All-Time Leaders- Part III

by Mark Ritter…
We have already covered off the all-time Games Played leaders, Plus/Minus leaders, Game Winning Goal scoring leaders, Points leaders, Assist leaders, and the all-time Penalty Minute leaders. This week we look at the all-time Goals Scoring leaders, Games Played leaders and the all-time Short Handed Goal scorers.

All-time Goal scoring leaders-

If you are any kind of hockey fan you know exactly who leads this category, it’s a no brainer; the surprises come fast and furious once you get past the top ten, let’s take a look.

1.    Wayne Gretzky- What does it take to score 894 Goals? Skill, determination, great hands, great teammates and 5,089 shots on goal! Gretzky didn’t have a dominating shot, but he was deadly accurate and he had the uncanny ability to put the puck where the goaltenders were not. Sounds goofy, right? Yeah, kind of, but the next time you watch a hockey game watch how many players shoot the puck right at the goalie, putting the puck where the goalies not is easier said than done.
2.    Gordon “Gordie” Howe- It’s too bad we don’t have Gordie’s shot totals to help us compare Gretzky and Howe, sadly they are not there. Howe scored 801 goals, many believed nobody would ever come close to beating Howe’s total, “Mr. Hockey” can hold his head up high; there are three players less than 100 goals away from Howe, only Gretzky bested Howe’s stats, that’s why they call him “The Great One”.
3.    Brett Hull- Ok, admit it, we all strive to put one up on our Fathers, at least once in our lives, right? Well, Brett Hull accomplished just that by scoring a total of 741 times; Brett’s Father Robert “Bobby” Hull netted 610 goals. That makes the Hulls the best Father son scoring dual of all-time. Brett, much like his Father before him, was known for has a deadly slap-shot that put the fear of God in many a goalie. I’ll take either Hull on my all-time team any day of the week, who could ask for better wingers?

Surprises?

Marcel Dionne sits in fourth overall with a total of 731 goals scored, not bad for a guy who played on some really terrible teams. Mark Messier sits at seventh overall with a total of 694 goals scored- ahead of Steve Yzerman, Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Mike Bossy, Guy Lafleur, and Maurice “Rocket” Richard- that’s a pretty impressive list of players! Other notables? Mike Gartner is ranked sixth overall, just nine goals behind the great Phil Esposito, Dave Andreychuk is ranked thirteenth overall, Dino Ciccarelli is ranked sixteenth, Joe Nieuwendyk sits at twentieth with a total of 564 goals. Highest ranked active player? Joe Sakic, ranked fourteenth with a total of 625 Goals scored. Jeremy “JR” Roenick sits tied for thirty-sixth overall with a total of 512 goals. Who is he tied with? The great Gilbert Perreault and Keith Tkachuk.

All-time Games Played leaders-

I know this category does not seem overly important, but, at the end of the day, looking at the all-time games played leaders is a great measure of a player’s dedication, competitiveness and skill level. Many a great player came onto the scene quickly and left just as fast, this categories separates the flash in the pan from the dedicated veterans.

1.Gordon “Gordie” Howe- Who else? Howe played in a total of 1,767 games, that’s just over 21 and a half 82 game seasons, very impressive! Howe’s first season was in 1946/47 with the Detroit Red Wings; Howe’s last season was spent with the now defunct Hartford Whalers in 1979/80. Given his dominance in this category Howe gets my vote as the most durable player in NHL history.

2. Mark “Moose” Messier- With a total of 1,056 games played, Mark Messier came up just shy of catching Gordie Howe. Messier wore the number 11, maybe he knew he’d come 11 games shy of catching Howe? Yeah, that’s why he wore that number, what great foresight, huh?

3. Ronald “Ron” Francis- One thing I am noting here, you need to have your name shortened or have a nickname to be amongst the leaders in this category. I’ll do a little foreshadowing myself and predict that Sidney “Sid the Kid” Crosby will be here one day too. Back to Francis- Ron played a total of 1,731 games. Another strange stat? Howe, Messier and Francis are ranked #8, #3 and #2 respectively in all-time assists, guess you need to be able to dish the puck off in order to have a long career.

Surprises?

Alex Delvecchio came in at number nine overall with a total of 1,549 games played. Delvecchio played from 1950/51 through until 1973/74. Wayne Gretzky finished up ranked at number 14 overall with a total of 1,487 games played, Tim Horton (yeah, the coffee guy) is ranked at number seventeen overall with a total of 1,446 games played, Luke Richardson is ranked twenty-third overall, having played a total of 1,417 games, Marcel Dionne was ranked way down the ladder at number forty-one with a total of 1,348 games played- makes his stats all the more impressive…

All-time Shorthanded Goal scorers-

There are very few players who ever master the Short handed Goal. First, you have to earn your way onto the Penalty Kill by being a defensively responsible player; and you also have to have the ability to put the puck in the net, a valuable skill set to say the least.

1.    Wayne Gretzky- “The Great One” scored a total of 73 Shorthanded Goals. Was there anything that Gretzky didn’t do well?
2.    Mark Messier- Can you imagine the look on the opposing players faces when Gretzky and Messier came out on the ice to kill a penalty? I am sure there were a few times the opposition wanted to decline the penalty! Messier cored 63 Shorthanded Goals in his career.
3.    Steve Yzerman- Glad to see Yzerman in the top three for once, he was an underrated player- remember all the times he got booted from the Team Canada rosters? Yzerman had 50 Shorthanded Goals in his career.

Surprises?

