2010 NHL Mock Draft: Round One

June 24th, 2010 by Bryan Dietzler No comments »

The 2010 NHL Draft is almost here and with the Stanley Cup Finals over, we can finally speculate which young players may go where in the upcoming draft. Mock drafts are always fun and a hot topic for hockey fans, and this mock draft should be no different.

So, without further delay, here is a look at my mock draft for the 2010 NHL Draft as we are now less than three days away and many people are speculating who will go where. 

Here is my take on what will happen.

 

1.  Edmonton Oilers -Taylor Hall-LW-Windsor- Hall is clearly the best player in the draft and the Oilers won’t pass him up.

2.  Boston Bruins -Tyler Seguin-C-Plymouth- The Bruins need the help and they can get it with a guy like Seguin.

3.  Florida Panthers -Eric Gudbranson-D-Kingston- The Panthers could use the help on defense and Gudbranson is the best defenseman in the draft.

4.  Columbus Blue Jackets -Cam Fowler-D-Windsor- If the Blue Jackets miss out on Gudbranson then Fowler should be there for them at No. 4.

5.  New York Islanders -Alexander Burmistrov-C-Barrie- New York could use a center and Burmistrov should be there when they make their pick.

6.  Tampa Bay Lightning -Brandon Gormley-D-Moncton- Tampa Bay could use a good defenseman in the lineup and Gormley could be an All-Star in the future at the position.

7.  Carolina Hurricanes -Brett Connolly-RW-Prince George- Connolly, a gifted right winger, could help improve the Hurricanes overall.

8.  Atlanta Thrashers -Nino Niederreiter-LW-Portland- The Thrashers could use a guy like Niederreiter who could end up being a solid starter in his first season with a team like Atlanta.

9.  Minnesota Wild -Ryan Johansen-C-Portland- The Wild could use some additional youth and building through the draft would really help them out.  Drafting Johansen would be a step in the right direction.

10.  New York Rangers -Vladimir Tarasenko-LW-Sibir- If Tarasenko lasts this long the Rangers should take a look at look at drafting him here at No. 10.

11.  Dallas Stars -Mikael Granlund-LW-HIFK- The Stars need help at several positions, especially at the LW position, and Granlund may be just the guy.

12.  Anaheim Ducks -Riley Sheahan-LW-Notre Dame- Sheahan had a solid college career with the Fighting Irish and should have a solid career in the NHL.

13.  Phoenix Coyotes -Jeff Skinner-C-Kitchener- The Coyotes will go for the best player left on the board at this point and get someone who can start for them sometime in the near term.

14.  St. Louis Blues -Jack Campbell-G-USA The Blues need to start looking at getting some continuity at the goalie position so they should think about drafting Campbell here.

15.  Boston Bruins -Derek Forbort-D-USA U-18 -The Bruins could use some help on defense and could develop Forbort into a starter in a short amount of time.

16.  Ottawa Senators -Emerson Etem-LW-Medicine Hat -If the Senators want to get some help at the left wing position they would be wise to take Etem here and let him develop into a solid player at the position.

17.  Colorado Avalanche -John Merrill-D-USA U-18 -Defensemen should be at the top of the Avalanche’s list heading into this draft and they get a good one if Merrill is still there and they select him.

18.  Nashville Predators -Austin Watson-RW-Peterborough- Watson could help fill the need that the Predators have at the right wing position, and at this point in the draft he would be a smart pick.

19.  Los Angeles Kings -Quinton Howden-LW-Moose Jaw- Howden would be a solid prospect for the Kings and someone that they could develop in a hurry.

20.  Pittsburgh Penguins -Mark Pysyk-D-Edmonton- The Penguins should be thinking defense here and Pysyk is their kind of guy.

21.  Detroit Red Wings -John McFarland-LW-Sudbury- The Wings need some help on the wings and McFarland could be a steal here at No. 21.

22.  Phoenix Coyotes -Dylan McIlrath-D-Moose Jaw- The Coyotes took care of their big need at center and now can concentrate on defense by taking a good one in McIlrath.

