N.Y. Rangers: Le Blueshirts House de Horrors

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

 

TONIGHT

 

NEW YORK RANGERS

vs.

Les Habitants de Montreal

FROM

The Great White North

NEW YORK RANGERS: The Feeling-Out Process Between Coach Vigneault and the Blueshirts Is Growing More Curious.

Last season, the Rangers got shut out twice in Montreal.   In fact, the Rangers have been outscored 14-1 in their last four meetings there, and haven't gained a victory in Montreal in four seasons.  The good news is, the Rangers have scored 28 regulation time goals in the last ten games, and limited themselves to 18 goals against.  Additionally, the Habs are currently trending downward, having lost six times in their last ten games, while the Rangers are 7-3 over the same stretch.

The Rangers however, recently had their momentum interrupted by the New Jersey Devils.  Coach Vigneault issued a harsh criticism of Henrik Lundqvist's last effort.  The King outwardly accepted and even agreed with Coach's assessment.  On the heels of Tuesday's loss, Cam Talbot is expected to start between the pipes this evening - a curious situation.  It is also worth mentioning again, Henrik Lundqvist is still without a contract extension, and is perhaps more accustomed to John Tortorella's unwavering protectionism with regard to Henrik's ups and downs - or not.  The Rangers goalie insists there is nothing there.

Is there further evidence the (media) protectionism is over?  You bet there is.  Not that long ago, J.T. Miller and Derek Dorsett got a taste.

Amid rumors and trade speculation, Michael Del Zotto may be a healthy scratch for tonight's game.  It would mark the second time he's been listed as a healthy scratch this season.

Former coach John Tortorella may have gotten the best from Del Zotto we fans will ever see.  Because at current, Zotto is an undisciplined, unrepentant plague of turnovers upon the ice, who otherwise still routinely makes bad decisions with the puck.  The fleeting flashes of brilliance he used to demonstrate, have been reduced to very infrequent flickers of competence amid fading minutes.  If you think I'm being too harsh, then consider he just pissed off his second coach in the only organization he's known.  Coach Vigneault is in no way pleased with Del Zotto's play.  Thus, the defenseman is facing time, in what appears to be the first real usage of the new regime's doghouse.

What can the Rangers potentially expect in return for Del Zotto, a former #1 draft choice, who perhaps would benefit from a change of scenery?  Before pondering any return for the beleaguered defenseman, I say we sweeten the deal and include Mats Zuccarello in a package.

Yeah, I went there.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Joe Johnson's Floater Blots Out The Suns In Overtime

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

Nets Gain First Road Victory Of Season

 

FRIDAY NIGHT RECAP:

Nets   100

Suns    98

overtime

BROOKLYN NETS: Deron Williams Sprains Ankle...Again!

Jason's Kidds Regroup After Deron Williams Limps Off Floor, And Play Most Inspired Basketball Game Since Defeating Miami.

Four and a half minutes into Friday night's game in Phoenix, the entire Nets season flashed before the collective eyes of Brooklyn.  Deron Williams sprained his left ankle and left the game.  By the end of the first quarter, the Nets were looking collectively slow, and discombobulated.

Then Shaun Livingston stepped in for Williams and provided an immediate spark.  Brook Lopez started to percolate as well, and Paul Pierce took control of the floor.  By halftime, the Nets had cut the Suns lead down to a 50-46 margin.  At 10:10 of the third, the Nets tied the game 50-50 on a mid-range jumper by Brook Lopez, then Mason Plumlee closed out the third quarter with an emphatic dunk to give the Nets a 73-67 lead.

With 7:00 left in the fourth, Phoenix led 82-78 again, but Brooklyn persisted and at 5:20, Joe Johnson's floater in the lane gave the Nets an 84-83 lead.

At 3:30, Shaun Livingston gave Brooklyn an 88-87 lead, while on the defensive end, Brook Lopez blocked a layup attempt, instigating a time-out by Phoenix.

With the score 90-89 Nets, Kevin Garnett gathered a loose ball and called a Brooklyn time-out while lying on the floor, but Joe Johnson missed his shot coming out of the break.  P.J. Tucker then nailed a three at the other end to give the Suns a 92-90 lead.  On the play, Brook Lopez also rolled his ankle, and limped off the court, but shortly returned seemingly free of effects.

Joe Johnson wound down the clock to 29.9 seconds, and nailed a running jumper in the lane to tie the game at ninety-two.  Phoenix failed to score at the other end, and into overtime they went.

Tied 98-98 with under a minute left in O.T., the Nets and Suns both missed opportunities to take a lead.  The Nets scrambled to recover a defensive rebound, and the ball wound up in Joe Johnson's hands.  He made his way up court looking for trailers, but smartly opted for a running jumper with no time left to win the game for Brooklyn.

Finally, the Nets first road victory of the season was achieved in Phoenix by a 100-98 final score.

