Klitschko vs Peter Cotto vs Miguel Cotto vs Torres results.

It was an exciting night of boxing at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City New Jersey for the HBO event. Philly Keith and TKO Teek were there for the blow by blow action which saw Kendall Holt vs Vladimir Khodokovski, up and comer Miguel Cotto take on a very tough Ricardo Torres, and heavyweights Wladimir Klitschko & Samuel Peter battle for the #1 contender slot.

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Peter

This was a make or break night for the career of Wladimir Klitschko. His glass jaw is well documented but his boxing skills are under estimated. His opponent Samuel Peter is a guy who is known strictly for his power and comes in with a record of 24 -0. Peter, widely considered one of the up and coming heavyweights in the circuit, is looking for a big name to add to the list of taxi drivers and other unknowns he has beaten in the past. The steaks are high as the winner becomes the mandatory #1 contender to Chris Byrd’s Heavyweight Title.

Before both fighters are announced, Michael Buffer asks for a moment of silence and tolls the bell 10 times for fallen warrior and Atlantic City native Leavander Johnson, who tragically died after defending his IBF title last week.

Round 1 ended just as it started; with Wladimir feeding Peter a steady diet of left jabs which connect at a high percentage. Peter tries to get inside but is repeatedly kept at bay by the jabs of Klitschko. Wladimir, fighting smart and effective, keeps slipping the jabs and follows with an over hand right which rocks Peter towards the end of the round.

Round 2 Klitschko sticks with what is working, more jabs. Peter abandons the strategy of going inside and starts to throw the right handed bombs he is known for to no avail. Klitschko catches him with a big right then uses his footwork to avoid Peter. Peter seems to look out of gas already but lands a stiff body shot to end the round.

Peter starts round 3 the aggressor but still can’t find a way past Klitschko’s jab. Wladimir beings to the jobs followed with an overhand right which consistently find the target. Peter goes to the bully technique with some success and lands a big left hook to the ear of Klitschko. The rest of the round is spent holding and moving.

Round 4 sees Peter chase Klitschko around the ring but he hit with a right left combo. More holding and pushing from both men but Klitschko still is effectively landing the jab which gives him no need to take any risks.

The corner must have given Peter one hell of pep talk before round 5 because he came out looking for the kill. Throwing right handed bombs one after another, Klitschko is weary of the power and wisely tries to avoid. He ran but couldn’t hide because Peter scored the first knockdown of the fight with a hard overhand right to the head of Klitschko dropping him to 1 knee. Wlad gets up but Peter meets him with another big right followed by a left uppercut, this time putting Klitschko on his back. Surprisingly, Klitschko gets up again but with those familiar wobbly legs and big dumb look on his face after taking a hard shot. He looks ripe for the picking but goes to the holding technique as Peter tries to polish him off but can’t connect with that last blow.

After big brother yells at him in the corner, Wlad goes back to the basics and repeatedly hits Peter with the jab. Peter is swinging for the fences but coming up with nothing but air. Klitschko consistently mixes left jabs followed by rights and dictates the pace of the entire round.

Klitschko bolts out of the corner with a new found energy and continues to jab away. Peter slips in a nice right to the mouth but Wlad stands strong and slips the jab followed by the sneaky right.

Klitschko does more of the same in round 9 hitting him with the 1,2 1,2 over and over again. Peter is taking a lot of pops and showing a very good chin. Peter tries to get physical again but eats more jabs.

Peter takes it to the streets in the 10th connecting with a big left and stays on the attacks. He looks winded for a second and Wlad hits him with a nice right to the chin, Peter counters with a left but can’t follow up. Peter wrestles him to the corner and beings to lay the wood on Wlad ending with a big right to the face sending Klitschko to the mat for the 3rd time in the fight. Wlad gets up again and soaks up some more punishment until the bell ends the round.

Klitschko comes out wobbly again and Peter stalks him around the ring, Wlad doesn’t want to mix it up at this point. Wlad uses the footwork to get Peter off balance and lands 3 consecutive 1-2 combos. Peter takes it and comes back for more and eats 2 more 1-2 combos in the middle of the ring. They trade a few more punches and Peter looks to be running out of gas.

Klitschko dominated most rounds but the 3 knockdowns are keeping it close and both men know they need to finish strong to get the win. Peter connects with a big left but Klitschko goes back to the basics again this time snapping the jab with authority. Peter connects with a big left hook which starts a mini beating of Wlad, but Klitschko comes back with a hard left which knocks Peter off balance but not off his feet. The bell rings and the fight goes to the cards

All 3 officials score it 114-110 unanimous decision for Wladimir Klitschko


Say what you will about Wladimir Klitschko but tonight he showed heart & boxing ability. His chin is still suspect but did manage to pull himself off the mat 3 times. He proved his opponent to be one dimensional and should be able to beat Chris Byrd when they square off in the near future. I still don’t think he has what it takes to beat a big puncher who can box a some too. Time will tell but for now, Wladimir Klitschko is a major player in the Heavyweight division.


Miguel Cotto vs Ricardo Torres

The opening round started off fast as Cotto came out looking for the homerun though not connecting and Torres counters with quick body shots. The 2 engaged in more fast paced action on the ropes and Cotto scores a knockdown with a quick left hook. Torres rises to his feet weary of Cotto’s speed and avoids more action until the bell sounds.

Torres comes out blazing in round 2 as Cotto looks to finish him off but receives a vicious body shot by Torres which sets up 45 seconds of Torres beating Cotto from turnbuckle to turnbuckle and finally scoring a knockdown after the flurry of shots to the head and body. Cotto beats the count and connects with a big right hook witch sparks off another battle along all four corners of the ring. Torres gets the best of the exchange connecting with left hooks and overhand rights which wobble Cotto but are not enough to make him sniff the canvas again.

The beginning of Round 3 resembles something of a traditional boxing match. Cotto connects with a stiff right to the ear but Torres counters with a nice left. Before long both men take it to the middle of the ring where more battling ensues but Cotto slips one below the belt and is deducted a point. After the short break Cotto goes back to work bullying Torres into a corner and administers a hellacious beating consisting of mostly uppercuts which leave Torres on rubber legs as the bell sounds.

Torres comes out noticeably feeling the effects of the beat down he received in the 3rd and Cotto waists no time going on the attack. Torres counters by holding and avoiding most of the round but Cotto lands a big right hand and a vicious body shot which leaves Torres on the mat once again. He rises to his feet but knows he needs to avoid Cotto. It looked like Torres was ready to be sent home for the night but once again the bell saves him.

Round 5 Cotto comes out firing and landing. Torres is in survival mode trying to run away but Cotto catches him on the ropes and puts a beating on Torres ribs. Torres somehow manages to overcome this and out of nowhere fires off a string of combinations followed by a big uppercut and an overhand right. The crowd goes wild as Torres lands a stiff right to Cotto’s chin as the bell rings to end the round.

It is obvious both men as feeling it in the 6th as the action slows down. Cotto concentrates on the body as Torres tries to avoid action. Lots of holding and moving around until Cotto lands a big overhand right at the bell which sends Torres back to the canvas.

Round 7 starts out like a street fight both men going toe to toe slugging it out. Cotto gets the best of it and keeps connects with rights and lefts to the head and body. Cotto hits with a big right hand to the ear followed by a left hook to the sternum which leaves Torres on his back and unable to continue at 1:52.

Tonight Miguel Cotto proved he is the real deal. He fought a very tough customer and showed his chin is made of stone. His ability to go inside and outside, can box and brawl. Ricardo Torres came to the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City relatively unknown even though he was the WBO 140 lb title holder. He left with a busted eye and no goal but earned the respect of fans after this 7 round war. Hopefully he will get more fight in the USA after the showing he put on tonight.



Kendall Holt vs Vladimir Kodokovski

This light welterweight contest showcased hometown Jersey boy Kendall Holt and Ukrainian southpaw Vladimir Khodokovski which set the tone for an exciting night of boxing at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Holt was fighting in his home state but Khodokovski was backed by a large Ukraine contingent who were often seen waiving the flags and cheering whether the action warranted it or not.

In the beginning it looked like Holt would make quick work of Khodokovski as he danced circles around his opponent and threw jabs that consistently found the target. Holt began to showboat but paid the price as Vladimir bulled him into the corner and went on the attack. Holt stands strong and counters the assault with a plethora of rights and lefts.

In the second, Khodokovski goes back to the bull rush technique with success and lands crisp shots to the head and body. Holt fires back again but Vlad stays on him connecting with long overhand rights. Vlad goes to the well one too many times and Holt counters an attempted right with a sharp left hook followed by a clean right which rocks his opponent and riles up the crowd. Holt smells victory and taunts Vlad in the closing seconds of the round.

Round three- Holt shows his ring general qualities as he slows the paces and lets Khodokovski bring the fight to him. Using a variety of jabs and combinations, Holt seems to frustrate Vlad more and more as the round nears at the end. Khodokovski lands a big right but can not follow up due to Holt’s defense.

Round 4 starts off fast as Holt lands the first big blow but Vlad begins to work the right and left to the body. Not much action after this, both men throw punches that miss and Vlad is throwing wild bombs at this point. The crowd is bored and lets the fighters know.

Round 5- More booing, more dancing, missed punches. Holt steals the round with 1 good body shot near the end of the round.

Round 6 – Vlad comes out with a head of steams and once again bullies Holt into the corner and fires off body shots one after another. The Ukrainian contingent in the crowd goes wild. Holt throws back which sparks an all out war in the corner and the Jersey crowd gets fired up. The place is rocking now. This leads to a big exchange in the middle of the ring which Khodokovski gets the best of.

Round 7- Holt tries to use his strength to no avail, Vlad is just too strong. So Holt tries to use his quickness but Vlad is showing plenty of heart at this point and chasing down his opponent. Throwing big lefts he is connecting at a decent pace then pushes Holt into the corner where he goes on the assault. Holt finally escapes and brings the fight back to the middle of the ring. Holt lands a few quick rights but Vlad is countering each one with sharp lefts that are landing with more authority. Holt seems to be respecting the power at this point and reluctant to mix it up any more.

Round 8- Vlad starts off strong again and works the mid section, both fighters take it to the ropes where Vlad gets the best of this exchange as well. The Ukraine flags are flying all over the arena. The Americans are also expressing their surprise at the toughness of the unknown. Khodokovski then lands his biggest left of the night flush on the chin of Holt but Holt remains on his feet. It looks like the fight is nearing an end. Like a bulldog Vlad stays on the attack. Holt stands strong and throws back but is taking much more than he gives. The bell finally rings which saves Holt from a sure knockdown.