23.  Buffalo Sabres -Tyler Pitlick-C-Minnesota State- While Pitlick may end up going before the Sabres have a chance to get him, if he does fall to Buffalo, he could be a star for them in the very near future.

24.  Atlanta Thrashers -Nick Bjustad-C-Blain (MN)- The Thrashers can add another quality player to the mix by grabbing Bjustad here to groom for the center position.

25.  Vancouver Canucks -Jarred Tinordi-D-USA U-18 -This draft is going to be a good one for defensemen and Tinordi will end up being one of the best to come out of the draft this year.

26.  Washington Capitals -Ryan Martindale-C-Ottawa 67’s -Washington can start to develop Martindale and in a short amount of time they could have one of the better players at that position in the NHL.

27.  Montreal Canadiens -Jaden Schwartz-C-Tri-City -The Canadiens may want to start developing some young talent at the center position so taking Schwartz here wouldn’t be a bad idea.

28.  San Jose Sharks -Tyler Toffoli-RW-Ottawa 67’s -The Sharks could use some help on the right side and Toffoli is the kind of guy that could develop quickly.

29.  Anaheim Ducks -Ludwig Rensfeldt-LW-Brynas -This Swedish star has been doing well across the Atlantic so the Ducks may want to bring him over and get him ready to start along the Pacific.

3 0.  Chicago Blackhawks -Stanislav Gailev-RW-Saint John - The NHL champs may have to reload a little bit and can start by adding Gailev to their squad. 

Note: This does not reflect any trades made before the 16th of June.

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Posted in 2010 NHL Mock Draft, NHL, Preview/Prediction

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Germany vs. Ghana World Cup 2010 Live Blog: Scores, Results and Analysis

June 24th, 2010 by Bryan Sakakeeny No comments »

Hello, football fans.  Bryan Sakakeeny here to help navigate you through this crucial Group D match on a wonderful day of football.

Welcome, U.S. and English fans.  I'm glad you found time to settle down your nerves after the big wins and advancements and are keen to see on just who will be going through from Group D and facing off against your teams.  No doubt this game will provide great insight to those key Round of 16 pairings.

There are several mathematical possibilities at work here to see any of the two Group D teams through to the next round.  What you need to know right now is that both Germany and Ghana need a result out of this game to punch their ticket to the knockout stages.

I'll keep you up to date on any changes in who is lined up to advance as the match progresses.  In the meantime, chime in with any of your thoughts or own analysis on the game.  Group C supporters will have plenty to say about the match's proceedings so don't be shy.

As always, enjoy the match!

______________________________________________________________________

Score is 0-0 at half time, it's been an entertaining game from two teams that are through as of now.  Germany produced the best chance of the game so far but other than that their attacking has been mostly wishful thinking.  Ghana has also shown flashes of brilliance in the last third as well.  With the game already as open as it is, expect to see some tallies in the second half.

Half Time

45'- All hands to the pumps for Germany at the moment, attack results in a header from Gyan that sails high. 

43'- Thomas Mueller with a hard tackle that doesn't catch any of the ball.  He's shown a yellow card, but the tackle wasn't all that reckless.

41'- Schweiny's free kick heads goalwards, Mertesacker attempts the flick but to no avail, Kingson reacts quickly to beat it away.  Ghana then breaks well up the field, but their attack is thwarted.

40'- Andre Ayew is shown a yellow card after a hard, but reasonable challenge on Cacau.  Ayew is beside himself.

38'- Schweinsteiger is fouled by Boateng, KP proceeds to flash a devious smile to one of his teammates.

34'- KP Boateng seems to be relishing his status as public enemy no. 1 of the German supporters, he unloads a wild shot towards goal.

32'- Ayew fools Boateng with a dummy cross along the right side, decent ball into the middle, KP Boateng almost makes his little bro pay for being too jumpy.

30'- Khedira with a cute flick off of Mueller's delivery, Cacau hits it on the volley but Kingson is again equal to the task.

28'- Game's really starting to open up, got to appreciate Ghana's willingness to go forward, despite the fact that they only need a draw to win the group.

26'- Gyan's flicked header off a Ghana corner is cleared off the line by Philipp Lahm.  Good defending, but where was Neuer?

