Wolverines make stunning comeback
In a pleasantly shocking turn of events, the Michigan Wolverines stormed back from a 0-19 deficit at halftime to beat No. 9 Wisconsin at the Big House. Sadly, my knee buckled right before the game so I could only physically make it through the first half and had to leave after a very entertaining halftime performance by the Michigan marching band. However, I watched the rest of the game on HD (I can’t believe I never had HD until this year - makes sports so much better) and saw a fantastic second half by Michigan.
Whereas the team had five turnovers in the first half courtesy of special teams and the offense, the offense stepped up thanks to QB Steven Threet, who finally found a rhythm and made some key plays. Ultimately, it was Michigan’s defense that (1) kept the team in the game during the first half and (2) got the win. Between an interception by John Thompson that he ran in for a touchdown and then a sack by Brandon Graham resulting in a Wisconsin fumble, the defense was the difference maker. Thompson’s interception came just three seconds after Brandon Minor scored a 34-yard touchdown runs. Wisconsin made it a game by scoring a touchdown and then seemingly tied it up on the two-point conversion. Much to the joy of Michigan fans everywhere, Travis Beckhum had lined up on the scrimmage line, which was illegal when he caught the ball, so the play had to be redone and Wisconsin could not get the extra two points giving Michigan its first big win in the Rich Rodriguez era.
Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press
The win seemed fitting as it was Michigan Stadium’s 500th game and Michigan came back from the largest deficit in Michigan Stadium history. Eight gold medal winner Michael Phelps, who trained in Ann Arbor for the four years between the Athens and Beijing Olympics, was honored with other Olympians before the game. Phelps wore a No. 8 Michigan jersey for his eight gold medals. Phelps and the other honored Olympians all wore blue Michigan hats with Beijing 2008 in Yellow on the back. While Phelps was down on the sidelines during the games, the other Olympians sat literally right across the aisle from me in the next section. It was fun overhearing them talk and proudly show off their Olympic ring and souvenirs.
“It’s really great to be back here, this is like home to me,” said Phelps, who has trained in Ann Arbor with Club Wolverine since 2004.
Phelps said Ann Arbor will always be special to him, a place where he matured and developed some strong friendships for life. He sold his home here six months ago, and has since moved back to his native Baltimore. His time at Michigan has been commemorated with a block “M” tattoo, inked in 2005. He only has two tattoos, with the other being the Olympic rings.
“I’m really thankful for the experience here,” Phelps, 23, said. “It changed my life. It was the first time I lived on my own. The first time I did the dishes, laundry, cooked for myself. It’s a lot of memories I will never forget. I have made friends that I’ll have forever.”
Michigan also had former Michigan turned NFL players in attendance including recent graduates Chad Henne and Jake Long.
Ovechkin for President?
In a surprising turn of events, the NHL managed to garner the cover story on ESPN the Magazine courtesy of Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. The fun feature uses the upcoming presidential election and the Caps’ location in DC to tie in the change brought on by the infectious personality of Ovie.
Photo Courtesy of ESPN
You can view an amusing behind the scenes video of the photo shoot for the ESPN article here.
In other Ovechkin news, the Capitals shot their intro jumbotron video earlier this week with Ovie featured as the lead rocker of the band. The video over a Puck Daddy was quite entertaining!
And finally, Ovechkin was named Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Hockey ’08 cover athlete in conjunction with the partnership of Yahoo! Sports and the NHL, who have teamed up to provide a co-branded game. Not only will it have the typical fantasy hockey stats and features, but it’s the first fantasy game to have player highlights integrated throughout the offering so you can watch player videos available on team rosters and lists to help you make the right draft or line-up choice.
My Hard Drive Crashed.
So I do realize that the season is finally here and we can start watching Red Wings hockey tomorrow - finally!!
