Wednesday, December 31, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers continued their road trip tonight as they traveled to L.A for a matchup with the struggling Clippers. Fortunately for the Sixers the Clips continued to struggle and the Sixers had another solid night offensively, to pull out a much needed win. Defensively the Sixers had a much better night then they had been having lately, as they held the Clips to just 40% shooting from the field and 22% from beyond the arc, while forcing 16 turnovers , including 10 steals. Offensively, Andre Iguodala with 28 and Thaddeus Young with 20 were the leading scorers and just about the only Sixer scorers with Andre Miller the only other Sixer in double figures on the night. Still, the defense was good enough for once that Iguodala and Young were all they needed to win. The Clippers actually led by 1 after a quarter of play with the score 27-26. By the half the Sixers had pulled ahead by 3 with the score 50-47. By the start of the 4th quarter the Sixers had stretched their lead to 4 with the score 69-65. Finally in the 4th quarter the Sixers pulled away for good eventually hanging on to win by 8 with the final score 100-92. So the Sixers improve to 13-18 overall and now just a game out of 8th in the Eastern conference. We'll see if they can get anything going from this.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers continued their road trip tonight as they traveled to Vancouver to faceoff with the Canucks. Marty Biron got the start in goal and had a dazzling night saving 29 of the 31 shots he faced, to help preserve a hard fought Flyers victory. Meanwhile, Jeff Carter had yet another stalwart night with a goal and an assist to power the Orange and Black to a win. Early in the first period Carter scored for a 1-0 lead. Late in the period Daniel Sedin knotted it up at 1. Then a minute later Scott Hartnell scored for a 2-1 lead. Early in the 2nd period Jon Kalinski scored for a 3-1 lead. Late in the period Ryan Kesler scored to cut it to 3-2. From there it came down to a battle between Biron and the determined Canucks. Thankfully Biron won the day with some spectacular saves to close out the 3-2 win. So the Flyers win their 20th of the season to improve to 20-10-7 overall for 47 points, and now 5th in the Eastern conference, and still 2nd in the Atlantic division 2 points behind the Rangers.
Monday, December 29, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers continued their road trip as they traveled to Utah for a matchup with the beat up Jazz. Unfortunately it was the Sixers who were beat up on this night. Once again while the Sixers were solid offensively as they shot 48% from the field and had 5 scorers in double figures, the defense was abysmal. Utah with no Carlos Boozer, and a banged up Deron Williams, shot 51% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc and pumped in 112 points. There is simply no excuse for defense that bad. You just can't win if you allow your opponent to score at will. Utah basically never really trailed in this one. They led by 4 after a quarter of play, 8 at the half, 15 through 3 quarters and finally by a laughable final wining margin of 17 with the final score 112-95. So the Sixers drop their 4th game in a row and fall to 12-18 overall which mind you is actually still only a game and a half out of 8th in the Eastern conference. So there is still time for the Sixers to turn things around, but they had better find some answers quick or they'll be going nowhere this season, assuming they aren't already going nowhere.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
In one of the wildest season ending weeks in recent history, the Eagles got the losses they needed early as the Houston Texans rallied to beat the Bears, and the Oakland Raiders rallied to knock of the Bucs, and they then crushed the arch rival Dallas Cowboys to earn the NFC's final playoff spot. It is not just that the Eagles played so well, that made their win today so impressive it's that Dallas with all of its high payed stars played so poorly. The Cowboys literally fumbled away their chances in this one, with 4 fumbles, an interception and a plethora of stupid penalties. Not only did they look unprepared, but the Cowboys also just did not appear as if they wanted to win this one. It was almost as if they were not aware of what was at stake in this game. The Eagles on the other hand had their eyes on the prize right from the beginning. Donovan Mcnabb completed 12 of 21 passes for 175 yards and 2 TDs as the Eagles went a perfect 3 for 3 in the redzone on the day. Correll Buckhalter was the other headliner on the offense with 3 catches for 59 yards and a TD, and 10 rushes for 63 yards. Defensively the Birds were equally up to the task forcing 5 turnovers, and limiting the Cowboys to just 298 total yards of offense, only 87 rushing yards, and just 6 points. It was simply a dominating performance on both sides of the ball today. Halfway through the first quarter David Akers booted a 40 yarder for the early 3-0 lead. Dallas and Nick Folk matched him late in the quarter to tie it at 3. From there it was all Eagles. Early in the 2nd quarter, Mcnabb himself plunged in from a yard out for a 10-3 lead. With just over 2 minutes left in the half Mcnabb finished off another drive with a 4 yd TD pass to Buckhalter for a 17-3 lead. After stopping Dallas on their ensuing drive the Birds drove down for another TD, this time a 1 Yd td pass from Mcnabb to Brent Celek for a 24-3 lead. Pacman, er Adam Jones then fumbled the ensuing kickoff to set up David Akers with a 50 yarder for a 27-3 lead. Early in the 3rd quarter Brian Dawkins sacked and stripped Romo, and Chris Clemons scooped it up and scampered 73 yards for 34-3 lead. BDawk did it again on the next Dallas drive this time stripping Marion Barber inside the Eagles five, and Joselio Hanson grabbed it and ran it back 96 yards for another scored and a 41-3 lead. Finally a couple minutes later after another Romo fumble Akers drilled a 41 yarder for a 44-3 lead. From there the two teams merely played out the remaining time on the clock, as Nick Folk booted a 42 yarder late in the 4th quarter to cut the Eagles lead to the eventual final score 44-6. So the Birds finish the season 9-6-1 and claim the final playoff spot in the NFC. They will now travel to Minnesota next week for a wildcard matchup with the Vikings and if they win that they'll head to the meadowlands for a 2nd rematch with Eli and the New York Giants in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers continued their road trip tonight as they traveled to Columbus for a faceoff with the Blue Jackets. Coming into tonight the Flyers had never lost to the Blue Jackets in their history. However, Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason changed all that history saving all of the measly 20 shots he faced on goal to power the Jackets to a historic win. The Flyers were simply both tired, thanks to some flight scheduling issues, and a bit shorthanded as Kimmo Timonen joined Scottie Upshall among the Flyers on injured reserve. Clearly they were just too out of gas for this one. The Blue Jackets league worst power play even scored a goal, which shows just how weary the Flyers must have been tonight. Early in the first period Jan Hejda scored for a 1-0 Jackets lead. Late in the period Andrew Murray scored for a 2-0 lead. Finally early in the 2nd period Manny Maholtra scored for a 3-0 Jackets lead. From there the weary Flyers could muster no offensivee push whatsoever and fell by that score. So the orange and black drop to 19-10-7 overall, but remain 4th in the Eastern conference and 2nd in the Atlantic division still just 2 points behind the Rangers. Hopefully they will better rested before their next game.
