I'll let you know if I end up hanging with Ray Emery on this trip to Philly.
But even if I do connect with the former Sens netminder, it's hard to imagine it could be any more colourful than my three days in New York.
Here’s a look back at some of my shenanigans from the first part of the 2009 World Series:
Tuesday, 1:37 p.m. - I'm standing in prime position in a Derek Jeter scrum when I make eye contact with this other reporter who looks really familiar to me. Turns out it's Arsenio Hall, who is doing work for the Jay Leno Show. I'm not sure if this shows how far I've risen in this industry - or how low Arsenio has fallen.
Tuesday, 4:12 p.m. - Perusing the media game notes in the press room. The crazy thing about baseball is how they have the most obscure and bizarre stats. For instance, a direct quote from the MLB pre-series notes: The last eight times the Yankees have won the World Series, there has been a Democrat in the White House. Talk about reaching for an angle. I decided to do some research of my own and I've got a great stat with a Canadian political twist: The Toronto Blue Jays have never lost a World Series when there has been a female Prime Minister.
Wednesday, 5:19 p.m. - Reggie Jackson is hanging out behind the batting cage and talking to some players before Game 1. With Michelle Obama in the stadium on this night, shouldn't the Secret Service be all over this guy? I mean he tried to kill the Queen at a baseball game 20 years ago.
Wednesday, 5:52 p.m. - Pedro Martinez just called himself the most influential person who ever stepped on the field at the old Yankee Stadium. On a side note, the most influential person who never stepped on the field at the old Yankee Stadium is Jeffrey Maier - that annoying 12-year-old kid who stole the ball from Tony Tarasco in the '96 ALCS.
Tuesday, 2:14 p.m. - Andy Pettitte surprised me when he told us that George Steinbrenner was really positive towards him and even used to quote Bible scripture in little notes he would leave in his locker before big games. However, Pettitte declined to specifically say what any notes said. My guess is it went something like this: "Dear Andy, Good luck today. If you don't win, I suggest you read the book of Revelation to prepare for what will happen. Regards, George (aka The Boss)."
Thursday, 5:19 p.m. - Fellow reporter Arash Madani is getting set to do his live report in the middle of a media circus. He's got Candy Maldonado on one side (working for ESPN Deportes) and Dave Winfield on the other (working for ESPN). All we needed was Ed Sprague in front of him and we would have had the perfect '92 Jays reunion.
Thursday, 6:42 p.m. - Most awkward press conference moment of the first three days: Derek Jeter is asked if he ever met Roberto Clemente, after receiving a community service award named after the legendary Pirates slugger. Considering Jeter was born a couple of years after Clemente tragically died in a plane crash, I think it's safe to say they never crossed paths.
Wednesday, 11:19 p.m. - Kate Hudson and Kurt Russell just walked right past me in the hallway outside the clubhouse. Having covered the Ottawa Senators for the past couple of years, I don't really get star struck by celebrities. We see Carrie Underwood at the rink all the time.
Thursday, 10:51 p.m. - Chan-Ho Park enters the game in the 7th inning and the TV broadcast in the press room runs a graphic that says he joins Byung-Hyun Kim as just the second South Korean to ever pitch in the World Series. As cool as that is for Park, it's never a good sign when your name is linked to Kim's in the late innings of a World Series game at Yankee Stadium.
Thursday, 11:19 p.m. - George Steinbrenner's limousine is driving through the underground tunnel and right past where all the media is standing. Security guards are upset with us telling us, "Get up against the wall or you're going to get hit by this car!" Ummmmm... just so you know, getting hit by a billionaire's car isn't the worst thing in the world.
Wednesday, 7:44 p.m. - Trying to figure out where I should watch the game from. We have no designated seat for Rogers Sportsnet - even in the auxiliary press box. But somehow, The Christian Science Monitor has a dedicated seat. Perhaps the people assigning seats were worried they would be sent straight to hell if they declined their request for NHL Jerseys a spot.
2010年5月15日星期六
2010年5月13日星期四
The art of the steal
BUCK: Stealing signs from second base is part of the World Cup Soccer Jersey game. You are right, the Blue Jays in the "glory years" were great at relaying pitches to the batter. They had so many veteran hitters that were deadly when they knew what was coming. The catcher is responsible for protecting the signs and using a series of signals that are tough to pick up. I always felt it was my job to make sure we changed signs often enough to keep the hitters off stride. Every once in a while we would call a pitch and throw the opposite pitch to see if the runner at second was relaying the signs. If a hitter gets crossed up one time the entire team will call off the sign stealing for the night and wait for another day.
With over 40 years as a major league player, manager and broadcaster, Buck Martinez has experienced baseball from all angles. Now in his new role as the Toronto Blue Jays play-by-play announcer, Buck is taking your questions in a weekly blog for sportsnet.ca, Behind the plate with Buck.
IAIN ASKS: Buck, how kosher is stealing signs considered to be? I know at times it can get a ball thrown at the head, but is this a legitimate beef? I know back in the early 90's the Jays were notorious for stealing signs and picking up on tipped pitches. Who's currently the best at stealing signs and discovering pitchers tipping?
STEVE M ASKS: Hey Buck, I always wondered what do the players talk about when they are on first base? Is it more just, "Hey how are you?" or, "Where is a good place to get a cheeseburger in this town?" It looked like Lyle Overbay and Alex Rios were having a good chat the night of the home opener and I have always been interested in what the players talk about.
BUCK: Only the catcher has more opportunities to talk to opposing players more than the first baseman. The conversations can be about anything. "How's he throwing", in reference to the starting pitcher. "Did you hit it good?" "Who was hot when you faced Boston?" If a player has a relationship with another as a former teammate, he may ask about his family. The best at first was Sean Casey. He couldn't wait for a baserunner to get on so he would have someone to talk to. He was nicknamed "the mayor" because he loved to sing the praises of Cincinnati to the visiting club, asking "where did you eat last night?" A quick response: "You should try the Montgomery Inn, best ribs in the league". First base is the equivalent of the water cooler in the office.
IAN ASKS: Hey Buck, what are your thoughts on the progression of Travis Snider? He looks a little lost up there, but then again, so did Adam Lind a few years back. Thanks, huge fan and love your presence in the booth.
BUCK: Travis Snider is a young player that is trying to adjust to the Major Leagues. He has done about all he can do in the minors and now he has to figure out how to make adjustments against big league pitching. Many hitting coaches believe a young hitter needs 1500 at bats in the big league before you can really determine what you have. As we speak, Travis has just over 350 major league at-bats. Give him some time and I think he will make the adjustments and become a good hitter. What we have seen this year in Snider is a player that understands you can stay on the field and contribute even when things are going so well at the plate. Snider has worked hard on his defence, throwing and base running to ensure that if he is struggling to swing the bat he can stay in the lineup because of what he brings with the glove and his legs.
