Is LaVar Ball Making a Mistake?

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LaVar Ball recently orchestrated a deal for his two youngest sons to play overseas. LiAngelo and LaMelo, 18 and 16 respectively, both signed deals to play basketball in Lithuania. This comes after LiAngelo’s indefinite suspension and withdrawal from UCLA. Many people have voiced their opinions on the Ball family, but this latest decision begs the question: Is this a mistake?

LaVar Ball: Jack of All Trades

The Ball patriarch made headlines when he announced that he was taking LaMelo out of high school. After citing frustration with his son’s coaches and school officials, he decided it was time to take over. Apparently, Chino Hills became full of distractions that Melo didn’t need to put up with. On top of that, the school hired a new basketball coach that ended up ruffling LaVar’s feathers a bit. He vowed that Melo would be homeschooled and trained by him personally, promising us his youngest would be ready for UCLA in two years. Teacher, trainer, coach— does that leave any time for being a parent?

Minimizing ‘Mistakes’

In early November, UCLA and Georgia Tech were in China for an exhibition game. LiAngelo and two of his former UCLA teammates became embroiled in a shoplifting incident. They thought it would be ‘cool’ to take some things from a Louis Vuitton store without paying. Fortunately, they were able to escape the situation after serving 20 days of ‘house arrest’ at the hotel. LaVar minimized his son’s actions from the beginning, saying the situation wasn’t a big deal. He even went as far as to criticize UCLA for the indefinite suspension placed on Gelo. Inevitably, he pulled another child out of school and vowed to have him ready for the NBA.

Lithuania Bound

This week, Melo and Gelo signed their first pro-contract to play in Lithuania. There has been tons of backlash, most notably from former NBA star Charles Barkley. He believes LaVar is exploiting his kids and making everything about the Big Baller Brand. Barkley stated, “I just feel sadness for those kids because they’re gonna do whatever he tells them to do.” On ESPN’s The Jump, Rachel Nichol’s and her guests weighed in on the development factor. Neither of these kids have enough experience to handle this type of situation. In addition, no one believes this move is going to benefit the brother’s development as ball players. In the past, players that do decide to play overseas usually have four years of college under their belt and maybe nth amount of years in the NBA. What can we expect from a former high school student and a college freshman?

Hoping for the Best

I’m not a parent, so I will never judge how someone raises their children. But I will voice a concern for those boys, especially for Melo. At 16 years old, he is in no way ready to live the life of a professional ball player in Lithuania. His brother will be with him but… I don’t know. I’m not so ready to trust someone who steals from foreign countries. Gelo needs to have better judgement than that if he’s going to be entrusted to look after Melo. All in all, I really hope this doesn’t end up being a bust like most people believe. The Ball brothers deserve to have the opportunity play the game they love, despite their father’s disagreeable actions.

Shout out to Tina Ball. I know the thought of her babies playing overseas is a stressful one. Stay strong!

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51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl I

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The Super Bowl is just 51 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 51 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion!

Green Bay Packers 51 Years Ago

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Super Bowl I was played in the Los Angeles Coliseum on January 15, 1967. The game pitted the NFL champion Green Bay Packers against the upstart Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League.

Green Bay was a perennial power coached by legendary Vince Lombardi. Lombardi’s offensive philosophy was simple, yet effective. In fact, he may be the greatest offensive coordinator in NFL history. He relied on the great talents of Jim Taylor and his offensive line. They ran lots of traps and power sweeps and said, “Stop us if you can”. Most teams could not.

Their best player may have been quarterback Bart Starr. Starr was unflappable in the big games and he rarely cost his team with poor decisions or errant passes. He was Joe Montana before there was a Joe Montana.  

To say the Packers of the 1960’s were strong would be an understatement. They literally had a Hall of Famer at every position. Indeed, six of their 11 starters were eventually enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Packers Path to Super Bowl I 

The Packers were the dominant team of the decade. This was their 4th NFL title in six seasons. The 1966 version of the Packers were as good as any team in NFL history and had an incredible midseason stretch of outscoring their opponents 104-10. Their 12-2 record earned them a spot in the NFL championship game against the East Division Champion Dallas Cowboys. Interestingly, Vince Lombardi and Dallas’ Head Coach Tom Landry coached together for the 1958 NFL champion New York Giants. Tom Landry was the defensive coordinator of that squad. 

