I’ll do some links again during a late night. Things continue to happen in the sports media.

First, Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times reports that the TV broadcast team for the Clippers made fun of the only Iranian-born player in the NBA, center Hamed Haddadi of the Memphis Grizzlies and got suspended for tonight’s game.

Sports Illustrated’s Arash Markazi tweets that the Clippers were planning to host an Iranian heritage when the Grizzlies next visited Los Angeles before this incident.

Arash also tweets the reaction from Haddadi’s manager.

Greg Risling of the Associated Press reports that bail has been set for Erin Andrews’ alleged stalker.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell is awed by a time lapse photography sequence taken before, during and after Game 6 of this year’s World Series.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record says get ready to see a lot of classic baseball games over the next week.

Washington Post Nationals beat writer Chico Harlan announces that he’s leaving the beat to be replaced on an interim basis by Chico Harlan. Thanks to the great Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball for the link.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes that the Florida Panthers will unveil a new third jersey on Monday.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Times reviews the week in sports media.

KCRA-TV in Sacramento is focusing on former Kings star Chris Webber who called his former city a “Cowtown” in an interview with ESPN Radio.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star has some various news and notes in his blog.

Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com writes that MLB Walking, Talking Conflict of Interest Bud Selig is touting revenues from MLB Network that offset for lost attendance in 2009.

Evan Weiner of MCN Sports asks if Detroit is still a major market.

Amanda Bruno from Batter-up with Bruno notes that former Boston Globe Red Sox beat writer Gordon Edes has officially joined ESPN Boston.

Lynn Hoppes of ESPN.com interviews Gordon.

The Big Lead wonders what’s up with Suzy Kolber.

The Big Lead breaks news that Captain Blowhard, Bill Simmons of ESPN.com has been suspended from Twitter by the network for a tweet he made about WEEI.

ESPN.com editor-in-chief Rob King explains why Captain Blowhard was suspended.

Andrew Bucholtz in the Sporting Madness blog has a good post on why the whole thing is silly.

Even the Huffington Post is chiming in on the Captain Blowhard suspension.

paidContent also has a story on this really big non-story.

From the Eye on Sports Media, Chris Byrne goes in-depth on how a blog got credentialed for the Ohio State-Michigan game.

The Sports Media Watch has some idle notes.

SMW notes that the ratings for Thursday’s Dolphins-Panthers game on NFL Network dropped from the week before.

SMW says NFL Week 10 was a mixed bag for Fox.

NFL Week 10, however, was good for CBS.

CBS did not fare so well with the SEC as it slipped below ABC’s offerings opposite Florida-South Carolina.

But SMW says ABC’s ratings for college football continue to show signs of slippage. Or to cut down on the verbiage, I could have written, “ABC’s college football ratings slipped again last week.”

And SMW has various ratings news and notes.

That is going to conclude the links for tonight. I should be back on Saturday provided my day has not been planned for me behind my back.

Back where I belong

New England is my home, baseball remains my game, and after being away, I am even more persuaded that there is no better place to talk, write, blog, tweet, text, chat and care about baseball than right here, for this audience. Many of you already know me, from my 12 years of covering the Red Sox for the Boston Globe and from posing as Heidi Watney’s favorite uncle on NESN. I hope to renew acquaintances with you, while introducing myself to many more of you through what we intend to be the go-to site for all things Red Sox. For openers, we have Peter Gammons on our side, which is like spotting us Pedro Martinez.

Good to have you back, Gordo…

Gordon Edes Officially In at ESPNBoston.com is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

The Weekend Viewing Picks have what’s in store for college football, college basketball, NFL, NASCAR and plenty of other sporting and primetime viewing picks.

To the links.

National

We’re hearing rumblings of executive firings at ESPN. This has to do with an affair that was originally outed by Deadspin and confirmed by the New York Post. And there are more details including affairs involving the talent as well. As Chris Rock said, “people have gone lost their minds.”

Michael Hiestand of USA Today says both Fox and ABC will have familiar announcing crews calling the BCS.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings is taking the NBA by storm.

Darren says a plan to sell “stock” in the Boise State athletic program is off to a rip-roaring start.

Len Berman went on the Today Show this morning to pimp his new book “The Greatest Moments in Sports“.

Tom Van Riper of Forbes credits Doug Flutie’s Hail Mary pass against Miami 25 years ago for increasing the audience for college football.

Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports speaks with ESPN’s Jon Gruden.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that Detroit Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson will host a new program that will tour various sports stadia and arenas across the country.

The Sports Media says last Sunday’s NASCAR event on ABC fell in the ratings, mirroring the downward trend for the entire year.

SMW has notes on two sports media figures who passed away this week.

SMW mentions that ESPN’s ratings for the NBA are down thus far this season.

Chris Byrne in the Eye on Sports Media suggests how best to use links in social media.

Chris tells us that the University of Michigan sports information department is credentialing bloggers for Saturday’s Ohio State-Michigan game at the Big House.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe lists some of the best personalities in the local sports media.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette writes that Comcast SportsNet New England is ready to take on NESN on TV and on the web.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times profiles Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Bob Raissman from the New York Daily News is fed up of the talk leading up to the Jets-Patriots game this Sunday.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post feels the NFL should go back to the 1950’s.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks with ESPN/ABC’s Sean McDonough.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com writes in Press Box that Baltimore-Washington is becoming a huge media market.

Leonard Shapiro of the Washington Post profiles John Riggins who has carved a niche for himself in the DC market.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald has the highs and lows of the NFL Network’s production of the Dolphins-Panthers game.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle talks with noted college football writer and CBS College Sports host Tony Barnhart.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman notes that for the second year in a row, the State High School Football Championships won’t be televised.

In his media notebook, Mel writes that the first Oklahoma University basketball televised game was hard to watch.

Midwest

Jim Woods of the Columbus Dispatch says Erin Andrews’ alleged stalker apparently shot video of her in a local hotel room.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press writes about an 18 year kid who is calling college hockey games professionally.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says ESPN is hopeful that Jon Gruden will be with them for the long haul.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business has his weekly winners and losers in sports business and media.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times has the transcript of an interview NBC’s Bob Costas did with WMAQ-TV in regards to the Bears refusing interview requests by the network for Sunday Night Football.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News would like to see a local sports personality back on the Utah Jazz game broadcasts.

The Arizona Daily News prepares readers for College Gameday’s visit to Tucson on Saturday.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune is feeling melancholy over not being able to see the NFL Network.

To John Maffei of the North County Times talks with CBS’ Dick Enberg who is enjoying calling a number of “home” games this season and is being considered to join the Padres broadcast team.

Jim Carlisle from the Ventura County Star says the economy is very much different for the NFL and the Olympics based on their ad sales.

Jim writes that Fox Sports Net West is celebrating 50 years of the Lakers in L.A.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times breaks news of a scuffle between TNT’s Marv Albert and 50 Cent’s entourage backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live this week.

The Los Angeles Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth talks with ESPN soccer analyst Alexi Lalas about his days as L.A. Galaxy GM.

Tom has more with Alexi in his blog as well as some news and notes.

Daniel Lyght of the Fresno Bee talks with ESPN football analyst Trent Dilfer who got to call his first game this week.

Bob Condotta from the Seattle Times has the TV info for next week’s annual Apple Cup game between Washington and Washington State.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin from the Toronto Glove and Mail gets on his high horse and scolds a Denver Post reporter for reporting a shouting match that was overheard behind closed doors.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star talks with former Rogers Sportsnet personality Mike Toth.

William Houston of the Truth & Rumours gets on the Globe & Mail for having its reporters and editors taking part in the Olympic Torch Relay.

Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal writes about the effect of CBC’s wildly successful Battle of the Blades will have on figure skating in Canada.

The Canadian Press reports that Rush’ Neil Peart is recording a new version of TSN’s Hockey Song (formerly the theme to Hockey Night in Canada).

And that’s going to end the megalinks. I’ll be posting links at the Fang’s Bites @ BSMW page throughout the weekend.

Time For the Friday Megalinks is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Saturday, November 21

Boxing
Super Six World Boxing Classic/Super Middleweights, Mikkei Kessler vs. Andre Ward – Showtime, 10 p.m.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto (replay) – HBO, 10 p.m.

College Basketball
Rider at Kentucky – Fox Sports South/Sun Sports, 1 p.m.
Presbyterian at Illinois – Big Ten Network, 8 p.m.

College Football Viewing Picks

English Premier League
Manchester City at Liverpool – ESPN2, 7:30 a.m.
Wolverhampton at Chelsea – Setanta Sports, 9:30 a.m.
Arsenal at Sunderland – Fox Soccer Channel, 10 a.m.
Everton at Manchester United – Fox Soccer Channel, 12:30 p.m.
Aston Villa at Burnley – Setanta Sports, 5 p.m. (same day coverage)
West Ham United at Hull City – Fox Soccer Channel, 7 p.m. (same day coverage)
Fulham at Birmingham City – Setanta Sports, 8:30 p.m. (same day coverage)

Golf
LPGA Tour Championship, 3rd round – Golf Channel, 4 p.m.

Mixed Martial Arts
UFC 106, Ortiz vs. Griffin 2 – Undercard, Spike, 9 p.m./Main Event, PPV, 10 p.m.

NASCAR
Nationwide Series/Ford 300 – ESPN2, 4 p.m.

NBA
Washington at San Antonio – NBA TV, 8:30 p.m.

NHL
Washington at Toronto – NHL Network, 7 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 10 p.m.

Entertainment
Legend of the Seeker – WGN America, 5 p.m./CW28, 8 pm./WCVB, Sunday, 11:45 p.m.
Cops – WFXT/WNAC, 8 p.m.
America’s Most Wanted: America Fights Back – WFXT/WNAC, 9 p.m.
Robin Hood – BBC America, 9 p.m.
When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs – National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.
48 Hours Mystery: Death Row Diaries – WBZ/WPRI, 10 p.m.
The Wanda Sykes Show – WFXT/WNAC, 11 p.m.
Saturday Night Live with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and musical guest, The Dave Matthews Band – WHDH/WJAR, 11:29 p.m.

Sunday, November 22

College Basketball

Charleston Classic
Championship – ESPN2, 6 p.m.

Puerto Rico Tip-Off
7th Place Game – ESPNU, 10:30 a.m.
5th Place Game – ESPNU, 1 p.m.
3rd Place Game – ESPNU, 5:30 p.m.
Championship – ESPN2, 8 p.m.

Valparaiso at Michigan State – noon

Baylor at Cal (women’s) – FSN, 5 p.m.

English Premier League
Blackburn at Bolton – Setanta Sports, 8:25 a.m.
Portsmouth at Stoke City – Fox Soccer Channel, 11 a.m.
Wigan Athletic at Tottenham – Fox Soccer Channel, 5 p.m. (same day coverage)

Golf
LPGA Tour Championship, final round – Golf Channel, 3 p.m.

NASCAR
Nationwide Series/Ford 400 – WCVB/WMUR/WLNE, 3:15 p.m.

NBA
Boston at New York – Comcast SportsNet, 1 p.m.
Detroit at Phoenix – NBA TV, 8 p.m.

NFL Viewing Picks

NHL
NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

Tennis
ATP World Finals/Singles and Doubles round robin – Tennis Channel, 7:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Entertainment
60 Minutes – WBZ/WPRI, approximately 7 p.m.
The Amazing Race – WBZ/WPRI, approximately 8 p.m.
America Before Columbus – National Geographic Channel, 8 p.m.
JFK: The Ruby Connection – Discovery Channel, 9 p.m.
Curb Your Enthusiasm (season finale) – HBO, 9 p.m.
Dexter – Showtime, 9 p.m.
Californication – Showtime, 10 p.m.
Snapped: Michelle Michael – Oxygen, 10 p.m.

College Basketball

Coaches vs. Cancer Classic
3rd Place Game/Ohio State vs. Cal – ESPN2, 5 p.m.
Championship/Syracuse vs. North Carolina – ESPN2, 7:20 p.m.

Puerto Rico Tip-Off
Consolation/Georgia Tech vs. George Mason – ESPNU, 1 p.m.
Semifinal/Dayton vs. Villanova – ESPNU, 3:30 p.m.
Semifinal/Ole Miss vs. Kansas State – ESPNU, 8:30 p.m.

Toledo at Michigan State – Big Ten Network, 6:30 p.m.

College Football
Akron at Bowling Green – ESPNU, 5:30 p.m.
Boise State at Utah State – ESPN2, 9:30 p.m.

Golf
LPGA Tour Championship, 2nd round – Golf Channel, 4 p.m.

NBA
Orlando at Boston – Comcast SportsNet/ESPN, 8 p.m.
Denver at Los Angeles Clippers – ESPN, 10:30 p.m.

NHL
Bruins at Buffalo – NESN, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at San Jose – NHL Network, 10 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

Entertainment
Ghost Whisperer – WBZ/WPRI, 8 p.m.
Dateline NBC – WHDH/WJAR, 9 p.m.
Friday Night with Jonathon Ross – BBC America, 9 p.m.
The First Jesus? – National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.
Stargate Universe – SyFy, 9 p.m.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Cartoon Network, 9 p.m.
Monk – USA Network, 9 p.m.
Psych – USA Network, 10 p.m.
20/20 – WCVB/WMUR/WLNE, 10 p.m.
Late Show with David Letterman – WBZ/WPRI, 11:35 p.m.
Life On Top – Cinemax, midnight

Consider this one a periodic credit report - Chad Finn is going positive this morning, giving out props in his Friday media column.

Comcast builds a team to take on NESN - Bill Doyle checks out what they’re doing down there at Comcast SportsNet with their new on-line and on-air talent.

Pats-Jets rematch all about adjustments - Tedy Bruschi and Mike Reiss chat about Sunday’s Patriots-Jets rematch at Gillette.

Dismissive response - Mark Farinella looks at comments from Jerod Mayo, who says that as Bruschi isn’t on the team anymore, the former Patriot can’t comment accurately on how the defense was feeling after the Colts loss.

Wes Welker’s presence shapes what goes on - Ian Rapoport looks at the difference that Wes Welker could make on Sunday.

Bruins dig in, win in shootout - Fluto Shinzawa reports on the Bruins 4-3 shootout win over the Atlanta Thrashers last night.

B’s Start To Show Positive Signs - Graig Woodburn has the Bruins looking to play a 62-game schedule now.

C’s look to pay back Magic - Scott Souza previews tonight’s Celtics/Magic game, the first meeting of the clubs since last spring’s playoff series.

Free agency may not be a hit for Bay - Sean McAdam explains why Jason Bay may not get the huge payday he and his agent are looking for.

Ortiz says Sox need to power up - Peter Abraham has the Red Sox slugger saying that the team need to add some punch to the lineup…just as he did last year.

If you’re tempted to click on Dan Shaughnessy’s column this morning because it involves Larry Bird…don’t. Just read Jackie MacMullan’s book When the Game Was Ours as Dan’s column is just a retelling of a couple of stories from the book. That and Larry thinks Peyton Manning is pretty good. I’ve just about finished the book, and I have to say that the stuff about Cedric Maxwell within (which Dan rehashes again today) is actually pretty tame. You’ve heard it all, if you heard the stuff talked about on the radio or seen a review. Maxwell doesn’t deny saying that stuff that he is quoted as saying, though he claims it was all in jest, which it very well could be, but it’s still stuff you don’t say.

Check the Patriots Daily coverage with the following features:

Worry Wart – Game Ten vs. Jets - by Chris Warner

First (Second?) Impressions – the New York Jets - by Greg Doyle

Trading Places – Rematch With TheJetsBlog

Be sure to also check out Ken Fang’s take on the Top 25 Football Announcers.