After scoring just two points in the first half, Brook Lopez emerged in the second half (and overtime) to drop 25 points on the Suns, for a total of 27 on the night.  Brook led all scorers, and was the only player above 20 points.

Joe Johnson struggled mightily in the early portion of the game, shooting just 3/15 for most of three and a half quarters, but found his touch late, dropping huge buckets when it counted most.  He ended the night with 13 points and of course nailed the game winner.  Joe Jo also led the team in minutes.  Paul Pierce logged in the second most minutes for Flatbush, and despite only scoring 14 points in 41 minutes, he kept the team's heads screwed on tight, and focused.

Kevin Garnett's struggles continued from the field, shooting just 2/8 in 28 minutes, but pulled down a game high 14 rebounds, and was the only player in double-digits.

Shaun Livingston has played very well off the bench this season, and was particularly huge on this night after Deron Williams went down., scoring 18 points and issuing 7 assists, in 37 minutes.

Above all, this was a defensive victory for the Nets.  After a bad first quarter, Brooklyn kept a tight squeeze on Phoenix.  Flatbush was especially active on defense late, causing the Suns to exhaust the shot clock several times and put up forced shots.  And in overtime, it was the old guys, like Pierce and Garnett diving headlong into the hardwood after loose balls.  Kevin Garnett provided a crucial tip in the final seconds of overtime that got the ball into Joe Johnson's hands for a final shot.

The Suns Goran Dragic was a virtual one man wrecking crew, and almost single-handedly brought down the Nets.  He led all players with 46 minutes, scored 19 points and issued a game high 10 assists.  He penetrated the Nets interior seemingly at will, lured in the defense and kicked the ball out very effectively.  It was his last second shot in overtime that became Joe Johnson's game winning opportunity at the other end.


Saturday Supplemental:

X-rays of Deron Williams' ankle came up negative, but the Nets offered no estimated time of return for their point guard.




Mike.BTB

PIGSKIN 2013 - Football Sunday; Week Eleven

PIGSKIN

 

 

Football Sunday

Week Eleven

 

WEEKLY RESULTS

Week Ten

Week Nine

Week Eight

Week Seven

Week Six

Week Five

Week Four

Week Three

Week Two

Week One

 

 

 

Week Ten Record:  8-4

Overall Record:  60-61-5

Schmear of the Week:  7-3 (+3 bagels)

Bagels in the Basket:  +6

 

 

COIN TOSS:

 

The Jaguars and Buccaneers both won their first games of the season in the same week.  Go figure.  Meanwhile, the Chiefs remain the lone undefeated team in the NFL.  Who saw that coming?

 

THIRD AND LONG:

 

The Giants are just two games out of first place in the NFC LEAST.  Prepare yourselves for a wacky division finish.

 

PUNT:

 

We actually went a whole week without hearing about the Redskins Hogs name change controversy.

 

 

 

 

...let's roll some Bagels.

 

 

WEEK ELEVEN:

Friday Line - NYDN

 

 

GIANTS -4 1/2 (Packers)

The GMen are up-ticking with three consecutive victories, while the Packers have recalled Lynn Dickey to QB Sunday's game.  Who?

WIN; 27-13 Giants

 

 

Jets +1 (BILLS)

I tried sticking it out with the Bills this season.  I have to turn on them now.  Rex Ryan has his team in a good frame of mind.

Loss; 37-14 Bills

 

 

BUCS +1 (Falcons)

The Bucs first win of the season should inspire them to another.  The Falcons are already a defeated team.

WIN; 41-28 Buccaneers

 

 

Lions -2 1/2 (STEELERS)

Roar!

Loss; 37-27 Steelers

 

 

EAGLES -4 1/2 (Redskins The Hogs)

The Eagles home losing streak has to end at some point.  I like the spread.

WIN; 24-16 Eagles

 

 

Chargers -1 1/2 (DOLPHINS)

While Miami crumbles under Bully Gate, it's time for the Chargers annual late season push, before they ultimately fizzle out.

Loss; 20-16 Dolphins

 

 

BEARS -3 (Ravens)

Take the over.  Da Bears win.

PUSH; 23-20 Bears  O.T.

 

 

BENGALS -6 (Browns)

I hate this game.  The Bengals seem in no hurry to put this division away.

Win; 41-20 Bengals

 

 

Raiders +7 (TEXANS)

The Texans crowd will turn on their team after the Raiders jump out to an early lead.

Win; 28-23 Raiders

 

 

Cardinals -7 1/2 (JAGUARS)

Think long, think wrong.

Win; 27-14 Cardinals

 

 

SAINTS -3 (49ers)

If this spread were any wider, I would have gone the other way.

PUSH; 23-20 Saints

 

 

SEAHAWKS -13 (Vikings)

Only Jacksonville has given up more points than the Vikings.

Win; 41-20 Seahawks

 

 

BRONCOS -8 1/2 (Chiefs)

...Because the Chiefs have gotten away with a few games lately.  They'll have less luck in the mile high air.

