Gearing Up for Round Two

by Jesse Liebman

Editorial. Photos by AP News

Okay, I'll admit it. I wanted the underdogs to win; I could back it up too. But the playoffs are always a crapshoot. One year you may get everything right, and then there are others where you might as well leave the soothsaying to a monkey spinning a wheel.

But hey, what can you do?

Never leave anything to chance. Never discount a lower-seeded team. The safe bet is also to never pick a team that has not tasted the postseason for nearly a decade.

It helps to pick a team that has a playoff pedigree, or has something to prove. Yes, every team has something to prove -- that they're worthy of raising Lord Stanley's Cup -- but there's typically a team that has had to answer the skeptics all season long.

But then again, I never was one to play it safe.

Get set to spin those wheels!

There Will Be Blood

by Joe Ballway

Editorial. Photos by AP News

Everything seems to be breaking just perfectly for the Bruins right now, and the timing couldn’t be better.

Due to one of the most bizarre and unexpected twists in NHL playoff history, Boston has secured home-ice advantage and a date with the seventh-seeded Philadelphia Flyers for the upcoming second round.

That’s right--two of the last teams to qualify for postseason play in the entire league will now battle it out for a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, and the Bruins, bumbling and stumbling out of playoff contention little more than a month ago, are odds-on favorites to advance.

While I’d never dreamed of saying such a thing, we can thank Hal Gill and the Montreal Canadiens for this magnificent aligning of the stars. 

By shocking the world with a 2-1 Game 7 victory over the Capitals on Wednesday night and erasing a 3-1 series deficit, the Habs not only dispatched Alexander Ovechkin & Co. from the playoff race, but they snatched Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin right off the Bruins’ postseason platter.

Had the Capitals won, they would’ve hosted Philly, leaving Boston in line for an incredibly challenging matchup with the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Now if that isn’t a sign that the hockey gods have officially crossed over to Boston’s side, I don’t know what is.

Or perhaps it’s just destiny ensuring that the Bruins and Canadiens, no matter their seeding, get a crack at yet another bitter playoff battle. You could say that it would take a downright miracle for Montreal to contain the high-flying Pittsburgh offense, but didn’t we just say that about the Capitals?

Bottom line--as even the Bruins demonstrated in the first round, anything can happen in the playoffs with a hot goalie and some additional lucky bounces.

Not So Special

by Jesse Liebman

Editorial. Photos by AP News

There are few things more exciting in hockey than to see an opposing player get called for a penalty and get sent to the box.

The fans get loud, and the offender is left sulking in the sin bin, praying that his team doesn’t screw up, like some smart-ass who knows he broke the rules and is trying to desperately cover his tracks. 

There’s no guarantee that having a man advantage for two minutes is going to yield a goal; the prospect is nevertheless tantalizing and gives the home crowd a testosterone-laden injection of confidence -- or if you're in Vancouver, it gives two dudes in bodysuits an opportunity to play their sick and twisted games.

Tell that to fans of the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. Apparently their teams didn’t get the memo that you actually have to score for your special teams to be effective.

In the east, there was no clearer indication that having a well-oiled power-play machine is absolutely critical to success in the playoffs. All three division champs saw their seasons slip away because they couldn’t generate any offense with the man advantage.

Need proof? Consider the following:

Do You Believe in Magic?

by Phil Shore

Editorial. Photos by AP News

The Orlando Magic were the first team in the NBA Playoffs to advance to the second round and the only team to sweep.

However, if Dwight Howard continues to go down the same path he has been the Orlando Magic may be eliminated sooner than the team expected to be.

It isn’t his skills that could let the team down. He recently won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year for a second consecutive season. He led the league in both blocks and rebounds, the only player in the history of the NBA to lead in both categories in two different years.

His offensive game is also improving as Dwight works on his post moves, footwork, and shooting touch to complement his thunderous dunks.

What needs to change is his fouling problems and his attitude and maturity. The two go hand-in-hand really.

This season Howard set a career-high in personal fouls, amassing 287 over the 82-game season as well as a career-high in fouls per game with 3.5. In a much related stat, Howard also registered the lowest minutes per game average, 34.7, since his rookie year.

In the playoff series against Charlotte Howard was whistled for five fouls the first two games and fouled out the final two. He failed to play 30 minutes in any of the four games and his scoring average was, for him, an awful 9.8 points per game, well below his season average (18.3).

