Way Too Close for Comfort

Kevin Garnett left last night's game in Detroit with a "tweaked right calf."
At first glance, Celtics Nation couldn't help but think the worst. 

Coming into last night's showdown at the Palace at Auburn Hills in Detroit, the main storyline was not whether or not the Celtics could win back-to-back games on the road but instead how the heated matchup between Kevin Garnett and the Pistons' Charlie Villanueva would play out.

As if Celtics fans needed reminding, it was nearly two full months ago that Villanueva broke the cardinal sin of player/opponent confidentiality, defying the universally accepted mantra in sports of "what happens between the lines stays between the lines." And while we all know KG to be a fiery competitor willing to say or do anything to get under the skin of an opponent, Villanueva quickly became public enemy number one in Beantown when he accused Garnett of calling him a "cancer patient" via Twitter after their early November matchup in Detroit, which the Celtics won convincingly, 109-86.

Last night, just minutes before tip-off, the Celtics legendary play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman noted that Garnett embraced each and every Piston in his customary pre-game style except Villanueva, whom he ignored entirely. However, the drama between KG and Villanueva suddenly became an afterthought when the worst fear for Celtics fans came true just nine minutes into regulation.

After taking a bounce pass in the paint from Ray Allen, Garnett soared to the bucket to slam home an easy two points like we've all witnessed a thousand times before. However, instead of returning to the ground and hustling back to play defense, KG hung on the rim awkwardly then gingerly descended to the floor before grabbing his right knee and writhing in pain.

Instantly, Celtics fans held their collective breath. We had lived this nightmare before. Wasting no time, we immediately flashed back to that fateful night in Utah against the Jazz two seasons ago when KG elevated for an alley-oop and ended up shredding his right night, an injury that effectively ended his 2008-09 campaign and required surgery which he was just beginning to fully recover from.

Not again.

Soon everything began to spiral out of control. Garnett collapsed at half court, unable to put pressure on his right knee. Celtics players and training staff huddled around him and carried him to the bench where the Big Ticket could be seen burying his head in his hands, overcome with pain.

Just like that our championship run was done. No more KG. No more Big Three. No more rematch with the Lakers in the Finals.

Then, when it couldn't get any worse, the basketball gods seemed to spare us. KG was able to walk off the court under his own power. Soon, word surfaced that the X-Rays were negative and no structural fractures had occurred.

Thank god.

The Celtics deemed KG's injury a "tweaked right calf." He is set to undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury.

"Hopefully it's not a bad one," Doc Rivers told the Boston Globe after the game, which the Celtics lost 104-92. "I don't think it is. I don't think it's that serious, so I'm not that concerned. He's going to miss games probably. I don't know how many but I don't think it will be that long."

Suddenly, from Rhode Island to Maine to Massachusetts, a collective sigh of relief could be overheard throughout New England. KG might be out a week or two but rest assured, the Big Ticket is still on course to raise Banner 18 in June.

Back on Top

After scoring his 570th career goal with just 19.7 seconds remaining
 in regulation against the Lightning last night, Mark Recchi and the
Bruins are back in first place in the Northeast Division. 

Beginning a long and arduous road trip that has the Bruins playing five games in just eight days, the Black and Gold opened up the first two legs of their journey in supreme style Monday and Tuesday night, sweeping a double dip in Florida against the Panthers and Lightning, respectively. And, while Boston enjoys a much needed day off on Wednesday after playing two games in as many nights, the Bruins must prepare for a rematch with the Atlanta Thrashers on Thursday, then face the Sabres and Maple Leafs before returning home January 6th to host the Minnesota Wild.

The good news: with back-to-back victories over Florida and Tampa Bay, the Bruins leapfrog the Montreal Canadiens to take sole possession of first place in the Northeast Division, improving their overall record to 20-11-4 on the young season.

Kicking off the road trip, the B's came from behind not once but twice to defeat the Panthers 3-2 in a shootout Monday night. Once again, it was the stellar play of Tim Thomas between the pipes that paced the Bruins, as the former Vezina Trophy winner finished with 32 saves, including several of the highlight reel variety. Offensively, it was a coming out party of sorts for the Bruins' gifted Czech centerman David Krejci. After falling behind 1-0 just over a minute into the second period, Krejci tied the game some eight minutes later when he backhanded home a rebound bid past Panthers' goaltender and former Boston College netminder Scott Clemmensen.

However, Florida bounced back to reclaim the lead at 2-1 later in the period on a questionable call after David Santorelli deflected a Michal Frolik shot from the point past Thomas. It appeared Santorelli's deflection came from a high-stick but, after video replay, the goal stood due to inconclusive evidence to prove otherwise. Nevertheless, the Bruins battled back to tie the score once again when Krejci took a beautiful feed from linemate Blake Wheeler and beat Clemmensen for his second goal of game midway through the third period.

The 2-2 stalemate would remain through overtime until Blake Wheeler scored the only goal of the shootout to give the Bruins a gritty 3-2 victory. The story of the game was Boston's unstoppable third line, the recently reunited trio of Krejci centering Wheeler and Michael Ryder. While Krejci scored a pair of goals, Ryder added a pair of assists and Wheeler chipped in with an assist as well as the game winning shootout goal.

Riding the momentum of Monday night's victory, the Bruins quickly jumped out to a 1-0 lead over the Lightning Tuesday night when Ryder put home a rebound on the power play just 28 seconds into regulation. However, in a back and forth affair, Lightning sniper Steven Stamkos tied the game 1-1 with his 29th goal of the season nearly six minutes later.

Displaying their resiliency, the Bruins reclaimed the lead with a milestone goal early in the second period. Catching a beautiful cross-ice feed from Marc Savard with his left skate, Bruins rookie defenseman Steve Kampfer quickly corralled the puck then fired it past Tampa Bay goaltender Dan Ellis for his first career NHL goal. The assist for Savard also marked his 700th career NHL point.

After goals by Vincent Lecavalier, the Bruins' Brad Marchard and former University of Vermont star Martin St. Louis, the contest looked destined for overtime with the score knotted up at 3-3.

Not so.

With just under two minutes remaining in regulation, Bruins' fourth line center Gregory Campbell was crushed from behind into the boards on what looked to be a vicious, yet clean hit from Stamkos. However, the referees called Stamkos for boarding, giving Boston a crucial power play with time winding down. Taking supreme advantage, the ageless wonder known as Mark Recchi took a feed from Patrice Bergeron and snuck home a wrist shot past Ellis with just 19.7 seconds remaining to give the Bruins the victory. For the 42-year-old Recchi, it was his 570th career goal and 1506th career point, putting him in 20th and 13th place on the all-time list, respectively.

Less than two weeks ago, it appeared Bruins coach Claude Julien was on the hotseat after his team slipped to 1-3-1 during a five game stretch. Now, the Bruins have won three in a row and look a lot like a team that can do some serious damage in the playoffs.

The Rich get Richer...

With three of the first 33 overall picks in the 2011 Draft, the Patriots are in line to select several dominant college players to play alongside second-year safety Patrick Chung. 

Despite the epic blizzard that paralyzed much of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island during the past 24 hours and the harsh reality that most of us are still shoveling our way out of it, today is a great day to be from New England.

At 13-2, our hometown Patriots have officially clinched the AFC East title yet again and, more importantly, secured homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. However, these accomplishments are not the sole reason to jump for joy, build snowmen and then warm up inside with a cup of hot chocolate next to the fireplace. 

Instead, Patriot fans have the pathetically inept Carolina Panthers to thank for their most recent stroke of good luck. With the Broncos (4-11) and Bengals (4-11) both winning yesterday, the Panthers (2-13) officially clinched the league's worst record, meaning that they will pick first overall in April's NFL Draft. 

