NCAA Men's Hockey: BU only #1 seed to the Frozen Four

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Can you say upset city? Forget the NCAA basketball tournament. This was the craziest weekend in hockey that I've seen in some time. If you want to have a good laugh, go back to my NCAA preview and look at my predictions. BU is the only Frozen Four team I got right, and I am a whopping 3 of 12 in my game picks thus far. Not pretty, but I am just one of many who had no idea what was to take place this weekend.

The weekend started off with a bang when Michigan was shutout by Air Force. Then came Miami of Ohio's thrashing of Denver. Two #1 seeds, two losses. The final upset of Friday came when Vermont beat Yale 4-1 practically in their home town.

Saturday wasn't much different. BU may have rolled over Ohio State 8-3, but no one saw Notre Dam losing to Bemidji State 5-1. Even though UNH played at home, I was very surprised to see them beat North Dakota in a thrilling overtime game. Later in the Day Vermont and Miami punched their tickets to the Frozen Four.

Sunday brought us the final two games of the regionals. BU won a game they shouldn't have with :15 seconds left. They were vastly outplayed by UNH, and were only in the game thanks to freshman goalie Kieran Milan. I couldn't tell you how many times ESPN's John Buccigross went nuts after a save. Bemidji State and Cornell played the late game. Bemidji State easily beat Cornell to complete the Frozen Four.

The Frozen Four has two #4 seeds, a #3, and a#1 in Boston University. While I believe BU will win the championship, it's not as easy a path as you'd think. BU will face Vermont in the opener. Vermont is the only Hockey East school to have a winning record against BU and swept them at Agganis Arena early in the season. The Catamounts know how to disrupt the BU's flow of play. They make it much harder for the Terriers to complete their cross ice passes which is their bread and butter. Ultimately, hockey playoffs come down to goal tending, and you won't find a better goalie in college than Keiran Millan. He is the main reason BU is heading to the Frozen Four. BU fans just need to hope the two week layoff doesn't hurt his momentum.

Predictions:
BU vs. Bemdji State in the finals

NCAA Champs:
Boston University Terriers

NL East Preview: Watch out for the Mets

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Can the Philadelphia Phillies repeat?

It's easier said than done.

While the Phillies possess a loaded lineup with Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth that shouldn't have an problems with producing runs, I'm a little concerned about the Phillies' pitching.

Ace southpaw Cole Hamels (wasn't he outstanding in the postseason?) has had arm issues in the preaseason and that really worries me. He's tested it out and reports no problems, but you just never know. After Hamels, the Phils don't really scare you. Tough guy Brett Myers has a nasty right-cross and occasionally features great stuff, while old man Jamie Moyer keeps you guessing with a slow -- I'm mean Little League slow -- changeup. Yes, he's still winning at 100 years old, but this has got to be the year he finally becomes the Crypt Keeper, right? Then there's Joe Blanton, big deal. So, see, it's not a very impressive staff. Are Philly fans confident in that rotation?

This is why I think the New York Mets finally have a real shot at winning the National League East. Well, if they don't collapse in September ... again!

The Mets shouldn't be able to blame their bullpen this year. They went on and landed setup man J.J. Putz (he can still close on a lot of teams) and Francisco Rodriguez, better known as K-Rod, who notched 62 saves last year. The bullpen is now a strength.

Johan Santana leads the staff ... he's still nasty but not as overpowering as in years past. The Mets are also iffy in the rotation with Oliver Perez and John Maine. But they also have the offensive goods with third baseman David Wright (.302 BA, 33 HRs, 124 RBIs), shortstop Jose Reyes (.297 BA, 16 HRs, 113 R, 56 SBs), and center fielder Carlos Beltran.

I think the Mets have all the pieces to overtake the Phils, finally. How many times can the Mets get kicked in the stones before they finally stick up for themselves?

