OK, I'm sorry I haven't posted a lot lately (OK, at all). I assure you the blog is not dead. I also have to worry about other things during the summer, and unfortunately there is not enough Mike Kloepfer action or crappy Paul Tutka writing to keep me occupied.
A couple of weeks ago, there was a blockbuster MSL trade. Mark Steinhuis was shipped to the St. Regis from Barrie for Aimee Caines (a washed up mediocrity of a goal scorer), Jackson Gair (an Orillia boy coming off a terrible injury with the Junior Indians in the playoffs last year) and a draft pick (which one can assume will be used on Caleb Wiles or Rick Acorn, even if somebody better such as Stephen Keough is available).
Now, it is pretty obvious Steinhuis wanted to play on Cornwall Island with John Tavares. I also am aware of the fact that Lindsay Sanderson appears to be running the show up in Barrie. Unfortunately for the people of Barrie, Kloepfer owns the team and one would think any deal would go through him. So ultimately, I am going be an asshole and pin this on Mikey K. Anybody that would get that little for Steinhuis, an undeniable superstar and huge name in lacrosse, does not deserve to be an owner, manager, coach or waterboy of a lacrosse team, whether it be in minor pee wee or the NLL.
The awesome thing about the Lakeshores too this year is that they got forced out of the Barrie Molson Centre (not sure why-the Colts, lack of attendance, apathy of the Barrie sports fans) to the smaller Holly Community Centre, essentially a junior B rink. I guess Mike thought this would be a Peterborough situation when he got the expansion team a couple of years ago. Too bad for him they have only been mildly successful on and off the field.
Stay tuned for more.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
A Little Fun From the Sun
From the Ottawa Sun recently on Jeff Zywicki, who along with Colin Doyle, has turned San Jose into a force:
Although his team was upset by the Plymouth Lumberjacks in the playoffs, the Stealth had one of its best seasons.
That is nice to see Plymouth performing so well this year. Too bad the Portland Lumberjax couldn't have done that.
Although his team was upset by the Plymouth Lumberjacks in the playoffs, the Stealth had one of its best seasons.
That is nice to see Plymouth performing so well this year. Too bad the Portland Lumberjax couldn't have done that.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Zywicki is a Grunt
From Paul Tutka
"but Zywicki puts it all on the line every shit, every game no matter who’s clubbin’ him in the back of the neck. That kinda grunt work is almost unseen from some teams in this league."
I can almost guarantee that about 99.9% of the players in the NLL care. Just behind John Grant doesn'tdo the grunt work doesn't mean he doesn't want to win or try hard. He doesn't need to try hard. Jeff Zywicki is awesome, but, so are a bunch of others in the league. I guarantee Chicago works its tail off. They just aren't that good.
"but Zywicki puts it all on the line every shit, every game no matter who’s clubbin’ him in the back of the neck. That kinda grunt work is almost unseen from some teams in this league."
I can almost guarantee that about 99.9% of the players in the NLL care. Just behind John Grant doesn'tdo the grunt work doesn't mean he doesn't want to win or try hard. He doesn't need to try hard. Jeff Zywicki is awesome, but, so are a bunch of others in the league. I guarantee Chicago works its tail off. They just aren't that good.
Tornado Watch
I'm not talking about the midwest United States, I'm talking about central Ontario. The Barrie Tornado unfortunately beat the Cornwall Celtics 10-3 in OLA Junior B action Sunday. Barrie is now 0-3. If the team manages to make the playoffs, Mike Kloepfer will praise himself as being the best executive in the whole OLA. We can only hope Barrie goes 0-17 the rest of the way.
Also, isn't it great to know Colin Doyle will be playing for Brampton this summer? I can't wait till he plays against Barrie so he can rub it in Kloepfer's big fat face. I hope to be there to see that.
Also, isn't it great to know Colin Doyle will be playing for Brampton this summer? I can't wait till he plays against Barrie so he can rub it in Kloepfer's big fat face. I hope to be there to see that.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
An Oldie, But A Goodie
Just watching an old Rock game (well, not that old, it was the home opener from last year), and Mr. Kloepfer made a rare appearance for the cameras. He was being interviewed about the Doyle trade, and tried justifying by claiming that all the players coming in were under 25. That didn't matter then, and it doesn't matter now, because those guys were not worth anything close to Colin Doyle. Rob Faulds, who I normally like, went on to rave about the "gutsiness" of Kloepfer's move, and then, within about 1.2 seconds of that, Mike Accursi gave Rochester a lead that they wouldn't give up for the rest of the game. The Rock have also never won against Rochester without Doyle. Take that Kloepfer's beliefs.
Playoff Time
The Rock started their quest for a 6th NLL Championship this weekend...
Nevermind that. I didn't watch a whole lot of NLL this weekend, now that the OLA has started, but I am happy that two things happened: Buffalo beating Philadelphia and Calgary beating Colorado.
With Buffalo winning it means more Rock fans will have the chance to go to at least 1 more game this year at HSBC Arena. If Rock fans get hooked in Buffalo, they may stop giving the team their hard earned money, and maybe it will be enough to force Kloepfer out of the front office. The attendance this year should speak for itself, but unfortunately, it hasn't (yet anyway). A new management team should be in place to scout the OLA this summer.
With Calgary winning, it will push Josh Sanderson more into the spotlight next weekend in the West finals, and accordingly, put the question out there in the mainstream lacrosse media: why was Sanderson traded when the team was 7-4 and starting to click? The power forward was needed, but not at the cost of Sanderson, and certainly not when the trade was made (back to back 14 goal games).
I will get back to criticizing the bizarre writing at NLL Insider soon.
Just in-Colin Doyle's Stealth got eliminated by Portland today. Before we put the blame on Doyle for only having 5 points (way more than Benesch's average this year), lets remember that he couldn't shut down Dan Dawson, who had about 45,000 goals today. At least the Stealth made the playoffs.
Let's hope for a Buffalo/Calgary final!
Nevermind that. I didn't watch a whole lot of NLL this weekend, now that the OLA has started, but I am happy that two things happened: Buffalo beating Philadelphia and Calgary beating Colorado.
With Buffalo winning it means more Rock fans will have the chance to go to at least 1 more game this year at HSBC Arena. If Rock fans get hooked in Buffalo, they may stop giving the team their hard earned money, and maybe it will be enough to force Kloepfer out of the front office. The attendance this year should speak for itself, but unfortunately, it hasn't (yet anyway). A new management team should be in place to scout the OLA this summer.
With Calgary winning, it will push Josh Sanderson more into the spotlight next weekend in the West finals, and accordingly, put the question out there in the mainstream lacrosse media: why was Sanderson traded when the team was 7-4 and starting to click? The power forward was needed, but not at the cost of Sanderson, and certainly not when the trade was made (back to back 14 goal games).
I will get back to criticizing the bizarre writing at NLL Insider soon.
Just in-Colin Doyle's Stealth got eliminated by Portland today. Before we put the blame on Doyle for only having 5 points (way more than Benesch's average this year), lets remember that he couldn't shut down Dan Dawson, who had about 45,000 goals today. At least the Stealth made the playoffs.
Let's hope for a Buffalo/Calgary final!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Just a Quicky
How long until Rock fans get what they deserve and have Kloepfer fired for terrible management?
Based on Terry Sanderson, Derek Keenan and Ed Comeau, it should have happened some time already. That really, really scares me, if the ownership group believes that Mike Kloepfer is the guy to lead the team back to the promised land.
On another note, how sweet would a San Jose/Buffalo final be-actually getting a chance to physically see Colin Doyle perform his magic in the Queen City. Buffalo is close enough that maybe the Rock brain trust (excluding Kloepfer, he doesn't seem to use a brain if he has one) will take notice of what happened in December 2006. They can't ignore him forever in San Jose. Hardly any mention of him this year too in the 10 year celebration.
Based on Terry Sanderson, Derek Keenan and Ed Comeau, it should have happened some time already. That really, really scares me, if the ownership group believes that Mike Kloepfer is the guy to lead the team back to the promised land.
On another note, how sweet would a San Jose/Buffalo final be-actually getting a chance to physically see Colin Doyle perform his magic in the Queen City. Buffalo is close enough that maybe the Rock brain trust (excluding Kloepfer, he doesn't seem to use a brain if he has one) will take notice of what happened in December 2006. They can't ignore him forever in San Jose. Hardly any mention of him this year too in the 10 year celebration.
Jim Veltman: A True Legend
Despite all the crap that has gone on with the Rock this year, and like it or not, there has been crap. All the way from silly trades, poor drafting, dismal performance in some games...the year did not go as it should have. I think we all knew this team would not be very good, and we just chose not to admit it. But the one positive thing to take out of the first meaningless game in Roch history was what Jim Veltman has done for this team, lacrosse in Ontario and the city of Toronto.
Veltman established so many marks for loose balls (the season one was broken on Sunday by Geoff Snider, but Veltman didn't have the luxary of taking faceoffs and having them count as loose balls), put up a lot of good offensive seasons (if you average his stats over 16 games from earlier on, he would be up in the 80-90 point ranges in some), he won championships, and he was a class act. Leadership is hard to define, and even a good leader will have trouble carrying a bad lacrosse team, but Veltman is one of those rare people who had a knack to get more out of his teammates then they would by themselves.
We can only hope that Veltman's #32 will take to the rafters at the ACC, and that he will bring a new, fresh philosophy to the Rock's coaching, and what I hope one day, management team. You already know he has more capability to run the Rock than Kloepfer.
Veltman established so many marks for loose balls (the season one was broken on Sunday by Geoff Snider, but Veltman didn't have the luxary of taking faceoffs and having them count as loose balls), put up a lot of good offensive seasons (if you average his stats over 16 games from earlier on, he would be up in the 80-90 point ranges in some), he won championships, and he was a class act. Leadership is hard to define, and even a good leader will have trouble carrying a bad lacrosse team, but Veltman is one of those rare people who had a knack to get more out of his teammates then they would by themselves.
We can only hope that Veltman's #32 will take to the rafters at the ACC, and that he will bring a new, fresh philosophy to the Rock's coaching, and what I hope one day, management team. You already know he has more capability to run the Rock than Kloepfer.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Dynasty is Done
After years of making the playoffs-the thrill of Kaleb Toth's game winning goal, squeaking it out in Albany, winning at Blue Cross, or dismantling the Sting at the ACC, the Rock will not live to see the 2nd season this year. Who's fault is that? Somebody behind me at the arena today said it was Bob Watson's fault-referring to him getting pulled in Buffalo (even though that was Poulin) and not winning any other games this year. We all know this is wrong. Watson was incredible and still deserves an MVP shot for keeping the Rock alive this year, but as we know Iannucci will get it. Other people say Blaine Manning. This is easy to refute, because, as anybody who saw a Rock game this year would know, Manning was often the only consistent scoring threat and was somebody who could have had 45 goals if not for posts. What about Lewis Ratcliff? The Rock never won a game with him in the lineup, and although he took some wildly questionable shots down the stretch, he was still better than most of the forwards (aside from Manning). Ryan Benesch? An alright player who I, and many others, have rightfully given the challenge of replacing Colin Doyle (2 G and 7 A vs Colorado on Saturday btw), but shouldn't be blamed entirely for the crappy season. Jim Veltman worked his tail off in his last year (more on that tomorrow), but just couldn't carry the team like before.
So the real onus for the 7-9 season (better than last year, but not good enough) falls on the wide, flabby shoulders of Mike Kloepfer. Kloepfer failed to properly rebuild a fine team from 2006, and has instead put together a team that has no future (no Veltman anymore, Watson getting old), and only Blaine Manning and possibly Lewis Ratcliff to build around. The team has traded away draft picks for marginal talent (Beirnes) and given playing time to questionable talents (Chris Stewart). If Kloepfer had properly set the team up for the future, I'd be willing to give him more time, but the truth is, this isn't Junior B, and building a contender is not something that should be trusted to this guy.