DAN ASKS: Hey Buck, it's great to see you back with the Jays calling games and it's good to see this team headed in the right direction. My question for you is, where would you rank Ken Griffey Jr and Alex Rodriguez among the all-time greatest baseball players?
BUCK: I think both Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez will go down as two of the best players to ever play the game. Junior was the best player in baseball in the 90's and A-Rod is neck and neck with Albert Pujols as the best player in the past decade. Alex will be among the best offensive players to play the game when it is all said and done. Both of them, Alex today and Ken in his prime, could beat you with the bat, the glove and their wheels any day of the week.
MARCUS ASKS: Hi Buck, it seems that early on this season that highly paid veterans Jorge Posada and David Ortiz have been struggling, Posada behind the plate and Ortiz with the bat. How long do the Yankees stick with Posada as a catcher (as opposed to him DH-ing) and when doez Ortiz sit in favour of Mike Lowell?
BUCK: Big Papi had a slow start last year and ended up with almost 100 RBI again. He isn't the same offensive threat he was a couple of years ago, but he still is a presence in the Sox lineup. Posada had the upper hand the last time he was eligible for free agency. The Yankees were almost forced to re-sign him but I believe he will end up in the DH role more than behind the plate later on this year and most certainly next year through the end of his contract. He will go down as one of the best offensive catchers to play in New York or anywhere else for that matter. He is a border line Hall of Famer because of the bat and his role in all of the championships for the Yankees.
PETER ASKS: Hi Buck, I loved last week's answer on signal calling by catchers. When a pitcher and catcher get crossed up (a slider thrown instead of a fastball), who is usually to blame?
BUCK: There is no black and white in this area. Sometimes a pitcher will "read" the signs and have a brain cramp and throw the opposite pitch, crossing up the catcher. I have seen on several occasions over the years when a catcher calls a pitch and "forgets" what he calls. With the game moving so quickly and so many pitches thrown during the course of a game it can happen.
EVERETT McCALLUM ASKS: Hi Buck, It is great to see you back with the Blue Jays! I am not sure you will be able to answer my question, but here it goes. When the Blue Jays replaced the field-turf with the new astro-turf, was there any consideration given to "cutting" out a portion of the infield, and replacing the necessary spots with dirt like they do for the Tampa Bay Rays? To me, this would give the field more of a baseball look and improve the fan experience. With Minnesota now at Target Field, I think Toronto is the only team with the artificial turf in the infield. What are your thoughts on this?
BUCK: That is a very good question. The surface under the artificial turf is concrete and designed to serve the building as a "multi-purpose facility". The only dirt in the entire place is what you see when the field is in place. When they convert the baseball field into a football surface or configure the building for concerts or motor cross, the dirt area of an infield as you propose would create expensive transformation challenges for the grounds crew. It really works well the way it is.
With over 40 years as a major league player, manager and broadcaster, Buck Martinez has experienced baseball from all angles. Now in his new role as the Toronto Blue Jays play-by-play announcer, Buck is taking your questions in a weekly blog for sportsnet.ca, Behind the plate with Buck.
IAIN ASKS: Buck, how kosher is stealing signs considered to be? I know at times it can get a ball thrown at the head, but is this a legitimate beef? I know back in the early 90's the Jays were notorious for stealing signs and picking up on tipped pitches. Who's currently the best at stealing signs and discovering pitchers tipping?
STEVE M ASKS: Hey Buck, I always wondered what do the players talk about when they are on first base? Is it more just, "Hey how are you?" or, "Where is a good place to get a cheeseburger in this town?" It looked like Lyle Overbay and Alex Rios were having a good chat the night of the home opener and I have always been interested in what the players talk about.
BUCK: Only the catcher has more opportunities to talk to opposing players more than the first baseman. The conversations can be about anything. "How's he throwing", in reference to the starting pitcher. "Did you hit it good?" "Who was hot when you faced Boston?" If a player has a relationship with another as a former teammate, he may ask about his family. The best at first was Sean Casey. He couldn't wait for a baserunner to get on so he would have someone to talk to. He was nicknamed "the mayor" because he loved to sing the praises of Cincinnati to the visiting club, asking "where did you eat last night?" A quick response: "You should try the Montgomery Inn, best ribs in the league". First base is the equivalent of the water cooler in the office.
IAN ASKS: Hey Buck, what are your thoughts on the progression of Travis Snider? He looks a little lost up there, but then again, so did Adam Lind a few years back. Thanks, huge fan and love your presence in the booth.
BUCK: Travis Snider is a young player that is trying to adjust to the Major Leagues. He has done about all he can do in the minors and now he has to figure out how to make adjustments against big league pitching. Many hitting coaches believe a young hitter needs 1500 at bats in the big league before you can really determine what you have. As we speak, Travis has just over 350 major league at-bats. Give him some time and I think he will make the adjustments and become a good hitter. What we have seen this year in Snider is a player that understands you can stay on the field and contribute even when things are going so well at the plate. Snider has worked hard on his defence, throwing and base running to ensure that if he is struggling to swing the bat he can stay in the lineup because of what he brings with the glove and his legs.
DAN ASKS: Hey Buck, it's great to see you back with the Jays calling games and it's good to see this team headed in the right direction. My question for you is, where would you rank Ken Griffey Jr and Alex Rodriguez among the all-time greatest baseball players?
BUCK: I think both Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez will go down as two of the best players to ever play the game. Junior was the best player in baseball in the 90's and A-Rod is neck and neck with Albert Pujols as the best player in the past decade. Alex will be among the best offensive players to play the game when it is all said and done. Both of them, Alex today and Ken in his prime, could beat you with the bat, the glove and their wheels any day of the week.
MARCUS ASKS: Hi Buck, it seems that early on this season that highly paid veterans Jorge Posada and David Ortiz have been struggling, Posada behind the plate and Ortiz with the bat. How long do the Yankees stick with Posada as a catcher (as opposed to him DH-ing) and when doez Ortiz sit in favour of Mike Lowell?
BUCK: Big Papi had a slow start last year and ended up with almost 100 RBI again. He isn't the same offensive threat he was a couple of years ago, but he still is a presence in the Sox lineup. Posada had the upper hand the last time he was eligible for free agency. The Yankees were almost forced to re-sign him but I believe he will end up in the DH role more than behind the plate later on this year and most certainly next year through the end of his contract. He will go down as one of the best offensive catchers to play in New York or anywhere else for that matter. He is a border line Hall of Famer because of the bat and his role in all of the championships for the Yankees.