Friday, December 26, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers began a long road trip tonight as they traveled to Chicago to faceoff with the Blackhawks. Marty Biron returned to start in goal at last, but perhaps he should have stayed away as he saved just 33 of the 38 shots he faced. Meanwhile Mike Richards scored the only Flyer goal of the night. As hot as the Flyers have been lately they simply ran into an even hotter team tonight as the Blackhawks garnered their 8th consecutive win in bumping off the Flyers tonight. Early in the first period Andrew Ladd and Patrick Sharp each scored for a 2-0 BlackHawk lead just 2 minutes into the game. Richards countered a few minutes later to cut it to 2-1. It stayed that way until the third period where Brian Campbell, Kris Versteeg, and Dave Bolland all scored within the first 5 minutes of the period for a quick 5-1 lead. The Flyers never recovered from the unexpected barrage, eventually falling by that score. So the Flyers drop to 19-9-7 overall for 45 points, and still 4th in the Eastern conference and 2nd in the Atlantic division 2 points behind the Rangers.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers continued their road trip tonight as they traveled out to Denver for a matchup with the much improved Nuggets. Unfortunately despite 16 points from Lou Williams off the bench and 19 points and 8 assists from Andre Miller the Sixers came up on the short end of the stick yet again. Offensively and defensively, the two teams matched up fairly evenly on the night except in one important area. The Nuggets drilled 15 3 pointers to just 5 fort the Sixers. Thus, they had the firepower to hang on at the end and some more poor Sixers defense couldn't stop them. At halftime the Sixers actually led by 3 and heading into the 4th quarter they were up by 11. Then Denver just started hitting threes and didn't stop until they had rallied all the way back to escape with a 4 point victory over the Sixers with the final score 105-101. So the Sixers drop to 12-17 overall but remain within striking distance of the playoffs at just 1.5 games out of 8th in the Eastern conference.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers looked to keep their hot play of late going as they welcomed the Ottawa Senators to the Wachovia center. Antero Niittymaki continued in goal and had a less than spectacular night saving just 17 of the 21 shots he faced, but it was enough on this night. Meanwhile, Simon Gagne had a late goal and an assist to push the Flyers to victory. Early in the first period Nick Foligno scored for a 1-0 Senator lead. Matt Carle followed a minute later to knot it up at 1. Late in the period Joffrey Lupul scored for a 2-1 lead. Early in the 2nd period Danny Heatley scored to knot it up at 2. A few minutes later Jeff Carter scored his league leading 26th goal for a 3-2 lead and Andreas Nodl followed a minute later for a 4-2 lead. Early in the third period Heatley scored again to cut it to 4-3. Then halfway through the period Chris Phillips scored to knot it up at 4. Late in the period Gagne came to the rescue scoring for a 5-4 lead. Finally with about 50 seconds to play Gagne assisted Mike Richards on an empty netter for a 6-4 lead capping another Flyer victory. So the Flyers move to 19-8-7 overall for 45 points and still 4th in the Eastern conference and 2nd in the Atlantic division now just 2 points behind the Rangers for first.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers traveled to Boston tonight to celebrate the holiday with the Celtics. Unfortunately the Celts were not in the giving spirit as they thoroughly outclassed the Sixers for the 2nd time this season. Actually it was a slightly closer game this time around, as the Sixers only lost by 19. So perhaps the Sixers are playing a bit better right now after all, but they still have a long way to go. The Sixers actually came into the night shorthanded with just 10 active players, with Willie Green out with an ankle sprain, Elton Brand still recovering from his shoulder injury and Theo Ratliff out with the flu. Thus, Kareem Rush found his way into the starting lineup and things didn't go so well for the starters. Lou Williams and Maurice Speights were actually the leading scorers off the bench with 16 a piece. That was not the only problem for the Sixers tonight, they also went 0 for 11 from beyond the arc, and turned the ball over 20 times. The game was actually somewhat close for 3 quarters with Boston only up by 12 heading into the 4th. In the 4th quarter the Celts turned it on for good pushing out to a 20 point lead before settling for a 19 point win, with the final score 110-91. So the Sixers drop to 12-16 overall and will need to work harder if they ever hope to get back to other side of .500. but hey they're still only 1 game out of 8th in the Eastern conference so maybe they don't need to.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
The Birds came into this afternoon's matchup with the Redskins in Washington riding high off a three game winning streak and in control of their own destiny, following a loss by the Tampa Bay Bucs earlier in the day. Many thought a win would be assured against the struggling Redskins, but that would not be case. While the Eagles defense had another impressive game limiting the Redskins to just 249 total yards and 10 points, despite Washington's average starting position of inside the Eagle's 48 yard line. If not for the Eagles defense the Birds would never have even had a chance to win the game as the Offensive did nothing all night long with just 275 total yards of offense and 3 points, including almost nothing in the 2nd half until it was nearly too late. Basically the Birds just kept trying to throw on every play when they probably should have been running the ball and it cost them. Late in the first half Shaun Suisham booted a 33 yard field goal for a 3-0 Skins lead. Halfway through the 3rd quarter Mcnabb was hit and fumbled the ball the away deep in Eagle's territory, setting up Clinton Portis for a 1 yd Td run a few plays later, for a 10 -0 lead. Finally late in the 3rd quarter the Eagles offense came up with their only quality play of the day as Mcnabb hooked up with Brian Westbrook for a 30+ yd completion, eventually setting up David Akers with a 22 yd field goal to cut the lead to 10-3. After a bunch of 3 and outs the Eagles got the ball one last time and at last put together a drive when they needed it the most. They actually had first and 10 inside the Skins 20, with 12 seconds to play, but a completion to Reggie Brown came up just inches short of tying the game at 10 and caused the remainder of the clock to run out, to cap off a disheartening loss to the Skins. So the Birds drop to 8-6-1 and now must win next week and get losses from the Buccaneers and either the Vikings or Bears to reach the playoffs. In other words their playoff hopes are kind of slim now, but hey it could happen.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers traveled to New Jersey this afternoon for a matinee with the arch rival Devils. Antero Niittymaki got another start in goal and produced another solid performance saving 24 of the 26 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Jeff Carter scored his league leading 25th goal of the season and assisted on the only Flyer's goal, just enough of an effort to forge a tie and force overtime. Early in the 2nd period Patrick Elias and Brian Rolston each scored within minutes of each other for a 2-1 Devils lead. Late in the period Carter put the Flyers on the board for the first time all night, cutting the lead to 2-1. Finally, with just over 5 minutes to play in regulation Joffrey Lupul scored to tie it at 2. From there neither team could score for the remainder of regulation or an overtime period so the game went to a shootout. There in the first round Simon Gagne and Zach Parisse each failed to score. In the 2nd round Mike Richards scored while Patrick Elias failed. In the 3rd round, Jeff Carter failed to score while Jamie Langenbrunner scored successfully. In the 4th round Kimmo Timonen amd Brian Gionta each failed to score. Finally in the 5th round of the shootout Lupul failed to score while Travis Zajac beat Niittymaki sucessfully to finish off the 3-2 Devils win. So the Sixers drop to 18-8-7 overall and remain 4th in the Eastern conference.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers were forced to go another night without Marty Biron in goal as they welcomed the Washington Capitals to the Wachovia center. This time Antero Niittymaki made sure Biron's absence would not be a problem saving 47 of the 48 shots he faced. Basically Washington threw everything but the kitchen sink at him, and somehow he weathered the storm to help guide the Flyers to victory. Meanwhile, Jeff Carter scored 2 more goals and Scott Hartnell posted another hat trick to help the Orange and Black crush Washington. Early in the first period Joffrey Lupul began the scoring for a 1-0 lead. Late in the 2nd period Carter quickly scored both of his goals within a minute of each other for a 3-0 lead. Early in the 3rd period Scott Hartnell quickly scored his first goal for a 4-0 lead. Brooks Laich finally put the Caps on the board a minute later to cut it to 4-1. Hartnell scored again a few minutes later for a 5-1 lead. Simon Gagne quickly followed Hartnell to make it 6-1. Finally with just over 4 minutes to play Hartnell completed the hat trick to cap off a 7-1 Flyers' win. So the Orange and Black move to 18-8-6 overall for 42 points and still 4th in the Eastern conference.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers faced off against their 4th consecutive awful team tonight in the Indiana Pacers, looking to take advantage of a golden opportunity to win their 4th game in a row and pull to within a game of .500. Instead they coughed up a 15 point lead early and couldn't hang on late, squandering the opportunity. In the process they wasted a triple double by Andre Miller(10 boards, 12 assists, 14 points) and Sammy Dalembert's best game of the season with 11 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. Statistically, except from beyond the arc where the Sixers went 0 for 8 on the night, they outplayed the undermanned Pacers , but they just couldn't put them away and eventually Indy found away to steal one from the Sixers. In the first quarter it was all Sixers as they jumped out to a 13 point lead, but the Pacers battled back late in the 2nd quarter, cutting the lead to 4 at the half with the score 48-44. From there the Sixers tried desperately to hang on to their slim lead the rest of the game and almost did, but with 4 seconds to play T.J Ford nailed a jumper to put Indiana ahead at last 95-94. Andre Iguodala had a chance to win it for the Sixers at the buzzer but his desperate lunging runner at the basket rimmed out harmlessly to close out the 95-94 Pacer win. So the Sixers drop to 12-15 overall and 10th in the Eastern conference still somehow only a game out of 8th.
Friday, December 19, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers traveled to Washington tonight to face the Wizards for the 2nd time in 3 games. Once again they got better of the Wiz for their 3rd straight win. Once again that doesn't necessarily mean much since all 3 wins came against bad teams, but hey it's something to hold onto. This time the Sixers actually had a decent night offensively, shooting 49% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc, while dishing 23 assists to 12 turnovers, and compiling 51 points off the bench, 26 from Lou Williams and 17 from Maurice Speights. Defensively they were not so sharp but were able to turn it on when they needed it. All in all it was a solid performance for the Sixers tonight, considering they were without the services of Elton Brand for yet another night, as he recovers from the dislocated shoulder he suffered in the Sixer's last game. For most of the night,largely because the defense was so poor on both sides, it was a close game. In fact Washington led by just 2 heading into the 4th quarter, with the score 86-84. Fortunately, in the 4th quarter where it really counts the most, the Sixers were able to turn on the D and seize control of the game, eventually hanging on to win by 6 with the final score 109-103. So the Sixers move to 12-14 overall and are suddenly back from the dead, in the 8th place in the weak Eastern conference.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
Well, sadly all good things must inevitably come to an end, and so the Flyer' s winning streak did so tonight at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens in Montreal. Antero Niittymaki got another rare start while Marty Biron recovers from the flu, and he wasn't as good tonight allowing 5 goals on just 31 shots. Likewise, the Flyers scoring touch fizzled out, at least for tonight. Early in the 1st period Matt D'agostini scored for a 1-0 lead. Midway through the period Sergei Kostitsyn scored for a 2-0 Montreal lead. Late in the period Steve Begin made it 3-0 before Aaron Asham quickly cut it to 3-1 to restore hope for the Flyers. Early in the 2nd period Andrei Kovalev scored for a 4-1 lead. With just over 7 minutes to play Braydon Coburn scored to cut it to 4-2 and again briefly restore hope of a Flyer's victory, but it was too little too late. Just a couple minutes later Guillame Latendresse scored for a 5-2 lead to put the Flyers away for good. So the Orange and Black drop to 17-8-6 overall but remain a solid 4th in the Eastern conference.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After an easy win over the mess that is the Washington Wizards, the Sixers welcomed the equally dreadful Milwaukee Bucks to the Wachovia center tonight, and what do you know they won again. Tony Dileo must be a genius, or perhaps the Wiz and the Bucks really are that bad, but who cares 2 wins in a row for this team is 2 wins in a row no matter how you slice it. Honestly the Sixers didn't play all that well tonight and even lost Elton Brand to a dislocated shoulder early in the game, but somehow they reached deep down and figured out a way to stink just a little bit less than the Bucks and a pulled out a much needed win. Okay, so they did shoot 50% from beyond the arc, while Milwaukee stupidly threw up 15 threes and hit just 2 of them. and yes they did outrebound Milwaukee 45-41, but other than that there's not much to talk about. Well, except for the bench which actually came to rescue for once, with 47 points, 25 for Lou Williams. The Sixers starters combined for just 44 points, so they can thank the bench for this one. Milwaukee actually led virtually the entire night, 2 after a quarter of play, 7 at the half, and 6 heading into the 4th quarter. Finally in the 4th quarter, the Sixers put together a solid rally thanks to the bench, took the lead with just over 3 minutes to play and eventually held on to win by 5 with the final score 93-88. So the Sixers move to 11-14 overall, nothing to brag out but at least respectable enough for 9th in the Eastern conference.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers had won 4 in a row coming into tonight. Well make it 5 in a row, after a drubbing of the Colorado Avalanche at the Wachovia center tonight. Antero Niittymaki got another rare start in goal and delivered saving 29 of the 31 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Simon Gagne led the way offensively with a goal and 2 assists. Midway through the first period Paul Stastny scored for a 1-0 Avalanche lead. A couple minutes later Mike Knuble scored to knot it up at 1. Late in the period Jeff Carter scored yet another goal for a 2-1 lead. Just a little past midway through the 2nd period Joffrey Lupul and Mike Richards scored goals within minutes of each other for a 4-1 lead. Late in the period David Jones scored to cut it to 4-2. Finally early in the 3rd period Gagne scored to put it away for good, as the Flyers eventually hung on for a 5-2 win. So the Orange and Black move to 17-7-6 overall for 40 points and still 4th in the Eastern conference, and 2nd in the Atlantic division now just 2 points behind the Rangers.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils have come to an agreement with Jamie Moyer on a 2 year deal. The exact terms have not been disclosed but at any rate Moyer, the 46 year old lefty, will be back with the Phils next season and then the season after that, when he will likely retire. In other news the Phils have also signed pitcher Chan Ho Park to a contract. Park will probably compete along with J.A Happ and Kyle Kendrick for the 5th spot in the Phils rotation behind Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Moyer, and Joe Blanton. Park could also wind up as the Phils long reliever, even though Clay Condrey is already pretty handy at that trade.
