It's that time of year time to do football predictions!

I'm pretty excited for this football season for the first time in a few years. The defending champions for the first time in their franchise history the New Orleans Saints look to defend their title in both the NFC south and the Lombardi trophy. The NFC south hasn't had a repeating division champion since the religning of the divisions. This means the might have to try and sneak through the wild card.

Let's stop just going on and on about the Saints. Let's make some predictions and look futher into teams chances. This time of the year is always very exciting but with all the big time new faces on new teams this year it's insane. Plus some exciting moves in management and coaching.

Let's break down the afc first since it's pretty easy to figure out who are the players in that conference.

Afc east
patriots-they should win this division they still have one year left of moss and welker and Brady is always a safe bet.
Jets- will finish beghind the pats because bellicheck will beat th twice this year like usual.
Dolphins- the are definitely turning around the franchise but even after a playoff appearance two years ago they aren't in position to recapture that luck.
Bills- poor bills fans thought four years in a row of
losing the superbowl was bad enough till they realized they have been the worst team a in last decade and half.

Afc south
Colts- the win this every year don't be suprised it's what bound to happen as long as coach Manning is playing
titans- you can't argue with how well te finished off that bad start to a season and Johnson being I'm select company rushing for over 2000 yards
texans- a franchise on the rise but will probably lose it's talent before making any real headway
jaquars- del rios last year, unfortanetly he wasn't ever able to capitalize on all of those solid chances,but poor drafts and results, probably garrads last season too though he's never had any wideout to work with.

Afc north
bengals - Palmer comes back to form as does ochocinco (if they do manage to bring in to watchout)
ravens - great team harbagh is building in Baltimore but no Ed reed for a few weeks costs
steelers - six weeks without big Ben will definetly hurt the steelers.
Browns- team finally got rid of two qb circus and might be able to focus on task at hand

afc west
charges- cAuse no one else is even close to as good here out west
cheifs- they lost se tough games last year i think they'll be able to turn them into wins this year
raiders- the team is learning I think Jason camball automatically makes them not as much as a joke
broncos- I'm not sure who they start here or who they'll trade next it's like a fire sale in Denver

NFC probably isn't a better conference it just actually has more talent spread evenally among teams.

NFC east
cowboys- if they don't win this division then they are single handledly the best chock artists ever
giants- expect a year o the first six weeks of giants football this year not that totall fiasco at the end of last season
eagles- not good enough to challenge yet but expect for the m to surprise
redskins- the team ain't done enough to climb out of bottom of the east yet

NFC south
falcons- Matt Ryan doesn't disappiont and turner turns it around
saints- can't quit recapture the magic of last season but still very good
buccaneers- the won't be as bad as there where last year because that coach is to talented
panthers- this will finally bring around what's been happening enevetabebly for a few years now

NFC north
vikings- favre no favre best team in north
packers- getting back to their glory days hoping to start new ones
lions- that's right I think they have too much young talent to stay down anymore
bears- good bye lovie try to go out with se dignity

NFC west
niners- not hard since only complete team out west
cardnals- don't be dissapointed lienhart might not be a bust
seahawks- sorry Carroll I don't think you got what it takes to be in the bigs if you look at your record in the bigs I'm not lying
rams- greatest show on turf a decade ago to greatest flop on turf

As season gets closer expect to hear
more from me

Buccaneer First round picks

I was wondering all day how the Buccaneers have been trying to build their team the past few seasons. So I decided that the day before the first round of the draft to take a closer look into their first round draft picks since 2004.

2004 - Micheal Clayton - LSU - 15th overall- After a really good rookie season he kind of fell of the radar with some minor injuries and lack of a quarterback to get him the ball really. Still seems kind of like a bust since after a 1000 plus yard rookie season he has only had 2900 yards in his career.

2005 - Cornell Williams - Auburn - 5th overall - After a really good rookie season he kind of fell of the radar a little also. Injuries have pleaged his career. He had a 1000 yard rookie season and has yet to match that awesome rookie season. He might be able to get back into form this year if he can stay healthy.