Robert “Butch” Goring is ranked fifth overall with 40 Shorthanded Goals, just nine behind the great Mario Lemieux. Former Chicago Blackhawk Dirk Graham is ranked tenth overall with 35 Shorthanded Goals, Peter Bondra (not exactly known for his defensive prowess) is ranked number 15 with 32 Shorthanded Goals, Mats Sundin is ranked at seventeen having scored 31 Shorties, while another former Toronto Maple Leaf, Dave Reid, is ranked at number twenty-seven overall with 28 Shorthanded Goals- Reid only scored 165 times in his entire career, so 28 is pretty impressive! And, last but not least, the highest ranked defenseman was Mark Howe; Howe scored a total of 28 times while his team was Shorthanded…Betcha thought it was someone other than Howe?

NFL WEEK 17 PICKS: ENGLISH PAUL VERSUS….….HIMSELF.

By English Paul…

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope your enjoying the festivities.

Thank God this is the last week of the regular season.  I don’t think I can take much more humiliation.  The only people who must be feeling worse than me in the sports world are the Detroit Lions, Sean Avery, Seattle sports fans and the Raptors, after losing to the Oklahoma Thunder.

Despite my slight improvement, I still only went 5-9 last week, whilst my work colleague was 6-8.  To add insult to injury, I got some ‘constructive criticism’ in the comments section.

In my defence, week 16 produced yet more results that no one saw coming:  red-hot Philly losing at stone cold Washington, Houston getting beaten by Oakland, the Jets being held to 3 points against Seattle and Denver giving up a 13-point lead on route to losing to the Bills.  The BILLS for Christ’s sake!

I saw that one of the comments’ was written by, the King of Roncesvalles.  I didn’t realise he actually writes for T.O. Sports.  Imagine my delight (and relief) when I saw that he has also struggled making NFL picks this season.

As such, I put forward a friendly challenge to both him and Samir, the writer of the other comment.  I asked them to forward their picks for all of the week 17 games for me to put in this column.  For my part, I said that I would stop making NFL picks for good if I finished last out of the three of us.  I never heard anything back.  Make of that what you will.

With all this in mind, I have resorted to challenging myself.  If I don’t go at least 8-8 this week, I’m giving up points-spread betting on NFL games for good.

Ok, lets see what happens.  As always, the home team are in capitals:

Oakland (+13) over TAMPA BAY

Tampa Bay needs the win but it may not be enough to clinch a playoff spot.  Oakland has surprised me with their play of late.  The win over a Houston team who still had a chance of making the postseason, proves the Raiders aren’t just going through the motions.

In the end, Tampa Bay should get the win, but Oakland will cover the spread.

GREEN BAY (-10) over Detroit

In their own way, Detroit has a similar type of pressure to that faced by the Patriots last year.  One game away from history, do the Lions have what it takes to avoid it.  Worryingly, the Lions have not won at Lambeau field since 1991.  I’d love for Detroit to get the win, but I just can’t see it.

PHILADELPHIA (-1.5) over Dallas

Interesting match-up between two teams that can make the playoffs with help from around the league.  Terrell Owens will feel the full brunt of the Philly fans fury, but at least he is well prepared after hearing it from his own fans recently (which I found hilarious.)

In what will be a tight, close fought game, the Eagles will eke out the win.

MINNESOTA (-6.5) over N.Y. Giants

The Vikings screwed up last week against Atlanta.   I can’t see them making the same mistake against a Giants team with home-field advantage already secured.  New York’s main aim will be to help Derrick Ward get his 52 yards to join Brandon Jacobs as the fourth running back tandem in NFL history to both reach 1,000 yards in the same season.

HOUSTON (-3) over Chicago

Houston’s season is over.  Chicago is fighting for their playoff lives.  And yet I just don’t trust the Bears to win.

NEW ORLEANS (+3) over Carolina

Suddenly, Carolina has their backs against the wall, going from a chance at home-field advantage, to possibly ending up as the fifth seed!  Need more proof of what a crazy season this has been?  The Saints will try and help Drew Brees beat Dan Marino’s record for passing yardage in a season, as they wonder what might have been in a season of unfulfilled promise.

I can’t see Brees getting the record.  If he can’t reach 400 yards against Detroit, he won’t do it against the Panthers.

ATLANTA (-14) over St Louis

The Falcons are now in a position where they are playing for a first-round bye.  Unbelievable.  The Rams have only won once on the road all season.  And only one other time have they finished closer than 14 points.  Two weeks ago I would have picked Atlanta with total confidence.  Now?  I’m sticking with them, but I’m more nervous that our government watching the euros’ exchange rate closing in on the pound.

CINCINNATI (-3) over Kansas City

These two franchises are so dysfunctional, they can’t even get it right in their attempts to ‘earn’ the second overall draft pick.  I guess we should give them both credit for the effort they’re putting in.  Not too much though.

BALTIMORE (-12.5) over Jacksonville

Baltimore can’t get any higher than the sixth seed in the playoffs, but by the same token, need a win to secure that position.  Jacksonville has nothing to gain in this game, so I’m taking the Ravens to fly into the playoffs with ease.

Tennessee (-3) over INDIANAPOLIS

The Colts and Titans have confirmed their positions for the playoffs.  Both teams claim they will play hard.  They’re lying.  Vince Young will be the exception, hence why I’m going with Tennessee.

PITTSBURGH (-10.5) over Cleveland

Jeff Fisher is a very naïve man if he believes the terrible towel stomping incident won’t fire up the Steelers if they meet the Titans again in the AFC championship game.  Look for Pittsburgh to warm up for the potential rematch with a clinical display against the beleaguered Browns, who may actually sack Roman Crennel before half time.

Miami (+3) over N.Y. JETS

Moving the kick-off time of this match-up back is a big mistake.  If New England wins their early game, the Jets could already be out of the playoffs by the time they take the field.  This could in turn be a disadvantage to the Patriots as the Jets may be too deflated to put up a fight.  No matter how you look at it, the NFL screwed up.

New England (-6.5) over BUFFALO

The New England Patriots aren’t the Denver Broncos.  They will not lose to the Bills.  As the Pats showed last week, they have an explosive offence, which is still effective in bad weather.  Bills fans will be left to ask how it all went wrong after a 5-1 start.