The Friday Top Ten is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Lists by publications are made to stir debate and also give them a bit of publicity. The list that was published today by The Sporting News and sister publication Sports Business Daily/Sports Business Journal certainly does that. Already, I’m a bit perturbed that college and NFL announcers are mixed together as are play-by-play callers and analysts.

If it were up to me, I would separate the play-by-play men from the analysts. But that’s me. Just for kicks, here’s the list in full.

1. Gary Danielson, CBS
2. Cris Collinsworth, NBC
3. Al Michaels, NBC
4. Phil Simms, CBS
5. Kirk Herbstreit, ABC/ESPN
6. Troy Aikman, FOX
7. Ron Franklin, ABC/ESPN
8. Verne Lundquist, CBS
9. Joe Buck, FOX
10. Jim Nantz, CBS
11. Mike Tirico, ESPN
12. Brad Nessler, ESPN
13. Brent Musburger, ABC/ESPN
14. Jon Gruden, ESPN
15. Daryl Johnston, FOX
16. Ron Jaworski, ESPN
17. Greg Gumbel, CBS
18. Sean McDonough, ABC/ESPN
19. Todd Blackledge, ESPN
20. Dan Fouts, CBS
21. Bob Papa, NFL Network
22. Mike Patrick, ABC/ESPN
23. Chris Fowler, ESPN
24. Gus Johnson, CBS

25. Dick Enberg, CBS

I’m not enamored with this list. I’ll separate play-by-play and analysts and go from there.

Play-by-play and this includes college football and NFL.

1. Al Michaels – NBC’s Sunday Night Football
Probably the best all-around play-by-play voice ever. He’s called so many big games and rises to the occasion whenever there’s a big moment. Al does a tremendous job in doing football and yes, he does the wink-wink with the point spread, but there’s no one better at setting the scene, giving perspective and breaking down complicated moments than Al. Tops at play-by-play hands down.

2. Ron Franklin – ESPN College Football
Being forced out by ESPN after the college basketball season. Very classy. After Keith Jackson, one of the best ever to call college football. He’s a great fit at games. Why ESPN took him off the primetime package of games is beyond me. Ron is a very comfortable fit in the booth whether he’s calling the Big 12, SEC or other big conferences. ESPN is mistreating Ron this season.

3. Verne Lundquist – SEC on CBS
Calls a very good game. One of the announcer who just exudes college football. He wasn’t happy when CBS took him off the NFL after the 1998 season, but then he started on a tremendous run calling the SEC and he’s become quite comfortable calling the games. Whenever there’s a big game in the SEC, Verne is there and he’s very smooth. Love him and Gary Danielson.

4. Sean McDonough – ESPN/ABC College Football
One of my favorite announcers, his best sport is baseball, but he’s very good at college football and is unfortunately partnered with one of the worst analysts, Matt Millen. Sean is not afraid to call out bad plays and he’s also very good in spotting trends. Works extremely well with his partners to draw out the best analysis. Unfortunately, Millen’s credibility is shot.

5. Jim Nantz – NFL on CBS
He doesn’t scream. Jim gives the nuts and bolts of a game quite well. Has grown into a very good play-by-play man. He works well with Phil Simms. Jim won’t raise the decibel level on your TV. He’ll just provide you with the facts which is what you want.

6. Ian Eagle – NFL on CBS
He’s not on the list, but he should be. And he’s becoming a very good all-around announcer, calling the NFL, the NBA, college basketball and tennis. CBS would do everyone a favor in promoting him to the 3rd or 4th announcing team next season.

7. Dick Enberg – NFL on CBS
Dick has slipped over the past few seasons. One of the announcing elite, but he has made mistakes and miscalls. Still is better than many younger announcers.

8. Tom Hammond – Notre Dame Football on NBC
I think NFL Network should have hired Tom to replace Bryant Gumbel last season. He calls Notre Dame football quite well on NBC and only calls one NFL game a year, the Wild Card playoff game for the Peacocks. I’m glad he got to call 8 Notre Dames this season. He should have a full slate of games.

9. Sam Rosen – NFL on Fox
Sam is a very good nuts and bolts guy. He’s also a very good NHL announcer calling the New York Rangers on MSG Network. He’s always there with down and distance, who made the tackle and sets the scene very nicely. Sam should get more recognition for his work.

10. Gus Johnson – NFL on CBS
Yes, Gus yells. Yes, Gus screams. But yes, Gus can give you a signature call that gives the fan the exclamation point and proper perspective. The best case in point was during the Denver-Cincinnati game in Week 1. Tremendous stuff.

11. Mike Patrick – ESPN/ABC College Football
ESPN took Mike off the NFL when it lost the Sunday Night package and gained Monday Night Football. I thought Mike, Paul Maguire and Joe Theismann were perfect on SNF and should have remained the team for MNF, but what do I know? Mike is quite solid on college football. There are times when I wonder what hair color Mike is going to be from week to week, but that’s minor. He does get a tad too excited, but he’s very good.

12. Brad Nessler – ESPN/ABC College Football
There was a time I didn’t like Brad, but he’s grown on me. I can see Brad becoming a main guy for college football once Brent Musburger decides to retire from announcing. I like his style. He’s not forceful. His style is perfect for college football. I do hope to see him on some bigger games down the road.

13. Kenny Albert – NFL on Fox
A second generation announcer, Kenny has risen to the “B” team for Fox Sports. He’s been with Fox since the network got the NFL package in 1994 and he’s been a very good fit at the network. Another hockey guy who can call the NFL very well. I would take Kenny over Joe Buck any day.

14. Bob Papa – NFL Network
Bob does a great job calling the New York Giants on radio and does a very good job doing the games for NFL Network. Sometimes, the Thursday Night games are stinkers, but no fault to Bob as he doesn’t schedule the games. Bob is another guy who does multiple sports, NFL, boxing, basketball and does all of them well. He lets the action come to him and does a very good job in spotting trends. I’m hoping to see him get more games down the road.

15. Greg Gumbel – NFL on CBS
Greg was the #1 guy on the NFL on CBS and I liked he and Phil Simms. For some reason, CBS took him off, put him on the NFL Today for two seasons, then placed him on the #2 team with Dan Dierdorf. Greg is another guy who won’t go over the top. A very good nuts and bolts announcer and will give you the straight facts. Very good announcer.

16. Dave Sims – Westwood One Radio
Dave is one of the best announcers on radio, bar none. There was a time when he was so busy, you would see him doing Big East football on ESPN Regional TV, hear him doing the NFL on Westwood One Radio, basketball on ESPN and then perhaps a radio talk show guest spot. He calls Sunday Night Football on Westwood One and is a great listen. Calls the game well, spots the players, gives down and distance and is our eyes when we have to hear the radio call. Very good play-by-play man.

You may notice I’ve omitted Joe Buck who I think is horrible on the NFL. I’ve also left off Brent Musburger who I don’t think is a top notch college football announcer. He was a better host and is a better at doing college basketball, but I don’t think he belongs in the upper echelon of that sport either. Again, you can debate away.

Now to the analysts.

1. Phil Simms – NFL on CBS
I enjoy listening to Phil. He’s not afraid to admit he’s wrong. He studies tape every week and can spot things in the booth that other analysts cannot. I enjoy listening to his analysis whenever he calls a game.

2. Gary Danielson – SEC on CBS
I’ll agree that he’s the best college football analyst in the game today. He’s become an ardent apologist for the SEC which I find strange, but overall, Gary is an analyst who can spot a play before it happens. Very enjoyable listen. He and Verne Lundquist have become one of the best announcing teams on TV today.

3. Todd Blackledge – ESPN/ABC College Football
Todd and Gary traded positions a few seasons back. Remember Todd was teamed with Verne in the early aughts? He then left CBS to return to ESPN and then CBS hired Gary away from ESPN. Anyway, Todd has become a premier analyst in college football. Working with Brad Nessler, he’s an analyst who does a very good job in the booth. And his features finding great eating establishments in each town he visits have become must see TV.

4. Cris Collinsworth – NBC’s Sunday Night Football
There are times when Cris makes me scratch my head, but overall, he’s a quite good. When he did Thursday Night Football on NFL Network, he had to carry Bryant Gumbel for two seasons and that wasn’t easy. Cris is so good that he could be a studio analyst or a game analyst and for three seasons was both! It’s not easy to replace John Madden, but after 10 weeks of the NFL season, Cris has made the transition quite nicely.

5. Pat Haden – Notre Dame Football on NBC
It’s too bad that Notre Dame has fallen off the nation’s radar because Pat Haden would be considered one of the elite analysts. Pat used to be the top college football analyst for CBS and also did Sunday Night Football games on CBS Radio. Did them both well. Pat is also not afraid to scold bad quarterback play when he sees it.

6. Troy Aikman – NFL on Fox
I never thought I would see Troy in the booth when he was a player. I didn’t think he had TV in him, but he’s become quite good. At first, he was brought along by Daryl Johnston and Cris Collinsworth as he rose up the ladder on Fox. Now, he can stand alone and I wish he weren’t teamed with Joe Buck so we can really hear some good analysis. Troy is one of the best analysts in the NFL and I enjoy his work.

7. Bob Griese – ESPN/ABC College Football
Ok, taco comment aside, Bob is one of the better analysts in college football. He was teamed with Keith Jackson for a very long time and they formed one of the better announcing teams from the late 1980’s through the 1990’s. Bob may have slipped a bit, but he’s still good at spotting trends, noting passing routes and good on the telestrator.

8. Dan Dierdorf – NFL on CBS
I like Dan’s work from his days on Monday Night Football through now. Still keeps up with the game and gives a good perspective having been in the trenches on the offensive line.

9. Dan Fouts – NFL on CBS
Dan can analyze the NFL or college football with the best. He’s worked with some of the best play-by-play men, Al Michaels, Keith Jackson, Verne Lundquist and his current partner, Dick Enberg. Dan also had to deal with the failed Monday Night Football experiment with Dennis Miller. But through it all, Dan has persevered. His analysis is quite good. He’s had broadcasting in his background thanks to his dad who worked for CBS in the 1960’s. It would be nice if Dan had the opportunity to call a playoff game or two for CBS.

10. Jon Gruden – ESPN’s Monday Night Football
In less than one season, Gruden has shown that he can be one of the better analysts if he chooses to remain on TV. The thing is that no one believes he’s going to stay in the broadcast booth for long, despite signing a multi-year deal with ESPN this week. There were times earlier this season when I could not tell him or fellow analyst Ron Jaworski apart, but now I can. Jon has shown some humor and he’s not afraid to do so at his own expense. He’s very good and if he decides to stay in TV he can be one of the best analysts ever.

11. Daryl Johnston – NFL on Fox
Daryl has done TV for so long, it’s hard to remember that he got his start with CBS in 1998. He’s very smooth and yes, he has to endure Tony Siragusa who interrupts him quite often, but Daryl is such a team player that he seems to have fun with it. Moose’s analysis is solid and while he won’t be on the “A” team on Fox, he does get to call one playoff game a season and does it well teaming up nicely with Kenny Albert and Goose.

12. Craig James – ESPN/ABC College Football
Whenever Craig is in the booth, I enjoy his work. When he was in the studio, especially for ABC with Doug Flutie, I didn’t. I can’t explain it. But Craig is a good listen.

13. Ron Jaworski – ESPN’s Monday Night Football
Ron has a tendency to overhype things, but coming into the booth to replace Joe Theismann two seasons ago was a good thing. To be honest, he didn’t wow me last season when he started with Mike Tirico and Tony Kornheiser, but with Jon Gruden, has formed a good analysis team.

14. Boomer Esiason – Monday Night Football, Westwood One Radio
He’s good in the studio on the NFL Today, but when he’s on radio with either Marv Albert or Dave Sims on Monday Night Football, Boomer really shines. I like listening to his analysis and he’s not afraid to speak out when he has to. He and Marv are a good team, but I did enjoy when Boomer worked with Howard David.

15. James Lofton – Sunday Night Football, Westwood One Radio
James and Dave Sims are a very formidable radio team. James can spot trends as well and can give perspective on routes from his wide receiver days. Plus, being a Hall of Famer gives him a lot of credibility.

So you have my list of top football broadcasters.

Maybe I’m just one of those contrarians Bruce spoke of yesterday, and maybe I like it when radio pundits tell me I’m an idiot. I actually find it kind of validating. Look, that game was going to have its Armageddon. Whether the ball was in the Pats’ hands or the Colts’, the forces of good and evil were going to engage in a winner-take-all play before the final gun. Belichick merely forced its hand early and on his terms, sort of like Macaulay Culkin did to the Wet Bandits in Home Alone. Hey, I said I have young kids.

Anyway, we’ve heard from the columnists all week; now it’s time for the bloggers. Patriots Daily declares Bill Belichick an asset to the cause of winning. Pats Chowder loved going for the jugular rather than playing not to lose. Blaug is happy he has a coach with big marbles and hopes Belichick rolls them out again. Patriots Gab is looking for some law of unintended consequences payback down the road.

Green Street catches up with Doc Rivers, who says good coaching means never saying you’re sorry. Thanks For Playing loves the way Belichick is handling the fallout. And, in one of the most interesting takes yet, Fire Brand of the American League cuts over their baseball boundaries and triumphs Bob Kraft for building a culture that fosters creative thought without fear of reprisal.

Pats Pulpit is among an arguable majority who think the call was wrong but they’re outraged that anyone would flip the arrogance card at Belichick. Surviving Grady says there’s a greater power that moves even the great Belichick around like a pawn on the chessboard. The Patriot Act suggests that the statistical support in favor of Belichick’s decision would render the punt obsolete. Fenway Pastoral opines that punting is an antiquated concept with no place in today’s game.

Forward march. The NYJ are in town this week, and ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss has Jets CB Darrelle Revis feeling dissed and insisting he single-handedly shut down Randy Moss in Week 2. So, you should be able to do it again then, right Darrelle? Key injuries to the Jets and now the Dolphins lead Extra Points to wonder if the AFC East already belongs to the Patriots. The Rap Sheet checks in with Shawn Springs and Junior Seau, who have been hard to find of late.

It Is What It Is has Kevin Faulk mastering the art of blitz pickup, while Jeff Howe reveals how center Dan Koppen keeps the Pats’ offense greased.

NCAAF

The BC Eagles were involved in a controversial fourth down of their own last weekend, but they were on the winning end of both the play and the game, holding on to a 14-10 win over Virginia. After watching this one, BC Interruption wants those two hours of their lives back. BC Blog has this Saturday’s game against North Carolina a catharsis for the seniors who will be playing the last home game of their collegiate careers. Eagle in Atlanta says QB David Shinskie can’t afford any more rookie mistakes against the Tarheel’s stingy defense. And CBNB says the Eagles should be thankful for the return of some stability this Thanksgiving.

The View From Section X attempts to navigate the complexities of BC’s bowl chances. Sox & Dawgs have UConn on the brink of bowl eligibility and needing a win against the Fighting Irish this Saturday. The Harvard Crimson have Harvard taking no chances in their loss against Penn last Saturday that has left them with slim chance for another Ivy League title.

And no, there’s no playoff picture in Amhurst, only a prescient fourth down late in Saturday’s game where Minutemen coach Kevin Morris chose to punt – and lost. UMass Football Blog defends the call because, well, if they failed the game was over. So how did that work out? Show some big marbles and go for it next time, will ya?

Bruins

We’ve hit the 20-game milestone as The Hockey Blog Adventure takes another ten-game temperature reading of the B’s. Not to spoil it, but the mercury is low. The Old Bruins Fan is getting what he wanted all along – a good dose of adversity. Now he’s worried that it may kill them before it makes them stronger.