I'll vent more later, I am tired right now. Also, Jim Veltman tribute coming up.
So the real onus for the 7-9 season (better than last year, but not good enough) falls on the wide, flabby shoulders of Mike Kloepfer. Kloepfer failed to properly rebuild a fine team from 2006, and has instead put together a team that has no future (no Veltman anymore, Watson getting old), and only Blaine Manning and possibly Lewis Ratcliff to build around. The team has traded away draft picks for marginal talent (Beirnes) and given playing time to questionable talents (Chris Stewart). If Kloepfer had properly set the team up for the future, I'd be willing to give him more time, but the truth is, this isn't Junior B, and building a contender is not something that should be trusted to this guy.
I'll vent more later, I am tired right now. Also, Jim Veltman tribute coming up.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Sorry All
I apologize if I confused anyone to say Manning is scratched against Calgary tomorrow. It may be someone who was traded for a certain number 7 a couple of years ago. I guess we shall see tomorrow. I will stick by my original prediction and say that somehow, someway, there will be another Barrie Tornado grad in the lineup tomorrow. If Bob Watson doesn't play, it could get really, really ugly.
Sucks that Veltman's last year has to end like this.
Sucks that Veltman's last year has to end like this.
WOW
One word to describe the events of the past few days. WOW...
The Jimmy Veltman game is moved from next Saturday night to the Sunday afternoon. Good for me, because I wouldn't have been able to go on the Saturday, but there are so many people who got their tickets a while ago to see one of the few remaining links to Rock respectability play one last time. What the hell was the point in booking the date 6 months ago then? No point. The Craptors screwed the Rock, plain and simple. The announced crowd might be 17,000, but there probably won't be that many in the ACC. I will also feel bad for anybody who shows up at the ACC at about 6:00 on the Saturday, and gets to see Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis celebrating after handing the Raptors another playoff loss, when those people just wanted one last look at a true legend.
Thanks MLSE, but more importantly, a big thank you to the Toronto Rock for accommodating their request. Thank you for screwing all of your long time supporters who won't be able to make it to the game now. You guys are all class. Sarcasm should be noted.
Another rumour has Blaine Manning out of the lineup on Saturday. This guy is having an awesome season and was the main source of offence against Chicago last Saturday. He was unlucky, and nothing more. Anybody want a guess at who will be in the lineup for him against Calgary? 20$ says Troy Heaselgrave gets the call. If not him, then Rick Acorn. If not him, then Cory Kloepfer. Somebody from Barrie seems like a safe root to go. No way Manning should be out of the lineup. I wonder who called the shot on that one?
If a Buffalo reader of the blog could fill me in on Bandits seasons tickets details, I would really appreciate it.
The Jimmy Veltman game is moved from next Saturday night to the Sunday afternoon. Good for me, because I wouldn't have been able to go on the Saturday, but there are so many people who got their tickets a while ago to see one of the few remaining links to Rock respectability play one last time. What the hell was the point in booking the date 6 months ago then? No point. The Craptors screwed the Rock, plain and simple. The announced crowd might be 17,000, but there probably won't be that many in the ACC. I will also feel bad for anybody who shows up at the ACC at about 6:00 on the Saturday, and gets to see Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis celebrating after handing the Raptors another playoff loss, when those people just wanted one last look at a true legend.
Thanks MLSE, but more importantly, a big thank you to the Toronto Rock for accommodating their request. Thank you for screwing all of your long time supporters who won't be able to make it to the game now. You guys are all class. Sarcasm should be noted.
Another rumour has Blaine Manning out of the lineup on Saturday. This guy is having an awesome season and was the main source of offence against Chicago last Saturday. He was unlucky, and nothing more. Anybody want a guess at who will be in the lineup for him against Calgary? 20$ says Troy Heaselgrave gets the call. If not him, then Rick Acorn. If not him, then Cory Kloepfer. Somebody from Barrie seems like a safe root to go. No way Manning should be out of the lineup. I wonder who called the shot on that one?
If a Buffalo reader of the blog could fill me in on Bandits seasons tickets details, I would really appreciate it.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Weekend Update
Lack of posts lately, but here is the recap from Chicago on Saturday.
The team actually scored a lot of goals. However, in order for the Rock to win, the goaltending has to be outstanding. Mike Poulin was OK Saturday, but not at Bob Watson's level. Is it Mike Kloepfer's fault for having Watson injured during the game? No, its not. It is his fault that he couldn't get Glenn Clark a good backup goalie to have just in case that Watson may be out at some point. Anybody who watched, listened to, or pointstreaked the game at HSBC Arena would know.
Back to the goals. It was great to see some offence, but there were a ton of missed opportunities. I counted about 5 posts. Somebody correct me if I am wrong. Matt Roik was good, but there was also a certain luck factor involved. Also, when we needed a big goal with about a minute left to give us a win, we had nobody. Remember a couple of years ago against Philadelphia, when Colin Doyle put the team on his back and took them on an amazing comeback? I know that players who score more in normal situations also score more in "pressure situations", but Doyle scored way more. He is missed not only for his usual production, but for those big goals he scores. Thanks Mike.
It sucked too that Brad Self came back in hockey just in time to try to put us out the of playoffs.
Having said that, there is still a chance. The Rock need some help. Calgary is winnable, but Philly will be a challenge. Hopefully the team comes out motivated for that one. I'm sure they don't need to know it could be Jim Veltman's last game ever.
The team actually scored a lot of goals. However, in order for the Rock to win, the goaltending has to be outstanding. Mike Poulin was OK Saturday, but not at Bob Watson's level. Is it Mike Kloepfer's fault for having Watson injured during the game? No, its not. It is his fault that he couldn't get Glenn Clark a good backup goalie to have just in case that Watson may be out at some point. Anybody who watched, listened to, or pointstreaked the game at HSBC Arena would know.
Back to the goals. It was great to see some offence, but there were a ton of missed opportunities. I counted about 5 posts. Somebody correct me if I am wrong. Matt Roik was good, but there was also a certain luck factor involved. Also, when we needed a big goal with about a minute left to give us a win, we had nobody. Remember a couple of years ago against Philadelphia, when Colin Doyle put the team on his back and took them on an amazing comeback? I know that players who score more in normal situations also score more in "pressure situations", but Doyle scored way more. He is missed not only for his usual production, but for those big goals he scores. Thanks Mike.
It sucked too that Brad Self came back in hockey just in time to try to put us out the of playoffs.
Having said that, there is still a chance. The Rock need some help. Calgary is winnable, but Philly will be a challenge. Hopefully the team comes out motivated for that one. I'm sure they don't need to know it could be Jim Veltman's last game ever.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Kloepfer at It Again
Did Anybody see the interview from the National Post with Mike Kloepfer reagarding Greg Van Sickle's firing? It seems its everybody's fault but his.
“We believe in the personnel that we have,” said Kloepfer. “We have very good forwards. These guys are professionals. They have a collective responsibility to create those scoring chances and to finish when they get them.”
You had a better offence before you dismantled it a couple seasons ago. Every player in the league is a professional, they are all getting paid to play lacrosse. You have a collective responsibility to make good decisions for a highly successful lacrosse team. You are an idiot
The Toronto Rock will not hire an offensive coach to replace Greg Van Sickle, who was fired Monday after a pair of crucial weekend losses to Rochester and Philadelphia.
Sounds like a good plan. The offence wasn't producing so a change needed to be made, right? Wait a minute, before the Rochester game the Rock posted back to back 14 goal games
In in an interview with the National Post, general manager Mike Kloepfer said the team will instead hand responsibility for the offence over to head coach Glenn Clark as Toronto tries to stay in playoff position with only three games remaining on the regular-season schedule.
He is officially the GM now? That sounds promising. That's great that Clark will be running it too. He has so much experience running offences in the NLL
“We feel it will be best to have Glenn work directly with the forwards,” said Kloepfer.
Why is the Mike? Going to give the fans a reason? No...just going to say its best, just like all your other moves.
Kloepfer said the decision to dismiss Van Sickle was difficult but necessary after Toronto’s offence appeared out of sync on the weekend, despite the trade-deadline acquisition of sniper Lewis Ratcliff.
Why was out of sync? Possibly because their best passer and a guy who has been working with the offence all season was dealt just as the team was coming around.
The Rock’s offence has sputtered most of the season and is averaging only 10.3 goals a game. Only the 4-7 Edmonton Rush score fewer goals in the 12-team league.
Except when they started to actually score before the Ratcliff trade. They were doing quite fine then.
“We just weren’t getting the production we needed from our offence,” said Kloepfer. “Sometimes nothing improves without having to make a difficult decision.”
You actually were on Easter weekend. I guess you didn't bother to check that Mike. You know what else might improve the team? You stepping down you fat piece of shit.
Toronto had a chance to move into first place heading into last weekend’s pair of games. But losses in both dropped the 7-6 Rock back into fourth place, only a half-game ahead of the fifth-place New York Titans. Only the top four finishers in each division qualify for the NLL playoffs.
“That’s the nature of the National Lacrosse League,” said Kloepfer. “There’s so much parity now. One weekend you’re playing for first place and the next weekend you’re fighting for a playoff spot … We need to take the next three games very seriously.”
One weekend you are smoking an upcoming Edmonton team and getting a relatively easy win over a very tough Buffalo squad. Then your best playmaker is dealt, and the offence sputters. I can almost guarantee they would have put up more of a fight against Rochester if Sanderson were still there.
Kloepfer would not comment on specifics when asked how the team will try to boost scoring heading into Saturday’s home game against the 4-7 Chicago Shamrox.
“We believe in the personnel that we have,” said Kloepfer. “We have very good forwards. These guys are professionals. They have a collective responsibility to create those scoring chances and to finish when they get them.”
You had a better offence before you dismantled it a couple seasons ago. Every player in the league is a professional, they are all getting paid to play lacrosse. You have a collective responsibility to make good decisions for a highly successful lacrosse team. You are an idiot
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Clark to Run Offence
OK. I loved Glenn Clark as a player. He shut down the opposing offence more often then not, scored some goals, got some loose balls and had an intangible factor of +3.7 (for being a teacher, for being Canadian, but loses some points for being kind of tall and not stout).
But why the hell is he running the offence? The guy played defence for most of his career. I am not saying that defencemen don't know the offensive side of the ball, but lets be honest, at this point in the season, there is not time for Clark to implement new systems. Even with Ratcliff and the Rock's shitty performance this past weekend. Will Bob Watson have to hold Chicago to 3 goals for the win on Saturday?
The only positive out of this is that Mike Kloepfer didn't make himself offensive coordinator. That would have been a huge fucking disaster. Not only would the Rock's offence struggle to score even more, the structural integrity of the ACC's home bench would be compromised.
Sorry for the lack posts. The guys on NLL Insider have been reasonable this week. I have also been quite busy. More to come in the next few days.
*Note: intangible factor completely made up
But why the hell is he running the offence? The guy played defence for most of his career. I am not saying that defencemen don't know the offensive side of the ball, but lets be honest, at this point in the season, there is not time for Clark to implement new systems. Even with Ratcliff and the Rock's shitty performance this past weekend. Will Bob Watson have to hold Chicago to 3 goals for the win on Saturday?
The only positive out of this is that Mike Kloepfer didn't make himself offensive coordinator. That would have been a huge fucking disaster. Not only would the Rock's offence struggle to score even more, the structural integrity of the ACC's home bench would be compromised.
Sorry for the lack posts. The guys on NLL Insider have been reasonable this week. I have also been quite busy. More to come in the next few days.
*Note: intangible factor completely made up
Monday, April 7, 2008
Thoughts on the Weekend
I analyzed the stats, I thought that the Ratcliff trade might have been good, but a combination of an out of sync Rock offence and a solid game from Pat O'Toole did the Rock in.
