This World Cup was a bit better this year than it was for the Americans in 2006, when they didn’t even make it to the knockout round.  This year they had a thrilling come from behind tie against Slovenia.  Following that, they needed a win against Algeria to get into the knockout round.  And they did that.  In dramatic fashion nonetheless.  In the 91st minute, Landon Donovan scored one of the more memorable goals in US soccer history.  And below is reaction from around the globe to the goal.

The 7-9 batters have been rather lacking on paper the last few weeks. We’ve seen Gardner, Russo, Pena. Gardner, Cervelli, Russo. You name it, we’ve seen it. Just wait until Jorge Posada and Nick Johnson are back playing everyday. Now, we’re not likely to see NJ for awhile, but even just getting Posada back fulltime will be a big boost. Don’t get me wrong, Gardner has been incredible, Cervelli has still shown flashes even during this “cooldown” period, but having a Russo or a Pena in there everyday is weak. Once this lineup has those two parts back, you know starting pitchers are going to grinded down, especially with Nick Johnson’s patience and great eye.

Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez haven’t taken off yet. I mean, can you EVEN IMAGINE, what this team would be doing if these two were even having just GOOD years? Let that settle in for a second. Coming into Saturday, A-Rod was homering every 28.9 at bats on average. That’s DOUBLE the amount of at bats for his career! Frightening I know, but like last year, we have to assume he’ll heat up after he is back to 100% from this hip/groin thing. As for Tex, his numbers are pretty decent since May 26th coming into Sunday’s game. While only hitting .264, he is getting on base at a .385 clip. Of his 23 hits in 87 at bats, 9 of them went for extra bases. If Teixeira doesn’t got 3 for 4 every game, people really only look at his batting average and consider him to still be struggling. But with that grand slam on Sunday, he’s starting to sharpen things up.

Mark Teixeira has struggled, and the Yankees are still winning a lot of ball games.

We know Derek Jeter can be better. He hasn’t batted below .300 since 2004. He’s never had a OBP below .352. He’s the consummate professional and hasn’t looked old and over matched. He’ll heat up at some point too; he’s as sure a thing as there is.

Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves return will be huge as well. Aceves was such a key reliever for the Yankees last year when they were looking for a go to guy. Phil Hughes wasn’t flipped yet. Brian Bruney was hurt. And it was Ace who got New York through May and parts of June. He doesn’t have the most devastating stuff, but his control is great. And Mitre has learned to control his sinker, which is his #1 pitch. When you can get your #1 pitch to go where you want it, all your secondary stuff can be mixed in accordingly and effectively. These two guys will provide some relief to a shaky bullpen outside of Mariano Rivera, and for now, David Robertson.

So all in all, this Yankee team is already off to a great start. They have the best record in Major League Baseball, even considering all the injuries and cold everyday guys. They arguably have the best pitching rotation in baseball. Their hitting still is top 5 in many major categories. This team is going to play even better and get even hotter. The 2010 New York Yankees, as I’ve mentioned, will be a special team…a team, that still hasn’t scratched the surface. We ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

For the Title Games, we’ve got the best of the NFC and the best quarterback in the game going against the best defense.  Hopefully, THIS is the fun playoff weekend.

#5 Jets vs. #1 Colts.

J-E-T….ok, I’m sure you’ve heard that enough this week.  Anyways, this is the Cinderella run we see every year in the NFL playoffs.  The Jets are riding an extremely hot running game and defense to boot.  The defense found a way to bend but not break in the first half, yielding only 7 points and frustrating Philip Rivers and the Charger offense.  Then in the second half Mark Sanchez made the throws he needed to and the running game finally got going as Shonn Greene exploded for another big TD to seal the deal.  The Jets defense has to do the same thing they did to Phil Rivers, give him 9, but not 39.  No big plays, make him earn every little bit.  That should keep them in the game as the Colts are dead last in running the football.  And for the Jets offense, keep it simple with the run.  The one thing that has been key for the Jets passing offense is the protection of Sanchez.  As a Jets fan, you worry about Sanchez making mistakes under pressure.  But quite frankly, over the last 2 games, he’s been barely been touched which helps his decision making process MUCH MUCH easier, which is why he has been effective when needed to throw.  If the run enough, and protect the rookie, I think they have a great, great shot.