Despite a three-game losing streak, View From 311 is looking for the B’s to gel on the upcoming four-game road trip. Something’s Bruin says the B’s have looked pretty ugly without their two best forwards on the ice. Kathryn Tappen also thinks it hasn’t been pretty without Marc Savard who was, without ever playing, the best thing to happen to the B’s in the last three games.

The Bear Cave says Monday’s loss to the Islanders exemplifies both the B’s weak power play and strong penalty-kill.

Would you trade Brad Boyes for Dennis Wideman if you could do it all over again? That’s what Stanley Cup of Chowder wants to know in the first of their newest feature, so tell ‘em.

Celtics

The C’s were out-rebounded throughout most of last night but still got past the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden to snap their own losing streak of two. Red’s Army refuses to feel good about this win. Celtics Stuff Live thinks of the C’s as a bushel of corn: they look worthless now but should ferment into a fine bottle of JD by spring.

Celtics Hub has Doc Rivers trying to control Rasheed’s treys, which aren’t putting enough points on the board. Evans Clinchy has Marquis Daniels making the transition from stat-builder to team contributor. Celtics Blog says the length and size of Andres Nocione’s contract would make him an ill fit in Boston. Celtics 17 plays killjoy with our fantasy of seeing Nocione in green.

MLB Hot Stove

El Guapo’s Ghost says Roy Halladay may be just what NESN needs. Of course, the Sox will have to compete with their evil cousins down by the river, who, as usual, are always in the market for another eight-figure ace. Toeing The Rubber doesn’t care how the Jason Bay saga ends so long as it ends soon, while Peter’s Red Sox Forever hopes Bay will be back. The Bottom Line thinks Billy Wagner may be better off somewhere else, but he could add bullpen depth if his price is right. Boston Dirt Dogs sees a cold Hot Stove ahead, while Fenway West tells you why the Sox may be sitting out this offseason.

Tom Caron thinks that trade bait – errrr . . . prospect – Casey Kelly is best utilized as a full-time pitcher.

And finally, our Subway Squawking New York friends visit the finer side of Manhattan where they learn you can buy World Series rings but trivia contests are not for sale.

Like the rest of the 21st Century, I’m gradually assuming technology’s tools. Hey, I don’t have a Blackberry yet but I now have a Twitter. Follow me @BobEks for Week Log publishing alerts and the occasional cancellation notice when I can’t shake The Man and do my thing. See you on Twitter, or right back here next Thursday afternoon.

Week Log: Belichick, On His Terms is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

The stuff is hitting the fan work wise so I’m doing these links now while I can. I may not be able to do the megalinks on Friday. Keep your Twitter and RSS feeds updated.

USA Today’s Michael McCarthy writes about the NFL trying to crack down on extended tailgating in hopes of curbing drunkenness.

Sean Leahy in USA Today’s The Huddle blog writes that San Diego and Detroit are approaching the 11th hour for avoiding blackouts on Sunday.

The Sporting News and sister publication, Sports Business Journal/Sports Business Daily, list the top 25 active college and NFL football announcers. I don’t agree with the list and I’ll have my take on it later.

Dan Levy of On The DL, adds his two cents to the list in The Sporting News.

Dave Kindred writing for Indiana University’s National Sports Journalism Center lists the 50 Do’s and Don’ts for aspiring sportswriters.

Writing in The Huffington Post, Daisy Whitney writes that the NFL plans to expand its digital and mobile video offerings.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says Michelle Wie winning the Lorena Ochoa Invitational gave Golf Channel its second highest ratings for an LPGA event.

A sign of the apocalypse. Larry King’s 10 year old son, Chance, will host a show for Fox Sports Net next year. *hits head against keyboard*

Richard Sandomir from the New York Times talks about Sunday Night Football being the top rated primetime program of the season to date.

Peter Lauria of the New York Post says NFL Network is using an ad in the daily Politico to reach out to the politicians in its dispute with Time Warner Cable.

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union says Time Warner subscribers won’t see next week’s Giants-Broncos game as it will be carried on NFL Network.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel is amused by the Official Humidor of the Super Bowl.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News reviews the Sporting News/Sports Business Journal Top 25 Active College and NFL TV announcers. Again, I’ll have my own take on this later.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business mentions Comcast SportsNet will remember the 25th anniversary of the death of a top high school basketball player.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times says the Bears have rejected a request from NBC for Bob Costas to interview coach Lovie Smith, quarterback Jay Cutler and general manager Jerry Angelo. Strange. Thanks to Ed Sherman for the link.

Rick Telander of the Sun-Times advises Cutler not to make the media an enemy.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that the Packers are national TV darlings.

Chris Erskine of the Los Angeles Times spent Sunday at a local sports bar with several Boston transplants to watch the Pats-Colts game.

Dan Rafael from ESPN.com says HBO wants a Manny Pacquaio-Floyd Mayweather, Jr. fight.

Chris Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media advises you to add yourself to your own Twitter lists. Why not?

Joe Favorito says sometimes teams can be the worst in their league or division to expand their brands.

The Big Lead is disappointed in ESPN Ombudsman Don Ohlmeyer’s reaction to the Steve Phillips affair.

Kristine Leahy has The Five on WEEI.com.

We’ll end it there for now.

College Basketball

Puerto Rico Tipoff
Quarterfinal, George Mason vs. Villanova – ESPNU, 2 p.m.
Quarterfinal, Indiana vs. Ole Miss – ESPN2, 5 p.m.

Charleston Classic
Quarterfinal, UNC-Wilmington vs. Penn State – ESPNU, 4 p.m.
Quarterfinal, LaSalle vs. South Carolina – ESPNU, 9:30 p.m.

Coaches vs. Cancer Classic
Semifinal, Syracuse vs. Cal – ESPN2, 7 p.m.
Semifinal, North Carolina vs. Ohio State – ESPN2, 9:30 p.m.

Sam Houston State at Kentucky – Fox Sports South/Sun Sports, 7 p.m.
Utah Valley at Minnesota – Big Ten Network, 8 p.m.

College Football
Tennessee State at Eastern Illinois – ESPNU, 6:30 p.m.
Colorado at Oklahoma State – ESPN, 7:30 p.m.

NBA
Phoenix at New Orleans – TNT, 8 p.m.
Chicago at Los Angeles Lakers – TNT, 10:30 p.m.

Inside the NBA – TNT, 1 a.m.

NHL
Boston at Atlanta – NESN, 7 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

UFL
Florida at California – Versus, 9 p.m.

Entertainment
Survivor: Samoa – WBZ/WPRI, 8 p.m.
Bones – WFXT/WNAC, 8 p.m.
Terror in Mumbai – HBO, 8 p.m.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – WBZ/WPRI, 9 p.m.
Mars: Making the New Earth – National Geographic Channel, 10 p.m.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – FX, 10 p.m.
Private Practice – WCVB/WMUR/WLNE, 10:01 p.m.
Late Show with David Letterman – WBZ/WPRI, 11:35 p.m.

Steve Bulpett looks at Rajon Rondo making up for his poor shooting by pushing the pace. Mike Fine has Rondo finding his rhythm last night. Lenny Megliola has the Celtics riding Rondo to this win. Jessica Camerato has Rondo and the Celtics offering plenty to digest last night. Chris Forsberg has fueling a decisive third quarter spurt with his speed.

Bob Ryan goes back in time and remembers why Don Nelson has his number retired by the Celtics. Bulpett has Nelson dealing with adversity as the Warriors rebuild yet again. Gary Washburn chats with Celtics managing partner Wyc Grousbeck about the potential of this season’s teams. (And Celtics franchise record for wins is 68, not 69.)

Dell’Apa’s notebook has Doc Rivers finally cracking down on the number of three pointers attempted by Rasheed Wallace. Lee’s Celtics journal has Danny Ainge shooting down the trade rumors of the last few days. Murphy’s notebnook has Kevin Garnett initially forgetting his ¾ court heave that was disallowed. Doyle’s notebook has Rondo getting some free throw tips from Ray Allen. Forsberg’s notebook has more on KG’s long-distance shot. Jim Fenton’s notebook has the Celtics putting their losing streak in the past.

Patriots

Jeremy Gottlieb goes Around The League on Patriots Daily.

Karen Guregian says that the Patriots have shown that they know how to bounce back from a tough loss. Brian MacPherson says that dealing with the Jets blitz will be New England’s top priority. Bill Burt reminds us that despite recent events, this is still a huge game for both teams. Rich Garven has the Patriots now firmly focused on the Jets. Glen Farley has both head coaches in the spotlight this week.

Ian R. Rapoport has Dan Koppen healthy and ready to face the Jets. Christopher Price has Tom Brady looking like he’s completely bounced back from his knee injury and early season struggles. Mike Reiss has Brady and Junior Seau helping their teammates to move on from the tough loss. Andy Vogt has the team putting the Colts loss in the past and looking to the Jets. Reiss says that Belichick won’t be second-guessing himself over the Colts game.

Adam Kilgore and Monique Walker have Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis talking about shutting out Randy Moss by himself and how he’ll do it again this week. Rapoport has Revis still adamant that he did it all by himself in week two, without any safety help. Guregian has Rex Ryan still confident that his team can “whip” the Patriots again. Mark Farinella has Ryan offering no apologies for who he is. Shalise Manza Young says that Ryan doesn’t seem quite as cocksure as he did early in the season.

Rapoport’s notebook has Jonathan Wilhite moving on from his tough night with Reggie Wayne. Walker’s notebook says that the teams will both have a different look than they did in week two. Farinella’s notebook looks at a long injury report for the Patriots. Farley’s notebook has the Patriots returning to work and prepping for the Jets. Vogt’s notebook has Kevin Faulk talking about learning the craft of blitz pickup, and actually enjoying it. Young’s Patriots journal has Belichick giving his team a tongue-lashing as they returned to work yesterday. 

Misc

Kevin Paul Dupont has Peter Chiarelli disappointed in his team thus far, but still confident they can turn things around. Mike Loftus says that the Bruins enter the second quarter of the season as the self-inflicted victims of an identity crisis. Rich Thompson has Claude Julien bringing his team back to basics.

Michael Silverman has Terry Francona saying that Jason Varitek has accepted the backup role, and the Red Sox manager feels he’ll be “unbelievable” in that role.

Sean McAdam did a chat on CSNNE.com yesterday.

Mark Blaudschun says that Boston College should be proud of high ranking in the Graduation Success Rate.

Steve Conroy looks at the last home game for several Boston College seniors.

Celtics Wake Up In Second Half vs. Warriors is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

It’s been quite some time since I have done late night links. Usually, I reserve late night for posting the press releases, but since I still don’t have a TV and there was a minimal amount of sports that I wanted to see, I was quite productive posting the release earlier tonight so I can do some linkage for you now.

We’ll start with ESPN Ombudsman Don Ohlmeyer to whom I’ll give credit for discussing the network’s handling of the Steve Phillips affair, the reporting of the Tom Cable domestic violence story, Bob Griese’s suspension and finishing off with the 30 for 30 documentary series. All quite candid and I was glad to see Ohlmeyer address the Phillips story, although I would have preferred if he had done it earlier.

Editor & Publisher reports that Chicago Sun-Times baseball writer Chris DeLuca has been promoted to the paper’s top spot in its sports department. Thanks to Indiana University’s National Sports Journalism Center for the link.

We’re finding out more about the creepy stalker who videotaped Erin Andrews in the nude not just once, but several times.

Rick Kissell of Variety writes that the NFL continues to dominate the network primetime ratings.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel News says Monday Night Football steered ESPN to a cable primetime win last week.

Hibah Yousuf of CNNMoney.com writes that CBS is 90% sold for Super Bowl XLIV.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine tells us that the NFL continues to set ratings ablaze this season.

Jay Fitzgerald of the Boston Herald reports that the Celtics and Comcast are teaming up to provide Video On Demand programming

I’m not sure why, but NESN.com is offering a photo gallery of Heidi Watney.

The Lehigh (PA) Express-Times says Fox Sports Net and Gatorade are teaming up to air a special, recreating high school football rivalries across the nation.

Here’s the press release anouncing the program.

In the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg who’s been keeping track of the on-air Tony Kornheiser-Mike Wise radio feud says Mr. Tony decided to not to throw verbal barbs on Wednesday.

Tim Lemke of the Washington Times writes that FedEx Field isn’t just used for the DC NFL team exclusively anymore.

In his blog, Tim talks about how FedEx Field hopes to be the site of the FIFA World Cup Finals in either 2018 or 2022.

MASN has announced it will air some 200 college basketball games this season.

Jack Bogaczyk of the Charleston (WV) Daily Mail says the West Virginia-Rutgers Big East regular season finale will be aired by ESPN on December 5.

Barry Horn in the Dallas Morning News says Fox’s Terry Bradshaw is sharpening his claws on Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams.

Also in the Morning News, Tim Colishaw looks at noted charlatan Bill Simmons’ book on the NBA.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes that Bearcats football brought in good ratings for ESPN last Friday.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News gives us an update on what’s up with the planned new USFL.

Carl Steward of the Oakland Tribune says DirecTV subscribers will be shut out of Saturday’s Cal-Stanford game as it will be shown on Versus.

To the Sports Media Watch and a few links from that blog.

The NFL on Fox continues to score this season.

Pats-Colts helped to steer NBC’s Sunday Night Football to higher reaches.

A lackluster Monday Night Football matchup gave the series its lowest ratings of the season.

The NBA on TNT is off to a fast start in the young season.

And a developing story, SMW says MLB plans to cut the number of off days during the postseason.

Steve Lepore from Puck the Media says Versus’ ratings for the NHL are all over the place.

Dave Kohl’s Major League Programs blog looks at some various sports media issues from the last week.

Lots of good links for you as we head into the wee hours of Thursday morning. I’ll be back with you later today.

This week, the podcast that is co-hosted by yours truly and Southeastern New England media mogul Keith Thibault of Sports Media Journal explores a whole host of topics.

For the entire half hour, our guest is Tom Hoffarth, sports media writer of the Los Angeles Daily News. Among the topics we discuss are Jon Gruden’s contract extension to remain in the ESPN Monday Night Football booth, ESPN’s West Coast SportsCenter and LA presence, as well as ESPN’s 24 hour college basketball marathon.

We also talk about Tom doing play-by-play of an inning of a minor league baseball game, running the field mic for a college football game, his playful tweaking of USC football voice Pete Arbogast, speculation on Vin Scully’s retirement, the reduction of newspapers covering the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as well as bringing back the NFL to Los Angeles.

It’s another great edition and a quick listen. Just over a half hour. You can check it out right here.

Over the next two weeks, we have some good guests so be ready for some fun podcasts.

 The Instigators Returns to NESN

The Instigators presented by Cadillac Village of Norwood returns for its second season on Thursday, November 19th at 6:00 pm. The Instigators is an Original NESN Entertainment (ONE) production that was first introduced last December. The weekly show is hosted by NESN studio analyst Mike Milbury who is joined by color analyst Andy Brickley, play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards and other special guests as they debate the hottest and most controversial hockey topics every Thursday night.

The Instigators, which will once again air every Thursday at 6:00 PM and again at 10:30 PM the same night, is unlike traditional regional sports network programs as Mike Milbury and his co-instigators tackle national topics like hirings and firings, NHL rules controversies, and debates about their favorite NHL tough guys and personalities.