Ratcliff played OK, but he looked lost out there at times, and made a couple of terrible passes to the far side to Manning and Wilson. I didn't see the game last night in Philadelphia, but I can only assume that it was better. He (Ratcliff) has to get fucking better or this team will be on the outside looking in.
I know Sanderson didn't do too well in Calgary, but the offence was clicking with him in Buffalo and against Edmonton right before the trade. If the team fails to reach double digits against Chicago then there needs to be more changes coming.
Greg Van Sickle was let go. Looking back at NLL.com it is hard to tell if he was a Kloepfer hire, but I have to believe he was responsible for the move, trying to take blame off of himself and transferring it the coaching staff. Sorry Mike, but you're the one that tore apart one of the greatest offensive teams ever assembled in the league. We could still have Josh Sanderson and Colin Doyle, but instead we are stuck with Ryan Benesch and Lewis Ratcliff. Which two would you rather have? I'll give you a hint, their names rhyme with Manderson and Foyle. Figure it out yet?
All I can say is if the Rock do manage to get into the playoffs, and make no mistake, it is going to be a challenge, then all the credit can go to Bob Watson. Watson deserved to win Saturday, and from what I heard deserved one on Sunday as well. Iannucci may break Gait's record, but if Watson wasn't in net for Toronto this year, I would really, really hate to see where the Rock would be at. I'm assuming below Chicago.
All in all, it was a shitty weekend. Does anybody else get pissed off seeing Kloepfer sitting (or waddling) near the bench around each warmup smiling in that ridiculous leather jacket, presumably admiring the destruction he has done to tear apart a great dynasty? Seeing the tribute to Les Bartley on Saturday before the 2nd half, one of the greatest lacrosse architechts of all time, made me sad. Sad that we have to put up with this guy running our time after so many years of sound decisions from Bartley and then from Terry Sanderson. If Mike Kloepfer isn't fired after this season, something is seriously, seriously wrong.
Ratcliff played OK, but he looked lost out there at times, and made a couple of terrible passes to the far side to Manning and Wilson. I didn't see the game last night in Philadelphia, but I can only assume that it was better. He (Ratcliff) has to get fucking better or this team will be on the outside looking in.
I know Sanderson didn't do too well in Calgary, but the offence was clicking with him in Buffalo and against Edmonton right before the trade. If the team fails to reach double digits against Chicago then there needs to be more changes coming.
Greg Van Sickle was let go. Looking back at NLL.com it is hard to tell if he was a Kloepfer hire, but I have to believe he was responsible for the move, trying to take blame off of himself and transferring it the coaching staff. Sorry Mike, but you're the one that tore apart one of the greatest offensive teams ever assembled in the league. We could still have Josh Sanderson and Colin Doyle, but instead we are stuck with Ryan Benesch and Lewis Ratcliff. Which two would you rather have? I'll give you a hint, their names rhyme with Manderson and Foyle. Figure it out yet?
All I can say is if the Rock do manage to get into the playoffs, and make no mistake, it is going to be a challenge, then all the credit can go to Bob Watson. Watson deserved to win Saturday, and from what I heard deserved one on Sunday as well. Iannucci may break Gait's record, but if Watson wasn't in net for Toronto this year, I would really, really hate to see where the Rock would be at. I'm assuming below Chicago.
All in all, it was a shitty weekend. Does anybody else get pissed off seeing Kloepfer sitting (or waddling) near the bench around each warmup smiling in that ridiculous leather jacket, presumably admiring the destruction he has done to tear apart a great dynasty? Seeing the tribute to Les Bartley on Saturday before the 2nd half, one of the greatest lacrosse architechts of all time, made me sad. Sad that we have to put up with this guy running our time after so many years of sound decisions from Bartley and then from Terry Sanderson. If Mike Kloepfer isn't fired after this season, something is seriously, seriously wrong.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
On A Serious Note
Saturday night at the ACC is the annual charity jersey auction for the Rock. I can't outbid those people who put up $3,000 for a Jim Veltman jersey but Les's Fund is a great cause, and try to support it in whatever way possible.
Now back to your regular scheduled programming.
Now back to your regular scheduled programming.
Fake Kloepfer Interview
Imagine this: here I am, talking to Mike Kloepfer before the one of the biggest games of the year Saturday...
Fire Mike Kloepfer: So Mike, what is going to be the key to the win tonight?
Mike Kloepfer: Obviously, the key will be to score more goals than the other team.
FMK: I see. So you mean the key to the game is winning, right?
MK: Winning is usually a byproduct of scoring more goals. The real key is outworking them.
FMK: But you just said that scoring more goals is the key, which means you want to win I guess. Define outworking them.
MK: Outworking them. You know guys like Jay Winder and Derek Suddons have to show up, they are our big game players.
FMK: By showing up, you mean being at the ACC for 7:00 PM tonight, right?
MK: No, just showing up wanting to win.
FMK: So Blaine Manning and Peter Lough don't want to win?
MK: Correct, Winder and Suddons are the oil that makes our engine run.
FMK (Getting sick of cliches): So it is more important to the success of the Rock to have Suddons and Winder have great games than Manning or Lough?
MK: Yes, they will be the main factor should we pull out a win tonight.
FMK: Alright, what about stopping John Grant Jr?
MK: He is obviously a component of their team, but I'd be more concerned with guys like Pat Cougevan and Jack Reid?
FMK: You mean guys that have 4 combined points as opposed to Grant's 73?
MK: Yes, know you're getting it. Those guys are the yeast that make's Rochester's bread.
FMK (Finally figuring out why Toronto is 0-4 against Rochester since Kloepfer became DLO): Alright Mike, thanks for the time.
Fire Mike Kloepfer: So Mike, what is going to be the key to the win tonight?
Mike Kloepfer: Obviously, the key will be to score more goals than the other team.
FMK: I see. So you mean the key to the game is winning, right?
MK: Winning is usually a byproduct of scoring more goals. The real key is outworking them.
FMK: But you just said that scoring more goals is the key, which means you want to win I guess. Define outworking them.
MK: Outworking them. You know guys like Jay Winder and Derek Suddons have to show up, they are our big game players.
FMK: By showing up, you mean being at the ACC for 7:00 PM tonight, right?
MK: No, just showing up wanting to win.
FMK: So Blaine Manning and Peter Lough don't want to win?
MK: Correct, Winder and Suddons are the oil that makes our engine run.
FMK (Getting sick of cliches): So it is more important to the success of the Rock to have Suddons and Winder have great games than Manning or Lough?
MK: Yes, they will be the main factor should we pull out a win tonight.
FMK: Alright, what about stopping John Grant Jr?
MK: He is obviously a component of their team, but I'd be more concerned with guys like Pat Cougevan and Jack Reid?
FMK: You mean guys that have 4 combined points as opposed to Grant's 73?
MK: Yes, know you're getting it. Those guys are the yeast that make's Rochester's bread.
FMK (Finally figuring out why Toronto is 0-4 against Rochester since Kloepfer became DLO): Alright Mike, thanks for the time.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Tutka with his top 20
Here is some analysis from Paul Tutka's top 20 rankings, with the first being on John Tavares:
Will JT have enough left in the tank to make a run past either guy above
him? Been there, done that and still had time to teach his kids about
fractions. He’s still that good.
OK. I get sick when I read these articles about NLL players and how their day jobs somehow make them better at their sport, as having time to teach kids about fractions does not make him good. Blaine Manning is fucking awesome because he can analyze the hell out of a bond transaction. Chris Gill was an amazing goal scorer because he puts out fires and saves people from burning buildings. Their day jobs have no bearing on how good he is on the floor. It makes for an interesting article, but not when analyzing performance.
This is why Tavares is awesome this year:
22 G, 67 PTS, a decent 17.2 shooting %, and a solid 13.9% goal contribution
Now on to Ryan Cousins:
Cousins is still playing solid ball, but just isn’t getting the same kinda
effort outta the boys at the other end of the court, which is affecting the
scoreboard.
As I said a couple of posts ago regarding Jordan Hall, team performance shouldn't have any bearing on these rankings. Cousins is still playing awesome. What Andy Secore did on Saturday should have no effect on where Cousins is ranked. The rest of the team's performance is irrelevant.
Finally, Matt Vinc
Like I said the other week, Vino is definitely a lot of people’s dark horse
pick for tender of the year, and if New York keeps piling up the results,
will be hard to deny him the nod.
If anybody picks Matt Vinc as goalie of the year, I will actually cry. Matt Vinc is a decent goalie, but unless Bob Watson has a monumental collapse over the final few weeks, then Watson is the goalie of the year.
Lets just look at the numbers:
Watson: 9.93 GAA, .790 SVP
Vinc: 12.34 GAA, .765 SVP
Also, there are a number of guys in between them. If somebody wants to use wins as a barometer, Watson has him beat there too, 7-5.
That is all for now. That website is starting to frustrate me.
Will JT have enough left in the tank to make a run past either guy above
him? Been there, done that and still had time to teach his kids about
fractions. He’s still that good.
OK. I get sick when I read these articles about NLL players and how their day jobs somehow make them better at their sport, as having time to teach kids about fractions does not make him good. Blaine Manning is fucking awesome because he can analyze the hell out of a bond transaction. Chris Gill was an amazing goal scorer because he puts out fires and saves people from burning buildings. Their day jobs have no bearing on how good he is on the floor. It makes for an interesting article, but not when analyzing performance.
This is why Tavares is awesome this year:
22 G, 67 PTS, a decent 17.2 shooting %, and a solid 13.9% goal contribution
Now on to Ryan Cousins:
Cousins is still playing solid ball, but just isn’t getting the same kinda
effort outta the boys at the other end of the court, which is affecting the
scoreboard.
As I said a couple of posts ago regarding Jordan Hall, team performance shouldn't have any bearing on these rankings. Cousins is still playing awesome. What Andy Secore did on Saturday should have no effect on where Cousins is ranked. The rest of the team's performance is irrelevant.
Finally, Matt Vinc
Like I said the other week, Vino is definitely a lot of people’s dark horse
pick for tender of the year, and if New York keeps piling up the results,
will be hard to deny him the nod.
If anybody picks Matt Vinc as goalie of the year, I will actually cry. Matt Vinc is a decent goalie, but unless Bob Watson has a monumental collapse over the final few weeks, then Watson is the goalie of the year.
Lets just look at the numbers:
Watson: 9.93 GAA, .790 SVP
Vinc: 12.34 GAA, .765 SVP
Also, there are a number of guys in between them. If somebody wants to use wins as a barometer, Watson has him beat there too, 7-5.
That is all for now. That website is starting to frustrate me.
Why Rochester Won: Osburn Style
Chris Osburn on NLL Insider:
This has been an up and down season for the defending champs. After two straight losses to league basement dwellers Chicago and Edmonton, it appeared that Rochester had nothing left.
Now the first part I agree with, it has been an up and down season for Rochester. What gets me is him saying they had nothing left when they boast one of the most incredible players ever: a guy who easily scores about 100 points a year and a guy who increased the production of every player on the team. This guy scores 8 points and has 13 loose balls on Saturday. Any team in this league would have a chance with John Grant playing offence for them.
Those losses to the basement dwellers were each by 1 goal. Other close games this year for Rochester: a 15-14 loss to Philadelphia and a 18-17 loss to Minnesota.
Just a couple more goals throughout the course of the year, and the Knighthawks are a 9-2 team.
This has been an up and down season for the defending champs. After two straight losses to league basement dwellers Chicago and Edmonton, it appeared that Rochester had nothing left.
Now the first part I agree with, it has been an up and down season for Rochester. What gets me is him saying they had nothing left when they boast one of the most incredible players ever: a guy who easily scores about 100 points a year and a guy who increased the production of every player on the team. This guy scores 8 points and has 13 loose balls on Saturday. Any team in this league would have a chance with John Grant playing offence for them.
