With the big game coming this weekend and the world's media descended on Tampa for Super Bowl XLIII, spare a thought for the guys who are pivotal figures all week, and then fade into the background come game day.
NASN.com has a really interesting piece with some of the Steelers' practise squad, including the rookie lineman Doug Legursky.
Here's a snatch from it:
Doug Legursky is sitting in the stands during media day at Raymond James Stadium, wearing a Super Bowl cap and gazing down on the Steelers everyone knows so well: Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, James Harrison.
The rookie lineman is used to the view.
''This is exactly how it is on Sundays,'' Legursky said, musing about his plight. ''Hopefully I'll get there one day.''
For now, he's a weekday warrior.
Legursky and his ilk are members of the practice squad, those on-the-fringe, oft-rejected guys who spend the week helping their teammates get ready to play, then morph into spectators once the game actually kicks off. They can do all the work in practice - actually, they probably do more than the regulars - but they don't share in the glory.
On Tuesday, they mostly just lounged in the seats, yukking it up with each other while hordes of reporters, television crews and D-list celebrities descended on the Pittsburgh and Arizona players who'll actually be suiting up for the title game.
Legursky is a center hoping to make it with the Steelers; defensive lineman Keilen Dykes is another rookie who's been on the Cardinals' practice squad all season.
''It's a very humbling experience,'' Dykes said. ''But some players have to go through it. Some players have to go through the back door. We can't all go through the front door.''
To read the whole piece click here but you can also read many other interesting articles from the NASN reporters ahead of Super Bowl XLIII. When the world's eyes will be on Tampa, Florida
Coming to Tampa? Stay in Anna Maria Island. For the best in vacation rentals visit www.annamaria.com
Wednesday 28 January 2009
Monday 26 January 2009
Fight game up for discussion
Last weekend's NHL All-Star weekend threw up some interesting issues, not least the current hot potato of fighting among players.
Following a meeting Saturday with the board, the NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, showed no sign that the league's board of governors were ready to change hockey by eliminating fighting.
The recent death of a Canadian amateur and the hospitalization of an AHL player, who had a seizure after a bout Friday night, have raised concerns that fighting has become too dangerous to still be considered a useful part of the game.
"It's a fascinating question," Bettman said during a news conference. "I think it's become integral in terms of how the game is played. I think it acts as a bit of a thermostat, if you will, as to what takes place on the ice. And I believe that most of our fans enjoy that aspect of the game.
"I don't think it's the be-all and end all of our game. I always believed it is an incidental part of the game. But it is a part of the game."
Don Sanderson, was a 21-year-old Whitby Dunlops defenseman who hit his head on the ice after losing his helmet while fighting in December during an Ontario Hockey Association game, and died on January 2.
"We're not going to have any immediate knee-jerk reactions," Bettman said. "We're going to have to study things before we make changes, if we decide to make changes. I don't think that there's any appetite to abolish fighting from the game, and there are lots of reasons for that, including the fact that it's been a part of the game.
"I do think what we're going to have to take a good, hard look at is what I described to the board is, for lack of a better term, the rules of engagement, how a fight gets initiated, what happens with chin straps and helmets, what happens with takedowns."
In the big game itself, Alex Kovalev gave Montreal and Canadiens fans something new to cheer about after scoring two breakaway goals and then one in the shootout to help give the Eastern Conference All-Stars a wild 12-11 victory over the West on Sunday night.
Following a meeting Saturday with the board, the NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, showed no sign that the league's board of governors were ready to change hockey by eliminating fighting.
The recent death of a Canadian amateur and the hospitalization of an AHL player, who had a seizure after a bout Friday night, have raised concerns that fighting has become too dangerous to still be considered a useful part of the game.
"It's a fascinating question," Bettman said during a news conference. "I think it's become integral in terms of how the game is played. I think it acts as a bit of a thermostat, if you will, as to what takes place on the ice. And I believe that most of our fans enjoy that aspect of the game.