Comcast Unveils Expanded Celtics On Demand Library

The new season of Celtics On Demand returns exclusively to Comcast to put fans in control and give them access to in-depth coverage of the players, team and Celtics Dancers, as well as press conferences and community events, which have been produced by the Boston Celtics. With Celtics On Demand, fans can watch Celtics Captain Paul Pierce teach a new generation how to play basketball; see Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo rollerskating; and take a front row seat at Coach Rivers’ post-game press conferences. Soon, fans will also enjoy the latest documentary “Take It Back,” which tells the story of how the Celtics added Rasheed Wallace and other talent to this year’s team to make for another championship-driving season. 

Additionally, fans can tune into replays of Comcast SportsNet’s Celtics game telecasts within four hours of each game’s conclusion. Games are available On Demand for 24 hours. 

Celtics On Demand programming is updated regularly and is available around the clock with the ability to pause, fast forward and rewind selections for Comcast’s digital cable customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. It’s easy to access just by selecting the “Get Local” or “Sports and Fitness” categories from the On Demand menu, then choosing “NBA TV” and “Boston Celtics.” For game replays and other Comcast SportsNet content, viewers can then select the “Comcast SportsNet” category. As with the vast majority of Comcast’s 17,000 On Demand programs available each month, Celtics On Demand comes at no additional cost to the company’s digital cable customers.

“Instigators” Returns, Comcast Offers More Celtics On Demand is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

For some reason, I keep closing my eyes here at the office. I was also doing that while blogging on the main site last night, so yes, I need to get more sleep. Let’s give you some linkage today.

Thanks to Sports Business Daily which opened its Morning Buzz section today. Several good stories there.

John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable writes that NFL Network is now amping up the pressure on Time Warner Cable.

Toni Fitzgerald in Media Life Magazine writes about college football’s ratings which are up for both ABC’s and CBS’ afternoon broadcasts.

Advertisting Age says CBS just has a handful of ads to sell for Super Bowl XLIV.

Bob Kimball of USA Today says TNT is polling fans to get the decade’s top moments in the NBA.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell warns travelers to beware of the airline Super Bowl tax which will be tacked on to fares the day after the Big Game.

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk writes that New York Giants owner John Mara is choosing a strange time to complain about playing on Thanksgiving night for the NFL Network.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times gives Jon Gruden some pointers for Monday Night Football.

Dave Caldwell of the Times looks at St. Peter’s College playing basketball at 6 a.m. Tuesday to accommodate ESPN.

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union has the updated NFL TV schedule for Week 11 in the New York Capital Region.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner writes that the 1979 Pirates will be featured tonight on MLB Network.

Jim says dirtbag and first class jerk Art Modell was “inducted” into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. If the Pro Football Hall of Fame wants to honor a man who took a franchise out of a perfectly good market and rape the city of Cleveland, then go right ahead. The Browns fans will be waiting for him in Canton. No, I’m not angry.

The Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg writes in the DC Sports Bog that the Tony Kornheiser-Mike Wise feud continues on the radio airwaves.

Matt Levin of the Sebastian (FL) Sun tells readers where to find the Dolphins-Panthers game this Thursday.

Mel Bracht of The Oklahoman is skeptical that Jon Gruden will stay at ESPN for the length of his new contract.

John Kiesewetter from the Cincinnati Enquirer tells his readers where to find the Bearcats-Toledo basketball game tonight.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel looks at the local NFL ratings (scroll down).

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business talks with NBC’s Tony Dungy about Bears QB Jay Cutler.

The Los Angeles Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth is not a fan of the UFL.

Tom has the college football TV schedule for SoCal.

Tom also has the NFL TV schedule.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says the CFL playoffs did well in the TV ratings in Canada.

Bruce Dowbiggin in the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that TSN second-guessed the now-infamous Bill Belichick decision, but failing to mention a similar situation in the CFL earlier in the day.

William Houston in Truth & Rumours says Al Strachan’s lawyer is firing off a letter to CBC after the reporter was taken off Hockey Night in Canada’s Hotstove feature over a branding dispute.

The Sports Media Watch has the weekend overnight ratings.

Chris Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media wishes Sports Illustrated’s Seth Davis would end his man crush on Siena. The least said about this the better. I’m not a fan of Seth Davis.

Joe Favorito looks at how sports branding is bringing countries and nations together.

MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann writing in his Baseball Nerd blog predicts an increase in video replay within a year and a half.

The Big Lead has a Miami radio DJ getting kicked out of a party hosted by Sammy Sosa for making fun of his complexion.

Here’s Kristine Leahy hosting The Five on WEEI.com.

In one of the funniest stories I have read all year, SportsbyBrooks has the video of the Stanford Marching Band making fun of “Girls Gone Wild” owner Joe Francis during the halftime of the Stanford-USC game which was played at the LA Coliseum last Saturday. Francis is a USC alum. The Stanford band is known for rather unusual halftime shows and this is no exception. That’s really funny. And very ballsy to do that.

Those are the links for today.

College Basketball
Butler at Northwestern – Big Ten Network, 8 p.m.
Utah State at Utah – the mtn., 8 p.m.
CBE Classic/Western Carolina at Texas – ESPNU, 9 p.m.
Nevada at UNLV – the mtn., 10:30 p.m.

College Football
Buffalo at Miami (OH) – ESPNU, 6 p.m.
Central Michigan at Ball Street – ESPN2, 8 p.m.

NBA
Cleveland at Washington – ESPN, 7 p.m.
Utah at Celtics – Comcast SportsNet, 7:30 p.m.
San Antonio at Dallas – ESPN, 9:30 p.m.

NHL
Dallas at Detroit – NHL Network, 7:30 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

Entertainment
Human Wrecking Balls – G4, 8 p.m.
Inside the NFL – Showtime, 9 p.m.
Deep Secrets: The Ballard Gallipoli Expedition – National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.
WWII in HD: Striking Distance – History Channel, 9 p.m.
WWII in HD: Glory at Guts – History Channel, 10 p.m.
The Ultimate Fighter – Spike, 10 p.m.
Nip/Tuck – FX, 10 p.m.
Late Show with David Letterman – WBZ/WPRI, 11:35 p.m.

Be sure to check out the latest Dan Snapp column on Patriots Daily: Beholden to None.

Albert R. Breer has a look at the Patriots continued struggles in the red zone, where they sit 25th in the league, behind such stalwarts as Detroit, Jacksonville, and Washington. Robert Lee says that those issues need to be corrected for this Sunday’s game with the Jets. Ian R. Rapoport has Matt Light looking to get back out on the field as quickly as he can.

Mark Farinella feels that Bill Belichick and the Patriots braintrust have lost their way, and that Sunday was perhaps an indicator of what is ahead for this franchise. Kerry Byrne separates fact from myth when it comes to the Patriots.

In the Midweek report, Breer looks at the struggles that the Jets have had since beating the Patriots in week two. Ron Borges says that the tears that Rex Ryan shed in his locker room on Monday show the difference between he and Bill Belichick. Glen Farley has the Jets coming in for a “Super Bowl” rematch.

Mike Reiss and Christopher Price have their weekly mailbags.

Joe Fitzgerald says that the fans are wrong to criticize Belichick for Sunday night.

The Globe notebook has the Patriots looking to keep their streak of games without consecutive losses alive this weekend. Rapoport’s notebook has Belichick ready to move on from the Indy game. Lee’s Patriots journal has Belichick getting back to business as usual.

Celtics

Gary Washburn has Kendrick Perkins not impressed with the Celtics practices this week as the team tries to bounce back from three losses in five games. Mark Murphy has the Celtics needing to get back into defensive mode. A. Sherrod Blakely says that defense is the key for the Celtics.

Jim Fenton has Paul Pierce returning to practice yesterday after sitting out on Monday. Blakely has a C’s vs. Warriors preview. Mike Fine has Warriors coach Don Nelson approaching more coaching records.

The Globe notebook has Andres Nocioni’s name being floated in possible trades to the Celtics. Murphy’s notebook has Piece back at practice.

Misc

Rich Thompson reports that Marc Savard could be back on the ice for the Bruins as early as tomorrow night. Brendan Hall has Milan Lucic returning to practice yesterday.

Michael Silverman has Mike Lowell once again in wait and see mode this offseason. Brian MacPherson has the Red Sox looking to make some noise in the Hot Stove league this winter.

Julian Benbow has a feature on BU mens basketball coach Pat Chambers, who set out on a new path in life after a brush with death in 2002.

Red Zone = Red Light for Patriots is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

This means that nationally, where most people loath and despise Bill Belichick, writers and columnists are coming out and supporting the Patriots coach and his decision to go for it on fourth down Sunday night. It’s the edgy thing to do.

Locally, where most people respect Belichick and hold him in high esteem, the columnists are blindly savaging, mocking and insulting him (and enjoying it).

Neither side is enjoyable to read. Most are stretching too far either way to try and make their points. I suppose for some, perhaps the columns bashing Belichick serve as validation for their own feelings of frustration over the loss, but for me, it only makes me more mad.

Do they think people really want to read this garbage? After a day of peace and quiet yesterday, I’m ready to move on and think about the Jets and getting the AFC East under full control.

So I’m declaring this a “Fourth Down-Free Zone.” That actually wipes out about 80% of articles out there today.

Red Sox increase prices for some tickets - smart move by the Red Sox, sneak in a ticket price increase when Boston fans are ticked off about the Patriots. This is usually a day after Thanksgiving tradition, but with the uproar over Sunday night, the Sox managed to sneak this on in under the radar.

LeBron James’ numbers game at least raises eyebrows - Tim Weisberg’s NBA column looks at LeBron James’ announcement that he’ll ditch #23 because he doesn’t think anyone should be allowed to wear it, and choose #6 instead, which he associates with Dr J instead of Bill Russell.

No time, no chance - Brian MacPherson says that things changed for the Patriots Sunday night when Tom Brady no longer had time to throw the ball.

No running game equals no Super Bowl - Bill Burt says that the Patriots won’t win the Super Bowl because they cannot run the ball when it counts.

Bruins take another step backward - Mike Loftus examines another disheartening Bruins loss, this time 4-1 to the Islanders.

Respect Is Hard to Come By For Celtics - Paul Flannery’s look at why part of the Celtics problems of late might actually be a lack of respect for their opponents.

Rivers looks inward for answers to woes - Frank Dell’Apa has the Celtics coach taking blame for recent losses, and vowing to get things straightened out.

 Celts must stop ‘fense sitting - Lenny Megliola has Doc Rivers not afraid to call out his defense.

Red Sox may see pop - John Tomase has Sox pickup Jeremy Hermida’s hitting coach with the Marlins believing that Boston will see more pop from the former first round pick.

I guess we can toss in the report cards from Ron Borges and Jeremy Gottlieb though they each come with a warning that fourth down commentary is contained within.

For the rest, head out to the link sites.

• PatriotsLinks.com
• CelticsLinks.com
• BruinsLinks.com
• RedSoxLinks.com

Still Too Much Noise is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

I’m keeping it short and simple this afternoon, even as I duck out on listening to any sort of sports radio or television today. We’ll forego the hysterics, the gloating, and the smarm that appears in many stories today by sticking with these quick links:

Mistakes doomed Patriots before Belichick’s gamble - Shalise Manza Young’s game story in the ProJo.

Explain this? We’ll go for it - Albert Breer provides level-headed analysis of Belichick’s decision.

Defense takes share of the blame - Chris Forsberg has the defensive players denying that Belichick’s decision was an indictment of them.

Ten Things We Learned Last Night: Pats And Belichick Fall Short - Christopher Price takes more away from the game than simply the fourth down call.

Weak effort beneath Celtics - Yeah, the Celtics had a bad trip to Indy this weekend, too.

That’s all I got for now. Check Patriots Daily and PatriotsLinks.com if you want all the gory details.

Making Sense is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Anyway, let’s provide the sports media stories for today. But first, for the weekend sports including college football, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, various other sports and primetime TV, check out the Weekend Viewing Picks.

Now to the links.

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand talks with CBS college football analyst Gary Danielson who lobbies for the SEC over teams from other conferences.

Jim Chairusmi from the Wall Street Journal talks with Andre Agassi about his autobiography.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell wonders if Kevlar can revolutionize sports.

Darren looks at LeBron James discussing a number change and how that could affect jersey sales.

James Hibberd of the Hollywood Reporter writes that Spike TV is going to launch a new series involving sports personalities and their cars.

Georg Salazai of the Reporter says the NFL is happy with its current TV deals including one with DirecTV.

Rick Kissell of Variety the sluggish economy has led to higher ratings for the NFL.

Alex Weprin of Multichannel News looks at ESPN snagging the South American TV rights for the 2010 and 2012 Olympics.

Sports Business Daily has highlights of NBC Sports Emperor Dick Ebersol’s speech at the FSA Sports Media & Technology Conference.

In the Sporting News, Dan Levy of On The DL looks at this Sunday’s NFL games on TV.

CBS College Sports’ play-by-play man Tom Hart writes a guest column for the Eye on Sports Media on the importance of a good statistician in the booth.

The Sports Media Watch has some ratings news and notes.

SMW says the SEC package on CBS is paying off with high ratings.

SMW says get ready for another primetime finish for next year’s U.S. Open golf tournament.

And SMW says Versus is seeing ratings gains for the NHL and college football despite being dumped from DirecTV.

The Big Lead speculates how much money the woman who sparked the Steve Phillips affair would seek from ESPN.

Maury Brown has highlights of an interview MLB Network’s Bob Costas conducted with Ernie Harwell.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media has suggestions for programming on Versus.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe talks with former Fox25 sports anchor Butch Stearns who signed off for the last time last night.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette says Holy Cross is putting interviews and highlights of its greatest athletes on its new website.

Kristine Leahy has today’s version of The Five on WEEI.com.

Richard Sandomir from the New York Times speculates on the future of Versus and Golf Channel if NBC Sports’ Dick Ebersol gets to run them under a Comcast-NBC umbrella.

Stuart Elliott of the Times writes that the NFL has put the kybosh on a guerrilla ad campaign involving players and donating money to charity.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News says the finish of the Giants and Jets this season will directly affect the sales of their Personal Seat Licenses for their new stadium.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post criticizes Derek Jeter for attempting to gouge his fans.

The Albany Times Union’s Pete Dougherty talks with Siena radio voice Robert Lee.

Speaking of Siena, Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette says Siena’s radio network adds a station.

Paul Farhi of the Washington Post profiles the public relations henchman for DC NFL team owner Daniel Snyder.

Tim Lemke from the Washington Times wonders why the NBA out-of-market broadband package costs more than MLB.TV.

South

Greg Auman of the St. Petersburg Times says South Florida fans are angry that the local ABC affiliate won’t showing next week’s game against Louisville in favor of Ohio State-Michigan.

Sarah Talalay from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel talks about the rumors that surfaced yesterday that The Who is going to play the Super Bowl halftime show.

Ray Buck in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes about some former college football coaches getting their acting bug in a new movie starring Sandra Bullock.

The Star-Telegram has a video of ESPN’s College Gameday setting up at the TCU campus in town.

To the Dallas Morning News and Evan Grant who says the Texas Rangers and TV voice Josh Lewin are now talking about a new contract.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says a local sports radio station went against the grain and hired an outsider for its morning show.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman tries to scrape up ten college football games to watch this week.

Mel profiles ESPN/ABC’s college football analyst Craig James who’s happy to be out of the studio and calling games involving his son.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes that local college basketball games are being bumped off Fox Sports Ohio in favor of the Cleveland Cavs and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Michael Zuidema in the Grand Rapids (MI) Press feels a one week suspension was proper punishment for ESPN’s Bob Griese. Zuidema is incorrect when he mentions Griese returns this week, he returned last week after being suspended for one game.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says NBC’s Tony Dungy is giving high praise to his successor at the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Caldwell.