25'- Oezil breaks the offside trap on the ensuing possession, he's clear through! terrible composure from the young kid as Kingson saves it with his legs.  Wigan's third choice keeper looking world class.

24'- Ayew is away in the box! Too many touches for the striker and Neuer is out bravely to smother the chance.

24'- Mueller's been a great addition to the German lineup out wide, the young striker has made quite the adjustment.

21'- Lahm comes bursting through the middle of the pitch, but runs out of real estate.  Nice to see him getting forward early.

17'- Ghana picking their attacks well, the German defense has appeared more than capable of stifling the break so far.

16'- Mueller again down the right side, his long cross targets Podolski who tries a one-time volley.  His shape was good but he completely whiffs, how's your knee feel?

14'- Sarpei receives the ball in the box, he leaves it for Ayew who has his shot well blocked by a back-tracking Schweinsteiger.

10'- Podolski wtih a low, hard cross, deflects off Mensah who enlists the help of Kingson to avoid an own goal.

7'- Podolski thrashes at a bouncing ball on the other end, could we see another seven shots from him today?

7'- Boateng with a probing pass, he finds Gyan but the first touch is too heavy.  Neuer is confidently off his line to collect it.

4'- Cacau showing his pace early, that speed up front could prove key for the Germans tonight, especially against a quick Ghanaian side.

3'- Loew's got the scarf on, he wasn't taking any chances tonight.

1'- We're off in Johannesburg.

2:27EST- Germany wearing the black jerseys, gotta love it.

2:22EST- Germany has made it to every knockout stage since 1938.  Talk about having history on your side.  However, the Germans hadn't lost in the group stages since 1938 until a couple of days ago, so who knows what to expect?

2:20EST- Brazilian-born Cacau replaces Miroslav Klose as the lone striker after Klose's red card against Serbia. 

2:19EST- Gotta love the Ghanaian center-back pairing of John Mensah and Jonathan Mensah.

2:16EST- If Ghana goes through they'll pretty much have the support of a whole continent behind them, now that's some incentive to win, yeah?

2:14EST- Heyy would you look at that? ESPN got Klinsmann to do the pre-game show after not having him provide analysis before the Serbia game.

2:11EST- Che Cannavarroooo! I love that song.

2:09EST- Both teams opting for the same tactical formation, but that's not what should be standing out to you as a football fan.  As if this day needed any more drama, it looks like Joachim Loew is opting to start young Jerome Boateng in place of the ripe Holger Badstuber. 

Badstuber was torched all day long by Milos Krasic of Serbia in Germany's previous match.  The underlying story here is that Boateng's older brother, Kevin-Prince, plays midfield for Ghana and also ended Michael Ballack's World Cup dreams with a vicious tackle in the FA Cup.  There were ensuing death threats and the whole lot after the tackle.  Fiery German fans have had this clash circled on their calendars every since. 

2:05EST- We're live here for the Germany/Ghana clash

Starting Lineups-

Germany:

Neuer

Lahm-Mertesacker-Friedrich-Boateng

Khedira-Schweinsteiger

Mueller-Ozil-Podolski

Cacau

 

Ghana:

Kingson

Pantsil-Mensah-Mensah-Sarpei

Annan-Boateng

Tagoe-Asamoah-Ayew

Gyan



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Posted in 2010 FIFA World Cup, Game Recap, International Football, World Football

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The Next HBK? John Morrison’s Possible Road to WrestleMania

June 24th, 2010 by The Animalistic-Viper LP23 No comments »

It's time for WWE to build Superstars who will be the future of their business. Those Superstars need good mic skills, athletic wrestling ability, and looks.

A Superstar that fits that bill is John Morrison, who wrestles as a mid-carder but should be in main events for the WWE Championship. If you don't believe me, look at all of his matches on SmackDown in 2009.

John Morrison is going to eventually be the face of WWE someday, much like Shawn Micheal's in the 90's. Well here's a storyline for a huge push for the Guru of Greatness, Monday Night Delight, John Morrison.

