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Is There An NHL Curse?

We already know all about the Madden Curse. Nearly every player who has ever appeared on the cover of a Madden NFL video game has gone on to either have a bad season or bad injury befall them that year. The only two exceptions are Vince Young, who was the cover athlete of Madden 08, and Larry Fitzgerald, who was one of the two players featured on Madden 10 alongside Troy Polamalu (who missed most of that season with multiple knee injuries). Young’s career hit a downward spiral following a solid 2007 season, and though Fitzgerald has turned in good numbers since the 2009 season, he has not matched the 97 receptions he had that year. Since I’m more of a hockey buff, I wanted to examine whether the same applies to developer EA’s NHL series of games. Let’s take a look at the cover athletes:

NHL Hockey (1991) – Kelly Hrudey: Hrudey, who was the starting goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings, posted a 27-17-13 record in 60 appearances in the 1991-92 season. He had a 3.37 GAA (goals against average) and a .897 save %, which for those times wasn’t too bad. Nowadays, both those figures would be considered awful. The Kings finished second in the Smythe Division but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Edmonton.
NHLPA Hockey ’93 – Rod Brind’Amour, Mike Richter, and Randy Moller: None of these players enjoyed their usual team success, as the Flyers and Rangers both missed the playoffs. However, Brind’Amour notched a career high 37 goals in 1992-93.
NHL 94 – Andy Moog: Even though Moog is depicted on the cover in his Boston threads (he played for the Bruins the prior year), he had been traded to Dallas. Moog backstopped a high-octane Stars squad and helped them reach the second round of the playoffs before losing to Vancouver in five games. Moog wasn’t a starter for much longer in the NHL, but he remained a reliable backup for a few more years.
NHL 95 – Alexei Kovalev and Kirk McLean: Kovalev’s numbers slipped in the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season, scoring only 28 points in the 48 game campaign. The defending champion Rangers barely got into the playoffs as the #8 seed, but upset top-seeded Quebec in the first round. MacLean’s Canucks similarly struggled, but also made the playoffs and pulled a first round upset over St. Louis. McLean himself posted a career best .904 save %.
NHL 96 – Scott Stevens and Steve Yzerman: Yzerman’s Red Wings would post a record of 62-13-7, good for 131 points, which is the second-highest total of all-time. The Red Wings did not bring the Stanley Cup to Detroit, however, as they lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Colorado Avalanche in six games. Stevens and the Devils didn’t even get the chance to defend their title from the previous year, as they failed to reach the playoffs.
NHL 97 – John Vanbiesbrouck: Vanbiesbrouck led the upstart Florida Panters to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1995-96, but his success didn’t end there. He was named the starting goaltender for the Eastern Conference All-Stars in 1997 and the Panthers again finished with a solid record (35-28-19). The Panthers did not match their playoff success, however, as they lost to the Rangers in the first round of the playoffs.
NHL 98 – Peter Forsberg: Forsberg scored 91 points for the Avalanche, who again won the Pacific Division. However, they were upset in the first round of the playoffs by Edmonton, a team that finished the regular season with a losing record (35-37-10)
NHL 99 – Eric Lindros: Lindros appeared in 71 games for the Flyers, scoring 93 points, but suffered a scary injury near the end of the regular season. Lindros sustained a rib injury during a game at Nashville, but was later found by teammate Keith Jones in a bathtub at the team hotel. Lindros had a collapsed lung and needed to be rushed to the hospital. He missed the remainder of the season, and the Flyers were eliminated by Toronto in the first round of the playoffs.
NHL 2000 – Chris Pronger: Pronger set career highs in points (62) and plus/minus (+52). The Blues won their only Presidents’ Trophy to date with a 51-19-11-1 record, but were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Sharks.
NHL 2001 – Owen Nolan: Nolan’s season was shortened to just 57 games due to injuries as he tallied 49 points. The Sharks made the playoffs, but St. Louis got revenge for the previous year’s upset and took them out in six games.
