NHL All-Star Balloting Hits Homestretch

Voting for the 2009 NHL All-Star game in Montreal ends Friday, January 2, 2009 at 9 a.m.

The leading vote-getters for the Eastern Conference at forward are a couple of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Alex Kovalev of Montreal. I wish Washington's Alexander Ovechkin would sneak into Kovalev's spot, but that looks like a ridiculous longshot at this point.

Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov and the Penguins' Sergei Gonchar are leading all vote-getters from the blue line in the East. Gonchar hasn't played a game yet this season. He probably won't until at least March. Surely someone will be appointed to start in his place (rather than take the player with the next highest vote total). Ryan Whitney will not have played the required minimum of 20 games by the time voting ends, so he is not eligible. Because of that, I guess I hope Zdeno Chara from Boston gets the nod. He has earned it.

In quite the amazing comeback that nobody is talking about, Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre Fleury has gained the lead among Eastern Conference goaltenders from Montreal's Carey Price. Either one would be worthy of the start, but only because New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur is injured.

I was going to write about the Western Conference, but I'm too interested in this Canada vs. Czech Republic game from the World Junior Tournament I am watching on the old DVR.

Good game. Bruins suck.

McConaughey Sluts Around Sidelines

So, remember when Ohio State played at Texas back in 2006? Remember how Matthew McConaughey was slutting around the sidelines rooting for the Longhorns?

Well, because OSU will take on Texas in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl, I did a google image search of 'Matthew McConaughey Texas Longhorns' and found out that he parades around the sidelines regularly.

Here are some of those pics:







Yes, that is Lance Armstrong with McConaughey in the last picture.

In all honesty, I am just suprised that Matthew has a shirt on in all of these pics. He'll slip up eventually.

And yes, I now hate Lance Armstrong, too.

Go Bucks.

The Return of Mario - December 27, 2000

Thanks to Empty Netters for reminding us that today marks the eighth anniversary of Mario Lemieux's comeback on December 27, 2000.

Thinking back, I have to laugh at my slightly moronic decision.

My friend Brent and I had heard rumors for weeks about Lemieux's possible comeback and we were waffling on buying tickets for the Toronto game or the Ottawa game a couple of nights later.

We wanted to make sure we saw Mario play, so we decided on Ottawa and missed the comeback game against Toronto. We did, however, get to see Mario notch his 1,500th career NHL point and Jagr get his 1,000th career point. That was pretty cool.

So I guess we didn't totally miss out, but it would have been awesome to be at that Toronto game.

Pens forever, Maple Leafs never!

Reds Add Centerfielder Willy Tavares

Continuing their effort to finally bring Cincinnati Reds Fans a winner, the front office has come to terms with free agent outfielder Willy Tavares.



We assume the Reds are hoping Tavares will be able to put it all together; in 2007 he hit .320 with 33 stolen bases while in 2008 his average dipped to .251 but he stole 68 bags.

If he can hit .320 with 68 steals, the Reds will be sitting pretty come September.

Projected 2009 Reds:

C R. Hernandez
1B J. Votto
2B B. Phillips
3B E. Encarnacion
SS A. Gonzalez
LF C. Dickerson/N. Hopper
CF W. Tavares
RF J. Bruce

SP A. Harang
SP B. Arroyo
SP E. Volquez
SP J. Cueto
SP M. Owings/D. Thompson

LHP B. Bray
RHP J. Burton
LHP A. Rhodes
RHP F. Cordero
RHP M. Lincoln
RHP D. Weathers??

Whitney Returns, Battered Penguins Still Lose

Even the return of defenseman Ryan Whitney couldn't stop the recent slide of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, among the worst teams in the league according to the standings, waltzed into the Mellon Arena and skipped out with a 2-0 victory.

Where does that leave the Penguins? 18-12-4, 40 points, fourth place in the Atlantic Division. Yuck. Happy holidays.