Offseason Fantasy Manifesto: Part II

by Nick Traicoff

Editorial. Photos by AP News

I am sorry.

For all those wasted hours you spent feverishly clicking The Last Call, anxiously awaiting Part II of the Offseason Fantasy Football Manifesto during the past two weeks. For all those sleepless nights I have caused, as you wondered, drenched in a cold sweat, if “To be continued…” would ever actually be answered. I am sorry.

It has been barbaric, but please do not let that word resound. I had good reason to wait.

That’s because the third and final thing that all fantasy owners must follow during the offseason is the NFL draft, and this past weekend marked its 75^th anniversary. While more important for keeper leagues than seasonal, the draft still needs to be monitored closely by all.

Whereas college quarterbacks and wide receivers tend to have more difficulty adjusting to the complex schemes and increased game speed of the NFL initially, the transition to the professional level for runners tends to be much smoother.

The early successes of Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, and Shonn Greene in recent years highlight this trend. Given the amount of vacant backfields, and a talented, depth-filled pool of backs to match, the potential for rookies of immediate value to emerge following the weekend was evident.

Remember carefully the three factors—offensive scheme, role, and surrounding talent—in addition to talent that dictate fantasy success. They remain strongly in play here. Keeping these in mind, I propose to you my runaway, #1 Ranked Fantasy Football rookie for 2010. Drum roll please… (R-rated language warning)

Dead and Gone: The Dawning of a New Era

by Ian Tasso
Editorial. Photos by AP News

It was the worst loss in Patriots’ history – at least, from what I can remember.

As far as the NFL goes, all I’ve known my entire life is winning. All the Patriots have done since I’ve been involved is win. And not only did they win – they did it with a swagger. They were going to win how they wanted to win, when they wanted to win, punch you in the mouth when they did it, and have each other’s backs if it went wrong.

But not that Sunday. Not against the Ravens. One play, one touchdown, and it was over.

Not only were they down in the box score, but on the field, they hung their heads – for the first time in a long time.

These were not my Patriots. Or at least, not the ones I had grown up to know, love, and appreciate.

Long gone were the Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrable head buts, the emotional pre-game, in-game, in-huddle speeches – the “I live for this shit man, I’d die for you” Rodney Harrison, Ty Law and Willie McGinnest halftime pump-ups.

Gone.

On the field? Yeah, they may be better without those guys. Great football decisions to let go of them. But in the huddle? In the locker room? The Patriots still haven’t recovered.

Who’s the locker room presence now? Randy Moss? I sure hope not. I love the guy, he’s a great talent, but I don’t want him leading the huddle. Brady has enough to worry about. Welker? He’s only one guy. Meriweather? Not yet.

Hell, the highest paid guy on defense isn’t even the most vocal. He’s the biggest – but not the most vocal.

Five Things to Watch in Game Six

by Joe Ballway

Editorial. Photos by AP News

The Bruins return home to the Garden tonight with high expectations following their Game 5 setback in Buffalo on Friday night. The Sabres cut Boston’s series lead to 3-2 with a convincing 4-1 victory, but the Bruins still have two more cracks at upsetting the Northeast Division champions and moving on to a matchup with either Pittsburgh or
Philadelphia, depending on the outcome of the Capitals-Canadiens series.

Here’s 5 things to consider as we gear up for Game 6:

1.    Is Thomas Vanek his old self?

While possibilities of Marc Savard’s return by the end of the series are the hottest rumors around town these days–some are speculating that he’ll swing down from the Jumbotron James Bond-style in time for the opening faceoff, while others swear they’ve already seen Boston’s best offensive player using the alias “Ryder” a few games back–he likely won’t be available until next round, should the Bruins advance. 

On the other hand, Vanek’s return is much more imminent; coach Lindy Ruff even stated that his Austrian sniper can return “whenever he feels ready.” Which could mean trouble for the Bruins.

But in regards to Ruff’s comment, how the hell could a player nearing health not be ready for an NHL playoff game if given clearance to make the decision himself? Did Thomas ever see Jack O’Callahan in Miracle? 

I don’t see how he could live with himself if he sits out with a borderline injury and the Sabres lose–unless, of course, he’s a pussy. Which wouldn’t surprise me, considering the incredibly whiny players, coaches and fans that surround the Buffalo organization. Somebody call a wahhhmbulance.

In-Depth: Colorado Rockies Preview

by Alex Tam

Editorial. Photos by AP News

In 2007, destiny grabbed the Rockies by the reins and drove them to their first World Series appearance ever. Back then it was looked at as a miracle. The next year, they hit bottom and never even had a chance to make the post-season. 