PETER ASKS: Hi Buck, I loved last week's answer on signal calling by catchers. When a pitcher and catcher get crossed up (a slider thrown instead of a fastball), who is usually to blame?
BUCK: There is no black and white in this area. Sometimes a pitcher will "read" the signs and have a brain cramp and throw the opposite pitch, crossing up the catcher. I have seen on several occasions over the years when a catcher calls a pitch and "forgets" what he calls. With the game moving so quickly and so many pitches thrown during the course of a game it can happen.
EVERETT McCALLUM ASKS: Hi Buck, It is great to see you back with the Blue Jays! I am not sure you will be able to answer my question, but here it goes. When the Blue Jays replaced the field-turf with the new astro-turf, was there any consideration given to "cutting" out a portion of the infield, and replacing the necessary spots with dirt like they do for the Tampa Bay Rays? To me, this would give the field more of a baseball look and improve the fan experience. With Minnesota now at Target Field, I think Toronto is the only team with the artificial turf in the infield. What are your thoughts on this?
BUCK: That is a very good question. The surface under the artificial turf is concrete and designed to serve the building as a "multi-purpose facility". The only dirt in the entire place is what you see when the field is in place. When they convert the baseball field into a football surface or configure the building for concerts or motor cross, the dirt area of an infield as you propose would create expensive transformation challenges for the grounds crew. It really works well the way it is.
2010年5月11日星期二
Wedding crashers
Personally, I think as a media group we need to act with soccer jerseys some class and show a little respect for someone's special day. Unfortunately, those two words (class & respect) aren't in many reporters' vocabularies and it's a big reason why we are wedged comfortably between telemarketers and personal injury lawyers on the scale of likable professionals.
If Heatley chooses not to speak to the media before his friend's wedding, that does not constitute an open invitation for us to attend. I understand that Heatley is a legitimate story and everyone wants to hear his thoughts on why he might want to leave Ottawa. I firmly believe that he owes Senators fans an explanation at some point.
But there's a time and a place for that to happen. And guess what? It's not at somebody's wedding. If you want to stake out the airport for his arrival, I think that's fair game. Camp out for him at some local bars in case he hits the town? Knock yourself out and pretend you work for TMZ for a night. I don't have an issue with it.
But if you want to stake out the church or reception hall... that's crossing the line.
If anything, we owe it to Spezza to leave this thing alone on his big day. Jason has been the most accommodating star to deal with from the media's perspective.
Case in point: On the day that Team Canada omitted him from the orientation camp roster earlier this month, Spezza VOLUNTARILY came out to speak to us at Scotiabank Place when none of us even knew he was in the building. He could have ducked out and nobody would have been the wiser. Instead, he came out to speak with us on a day in which the topics (Olympic camp/Heatley) weren't going to be positive.
Jason has asked all of us to respect his privacy on his special day and not show up. He's hired security to make sure no unauthorized guests (hint, hint, media) try to sneak in. He couldn't make it any more clear: "I'm nice to you guys 364 days a year. Please give me one day off."
But I can't shake the nagging feeling that pack journalism is going to rule the day. Everyone is going to be scared that the competition is going to get the scoop, so we better head to the wedding ourselves.
If Heatley chooses not to speak to the media before his friend's wedding, that does not constitute an open invitation for us to attend. I understand that Heatley is a legitimate story and everyone wants to hear his thoughts on why he might want to leave Ottawa. I firmly believe that he owes Senators fans an explanation at some point.
But there's a time and a place for that to happen. And guess what? It's not at somebody's wedding. If you want to stake out the airport for his arrival, I think that's fair game. Camp out for him at some local bars in case he hits the town? Knock yourself out and pretend you work for TMZ for a night. I don't have an issue with it.
But if you want to stake out the church or reception hall... that's crossing the line.
If anything, we owe it to Spezza to leave this thing alone on his big day. Jason has been the most accommodating star to deal with from the media's perspective.
Case in point: On the day that Team Canada omitted him from the orientation camp roster earlier this month, Spezza VOLUNTARILY came out to speak to us at Scotiabank Place when none of us even knew he was in the building. He could have ducked out and nobody would have been the wiser. Instead, he came out to speak with us on a day in which the topics (Olympic camp/Heatley) weren't going to be positive.
Jason has asked all of us to respect his privacy on his special day and not show up. He's hired security to make sure no unauthorized guests (hint, hint, media) try to sneak in. He couldn't make it any more clear: "I'm nice to you guys 364 days a year. Please give me one day off."
But I can't shake the nagging feeling that pack journalism is going to rule the day. Everyone is going to be scared that the competition is going to get the scoop, so we better head to the wedding ourselves.
2010年5月10日星期一
Hurricanes run away from Lightning 8-5
Steven Stamkos scored his team-leading 47th goal, keeping him 2010 World Cup Jerseys one behind NHL leaders Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.
Bowman scored the first two goals of his career in the first period and Jussi Jokinen added another one to chase Lightning goalie Antero Nittymaki. Carolina had 23 shots in the period.
Brandon Bochenski scored twice for the Lightning and Andrej Meszaros had a goal and an assist for Tampa Bay.
Niitymaki allowed five goals on 23 first-period shots.
Staal scored both of his goals in the second period, the latter on a breakaway shot past backup goalie Mike Smith to give the Hurricanes a 7-2 lead. He assisted on a goal by Jussi Jokinen and an empty-net goal by Chad Larose to end the game.
NOTES: Carolina goalie Manny Legace skated off the ice midway through the second period and is listed day-to-day. ... Lightning C Zenon Konopka had two fights and set the team record for penalty minutes in a season with 260
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Rod Brind'Amour, Drayson Bowman and Eric Staal scored two goals apiece and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 8-5.
Brind'Amour scored both of his goals during a five-goal first period for Carolina. It was the 39-year-old center's first multigoal game of the season.
Bowman scored the first two goals of his career in the first period and Jussi Jokinen added another one to chase Lightning goalie Antero Nittymaki. Carolina had 23 shots in the period.
Brandon Bochenski scored twice for the Lightning and Andrej Meszaros had a goal and an assist for Tampa Bay.
Niitymaki allowed five goals on 23 first-period shots.
Staal scored both of his goals in the second period, the latter on a breakaway shot past backup goalie Mike Smith to give the Hurricanes a 7-2 lead. He assisted on a goal by Jussi Jokinen and an empty-net goal by Chad Larose to end the game.
NOTES: Carolina goalie Manny Legace skated off the ice midway through the second period and is listed day-to-day. ... Lightning C Zenon Konopka had two fights and set the team record for penalty minutes in a season with 260
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Rod Brind'Amour, Drayson Bowman and Eric Staal scored two goals apiece and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 8-5.