The Florida Marlins are littered with young talent -- shortstop Hanley Ramirez is a complete 5-tool stud -- but don't have enough juice to contend in the division. They should finish third just like last year.

Florida, however, does have the best rotation in the division in Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco (15-8 record, 3.52 ERA, 186 Ks, 1.10 WHIP ... I'm starting to believe, but need to see another highly productive year), Chris Volstad, Anibal Sanchez and Andrew Miller. I'm also interested in watching center fielder Cameron Maybin develop. He's got the pieces to become a very nice player in the upcoming years. Dan Uggla can rake, but it'd be nice to see him hit for a little average, too.

The Atlanta Braves did some nice things in the offseason -- signed Mr. Consistent Derek Lowe and also helped out the staff by trading for Javier Vazquez. Is this Kenshin Kawakami any good? I'll hold judgement until I see more footage. Add Jair Jurrjens to the rotation, and the Braves will be competitive on the mound. Problem is they only have Chipper "Stop Crying About The World Baseball Classic" Jones to spearhead the offense. I'll bet Larry gets hurt again this year -- ribs, wrist or back ... bank on it.

The Washington Nationals don't have a chance. This team really stinks -- sort of like an overused Port-A-Pottie on a hot day. I like the signing of outfielder Adam Dunn (he'll hit his complimentary 40 HRs again and bat .220) and I like closer Joel Hanrahan's stuff. I'm also looking forward to watching top prospect, Jordan Zimmermann, pitch at some point this year. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is an above average player, and outfielder Lastings Milledge should keep improving. But you'll still need your homemade Ninja mask to watch these guys play. Only go to games if the tickets are free.

PREDICTION 

1. Mets

2. Phillies

3. Marlins

4. Braves

5. Nationals

(Coming tomorrow: NL Central preview by Jim Ingram)

What's Bruin? The Home Stretch Edition

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Boston Bruins have had a fantastic season thus far. With 9 games remaining in the regular season, they are not just playing to hold on for the #1 seed in the East and home ice advantage. Yes, that is hugely important, but what matters more is not having to face the New Jersey Devils or the Washington Capitols until the conference finals.

The Bruins currently have a 5 point lead over both teams which is not a comfortable lead with only 9 games left. The Bruins and Devils have played the same amount of games, but the Capitols have played 2 more games than both teams. Washington is finishing the season very strong as they've won 14 points going 6-2-2 over the past 10 games. Washington also has the easiest remaining schedule of the three teams.

While Washington may be the Bruins biggest threat to overtake them in the standings, the New Jersey Devils are the team I would fear the most in the playoffs. The Devils have Marty Brodeur back healthy for the playoffs, an amazing defense, and finally have some bonafide scorers in Zach Parise, Jamie Langenbrunner and Patrik Elias.

Despite that, I fully expect the Boston Bruins to enter the playoffs as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They had an inspired win last Sunday against the Devils, nearly a week of of rest since that game, and are relatively healthy at this point. I wouldn't be too worried about Phil Kessel missing a few games this weekend. If the playoffs started today, they would face off against the hated Montreal Canadians. Many people may look back to the last time they've faced off in the first round of the playoffs, and be a little worried. This team is too gritty and too hard working to fall in the first round.

If the Bruins can secure the #1 seed, then anything short of making the Conference Finals is a disappointment in my opinion.

Please check back for much more hockey coverage as the season wraps up, we all start to grow our playoff beards and get ready to hoist the Stanley Cup!

