The NHL D-day is apon us!

So with the start of the season literally so close you can taste it - I thought I would talk about 4 openers that catch my eye.

First off on October 1st, Montreal vs. Toronto should be quite exciting. As a former Duck GM Brian Burke has taken the tough and fast play that gave him a Stanley Cup ring in 2007 and morphed the Leafs into a formidable foe. However, the offense of the Leaf's seems to be lacking unless you get the puck to the blue line. From there you have Beauchemin, Kaberle, Komisarek, and Schenn to pound one-timers into the net. With strong goaltending in net by Toskala and brigning in the "Monster" Gustavsson. I can see Toronto as a strong point.

However, Montreal has offense, offense oh and more offense. Let's run thru the players that will most likely give Toronto a run for their money opening night: Gomez, Cammalleri, Gionta, Kostitsyn, Gill, Markov, Mara, and Spacek. I mean wow, they are loaded w/ new players. Considering they didn't resign any of their free agents this summer- the Canadiens are in good shape. All thats left is to make sure that Carey Price can deliver otherwise - the potential for a win on opening night may just slip away. Prediction (5-3 Canadiens)


Another eastern matchup im looking for is Atlanta vs. Tampa Bay. Now you may ask, why not better teams? well thats just the thing. I believe these teams got better, inface I believe that they have a huge chance of making top 8 this season in the East.

Atlanta has great talent up front w/ Kozlov, Kovalchuk, rookie Kane and now Antropov. Their "D" is a little sparce and their goaltending is relying on Lehtonen. But overall I believe that they can come together this season and really make a strong push for the post-season.

Tampa Bay is in the same boat, they have people like St.Louis, Lacavalier, Stamkos, Tangauy, Malone and Miller being very strong offensive players. On defense they have new comer Hedman who looks promising, Ohlund and Meszaros. Their goaltending is not that impressive to me. Nittymaki and Smith will be competing for the starters position but neither one looks like they can carry the team. They have potential but I just don't see them being the game factor for Tampa this season. Overall though w/ their offense and "D" core I think Tampa will make a great push as well. Prediction(4-3 Tampa Bay)


On to the West where the Ducks vs. Sharks will be a great matchup for anyone to watch. Lets just say both teams improved greatly. Now it's not fair to say that just because Heatley is now a Shark that they will take it to the cup. But it is fair to say that it definately makes them going past the semi finals a strong possibility. The Sharks have always had a great regular season and this looks to be no different. Returning players in Setoguchi, Thornton, Marleau, Blake, Boyle, Huskins, Pavelski, Mitchell and Nabokov. These are the core of a 40win season, now add to the mix Heatley and Malhotra and you got yourself a potential 50win season for the sharks. However consistancy after the regular season is always going to be their achilles heel. Let's hope last seasons early dissappointment is a wake-up call to them.

Who delivered that wake-up call you ask? The Anaheim Ducks that's who! their opening night opponnet didn't sleep this offseason either. W/ Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan, Selanne, Ebbet, Marchant, Whitney, Wisnieski, Niedermayer, Giguere and Hiller returning and Koivu, Sbisa, Lupul, Emiger and Boyton making great additions the Ducks haven't looked stronger since their 2007 Stanley Cup run. Now to say that they can pull this off is far from certain w/ a decent pre-season showing except a 6-0 loss to the sharks. All we know is the Ducks have the tools to make a great run they just have to prove it night in and night out. Their first test? the team that beat them to a pulp in the pre-season. The rival San Jose Sharks. Prediction (5-4 OT Anaheim)

The last game I wanna talk about is the Wild vs. Blue Jackets. Both teams improved to some degree but I think this will be a great test of goaltending between these two western conference foes. The Blue Jackets made the post season last year for the first time and were swept by the Detriot Red Wings. Now to say they haven't learned from that would be insulting. However as we all know - saying and doing are two different things. The Wild didn't even contend last season, what happend you ask? how about last minute losses and a close race for 8th. However, they pumped up their team w/ the additions of Havlat and Sykora and seem poised to make a statement that last season won't happen again. They are clearly trying to be top 8 w/ some room from the bottom half of the list.

From Columbus I love their potential for offense in youngsters - Filatov, Calvert, Boll, and Mason are strong points for Columbus to keep building on. From Minnesota I believe the addition of Havlat will have the most impact, you're getting a great offensive player w/ the ability to score and assist on any play. Look for their rush game to be significant in creating 2 on 1's or 3 on 1's. Prediction (3-2 OT Blue Jackets)

Delonte West AKA El mariachi

Riding on a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle?... $22,000 Dollars...
Riding on a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle with a guitar case strapped to your back?... $22,120 Dollars...
Riding on a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle with a guitar case strapped to your back with a shotgun inside and a handgun in his pocket and another in his pants leg while being stopped for speeding after cutting off an officer?... A blog on Why the fuck are you playing?