Win; 27-17 Broncos

 

 

 

*Schmear of the Week:

SEAHAWKS -13

WIN

 

 

I'm going with seafood in week eleven.  What's on your football buffet table?

 

 

 POST-GAME:

Week Eleven Record:  8-3-2

Overall Record:  68-64-7

Schmear of the Week:  8-3

Bagels in the Basket:  +12

 

 

 

 

 

Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: Jhonny Peralta's Reps Start His Price At $45 Miilion Over 3 Years

Here's My Latest For
RisingApple.com

 

Jhonny Peralta's Reps Set Preliminary Price At $45 Million Over Three Years

 

My opinion?  The Mets should tell him to take a hike.

 

 

 

 

 

Mike.BTB

Senior Staff Writer/RisingApple

Brooklyn Nets: Jason Kidd's Lackluster Crew Crowned By Sacramento Kings

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

Nets Put The FLAT in Flatbush

BROOKLYN NETS: The Coach Has Spoken.

Next - It's Always Worth While Watching A Team Respond.

For this assemblage of players, that was a pathetic showing.  Sometimes, there's not much you can do about cold shooting.  But on this night, it seemed as if the Nets defensive effort missed the flight to California.  They allowed Sacramento to score 13-points better than their season average, while losing by 21 points to a team which entered the night losers of 5 in a row.

I couldn't have worded Wednesday night's game any better than did Coach Kidd:

• "It's unacceptable - We don't score, we hang our heads and then they score on the other end."

There you go.  The Brooklyn Nets proceeded to hang their heads all night while winding down an embarrassing Left Coast opening 107-86 loss to the Sacramento Kings.

Neither team dominated the other on the boards.  Both posted near equal efforts on the offensive and defensive ends.  But 15 Brooklyn turnovers led to Sacramento outscoring Brooklyn 82-62 from the floor.  Overall, the Nets shot poorly, 37.8% versus 43.6% for the Kings.  Sacramento additionally outscored Brooklyn from beyond the three, by a 24-15 margin.

The Nets were undone by a game high 24-points by Marcus Thornton, and 19-points by Isaiah Thomas, both off the bench.  Jason Thompson led all players with 11 rebounds, followed by Patrick Peterson with 10 boards.

Brook Lopez was 50% from the floor and led the Nets with 16 points, and tied with Paul Pierce for the team lead with 9 rebounds.  Paul Pierce scored 12 points.  Joe Johnson led the Nets with 36 minutes played, but was only 3/10 from the field and finished with 10 points.  Deron Williams ended with 35 minutes, scored 13 points on 5/13 shooting, and issued 7 assists.

Kevin Garnett was limited to 15 minutes, but pulled down eight defensive rebounds and blocked a shot, to go along with 6 points.  Mason Plumlee was the beneficiary of extended playing time.  He clocked in 18 minutes, scored 3 points and pulled down 5 rebounds.  Meanwhile, Shaun Livingston continues to provide quality play off the bench, scoring 13 points in 15 minutes.

The Nets and Sacramento Kings ended the night with identical 2-5 records.  The Knicks winning Wednesday evening over Atlanta meant Brooklyn would have to stew in last place until getting back on the floor Friday night against a better opponent in the Phoenix Suns.

Brooklyn has yet to play within the Atlantic Division, but now drop to 1-4 record within the Eastern Conference.  The Nets are now additionally in the midst of a 3-game losing streak, and still in search of their first road victory of the season.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Who's Afraid Of The High Priced Wolves?

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: Walk Silently, But Carry A Big Stick.

If Only....  The Best Jeff Wilpon Can Do For Himself And The Team, Is To Let Sandy Alderson Conduct Negotiations, And As Owner, Clam Up and Just Cut The Checks.

Why wouldn't Scott Boras tag a jab at the Mets?  He's an agent who seeks to withdraw money from owners, and if you're one of those owners who talks of being a player, but winces at the first sight of dollars and "sense", then a man - a super agent like Scott Boras will issue due respect, or lack thereof.

• Jeff Wilpon says the free-agent asking prices are "a little scary" right now.

Scary?  What is this, the Amityville Horror or the GM/Owners meetings?  That said, this gathering is just that - Owners Meetings, and he is feeling skittish in his own forum?  That's exactly why he gets chided as the Boss' son.

What happened to entering the off-season with renewed confidence?  Now ownership comes off as  wholly contradictory, and looking timid.  Why open yourself up to such ridicule, when you're already an easy target to begin with?

I do not know what possessed this man to speak - speak the way he did, and potentially sabotage any footwork conducted by his GM, but it must be exorcized from him pronto.  And while at it, muzzle him too.

The Wilpons do not just pay a general manager, but Paul DePodesta and J.P. Ricciardi handsome salaries as well, to negotiate player affairs and transactions for the organization.  So, let them, uncomplicated by counter-productive sound bites.