"I don't think it's the be-all and end all of our game. I always believed it is an incidental part of the game. But it is a part of the game."
Don Sanderson, was a 21-year-old Whitby Dunlops defenseman who hit his head on the ice after losing his helmet while fighting in December during an Ontario Hockey Association game, and died on January 2.
"We're not going to have any immediate knee-jerk reactions," Bettman said. "We're going to have to study things before we make changes, if we decide to make changes. I don't think that there's any appetite to abolish fighting from the game, and there are lots of reasons for that, including the fact that it's been a part of the game.
"I do think what we're going to have to take a good, hard look at is what I described to the board is, for lack of a better term, the rules of engagement, how a fight gets initiated, what happens with chin straps and helmets, what happens with takedowns."
In the big game itself, Alex Kovalev gave Montreal and Canadiens fans something new to cheer about after scoring two breakaway goals and then one in the shootout to help give the Eastern Conference All-Stars a wild 12-11 victory over the West on Sunday night.
Thursday 22 January 2009
Lightning turning season around
Before Christmas it was impossible. That it is now merely improbable is something of a minor miracle - and a lot of the credit for turning round the Lightning's season must go to interim head coach, Rick Tocchet.
At the start of December, Lightning has lost three on the bounce and were looking like a team devoid of passion, skill and hope. But since Tocchet has taken his chance after a long wait, things seem to be going right for Tampa Bay. So much so that one or two of us are starting to cast an eye to the, wait for it, play-offs.
Tocchet has asked his players to "empty their tanks" with the all-star break coming up, and after a thrilling 5-3 defeat of Buffalo Sabres earned a fifth win in seven, reiterated his belief the Lightning can make the playoffs.
"I think there's a light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "We've dug ourselves our hole that we're just trying to get out of. But if we start looking at weeks ahead at a time, we'll be in trouble."
It was the first time Tampa Bay had beaten Buffalo at home since March 18, 2004, a span of eight games, and came from a most unlikely source.
On a night when Vince Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis failed to find the net the scoring came from defensemen Steve Eminger, Lukas Krajicek and Cory Murphy, along with center Jeff Halpern and right wing Steve Downie.
But who cares who scores? Now we have a short break to consider the unlikely event of the Lightning making post-season. In December you would have only got odds on one Tampa team doing that - and look what happened to them...
Stay in the best Anna Maria Island has to offer in rental accommodation. Visit annamaria.com for more information on the best properties on the island
At the start of December, Lightning has lost three on the bounce and were looking like a team devoid of passion, skill and hope. But since Tocchet has taken his chance after a long wait, things seem to be going right for Tampa Bay. So much so that one or two of us are starting to cast an eye to the, wait for it, play-offs.
Tocchet has asked his players to "empty their tanks" with the all-star break coming up, and after a thrilling 5-3 defeat of Buffalo Sabres earned a fifth win in seven, reiterated his belief the Lightning can make the playoffs.
"I think there's a light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "We've dug ourselves our hole that we're just trying to get out of. But if we start looking at weeks ahead at a time, we'll be in trouble."
It was the first time Tampa Bay had beaten Buffalo at home since March 18, 2004, a span of eight games, and came from a most unlikely source.
On a night when Vince Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis failed to find the net the scoring came from defensemen Steve Eminger, Lukas Krajicek and Cory Murphy, along with center Jeff Halpern and right wing Steve Downie.
But who cares who scores? Now we have a short break to consider the unlikely event of the Lightning making post-season. In December you would have only got odds on one Tampa team doing that - and look what happened to them...
Stay in the best Anna Maria Island has to offer in rental accommodation. Visit annamaria.com for more information on the best properties on the island
Wednesday 21 January 2009
Goodell times ahead
The gloomy economy may have most of us looking over our shoulder for the next crisis but some things are recession-proof it seems. Certainly, according to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, the Super Bowl is one of those.
Goodell, who has been in the Tampa area recently in the run-up to the February 1 jamboree at Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Buccs, said the game will at least allow the country a three-hour break from the worry of the economy.