NHL 2002 – Mario Lemieux: Lemieux was given the cover about ten years too late, but at least he graced it once in his career. His season consisted of only 24 games due to injuries and preferring to play in the Olympics, but it did have one shining moment; radio personality Mark Madden said he would donate $6,600 to Lemieux’s foundation if the hockey great scored off of a faceoff, and Lemieux delivered that same night. Pittsburgh finished last in the Atlantic Division.
NHL 2003 – Jarome Iginla: Iginla missed seven games due to injuries but still led the Flames with 35 goals. However, Calgary slumped and finished with only 75 points, last in the strong Northwest Division. Iginla assumed the captaincy for Calgary and has continued to put up solid numbers.
NHL 2004 – Dany Heatley and Joe Sakic: A little-known fact about this game in the series is that the cover athlete was originally supposed to be Joe Thornton. This was retracted when Thornton was accused of assaulting two police officers. Heatley graced the cover from the game’s release until his tragic car accident that killed teammate Dan Snyder. EA then tabbed Joe Sakic, who amassed 87 points for Colorado. The Avs were bounced in the second round by San Jose.
NHL 2005 – Markus Naslund: This was the season lost to the lockout. Naslund played 13 games for Modo in Sweden, scoring 17 points. Modo lost in the first round of the Elitserien playoffs to Farjestads. Naslund had one more stellar season, in 2005-06, scoring 79 points. His scoring output declined for the rest of his career.
NHL 06 – Vincent Lecavalier: Captaining the defending champion Lightning coming out of the lockout, Lecavalier put up 75 points in 80 games. Tampa Bay made the playoffs as the 8th seed and lost to the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the playoffs.
NHL 07 – Alexander Ovechkin: Ovechkin finished the year with 92 points, but the Capitals finished in last place in the Southeast Division. However, the following offseason was a huge turning point for Washington, as they had a number of breakout stars alongside Ovechkin and made some great offseason moves to build themselves into a sustained power in the Eastern Conference.
NHL 08 – Eric Staal: Staal appeared in all 82 games for the Hurricanes and posted 82 points and continued to provide strong leadership. However, Carolina lost three of their final four games and missed the playoffs, finishing two points behind the 8th seeded Boston Bruins.
NHL 09 – Dion Phaneuf: One of the few players on this list to play poorly after being the cover athlete, Phaneuf had a career low 11 goals and 47 points. Since then, he has only topped 11 goals once (12, last season) and has never reached 47 points (he had 44 last year), but that can be attributed to playing on an offensively-challenged Toronto team since the middle of the 2009-10 season.
NHL 10 – Patrick Kane: EA decided not to take Kane off the cover after he was arrested in Buffalo on charges of robbery, theft of services, and criminal mischief. Kane allegedly punched a cab driver after the driver informed Kane that he did not have proper change for Kane’s fare. This poor guy got decked over 20 cents. I wish I were making that up. Anyway, Kane scored 88 points (oddly enough, that’s his jersey number) as well as the game winning goal in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals, making him the only player on this list whose team went on to win the Cup.
NHL 11 – Jonathan Toews: Not to be outdone by his Chicago teammate who was on the cover the previous year, Toews scored a career high 76 points. However, the Western Conference proved to be rugged, as Chicago needed every one of its 97 points to take the 8th seed into the playoffs, where they lost to Vancouver in seven games.
NHL 12 – Steven Stamkos: Fresh off his team’s appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals the year before, Stamkos became the 20th player in NHL history to score 60 goals. Unfortunately, the Lightning struggled mightily as they couldn’t stop anyone, allowing a league-high 281 goals. They finished 10th in the East and out of the playoffs.
NHL 13 – Claude Giroux: The first player to be elected via fan vote as the cover athlete, Giroux scored 48 points in this shortened season. As usual, Philadelphia struggled to stop opposing teams and even the offense went flat at times. The Flyers missed the playoffs this year.

