us in February and March if he continues his effective early showing.
The Rangers take on Buffalo tonight who won a wild game that ended in Shoot-Out last night over the New Jersey Devils. Like the Devils, Buffalo is clearly struggling right now. The Rangers are coming into tonight after Tuesday's loss to Washington but have a day's rest in hand. Buffalo will be skating back to back nights, but should be feeling good after last night's victory. But Buffalo's win last night only improved their record to 5-9-2.
Someone with whom it's been my pleasure interacting with recently (thank you Twitter), my new "Buffalo Insider" (yes you!), not too long ago shared with me his belief that the time may be upon the Sabres' management to break this group of core players up. Coach Lindy Ruff is certainly not the problem with our Western Brothers. But I'm certainly not looking for them to correct themselves tonight against the Rangers. Tomorrow is fine Buddy!
Boogaard is a scratch for the Rangers tonight. Tonight Marian Gaborik makes his return to the ice.
TONIGHT
Post Game ~ Battle of the Back-Up Goalies
Unbelievable! Are hockey sticks made of peanut brittle these days? Ryan Callahan had a wide open net in the 2nd period, took a shot off a pass when his stick fractured into pieces like an icicle. That was just one moment of numerous opportunities either team had to put this game out of reach from each other. Who ever got the third goal would win and both had incredible chances to get it in regulation time.
In the Battle of the Back-Ups, however, no one did. Buffalo's Ryan Miller did not play due to injury. Henrik was sick so Marty Biron started and was stellar making 29 quality saves versus two against. Biron literally and quite figuratively 'saved' this game for the Blueshirts. The MSG crowd had a heart-attack moment at 4:10 of O.T. when the Rangers carelessly turned the puck over in the neutral zone giving the Sabres a two on one the other way. Somehow Marty Biron thwarted that and a very short time later, Artem Anisimov would clean up a Girardi shot and find net for the winning goal. But know well, Marty Biron made big saves all night long against his former team.
Marian Gaborik made his return to the ice tonight; a very welcome sight for the Blueshirts. But the star of tonight's game after Marty Biron was C-Aterm Anisimov; my Duke! He scored the Rangers' second goal tonight and wristed home the winning goal in overtime.
I think everyone one at MSG, at home watching and me included were waiting for the 3rd period meltdown. But it never came. Even when Brian Boyle got called for tripping at 6:06 in the 3rd period, the Rangers held tight and killed off the penalty bringing the clock down to 4:05. Again, thank Biron.
At the 8:43 mark of the 3rd, the Rangers went on the PP but couldn't convert. They went 0-5 on the power play tonight. Buffalo goalie Enroth was equally up to the task tonight as was Biron. he made very impressive stops all night long.
Fedotenko scored our first goal tonight and Artem Anisimov took care of the rest. Upon the winning goal and the lighting of the lamp, Coach Torts pumped his fist in exultation, collected himself, then walked off into the MSG night; Happy.
A BeDeviling Season Continues for New Jersey:
NJDevils ~ It's amazing what $100 million dollars can do to someone; namely Ilya Kovalchuk. Of course I say that in jest but don't things like that always have a double sentiment.
In last night's shoot-out against Buffalo, Ilya Kovalchuk took his turn with the puck...and lost it. He didn't get a shot on goal as he lost control of the puck then waived his stick in failure. That vision of strange happen-stance is totally metaphoric of the strange season for the Devils thus far. New Jersey has not won at home yet this season and Martin Brodeur sat out his second game nursing a shoulder which is so unDevil-like. This season has been nothing short of Chiller Theater at The ROCK. It's been that Devilish for them. You might have to go back to the early 80's to see worse play from a Devils team.
They scored four goals last night but they've been haunted by bad defense all season and last night they got the Black Cat Treatment suffering a bit of Bad Luck.
Coach Mac can only be thinking, 'What's Next?'
Boo!
Long and Winding Road; Can't Wait To Get Home:
NYIslanders ~ They have lost their last eight games in a row. It seems as if they've been on the road forever. The Islanders have played only three home games in the last epoch. They are still on the West Coast itching to get back to the Island; I'm sure. This road trip has been nothing short of disastrous for them.
As a matter of fact, the last time I commented on the Islanders in the earliest days of this season, I believe I called them the best team in the Metro area...at the moment, that is. That's what the win/loss records said. Since then, the ice under their skates has melted and they're sinking like a bag of rocks.
Tonight they play San Jose and Los Angeles Saturday. Then finally, they can come home to heal their wounds and play a home game against Tampa Bay.