To me, the Colts continue to do this with smoke and mirrors.  Their run game is the worst in the league.  And their getting it done with guys like Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon.  Of course, all this is made possible by Peyton Manning who seemingly makes everyone around him a possibility for Canton.  As much as they dominated the game against the Ravens, the offense was rather quiet and hardly close to sharp.  If the Jets can keep Peyton Manning eyes 10 yards down field or less, things will not bode well for Indy.  And for the defense, it’s not hard to stop one player, when ABSOLUTELY NO ONE else on the field is a threat (yes you Ray Rice).  Same kind of goes for this Jet team; they’re one dimensional as well.  However, they at least have some weapons.  For the Colts, if they get out to an early lead and pick up the Jets blitz, they’ll hold on.

Prediction: Colts 24 Jets 13

#2 Vikings vs. #1 Saints

Hello!  First time in awhile where we’ve seen this absolute best the NFC has to offer, go after it.  Favre.  Brees.  Should be a blast.  Last week, the Vikings methodically picked apart the Cowboys.  Favre had all day.  The receivers were wide open.  And the front four rattled the cage of the Dallas O-Line and Tony Romo.  The one lacking element recently: Adrian Peterson.  Where has he been?  He must show his face tomorrow if the Vikings are to win.  With Percy Harvin’s availability in question, the Saints offense clearly has the edge.  Therefore, the running game will be the life or death of the Purple and Gold.  Another big question:  can you trust anyone besides the Front 4 of Minny?  Another question that’ll be answered: Can Brees thwart their D Front with  his quick release.  Lot of work for the Vikings to get done, especially on the road to head to the Super Bowl.

Welcome back in on the fun New Orleans.  We missed you.  Well, you can put those last 3 games of the regular season in the garbage disposal because boy did they come to play on Saturday.  From the opening quarter, Brees and the offense clicked.  They hit Warner and created turnovers on defense.  If the defense plays the way it has all year, they’re gonna win this game.  With the home crowd on their side and seemingly having their mojo back, they’ve got the edge in this one.  If they protect Brees and win the turnover battle; they’ll be heading to Miami.

Prediction:  Saints 31 Vikings 24

#3 Cowboys vs. #2 Vikings

Easily the best matchup on paper for this weekend.  I expect a good one.  The Cowboys offense has been tremendous.  They’ve run with all their guns; Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and even Tashard Choice got in on the fun.  This allowed their offense to be balanced last week against the Eagles.  Miles Austin, Jason Witten, and heck even Roy Williams made a few big plays, streaking up the middle of the field.  That’s when you know you are in trouble.  And defensively, WOW, they continue to get pressure with their D-Line, allowing their back line to max cover, making it very tough to score on them.  DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer have done a great job of getting to the quarterback, without needing a blitz.  You can’t deny that Dallas is as hot as it gets in the NFC.  Everything is going strong for them.

For Minnesota, they failed miserably down the stretch.  They lost 3 of their last 4, with their only win coming against a sad Giants team in the last week of the season.  However, the Vikings are an impressive 8-0 at home this season.  One thing the Cowboys haven’t done lately is play from behind.  They haven’t trailed in their last five games.  If Minnesota gets ahead early, watch out, because the Dallas balance on offense may alter quickly.  The Vikings O-Line hasn’t been good at all lately; whether it be run block or pass protection, they haven’t played up to par.  Quite frankly, they better today if they want to win.  Will we see “Playoff Favre” today?  You know him, makes lots of mistakes..loses bad playoff games.  If he shows up, it’s over.  However, he’s played within the Vikes system and it has work very well.  I think the Cowboys are due for a loss.  We’ve seen teams get hot and go into the playoffs and win the Super Bowl and we’ve also seen these same teams fizzle out and only go so far.  Today is that day for the Cowboys.

Prediction: Vikings 27 Cowboys 21

#5 Jets vs. #2 Chargers

The Jets came off a masterful performance against the Bengals from last Saturday.  They ran the ball with Shonn Greene.  Dustin Keller and Jericho Cotchery made big plays.  The defense got turnovers and key stops late in the game.  And most importantly, Mark Sanchez AKA “The Sanchize”, played extremely well.  He wasn’t asked to do much but he went 12/15 for 180+ yards and a TD.  The perfect offensive storm for coach Rex Ryan.  For the Jets, the gameplan will be much the same.  The Charger defense is solid but it can certainly be run against.  That will be the key again for the Jets; if Sanchez throws less than 25 times, there’s a good chance they win the game.  If he has to throw 30 or 35+ times, they’re dead.