Round 9- more of a lumping handed out by Khodokovski. In the middle, against the ropes Vlad is swinging for the fences. Another big left sends Holt whipping off the ropes. Holt smartly starts to hold. The pace slows down and goes back the middle. Holt lands a right, then another, then wisely avoids the oncoming Khodokovski until the end of the round.

Round 10- The fight is close and both fighters come out looking for a big round. Khodokovski rushes but eats the gloves of Holt. Vlad hits with a right hook and follows with a left that would have knocked Holts head off but misses by an inch. Toe to toe in the middle of the ring, both fighters fire off a number of rights and lefts landing at a high percentage. Holt ends up on the ropes and takes more of a beating. In the final minute Holt tries to avoid action but Vlad in right on him connecting with more overhand lefts. Knowing the end is near; Holt holds his opponent until the bell sounds.

Kendall Holt wins by unanimous decision 98-92, 97-93, 99-92

I am not sure which fight the officials were watching but it was much closer than scored. In fact I will go on record to say Khodokovski was jobbed out of a win. Holt was in command early but the middle rounds could have went either way. After the 6th it was all Khodokovski, he was clearly the aggressor and showed the heart fight fans around the world admire.




If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keithfmt3@hotmail.com



Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

Manning or Marino

Who would you rather have on your team, Marino in his prime or Payton Manning? My personal opinion? both teams would lose to the Pats!! Leave a post!

Hockey is back

Does anyone care about the upcoming hockey season? if so how do you think the NHL will change?

Will the Phillies make the Playoffs?

Jon Lieber has been lights out going 6-0 in his past 6 starts. Ed Wade doesn't look like an idiot for once but is Lieber enough to push the Phils into October? Post a comment

Is Randy Moss the best receiver in the NFL?

Time to vote, who is better than Randy? Post a comment

Is Raffy an innocent victom, rat, full of BS, or other?

The yare saying some bad things about the Viagra Man these days. Seems like he has been corking his bat a little too long. What do you think of this whole mess? Hall of Famer? Was he a Hall of Famer before the whole steroids thing? Post a comment, Let us know

Guilty Fight Night results from Tijuana 09-09-05

Medina—The Smart Man’s fighter

Friday night September 9th Tijuana’s mighty El Foro was the scene for yet another round of exciting bouts in Guilty Fights ongoing “Guilty Fight Night” series. It was a big night for fighting and the seats were packed out early with a raucous and ready crowd awaiting local boxing hero, the former five time world champion and current number one junior lightweight contender Manuel “mantecas” Medina 65-14-31 KOs to take on Angel Galindo 13-13-9 KOs in the evening’s main event.

Boasting a long and accomplished record, Medina the local boxing warrior entered the ring primed for his 79th career fight. Medina made his first career start nearly 20 years ago at the early age of 14 and has been tracking glory ever since with 29 of his last 44 fights being for world or regional championships. However, despite his long and storied career Medina has been fairly absent from the ring in recent years. Indeed, Friday’s bout marked his first fight in 13 months and only his second in 21 months. His opponent Angel Galindo, on the other hand came in ready after a big win in Mexico City against the hard hitting Alejo Ramirez.

The first round began with Medina demonstrating how and why he has been so successful for so many years. In perfect textbook style form Medina began the methodic destruction of Galindo picking him to pieces with a relentless assault of steady jabs and three punch combos. In addition, to his offensive prowess, Medina showed an innate, almost uncanny, ability at avoiding the big hit. Moving away from punches that were but a mere thought in the mind of Galindo and making the type of subtle adjustments, on the fly, which instinctively arise from years of harden boxing experience.

In the second round Medina got back down to work straight away scoring big hit after hit, with only the occasional return from Galindo. Round three and the steady drubbing of Galindo come courtesy of the gloves of the wizened Medina continued unabated. Towards the end of the third Galindo began to show signs of fatigue and defeat and by the start of the fourth looked downright finished. Unfortunately for Galindo it was also in the fourth where Medina, it seems, was intent on bringing the fight to a quick and certain end by unleashing, late in the round, a blistering assault upon his faltering opponent. Galindo, however, was saved by the bell and in a punch drunk haze ambled back clumsily to his corner. He might have avoided the knockout blow in the fourth by the saving grace of the bell, but fate would not be denied tonight and before the Round Five could even get stared the referee intervened and called the fight setting off a romping EL Foro celebration in honor of the local boxing hero, the man, the fighter… Medina.

Other Fights on the Card

In the super Welter-Weight division Alberto Silva 5-4 2 KOs lost to Fernado Ariba in a second round knockout.

In another super Welter-Weight division bout Jesus “Morocco” Flores 3-1- 3KOs in his first career defeat losing in a pitched battle against the undefeated Octavio “Toyo” Castro 11-0 8 KOs.

The Light-Heavy Weight division featured a bout between Marcos Gerald Jr. 9-0- 9 KOs and Ramiro “Tarzan” Siondia 9-3-7 KOs. Marcos scored a knockout against Siondia in the round two.

The Super Feather weight division fight pitted Refugio “Pichon” Contreras 2-3-2 KOs against Jose Fernandez 2-1-1 KOs.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Dan Yoke at Dyoke@prmc.com


Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

Zab Judah Highlights

Brooklyn Brawler Zab Judah (34 -2, 25 KO's) is the Welterweight Champion of the World and has a rep for being a fighter who doesn't duck anyone. He is currently the unified welterweight champion and has his eyes on a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar De La Hoya or Shane Mosley. With his flashy ring entrances and lightening fast hands he has become on of the most entertaining fighters in the sport of boxing.

Judah has been boxing since age 6 under the watchful eye of his father Yoel who was a kickboxing champion. He dominated the New York amateur circuit winning the state Gold Gloves championship 3 times and also wrecked havoc on the national stage by becoming a 2 time US National Champ and winning the 1996 PAL Nationals highlighting a 110 -5 amateur career.

He turned pro in 1996 and quickly shot through the ranks. In only his 17th professional fight he dominated Mickey Ward to win his first title (USBA Junior Welterweight). He beat opponents handily but never faced a fighter with true knockout power. The experts thought the only flaw in his game could possibly be his chin though his speed would never allow him to get caught.

Judah was on the fast track to stardom, gaining national recognition with his 28 -0 record. Then in November of '01 he faced Kos Tszyu, who shattered his glass jaw in a 2nd round knockout, taking his junior welterweight title in the process.

This was a pivotal point in Zab's career as many in the boxing world wondered how he would respond to such a one sided defeat. He bounced back to dominate Omar Weis and then beat DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley in a fight Judah claims he broke his hand in the 3rd round. These impressive victories earned him a shot at Cory Spinks to become the undisputed welterweight champion back. Both fighters battled until the end and Spinks won a unanimous decision. Judah’s camp cried foul and the fans cried for a rematch.

In 2005, Zab finally got his rematch and scored a 9th round TKO to become the undisputed welterweight champ, the title he still holds today.

So where does Judah go from here? Some major paydays await and I am sure he would love to avenge the loss to Tszyu. He is promoted by Don King, so either way you will be able to catch him on PPV against a big name opponent.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keithfmt3@hotmail.com


Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

Football Season is here

Whether you're dating or married, if you're man is anything like mine, you'll find yourself, many a time, surrounded in a room of 4 or more men, watching some sort of sport or just ESPN news (which runs for hours on end in 30 min increments). Lucky for me, we have ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN News, & the NFL channel. Which means, my knowledge of sports goes far beyond the average everyday woman. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the everyday cheesy, girly stuff too... but come on ladies? It can't be that bad watching sweaty big gladiators fighting it out on the field or on the ice, can it?

Football season is here! Are you always starving for affection or attention during football season? Is his eyes glued to the TV instead of your buttocks? Or have your weekend excursions been replaced with bar-b-ques, beer, and browsing 5 different channels of football games? Well... don't get upset! If you can't beat'em, join'em! When you join'em, you'll finally realize just what the hype is all about.

But before you just jump right in, you've got to know you're stuff. If you come in talking like a sports cripple, you'll end up annoying the boys. If you don't feel like studying, learn as you go. They'll respect that more than someone talking stool.

In this 2005-06 season it's important to know your college boys because one day, they'll be NFL boys. If you want to impress, don't throw out this college season's everyday names like Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush of USC or Chris Leak of Florida (although those names should be known as a "given"). In fact, surprise him with names of awesome power house boys that aren't QB's. For example, bust out Brian Calhoun out of #29 Wisconsin, who this season averages 5 yards per carry and is right now ranked #2 in the nation for rushing. This past week, he scored the only 2 touchdowns against the UNC Tarheels; rushing 171 yards total for the game. In fact overated #14 Michigan (2-1) will have their hands full with Wisconsin (3-0) this weekend... no doubt, they'll be trying to stop the run. Try understanding defense, since "offense wins games & defense wins championships". Give your man a little info about Manny Lawson out of one of the top ranked defenses in the nation, NC State. He's the defensive end, 6'5, 245lbs, senior who's got the speed to make the other team pay. Manny Lawson is one reason why we love watching football. He's just crazy with the hitting! Try some team stats that are not always mentioned like Best Defensive Team stats this week has South Florida ranked #19 out of the ACC. Right now, even your man might be saying who's South Florida, but tell him, this team plays #9 Louisville this week, #12 Miami next, and other well known teams like Pittsburgh the following week, and West Virgina after that. What national recruit would pass up getting some TV time on a team he could definitely make a name on? Tell him to keep his eyes open the next couple of years on another team that most likely will progress to another Florida power house. Don't forget to know your rankings and your BCS poll leaders. It's especially important this year since 5 of the top teams have had early season losses. But being a Florida Gator fan, I'm not too upset with that!

Are you still with me? Great! Right now, you should feel that much closer to your guy. If you know you're stuff, you'll enjoy hanging out with the boys and being just one of the guys. But don't think that the work load is over... college is just the beginning. Football is football and you gots to love it all. On to the NFL.