While I'm at it, I think the general manager has sent out mixed signals as well.  We went from being able and willing to spend money on free agents this off-season, to next not wanting to offer $100 million dollars to anyone, to then recently revealing signing two outfielders is very unlikely.  I call it - the laws of contracting promises - where promises are not broken, just reworded and somehow downscaled from their original grandeur.  Some might call that bait and switch.

This is certainly all about semantics.  I'm in no rush to spend Wilpon's bucks for the sake of simply giving the appearance of being active players in the market.  I do not believe in stop-gap players either.  I just want these people to get their story straight, and not have my general manager taken aback by something the Boss's son said.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Heading West Mining For Their First Road Win In Sacramento

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

TONIGHT

 

BROOKLYN NETS

vs.

Sacramento Kings

FROM

Heart of the 1849 Gold Rush

Left Coast

BROOKLYN NETS: Despite Loss To Pacers, Deron Williams And The Flatbush Five May Be Closing In On Consistency.

During their first three games of the season, the Nets demonstrated an inability to finish.  They opened the second half of each game by allowing the Cavs, Heat and Magic 30 or more points in the 3rd quarter.  But, they have not allowed a 30-point quarter since.

After a rather impressive victory over the Utah Jazz in game four, they then dropped a pair of games late, in overtime to the Washington Bullets Wizards and in the last minute against the Indiana Pacers. 

You might say the Nets are getting closer to gaining game-in, game-out consistency, albeit slowly.  That's was a very good Pacers team the Nets hung around with, until they were undone by a series of last minute possession miscues - ditto in overtime against the Wizards.  They were both winnable games.

So, after six games, the Nets have (almost) three efforts they can find a measure of satisfaction with, and three other efforts to bow their heads over.  Whichever way you spin it, they enter Wednesday night's action against Sacramento towards the bottom of the Atlantic Division along with the Knicks. That's clearly not where the Nets want to be.  Melding new players and styles together is not a six game operation.  The Indiana Pacers are playing with a lot of cohesion after spending considerable time growing up together.  The Nets are more like a collection of mercenaries.

The Nets have yet to win a game away from Barclays Center.  Perhaps that changes on this trip through Sacramento, Phoenix and Los Angeles to face the Clippers.  The Kings could drastically change the Nets narrative back east with a victory tonight.  That's why it behooves the Hoops of Flatbush to get their first road win tonight, and do it in convincing fashion against what might be a lottery team.

So far, Deron Williams is shooting 42%, which is just under his career average.  But outside of his very first 12 games as a Net, Deron is yet to average 10 assists or better in a season like he did in Utah.  He may finally be showing signs again of being that perennial double-double guard.  I would say 17 points and 10 assists against the Pacers should serve as a nice spring board.  His late turnover was a killer though.  What's most important, he is showing no lingering affects of a troublesome ankle injury suffered just prior to camp.  If you remember, Deron didn't even see the 4th quarter on opening night against the Cavs.



Mike.BTB

LIU Blackbirds: Kids From Flatbush Gave Indiana Hoosiers All They Could Handle

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

Game One: LIU Gains First Victory Over St. Peter's

LIU/BROOKLYN BLACKBIRDS: Hoosiers Sweat Out Close Victory Over LIU.  Despite Last Second Misses, Senior Jason Brickman Leads Team In Very Spirited Effort.

The Hoops of Flatbush visited iconic Assembly Hall Tuesday evening to challenge the #23 ranked Indiana Hoosiers for the first time in their history.  The Blackbirds were otherwise 2-16 versus Big Ten opponents entering last night's action.  By game's end however, they dropped to 2-17 against the Big Ten.

A home crowd of 17, 472 watched the Hoosiers almost go down in defeat with the ball in LIU's hands.  LIU was seconds away from victory, but in the end, things just didn't work out.  The Flatbush Hoops put in a stellar effort, and can nonetheless leave Assembly Hall with their heads held quite high.

The Hoosiers opened up with Kevin Ferrell launching up an immediate three.  At 19:06, Gerrell Martin put Brooklyn on the board with a pair.

The Blackbirds then went down 2-8 and again by 4-10, before E.J. Reed hit a jumper at 12:46 to give LIU their first lead by an 11-10 margin.  A few minutes later, Jason Brickman's lay-up put Brooklyn ahead by an 18-10 score.

The Blackbirds twice led by as many as nine points times during the first half.

However, with 0:18 left, they only held a 34-33 lead, but a layup by Chris Carter closed out the half with LIU ahead by a 36-33 score over the Hoosiers.

Indiana opened the second half with a lay-up to get within one, and by 17:31, LIU/Brooklyn found themselves down by a point.  But they stayed composed, and at 14:02, D.J. Griggs nailed a pair of free throws to open up another five point lead for the Blackbirds.

Indiana went up again 73-72 with 1:27 left on the clock.  In the last seconds, Jason Brickman unfortunately missed a lay-up with 0:05 left.  He then rebounded a missed free throw at the other end, and heaved up a three point attempt with one second left on the clock, that didn't find net.  Indiana recovered the defensive rebound and the buzzer sounded.