Brind'Amour scored both of his goals during a five-goal first period for Carolina. It was the 39-year-old center's first multigoal game of the season.
2010年5月9日星期日
Nashville looks to end road woes
As forward J.P. Dumont was asked about that 2010 World Cup Jerseys skid after practice Monday, teammate Jordin Tootoo summed up: "Stats are for losers." Dumont provided a deeper explanation.
"What happened in the past is in the past. We're playing a new team Chicago we've never played in the playoffs so it's going to be a fun series. We worked really hard all year long to reach our point to make the playoffs and have a chance for the Stanley Cup," Dumont said.
"We know it's not going to be easy. But if we play the same way that made us successful to make the playoffs, we're going to be in good shape."
Nearly half of Nashville's wins this season came away from home. The Predators ranked fifth in the NHL with 23 road wins and had a five-game road winning streak snapped April 7 with a 5-2 loss at Phoenix.
Plus, they open this Western Conference series with No. 2 seed Chicago on Friday night with some confidence from having won there 4-1 on Dec. 4 and pushing the Blackhawks hard before Chicago pulled out a 5-4 win on Dec. 27 to win the season series 4-2.
Chicago's home advantage is strong. Only Washington and Vancouver, with 30 wins apiece, did better at home than the Blackhawks (29 victories). They also can pack more than 22,000 into their arena, which they just sold out for a second straight season.
"The place is rockin' like it was in the '70s," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. "You're going to need some earplugs in there because it's going to be loud."
The Predators know Chicago well as Central Division rivals. Being seeded seventh, Nashville's only chance of advancing rests on winning at least once in Chicago.
"That's just the way it is," goaltender Pekka Rinne said. "I don't feel like we are scared to go and play in their building. This hockey team feels pretty confident playing in other team's buildings. Yeah for sure that's our goal to go there and steal a win."
Rinne will be one of 10 Predators making their NHL postseason debuts in Game 1. Trotz isn't worried, not after losing two road games to San Jose in 2007's opening round despite having Forsberg and Kariya on what was seen as his best roster to chase a Stanley Cup.
"This is a different team than the other teams, and I think this team has the ability to do that. We've proven we're one of the best road teams in the league. It doesn't matter. In the past, that may be something you could roll on. This team really, they're not really affected by where we play. I think that's a real positive for us," Trotz said.
Not playing San Jose or Detroit might help.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Nashville Predators are living very much in the present as they prepare for their fifth playoff series in six seasons.
Considering their woeful road record in the postseason, smart move.
The Predators' biggest challenge to winning the first playoff series in their young history is an inability to win away from home when it matters most. They are 0-10 combined on the road through their first four playoff series, including the season stars such as Peter Forsberg and Paul Kariya were on the roster.
The Predators lost all three road games in the franchise's playoff debut in 2004. Not even having the No. 4 seed helped in 2006 as Nashville won its opener before losing four straight to San Jose to lose not only home-ice advantage but the series. The Sharks did it to Nashville again the next season, taking the final three games.
"It's been a really good season away from home," Dumont said. "But in the playoffs ... you want to go get one game on the road to start the series. Our mindset is to go game-by-game. We'll be ready for Game 1, and we'll see what happens."
Nashville went to Detroit last year for Game 5 having won two straight and nearly made team history with that first road playoff win before losing 2-1 in overtime. Of those 10 road playoff games, four were one-goal losses.
Those are the kind of games these Predators have excelled at this season, going 28-5-6.
"What happened in the past is in the past. We're playing a new team Chicago we've never played in the playoffs so it's going to be a fun series. We worked really hard all year long to reach our point to make the playoffs and have a chance for the Stanley Cup," Dumont said.
"We know it's not going to be easy. But if we play the same way that made us successful to make the playoffs, we're going to be in good shape."
Nearly half of Nashville's wins this season came away from home. The Predators ranked fifth in the NHL with 23 road wins and had a five-game road winning streak snapped April 7 with a 5-2 loss at Phoenix.
Plus, they open this Western Conference series with No. 2 seed Chicago on Friday night with some confidence from having won there 4-1 on Dec. 4 and pushing the Blackhawks hard before Chicago pulled out a 5-4 win on Dec. 27 to win the season series 4-2.
Chicago's home advantage is strong. Only Washington and Vancouver, with 30 wins apiece, did better at home than the Blackhawks (29 victories). They also can pack more than 22,000 into their arena, which they just sold out for a second straight season.
"The place is rockin' like it was in the '70s," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. "You're going to need some earplugs in there because it's going to be loud."
The Predators know Chicago well as Central Division rivals. Being seeded seventh, Nashville's only chance of advancing rests on winning at least once in Chicago.
"That's just the way it is," goaltender Pekka Rinne said. "I don't feel like we are scared to go and play in their building. This hockey team feels pretty confident playing in other team's buildings. Yeah for sure that's our goal to go there and steal a win."
Rinne will be one of 10 Predators making their NHL postseason debuts in Game 1. Trotz isn't worried, not after losing two road games to San Jose in 2007's opening round despite having Forsberg and Kariya on what was seen as his best roster to chase a Stanley Cup.
"This is a different team than the other teams, and I think this team has the ability to do that. We've proven we're one of the best road teams in the league. It doesn't matter. In the past, that may be something you could roll on. This team really, they're not really affected by where we play. I think that's a real positive for us," Trotz said.
Not playing San Jose or Detroit might help.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Nashville Predators are living very much in the present as they prepare for their fifth playoff series in six seasons.
Considering their woeful road record in the postseason, smart move.
The Predators' biggest challenge to winning the first playoff series in their young history is an inability to win away from home when it matters most. They are 0-10 combined on the road through their first four playoff series, including the season stars such as Peter Forsberg and Paul Kariya were on the roster.
The Predators lost all three road games in the franchise's playoff debut in 2004. Not even having the No. 4 seed helped in 2006 as Nashville won its opener before losing four straight to San Jose to lose not only home-ice advantage but the series. The Sharks did it to Nashville again the next season, taking the final three games.
"It's been a really good season away from home," Dumont said. "But in the playoffs ... you want to go get one game on the road to start the series. Our mindset is to go game-by-game. We'll be ready for Game 1, and we'll see what happens."
Nashville went to Detroit last year for Game 5 having won two straight and nearly made team history with that first road playoff win before losing 2-1 in overtime. Of those 10 road playoff games, four were one-goal losses.
Those are the kind of games these Predators have excelled at this season, going 28-5-6.
2010年5月8日星期六
Penguins' Staal injured against Canadiens
PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jordan Staal injured his right leg during a second-period collision with Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban and didn't return to the second-round playoff game.