2006 - Davin Joseph - Oklahoma - 23rd overall - He was a probowler in 2008 so not a bad pick. Hasn't made another probowl since then though so that seems almost inconstant.

2007 - Gaines Adams - Clemson - 4th overall - Was thought to be the piece needed to have a pass rush but he really didn't pan out too well in Tampa and got traded to Chicago. In the offseason he past away it's sad to see one so leave the game that way and so young.

2008 - Aqib Talib - Kansas - 20th overall - been starting on the other side of Rhonde Barber since he was a rookie. He has the talent and being mentored by one of the best corners to play the game can only help him.

2009 - Josh Freeman - Kansas State - 17th overall - A lot is to be seen from him yet but he might be their quarterback for the future. This season could determine his future.

2010 - not picked yet, let's take a look at that after the draft tomorrow.

by: Shane Murray

NFL draft is on Thursday!

An interesting thing about this years draft is so many people have moved in the offseason. If you look at most mock the really aren't to many that kept up with the moves. There was so many big name free agents and trades that most teams whe structures changed. Look at carolina losing Peppers. The Jets released Thomas Jones who was basicly everything you could ask for from a running back the last few years double digit touchdowns and thousand plus rushing hard seasons. Then the bring in LT, not that it's a bad move if the kept Jones. But to go from Jones to LT who's been hurt last few seasons seems almost silly.

The Eagles traded McNabb after saying earlier in offseason he was to be this years starting quarter back. That seems a little crazy, but to make it better they traded him to the Redskins (a team in their own division). They also traded away Sheldon Brown and Chris Gocong and they where already hurting at those to positions before trade. The Vikings let Chester Taylor walk who was there passing down back. They better hope that AP can learn how to block and doesn't put the ball on the ground as mu h as did last season.

Then there a teams that have pretty obvious needs like Packers need offensive linemen if they want Rodgers to last as long as Favre. The Redskins will be going after offensive line to because that's what Shanahan is known for. This years draft should be pretty interesting people who look like solid first rounders could fall into second and seconds that could move up into first round. Thursday night should be pretty interesting can't wait to see what happens.

Hamels gettng back into form?

Cole Hamels coming into this season was looking to get back on track and get some of that luster he had in the 2008 playoffs and world series. Last year was a rough year for Hamels, he got frustrated easily and didn't enjoy the game like a player should. He had rough spring training last year with an elbow injury that might have put him off to a bad start. He got his double digit wins last year but it was looking tough for him to get there last year.

Two games into this season and Hamels isn't pitching lights out but he is pitching pretty decent. He has gone 10.2 innings, 11 hits, 6 er, 11ks and a 5.06 era. He also got two wins during both of those starts. He has given up 2 homers in two starts, which is probably his only real weakness is he gives up 20+ long balls a year. But getting two wins should be big for his confidence going into the season.

I think he'll probably end up getting 12-14 wins and a low 3 era. I expect at least 1 complete game from him this year he's averaged 2 over the last 3 years. Hamels should try to learn some things from Roy Holladay and learn some of his secrets so he can improve his game a little. I think he might one day be that ace the Phils organization thought he would be if he can keep his mind in the game and let the veteran Holladay help his game.

By: Shane Murray

QB competition for Birds?

Going into the 2010 training camp the Eagles will be hosting a quarterback competition between Kevin Kolb and Mike Vick. This is an interesting situation for Eagles fans and Eagles organization. This is the first time in a long time the Eagles didn't know who there quarterback would be going into the season. Some say it should be Kolb cause he's sat for two years and contract is up at the end of the year and you don't want to resign a player you never seen play. Others think it should be Vick because of his experience in the NFL already plus the other intangibles he brings into the game. Let's take a look at the two players a little more in depth.

Kevin Kolb drafted by the Eagles in second round in the 2007 draft, with the 36th pick. He came from the University of Huston. He threw for 12,964 yards while in Huston. He also threw for 85 touchdowns. He got his first time against the Ravens in 2008 where he got put into a game where McNabb was getting trounced and then he continued to be trounced. Last season he got two starts while McNabb was out. He started against the Saints and the Chiefs. He threw for more then 300 yards in both of those games.