In addition to earning the first overall pick, which many draft experts think the Panthers will use to select Stanford junior QB Andrew Luck, Carolina will also pick first overall in the second round. However, because of an idiotic draft day trade last year, it is New England, not Carolina, who will picking 33rd overall. Bill Belichick, a draft day genius, had enough foresight to trade the Patriots third round pick in 2010 (which Carolina used to take Appalachian St. quarterback turned wide receiver Armanti Edwards) in exchange for the Panthers 2011 second round pick. 

Translation: The Patriots now own three of the first 33 picks in the 2011 Draft; their own, the Oakland Raiders (acquired in the Richard Seymour deal) and now Carolina's. As it stands now, the Raiders pick will have the Patriots selecting 15th overall. Toss in another second rounder and two third rounders (one of which comes via Minnesota, acquired in the early season trade for Randy Moss), and the New England dynasty looks primed to carry on well into the next decade. 

Of course, the Patriots surely won't hold on to every selection, as Belichick has become famous for trading away picks for future, more valuable ones. But make no mistake, the Patriots won't be going anywhere for a long, long time. Congrats, New England fans. Now go outside and finish shoveling your sidewalk. 

On to the Next One...

By crushing the Bills 34-3 Sunday afternoon, Tom Brady and
the Pats are now the #1 seed in the AFC playoff picture. 

With Sunday afternoon's resounding 34-3 blowout of the helpless Bills now in the books, the Patriots have not only extended their current winning streak to seven straight games (improving their overall record to a league-best 13-2) but have also achieved a pair of goals that seemed like a long shot before the season began. In addition to being crowded the AFC East champions for an astounding eighth time in the last ten years, the Pats also clinched homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, earning a first round bye while at the same time proving to all other AFC contenders that the road to the Super Bowl will once again go through New England.

The shellacking of Chan Gailey's resilient yet subpar football club in frigid Buffalo was also littered with jaw-dropping milestones and juicy storylines for the Patriots. As a team, the lopsided victory extended New England's NFL-best winning streak over the Bills to a head-shaking 15 straight games. The last time the Bills were victorious against New England came in 2003 when Buffalo shut out the Patriots 31-0 in the season opener. If you remember correctly, the subplot surrounding the game centered upon former Pats star safety Lawyer Milloy. A surprising salary cap casualty, Milloy was released by New England just five days before the season began, then signed with the Bills and got sweet revenge as Brady and the Pats were humiliated on national television. Looking back, that game seems like an eternity ago.

The Patriots also dominated the turnover battle, intercepting Harvard's Ryan Fitzpatrick three times while also recovering four fumbles. Conversely, New England took special care of the football despite the frigid conditions, failing to turn the ball over once. As a result, the Patriots extended their own streak to eight straight games without surrendering a turnover, also an NFL record.

Individually, Tom Brady's performance stole the show in Orchard Park. Although he only went 15-27 for 140 yards, Brady did toss three touchdowns, running his league-leading total to 34. However, these are not the stats that landed Brady in the NFL record books. Instead, Brady proved his immortality during the third quarter when he broke the NFL record for most consecutive pass attempts without throwing an interception (309), a feat previously held by Bernie Kosar.

As if another case needed to be made for Brady to win his second MVP award this season, let me throw one more statistic at you: the last time Brady threw a pick came on October 17 against the Ravens. He was picked off twice that day, but don't feel bad if that slipped your memory. After all, Brady did lead the Patriots to an epic come-from-behind victory over Baltimore that day, treating the Foxboro faithful to a stunning 23-20 overtime win over the team that knocked them out the playoffs the previous year.

While several other Patriots had outstanding performances against the Bills on Sunday (the two headed monster of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead combined for 197 yards on just 32 carries), the second star of the game, behind Brady of course, was rookie tight-end Rob Gronkowski. The 21-year-old, 6'6'', 265 pound freight train hauled in four passes for 54 yards, including a pair of touchdowns, while also making a key block late in the first quarter to spring Woodhead's 29-yard touchdown run. Did I mention the Gronk also made a highlight reel one-handed catch in traffic just before his first score?

Even though the Patriots continue to stockpile draft picks like a 1950s bomb shelter owner hoarding cans of soup and bottled water in preparation for a Cold War apocalypse, one area in which Belichick and the rest of the Pats brass need not invest more draft picks is the tight end position. With Gronkowski and fellow rookie Aaron Hernandez, New England appears loaded at the position for a long time to come (Hernandez sat out today's game with a hip injury). The two rookies also compliment each other perfectly. While Gronkowski is a towering, immoveable presence in the blocking game and also sure handed in the red zone, Hernandez is quick, fast and a great route runner, fluid and elusive with the ball in his hands.

At 13-2, the 2010-11 Patriots look greatly reminiscent of the New England dynasty that began nearly a decade ago. And with two first round picks, two second round picks and two third round picks in the upcoming draft, the Kraft Empire in New England has a great chance to stay on top for years to come, as long as one constant remains: Belichick and Brady.

The Boston Sports Christmas List...

Paul Pierce, KG and the Celts head to Orlando for a Christmas
 Day showdown with the Magic tomorrow afternoon. 

Piecing together the most current Boston Sports headlines while patiently awaiting Christmas Eve to turn into Christmas Day...

1. Although the loss of game-changing point guard Rajon Rondo cannot be understated, the Celtics have fared quite well in his absence. Since Rondo exited the lineup after spraining his left ankle late in the Celts heart-stopping 118-116 victory over the Knicks on December 15, Boston has managed to win three straight, posting victories over Atlanta (102-90), Indiana (99-88) and Philadelphia (84-80), while also extending their current win streak to a staggering 14 games. Nate Robinson has filled in admirably for Rondo as well, averaging nearly 14 points and 4 assists per game, while logging major minutes alongside the Big Three. 

Heading into the Christmas Day showdown with the new-look Orlando Magic tomorrow, the Celtics own the NBA's secon-best record. At 23-4, the Green trail only the ageless San Antonio Spurs, who sit at a whopping 25-4. However, adding even more flare to the much anticipated matchup with Boston, the Magic blew out the Spurs Thursday night in Orlando, 123-101, proving to the NBA world that after a recent barrage of blockbuster trades, the Magic might be for real. Throw in Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Gilbert Arenas onto a team that already features the game's best big man in Dwight Howard, a steady-handed point guard in Jameer Nelson and a plethora of reliable shooters in J.J. Redick and Quentin Richardson and the Miami Heat may no longer be the best team in Florida. 

2. After losing four out of their last five games and looking lethargic and punchless along the way, the Bruins bounced back last night to beat up and bloody the Atlanta Thrashers (a team they trailed in the playoff picture) by a final score of 4-1, improving their overall record to 18-11-4. Setting the tone early, tough-guy Shawn Thornton dropped the gloves with Atlanta goon Eric Boulton just two seconds into the game, infusing the raucous TD Garden crowd of 17,565 with a stockings' full of energy. Soon after, Patrice Bergeron kept the good times rolling, scoring a shorthanded goal to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead. Michael Ryder extended the lead to 2-0 with a power-play goal in the second period. 

However, the star of the game was Thornton. In addition to his momentum-swinging fight, Thornton scored a pair of goals in the second and third period, drawing his season total to seven, which sets a new career high. Then, with the game seemingly out of reach, the Thrashers Freddy Meyer gave Milan Lucic a cheapshot to the chin. As a result, Andrew Ference did exactly what a teammate should, rushing to Lucic's aid, and proceeding to pound Meyer senseless. Soon, an all-out, old-time hockey fracas broke out, with Nathan Horton taking on Evander Kane and Marc Savard going toe-to-toe with Bryan Little. When it was all said and done, the Bruins totaled 66 penalty minutes, the most since Nov. 1 2008 when the Bruins pinned a 5-1 victory over Sean Avery and the Dallas Stars. 

Shawn Thornton isn't just an enforcer, lately he's been a goal scorer as well. 

3. With the 12-2 Patriots preparing to face-off with the 4-10 Bills Sunday in Buffalo, much is at stake for New England. With a win or tie, or Jets loss, the Pats clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, meaning the road to the Super Bowl goes through Foxboro. However, facing the Bills won't be a walk in the (Orchard) Park like most Pats fans are accustomed to (the Pats have won 14 straight against Buffalo, the longest such streak in the NFL). 