NYRangers ~ The Blueshirts have drifted back to .500 clutching a 7-7-1 record with white knuckles after getting shut-down by the Blues and then losing a free-for-all against the Capitals in the third period Tuesday night.. They are an injured squad with little to no room for errors. That in a nutshell is Rangers' Hockey right now; having to play perfect hockey.
When you look back on the games they've played against the tougher teams in the League; Boston; St. Louis; Chicago; Washington; Philadelphia; - you see mixed results. What the Rangers have done in this young season is take care of the Maple Leafs and the sedated Devils. A loss against the Hurricanes was hard to swallow. And the beating the Thrashers gave us was deflating. That's our season. We all saw this coming. We knew we'd be an up and down team. We knew because of our overall limited size especially on defense, lack of a shooting sniper on the wing and shortcomings at center. We knew.
Even before injuries took their toll on this team, even going back to last season and camp this year, there's been a conversation about Brandon Dubinsky that no one wants to admit they were taking part in. But like an 800 pound gorilla in the room wearing boxing gloves, the notion Brandon Dubinsky needed to be more to this club, especially this year, has been thumbing around and poking everyone in the back then looking away when we turn to see who's questioning someone so beloved by the fans. No one was flatly willing to say Dubinsky needed to be a star right now. They wanted to. But he sure is playing like one just in time.
Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan are among League leaders in points; centered by Artem Anisimov and challenged by Coach Torts, they are becoming an effective 1st Line force.
Henrik Lundqvist showed up to MSG feeling ill tonight so Marty Biron will get the start. He has been a good addition. He's been a solid back-up in his few games played so far. This will pay huge dividends for us in February and March if he continues his effective early showing.
The Rangers take on Buffalo tonight who won a wild game that ended in Shoot-Out last night over the New Jersey Devils. Like the Devils, Buffalo is clearly struggling right now. The Rangers are coming into tonight after Tuesday's loss to Washington but have a day's rest in hand. Buffalo will be skating back to back nights, but should be feeling good after last night's victory. But Buffalo's win last night only improved their record to 5-9-2.
Someone with whom it's been my pleasure interacting with recently (thank you Twitter), my new "Buffalo Insider" (yes you!), not too long ago shared with me his belief that the time may be upon the Sabres' management to break this group of core players up. Coach Lindy Ruff is certainly not the problem with our Western Brothers. But I'm certainly not looking for them to correct themselves tonight against the Rangers. Tomorrow is fine Buddy!
Boogaard is a scratch for the Rangers tonight. Tonight Marian Gaborik makes his return to the ice.
TONIGHT
Buffalo Sabres
vs.
NEW YORK RANGERS
Madison Square Garden,
33rd Street and & 7th Avenue
New York City
Sabres 2
Rangers 3
OVERTIME ~ FINAL
.Sabres 2
Rangers 3
OVERTIME ~ FINAL
Post Game ~ Battle of the Back-Up Goalies
Unbelievable! Are hockey sticks made of peanut brittle these days? Ryan Callahan had a wide open net in the 2nd period, took a shot off a pass when his stick fractured into pieces like an icicle. That was just one moment of numerous opportunities either team had to put this game out of reach from each other. Who ever got the third goal would win and both had incredible chances to get it in regulation time.
In the Battle of the Back-Ups, however, no one did. Buffalo's Ryan Miller did not play due to injury. Henrik was sick so Marty Biron started and was stellar making 29 quality saves versus two against. Biron literally and quite figuratively 'saved' this game for the Blueshirts. The MSG crowd had a heart-attack moment at 4:10 of O.T. when the Rangers carelessly turned the puck over in the neutral zone giving the Sabres a two on one the other way. Somehow Marty Biron thwarted that and a very short time later, Artem Anisimov would clean up a Girardi shot and find net for the winning goal. But know well, Marty Biron made big saves all night long against his former team.
Marian Gaborik made his return to the ice tonight; a very welcome sight for the Blueshirts. But the star of tonight's game after Marty Biron was C-Aterm Anisimov; my Duke! He scored the Rangers' second goal tonight and wristed home the winning goal in overtime.
I think everyone one at MSG, at home watching and me included were waiting for the 3rd period meltdown. But it never came. Even when Brian Boyle got called for tripping at 6:06 in the 3rd period, the Rangers held tight and killed off the penalty bringing the clock down to 4:05. Again, thank Biron.
At the 8:43 mark of the 3rd, the Rangers went on the PP but couldn't convert. They went 0-5 on the power play tonight. Buffalo goalie Enroth was equally up to the task tonight as was Biron. he made very impressive stops all night long.
