Wednesday, April 18, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Well, it took 13 innings, but the Phils finally lost again. Seriously, I know it's still the beginning of the season but do you even remember the last time they won. I mean I am not going to lie, but I really thought they were going to win. They were down 3-1, and then 4-1 for most of the game, but in the 7th inning, Greg "Roy Hobbs" Dobbs singled to score 2 runs and cut the lead to 4-3. Then Micheal Bourn scored on a sac fly in the 9th inning to tie it at 4, and I thought man there going top pull this one out. As the extra innings dragged on through the 10th, 11th, 12th, and then 13th, innings my expectancy a Phils win only grew deeper, as it seemed that every time they appeared down and out, they were able to make a great play and keep the game going. Unfortunately, despite playing just about as hard as they possibly they could, it was not enough. A bloop single, followed by a double, and sac fly wound up scoring the Nats Matt snelling with the winning run in the bottom of the 13th. I would say I am deeply disappointed and utterly sick to my stomach at this point, but honestly I am getting used to this sort of thing now, and just does not have that same effect on me anymore. Basically, the Phils at 3-10 now, have truly become the symbol of the vanitas that has engulfed the whole of the Philly sports theme. You know what I mean, that belief, that sense of hopelessness that no matter how hard you cheer for your team and no matter how much you believe in them, whether it be the Flyers, Sixers, Eagles, or the Phils, they are still inevitably going to find away to lose, whether it be in Game 7 of the world series, or in the super bowl, or in a simple regular season game, they will lose no matter what, just like no matter what you or I do, we are still going to die at some point in the future. Okay so maybe I am overreacting a little, but you get the idea.
SIXERS NEWS
Well, the Sixers finished out there season today, and actually looked pretty good doing, defeating the playoff bound Raptors 122-119. Willie Green poured in a career high 37 points, Andre Miller dropped 29 ,with 8 assists, Joe Smith dropped 26 with 11 boards, and Bobby Jones and Louis Williams again scored in double figures, with Jones putting up 14 points and Williams chipping in 12 off the bench. So I guess with this win and their 35-47, third place finish in the Atlantic division, there's some hope for the Sixers heading into next season. As for the Raptors, well they finished 45-37, first in the Atlantic division, and are headed to the playoffs as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference. If only, the Sixers could be in that position right now, but who knows with three first draft picks coming, maybe the Sixers can be like the Raptors next season and get back to the playoffs. Well, until next season so long, Sixers fans.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
0 for 14, that's what the Phillies were tonight with runners in scoring position. In fact, the only run they scored was even batted in. It was forced in by Ryan Howard with a bases loaded walk in the 3rd inning. He is still technically credited with an RBI but I mean come on is that not pathetic or what. Oh and Freddy Garcia's debut as a Phillie, not quite everything advertised, as although he struck out 6, he still allowed 3 runs on 8 hits and lasted all of 4 and 2/3rd innings. Obviously that's what the Phillies were hoping for when they traded for him. As far as the Mets are concerned one name comes to mind, and its not Tom Glavine. No, its 40 year old geezer Moises Alou, yes, he's still playing, and no he hasn't slowed down a bit. On the night, he homered twice, first off Freddy Garcia in the 2nd inning, and then again off Geoff Geary in the 6th inning when it was still only 3-1 Mets and the Phils actually still had a chance. As if those Homers weren't enough Alou went on to ruin the rest of the night, by thwarting the Phils last comeback attempt, with a diving catch of a line drive, that was oh so close to dropping and scoring two badly needed Phils runs. So basically, the Phils lost big 8-1, and are now just 3-9, dead last in the NL East.
SIXERS NEWS
Tonight's game meant absolutely nothing to the Sixers and absolutely everything to the Cavs who could've moved into the 2nd seed in the East with a win. So guess who won? that's right the Cavs, 98-92. Larry Hughes poured in 22 and Lebron James dropped in 18 with 6 assists and 5 rebounds to help them pull it out. Still, as you can tell from the close score the Sixers didn't play too badly tonight either, despite once again being without Andre Iguodala and Kyle Korver. Willie Green poured in a game high 24 points, Samuel Dalembert dropped 11 with 10 rebounds, Andre Miller dropped 12 with 7 assists, and youngsters Louis Williams and Bobby Jones, both scored in double figures again with 13 points a piece. Unfortunately for them it wasn't enough tonight, but there's always next year I guess and besides this game didn't really matter to them anyway. Well, that's all I have for today, and there's just one more game left for the Sixers this season, so here's hoping that one goes well or something.