Being a San Diego Charger fan, I can't help but feel disappointed. In this 2005-06 NFL season, the Chargers (0-2) season is really depressing. In my opinion and believe me it's not biased, Charger's L. Tomlinson is the best running back in the league but right now he's ranked #21 in rushing. What the...? This can be a down side of getting into football: the fricken love of it! For example, I'm a Charger fan and my husband is a long time Tampa Bay Bucs fan. How bad does liking 2 different teams suck? Well, not as bad as the year the Chargers drafted #1 pick: Ryan Leaf, but it does suck. The Bucs right now are 2-0, last week defeating the Bills 19-3. And what's worse is the #1 leading running back in the league right now is Carnell Williams, a rookie out of Auburn. Guess who he plays for? Yea... if you didn't get it: The Bucs. But we'll see if they can hold against long time rivals Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. Maybe they'll beat'em this year. So there it is. The NFL has got me hooked. You've got the best of the best playing on the field. My goodness even Ricky Williams couldn't stay away, but like they say about the NFL... is it all about the "money"? That's what's great about football and any sport for that matter. There's it's ups and downs. But any of it, is better than none of it. With the NFL stats are great, but just watching it is even better. You'll never know what any of those players will do on any given day. Like watching Barry Sanders dance circles around fools.

Ladies, if you have a man that loves sports, it's not a problem. In fact, you definitely have the problem. Understand the game and get involved. If you expect him to escort you to dinners and a movie, escort him to a live football game or other sports event. You can't even begin to understand the enthusiasm he'll have with you afterwards... hmmm? Well unless his team loses.




If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Helen Snyder at helensny@hotmail.com




Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

Just One Of The Guys

Whether you're dating or married, if you're man is anything like mine, you'll find yourself, many a time, surrounded in a room of 4 or more men, watching some sort of sport or just ESPN news (which runs for hours on end in 30 min increments). Lucky for me, we have ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN News, & the NFL channel. Which means, my knowledge of sports goes far beyond the average everyday woman. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the everyday cheesy, girly stuff too... but come on ladies? It can't be that bad watching sweaty big gladiators fighting it out on the field or on the ice, can it?

Football season is here! Are you always starving for affection or attention during football season? Is his eyes glued to the TV instead of your buttocks? Or have your weekend excursions been replaced with bar-b-ques, beer, and browsing 5 different channels of football games? Well... don't get upset! If you can't beat'em, join'em! When you join'em, you'll finally realize just what the hype is all about.

But before you just jump right in, you've got to know you're stuff. If you come in talking like a sports cripple, you'll end up annoying the boys. If you don't feel like studying, learn as you go. They'll respect that more than someone talking stool.

In this 2005-06 season it's important to know your college boys because one day, they'll be NFL boys. If you want to impress, don't throw out this college season's everyday names like Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush of USC or Chris Leak of Florida (although those names should be known as a "given"). In fact, surprise him with names of awesome power house boys that aren't QB's. For example, bust out Brian Calhoun out of #29 Wisconsin, who this season averages 5 yards per carry and is right now ranked #2 in the nation for rushing. This past week, he scored the only 2 touchdowns against the UNC Tarheels; rushing 171 yards total for the game. In fact overated #14 Michigan (2-1) will have their hands full with Wisconsin (3-0) this weekend... no doubt, they'll be trying to stop the run. Try understanding defense, since "offense wins games & defense wins championships". Give your man a little info about Manny Lawson out of one of the top ranked defenses in the nation, NC State. He's the defensive end, 6'5, 245lbs, senior who's got the speed to make the other team pay. Manny Lawson is one reason why we love watching football. He's just crazy with the hitting! Try some team stats that are not always mentioned like Best Defensive Team stats this week has South Florida ranked #19 out of the ACC. Right now, even your man might be saying who's South Florida, but tell him, this team plays #9 Louisville this week, #12 Miami next, and other well known teams like Pittsburgh the following week, and West Virgina after that. What national recruit would pass up getting some TV time on a team he could definitely make a name on? Tell him to keep his eyes open the next couple of years on another team that most likely will progress to another Florida power house. Don't forget to know your rankings and your BCS poll leaders. It's especially important this year since 5 of the top teams have had early season losses. But being a Florida Gator fan, I'm not too upset with that!

Are you still with me? Great! Right now, you should feel that much closer to your guy. If you know you're stuff, you'll enjoy hanging out with the boys and being just one of the guys. But don't think that the work load is over... college is just the beginning. Football is football and you gots to love it all. On to the NFL.

Being a San Diego Charger fan, I can't help but feel disappointed. In this 2005-06 NFL season, the Chargers (0-2) season is really depressing. In my opinion and believe me it's not biased, Charger's L. Tomlinson is the best running back in the league but right now he's ranked #21 in rushing. What the...? This can be a down side of getting into football: the fricken love of it! For example, I'm a Charger fan and my husband is a long time Tampa Bay Bucs fan. How bad does liking 2 different teams suck? Well, not as bad as the year the Chargers drafted #1 pick: Ryan Leaf, but it does suck. The Bucs right now are 2-0, last week defeating the Bills 19-3. And what's worse is the #1 leading running back in the league right now is Carnell Williams, a rookie out of Auburn. Guess who he plays for? Yea... if you didn't get it: The Bucs. But we'll see if they can hold against long time rivals Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. Maybe they'll beat'em this year. So there it is. The NFL has got me hooked. You've got the best of the best playing on the field. My goodness even Ricky Williams couldn't stay away, but like they say about the NFL... is it all about the "money"? That's what's great about football and any sport for that matter. There's it's ups and downs. But any of it, is better than none of it. With the NFL stats are great, but just watching it is even better. You'll never know what any of those players will do on any given day. Like watching Barry Sanders dance circles around fools.

Ladies, if you have a man that loves sports, it's not a problem. In fact, you definitely have the problem. Understand the game and get involved. If you expect him to escort you to dinners and a movie, escort him to a live football game or other sports event. You can't even begin to understand the enthusiasm he'll have with you afterwards... hmmm? Well unless his team loses.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Helen Snyder at helensny@hotmail.com



Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

Mark Messier Career Highlights

“Putting On The Foil” with Frank Ingiosi


“Remembering ‘The Moose’”


If time has taught me anything it’s that one must move forward and not dwell on the events of the past. To do that would not only make one bitter and cynical, but also result in your neglect of the present. It is with a clear conscience that I now pay tribute to a man who, at the height of his career, made a habit of breaking the hearts of Philadelphia hockey fans. Known as simply “The Captain”, Mark Messier ranks up with the greats of the game statistically, but surpasses all inspirationally.

In 25 NHL seasons Messier, drafted 48th overall in 1979 by Edmonton, changed the traditional ‘tough-guy’ role in the NHL. In doing so, Messier amassed 1,887 points (694 goals, 1193 assists), good for second all-time in league history behind only former teammate, and legend, Wayne Gretzky. Together, Messier and Gretzky lead the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup titles in the 1980’s, two of which were over the Philadelphia Flyers (1985, 1987). Following Gretzky’s departure after the 1987-88 season, Messier would go on to lead the Oilers to one more Cup title in 1990 over Boston, the franchise’s last NHL championship.

Despite his statistical prowess Messier quickly became known more for his leadership abilities than his scoring. This was evidenced when, upon being traded to the New York Rangers before the 1991-92 NHL season, Messier was made captain of the club three days after his first game. He would go on to serve as captain of the Rangers, despite the addition of Wayne Gretzky (who served as an associate captain) until 1997 when he opted for free agency and left the club for a brief stint with the Vancouver Canucks.

After three largely uneventful seasons with Vancouver (where he again served as captain) Messier returned to the ‘Big Apple.’ The final game of his NHL career came, fittingly, at Madison Square Garden against Buffalo where Messier recorded what would be his last professional goal. Messier ended up playing his final four seasons for the Rangers before announcing his retirement at a press conference earlier this week.

So why laud a man who has, time and time again, dashed the hopes of Flyers fans for over two decades? Why celebrate the career of an athlete who’s most memorable years came at the expense of, and in direct competition with, Philadelphia? We do this because, frankly, Messier deserves it. Love him or hate him it is hard to make an argument against what Mark Messier has meant to the teams he lead during his career. He was the consummate, gritty professional hockey player with superior talent only surpassed by his will to win.


One can only wonder what the hockey landscape would have been like in the “City of Brotherly Love” had a player like Messier (who was, at one time, rumored to be headed here instead of New York) called our city home. Would there have ever been an “Eric Lindros Era”? If so, would the combination of Lindros’ raw skill and Messier’s leadership been able to bring home a Cup for Philadelphia…more appropriately, how many? Obviously these questions are just meant to intrigue…and torture…my fellow Flyers’ fans.

Regardless of the feelings evoked when one thinks of the career path of Mark Messier a true hockey fan will recognize his greatness and rightful place in the history of the game.




If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Frank Ingiosi at fingiosi@hotmail.com


Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

New York Islanders season preview

“Putting On the Foil” with Frank Ingiosi


2005-2006 NHL Atlantic Division Preview:
“The Battle For Second Place, Part III”


“There are two ‘New York’ hockey teams, you say?”

At one point in time the New York Islanders were at the center of the NHL universe. Lead by ‘Hall of Famers’ Denis Potvin, Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier and Clark Gillies, the Isles’ won four consecutive Stanley Cup titles from 1980-1983. The first of said titles was won on a controversial overtime goal scored by Bob Nystrom against, you guessed it, the Philadelphia Flyers (I still say he was off-sides.)

However, since their dominance of the early 1980’s the Islanders have fallen off the NHL radar. While the franchise experienced moments of success since their final Cup title in 1983 for the most part the organization found itself struggling for big wins. And even when the club looked poised to make the occasional run they were often times overshadowed by the ‘Blueshirts’ on the larger island. It seemed that even when the Rangers were faltering they still overshadowed the beleaguered Isles’.

Yet, this year could signal the change of the guard in New York hockey. Yes, this appears to be the season where the boys out on Long Island overtake their Manhattan counterparts and become the ‘greatest show on ice’ in the biggest market in the world. Indeed NOW IS THE TIME FOR THE ISLES’! THE DAYS OF THE RANGERS ARE NO MORE! THE BACK PAGE OF THE ‘POST’ IS NOW “ISLANDER COUNTRY” AND NOTHING THE RANGERS CAN DO WILL CHANGE THAT!

…Right?

Let’s be honest, the Rangers could decide to play the entire season barefoot with field hockey sticks and they would still get more coverage than the Isles’. As amusing as that scenario would be, it still is a major slight to a franchise with four Cup titles. While this season promises more of the same disregard for the Isles’ the club will be, at least in my opinion, the better of the two New York ‘island teams.’

‘Who To Watch’

The Isles’ enter the 2005-2006 NHL season with plenty of offensive ‘fire-power’ up front. The addition of Miroslav Satan will complement the scoring prowess of Alexei Yashin and Mark Parrish. Further, the emergence of Jason Blake over the past few seasons as a legitimate NHL scoring threat gives second-year head coach Steve Stirling at least four viable offensive options.