Defending champions still dangerous

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Can the Celtics repeat?
After beating the L.A. Lakers in last year's NBA Finals, it seemed like it was a very good possibility if, and only if, the Celtics could avoid injury.
Well, the dreaded injury bug has struck in Beantown and struck real hard.
Who hasn't been hurt for the Celtics this season? These guys sure know how to dress since we've seen them in street clothes on the bench for much of the season.
While Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins and Tony Allen have all missed time, there's no bigger blow to a team than when the heart and soul of your club misses significant time.
It happened to the Celtics with Kevin Garnett going down with a knee injury. He missed 13 games, and is just starting to work his way back into the lineup. In four games since his return, Garnett has scored only 10-10-12-4 points, while averaging around 14-16 minutes per game.
Those stats are nothing to brag about, but the key is he's back and trying to get as close to 100 percent as possible before the start of the playoffs sometime in late April.
No need to push the limits big fella, we need you primed and ready for the playoffs.
Boston needs Garnett. Not for one second does any Celtiics fan think they can repeat without the complete package Garnett. His play and his leadership and intensity were missed greatly. Defensive production was down and so was scoring.
Boston is only 5-5 in its last 10 games, and lost to Orlando on Wednesday, 84-82, to drop to 3rd in the Eastern Conference standings.
But championships aren't won in March or during the regular season.
Cleveland sits in first, followed by Orlando and Boston. Don't forget about the Lakers in the Western Conference. They all can take down the Celtics in the playoffs.
But with Paul Pierce, Ray Allen (so much for being washed up, huh!), Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Eddie House, Leon Powe, Glen Davis and Stephon Marbury ... oh, I forgot the Great White Hope Brian Scalabrine ... the Celtics, if healthy, can do this.
Yes, they are the hunted this year, but nothing really rattles this veteran group -- Pierce, Garnett and Ray Allen wouldn't let it anyway.
I like how everyone is talking about Cleveland, Orlando and the Lakers as the next champion.
Go ahead and bury the Celtics, I'm not.
Here's to good health and hopefully another championship banner!

NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament Preview - Go BU!

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

There is more than one Sweet Sixteen happening this weekend. Yes, I am talking about the NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament, and I totally agree when my cousin, and loyal FFS reader, said "In my opinion, playoff hockey, college or pro, is the most exciting time of the year in all sports". As I sit down to right this, I need to keep reminding myself to be as unbiased as possible. To be honest, I have a huge routing interest in the tournament. I am an employee of the Agganis Arena at Boston University, home to the #1 ranked BU Terrier men's hockey team, and have watched them play over half of their games this season. With that being said, allow me to provide some analysis as I give you a tour through the four regionals being held in Minneapolis, Grand Rapids, Bridgeport and Manchester.

Minneapolis: Miami vs. Denver/Princeton vs. Minn.-Duluth

Regional final: Minnesota-Duluth vs. Denver
Winner: Denver

Grand Rapids: Bemidji State vs. Notre Dame/Cornell vs. Northeastern

Regional final: Notre Dame vs. Northeastern
Winner: Notre Dame

Bridgeport: Air Force vs. Michigan/Vermont vs. Yale

Regional final: Yale vs. Michigan

Manchester: Ohio State vs. Boston University/North Dakota vs. New Hampshire

Regional final: North Dakota vs. Boston University

Frozen Four: Michigan vs. Boston University/Denver Notre Dame

NCAA final: Notre Dame vs. Boston University
NCAA Champion: Please read on

The 2009 tournament is once again filled with great teams from around the company. 7 of the 10 Hobey Baker Finalists are a part of the NCAA Tournament, so there's a great chance the winner will already be in attendance when the award is announced the Saturday in between rounds. Just in case you didn't realize it, I do have all four #1 seeds advancing to the Frozen Four.

Even though UMD comes in a little hotter than Denver, it's my opinion they will not be able to handle the considerable firepower of Denver. Denver has 7 players with at least 10 goals. While I believe Northeastern will make it to the regional finals, they have not been playing well enough to handle Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have been a force all season. They have a phenomenal defense that should easily handle the Huskies. Northeastern has had trouble from behind all season long and will have serious trouble playing from behind. Air force has been playing fantastic, but have drawn Michigan in the opener. That is unfortunate for them, and should prove a much tougher game for the Wolverines than the regional final against Vermont or Yale.