Under normal circumstances, I would be pissed. However, this season's circumstances can be perceived as anything but normal.

Take into consideration that Ryan Malone, Gary Roberts, Jarkko Ruutu, Georges Laraque, Ty Conklin, Marain Hossa, and Adam Hall (...is that everyone?) left via free agency after last year's playoffs. Those guys added a lot of grit and filled some significant roles. By August we knew this had the potential to be a frustrating season.

That's when things got worse. Whitney needed surgery and would miss 3 months. Gonchar is out until March after a pre-season cheap shot. Tyler Kennedy is currently missing in action, and Marc-Andre Fleury just got back from an extended hiatus. Oh yeah, and defenseman Kris Letang is now out with an undisclosed lower body injury.

What does this all mean? Well, it took a while for this year's Penguins to get rolling. Once they did, the injuries began to mount. If they can survive until Gonchar comes back without having any other stars go down, the Pens will be tough to deal with.

As Penguins fans, this is just something we are going to have to learn to live with. Not only is there a whole new class looking to cash in on free agency next off-season, but it will happen on a regular basis with Crosby, Malkin, Orpik, Whitney, and Fleury locked into big-dollar, long-term deals.

Ain't it great being a fan?

Let's go Pens.

Sidney Crosby Passes Jagr For All-Star Vote Record

This isn't real news.

Sure, current leading vote-getter Sidney Crosby DID break Jaromir Jagr's record for single season all-star votes set way back in 2000.

Jagr finished that voting session with 1,020,736 votes.

But, things are different these days.

The exclusivity of internet-only voting has left the elderly hockey fan out in the cold. Grandparents simply don't go to NHL.com to vote. Just kidding about the elderly fan thing, but seriously the fact that you can only vote on the internet gives net nerds like myself an advantage.

Online communities have united people with similar interests. Years ago, chat rooms were all the rage. These days people go to blogs written by regular people (like me!) who like the same things they like and post comments, which builds a 'we' environment. It's like the democrats having unions on their side. These people can vote in blocks again and again. Remember, there is no limit on how many times you can vote. Net nerds unite!

So, congratulations Sid. You earned it.

Jagr sucks.

Need To Go To The Bathroom On The Golf Course?

I got an email from my dad yesterday with a link to this:

Is this serious? There's no way this is serious. If it is for real, then I feel sorry for the first guy who pees into the end with the handle and consequently puts his club back into his bag. There will be massive amounts of urine streaming out of the opening, because you know it won't seal tight. He would be the jackass on the golf course with a bag full of piss.

Rangers suck.

Sundin Signs With Vancouver, Linden's Number Retired

After it looked like Mats Sundin would sign with the New York Rangers, he pulled the old number six on them and decided on the Vancouver Canucks.

He ought to make an impact on a team that could use a center. Let's hope he does. I have about 5 of his 1990-91 Upper Deck rookie cards.

In other Canuck news, Vancouver retired Trevor Linden's number 16.

We at the SHSB remember him as the fifth best forward on EA Sports' NHLPA 93 for the Sega Genesis. He is behind only Lemieux, Jagr, Gretzky, and Roenick on that game. Remember, he had Pavel Bure on one wing and Geoff Courtnall on the other. Kirk McLean in net. That game was freaking awesome.

So if you're a Canucks fan, you should be pretty damn happy.

Flyers suck.

Roger Clemens' Ex-Hussy Attempts Suicide

Former popular country music singer Mindy McCready was hospitalized early Wednesday, December 17th. The story goes that her brother found her in her bed, bloody from cuts to the wrists and with a belly full of pills. I would bet that if she had more than one hit song way back in 1996, she wouldn't be trying to kill herself.

Anyway, the only reason anyone heard the name 'Mindy McCready' in the last 10 years is because she admitted to having a sexual relationship with former Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens. Even though everyone else on the planet thinks Clemens is an asshole, McCready refers to him as "one of the most wonderful men I've ever known." I wonder if he is going to visit her in the hospital? Nah, he'll probably just give her a text.

