The NFL has been making news by finally admitting it has a concussion problem. Now new research will shine the same spotlight on the NHL.
The New York Times today reported that researchers found that the corpse of fistfighter Reggie Fleming died in part from a neurogenetive disease caused by head trauma.
The news comes as nifty Congressman John Conyers held another hearing on head injuries in football.
In both sports, the ones who pay the nastiest price are the under-21 youth. Both leagues must act now out of common decency -- and to avoid overwhelming liability in the future.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Bring Back the Ties
I commented on this blog here.
I agree with Puck Daddy that the shootout is a cynical sideshow:
I agree with Puck Daddy that the shootout is a cynical sideshow:
Comedy aside, the key phrase: "entertainment option." Which is what the shootout is, of course: A sideshow rather than an equitable and effective way to determine the winner of a professional team game. Hence the outrage.
Homophobia Has No Place in Hockey
Cheers to Brian Burke's son Brendan for stepping out of the closet.
Part of what I like in hockey is the diversity of nationalities represented. I am also upset when I hear that some people are discouraged from talking their native language.
Part of what I like in hockey is the diversity of nationalities represented. I am also upset when I hear that some people are discouraged from talking their native language.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Did NFL Concussion Experts Quit or Were They Fired?
The New York Times has a carefully written article that says that controversial head injury experts quit after extensive criticism of their lack of concern about head injuries.
The article says that Dr. Ira Casson and Dr. David Viano were members of the committee since 1994 and co-chairmen since 2007. The firing or quitting was announced on Tuesday and earlier, on Sunday, the NFL said it will work with the NFL Players' Association (NFLPA) to identify independent neurologists to say whether or not players are fit to play.
I am glad that the NFL is taking the first steps in addressing sport medicine, where doctors are encouraged to get players back on the field at the expense of their long term health.
I hope that the NHL will follow their example -- but first the NHL Players' Association (NHLPLA) will have to clean itself up.
The article says that Dr. Ira Casson and Dr. David Viano were members of the committee since 1994 and co-chairmen since 2007. The firing or quitting was announced on Tuesday and earlier, on Sunday, the NFL said it will work with the NFL Players' Association (NFLPA) to identify independent neurologists to say whether or not players are fit to play.
I am glad that the NFL is taking the first steps in addressing sport medicine, where doctors are encouraged to get players back on the field at the expense of their long term health.
I hope that the NHL will follow their example -- but first the NHL Players' Association (NHLPLA) will have to clean itself up.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
FIFA Should Ban France's Gallas For World Cup Cheat
The Frenchman put the put in the back of the net by using his hand, winning the game for France over Ireland in a very controversial game.
FIFA should respond by letting the result stand but banning Galas from World Cup 2010.
FIFA should respond by letting the result stand but banning Galas from World Cup 2010.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Shrink the league!
THN's Ryan Kennedy makes a very good case.
I would add this -- go to 78 games:
Two groups of 7 teams in each conference
6 teams x 6 games = 36
7 teams x 4 games = 28
14 teams x 1 game (cross conference) = 14 games
Total: 78 games.
Phoenix and one other team would go (Isles?).
I would add this -- go to 78 games:
Two groups of 7 teams in each conference
6 teams x 6 games = 36
7 teams x 4 games = 28
14 teams x 1 game (cross conference) = 14 games
Total: 78 games.
Phoenix and one other team would go (Isles?).
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Another Head Shot, Another Test for the NHL
This time it was Andrew Ladd, ejected three minutes into the game for a head shot on D'Agostini. Ladd should be suspended -- but Richards should be too.
NHL Fails the Mike Richards Test
Mike Richards clearly intended to injure David Booth (17 second video) and although he got 5 minutes for intent to injure and thrown out of the game, he was not suspended for that act.
Today, RotoWire.com commentator Janet Eagleson (available on Yahoo).
She wrote, "there’s a huge difference between a good, hard check in the heat of the action and a headshot when the opponent’s guard is down."
She's write, and the NHL needs to do something about it.
Today, RotoWire.com commentator Janet Eagleson (available on Yahoo).
She wrote, "there’s a huge difference between a good, hard check in the heat of the action and a headshot when the opponent’s guard is down."
She's write, and the NHL needs to do something about it.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Does the NFL Think the Concussion Problem Will Go Away?
The NY Times is not dropping the story.
The NHL should be proactive on this issue and not wait until it gets shamed into action.