‘The Lowdown’

Depending on how quickly this club gels the Isles’ could surprise us all and make a nice run in the Atlantic Division. They certainly have the personnel to compete with any club in the Eastern Conference. The key to the Islanders’ success this season will be the development of the goaltender position- specifically Rick DiPietro. This is his season to shine or else he may need to hire a good real estate agent to find shelter elsewhere next season.
Most likely the Isles’ will need to play together at least one season to get to the point where they are a legitimate threat to win the division crown. As the past has shown us, throwing talent together haphazardly does not always equal dominance (see, Rangers, New York). Unfortunately, time does not appear to be a luxury the Isles’ can afford in 2005-2006. Although they will likely finish with a better record, the isles’ can look forward to another season as the forgotten sons of the NYC hockey world.


“The Isle’s At A Glance” :

When We Last Left Them:

2003-2004: 38 wins, 29 losses, 11 ties, 4 OT losses, 91 pts.
* Third Place in the Atlantic Division
* Eighth Place in the Eastern Conference
* Eliminated in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals by Tampa Bay in five games


Key New York Islanders Offseason Additions:
Brad Lukowich, D: 2-time Cup winner (Dallas- 1999, Tampa Bay- 2004)
Alexi Zhitnik, D: 4 goals, 24 assists in 68 games (2003-2004)
Miroslav Satan, RW: 29 goals, 28 assists, -15 in 2003-2004
Mike York, LW: 16 goals, 26 assists in 61 games (2003-2004)


Key New York Islanders Offseason Losses:
Adrian Aucoin, D: Selected to first NHL All-Star team in 2003-2004
Eric Cairns, D: 189 PIM in 2003-2004 (most by any defenseman)
Roman Hamerlik, D: + 21 in 2003-2004
Michael Peca, C: former two-time Selke Trophy winner (top defensive forward)
Kenny Jonsson, D: decided to finish his career in his native Sweden
Mariusz Czerkawski, RW: 25 goals, 24 assists in 81 games in 2003-2004






Final Observations:

* The Isles’ offense gets a huge boost with the addition of scoring threat, and owner of the creepiest hockey name in history, Miroslav Satan. Couple the touch of Satan with the oft-disgruntled, “Terrell Owens of Ottawa”, Alexi Yashin, and the Isles’ have a powerful ‘one-two’ punch. Add in the likes of the recently re-signed Mark Parrish and new addition Mike York (acquired in a trade for Michael Peca) and this club may surprise some teams.

** This will be the season that determines whether Rick DiPietro was worthy of the number one selection in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. In 2003-2004 the American-born goaltender finished with a record of 23 wins, 18 losses, 5 ties and posted a 2.36 goals against average (22nd among active net-minders.) With former-Flyer, and master of the over-sized pads, Garth Snow in the waiting DiPietro needs to solidify his place among the solid young goaltenders in the league.

2005-2006 Predictions:
* Fourth place in the Atlantic Division
* Will not qualify for the NHL playoffs

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Frank Ingiosi at fingiosi@hotmail.com


Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

New York Islanders season preview

“Putting On the Foil” with Frank Ingiosi


2005-2006 NHL Atlantic Division Preview:
“The Battle For Second Place, Part III”


“There are two ‘New York’ hockey teams, you say?”

At one point in time the New York Islanders were at the center of the NHL universe. Lead by ‘Hall of Famers’ Denis Potvin, Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier and Clark Gillies, the Isles’ won four consecutive Stanley Cup titles from 1980-1983. The first of said titles was won on a controversial overtime goal scored by Bob Nystrom against, you guessed it, the Philadelphia Flyers (I still say he was off-sides.)

However, since their dominance of the early 1980’s the Islanders have fallen off the NHL radar. While the franchise experienced moments of success since their final Cup title in 1983 for the most part the organization found itself struggling for big wins. And even when the club looked poised to make the occasional run they were often times overshadowed by the ‘Blueshirts’ on the larger island. It seemed that even when the Rangers were faltering they still overshadowed the beleaguered Isles’.

Yet, this year could signal the change of the guard in New York hockey. Yes, this appears to be the season where the boys out on Long Island overtake their Manhattan counterparts and become the ‘greatest show on ice’ in the biggest market in the world. Indeed NOW IS THE TIME FOR THE ISLES’! THE DAYS OF THE RANGERS ARE NO MORE! THE BACK PAGE OF THE ‘POST’ IS NOW “ISLANDER COUNTRY” AND NOTHING THE RANGERS CAN DO WILL CHANGE THAT!

…Right?

Let’s be honest, the Rangers could decide to play the entire season barefoot with field hockey sticks and they would still get more coverage than the Isles’. As amusing as that scenario would be, it still is a major slight to a franchise with four Cup titles. While this season promises more of the same disregard for the Isles’ the club will be, at least in my opinion, the better of the two New York ‘island teams.’

‘Who To Watch’

The Isles’ enter the 2005-2006 NHL season with plenty of offensive ‘fire-power’ up front. The addition of Miroslav Satan will complement the scoring prowess of Alexei Yashin and Mark Parrish. Further, the emergence of Jason Blake over the past few seasons as a legitimate NHL scoring threat gives second-year head coach Steve Stirling at least four viable offensive options.


‘The Lowdown’

Depending on how quickly this club gels the Isles’ could surprise us all and make a nice run in the Atlantic Division. They certainly have the personnel to compete with any club in the Eastern Conference. The key to the Islanders’ success this season will be the development of the goaltender position- specifically Rick DiPietro. This is his season to shine or else he may need to hire a good real estate agent to find shelter elsewhere next season.
Most likely the Isles’ will need to play together at least one season to get to the point where they are a legitimate threat to win the division crown. As the past has shown us, throwing talent together haphazardly does not always equal dominance (see, Rangers, New York). Unfortunately, time does not appear to be a luxury the Isles’ can afford in 2005-2006. Although they will likely finish with a better record, the isles’ can look forward to another season as the forgotten sons of the NYC hockey world.


“The Isle’s At A Glance” :

When We Last Left Them:

2003-2004: 38 wins, 29 losses, 11 ties, 4 OT losses, 91 pts.
* Third Place in the Atlantic Division
* Eighth Place in the Eastern Conference
* Eliminated in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals by Tampa Bay in five games


Key New York Islanders Offseason Additions:
Brad Lukowich, D: 2-time Cup winner (Dallas- 1999, Tampa Bay- 2004)
Alexi Zhitnik, D: 4 goals, 24 assists in 68 games (2003-2004)
Miroslav Satan, RW: 29 goals, 28 assists, -15 in 2003-2004
Mike York, LW: 16 goals, 26 assists in 61 games (2003-2004)


Key New York Islanders Offseason Losses:
Adrian Aucoin, D: Selected to first NHL All-Star team in 2003-2004
Eric Cairns, D: 189 PIM in 2003-2004 (most by any defenseman)
Roman Hamerlik, D: + 21 in 2003-2004
Michael Peca, C: former two-time Selke Trophy winner (top defensive forward)
Kenny Jonsson, D: decided to finish his career in his native Sweden
Mariusz Czerkawski, RW: 25 goals, 24 assists in 81 games in 2003-2004






Final Observations:

* The Isles’ offense gets a huge boost with the addition of scoring threat, and owner of the creepiest hockey name in history, Miroslav Satan. Couple the touch of Satan with the oft-disgruntled, “Terrell Owens of Ottawa”, Alexi Yashin, and the Isles’ have a powerful ‘one-two’ punch. Add in the likes of the recently re-signed Mark Parrish and new addition Mike York (acquired in a trade for Michael Peca) and this club may surprise some teams.

** This will be the season that determines whether Rick DiPietro was worthy of the number one selection in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. In 2003-2004 the American-born goaltender finished with a record of 23 wins, 18 losses, 5 ties and posted a 2.36 goals against average (22nd among active net-minders.) With former-Flyer, and master of the over-sized pads, Garth Snow in the waiting DiPietro needs to solidify his place among the solid young goaltenders in the league.

2005-2006 Predictions:
* Fourth place in the Atlantic Division
* Will not qualify for the NHL playoffsIf you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keithfmt3@hotmail.com



Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

New York Rangers season preview

“Putting On the Foil” with Frank Ingiosi

2005-2006 NHL Atlantic Division Preview:
“The Battle For Second Place, Part IV”

“Start Spreading The News…The Rangers Suck!”

Alright, now I try my hardest to report things as I see them. My personal goal is to appear objective as possible in the process. In most cases it is quite easy. I mean, look at my analysis of the Devils’, personally the team I detest most in all of professional sports. Outside of the sheer joy of seeing them lose their defensive core, and in the process their identity, I thought it was a rather safe and informative piece. Alright, that was my last shot. Pure objectivity is the name of the game now.

Apparently the key to “objectivity” is removing all personal animosity and/or favoritism from your writing and simply use that wonderful brain of yours to analyze the subject matter you’re covering. Well, unfortunately for you few Ranger fans out there that may actually read this piece, my analysis of your club fits very nicely into the definition of “objective” listed above.

To say that the Atlantic Division’s sole member of the “Original Six” has been mismanaged into disarray may actually be an understatement. Yes, the Washington Redskins of the NHL threw money around prior to the lockout and assembled an array of once-talented superstars that were destined for greatness and at the time nearly guaranteed to fail.

This season, the Rangers will feature a lineup that returns, as of writing, 6
returning players from their 2003-2004 campaign, including Jaromir “I Just Want To Be Loved, Is That So Wrong?” Jagr (yes, as a member of the Caps’ he actually attributed a statistical downswing to his breakup) and ‘feisty’ defenseman Darius Kasparaitis (don’t like feisty? I could’ve just said ‘dirty.’ Objective.) These are the players the ‘Blueshirts’ will build/re-build/re-re-build their franchise around.

Where have you gone, Mark Messier?


‘Who To Watch’:

Probably the most interesting situation is in net for the ‘Blueshirts.’ The Rangers brought in veteran Kevin Weekes and his career 2.86 goals against average to New York. However one must imagine that Weekes is merely a space filler for either of the young goaltenders the organization will undoubtedly go to at some point this season. Former draft picks Henrik Lundqvist (33 wins, 8 losses, 3 ties for Frolunda-Sweden last season) and Al Montoya (30 wins, 7 losses, 3 ties for the University of Michigan last season) will vie for the backup role. The winner of that competition will probably take over the mantle of starter at some point this season.