Jason Brickman otherwise played brilliantly in leading his young squad against the famed Indiana Hoosiers.  He tied for game high with 37 minutes, scored 11 points, but shot poorly overall - 3/11 from the floor.  He did however issue a game high 11 assists.

The Blackbirds had four players in double-digit scoring, while the Hoosiers had three.  Troy Joseph led LIU with 16 points.  Gilbert Parga and E.J. Reed both contributed 15 each.  Indiana's Will Sheehey led all scorers with 19 points, while the Hoosiers cleaned up on the boards by a 48-35 margin.  Indiana held the Blackbirds to just 9 offensive rebounds.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers vs. N.J. Devils - Battle Of The Hudson - II

From the desks of:

RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS  &  THE BRICK CITY DEMONS

 

 

 

BATTLE of the HUDSON

 

 

Devils Lead Series 1-0

NJD 4; NYR 0

 

 

TONIGHT

 

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

vs.

NEW YORK RANGERS

FROM

Madison Square Garden

33rd Street and 8th Avenue

New Jersey Devils

Tonight's starter between the pipes, Marty Brodeur is coming off consecutive shut out performances, and now has 123 for his Hall of Fame career.  The last time these teams played Cory Schneider authored a 4-0 white washing in Newark.  That game was New Jersey's first victory of the season.  Since then, the Devils have gone 5-5, which included a pair of shoot-out losses.

The Devils have benefited lately from the return of Travis Zajak, but Patrick Elias will miss tonight's game with continuing back spasms, while Bryce Salvadore and Ryane Clowe remain out of action.

It doesn't surprise me that Jaromir Jagr leads the Devils with five goals.

LOCAL STANDINGS:

#3  N.Y. Rangers     9-8  18 pts.

#5  N.J. Devils      5-7-5  15 pts.

#6  N.Y. Islanders  6--3  15 pts.

 

 

 

New York Rangers

 

With no current toughness to speak of, cheap shots keep finding their marks and costing the Rangers dearly.  Taylor Pyatt remains out, and joins Rick Nash with a concussion.  And twice this season, teams have taken runs at Derek Stepan's head.

They've managed to outlast injuries to Carl Hagelin and Ryan Callahan, and despite their increased lack of physicality, the Rangers continue to turn their early season woes around.  With Sunday's 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers, the Rangers own a 9-8 record, breaking the .500 mark for the first time this season.  They have gone 7-2 in their last nine games to recover from a 2-6 start.

The Rangers have also upped their offensive output, averaging 3.4 goals in their last 7 games, scoring 24 times.  They've scored four or more goals in four of their last five games.  With a goal against the Panthers, Brad Richards now has six goals this season.

Henrik Ludqvist has faced off against Martin Brodeur 36 times in the regular season, and owns a 24-7-5 record against him.  The playoffs are another matter however.





Mike.BTB

N.Y. Knicks: Killing Us Softly With Their Words

From the desk of:  DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP

NEW YORK KNICKS:  What's You Angle?  Who's Baby Is That?  I'll Buy That!

....If you don't know where that is from, before there were The Simpsons, there was a guy named Flintstone.

The Madison Square Garden Triumvirate has spoken, and no word brings good news.  This is what the Knicks had to say for themselves after Sunday afternoon's 120-89 branding administered by the San Antonio Spurs:

• No pride - Coach Woodson.

The coach is riddled with conflict he can not resolve.  Woodson was originally brought here to help Mike D'Antoni on the defensive side, but the Knicks stubbornly keep playing D'Antoni's defensive style long after his departure - which is none.  There was little to no excuse for allowing 120 points,  despite missing Tyson Chandler, because much of the damage came from the perimeter, and not necessarily inside.  In fact, Iman Shumpert might want to get an MRI on his ankles, and send the bill to Tony Parker.

Coach may have been dead-on when he said the Knicks showed no pride on their home court.  He was just offering an honest and poignant assessment.  That's what you also call taking the safe way through the media.  It's an old ruse to avoid singling-out any one player, while directly making it about the players.  The only problem is, the only player in Madison Square Garden that matters is Carmelo Anthony, and he does not play defense.  And if you remember, when Mike Woodson took over head coaching duties, he (took the media safe route - ding ding ding!  and...) decided right away to ride Melo like a mule.  Coach said so.  In fact, I remember Woodson saying (paraphrasing) - I know where my toast gets buttered.  To me, that just wreaks of inner-conflict.

For as long as long Woodson remains the antithesis of Mike D'Antoni, the known universe keeps a low opinion of James Dolan, and the ball continues to go through Dolan's acquisition, Carmelo Anthony, Woodson should continue have an ally in the media.  For the first time however, fans have started chanting for his dismissal, and James Dolan might be stupid impatient enough to listen.

So you see, this all goes so ponderously beyond X's and O's.