The Bills are playing well of late. After starting 0-8, Buffalo has won four of its last six games. If the Patriots hope to cool off the Bills Sunday, they will have to keep Buffalo's three-headed offensive monster (i.e. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Fred Jackson and WR Stevie Johnson) in check. The good news for Patriot fans: Tom Brady looks good to go on Sunday after battling a bout with the flu earlier this week. 

My Prediction: 34-17 Patriots. Although no team may circle the wagons quite like the Buffalo Bills, I'll take the Brady and Belichick 757 any day. 

Despite battling the flu earlier this week, Tom Brady appears rested
and ready to take on the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday. 

4. As Red Sox Nation can wholeheartedly attest to, there is no such thing as an "offseason" when you're a Boston fan. Even with the Celtics and Patriots streaking and the Bruins looking like they're getting back on track, the Red Sox always have and always will own the city's sports heartbeat. With the electrifying offseason additions of Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Bobby Jenks and Dan Wheeler, this notion is only reinforced. I myself have witnessed a serious transformation around Beantown in recent weeks. Suddenly, everyone seems friendlier and much more optimistic, not just about the Sox but about life. Winter's bone-rattling chill? No problem. Rajon Rondo's sprained ankle? Forget about it. 

Just the other day I almost missed the T at Kenmore and a complete stranger held the sliding door open for me. That never happens. He almost seemed reluctant to hold the door until he noticed the Red Sox cap peeking out from under the hood of my winter coat. Once I hopped on, I quickly offered my thanks, but instead of replying with a obligatory "you're welcome," all the man did was smile and utter two of the sweetest words I could imagine: "Carl Crawford." 

I'm not sure who's happier: Sox Nation for landing Carl
Crawford or Carl Crawford for joining the Sox. 

Spring Training can't come soon enough. 

Dan Connolly could...go...all...the...way!!!! Get the Big Man some Oxygen!

Homecoming King

The Sox added another arm to the pen this weekend, signing
veteran righty Dan Wheeler to a one-year, $3 million deal.

In yet another move aimed at fortifying the once beleaguered bullpen, the Red Sox announced yesterday that they had come to terms with veteran reliever Dan Wheeler on a one-year, $3 million deal with a vesting option for a second year based on appearances. The signing comes just days after the Sox inked flamethrowing former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks to a two-year, $12 million deal. With Daniel Bard, Jonathan Papelbon, Jenks and now Wheeler in the fold, the Sox bullpen already looks a whole lot better in 2011 than it did it 2010.

Wheeler, 33, is one of the game's top set-up men. For the past three seasons he's been one of the key components of Joe Maddon's bullpen in Tampa Bay. Last season he went 2-4 with a 3.35 ERA, appearing in 64 games and throwing 48.1 innings. He has also pitched for the Mets and Astros and had his best year in 2005 for Houston when he went 2-3 with a 2.21 ERA in 71 games.

Wheeler is a Mike Timlin-type reliever, known for making a lot of appearances and pitching nearly every day, something a manager loves. Above all, he's reliable. From 2004-2008 he was one of only four relievers in baseball to appear in at least 70 games each year (the others were Scott Schoeneweis, Bob Howry and Chad Qualls). Wheeler also throws lots of strikes and doesn't walk many hitters (he has a 3:1 strikeout to walk ratio over the past three seasons). Seems like a bargain for $3 million a year.

While Wheeler's signing gives the Sox another reliable arm in the pen, it also marks a homecoming for the rubber-armed reliever. In fact, Wheeler was born in Warwick, Rhode Island and grew up dreaming to play for the Sox one day. He was selected by the Rays in 34th round of 1997 draft out of Pilgrim High School. Today Wheeler's dream comes true and the Sox' once gaping question mark in the bullpen suddenly went from a weakness to a possibly dominant strength.

Just another reason to love Danny Woodhead

Welcome to Beantown, Mr. Jenks

Former Chicago closer Bobby Jenks decided to change his Sox from
White to Red, agreeing to a two-year, $12 million deal with Boston yesterday. 

While the astonishing acquisitions of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford have garnered all the attention in Boston this offseason (and rightfully so), Red Sox GM Theo Epstein finally made a move to address the team's one remaining flaw: the bullpen. According to numerous sources, the Sox signed former White Sox closer and flamethrower Bobby Jenks to a two-year, $12 million deal yesterday. The deal will be made official once Jenks passes his physical, which could come as early as today.

Still just 29-years-old, Jenks is a two time All-Star who saved 173 games during his six year run as the White Sox closer, putting him 3rd all time in the franchise saves list. He has a body like the immortal Rich "El Guapo" Garces, tipping the scales at around 280 lbs while also standing at a towering 6'4''. Although he features a slider, change-up, and devastating curve-ball, Jenks is known most for his blistering fastball. He can routinely hit 100 on the radar gun and was once clocked at 103 in the minor leagues.

Bursting onto the scene as a rookie phenom in 2005, Jenks led the White Sox to the World Series, where they eventually swept the Houston Astros. He pitched in all four games of the Fall Classic, earning saves in Game 1 and the clinching Game 4. To this day, Jenks and Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals are the only rookies ever to save a World Series clinching game. From 2006-2009 Jenks saved 41, 40, 30 and 29 saves, respectively.

However, much like current Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, Jenks had the worst year of his career last year, going 1-3 with a career-high 4.44 ERA and just 27 saves. However, upon further review, his 2010 season actually wasn't that bad. He averaged 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings (career best), while also surrendering just 18 walks and only 3 home runs over 52.2 innings. He blew just four saves in 2010, compared to Papelbon's eight.

Nevertheless, Jenks was non-tendered by the White Sox, which means the Red Sox did not have to forfeit a draft pick to sign him. He also takes a pay cut to change his Sox from White to Red. Last year he made $7.5 million, while his new deal with Boston pays him $6 million a year for two years.

Despite his on-field excellence, Jenks does come with some baggage. After his sophomore year of High School he was ruled academically ineligible as a junior and senior due to poor grades. He also switched high schools several times, going from Timberlake High in Spirit Lake, Idaho to Inglemoor High in Kenmore, Washington.

As a result, the only league he was able to play in was American Legion. As a 19-year-old, he struck out 123 batters in just 92 innings while playing for the Prairie Cardinals, catching the eye of several major league scouts. He was then drafted in the 5th round in 2000 by the Anaheim Angels. However, his reputation as a wild man caught up to him in the minor leagues. In 2002 he was suspended for bringing beer onto a team bus while playing for the Double A Arkansas Travelers and then demoted to Single A. In addition, he struggled with injuries and was then released in 2004. He was claimed by the White Sox prior to the 2005 season.

Nevertheless, the addition of Jenks to the Boston bullpen makes a lot of sense for both sides. After last year's disastrous season, the Sox desperately needed help in the pen and signing Jenks now gives them three bona-fide studs at the back end. In Jenks, Bard and Papelbon, the Sox now feature three flamethrowers who can exceed 96 mile-per-hour on the radar gun on any given pitch. Also, Jenks eases the pressure on Bard as the only reliable set-up man while also providing insurance if Papelbon struggles again in 2011 like he did in 2010.

For Jenks, coming to Boston represents a second chance for him to re-establish himself as one of the elite relievers in baseball. He may also get a shot at becoming the full-time closer, whether it be this season or next. After all, Papelbon made just a shade under $10 million last season and is arbitration eligible for this season, where estimates have him commanding at least $12 million. At that price, unless he reverts back to his old lights out ways, it appears the Sox will let Papelbon walk after 2011, giving either Jenks or Bard a shot at closing in 2012.

One stat Sox Nation is sure to love: in 17 career innings against the Yankees, Jenks has a microscopic 1.06 ERA. Spring Training can't come soon enough.

