DAILY TOP LINE - 31/10/11

San Jose Sharks at New York Rangers
In a quiet night in the NHL, San Jose will try complete a perfect 6 game road trip with a win in New York. After a slow start, the Sharks look to have put it all together. On the other side, the Rangers are playing terrible hockey as of late, losing three of their last four and remainiing winless at home. These are two teams heading in opposite directions. The Sharks wont show any fatigue tonight, storming out of the gates at the prospects of a 6-0 roadtrip. Sharks dust the Rangers.
Pick - Sharks (1.77)

Daily Top Line Record - 7-4

@kidcuthy

NHL WEEK 4 REPORT

Just as we suspected or maybe not. The Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers are among hockey's hottest teams. I saw both teams first hand last week and it wasn't hard to be impressed. The Cardiac Kids from Ottawa made it hard on themselves in Raleigh by blowing a 2-0 lead late, only to win in a shootout. Apparently, Paul MacLean's guys have to do everything in heart stopping fashion as they did in amazing comebacks against the Blue Jackets and Rangers on consecutive Saturdays. I thought MacLean was great head coaching material but in a tough situation with the rebuilding Senators. Definitely a far cry from the rarefied air of Detroit. Yet MacLean's calm, but firm teaching approach has won over his players in a hurry. He's also a good quote. After an early season loss he said his team was, "like a teepee and a wigwam, two tents (tense)." The Sens are now riding MacLean's lead to a six game win streak.

Tom Renney's Oil won their 5th straight last night 4-2 over the Blues. Most astounding is the Oilers number one ranked defensive ranking after a woeful 28th ranking last season. How's that possible? Easy with the goaltending that Nikolai Khabibulin and Devan Dubnyk are delivering. Last Thursday, the Oilers stole a win over the previously unbeaten Washington Capitals with a virtuoso performance by Khabi. Even with Ryan Whitney sidelined and Andy Sutton suspended, the Oilers blueline is much improved. Corey Potter looks like one of the best unsung additions of the off season. Dubnyk has noticed a difference in front of him. "We're moving the puck out of the zone with one or two passes," Dubnyk reports. "Much quicker than last year." The Oilers are also giving up ten chances a night fewer compared with last year. The young Oilers look for real but let's reserve judgment until they finish their upcoming six game road trip.

PERRY PEARN AND PINK PADS

There was a sense of outrage around the NHL after the bizarre firing of  Canadiens defensive assistant coach Perry Pearn last week. Pearn was made the scapegoat for the Habs shaky start despite the fact his blue line corps had lost Andrei Markov, Chris Campoli and Jaroslav Spacek to injury, James Wisniewski and Roman Hamrlik to free agency and Jeff Woywitka on waivers. Tom Renney offered this assessment of Pearn. "He has been a coach with teams that have made the playoffs 11 consecutive years and worked for three Coach of the Year candidates," said Pearn's former colleague. Former Hab Hamrlik was equally puzzled. "I don't understand it," said the 19 year NHL veteran. "He"s a good coach. He taught me a lot."

Caps GM George McPhee offered a different perspective. "I don't know Perry, but in this era it is very difficult for a GM to send a message to a team and the fans when things aren't going well." The message of Pearn's firing was heard by Canadiens players who rallied for three wins following his departure. Or did the win streak correspond more directly to Carey Price ditching his pink Hockey Fights Cancer pads at the same time.

PRONGER SCARE

Time stood still for Flyers defenceman Chris Pronger last week when he took a Mikhail Grabovski highstick in the eye. Carolina coach Paul Maurice had flashbacks as he watched. " I remember a rink that went silent and another player screaming in fear. That was me," said the Canes coach, who lost partial vision from a similar incident during his junior career. Sens coach Paul MacLean had his own scare. "I remember getting an inadvertent high stick in a puck battle with Stan Smyl," said the former Jet. "His stick came up into my face. I thought, I've got a wife and two kids to take care of. I put on a visor. I was one of the few back then that did." MacLean is surprised that every player doesn't wear a visor; Maurice still respects the player's right to decide. But doesn't every excuse you hear for not wearing a visor remind you of the old arguments against mandatory helmet use before the NHL finally grandfathered the mandatory use of helmets. Enough already. Its time for visors to be grandfathered in. Even Chris Pronger might be ready to support that.