Monday, April 16, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils got rained out again, yes that's two rain outs in a row for the first time since 1998. Anyway, tonight's game with the Mets has been rescheduled as part of a day-night doubleheader on Friday June 29. Yesterday's game was also rescheduled for Monday April 23, that's this coming Monday, which was apparently an open date on the schedule for both teams. Finally, as result of all this Freddy Garcia will and I mean it this time, make his long awaited Phils debut tomorrow night against Tom Glavine and the Mets. Should be a good game if it doesn't get rained out.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
SIXERS NEWS
In a game that meant nothing to both teams, as the Sixers had already been eliminated from the playoffs, and the Pistons had already clinched the top seed in the Eastern conference, young players getting a look in preparation for next season ruled the night. Detroit native, Willie Green, playing in front of his hometown, poured in a game high 26 points and dished off 7 assists, last year's 2nd round pick Bobby Jones scored a career high 13 points, and recent NBDL call up Louis Amundson scored 8 points ,including his first NBA field goal, and pulled down a game high 11 rebounds. The Pistons were not without a couple young stars of their own, as Philly's own Ronald "Flip" murray finished with 7 points and 6 assists, and Jason Maxiell poured in 10 points off the bench. Still, in the end the determined Sixers pulled out the win by the final score of 102-91. I would talk about this game a little bit more now, but like I said it didn't mean anything, so I don't have anything else to say.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils and the Astros got rained out today, and as yet their game has not been rescheduled although it is expected that it will be. All of which means that Freddy Garcia will make his Phillies debut tomorrow night instead of today as originally planned.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
After opening the season with two stellar starts you would think that the Phils' Cole Hamels would be 2-0 on the season or at least 1-0, but alas the Phils bullpen brokedown in the both games, blowing leads after Hamels left the game with a chance to win. Thus, instead of two wins he was left with two no-decisons and basically nothing to show for his efforts. This time however, it would be different. Jimmy Rollins hit his NL leading 6th homerun, Chase Utley homered and drove in a run in the 6th inning which wound up being the game winner, the Phils bullpen pitched 3 scoreless innings although the last one was pretty shaky (Flash Gordon got in a jam in the top of the 9th and nearly blew the save) , and the Phils hung for an 8-5 win, their first, yes first, win at home on the season. Ironically, out of his 3 starts thus far this was Hamels worst as he allowed 5 runs and 8 hits in 6 innings, and twice allowed the Astros to come from behind just after the Phils had given him a lead. In fact, he won only because of Chase Utley's RBI double in the bottom of the 6th inning, just after he had left the game. Still, a win is a win and the Phils need every one they can get at this point as they have now improved to only 3-8. In other exhilerating news, Freddy Garcia has finally been activated from DL by the Phils, and will make his first start as a Phil tomorrow, provided the game doesn't get rained out by the noreaster that's supposed to hit town tomorrow, but that's another story alltogether.
SIXERS NEWS
Well, it's official the Sixers will not be going to the playoffs this season. Coming into today's game against Orlando they trailed the magic by 3 games with 4 to play for the 8th and final playoff spot in the east. Dwight Howard poured in 35 points and ripped down 11 rebounds as the Magic won going away 104-87. The win gave the Magic the season series over the Sixers, thus even if the Sixers were to somehow finished tied with Magic, which they still could, the tiebreaker would go to Orlando. Still, considering how bad the Sixers were earlier this season, its quite an accomplishment that they were able to stay in the playoff picture this late in the season, so cheers to that. Of course, with the Sixers officially eliminated from the playoffs, it's now time for them to start getting ready for the draft lottery, so here's hoping they get that first pick.