A Rivalry Renewed

Has Amar'e Stoudemire's addition legitimized the Celtics/Knicks rivalry?
After last night, all signs point toward yes. 

In a hyper-aggressive sports media world in which headline thirsty journalists are always searching for that next big story, last night's Celtics/Knicks slugfest provided exactly what ESPN, NESN, FOX and every other media outlet was hoping for, and then some. In a back and forth affair, Paul Pierce and the Celts got the last laugh, with Pierce nailing a fade-away jumper with just under a second to go to seal a thrilling 118-116 come-from-behind win over the upstart Knicks.

However, adding a final dose of epic drama, new Knicks phenom Amar'e Stoudemire appeared to nail a game-winning three pointer with just 0.4 seconds remaining, sending Spike Lee and the rest of the raucous Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenetic frenzy. However, upon further review, the shot was called off as the video replay proved that the ball was still in Amare's hands when the red light on the backboard lit up, signaling the end of the game.

While the box score will show that Boston's Big Three stole the show (Pierce finished with a season-high 32 points and 11 boards, KG posted his 12th double-double of the season with 20 and 13, and Ray pitched in with 26 points, including several key three-pointers), even the most casual fan cannot overlook the stellar performance turned in by Stoudemire. By racking up 39 points and 10 rebounds, Amar'e extended his streak of 30-point games to a mindblowing nine straight contests. 

With the pivotal road victory, the Celtics extend their winning streak to 11 games and improve their overall record to a staggering 20-4 (they recently became the only team in NBA history to begin four straight seasons with a 16-4 record or better). However, the real story from last night was that the New York Knicks appear to be back, or at least on the rise. 

The buzz last night at the Garden (Madison Square that is, not the TD) was electric, almost playoff atmosphere-esque. Unlike years past when playing the Knicks seemed like a walk in the park, this new Knicks club is different. The Knicks are no longer the laughingstock of the NBA, a dysfunctional club with no direction, full of mega-deal busts and corrupt leadership (ie. Isiah Thomas).

Amar'e has changed everything, infusing energy and attitude into a team in serious need of both. He's also surrounded by a young core that seems to only be getting better. Raymond Felton looks like a bona-fide NBA point guard playing alongside Amar'e. European 1st round pick Danilo Gallinari had several huge buckets down the stretch, including a thunderous reverse dunk and key left-handed floater. Toss in athletic high-flyers like Wilson Chandler, Toney Douglas and Landry Fields and there's no doubt the Knicks are on the rise. 

Before the game even started, Pierce was asked about the potential rivalry with the Knicks. His response: "Hey, if that's what y'all want it to be, if it'll sell more tickets and get more viewers, then I guess so....The media makes up the rivalries, we don't. To be honest, New York is playing well, they're in our division, and both teams are streaking, so it's going to be an exciting game."  

Pierce was exactly right and so was the media. After all, Celts/Knicks may not have been a rivalry before last night, but it certainly appears to be heading that way now. And if the rumors about Carmelo Anthony joining the Knicks via trade or free agency materialize, the Celtics may soon find out that they're not the only beast in the Atlantic Division.  

Which Patriots team is better: 2007 or 2010?

Where would you rank this year's Patriot team? As good as 2001? Better than 2007?

Proud, yet humble owners of an NFL-best 11-2 record, the 2010 New England Patriots appear to be the early favorite to play for the Super Bowl at Cowboys Stadium in early February. Sure, winning 11 of their first 13 games is impressive but the real story within the story is the fact that the Pats have not only beaten some of the league's best teams, but more often than not it wasn't even close.

Take, for example, the recent string of Patriot victories. A much anticipated, overly hyped rematch with the Jets at home on Monday Night Football? Result: A 45-3 demolishing of Rex and the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS. How about this past weekend, when Brady and the boys marched into a blizzard at Soldier Field in Chicago? You guessed it. Despite the unfavorable conditions, Belichick's team lit up one of the league's most feared defenses en route to a 36-7 victory. 

Flash back to earlier in the season and the victories get even more impressive. In early October, the Pats travelled to Miami and singlehandedly sunk the fish with stellar special teams play en route to a dominating 41-14 victory. It officially marked the Patrick Chung coming out party as the second-year safety blocked two kicks and returned an interception for a touchdown. 

Weeks 6, 7 and 8 helped define the season as well, as the Pats ripped off three straight victories. First, they battled back to upset the Raven 23-20 in overtime, found a way to escape San Diego with a 23-20 victory and then silenced Brett Favre and the high-flying Vikings offense 28-18 at Gillette. 

Even though they got humiliated in Cleveland, losing a trap game 34-14 to the Browns, the Pats responded by crushing the vaunted Steelers 39-26 on the road and then hung on to defeat Peyton and the Colts 31-28 in Foxboro. 

Remember, before the season started, many of the football talking heads had already written off the Pats. ESPN analysts predicted they would be competitive but nothing better than a 10-6 team, or maybe 11-5 if Belichick got lucky. We heard all the bashing over and over, how their defense was too young and inexperienced. How they had no clear-cut running back. How they had too many rookies and couldn't rely on them to pick up the intricacies of the NFL game quick enough to make an impact. 

Not so. The 2010 New England Patriots have surprised us all. They paid no attention to what everyone else was saying about them and stayed true to their core beliefs along the way, trading away players like Randy Moss and Laurence Maroney who failed to fit the "team-first" mantra. 

Now, they're 11-2 and on the fast track to the Super Bowl. They control their own destiny and have the ability to earn a first round bye in the playoffs and earn home-field advantage throughout. Even without Randy Moss, they have the best offense in football, scoring a league high 415 points (which averages out to nearly 32 points per game). Their once bemoaned defense has evolved into a formidable play-making group as well, forcing countless turnovers and stepping up in key situations. 

So, the question must be raised: which Patriots team is better, this one or the record setting 2007 version? For all intents and purposes, no Pats team will ever approach the 2007 club that came within a David Tyree helmet of hoisting their fourth Super Bowl of the decade. After all, that club was the single greatest offensive unit ever put together, with Brady and Moss setting the single season touchdown passing (50) and receiving (23) records en route to the NFL's only perfect 16-0 regular season. We watched completely enthralled each week as the headlines read "Pursuit of Perfection."

And the Pats weren't just beating teams, they were humiliating them. Remember when everyone hated Belichick for trying to run up the score? I guess he was supposed to just stop the game in the third quarter when it was already 35-7. Of course, we loved the defense because all our favorite warriors were still on the field, guys like Vrabel, Bruschi, Seymour and Harrison. But, the truth was that they were aging and on the decline, unable to come up with the season's biggest stop when they needed it most. 

Still, despite the glamorous 2007 season, my money's on this year's Patriots club. It just feels like the glorious old days again, when the Pats were winning Super Bowls left and right at the turn of the century. This team has that same feel: lots of team-first players with one common goal: to win. Gone are all the big name stars like Randy and Donte Stallworth. Instead, Deion Branch is back and Belichick added old-school players of his design like the pint-sized bottle-rocket Danny Woodhead. The offense may not set any records but they're still the best in the league. And defensively, from the lineman to the linebackers to the secondary, every player has bought into Belichick's system and thrived, getting better and better each week. 

In the end, when comparing the two clubs the ultimate measuring stick will be whether this year's edition does what the 2007 version couldn't: win the Super Bowl. And, with an 11-2 record, it's beginning to look more and more like that's what they're destined to do. 

New York? No Thankee

Spurning the Yankees and Rangers, free agent Ace Cliff Lee decided to
 return to Philadelphia today, inking a five-year, $120 million deal. 

Red Sox Nation dodged a serious bullet early this morning when word surfaced that the best left-hander in the game, Cliff Lee, had agreed to a five-year, $120 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Thank god. Anywhere but New York, which is where many baseball pundits had predicted he would land, especially after the eternally deep pocketed Evil Empire had offered him the most lucrative contract, reported to be for seven-years and $147 million.