YouTube Video: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Atlanta Thrashers

This video is of a goal Sidney Crosby scored last month against Atlanta. Enjoy.

Thrashers suck.

Cincinnati Reds Continue Shaping Roster For 2009

Times are tough for everyone.

For Cincinnati Reds fans, times are just a little bit tougher.

The Reds haven't had a winning season since 2000 and haven't made the playoffs since 1995.

However, things are beginning to change.

The Reds biggest acquisition last season may have been former St. Louis Cardinals General Manager Walt Jocketty. He has the ability to shape a winning baseball club. Bonus.

Before the trade deadline, Jocketty sent outfielders Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey, Jr. packing. See ya, bye. Trim that money off the payroll.

The starting rotation looks better than it has in many, many years.

Harang, Volquez, Arroyo, Cueto, and whoever else in the fifth spot will keep the Reds in games. Maybe Micah Owings? At least he can swing the wrenches.

The bullpen is decent, with Francisco Cordero ready to come in and shut the door. Go team.

Jocketty just picked up a bona-fide big-league catcher in Ramon Hernandez. He should help out. People say that Ryan Hanigan is the catcher of the future, but they don't realize he is already 28 years old. It is hard to be the catcher of the future when you're that old.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips and first baseman Joey Votto are locks in the infield, and the left side will be occupied by two of the following: Edwin Encarnacion, Alex Gonzalez, Jeff Keppinger...and maybe Jerry Hairston?



The biggest hole for the Reds is in the outfield, with Jay Bruce being the only lock at starter. The only other outfielders currently on the 40-man roster are Norris Hopper and Chris Dickerson. Jermaine Dye, perhaps?

Altogether, I think this team is shaping up. If they can acquire Dye, Hairston, and a left-handed starter, the Reds could be dangerous. Then again, maybe not.

What do you think?

Today's Video - Malkin vs. Devils

Because the Pittsburgh Penguins are taking on the New Jersey Devils tonight, here is a YouTube clip of an unbelievable goal by Evgeni Malkin against the Devils from his rookie season of 2006-07:

Devils suck. Go Pens.

NHL 09 Jersey Code Released

Finally!

After a ridiculously long wait, the NHL 09 alternate jersey code for ps3/xbox 360 has been released.

Just go to NHL 09 code entry in the game's menu and enter it in order (with no spaces).

The code is a combination of 16 digits and letters: xe6377uyrwm48frf .

Enjoy all of the alternate/third jerseys and let us know if you found this helpful!

2009 Fiesta Bowl: Texas vs. Ohio State

Texas is the one school that has a legitimate gripe about this year's BCS standings. The Longhorns beat Oklahoma, lost to Texas Tech, and find themselves out of the BCS National Championship Game and preparing to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl. The two teams last played each other in 2005 and 2006 with each team winning on the road. Time for a tie-breaker. Thanks, BCS.

The complaint Texas fans have about not getting into the title game is the same one Notre Dame used back in 1993. That year saw the Irish beat Florida State and later lose to Boston College. The Seminoles then played for the national title. Sorry, Irish fans.

Nonetheless, Texas is stuck in the Fiesta Bowl.

Let's hope actor Matthew McConaughey isn't hogging the camera again this year.

Ohio State, on the other hand, has to be very excited about their trip to a BCS game. Their season seemed lost after being blown out by USC. Thanks for picking me up, Terrelle Pryor.

Many people, including Fresno State coach Pat Hill, don't think the Buckeyes deserve a spot among the BCS elite. He thinks that Boise State would beat Ohio State, although he doesn't exactly have the balls to say it. Weasel.

What do you think? Does Ohio State deserve to be in the Fiesta Bowl? Would you rather see Texas take on Boise State?

Please let us know with comments!