John Morrison comes out and tells WWE Universe he's getting sick of being on the mid-card and wants to be WWE's biggest star and new WWE Champion. Morrison will then go on and say he will make WWE more exciting, watchable, and entertaining again. Morrison also notes he's too talented to not be in big matches to entertain the WWE Universe. 

But Morrison says what he has do first is challenge the Top Dog and prove to everyone he can defeat a Main Eventer and fight with the best. Triple H will be Morrison's first main rival and give Morrison a big push, much like he did to Jeff Hardy in 2007. Morrison mentions his dream is to headline WrestleMania and have his boyhood Dream come true. He says he always watched HBK and when he saw him win his First WWE Championship at WM XII, he decided he always wanted a moment like that in his career.

Triple H tells Morrison he reminds him of Shawn Micheals. They have a couple of matches which Morrison wins, so he and HHH have a feud until around Royal Rumble. Morrison impresses HHH and receives a huge push, and HHH tells everyone that Morrison is ready. Morrison then says change is coming in the WWE. Morrison also tells HHH he's honored that he reminds him of HBK, but Morrison says he's nowhere near HBK's status and legacy, but HBK is his idol and mentor.

Triple H then tells Morrison he just simply sees a reflection of Shawn in Morrison by his move set and looks. But after all that is said and done, they show respect by shaking hands, and their feud is over.

Around Royal Rumble time, Morrison wins the Royal Rumble at No. 1. Morrison challenges WWE Champion Chris Jericho in a "Ladder Match" at WrestleMania XXVII. Jericho tells Morrison he wants to make history and pass the torch to him if he wins at WrestleMania. He tells Morrison he can see him leading the WWE into a new era. Note that Jericho is a face. Jericho then tells Morrison that if you don't defeat me, then you failed. Morrison tells Jericho he's ready to make history.

At WrestleMania XXVII in Atlanta, Georgia, Morrison reverses Jericho's "Codebreaker" and hits his "Nitro Blast" (Sweet Chin Music). Then he goes on top of the ladder and hits "Starship Pain" before getting back up and grabbing the WWE Championship. Morrison's dream comes true, and he is in the middle of the ring on his knees crying, looking up in the sky.Then he goes on the ropes and does his pose holding up the WWE Championship.

Chris Jericho tells Morrison the torch has been passed, and Morrison smiles and shakes Jericho's hand. The crowd goes wild and Morrison gets his WrestleMania moment. Morrison goes backstage celebrating happily, sees HBK and gives him a handshake. Micheals tells Morrison he resembles his younger self, and Morrison tells Micheals he's the best ever and wants to have a match with him. Micheals says maybe, but Morrison says this is the greatest moment in my career and I'll cherish it until the end. WrestleMania XXVII ends with a new WWE Champion, John Morrison.

Would you like this WrestleMania Moment to happen for John Morrison? Give me your opinions & thoughts, Thanks

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Posted in Opinion, Pro Wrestling

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O.J Atogwe Signs Five Year Deal To Stay with St. Louis Rams

June 24th, 2010 by Ryan Steck No comments »

Sorry Lions fans, O.J Atogwe is staying with the Rams.

News broke a little bit ago that the Rams and Atogwe agreed on a five-year deal, which likely means Atogwe will retire a St Louis Ram.

Terms of the contract were not yet disclosed, but should available in the next few days.

Here is what Atogwe said about finally getting a deal done and staying with the Rams.

“It’s really important to stay here. One of the things I was thinking about through this process is my purpose with the Rams."

As I had previously reported, Atogwe and his agent were shocked by the lack of interest he received once becoming an unrestricted free agent. Teams weren't willing to spend the type of money he was asking for and most seemed to prefer a three- or four-year deal, instead of the five or six he wanted.

At the end of the day the Rams were always the favorite to sign Atogwe. Urgency to get a deal done had no doubt increased over the last few days as mini camp approached, and with training camp a month away.

Bottom line, Atogwe is now back with the only NFL team he's ever played for.

 

 

Ryan Steck is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist with Bleacher Report. He is also the host and producer of the weekly radio show, "Detroit Lions Talk with Ryan Steck ." Along with writing for several websites, Ryan is the featured NFL Analyst in the segment "Man vs Math" in which he goes head-to-head choosing NFL games against Harvard Statistical Analyst Dr. Adam Ramey.