Monday, December 15, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
The Birds kept on rolling tonight at the Linc as they welcomed the Cleveland Browns to town. With the Browns nursing one of the worst defenses in the league and an offense down to its 3rd string QB, this one was destined to be no contest. However, thanks to some stupid Eagles plays in the red zone, namely two turnovers right at the goal line, the Browns were able to keep it close for a while, before the Birds finally pulled away late. Statistically the Eagles crushed the Browns on offense, with 21 first downs, and 418 total yards, but they were only 2 for 9 in the red zone, so the final score wound up much closer than it should have been. Individually, Donovan Mcnabb completed 26-35 passes for 290 yards and 2 TDs, and one very meaningless interception, and Jason Avant the proverbial 3rd down reciever, had a big night with 5 catches for a 101 yards. Finally, Brian Westbrook was not effective on this night has he had been the last 2 weeks, rushing 16 times for just 53 yards, but the constant threat of him in the backfield or splitting out for a pass, was enough to open up the rest of the offense and allow it to often move down the field seemingly effortlessly. Defensively, it was another stellar night for Jim Johnson's boys, as they held the Browns to just 196 yards of offense, and 0 offensive TDs, while intercepting Ken Dorsey twice. The individual most directly responsible for that performance was Trent Cole, who harassed Dorsey all night, forcing him to throw before he wanted to, again and again. The Eagles opened the game by driving straight down field for a Mcnabb TD pass to Kevin Curtis and a 7-0 lead. Cleveland responded with a Phil Dawson field goal to cut it to 7-3. David Akers booted a 24 yd field goal to finish the first quarter with the Eagles ahead 10-3. It stayed that way until late in the 2nd quarter when Asante Samuel intercepted Dorsey and then raced 50 yards for a TD and a 17-3 lead. The Birds then had a golden opportunity to go up 24-3 at the half, but Mcnabb was intercepted in the end zone on the final play of the half, just underthrowing a fade route. Finally with a little over 3 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter the Eagles managed to add to their lead, but had to settle for another Akers field goal to make it 20-3. Early in the 4th quarter Akers booted yet another field goal for a 23-3 lead. A few minutes later Mcnabb fired a TD pass to Greg Lewis for a 30-3 lead and his night was done. A couple minutes later Kevin Kolb came in to finish out the game and watched Brandon Mcdonald intercept him and return it 24 yds for a score to cut it to 30-10 and that would be about all she wrote. So the Eagles move to 8-5-1 overall and for now remain alive and well in the playoff race.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils got their off season underway yesterday coming to a preliminary agreement with leftfielder Raul Ibanez on a 3 year $31.5 million deal, pending a physical. Ibanez, is 36 years old, but batted .293 last season with 23 homers and 110 RBIs, so he's still got a little bit left in the tank. Most likely, this means that Pat Burrell will not be returning to the Phils next season, as Ibanez would take his place in left, but you never know. The Phils also signed utility infielder/outfielder Eric Bruntlett and reliever Clay Condrey to one year contracts, avoiding arbitration with the two. However, Bruntlett and Condrey are just a couple of the numerous Phils that are arbitration eligible, so they have their work cut out for them in the coming months.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers welcomed the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Wachovia center tonight for a key divisional matchup as both teams were tied in the standings coming in at 36 points a piece. Marty Biron returned to the net tonight and had a solid night holding the top scoring team in the NHL to just 3 goals on 26 shots. Meanwhile, the Flyers exploded offensively, compiling 6 goals, including 2 for Mike Knuble, in romping to an impressive win. Early in the first period Joffrey Lupul cleaned up a rebound in front of the net for a 1-0 lead. Late in the period Knuble scored his first for a 2-0 lead. Early in the 2nd period Jordan Staal cut it 2-1 for the Pens. Midway through the 2nd, Mike Richards scored for a 3-1 lead. Scott Hartnell followed a couple minutes later for a 4-1 lead. Then late in the period Knuble scored his 2nd goal for a 5-1 lead. Unlike Carolina a few nights ago they would not cough it up. Midway through the 3rd period Eric Godard scored to cut the lead to 5-2. With just over 4 minutes to play, Jeff Carter scored yet another goal for a 6-2 lead. Finally with just under 2 minutes to play ex-Flyer Ruslan Fedotenko recorded a meaningless tally that did little but change the final score to 6-3. So after demolishing Pittsburgh, the Orange and Black improve to 16-7-6 overall for 38 points, 4th in the Eastern conference, and still 2nd in the division 4 points behind the Rangers. I think we can now say this team is hitting its stride.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers made news today even before tonight's game against the Washington Wizards, as GM Ed Stefanski relieved Maurice Cheeks of his head coaching duties, and replaced him with team vice president of player personnel Tony Dileo. Dileo hasn't coached since the 80s but boasts an impressive resume nonetheless. Clearly the move was an attempt at a wakeup call for the players, in order to get them to play up to their potential and tonight at least it worked. Of course the Sixers did play the agent zeroeless Wizards tonight who have compiled all of 4 wins so far this season, so in a way a win should have been inevitable tonight anyway, but who knows the coaching change may have already started to help as well. Statistically the team had one of its most complete games. Offensively, it may have been their best night of the season. The bench contributed a season best 50 points, Elton Brand dropped a season best 27 points, and the team shot close to a season best 51% from the field, and dished out 24 assists to just 13 turnovers. Defensively, they were not as impressive but still solid. Essentially They did just enough to get a win, out rebounding Washington 46-37, and holding them to just 41% shooting from the field. Early on the Sixers jumped out to a 5 point lead with the score 25-20 after a quarter of play. Rather than sit on that lead they kept pushing it in the 2nd quarter and by the half the lead was up to 11, with the score 51-40. They just kept it going in the 3rd quarter and by the beginning of the 4th quarter the lead was up to 14, with the score 79-65. Finally in the 4th quarter the Sixers did not let off the gas pedal and eventually sprinted out a 15 point win, with the final score 104-89. So the Sixers improve to 10-14 overall and have perhaps been given the wakeup call they needed. Only time will tell though if inserting Dileo at head coach was the right move.