On to Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business who has his weekly winners and losers in sports business and media.

Paul Christian in the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin says Patriots-Colts will be quite special for NBC on Sunday.

Scott Dochterman of the Iowa City Gazette says Iowa fans will have to find a way to watch basketball and football on Saturday as the Hawkeyes’ games overlap.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says fans are angry at Fox for its handling of NFL games in the market.

Dan writes about a sports radio talk show host who is now taking operation for most of the station’s daytime programming.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News is surprised at the sudden ESPN love for the Mountain West Conference.

Richard Obert of the Arizona Republic writes that the high school football championships may not be televised statewide due to a dispute between the state’s governing body and Cox Communications.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune talks with Fox Sports’ Brian Billick who’s enjoying his time on television.

Over to the North County Times and John Maffei who writes about a local sports radio host who returns to the air after suffering a heart attack.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star says Pats-Colts gets the national spotlight this week.

Jim writes about a local resident who will be showcased on CBS’ presentation of the Arete Awards on Sunday.

Jon Weinbach of the Los Angeles Times looks at the increasing role of the league-owned TV networks walking that fine line of providing and potentially taking away content from other TV partners.

Diane Pucin of the Times says NBC’s Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison have personal interest in Sunday’s Patriots-Colts game.

To the Los Angeles Daily News and Tom Hoffarth who talks with NFL Today host James Brown.

In his blog, Tom has more with JB about his new book and other subjects.

Kelly Johnson of the Sacramento Business Journal looks at a new online companion to the Kings’ game TV broadcasts.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says it’s almost the end of the line for the 55 year career of a CFL radio announcer.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star writes there’s more college sports available online for Canadians.

That concludes the megalinks. Have a good weekend. I’ll be posting links over the weekend at the Fang’s Bites @ BSMW page.

The Calm Before the Storm Friday Megalinks is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

COMCAST SPORTSNET MOVES CELTICS HOME GAME PRE AND POST GAME SHOWS TO NEW ACE TICKET STUDIO ON CAUSEWAY STREET

New Store Front Studio Premieres with Celtics Home Opener on October 28

BURLINGTON, MA – Comcast SportsNet and Ace Ticket announced today that the regional sports network will host its Celtics Pre-Game Live and Celtics Post Game Live studio shows from the Ace Ticket Studio on Causeway Street for every 2009-10 Boston Celtics home game. 

The store front studio, located at 109 Causeway Street, inside the Ace Ticket flagship location and directly across the street from TD Bank Garden will premiere with the home opener on Wednesday, October 28. Before and after every home game, studio host Gary Tanguay and NBA analyst Donny Marshall will analyze the game, welcome special guests to the studio and link up live with its telecast team Mike Gorman, Tommy Heinsohn and Greg Dickerson from inside the TD Garden.

 The studio will feature three high definition cameras that Comcast SportsNet will send back to its Burlington studios. Celtics fans will be able to view the telecast from inside the Ace Ticket location and from the exterior on both Causeway and Friend St as the studio will be lined with glass panels that extend around the 25 foot perimeter. 

“The Ace Ticket Studio represents a first for Comcast SportsNet and it brings our telecast to a new level. Sports is about the experience and giving fans a chance to experience our Celtics telecast is an exciting way to begin this much anticipated season,” said Bill Bridgen, Comcast SportsNet’s executive vice president and general manager. 

“The store front location directly across for the Garden will give our customers and Celtics fans a front row seat as Comcast SportsNet puts on its award winning telecast,” said Ace Ticket Founder and CEO Jim Holzman. “Ace Ticket continues to expand its presence in New England and to work with Comcast SportsNet gives a high profile opportunity to reach our consumers.” 

Comcast SportsNet will use the studio throughout the year and extensively on Celtics home game nights as it will provide an exclusive location to interview Celtics front office officials, visiting team representatives and high profile fans attending the games. 

Comcast SportsNet reaches more than 4 million households in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Comcast SportsNet’s programming includes the Boston Celtics, Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight, Celtics Now, Sports Sunday, The Baseball Show, New England Tailgate, and Net Impact. Comcast SportsNet’s partnership with the 17-time NBA Champion Boston Celtics is the longest team-regional sports network relationship in New England and the fourth longest in professional sports. Comcast SportsNet New England is owned and managed by Comcast Sports Group. Visit www.comcastsportsnet.com for more information. 

Comcast Sports Group operates 10 sports networks that deliver 2,400 sporting events annually and sports news and analysis to 40 million cable and satellite homes. Comcast Sports Group’s networks are: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Comcast SportsNet California, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet New England, Comcast SportsNet Northwest, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, SNY, The Mtn. – Mountain West Sports Network, and CSS. Comcast Sports Group also manages New England Cable News (NECN), the nation’s largest regional news network, and The Comcast Network, based in Philadelphia and Washington, which delivers community-oriented programming. For more information, see ComcastSportsNet.com.

###

The Good

Steve Begin: Nasty, in-your-face player. Appears to be an upgrade over Stehane Yelle on the fourth line and is a +3 on the season. Some teams in the league won’t be thrilled about facing the physical presence of Begin, Thornton & Bitz for 11 or so minutes a night.

Marc Savard: Never any questions as to his offense. His pass to Marco Sturm for a goal on Saturday was the epitome of threading a needle. Dropping the gloves and defending Sturm was even more impressive.

Marco Sturm: Rusty in the opener but was superb against Carolina. His pass to Hunwick for a goal was Savard-esque. Kessel’s goal will be replaced, folks.

The Bad

Mark Recchi: Admittedly, probably nit-picking here but he only has two shots on goal and is -2 on the season.

The Fans: Okay, just the ones booing Aaron Ward on Saturday night. He brought nothing but honor to the Bruins uniform. Sober up, or at least grow up.

The Ugly

Jay Harrison’s Face: “We’ve got a bleeder.”

Head-manning The Week:

The team catches a few days off before meeting up with Anaheim on Thursday night. The Ducks are an extremely physical squad and the Bull Gang better give an extra turn to the nuts, bolts and screw holding the boards together.

Saturday night brings the Islanders and highly touted prospect John Tavares into the Garden. He’s said to be a “can’t miss” player and, based on limited observations here, that would be tough to argue. Then again, the same was said about Bobby Carpenter on the cover of Sports Illustrated in the early 80’s.

WESTERN

15. Phoenix: What a mess. Hockey will never make it in the desert.
14. Colorado: Looks like a few lean years for a once proud franchise
13. Minnesota: I sure miss the old jerseys of the North Stars. Viva Cesare Maniago.
12. Dallas: Steve Ott. Enough said
11. Edmonton: For some reason, I love watching games played in Edmonton. Perhaps it’s the lighting?
10. Los Angeles: UMass’ Jonathan Quick might play his way onto Team USA’s entry in Vancouver.
9 Nashville: Still hard to take hockey seriously in the Music City.
8. Columbus: Still hard to take hockey seriously in a college city.
7. St. Louis: Most underrated team logo in the NHL.
6. Anaheim: Not pretty during the regular season but nasty during the playoffs.
5. Detroit: Still an elite squad but definitely on the back nine.
4. Calgary: Always a favorite at this address for beating the Canadiens in the ’89 Finals.
3. Vancouver: City is hoping to be Ground Zero for all things hockey in 2010.
2. Chicago: Their window of opportunity opened rather quickly but could also close just as fast.
1. San Jose: Almost getting to be now or never for the regular season sensations.

EASTERN

15. NY Islanders: They’ve got their building block in Tavares but they’ve yet to break ground.
14. Atlanta: At least congratulate them for outlasting the Flames in Atlanta. Where have you gone, Dan Bouchard?
13. Toronto: Give Komisarek credit for not jumping out west and avoiding Lucic.
12. Montreal: The squad Gainey has put together will get him the boot by next May.
11. Florida: I still can’t believe they traded Luongo.
10. Ottawa: They begin the climb back towards respectability. Did Kovalev bring his personal sniper from the Montreal balcony?
9. New Jersey: Lemaire is back behind the bench. Avoid attending Bruins – Devils games.
8. Buffalo: Watching Steve Montador take a beating in every fight is a must for all sadists in good standing.
7. Tampa Bay: Too much talent to stay at the bottom of the conference.
6. NY Rangers: Can Torts make all the odd-ball pieces of the puzzle work? Ten bucks says that Gilroy easily makes the jump to the NHL.
5. Carolina: Aaron Ward may not contribute all that much on the ice but he’ll be an All-Star in their locker room. Class act.
4. Philadelphia: Ultimately will de done in, as usual, by stupid penalties.
3. Boston: Don’t expect to match the number of points from last season. Do expect them lo last a bit longer in the playoffs.
2. Pittsburgh: I still can’t believe Hal Gill’s name is on the Stanley Cup.
1. Washington: Will they trade some offense for some defense at some point?

Stanley Cup Final: Pittsburgh over Chicago (because Marian Hossa always seems to be on the wrong end in the Finals)

Hart, Vezina & Norris: Who cares? It’s all about winning the Cup.

Centers:

Marc Savard: Playmaker extraordinaire and in a contract year. Will he commit to being an all-around player?

David Krejci: Returning from hip surgery earlier than originally expected. Most complete forward on the team.

Patrice Bergeron: Hopefully the lingering cobwebs from earlier concussions are a thing of the past. He should improve on last season’s total of 39 points.

Steve Begin: Basically this year’s version of Stephane Yelle. Solid fourth line player

Forwards:

Milan Lucic: The team feeds of his emotion at times. Must take fewer dumb penalties. Should be a major part of the offense.

Blake Wheeler: Added off-season muscle and hopefully won’t hit the wall again. Expect a big year from him.

Marco Sturm: If the knee holds up, should pot 25+ goals. Intense, solid two-way player.

Michael Ryder: A fast start, unlike last season, would be a boost for the team. Underrated two-way player.

Mark Recchi: Classy veteran but how much gas is left in the tank? Watch him fearlessly park himself in front of the goal. Great at tipping shots from point.

Chuck Kobasew: Hard-nosed winger with the ability to score. Salary could make him expendable later in the season.

Byron Bitz: Fan favorite but had a mediocre training camp. Must establish a physical presence on the fourth line.

Shawn Thornton: Team policeman and respected veteran in the locker room.

Vladmir Sobotka: Pesky player with good wheels. Not shy about taking the body.

Defensemen:

Zdeno Chara: The league’s best last season. Could use a lighter workload but I don’t think he’ll get it (or want it).

Dennis Wideman: Love him from the blue line going forward. Is a liability in his own zone. Must put the puck on net more.

Andrew Ference: Injured a good chunk of last season but played well when healthy. Must not let NHLPA activities affect his play. He’s no Brad Park.

Derek Morris: Good skater and can move the puck. Is he Dennis Wideman II though?

Mark Stuart: Tough, strong physical presence on the backline. His stock is rising in the league.

Matt Hunwick: Smaller player with great wheels. Can he hold up for an entire NHL season after rupturing his spleen?

Johnny Boychuck: End of the bench defenseman who could play forward in a pinch.

Goalies:

Tim Thomas: Can’t dispute a Vezina Trophy but is he capable of carrying a team to a Stanley Cup?

Tuuka Rask: The Bruins prized prospect. Has all the tools to be a superior NHL goaltender. Should play at least 30 games this season.

The Celtics will begin their quest to bring the NBA championship back to Boston on Tuesday, October 27th in Cleveland against LeBron, Shaq and the Cleveland Cavaliers on TNT. That will be the first of a staggering 32 nationally televised games for the Celtics, nine of which will be on TNT. (Seven Celtics games are on NBA TV, so I’m not sure if those should really count as “Nationally Televised.”) The Celtics home opener is the next night, the 28th against the Charlotte Bobcats. The first rematch with the Chicago Bulls will be that Friday night, in a game that ESPN has picked up, the first of 10 ESPN appearances by the Celtics.

The early part of the schedule features 10 out of the first 16 games at home, but then starting on November 29th, the team hits a stretch of eight games in 16 nights, with seven of those games on the road, including a three game trip through Charlotte, San Antonio and Oklahoma City.

After a Christmas Day playoff rematch in Orlando with the Magic, (2:30pm ABC start time) the Celtics head out on their first West coast trip of the season. The Clippers, Warriors and Suns are on the itinerary for this quick three game set. Kobe Bryant and the world champion Los Angeles Lakers (that stings) make their only appearance at the TD Garden on Sunday, January 31st. This is another ABC game, tipping off at 3:30. With that being the weekend between the AFC and NFC championship games and the Super Bowl, the NBA will have the stage to itself to present that marquee matchup.

Boston sports fans are circling the following Sunday, February 7th on their sports calendar, hoping it turns out to be a Boston doubleheader. The Celtics host the Orlando Magic at 2:30 that afternoon on ABC, and the Super Bowl kicks off a little more than four hours later.

The last game prior to the All Star break for the Celtics is a trip to New Orleans to play the Hornets on February 10th. The 11th to the 15th of that month, the Celtics are off for the break before heading out on their traditional post All Star break West coast road trip starting in Sacramento on February 16th. Then, less than three weeks after their first matchup, the Celtics and Lakers conclude their two game season series on a Thursday night TNT game, which is a curious move on a couple fronts. Why would the NBA place two of their marquee games just a few weeks apart like this? And why have it at 10:30 at night on a weeknight? Why not another Sunday afternoon? Was TNT guaranteed to get one of these games, so it had to be then?

After that four game West coast swing, the Celtics will be home for nine of their next 13 games. The stretch includes a February 25th TNT home game with the Cavs, as well as a Sunday afternoon (3:30pm) ABC game in Cleveland on March 14th. At the end of that week, the Celtics depart on a mini, four night, three game swing through Houston, Dallas and Utah.

The final regular season matchup with LeBron, Shaq and the Cavs is scheduled for April 4th, another ABC game, this time at home at 1:00pm. The regular season concludes on Wednesday night, April 14 with a home game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

So what do you think? 74-8? Sound good? OK, that’s probably a tad optimistic, but this looks to be another fun season following the Celtics. Training camp is a week away. Can’t wait.

Leon Powe was probably my favorite member of the Boston Celtics over the last few years. Quiet, hardworking, willing to do the dirty work under the basket, Powe was perfect in the role the played for the Celtics. The fact that he had overcome so much in his life added to the appeal of Leon Powe as a person.

He grew up in the foster system in the Oakland area, trying the best he could to keep tabs on and take care of his younger siblings, Powe ended up the University of California, where he led the Pac-10 in rebounding at a freshman, and then returned from a devastating knee injury his sophomore year to become only sixth player in history to lead the conference in scoring and rebounding during his junior year, with totals of 20 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. Despite being somewhat undersized as a power forward at 6-8, 240 lbs, Powe was drafted in the second round of the NBA draft by the Nuggets and then traded to the Celtics.

During his three seasons with the Celtics, Powe endeared himself to fans with his tenacious, powerful style of play. It seemed he routinely outmuscled bigger and stronger players under the basket and dunked on them. Off the court, he founded a non-profit organization in the Bay Area to give support and education to children who are enduring a similar upbringing to what Powe himself had. Despite not being a highly paid NBA star, Powe was certainly among the busiest when it came to charity and off the court activities. It seemed this offseason was going to be his chance to finally make some good NBA money, but a torn ACL in the playoffs against Chicago put his entire NBA career in jeopardy.