Friday, April 13, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
It started just like their last game. This time, instead of Tom Glavine it was the Astros Roy Oswalt who struggled through the first inning, allowing 3 runs on 2 infield hits and 3 walks, all with two outs in the inning. Unfortunaltely for the Phils Oswalt settled in and ptiched 5 innings for the win, as supposed Phils ace Brett Myers failed to deliver for the 2nd time in as many games. Myers lasted only 3 and 1/3rd innings, allowing 7 runs including a grand slam to Carlos Lee, just after the Phils had gone ahead 3-0, and 3 run homer by Morgan Ensberg. Lee wound up with two more homers on the day and helped to thwart any Phils comeback attempts, as the Astro hung on to win 9-6. The Phils had their chances to get back in the game, but poor situational hiiting and bad base running erased all of them. Still, the biggest problem for the Phils right now are the continued struggles of Chase Utley(.220 BA) and Ryan Howard (.243 BA). Until those guys get going this team will continue to struggle as it is now at just 2-8.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
PHILLIESS NEWS
He'd been booed mercilessly for two days by the city that never sleeps. Apparently, they weren't too happy with what he had said during spring training. After all, who was he to say that their team wasn't as good as his and wouldn't win the division like they had the past season. Tonight, though was going to be different, tonight he was going to quiet them. His team had beaten theirs the night before, but he hadn't much to do with it, with only one hit all night long and a strikeout at the end to their delight. Tonight, if his team was going to get a win he was going to be one to get it for them and he nearly did. He hit not one, but two titanic blasts, off the future hall of fame pitcher he was facing and his team had led for 3 and 1/2 innings, but it all came a part in the 4th inning. His pitcher, although he competed well, lasting 6 innings and striking out 6, including the 2000th of his career, had been unable to keep his team ahead, but he kept them close, with their deficit being only 4-3. Now they began booing the misstalker again, and now he could do nothing to stop them, going o for 2 the rest of night. As he was falling from grace, they tacked on another run. and then it was over. The Mets had beaten the Phillies 5-3, Jamie Moyer had his 2000th strikeout, and Jimmy Rollins had two more homers, but the chorus of boos continued to reign down on him. That's what happens when you predict a division title and your team starts out 2-7.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Well, the Sixers won today so there was no way that the Phils could win right? after all it's the philly mantra that if one team wins the other must lose. You simply can't have your cake and eat it around here. However. someone forgot to tell the Phils that they weren't supposed to win, and they actually came out on top for once. Mets pitcher Oliver Perez struggled mightily on the day, issuing 7 free passes, and for once the Phils took advantage of it, scoring 3 runs on exactly 1 hit in the 3rd inning. Of course, we'd all seen this story before, the Phils jump out to a 3-0 lead then go on vacation for the rest of the game as the bullpen implodes to give the other team the win. However, that didn't happen today, as the Phils tacked on additional runs in the 6th and 7th innings and SP Adam Eaton pitched 7 strong innings allowing just 2 runs and striking out 5. In the end the bullpen hung on for the final two innings and Phils walked away winners and Flash Gordon walked away with his first save of the season. Not bad huh?
SIXERS NEWS
Once again the Sixers were without Kyle Korver and Andre Iguodala tonight, and once again they found a way to win. Of Course they were also playing the worst team in the Eastern Conference in the Boston Celtics, so that kinda helped as well, but you get the idea. Anyway, like last night it didn't look to good at first with the Celtics taking an 11 point lead into the second half. Once again though the Sixers were too much in the second half, outscoring Boston 54-36, and pulling away for a solid 102-94 win. Andre Miller scored 19 points, Steven Hunter scored 20 points and pulled 7 rebounds, Samuel Dalembert scored 11 points, and pulled down 7 rebounds, Louis Williams again poured in 18 points off the bench, and Joe Smith chipped in 16 points and 7 boards off the bench as well. Still, despite their now 3 game winning streak they are a paltry 3 games behind Orlando for the the 8th and final playoff spot in the East with 4 games to play, not a bad situation to be in, but not a good one either. However, they are scheduled to play Orlando on Friday and if they win that one look out.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers kept their dim playoff hopes alive tonight with a big 90-86 win over the Pacers tonight. That's pretty impressive considering they were without both Andre Iguodala who once again strained his back and Kyle Korver still with that sore wrist. In their absence, Andre Miller with 19 points and 11 assists, Samuel Dalembert with 15 pts and 12 rebounds, Joe Smith with 17 points and 11 rebounds, and young Louis Williams with 18 points off the bench shone brightest. The Sixers led pretty much most of the way, as the Pacers struggled from the field. With the win the Sixers are now 10th in the Eastern Conference, 4 games behind the Orlando Magic for the 8th and final playoff spot, with 5 games to play. Basically the Sixers have to win out, and the Magic have to lose out. Can you say draft lottery?
