Say goodbye to Alex Rodriguez

He has drawn the ire of MLB fans for years after numerous steroid allegations, and deciding to follow the money to a championship. On Friday night A-rod played his last game in an MLB uniform before joining the Yankees as a special advisor. It seems as if the Yankees have forced A-rod trying to get out from under their mountain of veterans, and start to bring up some of their younger prospects. Since coming into the game with the Seattle Mariners Rodriguez was seen as the future of the short-stop position. He played his first seven years in the bigs with the Seattle Mariners bringing new hope to a franchise that was looking for a star. After good run playing in 690 games, and hitting 189 games home runs in a Mariners uniform. He signed a historic 10 year 252 million dollar contract with the Rangers leaving Seattle. It was the biggest deal that the MLB had ever seen and set the bar for the contracts of the future. 

Why the Patriots will be ok without Tom Brady

It's been a topic of debate around New England since Roger Goodell and the NFL decided to try and make an "example" out of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. On January 18th 2015 the New England Patriots destroyed the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 in the AFC championship. It sent Brady and the Patriots to Super Bowl 49 against the Seattle Seahawks. It was only until the days following the game that we found out some of the Patriots balls had been a little under inflated. The days following the game reports started coming out that the patriots had been caught in a sting operation run by the NFL. On January 20th Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported that 11 of the 12 balls were 2 PSI under inflated. Thanks to the Wells report we now know that report was completely false. The Patriots went onto win the Superbowl thanks to catch for the ages by rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler. 

Remembering Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe was a hockey icon during his time playing in the NHL and in the WHA. He was born on March 31, 1928 to humble roots in Saskatchewan. He joined the Detroit Red Wings at the age of 18 and was a part of four Stanley Cups. Howe died Friday morning at 88 years old, this after surviving two strokes in late 2014 when it seems to be close to the end for Howe. But Howe like a true warrior survived and recovered from the strokes, putting many fans at ease. According to the Detroit free press Howe went peacefully and without regrets early this morning. Many of the younger generations will remember Howe for the infamous "Gordie Howe hat trick", which Howe only did twice in his career. 

Are Kevin Love's days numbered in Cleveland?

It's the same story with Kevin Love since he came to Cleveland finishing off LeBron's big three in the decision part 2. The Cavaliers pulled of a blockbuster deal sending then first overall pick Andrew Wiggins to the Timberwolves for Kevin Love. Since the trade Wiggins has been a bright young star with the Wolves, winning both rookie of the year and the MVP at the NBA's rising stars’ competition. As for Love his first year in Cleveland was brought to an end with a shoulder injury in the first round against the Boston Celtics. 

Are the San Jose Sharks ready for the Stanley Cup Finals?

The San Jose Sharks have asserted themselves as the top team in the Western conference after years of choking early on in the playoffs. To top that they have finally reached their first Stanley cup final in team history. All while standing on the backs of aging veterans like Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, and on unbelievable goaltending by first time starter Martin Jones. But the Sharks have unfortunately run into the hot goaltending of Pittsburgh's Matt Murray. Who has been outstanding for the Penguins since taking over the starting job from Marc Andre Fleury at the end of the season. Murray has been Ken Dryden esc leading the Penguins past Stanley Cup favorite's Washington and the Tampa Bay lightning. Who were on fire heading into the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Summer Sixteen an open letter to the followers of J3 Sports

For the fans and the followers,

 I wanted to apologize for going off the grid for a little while. With the other websites that I write for and the teams that I cover, I haven't been able to post much or at all. Add in school and basically a full time job, I’ll probably miss the last few weeks of the playoffs. 

Coverage will resume on May 20th most likely during the conference or Stanley Cup finals. The summer will be filled with different updates and posts on what you can expect in the NHL. I'd also like to thank those who have followed this blog and appreciate it. We are getting close to a year of existence and I couldn't have done it without you. 

 Project coming up I have released another blog launching today on politics to diversify my writing style. I would also like to announce that I am currently in the process of writing a book that I would like to release in September. More details will follow as the time gets closer, and as always that you for following me. 