Comments made by Doc Rivers seemed to indicate that he really hoped to keep Powe around, and bring him back next season. That didn’t happen. The Celtics chose to allow him to become an unrestricted free agent, with the team perfunctorily wishing him well on the way out the door. It sure seemed like good-bye, something I didn’t understand at the time, and still don’t understand. River talked often about the quality of person that Leon Powe is. That you really want more those on your team. Powe was facing another long rehab following his knee surgery, but it seemed that he would be a guy that the Celtics would take care of. Maybe something happened behind the scenes, but I doubt it. This was just a business decision. The Celtics felt they couldn’t afford to tie up a roster spot with a guy who won’t be back until, at the very soonest, the All Star break.

It’s their loss. This week Powe received an two year offer sheet with the Celtics biggest rivals in the Eastern Conference, the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers. Powe agree to the deal, and pending his physical, will make the deal official. This one hurts. It’s not quite Johnny Damon going to the Yankees, because I’ve got absolutely no animosity towards Powe. It’s just going to hurt seeing Powe in that Cavs uniform when he finally makes it back. Given his history, I have absolutely no doubt Leon Powe will make it all the way back. Let’s hope the damage to the Celtics is minimal.

Oct. 3 Carolina, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 8 Anaheim, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 10 N.Y. Islanders, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 12 Colorado, 1:00 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Phoenix, 9:00 p.m.

Oct. 21 Nashville, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Ottawa, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 29 New Jersey, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 31 Edmonton, 1:00 p.m.

Nov. 1 at N.Y. Rangers, 1:00 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 5 Montreal, 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 7 Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 10 Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 12 Florida, 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 14 at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 N.Y. Islanders, 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Atlanta, 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 20 at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 23 at St. Louis, 8:00 p.m.

Nov. 25 at Minnesota, 8:00 p.m.

Nov. 27 New Jersey, 12:00 p.m.

Nov. 28 Ottawa, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 2 Tampa Bay, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Montreal, 8:00 p.m.

Dec. 5 Toronto, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 10 Toronto, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 12 at N.Y. Islanders, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14 Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Toronto, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 23 Atlanta, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Florida, 5:00 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 30 Atlanta, 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 1 Philadelphia, 1:00 p.m.

Jan. 4 at N.Y. Rangers, 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 Chicago, 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 9 N.Y. Rangers, 1:00 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Anaheim, 10:00 p.m.

Jan. 14 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Los Angeles, 4:00 p.m.

Jan. 18 Ottawa, 1:00 p.m.

Jan. 21 Columbus, 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 23 Ottawa, 1:00 p.m.

Jan. 24 at Carolina, 5:00 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 Los Angeles, 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 2 Washington, 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 4 Montreal, 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 6 Vancouver, 1:00 p.m.

Feb. 7 at Montreal, 3:00 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 11 at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 at Florida, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 2 Montreal, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 4 Toronto, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 6 at N.Y. Islanders, 2:00 p.m.

Mar. 7 at Pittsburgh, 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 9 at Toronto, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 11 at Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 13 at Montreal, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 15 at New Jersey, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 16 at Carolina, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 18 Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 21 N.Y. Rangers, 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 23 at Atlanta, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 25 Tampa Bay, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 27 Calgary, 1:00 p.m.

Mar. 29 Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 30 at New Jersey, 7:00 p.m.

Apr. 1 Florida, 7:00 p.m.

Apr. 3 at Toronto, 7:00 p.m.

Apr. 5 at Washington, 7:00 p.m.

Apr. 8 Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.

Apr. 10 Carolina, 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 11 at Washington, 3:00 p.m.

There’s certainly some merit to the belief that the NHL would like young Mr. Crosby to seize the position of “face of the league” through a seventh game victory. But, is that truly what the league and its fans need now? Or would the league be better off with a victory by the Red Wings and a restatement of the value of dynasties, be they real or perceived?

For many years, the various pro sports have followed the marketing lure by ordaining individual players as the face of their respective leagues. We moved away from the days of the “Big Bad Bruins” or the “Broad Street Bullies” and into the days of “The Great One” during Gretzky’s tenure in the NHL. Gretzky was bigger than the game and brought the league attention that crossed prior boundaries. Since that success, the NHL has always pined for the next big star that it can anoint and recapture the glory of Gretzky. (Eric Lindros was going to be that guy, wasn’t he? ) Now, in Crosby, the NHL believes it has that next transition star. Since even before his arrival, the league has touted him as the next big thing.

It’s my belief that the NHL (and all the other leagues, for that matter) would do well to return to the days of giving the teams the top of the marquee and giving the players the second slot. While people recognize Gretzky as the unquestioned star of that time, most fans refer to the dominance of the Oilers of that period. Remember, they won without Wayne, too. In the same way, people remember the dynasties of the Islanders and the Canadiens more than they focus on the great accomplishments of Mike Bossy or Clark Gillies or whichever really annoying French guy was skating for Montreal at the time.

What the league needs now is a classic hero/anti-hero confrontation. It needs a strong dynastic force like a Champion Red Wing team. Even better, they need that team to deny St. Sidney from the Cup. The celebration when we see someone reaches the top of the mountain is often far less interesting than watching the climb to get there. While there would be a great amount of celebration if Crosby hoisted the Cup, isn’t it better for the NHL if the drama of St. Sid winning his first plays out a little longer? Better still if the Red Wings oblige and play the unmovable force against which he has to play?

The NHL shouldn’t focus on signature moments, because moments are too fleeting. The NHL should focus on signature events. Events like the high quality Stanley Cup Finals being played between two good teams who happen to have several great players. The events may not have the “where were you when” panache of a signature moment, but they have staying power that outlasts the individual accomplishment.

Mr. Crosby’s got many great days ahead of him (unless the NHL’s New York based PR machine decides to anoint John Tavares next year and Sid gets pushed to second fiddle). The league needs an iconic championship team against which its many subplots can play out. It needs a Red Wings championship.

You say Ray Bourque finally holding the Stanley Cup over his head in 2001. I say, great, but that was after the game concluded.

You say Bob Nystrom scoring the Cup-winning goal in overtime in 1980. I say okay, but that was only Game 6 of the series and is probably not even recalled by casual fans.

You say Bobby Orr flying through the Garden air after winning the 1970 Stanley Cup in overtime. I say it was Game 4 of the series and the Blues were basically an expansion team, not to mention that was almost 40 years ago.

Other than those, I can’t think of many other modern Stanley Cup moments that are forever etched in the minds of hockey fans. Friday’s Game 7, however, has the ingredients to provide one of those rare, memorable moments badly needed to help promote and market the game going forward and one player in particular has the potential and ability to make that moment happen——- Sidney Crosby. Crosby entered the league as the newest “Next Great One” and has lived up to the enormous expectations but has been hearing, if not seeing, the footsteps of Alexander Ovechkin the past couple of regular seasons. Game 7 gives Crosby the chance to distance himself from Ovechkin and truly make his North American face the undisputed face of the league, much to the delight of the NHL league offices.

The 1950 Detroit Red Wings were the last team to win the Stanley Cup in overtime of Game 7. Imagine it’s overtime of this year’s Game 7 and Crosby gatheres the puck in the neutral zone, dekes a defenseman and performs an acrobatic move to slide the puck past Chris Osgood, winning the Stanley Cup over the hearty defending champions. A mega-star would be born and the NHL’s marketing division would immediately cancel all summer vacations.

The sport desperately has been awaiting a magical moment. What do you say, Sid?

In order to predict the winner of the series, we’ll follow the wisdom of Original Six-raised (Boston Latin and Harvard) philosopher George Santayana’s, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This series shapes up as a repeat of the Oilers – Islanders Finals from 1983 and 1984.

The high-octane 1983 Edmonton Oilers were hockey’s New Kids On The Block in the ’83 Cup Finals and poised to knock the three-time defending champions from the throne. However, with the likes of playoff tested Billy Smith, Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies and Denis Potvin, the Islanders would have none of that and not only defeated the Oilers but swept them, surrendering only six goals in the four game series.

Fast forward one year to the 1984 Cup Finals and the same two combatants are back again, this time a rapidly aging Islanders team one year older and a maturing Oilers team one year wiser. The teams split the first two games in New York and then ventured west for three games in Edmonton. The series never returned to Long Island because the Oilers vanquished the honorable champs in three consecutive blowouts, thus ending the Islanders dynasty and beginning one for the Oilers.

Power Play thinks this year’s Finals shapes up in much the same manner. The Penguins should benefit greatly from their experience in last year’s Finals and use it as a springboard to leap-frog the venerable Red Wings this year.

Penguins in 6

By Jeremy Gottlieb

Well, that was a huge bummer, eh?

Talk about an anti-climax. The last thing I or pretty much anyone to whom I’ve spoken would have predicted for Game 7 at the Garden the other night was that the weary Celts would be blown out of the gym. The Celtics had history, experience, their home crowd and a seemingly mentally weak opponent all working in their favor and they still managed to drop one of the biggeststinkbombs of the season. So I guess that means it’s time to reflect now that enough time has passed that I can clearly wrap my head around it all. But before we go any further, let me put out one, small disclaimer. This will not be another one of those, “If only KevinGarnett had played, then they may have won it,” columns. So many supposedly shrewd, intelligent writers have mailed in that kind of drivel in the last couple of days, it’s made my eyes bleed. Really, guys? You think ifGarnett had played, the Celtics might have beaten the Magic? Wow, thanks for such astute, expert analysis. Now I know exactly why they lost.

No, here at the BSMW Full Court Press, we don’t believe in insulting our readership with such simplified obviousness. Everyone who has ever watched a sporting event knows that if the team thatlost’s best player didn’t play, that’s probably a huge reason why said losing team went down. Apparently, a lot of our local bastions of basketball knowledge forgot this.

Anyway, let’s not waste any more time discussing such nonsense. I’d prefer to examine how the Celtics got as far as they did and why. The series against Orlando didn’t have nearly the drama or suspense or sheer joy of the first-round series with the Bulls. But there were plenty of twists and turns. On one hand, you could argue that the Celts should have lost in five games. Orlando had both Games 4 and 5 wrapped up before going completely mental and spitting the proverbial bit. On the other hand you could argue that the Celtics should have won in six games. When Paul Pierce stepped to the line with 2:03 left in that game, just after the play of BrianScalabrine’s life (his “in your face” stuffing of Rashard Lewis on the low block that couldn’t possibly happen 99 out of 100 times) the Celtics had a chance to jump ahead after having held the Magic to just four points in the previous four minutes. Pierce, who shot 85 percent from the stripe in the series, missed enough big ones both against the Bulls and the Magic that when he clanked up both attempts, it wasn’t really surprising. What was surprising was that Orlando, which had virtually cornered the market on not being able to capitalize on pretty much anything up to that point, saw an opening, somehow flipped a switch on their collective mental toughness meter (which at that point was hovering around zero) and ran off an 11-2 run to escape with an 83-75 win and force another Game 7.

In hindsight, that was pretty much it. Like several Celtics fans I know, I figured the whole Game 7 at home thing would be enough to carry them. I thought it was a fluke that the Magic had kept their composure and managed to take advantage of such a huge chance at the end of Game 6. They had blown their wad in doing that, it seemed, and there was no way such a fragile group could summon the requisite chutzpah to beat a defending champ on the road in a deciding game, even a defending champ as tired and depleted as the Celtics.

Of course, that wasn’t remotely what happened. Instead of yet another Game 7 triumph, the Celtics completely wilted when it mattered most. I won’t waste too much time belaboring this point, but under the circumstances, considering the losses in personnel and the subsequent alternatives, reaching the ultimate game of the conference semifinals was a major accomplishment. It’s a bit astounding that they got as far as they did. That by no means absolves them of their performance on Sunday, but it is worth noting.

It was awful, really. Even though Ray Allen played by far his best game of the series, everyone else was basically out of it. Pierce was doubled anywhere on the floor at which he touched the ball and had no answer for it. Kendrick Perkins had his worst game in weeks, disappearing on offense and even missing three straight layups on a single possession at one point. Rajon Rondo hit a couple of jumpers but lacked the explosiveness he displayed earlier in the playoffs and was mostly ineffective, not to mention the fact that he was schooled by the not-really-that-good Rafer Alston. I would mention the bench, but there isn’t one, although one particular yokel earlier this week was shouting at me about how Doc Rivers should be ashamed of himself for employing an eight-man rotation, even though pretty much every coach since the beginning of time has done the same come playoff time (including Doc Rivers last year), and that Mikki Moore and Tony Allen should have played more in Game 7. Whatever, it was the worst-case scenario and not too many of us saw it coming.

But even though they absolutely stunk on Sunday, it’s hardly the last or most pertinent thing we should remember about this particular Celtics team. Instead, the focus should be on how admirable their overall performance throughout the last few weeks has been. I’m not a huge fan of trafficking in cliches, but this team showed a massive amount of heart, the heart of a champion. They outlasted Chicago and its Energizer Bunny youngsters and they came within one game (or a couple minutes, going back to Game 6) of bouncing an Orlando team with far more talent and athleticism while using Scalabrine as their sixth man/main backup at center and both forward slots. They were so thin that they had to take Big Baby (who is about to get PAID) out after one foul as opposed to two. They were forced to rely on Stephon Marbury at times, and even though he rewarded them for it in Game 5 and was by all accounts a perfect soldier during his time here, he was still too rusty and out of his element to live up to it.

All that, and they still were this close to winning the right to get swept by LeBron and the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals. They were tired and banged up and practically patched together with duct tape, yet they just missed winning two playoff rounds. Not too shabby. Of course, the end was bitter and disappointing. But it was a hell of a ride and for that, this group, the 2008-2009 defending NBA champion Boston Celtics, should be commended.

It’s nice to see the Bruins develop a rivalry with the Hurricanes, pretty much courtesy of Scott Walker’s sucker punch of Aaron Ward. Ward was engaged with Matt Cullen before Walker crashed the party (Third Man In) and popped Ward as he was still trying account for Cullen’s whereabouts. In any event, a regular season Carolina game in Boston would generally be a ho-hum affair and just another night on the NHL calendar, albeit with a fair number of Hartford Whalers jerseys in the crowd. Thanks to this series, and specifically Mr. Walker, that will probably change starting next season. Disdain for the opposing team is always good for hockey.

“The most dangerous lead in hockey is a two goal lead.” No truer words can be found. Sure, a two goal lead is great, but it gives a team a false sense of security that can lead to a tie score in less than 90 seconds. Every time the Bruins went up by a deuce in Game 6, Carolina seemed to be on a five-on-five “power play” in the Boston end of the ice with the Bruins missing easy opportunities to clear the puck out of their zone of a countless number of occasions. Tim Thomas was spectacular while denying the Hurricanes the chance to make it a one goal game and blowing the roof off the RBC Center.

Steve Montador can scare the living hell out of any Bruins fan when handling the puck in his own end, but the guy clearly can skate and is effective in the transition game and jumping up into the play in the offensive zone.

Dennis Wideman has been a disappointment this series. Like Montador, he’s not to be trusted in his own zone with the puck, but he usually compensates for that with his offensive skills in the attacking zone. However, even in the offensive zone things don’t seem to be going his way as of late with the puck always seeming to be jumping over his stick or him making an errant pass on the power play. His inability to put the puck on net is now becoming legendary for “Wideleft.” He’s still a skilled a player and can hopefully gain some confidence going forward.

Patrice Bergeron is playing some sound hockey right now. His direct passes to Recchi and Kobasew for goals in Game 6 were pinpoint and almost indefensible by Carolina.

The Hurricanes clearly have no answer for Milan Lucic, who can impose his will on them any time he wants, and that seems to be every time he’s on the ice as of late. How can this guy not be consider the successor to Chara as captain of the Bruins?

Byron Bitz has done a stellar job and his physical play will probably keep Blake Wheeler on the bench for Game 7. Perhaps the Bruins might even give him a normal hockey number during train camp in September?