Lee to the Yankees made a lot of sense for both sides, too. Lee would become the second-highest paid pitcher in the game and bring his talents to the largest market in the country on a team with incredibly rich history. On the other side, the Yankees truly needed Lee. With the Sox acquiring both Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford this offseason, Lee was supposed to be the Yankees equalizer, both on the field and off it, in terms of media buzz and the psychology of the rivalry. Red Sox fans felt as if Lee's arrival in Gotham City was imminent. I was even beginning to have nightmares about facing CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee four times or more in the 2011 ALCS.

Not so. Lee didn't even land with the widely perceived runner up, the Texas Rangers. After being traded from Seattle to Texas at the deadline last season, Lee single-handedly pitched the Rangers all the way to the World Series, which they eventually lost to the San Francisco Giants. In addition, it was widely held that Lee had become great friends with Rangers President and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. Just this past weekend Lee was spotted hunting on Ryan's expansive property in Texas. However, although reports had Texas offering Lee a six-year, $138 million deal, it appears Lee was upset that Texas failed to guarantee a seventh year. Or maybe he decided that the sweltering Texas heat wasn't something he wanted to deal with for the next six summers. 

Instead, Lee leaves an enormous amount of money on the table to return to the Phillies, the team he reached the World Series with in 2009, winning Games 1 and 5 against the Yankees. Overall, his postseason stats in 2009 for Philadelphia were staggering: 4-0, 1.56 ERA. In returning to Philadelphia, Lee's addition now gives the Phillies the best starting four in baseball: Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels. The Boston Celtics are no longer the only team in pro-sports with a "Big Four." 

There you have it. Unlike 95% of all professional athletes, Cliff Lee took less money to join a winner. I guess it's true, it is Always Sunny in Philadelphia. And for Sox fans, not only does the 2008 Cy Young Award Winner not join the Yankees but he also switches leagues. Somewhere, George Steinbrenner is spinning in his grave. 

Typical Jets

Surprise surprise. The New York Jets acting like the typical douschebags that they are. The Jet's strength and condition coach, Sal Alosi pretty much blacked out and decided to trip Miami Dolphins backup cornerback Nolan Carrol. Carrol was on a special teams play and was pursuing the ballcarrier after a Miami punt. Alosi was standing pretty much on top of the white line where you are suppose to be behind. He then tried to discreetly nudge his knee out just enough to trip Carrol running on full speed. If he had hit Carrol a little higher, he may have made contact with his knee and who knows what would have happened, maybe a blown knee? All for what? To get that extra edge? It's the cheapest move in the book and he got all the punishment he deserved.

Sal Alosi has since came out publicity and has stated how sorry he is. "I accept responsibility for my actions and respect the team's decision." The Jets suspended him for the remainder of the season and fined him 25k, as they should have. Some Dolphins players had a little different say about it. Channing Crowder, the Dolphins middle linebacker, said "I wish they'd tripped me. I'd have broken that old man's leg." I thought that was pretty amusing. Alosi also said he wasn't thinking numerous times in his interviews. He clearly must have not been thinking because there's only a camera installed in every square foot of that building. Maybe he thought he wouldn't be caught. Or maybe he literally wasn't thinking. Carrol was never seriously hurt during the play.

Is this how the Jets really want their image to be to the public? A bunch of crybaby losers and now dirty stuff? When the Patriots mopped the floor with you two weeks ago in primetime, all Rex Ryan said was how he'd fight the Patriots now, tomorrow and the next day.......this was all said after they just crushed you five minutes before that. They have no pride and all they care about is themselves. That's why you had to be on Hardknocks, so everyone can see you and how badass your team is. Look at the previous teams that have been on Hardknocks: Cowboys, and Bengals. Hmm sounds like right down their alley. A bunch of teams all about themselves and everyone watching them. Do you think Bill Belichick would EVER put his team on Hardknocks? No, because he's playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. Rex Ryan I have some advice for you. Get control of your team, and stop worrying about eating snacks.

If you're anything like me, you'll fall in love with this video instantly. A superb tribute to the Boston Bruins. Watch and enjoy.

Grand SLAM

The Red Sox shocked the baseball world late Wednesday night by signing
 free-agent outfielder Carl Crawford to a seven-year, $142 million deal. 

In a stunning turn of events, the Boston Red Sox just went from being a serious playoff contender to full blown World Series favorites. Just five days after pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire slugging first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres, Theo Epstein and Co. shocked the world again late Wednesday night by reeling in the hottest free-agent on the market, outfielder Carl Crawford, with a reported seven-year, $142 million deal.

The move is so surprising because, after acquiring Gonzalez less than a week ago, it was presumed around the baseball circles that the Sox were out of the Crawford sweepstakes. After all, Gonzalez is technically only signed through the 2011 season but all reports indicate that both the Sox and Gonzalez have already agreed to the framework of a mammoth extension, believed to be for seven-years, $154 million. As a result, one would think that the Gonzalez deal would put the relatively conservative Sox at their fiscal limit. 

Wrong. Theo had us duped the entire time. After trading for Gonzalez, Epstein was asked what his top three priorities were during the Winter Meetings. His answer: "bullpen, bullpen, and maybe a right-handed bat." Suddenly, reports began to surface that the Sox had made offers to relievers like Brian Fuentes and Kevin Gregg. Rumors swirled that Epstein might go after Magglio Ordonez, or target Carlos Beltran or Josh Willingham in a possible trade. 

Making the possibility of signing Crawford even more of a long shot, several sources indicated just yesterday that the star outfielder was likely to join the Angels, given his desire to join forces with close friend Torrii Hunter in Los Angeles. Not so. 

The acquisition of Crawford changes everything for the Red Sox. He is a 29-year-old, four time All-Star in his prime. His mere presence in the lineup immediately adds a dynamic that many of us have never seen before. He is the best pure base-stealer in the game, with speed like Jacoby Ellsbury and instincts like Dave Roberts. He puts pressure on the defense every time he reaches first base. He turns singles into doubles with relative ease and runs flawlessly from first to third. Over the past several seasons, playing the Rays was often so agonizing simply because of Crawford, who seemed to always get in the Sox pitchers' heads, forcing them to throw over time after time, thus focusing less on the hitter. We all remember that fateful game in 2009 when he stole six straight bases against the Sox, tying the modern era record. 

In addition, he's a flawless defender and a true force at the plate. In the field, his great speed allows him to track down balls that otherwise seem uncatchable. Coupled with a rocket-arm, Crawford hauled in his first gold glove award this past season. At the plate, he possesses a rare combination of skills. We always knew he could hit for average (career .296 hitter) but last season he developed into a player who could hit for power and drive in runs as well (set career highs with 19 homers and 90 RBI's in 2010). Throw him in a line-up with Dustin Pedroia, Adrian Gonzalez, Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz and J.D. Drew and the sky's the limit. 

So, the question must be raised: what prompted the Red Sox to break the bank this week, committing relatively $300 million on just two players? My guess is that the Red Sox took a long, hard look at what transpired around Fenway Park last season and knew changes had to be made. Finishing 89-73 might be deemed "satisfactory" in some cities, but not Boston. Still, it wasn't just the fact that the Sox failed to make the playoffs, it was the sad truth that they had become boring. Buzz around the ballpark was down considerably. TV and radio ratings plummeted. The 2010 Sox might have felt like a feel-good story to some of us, treading water admirably with a bunch of journeymen and rookies, but in reality they never had a realistic shot at the postseason. 

Not anymore. With the acquisition of Gonzalez and now Crawford, the balance of power has shifted in the AL East and the 2011 Red Sox are now favorites to win it all. Suddenly, for Red Sox Nation, everything in life is better. The winter chill feels a little less menacing. Food tastes better. Coffee seems crisper and more invigorating. Television feels less abrasive and intrusive. Even work seems just a little bit more tolerable. 