ARIZONA (-6) over Seattle

The Cardinals have had a nightmare recently, going 1-4 since their win in Seattle.  Back at home in the comfy confines of the university of Phoenix stadium, they will get back some momentum for the playoffs.

(Quick digression:  As you may be aware, I’ve had a soft spot for Seattle ever since I visited the area during the Summer.  As such, I was disappointed to here about the idiots’ who were throwing snowballs onto the field at the end of last week’s game against the Jets.  It was more embarrassing than my recent NFL picks, to watch Mike Holmgren doing his final lap of the field, while snowballs were being thrown in his direction.  It just showed a total lack of respect.

And to then have ‘fans’ responding, saying they were just having fun and it was only snow, just beggar’s belief.  Do they really think compacted snow, thrown from distance, won’t hurt?  The majority of Settle fans are a credit to their city, but there is no defence for what the rest of those retarded morons did.)

Annnnd…………..breathe!

S.F. 49ERS (-3) over Washington

Whilst both teams are eliminated from the playoffs, I can see San Francisco being more up for this game.  They’ve improved dramatically in recent weeks, no doubt influenced by Michael Singletary.  On the flip side, Jim Zorn could well be fighting for his coaching future.   Don’t expect the Redskins to help their coach out.

Denver (+9) over SAN DIEGO

Well, they did it.  Denver lost a three game lead in the division, with four games to go.  I can’t believe it’s come down to this.  The Broncos will put up a good fight, but ultimately the Chargers will clinch the AFC West title and earn the right to lose against the Colts in the playoffs.

Well, that’s it, but one last tip.  Given my recent results, you may want to go the opposite way on each of my picks to make some money.

Ok.  I’m off to Brussels for a few days with my girlfriend.  I hope you all continue to enjoy the holidays and I’ll see you next year.

Paul Taylor can be contacted at englishpaul@hotmail.co.uk

Wanna Bet 5

by The King of Roncesvalles… (Stats NBA: 24-8 NHL 26-19 Overall 50-27)
Well I hope Santa was good to all you naughty gamblores this Christmas, it’s Boxing Day and that means team Canada starts its run to the gold and should box the ears in of the Czech team that they start this tournament against. The line for team Canada is -1200 ml and -140 at a -2.5 puck line, Canada is going to be favoured fairly heavily throughout, so I think one of the better ways to make some loot here is to bet the in game and take next goal Canada during every game of the tourney, the odds won’t be great, but over time I think you should come out on top. Go Canada!
Yesterday was a festivas for the rest of us who love b-ball, with games on all day long, and well into the night. The marquee matchup was definitely the previously undefeated in 19 straight Boston Celtics visiting Kobe and Lakers, the two best records in the NBA, what great game, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Let’s not live in the past though, there are few good pickens out there for tonight and with some of that money Santa may have sent you for Christmas, you might as well put it to good use and double it up!
NHL
Toronto is visiting the NYI who as we know are pretty bad, the Leafs well, what can ya say they are the Leafs, I hate betting on them because they seem to screw me ever time, so the play here I think is to take the over 5.5. The buds can score but can’t seem to keep the puck out of their own net. TOR@NYI over 5.5
Staying with this trend of picking the over under, the Philadelphia Flyers are in Chicago to play the Hawks. Both teams have been scoring at a torrid pace and have let in the odd goal as well I like the over 5.5 in this game. PHI@CHI over 5.5
Washington is at home to Buffalo and the Capitals home record is pretty tough at 13-1-1 although the injuries have piled up this team seems to be able to stay consistent at home. I like the Caps at home. Wash ML.
Florida is at home against the still terrible Tampa Bay Lightening, Florida has surprised a few teams as of late, and I don’t think Santa left a gift for the Lightening under the tree, so I’m taking the Panthers at home. Fla ML.
Detroit in sliding into Nashville to play the Preds, and Detroit’s talent far exceeds that of the Preds. So I’m taking a swing and the ball coming down the middle of the plate looks like beach ball, knock it over the fence! Det ML.
I think those are pretty safe picks for the NHL tonight, so let’s get a move on to the NBA since there are so many games yet only a couple that I like.
NBA
The Denver Nuggets host the ailing Philadelphia 76ers who have not lived up to their billing this year and have underachieved in my eyes. Playing in Denver is tough on any visiting team because of the elevation and it is always harder playing on another team’s home court. The nuggets have played exceptionally well since the acquisition of Chauncey Billups and I don’t see them faltering against a so so team such as Philly! I’ll take Denver to cover -6.5
The TWolves are in the Big Apple to take on the Knicks who are in the top three in scoring in the league, and recently almost beat the Lakers in LA. They were leading by 15 or so at half in that game yet ended up losing by a deuce. Both Minny(22) and NY(29) are in the botton of the league on D, NY a little worse though, but I think the scoring machine of the Knicks should be able to dominate. Not going big but taking the Knicks -6.5.
Ship it send it chalk it and lock it, from The King of Roncesvalles to your sports books, good luck boys! All the best!

The 10 Most Marketable UFC Fights of 2009

by Brian Oswald… It is no secret why marketability is important—it’s what keeps the UFC in business and allows the sport to grow. While marketability doesn’t always equal the most deserving fighter getting his title shot, it is what ultimately allows any fight to happen in the first place.
So what makes a marketable fight? The most obvious answer is having two very marketable fighters fight each other. Also, just as important, is the circumstances that revolve around the fight. Think about the two fights that headlined the two biggest fight cards in UFC history.

It was just announced that UFC 91, which featured Couture-Lesnar, did over one million buys—coming in second behind UFC 66, which featured Liddell-Ortiz II. In each situation, the perfect marketing storm formed with all the elements coming together.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 marketable fights that could happen in 2009. I use the word could because the fights range from already happening to fights that require certain factors play out.