Friday, December 12, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Well another night another loss for the Sixers as they traveled to Cleveland to finish a home and home with Lebron and the Cavs. They played better D this time around but Lebron still dropped 28 and the Sixers still struggled to score themselves. This is really beginning to sound like a broken record at this point and I am not sure I even want to talk about it. So let' s just say this, it was a close game for a quarter, but the Cavs pulled away in the 2nd quarter and never looked back eventually hanging on to win by 16 with the final score 88-72, nuff said. So the Sixers drop to 9-13 overall, what a team.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
Well if it's the Flyers it must be overtime. Yes that's right they went into OT again tonight at the Wachovia center as they welcomed the Carolina Hurricanes to town. Antero Niittymaki got the rare start in goal and did not have his best game, saving just 26 of the 31 shots he faced, but it was enough to keep the Flyers in it which seems to be just about all they need at this point. Meanwhile, Scotty Hartnell scored a hat trick to lead a furious Flyers comeback that forced overtime and eventually helped to pull out the win. Early in the first period Eric Staal scored for a 1-0 Canes lead. Early in the 2nd period Matt Cullen scored for a 2-0 lead. About halfway through the period Hartnell scored his first to cut it to 2-1. A few seconds later Sergie Samsonov pushed it to 3-1 Canes. A few minutes later ex-Flyer Joni Pitkanen made it 4-1. A few minutes later Staal score again for a 5-1 Canes lead and all hope seemed lost. However, Niittymaki finally bared down and shutout the Canes in the 3rd period and halfway through the period Hartnell had finished off his hat trick to cut it to 5-3. With just under 5 minutes to play Scottie Upshall scored to cut it to 5-4. Finally with just under 2 minutes to play Simon Gagne scored to knot it up at 5 and complete the comeback. From there neither team could accumulate another tally until the game had gone into a shootout. There Tomo Ruutu and Rod Brindamour each missed their attempts, while Gagne and Mike Richards were each successful on their attempts to close out the 6-5 shootout win for the Flyers. So the Orange and Black move to 15-7-6 overall, good for 36 points, 5th in the Eastern conference, and 2nd in the Atlantic division, just 4 points behind the Rangers for first.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers welcomed King James and the rest of his Cleveland Cavalier cohorts to the Wachovia center tonight. Cleveland came into tonight with the 2nd best record in the Eastern conference so there was little hope the Sixers would be able to beat them, even with Elton Brand back in the lineup. It was actually a close game for a while but eventually Cleveland's fire power proved to be too much as Lebron dropped 29, and Mo Williams chipped in with 27. Meanwhile, the Andres, Miller and Iguodala with 22 and 27 points respectively kept it close for the Sixers. The Sixers actually had the early 3 point lead after a quarter of play with the score 28-25. By the half Cleveland had pulled ahead by 2 with the score 48-46. In the 3rd quarter the Cavs took control of the game, and actually led by 20 at one point before settling for a 19 point lead, with the score 84-65 heading into the 4th quarter. Finally in the 4th quarter, the Sixers mounted a serious comeback but it was too little too late, and eventually Cleveland hung on to win by 8, with the final score 101-93. So the Sixers drop to 9-13 overall and it doesn't look like anything can save them at this point.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers finished a game in regulation for a change tonight as they faced off with the New York Islanders. Marty Biron got the start in goal and had another solid night saving 24 of the 27 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Jeff Carter scored yet another goal as the Flyers pulled out a nail biter. About halfway through the 3rd period Andy Hilbert scored and Doug Weight followed a minute later for a quick 2-0 Isles lead. Aaron Asham answered a minute later to cut it to 2-1. About midway through the 2nd period Darrell Powe tied it at 2. Then late in the period Carter put the Flyers up for the first time 3-2. Early in the 3rd period Brandon Comeau scored to knot it up at 3. Finally with just under 9 minutes to play Simon Gagne scored to put the Flyers up for good 4-3. Thanks to Biron that lead stood up the rest of the way and the Flyers got the 4-3 win. So the Flyers move to 14-7-6 overall for 34 points and yes still 6th in the Eastern conference.
PHILLIES NEWS
After the leading the Phils to their first world title in 28 years this season, manager Charlie Manuel was rewarded by the Phillies today with a contract extension through 2011, hopefully just enough time for a few more parades down broad street.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Sunday, December 07, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
On life support just a few weeks ago the Birds are now alive and well after totally dominating the Giants this afternoon for their 2nd win in a row. From the beginning the Giants offense appeared distracted and was totally out of sink. As a result the Eagles defense had its best game of the season thus far holding the Giants to just 211 yards of offense, just 88 rushing, and 123 passing. NY was also just 3 for 11 on 3rd down, o for 3 on 4th down, and wound up with just one offensive score all game long , a touchdown late in the game. The Eagles offense on the other hand took a page out of the Giants book with a methodically efficient performance with lots of runs and short passes, that ate up over 30 minutes of clock including most of the 2nd half, while racking up a solid 331 yards on the day. Brian Westbrook was the star with 33 carries for 131 rushing yds and 1 TD, and 6 catches for 72 yards and another TD. Donovan Mcnabb did not have his best day, but he managed the game well, did not make any mistakes, and completed 19 0f 30 passes for a solid 191 yards and a TD. Late in the first quarter David Akers gave the Eagles the early 3-0 lead with a 51 yard field goal. Late in the 2nd quarter Westbrook finished off a long Eagles drive dashing 30 yards for his 1st score and a 10-0 lead. After the Giants failed to do anything on their final drive of the half, the Eagles appeared poised to go up 13-0 at the half with another Aker's field goal, but it was blocked and then scooped up by Kevin Dockery who ran it back 71 yards for a score cutting the Eagles halftime lead to 10-7. The Eagles, unfazed, put together another long drive to start the 3rd quarter, before Akers was blocked again, this time with no return. Fortunately, New York again went nowhere on offense, and the Eagles preceded to run out the rest of the 3rd quarter on another long drive, capped off early in the 4th, by a 40 yd TD pass from Mcnabb to Westbrook for a 17-7 lead. After another empty Giants drive, the Birds preceded to eat up all but the final 2 minutes of the game on their next drive, before Akers finally booted another field goal through the uprights untouched. The Giants finally put together a nice drive on their next possession as Eli Manning hooked up with Darcy Johnson for a 1 yd TD pass to cut the lead to 20-14, but with only 15 seconds to play it was too little too late ,as the Eagles recovered the ensuing onsides kick an ran out the clock for the huge win 20-14 win. So the Birds move to 7-5-1 overall, and with the Redskins dropping to 7-6 , and the Cowboys and Falcons both dropping to 8-5 today, they are right back in the thick of the playoff race, at 3rd place in the NFC East, and just a half game out of the last playoff spot in the NFC.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
For the third game in a row the Flyers were forced to go into overtime, this time against the Carolina Hurricanes in Carolina, to come to a conclusion, and for the 2nd time in 3 games the conclusion was a happy one for the Orange and Black. Antero Niittymaki got the rare start in goal and once again it was a fantastic one with 35 saves out of the 36 he faced. Meanwhile, Jeff Carter scored yet another goal to help lead the Flyers to victory. Early in the first period Mike Richards scored for a 1-0 lead. For a while it looked like that would be the only goal of the night, but just 55 seconds into the 3rd period Sergei Samsonov put the Hurricanes on the board and knotted it up at 1. From there neither team could score for the remainder of regulation and the game went into overtime. There just over 3 and a half minutes into OT Carter scored for the 2-1 Flyers victory. So the Orange and Black move to 13-7-6 overall for 32 points and yes, still 6th in the Eastern Conference. They'll have to actually string some wins together if they want to move up the standings.
SIXERS NEWS
After toughing out a win over the Pistons the Sixers were back in action tonight as they returned to the Wachovia center for a divisional match up with the New Jersey Nets. Just as in their last game against Detroit the Sixers fell behind early but played good enough D to hang in it until they could make a late comeback. This time however, the comeback would fall short as their shooting went too cold, at just 36% from the field and 28% from beyond the arc, and other than 13 from Lou Williams and 13 from Donyell Marshall, there was not much from the bench. Elton Brand can't return to the lineup soon enough. Anyhow, the Nets jumped out early to a 5 point lead with the score 26-21 after a quarter of play. By the half the Sixers had cut it to 3 with the score 47-44. In the 3rd quarter the Nets pushed back ahead by 4 with the score 69-65 heading into the 4th. Finally in the 4th quarter a barrage of treys allowed the Nets to pull away for good until they had held on to win by 11 with the final score 95-84. So the Sixers drop to 9-12 overall and continue to be consistently inconsistent.
Friday, December 05, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Coming into tonight the Sixers had not really gotten a win against a quality opponent this season. Now after a thriller in Detroit against the former face of the franchise, Allen Iverson, and the Pistons, they have one. Admittedly the offense wasn't a whole lot better tonight than it has been, not surprising considering Elton Brand sat the night out with a hamstring strain. However, the Sixer bench did display marked improvement, combining for 42 big points, and collectively it proved to be the difference tonight. Guys like, Theo Ratliff who provided much needed D with 5 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals, Donyell Marshall who playing in his first game in over a week, provided the clutch shooting with a couple of key 3 pointers, and Lou Williams who continued to display a renewed scoring touch with 16, all truly came up big for the Sixers tonight. Finally the D was better as well, not yet great, but good enough to help pull out a Sixer victory. Early on Detroit jumped out to a 6 point lead after 1 quarter and a 10 point lead at the half with the score 48-38. The Sixers started to battle in the 3rd quarter, cutting the lead to 9 by the start of the 4th with the score 67-58. There it was the bench that got the bulk of the playing time, and the bench that ultimately won the day as a Marshall 3 pointer finally put the Sixers ahead with just 35 seconds to play and after some solid free throw shooting the Sixers had held on for a clutch 96-91 victory. So the Sixers move to 9-11 overall and hopefully this win will give them the confidence to get on a roll and start winning consistently as they go forward.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers welcomed the arch-rival New Jersey Devils to the Wachovia center tonight for a key divisional matchup. Marty Biron had another solid night in goal saving 28 of the 31 shots he faced, but the Orange and Black couldn't score much either and so Biron's effort went for naught. Early in the 2nd period Kimmo Timonen scored on the power play for a 1-0 lead. Late in the period Zach Parisse tied it up for New Jersey on flukish goal , after Biron couldn't quite cover up a rebound in front of net. In the 3rd period with just under 5 minutes to play Scottie Upshall scored yet another power play goal for a 2-1 lead. For a while it seemed like that would be enough for victory but with just under 2 minutes to play Patrick Elias broke the Flyer's hearts with a game tying tally. From there neither team could light the lamp for the remainder of regulation and the game went into overtime. Just under 3 minutes into OT Elias struck again and the Flyers had lost a 3-2 heartbreaker. So the Orange and Black drop to 12-7-6 overall for 30 points and still 6th in the Eastern conference.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After a hard fought overtime victory last night the Sixers returned to the Wachovia center tonight and got right back to business against the L.A Lakers. Offensively, the Sixers actually performed better tonight shooting 48% from the field and 33% from beyond arc, while dishing out 21 assists to just 12 turnovers. However, the defense fell asleep as Kobe took them to school with 32 points. Meanwhile the Lakers as a team shot a blistering 58% from the field and 46% from beyond the arc, never good a sign for the opposition. Still ,the Sixers fought to the bitter end in this one, but the Lakers simply had too much firepower. Early the Lakers lead by 6 with the score 31-25 after a quarter of play. By the half the lead was up to 10 with the score 61-51. Through 3 quarters of play the lead was up to 16 with the score 85-69. Finally in the 4th quarter the Sixers mounted a comeback but it was too little too late and eventually L.A held on to win by 12 with the final score 114-102. So the Sixers drop to 7-11 overall and back on the hot seat.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers traveled to Chicago to complete a home and home with the Bulls tonight. They put together another lackluster offensive performance, as in the last game, but this time the defense showed up. So while ,they shot just 39% from the field, and 18% from beyond the arc, and had more turnovers than assists, some gritty defense bailed them out enough for the win. Chicago shot just 40% from the field and 18% from beyond the arc themselves, but committed 24 turnovers, including 14 steals, to the Sixers 19, and were pushed around underneath the glass, pulling down just 39 rebounds to the Sixers 54. So it was the defense that won the day for the Sixers, as well as some clutch shooting and 20 point nights out Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, and Elton Brand. Of course, since the offense struggled other than those 3 it would take overtime for the Sixers to pull this one out. Early on the Sixers jumped to a 10 point lead with the score 23-13 after a quarter of play. In the 2nd quarter Chicago turned the tables and by the half the lead was just 3 with the score 40-37. In the 3rd quarter the Sixers nudged in front again by 6, with the score 67-61 heading into the 4th. In the 4th Chicago rallied back to tie it with 18 seconds left and a desperation heave by Andre Miller fell short, sending the game into overtime with the score tied at 90. In overtime Miller shifted into another gear, almost singlehandedly pushing the Sixers back ahead, and until they had outlasted Chicago for a 103-95 overtime win. So the Sixers move to 8-10 overall and at least keep their heads above the water for now.