"We're really excited, and I'm confident we'll have a great event," Goodell said. "The Super Bowl is the one time everyone wants to get away from their daily troubles and we all come together. It's a unifying event."
"For a few hours on Super Bowl Sunday, we all forget about our problems. There will be thousands of people coming into the Bay area, spending money. Will they spend as much as they would have a year ago? Maybe not, but this event will still have a significant economic impact on the community."
Goodell also made mention of Saturday's hiring of Raheem Morris as coach of the Buccaneers in applauding the league's recent trend toward younger coaches.
"It's one of the things we stress," he said. "When you have a vacancy, whether it be head coach or general manager, go through a process, because there's a lot of qualified people out there you may not initially be aware of."
The big match is certainly intriguing if nothing else, with the huge defense of Pittsburgh Steelers coming up against the random offensive flair of Arizona Cardinals. It promises to be a thriller, and one which we hope will live up to expectation.
Coming to Tampa? Stay in a luxury vacation rental and spread the cost with one of the exclusive properties at annamaria.com
Goodell, who has been in the Tampa area recently in the run-up to the February 1 jamboree at Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Buccs, said the game will at least allow the country a three-hour break from the worry of the economy.
"We're really excited, and I'm confident we'll have a great event," Goodell said. "The Super Bowl is the one time everyone wants to get away from their daily troubles and we all come together. It's a unifying event."
"For a few hours on Super Bowl Sunday, we all forget about our problems. There will be thousands of people coming into the Bay area, spending money. Will they spend as much as they would have a year ago? Maybe not, but this event will still have a significant economic impact on the community."
Goodell also made mention of Saturday's hiring of Raheem Morris as coach of the Buccaneers in applauding the league's recent trend toward younger coaches.
"It's one of the things we stress," he said. "When you have a vacancy, whether it be head coach or general manager, go through a process, because there's a lot of qualified people out there you may not initially be aware of."
The big match is certainly intriguing if nothing else, with the huge defense of Pittsburgh Steelers coming up against the random offensive flair of Arizona Cardinals. It promises to be a thriller, and one which we hope will live up to expectation.
Coming to Tampa? Stay in a luxury vacation rental and spread the cost with one of the exclusive properties at annamaria.com
Monday 19 January 2009
Bowled over for Tampa
Hello there sports fans!
Well, it looks like we've got the Super Bowl we wanted, a slightly bizarre mix of the expected and completely unexpected. On the one hand, the Steelers: all that tradition, the chance to become the third franchise in history to win six SBs, a team built on rock-solid defense; and then we have the Cards: not a sensible bone in their bodies, never been to a Super Bowl before and never looked likely. They last won a championship in 1947.
Then Sunday night, the Cardinals beat Philadelphia 32-25 at Univesity of Phoenix Stadium and the dream was on. It was no less than the players deserved, but they were quick to thank those who had kept faith in them for so long.
"I like the way that sounds: Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl," said Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, thanking God first, and the fans second. "When nobody else believed in us, when nobody else believed in me, you guys did and we're going to the Super Bowl."
Sense will still prevail and say that Arizona are favorites, having beaten Baltimore Ravens 24-13 in the AFC title game.
You could feel some sympathy for the Ravens' rookie quarterback, Joe Flacco, who threw three interceptions and he was increasingly forced into difficult situations as the Ravens were left chasing the game. But the impressive efficiency of the Steelers D won through, and few would bet against that happening on Feb. 1.
But if last year's Super Bowl taught us nothing else, it's expect the unexpected.
So we will.
Come and join us on Anna Maria Island for the best place to watch the Super Bowl outside of Raymond James Stadium at annamaria.com
Well, it looks like we've got the Super Bowl we wanted, a slightly bizarre mix of the expected and completely unexpected. On the one hand, the Steelers: all that tradition, the chance to become the third franchise in history to win six SBs, a team built on rock-solid defense; and then we have the Cards: not a sensible bone in their bodies, never been to a Super Bowl before and never looked likely. They last won a championship in 1947.