Only in Boston would we have a 10-2 football team poised for a title run, a 17-4 basketball team eyeing a return trip to the Finals and an upstart hockey club looking to avenge last year's heartbreaking collapse, yet, after all that transpired these past few days, all we can think about now is Opening Day. 

As Good as it Gets

Tom Brady and the Pats humiliated New York last night,
 hanging a 45-3 beatdown on Rex Ryan and the Jets. 

Ask any Patriots fan what they felt was the most satisfying aspect of last night's 45-3 demolishing of the Jets and, without hesitation, I bet their answer would be this: shutting up Rex Ryan.

Sure, watching Tom Brady pick apart the "vaunted" Jets defense to the tune of 21-29 for 326 yards and four touchdowns was nice. Of course, we all got up and shouted in unison when Wes Welker and Deion Branch made Darelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie look like slouches, hauling in pass after pass and piling up the yards after the catch. 

Or maybe you were like me and blown away by the play of the much bemoaned Patriots defense. Coming into last night's pivotal matchup, they were statistically rated as the worst unit in the NFL, giving up the most total yards (399.1), passing yards (288.5), opponent's completion percentage (68.3) while also having the worst third down percentage (50.7).  Guess the old adage is true that statistics, after all, are just statistics. Just ask Mark Sanchez. He was picked off three times and unable to score a single touchdown against the "worst" defense in football. 

Nope. All of the above paled in comparison to the unparalleled satisfaction felt by watching Rex Ryan stand helplessly on the Jets sideline, shivering in the freezing Gillette cold as the points kept piling up. For a guy who always has something to say, Ryan was silenced on national television, left speechless and clueless beneath the shining spotlight of Monday Night Football. 

Leading up to last night's game, Ryan was his loud, brash, trash-talking self, spewing arrogance left and right. When asked about Tom Brady's then 25 game home winning streak, Rex instead reminded us all that his team was 8-0 in their last 8 road games. Facing the Patriots on the road didn't seem to worry him. He called his Jets "just the men for the job."

After all, this is the method Ryan chooses to employ. While Belichick is humble and kills opponents with kindness, Rex throws it in your face by acting like he's already beaten you before the game has even started. We all learned this is how he operates after watching HBO's training camp documentary Hard Knocks this fall, where he reminded us all on national television how good the Jets are. How many big-name free agents they've signed. How they're the next big thing. How they're ticketed for the Super Bowl this season even though they're never won a big game. 

In the end, Rex and the Jets can talk all they want. But when it comes down to actually backing it up, they're nothing more than a bunch of overhyped, overrated imposters built up by the media and their loud mouthpiece of a coach. This is why we hate them. New Englanders have been spoiled enough to know what it takes to win a championship. Rex and the Jets act like it's owed to them. I guess someone forgot to tell them that you actually have to earn it. 

The one single moment I was most proud of last night occurred early in the fourth quarter. But it wasn't Tom Brady connecting with Aaron Hernandez for a one-yard score to make it 38-3. It was what happened right after that on the Patriots sideline. Despite seemingly putting the game out of reach, Belichick gathered his entire team together. The image was iconic and perfectly symbolic of the Patriot way. All 53 men came together, literally and figuratively, surrounding Belichick in a tight huddle, listening intently as he rallied them not to let up. 

Do you ever see Rex Ryan rallying his team together like that? Nope, he's too busy planning his trip to the Super Bowl. That's fine. Because when it all comes down to it, the Jets have't won a championship in over four decades when a guy named Namath guaranteed they would. Rex can talk all he wants, but after last night's crushing defeat, he must realize now that the road to the Super Bowl goes through the Patriots. And if his Jets plan on playing in that game, they're going to have to come to Foxboro again this season when it's even colder, and hopefully snowier and beat the Patriots on their home turf. That's fine with me. Because while Rex and Jets keep talking and talking, Brady, Belichick and the Patriots just keep winning. And that's what they did again last night, convincingly. 

Game-Changer

In a blockbuster trade, the Red Sox acquired Adrian Gonzalez
today from the Padres in exchange for several top prospects. 

Everyone remember the date: December 4, 2010. It will officially go down in Boston sports history as the day the Red Sox Empire struck back.

While Sox fans were too busy lamenting the loss of Victor Martinez and pulling for the team to land a big-name free agent like Carl Crawford of Jayson Werth, Red Sox GM Theo Epstein was quietly hard at work piecing together a blockbuster trade of epic proportions. According to several sources, the Red Sox acquired San Diego Padres first-baseman Adrian Gonzalez today in exchange for high-ceiling prospects Casey Kelly, Anthony Rizzo and Reymond Fuentes. The deal is contingent on Gonzalez passing his physical.

The trade is a true game-changer. After coveting Gonzalez for nearly three years, the Sox decided to pull the trigger instead of doing what many around the league thought they would: wait until the 2011 season to end and then proceed to sign A-Gon to a massive deal when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. However, while this theory would have allowed the Sox to hang onto the top prospects they gave up today, we all know free agency is a crapshoot. And you know the Yankees, among several other clubs, would have lined up at Gonzalez's door to begin their bidding.

The moral of the story is that the Red Sox are now exponentially better today than they were yesterday. Gonzalez is a 28-year-old, power hitting first baseman who will more than fill the recent void created by Victor Martinez's departure. He's a three time NL All-Star and has hit at least 30 home runs in four straight seasons. Last season, he hit .298 with 31 homers and 101 runs batted in. However, keep in mind that these numbers could be much greater had he not played the last five seasons in one of the most spacious and pitcher-friendly stadiums in baseball, Petco Park. Toss Gonzalez, whose smooth lefthanded stroke is already suited to go to the opposite field, into the friendly confines of Fenway Park and the sky is the limit for the former #1 overall pick by the Marlins in the 2000 MLB Draft. The Monster is about to have a whole lot more bruises.

Did I mention that Gonzalez also plays a spectacular first base? In fact, he's won two of the last three gold gloves at the position, narrowly missing out on a third this season to Albert Pujols. By acquiring Gonzalez, it appears that Kevin Youkilis will shift back to third base, his natural position. As a result, it appears Sox fans have seen the last of Adrian Beltre.

However, by losing Beltre, the Sox should have enough money to sign one more marquee free agent, even after breaking the bank on a long-term extension for Gonzalez, which the Sox hope to hammer out once the deal is official.

If the Sox are able to land Werth or Crawford, imagine this lineup on opening day:

1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF
2. Dustin Pedroia 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis 3B
5. David Ortiz DH
6. Jayson Werth/Carl Crawford LF
7. J.D. Drew RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
9. Marco Scutaro SS

Don't mind me but I seem to be drooling over my keyboard.

In the end, while it hurts giving up Casey Kelly (the Sox #1 pitching prospect), Anthony Rizzo (a power-hitting 1st baseman who hit 20 homers and 80 RBI's in AA last season) and Reymond Fuentes (the Sox 2009 1st round pick, a speedy outfielder who steals bases like they're going out of style), Boston found a way to make the deal without giving up Jacoby Ellsbury, Daniel Bard, Ryan Kalish and shortstop phenom Jose Iglesias.

I liken the deal to the blockbuster trade that Danny Ainge made when he stole Kevin Garnett from Minnesota in 2007. While the prospects the Celtics gave up had up-side (I hated to see big Al Jefferson go), they pale in comparison to receiving a superstar like Garnett, or in this case Gonzalez.

This is now Theo Epstein's greatest move to date. It's even bigger than landing Curt Schilling over Thanksgiving Dinner in 2003 because, although the Sox were able to break the curse as a result, acquiring Gonzalez alters the balance of power in the AL East for the next decade, not just one season. The Sox were lacking some serious star power in recent years. In Gonzalez, they just acquired the biggest one in the galaxy.

The Red Sox are now serious contenders again. And December 4, 2010 will go down in history as the day they struck back.

Thought you should know...

The Captain is back. Jason Varitek signed a one-year,
$2 million deal today to return to the Red Sox.