For the Chargers, they own the heralded title of “Hottest Team in Football”.  They finished the season on a big winning streak rolling into a home bye.  They can gun the ball and their run attack is good enough with the speedy Darren Sproles and the veteran wiliness of LaDainian Tomlinson.  As long as Phil Rivers can hold his own against the Jets blitz, the Chargers should win this game handily.  Darrelle Revis will be locked on Vincent Jackson, so he will likely be limited but as long as Rivers works in Sproles and Antonio Gates in the passing game, they should be fine.  Defensively, stop the run and put pressure on the rookie QB.  They’re the home team and as long as they don’t turn the ball over themselves, they should cruise.

Prediction: Chargers 28 Jets 13

#4 Cardinals vs. #1 Saints

I think I just caught my breath from that 2nd half of the Packers Cardinals game.  Ok, Kurt Warner played the best game at quarterback that I’ve ever seen, if not all time.  Even with Anquan Boldin out, Early Doucet stepped in and played brilliantly notching two touchdowns.  Warner had more touchdown passes (5) than incompletions (4).  Incredible stuff.  It feels like January ’09 all over again.  Guys were wide open over the middle of the field and made it extremely easy for Warner.  If their defense can make a few stops this week against the Saints, they could pull off the upset.

For the Saints, it’s time to wake up from their deep slumber.  Losers of their last three, including blowing a 17 point lead at home to the Bucs and losing in overtime, the Saints have been brutal.  Their offense has slowed a bit and the defense has been exposed, giving up lots of yardage and points, especially through the air.  Their offense will get their fair share of points but their defense must come up with stops as well, which is where the key lies for these two teams.  Whoever turns the ball over the most, probably loses.

Prediction: Cardinals 31 Saints 28

#6 Ravens vs. #1 Colts

Oh boy, did the Ravens ever put a whipping on the New England Patriots last week…in Foxboro!  And for Baltimore, Ray Rice was the focal point.  22 carries, 159 yards and 2 TDs, including an 83 yard one on the first play from scrimmage.  Joe Flacco only had to throw 10 times thanks to a 24-0 lead after 1 quarter of play.  The defense played very well and forced several turnovers.  This week, it won’t be that easy.  They have to play the best quarterback in the game in Peyton Manning and Joe Flacco will probably have to throw more than 10 times (and complete more than just 4 passes).  Reports have surfaced that Flacco is battling a hip problem, one so bad that he had to stand the whole flight home from their Week 17 game at Oakland.  Ray Rice will have to have an insane game because quite frankly, their receivers have been awful in addition to Flacco’s injury.

For the Colts, can they overcome their playoff bye week failures?  Three times this decade they’ve had a bye in the first round of the playoffs, then proceeded to fall in the divisional round at home.  After losing their last two games, it seems once again that the deck is stacked against them.  However, the one factor they have is that Peyton Manning seems to be in that ’06 form of finding ways to win those close games, rather than in years past where they just blew teams away and were surprised when a team smacked them back in the mouth.  This year he’s done with the usual suspects like Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, but also has used some unknowns like Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, who have turned into key players.  For the Colts, run your offense and stuff Ray Rice; that’s the formula for victory.  However, if we see turnovers early by the Indy offense, and “Playoff Manning” makes an appearance, they could be cooked.  But Manning seems to be on his game this year.

Prediction:  Colts 26 Ravens 14

#6 Ravens vs. #3 Patriots

The only playoff matchup that is not a rematch from Week 17.  The Patriots held off the Ravens up in Foxboro back in Week 4.  Obviously, one of the biggest points of this game is the loss of the Patriots Wes Welker.  Also not helping the situation is that Tom Brady has been playing with a banged up finger and broken ribs for most of the season.  The good news: they still have Randy Moss and guys like Kevin Faulk….oh yea and I hear their head coach has a decent track record too.  I know the Ravens is still good and this year it did enough to get in the playoffs; but this isn’t the same defense that devastated offenses for the better part of a decade.  Don’t get me wrong; they are still good, but this is not the 2000 Raven defense that won a Super Bowl.  Therefore, I still like the Pats to put up a good amount of points.