Staal, who scored in the opening period, came up limping on Friday night after Subban accidentally undercut him behind the net. Staal dragged himself to the bench, although he was able to skate off the ice a few minutes later for treatment in the locker room.
Staal has never missed a game in four NHL seasons. He has played in 358 consecutive games, counting the playoffs, and 302 in World Cup Soccer Jersey a row during the season.
Staal, who scored in the opening period, came up limping on Friday night after Subban accidentally undercut him behind the net. Staal dragged himself to the bench, although he was able to skate off the ice a few minutes later for treatment in the locker room.
Staal has never missed a game in four NHL seasons. He has played in 358 consecutive games, counting the playoffs, and 302 in World Cup Soccer Jersey a row during the season.
2010年5月7日星期五
Red Wings' Jimmy Howard has helped playoff push
DETROIT (AP) - Goaltender Jimmy Howard has a shot to be the first Detroit Red Wings player in four-plus decades to win the Calder Trophy as the best rookie in the NHL.
Howard, soccer jerseys though, is more interested in helping the storied franchise extend the longest streak in sports with a 19th straight trip to the postseason.
"First and foremost here, it's about getting into the playoffs," he said. "I'm not saying I wouldn't like to win it because I definitely would love to win the Calder, but it's secondary."
Howard is making quite a case for himself to be the Red Wings' first rookie of the year winner since Roger Crozier in 1965. He is ranked among the NHL's top 10 in victories, goals-against average (2.29) and save percentage (.924) after winning his 30th game on Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues.
If Howard finishes in the top 10 in those categories, he will join a list of 10 rookies who have pulled off the feat since the 1982-83 season when save percentage became a league stat, according to STATS LLC. Four of the 10 won the Calder, including New Jersey's Martin Brodeur in 1994 and Ed Belfour in Chicago in 1991.
Howard has been a key reason Detroit will be in a position to pad its lead for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs Friday night _ his 26th birthday _ at home against Minnesota.
"He has helped keep us in the race," general manager Ken Holland said.
Detroit has surged from being out of the race to having a realistic shot to finish as high as fifth in the conference, winning six of its last seven and going on a 9-2-1 streak since the Olympic break.
Howard said it has simply been fun.
"We've been playing playoff hockey for a while here, having to get points every single night," Howard said.
Detroit coach Mike Babcock said Howard will be in net against the Wild, making that his 21st straight. The last Red Wings rookie goalie to start that many games in a row was Roy Edwards, when he had 23 straight during the 1967-68 season.
"When you're a kid, you're fresh and it's your first year in the league, you just want to play," Babcock said. "And when you're playing well, you're not thinking and you just want to get in the net."
Howard played in only one game for Detroit last season, four the previous year and four games during the 2005-06 season.
Holland acknowledged he didn't envision Howard having the year he's had, but points to the only rookie on the roster as the latest example of how an "overripe" prospect produces in the league.
"Seven years in the minors and college helped get him ready for this opportunity," said Holland, a former goalie. "He got a chance to learn his craft and that's what we always like to do when we can with our draft picks."
Howard, who is from Syracuse, N.Y., insists he's not surprised by his success. He expected to be prepared him for his pressure-packed job in Detroit after four years of seasoning in the minors and three seasons at the University of Maine.
"I've been working hard for this my whole life," Howard said. "I knew if I just put the time in, everything would work out. It wasn't tough at all to play for four years in Grand Rapids because I knew it was time for me to come up here, I was ready to make an impact."
Detroit drafted Howard in the second round of the 2003 NHL draft. Howard worked out kinks in the American Hockey League while veterans Chris Osgood and Ty Conklin shared time in the net last season in Detroit after Osgood and Dominik Hasek did the previous two years.
Osgood was frustrated when Howard emerged as the No. 1 goalie this season, but now embraces his role as a mentor just two years after winning his second Stanley Cup as a starter.
"I'm happy for Howie," said Osgood, who has 396 career victories. "Sure, I want to play. But I played with a lot of older guys that were good to me, so I owe it to myself to be a good teammate and mentor for him. Howie knows how to play, I just tell him, `Just focus on stopping the puck.'
"All young goalies let their minds wander and sometimes I can tell when he's thinking about other things by his body language."
Howard has one season left on his three-year contract that will pay him $800,000 next year. If he keeps improving, that will be quite a bargain.
Howard, soccer jerseys though, is more interested in helping the storied franchise extend the longest streak in sports with a 19th straight trip to the postseason.
"First and foremost here, it's about getting into the playoffs," he said. "I'm not saying I wouldn't like to win it because I definitely would love to win the Calder, but it's secondary."
Howard is making quite a case for himself to be the Red Wings' first rookie of the year winner since Roger Crozier in 1965. He is ranked among the NHL's top 10 in victories, goals-against average (2.29) and save percentage (.924) after winning his 30th game on Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues.
If Howard finishes in the top 10 in those categories, he will join a list of 10 rookies who have pulled off the feat since the 1982-83 season when save percentage became a league stat, according to STATS LLC. Four of the 10 won the Calder, including New Jersey's Martin Brodeur in 1994 and Ed Belfour in Chicago in 1991.
Howard has been a key reason Detroit will be in a position to pad its lead for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs Friday night _ his 26th birthday _ at home against Minnesota.
"He has helped keep us in the race," general manager Ken Holland said.
Detroit has surged from being out of the race to having a realistic shot to finish as high as fifth in the conference, winning six of its last seven and going on a 9-2-1 streak since the Olympic break.
Howard said it has simply been fun.
"We've been playing playoff hockey for a while here, having to get points every single night," Howard said.
Detroit coach Mike Babcock said Howard will be in net against the Wild, making that his 21st straight. The last Red Wings rookie goalie to start that many games in a row was Roy Edwards, when he had 23 straight during the 1967-68 season.
"When you're a kid, you're fresh and it's your first year in the league, you just want to play," Babcock said. "And when you're playing well, you're not thinking and you just want to get in the net."
Howard played in only one game for Detroit last season, four the previous year and four games during the 2005-06 season.
Holland acknowledged he didn't envision Howard having the year he's had, but points to the only rookie on the roster as the latest example of how an "overripe" prospect produces in the league.
"Seven years in the minors and college helped get him ready for this opportunity," said Holland, a former goalie. "He got a chance to learn his craft and that's what we always like to do when we can with our draft picks."
Howard, who is from Syracuse, N.Y., insists he's not surprised by his success. He expected to be prepared him for his pressure-packed job in Detroit after four years of seasoning in the minors and three seasons at the University of Maine.
"I've been working hard for this my whole life," Howard said. "I knew if I just put the time in, everything would work out. It wasn't tough at all to play for four years in Grand Rapids because I knew it was time for me to come up here, I was ready to make an impact."