Confirmed? Reds to Trade Homer Bailey to White Sox for Jermaine Dye

We told you about this one a couple of weeks ago. Of course, back then it was nothing more than an unconfirmed rumor. Actually, it still is. Just not when you have an extremely reliable source. Mine happens to be Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News.

One would think that most Reds fans will be happy if their team trades Bailey to Chicago. They would get a quality right-handed hitting outfielder for an underachieving right-handed pitcher.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for this one, it may be picking up some steam. More later.

Hockey Fight of the Day: Chris Neil vs. Eric Godard

Here's a great fight from the Ottawa Senators 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier today. Enjoy.

Hockey Links: Barry Melrose Re-Hired By ESPN?

- Although there has been no official word, Barry Melrose is expected to be back at ESPN as an analyst with a three year deal. Strong move. Barry is good peeps. Watch the video of Barry's going away party at Sean Leahy's Going Five Hole. EJ Hradek = Wasted.

- In case you weren't aware, the Pittsburgh Penguins 2008-09 Media Guide is available online in .pdf format. You will now spend hours there. Sorry.

- Sean Avery apologized for his comments about Dion Phaneuf and Elisha Cuthbert, his ex-girlfriend. Matthew Barnaby of ESPN thinks Avery's days are over in Dallas.

- The NHL All-Star voting gap has tightened. Sidney Crosby now needs less than 3,000 votes to break into the Montreal top three. Vote here.

You're Fired. Get It.

It seems like 20 head coaches were fired today in the world of sports.

First, the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes fired head coach Peter Laviolette. No big deal. He forgot how to set his lines after they won the cup, or so it seemed.

The Hurricanes re-hired former coach Paul Maurice to run the show. Former Whaler, Penguin, and Hurricane Ron Francis was moved behind the bench as Maurice's associate head coach.

Next, the NBA's Toronto Raptors fired head coach Sam Mitchell today after they lost by 39 points to Denver. We're not sure anyone still cares about the NBA, but it is a firing nonetheless.

Finally...



College football coach Tommy Tuberville has been fired by the Auburn Tigers. Whatever. He'll have no trouble finding another gig.



What surprises us the most is that Charlie Weis still has a job at Notre Dame. His team is awful despite having highly rated recruits. If it keeps up, he won't be at ND much longer.

Of course, if the golden domers finally pull the trigger on Weis, he'll always have a job at McDonalds.



Thank you and goodnight.

Sean Avery = Idiot/Chick Magnet

Thanks to Empty Netters for bringing up Sean Avery's suspension.

Avery, currently a forward/agitator for the Dallas Stars, was suspended for comments he made about Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf's girlfriend, who is Avery's ex-girlfriend. Read the comments Avery made here.



If she looks familiar, it is because she banged our friend Mitch on the movie Old School and was a porn star in The Girl Next Door. She is actress Elisha Cuthbert.

I know what you're thinking. Why would any semi-hot chick want to get it on with the widely despised Avery? The only solution we could come up with is that women like bad boys who design clothing.

Anyway, this isn't even the first time Avery and Cuthbert have been linked in a story since their break-up. Apparently he slithered his way into Mary-Kate Olsen's panties too. Then he cheated on her...with Cuthbert.

This story is just further evidence that Sean Avery's on-ice persona is a mirror image of himself off the ice. He is a first-class jackass.





And the Stars are in last place. Suckers.

Still No NHL 09 Jersey Code

NHL 09 (available on the PlayStation 3/PS3 and Xbox 360) is the greatest hockey game ever, in case you haven't heard.

The 'Be A Pro' mode is especially awesome. Flyers suck.



When will the third jersey code be released for NHL 09? For some reason, they still haven't released it.

It could be that the EA Sports people got together with Reebok and decided to screw with people.

The fact that we have had to wait this long just goes to show that they really don't care about us. They already got their money.

Dicks.

That said, I can't blame them for taking their time. They practically have a monopoly on the hockey video game market and people are going to buy the product regardless.

Go Pens.