However, coming into the championship game, Dallas had the top-rated offense while Green Bay had the #1 defense. Due to an annual rotation done back then, the title match was played in Dallas. 

It truly was a tremendous game. Bart Starr was deservedly named the MVP as he tossed 4 touchdown passes including a 28-yarder to little-used Max McGee in the fourth quarter. Led by “Dandy” Don Meredith, the Cowboys came back to within 34-27 late in the game. Tom Brown, though, picked off Meredith in the end zone with seconds remaining. Hence, the defense preserved the win. The Pack made it to Super Bowl I.

Kansas City Chiefs 51 Years Ago

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In the AFL, the Kansas City Chiefs would be the representative. The Chiefs had an amazing offense led by the innovative Hank Stram and Hall of fame QB, Len Dawson. Where the Packers were powerful, the Chiefs were fast and nifty. Tall and lean Otis Taylor was arguably the best wide receiver in the AFL and Mike Garrett and Curtis McClinton gave KC a change of pace from the backfield. Thus, KC was explosive.

Kansas City’s defense was young and improving. They had Bobby Bell, Buck Buchanon and Emmitt Thomas who were in the infant stages of their incredible careers 51 years ago. But, a cornerback nicknamed the “hammer” took hold of the headlines. During his period of playing for the Chiefs, Williamson became one of football’s first self-promoters. He would use his forearm to deliver karate-style blows to the heads of opposing players. Before Super Bowl I, Williamson gathered national headlines by boasting that he would knock out Green Bay’s receivers.

As good as Kansas City was in 1966, oddsmakers did not give them much of a chance labeling the Pack as a 14-point favorite.  

A Competitive First Half

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Things got off to an ominous beginning for the Pack. First, they lost starting wide receiver Boyd Dowler to a shoulder injury. Then, Starr was sacked on consecutive plays. However, Green Bay marched down the field the next time they had the ball for the first score in Super Bowl history. Starr was 4 for 4 on the drive hitting four different receivers. The last pass went to the veteran, McGee, who made a spectacular one-handed catch and ran untouched for a 37-yard score.  

McGee was out partying the entire night before the game. It turns out that worked for him. He had a great game replacing the injured Dowler. Incredibly, McGee had four catches over the entire regular season, but 7 for 138 on Super Bowl Sunday! 

The Chiefs were able to move the ball well the rest of the first half. They missed a field goal, scored a touchdown and made a field goal to end the half with ten points. Green Bay added one more touchdown before halftime as Starr continued his hot streak on third down. Once in scoring range, Jim Taylor ran the patented power sweep to the left and scored from the fourteen. 

The Pack Attack

While the first half was competitive, the second half went according to script. Willie Wood picked off Dawson on the first series and returned it to the five. Consequently, Green Bay went up 21-10 and the Chiefs never threatened again. Elijah Pitts scored twice, and McGee added one more to give the Packers a resounding 35-10 victory.  

The second half was not compelling. However, something interesting happened. Williamson took a knee to the head from Donny Anderson which knocked the big talker from the game.  

Both teams would be back. Green Bay won Super Bowl II and Kansas City notched a title in the AFL’s last ever game, winning Super Bowl IV over Minnesota. 

Tomorrow, we will be 50 days away from the Super Bowl, so we’ll talk about the game from 50 years ago…Super Bowl II between the Packers and the AFL champion Oakland Raiders.

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_bills

Patriots Steelers: Game of the Year

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Patriots Travel to Pittsburgh

Football: AFC Playoffs: New England Patriots QB Tom Brady (12) calling signals vs Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium.
Foxborough, MA 1/22/2017
CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco (Photo by Erick W. Rasco /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)
(Set Number: SI702 TK1 )

The Patriots travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers Sunday for the game of the season. Both teams are trying to get the number one seed in the playoffs. The Patriots couldn’t get anything going in Miami while the Steelers took care of business against the Ravens. Belichick wasn’t too happy with a reporter asking if the Patriots overlooked the Miami game on Monday shaking his head.