FLYERS NEWS
After a slight tumble the Flyers got back on track tonight as they welcomed the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Wachovia center. Marty Biron had another solid night saving 35 of the 38 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter again, each scored a pair of goals to help lead the Flyers to victory. Early in the first period Carter scored his first goal for a 1-0 lead. Late in the period ex-Flyer Mark Recchi scored to knot it up at 1. Just 36 seconds into the 3rd period Richards scored his first for a 2-1 lead. A few minutes later Carter scored his second goal for a 3-1 lead. Seconds later ex-Flyer Vinny Prospal scored to cut it to 3-2. With just under 5 minutes to play another ex-Flyer, Steve Downie scored to knot it up at 3. From there neither team could score for the remainder of regulation so the game went into overtime. Finally just over 2 minutes in Carter set up Richards with the winning goal, to close out the 4-3 Flyer's win. So the Orange and Black move to 12-7-5 overall, good for 29 points, and still 6th in the Eastern Conference.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Things went from bad to worse for the Sixers tonight as they welcomed the Chicago Bulls to the Wachovia center. Offensively, they were just okay shooting 43% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc, while amassing 29 assists to just 15 turnovers, and accumulating just 27 points off the bench. Basically it was one of those offensive nights that is okay if you play solid D, unfortunately the Sixers played terrible D. Chicago shot over 50% from the field and beyond the arc, and still managed to out rebound the Sixers, 42-39, which is simply pitiful. The Sixers actually led by 15 at one point in the 2nd quarter, but their lazy defense couldn't hold it once the offense cooled off and by the half the lead was just 3, with the score 55-52. Chicago and rookie sensation Derrick Rose powered ahead by 17 by the 4th quarter with the score 83-66. Finally in the 4th quarter the Sixers mounted a comeback but it was too little too late, and Chicago eventually hung on by 11 with the final score 103-92, handing the Sixers their 3rd straight loss. So the Sixers drop to a miserable 7-10 overall and they have no one to blame but themselves. They better shape up before it's too late.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers completed their trip back down to earth tonight with their 2nd straight loss after 6 consecutive wins, as they traveled to Toronto for a match up with the Maple Leafs. Marty Biron had a solid but not great night, saving 23 of the 27 shots he faced, and Mike Richards scored twice, but it was not enough to avoid another loss. Late in the first period Lee Sternpriak scored for a 1-0 Leafs lead. Richards knotted it up at 1 a minute later. Early in the 2nd period Nic Antropov made it 2-1 Leafs. Halfway through the period Dominic Moore made it 3-1 Leafs. Late in the period Richards netted his 2nd goal to cut it to 3-2. Early in the 3rd period Pavel Kubina put the veritable nail in the Flyer's coffin making it 4-2 Leafs. From there the Flyers would not recover eventually falling 4-2. So the Orange and Black fall to 11-7-5 overall and remain at 27 points and 6th in the Eastern conference.
Friday, November 28, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The hits just keep coming for the Sixers. Tonight they renewed their rivalry with the Boston Celtics, but it wasn't much of a contest. Boston's defense smothered the Sixers from the beginning, as they shot just 41% from the field, and 22% from beyond the arc, and were held to a season low of just 78 points on the night. Conversely Boston was veritably unstoppable on the other side of the court, shooting 51% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc. Essentially the Sixers never had a chance in this one, and it just goes to show how much work they have left to do before they are title contenders. Boston quickly jumped to a 6 point lead through one quarter of play and by the half the Sixers had just 28 points, and trailed Boston by 18, with the score 46-28. In the 3rd quarter Boston continued to dominate and by the 4th, the lead was 26, with the score 73-47. Finally in the 4th quarter for posterity's sake if nothing else, the Sixers mounted a rally, cutting the final deficit to 24, with final score 102-78. So the Sixers drop to 7-9 overall and it is clear now that they still have a lot of work to do.
FLYERS NEWS
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end at some point and so the Flyer's winning streak did tonight as they welcomed the Carolina Hurricanes to the Wachovia center. Marty Biron had another solid night in goal with 27 saves out of the 30 shots he faced and Jeff Carter scored yet another goal, but it would not be enough tonight. Early in the first period Joffrey Lupul scored for a 1-0 lead. Late in the 2nd period Pat Dwyer and Tuomo Ruutu quickly scored a couple of goals to put Carolina up 2-1. A few minutes later Carter scored his goal to knot it up at 2. In the 3rd period neither team was able to score and so the game went into overtime. There Sergei Samsonov broke the Flyer's hearts scoring just under 4 minutes in for the 3-2 Carolina win. So the Flyers drop to 11-6-5 overall for 26 points and now 6th in the Eastern conference.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
After an embarrassing loss to the Baltimore Ravens in their last game the Birds returned to action tonight in their first Thanksgiving day game in several years against the Arizona Cardinals. Depite his recent struggles Donovan Mcnabb got the start at QB and boy did he deliver, completing 27 of 39 passes for 260 yards and 4 Tds. Brian WestBrook finally looked healthy again rushing 22 times for 110 yards and 2 tds and catching 3 balls for 20 yds and 2 more tds. Finally Desean Jackson had another solid night, with 6 catches for 76 yards and a td. Basically the Eagle offense was as a calm and efficient as it had been all year, as they even converted on a 3rd and 1. Defensively, it was a surprisingly stellar night for the Birds, with Omar Gaither and Asante Samuel out of the lineup . Although they blitzed sparingly, they were able to keep Kurt Warner uncomfortable all night ,and intercepted him 3 times. They also forced the normally reliable Anquin Boldin to drop a few balls and lose a fumble and held the Cards rushing attack to just 25 yds on 10 carries. Simply put they had Arizona's number tonight. Essentially the Eagles jumped out early and never looked back. Westbrook scored 3 quick touchdowns, catching 2 and running for another, to put the Birds up 21-0 early in the 2nd quarter. Late in the quarter Warner finally hooked up with Larry Fitzgerald for a TD pass to cut the lead to 21-7, before David Akers booted a 42 yard field with a second left in the half, for a 24-7 hafltime lead. Late in the 3rd quarter Westbrook ran in his 4th TD of the game for a 31-7 lead. A few minutes later Warner fired a td pass to Steve Breaston to cut it to 31-13, before Akers finished off the quarter with another field goal for a 34-13 lead. Early in the 4th quarter Warner hooked up with Fitzgerald again to cut it to 34-20,but that would be as close as Arizona would get. A few minutes later Mcnabb hit Desean Jackson with a td pass for a 41-20 lead. Finally with just over 5 minutes to play Mcnabb sealed the deal with a td pass to Jason Avant for a 48-20 lead. From there new bruisng Eagle fullback Kyle Eckel, who made the distance on that 3rd and 1, helped to run out the clock for the 48-20 win. So the Eagles move to 6-5-1 overall and for now stay alive in the playoff race. They were a totally different looking team tonight, just overwhelming the NFC West leading Cardinals, but only time will tell whether or not this was a sign of things to come, or just a blip on the radar screen.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black stayed hot tonight as they traveled to Carolina to face the Hurricanes. Antero Niittymaki got the rare start in goal and delivered saving 27 of the 28 shots he faced. Meanwhile Simon Gagne slapped home a couple of goals to lead the Flyers to their 6th consecutive victory. Early in the first period Gagne scored his first goal for a 1-0 lead. Early in the 2nd period Chad Larosa knotted it up at one for the Hurricanes. Early in the 3rd period Matt Carle put the Flyers back up 2-1. Finally with just seconds left in the game, Gagne sealed deal with an empty netter to close out a 3-1 victory. So the Flyers move to 11-6-4 overall, good for 26 points and still 7th in the Eastern conference. Can anyone stop these guys? I hope not. Oh and by the way Happy Thanksgiving everyone, enjoy your Turkey, but not too much.