For the Ravens, I think they will struggle on offense.  Their whole offense is Ray Rice.  Their receivers are either old or are underachieving big time this year.  Couple that with a 2nd year quarterback who is not playing at the same level as last year, I think the Ravens will struggle.  Last year the Ravens won in Tennessee and Miami, not exactly the hardest places to play in the NFL.  This time around they’ll be in Foxboro…..with a young quarterback…..against Brady…..and Belichick.  Ya gotta like the Patriots in this one.

Prediction:  Patriots 27 Ravens 17

#5 Packers vs. #4 Cardinals

This one has shootout written all over it.  Both teams have big time explosive offenses and defenses that can force turnovers.  For the Packers, Aaron Rodgers has gotten even better from last year.  Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and even Jermichael Finley has given the Pack a dynamic offense.  For the Cardinals, their youth on defense learned a lot in last year’s Super Bowl run and have become even better because of it.  However, they can often be a hit or miss group.  They are either on or they are susceptible to give up a hefty amount of points.

For the Cards, it is vital Anquan Boldin play in this game, regardless of whether or not he is a factor.  If he’s out, Charles Woodson and the Packer secondary will only have to pay attention to Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald.  Boldin at the least has to be on the field, to draw attention if not produce.  The Packer defense has really flourished under Dom Capers.  Can the Cards combat this with their run game?  This was a question last year whether or not the Cards could run enough.  I think the Packer defense is really playing at a high level and last week’s game gives them a mental edge, despite the Cardinals not playing their big guns last week.  I think too many things point to the Packers, but Kurt Warner will keep them in the game.

Prediction:  Packers 36 Cardinals 33

#5 Jets vs. #4 Bengals

By no means will this be another 37-0 game.  In fact, it will be much tighter.  The Jets won’t be able to run at will like they did last week.  The Bengals are going to play A LOT better than the performance they gave in Week 17.  To me this game will be decided if the Bengals can run the ball well.  I think both defenses will play enough to keep their team in the game within a score.  The Jets run attack is #1 in the NFL but the Bengals have a solid rushing game as well.  And in the quarterback department, the Bengals have a Pro Bowler in Carson Palmer while the Jets boast a struggling rookie in Mark Sanchez.

Because of these important matchups, I believe in the Bengals run game equals or gets close to the Jets production, they will win the game.  I’m more inclined to believe that Palmer will make a big play before Sanchez does.  However, I think the Jets run game will be too much to contain and Sanchez won’t be forced to do a lot.

Prediction:  Jets 17 Bengals 13

#6 Eagles vs. #3 Cowboys

Another rematch from Week 17 which the ‘Boys won 24-0.  Dallas did everything right; ran at will, threw at will, and pressured Donovan McNabb.  The Cowboys dictated play early and the Eagles got gunshy with their blitz packages, not wanting to get burned for big plays.  The Eagles dropped the chance for a home bye and ended up with the 6 seed.  Now they have to win 3 ROAD games just TO GET to the Super Bowl.  This third time around will not be easy for either team.  I think the Eagles find a way to limit some of the plays downfield by Tony Romo and the passing attack.  However, a national audience saw what a healthy Felix Jones could do.  The Eagles have lived and died with the blitz all year; they have to again on Saturday.

On the flipside, the Eagles offense put up a bagel against Dallas last week.  The Cowboys have been able to get a great pass rush from their defensive line which allows them to max cover the Eagle receivers.  For them, keep on doing their thing.  For the Eagles, you HAVE TO RUN THE BALL.  Last week, they ran only 10 times.  That won’t get it done in the playoffs, against anyone.  They were 3 out of 12 on 3rd downs.  The Birds won’t get shutout in this game and I think they make drastic changes to their gameplans.  If I had to pick one coach to get me ready for a consecutive rematch against a team, Andy Reid is one of the guys I would take.  I think the Cowboys coaches find a way to screw this one up, also in part because the Eagles are a quality bounce back team.

Prediction:  Eagles 23 Cowboys 17

Enjoy the games.  Talk to everybody tomorrow for the Sunday matchups.

We’ve seen it just about every year now.  This time last year they were off to a dismal 18-23.  We all recall the 11-19 start of 2005.  You can’t rely on the bats to come around every July and August, make these huge runs, and then run out of steam come ALDS time.  And this may be performance wise the worst of any New York start in the past few years.  The hitting, well, it appears as if they are swinging toothpicks up there.  You can guaran-dam-tee when Alex Rodriguez makes his return to the Yankee lineup, he will be cheered louder than ever.  With the ups and downs of his Yankee career, his production is the reason the Yankees have a formidable lineup. 