Tom Brady Has an Injury

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 12: Tom Brady (12) of the New England Patriots and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels talk in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 12, 2017. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Tom Brady is battling an Achilles injury which has kept him out of practice last week. Brady did practice yesterday and will be ready to go on Sunday. The Patriots don’t usually lose two in a row and tend to have a breakout game after playing a bad one. Brady loves the “in decline” talk that the loud mouths say on TV. He proves them wrong and shuts the haters up that say he doesn’t have it anymore.

Bill Belichick’s Thoughts on Pittsburgh

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) ORG XMIT: NYOTK

Belichick spoke to the media yesterday at his weekly press conference talking about the Steelers saying:

“Pittsburgh is having a great year, very talented team, playing very well right now. They’ve been playing well all year but especially over the last couple of months. They’ve put a lot of big wins together, played a lot of good football at the most critical times of the game when they needed to. It’s a well-balanced team, very explosive on offense, good on defense, good in the kicking game, have a lot of great players, well coached, tough, hard-nosed, physical team. We’ve had a long history of great competitive games with [them]. I’m sure it will be a great environment there Sunday afternoon.”

I really don’t see the Patriots losing this game. They have Gronk back this week which was a huge miss on Monday. The Patriots will be fine; they really don’t usually play well in Miami anyway. I don’t mean to make excuses, but the Patriots are the best at having a bad game one week to completely turning around the following week.

Celtics Reveal Their NBA 2K League Affiliate

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The NBA is joining the rapidly growing world of eSports

Back in February of this year the NBA announced that they are partnering with Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. to launch a professional competitive gaming league that will showcase some of the best basketball gamers in the world. Coined as the NBA 2K League, it will display NBA-branded teams from across the United States. Eventually the league hopes to branch out world-wide like other prominent eSports leagues.

A few months later the NBA released that seventeen teams will create 2K League affiliates for its inaugural season. The Boston Celtics will represent the league as they switch platforms to the gaming world.

The Celtics revealed their new 2K League affiliate, CLTX Gaming, yesterday afternoon. CLTX Gaming advertises themselves as a new team of pro basketball troops for a new league in Bean Town. They will keep the same green and white color scheme and will have Lucky the Lepracauhn as their logo like the real Celtics. Their team’s website states that they wish to incorporate the Boston tradition into their brand:

“Gaming is our heart; Boston is our soul. Each season, our players will represent the sports mecca of New England. CLTX Gaming is committed to building the infrastructure to support our team’s competitive edge, behind the scenes content to share with our passionate fans, and regional events to connect gamers to the competitive world of NBA 2K.”

2K League Logistics

NBA 2K18 gamers 18 and older will be eligible to try out for the 2K League in early 2018. Due to the competitive nature of the league, players must win at least 50 games in 2K18’s Pro-Am mode. Those who prove themselves will be invited to league tryouts, and from there the top players will be entered into the 2018 2K League Draft. Each team will select five players who will compete together all season. The league will release more information in the coming weeks.

Back in February Managing Director Brendan Donohue showed his excitement for the league, saying, “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for eSports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe”.

CLTX Gaming will be exciting to watch as the NBA attempts to bring basketball to the electronic stage.

 

Let Dave Dombrowski Do His Job

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In August of 2015, the Boston Red Sox put an end to the Ben Cherington reign. The man who shoveled loads of money to Pablo Sandoval was out the door, and in came a breath of fresh air: Dave Dombrowski.

Before Boston

Dave Dombrowski made his name with the Florida Marlins in the late 1990s under then owner John Henry (current Red Sox owner). In 1997, the Florida Marlins won the World Series with Dave Dombrowski at the helm.