Fedotenko scored our first goal tonight and Artem Anisimov took care of the rest. Upon the winning goal and the lighting of the lamp, Coach Torts pumped his fist in exultation, collected himself, then walked off into the MSG night; Happy.
A BeDeviling Season Continues for New Jersey:
NJDevils ~ It's amazing what $100 million dollars can do to someone; namely Ilya Kovalchuk. Of course I say that in jest but don't things like that always have a double sentiment.
In last night's shoot-out against Buffalo, Ilya Kovalchuk took his turn with the puck...and lost it. He didn't get a shot on goal as he lost control of the puck then waived his stick in failure. That vision of strange happen-stance is totally metaphoric of the strange season for the Devils thus far. New Jersey has not won at home yet this season and Martin Brodeur sat out his second game nursing a shoulder which is so unDevil-like. This season has been nothing short of Chiller Theater at The ROCK. It's been that Devilish for them. You might have to go back to the early 80's to see worse play from a Devils team.
They scored four goals last night but they've been haunted by bad defense all season and last night they got the Black Cat Treatment suffering a bit of Bad Luck.
Coach Mac can only be thinking, 'What's Next?'
Boo!
Long and Winding Road; Can't Wait To Get Home:
NYIslanders ~ They have lost their last eight games in a row. It seems as if they've been on the road forever. The Islanders have played only three home games in the last epoch. They are still on the West Coast itching to get back to the Island; I'm sure. This road trip has been nothing short of disastrous for them.
As a matter of fact, the last time I commented on the Islanders in the earliest days of this season, I believe I called them the best team in the Metro area...at the moment, that is. That's what the win/loss records said. Since then, the ice under their skates has melted and they're sinking like a bag of rocks.
Tonight they play San Jose and Los Angeles Saturday. Then finally, they can come home to heal their wounds and play a home game against Tampa Bay.
Mike.BTB
Latest Peek at Atlantic Yards Construction Site
As of November 10, 2010
Here's the latest look into the Atlantic Yards construction site.
Since Ground Breaking Day back in March, the project has evolved from just pushing dirt around. A massive circular foundation is taking form that will one day, in the not too distant future, support the Barclays Center which will house Brooklyn's member team in the National Basketball Association. The goal is for the Nets to open the 2012-2013 season in Kings County.
In this new and still young century, branding this team as a Brooklyn enterprise could, and I believe will become, one of the most powerful Brand names in the NBA, and with a competitive team, one of the most powerful Brand names in all of sports. I truly believe that. A jersey sporting Brooklyn across the front would be an instant best seller. This is my humble belief.
A name change for the team is also being considered. The first name I heard under consideration came to me via NetsDaily.com on Twitter. Please check out the details in a possible name change on NetsDaily's web site HERE.
The original comments came from Sam Amico who writes for http://msn.foxsports.com/nba. On November 9th, Sam Amico made these comments on Twitter:
On PBS-Channel 13, I once learned one out of every seven people in America can trace their family history back to and through Brooklyn. That is National reach my friend. They didn't put a guy from Brooklyn in every war flick for nuthin' ya know..! I was careful to say "this century" because for many of us "older people", the Establishment is still represented by Boston and Los Angeles. But moving forward, is it dealing in hyperbole to say an NBA franchise in Brooklyn will, within short time and positive competitive progression, become one of the elite Power Brokers of the NBA?
I honestly don't think it is.
Here's the latest look into the Atlantic Yards construction site.
Since Ground Breaking Day back in March, the project has evolved from just pushing dirt around. A massive circular foundation is taking form that will one day, in the not too distant future, support the Barclays Center which will house Brooklyn's member team in the National Basketball Association. The goal is for the Nets to open the 2012-2013 season in Kings County.
Click to enlarge.
The progress is a welcome sight. Visually at least, future supporters of the club have something tangible to work with now. It seems like a millennium has passed since the original plan to bring the Nets to Brooklyn was announced back in 2004. It was a long, rough and tumble, hard fought struggle for Bruce Ratner, and still, his problems have not subsided. There was a time when Brooklynites, to include myself, thought this project and the eventual relocation of the Nets would never happen. And while much of the greater Atlantic Yards project is still in questionable status, the Barclays Center site is buzzing with activity. Mikhail Prokhorov has since been added to the equation as the team's new principal owner and the appreciable progress being made in construction have excited this Brooklynite. It is with great anticipation I await the Nets arrival into the Borough and by that, reinstating our Professional status; stripped from us in 1957. Two years is still a long ways away and anything can happen between now and then. But this giant concrete circle in the ground at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush is a signal that our day is coming.