The NHL should be proactive on this issue and not wait until it gets shamed into action.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Quiet Defencemen
Which D is best for you depends on the fantasy system you're playing, but it's clear that some D are excellent but ignored. The ESPN rankings are useful for anyone playing ESPN's system, but more useful are the projections over at CBS.
Wideman, Keith, Edler, Visnovsky, Enstrom, Bogosian, and Martin all deserve a look, if they're available in your league.
That's especially true if you have a roster spot open due to injury (Gonchar) or due to a player not working well with his coach (Roszival).
I'm betting on Marc Andre Bergeron to do well in MON. I drop Carlo Colaiacovo for him -- and the STL D is also a good bet.
Note that +/- is a key stat, so try to pick D who play for winning teams -- the strong exceptions being Jovanovski and Streit.
Wideman, Keith, Edler, Visnovsky, Enstrom, Bogosian, and Martin all deserve a look, if they're available in your league.
That's especially true if you have a roster spot open due to injury (Gonchar) or due to a player not working well with his coach (Roszival).
I'm betting on Marc Andre Bergeron to do well in MON. I drop Carlo Colaiacovo for him -- and the STL D is also a good bet.
Note that +/- is a key stat, so try to pick D who play for winning teams -- the strong exceptions being Jovanovski and Streit.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A Secret Top 100 List at Yahoo.com?
No argument with who's number 1 but the ranking of the rest of the players (Chelios is #80, you'll never believe who's number 2) is quite surprising.
Any info on this?
Most of the other numbers don't make sense, but this one does.
Any info on this?
Most of the other numbers don't make sense, but this one does.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Data Shows Head Injuries Harm NFL Players
The data is in, according to The New York Times, which reported today on a of the health of NFL players found that among those aged 30 to 49, the incidence of "dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other memory-related disease" is 19 times the national average, at 1.9 percent. Among those over 60, the rate was over 6 percent.
The study, conducted by University of Michigan Institute of Social Research covered 1,063 retired players in 2008. It should be taken seriously, especially by those running programs in high schools and colleges where kids often play through injuries and pay a permanent cost for it.
The Times article concludes:
The study, conducted by University of Michigan Institute of Social Research covered 1,063 retired players in 2008. It should be taken seriously, especially by those running programs in high schools and colleges where kids often play through injuries and pay a permanent cost for it.
The Times article concludes:
"The league insisted that it was doing so only because the disease “affects many elderly people” well beyond N.F.L. players. And a pamphlet that the league gives every player about concussion risks states, 'Research is currently under way to determine if there are any long-term effects of concussion in N.F.L. athletes.'
'It's time to edit that brochure,' said Kevin Mawae of the Tennessee Titans, the president of the N.F.L. Players Association. 'Now it's in their words and not just other people's.'"
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Notes About Lines
How ever good a player is, they won't have much of an impact unless they get more than 10 minutes a night or their name is Radulov.
Since Radulov's in Russia, I strongly recommend this excellent article from NHL.com about line combinations.
In ATLANTA, it's all about who gets to play with Kovalchuk, the guy who once scored six in a youth all star game. Right now, that looks like Antropov plus somebody else.
In BOSTON, it's about who gets to play with Savard, who put up a somewhat quiet 88 points in 82 games last year. Right now, the only person with a guaranteed spot on that line in Lucic.
Since Radulov's in Russia, I strongly recommend this excellent article from NHL.com about line combinations.
In ATLANTA, it's all about who gets to play with Kovalchuk, the guy who once scored six in a youth all star game. Right now, that looks like Antropov plus somebody else.
In BOSTON, it's about who gets to play with Savard, who put up a somewhat quiet 88 points in 82 games last year. Right now, the only person with a guaranteed spot on that line in Lucic.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Okposo's Concussion
The CBS Fantasy Hockey website has a great player news feature that today has disturbing information: Okposo was concussed by Dion Phaneuf during a game in Calgary yesterday.
I think this should take Okposo off your draft list -- and I hope that Okposo gets time to rest and heal.
I especially hope that Okposo doesn't play in the next Islanders game.
The NHL needs to take concussions seriously.
I think this should take Okposo off your draft list -- and I hope that Okposo gets time to rest and heal.
I especially hope that Okposo doesn't play in the next Islanders game.
The NHL needs to take concussions seriously.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Brassard is for real
Derick Brassard was doing better than a point per game for the Columbus Blue Jackets when he got into a fight and sustained a shoulder injury that ended his season.
With a new contract worth $12.8 million over 4 years, Brassard's coach has to put him in a position to score. Expect much from him this year.