After his tenure in Florida, Dave Dombrowski made his way up to the Detroit Tigers. While he never won a World Series with the Tigers, he always made sure his team was in position to win. Dombrowski was known for bringing in the likes of Miguel Cabrera, David Price, Ian Kinsler, Prince Fielder, and Max Scherzer.

After finally grasping things in Detroit, he made sure Detroit was in contention for almost his entire tenure.

On August 4th, 2015; Dave Dombrowski was released from Detroit, and reeled into Boston two weeks later as the newest President of Baseball Operations.

2016: First Season in Boston

Dave Dombrowski acquired both David Price and Craig Kimbrel

Boston was coming off of two straight last place finished in the AL East. Going into Dombrowski’s first offseason in Boston the Red Sox had two clear needs: starting pitching, and a closer. Dave Dombrowski wasted no time getting to work, his first off-season was highlighted by acquiring star closer Craig Kimbrel, above average reliever in Carson Smith, and the best pitcher on the market: David Price.

Going into his first trade deadline in Boston, the Red Sox had another need for starting pitching. Dave Dombrowski soon thereafter acquired all-star Drew Pomeranz from the San Diego Padres for top pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza. The price that Dave paid was steep, dropping jaws of many around the league. Looking back, Anderson Espinoza had to undergo Tommy-John surgery, and Drew Pomeranz just had his best season in the MLB dawning a Boston uniform.

Also having a need for relief pitching at the deadline of 2016, Dave Dombrowski traded for Brad Ziegler; filling yet another need that the Boston Red Sox had.

In 2016, after two straight seasons finishing in last place, Dave Dombrowski’s Red Sox won the A.L. East.

After finishing at the top of the A.L. East, but not making any noise in the playoffs, Dave Dombrowski was not going into 2017 with the same roster.

2017: Second Season in Boston

Dave Dombrowski traded for Chris Sale

In early December, Dave Dombrowski and the Red Sox acquired Chris Sale from the White Sox for prospects Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe, and Victor Diaz.

The price that Dave Dombrowski paid was enormous, but to bring in one of the top five pitchers in the world, Chris Sale, truly put the league on notice: Dave Dombrowski will do whatever it takes to win a championship.

With first place in sight again for 2017, Dave Dombrowski was not going to sit still at the trade deadline. The Red Sox again found themselves in need of relief pitching as well as infield help. Dave Dombrowski, to no surprise, went out and filled both needs with Addison Reed and Eduardo Nunez.

There are a few connections that can be drawn in this article:

1.) Dave Dombrowski has put two straight first place finishes on the field.

It is no coincidence that as soon as Dave Dombrowski heads to Boston, they go from two straight last place finishes before, to two straight first place finishes with him.

2.) Dave Dombrowski always fills the Red Sox needs.

Since Dave has been here, the Red Sox have yet to have a need at a position, either in the off-season or trade deadline, and not had it filled. He is always willing to do whatever it takes to put the best team on the field.

2018: Third Season in Boston

So here we are at the Winter Meetings before Dave Dombrowski’s third season with the Red Sox. He has never left us hanging. He has always made moves to better the roster, that cannot be denied.

Dave Dombrowski has been very vocal in saying that the Red Sox need a middle-of-the-order bat. Given what you know about his track record in Boston, what are the odds that he does not fill this need?

Do yourselves a favor and relax. Do not allow other team’s moves to put you in a state of panic. Give this man time. He always comes through for Boston, and will continue to fill every need and put the best team he can onto the field.

In Dave Dombrowski we trust.

YOUNG C’S CAN SPRINT, BUT NBA IS A MARATHON

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REGRESSION TO THE MEAN

After a blazing hot start to the season, the Celtics have come back down to earth a bit in the month of December. Having lost just two games in both October (first 2 games of season) and November, they’ve hit that mark in December less than two weeks in. Not long ago, it seemed like this team might not lose another game. Now, the reality of the long haul that is an NBA season is starting to set in, as the Celtics try to navigate injuries, tough stretches of the schedule, and players hitting potential walls. The latter is highly characteristic of youthful players, in which the C’s have many.