Unfortunately, my laptop’s hard drive crashed yesterday and my Internet access is limited. On top of that, I am having exploratory knee surgery (yes, that’s #10!) next Wednesday so when I do have Internet, I’m trying to get work done for classes. Basically, I’m apologizing for the lack of posts when there finally is a lot to write about, but between the laptop crashing and the amount of pain I’m in, I am having a hard time blogging right now.
Hopefully, I’ll have a laptop to consistently use by next week and I should definitely be able to blog while I’m recovering from surgery and just lying in bed. Until then, I’ll post when I can, but I can’t make any promises!
Sorry guys!
Radulov: Datsyuk is “best player in planet”
I had to do some research on the KHL/NHL dispute for a media journal for my Global Media & Press Freedom class in which we compare US media and another country’s media coverage of a single event. I chose Russia and used this dispute as my first entry. While I’m not going to discuss that whole situation right now, I did come across an interview with Alexander Radulov that was posted today on Sports.Ru. He talks about a variety of things, but the one that stuck out to the Wings fan in me is Google translated as follows:
But Pavel Datsyuk said that not even minimal likelihood that now he will return to Russia.
Pavel Datsyuk - the best player the planet. Perhaps it is interesting to play it in the NHL. I chose Russia, my hockey here. I am confident in my decision and I do not want even to discuss it more. You know, if you transition the way, it is best to cross it and not dwell on the middle and five back.
I just found it interesting that Radulov said Datsyuk was the best when he could have chosen other popular Russian players like Alexander Ovechkin or Evgeni Malkin. Interesting…
Text message reports Yzerman’s return
Yesterday afternoon, the Detroit Red Wings sent out an email advertising their new free service, the Red Wings Mobile News. This service will send out two text messages per day during the training camp in Traverse City as well as one message each week during preseason. It will also include game recaps, box scores, and player news.
Those who signed up for the service received an interesting text message, which stated the following:
“Breaking news,” the message read. “Steve Yzerman will come out of retirement and return to the ice in Mid November. Come to the Joe to catch the action!”
The Wings refuted this message and are currently trying to figure out how this message made its way out to fans.
Steve Violetta, Red Wings’ senior vice president of business affairs, said a third-party vendor handles the text-message system for the club and was trying to get to the bottom of the hoax Friday morning.
One possibility is they were testing the system and made an error, another is that the system got hacked.
“I promise you, he’s not coming out of retirement,” Violetta said, chuckling.
Interestingly enough, you can no longer subscribe to the service via either of the two suggested methods (a text to a certain number or through their website). I’m guessing they pulled the subscription offer to fans until this is figured out.
As George at Snapshots pointed out, Yzerman’s knee is just not healthy enough for him to play. Let’s say Yzerman wanted to pull a Brett Favre or Lance Armstrong and un-retire, he would have to have had a knee replacement on steroids or something to feel good enough to play. In past interviews, he has stated that his knee still hurts daily and this is without him skating a lot much less taking big checks from NHL players. Yzerman’s body won’t let him return even if his heart wanted to do so.
Our biggest Yzerman concern should be whether he’s going to stick with the Red Wings organization as a member of management. According to a fan who attended Fan Fest on Sunday and asked that very question, Yzerman discussed this topic with those in attendance.
“Steve, recently Ken Holland gave an interview and he said that you were ready to be a GM. That statement has struck fear in the hearts of those of us that analyze every word out of that genius’ mouth. Obviously, Ken Holland will be around for quite a while and he does an amazing job, which doesn’t give you the opportunity for quite some time. Would you consider going to another team or do you plan to be a Red Wing for your ENTIRE career?” (yeah, I’m wordy.)
That question probably didn’t make him too happy (since he’s in front of a bunch of dedicated Wings fans), but I give him a ton of credit for answering honestly… even if his answer made me sad. Basically, the legend said that he thinks sooo highly of the Wings organization. And he spent some time praising all the people in the front office. He said that he signed a contract with the Wings with the understanding that he would learn how things worked on the executive level of the business so that he could go further up the chain. Then he said that he has a lot of goals left to fulfill in his career and he may have to go to another team to fulfill them.