On the offensive side of the ice the Rangers have three bona-fide scorers that could contribute right now for the club. At least at one time in their respective careers were they scoring threats. The aforementioned Jagr enters his sixteenth NHL season with a role he had once before and really did not flourish- leader. Jagr, while being expected to put up numbers comparable to those that made him a superstar, will also be expected to help with the maturation process for the young talent the Rangers place around him. Maybe Jagr will surprise us all and take his role as a leader seriously this time around (not so much in Pittsburgh) and the New York youth movement will pay dividends earlier than expected.

The Rangers also added Steve Rucchin (153 goals, 279 assists in 10 seasons with Anaheim) and the enigmatic Martin Straka. Straka has shown flashes of brilliance in his 12 year NHL career yet his most consistent years may be behind him. The speedy, and frequently injured, center has not played more than 60 games in one season since 2000-2001, and his goal production has obviously dropped off accordingly.

‘The Lowdown’:

Honestly, if the Rangers finish anywhere but the basement in the Atlantic Division I, personally, will be shocked. Not the type of shock one gets from seeing a celebrity in public or winning the lottery. No, see, those things happen every day to someone.

I’m talking the type of shock one experiences if dogs everywhere were to start walking on their hind legs and, thanks to years of studying our every move, exploit the weaknesses of humans, becomes our new lords and masters in the process. We are forced to serve to the whims of the dogs and, in a cruel twist of irony, become the pets while they seamlessly take over our daily lives. Imagine dogs as lawyers, teachers and firemen. All the while we are forced to amuse them by chasing a ball- even though we know they didn’t really throw it- or yelling at dog-driven cars as they pass by the window, and things of that nature. All of this because the Rangers finished fourth.

Yep…that kind of shocked.


“The Rangers At A Glance”:


When We Last Left Them:
2003-2004: 27 wins, 40 losses, 7 ties, 8 OT losses, 69 pts.
* 4th in the Atlantic Division
*13th in the Eastern Conference
* Have not qualified for playoffs since 1997
Offseason Additions:

Steve Rucchin, C: 20 goals, 23 assists in 2003-2004 with Anaheim
Martin Straka, C: 30 goal potential…when healthy
Martin Rucinsky, LW: Journeyman winger who’s best days appear to be behind him
Michael Nylander, C: Oft-traveled center’s best season was 2000-2001
Kevin Weekes, G: 78 wins, 136 losses, 33 ties in his 9-season NHL career


Biggest Offseason Losses:

Mark Messier: One of the greatest captains of all time hangs up the skates after a
quarter-century
Bobby Holik, C: 2-time Cup winner takes his 642 career points to Atlanta
Eric Lindros, C: “Destination: Toronto…Fragile, Handle With Care”


Final Observations:

* Hopefully Kevin Weekes can hold down the fort long enough for Montoya or Lundqvist to take cover…wait…I meant ‘take over’!

** It will be interesting to see whether Jagr can lead a team at this point in his career. His time at the helm leading the Pens’ during Mario Lemieux’s partial-retirement did not go as well as expected. However, Jaromir is a seasoned veteran, and the organization does have a small mint invested in him. Maybe this is the season the maturity catches up with the talent?

*** C’mon…at least one of the new young guys has to emerge as a solid NHL-er, right? I mean, if you bring enough of them in you’re bound to hit on one of them, yes? Time will tell I suppose.


2005-2005 Prediction:
* 5th Place in the Atlantic Division
* 14th Place in the Eastern Conference (sorry, Washington, you’re slated for 15th)
* Another early tee-time for the ‘Blueshirts’ as they miss the playoffs for the 8th consecutive season





If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Frank Ingiosi at fingiosi@hotmail.com



Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

NHL Northeast preview

THE SMOKING PUCK!

September 13, 2005
By Rev. Sully

A Nor’easter This Way Comes!
aka Breaking Down the Northeast Division


The Northeast Division is where the Boston Bruins call home and it is one of the fiercest divisions in NHL Hockey. This is showcased by the fact that 4 out of the 5 Northeast Division teams made the 2003-2004 playoffs with Buffalo missing by six season standings points over the stretch (the NYI got the “8 Spot” with 91 points). It used to be called the Adams Division in the Prince of Wales Conference way back in the “Classic NHL” and bitter foe Montreal became the Bruins division rival in 1981-82. The Northeast Division contains three of the “Canadian Six” teams with Edmonton, Calgary & Vancouver residing in the Western Conference. Buffalo is so close to Canada you can throw stuff at it. All five of the NE Division teams are true “Hockey Burgs” and each team plays their rivals hard, regardless of talent level or place in the standings.

Pay attention. The Bruins face off against these teams eight times this season. Four home, four away. Welcome to the Division Rival Schedule format.

Who will give the Bruins the most intra-divisional trouble this season? Toronto. On paper, the Maple Leafs are as enhanced as the Bruins for the New Ice Order. Depth in goal, consistent on defense and improved on forward, the Maple Leafs found that elusive “It” that the Bruins lack. That “It” has to be a well-rounded team. The B’s have lots of “It” on forwards but still lack “it” in a “No. 1” goaltender. Toronto, an Original Six team and longtime Bruins opponent, recently came over to the Eastern Conference, Northeast Division in the 1998-99 Season. Before that, the Leafs inhabited the Western Conference, Central Division with Detroit and Chicago as Division rivals (nee the Campbell Conference, Norris Division...perhaps the toughest NHL division ever having also featuring the Minnesota North Stars & St. Louis Blues). Eddie “the Eagle” Belfour is still Toronto’s starting goalie with former Penguin No. 1, J.S. Aubin as backup. Mats Sundin, Jason Allison, Eric Lindros, Darcy Tucker, Marius Czerkawski, Jeff O’Neill and even Tie Domi’s toughness added with a sharp defense of Aki Berg, Brian McCabe, Ken Klee and Tomas Kaberle make the Maple Leafs far from “Make Believes”.

Elsewhere in the Northeast, from the national Capitol of Canada the Ottawa Senators are another real threat. Unless starting goalie Dominik Hasek goes down with injury as he’s been oft to do in the course of the regular season. However Ottawa’s defense and forwards are solid. On Defense, Chris Phillips, Wade Redden and 6’-9” Zdeno Chara with a strong forward corps featuring Jason Spezza, captain Daniel Alfredsson and the recently acquired Dany Heatley. Ottawa has been a very strong team in the past few seasons and have finally become a true hockey force. Goalie is their only suspect area but with the new rules for a better offensive game, will a Superior goalie still matter? Only time will tell but I digress...

The Buffalo Sabres signed Free Agents defensemen Teppo Numminen and fellow Finnish countryman Toni Lydman and have been pretty inactive in the “NHL Free Agent Rodeo” besides these two acquisitions. The Sabres retained goalie Martin Biron and even have a Finnish goalie waiting in the (dare I say “Buffalo”) wings with #35 Mika Noronen as a backup. Overall threat Level: Minimum but they will still show up for most games.

Et finalment, le Bleu, Blanc et Rouge. Les Habitants de Montreal. The Montreal Canadians have kept their team very intact. Keeping No. 1 goalie Jose Theodore and 2003-04 Rookie of the Year runner-up forward Michael Ryder. Take account of Saku Koivu, Radek Bonk, Alexei Kovalev, and the developing Mike Ribeiro up top on the attack with a respectable defense, “Les Habs” will be hardnosed against the Bruins as it should be. Remember: The Canadians knocked the 1st Place in the NE Division Bruins out in the first round of the Playoffs in a Game 7 the last time the NHL had playoffs.

It won’t be too hard to read how the NE Division might pan out...unless the Bruins come up with a bona fide starting goaltender look for Toronto and perhaps Ottawa to be the main forces early in the season. Also, the new offensive rules (no Red Line, Tag Up) and bigger offensive zones will matter greatly so we can’t know until the Puck is dropped who will be the Beast of the Northeast. It’s really going to be a different game of Hockey coming up this NHL Season and I look forward to being an active fan again. Any game against these teams, and there will be plenty seeing over half the home games are against the division rivals, will entertain and show a great side of hockey neglected in the past decade. Seeing a team for the 6th, 7th & 8th time in a season makes for better drama and intensity. There might even be some heavy grudges coming soon.

Rev. Sully

Come visit Channel Ocho

by Rev. Sully Rev. Sully’s second favorite activity after watching Hockey is eating Ribs. Thankfully, both can be done at the same time. Copious amounts of beer drinking is associated with either activity.

Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

New Jersey Devils 2005 - 2006 season preview

“Putting On the Foil” with Frank Ingiosi


2005-2006 NHL Atlantic Division Preview:
“The Battle For Second Place, Part II”


“Sympathy for the Devils?”

No preview of the NHL’s Atlantic Division would be complete without a trip up the New Jersey turnpike to visit with the perennial Stanley Cup favorite Devils. However, not all is right in the ‘Meadowlands’ this season. The losses of key personnel coupled with NHL rule changes enacted this season may affect this club more than any other.

The traditionally defense-minded Devils won three Cup titles during the past 10 NHL seasons by utilizing a grinding, congestive style of defense appropriately known as
the “Trap.” However, that strategy will likely change thanks in part to the NHL removing the red line from the center ice area allowing for more offensive movement through the neutral zone.

Alright, so maybe the “Trap” does not fit in the ‘new’ NHL, but the Devils always have a solid defensive core and are backed by one of the best goaltenders, if not the best in the league. Well...at one time. The losses of Scott Stevens and Scott Neidermayer have now opened up the Devils’ defensive end of the ice and threatens to subject Martin Brodeur to a more intimate involvement with opposing offenses.

No “Trap”? A depleted defense? This could get interesting.

‘Who To Watch’:

The Devils have never been forced to rely on offense to win games during their previous years of Atlantic Division dominance. Winning close games became the trademark of the three-time champs. Those days are likely gone as the Devils enter 2005-2006 following the losses of star defensemen 2003-2004 Norris Trophy winner (for top NHL defenseman) Scott Neidermayer, and gritty captain Scott Stevens, as well as their beloved “Trap” defense.

To make up for their off-season losses, the Devils added the physical Richard Matvichuk from Dallas as well as former Flyers Dan McGillis (5 goals, 23 assists, 28 pts., - 1, with Boston in 2003-2004) and the ageless Vladimir Malakhov (337 pts. and + 57 for his career.) While each has had limited success in their careers arguably none will be able to adequately fill the huge vacancies left by New Jersey’s departing ‘blue-liners.’

