NFC Championship, Here We Come

Lots of action today. NFL playoffs, Canucks in NYC, College Gameday. Let's roll...

Seahawks Cruise, Broncos Capitalize

In the first of 2 games in NFL Playoff action today, the Seahawks cruised past the Redskins 20-10 despite losing MVP Shaun Alexander early in the game to a concussion. After the hit that took out Alexander, there was a collective gasp in the crowd. But Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck looked impressive by carrying his team on offense to 2 decisive TDs. WR Darrel Jackson had a huge game for the Hawks in the win. Last but not least, the Seahawks D-line created havoc all day in the Redskins backfield. The Hawks make it to a Conference Championship for only the 2nd time in franchise history. They will face the winner of the Carolina/Chicago game tomorrow. I think I speak for most Hawks fans in that we'd rather face Chicago. Our Defensive secondary is the weak link and could be lit up big time by Delhomme and Smith.

In the 2nd game, the Broncos ended the Patriots streak of consecutive Super Bowls with a decisive 27-13 win today in Denver. Props go to Broncos QB Jake Plummer. For much of his career, Jake the Snake has been dogged for not being a big game QB and crumbling under pressure. It was the Patriots who caved on this day making several uncharacteristic mistakes that cost them the game. The Broncos played well, but it was the Patriots who threw this game away. Colts will definitely make it to the Super Bowl now, I can't see Denver stopping the amazing Colts offense.
*Photos from Yahoo!Sports

Canucks Get Offensive in NY

After getting shutout last night by Martin Brodeur and the NJ Devils, the Canucks came out flying vs one of the worst teams in the league and crushed the NY Islanders 8-1 today. Canucks forward Todd Bertuzzi recorded his 2nd Hat Trick of the season. The Isles were horrible, and the Canucks pounced on them. Alex Auld was solid in net again for the Canucks netting 36 saves. There is definitely concern about how much Marc Crawford is playing Auld, a deal for another Goalie must be done soon. Auld won't last until the playoffs at the rate of games he's starting. Slumping Penguins are up next on Monday night in Pittsburgh.
*Photo from Yahoo!Sports

NCAA Basketball Gameday Update

Not quite so many upsets this week. Big games were #1 Duke over Clemson, #8 Texas over #3 Villanova, #13 Washington over #11 UCLA. Watched most of the Duke game, even though the Tigers played JJ Reddick tough on the perimeter limiting his open looks, he still was able to burn them for 34 points, cutting around screens and driving to the hoop. This guy is going to something special in the NBA, that's for sure. In other action # 16 West Virginia beat Marquette, I must admit, I love the Moutaineers, I'm a big fan and follower of Coach John Beilein and I just love the system they play. Another game I watched was the Gonzaga vs Pepperdine game. Adam Morrison is an absolute scoring machine. He reminds me of former Florida Gator Mike Miller. Just a prolific scorer who can really fill the bucket. Also, former BC High Schooler Wille Gallick is a freshman on the Pepperdine squad so I like to follow the progress of BC Alums in Div1.
*Photo from Yahoo!Sports

What's on TV
NFL, Pittsburgh vs Indianapolis, 10:00am PST on CBS
NFL, Carolina vs Chicago, 1:30pm PST on FOX
College BB, Michigan St vs Ohio St, 1:30pm PST on CBS
PGA, Final Round Sony Open in Hawaii, 4:00pm PST on TSN
NBA, NY Knicks vs Toronto, 10:00am PST on TSN

Picks of the Day
NY Knicks +1 over Toronto Raptors
NJ Devils -145 over Chicago Blackhawks
Record YTD (17-21, -693)