Remembering 9/11
Back in February, I mentioned that I went to NYC to visit a friend and was fortunate enough to get tickets to the Rangers-Panthers game at Madison Square Garden. What I didn’t mention in that post was that I also took the time to visit Ground Zero. I’ve only been to NYC twice in my life, both post-9/11. The first time was almost three years after that tragic day, but I was there for a journalism camp and wasn’t allowed to explore the city. However when I returned this year, I knew I wanted to visit the site and pay my respects.
I also visited St. Paul’s Chapel. Whether you agree with the chapel’s beliefs or not, this place was truly a haven during the aftermath of the attacks. As you can see from my photo below which is the view from the back steps of the church onto Ground Zero, this church was literally across the street from the events.
It was amazing to learn that not a single window in the church was broken despite being so close. The chapel turned into a refuge and haven for rescue/recovery workers who worked 12 hour shifts. While church services are still held weekly there, the chapel stands as a memorial to those who served during this tragic time in American history. I saw pews where you could still see the scuff marks and soot/ashes from the workers’ boots after they had rested on the pew.
Before I left the chapel, I lit one of the candles shown in the picture below. These candles are continuously lit throughout the year as a reminder of the tragic events. It was a truly touching place to visit and I recommend making a stop there if you are ever in NYC.
The images of the two towers falling still haunts my memory, but the memorial at St. Paul’s Chapel reminded me of how so many incredible volunteers rose to the occasion giving our nation hope and strength during a time of sorrow.
Wings re-sign Chelios & Quincey
It’s official, the Wings have re-signed defensemen Chris Chelios and Kyle Quincey. Financial details about the deals have not been released, but Quincey’s deal is good for two seasons. Cheli’s contract is for one season and the base salary is less than last season ($850,000), but we do not know the exact amount yet. [Update: Chelios will make $750,000 per year according to TSN.]
As expected, Chelios will find himself watching the game from the press box or wherever a bit more this year because the younger defensemen need playing time to develop.
“Obviously in my situation and age, and being on the best team in the league — you have some young guys on the team that you have to play or you’re going to lose them — so I understand the situation and I love playing here,” Chelios said. “My role, I’ve accepted that, so I’ll make the best of it. I guess I can say I’m a survivor because I’m still here at this age. But things change quick in this game. We’ll start the season and I’ll make the best of it and work hard.”
Chelios agreed to accept a lesser role this season, noting that many of the younger defensemen – namely Brett Lebda, Kyle Quincey, Derek Meech and Jonathan Ericcson — need more ice-time.
“The only difference is that guys have to play. It’s understandable,” Chelios said. “But when you watch and see what happened with Brett Favre — and I don’t put myself in the same class as him by no means — but that’s the nature of the beast. For now, I’m happy to be back, and I’m looking forward to another great year.”
Despite the decrease in salary base for Chelios, I believe the Wings will still be over the cap with these two signings so it’ll certainly be interesting to see how GM Ken Holland gets the team salary down to fit under that cap.
Lions lose, 21-34, to Falcons in opener
Let me briefly qualify this blog post: I have been watching Detroit Lions football every Sunday since I was a little girl. I love football (not as much as hockey) and usually watch 1-3 NFL games a week depending on my schedule. I am sadly a Lions fan and cheer for them with every solid pass or tackle and yell at the TV with every interception, missed tackle, or fumble like any other NFL fan.
As a Lions fan, you have learned to expect mediocrity and possibly flashes of brilliance that are ruined by stupidity. After being a Lions fan for the past 15 years or so (I’m currently 21), I no longer hold high expectations for this team. As silly as it may sound, it hurts too much to get one’s hopes up only to have the team find a new way to disappoint you. Last season, I bought a jersey and tickets to the last regular season game when the Lions were 6-2. They finished 7-9. I now refuse to pay for tickets to a game or support the team financially until Matt Millen is gone (or by some miracle, the team makes the playoffs), but I will still watch the team play every week on TV.