With a new contract worth $12.8 million over 4 years, Brassard's coach has to put him in a position to score. Expect much from him this year.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Canucks Sign Schneider and Acquire Ehrhoff -- Will Luongo Be Even Better?
The Vancouver Canucks signed Mattheu Schneider and acquired Ehrhoff and Lukowich from the San Jose Sharks.
This increases the value of Boyle and Blake back in San Jose and also increases the value of Canucks goalie Luongo. The effect of the addition of the defensemen on Canucks youth powerhouse Bieksa.
This increases the value of Boyle and Blake back in San Jose and also increases the value of Canucks goalie Luongo. The effect of the addition of the defensemen on Canucks youth powerhouse Bieksa.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Opinion: Offer Theo Fleury a Two-Way Contract
The news says that Theo Fleury, now 41 and sober after the intervention of the NHL and AA, wants to play again, but managers seem unlikely to want to sign him.
Here's my recommendation: offer him a contract that could send him to the minor leagues. Ask him if he's coming back for the millions or for the hockey. I think he wants to play hockey.
If that seems unfair for a hero who overcame much including a sliced artery at age 13, then offer him a three-way contract that also pays him to coach.
The only problem with the latter idea is that the NHLPA might not allow it. Does anyone know if such a contract is allowed under the CBA?
Here's my recommendation: offer him a contract that could send him to the minor leagues. Ask him if he's coming back for the millions or for the hockey. I think he wants to play hockey.
If that seems unfair for a hero who overcame much including a sliced artery at age 13, then offer him a three-way contract that also pays him to coach.
The only problem with the latter idea is that the NHLPA might not allow it. Does anyone know if such a contract is allowed under the CBA?
Monday, May 11, 2009
Suspend Walker
The NHL must stand up to a sucker punch to the eye that fractured an orbital bone.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Sunday-s-Three-Stars-Chara-Zetterberg-shine-in;_ylt=Ah83akGvM3gldxh6T3SsA0d_ppJ4?urn=nhl,162445
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Sunday-s-Three-Stars-Chara-Zetterberg-shine-in;_ylt=Ah83akGvM3gldxh6T3SsA0d_ppJ4?urn=nhl,162445
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A Three Conference Proposal
Brian Costello at THN wants to expand the playoffs to 20 teams so that Crosby can be there. As much as I like Sidney the Kidney, I think that the Penguins must not make the playoffs if they don't win enough games.
However, I do think that a three conference system would work well.
Here are my three conferences (feel free to suggest others): Northeast, West, and South. Each has 10 teams:
South
Carolina, Atlanta, Florida, Tampa Bay, Nashville, Dallas -- definte
Possible: St. Louis, Columbus, Phoenix, and Washington
Northeast
Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Boston, NY, NYI, NJ
West
Detroit, Chicago, Colorado, Minnesota, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, San Jose, Anaheim, Los Angeles
Playoff system:
Two possibilities: each conference winner ranked 1 2 3, followed by the remaining teams from any conference to 16.
Top 2, 3, or 4 teams in each conference make the playoffs. As long as there are matchups within a conference then teams match up within conference.
Examples:
If in round one, the three conferences provide 4 4 and 8 teams, round 2 they provide 2 2 and 4 teams in round three they provide 1 1 and 2 teams, and then the conference final is the winner of the deepest conference vs. the winner of the other playoff series.
In gets more complex if the three conferences provide 5 5 and 6 teams. The fifth ranked teams of two conferences play each other. In round 2, the conferences provide 3 2 and 3 teams. Again, the third ranked teams from two conferences play each other. In round 3, the conferences provide 2 1 and 1 teams, so then we're back at the situation above?).
Note that you could argue that giving the last placed team an opponent who is another last placed team benefits those last place teams. So you might, instead, pit the middle teams against each other. In the case of two conferences providing 5 teams each, each conference's third ranked team would play off against each other. In the case of two conferences with 3 teams each, the second ranked teams would play off against each other.
Change the number of games played in a season
This may be a counterintuitive playoff system but the three conferences provide a clean path to either 76 games or 84 games.
I would advocate 76 games: each team plays 4 games against the 9 other teams in conference, and 2 games against each of the other 20 teams.
You could get to 84 games this way: Each conference does break down neatly into two divisions, however, so you could have each team play 6 games against the four teams in its division, 4 games against each of the four teams in the same conference but a different division, and 2 games against each of the other 20 teams.
However, I do think that a three conference system would work well.