THE NUGE ERA IS NOW, ZIBANEJAD WAITS

Coincidentally, I witnessed the 9th game for rookies Mika Zibanejad of Ottawa and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of Edmonton in the span of three nights. Prior to Zibanejad's 9th in Carolina there was genuine doubt about his immediate future. GM Bryan Murray sounded convincingly uncertain which way the Sens were leaning. "We have to make the right decision for the Senators seven years from now, long after I'm gone, said Murray." Ultimately, the Sens GM wasn't ready to rush the Swedish centre who looked solid defensively but a little hesitant on offence. Zibanejad will have one more year to mature in the Swedish Elite League.

There was less mystery about the future of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins but some controversy over how the Oilers handled the decision. RNH was enjoying another strong night against Ovechkin and the Caps when I ask GM Steve Tambellini how he was going to make the announcement. It was clear that Tambellini didn't have any special plans. The Oilers didn't make the obvious decision official until the following day in Colorado. It left the budding superstar wondering during post game interviews and an upset local media ripping a perceived PR gaffe. I think Tambellini was trying to avoid any extra hype and attention on his young star. But its clear that Edmonton wants to embrace its newest phenom. Had the Oilers made the announcement as RNH skated out as a star following the victory over Washington they might have needed to replace the roof at Rexall Place.

POINT SHOTS

As of Sunday team leading scorers included Nugent-Hopkins (18) in Edmonton, Boston's Taylor Seguin (19), Jeff Skinner (19) of Carolina, Colorado's Ryan O'Reilly (20), John Tavares (21) of the Islanders and 41 year old Teemu Selanne of Anaheim.

It was a throwback night Saturday at the ACC. The crowd gave Mats Sundin a standing ovation, Bob Cole was in the broadcast booth and the Leafs beat a Pittsburgh team without Sidney Crosby. Not exactly rekindling the warm and fuzzy memories of '67 but what qualifies as recent Leaf "glory" until the current team proves that their solid start is a sign of future prosperity. It looked like Jonas Gustavsson was on the comeback trail as the Leafs backup until the "Monster" made a mash of a stoppable Kaspars Daugavins shot costing the Leafs a game Sunday in Ottawa.

Brooks Laich says this Capitals team is better equipped to handle success this season  But after saying it, Laich's team proceeded to drop two straight on their mini western Canadian swing through Edmonton and Vancouver following an NHL best 7-0 start. Or perhaps the losses are an indication of how much the Capitals need Mike Green who was playing his best hockey in a year before injuring an ankle prior to the trip.

Oiler defenceman Andy Sutton shouldn't complain about supplementary discipline after his hit on Gabriel Landeskog, but Senators Zenon Konopka's ejection from the Rangers game Saturday looked like a reputation call.

It looks like San Jose is getting its game together with five consecutive road victories. The same cannot be said for the Bruins. The Stanley Cup champions can't blame their poor play on goaltending with Tim Thomas sporting a 2.14 GAA and 929 save pct.

It was a good week for the Canadian franchises, winning 15 of the last 17 meetings against U.S. franchises dating back to Tuesday. Montreal, Ottawa and Edmonton each posted three wins.

The Winnipeg Jets had a strange week. The Jets won that wild shootout in Philadelphia 9-8 becoming the first team since Pittsburgh in '90 to have nine different goal scorers in a game. Apparently the Jets used up all their ammunition as they were blanked two nights later in Tampa. Flyers goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov is always a good quote and he didn't disappoint with a candid monologue after his meltdown against the Jets. It was his best microphone session since the Olympics when he described Team Canada as "gorillas out of the cage" following the lopsided Russian quarterfinal defeat in Vancouver. Bryzgalov probably made more friends for facing the music rather than hiding last week. Even more by bouncing back to allow just one (a Scott Hartnell own goal) in the Flyers next game against Carolina.

How tough is the Western Conference? Calgary has a .500 record after nine games and sits 14th. And finally the best tidbit we heard this week.

Kyle Brodziak is the faster player in the NHL. Not on the ice, but getting to it. Brodziak was once timed by teammates who were impressed with how fast he could put on his equipment and skates. The result; a blistering 1 minutes and 40 seconds.The NHL record book might need to add a new category.

Tomorrow at GGSB we present the Reggies, the first month awards to the NHL's Mr. Octobers.

THE MORNING AFTER - NFL WEEK 8 REPORT

The "Show Me" state is starting to show off. Two days after the Cardinals completed their miracle World Series run, the previously win-less Rams, with AJ Feeley at the helm, upset the New Orleans Saints 31-21. The World Champion St. Louis Cardinals were on hand for the game and honoured by the crowd while parading around their World Series trophy. Their presence must have inspired some championship mentality onto the city's football team. The Rams were led by Steven Jackson, who ran for 159 yards and two scores, and a defence, sparked by a relentless pass rush, that shutdown an offence that put up 62 points a week ago. The party in St. Louis keeps on chugging.