All fights listed have at least a microscopic chance of happening, so use your imagination.

I will also predict the PPV buy rates just for fun. While buy rates are affected by the strength of the overall fight card, big numbers are inspired by the main event. Keep in mind these are fights that bring in all fans—not just the hardcore ones.

The Top 10 List

10. Anderson Silva vs. LHW Challenger

Conveniently, Anderson Silva couldn’t fight in time for UFC 95 and would rather fight in April. That sets him up for a fight with one of the UFC 92 LHW losers. I will let you decide which opponent would give the UFC their best PPV buy rate: Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Rampage Jackson, or Wanderlei Silva. I am sure we all have our favorites—my vote is for Silva vs. Silva.

PPV buys: 500,000-600,000…This fight could certainly do more buys, but we don’t know what kind of PPV numbers Anderson Silva will pull at light heavyweight–hopefully better then he did at middleweight. He has never done more then 400,000 PPV buys, but he has also never had fighters like the ones listed here.

9. Forrest Griffin vs. Rampage Jackson II

These two fought at UFC 86 with no real co-main event and it did 520,000 PPV numbers. The fight ended in controversy and fans have been clamoring for a rematch ever since. If Forrest gets by Rashad Evans and Rampage gets by Wanderlei Silva, then this fight will definitely happen.

PPV buys: 600,000…People would love to see a rematch, so it should do better numbers than the first fight did–but would Forrest-Wanderlei do better?

8. Georges St. Pierre vs. Anderson Silva

These two fighters don’t have the mainstream pull of someone like Randy Couture or Chuck Liddell—but put them together and you have a superfight. St. Pierre’s best draw was 525,000 PPV buys at UFC 83, which featured his rematch with Matt Serra. Oddly, Silva’s best draw was around 400,000 at UFC 67 which featured his non-title fight with Travis Lutter.

PPV buys: 650,000…Neither of these fighters has ever done this many buys on their own, but with the superfight 1 + 1 = 2.5 (not quite 3). If it’s not a middleweight title fight, they should break the rules and make it a five-round fight.

7. Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva II

Their first fight at UFC 79 drew upward of 700,000 PPV buys. The fight card also featured St. Pierre-Hughes II, which definitely added to the numbers, but this was all about Liddell-Silva. A rematch would be a guilty pleasure—who wouldn’t enjoy watching them go at it one more time.

PPV buys: 650,000…This fight most likely happens if Wanderlei loses to Rampage at UFC 92. This time, make it five rounds, though.

6/5. Lesnar vs. Nog/ Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir II

Brock Lesnar is a proven PPV draw. His three fights in 2008 combined for over two million PPV buys. Lesnar-Mir 1, at UFC 81, drew around 650,000 PPV buys. Their rematch would be a title fight and both fighters’ marketability has only skyrocketed since. A fight with Nog would also be big—but not quite as huge.

PPV buys: 675,000/750,000…Both of these fights could very well do more. For the first fight to happen, Mir will have to beat Nog, which I don’t think will happen. It would do more PPV buys then Lesnar-Nog, but, regardless, both fights make the list.

4. Chuck Liddell vs. Randy Couture IV

A lot of hardcore fans aren’t really interested in seeing this fight—and it seems like neither fighter is either. But most mainstream fans weren’t around for the first three fights. This would be their chance to see the UFC hall of famers go at it before they both retire.

This fight would work well as both of their farewell fights, or just maybe their next—only time will tell.

PPV buys: 800, 000…This fight only happens if both fighters end up wanting it. It would likely happen after Couture loses to Lesnar and wants one more fight before retiring. Normally, the fight would do bigger numbers but the losses that set this fight up will diminish it somewhat.

3. Georges St. Pierre vs. BJ Penn II

These two fighters might have the most loyal fan base in all of MMA. The PPV buys from Canada and Hawaii alone could carry this fight card. They will most likely get a few more from Mainland USA though. The big question is: Will it break the coveted one million PPV buy rate.

PPV buys: 850, 000…While the fight will be huge, I don’t see it getting near the 1 million buy rate. It will still be one of the biggest fights in UFC history and could potentially be No. 2 on this list. GSP will win and set up the GSP-Silva superfight at the end of 2009. Penn fights Florian.

2. Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture II

The first fight did huge numbers—especially with current economic conditions. A rematch could do even better numbers. For this fight to take place, two things need to happen.

Couture needs to win one or two fights to get another title shot or Brock Lesnar needs to lose against the winner of Nog-Mir which would set up an obvious No. 1 contender fight between the two.

The first scenario would obviously draw better PPV numbers.

PPV buys: 1.1 million…I am picking Brock Lesnar to beat Noguiera in the HW tournament. Couture will beat Mir or Gonzaga and get his rematch with Lesnar. Brock wins and Couture retires/or fights Liddell (fight predictions are subject to change).

1. Brock Lesnar vs. Chuck Liddell

I said microscopic right—well this fight might have a better chance then you think. Sure, a lot of hardcore fans may cringe, but this article is about what would sell the most PPV buys. And that means bringing in mainstream fans. So how does this fight happen?

Well, the UFC hasn’t given up on a Liddell-Couture fight just yet. I think the winner of that fight would be given to Brock Lesnar—whether he wins the mini-tournament or not. So, if Liddell and Couture do decide to fight—and Liddell wins—we could be looking at Lesnar-Liddell in 2009

PPV Buys: 1.25 million…No one was giving Liddell a chance against Anderson Silva, so do you give him one against Lesnar. Liddell has great takedown defense and could probably interest Lesnar in a stand up fight. Lesnar could easily knock out Liddell, like he knocked out Couture, but Liddell could also knock Lesnar out, right?