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Posted in Breaking News, NFL, Oshiomogho Atogwe, nfc west, st louis rams

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2010 FIFA World Cup: What USA Soccer Needs To Do To Win It All

June 24th, 2010 by Geremy Graham No comments »

I don't think Hollywood could have scripted it better than this.

In a blockbuster finish, Landon Donovan snatches a goal right at the death to defeat Algeria.

What a day for USA fans watching their team advance to the round of 16 with one of the most memorable victories in USA soccer history.

However, we all know this is not over. There is always a time for celebration, and celebrate USA will. But there is much more to be accomplished.

In light of the thrilling victory over Algeria, it's time to think about what the United States needs to do to continue its success in the tournament.

Before I continue, however, I must say how impressed I am with the American determination to win. 

They went through dire straits to get to the top of Group C and it is a testament to their strong character.

Now, on with my list of necessities for the USA team in order to win the whole thing.

 

Bob Bradley needs to start Benny Feilhaber

Feilhaber provides the offensive threat from the midfield that Ricardo Clark and Jose Torres could not.

Bradley substituted Feilhaber into the match against Algeria looking for some offensive production, and he got it right away.

He creates chances with his speed and his dribbling ability. I think after this result against Algeria, Feilhaber needs to start so he can contribute for the full 90 minutes in the upcoming matches.

 

Tim Howard needs to continue to play big and command the defense

It is very important to have a goalkeeper between the posts who can command his team and will them to victory.

They have the advantage of being able to read the game and seeing the entire field as play unfolds right in front of them.

Howard has the ability to see the game, and help his team adjust as he sees fit.

Along with Donovan, I believe Howard is the key to the success of USA soccer.

 

USA needs to stop giving up the early goal

I realize this did not occur against Algeria, but in the games against England and Slovenia, the United States gave up the early goal and with sheer determination were able to fight back and pull out a draw.

This cannot happen every game.

The defense was very solid against Algeria after almost giving up an early goal again, and I think the four in the back in Johnathan Bornstein, Jay Demerit, Carlos Bocanegra, and Steve Cherundolo are a good combination for the Americans.

No team wants to fight from behind in crucial matches, and the stakes are raised as the United States prepares for the knockout stages.

 

Landon Donovan needs to continue his high level of play

I cannot stress enough the importance of Landon Donovan to team USA.

There hasn't been a person as influential to American soccer as Donovan.

He must continue to score goals and keep his team focused for the tough road ahead.

 

Jozy Altidore must play big and play with high energy up top

When I say "play big," I mean win the ball, get good position against defenders, and run at defenders.

This puts opposing defenses on their heels, allowing for the US offense to create chances.

It is pivotal to US success for Altidore to continue his high level of play at the forward position.

 

Bob Bradley must start Herculez Gomez

This is also an important factor for US success because Gomez brings the confidence to score goals and shoot the ball.

At the forward position, it is important to take risks. That is your job. Gomez does a good job of creating shots for himself, and taking them.

Findley just isn't getting the job done, and in the win over Algeria, Gomez proved he is able to play at the World Cup level in the big games.

 

DaMarcus Beasley must get more playing time at midfield

Beasley brings speed and experience to the young American midfield.

He is a valuable asset and proved it in the win over Algeria.

I think Bob Bradley realizes now that it is important to have experience on the field as well as youth.

Look for Beasley to be a critical component it the USA are to be successful in future rounds.

 

Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey need to control the midfield

These two together have the potential to be a deadly duo for this American team.

They are very skilled and have the composure to finish chances.

It will be essential for these two to play together and play with strength in the midfield as the competition becomes more intense.

 

Be confident you can beat anybody

It will be fascinating to watch this USA squad grow together as they advance through this tournament.

The last thing I think needs to happen is to play with confidence.

Play with the confidence that you are able to compete with the best in the world and have the ability to beat the best in the world.

This is essential for team USA as they continue their quest to raise the World Cup in victory for their country. 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in 2010 FIFA World Cup, Landon Donovan, Preview/Prediction, United States (National Football), World Football

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