Mike Vick drafted by the Falcons first round in the 2001 draft, number 1 overall. He was the starter for the whole time he was with the Falcons. He was suspended by the NFL in 2007 for dog fighting charges. He has made 3 probowls and was the only quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in one season. He took the Falcons to the NFC championship game in 2004. He spent some time in jail for pleading guilty to the dog fighting charges and when he came back as a free agent. The Eagles decided to sign him to back up McNabb and add some veteran experience in the position.

Both Vick and Kolb have a lot to prove to Andy Reid before he names the starter for the season. It should be interesting to see what happens in training camp and preseason games. Kolb and Vick both bring two pretty different dimensions to the table. Kolb is going to be more of a pocket passer, he doesn't have the blazing speed to be a mobile quarterback. Though he can do a little with his legs to extend the play if necessary. Vick on the other hand is a mobile quarterback, he has speed and a rocket arm. The only thing about Vick is he can get run happy, and his accuracy is not that great. It looks to be a great time for these two quarterbacks one who is trying to make himself and another who is trying to overcome a black mark on his other wise great career.

By: Shane Murray

Week One in the Books

Well Opening Week has ended for the Phillies, and what a week it has been. The Fightins' are off to their best start since 1993. The first week seen some pretty easy opponents, but it started the Phils on the foot. They took 2 of 3 from the Nats, and swept the 'Stros, all on the road. The Phillies out scored the Nats and 'Stros 43-18 and had 10+ hits in all but one game during the road trip. For the Phillies' home opener they welcome back the Nationals, Cole Hamles will be on the mound. He will look to improve on his first start of the season.

Players of the Week:

Ryan Howard.
Chocolate Lava blasted 3 long balls, has a .357 average, and 10 RBIs through the first week of the season. He also has only struck out 4 times so far. Hopefully he can continue this into the season.

Roy Halladay.
Doc was dealing in the first week of the season. In his 2 starts he went 2-0 with 1 complete game, 16 innings pitched, 17 K's and a 0.56 ERA. Makes you think Cliff who?
Billy Donahue reporting.

McNabb to Redskins?

After the loss to the Cowboys in the playoffs. Andy Reid came out and said that McNabb was still going to be the starter for the 2010 season. Then about two months after that press conference Reid said that all of his quarterbacks where on the table for trade. A surprise for McNabb, since everyone always equated Reid and McNabb as I got your back if you got mine group. There was that one benching of McNabb against the Ravens in the 08 season but he started a week later when they routed the Cardinals.

Now the question is how will McNabb fair in this new system in Washington. When Shanahan got signed as the Redskins coach this offseason after horrible year for Jim Zhorn. Redskins fans got excited to bring in a coach that has a winning record and should be able to turn the team around. In free agency they have brought over Willie Parker and Larry Johnson. That is definitely a strong trait of a Shanahan team a lot of running backs and running the ball in general.

Well one would have thought with them signing Rex Grossman as well that the team was set for at least a quaterback competition in training camp. No one expected what did happen though with McNabb getting traded there for the 37 pick over all this year and a third or a fourth rounder next year. I think that takes away any chance of a quaterback competition in training camp sorry Grossman and Cambell.

Now another good question is when did the Redskins even come into competition for McNabb. There was a lot of rumors that the Raiders where the front runners for McNabb followed by the Bills and some others. McNabb eventually ended up in Washington, which was a odd move in two ways. One way was no one even pictured Washington to be in the picture for McNabb. Another way was that Washington is in the same division as the Eagles and this means they have to play him at least twice this year alone. If Washington doesn't sign him for another 3 to 4 years which he probably has left in the tank.

Now with McNabb coming over that means Shanahan is basically in the same position he was in when he took Denver to back to back superbowl wins. Except with a little more agile quaterback and has been there before. That's a great situation for Washington now since there fans have been watching some really bad football for the last 15 years or so. Bringing McNabb in and Shanahan they instantly change the way this team will finish next season and made them possibably a playoff contender. Let's see what happens next season but as of right now the Redskins are looking at having a good year.

by: Shane Murray

Welcome to the team, boys!