FLYERS NEWS
The NHL draft lottery took place today, yeah they have one too, and wouldn't you know it the Flyers, with the worst record in the NHL did not get the first pick in the draft, instead that went to Chicago, and the Flyers were left with, you guesssed it, the second pick in the draft. I guess sometimes you just can't win for trying or lack thereof.
PHILLIES NEWS
No game today, they got an off day for some reason, even though they still have two more games to play in their series with the Mets. Hmm, maybe it has something to do with the fact that Ryan Howard spent the day on the tonight show with David Letterman.
Monday, April 09, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Ryan Howard hit his first homer of the season today against the Mets and the Phils took a 5-4 lead into the 8th inning. Unfortunately that would be as good as it would get for the Phils today. All told in the top of the 8th inning Geoff Geary walked 4 batters and threw a wild pitch, Jimmy Rollins booted a ground ball, and the Mets capitalized for 7 runs and an 11-5 victory going away. Thus, the Phils have now matched last season's 1-6 start and Jimmy Rollins prediction of a Phils playoff run seems long ago.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
SIXERS NEWS
Big win for the Sixers today! well okay maybe not, but they did win, it just wasn't all that big since the playoffs are pretty much out of the question for them at this point. Anyway tonight's game was a tale of 2 halves. In the first half it was all Hawks with the Hawks up by 12 at half, 53-41. With Kyle Korver out with an injury and most of the Sixer starters playing limited minutes, it seemed as if the Hawks had it all sown up. However, the Sixers led by Andre Iguodala and his game high 25 points turned the tide in the second half as Iguodala dunked with 56 seconds left to tie the game at 93 and send it into overtime. There, it was all Sixers with a Willie Green 3 pointer giving them the lead for good, as they held on for the win 109-104. Still mathematically alive, at 4 games back with 6 to play the Sixers will be better served from here on in to forget about the playoffs and start planning for the draft.
PHILLIES NEWS
Today the Phils continued the consistent play that they have exhibited thus far this season. Unfortunately, that consistency has been in all the wrong departments. They have consistently failed to get the big hits when they have needed them. In fact, in today's game they recieved 11, count em 11 free passes from Marlin's pitchers and yet only came up with 4 runs, only one after the 1st inning. They have also consistently combined good starting pitching with bad ptiching out of the bullpen, and vice versa, two combinations that don't work when you always play close games. Still, despite those vices surrounding the team, the Phils were right in it today and even had the lead early with a 3 run first inning. Sadly, that would be the Phils last lead of the day. They did have several chances to get the lead back but failed to do so. They even got the bases loaded with one out in the 9th inning, but a foul out by Carlos Ruiz, followed by a strike out by Micheal Bourn quckly extinguished that final opportunity. Oh well, better luck next time fellas.
FLYERS NEWS
Do you believe miracles? Yesss! and with that exclamation by Al Micheals the celebration in Lake Placid began, for, the miracle on ice had happened. The Flyers as it happens had their own version of the miracle on ice today. Well, okay maybe not exactly but they did actually win for a change which is a bit of a miracle all on its own. Anyway, although it was no miracle on ice today's game did feature two teams on the opposite side of the NHL spectrum. The Sabres win or lose, were to finish the day no worse than tied for the best record in the NHL, while the Flyers win or lose, were to finish the day with the worst record in the NHL. Now, with that kind of set up you would think it would have been an easy win for the Sabres. Well, let's just say that's why they play the games. Simon Gagne scored his 41st goal of the year in the 1st period, but all it did was tie the game at 1. Stefan Ruzicka gave the Flyers the lead, 2 minutes into the 2nd period, but it was shortlived as the Sabres retook the lead with 2 goals late in period. Thus, the 3rd period began with Buffalo ahead 3-2, significantly reducing the Flyers chances to win. So that was supposed to be it right? you know, good game boys, see next season right? wrong? 4 minutes into the 3rd Mike Knuble tied it and then 4 minutes later he assisted on the go ahead goal by Mike Richards, to make it 4-3 Flyers. With new goalie Martin Biron minding the net, that 4-3 lead actually held up for the rest of the night. Yeah, that's right the Flyers finished their season with a win, so who knows maybe this will give them some momemtum going into next season, after all it can't hurt can it.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Florida 8 Phillies 5
It Was Over When....