Those losses to the basement dwellers were each by 1 goal. Other close games this year for Rochester: a 15-14 loss to Philadelphia and a 18-17 loss to Minnesota.
Just a couple more goals throughout the course of the year, and the Knighthawks are a 9-2 team.
Kojima on Hall
This is what Steve Kojima said in his weekly top rookie rankings about Jordan Hall:
"1 (1) Jordan Hall, New York – The thing about Hall and the Titans is they keep improving. Jordan had seven points in New York’s last win and is No. 18 overall in league points. Huge game this weekend at Minnesota."
The thing about picking a top rookie is that it should have little to no bearing on how the team is doing. The thing is I don't care if the Titans win when judging Hall's performance. The thing is if he had 17 points in a 20-17 loss would Kojima write this? He shouldn't, but he probably would.
*Notice how many times I use the phrase "the thing". Doesn't it get annoying? Isn't "the thing" about Hall is that he 25.3% shooting percentage and has scored 13.8% of New York's goals?
This would be a much better opening sentence, and one that a normal lacrosse analyst might write:
Jordan Hall continues to improve at all facets of his game, increasing his points per game average and contributing significantly on the power play.
Not much for now, more later hopefully.
"1 (1) Jordan Hall, New York – The thing about Hall and the Titans is they keep improving. Jordan had seven points in New York’s last win and is No. 18 overall in league points. Huge game this weekend at Minnesota."
The thing about picking a top rookie is that it should have little to no bearing on how the team is doing. The thing is I don't care if the Titans win when judging Hall's performance. The thing is if he had 17 points in a 20-17 loss would Kojima write this? He shouldn't, but he probably would.
*Notice how many times I use the phrase "the thing". Doesn't it get annoying? Isn't "the thing" about Hall is that he 25.3% shooting percentage and has scored 13.8% of New York's goals?
This would be a much better opening sentence, and one that a normal lacrosse analyst might write:
Jordan Hall continues to improve at all facets of his game, increasing his points per game average and contributing significantly on the power play.
Not much for now, more later hopefully.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Wiles Out
Luke Wiles is out pretty much until May. If this had happened about a week and a half ago, I am pretty sure Mike Kloepfer would have traded Josh Sanderson back to San Jose for him.
I could see this quote coming into the papers had that happened:
"Although we are 7-4 and riding an incredibly amazing goaltending season from a goalie in his late 30s with not many good years left, we feel it was important to get somebody for the future. Although it will be tough to replace Josh Sanderson's 54 points, we believe that having Luke Wiles experience with Barrie Lakeshores hanging around the team in practice will be enough to push us over the top."
Of course that never happened. But that seems like a typical Kloepfer trade.
I could see this quote coming into the papers had that happened:
"Although we are 7-4 and riding an incredibly amazing goaltending season from a goalie in his late 30s with not many good years left, we feel it was important to get somebody for the future. Although it will be tough to replace Josh Sanderson's 54 points, we believe that having Luke Wiles experience with Barrie Lakeshores hanging around the team in practice will be enough to push us over the top."
Of course that never happened. But that seems like a typical Kloepfer trade.
Jacobs Carrying The Whole Bottom Half of the NLL
This is from Paul Tutka's latest thumbs up/thumbs down for the past weekend:
"Everything that could go wrong for the teams that are favored is definitely goin’ a$$ backwards wrong for ‘em, while Cody Jacobs is shootin’ the friggin’ lights out and givin’ the bottom feeders hope?!?!?"
OK, every year, there are upsets in the NLL. Nobody can say with 100% certainty that team A will beat team B in a game because team A is 10-0 and team B is 0-10. There is a chance, no matter how small, that in a small sample size of 1 game, that anything can happen.
Cody Jacobs is apparently the new hope for all of the league's mediocre teams. You hear that Bob Hamley? Cody Jacobs is the reason you might make the playoffs.
Cody Jacobs has never been a bad player. He scored something like 69 goals in one year of junior B. That is ridiculous. Last year, his first year of playing anything above the junior level, he shot 15.9% in the NLL. Some guys within 1% of his percentage last year? Gary Rosyski, Dan Stroup, Tracey Keluskey, Ryan Powell, Josh Sanderson, Jim Quinlan, Kelly Hall. Most of those guys have been all-stars. Sanderson scored 6 goals this year against Minnesota. Why is it so incredible that he scored 6 goals in a game? That is not that unlikely in the small sample of one game. If he can average that over the course of the year, then that is incredible.
"Everything that could go wrong for the teams that are favored is definitely goin’ a$$ backwards wrong for ‘em, while Cody Jacobs is shootin’ the friggin’ lights out and givin’ the bottom feeders hope?!?!?"
OK, every year, there are upsets in the NLL. Nobody can say with 100% certainty that team A will beat team B in a game because team A is 10-0 and team B is 0-10. There is a chance, no matter how small, that in a small sample size of 1 game, that anything can happen.
Cody Jacobs is apparently the new hope for all of the league's mediocre teams. You hear that Bob Hamley? Cody Jacobs is the reason you might make the playoffs.
Cody Jacobs has never been a bad player. He scored something like 69 goals in one year of junior B. That is ridiculous. Last year, his first year of playing anything above the junior level, he shot 15.9% in the NLL. Some guys within 1% of his percentage last year? Gary Rosyski, Dan Stroup, Tracey Keluskey, Ryan Powell, Josh Sanderson, Jim Quinlan, Kelly Hall. Most of those guys have been all-stars. Sanderson scored 6 goals this year against Minnesota. Why is it so incredible that he scored 6 goals in a game? That is not that unlikely in the small sample of one game. If he can average that over the course of the year, then that is incredible.
Ratcliff with Kloepfer
I was just thinking about what went on after the blockbuster trade happened about a week ago.
The following takes place at 3:00 AM Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 26th, 2008
Mike Kloepfer is sitting in his living room, eating donuts and watching reruns of Trailer Park Boys proudly admiring the leather jacket he has worn for 5 straight years without once removing it.
He picks up the phone, and dials is newest acquisition, Lewis Ratcliff.
Kloepfer (on the phone with the Ratcliff residence): Hello, can I speak with Lewis?
Ratcliff: It's midnight. Who the hell is this?
Kloepfer: C'mon Lew, its me, Mike Kloepfer.
Ratcliff: Mike Klomper? Buddy look, I don't have time for this now. I have to be at the gym at 6:00 AM tomorrow.
Kloepfer: Not Klomper, Kloepfer.
Ratcliff: Yeah so? Why the hell are you calling me? Who the hell are you?
Kloepfer: I'm the director of lacrosse operations for the Toronto Rock.
Ratcliff: Oh, the guy who traded for me today.
Kloepfer: Yeah, thats me. Listen, I got some suggestions about your game when you play with us in a couple of weeks.
Ratcliff: Can this wait until tomorrow? I am really, really tired...
Kloepfer, interrupting him: I think when you come here, we are going to try to change your role around a little bit.
Ratcliff: What?
Kloepfer: I want you to make sure Ryan Benesch gets the ball on every single play, I don't care if you are wide open, or if another guy is open, but I want you to get Benesch the ball on every play, no matter what.
Ratcliff, suddenly becoming more alert: You want me to pass the ball when I'm wide open?
Kloepfer: I know it seems odd, but you are really being brought in here to kick start Benesch. If he goes, then the team goes.
Ratcliff, wondering about guys like Blaine Manning and Aaron Wilson making his new team go: So if Ryan Benesch is on the floor, he gets the ball?
Kloepfer: Yes, exactly! Thats why we brought you in. To make sure Benesch gets the ball every possession.
Ratcliff (questioning him): You said in an article in the Globe or something today that I was going to be a big part of the offence.
Kloepfer: That was a cover. Sanderson wasn't getting Benesch the ball enough and that is why we traded him.
Ratcliff: You know I scored 50 goals last year. Benesch has like 11 this year. I have more than double that.
Kloepfer: Stats don't matter to me, they are hogwash. I don't use objective player evaluation measures like statistics and skill level. The only thing that matters is if you played for Barrie at some point in your life or not. You have never played for Barrie, Lewis. I brought in Benesch to lead this team, and you are just going to come along for the ride. Aren't you excited to be part of the Rock?
Ratcliff (with sarcasm oozing in his voice, while realizing Benesch never played for Barrie): Sure Mike! I can't fucking wait!
Kloepfer: Great, I'll see you at practice in a couple of weeks.
Ratcliff proceeds to hang up the phone.
The next day, after doing some research, he found out that Mike Kloepfer got to where he is today by being the owners of some lacrosse teams in Barrie. That is all he has done to run the most successful lacrosse team of the last decade.
Ratcliff suddenly begins dreaming about playing for Kurt Silcott again.
The following takes place at 3:00 AM Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 26th, 2008
Mike Kloepfer is sitting in his living room, eating donuts and watching reruns of Trailer Park Boys proudly admiring the leather jacket he has worn for 5 straight years without once removing it.
He picks up the phone, and dials is newest acquisition, Lewis Ratcliff.
Kloepfer (on the phone with the Ratcliff residence): Hello, can I speak with Lewis?
Ratcliff: It's midnight. Who the hell is this?
Kloepfer: C'mon Lew, its me, Mike Kloepfer.
Ratcliff: Mike Klomper? Buddy look, I don't have time for this now. I have to be at the gym at 6:00 AM tomorrow.
Kloepfer: Not Klomper, Kloepfer.
Ratcliff: Yeah so? Why the hell are you calling me? Who the hell are you?
Kloepfer: I'm the director of lacrosse operations for the Toronto Rock.
Ratcliff: Oh, the guy who traded for me today.
Kloepfer: Yeah, thats me. Listen, I got some suggestions about your game when you play with us in a couple of weeks.
Ratcliff: Can this wait until tomorrow? I am really, really tired...
Kloepfer, interrupting him: I think when you come here, we are going to try to change your role around a little bit.
Ratcliff: What?
Kloepfer: I want you to make sure Ryan Benesch gets the ball on every single play, I don't care if you are wide open, or if another guy is open, but I want you to get Benesch the ball on every play, no matter what.
Ratcliff, suddenly becoming more alert: You want me to pass the ball when I'm wide open?
Kloepfer: I know it seems odd, but you are really being brought in here to kick start Benesch. If he goes, then the team goes.
Ratcliff, wondering about guys like Blaine Manning and Aaron Wilson making his new team go: So if Ryan Benesch is on the floor, he gets the ball?
Kloepfer: Yes, exactly! Thats why we brought you in. To make sure Benesch gets the ball every possession.
Ratcliff (questioning him): You said in an article in the Globe or something today that I was going to be a big part of the offence.
Kloepfer: That was a cover. Sanderson wasn't getting Benesch the ball enough and that is why we traded him.
Ratcliff: You know I scored 50 goals last year. Benesch has like 11 this year. I have more than double that.
Kloepfer: Stats don't matter to me, they are hogwash. I don't use objective player evaluation measures like statistics and skill level. The only thing that matters is if you played for Barrie at some point in your life or not. You have never played for Barrie, Lewis. I brought in Benesch to lead this team, and you are just going to come along for the ride. Aren't you excited to be part of the Rock?
Ratcliff (with sarcasm oozing in his voice, while realizing Benesch never played for Barrie): Sure Mike! I can't fucking wait!
Kloepfer: Great, I'll see you at practice in a couple of weeks.
Ratcliff proceeds to hang up the phone.
The next day, after doing some research, he found out that Mike Kloepfer got to where he is today by being the owners of some lacrosse teams in Barrie. That is all he has done to run the most successful lacrosse team of the last decade.
Ratcliff suddenly begins dreaming about playing for Kurt Silcott again.
Monday, March 31, 2008
What the hell Matthews?
Here is a quote from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, with author Bob Matthews providing this fun little tidbit.
"Philadelphia star Geoff Snider will be lucky if he escapes a suspension for his antics in Saturday night's loss to Rochester. He deliberately bowled over Knighthawks goaltender Pat O'Toole and then dropped his gloves and chased a Rochester player to instigate another incident while play was under way."