The most anticipated game since game 5 of the World Series 2008, newly acquired Roy Halladay and Placido Polanco stepped right in and contributed. Halladay looked a little shaky giving up a run, but cruised the rest of the way after that, go 7 innings, striking out 9 and giving up just 1 run, even picking up an RIB single. Doc supplied the pitching, Polly provided the pop, returning to the Fightins Polly blasted a grand slam, giving him a total of 6 Rib-i's for the day. Ryan "Chocolate Lava" stated the offensive explosion for the Fightins' with a 2-run bomb in the fifth inning. It was a great way to start the 2010 campaign.
By Billy Donahue

AL teams this year

Most of us over here at SportsDaily are Phillies fans (minus Chris the RedSox fan). Me and Bill recently have been picking an AL team to follow on top of following the Phillies. Though if they meet in the series we'd both go Phils.

Bill is going with the Twinns this year. There is a lot of reasons to go for them in the AL central. There isn't a team that really dominates in the division. They made it last year after a playoffs after having to play another tiebreaker game again.

I'm going with the Mariners this year. I really like there starting rotation with Lee and Hernadez. Plus Ichiro is a consisten plus .300 hitter and 200 hits. They brought in some help this season all over the place. They look to be the team to beat in the west even though the Angels went deep into the playoffs last season.

Let's see how either of our "second" teams pan out this season. I think we both have teams that should make the playoffs if they stay healthy for the whole season.

By: Shane Murray

NBA playoff picture

I didn't get to watch much basketball this year so I can't really say anything about the teams. But let's just take a look and see who is where going into the playoffs.

East
1. Cleveland
2. Orlando
3. Atlanta
4. Boston
5. Miami
6. Milwaukee
7. Charlotte
8. Toronto
9. Chicago

West.
1. La Lakers
2. Dallas
3. Denver
4. Utah
5. Phoenix
6. Oklahoma City
7. San Antonio
8. Portland

It looks like the west is all settled in for playoffs. Though in the East Toronto could lose there playoff spot to Chicago. Lets see what happens by the end of season.

By: Shane Murray

NHL Playoffs Picture

Can they Hold on?

It's been a crazy season in the NHL. A lot of talented rookies stepping up big time. While a lot of the old veterans and all stars kept doing much of the same. Lets take a look at who is in and who is hoping they can sneak in .

East
1. Washington - President trophy is lock for this team. What more could you ask for?
2. New Jersey - Let Broduer play 70 games a season and waltz into the playoffs again.
3. Buffalo - Ryan Miller stays healthy puts them in playoffs almost any year.
4. Pittsburgh - They are the raining champions you would expect them to make.
5. Ottawa - Surprised here, popular thought had them falling out when Alferdson went down.
6. Montreal - sneaking in for last few years now, not a surprise.
7. Boston - a real fall from grace from the season they had last year.
8. Philadelphia - losing two goaltenders hurt a lot heading into end of season lets see if they hold this spot.
9. New York Rangers - could possible take that eight spot from Philly with the teams finishing the season in back to back games.
10. Atlanta - has a slimer chance then Rangers but still possible.

West.
1. San Jose - finish in top 3 last few season yet can't do anything in playoffs
2. Chicago - young guns stepping up big time
3. Vancouver - started slow but great finish to season
4. Phoenix - didn't see them doing this but good season for em
5. Nashville - has been close or in last few seasons, it was good for them to just get a high spot and not have to worry late
6. Detriot - you know they gonna do it with the scrappy team they have
7. Los Angeles - this was a bigger surprise then Phoenix but it's a good season finally
8. Colorado - didn't think they would be able to push into fighting spot after last season but they did well, lets see if they hold on
9. Calgary - has a chance but must win all of there games to end season and Colorado lose
10. St. Louis - could but Calgary and Colorado would have to lose all and they would have to win all games left in season.

With season ending on Sunday lets see what happens who stays in there spot and who loses it.

By: Shane Murray

Polly Down!