So when I say that I’m not surprised the Lions lost their opening game, I truly mean it. Sure many of the pundits predicted a Lions win over the Atlanta Falcons and this was certainly a more winnable game for the Lions, but their loss and lacking of grabbing any lead during the game doesn’t surprise me any more. I refuse to predict a winning season for this organization any more because I don’t believe it will happen yet. Every year, we find ways to bring in some talented players via the draft, but struggle to put the talented pieces together in the puzzle called the NFL season.
Anyways, the Lions went 4-0 in the preseason (the only NFL team to go undefeated). Their first game of the regular season came against the Atlanta Falcons, who had quite a tumultuous season last year with the indictment of quarterback Michael Vick and their head coach Bobby Petrino quitting during the season. You could view this as a season of rebuilding in Atlanta making this game certainly doable for the Lions team.
However, the Lions defense, in particular, had other plans. In the first quarter, the Lions defense allowed three touchdowns. Our defense seemed to really struggle against Atlanta’s rushing game, particularly running back Michael Turner who ran for 220 yards in the game (a franchise single game record) including two touchdowns on 22 carries. Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan went 9/13, threw 161 yards, and threw a 62-yard touchdown pass on his first throw in the NFL. Ryan is only the eighth rookie quarterback to win his opening game since the merger in 1970. Atlanta fans should be pleased by the play of both Ryan and Turner today.
I’m a big fan of Jon Kitna, as a person. I’ve seen him speak to a group of U-M athletes and was impressed by his demeanor and fiery passion for the game, his family, and his faith. However, today was just not his day. I missed the first quarter so I can’t speak for any of his errors then. In the second, he missed a chance to easily run in for a TD and instead chose to attempt a pass to a teammate in the end zone resulting in an incompletion. As I told my dad over the phone, I could have crutched into the end zone with the amount of room Kitna had there. He then threw an interception in the next series (I believe). Then he runs the ball and slides too early missing the first down line. Had he taken one more step (which was certainly doable), Kitna would’ve had the first down. Instead, the Lions had to punt. In the fourth, he fumbled the ball (and then recovered it). On the next play, he rolled out to the left (instead of the more open right) facing a rushing defensive end John Abraham, who easily sacked him.
During the second quarter, Kitna was shown visibly upset and yelling on the sidelines. It sounded like he was angry with the lack of passing as the team is trying to focus its running game. Obviously that’s important to develop, but when you’re down by three touchdowns at the end of the first, it’s important to go with what works and that’s not running. With the size differential between Roy Williams (6′3″) and Calvin Johnson (6′5″) to the Falcons corners (who were 5′10″ and 5′11″ or so), they should have been easy targets but that too was difficult for this Lions team.
All in all, it was a frustrating loss albeit an unsurprising one for Lions fans.
What’s your Western Conference picks?
Over at James Mirtle, readers can pick their eight choices to make the Western Conference playoffs next spring. I’ve already casted my own picks so when I looked at the current results, I must admit I was surprised to see the number of votes cast in favor of the Blackhawks.
The Wings had 13% of the votes. Dallas, Anaheim, and San Jose had 12%. The Blackhawks had 11%. That’s 712 votes given to Chicago compared to the 835 votes Detroit received.
Don’t get me wrong, I voted that the Blackhawks would make the playoffs. I’m merely just surprised that after the four “powerhouse” WC teams, the Blackhawks were the next choice by 2%. I guess all the positive changes that the Hawks have made over the past season (hiring Scotty Bowman, signing Huet and Campbell, and the strong future in Toews and Kane) have given NHL fans quite a bit of confidence for the upcoming season. Combine that with the Blackhawks Convention, their Training Camp Fest, and the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field, this should be quite the season for Chicago.
So who do BTJ readers think will make the WC playoffs?