The final region, and the most interesting to me should is in Manchester. Despite the fact that BU holds the #1 overall seed in the tournament, they reside in the toughest of the 4 regions. I have put my BU love aside for this one, and truly believe that. Ohio State is no slouch, as they now reside at #14 in the country. The Terriers do have a stacked team. The lead the nation in scoring, with 180 goals, have a solid defense, and have a freshman goalie that is 25-2-3 on the season. Not bad for the guy most people thought was the backup goalie to fellow freshman Grant Rollheiser.

The key to BU winning the NCAA this year is scoring early and establishing the lead. They have lost only 1 game when leading after the 1st period, and are undefeated when leading after 2. That is phenomenal! They don't have a bad record, 3-4-1, when they trail after the 2nd period so even if they're down, it doesn't mean they're out.

Well, I've tried to be as objective as possible, but my prediction still stands. The BU Terriers will win the 2009 NCAA Men's Hockey Championship.

Make sure to check back in two weeks for the preview leading up to the actual Frozen Four down in Washington DC!

Holy Cross baseball pulls off big upset against powerful Boston College

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
WORCESTER -- I couldn't believe my eyes.
I had just watched the Holy Cross baseball team play sloppy baseball while not getting much pitching or hitting at all in a loss to Yale on Saturday, but the Crusaders looked like a totally different team on Wednesday night in Worcester at Fitton Field.
With powerful Boston College in town, the only people who thought Holy Cross had a chance to win were wearing purple (well, I'm willing to bet many of those fans didn't think they stood a chance, either).
But that's the beauty of sports -- anything can happen on any given day.
Guess what, Holy Cross pulled off an amazing upset win, 8-2.
Holy Cross entered with a 5-14 record, while the Eagles were 14-6 with impressive wins on their resume. Boston College took 2 of 3 from Florida State in Tallahassee and 2 of 3 at Maryland. Needless to say, they're legit.
Boston College has owned Holy Cross over the years -- the Crusaders hadn't won since 1994.
There were several lessons to be learned: never take an opponent lightly, have confidence and always believe you can win even if you don't, and lay it all on the line and play hard each and every inning.
What an upset!

Let Gonzalez play for a winner

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Tony Gonzalez is a great football player.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end will go down as one of the best tight ends in NFL history when he's retired, but something's missing in his career -- a Super Bowl ring and another sniff at the playoffs.
Gonzalez is 33 years old and he doesn't have many good years left on those worn down tires.
He's done anything and everything for the Kansas City organization since he was drafted out of California in 1997. This guy's had four 1,000-yard seasons as a tight end.
Yes, a tight end.
He also hauled in a 102 passes in 2004 ... remember, this is a tight end.
No doubt about it, his production is more like a wide receiver.
Gonzalez is still getting it done on the field, too. He had 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 TDs last season for the hapless 2-14 Chiefs.
Changes are on the way in Kansas City with new GM Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley, but how long will it take for the Chiefs to become a playoff team?
Gonzalez probably doesn't have that much time left in his career.
He wants to be traded, but he's not demanding one. That's the way Tony Gonzalez is. He wants the Chiefs to get a good deal before they trade him, but he wants a shot at winning a title. He knows KC isn't the place to do that.
So what should KC do?
He's a fan favorite in KC, but with new leadership comes change.
Why can't KC show Gonzalez the same respect that Gonzalez has shown the organization for the last 12 years?
See if you cant' snag a second-rounder for Gonzalez, or a third at the worst.
This guy deserves a change of scenery and a chance to be a part of a winner.
You know when he's inducted into the Hall of Fame he's going in as a Chief, anyway.
What more can he do to help the Chiefs become a playoff-caliber team? He's not a QB and he's not a defensive player, all he does is catch passes and blocked when asked to.
Set Gonzalez free, it's the right thing to do.
I know he's property of the Chiefs and he's under contract, but sometimes doing the right thing is the only thing to do.
Start over Chiefs and let Gonzalez start over.
He's earned that right!