So, is there a curse to EA’s NHL series? I have to say no, as there hasn’t been a consistency when it comes to player failures in the seasons they’re featured on the cover. There also isn’t a spike in production for these players, either. It seems as though any sort of voodoo or hexes that are associated with sports games are limited to the Madden franchise. It’s a good thing that the next Madden game will feature Barry Sanders on the cover, because he’s been retired for 15 years now. Or, maybe Sanders should look over his shoulder this year. You never know…

Crunch Fitness’ in Chelsea- Why it’s the best

by Ryan Shea

We are all looking for ways to stay in shape, especially with bathing suit season coming up in a few short weeks (although mother nature seems to think differently). There are a bevy of different gyms you can go to in the New York City area, but which one is the best to go to? In my opinion, that one is Crunch Gym. They recently opened a brand new location in Chelsea, it’s third location in the big apple. The location is at 220 West 19th Street between 7th and 8th avenue, wedged in the heart of the Chelsea district. [Read more…] about Crunch Fitness’ in Chelsea- Why it’s the best

Picking Saturday’s Final Four Game’s

by Ed Tierney

The 2013 Official Final Four Logo

If you have a bracket similar to me or the majority of the country, your bracket is pretty much finished. If it lasted past the first weekend consider yourself a genius. I won’t drag on and bore you back #13 LaSalle or #15 FGCU heading to the sweet 16 because I am sure by know you know what they did. Let’s get to the Final Four.

#1 (Overall) Louisville
#4 Syracuse
#4 Michigan
#9 Wichita State

The way the bracket’s have shaped, The Louisville Cardinals will play the cinderella Wichita State Shockers at 6:05 PM and the Syracuse Orange will take on the Wolverines from Michigan at 8:49PM this Saturday April 6th. These game’s are tough, it would be easy to say that the Shockers will go down because they are a 9 seed taking on the number 1 overall, but they already have 4 wins in this tourny and have slain Goliath a few times and I don’t see why they couldn’t continue. ON THE OTHER HAND, Louisville (-10.5) is the best team in the country and just “boat raced” #2 Duke by 23. Wichita State although its a nice story, the Cardinals in the final year of the legendary Big East conference led behind Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino should take this game by a score of 78-64, and by doing so cover the (10.5) point spread. So if you were going to bet take Louisville. WICH ST. will hang close throughout the first half and into the second but will loose steam as the “Fighting Pitino’s” will send the Shockers back to Kansas.

Only Time will tell if Jim Boeheim (Left) and Rick Pitino (Right) will meet in the national championship Monday April 8th

The second contest is a lot harder to choose. Both the “Cuse” and Michigan have been ranked #1 in the Polls this season, and both have gone through dry spells as well. Luckily for both they got hot at the right time and now find themselves in the national semifinals. These teams are very evenly matched on the floor, but on the sideline Syracuse has a huge advantage. Coach Jim Boeheim has won 920 games in his Hall Of Fame Career and is 3-0 in National Semifinal games and won the 2003 National Championship behind Carmelo Anthony over the Kansas Jay Hawks. In addition Boeheim plays a defensive scheme called “The 2-3 Zone”. This zone have been a staple of Jimmy for many year’s in the Big East conference and it is said that this year he has his best cast to performance the scheme. By this time of the night #1 Louisville from the Big East will have already clinched and it will seem fitting for fellow conference mate Syracuse to join them for one last conference showdown. If you haven’t figured it out already i’m taking Syracuse (+1.5) to win the game and of course cover the spread by a final score of 59-52. Michigan leads at half time but the Cuse makes half time adjustments and outscore’s the wolverines by a large margin in the second frame.