Rob Ryan needs to shut up. Every time he opens his mouth, he is forced to put his foot in it (insert Rex Ryan joke here). Ryan continued to call the Eagles all hype before their huge NFC East showdown last night and in the off-season, claimed that they would "beat their ass". Consequently, the Eagles crushed the Cowboys 34-7 and embarrassed Rob's defence by running all over them. The Eagles rushers combined for 239 yards and Michael Vick looked vintage, having his way with the 'Boys defence. Vick and McCoy are the most dynamic, exciting and explosive QB-RB tandem in the NFL. All of the sudden, Philly are once again favorites in the NFC East and easily look like the best team, despite being just 3-4. The all-stars are beginning to gel and the rest of the NFC needs to take notice.

I wish Toronto football fans would force the NFL's hand and prove that they deserve to have a team. The crowd wasn't exactly ruckus and rowdy in support of the Bills in their shutout over the 'Skins. But how good did that Bills defence look? The pass rushers tallied up 9 sacks, punishing John Beck and the Redskin O-line all afternoon as the Bills got off the schneid in Toronto, winning their first regular season game north of the border.

In the only big game of the afternoon, the Steelers beat the Patriots 25-17. The Steelers defence looked as dominant as ever, making Tom Brady look like anything like, Tom Brady. They were able to hold the "golden boy" to just 198 passing yards and the Patriot rushers to just 43 yards.

Tebow-geddon is blowing up in the Broncos face. The Broncos were embarrassed at home by the Lions 45-10. Tim Tebow threw for just 172 yards with a completion percentage of just 46%. He fumbled the ball three times, with one returned for a touchdown and Chris Houston capitalized on his lone interception and returned it for 100 yards and a score. Tebow's rep of "just winning" is in serious danger as long as he takes snaps behind Broncos center.

Dolphins QB, Matt Moore deserved some credit for his effort in a loss to the Giants. The hook slide wasn't in Moore repertoire Sunday as he fought for every inch of his 31 rushing yards that led the 'Phins to a halftime lead. Although he'll never be a good NFL QB, Moore showed some serious passion and effort, two scarce attributes in Miami, and forced the Giants to the brink.

Who Dey? The Bengals have won 4 straight games behind the combination of the "Red Rifle", Andy Dalton and rookie stand-out WR, AJ Green. However, the book is still out on the Bengals. Their four wins have been against teams with a combined 9-21 record.

Tony La Russa should never be allowed to wear a football jersey in public.

Week 8 Game Balls

1) Steven Jackson - This guy is a horse. Jackson galloped for 159 yards and two TD's on 25 carries and was the difference for the Rams in their upset of the Saints.

2) Anquan Boldin - Boldin looked like a man possessed when it looked like the Ravens were going to lose to his former team. He caught seven balls for 145 yards including a filthy one-handed grab as the Ravens stormed back to bounce the Cardinals.

3) Fred Jackson - Jackson carried the Bills offence once again, picking up 194 yards from scrimmage. What's got into this guy?

4) Darian Stewart/Chris Long - Rams Saftey, Darian Stewart sealed the Rams upset over the Saints as he jumped the route in front of the Brees pass and sprinted into the endzone to extend the euphoria in the mid-west. Long had three sacks and the best celebration of the weekend as he showed off his inner Cardinal, taking a homerun swing after a sack.

5) Patrick Peterson - 5th overall in 2011 NFL Draft, Cardinals CB, Patrick Peterson took back his second punt return for a score this season in a loss to the Ravens.

6) Cliff Avril/Chris Houston - The Lions defence put a hurt on Tebow and the Broncos. Avril led the assault on Tebow with three tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a 24 yard fumble recovery for a TD. Houston picked off Tebow at the goal line and returned it back 100 yards, untouched, for the major.

7) Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Line - In the second quarter, Clint Sessions forced a fumble with a sac of Matt Schaub and DE Matt Roth scooped it up. Roth then threw an overhead lateral back to DT Terrance Knighton, who then flipped the ball back to Sessions who picked up an additional 10 yards. The imaginative, unexpected and ballsy play from the Jags D-Line would set up a Jaguars TD a few plays later and add some excitement to a game that lacked much.

8) LeSean McCoy - McCoy gained more yards than Tom Brady threw for yesterday. The Eagles running back shredded the 'Boys defence, picking up 200 total yards and scoring two TD's.

Week 8 Goats

1) Chris Johnson - 34 yards on 14 carries for the highest paid running back in the league. CJ's backup, Javon Ringer, had double the offence on the same about of touches.