So those are my 10 most marketable fights of 2009. Do you have a fight you think would sell more pay-per-views? I would love to hear the matchups. 2009 will be a great year and should easily top 2008.

NBA Top 10: Shooting Guards

by James Auchincloss… Other than a dominant center, having a superstar shooting guard has always been a recipe for a championship run. No better example of this is the 1990’s Chicago Bulls, who rode the greatest shooting guard and player ever, Michael Jordan, to six NBA championships.

While its possible that nobody will ever be able to match Jordan’s productivity and success, there are still a number of great shooting guards lighting up the box score. Here, in my opinion, are the top 10 in the league today.

10. Tracy McGrady (HOU)

McGrady has been struggling to such an extent this year that I considered dropping him from this lost all together, especially with the play of OJ Mayo early this season. McGrady still has the ability to dominate any game with his explosiveness and jump shot, and its hard to ignore his two scoring titles. He has become the second or even sometimes third option in Houston behind Yao Ming and Ron Artest, and his scoring is down to 15.6 PPG. He still has a great combination of size and athleticism, however, and even though he is on the decline, is still one of the better all around players in the league.

9. Kevin Durant (OKC)

At 6-9, Durant has the height of a forward, but he plays as a guard in the Thunder’s system. With Durant’s incredible gifts on the basketball court his play so far could be considered disappointing, but he still has become one of the better scorers in the league. With a great size advantage over must of the defenders assigned to him, Durant has shown an ability to hit contested jumpers from almost anywhere. His shot selection and accuracy have been questioned, but this year he is shooting 46 percent from the field and 44 percent from three, both large improvements over last year. Throw in his ability to utilize his wingspan for rebounding and defense, and Durant is on his way to being an All Star in the Western Conference.

8. Vince Carter (NJN)

Carter was the most difficult player to rank on this list. On some nights he can be the one of the best players in the league, and on others he can look absolutely terrible. He comes in at number eight because of his team’s lack of success and his sometimes lackluster effort, but no matter what you think of him, you have to acknowledge the skills that Carter possesses. Vince, who has a career average of 23.8 PPG, is one of the most athletic and creative finishers in the league. Whether he throws down one of his jaw-dropping dunks or spins in a wild lay-up, there’s almost no stopping Carter driving the lane. He tends to settle for too many jumpers, but when he’s hitting them he is capable of dominating any game.

7. Joe Johnson (ATL)

Slightly too one-dimensional to rank any higher, but he certainly has shown to be pretty good at what he does. Johnson can shoot and score the ball as well as anyone in the league. Since coming to Atlanta from Phoenix, Johnson has stepped his game up to a new level, scoring over 20 points per game every year and leading Atlanta to the playoffs last season. Johnson is a great three point shooter, and has added a great midrange game over the past few years. Johnson is able to get rebounds and assists in the Hawk’s system, but won’t move up on this list until he takes them on his back and leads them past the first round.

6. Richard Hamilton (DET)

Hamilton is a perfect fit in the Pistons system, where his constant movement on the offensive end and ability to hit jumpers coming off screens is unparalleled. “Rip” might not put up the statistics that some of the other players on this list do, but he has scored 17.8 PPG for his career, and more importantly has won championships at both the collegiate and NBA level. Hamilton has greatly improved his three point percentage, is an outstanding free throw shooter (career 85 percent), and always seems to hit a big shot in the fourth quarter.

5. Brandon Roy (POR)

Some people might say that Roy doesn’t belong here because he doesn’t have the sustained or team success yet, but if you watch him play you know that he’s on the way to being an absolute superstar. Roy is physical, can handle the ball, is a very good passer, and a great scorer. He also has shown early in his career that at crunch time, he wants the ball in his hands and more often than not will come through. The Rookie of the Year from 2006 is scoring 20.9 PPG, dishing out 5.3 assists, and needs to start getting some recognition as the best player on a very good Portland team.

4. Ray Allen (BOS)

In the same mold as Hamilton, Allen does his best work without the ball. He has seen his scoring take a dip since arriving in Boston, but his true value came through in helping the Celtics to the championship last season. Allen has a career three point percentage of 40%, as well as shooting 89 percent from the free throw stripe. Ray topped out at 26.4 PPG two years ago in Seattle, but has scored at least 17 PPG every year since 1997, and has established himself as potentially the best pure shooter over that time. A great shooting guard, and now, a champion.

3. Allen Iverson (DET)

Although he is currently playing the point in Detroit, AI has spent the bulk of his career as a shooting guard and should be judged as one. Iverson is a truly remarkable player, ranking third all-time with 27.6. PPG despite standing at a diminutive 6-0 feet. Iverson is a superb ball handler, is as quick as anyone in the NBA, and manages to finish at the basket over men a foot taller. The biggest knocks on “The Answer” have always been his shoot first mentality and his inability to win a championship, but Iverson has averaged 6.3 assists per game for his career and always plays his best ball during the playoffs.

2. Dwyane Wade (MIA)

There have always been skeptics of Wade, who say that he’s injury prone and his jump-shot is too inconsistent. While he has struggled to stay on the court at times and is only a 26 percent shooter for his career, Dwyane understands his strengths and is once again displaying him for the world this year. At 6-4, Wade has a ridiculous ability to knife through the defense and finish, no matter how hard he’s fouled. He also attacks the ball on both ends of the court, averaging 2.5 steals, 4.9 rebounds, and amazingly 1.5 blocks per game this season. Nobody will ever forget Wade’s dominance in the 2006 NBA Finals, where he took home the Finals MVP Award, but at only 26 his best days may be ahead of him.