Then Sunday night, the Cardinals beat Philadelphia 32-25 at Univesity of Phoenix Stadium and the dream was on. It was no less than the players deserved, but they were quick to thank those who had kept faith in them for so long.
"I like the way that sounds: Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl," said Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, thanking God first, and the fans second. "When nobody else believed in us, when nobody else believed in me, you guys did and we're going to the Super Bowl."
Sense will still prevail and say that Arizona are favorites, having beaten Baltimore Ravens 24-13 in the AFC title game.
You could feel some sympathy for the Ravens' rookie quarterback, Joe Flacco, who threw three interceptions and he was increasingly forced into difficult situations as the Ravens were left chasing the game. But the impressive efficiency of the Steelers D won through, and few would bet against that happening on Feb. 1.
But if last year's Super Bowl taught us nothing else, it's expect the unexpected.
So we will.
Come and join us on Anna Maria Island for the best place to watch the Super Bowl outside of Raymond James Stadium at annamaria.com
Tuesday 13 January 2009
Lightning pair make good headlines
Lightning players Steven Stamkos and Vincent Lecavalier have been in the news for all the wrong reasons of late. Thankfully they both added some positives to another road victory, this time 3-1 over Los Angeles Kings.
Lecavalier, the constant subject of trade rumours scored a goal and Stamkos, three days after coach Rick Tocchet said he will periodically rest the rookie center to allow him to build strength, had an assist as the Lightning improved to 3-1 on this trip.
"We had a good, solid effort, and that's two (wins) in a row for us," Stamkos said. "The main thing is we're looking for wins and getting back in the playoff hunt, and Los Angeles was a team that we needed to get two points against. We're on the right track."
Lecavalier has been a constant source of rumors for the national media members, and even though he has stated he is not leaving, they are strong enough to have attracted two Montreal-based reporters to LA.
But, to their credit, the players have carried on as normal. Stamkos assisted on the Lightning's first goal, scored by Evgeny Artyukhin, for his first point in his last six games, and Lecavalier scored in the second period to make it 3-0, after Mark Recchi had beaten Kings goalie Erik Ersberg with a backhand shot.
The Kings, who tied the Lightning for fewest points in the NHL last season, provided only sporadic resistance. Mike Smith, back in goal after being rested in Friday's victory over Anaheim, stopped 29 of 30 shots.
Lecavalier, the constant subject of trade rumours scored a goal and Stamkos, three days after coach Rick Tocchet said he will periodically rest the rookie center to allow him to build strength, had an assist as the Lightning improved to 3-1 on this trip.
"We had a good, solid effort, and that's two (wins) in a row for us," Stamkos said. "The main thing is we're looking for wins and getting back in the playoff hunt, and Los Angeles was a team that we needed to get two points against. We're on the right track."
Lecavalier has been a constant source of rumors for the national media members, and even though he has stated he is not leaving, they are strong enough to have attracted two Montreal-based reporters to LA.
But, to their credit, the players have carried on as normal. Stamkos assisted on the Lightning's first goal, scored by Evgeny Artyukhin, for his first point in his last six games, and Lecavalier scored in the second period to make it 3-0, after Mark Recchi had beaten Kings goalie Erik Ersberg with a backhand shot.
The Kings, who tied the Lightning for fewest points in the NHL last season, provided only sporadic resistance. Mike Smith, back in goal after being rested in Friday's victory over Anaheim, stopped 29 of 30 shots.
Thursday 8 January 2009
Rocco close to Sox signing?
Tampa Bay Rays look to have lost out in the race for Rocco Baldelli, their first round pick in the 2000 draft, according to Tampa Bay Online.
The website cites an ESPN report that Baldelli was close to signing with the Boston Red Sox, on the eve of the Boston Baseball Writers Dinner where he was to be presented with the Tony Conigliaro Award.