Your last second guide to filling out your March madness bracket! (Trust me it makes no sense)

by Ed Tierney

If you’re like me you don’t just fill out one bracket, and if you do you’ll probably change it roughly 10 times. Some people will say “it’s proper” to only fill out one bracket, after all your gut feeling is just that. But who really cares if you win your office pool with one or even ten brackets, money is money! Trust me, if you win you’ll remember that for years to come. Let me get back to the task at hand, because I am blabbing on.

Does Marshall Henderson and SEC champion Ole' Miss have a title run in them? — Does Marshall Henderson and SEC champion The Ole’ Miss Runnin’ Rebels have a title run in them?

This year unlike many others the field is wide open. Sure you have your number 1 and 2 seeds, but lately those are not always a lock. Last year alone we had two #15 seeds upset #2 seeds in the first round. #15 Lehigh over #2 Duke and #15 Norfolk State over #2 Mizzou. One is unthinkable, but two! That parallels with rapture, oh wait never mind. Here are a few tips to help you fill out your last second bracket.

– Sure it’s easy to fill out a “chalk bracket” aka the higher seeds always win, but seriously my friends 19 month old son can do that, what’s the fun in that? Exactly, there isn’t any so don’t be that goober and don’t go “chalk”

– A 9 seed over an 8 seed IS NOT AN UPSET. So don’t stick your chest out if do.

– Always pick at least 1 #12 seed over a #5 seed, every tournament this upset happens. Sometimes more than once. If I had to choose two, which I did take Ole’ Miss over Wisconsin and Oregon over Wisconsin. Both Ole’ Miss and Oregon have been ranked this season, both won their conference tournament and both are hot.

– The “ballsy” upset. For me I’m taking #8 NC State over #1 Indiana in the second round, and #12 Ole Miss over #4 KSU and #1 Gonzaga. Not saying you have to, but JUST DO IT.

#15 Lehigh pulled off the unthinkable in 2012 over #2 Duke

– Duke; Duke is a love/ hate relationship. Those who love will have them in the final four every year, those who will have them bowing out in the second round to Cincinnati.

– Then there is the bracket where you want to pick a big school but don’t like that they have a low seed. Oregon is a 12, hell UNC is a 9. Don’t hesitate to pick a power school with a low seed, heck Gonzaga is a #1 and their schedule consists of upstate New York JV teams.

– The stubborn bracket. This is the bracket that will have all chalk with the exception of 3 games, and those games are easy pick em’s. This is most likely that old college alum who is in his 40s and tries to relieve the glory days any chance he can.

– Last but not least we have the rando brackets, short for obviously random. This could be the best mascot, or the best food or the best travel destination. AKA Gonzaga would lose in all of them.

I’m not tell you who to pick or how to pick it, but have a little fun with it! My Elite 8 is #1 Louisville #3 Michigan State #12 Ole Miss #2 Ohio State #4 Michigan #2 Georgetown #8 NC State and #2 Miami (The U), with Louisville, Ohio State, Michigan and The U. With The U winning it all. Will this happen? Of course not, it never does. That’s why last year out of millions of registered online brackets only 4 people had them perfect. What I will say is, sit back enjoy the games, take off work, head to the bar and let the madness begin!

Sweat Sweet: Soffe.com

by Ryan Shea

Since putting on some extra pounds I’ve found my home away from home, these days, is the gym. And as much as everyone likes to say “it’s a gym, not a fashion show,” us ladies know better. Throwing on oversized sweat pants and an extra large T-shirt seems like the logical idea, until you pass the mirror and realize what a bum you look like. Not to mention, it is extremely hard to feel good when the exterior looks lousy. I’ve tried throwing on a pair of leggings and a cute tank top and all that leads to is wedgies and sweat stains, eww! But today I came across an awesome site that sells cute work out gear, www.soffe.com! So, if you’ve read my previous articles, you know how much I LOVE to shop online, and when I saw the fabulous fitness wear on Soffe.com I knew I had to spread the word. They have everything from shorts, to straight leg pants, tee shirts, and tank tops. Everything is so stylish and comfy. Best part, awesome deals! Now don’t get me wrong, the clothes are affordable regardless, but who doesn’t love a sweet deal (pardon the V-day pun)? So for Valentine’s Day they have 25% off some really cute clothes. SOme of my faves are;

The Printed Authentic Soffe Shorts (the prints I’m showing are just 2 of my tops but they have 37 choices!!)