Detroit drafted Howard in the second round of the 2003 NHL draft. Howard worked out kinks in the American Hockey League while veterans Chris Osgood and Ty Conklin shared time in the net last season in Detroit after Osgood and Dominik Hasek did the previous two years.
Osgood was frustrated when Howard emerged as the No. 1 goalie this season, but now embraces his role as a mentor just two years after winning his second Stanley Cup as a starter.
"I'm happy for Howie," said Osgood, who has 396 career victories. "Sure, I want to play. But I played with a lot of older guys that were good to me, so I owe it to myself to be a good teammate and mentor for him. Howie knows how to play, I just tell him, `Just focus on stopping the puck.'
"All young goalies let their minds wander and sometimes I can tell when he's thinking about other things by his body language."
Howard has one season left on his three-year contract that will pay him $800,000 next year. If he keeps improving, that will be quite a bargain.
2010年5月5日星期三
Colaiacovo nets winner for Blues against Stars
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Carlo Colaiacovo's 26th NHL goal, scored midway through the third period, was the difference in the St. Louis Blues' 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Saturday night.
Colaiacovo's goal, soccer jerseys scored 8:14 into the third during a scramble in the crease, was his first in eight career games against the Stars and his first game-winner this season. The defenseman backhanded the puck into the near side past goalie Kari Lehtonen.
T.J. Oshie also scored his 17th goal for the Blues, who kept their slim playoff hopes alive. They moved within four points of Colorado and Calgary at the Western Conference's postseason cutoff. Chris Mason, who has won 11 of his last 16 starts, stopped 24 shots.
The Stars. clinging to fleeting postseason chances, got a power-play goal from Brenden Morrow. Lehtonen made 21 saves.
Oshie gave the Blues a 1-0 lead 4:19 into the game when he hammered in Roman Polak's shot from the point that Lehtonen couldn't handle. Andy McDonald forced a turnover along the wall to get the puck back to the point.
Morrow tied it 1-1 with 1:49 left in the second. He won a battle in the slot with defenseman Mike Weaver and banged a shot past Mason.
NOTES: Dallas C Brad Richards had six assists in four games against the Blues this season. ... Oshie has points in six straight games against the Stars. ... Blues C Keith Tkachuk and Stars C Mike Modano, who have hinted this season might be their last, have played in a combined 2,655 games, scored 1,094 goals, earned 1,326 assists and totaled 2,420 points. Tkachuk is in his 18th season. Modano is in his 19th. ... Blues LW Paul Kariya (lower body) and Colaiacovo (upper body) returned to the lineup after missing one game. D Barret Jackman (upper body) sat out. ... The Blues honored Kariya in a pregame ceremony for his recently scored 400th NHL goal.
Colaiacovo's goal, soccer jerseys scored 8:14 into the third during a scramble in the crease, was his first in eight career games against the Stars and his first game-winner this season. The defenseman backhanded the puck into the near side past goalie Kari Lehtonen.
T.J. Oshie also scored his 17th goal for the Blues, who kept their slim playoff hopes alive. They moved within four points of Colorado and Calgary at the Western Conference's postseason cutoff. Chris Mason, who has won 11 of his last 16 starts, stopped 24 shots.
The Stars. clinging to fleeting postseason chances, got a power-play goal from Brenden Morrow. Lehtonen made 21 saves.
Oshie gave the Blues a 1-0 lead 4:19 into the game when he hammered in Roman Polak's shot from the point that Lehtonen couldn't handle. Andy McDonald forced a turnover along the wall to get the puck back to the point.
Morrow tied it 1-1 with 1:49 left in the second. He won a battle in the slot with defenseman Mike Weaver and banged a shot past Mason.
NOTES: Dallas C Brad Richards had six assists in four games against the Blues this season. ... Oshie has points in six straight games against the Stars. ... Blues C Keith Tkachuk and Stars C Mike Modano, who have hinted this season might be their last, have played in a combined 2,655 games, scored 1,094 goals, earned 1,326 assists and totaled 2,420 points. Tkachuk is in his 18th season. Modano is in his 19th. ... Blues LW Paul Kariya (lower body) and Colaiacovo (upper body) returned to the lineup after missing one game. D Barret Jackman (upper body) sat out. ... The Blues honored Kariya in a pregame ceremony for his recently scored 400th NHL goal.
Will Mourinho pass the special test
Europe comes alive on the nights of 8th and 9th December when the NFL jerseys UEFA champions league resumes with match day six encounters being played across the continent. Out of the sixteen teams needed to qualify in the first round knock out phase, eight teams have already qualified leaving eight slots up for grabs.
The teams that are yet to qualify know quite well its now or never since match day six marks the end of the group stage. It’s on this fact that the results will ultimately decide which team will have its name among the ones appearing, in the last sixteen.
Among the nerve-racking encounters will be the game between Inter Milan and Rubin Kazan, which will be played on Wednesday at the intimidating San Siro stadium. Both teams have six points but Inter Milan have a better goal difference. If Inter Milan draws with Rubin Kazan they will hope that Dynamo Kiev, who have five points, doesn’t beat Barcelona, who are at the top with eight points. For the Italian champions, hope is the last thing they will want to add, after 90 minutes of play.
Inter Milan coached by the self proclaimed special one, Jose Mourinho, is really under pressure to avoid an early exit. The core reasons as to why the club’s president, Massimo Moratti, parted ways with Roberto Mancini and brought Mourinho, as his replacement in mid 2008, was to make sure the team is able to replicate its domestic dominance in Europe. Although Mourinho has continued with the same success Mancini had in Italy, in Europe the situation hasn’t improved that much.
Mourinho’s first season in Europe with Inter ended in the first knock out round, where Man Utd eliminated them. This season, pressure is really mounting on Mourinho to go at least a step further than last season. A win for the Italians will certainly resurrect the hopes of having better days in Europe while a loss will undeniably put Mourinho’s job up for debate.
After last week’s loss to Juventus, Inter’s biggest assignment this week is to overcome a very trick Russian side. The Russians are in their best form, they have lifted the Russian champions for the second year running and better still, defeated Barcelona at their Camp Nou stadium.
As usual Rubin Kazan will walk in San Siro as the under dogs but Inter Milan can only underrate them at their own peril. When the two met in Russia on match day two, the game ended on a barren draw. Something that can swing the game around is the players match fitness. Rubin Kazan are better fit since the Russian league ended last month while Inter will have had only three days to be fit. Whether its fitness, hope or sheer brilliance that carries the day, the game is indeed a special test for the special one.