Melky Cabrera – .255

Johnny Damon – .240

Robinson Cano – .204

Jason Giambi – .191

The only ones who have hit over .300 are the obvious culprits in Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui.  Those two truly are, in my mind at least, Yankees.  I think Johnny Damon is as washed up as they come.  In every post game interview – dry, dry, dry as the Sahara Desert.  He says the same thing after every game – “we played hard, we’re trying to come out of this, we just need some breaks.”  He’s lost his drive to play the game.  He wasn’t the same player when he jumped ship from Boston in 2006.  Not the same guy.  Jason Giambi?  Forget about it (no pun intended New Yorkers).  He had one good year and that was it.  Throw in the steroid fiasco and injuries – he’s been as worthless as they come. 

Robinson Cano has been living off the rookie season since 2005.  God, if I hear he’s “going to win a batting title one of these days” discussions again, I will dig Ty Cobb out of his grave and have them beat all these talking heads into a pulp with his golden bat.  He’s an average to above average player.  You would think he’d learn some plate discipline in his years with the club.  Nope.  Same story – chasing pitches like it’s going out of style.  In his career he has struck out 224 times and has only walked 82 times.  So for every three strikeouts, he’ll only walk once ?  GOOD RIDDANCE !!  That’s all i got for those chuckleheads in the order, now to the pitching.

Ian Kennedy continues to get rocked yet believes he should stay up with the club because he is getting better.  Clearly, allowing one walk an inning is ok in his mind.  He’s got a nice Olympic score for an ERA at 8.38.  I think we now know that Ian Kennedy is really not special at all.  He doesn’t have a great fastball and he’s breaking stuff is OK at best.  I still hold out hopes for Phil Hughes though.  As I do for Ohlendorf.  Kyle Farnsworth is pure garbage.  And folks, Joba Chamberlain has to stay in the bullpen, otherwise every Yankee starter has to pitch 8 innings to get to Mariano Rivera.  Granted, Mussina and Wang have been awesome, Pettitte has been mediocre and the afforementioned kids haven’t impressed.

This team should be fine if the hitting EVER gets going.  But how late is too late?  We’ve seen this team make comebacks to get into the playoffs but after they do, they don’t have much left.  They have to salvage May and it starts right now.

Rant over.

Well folks, it’s not only NHL Playoff time … but it’s the Devils vs. the Rangers.  A rematch of two years ago.  In that matchup, the Devils got the best of the Rags, sweeping them right out of Madison Square Garden.  This time around, things are just a tad different.  Let’s recap.

Well, of course Scott Gomez crossed the river from New Jersey to the Big Apple this past offseason to get his big payday.  The Rags also went out and got stud centerman Chris Drury.  Early on, neither move was seeming to pan out as the Rangers were struggling to make the playoffs.  But a switch went on halfway through the year and those two guys really started producing again.  Sean Avery is still a pest, Jaromir Jagr is not the player he once was, but is still a pest to score goals.  Henrik Lundquist is having another stellar year entering the playoffs.  The Rangers also found young keepers in contributors like Brandon Dubinsky and Nigel Dawes.  Rangers have been peaking for a while now and enter the playoffs strong.

The Devils had a tough time getting situated.  Starting the season off on the road for the first 9 games didn’t help.  Losing Gomez and Brian Rafalski on the backline also hurt as Martin Brodeur tried to get situation with his new defensemen’s tendencies.  But once that happened, the Devils hit their normal groove.  Zach Parise is continuing to grow as a star, Patrik Elias has been heating up lately, and Jamie Langenbrunner was named captain midway through the season after his return from a groin injury.  David Clarkson has made himself a mainstay in the lineup and new acquisition Dainius Zubrus has shown flashes of brilliance down the stretch.  Martin Brodeur, per usual, has been splendid.  However, after leading the Eastern Conference for most of the year – the Devils hit a block in the road.  In the last month and a half, the Devils have struggled to produce goals, losing many close games.  They fell out of the conference and the division lead, falling into the 4 spot.