1. Kobe Bryant (LAL)

Who did you think it was going to be, Jamal Crawford? Kobe is head and shoulders above the rest of this group, and may just be the best player in the league. Despite his scoring and playing time dipping this year, Bryant may be more valuable to his team now than ever before. His career has progressed in three stages: playing Robin to Shaq’s Batman as the pair led the Lakers to three straight championships, losing all of his support and becoming the primary and secondary scoring options for LA, where he showed his scoring ability by scoring 35.4 PPG one year, and finally his role now as the smarter, veteran superstar who passes more and is keeping his legs rested as the Lakers roll towards the Western Conference top seed. Kobe’s strength as a basketball player comes not only from his shooting and athletic ability, which are unmatched, but also from his competitiveness and intensity. He isn’t and will never be Jordan, but he certainly is as close as we have to MJ in the NBA today.

Jeremy Williams: To Be or Not to Be

by Melissa Hashemian… Normally I wouldn’t boast on the talent of others, especially after losing an embarrassing game, yet I’ll make an exception for Jeremy Williams’ sake.

The 5″11, 188lb Regina native has performed at his exceptional best since coming up from the Toronto Marlies on December 7th. His quick wrist shots and impressive speed have wowed analysts and driven netminders around the league crazy.

After an excrutiating 8-2 loss to the Dallas Stars the other night, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk about Williams’ efforts over the past few weeks. He’s been unstoppable posting five goals and two assists in the seven games he’s played so far this season. That calculates to one point in every game he’s played as a Toronto Maple Leaf.

Great skating abilities, a hot pair of hands, and a killer shot are Williams’ forte to his acclaimed success on the ice. He is +4 on the year and stands amongst the highest in scoring percentages (29.4) in the league. He is probably one of the best, if not THE best.

He possesses an intoxicating talent that is sometimes difficult to find nowadays. This 24-year-old is a rising star on the run and he’ll be spinning around a goalie in a town near you very soon.

Williams, selected 220th overall in the seventh round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft is used to bad fortune when it comes to this hockey club. In the 2007-08 season, he managed to play 18 games, while only picking up two goals for a total of two points.

Things have changed over the past year however, as his confidence seems to have caught up with him. He registered, and led the Marlies with 11 goals and three assists for 14 points in 19 games for the start of the season. So when he was recalled from the Marlies, he waisted no time racking up the goals.

Since collecting two points (one goal, one assist) in his first NHL game of the season against the New York Islanders on December 8th, Jeremy Williams has been hotter than hot, showing grit and determination with every shift he plays.

Replacing Lee Stempniak with Williams in the Jason Blake-Dominic Moore line has definitely improved the line offensively, providing them with more scoring chances and a more productive front overall.

The chemistry between these three players is phenomenal. They’re all in the right places at the right time, while having Stempniak on the line just brought inconsistency and a very disorganized line overall.

If things continue to go well for this young forward, we can be sure to see him on the team’s roster for years to come. Jeremy Williams is so good right now, he puts Shakespeare in his place.

Roger Federer and The Nerd from Neptune (Nanoo Nanoo)

by Long John Silver… It’s December 24th, 2008. As a green spaceship lands nine miles west of North Pole, in the middle of Arctic, Mork gets out and spots a scientist far away.

The howling winds are 36 kmph, with the temperature around –70 F.

Viviana Mindy, a climatologist, is collecting samples from the deep ice cores. Barely being able to stand on her feet, she is a tall, slender, brunette who wears rimless glasses.

Mork: Hi, am Mork! *Nanoo-Nanoo*

Scientist Viviana Mindy (VM): Hi Mork, where are you from?

Mork: I am from Neptune.

VM: Wow, that must be far away!

Mork: It is. I just came down here to see how the ol’ big man was doing?

VM: Mr. Claus is doing well. He and his elves just went east side; they have a long night ahead distributing presents to the entire world.

Mork: Interesting…are you going to get a present this year?

VM: Well…I haven’t killed anyone, and I’ve been well-behaved most of the year. You know, I do deserve one don’t I?

Mork: What did you wish for?

VM: A Federer racket with which I can play ball sometimes, signed by RF himself *grinning*

Mork: Who is this Federer? I have seen him many times on earth’s news channels.

VM: Do you watch Fox News, channel nine, or Sun TV?

Mork: We just intercept BBC; the others have too many angry pundits, like Chris Matthews or Bill O’Reilly.

VM: So, the anger of partisan politics has traveled to other planets?

Mork: Yes…do you know anything about this Federer?

VM: Maybe we should talk it out over a cappuccino, come we’ll go back to my house.

VM: Here you go Mork, a nice hazelnut cappuccino, steamed of course.

Mork: Viviana, where are you from?

VM: I am from Ukraine…northern Ukraine, Kiev specifically.

Mork: Please, continue.

VM: Federer is the best! He has the best forehand, and the most complete game at all times. Everybody loves him. He is the reason why I watch and play tennis.

Mork: Must be a very special bloke this Federer…does he win much?

VM: Yeah, the all time highest is 14 slams by an American called Sampras, Federer has 13 slams already. Am sure in no time, he will go past Sampras.

Mork: What makes you so sure, because he is so close to 14?

VM: Yeah, and also because we all consider him as way better than Sampras, so it is only justified he goes past 14.

Mork: Really, why is he better than Sampras? I can see you say this when Federer has 15; however, I am puzzled as to how he can be better right now.

VM: Sampras never won in Paris, you know, where they have the Louvre and drink fine cappuccino. He only reached the semis…but our Federer has already reached the finals there three times!

Mork: Has he won?

VM: No, he’s lost to Rafa there four times.

Mork: Who is Rafa?

VM: He is the current world No.1, and Federer’s nemesis. I’ll never forgive Wimbledon for not stopping play in the dark this year; that is the reason why Federer lost, at least in my view.

Mork: And Rafa, has he won in Paris?

VM: Yeah, he is from Spain and they play a lot on clay. That gives him a distinct advantage in Paris, where he’s won three times. He won Wimbledon this year, too.

Mork: So, he has won on clay and the lawns?