Soffe Shorts Reptile — Printed Authentic Soffe Shorts – Painted Reptile

I am obsessed with these funky shorts and am having ADD trying to pick my favorite one!

Ok, so in the past, I don’t know, 4 years I have completely given up any kind of bell bottom. I love that straight legs are in and I really like how they look on me. That being said, I can never find straight leg sweats, not leggings, but FINALLY I’ve found them !

Soffe Nu-Wave Skinny Sweats

So these bad boys come in Gun Metal (as shown) or black and only $26 bucks…Love it!

And if you are into the legging thing they have them too … Only these are made for movement and won’t ride up when you are on the elliptical or treadmill.

Soffe.com has so many awesome items and the 25% off Valentines Day bunch are gorg! There is so much if I kept writing you’d be here till tomorrow, so I will start to wrap it up.

This site has everything from yoga pants to pool shorts, tennis skirts to tiny shorts, and tank tops to tee shirts. And don’t fret boys there is just as much options for you, but I’m not really an expert on men’s wear. But I will tell you this, I’m not mad at the selection. I could only hope some of the boys that I see at the gym grunting and grinning will see this article and step their gym gear up!

This site is an exercise junkie’s dream, a cheerleader’s heaven, and for those of us who have a love hate relationship with physical activity, a way to look sweet while sweating! Check them out and let me know what you think!

25% Off Valentine's Day Sale — 25% Off Valentine’s Day Sale

Tiger Wins, Puts PGA on Notice

by Ed Tierney

SAN DIEGO — For Tiger Woods this is the first time in many year’s that this one could be a major.

Wood’s began the abbreviated fourth round Monday with a 6 stroke lead. Woods did what he had to do over the 11 holes to win the Farmers Insurance Open for the 7^th time at Torrey Pines and his 11^th time in San Diego County. Woods feasts on California. Woods would struggle down the stretch today but had a large enough lead and would manage to finish -14, but +3 for the day. This was Woods’ 75^th career victory.

“It got a little ugly toward the end,” Woods said on CBS after the round. “I got a little impatient with the slow play.”

In the six previous seasons that Woods won the Farmers, he never won less than four tournaments in that specific year. The only year he won four events was in 2008 where he suited up for just six times as he had season-ending surgery to his left knee following his win in the U.S. Open — at Torrey Pines.

This is a big victory for Woods and an equally bad one for his colleagues. It has been a while since Tiger has been on his game as his competitors have cleaned up. If Woods can manage to put it together this year, the PGA tour will never be the same.

The Event was open for free to the public on Monday, when asked if he noticed a change in the crowd Woods stated “ Oh yeah, we definitely sensed a difference, seemed as if many more libations were consumed today”

How Canseco Got The Last Laugh

by Ed Tierney

Essentially many believe this to be true. While “Big Mac” and “Slammin’ Sammy” were ending the century hitting 60+ home runs ole’ Jose Canseco was being shopped around like a sham wow last Christmas. Canseco would land on 4 teams in the last 4 years of the 90s Boston, Oakland, Toronto and Tampa Bay respectively. Although his numbers had been down since his earlier years and were not on the level of McGwire’s his home run totals were still very respectable

as he belted 28, 23, 46 and 34. Three of those seasons had him have less then 502 at bats. In 2000 he would be shipped to the defending and soon to be again world champion New York Yankees. In which he would parlay that into another contract with the Chicago White Sox in 2001. The final two seasons he would hit a combined 31 homeruns. In 2001 at the age of 36 he left the game with 462 home runs 1407 RBIs averaging 40 HRs and 121 RBIs a year.