Click to enlarge.
Before any ribbon cutting ceremonies, there's a brewing matter regard how to brand this team and promote it. Branding the team after New York is an unwelcome consideration by some and me. It's said the Knicks are also meeting this with resistance and for that I'm thankful. For my part branding the team under the auspices of NEW YORK and not BROOKLYN would be a huge mistake. I do not say that because I live here.
In this new and still young century, branding this team as a Brooklyn enterprise could, and I believe will become, one of the most powerful Brand names in the NBA, and with a competitive team, one of the most powerful Brand names in all of sports. I truly believe that. A jersey sporting Brooklyn across the front would be an instant best seller. This is my humble belief.
(Brooklyn Nets jersey graciously provided by Junior's Restaurant. Thank You.)
A name change for the team is also being considered. The first name I heard under consideration came to me via NetsDaily.com on Twitter. Please check out the details in a possible name change on NetsDaily's web site HERE.
The original comments came from Sam Amico who writes for http://msn.foxsports.com/nba. On November 9th, Sam Amico made these comments on Twitter:
"Nets will no longer be called Nets when they move to Brooklyn in two seasons, by the way. One name being floated is "Ballers", says insider." 2:57p.m.
"Team in Brooklyn will also have to be called "Brooklyn". Knicks don't want another "New York", and word is, they made a stink about it." 2:57pm
"I vote for Brooklyn Dodgers. Sure don't think you can call them the Brooklyn Americans like the old NHL team, since their owner is Russian." 3:00pm
Find Sam Amico on Twitter:
On PBS-Channel 13, I once learned one out of every seven people in America can trace their family history back to and through Brooklyn. That is National reach my friend. They didn't put a guy from Brooklyn in every war flick for nuthin' ya know..! I was careful to say "this century" because for many of us "older people", the Establishment is still represented by Boston and Los Angeles. But moving forward, is it dealing in hyperbole to say an NBA franchise in Brooklyn will, within short time and positive competitive progression, become one of the elite Power Brokers of the NBA?
I honestly don't think it is.
If The Billboard Wars are any indication of the coming times and is indicative of a new burgeoning inner-city rivalry, winters will be getting awfully hot in New York City in the near future. But because the Atlantic Yards project is still in it's construction infancy, many still may not be grasping the enormity of the coming situation. I have every confidence in saying this will become the preeminent in-season rivalry in the NBA. Once the move is realized and things settle down, TV networks will salivate to feature this match-up as best it can. Expect this game on your flat-screens during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, MLK Day and everywhere else the League and the Networks can figure out scheduling.
Pffff!
G'head; say it. It's OK. It's not too early to start practicing.
"Live...! from the Barclays Center in Downtown Brooklyn...."
Sounds sweet doesn't it?
*..and a special Thank You to "NoLandGrab" for correcting
my principle/principal error; duly noted and corrected.
That's what having neighbors is all about ; )
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
New York Aviators ~ Article Link
Article; Link
While looking to make a comeback, 12 New York Aviators hockey players share a beach house.
BY Vinnie Rotondaro
Tuesday, November 9th 2010, 4:00 AM
Read the article as it appears in the New York Daily News HERE.
It's just like MTV's "The Real World," where strangers are thrown together in one house - only this time with rock-'em sock-'em Brooklyn pro hockey players living in Queens.
A dozen members of the Marine Park-based New York Aviators are working it on the ice - and living together in a cramped beach house in Rockaway Park, Queens.
"It's like a frat house, only without a college and an education," said Nicholas Kuquali, 25, a defenseman from Pittsburgh, who shares a rail-thin room with John Goffredo, 23, a center from upstate Orange County.
This season's 18-member team is hoping to make a comeback after the team's league - the North East Professional Hockey League - went under last year.
The Aviators are now part of the Federal Hockey League - and the team aims to win the championship.
"We have some guys that play rough and tough and that's the Brooklyn persona," said coach Rob Miller during a practice session at the the Aviator Sports and Events Center on Flatbush Ave.
Decked out in white-and-red scrimmage jerseys, the Aviators were bulleting down the ice and hammering each other into the boards during a drill.
After practice, 12 team members hopped into cars and drove across the Marine Parkway Bridge to the Beach 120th St. house, where they have lived since last month.
The house is stuffed with hockey players, residing military-style - sleeping on cots and couches, some in dining rooms and sunrooms.