Keeping track of the latest Boston sports headlines while patiently awaiting LeBron's highly anticipated, venomous return to Cleveland tonight....

1. Jason Varitek is back! In a move that should not be overlooked, the Red Sox brought the captain back for what might be his last season, signing him to a one-year, $2 million deal today. It appears the Sox are poised to begin next year with Jarrod Saltalamacchia starting behind the plate, with Varitek acting as his mentor and back-up. 

2. Although the Boston Bruins have yet to comment, TSN.ca (Canada's version of ESPN) reports that the Bruins have traded veteran winger Marco Sturm to the Los Angeles Kings today. The logic behind the deal is simple: cut salary. Despite his blazing speed and gifted offensive skill-set, Sturm is in the final year of his contract that pays him $3.5 million this season. And, with Sturm inching closer to a return after shredding his knee during the playoffs last season, the Bruins were forced to make a move in order to remain under the salary cap. In return for Sturm, it appears the Bruins will receive a conditional draft pick. The move allows Michael Ryder, Blake Wheeler and Daniel Paille to breath a sigh of relief. Those forwards were the most likely candidates to be traded should Sturm have returned to the Bruins lineup. 

3. The Celtics held on to defeat the upstart Trail Blazers 99-95 last night at the Garden. The win runs their record to 14-4. 

4. Marc Savard's long and arduous comeback from Post Concussion Syndrome appears to be over. The play-making, veteran center should make his season debut with the Bruins either tonight at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning or Saturday when the Bruins play the Maple Leafs in Toronto. 

5. Several sources indicate that Sox GM Theo Epstein and Co. travelled to Houston, Texas yesterday to meet with Carl Crawford and his agent. It's a good sign for Sox fans who have felt entirely beleaguered and perplexed with Theo's plan this offseason. 

6. The Red Sox did not offer Hideki Okajima arbitration, making him a free agent. So long, Okie. 

7. T-Minus four days until the Patriots and Jets kick-off Monday Night Football in Foxboro. If you're anything like me, it feels like an eternity. 

We Barely Knew Ya, Matt

With Marc Savard's return imminent, the Bruins were forced to trade away
defenseman Matt Hunwick earlier this week to remain under the salary cap. 

Unlike Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League operates under a strict salary cap. There is no system of wealth distribution like Baseball's luxury tax, which funnels million of dollars from big market clubs who exceed the cap to small market clubs who truly need the financial help to produce a contender.

The Bruins are no exception to the rule. Like every other club in the NHL, they are forced to maneuver the roster in any way possible as long as it remains in compliance with the salary cap, which began the year at $59.4 million. So, while adding a slick, play-making, veteran presence like Marc Savard to the roster might seem like a win-win for Boston (his return from Post-Concussion-Syndrome is imminent), the Bruins are stuck between a rock and hard place because when Savard returns to the ice, so does his $4.007 million cap hit.

As a result, the Bruins traded away defenseman Matt Hunwick to the Colorado Avalanche earlier this week. By taking Hunwick's $1.45 million cap hit off the books, the Bruins have cleared enough space for Savard to return to the lineup. However, trading away Hunwick could prove highly detrimental to the team's offensive game-plan. After trading Dennis Wideman for Nathan Horton during the offseason, Hunwick became the lone, puck-moving defenseman on the roster. Also, at 25-years-old, the smooth skating Hunwick was just starting to reach his stride. Tough guy Adam McQuaid is expected to replace Hunwick along the blue line.

In return for Hunwick, the Bruins did acquire highly-touted former Boston University defenseman Colby Cohen. At 6'2'', 200 lbs, Cohen is also a big, physical, offensively talented blue-liner who was picked in the 2nd round of the 2007 Draft. As a sophomore, he scored the game-winning goal against the University of Miami (Ohio) to clinch the 2009 National Championship for BU.

Still, with the return of Marco Sturm just a month or so away, the Bruins will be faced with cutting even more salary. The most logical salary-cap casualties include Michael Ryder, Blake Wheeler, Daniel Paille, or even Tim Thomas, who, despite playing great of late, carries a massive $5 million per year cap hit. While I would be willing to part with Ryder and Paille, giving up Wheeler is something I'm strongly opposed to. The former first round pick (5th overall in 2004) is young (24), big (6'5'', 200 lbs), physical, and offensively gifted, able to play both center and wing. Those are the type of players you'd like to hang onto.

The Curse of Derek Jeter?

Can you imagine Derek Jeter in a Sox uniform?
Believe it or not,  it's not that far-fetched.

I'm going to propose to you an idea so unbelievable and incomprehensible that it just might work. Of all the possible free agent signings the Red Sox could make this offseason, one name none of us should overlook is......hold your breath.....Derek Jeter.

I said it. Seriously. As much as it pains me to admit it, the Red Sox have become a boring baseball team. They lack star power. There's no more Pedro, Nomar, Manny, Curt Schilling or even Johnny Damon. No colorful characters like Kevin Millar or dirt-dog glue guys like Trot Nixon. And just when they find a guy who excels under the heavy spotlight and pressure of baseball in Beantown, they let him slip away to the Detroit Tigers for next to nothing (ie. Victor Martinez). 

While it seems completely absurd to even to consider, stealing Derek Jeter away from the Yankees would be the one move that would create the most buzz around Fenway. More than anything, it would be an epic slap in the face to the Evil Empire that stole so many of our favorite Red Sox, including Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens and Johnny Damon. The psychological factor cannot be denied. Nothing would infuriate Yankee fans more than seeing their modern day Babe Ruth switch sides and don a Boston uniform. 

The only reason the Red Sox have a legitimate shot at landing Jeter is because negotiations between the star shortstop and the Yankees are at a standstill. Sources have the Yankees offering Jeter a three-year deal for around $45 million, well over the going rate for a soon to be 37-year-old shortstop who just had the worst year of his career at the plate. You would think Jeter would jump at $15 million per year. Nope. Although his agents deny it, rumors had Jeter asking for six years and $150 million. Even the Yankees aren't that stupid. 

Landing Jeter, not Carl Crawford or Jason Werth, would change everything. It would be the biggest possible free agent splash the Sox could make, while also creating the most media buzz and reinvigorating a befuddled and confused fan base. To top it off, the Sox could use Jeter on the field as well. Imagine Pedroia leading off and Jeter hitting second? Imagine an infield of Beltre at third, Jeter at short, Pedroia at second and Youk at first? I'll take it. 

Symbolically, landing Jeter would be our modern day answer to losing Babe Ruth to the Yankees nearly 90 years ago. Hank Steinbrenner and GM Brian Cashman would take up the mantle Harry Frazee once occupied, the infamous Sox owner who sold the Babe in order to finance the play No, No, Nanette. 

We all know what happened once that move was made. If karma exists, then maybe if the Sox land Jeter it will curse the Yankees for the next 86 years. The Curse of Derek Jeter. Make it happen, Theo. 

Let the Games Begin

Tom Brady and the Pats get another crack at the Jets
 when New York comes to town Dec. 6 for MNF. 

Now that the dust has settled on the Patriots 45-24 Thanksgiving Day shellacking of the lowly Detroit Lions, it's officially time for New England fans to start preparing for the real feast ahead. Mark your calendars. Begin the countdown. A week from tomorrow the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS come to town.

Outside of the playoffs and, of course, the Super Bowl, this marquee matchup is as good as it gets for football fans. Not only do two of the league's best teams collide (both the Pats and Jets boast a 9-2 record), but the game will also receive the spotlight it rightfully deserves, appearing in primetime on Monday Night Football for all the world to see. In preparation for the heavyweight battle between the two hated rivals, here's a few storylines to keep in mind while patiently awaiting the kick-off...

1. The History- Ever since the old days of the AFL, the Patriots and Jets have hated each other. Dating back to 1960, the division rivals have met a total of 102 times, with the Jets holding a slight all-time series lead at 51-50-1. However, while the Patriots had dominated New York during the 2000s, winning 14 of the 21 games in which they played, the Jets have had New England's number lately, winning three of the last four matchups between the two teams.