SIXERS NEWS
After dropping a tough one to the lowly Bobcats in their last game, the Sixers were looking to get back on track tonight as they returned to the Wachovia center to face the Orlando Magic. Ultimately it turned out to be a thriller between two teams desperate to prove they are among the Easternce conference's elite teams. Unfortunately, although they played well the Sixers came out on the wrong side of it. Their shooting was a bit better at 44% from the field, but still the same from beyond the arc at 23%. The rebounds were done a bit at just 39, but the Magic also only pulled down 39. Finally the assist to turnover ratio was much better, at 25 assists to just 14 turnovers. Also the bench played at a suitable level for once with 31 points. So the Sixers played well enough to win, but when it counted most the Magic were just a step faster. Early on Orlando jumpe out to a 7 point lead with the score 26-19 after a quarter play. By the half the lead was up to 10 with the score 54-44. In the 3rd quarter the Sixers rallied ahead by 1, with the score 71-70. They still held a 1 point lead with the score 94-93 and just 5 seconds to play when Rashard Lewis broke the Sixer's hears with a 3 pointer, after Thaddeus Young left him open in the corner for a split second to help on defense. Andre Miller then clanged a desperation heave at the buzzer and the Sixers had lost 96-94. So the Sixers drop back under .500 just like that at 7-8 overall.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
Make it 5 in a row for the suddenly red hot Orange and Black, as they welcomed the Dallas Stars to the Wachovia center tonight. Marty Biron had another stellar night with 22 saves out of the 25 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Jeff Carter scored yet another goal and Mike Knuble add 2 as well, to help the Flyers to their 5th straight win. You have to wonder now how long they can keep this up, especially considering they are without top playmaker Danny Briere. On the other hand if they can do this without Briere imagine what they could do with him. Anyhow, back to the game. Scottie Upshall struck first early in the first period for a 1-0 lead. Landon Wilson knotted it at 1 for the Stars late in the period. A few Minutes later Knuble deposited his first score for a 2-1 lead. Early in the 2nd period Mike Modano knotted it up again at 2. Late in the period Carter scored his annual goal for a 3-2 lead. A few minutes later Modano tied it up again at 3. Finally late in the 3rd period with just under 5 minutes to play Knuble put the Flyers up for good 4-3, closing out another tough win. So the Flyers move to 10-6-4 overall good for 24 points and 7th in the Eastern conference. Beat that Eagles.
SIXERS NEWS
After toughing out a win at home last night the Sixers traveled to Charlotte for a matchup with ex-coach Larry Brown and the struggling Bobcats. Unfortunately it was the Sixers who were struggling tonight, struggling to catch their breaths, apparently playing two nights in a row, with a commute in between took its toll. They appeared sluggish as they shot just 39% from the field, and 18% from beyond the arc, and got out rebounded 39-35. The Bobcats meanwhile, shot 54% from the field and 51% from beyond the arc, helping to offset 20 turnovers, including 12 Sixers steals. In the end Charlotte simply had more in the tank. The Sixers actually led early by5 with the score 25-20 after a quarter of play. By the half Charlotte had tied it up at 41. In the 3rd quarter the Bobcats edged ahead by 4 with the score 68-64 heading into the 4th quarter. Finally in the 4th quarter the Bobcats extended their lead, before a final Sixer rally came up short as Charlotte hung on to win by 9, with the final score 93-84. So the Sixers drop to 7-7 overall, which is still better than the Eagles.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
It was an afternoon to forget for the Eagles, especially for Donovan Mcnabb. It is tough to begin to describe how it all went wrong for the Birds today, but the big number was 5 , as in 5 Eagles turnovers, including two interceptions each by Mcnabb and backup Kevin Kolb, and yet another fumble lost by Mcnabb. In fact, Mcnabb was actually benched in the 2nd half in favor of Colb, but it didn't help. Realistically, nothing could have helped the Eagles offense today. Not even the defense which failed to create any turnovers of their own. Of course, that was about the only thing the Eagle's defense did wrong all day, as they limited the Ravens to just 248 total yards and only 1 TD that was really their fault and that one didn't occur until early in the 4th quarter. Unfortunately their effort was futile and only served to delay the apparently inevitable for a few quarters. Neither team was able to score until late in the 2nd quarter following a Mcnabb int, as Matt Stover booted a 44yd field goal for a 3-0 Raven lead. Another Mcnabb int later Joe Flacco fired a 1 yd td pass to Daniel Wilcox for a 10-0 lead. Then with about a minute and half remaining in the half Quintin Demps returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for an electrifying td cutting the lead to 10-7. It would be the only bright spot for the Birds, ,as from there it was all Baltimore. Mcnabb was benched at half but all Kolb could do was settle for a safety and get picked off twice and before you knew it there were only 3 minutes to play and the Ravens were up 36-7. It is simply too embarrassing and sickening to divulge how the score got that way so we'll stop here ,but basically the Eagles are now 5-5-1 overall, Mcnabb might be finished and well you get the picture, stick a fork in them, they're done, well done.
SIXERS NEWS
At long last, the Sixers are above .500. Tonight they welcomed the Golden State Warriors to the Wachovia center and taught them how to play defense. The Sixer's offense struggled a bit again, shooting just 39% from the field, and receiving just 24 points from the bench. However, they did the little things right again, with 22 assists to just 16 turnovers, 54 rebounds to 38 for the Warriors, and the aforementioned 16 turnovers to 18 for the Warriors. Thus, while they may have lost some of the battles they won the war. Early the Sixers jumped out to a 10 point lead with the score 27-17. By the half the lead was up to 18 with the score 57-39. In the 3rd quarter Golden State began to mount a rally cutting the lead to 10 heading into the 4th, with the score 72-62. Finally in the 4th Golden State continued their rally but the Sixers held them off long enough for an 8 point win ,with the final score 89-81. So the Sixers move to 7-6 overall which pushes them to 2nd in the Atlantic division and 7th in the Eastern conference. So that's two teams now that are in better shape than the Eagles, go figure.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black welcomed the Phoenix Coyotes to the Wachovia center tonight. Marty Biron kept it going tonight with 25 saves out of the 28 shots he faced and Jeff Carter scored yet another goal as the Flyers pulled out their 4th win in a row. Early in the 1st period Scott Hartnell made it 1-0. Late in the period Daniel Carcillo knotted it up at 1 for the Coyotes. Late in 2nd period Martin Hanzal scored for a 2-1 Coyote lead. Mike Knuble tied it up again early in the 3rd period. Late in the period ex-Flyer Todd Fedoruk put Phoenix up again 3-2. With just over a minute to play Carter slapped home the equalizer and the stage shifted to an overtime battle. There just a minute and 35 seconds in, Carter assisted the Captain Mike Richards on the game winner, to close out the 4-3 Flyer victory. So the Flyers improve to 9-6-4 overall, for a total of 22 points, good for 8th in the Eastern conference. They'll have to keep this little roll going if they want to continue to move up the standings, but at this point things are lookng like last season again and it is becoming fun to watch. Who needs football when you've got the Flyers kicking butt every night.