Many wouldn’t like to believe this but he still had another year to 3 left in the tank, maybe not the same power he once had but he still could have been serviceable. (Mind you this was all before the steroid revelations that would occur in the middle of the previous decade 2004-2006). If Jose would of stayed on for 3 maybe 2 more years he would of hit his 500^th home run thus enshrining him into the hall of fame in Cooperstown. He wasn’t commanding much of a salary and had accepted his newfound role as a “role player”. Being a bench player, pinch hitting, mentoring younger players and being a good clubhouse guy. All this started in his short stop in the Bronx in 2000 when he teamed up with the Yankees to help them win their 26th World Series championship.

Well then why was it that a still productive, cheap and more calm Jose Canseco was out of the game in his mid 30’s ? We may have to look outside of baseball for that. He at the time had 3 times convicted of spousal abuse and domestic violence for either hitting his wife or girlfriend. He also had assault charges and violence within nightclubs or bar settings. Also within the “lines” GM’s and managers also weren’t convinced that he would be a good fit in their club house. Stemming from his past off the field issues, to his on the field antics and club house problems. So when he left the game never to receive another major league offer again he held a grudge, a grudge that changed the foundation of sports forever. He would join on some minor league squads never really getting a legit shot, when he gave up on his dream to return he In 2005, admitted to using anabolic steroids in a tell-all book “Juiced” . He also would claim that up to 85% of all MLB were or had been taking steroids a number that is disputed by many in the game. Jose Canseco is also credited with starting numerous baseball players on steroids.

In the book, Canseco specifically identified former teammates Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Jason Giambi, Iván Rodríguez and Juan González as fellow steroid users, and claimed that he injected them. Most of the players named in the book initially denied steroid use, though Giambi admitted to steroid use in testimony before a grand jury , while Palmerio acutally tested positive for PEDs after telling but more recognizibly pointing his finger towards the members of capitol hill during testimony, he stated that he had never taken anything before.

In late December of 2007 Canseco had reached a deal for his sequel to his first book Juiced called Vindicated. The book would hit stores by Opening Day 2008. This book is said to have “stuff” on Alex Rodriguez, and Albert Belle. The book will be a “clarification” of names that shouldn’t been mentioned in the Mitchell Report. Many denied the claims but however, on February 7, 2009, Sports Illustrated reported that A-Rod did test positive during his 2003 season, which could make Canseco’s book seem more real than it was believed. Finally, on Monday, February 9, 2009 A-Rod confirmed Canseco’s previous allegations of steroids use in an exclusive interview; A-Rod admits to using steroids from 2001 to 2003. Rodriguez however denied the allegations written in Canseco’s book that Canseco introduced him to a steroid deal calling that information “100% false”. He also has had interviews, statements and blogs giving out more information and stating that his info is true, and to this point it has been. All of the denials that were false have been backed by Mr. Canseco.

Since his departure from baseball he had been on numerous early and late night television shows. The Surreal Life he has also been a boxer and K1 fighter. This is what the man is now doing for money prostituting himself for who ever will buy. He also know pushes what he “takes” for his muscular size and strength. McGwire is now back in baseball first as the hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals and now the LA Dodger, he is now profiting during his life after his playing days Canseco is not and probably will not. The past hall of fame vote really was the first with the post PED era, and no one was elected. People found this to be a shame , a disgrace and overall an in justice. Those people must not realize that cheating is not right and not apart of the American past time, but either way the MLB turned their back on Jose and he made them pay.

Islanders Pick Up A Nice W, While The Knicks and Rangers Each Drop One At MSG

by Ed Tierney

There are two professional sports traditions in the New York Metro area every Martin Luther King day. Every MLK day both the New York Islanders and the New York Knicks host matinees as most people are off from work while all are off from school to honor the American Icon. This year it was no different as the Islanders hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Knickerbockers entertained the Brooklyn Nets.

First to the ice.

