Friday, April 25, 2008

Pennsylvania on my mind

Tonight was a good sports night. Stanley cup hockey and NBA playoffs are both awesome, factor in that tonight is the eve of the NFL draft, and I simply had to provide a sports post.
Hockey
Hockey first. If you have not been watching the playoffs, then you have been missing some of the most exciting hockey I have ever watched. The pace and intensity of the Penguins v. Rangers and the Avs v. Red Wings is unmatched. There is so much fire power and they all play so fast that these are the type of series' that could teach you to like hockey. If you are looking for a team to root for, I vote for one of the two Pa. teams- the Penguins. They are simply a really, really, really, good offensive team (this equals goals) and a super young team (this equals underdogs). One other note, Crosby gets all the press, but watch Malkin closely, this guy is ridiculously good.
Basketball
Now onto the roundball. I would be remiss if I did not express my glee with the Detroit Pistons lack of showing up. No doubt that all the stories will read that the Pistons just are not showing up, that they are flat, that they are waiting to flip the switch, but I think all of those observations are a bit short sighted. During game one I had the distinct impression that stylistically the Pistons are going to hate this series. The Sixers force them to work constantly, and the Sixers love to run. The Sixers are too young to know that they can't beat the Pistons, so they are almost impossible to discourage. All of this adds up to a rotten match up for the Pistons.
Second, the most anticipated series so far is Spurs v. Suns, and rightfully so, two very good teams that are always competetive. Last year I mentioned that contrary to popular opinion, the biggest match up problem for the Suns is not Duncan, but is Parker. Nash can not guard him because he can not take away the jumper, and whoever else they put on him can not stay with him quick-wise. If you are doubting my ability to call these things, re-look at my writings from last years playoffs (note to CW, you may not want to read all of the comments).
NFL Draft
The Packers have 8 picks this weekend including four on the first day. If history is any indication, Thompson will end up drafting quite a bit more than eight players. I would look for the Packers to move out of the first round and grab a couple of extra second or third round. I expect us to draft at least one CB and TE early. I would also not be surprised to see Thompson try to solidify the O-line, and probably even add a receiver. Every year Wolf used draft a QB, and he is still one of the best evaluators of QBs. I think a few years from now, people will say the same thing about Thompson and WRs. He has a nack for picking really good receivers, particularly ones people don't know about. Of course, I do think that we should draft a QB, but you just never know with crazy Ted (crazy like a fox).

2 comments:

christian said...

When can we expect the follow up, "ATL on my mind". love to hear why the C's are getting a run for their money

neverlie said...

I have to confess that Boston is the best team I haven't seen play this year. I caught parts of the last two losses and it looked a bit the Hawks just fed off their crowd and created mismatch problems on the wings. Pierce looked stiff, and Allen has never been able to guard anyone outside. The other answer is that Doc Rivers is probably in over his head.