Okay, prediction time. Power Play has always maintained that a team failing to close out a series in Game 6 at home rarely wins Game 7 on the road and that should hold true Thursday night in Boston in front of what promises to be a raucous crowd. If Carolina doesn’t score first they’re in a heap of trouble as things could spiral out of control for them very quickly. Prediction? Bruins 5, Hurricanes 1.

In hindsight, the timing may have been by design as it gave Thomas a “vote of confidence” by team brass prior to the start of the playoffs. Chiarelli may have realized that the weight of impending contract negotiations may not be ideal for a goaltender gearing up for what was expected to be an extended playoff run. A few soft goals or bad games in the playoffs could potentially have a goalie thinking of future years rather than the task at hand.

Thomas has been more than effective and has looked comfortable in the six playoff games thus far and credit must be given to team management for acting swiftly and decisively in identifying Thomas as a key ingredient for their playoff success this season and going forward, presumably in tandem with the grooming of Tuukka Rask.

By Jeremy Gottlieb

I don’t know about you, but I feel like tonight should be Game 8.

It seems really hard to grasp that the Celtics’ first-round series against the Bulls is over. By the time the third overtime of Game 6 rolled around, I figured that the two teams would just keep playing each other forever, or at least until someone keeled over. And now, it’s over. Let the withdrawal symptoms begin.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy the Celtics won. I’m ecstatic about it, actually. The fact that they were able to stay on their feet throughout all seven of those games plus all seven of those overtimes and wind up the ones that didn’t get knocked out wassupremely impressive. Both teams were so totally staggered, so banged up and so running on fumes by the time Saturday night rolled around, being the one who gave out first was nothing over which to sulk. They showed tremendous character and fortitude in outlasting the Bulls and should be not only commended, but remembered for it, no matter what happens next.

Which leads us to that very question: what is going to happen next? We know that the Orlando Magic, their monster of a center and their wildly oversensitive head coach will invade the Garden tonight for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. And that’s about it. Just as the last series proved to be impossible to predict (even in the end, when it seemed the Celtics and Bulls couldn’t play without at least one extra period, they finished Game 7 in regulation with barely a sliver of the suspense found in the previous three games), what the Celtics may do against Orlando is a complete mystery.

There are at least a couple of possibilities. They could be completely spent from the energy, both physical and mental, expended against the Bulls. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen and Doc Rivers can talk all they want about how playing a ton of minutes doesn’t matter because they’re all basketball players and that’s what they do. Tack on the amount of time played by the Celtics’ starting five to the amount they’ve all played over the course of the season, plus all of last season, when they participated in 26 playoff games, and you have a truckload of minutes. Enough minutes that would add at least a little bit of weight to even the most well-conditioned player’s legs. And on top of that, there’s the emotional toll after a series that featured so many highs and lows that even the most stoic, bloodless guys had to have felt them. The Celtics are exhausted and they may be too gassed to stay with the Magic.

Or, they may be recharged and re-energized. There’s no doubt that the Celts are flying after coming out on top against the Bulls. Even for a team that has been to the heights that the Celts have reached, winning such a battle, especially while playing severely undermanned, has to be totally elating. Now, after showing the kind of heart and resolve on display against Chicago, perhaps they see themselves as world beaters and will play as such. Or maybe they’re just so happy to be rid of the Bulls (especially the hideous Brad Miller andJoakim Noah) that just seeing a different uniform on the other side of the floor will carry them. Who knows?

What is clear, or at least clearer, is that the Celts are going to have to deal with a better, more experienced group. As well as the Bulls played all series long, particularly the duo of Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose, they don’t have anyone who even approaches Orlando’s Dwight Howard. Howard, who on any particular night may well grab 25 rebounds and block seven shots, is an absolute beast, a prototypical center for this era of the pro game. As well as his will to rebound and defend at the highest possible level, he is extremely quick and is able to get around pretty much every big man he faces with ease. He has harnessed that quickness and applied it to his offensive repertoire to the tune of 21 points a game. He can post up or face up and be just as dangerous regardless.

If the Celtics want to win, they may just have to live with giving Howard what he wants. As we all know so well, the Celts’ front line is thin. Kendrick Perkins will have the task of checking Howard and he has to stay out of foul trouble, not just so there will be less need forMikki Moore and Brian Scalabrine on the offensive end but on defense as well, where each of them will be eaten alive before fouling out in 10 minutes. Big Baby Davis had one of his better games of the season against Howard and the Magic, outplaying him on both ends, but that was with KevinGarnett backing him up. Big Baby emerged as a true threat against the Bulls and the Celtics will need all they can get from him in this round, so the less time he has to spend grappling with Howard the better. Howard’s going to get his, so the Celts just have to ensure that everyone else in blue doesn’t.

After Howard, the Magic thin out. Hedo Turkoglu is their next best player, and although he has proven to be somewhat of an assassin at big moments both in these playoffs and before, he’s been playing on a bad wheel that may or may not affect him, particularly when it comes to driving to the basket. The point guard isRafer Alston, a journeyman equally capable of throwing out a great game and a stinker. Rashard Lewis, the team’s highest paid player, was quiet in the Magic’s first-round win over Philly and has appeared to be rather passive in big games. Their starting 2-guard a rookie named Courtney Lee who can really shoot, is out with a fractured sinus. No one on their bench is all that scary, unless you count Duke alum/slow, no-position, long range gunner J.J.Redick scary. Second-year big guy Marcin Gortat, did put up 11 points and 15 boards in place of the suspended Howard in the clincher against the Sixers so given the Celts’ depleted frontcourt, they may need to pay him some mind.

The point is that these are the guys the Celts have to make beat them. Despite Howard’s mammoth presence up front, the Magic are a perimeter-oriented outfit. They shoot three after three after three with a lot of screen and roll up top to freeTurkoglu and Lewis for open looks, as well as a fair amount drive and kick stuff too. There won’t be as much ball movement as the Bulls employed and Orlando doesn’t have nearly the team speed that the Bulls had. Although they will get out and run from time to time, these factors play into the Celts’ hands.Rajon Rondo, who must be considered among the league’s elite point guards after his performance against the Bulls, shouldn’t have too tough a time against Alston, and both Pierce and Allen are likely to be able to operate a little bit more freely against the Magic’s D, which won’t be as quick or aggressive as the Bulls’ was. Orlando probably caught on to the fact that Pierce’s worst moments in the last round were when he was trapped or at least doubled at the three-point line so seeing that approach won’t be surprising. And a more consistent effort from the bench, thin as it is and Eddie House’s perfect Game 7 notwithstanding, would be nice, though saying that is like hoping for rain in the midst of a drought.

So that’s what next. I’m not particularly ready to leave the Bulls series behind just yet (and by the way, as great a series as it was, and man was it amazing, it was not one of the best series of all time for the simple fact that it was just the first round – move it up a couple rounds and we’re onto something) but as gratifying and meaningful as it was, it’s now history. It was one step, even if it felt like 20. And now, another task is at hand. It’s a task the Celts will handle – they take the Magic in six.

As the number one seed, the Bruins will face the lowest remaining seed remaining after two Game 7s finish tomorrow evening. Let’s take a quick look at the three possibilities next in line for the Bruins.

Rangers # 7: Couldn’t close out the Capitals in Game 6 at home which will be prove to be fatal for them. Teams rarely recover from this missed opportunity and go on to win on the road in Game 7. The 2001 Devils and the 2004 Flames both had a chance to win the Stanley Cup on home ice in Game 6. They both squandered the opportunity and lost Game 7 on the road. Ditto for the Rangers tomorrow night.

Hurricanes # 6: They’ve played the Devils honorably thus far. However, beating Marty Brodeur in his home building in a Game 7 will prove to be a daunting task. They’ll play with grit but will ultimately lose a close, hard-fought game.

Penguins # 5: With the Rangers and Hurricanes predicted to be on the short end of their respective Game 7s, the Pittsbugh Penguins, along with their explosive offensive arsenal will be the lowest remaining seed still standing and be headed to Boston later in the week for the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

By Jeremy Gottlieb

Four games down and it feels like 24. One blowout sandwiched among three total nail biters, the most recent of which was an absolute classic. What more can the Celtics and Bulls possibly give us? Yet there are at least two, potentially three more games to play (and believe me, this series is going seven) and if those games follow anything close to the same path the rest of the series has, ESPN Classic may have to rethink its strategy of showing nothing but reruns of the World Series of Poker. The series has had its fair share of intriguing plotlines, from the explosion of Derrick Rose to Rajon Rondo’s taking the next step, to Paul Pierce’s surprising amount of lethargy in three of the four games to the emergence of Joakim Noah as a supervillian (the thought here is that he’s involved in at least one fracas before the series is over). And as entertaining as each of the first three games were in their own ways, none of them combined added up to what we got from Game 4, a relentlessly “can you top this,” type of contest that alternately blissfully and painfully seemed to never end. It was playoff basketball at its finest, one of the best, most competitive games of the year, a true test of wills that ended with the Bulls winning 121-118 in double overtime.

Early on, things were mundane at best. It took Pierce, who was absolutely blistering hot to start Game 3, until almost halfway through the second quarter to score his first points. Kendrick Perkins, who seems to have Noah’s number in the low post, was the Celts’ most reliable option at this point, and he, along with Rondo, carried the load while Pierce was taking his time waking up in time for the noon central time start and Ray Allen got untracked. Meanwhile, as happened so often during the season, the bench turned a slim, first quarter lead into a 16-2 Bulls run practically on cue in the early stages of the second quarter. It was quite dispiriting to see Stephon Marbury and Mikki Moore, after each of their solid performances in Game 3, return to the ranks of the irrelevant at best, hopelessly lost/overmatched at worst.

The Bulls were certainly not the same team that stunk out the gym in Game 3. They were much looser, more focused and calmer. Their energy, which was nonexistent Thursday night, gave the Celts fits, especially on the defensive end, particularly when it came to Pierce. And speaking of energy, the game also marked the official emergence of Tyrus Thomas as a certifiable beast. Thomas was all over the place, adding to his league-leading playoff blocked shot total, in on every rebound, ferocious on defense, particularly down low and pretty much just jumping through the roof. All the talk about Rose and his enormous talent is certainly justified, but if Thomas, who also has hit a few big shots in the series, continues to develop, he will be an all-star several times over.

Pierce and Allen both hit a few shots in the waning stages of the first half but for the Celts, it was all about Rondo. He hit the break with 11 points, six rebounds and six assists, and continued to be the best player on the floor wearing a green uniform. On defense, he was a one man swarm, holding Rose pretty much in check (at least temporarily) while keeping up his furious pace on the glass and doing all of the little things that any team needs to win. On the ABC telecast, both Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy were falling all over themselves praising Rondo for everything short of doing cartwheels, all of it perfectly justified. And even though Pierce made just three of 10 shots and Allen took only four in the half, the Celtics were ahead going into the locker room.

The second half started quite similarly to the first, with the Celts confounding propensity for sluggish starts rearing its head again. They missed nine of their first 10 shots in the third quarter but were bailed out by the Bulls’ youth and inexperience. The hosts couldn’t get out of their own way, committing seven turnovers and sending the Celts to the line 12 times in the quarter. Worse, Rose was playing passive which made up for the facts that Pierce again couldn’t get going and Big Baby, such a crucial offensive weapon for the Celts since his man doubles off him and he’s wide open all the time, was suffering through a horrendous shooting day. It seemed as though the Bulls wouldn’t be able to capitalize on their best chance of the day to send the Celts home and the Celts took advantage when Pierce got hot toward the end of the quarter and they ended the frame on a 12-0 run.

The fourth quarter was when things started to enter a different realm. Big Baby and Bulls’ big man Brad Miller got into a near-scuffle and it ignited Rose. Suddenly, the player who owned Game 1 was back. Rose was trying to take the game over and if it wasn’t for Rondo, who was careening toward another triple-double, he may well have done it. Meanwhile, Perk, who averages 1.5 moving pick fouls per game, committed his second one of the game and fouled out. I love Perk and how he’s developed over the past couple of years, but it would not be asking too much for him to learn how to set a legal screen. Anyway, his expulsion from the proceedings robbed the Celts of their only real shot blocker and their second best rebounder (if anyone wants to argue that Rondo is not their best right now, please feel free to bring it). This lack of a defensive presence in the paint opened things up for Rose even more and he took advantage.

Down the stretch, with Rondo still controlling things and Big Baby’s shooting struggles extending into the post, where he missed three layups between the final quarter and second overtime, Allen started to make his presence felt. He hit a three in the final two minutes so naturally, with the Bulls up three with just under 10 seconds to play, it seemed a foregone conclusion that he’d be getting the ball. What wasn’t so obvious was that the Bulls defense on the play would be so bad. Both Noah and Thomas got caught in a screen set by Big Baby and Allen’s look from the right wing was wide open. He buried the shot and we were on to the first OT.

Soon after extra session No. 1 began, Rondo had the triple-double. He’s now averaging one for the series, only the fourth player to ever do that, and the first Celtic since Larry Bird in 1986 to have two in the same series. Allen drilled a couple more from long range and Rose was beginning to lag. When they went up five with two minutes left, it felt like the Celts would survive. But Ben Gordon, who put on the best Andrew Toney impression in Game 2 since Andrew Toney, had bounced back from a sore hamstring to make a couple of big shots in the overtime, including a swooping runner high off the glass over both Big Baby and Tony Allen that defied logic. Ahead by two, Pierce made a free throw then missed his second one of the series that would have ended the game with nine seconds left. Just as it was a no-brainer for Allen to take the shot at the end of regulation, so too was it that Gordon would get the ball at the end of the overtime. The Bulls called his number, he barely shook free of Pierce, launched an off-balance bomb from the right wing and nailed it. What goes around comes around and we were headed for another extra frame.

There was some suspense in OT, version 2.0, but not as much as there had been. The Celtics were the team that seemed to have had its spirit broken, not the youthful, inexperienced Bulls. John Salmons, who was awful in the first half, made two big shots, scored six of the Bulls 11 points in the frame and rung up two huge defensive plays on Pierce, one a strip while Pierce was driving with the Bulls up two and the second a partial block of Pierce’s last-second three-point heave. Rose and Gordon each had a couple more big moments and even though Pierce made a huge three to cut the Bulls lead to one, making the thought of a third overtime very real with about 15 seconds left, it just wasn’t going to happen, despite the heroics of both Rondo and Allen. Both teams had multiple chances to win and both teams probably should have won before it was all said and done. The Bulls just made one more shot than the Celts did, the way it usually goes down in the best games.

So what do the Celts need to do going forward? They need Pierce to play more like he did in Game 3, for starters. Sure, the Bulls are playing him extremely well, trapping and harassing him when they can and siccing defensive maven Kirk Hinrich on him when they can’t. But his energy and intensity just don’t seem right which is very confusing. He must step up, which we all know he can if he so chooses. They also need to tighten up defensively. They were positively demonic on D in Game 3 and for stretches yesterday. But there were missed assignments and slow rotations at crucial points yesterday as well and that sort of thing needs to be eliminated.

Still, there isn’t that much to complain about. It was a very tough loss and naturally, it’s far better to be coming home up 3-1 than tied 2-2. But it was such a great game, so worthy of all the praise one can dish out, so exhilarating and infuriating and exhausting and magnificent all at once that the final outcome seems less important. It will be pretty hard for any of the remaining games to live up to Game 4. But it can’t hurt to hope.

By Mike Brilliant and Tom Scott

Tom:

Great end to the first half. Good to see the team extend the league with Rondo on the bench. Was the celtics demise greatly exagerated?