He failed to go on to mention that Shawn Evans crushed Philadelphia goalie Brandon Miller after the incident, an incident that was far more severe. Evans should be more lucky to escape suspension.
I'm not just saying this because Rochester is in Toronto after a game in Denver Thursday. I am saying this because Bob Matthews clearly ignored the Evans hit. He should have mentioned it, it was brutal. However, that doesn't excuse Snider. They should both be suspended. Bob Matthews should keep his bias a little more in check and mention both sides of the story.
You have to wonder what Thomas Hajek was saying to Shawn Evans during their firght.
"Philadelphia star Geoff Snider will be lucky if he escapes a suspension for his antics in Saturday night's loss to Rochester. He deliberately bowled over Knighthawks goaltender Pat O'Toole and then dropped his gloves and chased a Rochester player to instigate another incident while play was under way."
He failed to go on to mention that Shawn Evans crushed Philadelphia goalie Brandon Miller after the incident, an incident that was far more severe. Evans should be more lucky to escape suspension.
I'm not just saying this because Rochester is in Toronto after a game in Denver Thursday. I am saying this because Bob Matthews clearly ignored the Evans hit. He should have mentioned it, it was brutal. However, that doesn't excuse Snider. They should both be suspended. Bob Matthews should keep his bias a little more in check and mention both sides of the story.
You have to wonder what Thomas Hajek was saying to Shawn Evans during their firght.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Shanny on the Weekend
Before I write this, I have to make one thing perfectly clear. Brian Shanahan is a good guy. He does great things for the sport of lacrosse, has a good knowledge of the players in all levels of the game, and was great to listen to when the Rock televised their road games way the hell back when. But I have read his columns on NLL Insider this year, and a lot of them don't follow any logic, or have any structure. Here is his an example of some that in his latest column after this weekend's games.
"Wow. Again, another surprising weekend. Chicago beats Minnesota – not a huge surprise – but you have to like Chicago’s 10 goal run after a slow start."
This is Brian Shahahan, the guy is THE lacrosse analyst in North America. The guy that gets to analyze NLL championship games, Minto Cups, and just about every other major lacrosse game or tournament shown on TV. There are a few major flaws with this collection of sentences and sentence fragments. He first says that it was a surprising weekend. This is fair, because it was. The statistical data favoured San Jose and Minnesota in particular. They both lost, so yes, it was in fact surprising. However, following that he says that it wasn't a huge surprise that Chicago beat Minnesota. Didn't he say that it was surprising right before that? I guess he means it was surprising, but not hugely surprising. It was surprising Mr. Shanahan, you said that right before you said it wasn't huge surprise. Don't go back and forth.
"It doesn’t look like the Power Rankings have changed much but try to use your imagination to picture this. A month ago the distance between number 1 and 12 was huge – you would have to scroll down your computer a long way to go from Philadelphia to Chicago. Today the distance between 1 and 12 is much smaller. If we could we would squish them on your computer screen today."
Now this is great. Try to follow this. He says that the distance between the 1st and 12th team in the NLL was huge. It was in terms of their record, with Philadelphia being 6-0 and Edmonton being 0-6 or something similar. But then he says that the distance on my computer screen was longer back then than it is now. I am pretty damn sure it is the same distance. The exact same formula for how to format his rankings have been used every week. The teams are listed by his magical ranking system, with their logo and a small blip of information surrounding them. This hasn't changed since January. The distance today on my computer screen isn't smaller. The only thing that has changed is that the winning percentage differential is much smaller from first to last (or in Shanny's case, the weird, sometimes head scratching logic used to rank teams has somehow mysteriously pushed the teams closer together). But somehow, I need to scroll a smaller distance down my computer to get from 1 to 12. That is why the standings are much tighter. It is because my computer screen has tightened up. Good logic Shanny!
"Wow. Again, another surprising weekend. Chicago beats Minnesota – not a huge surprise – but you have to like Chicago’s 10 goal run after a slow start."
This is Brian Shahahan, the guy is THE lacrosse analyst in North America. The guy that gets to analyze NLL championship games, Minto Cups, and just about every other major lacrosse game or tournament shown on TV. There are a few major flaws with this collection of sentences and sentence fragments. He first says that it was a surprising weekend. This is fair, because it was. The statistical data favoured San Jose and Minnesota in particular. They both lost, so yes, it was in fact surprising. However, following that he says that it wasn't a huge surprise that Chicago beat Minnesota. Didn't he say that it was surprising right before that? I guess he means it was surprising, but not hugely surprising. It was surprising Mr. Shanahan, you said that right before you said it wasn't huge surprise. Don't go back and forth.
"It doesn’t look like the Power Rankings have changed much but try to use your imagination to picture this. A month ago the distance between number 1 and 12 was huge – you would have to scroll down your computer a long way to go from Philadelphia to Chicago. Today the distance between 1 and 12 is much smaller. If we could we would squish them on your computer screen today."
Now this is great. Try to follow this. He says that the distance between the 1st and 12th team in the NLL was huge. It was in terms of their record, with Philadelphia being 6-0 and Edmonton being 0-6 or something similar. But then he says that the distance on my computer screen was longer back then than it is now. I am pretty damn sure it is the same distance. The exact same formula for how to format his rankings have been used every week. The teams are listed by his magical ranking system, with their logo and a small blip of information surrounding them. This hasn't changed since January. The distance today on my computer screen isn't smaller. The only thing that has changed is that the winning percentage differential is much smaller from first to last (or in Shanny's case, the weird, sometimes head scratching logic used to rank teams has somehow mysteriously pushed the teams closer together). But somehow, I need to scroll a smaller distance down my computer to get from 1 to 12. That is why the standings are much tighter. It is because my computer screen has tightened up. Good logic Shanny!
First Place in Sights
Thanks to another upset by the Chicago Shamrox last night against Minnesota (seriously, who thought they had it in them two weeks in a row?) and a loss by the Philadelphia Wings at Blue Cross, the Rock now have a chance at first place this coming weekend with Knighthawks in town Saturday, and the remake of the March 8th Philadelphia game. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this is the will be the first time this late in the season that the Rock would be in first place since 2005.
Of course with the Rock among the best teams in the NLL, what does the Toronto Star decide to put its attention on? An eliminated hockey team, a basketball team that got its asses handed to them tonight, and a soccer team that hasn't score since their first game or something. Absolutely embarrassing. You think that the team that has given Toronto its only championship caliber rosters since about 1994 would get some press, but no. I really don't give a shit about the Marlies either.
As many have noticed, the Rock gave Lewis Ratcliff the nickname "Sweet Lou". How the hell do they come up with these atrocious things? Sweet Lou sounds like a Birmingham, AB stripper's name, not the nickname for a guy who is supposed to lead the Rock to a championship. He doesn't need a nickname unless it is something that has meaning, or connects somehow to his name. Like Cam "Bam Bam" Woods. I suppose he has a strange fixation with the Flintstones or something. Let the guys who have developed cool, classy ones have them, otherwise don't force them down our throats at the ACC.
Of course with the Rock among the best teams in the NLL, what does the Toronto Star decide to put its attention on? An eliminated hockey team, a basketball team that got its asses handed to them tonight, and a soccer team that hasn't score since their first game or something. Absolutely embarrassing. You think that the team that has given Toronto its only championship caliber rosters since about 1994 would get some press, but no. I really don't give a shit about the Marlies either.
As many have noticed, the Rock gave Lewis Ratcliff the nickname "Sweet Lou". How the hell do they come up with these atrocious things? Sweet Lou sounds like a Birmingham, AB stripper's name, not the nickname for a guy who is supposed to lead the Rock to a championship. He doesn't need a nickname unless it is something that has meaning, or connects somehow to his name. Like Cam "Bam Bam" Woods. I suppose he has a strange fixation with the Flintstones or something. Let the guys who have developed cool, classy ones have them, otherwise don't force them down our throats at the ACC.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Ratcliff Stats
I posted some stats over on the NLL message board about Lewis Ratcliff. I will now cherry pick some of those to prove his value as an NLL scorer and particularly to the Rock.
Of his assists this season, only 37% have been second assists. As we all know, 1st assists are generally more important as they contribute directly to the goal. Not to say 2nd assists aren't important, but on average, it is safe to say 1st assists are the more important.
Since 2005 at the Air Canada Centre, Ratcliff has averaged over 5 PPG, scoring 13 goals and 13 assists in that span. This bodes well for the remainder of the season, with Ratcliff having 3 more home games.
Unfortunately, his points go down slightly against the Eastern Conference. This year in games against Rochester, Buffalo and Toronto, he has 1.7 goals and assists per game. This will have to get significantly better.
The stats support this trade. Ratcliff has also contributed to 22.0% of Calgary's goals this year, where as Josh Sanderson had only contributed to 19.2 % of Toronto's.
Of his assists this season, only 37% have been second assists. As we all know, 1st assists are generally more important as they contribute directly to the goal. Not to say 2nd assists aren't important, but on average, it is safe to say 1st assists are the more important.
Since 2005 at the Air Canada Centre, Ratcliff has averaged over 5 PPG, scoring 13 goals and 13 assists in that span. This bodes well for the remainder of the season, with Ratcliff having 3 more home games.
Unfortunately, his points go down slightly against the Eastern Conference. This year in games against Rochester, Buffalo and Toronto, he has 1.7 goals and assists per game. This will have to get significantly better.
The stats support this trade. Ratcliff has also contributed to 22.0% of Calgary's goals this year, where as Josh Sanderson had only contributed to 19.2 % of Toronto's.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Trade Deadline: The Dust Has Settled
With the trade deadline yesterday now in our rear view mirror, lets take a look at some of the trades that happened yesterday
First, the Rush added the guy who is consistently the among the league leaders in dropped passes. Dan Teat joins the barbwire brigade (a great fucking nickname I know), a team that has virtually no offensive power after Chris Gill was traded to Colorado and Mike Accursi's production was exchanged for Teat ball dropping and some picks.
This is what new GM/Coach Bob Hamley had to say about the trade:"He hasn't had the season he wanted. He's going to get a lot of playing time with us and he'll help our young guys mature. He doesn't need the ball in his stick until he's on top of the goalie and he's good at getting open. And he's a great guy."
OK there Bob. You did a great job in Arizona and really did well brining in Plunkett and Hominuck. But why bring in Teat? He is old (and not John Tavares good old, but just kind of old and bad). He wants to help the team's young forwards. I guess Brendan Thenhaus will get some playing time with Steve Hutchins. But essentially what Hammer wants Teat to do is to help Dan Stroup, Jim Quinlan, Plunkett, Hominuck and some other guys like Randy Daly who don't play anymore. Thats great, those guys are all really, really young. He also mentions that Teat doesn't need the ball in his stick until he is on top of the goalie. He doesn't need it in his stick because he loses the ball or passes it to the other team. I think Darris Kilgour figured this out finally. Usually once he gets the ball on top of the crease, he drops it too. That will be a big help for Edmonton.
The one thing I did like in this trade for the Rush (in addition to trading the great Matt Disher to Portland) is the draft picks acquired, because Paul Day seemed to think that trading what could have been Jeff Zywicki or Dan Carey for Andrew Turner was a great move:
"I worked the phones pretty hard," said Hamley. "We didn't have any draft picks the next two years when I arrived and we had to get some back."
Good for you Bob, just don't play up the Dan Teat part of this trade so much.Now on to Jamie Batley, the guy who couldn't get anything for Scott Self because the asking price was too high in Chicago's end:
"Our defence and our goaltending are keeping us in games and giving us a chance to win,"
That is great Jamie. You are 2-7 and 3.5 games behind 4th place with 2 teams to leapfrog. Do you really want to go 4-12, or do you want to have a chance at Darryl Veltman or somebody good for your team. Have fun when Self is playing for Winnipeg or Dallas or wherever the Sting end up next year.