"There will be no cliques on this team," said forward Chris Holmes of Brick Township, N.J. "There's no room!"
"This is the game room, the hangout room and my bedroom!" said 23-year-old center Jesse Felten of Wisconsin as he sat on the downstairs sofa that doubles as his bed.
Packs of Skoal chewing tobacco and an empty can of Fosters beer cluttered a coffee table. The sounds of warfare blared from the house TV, where center Angelo Serse was playing Medal of Honor on Xbox.
Pranks? None yet, though the housemates believe that it's just a matter of time. Group meals? Only one so far: Chicken pasta, cooked by Canada native Steve Obelnicki.
"It actually wasn't bad," said defenseman David Inman of San Diego, who graduated from Yale last year. A 776-page biography of Michelangelo sat heavy on top of his nightstand.
Just like the team, the house chemistry is a work in progress, said Jarrett Rush, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound defenseman.
"It could go either way," he said. "I mean, everybody says they're neat. We'll see about that. It's similar to being on the ice - everyone holds everyone else accountable."
But at the end of the day, he said, it's winning that matters most. "We're playing to win the championship," said Rush, of Pennington, N.J. "That's the goal."
The Aviators' first home game is Friday at 7:05 p.m. against the Broome Barons. For a schedule of games, go to www.newyorkaviators.com
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2010/11/09/2010-11-09_while_looking_to_make_a_comeback_12_new_york_aviators_hockey_players_share_a_bea.html#ixzz14qFbnBbO
Mike.BTB
While looking to make a comeback, 12 New York Aviators hockey players share a beach house.
BY Vinnie Rotondaro
Tuesday, November 9th 2010, 4:00 AM
Read the article as it appears in the New York Daily News HERE.
(Bachner for News)
Members of the NY Aviators Hockey team pose for a photo on the stoop of the team house.
It's just like MTV's "The Real World," where strangers are thrown together in one house - only this time with rock-'em sock-'em Brooklyn pro hockey players living in Queens.
A dozen members of the Marine Park-based New York Aviators are working it on the ice - and living together in a cramped beach house in Rockaway Park, Queens.
"It's like a frat house, only without a college and an education," said Nicholas Kuquali, 25, a defenseman from Pittsburgh, who shares a rail-thin room with John Goffredo, 23, a center from upstate Orange County.
This season's 18-member team is hoping to make a comeback after the team's league - the North East Professional Hockey League - went under last year.
The Aviators are now part of the Federal Hockey League - and the team aims to win the championship.
"We have some guys that play rough and tough and that's the Brooklyn persona," said coach Rob Miller during a practice session at the the Aviator Sports and Events Center on Flatbush Ave.
Decked out in white-and-red scrimmage jerseys, the Aviators were bulleting down the ice and hammering each other into the boards during a drill.
After practice, 12 team members hopped into cars and drove across the Marine Parkway Bridge to the Beach 120th St. house, where they have lived since last month.
The house is stuffed with hockey players, residing military-style - sleeping on cots and couches, some in dining rooms and sunrooms.
"There will be no cliques on this team," said forward Chris Holmes of Brick Township, N.J. "There's no room!"
"This is the game room, the hangout room and my bedroom!" said 23-year-old center Jesse Felten of Wisconsin as he sat on the downstairs sofa that doubles as his bed.
Packs of Skoal chewing tobacco and an empty can of Fosters beer cluttered a coffee table. The sounds of warfare blared from the house TV, where center Angelo Serse was playing Medal of Honor on Xbox.
Pranks? None yet, though the housemates believe that it's just a matter of time. Group meals? Only one so far: Chicken pasta, cooked by Canada native Steve Obelnicki.
"It actually wasn't bad," said defenseman David Inman of San Diego, who graduated from Yale last year. A 776-page biography of Michelangelo sat heavy on top of his nightstand.
Just like the team, the house chemistry is a work in progress, said Jarrett Rush, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound defenseman.
"It could go either way," he said. "I mean, everybody says they're neat. We'll see about that. It's similar to being on the ice - everyone holds everyone else accountable."
But at the end of the day, he said, it's winning that matters most. "We're playing to win the championship," said Rush, of Pennington, N.J. "That's the goal."
The Aviators' first home game is Friday at 7:05 p.m. against the Broome Barons. For a schedule of games, go to www.newyorkaviators.com
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2010/11/09/2010-11-09_while_looking_to_make_a_comeback_12_new_york_aviators_hockey_players_share_a_bea.html#ixzz14qFbnBbO
Mike.BTB
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