Lost Post

I'm not sure how, but I lost the content of my last post. I talked a lot about the NFL Playoffs and the Flyers strong road trip last month. It is almost February, and in these parts it is Bachelor Party Season. As the planning continues, I wanted to take a little time out to talk sports.

* Super Bowl: My playoff predictions record (straight up) stands at 3-7 going into the Championship game. I think the game will be a good one, with two even matched teams with great coaches squaring off. I like the way that Seattle trounced Carolina, but I think injuries really hurt the Panthers, who couldnt set up a running game at all. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has played brilliantly to get to this stage, balancing a run and passing attack, getting unbelievable pressure from their defensive line and linebackers, and doing it as an underdog in every game. Pittsburgh has too much going for them in their favor, and they are my pick to win the Super Bowl, although I think it will be a close game. Maybe next year, NFC.

* NHL: Another rash of injuries and a slump in results and effort has the Flyers still in first place in their division. I have faith in Ken Hitchcock and his staff to make it work and get the healthy guys playing well again. Some of the injuries have been concerning, especially Forsberg's. I don't like the fact that the NHL will go on hiatus for 3 weeks while the best players continue to play and risk injury. It shows where the league stands in the world of hockey, which is below the Olympics. It wasn't always this way.

* NBA: There has been growing specualtion that Chris Webber is unhappy with his role on the Sixers. He and Allen Iverson aren't seeing eye to eye, apparently. I think they both need to go to Houlihans on City Line Ave. and has things out over a series of large mixed drinks. Kobe put up 81 points this week. Incredible. I don't want to debate Kobe's place in history, or compare him to other basketball players, it isn't right. What can be said is that Kobe will be a Hall of Fame player, a guy who has lived up to the hype, won titles, dominated offensively and defensively at various points of his career. That does not mean that he isn't the best heel in the NBA. After the Lakers won their second title, Kobe flashed the two rings to opposing crowds, taunting the fans the way you might in professional wrestling. I like the angle of Kobe being a bad guy, it's fun, but it does not detract form his individual accomplishments. Finally, the Ron Artest trade saga shed some light on my eyes. There is now a type of pro athlete that can be described as being a premier talent, but a strong risk because of a complete lack of social skills. Terrell Owens, Barry Bonds, Maurice Clarett, there is a genuine "crazy" about these guys. I used to think talent on field would overcome all but that is simply not true.

Back tonight with my first preseason baseball post.