Newly acquired third-baseman Polly Polanco was hurt during a grapefruit game today. Polanco was fielding a pop fly near the pitcher's mound when he injured his right knee. He said he will be fine in a few days. Hopefully that's the case, if not, dust off those spikes Mr.Schmidt.

p.s. check out the size of Polly's dome!

By Billy Donahue

As the snow falls....

Spring training has started... It's almost that time of the year again. With the 2010 season a little over a month away from starting, I thought I would give my predications for the Phillies, or what I hope for anyway.

Lets start with the batters -

1. Jimmy Rollins -
I look for Jimmy to hit in the .280 average range, 15 homers, 75 rbi's, 30 stolen bases, and win another Gold Glove.
2. Placido Polanco -
In his second stint with the Fightins' I expect Polly Pocket to put up better numbers than he did last season. .300 average, 15 homers, 80 rbi's, and play solid d in his first full season on the hot corner.
3. Chase Utley -
I expect Utley to have an MVP like season. He will be a full season removed from hip surgery, will get proper rest, even if Charlie has to tie him up in the club house to keep him off the field. .300+ average, 35 homers, 110+ rbi's, steala few bags, and play solid defense.
4. Ryan Howard -
The Big Piece is going to do what he does, crush balls and drive in runs. I think he will continue to improve on cutting out on the strike outs. .285 average, 45 homers, 145 rbi's. Big Brown's defense will continue to improve, but he will still make you hold your breath every time he throws to second base.
5. Jayson Werth -
With Werth on the verge of becoming a superstar in the MLB, and it being a contract season I see a monster season for Werth. Plus he has that badass beard going, how couldn't he? The more J-Dub plays the better he gets. .275 average, 34 homers, 100+ rib's, steal a few bags, and play great defense.
6. Shane Victorino -
The Flyin' Hawaiian has to be mad about being sent down the line-up card. I see him translating that into him playing with a chip on his shoulder, and getting better numbers. .295 average, 8 homers, 65 rbi's, 30+ stolen bags, and another Gold Glove.
7. Raul Ibanez -
RAAAAUUUUUUUULLLL will not match the hot start he had last season, but after being surgically repaired I see him having a better overall season. .285 average, 30 homers, 95+ rbi's and solid D. Hitting infront of the people Raul is hitting infront of, he could have career high numbers in rbi's this season.
8. Carlos Ruiz -
Gotta love Chooch. He gets the job done as a number 8 hitter, calls a great game, and plays excellent defense. Thanks to Chooch's awesome performances in the last three postseasons he will finally get some lime light. .260 average, 10 homers, 55 rbi's. Chooch will win his first Gold Glove this season.

Pitchers -
1.Roy Halladay -
Doc is going to take the National League by storm. Finally getting the chance to play for a contender, Halladay will excel. Roy will win 20+ games, high 2 ERA, and compete for the Cy Young award.
2.Cole Hamels -
Cole will bounce back to form this season. He will benefit from having Halladay being the true team ace. Cole also has his curveball working again, and might even break out a cutter.(Thanks Cliff!) Hamels also spent time working out over the offseason instead of saying yes to every promo deal. !5+ wins, low 3 ERA a be one of the best number 2 starters in the league.
3.Joe Blanton-
Big Joe is going to do his thing again this year, pitch a bunch of innings and keep his team in the game. Maybe even hit a homer. 12-15 wins and a middle 3 ERA.
4.Jay Happ -
Young James Anthony will benefit from having Halladay around, as well as starting the season in the rotation. Jay will continue the success he had last season. 12-17 wins and a middle 3 ERA.
5.Jamie Moyer/Kyle Kendrick
Who ever wins the battle for the number 5 starter will have a number five stater like season. 10 wins high 4 ERA. After all it's your number 5.

Bullpen-

J.C. Romero -
He will be healthy for the first time in awhile and will be back to the dependable arm out of the pen.
Ryan Madson -
Another year of experience will help Mad Dawg. He has been spotted tagging along with Halladay at Spring Training, so that will help too. Madson has closer stuff, but has yet to develop a closer's mindset. Ryan will have his typical season, great 8th inning man with that killer change-up. Might have to step in as the closer at the start of the season.
Brad Lidge -
Brad Lidge is Brad Lidge. I hate him. He will suck yet again. I hope they pull him out of the closer role after blowing 3 saves and ship him down to the Iron Pigs to get his shit right.
Danny Biaz -
New comer was brought to the team to fill in for Lidge if needed. Don't expect much out of him.
Jose Contrearas
He comes in to take over Chan Ho Park's role. Won't be great, won't be bad.