Around came 09’ and Jim Tracy and it seemed history came to shatter the record books again and the Rockies stormed into the post-season, this time not so lucky. Will this season be a repeat of history? Will they Rockies sorely disappoint after a successful season?

No. Not by a long shot. Not this time.

The main difference I see in this time around, is that them making the post-season was never dubbed a miracle. Sports writers around the country started to take notice, and while the Rockies thundered through the season to the playoffs, it wasn’t luck that gave them their season long hot-streak. So why is the mile high sensation just that? Why should you buy into the hype?

They are simply put, the most balanced and depth-rich team in the division.

They have great defense, depth in the bats, and a solid rotation. For starters, there is no horrendous drop-off in this  rock solid lineup. Catcher Chris Iannetta is probably the team’s worst bat and could be the aforementioned drop off, but Yorvit Torreabla’s replacement, Miguel Olivio, who batted .250 with 23 dingers should see his numbers rise in Coors Field and a better line up. But the real prizes are in the shortstop, the outfield , and first base (no, not Jason Giambi!)

Troy Tulowitzki seems to finally have things figured out and matured. What is truly insane about this young gems talent, is that his talents extend to nearly every spectrum of the game.

From the Experts: 2010 NFL Draft

April 22, 2010
Ian Tasso, Nick Coit
Special Guests: Patriots' Draft Experts
Curran,Tappen, Reiss, Lee, Borges, Breer, Belichick and McCourty

You've read the live-blog. You've seen all the picks. Now here's what all the experts had to say during the night of the draft, including reaction from the head coach himself, and the #27 overall pick.

It's interesting to follow their train of thought as the night went on.

So here is a compilation of all the interviews collected on Thursday night. The objective? For you to feel the confusion and excitement that was the 2010 NFL Draft.

Enjoy:

Spikes is a Patriot

by Ian Tasso

Editorial. Photos by AP News

Finally - a Patriot pick I can be proud of.

I'm no longer at Gillette. I know, it's unfortunate, and it sucks. And while New England has had a relatively nice second round, grabbing a tight end and an outside backer - Spikes was someone I'd been eyeing all draft.

I love Spikes. I love how he plays, I love his passion, I love his emotion, and I love him on the Patriots. New England needed a guy like this - they don't have it anymore in Bruschi, they lost it when Rodney left, and now they have it back.

Check it out. This guy is out of his mind:

Live from Gillette: 2010 NFL Draft

by Ian Tasso
Editorial. Photos by AP News

LAST CALL'S HOST, IAN TASSO, TRAVELED TO GILLETTE STADIUM TO CHECK OUT THE 2010 NFL DRAFT. BELOW IS A LIVE-BLOG OF THE DRAFT, COMPLETE WITH MINUTE-BY-MINUTE ANALYSIS OF THE PICKS, EXPERT OPINION ON THE EVENTS AT HAND, AS WELL AS INTERVIEWS WITH BOTH BILL BELICHICK AND DEVIN MCCOURTY, NEW ENGLAND'S FIRST ROUND PICK. ENJOY:

12:10 pm - Wrapping Up:

All in all, a pretty exciting day. From an NFL standpoint that is. As far as the Patriots go? It's debatable.

The selection of Devin McCourty seems to be a surprising one around the room. Most of the people I talked to, including Rob Lee, were a bit taken aback by the selection, especially considering who was left on the board.

But a select few, Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston included, weren't as shocked. I guess the fact is, everywhere on defense needed help - and the Patriots addressed the best value they thought was available. In exchange, they also grabbed a third and fourth rounder to use in the coming days, and can hopefully patch some of the remaining holes with those.

As for tomorrow? Look for New England to attack the defensive front. They need help there, more-so than anywhere else on the field. Interestingly though, New England seems to have grown attatched to Ricky Sapp, Clemson University defensive end.

The thing about Sapp though, is he's ranked in about the third or fourth round. So if he's New England's guy, they might select someone like Sergio Kindle tomorrow if he's still around.

Either way, it looks like the bulk of tomorrow's picks are going to be defensively centered for the Patriots.

But don't be surprised if they send them away either.

Bottom line? When it comes to Bill and drafting, you just never know. No matter who you are, where you live, what you do for a living - Belichick always has something up his sleeve.

We'll just have to wait and see what that is.