The Marlins put together 3, 2 out extra base hits in a row in the bottom of the 3rd inning, turning a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead.
The Game Ball Goes To....
Josh Willingham with a homer, a triple, a Double, and 4 RBIs. If he had only collected a single as well, he would have become the first Marlins player ever to hit for the cycle.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
4 and 1/3rd as in the mere 4 and 1/3rd innings that starter Brett Myers lasted on the night. In those few innings he allowed 6 runs on 8 hits. Rarely does a team win when its starter puts up numbers like that, especially when their bullpen is as bad as the Phillies' has been so far this season.
The Bottom Line Is....
1-4 is not the start that this team was looking for, but there is still plenty time for the Phils to improve.
FLYERS NEWS
Islanders 4 Flyers 2
It Was Over When....
Tom Poti scored on the Flyer's open net with about 30 seconds to play, to put them away for good.
The Game Puck Goes To....
Tom Poti with a goal and an assist, and Jason Blake with 2 assists.
The Stat Of The Game Is.....
40, as in the 40th goal of the season scored by Simon Gagne in a losing effort. The goal also marked the 200th of his career.
The Bottom Line Is....
Well, if nothing else the Flyers got some momemtum off this game that they can take into next season.
Friday, April 06, 2007
PILLIES NEWS
Phillies 8 Marlins 2
It Was Over When....
Pat Burrell crushed a 3 run homer off the Marlin's Ricky Nolasco in the top of 7th inning. At the time the Phils were clinging to a 5-2 lead, but Burrell's homer gave them the lead for good.
The Game Ball Goes To....
Pat Burrell with 2 hits and 4 RBIs on the day, including a 3 run homer, Jimmy Rollins whose only hit of the day wound up being the 2 run homer he rushed in the 5th inning.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
7, as in the 7 solid innings pitched by Phils starter Jamie Moyer on his way to winning his first game of the season. Along the Way Moyer managed to get out of several jams, as he allowed just 2 runs, pretty much ensuring that the Phils would finally get a win.
The Bottom Line Is....
For the first time this season the Phils actually played as a team with all its pieces clicking, and not surprisingly they finally got their first win. If they can continue playing like they did tonight they will be tough to beat from here on out.
SIXERS NEWS
Raptors 92 Sixers 82
It Was Over When....
The 3rd quarter started. Ask any NBA expert and they will tell you that that the winner of a game is usually decided by who gets off to a better start in the 3rd quarter, and tonight that was certainly the case. The Raptors outscored the Sixers by 13 in the quarter (28-15) and never looked back.
The Game Ball Goes To....
T.J Ford with 12 points and 6 assists, Chris Bosh with 23 points and 13 rebounds, Joey Graham with 10 rebounds and 6 assists, Juan Dixon with 12 points and 6 assists off the bench, and Kris Humphries with 10 points off the bench.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
83.3, as in a free throw shooting percentage of 83.3 for the Raptors on the night, to just a free throw shooting percentage of 61.9 for the Sixers on the night. The Raptors only took 3 more free throws on the night than did the Sixers ( 24 to 21 respectively), but they hit 20 of them compared to the measily 13 converted by the Sixers. If the Sixers had been more consistent at the free throw line this game would have been much closer.
The Bottom Line Is....
Once again, the Sixers proved that they are not a playoff team, as they fall to 4 games behind Orlando for that final playoff spot with 7 games to play.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Braves 8 Phillies 4
It Was Over When....
The Braves exploded for 6 runs in the top of the 5th inning. The way the Phils have struggled to score runs so far, you just knew they wouldn't be able to come back, but they did at least give themselves a chance in the bottom of the 9th, which may or may not be an encouraging sign of things to come, depending on how you look at it.
The Game Ball Goes To....