2) Chad Ochocinco - Once an all-pro wide receiver, Ochocinco has a total of nine receptions for the Patriots in 2011. Ocho didn't have a catch in the Pats 25-17 loss to the Steelers. "Kiss the baby", Chad.

3) Olindo Mare - On a 4th and long with the game on the line, Cam Newton continued to show poise beyond his years, hitting Brandon LaFell for a 44 yard strike and assuring the Panthers would at least force overtime against the Vikings. Or so they thought. Mare booted a 31 yard field goal attempt wide left and the Vikings escaped Carolina with a 31-28 win.

4) Rob Ryan - All hype eh Rob? The Philly offence finally exploded Sunday night and embarrassed Ryan's defence. It couldn't be more entertaining watching Ryan's temper tantrums.

5) Mike Shanahan - Shanahan was shutout for the first time in 267 consecutive games as a coach. Impressive stat for Shanahan but Goat status nonetheless.

6) Dallas Cowboys - You'd think they would show up for that game.

Rankin' Em After Week 8

1) Green Bay Packers - The only thing not working for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are Rodgers' Associated Bank commercials. Best QB in the NFL, but far from funny.

2) Pittsburgh Steelers - Vintage Steeler football on Sunday. Roethlisberger was unleashed, passing 50 times for 365 yards and two touchdowns while the defence looked mean and nasty, holding Tom Brady to 198 yards. No one does that.

3) San Francisco 49ers - Hard to beat the LB tandem of NaVarro Bowman and Patrick Willis. They have combined for 80 solo tackles this season and are both in the top 10 individually.

4) New England Patriots - Chad Ochocinco`s lack of production is showcasing a major void in the Patriot offence. They have no deep threat, and good defences, like the Steelers, can take advantage of that ineptness.

5) New Orleans Saints - Last week alone, they scored more points than the Rams had all season, yet they lose. This team is impossible to figure out. They can look like world beaters one week and lose to the Rams the next. Keep your hard-earned money away from their games.

6) Philadelphia Eagles - Andy Reid is 13-0 after byes since taking charge in Philadelphia. The Eagles proved they are definitely not just hype as they crushed the Cowboys and are once again NFC East favorites.

7) Detroit Lions - Nice to bounce back with a blowout after losing two straight. Their pass rush is scary good. Their tilt against the Packers can`t come soon enough.

8) Buffalo Bills - If you told me a year ago, heck, a month ago, that Ryan Fitzpatrick would sign a 6 year, $59 million contract, I would have thought you were upside your mind. Hell of a beard though, no questioning that.

9) Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons get another bye week as they visit the Colts this weekend. Rest up Falcons, the Saints come marching into Atlanta two weeks from now.

10) Baltimore Ravens - Baltimore travels to Pittsburgh this Sunday night for one of the perennial games of the year. They will need to be a lot better next week or they will be bounced out of Pittsburgh pretty quick.

Pickin' MNF

San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (+3.5)

The Chiefs have won three straight, steadily improving after each game after getting blown out by the Bills in week one. On the other hand, San Diego started off the season well, but have yet to live up to expectations offensively. Philip Rivers, a perennial pro-bowler is 19th in the league in passer rating, while pro-bowl TE, Antonio Gates, has battled injury all year. However, the Chargers are quietly 4th in league in team defence. I expect the Chiefs to have difficulty scoring in this one and Philip Rivers will have his best game of the season. Chargers win by a touchdown.
Pick - Chargers (-3.5)

For more NFL opinion and picks, follow me @kidcuthy

5 MINUTES WITH JASON SPEZZA

The Ottawa Senators centre is off to a great start and is among the NHL's scoring leaders. Earlier this week in Carolina we spent 5 minutes with Jason.

Chris Cuthbert - You are off to a great start offensively. Are you shooting more?
Jason Spezza - Paul MacLean has emphasized getting more shots, making it a priority. I'm not sure if I have shot more but we have done a better job of backing up defences and opening up opportunities that way. I'm still primarily a setup guy.

CC - I watched you play as a 15 year old in Junior with Brampton. Now you are starting your 9th year in the NHL. Do you ever wonder where the time has gone?
JS - Last year was a season when I first noticed that. We had a lot of guys coming in and leaving. Suddenly the room is full of young players and you realize that you are one of the "old" guys. Then I went to the World Championships and was the 2nd oldest player on Team Canada. It does get you thinking.