• We didn't compete, and it showed today; embarrassing - Carmelo Anthony

In the month of November - no - within the span of eight days, Carmelo Anthony played 163 minutes of basketball.  He averaged 40.1 minutes-per, in games against the Timberwolves, a home and home against the Bobcats, and most recently against the Spurs.  To begin the month, Melo scored 22 points against Minnesota and pulled down 17 rebounds.  By Sunday afternoon, Anthony was reduced to 16 points, 8 rebounds, and one assist against San Antonio.  Even if Melo wanted to play defense, he can't - not with this kind of work load.  And it's only six games into the season!

Ya Mule!

There will be more embarrassing games.  Be sure if it.  That is inevitable when a preponderance of players are not committed, (obligated), or incapable of playing defense.  What guys like Melo and J.R. Smith can do is make offensive comebacks somewhat exciting to watch.  You win some and lose some according to that method.  But well after the buzzer goes off, there is no getting around the game tape.  The film never lies, and reveals flawed basketball with no opinions.  It is what it is.  Stuff like that comes back to haunt teams in the playoffs.  ding ding ding!

Emptying the kitchen cabinets to acquire Carmelo Anthony, and a resulting ill-configured roster, max dollars and injuries to both Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler, firing a coach and general manager, and yes, defense, are not on Carmelo Anthony.  The only thing on Carmelo Anthony is Carmelo Anthony.  And besides, he's Dolan's guy, which unfairly exposes Mike Woodson, no matter how embarrassing play on the floor gets.

• We're going to win the next game, that's a guarantee - James Dolan

The first guy was offering an opinion.  The second guy was just stating the obvious.  This last guy is so astonishingly out of touch, it's not funny.  I think we are witnessing the process of James Dolan losing his mind.  The Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov and Barclays Center, made him spend $1 billion dollars to renovate the Garden, and then New York City officials turned around and told him he only has ten more years to enjoy it.  No wonder he is so desperate to win - Wednesday night's game in Atlanta?




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Rangers: Cheap Shots Taken At Glen Sather's New Team Keep Finding Their Mark

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

NEW YORK RANGERS: The Opposition Offering Glen Sather's Softies No Quarter, As Still Yet Another Member Of The Blueshirts Receives An Unanswered Elbow to The Head.

The hits just keep on coming, don't they?

There is still Rick Nash to account for, who has not played since the third game of the season.  He  remains out of action, recovering from a concussion caused by a first period elbow to the back of the head way back on October 8th, administered by San Jose Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart.

If Derek Stepan suffered what was then characterized as an inadvertent hit to the head by the Washington Capitals Troy Brouwer, then Anaheim Ducks Bryan Allen's high elbow to Stepan's head was certainly and blatantly more obvious.  Both incidences happened well away from the puck and went unacknowledged by the men in stripes.

Most recently on November 7th, Taylor Pyatt took an elbow to the head from the Columbus Blue Jackets Fedor Tyutin.  Pyatt soon left the game, did not return, and was scratched from Sunday's game against the Panthers with a concussion.

All these incidences continue to occur free of retaliation from the Rangers.  For as long as they do, I will continue to note and remind everyone in protest, of each infraction committed against Rangers players that lack a proper response.

I've already repeated myself two or three times since first writing the following:

• Last February, within a seven game stretch, Boston's Milan Lucic boarded Rick Nash, Ottawa's Chris Neil viciously boarded Brad Richards, then Montreal's Max Pacioretty  took yet another  run, boarding Ryan McDonagh.  At no time did any Rangers player stick up for their team mate - not one; no response.  Shortly after those three incidents, the Canadiens crashed Marty Biron, which again, inspired no response from the Rangers.

• I'll also say this again and again and again.  Two season ago, after the Rangers defeated the Sharks in San Jose early in the season, Joe Thornton called the Blue Shirts the softest team he ever played.  The Rangers then went on to lead the entire NHL in fighting majors.  They didn't stop there.  They also led the league in fighting within the first five minutes of a game!  That's what you call setting the tone(!) and sending a league wide message that the Rangers aren't putting up with any crap.  It doesn't take rocket science to figure out physical teams want to exert their dominance somewhere between early in the game and right away.  And so, that's eerily within the same first five-minute time frame San Jose's Brad Stuart took his run at Rick Nash this season.

Is it a coincidence Rick Nash received his concussion against the Sharks?  Most likely, but still inexcusable.

This is a partial consequence of Glen Sather's dismantling, and retransformation of the team that went to the Eastern Conference finals two seasons ago.  With no current toughness to speak of, cheap shots keep finding their marks and costing the Rangers dearly.

They've managed to outlast injuries to Carl Hagelin and Ryan Callahan, and despite their increased lack of physicality, the Rangers continue to turn their early season woes around.  With Sunday's 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers, the Rangers now own a 9-8 record, and have broken the .500 mark for the first time this season.  They have gone 7-2 in their last nine games to recover from a 2-6 start.

The Rangers have also upped their offensive output, averaging 3.4 goals in their last 7 games, scoring 24 times.  They've scored four or more goals in four of their last five games.  With a goal against the Panther, Brad Richards now has six goals this season.