Brian Mcann (again) with a hit and two RBIs, Scott Thurman with a hit and and two RBIs, and Kelly Johnson who started that whole mess of a 5th inning with his first hit of the season, a 2 run homer.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
4 and 1/3rd as in the mere 4 and 1/3rd innings that Phillies starter Adam Eaton lasted on the day. Usually when your starter doesn't even get past the 5th inning, you're not going to win.
The Bottom Line Is....
Hmmm the Phils are 0-3 now. That sounds familiar doesn't it but why? Oh I know because that's exactly how the Phils started last season, as they got out of the gate with a 1-6 start. Hopefully, this edition of the Phils won't match that horrid start.
FLYERS NEWS
Devils 3 Flyers 2
It Was Over When....
Jim Dowd scored a shorthanded goal early in the 3rd period. At this point anytime the Flyers fall behind in the 3rd period it's pretty much over, even if there are still 12 minutes to play
The Game Puck Goes To....
Sergei Brylin with a goal and an assist, and goalie Martin Brodeur who recorded his record 48th win of the season, stopping 34 of the 36 shots he faced. Of course the former recorder holder for wins in a season was Bernie Parent, yes that one the Flyers legend, with 47 wins back in 1974, when, mind you, games could still end in a tie. That's right Parent never had a chance to add some shootout wins to his tally, asterisk anyone?
The Stat Of The Game Is....
48, as in a record 48 wins on the season for Devils' goalie Martin Brodeur. Yeah he took our guy Bernie's record and helped the Devils win the division on our home ice and we had a chance to stop him, but didn't. Yep, it doesn't get much worse than that.
The Bottom Line Is....
Once again the Flyers played well, but once again they also made stupid mistakes and lost.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Braves 3 Phillies 2
It Was Over When....
The Braves forged ahead in the top of the 11th inning on a solo homer by Scott Thorman off Ryan Madson(yes, the same guy who allowed the eventual game winning homer on Monday).
The Game Ball Goes To....
Braves catcher Brian Mcann with 2 hits and 2 RBIs on the day, including a game-tying 2 run homer in the top of the 9th inning.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
2, as in only 2 runs scored on the day for the Phils thanks in large part to 7 strong innings pitched by Tim Hudson, who allowed only one run and struck out 5. The Phils had a couple of opportunities to score more but were not able to capitalize. If they had scored even just one more run they would have gotten the win, without the need for extra innings.
The Bottom Line Is....
Strong starting pitching : check, Strong lineup: check, oops wait a minute they have only scored 4 runs so far, Reliable Bullpen: mmm, not so much. Still, with the way the Phils starting pitchers have looked thus far, if they can just start scoring runs like the Mets did last year, they'll be a tough team to beat. Until then though, we'll just have to be content with the bullpen blowing 1 or 2 run leads.
SIXERS NEWS
Sixers 92 Knicks 90
It Was Over When....
Stephen Marbury's desperation three pointer fell short of the rim and landed in the hands of the Sixer's Kyle Korver.
The Game Ball Goes To....
Andre Miller with 14 points and 7 assists, Andre Iguodala with 18 points and 5 rebounds, and Kyle Korver with 17 points off the bench.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
20, as in 20 turnovers forced by the Sixers on the night, to just 10 committed. Rarely does a team, in this case the Knicks, committ 20 turnovers or more in a game and win.
The Bottom Line Is.....
Big win for the Sixers, as it keeps their playoff hopes alive, barely. The Sixers currently trail the Orlando Magic by 3.5 games for the last playoff spot in the East, with 8 games to play.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
FLYERS NEWS
Maple Leafs 3 Flyers 2 Final in Overtime
It Was Over When....
The Maple Leaf's Bryan Mccabe scored on the power play in overtime, ending the game in dramatic fashion.
The Game Puck Goes To....
Bryan Mccabe with a goal and an assist.
The Stat Of the Game Is....
0, as in 0 for 4 on the power play for the Flyers on the night. If they had scored on any one of their opportunities they would have won in regulation. Instead they failed to take advantage of them and fell in overtime.
The Bottom Line Is....
Face it, there are only 3 games left to play in the season for the Flyers, and they as a team have no reason to give a crap about any of them since there is no way anyone will finish with a worse record than they will. Yet, they have continued to play hard night in and night out so how can you really speak badly of them.