I expect the Phillies to win around 100 games this year.

By Billy Donahue

Flames big shake up

Sunday was a big move day in Hockey. Dion Phanuef, Kieth Aulie, and Fredrik Sjostrom went to Toronto. The Flames got back in return Ian White, Matt Stajan, Nicklas Hagman, and Jamal Mayers. On top of getting Phamuef, Toronto traded with Anahiem to get Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Anahiem got Jason Blake and Vesa Toskala.

After the loss monday night the Flames again where moving people and moved Oli Jokinen and Brandon Prust to Rangers. In return for Ales Kotalik and Christopher Higgins.

Lets see who the winners of these trades where

Leafs
-Dion Phanuef - 22 points, +3 plus/minus, 49 PIM, age 24
-Kieth Aulie - age 20, no NHL stats...
-Fredrik Sjostrom - 6 points, +2 plus/minus, 8 PIM, age 26
-Jean-Sebastien Giguere - 4-8-5, 3.14 GAA, .900 SV%, age 32

Flames
-Ian White - 26 points, +1 plus/minus, 39 PIM, age 25
-Matt Stajan - 41 points, -4 plus/minus, 30 PIM, age 26
-Nicklas Hagman - 33 points, -3 plus/minus, 23 PIM, age 30
-Jamal Mayers - 8 points, -5 plus/minus, 80 PIM, age 35
-Ales Kotalik - 22 points, - 18 plus/minus, 38 PIM, Age 31
-Christopher Higgins - 14 points, -9 plus/minus, 32 PIM, age 26

Ducks
-Vesa Toskala - 7-12-3, 3.66 GAA, .874 SV%, age 32
-Jason Blake - 26 points, -4 plus/minus, 26 PIM, age 36

Rangers
-Oli Jokinen - 35 points, +2 plus/minus, 53 PIM, age 31
-Brandon Prust - 5 points, + 6 plus/minus, 98 PIM, age 25

Bringing Jokinen onto the Rangers is a good move, so they are definitely a winner. Ducks didn't really do anything they just kind of got rid of one bump on a log, and brought over another cheaper one. Flames brought in the offense they have been looking for all season, so they are a winner. Leafs made there blue line tougher with Phanuef but they might have lost some blue line scoring, so they a sort of a loser. Giguere wont be the savior they are looking forward to either.

By:Shane Murray

Midseason Report Continued

This time we will take a look at the extremely competative eastern conference playoff race.

1. Buffalo Sabres - As long as they have Ryan Miller this team is one of best in the east and should stay in top 3 postion all season.

2. Washington Capitals - With Ovechkin now taking control of the Captain postion look for this team to strive for even more this season in the last half of year.

3. New Jersey Devils - This team is just playing exactly how you expect them to play with no one trying to be a superstar and Marty is doing the usual amazing play in net for them.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins - The Pens just do same thing every season and with Crosby deciding to become a goal scorer a little more this season they are even more challenging look for them to first for first in Atlantic Division with Devils

5. Boston Bruins - Have really come alive over the past couple of weeks they don't quiet have back the same swager they had last year but they are playing good hockey and should have a good last half of the year.

6. Ottawa Senators - This team could either keep themselves up in the playoff race or might have a big fall out in second half of the year they are extremely confusing team to follow. I expect them to make some surprising moves near trade deadline.

7. New York Rangers - Henrik Lundqvist is showing why he should be considered one of if not the best goaltender in hockey right now the team in front of him can't seem to get anything done on either side of the puck and he is standing on his head for them

8. New York Islanders - John Tavares has really kick started the Isles and made them be able to fight for playoff postion lets see if this team can keep it up second half of the season

9. Florida Panthers - They are very good at teasing at making the playoffs and then falling short past few seasons maybe they might be able to do something in the second half of the season to show they are a playoff calibur team.