The goals and wins are coming, but something still does not compute.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants: David Diehl Leads Smash Mouth Effort Over Oakland Raiders

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

 

WEEK TEN FINAL:

Raiders    20

GIANTS  24

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Coach Kevin Gilbride Unleashes Smash Mouth Football Against Oakland Raiders.  Andre Brown Grinds Out 115 Yards In First Game Back from Fractured Leg.  But Make Sure You Give The Game Ball To David Diehl!

The Giants came out of their bye week running - literally.  For the first time all season, Coach Gilbride designed a game plan that incorporated more rushing, than passing the football.  In return, the Giants received a stellar effort from Andre Brown, an overall running effort that overcame yet another Eli Manning pick-six, and converted on third down to gain a crucial first down with 2:03 left in the fourth quarter to cement a 24-20 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

In Andre Brown's first game of the season back from a leg fracture, Coach Gilbride surprisingly dialed up an old-school smash mouth ground attack.  Coach called Brown's number thirty times, and in return Andre rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown.  Peyton Hillis rushed another five times for 21 yards.  That's 136 yards by the backfield on 35 carries, for an average of 3.9 yards per rush.  Hillis did fumble once however, but in the bigger picture, the running game helped the Giants convert 50% on third down, and rushed for eight first downs.  Big Blue also won time of possession by a 32-28 minute margin.

Eli Manning, on the other hand, was only 12/22, for 140 yards.  He threw one touchdown pass to Reuben Randal, and one (INT) TD pass to Oakland's Tracy Porter.  In a very real way this week, the running game bailed-out Eli Manning for a change.  More time will be spent this week talking about a resurgent running game, than dissecting Eli's performance and discussing how much he sucks this season.  I've definitely defended him over the weeks, but today was strictly his own folly.

The real conversation and rightful acclaim however should focus on right guard David Diehl.  He first deserves credit for being adaptable enough over the years to fill in at most offensive line positions.  He variously switched between left guard and tackle through the years, and with this year's season ending injury to Chris Snee, Diehl was asked to shift over and stabilize right guard.  It is far from coincidence that the Giants running game has demonstrated substantial improvement ever since David Diehl rejoined the offensive line after breaking his thumb.

This afternoon against Oakland, Coach Gilbride unleashed a ground attack that repeatedly rushed behind David Diehl's blocking.  Coach relied heavily on Diehl in the first and fourth quarters.  The Giants right guard responded by creating lanes and daylight worth 64 yards on 11 carries, for a 5.8 yards per rush average.  Coach Gilbride elected to run right 7 times out of 8 1st quarter rushes.  Then after going heavy left side in the 2nd quarter, Oakland held the ball for 13:16 in the 3rd quarter, and limited the Giants to just 3 rushing attempts.  But in the fourth, Coach Gilbride went heavy right again, calling for 9 of 13 rushes behind Diehl and Pugh.

Analysis shows the right side of Big Blue's O-Line played huge Sunday.  Coach Gilbride called for 9 plays to be run off right tackle Justin Pugh, and gained 31 yards.  Between both Pugh and David Diehl, the Giants rushed 20 times for 95 yards, good for a 4.7 average yards per carry.

On the other side, the Giants ran off left tackle Will Beatty 7 times, and gained 28 yards, for a 4-yard average per rush.  But when they dialed up Kevin Boothe at left guard, the Giants gained just 13 yards on 5 carries.  In total, the Giants ran left 12 times and gained only 41 yards, for a 3.4 average per carry.  Trying to force their way up the middle was an even less fruitful endeavor.  The Giants gained net zero yards on three rushes behind Jim Cordle at center, but Cordle's efforts playing to Diehl's left certainly also contributed to the Giants overall success running right.

The Giants running game had six plays go for -16 yards, only one play went for no-gain, while 28 plays resulted in positive yardage.

This came against the Oakland Raiders - not exactly a bad team, but not necessarily a very good one.  Nonetheless, the search for daylight continues.



Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple: A Case For Allan Dykstra At First Base; Plus, Los Mets In The Caribbean

Here are my latest articles for

RisingApple.com

 

November 9, 2013 - Los Mets In The Caribbean - Puerto Rican League Begins; Juan Lagares Leading Dominican League In Hitting; Allan Dykstra Impressing In Venezuela

 

November 10, 2013 - Allan Dykstra And The Continuing First Base Debate

 

 

 

Mike.BTB
Senior Staff Writer/RisingApple

LIU Blackbirds: Gain First Victory Of Season Over St. Peter's

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

LIU BLACKBIRDS: Start 2013-14 Regular Season With 87-80 Victory Over St. Peter's Peacocks.

Next Up - Indiana Hoosiers.

Jason Brickman Scores 13 Points, Issues 14 Assists.

 

Earlier this afternoon, the Flatbush Hoops made the very short trip from the Wellness Center to Barclays Center to host the St. Peter's Peacocks in this year's regular season opener.