Here are my three conferences (feel free to suggest others): Northeast, West, and South. Each has 10 teams:
South
Carolina, Atlanta, Florida, Tampa Bay, Nashville, Dallas -- definte
Possible: St. Louis, Columbus, Phoenix, and Washington
Northeast
Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Boston, NY, NYI, NJ
West
Detroit, Chicago, Colorado, Minnesota, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, San Jose, Anaheim, Los Angeles
Playoff system:
Two possibilities: each conference winner ranked 1 2 3, followed by the remaining teams from any conference to 16.
Top 2, 3, or 4 teams in each conference make the playoffs. As long as there are matchups within a conference then teams match up within conference.
Examples:
If in round one, the three conferences provide 4 4 and 8 teams, round 2 they provide 2 2 and 4 teams in round three they provide 1 1 and 2 teams, and then the conference final is the winner of the deepest conference vs. the winner of the other playoff series.
In gets more complex if the three conferences provide 5 5 and 6 teams. The fifth ranked teams of two conferences play each other. In round 2, the conferences provide 3 2 and 3 teams. Again, the third ranked teams from two conferences play each other. In round 3, the conferences provide 2 1 and 1 teams, so then we're back at the situation above?).
Note that you could argue that giving the last placed team an opponent who is another last placed team benefits those last place teams. So you might, instead, pit the middle teams against each other. In the case of two conferences providing 5 teams each, each conference's third ranked team would play off against each other. In the case of two conferences with 3 teams each, the second ranked teams would play off against each other.
Change the number of games played in a season
This may be a counterintuitive playoff system but the three conferences provide a clean path to either 76 games or 84 games.
I would advocate 76 games: each team plays 4 games against the 9 other teams in conference, and 2 games against each of the other 20 teams.
You could get to 84 games this way: Each conference does break down neatly into two divisions, however, so you could have each team play 6 games against the four teams in its division, 4 games against each of the four teams in the same conference but a different division, and 2 games against each of the other 20 teams.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Miller!
Miller's injury opens up the lead goalie spot for Lalime -- temporarily. But pundits are already thinking trade.
The Sporting News' Slover says the Sabres should look to New Jersey, but really the team is looking for someone to take an underperforming forward, Afinogenov, in exchange for a good goalie. The pundits say Edmonton and the Rangers have poor managers, so the Sabres could try to get Valiquette or Roloson.
Roloson is an interesting prospect because he played in Buffalo before.
But would Edmonton take Afinogenov for him? Maybe if there were the added insurance of a conditional draft pick. Then there's the question of whether the Sabres want to do a deal with the team that tried to poach Vanek.
If the Sabres are smart, they'll offer little and go with Lalime.
I think Miller will be back for the playoffs, but not before.
The Sporting News' Slover says the Sabres should look to New Jersey, but really the team is looking for someone to take an underperforming forward, Afinogenov, in exchange for a good goalie. The pundits say Edmonton and the Rangers have poor managers, so the Sabres could try to get Valiquette or Roloson.
Roloson is an interesting prospect because he played in Buffalo before.
But would Edmonton take Afinogenov for him? Maybe if there were the added insurance of a conditional draft pick. Then there's the question of whether the Sabres want to do a deal with the team that tried to poach Vanek.
If the Sabres are smart, they'll offer little and go with Lalime.
I think Miller will be back for the playoffs, but not before.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Iginla's points
Iginla has 59 points in less than 55 points. Here's the odd part: he has been pointless in 20 of those 55 games.
He's well worth playing in fantasy hockey, but because of the erratic scoring, he might actually be available for trade.
He's well worth playing in fantasy hockey, but because of the erratic scoring, he might actually be available for trade.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Two College Hockey Players Deserve Jail Time, Get 1 Year Suspensions
The video is tough to watch. The consequences are severe but not severe enough.
I hope that the NHL cracks down on intent to injure, but at the moment, the worst stuff is happening in the minors and below. Early this year, Don Sanderson died after a fight. Just a few weeks later, Garrett Klotz, age 20, left the ice on a stretcher, having had a seizure after a fight.
NHL owners should be ashamed about head shots, but they aren't. Bloggers keep calling for change, but there is none. There should be a debate, but there is none.
This blog is called Crosby's Concussion because there will no change until a marquee player dies. Plenty have left the game early from concussions (Lindros, LaFontaine). The NHL has made it clear that nothing short of death will bring change, and thereby is guaranteeing that a player will die.
College hockey players take the NHL as their model. The two Michigan State players deliberately assaulted a player, Steve Kampfer, who had already been assaulted by a member of his own college's football team (possibly for flirting with that player's girlfriend). The football player, Mike Milano, has been charged with a felony. Kampfer suffered a skull fracture and a broken vertebra but was back playing hockey that same year.