Monday, April 02, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
Braves 5 Phillies 3
It Was Over When....
The Braves Edgar Renteria crushed a two-run homer off reliever Ryan Madson in the top of the 10th inning. Yeah the Phils could have come back to win in the bottom half of the inning, it's only the first game of the season, so they had no real incentive to do so.
The Game Ball Goes To....
Edgar Renteria, who homered twice on the day with a game tying solo homer with two out in the top of the 8th inning, and what turned out to be a game winning 2 run homer in the top of the 10th inning.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
0, as in 0 runs allowed by the Braves bullpen on the day, to 2 allowed by the Phils bullpen on the day. It was feared coming into this season that the bullpen would be a problem for the Phils, that fear didn't exactly come to fruition today, but it is definitely something to look out for throughout the remainder of the season.
The Bottom Line Is....
Yeah so the Phils lost their season/home opener, it's not the end of the world, there are still 161 games left to play this season, so don't start worrying just yet.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
SIXERS NEWS
Nets 86 Sixers 82
It Was Over When....
The Net's Clifford Robinson drilled a three pointer to put New Jersey up by 13 with only 2 minutes and 30 seconds left to play in the 4th quarter.
The Game Ball Goes To....
Jason Kidd with 12 points and 8 assists, Vince Carter with a game high19 points and 5 rebounds, Clifford Robinson with 11 points off the bench, and Antoine wright with 12 points off the bench.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
83.3, as in a free throw shooting percentage of 83.3 for the Nets on the night, to just a free throw shooting percentage of 50 for the Sixers on the night. The Nets took only two more free throws than the Sixers, but hit 9 more of them, thus getting the victory.
The Bottom Line Is....
If the Sixers were to make the playoffs this season, tonight was the night they needed to make a statement. They didn't do so and thus will not make the playoffs this season.
FLYERS NEWS
Rangers 6 Flyers 4
It Was Over When....
The Rangers Petr Prucha scored on the power play with 50 seconds remaining in the 2nd period, to put New York up for good 6-3.
The Game Puck Goes To....
Jaromir Jagr with 2 goals and an assist, Thomas Pock with a goal and an assist, Martin Straka with a goal and an assist, Petr Prucha with a goal and an assist, and Micheal Nylander with 3 assists.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
5, as in the uncharacteristically high 5 goals allowed by Martin Biron on the night, which helped the Rangers jump out to an early 6-3 lead and a win, despite the efforts of Antero Niittymaki who gave up just one goal the rest of the way after replacing Biron.
The Bottom Line Is....
Tough loss for the Flyers but you gotta admire their spirit, I guess.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils fell once again the Red Sox in their final spring training game, this time 7-5. As mentioned the regualr season starts on Monday with Brett Myers facing off against John Smoltz and the Braves, so get ready for it.
Friday, March 30, 2007
SIXERS NEWS
Sixers 88 Celtics 82
It Was Over When....
With just under 4 minutes to play in the 4th quarter, Andre Iguodala dunked in transition off a perfect pass from Andre Miller, putting the Sixers up by 5, which would be as close as the Celtics would get for the rest of the game.
The Game Ball Goes To....
Andre Iguodala with 23 points and 12 assists, Samuel Dalembert with 12 points and 13 rebounds, Kyle Korver with a game high 26 points off the bench, and Joe Smith with 10 points off the bench.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
75, as in a 3 point field goal shooting percentage of 75 for the Sixers on the night, to just a 3 point field goal shooting percentage of 21.4 for the Celtics on the night. Generally , it's tough to lose when you can consistently hit the dagger from beyond the arc, everytime your opponent starts to get close.
The Bottom Line Is....
Pizza for dinner: $10.00, Digital Cable: $60.00 per month, Watching the Sixers beat the hated Celtics despite committing 24 turnovers and blowing a 16 point lead: Priceless
FLYERS NEWS
Devils 3 Flyers 1
It Was Over When....
The Devils Jay Pandolfo scored on the Flyers empty net with about 15 seconds remaining in the 3rd period, giving the Devils the lead for good, at 3-1.
The Game Puck Goes To....