VM: Yes.

Mork: And Federer, has not won on both, would I be right?

VM: That would be correct.

Mork: So, how is Federer better?

VM: Because he is Federer! You are such a bonehead. Federer is better, I don’t know how to explain it. You have to see him to appreciate him. He is sort of like, I dont know how to put it. He just is, F-E-D-E-R-E-R!

Mork: But, outside of Paris, he does win a lot?

VM: Yes! That’s the only way we want it.

Mork: Do you always want him to win a lot?

VM: Yes! I want him to win every single tournament, match, set, game, and even points. Ideally, I would like him to win all the tournaments that he does not even show up to, but we are working on that.

Mork: Maybe they should ask the rest of the field to not show up to the tournaments then?

VM: That would be lovely.

Mork: Do you think he will win in Paris one day?

VM: Of course!

Mork: Why?

VM: Did you drop out of school in the fourth grade?

Mork: No Viviana, Neptune doesn’t have any schools. We learn through automated super blue computers.

VM: Oh, I’m sorry.

Mork: No, don’t be. I am sure we are still 1,000 years ahead of Earth in terms of technology, it’s beside the point. Tell me why Federer will win in Paris.

VM: Because he has to! Because we want him to!

Mork: How does that make sense? You are sure something will happen, because you want it to?

VM: Yes! And I am sure by the end of this long-assed discussion, with a person of your intelligence, that your bonehead will still won’t understand it.

Mork: You seem perturbed.

VM: I am. I don’t like people even questioning Federer’s ability and that fact that he is the best in the game, ever. Everyone loves him.

Mork: Everyone?

VM: Yes, everyone loves him!

Mork: I heard the “big headed” Serbian kid does not; at least that’s what Johnny Mac on TV told me.

VM: Yes, I know who you are talking about. His name is Joker, he is too brash, pay him no mind.

Mork: Ok.

Mork: So, what’s next for Federer?

VM: I am really hoping he wins a lot in 2009.

Mork: Do you want him to win everything?

VM: Yes.

Mork: Australian?

VM: Yes.

Mork: French?

VM: Yes.

Mork: Wimbledon?

VM: Yes!

Mork: New York?

VM: Yes! Yes! Yes! Are you a dimwit? What does everything mean to you? *Muttering: I really doubt that Neptune is 1,000 years ahead technologically because of any of your contributions*

Mork: You don’t think Nadal, Murray, or Joker has a chance?

VM: Listen, I don’t really care if they have or not, all I want is Federer to win it all. Win ‘em all, I say.

Mork: Do you love the game?

VM: Is that even a question? Yes, of course I do.

Mork: Who do you love more, Federer or Tennis?

VM: Am not sure, I guess both.

Mork: Would you still watch tennis with the same zeal, if Federer does not play?

VM: Absolutely not.

Mork: So, you enjoy the person more than the game?

VM: I guess yes…what’s that got to do with anything?

Mork: Nothing, I just wanted to know.

VM: Listen, I think Federer is the real star of any tournament even if he loses before the final. My friends and I love talking about him and writing exclusively about him! He is dreamy; he is lovely; he is the best!

Mork: Wow, he must be a lucky bloke to have fans like you.

VM: Yep. He’s so great; he’s the next best thing to…

Mork: Don’t say it! We don’t have any sliced breads in Neptune.

VM: Oh, I’m sorry…sliced bread, sliced bread, sliced bread! Take that, you nerd from Neptune who does not understand or accept why Federer is the all time best! Sucker!

Mork: I guess I am. It’s almost midnight and I am going to find Mr. Claus and his mates, to wish them.

VM: Ok, it was lovely talking to you. Just remember…

Mork: I know, I know, Federer is always the best. He is the Marlon Brando of Tennis.

VM: Merry Christmas!

Mork: Nanoo-Nanoo!

P.S.: A very special dedication to all my beloved Rodge fans around the world! In a very sweet, yet poetic way, a dedication to all the non-Federer (is that even a worthy category, as Federer fans would ask?) fans going around. I am both! Cheers!

P.P.S: Oh yeah, am addicted to Dr. House, Friends and M&M (Mork and Mindy). Needless to say M&M is the source of inspiration for this one. Adore Chandler, Mon, and Mork!

The Premier League Nativity 2008

by David Kifford… Christmas is one of the busiest and most draining times of the season for players and managers in the Premier League, a fixture schedule congested with what can prove to be some of the most important fixtures of the season.

But everybody needs time to unwind and relax at Christmas, ponder if you will a very special nativity play by the Premier League Drama Society.

I give you the cast of The Premier League Nativity 2008:

Mary– Steven Gerrard

A figure that was introduced to the story as a teenager she was approached by the Angel Gabriel and told she would be the one who would give birth to the Son of God.

Honoured by many for her courage, virtue and faith in the orders she was entrusted with. Forced to journey towards the end of her pregnancy (season) to ensure safe delivery of her child (trophy).

Joseph– Paul Scholes

Joseph played an important role in the nativity and is evident in the most important parts of the story. However he was noticeable by his silence throughout the story and refused to do any interviews for the Bethlehem Gazette over the big story he was involved in.

The character of which the entire story revolves around, the boy who would become a man and bring piece and harmony to the troubled world.

Also known for performing miracles (hat-trick in Zagreb anyone?). Just be wary and remember that Jesus was eventually crucified on the cross…for our sins.

King Herod– Sir Alex Ferguson

The king who, appointed by an empire to rule over a powerful state, is known for his ambitious but taxing building projects and consolidation of power. He accomplishes this through a combination of ruthless subjugation of his subjects and the extermination of any threats to his throne, including the slaying of his own sons (!).

Arch Angel Gabriel– Gary Lineker

One of God’s favourite angels entrusted with the duty of visiting the public, in this case Mary and the Shepherds to inform them of the coming of his son, Jesus.