All got off on the right foot, as LIU defeated St. Peter's by an 87-80 final.  All five of LIU's starters scored in double-digits, led by a team high 24-points from junior guard Gerrell Martin, while Jason Brickman led all players with 14 assists.

The Peacocks were led by their forwards Marvin Dominique and Quadir Welton.  Dominique led all players with both with 31 points and 14 rebounds.  Welton added 16 points and 11 rebounds.  Although LIU lost the battle on the glass, the Blackbirds employed a familiar recipe to gain victory by pounding St. Peter's at the line and from beyond the three.  The Blackbirds were 26/35 from the line, good for 74.3%, while the Peacocks only managed only 11/21, for 54.2% shooting from the line.  LIU overwhelmed the Peacocks from beyond the three-point line with 45.8% success on 11/24 shooting.  St. Peter's could only manage 3/11 for only 27.3 percent.  Gerrell Martin was 6/8 from three-point land.

St. Peter's took more shots from the field however, and posted a 51.6 field-goal percentage on 33/64 shooting.  The Blackbirds were 44.6% on 25/56 shooting.

The Blackbirds led 39-32 at the half, and rode that seven point margin to victory.

Next up, LIU will travel to Indiana and take on the Hoosiers this Tuesday evening.



Mike.BTB

LIU Blackbirds: Defending 3-Time NEC Champs Open Season Today At Barclays Center

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

SATURDAY

 

St. Peter's Peacocks

vs.

LIU BLACKBIRDS

From

BARCLAYS CENTER
Flatbush Avenue

Brooklyn

LIU/BROOKLYN BLACKBIRDS: With Departure Of Three Starters From Last Season, Much Falls On Jason Brickman To Lead Team As Lone Senior.  Julian Boyd Not Expected Back Until January.

WAGNER VOTED PRE-SEASON FAVORITE TO TOP NORTHEAST CONFERENCE;

LIU/BROOKLYN PREDICTED TO FINISH FOURTH.

 

 

Can Blackbirds Continue The Standard They've Set For Themselves Over Last Three Years?

Downtown Brooklyn's three-time defending NEC Champions begin their 2013-14 season Saturday afternoon at Barclays Center, but not without some adversity.  In the pre-season coach's poll, the proud LIU Blackbirds were only predicted to finish fourth in the NEC behind overwhelming favorite Wagner, then Robert Morris and Bryant.

Coach Jack Perri begins his second season as head coach.  His team outscored their opponents last season by a 2,677-2,589 margin, and their 81.4 points per game ranked 2nd in the country.

Long Island University has achieved at least 20 victories in each of the last three seasons, and have now appeared in six March Tourneys, with three coming in the last three seasons.  The Blackbirds struggled midway through last season with a six game losing streak, and dropped their final four contests to finish with a 20-14 record, but then stream rolled through last year's NEC tourney.  They were undone by James Madison in last March's NCAA Regionals.  In the season prior under former coach Jim Ferry, they posted a 25-9 record, but were soundly defeated by #1 seeded Michigan State in the 2011-12 NCAA Regionals.  In 2010-11, the Blackbirds went 27-6, and 16-2 against the conference, but were stopped cold by North Carolina in their first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 1997 season.

Jason Brickman is the lone returning undergraduate starter from last season, and will be LIU's lone senior player.  He led all NCAA Division-1 players with 290 assists last season, as well as an 8.5 assists per game average as a Junior.  Brickman is LIU's all-time assists leader with 719, and with another 86 assists, will break the all-time NEC record of 804 assists.  With another 281 assists, Jason Brickman can become only the 4th NCAA player to amass 1,000 assists in a career.

Julian Boyd returns as graduate student.  Last year, his season was derailed by a torn ACL.  In July, he tore the same ACL again.  The team hopes he can rejoin the team again by January.

The Blackbirds lost five seniors from last year's team.  Among the most notable departures are center Jamal Olasewere, guard C.J. Garner, Kenny Onyechi, and Brandon Thompson.  Last season, senior Jamal Olasewere was named NEC Player of the Year.

Forward E.J. Reed is now a sophomore.  He was a 50.6% shooter from the field last season.   Guard/forward Troy Joseph and guard Gerrell Martin are Juniors.  Forward Landon Atterberry comes to Brooklyn after two years in Cape Cod.  Coach Perri will also have four new recruits and five freshmen overall on his squad; F-Nura Zanna, G-Joel Hernandez, F/C-Glenn Feidanga, G-Iverson Fleming, and G-Kaleb Marquis.

Forward Darien Best, guard D.J. Griggs, F-Chris Carter and G/F Gilbert Parga round out the roster.

Gerrell Martin is from the Bronx, and Darien Best is from right here in Brooklyn, New York.

The LIU Blackbirds first in-Conference game is scheduled for January 9th against St. Francis of Brooklyn.  The Blackbirds posted a 12-6 conference record last season.





Mike.BTB