Friday, November 21, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers welcomed Elton Brand's ex mates, the Clippers, to the Wachovia center tonight. The Sixers again had a subpar night, but thankfully so did the 1-8 Clippers, allowing the Sixers to pull out a much needed win. Once again, the bench struggled with just 17 points. Once again the shooting was just okay at 42% from the field and 28% from beyond the arc. This time however the defense was better, as they held the Clips to just 44% shooting from the field and got them to commit 23 turnovers, all this despite being outrebounded for about the first time all season 47-41. At any rate it was a Sixer victory so let's just savor it. Early on it was all Sixers as they jumped out to a 12 point lead after a quarter of play, with the score 28-16. The Clips rebounded in the 2nd quarter, rallying ahead by 3 at the half with the score, 49-46. In the 3rd quarter, the two teams simply traded baskets, and the Sixers still trailed by 4, with the score 72-68, heading into the 4th quarter. Finally in the 4th quarter the Sixers mounted a final desperate rally, and with 58 seconds left Brand drained a 15 footer to put the Sixers up for good 89-88. From there neither team could score for the remainder of regulation, as the Sixers hung on for the 89-88 win. So the Sixers improve to 6-6 overall, and maybe now they'll finally get over .500.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers traveled to Buffalo tonight for a matchup with the Sabres. Marty Biron had a dazzling night sinlgedhandedly pushing the Flyer's to victory with 40 saves and a shutout. Meanwhile Jeff Carter blasted home a couple of late goals to seal the win. Late In the first period Scott Hartnell scored for a 1-0 lead. Midway through the 3rd period Carter scored his first goal for a 2-0 lead. Late in the period Carter scored again capping off a 3-0 Flyer's win. So the Orange and Black move to 8-6-4 overall for a total of 20 points, just behind you guessed it, the Sabres, for the 8th seed in the Eastern conference.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
The first Philly title defense in 25 years is in jeapardy before even had chance to begin. The Phillies learned today that Chase Utley will have to undergo hip surgery which will likely cause him to miss the beginning of the 2009 season. Hopefully, his absence won't cause the Phils to take another early season plunge, but they would have been dead meat without him early this season, so who knows.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Just when it looked like they had turned a corner the Sixers took a few steps back tonight against the Timberwolves in Minnesota. Offensively, the bench failed to produce with a combined 21 points, and the shooting dipped down a bit, at just 47% from the field and 9.1%, yes 9.1% from beyond the arc. Defensively, the Sixers were not as strong as they had been. While they still ruled the glass 40-33, they allowed Minnesota to shoot 51% from the field, which is never conducive to winning. The Sixers defense was good for a few games, but ultimately they weren't able to keep it up. Moreover, the bench is not going to be consistently good this season until Lou Williams finds his stroke, after all Willie Green can't carry the second unit all on his own forever. So yes despite the loss tonight the Sixers are an improvement from what they were earlier this season, but they won't be what everyone thought they would until the bench and the D are in order. Getting back to the game, it was clear early on the 1-8 Timberwolves would not go away easy as they hung within 3 points of the Sixers, with the score 27-24 after a quarter of play. By the half the T-Wolves had nudged ahead by 4 with the score 56-52. In the 3rd quarter they pulled out to a commanding 11 point lead, with the score 76-65. Finally in the 4th quarter the Sixers mounted a late rally, actually pulling to within 1 with 50 seconds left and within 2 with 18 seconds left, but it was too little too late, as the T-Wolves hit their free throws down the stretch and eventually hung to win 102-96. So the Sixers drop to 5-6 overall and will need to keep improving, because they are not where they want to be just yet.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers extended their winning streak against the Altanta Thrashers to 12 in a row tonight, as Antero Niittymaki improved to a perfect 11-0 vs the Thrashers. The win was largely due to Niittymaki's 29 saves out of 32 shots and some timely Flyers goals. Early in first period Simon Gagne scored a dazzling breakaway goal for a 1-0 lead. Late in the period Mike Knuble scored to make it 2-0. Early in the 2nd period Erik Christensen scored to cut it to 2-1. Kimmo Timmonen answered later in the period for a 3-1 lead. Early in the 3rd period Bryan Little scored to cut it 3-2. Midway through the 3rd Slava Kozlov tied it up at 3. Fortunately, just when it seemed to be slipping away, Joffrey Lupul answered a minute later to put the Flyers up for good 4-3. So the Orange and Black improve to 7-6-4 overall, putting them above .500 for the first time all season, for a total of 18 points.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles traveled to Cincinnati to face the hapless 1-8 Bengals today, looking to rebound after another Sunday night heartbreaker. Despite performing poorly in short yardage situations once again they almost did so, but thanks to a totally inept offense late in the game when it really counted, they found themselves finishing in a tie with the Bengals, the first such fiasco since 2002. While he did throw for 339 yards and a TD, Mcnabb was also intercepted 3 times and lost a fumble, contributing 10 of the Bengals 13 points. Brian WestBrook also had another sub par game for his standards with just 71 combined yards and it seems clear at this point that he is not back at a 100% yet. The Eagles defense on the other hand had another big day and are the main reason the game ended in a tie and not a loss. Ryan FiztPatrick was sacked 8 times, the Bengal running game was held to just 56 yards, and the Bengals scored just 13 points, zero after the 3rd quarter. Normally that would be more than good enough for a win, but not today. Early in the 2nd quarter Mcnabb committed hist first turnover, fumbling the ball away deep in Eagle's territory. Fortunately the Eagle defense held strong and forced a Shane Graham field goal for a 3-0 lead. The Eagles answered a few minutes later after a long drive with an Akers field goal to knot it at 3. FitzPatrick then directed a quick drive late in the quarter following a Mcnabb interception, that ended with a 26 yd pass from Fitzpatrick to T.J Houshmanzedah for a 10-3 lead. Early in the 3rd quarter Graham kicked another field goal for a 13-3 lead. Mcnabb answered a few plays later with a 4 yd TD pass to L.J Smith to cut it to 13-10. Then late in the 4th quarter the Birds appeared poised to take lead and pull out the win, but on 4th and 1 from the 10 Andy Reid elected to kick the field goal, tying it at 13. The Eagles had a couple opportunities to drive for the winning field goal in regulation but failed so the game went into overtime. There the Eagles offense still could not find any rhythm. Finally with 15 seconds left the Bengals got in range for the winning field goal, but Shane Graham missed from 47 yards out. Then Mcnabb's desperation heave fell incomplete one play later and the two teams settled for a tie. So the Eagles move to 5-4-1 overall and remain on the outside looking in to the playoff picture. They will just about have to win the remainder of their games to reach the playoffs at this point and it is doubtful that they will be able to do so.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers kept it rolling tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder, formerly the Seattle Supersonics, as they returned to the Wachovia center off their long road trip. Offensively they were solid if not great, shooting 46 % from the field and 42% from beyond the arc, but they did little things right again, with 38 bench points, and 31 assists to just 13 turnovers and that made all the difference. Individually, Thaddeus Young was the high man with 25 points ,Elton Brand chipped in with 15, Andre Iguodala added 15 , and heck even Sammy D, Samuel Dalembert got in the act, with 13 and 16 rebounds. Defensively, the Sixers had another good night with 58 rebounds, and 9 steals among 18 Thunder turnovers, as they limited the young Thunder to just 39% shooting from the field on the night. So overall it was another solid team effort, but of course the young 1-9 Thunder can make a lot of teams look better than they really are. Still, it was not the ease of victory, but rather the way the Sixers did it, doing the little things, that was impressive tonight and that's something to hold onto going forward. Early the Thunder actually kept it close, with the Sixers leading by just 2 after one quarter and 4 at half with the score 46-42. In the 3rd quarter, it was no contest as the Sixers finally pulled away to a 19 point lead with the score 79-60 heading into the 4th quarter. In the 4th quarter they simply kept it rolling ,eventually winning going away by 25, with the final score 110-85. So the Sixers move to 5-5 overall and continue to be headed in the right direction.
FLYERS NEWS
After a close loss to the Penguins in their last game the Flyers were able to bounce back tonight against the Canadiens. Marty Biron had another dazzling night in goal saving 24 of 25 shots and stifling the Montreal power play 4 times. Meanwhile, the Flyers threw 31 shots on net and scratch out a couple scores to get themselves the win. Early in the 2nd period Scottie Upshall scored for a 1-0 lead. Late in the period Jeff Carter slapped on home to make it 2-0. Finally about halfway through the 3rd period Alex Tanguay put the Canadiens on the board. From there Biron ensured they would not score again the Flyers eventually hung on for the 2-1 win. So the Orange and Black move to 6-6-4 overal for a total of 16 points.
Friday, November 14, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers continued to improve tonight as they traveled to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Pacers. They did not play their best, but for the first time all season they were able to win despite having an off day. They had another poor shooting night at just 38% from the field, but hit em when it counted, as Thaddeus Young led the way with 25 points, Elton Brand chipped in with 14 and 15 rebounds, Andre Iguodala added 10 and 10 rebounds, Andre Miller dropped 19, and Willie Green was impressive off the bench again with 14. Defensively they had another solid night and that's what saved them, as they amassed 54 rebounds to rule the glass, 10 blocks, and 8 steals among 18 Pacer turnovers to just 10 for the Sixers. Early on things looked bleak for the Sixers as Indiana jumped out to a 25 point lead with the score 38-13 after a quarter of play. The Sixers battled back in the 2nd quarter rallying to cut the lead to 8 by the half with the score 57-49. After 3 quarters of play the Sixers had cut it down to 7 with the score 78-71. Finally in the 4th quarter the Sixers took charge, pushing ahead before finally hanging to win a thriller by 2 with final score 94-92 after Marquis Daniels clanged a 3 at the buzzer. So the Sixers improve to 4-5 overall and appear at last to be headed in the right direction.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black took the ice in Pittsburgh tonight looking for their 2nd win in a row as they faced off in a key divisional matchup with the Penguins. They nearly got it, but it was not to be. Marty Biron was not as spectacular tonight as he was against the Islanders, as he faced 31 shots and only saved 27 of them. So it the Flyers would have to work for this one. Midway through the first period Matt Cooke scored to put the Pens up 1-0. Early in the 2nd Evgeni Malkin and the Kid Sidney Crosby scored within a couple minutes of each other to make it 3-0 and looked like it was lights out for the Flyers. However they would fight back. About midway through the period Jeff Carter scored to cut it to 3-1. A minute later in the period Simon Gagne scored to cut it to 3-2. Late in the Gagne scored again to tie it at 3. Finally with just 4 seconds left in the period Joffrey Lupul scored for a 4-3 lead. Late in the 3rd period Sid kid tied it up again at 4. From there neither team could score for the remainder of regulation or the overtime period so the it all came down to a shootout. There Gagne, Carter, Mike Richards, Lupul, Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell all failed to score. Petr Sykora, Malkin, Sid the kid, Kris Letang, and Miroslav Satan each did likewise for Pittsburgh. Finally the 6th penguin Alex Goligoski broke the Flyer's hearts with the only score of the shootout to finish off a 5-4 Pens win. So the Flyers drop to 5-6-4 overall for a total of 14 points.