LONG SEASON

That reality smacked everyone in the face after a blowout loss to the then 5-20 Bulls. Even rookie sensation Jayson Tatum had a truly poor all-around game for seemingly the first time in his career. In the next game against the Nuggets, the C’s gave up a season high 118 points. Tatum did bounce back with the swagger of a vet, however, contributing in his uniquely important role for a rookie. Back to his usual self, he made selective but big plays all game long, and they found a way to win. Kyrie also once again showed what he can do in the clutch. Still, you have to wonder how far a team can go relying on late-game heroics with such consistency.

This team has fought through all kinds of adversity already at this point in the season and come out on top. One of the biggest things they haven’t been through is tough stretches with multiple losses. The team started the season in a sprint, but are going to get a tough lesson that a NBA season is a marathon by the end of the season. Losing is something these guys haven’t done much together as a collective. It will happen more than it has, and it will be the biggest test they face yet.

INJURY BUG

Obviously Gordon Hayward has missed all but 5 minutes of the season. Fortunately, his surgery went well, and recovery sounds ahead of schedule. He got to shed his walking boot this week. There are still no expectations for him playing this season, but it would be great to see him get some game action so he can hit the offseason full steam. It doesn’t need to be much, but it would be good for the future if he is 100%.

Paul George’s recovery from an equally gruesome injury is the ideal model. He was brought back in a limited role, playing about 15 minutes a game and sitting out back-to-backs. He appeared in just 6 games at the end of the season, but came back and had his best year statistically to that point the next season. George attributed much of his success to already having his confidence from getting game action the previous year. If Gordon does miss the remainder of the regular season, I wouldn’t expect him to be thrust into playoff action, even if he is 100%.

Us C’s fans were spoiled by the hot start, but it turns out these guys aren’t quite superhuman. They have been plagued with injuries all season, and it might finally be catching up to them. Kyrie has missed time here and there. Horford sat out against the Nuggets after banging knees in the Bulls game. The worst news comes from a recurring issue, with Marcus Morris expected to miss extended time due to the knee that has kept him out of several contests.

TOUGH MONTH

Before this season, there were more back-to-backs, but also more 2 and 3 day breaks. Now, teams are playing almost every other night in an attempt to lessen back-to-backs. Kyrie has talked about the difference in the grind this year, and didn’t have many good things to say about it. Less than a month into the season, he was talking about everyone already being banged up.

When the team finally got a 2 day break going into the 76ers game, everyone from players to staff raved as if it was a gift from God. Having played almost every other day since the season started, the Celtics could use a break. Unfortunately, things will get worse before they get better. They have two back-to-backs before Christmas and another right after before finally getting another rare two-day break.

CRY NOW, LAUGH LATER

Take that gift out and that’s over two straight months of playing every other night, littered with multiple back-to-backs. If the Bulls game was any indication, it is finally starting to catch up to them. For literally the first time all season, the Celtics never seemed to be fully in the fight. After all the comeback victories this team has put together in the young season, it never felt like they were going to go on a run against one of the leagues’ worst teams. They came out flat, and that’s how they finished.

The C’s could be in for a couple more of those flat games, as the schedule ramps up in a time where they desperately need some extended off time. The schedule does lighten up a bit in the new year, especially after the all-star break. Even if it results in some mid-season woes, this team is trying to make a deep playoff run. The regular season schedule will play in their favor in the long-term. They will get the tough stretches out-of-the-way early. They won’t have as many games later in the season, but they will be playing higher quality opponents. The annual road trip out west should be a good opportunity to get ready for the playoffs. More practice time ahead of the postseason will be key as well.

 

Top Five Boston Sports Moments of 2017

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It’s December, which means 2018 is right around the corner. A lot of things happened this year in Boston sports from the Patriots winning the Super Bowl to Kyrie Irving being a Boston Celtic. Claude Julien is no longer the coach of the Bruins and the Red Sox are looking to add a power hitter after the Yankees just got Stanton. It’s been a year of up and downs the Red Sox fired John Farrell and hired Alex Cora who is coming off a World Series win with the Houston Astros. Here are my top five Boston sports moments of 2017:

5. CLAUDE JULIEN GETTING FIRED:

The same day the Patriots had their victory parade after winning the Super Bowl The Bruins fired Claude Julien. Don Sweeney spoke about firing Julien saying.