CC - Do you think more about playing a leadership role?
JS - Definitely, that is something that I have embraced and enjoyed. Its rejuvenating to have so many young guys in the room. I have always felt the pressure to be good every night. Nobody tells you that you have to be a leader. But you are influenced by guys like Alfie (Daniel Alfredsson) and Phillie (Chris Phillips) and now I'm playing a bigger role. Leadership is something that is earned. On the ice I'm always expected to put up numbers and I put pressure on myself to produce.But you want to help in other ways, PK and faceoffs. I'm putting more focus on that to get better.

CC - You have gone to a skills coach since you were a minor hockey player and still do. Tell us about how that has helped your game.
JS - I've been going to Jari Byrski since I was 13 or 14. Keeping your hands and skills sharp aren't things that are always worked on in team settings. His drills are always evolving and I work with him every summer. Its gets me sharp for camp. He has a great program. Players like Mike Cammalleri, Steven Stamkos, Jeff Skinner and Alexei Ponikarovsky work with him as well.

CC -  How's life as a Dad?
JS - Your life really changes. Its fun to get home from practice every day. I can't wait to see what my daughter (Sophia) is doing next, just to see the smile on her face. You lose a game 7-1 and it can be hard to leave that at the rink. But when I get home, just seeing her can help clear my mind. It's really great!

CC - Your new glasses caused quite a stir. Going Clark Kent?
JS - (Laughs) yea. Usually I wear contacts. You have to keep guys on edge. I guess Konopka and everybody got a kick out of them.

CC - Any Goaltender out there who has your number?
JS - (Pauses) Hank Lundqvist of the Rangers for sure has given me trouble throughout my career. Even Tim Thomas. I've scored on Thomas but I still think he's hard to figure out. He's a mystery to a lot of players. You always seem to be guessing against him.

CC - Any goalie past or present that you owned?
JS - (Laughs) Maybe Eddie Belfour. I scored a few against him late in his career. I didn't see him in his prime but near the end of his career I scored some goals against him.

CC - Keep scoring and thanks
JS - My pleasure

TOP LINES - UFC 137 PICKS

The drama that ensued in the build up for UFC 137 has been full on intrigue, excitement but ultimately, let down. Georges St. Pierre was forced off the main event, just a week before he was scheduled to defend his UFC Welterweight title against Carlos Condit. Now, the man who was initially supposed to fight St. Pierre, Nick Diaz, will return to the main event slot, scrapping with BJ Penn in what should be an all-out war. Despite the intrigue of the main event, the subtraction of the UFC Welterweight title fight has left this card, to UFC pay-per-view standards, mediocre at best. I expect the UFC's recent string of sub-par PPV buys to continue its downward spiral, however, sometimes when the UFC main cards lack noise on paper, they prove to be the loudest.  With that said, in my eyes, Penn-Diaz should be worth the price of admission. To the picks.

BJ Penn vs. Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz makes his return to the UFC after a 5 year hiatus in which he dominated the lesser circuits of the MMA world with capturing the Strikeforce Welterweight Championship at the pinnacle of his accomplishments. Diaz is riding a 10 fight winning streak during that stretch, but the level of competition he has piled up wins against, is not exactly world-class. Penn, on the other hand, has spent the last 5 years fighting the best competition the UFC could throw at him, with the majority being 5 round title fights at the top of two different weight classes. Most recently, Penn is coming off a draw with Top-10 P4P fighter, Jon Fitch. That being said, I like Diaz to win in his octagon return. I think Diaz will be able to use his reach advantage and relentless offence to touch up Penn, while BJ will have a difficult time getting inside. If Penn does connect with a few clean shots early, it will change the dynamic of the fight but I don't think he'll be able to find that range. This fight should be a bloody war, won by a Diaz decision.
Pick - Nick Diaz via Unanimous Decision

Cheick Kongo vs. Matt Mitrione
"Meathead" Mitrone will step it up competition tonight when he scraps French monster, Cheick Kongo. Kongo has reigned near the top of the UFC Heavyweight ranks for the last few years but could never get over the top and beat a legitimate contender. On the other hand, the UFC has slowly brought up Mitrone following his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter, stringing together five straight wins with his entire professional career, fought in the UFC. Mitrone is finally being thrown into the fire tonight. In Mitrione's short UFC career, there are noticeable flaws in his striking that have yet to cost him against lower competition. Cheick Kongo is an elite kickboxer. I like Kongo to utilize his experience and showcase his superior striking, finding Mitrione's chin in third.
Pick - Kongo via 2nd Round TKO

Roy Nelson vs. Mirko Cro-Cop Filipovic
Once the most feared striker in MMA, Mirko Cro Cop, looks done with the fight game after his last two UFC appearances in which he was knocked out by Frank Mir and Brendan Schaub. Apparently, Cro Cop convinced UFC President, Dana White to give him one last chance. So, the UFC gave him Big Country, Roy Nelson, whose goofy exterior downplays the fact that he can fight. Despite what his mind is telling him, the wars Cro Cop has been through in the last decade has left his body unfit for top MMA competition. Tonight will be Mirko's swan song in MMA as once Nelson gets a hold of the Croation kickboxing legend, his superior grappling and weight will allow him to drag Crop Cop down and dominate on top en route to a 2nd round stoppage.