Mike:

The Celtics were being counted out by most experts. Going in to tonight’s game, the Bulls were even money to win this series. And what about all that talk of Pierce being too tired, too run down and the victim of over 200 games in the past 20 months?

The key to the first half was Pierce getting off early and the Celtics playing their championship defense. It seemed like Boston was creating turnovers on every other possession, and they got to just about every loose ball.

Rondo turned in another awesome effort and even Marbury created a spark off the bench tonight that we all expected from Day 1.

Tom, what do the Celtics need to do in the second half to continue their success?

Tom:

Defense and ball movement. The first half defense was great. The bulls shot 33% and they were taking at least 15 seconds a possession in order to get a shot off. Keep the defensive intensity and the hustle to loose balls. On offense, it’s the ball movement. They had about a five minute stretch in the first half when it was Paul Pierce isolation offense from 2005. There’s no need to repeat that again.

Give me your two things that make you confident and two things that still concern you going forward?

Mike:

I really like how Rondo is running the team. Right from the get-go, it seemed like Rondo was running after every defensive board. Rose has received all of the publicity this series, but Rondo has clearly outplayed him. He has been the MVP of the series so far.

I also loved the way the Celtics came out and played defense. You expect it from Rondo and Perkins, but even Big Baby was moving his feet and blocking shots. The Bulls had over 20 turnovers. Many of those were self inflicted, but the Celtics force many more with their aggressiveness.

It’s tough to criticize a team that wins on the road by 30, but I’m a bit concerned about their big man situation. As noted before, Mikki Moore is a human foul machine and is really the only reserve big man. I know Scalabrine is back…but he hasn’t played in two months.

Tom Scott:

Big Baby had a great game, he is getting better and better. The man is incredibly light on his feet. He looked good with that finger roll the other day and tonight he had some nifty moves. As an aside, with NFL draft coming up, could big baby have become Antonio Gates? He’s got great feet and is quicker than he looks.

The other plus item was clearly the defense. They came out with much better focus on defense. I think part of it was the “us against the world on the road” metality but the other half was effort. They shut down the lane, challenged most shots and made the Bulls work hard.

On the downside, Pierce and Ray Allen had a combined total of one rebound and zero assists. They did play good D tonight but it would be nice for them to contribute in these other categories. The Celtics’ best games this year involved these two stuffing the stat sheet

Prediction for Game 4?

Mike:

To beat the same team they just blew out on the road will be a tall task for the Celtics. Chicago will have three days to think about how bad they were, which should prove to be the ultimate motivation. Saying that, if the Celtics play stellar defense and the starters stay out of foul trouble, there’s no reason they shouldn’t have a good chance to win.

By Mike Brilliant and Tom Scott

Editor’s Note: With two playoff games in the books, I’ve solicited the contributions of two former writers for the Full Court Press to chip in with playoff coverage. Last season, they gave us their back and forth opinions in a regular column called the “Give and Go”. Thankfully, Mike and Tom “the Chest” Scott are back. As noted in the past, these guys are all about the basketball.

Tom Scott:

With Game 2 over, another thriller, the question is – Are the bulls a good #7 seed or are the Celtics just a bad #2 seed?

Mike:

There have been many first round series that have been much closer than anyone expected. Off the top of my head, I can remember the Celtics being involved in quite a few. There was Cleveland back in the mid-eighties. Indiana in 1991 and 1992.

Having said that, I think the Bulls are comparable with the Hawks and the Heat who are the #4 and #5 seeds respectively. Since the acquisitions of Brad Miller and John Salmons, Da Bulls are playing well over .500 basketball. Chicago could be this year’s Atlanta.

So what is/are the Celtics’ problem(s)?

Tom Scott:

Chicago is even better than that. They might be equal to Orlando. They finished the season 14-7 since March 4th. Orlando was 15-7 and the Celtics were15-6. So clearly they came together after the trade while Rose got used to the league (what rookie wall?). They really remade that team nicely by getting rid of Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden and Nocioni. Brad Miller and John Salmons really round out the team. Salmons is playing good defense on Pierce. They are definitely a team on the rise.

That being said, Boston’s problems really arise from one major issue – Defense. The Bulls are getting transition points all of over the place by out-hustling the Celtics on the break. After the first 8 minutes of Game 2 until the end of the half, the Bulls were pushing when they could. It also helps that they are more athletic than the Celtics.

The help defense is also a problem. Without KG, they are not able to rotate quick enough and to help protect, like when Rose blew by Rondo all throughout Game 1. Then Chicago put up 115 points in Game 2 and they shot 50%. This is way above the average they allowed all season.

I also have to wonder: What happened to the bench?

Mike:

I agree. The Boston defense over the last two games has been their biggest problem. Giving up 115 points per game is not going to win you many playoff games. Also, Ben Gordon was getting far too many open looks. The Celtics didn’t really pay attention to him until it was too late. He was totally “en fuego.”

Regarding the Boston bench, they obviously didn’t do a great job in the first half of Game 2. Once Rondo and Perkins came out of the game, the Celtics blew their double digit lead almost immediately. It seems like the only players I truly trust off the bench are Eddie House and Leon Powe. Um, make that just House as we won’t be seeing Leon on the floor anytime soon after he tore his left ACL.

Rondo and Perkins were superb in the first half. Their replacements, Stephon Marbury and Mikki Moore? Not so much. I’ll start with Moore. You would think that he should be able to match up with Noah (athletic, slim build) and Brad Miller (a jump shooter). But Moore is a human fouling machine that can’t rebound and can’t seem to grasp the Celtics’ defensive concept.

As for Marbury, not only is he tentative going to hoop, but he somehow lost his outside shot. We know he can’t play on the ball defense, so the Celtics appear to be left with Sebastian Telfair all over again.

Doc Rivers didn’t do the starters any favors either. It seemed like House was the only significant bench player who received minutes in the second half. By the end of the game, it seemed like the offense was stagnant probably due mostly to fatigue. Pierce wasn’t going to the hoop at all. Then again, I’m not sure I can attribute that to fatigue or the lack of calls he’s been getting all series from these minor league NBA refs.

All that said, if there was one guy who should have played more, it’s Tony Allen. As hot as Gordon was in the fourth quarter, why wouldn’t you put Allen on him? I asked the same question in Game 1 when Rose went off for 36.

What’s your forecast for Game 3? Will the Celtics’ road woes from last year’s playoffs continue?

Tom Scott:

I agree on TA. I was wondering if he was hurt. He would have been a good matchup for Gordon and would have been useful on Rose on Saturday.

I think they can win one in Chicago but I’m not sure it will be Game 3. The crowd will be crazy and the team will definitely feed off that. I guess the biggest hope is that perhaps the Bulls will read their own clippings and may not have the same focus they had in Boston. Conversely, maybe the Celtics can rally around themselves and try to survive in a hostile environment.

Ultimately, they need the defense to be better and they need the offensive movement they had in Game 2. Ray Allen finally decided to move in the second half and it showed. In Game 1 and in the first half of Game 2, he stood around. He wasn’t doing what made him successful, i.e. coming off picks, moving and finding the soft spots.

What happened to Pierce in Game 2? He looked out of the game.

Mike:

Pierce looked like he was exhausted. How else to explain why he got his jumper blocked by a point guard, Derrick Rose, late in the game? He also was very hesitant to drive to the basket all throughout the game. Then the few times he did, the refs didn’t give him a single call.

Pierce played 43 minutes on Saturday. This is fine, because the game went into overtime, which added 5 minutes to his total. But Doc really put a lot of pressure on the starters Monday with his non-existent substitutions. I remember Doc blew a game by leaving his starters in all second half during Game 2 in 2005 versus Indiana. He’s lucky it didn’t cost him on Monday.

Tom Scott:

Pierce got outhustled on the block and the out of bounds save and looked like he was out of energy. Now with Powe out, using the bench effectively will be important. They need to continue with rotating substitutions rather than bringing on four bench guys at once. They’ll probably use Marbury on Rose but they might be better off letting him take Hinrich to the hoop and abuse him a bit. Generally speaking, Stephon and Eddie House both need to step up big on Thursday.

Coming attractions on FCP: More “Give and Go” with post-game analysis of Game 3

By Kevin Henkin

Although this has nothing to do with the Bulls or even the Celtics, I thought it was worth mentioning nonetheless:

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal had a piece that embarrassingly fawned all over the Los Angeles Lakers and their semi-passionate fan base. My favorite nugget of information gleaned from the article was the fact that, according to one Los Angeles insurance carrier, at least 350 pets in the LA area are named after Kobe Bryant.

Hmm. Actually, I think it makes far more sense for Celtics fans to name their dogs after Kobe because it would provide everyone with a constant source of amusement whenever discipline was required . “Oh no! Kobe Bryant just peed all over the floor! Bad Kobe !” Or “No! No! No! Kobe , how many times have I told you not to eat your own poop!” Or “Fer Crissakes, Kobe Bryant just ran away with my dirty underwear again!” And finally: “Kobe, leave that poor woman’s leg alone! That’s disgusting!”

Moving along, some might call this the blatant recycling of old material. I prefer to view it as a fond reminiscence of those heady days of the title run of last spring. Here are some random Rolling Observations I made during a couple of the playoff games I attended last year. They’re about a few specific players that I happen to find myself missing these days:

Kevin Garnett (from Game 1 of the Cleveland series):

Anderson Varejao draws a hard foul. While at the line, the crowd starts a “Sideshow Bob” chant. It’s funny because it’s true. Sideshow Bob can’t cover Kevin Garnett either.

Leon Powe (from Game 1 of the Atlanta series):

Just when the crowd seems to be getting a little sleepy, Leon Powe wakes them up with an eye-popping jam against double coverage, including Josh Smith. I’m pretty sure Leon Powe could muscle a slam through a truck full of fast drying concrete. This from a guy who couldn’t get on the floor at the beginning of the season. Now he’s clearly an important (if unheralded outside of Boston) part of the rotation.

James Posey (from Game 1 against Atlanta):

After a Joe Johnson three, James Posey responds seconds later with his own three, then grabs the rebound on the next defensive possession. This reminds me of the words of his former coach Pat Riley offered earlier this season in the bowels of this very building. After a drubbing by the Celtics, when asked to reflect on the loss of James Posey (due to salary cap considerations), Riley said, “James Posey is a big shot, big game, big time player.” True, that.

Sam Cassell (from Game 1 against Cleveland):

Sam Cassell knocks down his first jumper after talking some smack to Delonte West. Although I couldn’t catch the full exchange, it was something about West’s mother being overweight and crashing through the wall yelling Kool-Aid.

and:

After a Cleveland miss, Sam Cassell of all people tears away the rebound and is subsequently knocked to the floor by Ilgauskas. The big Lithuanian knees Cassell in the head for good measure, but Cassell knees the Cavs in the groin by knocking down his free throws.

Coming attractions on FCP: The revival of the “Give and Go” by Mike Brilliant and Tom “the Chest” Scott

By Kevin Henkin

The NBA: Where Immense Frustration Happens. Ugh. Where to begin? With some salient facts, I suppose, which are as follows:

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics at home in Game 1 of their first round playoff series, in overtime, by a score of 105-103.

Bulls rookie point guard Derrick Rose submitted a performance for the ages. In 49 minutes of play, he recorded 36 points on 12-19 shooting to go with 11 assists. He also hit all 12 of his free throws.

Rajon Rondo was almost as magnificent with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

Ray Allen, meanwhile, was horrid. Yes, he missed the shot on a good look at the end of overtime that would have tied it for Boston but it was his overall line of 4 points on 1-12 shooting (including 0-6 from deep waters) that spoke volumes. With Kevin Garnett out, the Celtics simply cannot afford to have Ray Allen become invisible for another playoff series.

Joakim Noah hauled in 17 rebounds to go with his 11 points and 3 blocks. Noah in particular seemed to swallow up Glen Davis whenever Baby approached anywhere near the basket. Brad Miller grabbed another 12 boards off the bench. For the game, Chicago out-rebounded Boston by a margin of 66-57. The effort by the Bulls on the glass was certainly among the primary deciding factors.

Paul Pierce had a lackluster first half, scoring only 4 points before coming alive in the third quarter and beyond. For the game, he finished with 23 points on 8-21 shooting. What he’ll be remembered for most, however, was missing the second of two free throws with 2 seconds left in regulation. Hitting the shot would have sent the Bulls packing. Instead, the miss left the game tied at 97 all. In the subsequent overtime, Tyrus Thomas seemed to become Ray Allen by connecting on multiple contested outside jumpers whereas Ray Allen seemed to become Tony Allen, suffering form a sustained poor shooting touch as well as a nasty case of butterfingers at the most crucial of times.

Now for some musings beyond the numbers:

I think anyone watching the game had to feel very early on that the Celtics were not submitting a playoff level of intensity. Doc Rivers admitted as much during his in-game comments to ESPN. I remain mystified by this. As a team without its emotional leader and defensive anchor, the Celtics obviously realize that their margin for error, even against a lesser team like the Bulls, has shrunk considerably. Therefore, one would think that no one in a Celtics uniform would ever be seen – on the parquet floor, no less – TAKING PLAYS OFF. And yet that’s exactly what happened on numerous occasions over the course of the game.

Take, for example, the last play of the first half. With time winding down, Ben Gordon launched a three point shot from the top of the key. When the shot left his hands, only Brad Miller moved towards the basket. When the shot bounced wide to the left with one second left, it fell into the hands of the advancing Miller, who laid it in easily just before time expired. Replays showed that no Celtics players were even in the lane when Miller received the ball, with most of them still stuck to the floor exactly where they were when Gordon launched the shot. It was an inexcusable collective lack of effort that ended up costing the Celtics dearly later in the game.

There were other examples, such as a Rajon Rondo drive just inside the three minute mark of the third quarter. On that play, Rondo took a deep rebound and charged full steam up the court against a back-peddling Bulls defense. Again, replays showed that the only other Celtics player even within twenty feet behind him was Ray Allen as the lagging trailer. Meanwhile, the other Boston players – Pierce, Davis and Kendrick Perkins – all jogged up the court behind the play. Left alone, Rondo stubbornly charged hard into the heart of the Chicago defense with the hopes of drawing a foul. He turned the ball over instead.

These are the plays that I cannot erase from my mind, and believe me, there were others worthy of scrutiny. Look, we all know that losing playoff games at home is going to happen. It just shouldn’t ever come down to a lack of proper effort. Yes, it’s true that Derrick Rose played out of his mind. It’s also true that the officials were regrettably a factor. Hell, an entire article could be devoted to exploring their gross incompetence displayed over the course of this game. Leading the charge was Bennett Salvatore, the man you may well remember for calling the ludicrous offensive foul against Paul Pierce in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Detroit last year.

Regardless, if we’re going to assign blame, accusing fingers should be pointed first and foremost at everyone in a Celtics uniform not named Rajon Rondo. Outside of the young point guard, who nearly dragged his team to victory all by himself, all other Celtics players were guilty of either inexcusably dogging it on occasion or submitting a sub-par overall performance. Ray Allen, as noted above, was beyond ineffective. So too were Eddie House, Glen Davis, Stephon Marbury and – to a lesser degree – Paul Pierce.

In the wake of the news that Garnett was likely a scratch for the playoffs, the Celtics players to a man said all the right things. Don’t count us out. We’re still playing for a title. Sounds great in front of the microphones but now it has to be backed up on the basketball court. That includes the entire forty-eight minutes of the game, by the way. Forget all the doomsday prognostications about Cleveland or even Orlando. Chicago is the team that presently stands in the way of a successful title defense. Get past them and maybe we can resume discussing of likelihood of an upset against the vaunted Cleveland Cavaliers.

To be continued…