Devil's goalie Martin Brodeur with 14 saves out of the 15 shots he faced on the night, to record his league leading 45th win of the season.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
15, as in only 15 shots on goal for the Flyers on the night. To be fare, that one goal they scored was pure luck. Anyway, simply put the Flyers aren't good enough to win with so few shots on goal.
The Bottom Line Is....
Once again the Flyers played hard all night, and once again it didn't matter.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils fell to the Sox 6-5 tonight as Cole Hamels got roughed up, allowing 4 homers. Still, it's only spring training so no worries.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils tied the Pirates 5-5 today in their last spring training game down in Florida. Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell both homered in the 5th inning to forge the tie, and by the 9th inning both teams were down to minor league pitchers so they called it a day. The Phils will now fly back home to Philly for their last two spring training games, and then they open the season at home on Monday, so get ready for what should be a great season.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
SIXERS NEWS
Wizards 111 Sixers 108
It Was Over When....
Andre Iguodala's buzzer beating three pointer failed to drop in the basket.
The Game Ball Goes To....
Deshawn Stevenson with a game high 28 points and 5 rebounds, Antawn Jamison with 14 points and 11 rebounds, Caron Butler with 21 points and 6 assists, and Antonio Daniels with 10 points and 6 assists off the bench.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
89.3, as in a free throw shooting percentage of 89.3 on the night for the Wizards, to just a free throw shooting percentage of 53.8 for the Sixers on the night. Some nights free throw shooting Can be the difference between a win and a loss, and tonight was one of those nights, as the Wizards made all of their free throws down the stretch.
The Bottom Line Is....
This was a tough loss for the Sixers, but it was an admirable performance by the Sixers against a playoff bound team in the Wizards.
FLYERS NEWS
Flyers 4 Hurricanes 1
It Was Over When....
Mike Knuble scored the Flyers third goal of the night, to give them what turned out to be an insurmountable 3-1 lead.
The Game Puck Goes To....
Jeff Carter with 2 goals and an assist, Mike Knuble with a goal and an assist, Derian Hatcher with a goal and an assist, and Simon Gagne with 2 assists.
The Stat Of The Game Is....
23, as in 23 saves out of the 24 shots he faced, for Flyer's goalie Martin Biron on the night, to just 20 saves out of the 24 shots he faced for Hurricanes goalie John Grahame on the night. Basically, Biron had a hot night and carried the Flyers to victory.
The Bottom Line Is....
Wells it looks like giving someone a contract really payed off for the Flyers for once.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils defeated the Devil Rays 9-2 today, behind 6 scoreless innings out of Brett Myers. Not bad, for a spring training game if you ask me.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
FLYERS NEWS
Not surprisingly, the Flyers signed goalie Martin Biron to a 2 year $7 million extension today, which means of course that the Flyers have decided that Biron will be their number 1 goalie next season, not resident flop Antero Niittymaki.
Monday, March 26, 2007
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles made their biggest move of the offseason today, trading Darwin Walker and a conditional 2008 draft pick to the Buffalo Bills for pro bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes, and veteran backup QB Kelly Holcomb. A 9 year veteran, Spikes has been consistently named a pro bowler throughout his career, but the last 2 years he has been hampered by injuries and the volatile atmosphere currently prevalent in Buffalo, where there have been 3 different coaches in the last 3 years. Now however, in the stable Eagles organization, Spikes is free to return to the Pro Bowl form he once exhibited. Make no mistake about it, when Spikes plays at his best, he is tough to stop. Holcomb, an 11 year veteran has had some memorable moments in his career, including a 400 yard passing performance in a 2003 playoff game as a Cleveland Brown against the Steelers, on the short end of a 36-33 thriller. With the status of Donovan Mcnabb still relatively uncertain heading into next season, having Holcomb around is not a bad investment for the Eagles, as he gives them three veteran quarterbacks, who have proven in the past that they can start and win games.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils dropped another forgettable spring training affair, 5-1, to the Yankees. Once again aside from those previousky mentioned there are no additional injuries to report.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils finally got a spring training win today, defeating the Twins 10-2. Cole Hamels pitched 6 and 2/3rds solid innings and Chase Utley homered twice, knocking in 3 runs. Aside from that, the only other news is that no one was injured, except for those previously mentioned who were already injured (Freddy Garcia who will be okay, and Jon Lieber who won't).
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