Okay, really now, Why the FUCK are you riding around on a motorcycle... speeding... with a shotgun IN a guitar case AND a pistol in your pocket? and another in your pants? What the fuck are you trying to accomplish?? Are you trying to get a role in the next Robert Rodriguez film? Did he see Desperado just before he jumped on the bike?? FUCK!

Delonte West was arrested on Thursday after officers pulled him over for speeding on his motorcycle while carrying two loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun in a guitar case. He was pulled over no only for speeding, but speeding and cutting off an officer. Police say there was a handgun in his pocket, one in his pants and a shotgun... in the guitar case strapped to his back. Police did say that he was very cooperative and there were no issues.

West(26) was charged for speeding and weapon counts. The Cav's GM, Danny Ferry, said the team is looking into the situation and monitoring it.

Here is where it gets fun. Last year, West left the Cavs training camp to seek treatment for depression becasue of a "mood disorder" that he says he has battled for his entire life. He has been taking medication and is attending therapy sessions. Maybe its where he was heading to when he cut off the police and was pulled over?... with loaded guns... What the fuck.

Delonte, Why the fuck are you playing?

A Not So Happy Ending

As Americans we all seem to enjoy a good comeback story, whether it is someone famous like an actor or some local Joe who overcame hard times. It seems as if we are willing to give an unlimited number of second chances to people, and many times this is a wonderful thing. In most cases individuals deserve being given another shot at something, which is all fine and well; unless you are a professional athlete who is seeking to gain another moment in the sun, even though it has long ago fallen below the horizon. I’m not saying that if injures or uncontrollable circumstances strike early in your career that you should not return, but I am saying that if your career has run its course and you have retired, don’t attempt a comeback when you are well past your prime simply because you have an itch. Example: 34-year-old Jason Allison who is attempting, not his first, but second comeback, with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL this year. His first comeback ended three years ago after returning from a two year absence due to neck injuries, a comeback which was a thing to see and cheer for. He had done it. Allison returned from a devastating injury to play 66 games and record 60 points after two years out of the sport. However that season ended in wrist surgery and he was not resigned due to his lack of speed and fragile body. Fast forward and a three year older, and one would presume, slower Allison wants to return to professional hockey again. Personally I like him, and enjoyed watching him play, but I cannot find myself rooting for him in this latest return. He has already accomplished his comeback and has shown the world what he could do, but this time, just as the last, there will be no happy ending. Just ask Claude Lemieux.

Pre-season isn't my season

So, after listening to tonight's pre-season match-up between the Anaheim Ducks and Pheonix Coyotes. I have come to the conclusion that preseason, is not my season. Nope. I mean, yeah its great to get hockey in my system! And I love hearing about who is doing well and who is doing badly. But as we all know, preseason - well, it doesn't count. It's a teaser, no not the please-her, not even the SHOCKER. It's just a taste of excitement that I wish I never had once the regular season starts. Mainly because - everything changes. The rookies or sophomores that impressed you will most likely not make unless a serious injury or a serious problem develops to a veteran. Yeah it's great that the six players you've drafted that never got to play during the regular season are having the time of their life right now - IN SEPTEMBER. Because we all know they won't get their play in October. Sorry - just had to rant real quick.

Onto other things - the Coyotes are still a team in limbo. Which really sucks because I actually appreciate a team in Arizona. I would think that the people of Arizona would appreciate it too during the warmer months. But no! they give up when they start losing, and then owners start to spend money poorly. It just makes a big mess even larger - which in the end is very unfortunate because who knows - this season Pheonix might actually have a decent shot at being top 8 in the west. I can see them taking it to the 82nd game and giving their hearts for 2points in April. However, with the way things are going about - they might not make it to April. Harsh everybody - harsh.

Hangover?

The Superbowl Hangover is what the Arizona Cardinals are trying to prevent but with a loss on Sunday on their season opener to the San Francisco 49ers, 20-16, they are on the right track. But what about a Divisional playoff hangover?
Well if you take a look @ Jake Delhomme during Kickoff weekend, yesterday, on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, and just look at what he did. 17 attempts with 7 completions for a total of 73 yards with 0 touchdowns but with 4 interceptions and a lost fumble, that is only 41% of his passes complete, 25% of those passes were interceptions with a grand total of a 14.7 Quarterback rating. Then look at what he did on his birthday against the Arizona Cardinals back in January 10 during the divisional playoff game on his birthday(34), 34 attempts and completed 17 of those passes for 1 TD and 5 interceptions. His quarterback rating was 39.1.
Jake, I would ask you why are you are playing but I know why. In the 3rd quarter, with 6:43 renaming, you throw your 4th pick then head coach John Fox decides to bench you and we get to see your back up QB s. Not much better, one with 1 completion out of 6 attempts and the other with 6 out of 11 with one interception. Jake, the only reason you are playing, is because The Carolina Panthers don't have anyone else better to start.

Why so sad Mr.Beasley?

