2009 February

Archive for February, 2009

Miller extends streak of games played to 502

by Kurtis on Feb.22, 2009, under Sport News

andre_miller Philadelphia guard Andre Miller extended the NBA’s longest current streak of games played to 502 on Saturday, facing the Miami Heat three days after straining his right calf.

He’s missed only three games in his 10-year career, the last of those coming Jan. 24, 2003, when he was with the Los Angeles Clippers and sat out against the Minnesota Timberwolves for personal reasons.

“Knowing Andre’s personality, I don’t think (the streak) even matters to him,” 76ers coach Tony DiLeo said.

Detroit’s Tayshaun Prince has the second-longest current streak of consecutive appearances, at 465. Derek Fisher (304) of the Los Angeles Lakers is third and the 76ers’ Samuel Dalembert (who played in his 244th straight on Saturday) is fourth.

Miller is averaging 15.8 points and 6.4 assists this season.

For the Heat, forward James Jones (right wrist) was inactive. Jones, who missed the first half of the season with an injury to the same wrist, was hurt in Wednesday’s loss to Minnesota, but coach Erik Spoelstra said his condition was improving.

“The swelling is way down,” Spoelstra said.

Jones could play Sunday when Miami visits Orlando.

Taking Jones’ spot on the active roster was Dorell Wright, who has played in only one game this season — on Oct. 31 — while recovering from surgery to remove debris from his left knee. Wright also missed Miami’s final 24 games last season because of knee problems.

Yahkouba Diawara started at small forward for Miami, taking the spot Jones had in Wednesday’s lineup.

Red Wings get five power-play goals in 6-2 win over Predators

by Kurtis on Feb.18, 2009, under Sport News

red-wings Just in case anyone needed a reminder, the Detroit Red Wings showed why they have the NHL’s top power play.

The Red Wings scored five power play goals Wednesday night in a 6-2 win over the Nashville Predators to snap a two-game losing streak. “If they get two power-play goals a game against us they usually win,” Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. “They get five, they always win.”

Nicklas Lidstrom and Johan Franzen each had two goals and an assist and Henrik Zetterberg and Jiri Hudler added a goal and as assist each. Ty Conklin made 23 saves.

“We’ve got some guys who can make plays and tonight we got some room,” said defenceman Niklas Kronwall, who had two assists.

Steve Sullivan scored his first two goals in two years to account for Nashville’s offence. Dan Ellis stopped 35 shots.

The Red Wings, who score 28.1 per cent of the time on the power play, did their damage with the extra man in only 7:02 time on six power plays.

“They definitely confused us tonight,” Nashville defenseman Greg Zanon said.

Lidstrom’s first goal gave Detroit a 3-1 lead with 9:59 left in the second period. He scored on a slap shot from the left point.

Sullivan’s second goal brought the Predators back to within 3-2 when he backhanded in a rebound.

Franzen restored the Red Wings’ two-goal lead, flipping a backhand shot past Ellis from in front of the net after controlling the puck and making a move.

It was his first game back after sitting out five with a bruised hand.

“It’s always good to get back. It’s painful sitting on the side watching, especially we started to play a lot better lately, over the last 10 games,” Franzen said. “It’s good to get back, and our power play is playing good.”

Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Ain’t Over Now

by Kurtis on Feb.18, 2009, under Sport News

Yes, they started their season in the worst possible way. Their coach was sent packing in the first, full month of the season. They finally earned their 30th point in their 36th game. Ownership was thought of as reckless and impotent. The fans were dissatisfied with their stars’ performance. Does this sound familiar to you Tampa Bay Lightning puckheads? It should, but I am not talking about this year’s version of the Bolts. No, I’m looking back at last year’s Washington Capitals!

The comparisons between the two teams are as scary as the “Frightning’s” start to the 2009 season. The Caps fired coach Glen Hanlon after a dismal 6-14-1 record last season. Of course the Lightning gave Barry Melrose his pink slip after his awful 5-7-4 start this year.

The team from Washington went on to post 28 wins in their last 46 games. They ended the season by winning 11 of their last 12 games and won the Southeast Division title! Former Capitals goalie and now Lightning backup, Olaf Kolzig, believes the Lightning have “got the talent” and the “goaltender” (Mike Smith) to make a similar run. There is an eerie similarity between both teams. Quoted in the St. Petersburg Times, Kolzig stated, “The run we made at the end of the year there, I don’t know if that can be duplicated, but if we can win three out of every four, four out of every five the rest of the way, I think we will slowly but surely get back into it. That’s kind of the hole we dug ourselves. It’s just we have to be committed to doing it every day.”

Rick Tocchet has trimmed the team of the dead wood, and the Bolts seem to be playing better and more together. The move to put Vincent Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis and Ryan Malone on the number one line looks like it is working. The Bolts have won three of the past four games while accumulating seven points in that span. Tocchet needs to change the culture of the organization, and to do this he must keep hammering this squad. According to St. Louis, there is a new glimmer of determination in the eyes of his teammates.

Washington has young stars like Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom that triggered their strong comeback last season. I submit to you as evidence, Vincent Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis of the Lightning. Lightning fans take heed! The season is not over! “Over? Did you say “over”? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! And it ain’t over now. ‘Cause when the goin’ gets tough… the tough get goin’! Who’s with me? Let’s go!” - Senator John Blutarsky

Since 1975 author Bill Philp has been involved in the sports industry. He began setting up at local venues, selling sports cards. This evolved into becoming a full time card dealer in his hometown of Farmington, MI. He has worked as a sports writer for a city newspaper in Detroit, MI. He has been published in the USA Today’s Baseball Weekly, and currently contributes to many sports websites as a columnist.

He was a Director for the largest sports memorabilia retailer in the country. He is credited for opening six company stores, and overseeing eleven stores stretching from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA. He has played and won fantasy leagues involving baseball, football, basketball, hockey, golf and college football for many years. The long-time sports addict now presents this website to feed your sports appetite. This, in response to his many conversations with athletes, sportswriters, and fans.

http://www.magicmatchup.com