Finally, lets hear some statements of the big one yesterday.
First, Lewis "Sweet Lou" Ratcliff: "I just have to play my game when I get there. That's trying to put the ball in the net, being a threat on offence. I don't think they're bringing me in to change my style at all."
No shit Lewis. I don't think they are going to put Scott Campbell out on offence instead of you.
Now Sanderson: "After we won both our games last weekend I thought it was off so I was a little bit shocked when it happened,"
Why would you be shocked Josh? You don't play for the Barrie Lakeshores in the summer. Ask your old teammate who is now terrorizing defences on the west coast. Don't think he saw his coming either.
Beisel for MVP
I was waiting for some media outlet to pick up on the Brian Beisel signing. Unfortunately, it was NLL Inisder:
"The Philadelphia Wings ink veteran Brian Beisel and gain some valuable leadership from a dude who knows how to win championships".
Of course Beisel will lend his leadership to the Wings, the guy has been around for a while. But, just like David Eckstein in baseball, does Beisel actually know how to win championships? Does he have a game plan so superior to every other player in the league that it leads directly to a championship? Will he be instructing Dave Huntley on how to win a championship?
Was it him, or was it Colin Doyle, Blaine Manning, and Jim Veltman who were the main players on the 2005 championship team?
I love how these people think big Canadian defenceman, who possess all those intangibles-skills, grit, hustle, leadership, toughness, etc, think that Beisel will help the Wings win the championship because "he knows how to". In all likely hood, it will be a combination of Athan Iannucci, Taylor Wray, Kyle Sweeney and Jason Crosbie that will lead the Wings to the championship (should they get there). But I guess I can't argue with the logic that Beisel will know how to win it for them.
"The Philadelphia Wings ink veteran Brian Beisel and gain some valuable leadership from a dude who knows how to win championships".
Of course Beisel will lend his leadership to the Wings, the guy has been around for a while. But, just like David Eckstein in baseball, does Beisel actually know how to win championships? Does he have a game plan so superior to every other player in the league that it leads directly to a championship? Will he be instructing Dave Huntley on how to win a championship?
Was it him, or was it Colin Doyle, Blaine Manning, and Jim Veltman who were the main players on the 2005 championship team?
I love how these people think big Canadian defenceman, who possess all those intangibles-skills, grit, hustle, leadership, toughness, etc, think that Beisel will help the Wings win the championship because "he knows how to". In all likely hood, it will be a combination of Athan Iannucci, Taylor Wray, Kyle Sweeney and Jason Crosbie that will lead the Wings to the championship (should they get there). But I guess I can't argue with the logic that Beisel will know how to win it for them.
Lewis Ratcliff
I took a look at the NLL website yesterday and saw one thing I was hoping for. The Rock got a big power forward, which is one thing they desperately need. They also traded one of the best play-makers of all-time in a deal which made sense.
Here is a quotation from our favourite guy, the Director of Lacrosse Operations for the Rock, one Mike Kloepfer: "Kloepfer admitted that replacing the burly Doyle, one of the catalysts of the Rock's early decade dynasty, has been difficult, but felt that Ratcliff could solve the team's scoring woes."
OK. I have no problem with getting Ratcliff. The problem I have is that Kloepfer seems to think that there was some external force acting on him back in December of 2006. He believes that God spoke to him one night, saying that he needed to trade Colin Doyle for immortality. The owner of a local Tim Hortons franchise offered him free donuts for life if Doyle were traded, particularly if his favourite player, Chad Thompson came back in return. He may have also played that crossword lottery, and managed to put together a series of words saying "Trade Colin Doyle".
The point being that Kloepfer did not need to trade Doyle back then. He was still in his prime and still is. If replacing Doyle has been so difficult, then why do it in the first place? There was no need to trade for him. Had he not traded him, then there would no need to trade a premier playmaker like Sanderson for a power forward. Not to mention we lost a first round pick in the deal.
Lewis Ratcliff will solve a lot of the Rock's offensive needs. But where is the offence going to to run out of now? I'd expect to see a little more Jimmy Veltman out there as the quarterback in the last 5 games.
Here is a quotation from our favourite guy, the Director of Lacrosse Operations for the Rock, one Mike Kloepfer: "Kloepfer admitted that replacing the burly Doyle, one of the catalysts of the Rock's early decade dynasty, has been difficult, but felt that Ratcliff could solve the team's scoring woes."
OK. I have no problem with getting Ratcliff. The problem I have is that Kloepfer seems to think that there was some external force acting on him back in December of 2006. He believes that God spoke to him one night, saying that he needed to trade Colin Doyle for immortality. The owner of a local Tim Hortons franchise offered him free donuts for life if Doyle were traded, particularly if his favourite player, Chad Thompson came back in return. He may have also played that crossword lottery, and managed to put together a series of words saying "Trade Colin Doyle".
The point being that Kloepfer did not need to trade Doyle back then. He was still in his prime and still is. If replacing Doyle has been so difficult, then why do it in the first place? There was no need to trade for him. Had he not traded him, then there would no need to trade a premier playmaker like Sanderson for a power forward. Not to mention we lost a first round pick in the deal.
Lewis Ratcliff will solve a lot of the Rock's offensive needs. But where is the offence going to to run out of now? I'd expect to see a little more Jimmy Veltman out there as the quarterback in the last 5 games.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Doyle Update
A quick update on our favourite son: #7 Colin Doyle
10 GP, 20 G, 39 A, 59 PTS, .190 SHT%
The man he got traded for essentially: #21 Ryan Benesch
11 GP, 14 G, 25 A, 39 PTS, .133 SHT%
Who won that trade?
I know there were other parts, but thats what it boils down to. If we want to talk about other parts, how about Chad Thompson? He is having a solid year isn't he? Just running that transition game like he is the next Steve Toll.
*I know Thompson is injured, but he gets points for having played about 25 years of junior for the Orillia Kings.
10 GP, 20 G, 39 A, 59 PTS, .190 SHT%
The man he got traded for essentially: #21 Ryan Benesch
11 GP, 14 G, 25 A, 39 PTS, .133 SHT%
Who won that trade?
I know there were other parts, but thats what it boils down to. If we want to talk about other parts, how about Chad Thompson? He is having a solid year isn't he? Just running that transition game like he is the next Steve Toll.
*I know Thompson is injured, but he gets points for having played about 25 years of junior for the Orillia Kings.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Trade Deadline Preview
What will happen on Tuesday, in what can be considered a key day for NLL junkies to digest if their favourite team has what it takes to go to the big game in May? The trade deadline is on its way, and with an extremely tight east, and a western conference where every team has a chance to make the playoffs, it may be quieter than usual. With that in mind though, here are some guys who may be available:
Mat Giles, Chicago: Despite the win against Rochester last night, its pretty damn obvious the 'Rox aren't going to do anything this year. Giles is having another solid year, on pace for about 45-48 points. He is a big body with a ton of big game experience for the Peterborough Lakers, and could help any team in contention. If Jamie Batley is still under the illusion that Brad Self will show up and lead Chicago to glory, then Giles won't go anywhere. But it would be neat to see Giles attempt to go after his teammate Chris Panos' teams played for record.
Jonas Derks, Chicago: With the Windy City crew being the most mathematically unlikely to make the playoffs, they may be willing to part with another guy that has played in a ton of places, Jonas Derks. Derks had a huge game Saturday with 4 goals in the win over the big, bad Knighthawks, and could be a good secondary offensive addition for a contending team.
Also, Scott Self, one of the best shutdown defenceman in the game, could be had, but the Arizona situation keeps this cloudy. Chances are Batley would unload him if he knew that 'Zona was coming back sure, but who the hell knows anymore what Doug Moss is thinking.
Dan Stroup/Chris Gill, Edmonton: These guys basically follow each other around in the NLL (aside from Gill's brief journey to Cowtown in 2005) with stops in Toronto, Vancouver, Colorado and now Edmonton. They won't be going to an Eastern Conference team, but could be attractive to somebody in the West who wants to add depth and championship experience to its offence (Colorado again or San Jose) or somebody who wants some scorers to put them over the top (Portland). Bob Hamley could also hang on to these guys and try to track down Portland and Calgary himself. However, these guys don't have much left, and the Rush would likely face a quick playoff exit at the hands of San Jose or the Mammoth, so unloading them makes the most sense in the long run of the Rush.
Ken Millen, Rochester: The Knighthawks look to be in tough to make the playoffs, let alone repeat as champions. They won't trade John Grant, who still has at least 5 solid years left, nor will they trade Shawn Williams, who signed that big contract in the off-season. The Evans brothers are still both young and Chris Schiller is a local boy who is in the prime of his career. That leaves Millen, normally a solid offensive threat who is struggling this year, with a shooting percentage under 10%. He could probably be had for a 2nd or 3rd round pick, and could provide depth to someone's attack.
Brad MacDonald, Portland: The Lumberjax are unlikely to win the West this year, even with that beast of a power forward in Dan Dawson. It makes sense to try to get value and some future production in the form of a draft pick or prospect. With that in mind, MacDonald could be the guy to go. He is a solid defender, but will likely only go to a western team. San Jose and Colorado could both be interested.
Those are just some guys who could be traded. There are always some wacky trades (who the hell would have thought Craig Conn would have gone from Minnesota to Arizona in 2005) and other strange happenings (Paul Gait coming out of retirement to join his brother for one last hurrah). We shall see what will happen on the 25th.
As for the Rock, what will they do? It is hard to say under Kloepfer. Will he decide to trade the top 3 of his scorers, believing that securing more Barrie Lakeshores will bring glory back to the Rock? Will he do something smart, bringing in that big power forward that is desperately needed and try to ride an amazing goaltender one last time?
History suggests he will completely surprise us, doing something that leaves us scratching our heads and drinking a lot of beer to curve the pain.
Mat Giles, Chicago: Despite the win against Rochester last night, its pretty damn obvious the 'Rox aren't going to do anything this year. Giles is having another solid year, on pace for about 45-48 points. He is a big body with a ton of big game experience for the Peterborough Lakers, and could help any team in contention. If Jamie Batley is still under the illusion that Brad Self will show up and lead Chicago to glory, then Giles won't go anywhere. But it would be neat to see Giles attempt to go after his teammate Chris Panos' teams played for record.
Jonas Derks, Chicago: With the Windy City crew being the most mathematically unlikely to make the playoffs, they may be willing to part with another guy that has played in a ton of places, Jonas Derks. Derks had a huge game Saturday with 4 goals in the win over the big, bad Knighthawks, and could be a good secondary offensive addition for a contending team.
Also, Scott Self, one of the best shutdown defenceman in the game, could be had, but the Arizona situation keeps this cloudy. Chances are Batley would unload him if he knew that 'Zona was coming back sure, but who the hell knows anymore what Doug Moss is thinking.
Dan Stroup/Chris Gill, Edmonton: These guys basically follow each other around in the NLL (aside from Gill's brief journey to Cowtown in 2005) with stops in Toronto, Vancouver, Colorado and now Edmonton. They won't be going to an Eastern Conference team, but could be attractive to somebody in the West who wants to add depth and championship experience to its offence (Colorado again or San Jose) or somebody who wants some scorers to put them over the top (Portland). Bob Hamley could also hang on to these guys and try to track down Portland and Calgary himself. However, these guys don't have much left, and the Rush would likely face a quick playoff exit at the hands of San Jose or the Mammoth, so unloading them makes the most sense in the long run of the Rush.
Ken Millen, Rochester: The Knighthawks look to be in tough to make the playoffs, let alone repeat as champions. They won't trade John Grant, who still has at least 5 solid years left, nor will they trade Shawn Williams, who signed that big contract in the off-season. The Evans brothers are still both young and Chris Schiller is a local boy who is in the prime of his career. That leaves Millen, normally a solid offensive threat who is struggling this year, with a shooting percentage under 10%. He could probably be had for a 2nd or 3rd round pick, and could provide depth to someone's attack.