“I had come to a conclusion that in moving this group forward with an eye toward the plans that have been put in place, that I wasn’t willing to commit to a longer term basis with Claude”.

Claude didn’t really interact with the younger guys on the team. Bruce Cassidy took over and is playing the younger guys which is giving the Bruins a better shot at winning.

4. JOHN FARRELL GETTING FIRED:

John Farrell exits as Red Sox manager.

After the Boston Red Sox were eliminated from the playoffs Dave Dombrowski fired John Farrell. The reason it’s number four on this list is because it was a move that had to be made and long time coming. It’s a fact that back-to-back division wins isn’t good enough, and they needed a change. The Red Sox hired Alex Cora as the new manager going forward. In conclusion John Farrell spoke about being fired last week in an interview on MLB Network saying:

“Hey, every situation has a shelf life and a change was made. I respect the change that did take place.”

3. JIMMY GAROPPOLO GETS TRADED:

Jimmy Garoppolo got traded to the San Francisco 49ers. This came a shock to many Patriots fans as they thought he would be the successor to Tom Brady. As a result Tom Brady at age 40 seems to not be slowing down anytime soon and still playing at a high level. Jimmy Garoppolo is 2-0 as a starter for the 49ers and 4-0 lifetime as a starter. General Manager for the 49ers John Lynch spoke after the trade:

“I am extremely pleased this came together today and we all think it is a big win for our organization”.

Brian Hoyer was the old backup for the 49ers singed back with the Patriots.

2. KYRIE IRVING GETS TRADED TO THE CELTICS:

The NBA off-season was a win for the Boston Celtics. The Celtics traded for Kyrie Irving sending Isaiah Thomas to the Cleveland Cavaliers. When the trade happened it shocked a lot of fans around the Boston area and in Cleveland. It was obvious Irving wanted to get away from LeBron James and win on his own. The Celtics also singed Gordon Hayward. But as he looks to make it back for at least the playoffs, Irving sets the tone for the Celtics and is the leader of the team. The Celtics currently have one of the best records in the NBA.

1. THE PATRIOTS WIN SUPER BOWL LI:

Number one on this list is pretty obvious. Super Bowl LI was not only the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, it was a landmark for Tom Brady. There is no question Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time. He and the Patriots never gave up in the game. They had the right leader leading the comeback. The best part of it a the Super Bowl win after Tom Brady’s suspension. The Patriots are on a clear path this year too as they’ll win the division game AFC Championship and go to the Super Bowl again.

2017 was a great year in Boston sports and it shows that Boston is the best sports city in the country. For 2018 it will be a fun exciting and roller coaster ride for the Boston Sports teams. How will the Red Sox respond to Stanton going to the Yankees? How will Alex Cora do as the manager? Will the Patriots win the Super Bowl? Are the Bruins going to make the playoffs? Will the Celtics make the NBA Finals? We’ll find out next year!

Were the Bruins Right About Tyler Seguin?

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Nobody in their right mind believes that trading Tyler Seguin was a smart decision. Taking a closer look at it, it’s one of the worst hockey trades in history. However, when the Boston Bruins as an organization decided to move on from Tyler Seguin it was because they believed he was to immature to win. Up to this point the Bruins have been right, as Seguin has not accomplished all that much is Dallas. But does this small sample size justify the decision?

Seguin’s Production

Since bursting onto the NHL scene in 2011-2012, Seguin has been a point producing machine. In each of the first four years in Dallas the 25-year-old center has eclipsed the 70 point mark. Along with three 30 goal campaigns, the promising prospect has developed into one of the most dangerous offensive players in the game. Playing alongside the likes of Jamie Benn has allowed Seguin’s offensive creativity to flourish. Something that was kept under wraps in Boston under coach Claude Jullian. Despite finishing with a +34 rating in the 2011-2012 season, Seguin could never seem to get out of the doghouse in Boston. But now that he has been provided more freedom on the ice Seguin has started taken on more responsibility as an alternate captain.