The teams that are yet to qualify know quite well its now or never since match day six marks the end of the group stage. It’s on this fact that the results will ultimately decide which team will have its name among the ones appearing, in the last sixteen.
Among the nerve-racking encounters will be the game between Inter Milan and Rubin Kazan, which will be played on Wednesday at the intimidating San Siro stadium. Both teams have six points but Inter Milan have a better goal difference. If Inter Milan draws with Rubin Kazan they will hope that Dynamo Kiev, who have five points, doesn’t beat Barcelona, who are at the top with eight points. For the Italian champions, hope is the last thing they will want to add, after 90 minutes of play.
Inter Milan coached by the self proclaimed special one, Jose Mourinho, is really under pressure to avoid an early exit. The core reasons as to why the club’s president, Massimo Moratti, parted ways with Roberto Mancini and brought Mourinho, as his replacement in mid 2008, was to make sure the team is able to replicate its domestic dominance in Europe. Although Mourinho has continued with the same success Mancini had in Italy, in Europe the situation hasn’t improved that much.
Mourinho’s first season in Europe with Inter ended in the first knock out round, where Man Utd eliminated them. This season, pressure is really mounting on Mourinho to go at least a step further than last season. A win for the Italians will certainly resurrect the hopes of having better days in Europe while a loss will undeniably put Mourinho’s job up for debate.
After last week’s loss to Juventus, Inter’s biggest assignment this week is to overcome a very trick Russian side. The Russians are in their best form, they have lifted the Russian champions for the second year running and better still, defeated Barcelona at their Camp Nou stadium.
As usual Rubin Kazan will walk in San Siro as the under dogs but Inter Milan can only underrate them at their own peril. When the two met in Russia on match day two, the game ended on a barren draw. Something that can swing the game around is the players match fitness. Rubin Kazan are better fit since the Russian league ended last month while Inter will have had only three days to be fit. Whether its fitness, hope or sheer brilliance that carries the day, the game is indeed a special test for the special one.
Slovenia (1) v Russia (2), Maribor
Saturday’s 2-1 victory for NBA jerseys Russia in Moscow was greeted with headlines in the local press claiming "It was not enough!" Indeed, Slovenia’s late away goal could prove crucial but Russia boss Guus Hiddink isn’t getting caught up in the negativity.
Hiddink said, “We did not lose the first match, we won it! And there's no room for panic.
"I know that a very tough battle is waiting for us in Slovenia but we gave another proof that we can upset any opposing team regardless of how many goals they allowed in their qualifying group or how dangerous in general they are."
Slovenia skipper Robert Koren said, “Playing on grass and in front of our passionate fans will give us a distinct advantage. I think it will be a totally different match from the one we played in Moscow."
Hiddink said, “We did not lose the first match, we won it! And there's no room for panic.
"I know that a very tough battle is waiting for us in Slovenia but we gave another proof that we can upset any opposing team regardless of how many goals they allowed in their qualifying group or how dangerous in general they are."
Slovenia skipper Robert Koren said, “Playing on grass and in front of our passionate fans will give us a distinct advantage. I think it will be a totally different match from the one we played in Moscow."
2010年5月4日星期二
South American Fate: The World Cup Draw
The World Cup 2010 draw is out and the lines are set in stone. Teams have been told of their starting spots, their rivals and their paths to the finals. So with battle lines now drawn out, teams will move towards finalizing their strategy and plans to making this world cup as successful as can be.
However, there can only be one winner and it is extremely likely that that team may be one from South America. Let's take a look at how they fared at the draw and what the future will hold for NFL jerseys them.
However, there can only be one winner and it is extremely likely that that team may be one from South America. Let's take a look at how they fared at the draw and what the future will hold for NFL jerseys them.
2010年5月2日星期日
Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend
With the weekend ready to roll, it is time for NBA jerseys another edition outlining what to keep an eye out for over the next few days in the world of football.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
Estudiantes La Plata v FC Barcelona
Club World Cup Final
Saturday 5pm (CET)
The match which effectively decides the best club in the world takes place this weekend in the unlikely location of Abu Dhabi. Argentina’s Copa Libertadores winner Estudiantes take on Spain’s European champions FC Barcelona.
But the Argentine club will be fearing one of their own, with Lionel Messi hailed as the man to win Barcelona this elusive title. Barca boss Pep Guardiola praised the Ballon d’Or winner, saying, "He carries in his blood a competitive gene, to be the best, to settle matches." Indeed, Messi came off the bench to score in the semi-final win over Atlante.
Barcelona will be without star Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta due to a thigh injury although they’ve a strong squad with many able replacements. Estudiantes know this and skipper Juan Sebastian Veron praised them during the week claiming they were ‘the best team in the last two years’.
It is hard to see the South Americans toppling Barcelona, who play some unique and brilliant football, but perhaps there is hope with semi-finalists Atlante exposing a Barca weakness with the long-ball finding them often too square. But there’s not much else, so Barcelona must still be strong favourites.
Fiorentina v AC Milan
Italian Serie A
Saturday 8pm (CET)
A Saturday clash between two of Italy’s most powerful clubs, comes on the back of unexpected losses in Serie A for both last week. Milan had stormed up the table to second until they were beaten by Palermo, while Fiorentina are in a bit of a rut losing five of their last 8 league matches to sit ninth.
The Viola will be hoping to right their wrongs, while Milan can’t afford to lose further ground on leaders Inter. This will be a special match for Fiorentina’s ex-Milan man Alberto Gilardino and he could play a key role.
Hamburg SV v Werder Bremen
German Bundesliga
Sunday 3.30pm (CET)
The North-West German derby arrives with three points crucial for both clubs as they try to maintain their title ambitions just before the winter break. Werder currently sit fourth while HSV are down in fifth although both are just four points behind leaders Leverkusen.
Werder will be boosted by the news manager Thomas Schaaf has signed a new contract but having not won in three, the pressure will be on. Bruno Labbadia’s Hamburg, on the other hand, won 4-0 at Nurnberg last time out but hadn’t won in 7 in the league prior to that. Both sides need the points here and the stakes will be high, with local bragging rights up for grabs too.
Anderlecht v Club Brugge
Belgian Jupiler League
Sunday 8.30pm (CET)
Belgium’s top two go head-to-head on Sunday with Anderlecht hoping to establish an unassailable lead from second-placed Brugge, who are currently 7 points behind the leaders. Anderlecht hasn’t won the league title since 2006-2007 and seem determined to end that run.
Brugge, though, are their closest rivals but have been stuttering of late. Anderlecht have won their last eight in the league but their last slip-up was a 4-2 loss to Brugge. Still, the Brussels club might see this as the chance to reaffirm their champion status.