Perhaps the person who will feel the greatest impact of the Devils’ losses in personnel is ‘all-world’ goaltender Martin Brodeur who, for the first time in his already ‘Hall-worthy’ NHL career, will not have the luxury of either Stevens or Neidermayer in front of him. Additionally, head coach Larry Robinson- making his return to the Devils’ bench following Pat Burns’ retirement- will have to substantially alter his coaching philosophy if the club is forced into a more offensive scheme. Robinson, an NHL Hall of Fame defenseman, won a Stanley Cup as Devils’ coach in 2000 employing a tight-checking defensive style which is not conducive to the new NHL “more goals = more viewers” philosophy.

On the offensive end, the Devils’ will look to the trio of Patrik Elias, Alexander Mogilny and Scott Gomez to carry the load. Elias is the acknowledged leader of the Devils offense, leading his team and finishing sixth in the NHL in points in 2003-2004 (38 goals, 43 assists, 81 pts.). Gomez has been a steady contributor throughout his career, and Mogilny, 37, looks to have one last, solid run as his career winds down. The Devils do tend to spread the wealth with 19 roster players reaching double-digits in points in 2003-2004. But without its usual, solid defense the offensive role players, so integral to the Devils’ past success, will be forced to pay more attention to protecting Brodeur.

‘The Lowdown’:

In the interest of objective journalism I will say, for the record, that it appears that the Devils will struggle this season primarily due to their huge losses on defense and traditionally minimalist offensive philosophy. BUT, as a Philadelphia sports writer I have to admit that it is difficult to conceal the smirk that appears each time the Devils lose another All-Star.

It will be interesting to see what pieces the Devils add as training camp opens next week. While the free agent market looks to be all put picked-clean at this point it would still be surprising to see the Devils go into the regular season with the roster they have now. Look for the club to seek out another offensive role player to complement the speed they have in Elias and Gomez. What is certain is that regardless of the talent the Devils put on the ice the toughness and intensity they have played with for over a decade now will be lacking.

“The Devils At A Glance”:

When We Last Left Them…

2003-2004: 43 wins, 25 losses, 12 ties, 2 OT losses, 100 pts.
* Second Place in the Atlantic Division
* Sixth Place in the Eastern Conference
* Eliminated in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals by the Flyers in five games






Offseason Additions:

Vladimir Malakhov, D: 37, career +57, has not played a full season since ’01-02
Dan McGillis, D: 33, 5 G 23 A, -1 in 2003-2004; tough defenseman with a strong shot
Alexander Mogilny, RW: 36, former superstar enters his twilight of his career, and his
second stint with the Devils

Biggest Offseason Losses:

Scott Stevens, D: Captain on all 3 Cup teams; all-around goon
Scott Niedermayer, D: 2003-04 Norris Trophy Winner; 14 G 40 A, +20 in 2003-04 (2nd
in points by a defenseman to Sergei Gonchar)
Pat Burns, Head Coach: The Cup winning coach was diagnosed in July 2005 with
cancer for the second time in less than a year forcing his retirement.


Final Observations:

* “HOLY VOIDS, BATMAN!” I do not know if it was possible for the Devils to replace the likes of free agent Niedermayer (Anaheim) or the recently retired Stevens. What I am sure of though is that Stevens’ kids should keep their heads up when coming across the middle in the “Father/Son” games as retirement will take some time to pacify the nasty former defenseman.


** Can the “greatest goalie in the world” (aka Brodeur) single-handedly lead the Devils back to Atlantic Division prominence? If his performance in the 2003-2004 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Flyers (1-4, 13 goals against for a 2.62 GAA- the third highest in his playoff career) is any indicator this could be the ugly season the Devils never prepared for.


*** Offense, anyone? The top 3 offensive threats for the Devils last year? Patrik Elias (38 goals, 43 assists, 81 pts.), Scott Gomez (14 goals, 56 assists, 70 pts.), and finally Scott Neidermayer (14 goals, 40 assists, 54 pts.). Subtract Neidermayer from that group and the next leading scorer is Jeff Friesen with a paltry 17 goals, 20 assists for 37 points.


**** R.I.P. “The Trap” 1995-2004. Part of the “New NHL” was the much-hyped subtraction of the ‘redline’, which partitioned the “neutral zone” (area comprising the center of the ice). The primary function of the redline was to prevent the illegal ‘two line pass’ and discourage players from
hanging in the neutral zone “cherrypicking” (yeah, I broke out a term from 6th grade there, so what?)
Ø In theory, a more open neutral zone should eliminate the mind-numbingly boring “Trap” defense made famous by the Devils by opening up the middle of the ice to longer, “home-run” style break-away passes.


2005-2006 Prediction:
* 3rd Place in the Atlantic Division
* 7th Place in the Eastern Conference
* Eliminated in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals


If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keithfmt3@hotmail.com



Return to www.phillykeith.com for more great sports coverage

NHL signs with XM Radio to the tune of $100 million dollar

The NHL is coming back in a big way with commish Gary Bettman leading the charge. A few weeks ago the NHL secured a TV deal with Comcast and today they signed a 10 year, $100 million dollar deal with the upstart internet radio service XM radio. Starting October 5th, the NHL will be accessable in over 20 million homes on any given night.

XM currently has 4.4 million subscribers with that number sure to rise in the next few years. The deal includes XM Radio to be the exclusive broadcast partner starting in 2007. Over 1,000 games will be covered including the All Star Game and Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This is a great move for the "new" NHL. With all the rule changes and now unlimited exposure fans old and new will be tuning in which will help restore the glory of this great sport.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keithfmt3@hotmail.com



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Philly Fans are the toughest

Wishing Lindros Well

Philadelphia is the city that holds grudges. Scott Rolen will be showered with boos in until he retires. Ask an Eagles fan how they feel about Norman Braman. When you don’t win a championship for twenty-two years it has to be someone’s fault. Flyers fans like to place a large portion of the blame on Eric Lindros. Lindros, who was fifty percent glass and fifty percent brilliant, had a quick falling out with the Flyers faithful. A Hart Trophy acceptance speech after the 1997 season had the entire city in his corner, but by the time Scott Stevens flattened him in the Eastern Conference Final a few years later the fans were ready to be rid of him. The feud with Bob Clarke, his agent father, and the emergence of Peter Forsberg solidified Lindros’ legacy in Philadelphia. He didn’t get the job done, and for the die-hards he wasn’t tough enough. He wasn’t Philly. His fate was sealed.
Lindros is now on his second team since leaving the Flyers. He signed with little fanfare, and for a bargain price with his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. For their part Leaf fans don’t seem thrilled to have him. Thirty-two and injury prone isn’t the type of player the rabid Toronto fans had in mind after the year long lockout caused a free agent smorgasbord. The kind of player they end up getting will remain to be seen. Over 800 points in 678 career games say that Lindros is one of the most productive players of his generation, but this is only when he sees the ice. In New York he averaged just 28 goals in his two full seasons, and many people have forgotten how great he once was.
It is more difficult than ever to find a Flyers fan that will acknowledge that Lindros was a superstar when he broke into the league. For the generation of fans who didn’t see the Cup winning teams Lindros was the one player who, when on the ice, always gave hope that something great could happen. Lindros helped build the Wachovia Center. He put people in the seats. They wore his jersey, and they cheered for him. Now they boo him, if for no other reason than that is what Philly fans do. He isn’t the player he used to be, and his Ranger teams were no threat, but still the fans spit venom.
The Flyers will start a new era when training camp opens next week. The fans have proven to be forgiving. The lockout was forgotten about with the signing of Peter Forsberg, the first player since Lindros who will allow the supporters to dream. So big was the buzz that the city was alive with Flyers talk and it was the middle of the summer. It didn’t matter that there was a season lost, it only mattered that the hometown team was suddenly Cup favorites. The fans want a winner, and if the Flyers deliver this year maybe it will get everyone off the hook. Mitch Williams could be forgiven. But even if the Flyers come up short this year it is time to let Lindros be. The Maple Leafs do not look like a team to be concerned about in the Eastern Conference, and if Lindros can make it through seventy games it would be considered a good season. Let Lindros be healthy this year, and let him show flashes of the young and fearless center that made the likes of Brent Fedyk seem like a talent. Most of all let Flyers fans watch Lindros not with hate, but with a touch of nostalgia. Lindros was the superstar of the championship team that never was. When watching the Flyers storm through the East this year take the time to cast an eye towards Toronto, and don’t be afraid to crack a smile if you see a player that looks a little like Eric Lindros.



If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Michael Gross at mggross@gmail.com



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Camp Pendelton brings in Boxing to Salute America's Heroes

Camp Pendleton, CA. – On the 9th of August the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Northeast Promotions graciously presented an exciting eight bout card for the Marine troops of Camp Pendleton. This event was dubbed as a “Salute to America’s Heroes” and was offered as tribute to all the brave men and women in uniform. The idea to put on the fight for the troops came from Sycuan Ringside promotions president and Sycuan tribal treasurer Glen Quiroga. He was inspired to promote the event by a friend’s imminent departure to Iraq. Quiroga said, “I want to bring some entertainment to the troops and their families in hopes of taking their minds off the war for a few hours.” This event marked the first time that a professional boxing card had ever been held at Camp Pendleton. Sycuan gave all of the tickets to this unique event to only authorized personnel of which an estimated 7,395 turned out to take in the action. In addition, ESPN carried the event to a live national audience. The matches took place on a rarely seen outdoor ring before a giant downward draping American flag that floated biliously in the soft early evening breeze.

The card featured as its main event a bout between the former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio “Kid” Diaz against Russell Jones and in the Semi main event Ricardo Dominguez against Rafael Ortiz. In addition to the main events of the evening the card featured a couple of highly interesting and entertaining bouts. Eric “Butter Bean” Esch, "King of 4 Rounders" the former tough man fighter turned professional boxer and an amateur bout pitting the USMC’s own Unir Perez against Christopher Navarro of the United States Navy.