2. The Revenge Factor- Aside from a no-show loss to the Cleveland Browns nearly a month ago, the one opponent standing in the way of the Patriots having a perfect record this season is the Jets. As if anyone needed reminding, the Jets manhandled the Pats at the New Meadowlands in Week 2, securing a 28-14 victory. To make things worse, after being blown out by the Ravens in the first round of the playoffs last season, the Patriots had to watch as the Jets made it all the way to the AFC Championship, a stage the Pats usually reserve for themselves.

3. Spygate- While the whistle-blower known as Eric Mangini is no longer the Jets head coach, don't think Bill Belichick has forgotten which franchise cost him $500,000 out of his own pocket in addition to surrendering a first round pick.

4. The Woodhead Twist- Before the diminutive Danny Woodhead became a folk hero around these parts, he was a little known, undrafted, free agent running back on the Jets practice squad. In the dog days of training camp, Woodhead was featured along with his Jets teammates on HBO's behind the scenes program Hard Knocks. As humiliating and devastating as being released is, Woodhead had to endure being cut from the team not behind closed doors, but instead on national television for the whole world to see his moment of agony. Think Danny comes into this game with a chip on his shoulder?

5. Offense vs. Defense- While the old adage goes that defense wins championships and offense puts fans in the seats, the old saying will be put to the test when New England's vaunted offense meets the Jets juggernaut defense. Coming into the game, the Patriots lead the league in scoring, averaging 30.4 points per game, while the Jets 4th ranked defense has allowed an average of just 17 points per game. Something's gotta give.

6. Streaking- The Patriots have won an astounding 25 straight games at home with Tom Brady under center, while the Jets have won eight straight regular season road games.

7. Personality-While Rex Ryan is a media darling, talking trash and making headlines like they're going out of style, Bill Belichick has never been one to show his cards or incite bulletin board material for an opponent to rally around. Instead of dressing up in a wig to get under his opponent's skin like Rex did a few weeks ago (Ryan was poking fun at twin brother Rob, the Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator), Belichick instead chooses to kill his opponents with kindness, a strategy that has worked exquisitely during his reign as the Patriots coach. Rex is cocky, loud and brash. Belichick is cold, calculated and humble.

My Prediction: 34-27 Patriots. You heard it here first.

Bad Break

Celtics fans won't be seeing much of Delonte West anytime soon. He broke
his right wrist last night against the Nets and will miss "several weeks."

Sadly, last night's story at the Garden was not that the Celtics stormed back in the second half to defeat the pesky New Jersey Nets by a final score of 89-83. Or that Shaquille O' Neal had his coming out game in a Celtics uniform, possibly his best game in years, dominating the paint and leading the Celts with 25 points and 11 boards on 9-10 shooting in nearly 32 minutes. Or that the Celtics finally proved that they can win without Rajon Rondo, who missed his second straight game with a strained hamstring.

Unfortunately, the win is so bittersweet because the Celtics paid a major price for it.  Late in the second quarter, guard Delonte West drove hard to the bucket through traffic and successfully made a layup but landed awkwardly on his way down. Attempting to break his fall, West landed directly and violently onto his right wrist, breaking it instantly. West, known for his toughness, had to be escorted back to the locker room by the training staff. If you were watching the game on Comast SportsNet, like I was, West could be heard screaming out in pain several times. Mike Gorman said what we were all thinking: "that does not look good, at all."

"It's broken for sure," coach Doc Rivers said after the game. "Don't know anything else more than that; a compound fracture most likely. But that's going to be a long time, let's just put it that way."

There you go. When a coach comes out and says that before a player's X-Rays have even been interpreted you know it's bad. Doctors still haven't decided if West will need surgery. What we do know for certain is that he will miss a substantial part of the regular season. Early estimates have West returning in time for the playoffs but even that remains in question.

Overall it seems like Delonte just can't catch a break. He comes back to the team that raised him with a chance to play for a championship, has to sit out the first ten games due to a suspension, then breaks his wrist after appearing in just five games. For a player whose mental state is already fragile, this could be devastating. Worst of all, it was starting to get fun watching him play.

Back in Black (and Gold)

After passing his final neuropsych tests, Marc Savard
is now cleared to practice with the Bruins. 

          Bruins center Marc Savard may have finally turned the corner on his long and arduous comeback from post concussion syndrome. After suffering a devastating, cheap-shot to the head courtesy of Penguins goon Matt Cooke last season, Savard missed nearly two months before returning in epic fashion to score the game-winning overtime goal against the Flyers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. For those of you who might have forgotten, bask in the thrilling nostalgia one more time by playing the video posted below.

          But just as the Bruins tanked against Philadelphia, surrendering a 3-0 lead in the series and a 3-0 lead in Game 7, at home nonetheless, the news got worse during the nightmarish offseason when reports surfaced that Savard began suffering from post concussion syndrome. He had paralyzing migraines, couldn't sleep and didn't even have the energy to get out of bed. As a result, he missed all of training camp and still has yet to appear in a game this season. More than just a hurdle to overcome, it appeared that Savard's concussion had put his career in jeopardy.

          Not so. Yesterday, Savard returned to Pittsburgh and received what might be the greatest news of all. He passed his final tests at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

          "It was really a great day," Savard told the Boston Globe yesterday. "What a facility they have there in Pittsburgh for that stuff... I went through testing all day. [They] said I passed with flying colors. So that made me feel really good."

          The 14-year veteran is now cleared to practice with his teammates for the first time since last season's tragic playoff collapse. It might take a week or so for Savard to return to game shape, but for now he's on the right track. For Black and Gold fans, this is music to our ears. Welcome back, Savvy. 

So long, Victor

Sox fans have seen the last of Victor Martinez in a Boston uniform. He
signed with the Detroit Tigers today for four years, $50 million. 

When the Red Sox traded up-and-coming fan favorite Justin Masterson along with a pair of highly touted prospects (Nick Hagadone, Bryan Price) to the Cleveland Indians July 31, 2009, Boston fans were ecstatic to receive Victor Martinez in return. It seemed like a slam-dunk. Theo Epstein replaced an aging Varitek with a switch hitting catcher in his prime who also had the flexibility to play first base, hit for power, average and knock in runs like they're going out of style. A perfect middle-of-the-order bat to complement talented right handed hitters like Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia, while also providing protection for Big Papi. Seems like the kind of player you'd like to lock up for the long term, right?

Well, if you're Theo and the rest of the Sox brass, guess not. In a true head-scratcher, the Red Sox let V-Mart get away today. According to multiple sources, Martinez is bound for Detroit after signing a four-year, $50 million deal with the Tigers. Sounds like a steal for a player who just hit .302 with 20 homers and 79 rbi's, despite missing significant time with injury.

Apparently, the Sox offered Martinez two separate deals which would have kept Victor in Boston. The first was a 3 year deal for $36 million, the second was 4 years for $42 million. While I usually admire Theo and Co. for not exceeding what they determine to be an appropriate value for a player, I just can't wrap my head around the fact that we let Martinez walk for a measly $8 million. Especially after Theo threw $40 million plus at recent busts like Julio Lugo, $70 million plus at J.D. Drew, and $30 million plus at Edgar Renteria and Matt Clement. What's another $8 million going to hurt?

The one silver lining in losing Martinez is that the Red Sox will receive compensation for losing the Type A free agent to Detroit. In return, Boston will acquire the Tiger's number 1 draft pick in 2011 (19th overall). Remember, this is how the Sox landed Clay Buchholz, who was a compensatory pick for losing Pedro Martinez to the Mets in 2005.

Losing Victor hurts. The Sox will most certainly miss his bat and clubhouse presence. Jarrod Saltalamacchia is now thrust into the hot seat as the team's starting catcher. Unless this move precedes the Sox re-signing Beltre and adding either Carl Crawford or Jason Werth, today is a dark day in Beantown.

I like this girl