Sincerely, 

James 

Is Jonathan Drouin making the right decision?

It has been a major story this season surrounding the 2013 3rd overall draft pick for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jonathan Drouin's season has been surrounded by controversy and doubt, after struggling to crack the lineup early in the season it was clear Drouin was unhappy. After being limited to just 19 games because of injury and only five games in November. So in his second season Drouin was sent down to the Lightning's AHL affiliate the Syracuse Crunch to get more playing time. GM Steve Yzerman stated at the time "he's been dealing with a minor nagging injury that is finally healed. With everyone coming back at the same time, it's a good opportunity to get a young player a lot of ice time, get his game right back on top and bring him back at the appropriate time". With that there was no clear date set for Drouin to rejoin the Lightning. 

Are the Blackhawks still the favorites after the trade deadline?

The Chicago Blackhawks like most top teams in the NHL were busy during the last week before the trade deadline. As one of the best teams in the West and having the best player in the NHL this year in Patrick Kane. The future seems pretty bright for the defending champions looking to go back to back. The Blackhawks have become the gold standard in the NHL over the past six years, being able to move players while still maintaining their core of players. The Blackhawks have made the right decisions by taking chances on Brad Richards, Chris Versteeg and a few other veteran players. They have also been on of the best teams when it comes to cutting ties with players that are reaching the end of the usefulness. Their farm system has also been developing solid young players who have been able to come in and fill those roles for the Blackhawks.

Is Ryan Miller the same goalie?

In the early 2000's Ryan Miller was arguably the best goalie in the NHL, he was the back bone of some of those great Sabers teams under Lindy Ruff. But Miller has fallen off over the last few years, age and news teams have led him into obscurity. Miller has struggled since joining Vancouver as a free agent in 2014. The narrative has been his best years were in Buffalo and has been in decline since the 2010 Olympics. He joined the Canucks on a three year 18-million-dollar contract, he was supposed to lead the Canucks back to the playoffs. He had been one of the most sought after goalies at the trade deadline when he was dealt to the St. Louis Blues to help them in their cup hopes. Miller had a decent run with the Blues helping them make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they fell short in their cup hopes and were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. 

Should goalie equipment be reduced?

It's been a debate in the NHL for years now, should the equipment that goalies wear be reduced to create more goals. Many believe that because there are bigger goalies in the NHL who get to wear bigger equipment it gives them more of an advantage. We are witnessing the age of the big goalie, gone are the days where we could see a goalie like Jeff Lerg in the NHL. The shortest goalie right now in the NHL is Jhonas Enroth of the LA Kings at 5'10". The league average size for a goaltender is about 6'2", with the tallest goalie being Ben Bishop who stands at 6'7". Bigger goalies are in high demand for NHL teams. But there is an issue that comes with bigger goalies, their equipment is sized for their protection. That means bigger chest protectors, bigger pads, and bigger goalie sticks all of these things add to the massive goalies.

Can the Montreal Canadiens get back into the playoff picture?

The Montreal Canadiens were the hottest team in the NHL when the season started up in October, they won't their first nine games in regulation. After setting the NHL record for most regulation wins in a row. The Canadiens were on top of the hockey world and nothing looked like it would slow them down. Despite losing their next two games in a row Montreal fans were still confident in their team. Fans were dreaming of the first Stanley cup in Canada in 23 years, the players tried to damper the excitement. PK Subban said “I've said it before and I'll say it again: All we've accomplished is to have a good start to the season, and that's it". 

Scituate's own Josh Beck commits to Babson College

Josh announced on Monday February 1st that he was committing to play for the Babson Beavers next season in the NEHC. Beck who started skating at three years old has always been one of the smaller players on most of his teams. Josh has been able to prove his doubters wrong for much of his life, many thought he would never make varsity at Scituate high school as a freshman. He not only made the team as freshman, but went on to have an incredible career with the Sailors. Beck was a consistent offensive threat through his four years with the Sailors, and was often one of the fastest skaters on the ice. He capped off his great career with the Sailors as a senior captain, making the varsity team all four years.