Pick - Roy Nelson via 2nd Round TKO 

Hatsu Hioki vs George Roop
Hioki is a relative unknown to casual MMA fans but that should change tonight. Hioki has lost just once in his last 14 fights, dominating Japanese MMA promotions. Roop is coming off an impressive liver shot KO over Josh Grispi but his inconsistency has left him exchanging wins and losses since competing on TUF. Roop has had trouble defending submissions in his MMA career while Hioki has finished five of his last 10 bouts in the triangle position, whether it be a choke or armbar. Hioki is a potential contender for the UFC featherweight title while Roop is merely a gatekeeper. Look for Hioki to sink in a deep choke in the second round and win a beer off your buddy who hasn't heard of Hatsu Hioki yet, while watching tonight.
Pick - Hatsu Hioki via 2nd Round Submission

Scott Jorgensen vs. Jeff Curran
After an over seven year hiatus, Jeff Curran will make his return to the UFC tonight when he throws down with Bantamweight contender, Scott Jorgensen. With over 13 years of professional fights, Curran only got one shot before tonight in the UFC when he lost a five round decision to Matt Serra in 2004. Curran has lost five of his last nine bouts while Jorgensen near the top of the UFC bantamweight class. Jorgensen is an improved fighter after going five rounds with Champ, Dominick Cruz, which showed in his KO of Ken Stone. Jorgensen will continue to roll and win via decision.
Pick - Jorgensen via Unanimous Decision

More Winners
Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver
Tyson Griffin def. Bart Palaszewski
Francis Carmont  def. Chris Camozzi

SATURDAY NIGHT LEAGUE

Ottawa upset the Rangers and stumped all the Saturday Night League "experts" in Week 4. Toronto and Montreal also made it a tough pick week. Here are the standings after Week 4.

                                                CC, RF, CG, PL, AW, SL, JC

 CC, RF, CG, AW, JC                                      PL, SL

CC, JC                               RF,CG,AW, PL,SL

                                                CC, RF, CG, PL, AW, SL, JC

   CC, SL, JC                           RF, CG, PL, AW

2011-12 Saturday Night League Standings

Chris Cuthbert - 12-12

Ray Ferraro - 14-10



Cammi Granato - 12-12

Peter Loubardias - 12-12



Andrew Walker - 13-11



Scott Lennox - 14-10




Justin Cuthbert - 12-12

DAILY TOP LINE - 28/10/11

Texas Rangers at St Louis Cardinals
Game 6 of the World Series last night was hands down, the best baseball game I have even seen. Although it`ll be impossible to out-do the dramatics of last night, there is nothing better in sport than a game 7 to decide a championship. Chris Carpenter will take the mound, on three days rest, for the Cardinals while the Rangers will stick with the plan, starting Matt Harrison. Although I don't like Carpenter on three days rest, I can't see how the Rangers can bounce back after blowing two, two run leads with the Cardinals down to their last strike, with their first world title hanging in the balance. Their ship sailed, twice. Cruz and Napoli are banged up, Harrison was touched up in his last start and La Russa has to be in Ron Washington`s head now. Behind the strength of their ace, the home field advantage and hometown hero David Freese, Albert Pujols' possible last game as a Cardinal will be one in which he lifts the World Series trophy.
Pick - Cardinals (1.74)

Daily Line Record - 6-4

@kidcuthy

STAT-ITUDE 4

As we close up shop on the first month of the season, and we let the ink dry on the last “fall” edition of STAT-ITUDE, we will look at what exactly your teams start means to project where they will place in the final standings.

If we take a look at last year’s standings on November 1^st, you can see that not much changed in the East. YET, 4 of the 8 teams in the West did not capitalize on their hot starts to stay in the playoff mix.