Freshman forward Andrew Conboy and sophomore forward Corey Tropp of Michigan State should face the same.
I hope that the NHL cracks down on intent to injure, but at the moment, the worst stuff is happening in the minors and below. Early this year, Don Sanderson died after a fight. Just a few weeks later, Garrett Klotz, age 20, left the ice on a stretcher, having had a seizure after a fight.
NHL owners should be ashamed about head shots, but they aren't. Bloggers keep calling for change, but there is none. There should be a debate, but there is none.
This blog is called Crosby's Concussion because there will no change until a marquee player dies. Plenty have left the game early from concussions (Lindros, LaFontaine). The NHL has made it clear that nothing short of death will bring change, and thereby is guaranteeing that a player will die.
College hockey players take the NHL as their model. The two Michigan State players deliberately assaulted a player, Steve Kampfer, who had already been assaulted by a member of his own college's football team (possibly for flirting with that player's girlfriend). The football player, Mike Milano, has been charged with a felony. Kampfer suffered a skull fracture and a broken vertebra but was back playing hockey that same year.
Freshman forward Andrew Conboy and sophomore forward Corey Tropp of Michigan State should face the same.
Monday, January 26, 2009
An Important Week
Especially in HTH leagues, this next week is very important. Taking a look at the schedule ahead, I'd say avoid any CHI players your league-mates have dropped because the Hawks' road trip is quite impressive, lasting several weeks, going through the toughest teams in the West that are outside the Central league.
Top of the list is Atlanta, with a nifty schedule this week. If Little, White, and Kovalchuk are not available, take a look at Bogosian (recent stats) and Peverley. Peverley has been on the top line while Little was hurt and might get demoted.
Blake is still one week away from returning, so look at other SJ defencemen who may be available. Ehrhoff has not done well of late, and Murray seems to be the one to take. Of course, if Boyle is available (he shouldn't be) take him first.
Top of the list is Atlanta, with a nifty schedule this week. If Little, White, and Kovalchuk are not available, take a look at Bogosian (recent stats) and Peverley. Peverley has been on the top line while Little was hurt and might get demoted.
Blake is still one week away from returning, so look at other SJ defencemen who may be available. Ehrhoff has not done well of late, and Murray seems to be the one to take. Of course, if Boyle is available (he shouldn't be) take him first.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Filatov!
With all those goals, I've joined the Filatov rush. If you missed it, Peca should be available in your league.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Quick game notes, Jan. 7 2009
Only one game done so far: NYR vs. Montreal.
I guess sometimes one line is hot. Tonight it was Robert Lang's. Montreal has depth and could lose forwards without losing a step. The other big news is that Montreal's two D finally produced to potential: Markov 1 G 1 A and Hamrlik 3 A.
I guess sometimes one line is hot. Tonight it was Robert Lang's. Montreal has depth and could lose forwards without losing a step. The other big news is that Montreal's two D finally produced to potential: Markov 1 G 1 A and Hamrlik 3 A.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Quick game notes, Jan. 6 2009
Defense!
Wisnewski -- 1 assist.
Coburn -- 8 shots on goal.
Zidlicky -- GWG.
Campbell -- +3
Other notes:
PIT is very streaky, but doing well tonight.
FLA vs TOR -- FLA dominates. That Weiss-Booth line is getting good.
CHI 5 goals and counting.
Nabokov losing vs. CAL, but he loses big a few times each year, and CAL is a strong opponent.
Wisnewski -- 1 assist.
Coburn -- 8 shots on goal.
Zidlicky -- GWG.
Campbell -- +3
Other notes:
PIT is very streaky, but doing well tonight.
FLA vs TOR -- FLA dominates. That Weiss-Booth line is getting good.
CHI 5 goals and counting.
Nabokov losing vs. CAL, but he loses big a few times each year, and CAL is a strong opponent.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
It's time for helmet rules
Hockey player death prompts helmet talk
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3807147
A minor league player has died from injuries after hitting his head on the ice during a fight. I assume that he was unconscious when he fell and was unable to break his own fall. I've seen that happen in the NHL.
The NHL has to act but I'm not confident because the NHL isn't really concerned with blows to the head.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3807147
A minor league player has died from injuries after hitting his head on the ice during a fight. I assume that he was unconscious when he fell and was unable to break his own fall. I've seen that happen in the NHL.
The NHL has to act but I'm not confident because the NHL isn't really concerned with blows to the head.