UNIONDALE, N.Y. David Ullstrom scored early in the third period which would give Islanders a dominant four goal lead, but I will divert to the ole’ adage “it aint over till the fat lady sings”. Tampa Bay would score the next 3 and would

Evgeni Nabokov made 23 saves in the victory on the Island

cool off the young crowd at the coliseum. Luckily for their fans the Isles would escape with a narrow victory as mental mistakes and errors, which would lead to crucial penalties, would mar the final few minutes.

Jack Capuano the coach of the Islanders would take part in his first game of the season as he missed Saturday’s opening night as he was hospitalized due to surgery to remove a kidney stone. Michael Grabner, Matt Martin and Kyle Okposo would also light the lamp in addition to Ullstrom. For the Lightning Martin St.Louis, Benoit Pouliot and 2012 NHL scoring leader Steven Stamkos would tally in the loss. Both Teams are 1-1 with 2 points. The Islanders next contest will be Thursday as they head north of the border for a conference matchup vs Toronto.

The afternoon finale on the Hardwood.

The suddenly mediocre New York Knicks hosted the upstart Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks have play once in a week as they traveled across the Atlantic for a game verse Detroit this past Thursday. The Knicks would come into MLK day dropping their previous two MLK contests. Would traveling and jet lag fatigue be a factor?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK: Former All star Joe Johnson made a go-ahead shot with 22 seconds left as his 25 points would lead the Black & White from Brooklyn to a 88-85 over there rivals from Manhattan. In the first year of the Brooklyn Nets they would split the 4 game regular season series. The Knicks who came into the day with a two game division lead had it cut 1 as suddenly they are reeling on their home floor.

Three Nets players would register double doubles including Kris Humphries who was a spark plug off the bench. Carmelo Anthony for the Knicks would drain 29 points but would come up short in the fourth quarter shooting 0-6 from the field. Melo looked tired and drained as his baseline attempt in the final minute looked deflated. Melo would gain separation from the defender and come up with a great look from 12 feet, but looked lethargic in the actual execution. The Knicks are 4-6 in their last ten while Brooklyn is 9-1. It doesn’t get much easier for NYK as they will head to Boston Thursday for a 8pm contest vs the Celtics. Brooklyn is 12-2 since PJ Carlesimo took over as head coach December 27^th.

Joe Johnson Scores a basket with under :30 seconds to play to send Brooklyn back to the 718 with a victory

Injury Report:

Amare Stoudemire (Damaged Knee Tissue Debridement Surgery) would play 27 minutes which is the most he has since complaining of knee soreness on January 7^th. This was Amare’s 8^th contest of the season; in those he has averaged 10.4 PPG while averaging 20.8 minutes.

Iman Shumpert (Torn ACL & Meniscus) scored 2 points and played 20 minutes, which is his limit per game to start. As his season progresses he is expected to extend those minutes based on a timetable and overall comfort. Shumpert’s defense which is his staple is almost on point, which shooting and timing will get better with more playing time.

Sunday (Jan 20)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – With this lockout shortened 48 game season has commenced every day is double as important. The Pittsburgh Penguins have four points and lead the Atlantic Division. On the Flipside the Vegas favorite New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers have zero. With the season being so short, it is never to early to look a head to the post season. When Pascal Dupuis tallied the Penguins fourth goal of the game just 29 minutes into the contest it would chase the reigning Vezina Trophy winner Henrik Lunqvist in favor of back up Martin Biron. All en route to a 6-3 Penguins victory. “Personally, it was a tough night,” Lundqvist said. “I don’t really have a good explanation. I just have to keep working hard and try to get better. “I understand the decision. It’s a game where right from the get-go, it felt like the puck was really bouncing my way.”

“I don’t think we’re pushing panic buttons,” said new Rangers addition Rick Nash. “It’s not the start we wanted. We’ve got to get back to work. There are a lot of mistakes out there we have to correct. It’s a short season, so we’ve got to correct them fast.”

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