NHL STANDINGS, NOVEMBER 1^st, 2010

	W-L-OL-SL		PLAYOFFS
*Tampa Bay	7-2-1	15	Y
*Montreal	7-3-1	15	Y
*Philadelphia	7-4-1	15	Y
Washington	7-4-0	14	Y
NY Rangers	6-4-1	13	Y
Pittsburgh	6-5-1	13	Y
Boston	6-2-0	12	Y
Atlanta	5-4-2	12	N
	W-L-OL-SL
*Los Angeles	8-3-0	16	Y
*Chicago	7-6-1	15	Y
*Colorado	6-4-1	13	N
St Louis	6-1-2	14	N
Detroit	6-2-1	13	Y
Nashville	5-2-3	13	Y
Columbus	6-4-0	12	N
Dallas	6-4-0	12	N

As I have mentioned a few times in this column…Pools are for swimming and chlorine BUT for those of you who like to partake in fantasy hockey, here are some numbers that might help you project and evaluate “your teams”….

Here is a look at how the first month played out last year and what it meant to late season production. In terms of personal production, take a look at the Top 5 point producers on November 1^ST vs the end of the 2010-11 season…

NOVEMBER REIGN

NHL POINT LEADERS
NOVEMBER 1st - 2010
	GP	PTS	POINTS AT END OF REG. SEASON
STAMKOS	10	19	91 PTS IN 82 GP (5th)
SHARP	13	16	71 PTS IN 74 GP (22nd)
STEWART	11	16	53 PTS IN 62 GP (76th)
CROSBY	12	15	66 PTS IN 41 GP (32nd)
GETZLAF	12	15	76 PTS IN 67 GP (14th)
THORNTON	9	15	70 PTS IN 80 GP (24th)

Obvious Stewart and Crosby missed significant time with injury, but only Crosby’s point per game average went up after the first month of the season. In fact at the time of his injury, Crosby was on pace for a career-high 132 points last season.

FOLLOW THE LEADERS

Where were the leaders you may ask…take a look at where they stood in November

FINAL DAY - REG. SEASON
	GP	PTS	PTS ON NOV 1st
D.SEDIN	82	104	12 PTS IN 10 GP
ST. LOUIS	82	99	12 PTS IN 10 GP
PERRY	82	98	12 PTS IN 12 GP
H. SEDIN	82	94	12 PTS IN 10 GP
STAMKOS	82	91	19 PTS IN 10 GP

All of the Top 5 Point leaders last season were at least at a point a game at the beginning of November, so given that only 13 players in the NHL finished at a point per game or better last season, these numbers should not be that surprising

What about Goal production in the 1^ST month? Here are the top goal producers on November 1^st…

GOAL-D STANDARD

NHL GOAL LEADERS
NOVEMBER 1st - 2010
	GP	G	GOALS AT END OF REG. SESA
SHARP	13	10	34 G IN 74 GP (8th)
STAMKOS	10	9	45 G IN 82 GP (2nd)
STEWART	11	9	28 G IN 62 GP (38th)
6-TIED		7

 END GAME

NHL GOAL LEADERS
FINAL DAY -REG SEASON
	GP	G	GOALS ON NOV 1st
PERRY	82	50	5 G IN 12 GP
STAMKOS	82	45	9 G IN 10 GP
IGINLA	82	43	2 G IN 11 GP
D. SEDIN	82	41	7 G IN 10 GP
KESLER	82	41	4 G IN 10 GP

As you can see, 3 of the top 5 goal scorers did not exactly light up the first month of the season, yet Stamkos and Daniel’s torrid start, set the pace for a huge seasons.

Overall, when you wake up November 1^st and crack open your fish wrap or log onto the interweb to check out your fantasy team results, perhaps knowing last season’s results can help shed some light on if its time to weather the storm or simply jump ship….

Happy Halloween

S

TOP LINES - NFL WEEK 8 PICKS

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (-8.5)

If Chris Johnson can't run against the Colts this week, the Titans should demand a refund. The 0-7 Colts, who lost by 55 points last week, have clearly zeroed in on Andrew Luck. Chris Johnson better be able to improve on his 2.9 yards per carry average against a team who has completely folded in hopes of nabbing Peyton Manning`s successor in the 2012 Draft. Even so, I can`t pick the Titans to cover an 8.5 point spread.

Pick - Colts (+8.5)

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-10)

Did the Jags prove they were a dominant defence last week? Or was the Ravens offence just terrible? A bit of both. Despite very little star power, The Jags defence ranks 6th overall and is certainly a challenge for any NFL offence (besides Green Bay, that is). In addition to their defence, their running game, led by all-pro running back Maurice Jones-Drew, is 10th in the league. Despite their woes passing the ball, a good defence and a good running game is the recipe to prevent blowouts. Jags lose but cover.