From Gillette Stadium, I'm Ian Tasso. And it's time for bed.

Almost Canada: Reasons why Buffalo Sucks

by Ian Tasso

Editorial. Photos by AP News

The Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins are currently mired in what promises to be a great series of playoff hockey - plenty of hard hits, fantastic goalie play and better yet, down-to-the-wire games that carry an all-or-nothing weight.

What more could you ask for?

Honestly? Not much. Except for the one thing that’s missing in this series: some good, old-fashioned hatred - the sports hatred that we all know and love.

Because, to be honest, there really isn’t much right now. And we need it.

I don’t really get why it’s not there – Buffalo is in New York after all, which, to Bostonians, is a free-pass to GO as far as hatred is concerned. But nonetheless, that sports hatred? For a division rival in Buffalo? Non-existant.

I’m not talking about that type of hatred that makes you want to choke out your roommate – it’s more than that.

It’s the sports hatred – the kind of hatred that means you and your dick friend who likes the Yankees can go share a beer during the Sox-Bombers game, joke about how hot that chick in Physics class is, and then when Robinson Cano hits his second home run of the day, you can call him a bastard, and tell him “If he does that again, I’m capturing your little sister.”

That type of hatred.

So here we are, in a 2-1 hockey series that has gotten the city of Boston more riled up in their pants than Hedi Watney. This town is excited for hockey. You know it, I know it, Herb Brooks knows it and now Mark Ellis’ face knows it (boom).

As for the hatred? Gone. Until now. Here are 10 reasons why you, the Bostonian, should hate Buffalo, which, according to these reasons, sucks ass. Enjoy.

A Good Ol' Fashioned Beantown Slugfest

by Gabe Souza

Editorial. Photos by AP News

There’s no doubt Beantown has seen its fair share of sluggers through the years.

From Babe in the ‘10’s, to Teddy Ballgame in the ‘50’s, to Manny being Manny in the ‘00’s - the hometown team has always had at least one guy in the starting nine popping dingers over the Green Monster and onto Lansdowne Street.

Many of them have even earned a place in Cooperstown.

But what about those that have yet to hang up the cleats? As crazy as it sounds, Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia all have a chance to be remembered in the annals of Fenway.

But before we figure out where they rank, let’s take a look at the throwbacks, the guys who paved the road for the current gang in the Hub.

Babe Ruth:

Way back in the 1910’s, George Herman “Babe” Ruth roamed the confines of the relatively new Fenway Park. The young pitcher/ right fielder was scouted as being a below average fielder, but it was the big lefty’s bat that made all the difference.

After a relatively quiet first five years with the BoSox, Ruth broke out in 1919. In 130 games, Ruth hit .322, belted an unheard of at the time 29 home runs and knocked in 114 runs. But that offseason, Ruth was traded to…well, we won’t go there.

NBA Suspends KG

by Ian Tasso
Editorial. Photos by AP News

I'll admit, I was a little upset at first - but the more you watch the video of the incident, the more it makes sense why the NBA suspended him.

Check it out for yourself, here's an interesting angle of the situation from Saturday night:

NBA Playoff Preview

by Phil Shore

Editorial. Photos by AP News

With the NBA Playoffs finally upon us, it’s time to break down each first round series and give you the who’s who and what’s what of LBJ vs Chitown, the Green against the Heat, KB vs KD, the Jazz versus the Nugs and everything in between.

Here are Last Call’s 'Top Questions' for each NBA playoff series.

Cleveland vs. Chicago:

Will LeBron finally win it all?

Four trips to the playoffs, two to the Eastern Conference finals, and one to the NBA Championship. Yet “The King” has zero rings. Last year so many people thought that it was the Cavs’ best chance to win it all, and with the best record in the NBA, the midseason acquisition of power forward Antawn Jamison, and a thirteen-game winning streak, people feel the same way about them this postseason.

However, will Cleveland be able to handle the pressure? They have the pressure of being number one and meeting high expectations. There is the pressure of the entire city of Cleveland not winning a championship in any professional sport since 1964, the longest drought of any city with three pro teams. They also have the pressure of potentially losing James, a free agent, in the offseason if they can’t make him happy by winning a championship.

Being in the postseason isn’t enough for the Cavaliers anymore. Making the finals isn’t enough, either. Cleveland needs to win the championship. However, they won’t be able to do that if they don’t put aside those issues and just play basketball.

PREDICTION: LeBron and co. roll. Cleveland in 4