Known for an exemplary disciplinary record and always delivering the news on time, normally with a cheeky smile and topical joke, seems inappropriate but he always manages to pull it off. His presence (particularly around the box) invokes both fear and awe (in opponents), although his messages are celebratory in nature.

Shepherds– Alan Hansen, Alan Shearer, and Mark Lawrenson

The Angel Gabriel appeared to them to inform them of the birth of the Son of God. They also directed the Wise Men towards Bethlehem and offered advice and assistance as to the best way for them to succeed in the Journey to the holy lands.

Three Wise Men– Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger, and Rafa Benitez

Sometimes referred to as the Three Kings or The Magi, they traveled far from foreign lands to be part of a special event. Bringing extravagant gifts from abroad they dressed distinctively and spoke in broken language as they struggle with the local dialect.

The Donkey– Emmanuel Adebayor

Affectionately known as Adebay-ee-orr, he was a donkey….What more did you expect?

A one of magical performance of this special presentation will take place on Boxing Day, tune into Angel Gabri…I mean, Gary Lineker for highlights.

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year!

Trade Vernon Wells to the New York Yankees…NOW

by David Aaron Lindsay… It’s been well documented that, this offseason, the New York Yankees have been seeking a new CF. There had been several reports over the past week that the Yankees had reached an agreement with the Milwaukee Brewers to acquire Mike Cameron. Now today, there are several reports out stating that those talks are now dead.

Now, I realize that the main alternative being speculated about is that the Yankees will now make a push for Ramirez and move Damon back to CF. I, however, would propose a different alternative.

The Toronto Blue Jays should make a concerted effort to trade them Vernon Wells now. The will likely be a very small window of opportunity here, as I am sure the Yankees will solve the CF dilemma at some point this offseason.

Wells’ contract is brutal and is absolutely handcuffing the Jays from addressing their other needs. They already have a very good replacement for Wells in Alexis Rios. There is a glut of corner OF’s available in the free agent market this year, so replacing Rios in RF should not be prohibitively difficult.

Whereas I suspect the list of teams that could absorb most, if not all, of Wells’ contract, is probably a list of One; the Yankees.

I’m not even advocating that the Jays seek prospects in return. If it were up to me, I would literally take a bullpen catcher in return if the Jays could expunge the Wells contract from their books.

This is not a case of what he would net the Jays in return, but a case of the flexibility they would gain to address areas of greater need by the money they would be saving.

This sort of thing might be hard for some Jays’ fans to swallow. It would be trading with a hated division rival.

To some people, it may seem like the white flag for 2009. But as I have already stated, I feel confident in the assumption that unless we were willing to eat $10 million a year, there aren’t any other teams that would be interested, and if we had to eat that much of the contract we might as well keep him.

Secondly, it wouldn’t be as much of a white flag as some might initially think. We have a CF already plus we’d have the financial freedom to try and address the rotation as well as our shortcomings at shortstop. So there it is, my brief proposal for the trading of Vernon Wells to the New York Yankees.

Toronto Maple Leafs: What is to Come in the New Year?

by Tyler Hill… In a season that was expected to be unusual, the Maple Leafs year has so far lived up to that, odd moves and strange decisions. (e.g. benching Kaberle for a period)

With another half of the season still to go, the question is: What can we expect as we head into the New Year and what will 2009 bring for the Leafs?

There is one obvious thing that we know 2009 will bring the Leafs, that thing, you ask, is Lord Stanley’s Mug. Yes, anyone that has NHL ‘09 will be able to see the Leafs win the cup!

Unfortunately, that is only in video game land. In real life, there is no Cup in the Leafs’ near future. Despite that, there are many changes a foot in the Leafs’ Locker room that will affect how they play on the ice.

One of the biggest changes is the arrival of the Maple Leafs new General Manager, Brian Burke. He will definitly make some big changes to the Leafs’ lineup, and the players know it.

I’m sure that Burke walked into the room on the first day he got there and said it flat out to the entire team, “No one is safe, except Schenn.” To be honest, you can see it in some of the players.

They are working harder and as a result, playing better overall. Burke projects fear into players and commands respect. Even when I see him on T.V, it scares me a little bit. Every player on the team is working harder, and if it keeps up the Leafs will receive their reward with time.

Another new face around the Leaf locker room is Lee Stempniak.

Stempniak was acquired in a trade from St.Louis for Alex Steen and Carlo Coliacovo. I can admit that Coliacovo was becoming more of a pain with his constant injuries, and it was the right move to drop him while they still could get someone decent.

However, removing Alex Steen from the roster might not have been a good move. He had been struggling in recent games and did not have a very productive season in 2007-’08. However, he still had a good future ahead of him, and the Leafs where impatient when it came to him.

Stempniak should be a good asset to the team. He isn’t the most skilled, and he might not be the fastest guy on the ice, but he is a hard worker and he does have some moves, just not a large repertoire. I have a feeling he is a diamond in the rough and will prove vital to the team when it counts the most.

Aside from the big things, what changes will make the difference in 2009?

Ron Wilson will need to make sure he keeps doing what he’s doing. He is a good coach and the players respect him. That is major. If the players don’t respect you, you will not get anywhere as a coach.

Toronto’s defence will also need to tighten up for them to be successful in 2009. Toskala is a good goalie, but he can’t stop them all. He is facing too many shots in games and seems to be taking a lot of criticism for letting in a few.

He was struggling in the early part of the season, but now seems to have found himself and is playing, possibly not at his best, but better than in November.

So, in the New Year, if Toronto’s recent play is any indicator, they might be able to pull off a playoff spot. If they know Burke means business and Ron Wilson makes them work, the Leafs will be firing on all cylinders come January. If things go well, they might even put a scare into a few teams (I’m looking at you Ottawa).

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