Brad MacDonald, Portland: The Lumberjax are unlikely to win the West this year, even with that beast of a power forward in Dan Dawson. It makes sense to try to get value and some future production in the form of a draft pick or prospect. With that in mind, MacDonald could be the guy to go. He is a solid defender, but will likely only go to a western team. San Jose and Colorado could both be interested.
Those are just some guys who could be traded. There are always some wacky trades (who the hell would have thought Craig Conn would have gone from Minnesota to Arizona in 2005) and other strange happenings (Paul Gait coming out of retirement to join his brother for one last hurrah). We shall see what will happen on the 25th.
As for the Rock, what will they do? It is hard to say under Kloepfer. Will he decide to trade the top 3 of his scorers, believing that securing more Barrie Lakeshores will bring glory back to the Rock? Will he do something smart, bringing in that big power forward that is desperately needed and try to ride an amazing goaltender one last time?
History suggests he will completely surprise us, doing something that leaves us scratching our heads and drinking a lot of beer to curve the pain.
Rock Beat Bandits!
No clever puns. You can think what you want, but yesterday's "What a Rush" header was a piece of blogging gold after the big win at the ACC on Friday night. The Rock simply came out what they had to do last night and held John Tavares and Mark Steinhuis to a combined 6 points, and only one goal.
With Buffalo fans raving about Ken Montour, it was Bob Watson relieving Mike Poulin early and delivering another sub 10 goal performance. Montour wasn't bad, but he wasn't Watson's equal, just by the sheer volume of goals he let in. But, I was listening on a choppy AM radio feed that wouldn't allow me to make out half the words that were being said, so if I am wrong, feel free to correct me. Glenn Clark deserves big praise for pulling Poulin after a weak start. Normally I feel coaches don't really control the game, that if the players do their job, their can be a certain predictability, but that was an important move.
The Rock's offence was clicking again, which surprised me somewhat, although there has been some success against a tough, but sometimes sloppy Buffalo defence. Josh Sanderson and Aaron Wilson both had 4 goals, and Blaine Manning had 5 assists. Ryan Benesch chipped in with what I heard was a quiet 6 points. That basically sums up Benesch's season right there.
Rob Marshall with another big game statistically (1/2/3 2 LB) and Jimmy Veltman had 10 loose balls in his last visit to Buffalo in the regular season. There is a decent chance that these teams could be playoff opponents.
Another note, Kasey Beirnes currently has his worst shooting percentage in 3 years. He is on pace for 32 big points, and really, really needs to justify trading a first rounder last year in the package to get him. If he makes more plays like he did on Friday, where he ran over an Edmonton defender, thus creating space for himself, and scoring a nice goal, he would be valuable. But those are two far and in between.
But again, goaltending was a huge reason for the win. The Rock need two big wins following an off week, when the struggling Knighthawks come to town, followed by a makeup game in Philadelphia.
Trade deadline on Tuesday too, I wonder what Mr. Kloepfer will do? Probably something to disrupt the results the Rock posted on the weekend.
With Buffalo fans raving about Ken Montour, it was Bob Watson relieving Mike Poulin early and delivering another sub 10 goal performance. Montour wasn't bad, but he wasn't Watson's equal, just by the sheer volume of goals he let in. But, I was listening on a choppy AM radio feed that wouldn't allow me to make out half the words that were being said, so if I am wrong, feel free to correct me. Glenn Clark deserves big praise for pulling Poulin after a weak start. Normally I feel coaches don't really control the game, that if the players do their job, their can be a certain predictability, but that was an important move.
The Rock's offence was clicking again, which surprised me somewhat, although there has been some success against a tough, but sometimes sloppy Buffalo defence. Josh Sanderson and Aaron Wilson both had 4 goals, and Blaine Manning had 5 assists. Ryan Benesch chipped in with what I heard was a quiet 6 points. That basically sums up Benesch's season right there.
Rob Marshall with another big game statistically (1/2/3 2 LB) and Jimmy Veltman had 10 loose balls in his last visit to Buffalo in the regular season. There is a decent chance that these teams could be playoff opponents.
Another note, Kasey Beirnes currently has his worst shooting percentage in 3 years. He is on pace for 32 big points, and really, really needs to justify trading a first rounder last year in the package to get him. If he makes more plays like he did on Friday, where he ran over an Edmonton defender, thus creating space for himself, and scoring a nice goal, he would be valuable. But those are two far and in between.
But again, goaltending was a huge reason for the win. The Rock need two big wins following an off week, when the struggling Knighthawks come to town, followed by a makeup game in Philadelphia.
Trade deadline on Tuesday too, I wonder what Mr. Kloepfer will do? Probably something to disrupt the results the Rock posted on the weekend.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
What A Rush!
Well, the Rock listened to my prediction and beat the Rush last night (I know they didn't fucking listen to me specifically, I just used statistical analysis to determine that the Rock have a better chance at winning). Aaron Wilson, Josh Sanderson, Matt Taylor and to a lesser extent Blaine Manning all played great on offence. Ryan Benesch continues to struggle, as I believe most of his assists were 2nd ones last night (I am too lazy to pointstreak it right now, if any one can tell me, I'll get them a 2 dollar gift certificate at the Loose Moose). Rob Marshall is really turning into a solid transition player, and he isn't even from Barrie. Jimmy Veltman is so much more stabilizing for the team when he plays the crease on the PP, he just calms everybody down, which in turn, increases production.
I can't give anymore shoutouts without mentioning Bob Watson. The Whipper made some great saves with the game still close, and arguably, was the difference yet again.
The Rock are now probably in Buffalo, or struggling to get through customs at the Peace Bridge right now. Unfortunately, I will not be making the trip due to Easter commitments, but I will be pointstreaking and hope to have a recap tomorrow.
I really wish this game was on Sportsnet like the old days, but I guess they have too much CIS hockey to show. Without looking, I am guessing TSN has darts, pool, or a game where 2 bums square off in a battle to the death brawl over a piece of steak.
PS-How fucking awesome was it last night to see the Durham SWAT team come out of the rafters? Also, how fucking awesome was it to see a minor team other than Barrie before the Rock warmup?
I can't give anymore shoutouts without mentioning Bob Watson. The Whipper made some great saves with the game still close, and arguably, was the difference yet again.
The Rock are now probably in Buffalo, or struggling to get through customs at the Peace Bridge right now. Unfortunately, I will not be making the trip due to Easter commitments, but I will be pointstreaking and hope to have a recap tomorrow.
I really wish this game was on Sportsnet like the old days, but I guess they have too much CIS hockey to show. Without looking, I am guessing TSN has darts, pool, or a game where 2 bums square off in a battle to the death brawl over a piece of steak.
PS-How fucking awesome was it last night to see the Durham SWAT team come out of the rafters? Also, how fucking awesome was it to see a minor team other than Barrie before the Rock warmup?
Friday, March 21, 2008
Rock vs Edmonton
The Edmonton Rush invade the Air Canada Centre for a matchup tonight with the 4th place Toronto Rock. This game, despite a non-conference one, has big implications for both teams. The Rush need a win to keep pace with Portland, who won in what looked like a thriller last night against Colorado. The Rock need a win tonight, as they will have a tough game against Buffalo. With Rochester having Chicago this weekend too, it is imperative for the Rock to take the win tonight.
Having said that, it won't be quite as easy to beat the Rush as it was earlier in the season. Bob Hamley is a much better coach than Paul Day, having proven that in his time in Arizona. In addition to having Hamley behind the bench, he made some very, very astute trades to bring in Lindsay Plunkett, and Mike Hominuck: 2 30 goal and 60 point guys when they are both healthy.
Curtis Palidwor has also played much better in nets lately tonight, and will no doubt be excited to play against Bob Watson. The Rush also feature former Ontario Raider Mike Accursi, along with former Rock snipers and championship team members Chris Gill and Dan Stroup. I am hoping that the Rock front office will do something to acknowledge their past contributions to the team, similar to what they did for Pat Merrill and Kaleb Toth.
The Rock are coming off what I would call an embarrassing loss to New York last week, in a game in which nobody played particularly well. More finish and better shot selection is required tonight, otherwise Edmonton will take the win. Bob Watson is always the key for the Rock, and I am going to say there is a very good chance he will start tonight, although Mike Poulin is due soon too, perhaps in the April game against Chicago. Josh Sanderson has 6 points last week, but doesn't seem to make as many of those awe-inspired passes anymore, his production is also way down. Ryan Benesch and Aaron Wilson's shooting percentages have also been too low. Rob Marshall needs to capitalize on his transition chances a lot more now, and of course, captain Jimmy Veltman remains solid. I am surprised there is no effort, no production when one of the best in lacrosse history is winding down his career. I should hope that Veltman's efforts inspire at least something for the rest of the team.
I think the Rock will win, but it won't be a cake walk. Edmonton is not as bad as their record indicates, and Toronto is not as good.
Around the NLL:
-Brian Langtry had 9 goals on 20 shots last night, but the Mammoth still fell at the Rose Garden to the Portland Lumberjax. 9 goals is pretty damn amazing, but Langtry's lack of consistent production is obvious sometimes. Still one of the best Americans in the game.
-Rochester faces Chicago in a game they should win. Sounds very similar to last Saturday.
-San Jose will look to again move into a tie with the Mammoth for first place when they play at the Saddledome on Saturday vs Calgary.
-The New York Titans also have a home game in Trenton against the high octane Wings. I will say Wings in a romp.
-The Rock travel down the QEW for Veltman's last regular season game in Buffalo tomorrow. Hopefully I will have a game preview tomorrow.
Enjoy what should be an exciting weekend of lacrosse, and remember Rock fans: do whatever you can to get rid of Kloepfer.
Having said that, it won't be quite as easy to beat the Rush as it was earlier in the season. Bob Hamley is a much better coach than Paul Day, having proven that in his time in Arizona. In addition to having Hamley behind the bench, he made some very, very astute trades to bring in Lindsay Plunkett, and Mike Hominuck: 2 30 goal and 60 point guys when they are both healthy.
Curtis Palidwor has also played much better in nets lately tonight, and will no doubt be excited to play against Bob Watson. The Rush also feature former Ontario Raider Mike Accursi, along with former Rock snipers and championship team members Chris Gill and Dan Stroup. I am hoping that the Rock front office will do something to acknowledge their past contributions to the team, similar to what they did for Pat Merrill and Kaleb Toth.
The Rock are coming off what I would call an embarrassing loss to New York last week, in a game in which nobody played particularly well. More finish and better shot selection is required tonight, otherwise Edmonton will take the win. Bob Watson is always the key for the Rock, and I am going to say there is a very good chance he will start tonight, although Mike Poulin is due soon too, perhaps in the April game against Chicago. Josh Sanderson has 6 points last week, but doesn't seem to make as many of those awe-inspired passes anymore, his production is also way down. Ryan Benesch and Aaron Wilson's shooting percentages have also been too low. Rob Marshall needs to capitalize on his transition chances a lot more now, and of course, captain Jimmy Veltman remains solid. I am surprised there is no effort, no production when one of the best in lacrosse history is winding down his career. I should hope that Veltman's efforts inspire at least something for the rest of the team.
I think the Rock will win, but it won't be a cake walk. Edmonton is not as bad as their record indicates, and Toronto is not as good.
Around the NLL:
-Brian Langtry had 9 goals on 20 shots last night, but the Mammoth still fell at the Rose Garden to the Portland Lumberjax. 9 goals is pretty damn amazing, but Langtry's lack of consistent production is obvious sometimes. Still one of the best Americans in the game.
-Rochester faces Chicago in a game they should win. Sounds very similar to last Saturday.
-San Jose will look to again move into a tie with the Mammoth for first place when they play at the Saddledome on Saturday vs Calgary.