With the Bruins desperately looking for young offensive talent, they could really use the consistent point production that Tyler Seguin brings every single game.

Seguin’s Results in Dallas

The big reason that Boston moved on from Tyler Seguin was because they did not believe he was a winner. Similar to how they looked at Joe Thorton and Phil Kessel, who currently is a back-to-back champion. But up to this point the Bruins’ assessment of Seguin in the spotlight has been justified. The Stars have missed the playoffs in two of Seguin’s first four years. In the other two Dallas finished eighth in the conference and lost in the first round to the Anaheim Ducks in game six. While the Stars were the best team in the Western Conference only two years ago, they suffered yet another disappointing loss in game seven to the Blues. Granted at the young age of 25 Seguin should have a few more shots at a playoff run but up to this point the results have been underwhelming in Dallas.

Playoff Production

Another major question the Bruins had about Tyler Seguin was if he could thrive when the lights are brightest. So far Seguin has been quite lackluster in Dallas. In his first shot at a postseason run Seguin was only able to muster up three points and one goal against the Ducks. When Dallas needed their number one offensive weapon most Seguin could not produce granted against a much more talented team. In the last Stars playoff run, Seguin only was able to suit up for one game because of injury. But overall Seguin has not been able to handle the increased pressure that comes along with the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

So while the Bruins are not justified in trading away one of the most talented young players in the league. Up to this point the Bruins have technically been right about Seguin when it comes to his ability to win.

On to Pittsburgh

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Wow, that game was awful. Another loss down in Miami and an ugly showing by the Patriots to fall one game behind the Steelers heading into next week’s match-up. Despite what the scoreboard said, this might have been the ugliest game the Patriots have played all season. Kenyan Drake ran wild and Jay Cutler was routinely hitting open receivers. Then you have the 0-11 on 3rd downs. 0-11! This was the Patriots’ first game since a 24-10 loss to the Phoenix Cardinals in Week 5 of 1991 where they failed to convert on third down. That team was quarterbacked by the legendary Hugh Millen. Based on how the offense looked last night, I think Millen may have been on the field again.

Why This Might Not Be a Bad Thing

Hear me out; yes the Patriots looked terrible and fell behind Pittsburgh in the standings. If the Patriots win this coming week, they jump back ahead due to head-to-head tiebreaker, so they control their own destiny. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to drop a game late in the year. The Patriots were just humbled, shown they are not invincible by a very mediocre team. Moving forward, maybe they approach each game with more meaning. I’ve always thought since 2007 the Patriots would have been better off dropping that regular season game to the Giants. As it stands, the Patriots eight game winning streak came to an end; they know they are not indestructible. But again, they just won eight straight, this is a good team, don’t look into this loss too much.

Moving Forward

The Steelers better watch out. Coming off an embarrassing loss, the Patriots will likely be firing on all cylinders next week with home field on the line. The Patriots have typically played well coming off a loss during the Belichick-Brady era. I expect this coming week to be no different. The Patriots have won four straight matchups with the Steelers and eight of the last ten. During that four game streak the Patriots have averaged 34 points per game. Over those previous ten games, including the losses, they have averaged 30 points per game. They have historically had the Steelers number. One of the losses came with Matt Cassel at quarterback in 2008.

In addition to those factors, Rob Gronkowski will be back. At least part of the reason the Patriots offense was all out of sorts was the absence of Gronk. Gronk is so hard to cover that defenders have to hold him constantly to stay with him, and oftentimes are allowed to do so by the refs. With 849 yards and 7 touchdowns on the season, Gronkowski is a huge part of what the Patriots do on offense. Gronk has also played five games against the Steelers and averaged 99 yards per game while scoring eight times.

