Mr. Fisherwood Goes to Nashville

In my mind, the final nail in the Ottawa Senators coffin is moving Mike Fisher to the Predators. The team is currently battling for the #1 draft pick, but I mean the "end" in a different way. I started following the Senators shortly before their run the the Cup Finals. Coming out of the lockout, I didn't have much to root for. My LA Kings were deep in the Dave Taylor Era, a time I'd like to forget. I happened to pick Heatley and Spezza in my fantasy pool. I just picked-up a flat screen TV and HD service. I started watching Ottawa. They were a high scoring team and fun to watch. I liked the roster version with Alfredsson, Vermette, Schafer, Spezza, Heatley, Fisher, Neil, Meszaros, Volchenkov, Phillips. Now, most of that roster is gone. As players were traded away, my interest in the Senators went along with it. And with the trade of Fisher, my interest in that team is nil.

Don't get me wrong, I still think Alfredsson is/was one of the best players in the league. Watching full seasons of that guy gave me a new appreciation for what he could do. And that was pretty much everything. He could play every situation and had a scorer's touch with defensive responsibility. Very rare. But with his career winding down, I'm done with the Senators.

Why Mike Fisher? He's one of my favorite players. I appreciate everything Fisher brings to the game. He plays for his team, not himself. The guy plays a hard, speedy game. I'd like to think I've patterned my play after him. Unfortunately, I'm just as snakebitten in the goal scoring department.

It's not a coincidence that Fisher is playing in Nashville and is now closer to his wife. But it's cool that this deal was done. I give Brian Murray props for that. Although Nashville loses a first rounder and gets Fisher's relatively high salary. The Predators also get Carrie Underwood to attend games, which has some marketing value.

Too bad the Kings don't play Nashville at home anymore this season (unless it is in the Playoffs).

LAKings Time is Now - Update

Things have gone well since my last LAKings post. They finished off the homestand with two wins, then went 2-0-1 on the road so far. I'm happy, but cautious.

 

There is still a lack of scoring despite getting much needed points. The game against the Wild featured a 0-0 score, that was lost in the shootout. And the last game against Calgary almost got away, after a blow 3rd period lead was salvaged by a 7-round shootout win! I'm stoked the boys are getting it done, but maybe the margin for error could be improved.!?

 

There are 5 days between games and the Kings will be at home a few days to practice before wrapping up the 7-games left on the roadtrip. Actually, 6 games. The last game is on the road against Anaheim, but not much travel involved.

 

On the trade front, there are currently way too many teams that consider themselves playoff bound. I think the Devils, Senators, Oilers and Isles are probably seller as of today. I wonder what Kovalchuk thinks of his decision to join New Jersey today? I'm glad that LA didn't sell the future to get him, but scoring is lacking right now. I have to think something happens for the Kings at the trade deadline.

Bauer Supreme One 80 - Review 2.0

Part 2.  My Bauer Supreme One 80's are holding up well after 4 months. The fit is still great and I think it has to do with the stiffness of the boot. I don't think there's much break-in on these skates. They fit great after being baked and have stayed that way. I don't think there is any shifting, stretching or settling going on after the initial fit. So, if you don't like them out of the gate, they probably won't "break-in" much. The upside of that is having a consistent fitting skate every time you put it on.

 

Durability is fair/good. There is a spot on one skate that looks like the skate could be de-laminating. But closer inspection shows that it is structurally fine, just something well under the surface layer. Otherwise the skates are holding up very well with moderate use (two games a week). Boot, eyelets, & skate runner are all solid.

 

I would still buy these skates all over again, if given the choice.

UFC 126

I used to post something before each UFC fight, but not so much anymore. I guess the fight cards don't interest me as much. The exception is that I have been looking forward to this card (UFC 126) since it was taking shape last year. Title fight of Anderson Silva vs Vitor Belfort. I'm a big Silva fan, but not sure where his head has been at in recent fights. He also received his biggest beatdown to date by Chael Sonnen. I'm hoping that a big fight will be what's needed to motivate Silva to be back in full Spider-man form. It's a bit suspect that Belfort is getting a title shot. His resume speaks for itself, but his last fight was at a catchweight (195) and he's yet to even fight at middleweight in the UFC. Still, I'm eagerly awaiting this one.

Two of the most popular UFC fighters faceoff in Griffin vs Franklin. I never bet against either of these guys. Both are extremely tough. I have this pegged for Fight of the Night. Going with Franklin.

Jon Jones and Ryan Bader are the top two up and coming light heavyweights in the UFC. I LOVE Jon Jones. The guy reminds me of the dynamic striking of early Anderson Silva. I think Bader, while powerful, will be outclassed by Jones. I hope for yet another spectacular KO.

Also on this card are several WEC mainstays: Miguel Torres, Antonio Banuelos, Donald Cerrone, Chad Mendes. Most of these fight are on the prelims, but these guys don't disappoint. Should a couple of the main cards be short and sweet, these guys will definitely make great filler.

And my favorite walkout music-guy Kyle Kingsbury is on the undercard. What else could you ask for?

All Star Break Musings

My interest in the NHL All Star Weekend has steadily waned over the years. Maybe that's the way it is supposed to be. I always saw it as a vehicle to draw in new fans or casual hockey fans. I'm neither of those. Even with the new format of picking teams ala fantasy hockey style, I wasn't totally drawn-in. I have to give Shannahan credit though, as it seemed like a great idea. I think they could do it again for another year or two.

The skills contest is still interesting to me. I think giant players and high tech sticks have made Al Macinnis' and Al Iafrate's 100 mph slapshots a much more common sight. I do enjoy the breakaway challenge with no-rules and lacrosse-style attempts. It highlights the skill and creativity these guys have. My idea is to have a game of "horse" like in basketball. It would be "goal" or "puck" and players would take turns matching feats of scoring/shooting on an empty net.

But it's time to get back to business. The Kings won their last 3 games and start the 10 game road trip tonight in Minnesota. A lot rides on this trip. I believe that there is still only 6 points separating 4th from 12th place in the West. This road trip coupled with the trade deadline, makes for a very interesting stretch run!