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After their 3rd consecutive loss last night the Sixers traveled to Toronto looking to avenge their opening night loss to the Raptors and find some answers. They were able to do so and more. At last Elton Brand seemed to find his place in the Sixer's offense draining mid range jumpers for a game high 25 points, when he wasn't running floor and playing defense with 3 blocks, a steal, and 8 rebounds. It wasn't just Brand who made the difference tonight though. Willie Green with 17 points and 9 assists and the rookie Maurice Speights with 12 and 7 rebounds help to ignite a solid night for the Sixer bench. Andre Iguodala nearly amassed another triple double with 18 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds, and the other Andre, Andre Miller chipped in with 18 points. As a team the Sixers appeared significantly improved as well on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they shot 53% from the field, 54% from beyond the arc with 6 threes, and ripped off 30 assists to just 13 turnovers. Defensively they may have shown their most improvement, with 6 blocks, 8 steals, and the usual glass ruling 40 rebounds. In short they looked like the team everyone expected them to be this season and the team we ought to see from now on, if they expect to go anywhere this season. Getting back to the game, the Sixers actually jumped out early for once sprinting to a 13 point lead after a quarter of play with the score 26-13. In the 2nd quarter Toronto woke up, perhaps too late, rallying to cut the lead to 6 by the half with the score 51-45. In the 3rd quarter the Sixers held firm to the lead, staying ahead by 7, with the score 78-71. In the 4th quarter they did likewise, eventually hanging on to win by 10 with the final score 106-96. So the Sixers improve to 3-5 overall which is okay for the moment, but they're going to have figure out a way to keep it up for once, and it will be interesting to see if they can.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black finally ended their losing streak tonight against their perennial cure all, the New York Islanders, well at least for about the last 10 years or so. Anyway once again Marty Biron paved the way to victory with 35 saves out of the 36 shots he faced. Perhaps if he was that good every night, or maybe if his defense made it so he wouldn't have to be so good every night this team wouldn't go on losing streaks. It is fortunate though that they ended this one before long. Anyway getting back to the game, as usual the Flyers got off to a slow start, but thanks to Marty it didn't matter tonight. Danny Briere finally scored the first goal of the night over halfway through the 2nd period for a 1-0 lead. About halfway through the 3rd period Mike Richards made it 2-0. Finally with just under 4 minutes to play the Isles got on board as Trent Hunter scored to cut it to 2-1. The Isles then elected to go with the empty net in hopes a forging a tie but Kimmo Timonen made sure that would happen, scoring on the empty net with 4 seconds remaining to finish off the 3-1 Flyer's victory. So the Flyers improve to 5-6-3 for 13 points overall.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers welcomed the Utah Jazz to the Wachovia center tonight. Riding a 2 game losing streak, they were looking to right the ship. Instead, the same problems that have plagued them all year, cost them tonight. They shot just 38% from the field, they tossed away 16 turnovers, and the bench produced just 12 points. More and more it seems they are becoming less of a team and more of a group of individuals just going out and trying to get theirs every night. In fact they had almost as many assists tonight(17) as they had turnovers. It also seems that they don't who they are. Either they run the floor, or they play a halfcourt offense and give the ball Elton Brand to make something happen. Sooner or later they are going to have pick one and stick with it because the more they try to do both the worse things get. Getting to the game now, the first half belonged to Utah as they took a 12 point lead into the half with the score 49-37. The Sixers rallied in the 3rd quarter and actually went up by 4 heading into the 4th quarter with the score 67-63. Finally in the 4th quarter Utah dominated again and wound up winning by 13, with the final score 93-80. Yes that's right the Sixers had just 13 points in the 4th quarter while Utah had 30. Now you know what separates a good team like Utah from a bad team like the Sixers who drop to 2-5 overall.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
Coming into tonight's showdown with the New York Giants at the Linc the Birds had a golden opportunity to pull themselves to within a game of the first place Giants and suddenly make the NFC East division race wide open. Thanks to some key Giant's turnovers they nearly did so, but once again a late short yardage situation did them in. Donovan Mcnabb did not have his best night completing 17 of 36 passes for a scant 194 yards and 3 TDs and one int, but the defense picked him up time and time again, forcing 2 turnovers, and limiting the Giants to just 6 points on the Eagles 2 turnovers. However, the Giants run game which amassed over 200 yards on the night, proved to be the difference. The Eagles meanwhile rushed for just 106 yards, and Mcnabb was actually the leading rusher with 35 yards. Early on it looked like it might be a big night for the Eagles, as Mike Patterson intercepted Eli Manning on the 2nd play of the game, to set up a 9 yd TD run by Desean Jackson and a 7-0 Birds lead. The Giants then went on a long drive capped off by a 7 td pass from Manning to Plaxico Burress to knot it up at 7. Quintin Demps fumbled the ensuing kickoff deep in Eagles' territory, but the Eagles defense managed to force a John Carney field goal for a 10-7 Giant's lead. Another long drive to start the 2nd quarter and another Manning TD pass this one a 1 yd pass to Kevin Boss made it 17-7. On the next Giants possession Brandon Jacobs fumbled the ball away deep in Eagles territory, setting up a 10 yd td pass from Mcnabb to Jason Avant to cut it to 17-14. Mcnabb was intercepted on the next Eagles possession but again the Eagles defense forced a John Carney field goal for a 20-14 lead. Mcnabb then used the rest of the half to put the Eagles in range for a David Akers field goal to cut the halftime lead to 20-17. The Eagles came out firing to start the 2nd half as Mcnabb led a long drive, capped off by a 7 yd td pass to Hank Baskett for a 24-20 Eagles lead. The Giants answered with another long drive that ended with a 3 yd Jacobs td run, after an illegal forward pass penalty on Manning was overturned, to put the Giants up 27-24. Early in the 4th quarter Carney finished off another long drive with a field goal to mak it 30-24 Gmen. A long punt return by Domenik Hixon then set up a 3 yd td plunge by Jacobs for a 36-24 lead. The ensuing Eagles drive showcased Mcnabb at his best as on 4th goal from the 2 after a 10 play drive, he hit Kevin Curtis with a 2 yd td pass to cut it to 36-31 and renew hope. After an Eagles defensive stand Mcnabb and offense got it back for one last chance, and managed to drive to about midfield , but there Brian Westbrook came up short and on 3rd and 1 and then on 4th and 1, turning the ball over on downs. The Giants then converted on 4th and inches with 15 seconds left and ran out the clock for the 36-31 win. So the Eagles drop to 5-4 overall and back into a last place tie with the Cowboys. It is going to be tough now for them to reach the playoffs.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers continued streaking in the wrong direction tonight with their 3rd straight loss as they welcomed the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Wachovia center. Marty Biron had a solid night saving 20 of the 22 shots he faced but he was out done by Tampa goalie Mike Smith who saved 35 of the 36 shots he faced to shut down the Flyers. That was basically the difference in this low scoring affair. Late in the first period Danny Briere, finally back from an injury, scored for a 1-0 Flyer's lead. About midway through the 2nd period Jussi Jokinen scored to knot it up at 1. Then late in the period on again off again ex Flyer Vinny Prospal score to push Tampa ahead 2-1. From there neither team could score again until the end of regulation so Tampa got the win and Flyers drop to 4-6-3 overall. What a team.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Thursday, November 06, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black have started a new streak. Unfortunately it is a losing streak which continued tonight in Ottawa against the Senators. The Flyers were o for 3 on the power play and had just 18 shots on goal, as the Ottawa defense stymied them tonight. Antero Niittymaki had a solid night in goal saving 21 of the 24 shots he faced but it was for naught. Midway through the first period Anton Volchenkov put the Senators up 1-0. A few minutes later Danny Heatley made it 2-0. A little less then midway through the 2nd period Arron Asham scored to cut it to 2-1. That would be as close as the Flyers would get. A few minutes later Jesse Winchester made it 3-1. Finally Chris Neil scored on the Flyers empty net late in the 3rd period to provide the final tally of 4-1. So the Flyers drop to 4-5-3 overall and remain stuck on 11 points overall.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers played their first nationally televised game of the season tonight in Orlando against the Magic. Unfortunately the bad Sixer team showed up again tonight and their national showcase turned into a nightmare. Once again only four Sixers socred in double figures. Thaddeus Young lead the way 19, Sammy Dalembert added 10 and 14 rebounds, Andre Iguodala put up 16, and Andre Miller dropped 15. While they didn't make as many mistakes tonight as in their last game, the shooting was still terrible at 37% from the field. As a result the Sixers fell into another early hole from which they never escaped. After a quarter play the Magic led by 14 with the score 30-16. By the half the Sixers had cut the lead to 11, with the score 54-43. After 3 quarters of play the Sixers had cut the lead to 9 with the score 75-66. Finally in the 4th quarter the Sixer comeback stalled as they could only trade baskets, and Orlando eventually hung on to win by 10 with the final score 98-88. So the Sixers drop to 2-4 overall and appear headed in the wrong direction
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Apparently the word consistency is not in the Sixer's vocabulary. Once again they had a chance tonight to string together consecutive wins for the first time all season as they traveled to Miami to face the improved Heat, once again they failed to do so. As good as the offense was in their last game, it was as bad tonight as the Sixers shot just 37% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc. They also had 8 shots blocked and turned the ball over 25 times. Good teams don't make mistakes like that and that's why they can win even when their shooting goes off a bit. Watching the Sixers tonight you would have to conclude that the Sixers are not a good team, but to do so you would have to ignore the 125 points they put up just a few nights ago against Sacramento and the clinic they put on against the Knicks for their first win a week ago. So which is the real Sixer team, the one that blew out New York and Sacramento, or the one that got blown out tonight against Miami and blew a 23 point lead to Hawks, well only time will tell. As for tonight only 4 Sixers scored in double figures. Thaddeus Young led the way with 19, Elton Brand added 12 and 12 rebounds, Andre Miller put up 11, and Lou Williams dropped 16, but it all went for naught. Miami took control early on racing to a 7 point lead after a quarter of play with the score 24-17. By the half the Heat were at full throttle leading by 21, with the score 59-38. Finally in the 3rd quarter the Sixers mounted a comeback but could get no closer than 9 points and by the end of 3 quarters they still trailed by 12, with the score 75-63. Finally in the 4th quarter Dwyane Wade and Micheal Beasely teamed up to put it out of reach as the Heat eventually won going away by 23, with the final score 106-83. So the Sixers drop to 2-3 overall and again will have fight their way back to .500.
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