The Main EventDiaz vs. Jones"Salute to America's Heroes", main event featured Julio "The Kid" Diaz 32-3, 24 KOs of Coachella, CA. fighting against Russell Jones of Denver CO., 15-12, 10 KOs. In order to challenge for the World Boxing Council Title, Diaz, the former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion, voluntarily relinquished his IBF title. Diaz, however, came up short in his initial pursuit of the WBC title losing to the more experienced boxer and current WBC champion Jose Luis Castillo. Diaz may have been beaten in the ring, but was anything but beaten in spirit, chalking the loss up to a learning experience and a confidence builder and vowing to fight on in his pursuit of the WBC title. His opponent, Russell Jones, originally from Ghana had not lost a fight since 2000. As the opening action begin the two fighters moved around the ring swapping punches taking measure of each other. Diaz, found his form fast and sized the situation up quickly dropping Jones just a 1.59 into the 1st round with a savage left blast. Jones reeling from the hit dropped to his knees in the corner and steadied himself against the ropes and began to paw with his glove at his right eye where Diaz's punch had found its mark. Jones seemed alarmed if not completely panicked by the sudden turn of events, but avoided a ten count and seemingly regained his composure. He rose to his feet only to immediately kneel before the referee again pawing at his eye with a "deer in the headlights", look upon his frightened face that screamed, "No mas." At this point the referee called the fight and Jones pained expression changed suddenly into one of relief. Triumphant, Diaz found himself hoisted onto the shoulders of his handlers and paraded around the ring before the cheering crowd. Meanwhile, Jones looked on with a relived smile playing about his mouth as if he had just been given a last minute pardon from the gallows pole.

Semi-Main EventDominguez vs. OrtizThe semi-main event pitted lightweight Richard Dominguez of Culiacan, Mexico 15-1-2, 9 KOs and Rafael Ortiz of Lebanon, Oregon 11-7-1, 11 KOs against one another in a scheduled eight round bout. This fight was easily the most exciting of the night with each boxer putting forth a marvelous showing. Dominguez dominated the action early delivering several vicious uppercuts. Ortiz, however, held steady and by the fourth round begin to make a move against Dominguez. Pushing in with good combinations and solid hooks to the body he was able to control the action more effectively. The six round was Ortiz’s best yet. He cut Dominguez’s eye and continued to pound away with heavy blows staggering Dominguez and coming within an eyelash of dropping him to the mat. The fighting continued with a back and forth give and take from both fighters each holding his own until the eighth and final round where they stood toe to toe trading punches to the end. There were no knockdowns or knockouts in this bout and the outcome was left in the hands of the judges. The judges gave Dominguez a unanimous decision scoring the bout 77-55, 77-75 and 78-74 all in Dominguez’s favor.



Other Fights on the card

In the heavyweight division Eric “Butter Bean” of Jasper, AL. 71-4-4, 53 KOs took on Rick Zufall of Spencer, IN. 6-6, 5 KOs. The first couple of rounds were slow going with Zufall staying pretty much as far away from Butterbean as he possibly could without get booed out of the ring. With the crowd screaming for the boxers to fight and for Butterbean in particular to “knock him out”, the action picked up in the third with Butterbean moving in for the kill and knocking out Zufall. The crowd went wild with shouts of “Butterbean, Butterbean, Butterbean”, echoing in the early evening night as he made his way through the crowd. Zufall was later seen coming out of the concession line, double fisting a couple of beers and shaking his head saying, “ Man, that guy hits hard…I’m just a club fighter.”

The super lightweight division featured a bout between Felipe Capana of Tijuana, Mexico 2-1-1, 1 KO fighting against Rafael Ortiz of Merida, Mexico 8-9-1, 6 KOs. This fight ended in a Split decision draw.

In an amateur exhibition Yuni Perez of the USMC took on Christopher Navarro of the United States Navy. Perez controlled the bout throughout pounding Nararro relentlessly to the delight of Marine proud crowd. The fight went to the judges who easily scored the fight for Perez bringing out the loudest cheer of the night from the audience.
The final bout of the night featured a women’s super flyweight four round fight between Heather Donoho 2-0, 0 KOs battling against Mirasol Miranda 2-4, 0 KOs. This was a hard fought battle throughout which ultimately went to the judges. The judges scored the bout in favor of Donoho by a score of 59-55.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Dan Yoke at dan@phillykeith.com



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Pittsburgh Penguins preview 2005-2006 season

“Putting On the Foil” with Frank Ingiosi


2005-2006 NHL Atlantic Division Preview:
“The Battle For Second Place”
With less than a month until the puck finally drops on the long-overdue return of the NHL, one thing is clear- the Philadelphia Flyers will win the Atlantic Division. By how many games and with what degree of difficulty is really the sole debate going into the 2005-2006 NHL season.

Sure, as a life-long Flyers and Philly sports fan I know it is often deemed insane, nay, blasphemous to approach any season with such wanton confidence (for reference please see “Phillies, Philadelphia”.) However it is difficult to imagine that with the cavalcade of talent general manager Bob Clarke has gathered that anyone, especially the clubs within the Flyers’ division, could pose much of a threat to the ‘Orange and Black’.

Yet in the spirit of good sportsmanship, but mostly in an effort to humor those who live to hate the “City of Brotherly Love”, I give you the first of my weekly installments entitled “The Battle For Second Place.” Enjoy.

“ Since When Is Pittsburgh Trendy?”

Not since the days of “Super Mario” (both Lemieux and, yes, the video game) and his young, mullet-clad sidekick, Jaromir Jagr, have the Pittsburgh Penguins been a legitimate contender for a division crown, let alone the fashionable pick to go to the Stanley Cup Finals. And why not? The Pens’ were fresh off consecutive Cup titles in 1990-91 and 1991-92, Mario Lemieux was establishing himself as one of the all-time greats of the game and when he began to wear down, if that was possible, there was always the aforementioned Jagr waiting in the wings to carry the Pittsburgh to future glory. Fate’s a funny thing.

Mario Lemieux’s brilliant career constantly started being interrupted by major injuries, ranging from a debilitating back ailment to a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Disease. When the strain eventually became too much for the future ‘Hall-of-Famer’, Lemieux began an abbreviated retirement in 1997.

To make matters worse, it became gradually apparent during Lemieux’s sabbatical that the immensely gifted Jagr lacked the leadership ability to accompany his amazing talent. While Jagr would amass points and league accolades as the heir-apparent to Lemieux, he never could lead the Pens’ to the success the franchise experienced in the early 1990’s. The enigmatic Jagr was subsequently traded to the Washington Capitals following the 2001 season and never recaptured the edge which made him great early in his career.

Lemieux, now part-owner of the Pens’, would end his retirement in 2000, yet has only been able to show flashes of the mastery with which he once ruled the game. Again hampered by injury, and now age, Lemieux’s role is more of a mentor to inexperienced players as well as a draw for the ticket office. However, it is precisely this misdirected nostalgia that fuels current speculation of a Pittsburgh dynasty in the making. Although the much anticipated unveiling of number one pick Sidney Crosby does make things more intriguing.

‘Who To Watch’:

Crosby played last season with Rimouski of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League as the prospective number one overall draft pick endured the year-long the NHL lockout. The 5’11” center recorded an impressive 66 goals and 102 assists, winning his second consecutive league scoring title in the process. Additionally, Crosby’s entrance into the League could not have come at a better time. With interest at an all-time low in the States, the NHL needed a marketable star to build its future upon; and by all estimates Crosby appears to fit that bill.

While the addition of Crosby was the Pens’ most widely publicized and lauded move, the organization added what can be described, at best, as a “veteran presence.” Former Flyers Mark Recchi and John LeClair, will add some much needed depth on the wings (although , arguably, Recchi has more ‘left in the tank’ than the oft-injured LeClair). However the most intriguing additions to the Pens’ line-up are those of right wingers Zigmund Palffy (Los Angeles) and Andre Roy (Tampa Bay), and perennial All-Star defenseman Sergei Gonchar (Dallas).

Rounding out the Pens’ offseason additions is goaltender Jocelyn Thibault (Chicago) who, while mired in the abyss that is the Blackhawks’ organization, amassed some respectable career numbers. Thibault will likely be used to groom former number one overall draft pick, ‘net-minder’ Marc-Andre Fleury, who will no doubt ascend to the starting role in the not too distant future.

‘The Lowdown’:

Despite the nearly complete overhaul of personnel the Pittsburgh organization has undergone it still will not be enough to unseat the Flyers at the top of the Atlantic Division. It’s as if the so-called “hockey experts” (of which I’m not a part…I’m just a fan with a lap-top) want to get in on the ground-floor of the “Sidney Crosby Era.” No doubt the Pens’ will be better than previous years- they really could not get much worse- and could grow into a contender in the future. It just will not be this season.

Pittsburgh may have added the most “names” to their lineup, they’ve also added a considerable amount of aging bodies that may not be able to handle the rigors of a full-NHL season. The Pens’ will be fun to watch for about 20-30 games but don’t expect them to be missing tee-times come June due to a championship parade.


“The Pens’ at a Glance”:


When We Last Left Them…

2003-2004: 23 wins, 47 losses, 8 ties, 4 OT losses, 58 pts.
* Last place in the Atlantic Division
* Last place in the Eastern Conference
* Worst Record in the NHL

Key Offseason Additions:

Jocelyn Thibault, G: Age, 30- 01/12/75 (will turn 31 mid-season)
Steve Poapst, D: Age, 36- 01/03/69 (will turn 37 mid-season)
Lyle Odelein, D: Age, 37-07/21/68 (will turn 38 after the season)
Sergei Gonchar, D: Age, 31- 04/13/74 (will turn 32 mid-season)
John LeClair, LW: Age, 36- 07/05/69 (will turn 37 after the season)
Andre Roy, RW: Age, 30- 02/08/75 (will turn 31 mid-season)
Mark Recchi, RW: Age, 37- 02/01/68 (will turn 38 mid-season)
Zigmund Palffy, RW: Age, 33- 05/05/72 (will turn 34 by playoffs)
Sidney Crosby, C: Age, 18- 08/07/87 (will not turn 19 until late summer 2006)

Biggest Offseason Losses:

Dan Focht, D: 52 gms., 105 pim.
Kelly Buchberger, RW: 109 pim., 2297 pim. (career)
Steve McKenna, LW: 79 gms., 128 pim. In 2002-2003 for PIT
Milan Kraft, C: 19 G, 21 A- 40 pts. In 2003-2004; 25 years old

Final Observations:

* Mario Lemieux will turn 40 on NHL Opening Night:
Ø missed most of 2003-2004 (last full NHL season) due in part to hip surgery (played in only 10 of 82 games that year- still had 9 pts.)
Ø Enough gas in the tank? How many quality games can we expect out of “Super Mario”?

** Is Crosby ready? Must Lemieux be healthy all season to be beneficial to the development of Sidney as a budding NHL superstar?

*** Is Jocelyn Thibault the ‘net-minder’ Pittsburgh needs to get back to Eastern Conference respectability? His most proficient season (playing in 65 games or better) was in 2001-02 with the Chicago Blackhawks when he posted a 33-23-9 record in 67 games with 6 shutouts and a 2.49 goals against average (not his lowest: 2002-2003 he posted a 2.37, and threw 8 shutouts, in 5 less games played.)

