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.