-The New York Titans also have a home game in Trenton against the high octane Wings. I will say Wings in a romp.
-The Rock travel down the QEW for Veltman's last regular season game in Buffalo tomorrow. Hopefully I will have a game preview tomorrow.
Enjoy what should be an exciting weekend of lacrosse, and remember Rock fans: do whatever you can to get rid of Kloepfer.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Glossary
Some words used with regard to Mike Kloepfer:
Barrie Lakeshores: The best fucking lacrosse team ever. Look at all those Mann Cups. Every damn Lakeshore should play for the Toronto Rock at some point.
Good Player: According to Kloepfer, anybody who is small or slow or has poor stick skills or a combination of these things is a good player.
Smart Trade: Trading anybody who has played in an all-star game for a second round pick or less. Trading a perennial MVP candidate for guys that produce about a frigging fifth of what he does is an excellent trade.
Goals: A key stat according to Kloepfer. The team should have enough talent to score 5 a game. He cites a Barrie Tornado win in 2005 as a the reason why 5 goals a game is sufficient. Kloepfer thinks that a goal is taking at least 5 poor shots from in close, followed by hitting the back of mesh with the ball from at least 25 feet out. The 5 poor shots is a minimum, and if a player takes a good shot from in close or doesn't play for the Lakeshores he deserves to be punished. If Rob Blasdell is the opposing goalie, then only 10 shots may be taken a game, with 0 goals scored. If one does score against Blasdell, he must complain to the ref that it was illegal.
Shots Against: Again another key stat for Kloepfer. He believes that the team should allow the most shots against their goalie in order to "test" him and "keep him fresh". He believes that 55 shots against is a great game, and anybody who manages to shoot 70 against the Rock will get the players free appetizers at the Spruce Moose.
Loose balls: A stat that can show hustle, grit, and possession time. Simply put, the more loose balls picked up the better. The Rock have somebody, Jimmy Veltman, who is unreal at it, despite being about 7000 years old. They also have a lot of guys who seem to lose them consistently. Kloepfer invites anybody who loses a loose ball battle that leads to a Jarrett Park, Clay Hill, Ryan Cousins or Geoff Snider goal to join him for donuts after the game.
Conditioning: In the mind of Mike Kloepfer this area is especially important, and he has taken a new angle to this. While the New York Titans and Minnesota Swarm are running sprints and doing plyometrics, each off season, Kloepfer leads the Rock on a 10 day conditioning stint which includes his favourite exercises: TV Watching, excessive Beer Drinking, and Donut Eating. He feels that each of these exercises will mould them into quality athletes. After Blaine Manning broke away this year and hired a personal trainer, Kloepfer fined him 100 donuts.
Colin Doyle: One of the most overrated players in the game Kloepfer thinks. A guy that scores 30/60/90 on average doesn't deserve a spot on the team. His 3 championship MVPs, numerous all-star appearances, and deadly stick skills are not assets. He did not deserve to be a part of the Toronto Rock anymore Kloepfer believed.
Wins: The critical thing for judging team success at year end. Kloepfer believes that a team should win at least 6 games, but no more than 7. He thinks that middling results will allow them to keep away those very talented players at the top of the draft, and also keep them out of championship contention. He also thinks that having more goals scored against than you score will lead to great success.
Barrie Lakeshores: The best fucking lacrosse team ever. Look at all those Mann Cups. Every damn Lakeshore should play for the Toronto Rock at some point.
Good Player: According to Kloepfer, anybody who is small or slow or has poor stick skills or a combination of these things is a good player.
Smart Trade: Trading anybody who has played in an all-star game for a second round pick or less. Trading a perennial MVP candidate for guys that produce about a frigging fifth of what he does is an excellent trade.
Goals: A key stat according to Kloepfer. The team should have enough talent to score 5 a game. He cites a Barrie Tornado win in 2005 as a the reason why 5 goals a game is sufficient. Kloepfer thinks that a goal is taking at least 5 poor shots from in close, followed by hitting the back of mesh with the ball from at least 25 feet out. The 5 poor shots is a minimum, and if a player takes a good shot from in close or doesn't play for the Lakeshores he deserves to be punished. If Rob Blasdell is the opposing goalie, then only 10 shots may be taken a game, with 0 goals scored. If one does score against Blasdell, he must complain to the ref that it was illegal.
Shots Against: Again another key stat for Kloepfer. He believes that the team should allow the most shots against their goalie in order to "test" him and "keep him fresh". He believes that 55 shots against is a great game, and anybody who manages to shoot 70 against the Rock will get the players free appetizers at the Spruce Moose.
Loose balls: A stat that can show hustle, grit, and possession time. Simply put, the more loose balls picked up the better. The Rock have somebody, Jimmy Veltman, who is unreal at it, despite being about 7000 years old. They also have a lot of guys who seem to lose them consistently. Kloepfer invites anybody who loses a loose ball battle that leads to a Jarrett Park, Clay Hill, Ryan Cousins or Geoff Snider goal to join him for donuts after the game.
Conditioning: In the mind of Mike Kloepfer this area is especially important, and he has taken a new angle to this. While the New York Titans and Minnesota Swarm are running sprints and doing plyometrics, each off season, Kloepfer leads the Rock on a 10 day conditioning stint which includes his favourite exercises: TV Watching, excessive Beer Drinking, and Donut Eating. He feels that each of these exercises will mould them into quality athletes. After Blaine Manning broke away this year and hired a personal trainer, Kloepfer fined him 100 donuts.
Colin Doyle: One of the most overrated players in the game Kloepfer thinks. A guy that scores 30/60/90 on average doesn't deserve a spot on the team. His 3 championship MVPs, numerous all-star appearances, and deadly stick skills are not assets. He did not deserve to be a part of the Toronto Rock anymore Kloepfer believed.
Wins: The critical thing for judging team success at year end. Kloepfer believes that a team should win at least 6 games, but no more than 7. He thinks that middling results will allow them to keep away those very talented players at the top of the draft, and also keep them out of championship contention. He also thinks that having more goals scored against than you score will lead to great success.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Conversation
If you were to go into the Mike Kloepfer's office, and listen to his conversations for one day, I am sure a typical one would go something like this (taken from late December 2006):
Kloepfer: Hey is this Johnny Mouradian?
Mouradian: Yeah this is Johnny. Who is this?
Kloepfer: This is Mike Kloepfer, the new Director of Lacrosse Operations for the Toronto Rock.
Mouradian: Oh hey.
Kloepfer: So I got a proposition for you Johnny.
Mouradian: Yeah, and what would that be?
Kloepfer: What would you give me for Colin Doyle?
Mouradian: You are going to trade Colin Doyle?
Kloepfer: We feel that since he is not from Barrie and that he never played for the Kings or for any team in the great Barrie area that he is expendable. I know he averages about 90 points a season, can play through punishment among the best in the league, and has made the all-star team several times, but we are desperate to unload him.
Mouradian (still in shock): You want me to take Colin Doyle off your hands? You know the guy was second in league scoring last year.
Kloepfer: We are aware of that, he just isn't what we are looking for in our team. He brings far too much talent and the fact that he never played for Barrie really hurts him.
Mouradian: Well Mike, we'd love to have Doyle here in California. Who do you want for him? Zywicki, Rosyski, Sedgwick...a defenceman?
Kloepfer: Zywicki and Rosyski will both have a shot at 40 goals this year, that is far too talented for us. I know Zywicki played in Orillia, but he is an Ottawa kid, not what we are looking for. Sedgwick isn't my type of player How about Wiles, hes played for me for a long time.
Mouradian: No way we are trading Wiles. Didn't Fines play for you?
Kloepfer: Yeah, I'll take him.
Mouradian: Alright, and I assume you want another guy?
Kloepfer: Well one is good but we can take 2.
Mouradian (feeling bad for Kloepfer at this point): How about that first overall pick of ours, Benesch?
Kloepfer: Perfect! A small forward is just what we are looking for.
Mouradian: Alright, now we can iron this thing out.
Kloepfer: Are you sure you don't want Manning and Sanderson, two Excelsiors?
Mouradian (now just confused): Naw, we will be OK with just Doyle thanks.
Kloepfer: Hey is this Johnny Mouradian?
Mouradian: Yeah this is Johnny. Who is this?
Kloepfer: This is Mike Kloepfer, the new Director of Lacrosse Operations for the Toronto Rock.
Mouradian: Oh hey.
Kloepfer: So I got a proposition for you Johnny.
Mouradian: Yeah, and what would that be?
Kloepfer: What would you give me for Colin Doyle?
Mouradian: You are going to trade Colin Doyle?
Kloepfer: We feel that since he is not from Barrie and that he never played for the Kings or for any team in the great Barrie area that he is expendable. I know he averages about 90 points a season, can play through punishment among the best in the league, and has made the all-star team several times, but we are desperate to unload him.
Mouradian (still in shock): You want me to take Colin Doyle off your hands? You know the guy was second in league scoring last year.
Kloepfer: We are aware of that, he just isn't what we are looking for in our team. He brings far too much talent and the fact that he never played for Barrie really hurts him.
Mouradian: Well Mike, we'd love to have Doyle here in California. Who do you want for him? Zywicki, Rosyski, Sedgwick...a defenceman?
Kloepfer: Zywicki and Rosyski will both have a shot at 40 goals this year, that is far too talented for us. I know Zywicki played in Orillia, but he is an Ottawa kid, not what we are looking for. Sedgwick isn't my type of player How about Wiles, hes played for me for a long time.
Mouradian: No way we are trading Wiles. Didn't Fines play for you?
Kloepfer: Yeah, I'll take him.
Mouradian: Alright, and I assume you want another guy?
Kloepfer: Well one is good but we can take 2.
Mouradian (feeling bad for Kloepfer at this point): How about that first overall pick of ours, Benesch?
Kloepfer: Perfect! A small forward is just what we are looking for.
Mouradian: Alright, now we can iron this thing out.
Kloepfer: Are you sure you don't want Manning and Sanderson, two Excelsiors?
Mouradian (now just confused): Naw, we will be OK with just Doyle thanks.
The First Post
Well, what to talk about in the very first post ever in "Fire Mike Kloepfer"? Perhaps a general introduction would be in order. Mike Kloepfer is essentially the General Manager for probably the most successful lacrosse team of the past ten years, the Toronto Rock. Mr. Kloepfer was hired as Director of Lacrosse Operations after an 8-8 2006 season, and proceeded to dismantle a solid team. Just an example of some the guys he has gotten rid of since he took over: Phil Sanderson, Brian Beisel, Brad MacDonald, Rusty Kruger, Patrick Merrill, Darryl Gibson, Ian Rubel, and perhaps most importantly, Colin Doyle. Those guys were all solid if not spectacular players. Their replacements, well, just look at the Rock record since then (11-14).
With the trade deadline coming up after 2 big games this weekend, one can only wonder what Kloepfer will do? Perhaps he will deal Josh Sanderson, Blaine Manning and Aaron Wilson to Portland for Matt Holman and a 2nd round pick. One can only see.
My recommendations for the Rock at deadline time:
1. Acquire a power forward in order to create space for the Rock's smaller offensive players.
2. Acquire a guy with good speed who can create solid transition opportunities to alleviate the pressure from Rob Marshall and Chris Driscoll.
3. Don't trade for anybody from Barrie unless its Luke Wiles.
With the trade deadline coming up after 2 big games this weekend, one can only wonder what Kloepfer will do? Perhaps he will deal Josh Sanderson, Blaine Manning and Aaron Wilson to Portland for Matt Holman and a 2nd round pick. One can only see.
My recommendations for the Rock at deadline time:
1. Acquire a power forward in order to create space for the Rock's smaller offensive players.
2. Acquire a guy with good speed who can create solid transition opportunities to alleviate the pressure from Rob Marshall and Chris Driscoll.
3. Don't trade for anybody from Barrie unless its Luke Wiles.
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