Benfica v FC Porto
Portuguese Liga
Sunday 9.15pm (CET)
Portuguese league leaders Benfica host champions Porto in a big clash in Lisbon late this Sunday. Benfica have only won 2 of their last 5 in the league to narrowly hold top spot from Braga and then Porto a further point back.
But the champions have won their last three Liga matches and seem to be beginning to mount a serious title challenge. Porto’s Silvestre Varela has been in good form of late, while Benfica’s Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo remains the league’s topscorer with 14. Both will be important.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
Estudiantes La Plata v FC Barcelona
Club World Cup Final
Saturday 5pm (CET)
The match which effectively decides the best club in the world takes place this weekend in the unlikely location of Abu Dhabi. Argentina’s Copa Libertadores winner Estudiantes take on Spain’s European champions FC Barcelona.
But the Argentine club will be fearing one of their own, with Lionel Messi hailed as the man to win Barcelona this elusive title. Barca boss Pep Guardiola praised the Ballon d’Or winner, saying, "He carries in his blood a competitive gene, to be the best, to settle matches." Indeed, Messi came off the bench to score in the semi-final win over Atlante.
Barcelona will be without star Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta due to a thigh injury although they’ve a strong squad with many able replacements. Estudiantes know this and skipper Juan Sebastian Veron praised them during the week claiming they were ‘the best team in the last two years’.
It is hard to see the South Americans toppling Barcelona, who play some unique and brilliant football, but perhaps there is hope with semi-finalists Atlante exposing a Barca weakness with the long-ball finding them often too square. But there’s not much else, so Barcelona must still be strong favourites.
Fiorentina v AC Milan
Italian Serie A
Saturday 8pm (CET)
A Saturday clash between two of Italy’s most powerful clubs, comes on the back of unexpected losses in Serie A for both last week. Milan had stormed up the table to second until they were beaten by Palermo, while Fiorentina are in a bit of a rut losing five of their last 8 league matches to sit ninth.
The Viola will be hoping to right their wrongs, while Milan can’t afford to lose further ground on leaders Inter. This will be a special match for Fiorentina’s ex-Milan man Alberto Gilardino and he could play a key role.
Hamburg SV v Werder Bremen
German Bundesliga
Sunday 3.30pm (CET)
The North-West German derby arrives with three points crucial for both clubs as they try to maintain their title ambitions just before the winter break. Werder currently sit fourth while HSV are down in fifth although both are just four points behind leaders Leverkusen.
Werder will be boosted by the news manager Thomas Schaaf has signed a new contract but having not won in three, the pressure will be on. Bruno Labbadia’s Hamburg, on the other hand, won 4-0 at Nurnberg last time out but hadn’t won in 7 in the league prior to that. Both sides need the points here and the stakes will be high, with local bragging rights up for grabs too.
Anderlecht v Club Brugge
Belgian Jupiler League
Sunday 8.30pm (CET)
Belgium’s top two go head-to-head on Sunday with Anderlecht hoping to establish an unassailable lead from second-placed Brugge, who are currently 7 points behind the leaders. Anderlecht hasn’t won the league title since 2006-2007 and seem determined to end that run.
Brugge, though, are their closest rivals but have been stuttering of late. Anderlecht have won their last eight in the league but their last slip-up was a 4-2 loss to Brugge. Still, the Brussels club might see this as the chance to reaffirm their champion status.
Benfica v FC Porto
Portuguese Liga
Sunday 9.15pm (CET)
Portuguese league leaders Benfica host champions Porto in a big clash in Lisbon late this Sunday. Benfica have only won 2 of their last 5 in the league to narrowly hold top spot from Braga and then Porto a further point back.
But the champions have won their last three Liga matches and seem to be beginning to mount a serious title challenge. Porto’s Silvestre Varela has been in good form of late, while Benfica’s Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo remains the league’s topscorer with 14. Both will be important.
ITALY
It was a champion performance fromSoccer jerseys Italy's reigning champs Inter as they defeated their closest rivals (in every sense) AC Milan 2-0 despite being reduced to nine-men and conceding a penalty. The nature of the result really was a psychological blow which suggests Inter have the title won.
Elsewhere, Roma pushed forward their credentials with a 2-1 win at Juventus which leaves the Old Lady reeling down in sixth. Surely, Ciro Ferrara will be shown the door now. They've lost their last 3 Serie A matches and 6 of their last 8 in the league.
Another Italian heavyweight, Fiorentina, are also struggling down in ninth after a 3-0 loss to Palermo, who are flying at the moment with impressive centre-half Simon Kjaer instrumental. At the bottom, Siena snapped their losing run with a 1-1 draw against Cagliari but are still languishing way off the pace.
GERMANY
Leaders Leverkusen have maintained their supremacy at MLB jerseys the top of the Bundesliga despite the increasing pressure from Bayern, who've won their last eight matches in all competitions. Saturday's 3-2 win by the Bavarians in Bremen really shows they've got what it takes.
But Jupp Heynckes' Leverkusen remain top after another win, this time an impressive 3-0 win at Hoffenheim. Schalke's 2-2 draw at Bochum, after conceding twice late, sees them drop below Bayern.
Dortmund continue their winning streak after a brilliant 1-0 win over Hamburg, who've just signed Ruud van Nistelrooy. Elsewhere, Hannover fans will been concerned after their fourth straight loss, a 1-0 defeat at Mainz, while bottom club Hertha claimed another post-Christmas point.
Elsewhere, Roma pushed forward their credentials with a 2-1 win at Juventus which leaves the Old Lady reeling down in sixth. Surely, Ciro Ferrara will be shown the door now. They've lost their last 3 Serie A matches and 6 of their last 8 in the league.
Another Italian heavyweight, Fiorentina, are also struggling down in ninth after a 3-0 loss to Palermo, who are flying at the moment with impressive centre-half Simon Kjaer instrumental. At the bottom, Siena snapped their losing run with a 1-1 draw against Cagliari but are still languishing way off the pace.
GERMANY
Leaders Leverkusen have maintained their supremacy at MLB jerseys the top of the Bundesliga despite the increasing pressure from Bayern, who've won their last eight matches in all competitions. Saturday's 3-2 win by the Bavarians in Bremen really shows they've got what it takes.
But Jupp Heynckes' Leverkusen remain top after another win, this time an impressive 3-0 win at Hoffenheim. Schalke's 2-2 draw at Bochum, after conceding twice late, sees them drop below Bayern.
Dortmund continue their winning streak after a brilliant 1-0 win over Hamburg, who've just signed Ruud van Nistelrooy. Elsewhere, Hannover fans will been concerned after their fourth straight loss, a 1-0 defeat at Mainz, while bottom club Hertha claimed another post-Christmas point.
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