For those of you that don't know Miami Heat 20 year old forward Michael Beasley checked himself into a rehab clinic (so far no comment on whether it's drug or alcohol related, even tho he's already been busted for maryjane, and I'm sure it's not alcohol since he's only 20 and wouldn't want the organization paying him millions of dollars to think that he's drinking before he's legally permitted to). Michael dose also appear to be quite dissapointed with the way his life has turned out, which is perfectly understandable being the #2 overall pick in the 2008 draft and being a 20 year old millionaire living in Miami, if I was in his situation I would tottaly go on my twitter account and post "Feelin like it's not worth livin!!!!!!! I'm done" and "I feel like the whole world is against me I can't win for losin". I'm sorry but if you can't handle a little criticism for a job paying you millions that requires you to put a ball through a hoop... Honestly why the fuck are you playing?

A-rod is lead by his sounthern head

You ever have those days where you just make an ass out of yourself, say something embarrassing, ruin a friendship with a girl or grope a random lady because you forgot to masturbate, you fucked up the cycle and now you can't function properly in public, in the workplace, or on the baseball field. Thursday September 3rd 2009 we finally got to see A-rod COP a feel, when running to catch a foul pop fly against the Blue Jays A-rod misses the ball while in more of a jog then a run and yet he continues for a good 5 strides hops on her as a female cop whom was sitting on a stool by the left field bleachers scuttles away with her stool and his right hand immediately goes for titty, and then as they move with each other you clearly see his hand go for titty number 2. Missing a foul ball to grab a tit? Sir you forgot to masturbate today.

Slava ready to get started

Hello sports internet community I am Vyascheslav aka Slava, and I am primarly a huge hockey fan, I love playing it and I love watching it. Obviously as you can tell from this blog there is going to be quite a bit of hockey commentary (if you read the other introductions) but you will also get a LOT of football insight, I'm sure Pacman Jones and all those other outstanding role models from the NFL will give us plenty to talk about... now that I'm thinking about it there will also be quite a bit of basketball insight, because when u really want to talk about dumb players you want to look at the league that takes in the youngest dumbest (surprised speel check didn't say anything about that word... it doesn't look real to me).

Anyways I got a bit off topic and let me finish my intro my FAVORITE team- The Detroit Red Wings (been a fan since the Russian Five), my 2nd favorite- Washington Capitals (I would go gay for Ovie). When it comes to football I roll with the 49ers and Buccaneers, and baseball I'm not big on but I'll support the Giants and Pirates. If you're interested in the teams I hate just ask me, but if u wait a while you'll proably figure out a few as i post.

Chris checking in

Hello fellow sports fans,

I am one of the senior correspondents for this new blog, “Why the fuck are you playing?,” and I thought that the most appropriate way to start off would be through introducing myself. First off my name is Chris and I am an avid hockey fan, and in reality, all around sports fan. I will be blogging about the NHL, while focusing on my favorite team the Colorado Avalanche; however this does not mean I will neglect other sports. I will also blog about the MLB, in particular the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, Nascar, racing in general, and the other major sport in North America. If it is interesting, or makes you utter the phrase, ‘why the fuck are you playing?’ I will write about it.

I am looking forward to getting started and asking questions about the wide array of stupid actions in the world of sports.

Chris

Senior Hockey and Nascar blogger

m4ttY reporting in for Hockey!

Hey guys!

Just thought I'd do an introduction post on "Why The Fuck Are You Playing?" Just to get you a brief idea of what to expect from my posts.

I am a pretty avid hockey fan/player. So I have a well established knowledge of the game and players. Basically I'm going to be critiqing the games and players for various western conference teams. More specifically the Anaheim Ducks(my favorite team!). So yeah expect a lot of cursing and a lot of random jib jab. Because I tend to be a little spazztic when I blog about this sport.

Can't wait for the season to begin!

ps: Follow me on Twitter as well ;)

Who we are and what it is we are doing.

We are an elite group of terrorist sports fans that analyze anything done by a franchise, team or player in one of the four major sports in the United States(MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL). My team consist of 3 current members. Each of them are all my senior correspondents.

We plan on covering the plays and actions that are made in the word of sports that make us sport fans think "Why the fuck are you playing?"

We will start covering the upcoming NFL season this month as well as the playoffs in October for baseball and both upcoming seasons for both, the MLB and the NHL in October as part of our primary objective. We will try and get some of baseballs plays for the last month of the season, as a secondary objective(unless we are lazy).

I am the moderator, my name is Jesus but my screen name is AltaPulse. I got the motivation to start this blog after watching a few New York Metropolitans(Mets) highlights, like watching their pitcher injuring their wrist during warm ups or them tripping down the the steps as they walk in to the dugout. As for my sports and team that I root for are the Los Angeles Lakers for basketball, the Los Angeles Dodgers for baseball and the Indianapolis Colts for football. I'm not a huge hockey fan but I do enjoy watching men beating the crap out of each other. Go fights!

Hopefully now, my senior correspondents will introduce themselves.