Now between these two teams, it was pretty much a one sided afair.  The Rangers went 7-0-1 against the Devils this year.  Although, three of those wins were in the shootout, which of course, does not happen in the playoffs.  And none of these games were blowouts by any means.  The Devils finally beat the Rangers in the season finale last Sunday, defeating New York in the shootout to seize home ice advantage for this first round matchup.  Well, here I am to break down the matchup between these two rivals.

Rangers offense vs. Devils defense – Obviously, should be a good matchup.  The likes of Jaromir Jagr, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, and Brendan Shanahan vs. Martin Brodeur and the gang.  The Rangers boast four pretty solid lines that balance very well.  They can score in a moments notice.  We know Marty is going to be good – it’s whether or not they can get quality minutes out of their defensemen.  Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya have been pretty reliable all year.  Colin White has been a big defensive presence in his return.  Bryce Salvador has looked great in red and black since coming over from St. Louis at the trade deadline.  He’s a big guy with some good skating ability and a great hockey mind.  After that it’s question marks galore, starting with Mike Mottau.  In late 2007, Mottau looked like the Hobey Baker award winner he was back in his college years.  Lately, he’s been a bit more spotty.  He needs to steady his play.  Another guy who looked promising early on – Andy Greene.  In his work towards the end of last year, he was a near candidate for Rookie of the Year.  And he looked like he was on his way to becoming a solid defenseman for New Jersey.  However, he has regressed considerably since late 2007 and has become a big liability.  His skating ability and poise seems to have rescinded and his lack of size seems to have caught up with him.  Vitaly Vishnevski and Sheldon Brookbank at times have played very well but have been caught at times missing defensive assignments.  Those two will not start the series.  And of course the oft-injured Karel Rachunek – he’s been great when in the lineup but injuries hit him hard this year.  We’ll see if he can make a return in this series.  That being said, if Mottau, Greene, and the whoever else makes their way into the lineup can give quality icetime with no mental mistakes, this may take a big burden off of Martin Brodeur, who has played incredible despite the sometimes shoddy play in front of him.  If the Devils can get their defenseman to play well, they can really help themselves to limit the Rangers scoring chances.

Devils offense vs. Rangers defense – This comes down to one thing – can the Devils score goals against Henrik Lundquist.  At times they’ve been ok, but more often than not, Henrik has really shut down New Jersey.  They constantly struggled to score goals against the Rangers this year and get that one big goal that can put you over the top in a game.  At times down the stretch, Devils forwards have been nowhere to be found.  Zach Parise disappeared for a long time.  Travis Zajac had a very difficult sophomore campaign.  Brian Gionta is clearly not the same guy he was during his 48 goal year 05-06 season.  The Rangers D has stepped up considerably under head coach Tom Renney.  With parts like Marek Malik, Dan Girardi, Fedor Tyutin, and rookie Marc Staal, they’ve overachieved, but did so for the whole year, making a case as being possibly the best defense in the NHL.  Henrik Lundquist has been phenomenal again this year and is the most important matchup in this intense series.

Coaching – Tom Renney is in his third year as head coach of the Rangers and has led them to three straight playoff appearances after 9 years of missing out on the postseason.  They were swept by New Jersey in 05-06. swept Atlanta the year after, and took Buffalo to six games before bowing out.  This is Brent Sutter’s first year behind the bench and did a pretty good job considering the sole fact that he wasn’t fired right before the season ended.  Sutter has brought a defensive system with a quick counter-attack to New Jersey that has worked pretty well for the majority of the season.

X-Factor – The Zubrus/Rupp/Clarkson line.  We know the Parise/Elias/Langenbrunner line is the most talented and should get its fair share of points.  But the Rupp line has really come along down the stretch and they’ve been a nice surprise.  These guys have used their size well to not only create for themselves but to crash the net and wreak havoc there.  If these can continue to get scoring chances and also finish them, they could definitely give the Devils better chances of taking the series.

Prediction – Ok, we’ve dissected, broken down, and discussed this opening series and now I have to make a pick.  The Devils finally pick up their play just in time for the playoffs, and are able to steal a win or two at MSG.  This series may come down to which goalie blinks first.  And in that case, it’s tough to bet against the Hall of Fame goaltender in Martin Brodeur – Devils in 7.

Well, that’s it for now folks.  I’ll have more soon.

Oh, by the way – MY KANSAS JAYHAWKS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS !!!!

O man, we’ll chat soon.