**** Rookie draftee, Evgeni Malkin will stay in Russia for the 2005-2006 NHL season as he is contractually bound to his Russian/hometown club Metallurg Magnitogorsk. It is believed that he will be released from that contract in 2006 and be ready to make his NHL debut in 2006. Aleksey Morozov, the sporadically talented Pens right winger, will also play the up-coming season in Russia.

***** Returning forward Ryan Malone is coming off a rookie season in 2003-2004 in which he tallied 22 goals and 21 assists (43 pts.). Malone was named to the All-Rookie Team and finished fourth points by a rookie.

2005-2006 Prediction:
* 2nd Place in the Atlantic Division
* 5th Place in the Eastern Conference
* Eliminated in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs
* Sidney Crosby wins NHL Rookie of the Year Honors

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at frank@phillykeith.com


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With the first pick in the 2005 Fantasy Football Draft...

Phillip A. Kees breaks it down

Who should I take with my 1st pick? What is a fantasy football junkie to do? You currently hold the coveted 1st pick in your draft, the choices are LT in SD, and the Priest is in KC, Mr. 49 TD in Indy, Or Shaun out west. What do I do? Taking Ladainian Tomlinson will certainly ensure a season full of rushing and receiving td’s, averaging 15 rushing Td’s and 2 receiving Td’s per season. He’s durable, having missed only one regular season game in 4 years and averages 21 carries and almost 5 receptions per game. Since my first fantasy season in 1997, I have also put extra special attention into late season fantasy playoff matchups, for example, Tomlinson has Indy is Week 15 (ranked 24th against the run), and Kansas City in Week 16 (29th in scoring defense, giving up 27.2pts/game in 2004).

Manning is another good choice depending on how your league scores, for example, if QB’s get 6pts for a Passing TD, Manning just might be your guy, if your league awards points for every 50 passing yds, then Manning is your guy. You can take comfort in the fact that Manning is a true student of the game, it would have been easy to sit back and relish those amazing stats he posted last season but not for Manning. Peyton studied the game tapes and was able to find 17 passes he missed for Td’s. Sixty-Six Td’s, CAN YOU IMAGINE THOSE STATS! Peyton’s fantasy playoff matchups, Week 15 against San Diego, let’s see, League’s best QB vs. Charger Defense that was 31st against the pass last season, one of only two NFL teams to allow more that 4000 passing yards. Week 16 against Seattle, who was 23rd in the league against the pass last season while allowing over 23pts per game.

Tough Decision for Pick #3, Alexander the Great or a Priest? While I admit that a healthy Priest is a consensus top pick, you can argue with his stats. Holmes is averaging 15 Td’s a year over the last three years, which includes playing only 8 regular season games in 2004. Of course, 14 rushing Td’s and 1 receiving TD in eight games in not too bad either. In 2003, Holmes scored 27 rushing Td’s, making him the most coveted #1fantasy draft pick going into the 2004 season. As far as fantasy playoff matchups go, Holmes will be facing The Giants and their 28th ranked rushing defense in Week #15 and San Diego in Week #16. In his last three games vs. SD, Holmes is averaging 103 rush yds, 73 receiving yds and 1.7 Td’s per game.

That leaves Alexander at Pick #4. Alexander is averaging 18 Td’s per year over the last three years in Seattle, which includes 20 Td’s in 2004, his highest scoring production in his career. As far as fantasy playoff matchups go, Alexander faces the Titans in Week # 15, In Week # 16, Alexander faces that porous Colts D and their 24th ranked rushing defense.

Best Bets: DOUBLE D, that’s right, Domanick Davis is one of the biggest sleepers
As it pertains to picks in the first two rounds, DD will get his 20 carries and 5 receptions per game. Davis also scored 14 Td’s last season and should easily eclipse that TD total in 2005. Kevin Jones, RB DET, Jones came on strong late in 2004, averaging 24 carries for 125 yds and a TD over the last five games. Not to mention, the talent at WR should force most defenses to stay back allowing Jones room to run all season long. I’ve seen Jones go as early as 4th pick overall and as late as the third round.

Having the 10th, 11th or 12th pick in this draft is not a bad place to either, In this draft there is a lot of talent going deep into the 2nd round, RB’s such as McAllister, Julius Jones, McGahee, Barber, Lewis, Portis & Dillon should all be there in these spots. Just be sure to check bye weeks as part of your gameplan. Good luck with your draft, feel free to email me with your team once your roster is set and I would be happy to help you with matchups.


If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Phillip A. Kees at emailphilaboutfootball@yahoo.com



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Joe Banner : King of the Salary Cap

The New York Times hailed him as "the Joe Montana of the salary cap. He's simply the best." ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli says he "should be the poster child for crafty and responsible salary cap management." In his latest victory, he went head to head vs. Drew Rosenhaus and came out a winner in a very public dispute.

The success of the Philadelphia Eagles organization has been well documented. With star players Donovan McNabb & Terrell Owens, Coach of the Year Andy Reid, coordinators Jim Johnson & Brad Childress, it is easy to look past the architect of this project. Let me introduce to you Joe Banner, President/Chief Operating Officer of the Philadelphia Eagles.

In the early 1960's then NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle suggested that all television revenues ($320 million back in those days) be shared equally among the teams and the owners at the time improved. In 1994, the owners' and players' associations of the National Football League approved a new collective-bargaining agreement. This agreement included a salary cap designed to keep player salaries from increasing at the rate they were at the time. The salary cap is essentially a set amount of money that each of the NFL's 31 teams is allowed to spend on player salaries for any given year. The NFL salary cap is complex. So complex that there are people dubbed "capologists" who help teams and the league work within the system.

Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the franchise since May 6, 1994, Joe Banner has been long known as one of the NFL's top executives. Banner was named to his current post of team president on August 1, 2001. In that time has led the plan to make the Eagles the best organization on and off the field in the NFL. They're 59-21, 64-25 if you include the playoffs. They've never had fewer than 11 victories in any season, and their NFC East title this season was their fourth in a row. Over the past five years no one has won more games than the Philadelphia Eagles. All of this while consistently staying more then $10 million below the $80,582,000 million allowed for each team to spend. His ability to crunch numbers and refusal to over pay veterans has made him the executive every owner wants in their front office.

'There's a belief in this league that there are windows of opportunity, and it's impossible to get good and stay good over a sustained period of time,'" Banner said the other day. "I said, 'I don't believe that's true. I'd like to sit down and show you why I don't believe that. And I'd like to show what we could do to disprove that." And disprove he has done...

Not to say all of his moves have gone without question or have not at times angered the Philadelphia faithful but over time his work has turned out to be that of a true genuis. In a fashion that is the complete opposite of Daniel Snyder, Banner's philosophy is to build through the draft and sign younger players with the potential to develop to long term contracts. At the end of the 2000 season the team's top two receivers Charles Johnson and Torrance Small, who had 56 and 40 catches respectively, were cut in favor of unproven, younger and cheaper receivers. This move raised eyebrows not only because of the players production but also provided a then young Donovan McNabb with veteran protection and guidance. By the end of the 2001 season, replacements James Thrash, Todd Pinkston & Freddie Mitchell combined for 124 receptions and 1,540 yards reaching the NFC Championship game. At the end of 2001, it was thought free agent to be Jeremiah Trotters demands were outrageous. Instead of resigning him, they allowed him to sign with division rival Washington Redskins and replacing him with a relatively unknown Shawn Barber. Barber went on to the Pro Bowl and Trotter was released after two seasons with the Skins, only to be resigned by the Eagles at the league veteran minimum, playing a key role in the teams Super Bowl run. The 2002 off season was used to plan for the future. With aging Pro Bowlers Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor and RB Duce Staley all set to become free agents at the end of the season, the Eagles used the draft to select cornerbacks Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown, SS Michael Lewis and RB Brian Westbrook. At the end of the 2003 season all three free agents to be were allowed to walk and the replacements have all played at a Pro Bowl level saving the Eagles over $20 million in the process. This gave the Eagles the ability to sign high profile free agents Terrell Owens and Javon Kearse working their deals structured to average a very small, $3.5 million apiece against the salary cap.

In the process the Eagles front office has locked up young home grown talent such as Brian Dawkins, Donovan McNabb, Sam Rayburn, Greg Lewis, Todd Pinkston & Lito Sheppard to long term, cap friendly contracts which will keep the core of the team together for many years to come. Under the leadership of Andy Reid and the crafty moves of Joe Banner you can be rest assured the Philadelphia Eagles will be contenders for a long time. Not even Drew Rosenhaus can make Banner cave in to ridiculous demands.


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Playoff Appearance Not Enough for the Phillies

Posted by Michael Gross

The mantra of the Phillies front office in recent years has been that they are building a championship caliber ball club. They have failed, and because of these self-imposed standards a simple playoff appearance will not be satisfying. As the leaders of the wild-card race the Phillies have the upper hand on securing the last playoff spot, but most baseball experts would give them little chance of moving past the divisional series. Playoff starved fans might think that any meaningful October game will be enough to satisfy the angered masses, but where will a first round exit leave this team in terms of the future?

In 1993 the Phillies didn’t have the best team in the league, and they were underdogs in the NLCS, but the city believed in them, and believed they could beat the Braves and Blue Jays. This team does not inspire in that way. The listless nucleus will only be validated by a wild-card appearance, and a trip to the post-season will guarantee another frustrating year for the fans in 2006. The Phillies don’t have to win every World Series. Philadelphia sports fans know that championships are as common as winning Powerball tickets. However, they deserve to be allowed optimism, to look at a team, and believe they can win any game. Every time this team faces a series like the one in Houston last month, or a junk-baller who has their number, the sense of impending doom is palpable.

Don’t root against the Phillies. Chase Utley’s line drive swing, and Ryan Howard’s towering homeruns should not allow that, but don’t feel compelled to live and die with each result. One more series played against the Cardinals isn’t going to make the fans feel better about this team. They need a personality transplant, and they need one before they lose the city. Who wants to see a series of promos leading up to next year touting this team as the defending National League Wild Card champions? Anyone who has ever seen a Phillies commercial knows this would be the case. Another mediocre season, and a half-full Citizens Bank Park loom on the horizon if this team sees October.

How about a summer without Mike Lieberthal? Or a rotation without five number three starters, and a trade deadline without talk of playing to potential? Would fans trade this year’s wild card for a team they could root for in the future, a team that had the intangibles it takes to win when it counts? This fan would make that trade in a second.



If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Michael Gross at mggross21@gmail.com



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