The article explains: 'That honor goes to a player who has overcome adversity, and Baldelli's battle through an energy-sapping disorder to return to the Rays on a limited basis late in 2008 certainly qualifies. Questions over how often Baldelli will be able to play persist even after he recently received what he described a clarified, more positive diagnosis that suggests his ailment should be more treatable than previously thought.
The Rays maintained an interest in bringing back the 27-year-old, their first-round pick in the 2000 draft, but their signing of Pat Burrell this week essentially left them too short on funds to compete with Baldelli's other suitors. The Pirates, Reds and Yankees also were believed to have varying degrees of interest in the Rhode Island native.
The Red Sox, however, seemed most intrigued by Baldelli all along, to the point that the outfielder had an in-person meeting with general manager Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona to discuss his situation.'
Let's hope the Rays don't live to regret letting Baldelli slip through their fingers...
The website cites an ESPN report that Baldelli was close to signing with the Boston Red Sox, on the eve of the Boston Baseball Writers Dinner where he was to be presented with the Tony Conigliaro Award.
The article explains: 'That honor goes to a player who has overcome adversity, and Baldelli's battle through an energy-sapping disorder to return to the Rays on a limited basis late in 2008 certainly qualifies. Questions over how often Baldelli will be able to play persist even after he recently received what he described a clarified, more positive diagnosis that suggests his ailment should be more treatable than previously thought.
The Rays maintained an interest in bringing back the 27-year-old, their first-round pick in the 2000 draft, but their signing of Pat Burrell this week essentially left them too short on funds to compete with Baldelli's other suitors. The Pirates, Reds and Yankees also were believed to have varying degrees of interest in the Rhode Island native.
The Red Sox, however, seemed most intrigued by Baldelli all along, to the point that the outfielder had an in-person meeting with general manager Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona to discuss his situation.'
Let's hope the Rays don't live to regret letting Baldelli slip through their fingers...
Monday 5 January 2009
Lightning strikes twice in Atlanta
What a way to start 2009! Two things changed Sunday night for the Lightning: first they won for the first time in Atlanta for almost two years; second they moved off the bottom of the division with a 4-1 victory over the Thrashers.
Martin St. Louis scored twice, and Mike Smith made 27 saves to help the Lightning move out of the Southeast Division basement with 32 points (11-18-10), which is one more than Atlanta (13-22-5).
Steve Eminger and Ryan Malone also scored for Tampa Bay, which had lost six straight games in Atlanta. The Lightning were two-for-four on the power play, with Eminger scoring in the first period and St. Louis early in the third.
The last time Tampa Bay won in Atlanta was a 5-4 overtime decision in February 2007 but since then it lost the final game of that season in Atlanta, all four games last season and 4-3 on its first visit this season.
Smith's bid for a shutout ended with 21.2 seconds left when Erik Christensen scored off a rebound during a scramble in front of the net.
"It didn't matter," said Smith, who has two shutouts this season. "The win is what's important. (A shutout) is just a bonus."Well done guys, let's hope it's a habit you can get into.
For the best in Anna Maria Vacation rentals visit annamaria.com and stay with us a while in paradise
Martin St. Louis scored twice, and Mike Smith made 27 saves to help the Lightning move out of the Southeast Division basement with 32 points (11-18-10), which is one more than Atlanta (13-22-5).
Steve Eminger and Ryan Malone also scored for Tampa Bay, which had lost six straight games in Atlanta. The Lightning were two-for-four on the power play, with Eminger scoring in the first period and St. Louis early in the third.
The last time Tampa Bay won in Atlanta was a 5-4 overtime decision in February 2007 but since then it lost the final game of that season in Atlanta, all four games last season and 4-3 on its first visit this season.
Smith's bid for a shutout ended with 21.2 seconds left when Erik Christensen scored off a rebound during a scramble in front of the net.
"It didn't matter," said Smith, who has two shutouts this season. "The win is what's important. (A shutout) is just a bonus."Well done guys, let's hope it's a habit you can get into.
For the best in Anna Maria Vacation rentals visit annamaria.com and stay with us a while in paradise
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