Another positive on the offensive side of the ball is Chris Hogan. Yes, he only had 1 catch for 1 yard this week, but the whole offense was out of sync. Hogan himself was just coming back after missing over a month. He was also limited in practice all week leading up to the game. With a full game back under his belt, I think Hogan will be up to speed and ready to contribute more.

Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring his third touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers September 10, 2015 (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

 The Steelers

The thing working in the Steelers favor is they have a home game. The Steelers have been a much better home team over the last couple years. Their offense is lethal at home, but only mediocre on the road. Roethlisberger has thrown 64 more yards per game at home than on the road so far this year, while tossing four more touchdowns in one less game. Last year he averaged 81 more yards per game at home while throwing 20 touchdowns there as opposed to only nine on the road. Taking this back to the beginning of the 2015 season, Ben Roethlisberger has played 18 home games and 21 road games. During that time he has averaged 64.5 more passing yards while playing at home. He has also thrown 50 touchdowns versus 19 interceptions at home, 24 touchdowns against 23 interceptions on the road. It is clear this offense is dangerous at home.

What to Expect

I think the Patriots offense will come out clicking. Brady will be firing on all cylinders while they effectively mix in runs with Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead. I predict the Patriots will score on their first drive of the game and not look back. The Steelers will do some scoring of their own to stay within striking distance, with a late field goal bringing them within one possession.

Patriots 34  Steelers  27

What Kind of Return Could Tuukka Rask Net?

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Claude overseeing the changing of the guard from Tim Thomas to Tuukka Rask is a move that Bruins fans to this day are still thankful for. While Rask delivered the Bruins to the promised land in 2013, a tough Blackhawks team stole Lord Stanley’s cup away. While since then the Bruins have experienced some regular season success, including a President’s Trophy win, quick trips to the playoffs and flat-out missing them are the norm.

This Season

Despite what the Bruins and the media might tell you, a goalie controversy is brewing in TD Garden. Tuukka Rask struggles continued at the start of the season. Anton Khudobin is flying high this season coming out with a 2.53 GAA and a .922 Save%. This season’s numbers are right on par with Khudobin’s career numbers of a 2.46GAA, and .917S% respectively. Although Rask’s play of late is an encouraging sign, as of writing this he’s won his last 4, including 30 stops in a 3-1 Bruins’ victory over the Islanders, his future in Boston seems up in the air.

Possible Suitors

Before us armchair GM’s pack Tuukka’s bags for him, we must first find a possible destination for him. Don Sweeney and the Bruins should be on the phones with, and that is the Calgary Flames.  The Flames are floating along in the pacific division with 34 points. Mike Smith is currently giving adequate numbers with a 2.68GAA and .918Sv%. What could bring Calgary over the hump is a hype goalie like Tuukka Rask. The Bruins need to do something to complement our young forwards and defensemen to take the Bruins into the future.

Return

Jon Gillies, National Champion and former Providence College Friar, is an up and coming player in the Flames system. During the 2016-2017 season, Gillies played one game with the Flames and gave up 1 goal on 28 shots. This season he has only played in one game and gave up 3 goals on 9 shots. 2 games in the NHL is not enough to go on, his numbers in the AHL and Providence College are the most impressive. Gillies is set to become an unrestricted free agent soon so his value will diminish a small amount.

Rask’s commitment and sometimes long absences leave a bad taste in many, including myself and other Bruins fan’s mouths. Since the beginning of the season, Rask’s play has drastically turned a corner. Rask has a high value and Calgary should be willing to depart with at least a 2nd round pick. Depending on how the goal tending does in Calgary for the rest of the season, Calgary could become desperate. This could give the Bruins the opportunity to ask for a first rounder.

Future

While Khudobin is playing great season, he is not the long-term solution for the Bruins. As we’ve seen from Malcolm Subban, the Bruins are not always the best at developing goalies. I believe it is too early to give up on Zane McIntyre. His stats in the NHL are awful, (3.93GAA and .858Sv%) his play in Providence is quite good. The former University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux was instrumental in helping bring the P-Bruins to the Calder Cup Finals. However, as we’ve seen with Matt Murray in Pittsburgh, a goalie could fall right in our laps.