Pick - Jaguars (+10)

Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers (-3.5)
Despite the combined 3-11 record, this game should be fun to watch. Not only does it showcase two first round QBs from the 2011 NFL Draft, but a fantastic matchup between the league's best passrusher, Jared Allen and the league's (second) best rushing QB, Cam Newton. While Allen`s chances of lasso-ing Cam are uncertain, you can bet on Adrian Peterson continuing his bull-ish rushing attack.With what finally looks to be stability at QB in Christian Ponder, Peterson will keep the Vikings in every game. I expect them to keep this game close, and possibly steal it on the road.
Pick - Vikings (+3.5)

New Orleans Saints at St Louis Rams (+14)
The Saints showed no mercy last week in their destruction of the Colts, 62-7. This week, they get another Andrew Luck candidate as they take on the hapless Rams. The Saints will run up the score again and Brees will improve on his pace in overtaking Dan Marino`s season passing mark of 5,084 yards.
Pick - Saints (-14)

Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens (-13)

As if the Kolb-led Cardinals offence couldn't get worse, Beanie Wells is out Sunday as they travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens, who are pissed. Not only do the Ravens have the top defence in the NFL, they are seething after their embarrassing loss to the Jags on national TV. Despite Flacco`s horrendous play Monday night, he`ll have success against the 28th ranked Cards pass defence. The Ravens need to be ready for the Steelers next week, what better way then to beat up on team ran by their former offensive coordinator, Ken Whisenhunt. Ravens by destruction.

Pick - Ravens (-13)

Miami Dolphins at New York Giants (-10)

Finally, my pick for the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, the Miami Dolphins. Tony Sparano is doing the best he can to get fired, but still can`t even accomplish that. The Giants are trying to win, the Dolphins shouldn`t bother. It'll be another embarrassing trip to the Meadowlands for Miami.

Pick - Giants (-10)

Washington Redskins at Buffalo Bills (-6)

There`s a reason why it took John Beck four years to earn (more or less by default) another start in the NFL, he stinks. The Bills, off a bye, are too dynamic and balanced on offence and their opportunistic defence will turn a few of the many Beck mistakes into costly turnovers.

Pick - Bills (-6)

Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos
With Stafford`s status uncertain for Sunday, both the line and pick for this game is hard to determine. However, the Lions are a good team with a chip on their shoulder while the Broncos were euphoric with just a come from behind win last week against the winless Dolphins. Lions win, and I`ll take them wherever the line is. Tim Tebow, meet Ndamukong Suh. If you cant find a cheap line, take it.
Pick - Lions

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5)

The only can`t-miss game of the Week 8 NFL afternoon schedule; It`s always big when the Pats travel to Steeltown. With a win, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will become the all-time winningest Head Coach-Quarterback combination, passing Dan Marino and Don Shula. Despite no championships on the line, the old adage always applies, and the Steelers have the better defence. The deep ball of Roethlisberger and the speedy Steeler receivers will cause problems for the Patriots on defence. I expect a high scoring, down to the wire tilt, decided by a field goal. Steelers cover, Marino and Shula may bask in the glory for yet another week.

Pick - Steelers (+3.5)

Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers (-9)
6 points against the Seahawks? Not going to cut it at Candlestick.
Pick - 49ers (-9)

Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks (+3)
Seattle is a very tough place to play. The Seahwaks have the 3rd best NFC home winning percentage since their inception into the league. I expect Andy Dalton and the Bengals offence to struggle in this game. However, with Tarvaris Jackson probable to return behind Seahawk center, the Bengals defence, ranked second in league, will feast. The Bengals will win a tight one but I don't recommend tuning in to this snoozer.
Pick - Bengals (-3)

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5)
Despite being short-changed last weekend with the Saints laugher over the Colts, NBC certainly has the big ticket this weekend with major NFC East implications on the line. Michael Vick, Tony Romo, LeSean McCoy, DeMarco Murray, DeSean Jackson, Dez Bryant. You won't find many fantasy rosters better than this lineup. In addition to the star power, the NFL's top rushing attack in the Eagles will go head to head with the league's top run defence. I see Michael Vick stepping, embracing the national spotlight and leading the Eagles to a game-winning drive late in the 4th. However, it'll be too close of a game and won by a field goal. Cowboys cover.
Pick - Dallas (+3.5)

Check Back for my MNF Pick in The Morning After - Week 7 NFL Report, Monday morning. Enjoy the weekend.

Season Record - (an improved) 15-21-2

For more NFL picks and opinions, follow me @kidcuthy