10. Montreal Canadiens - If Carey Price can be at least a solid goaltender this team should be able to stay in the playoff race but if they put too much pressure on him he seems to get really inconsistent then and made bad mistakes in net.

11. Philadelphia Flyers - Still learning Laviollets system, but they are playing good hockey currently and should be able to stay in playoff contention in second half of the year.

12. Atlanta Thrashers - Now this is an interesting team cause it's uncertain what managment will do around the trade deadline with Kovalchuk becoming a free agent after this season they might try to get some young talent for him instead of just losing him just so they can make playoffs this year

13. Tampa Bay Lightning- This is an interesting team that seems to be in some kind of transformation all over the ice. Tocchet seems to be able to calm down they more aggresive skaters making them play makers instead of instigators.

14. Toronto Maple Leafs - This once domaniant franchise has been less then mediocre recently and can't seem to just get over the hump Kessel was a start to helping them but they still need more.

15. Carolina Hurricanes - No one has fallen further from grace then the Canes they won the Cup a few seasons ago and have struggled to make it back to playoffs since and really haven't been able to do much.

By: Shane Murray

Midseason NHL Repot

We are coming up to the midseason which there will be not having the usual All-star break instead it will be olympiac break. There are some suprising teams in both the East and the West fighting for play spots this season. In the west is where the big suprises are.

1. Chicago Blackhawks - Not really a surprise here since how the pushed the Red Wings in the playoffs last year in the playoffs they had a lot to look forward to this season and seem to be living up to it so far.

2. San Jose Sharks - Doing the same thing they have been doing for past few seasons being in constant lead for Western domance in the regular season. Let's see if they can finally get over big playoff failures this season.

3. Colorado Avalanche - After how they finished last year no one expected them to turn around this quickly but Rookie Matt Duschene is really helping them out while fighting for rookie of the year.

4. Nasville Predators - Have been on the verge of being a decent team a lot in the past few years and it seems they finally have a hold on what they want to be as a team.

5. Pheonix Coyotes - No one expected this from the Coyotes they haven't done anything the whole time they been in the league but they are finally looking to make something of their franchise, which is good since there is so much uncertainity about the future of this team.

6. Vancouver Canucks - This is a team that started out the season horrible and since then have really got back into the game as a team overall and playing amazing hockey recently.

7. Calgary Flames - Constantly good play from all over this team there blueline has really got some good help from having Bouwmeester

8. Los Angeles Kings - Another surprising team that poped up fromt he bottom of the West to try and get in the playoffs for the first time in years

9. Detroit Redwings - Jimmy Howard is playing really good for them this year but they just can't seem to get it done like they where able to do in the past. It would be a big surprise if this team didn't make the playoffs but don't be too taken back by it.

10. Dallas Stars - Still reling on Mike Modano why to much he is still a good player but he is the same player he used to be and he can't strap this team on his back like he used to and Marty Turco hasn't been the same he used to be recently.

11. Anaheim Ducks - Haven't been the same team the used to be and with recent injuries they are going to have a hard time keeping pace in the west.

12. Minnesota Wild - They have kind of changed there focus to be a little more offensively minded then just the strong defense they used to play and Backstrom is still playing great in net for them, but they can't seem to get it done.

13. St. Louis Blues - Have a lot of good young talent that will make them a good team in the coming seasons and with some of the age of the other teams in the west might allow them to make a late push into playoff position late season.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets - After making there first playoff apearance last season they can't seem to be able to put that same effort into the game this season. Don't be surprised if Hitchcock doesn't make it to the end of season in Columbus.

15. Edmonton Oilers - They had a good little stretch going last month but just can't seem to keep anything going they are very inconsistent

By: Shane Murray

Sorry for the lack of posts...

In the last few months we really haven't gotten anything up on here. We all have been kind of busy with school and all. I'm gonna try to get everyone back on board again especially with Baseball season coming up and Superbowl and March Madness. Let's see if we can get the whole team up on board with this again like we had going last year.
Sports Daily Team