Leo Komarov: the leafs diamond in the rough

It's been a tough couple of years for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, they have been rebuilding for what feels like forever. The Leafs haven't made the playoffs since 2011 when they fell apart in game seven against the Boston Bruins. But they have finally found a decent foundation for them to build on, and his name is Leo Komarov.  Komarov has found a home on the Leafs first line under new head coach Mike Babcock. Komarov a veteran of international play has brought new life to a young Leafs team looking for some offense.  Under the new coaching staff Komarov has become an all-star, the 29 year-old has bounced around the past few years. He has played in the KHL, AHL, and the NHL before finding his place on the Leafs top line. So far this season he has 16 goals and 31 points to lead the Leafs in scoring. 

Jaromir Jagr: the ageless wonder

One of the biggest stories of the season has been 43-year-old Jaromir Jagr who has found new life with the young Florida Panthers. Since entering the league with the Pittsburgh Penguins Jagr has more than lived up to his first round pick status. Jagr is a two time Stanley Cup champion playing on the great Penguins teams of the 90's along side Mario Lemieux. He is a 13-time all-star with the latest selection coming this year, with him captaining the Atlantic Division all-star team in the 3-on-3. He has done absolutely everything there is to do in professional hockey also winning five Art Ross trophies, the 1999 Hart memorial trophy, and three Lester B. Pearson Awards. He is also one of only 26 players to ever win a Stanley Cup, a World Championship, and Olympic Gold in Men’s Ice Hockey over his career. 

Can the Toronto Maple Leafs deal Jonathan Bernier

Earlier today, it came out that the Toronto Maple Leafs have started to shop goaltender Jonathan Bernier. While this should come as a surprise to no one, it still raises the question can they really trade him? Bernier has posted a 6-12-3 record in 21 games for the Leafs, along with a .899 save percentage and 3.13 goals against average. After struggling right out of the gate, Bernier lost his starting role to James Reimer who has stepped up his game since last season. When Reimer was out injured, coach Mike Babcock decided that Bernier shouldn't be trusted to take over the starting role in net. Instead, The Leaf's rookie Garret Sparks was called up and made an instant impact going 3-1-1 in 5 games with a .915 save percentage. During this time Bernier was sent down to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL for a conditioning stint. Bernier was 0-8-1 at the time he was sent down and was looking to get back on track.

John Scott the NHL's unlikely all-star

John Scott's run in the NHL has been mediocre at best, he is giant enforcer who can barley keep up with the slowest NHL players. Scott's style of play is quickly being eradicated from the NHL and the hockey world for good. Fighting is dying and players like Scott are quickly realizing that they have been thrown into the wrong era of professional hockey. Scott has made a career off of being the scary enforcer who is never afraid to fight. In his nine year NHL career he has five goals and 11 points in 285 career games. He also has 542 career penalty minutes in the regular season, and 22 in the playoffs with the Blackhawks. Scott has also been suspended by the NHL two separate times by the NHL for a total of 11 games. Most causal fans know Scott as the goon who threatened to "jump" Phil Kessel causing a huge line brawl in the Leafs and Sabers preseason game a few years ago. 

How two goalies this season have redefined the way we look at the ECHL

For years the ECHL was a league of goons and the last resort for older players slowing down just looking for a few more years in the game. But as the ECHL has grown and teams have started aligning with NHL and AHL teams the league has grown. 528 players have made the NHL from the ECHL in their history. There have ben many players that cycle in and out, but two goalies this season have help redefine the way team should look at their ECHL affiliates. Garret Sparks and Mike Condon are just latest two former ECHLers to come up and make an impact for their NHL team. 

Why the Predators shouldn't have traded Seth Jones

On Wednesday the Columbus Blue Jackets traded superstar Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators for former 4th overall pick Seth Jones. Johansen has been on newly hired head coach John Tortorella's chopping block since he was hired in late October. Torts has battled with with the young star since coming to the Blue Jackets. His early comments about the center included that he was "out of shape". Torts also scratched Johansen in early December to "reset the superstar".