Monday, October 2, 2006
stars roster analysis
The Stars will host the All-Star Game this season, bringing the best in the NHL to American Airlines Center on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Dallas starts the season on the road in Colorado this Wednesday against the Avs team the knocked them out in the first round of the playoffs last year.
Here's Mike Heika's analysis of this year's Stars roster.
WINGERS
No. 10 Brenden Morrow
Ht./wt: 5-11, 205
Born: Jan. 16, 1979, Carlyle, Saskatchewan
2006-07 salary: $2.2 million
2005-06 stats: 23 goals, 42 assists (+30)
By the break: He could be an All-Star. A gritty scorer who has earned the respect of Team Canada officials in their selections, he could be in for a career year.
All-Star moment: In the 1999 World Juniors, Morrow had a goal and six assists in Canada's 12-2 win over Kazakhstan. "It was one point short of Mario Lemieux's record, so that was probably my best memory."
No. 15 Niklas Hagman
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 205
Born: Dec. 5, 1979, Espoo, Finland
2006-07 salary: $675,000
2005-06 stats: 8 goals, 13 assists (-10)
By the break: He should have established himself as an important part of the checking line and possibly even matched his scoring totals from last season.
All-Star moment: Hagman participated in the YoungStars game as a rookie member of the Florida Panthers in 2003. "It was kind of all over the place, because it wasn't a real game," he said.
No. 17 Mathias Tjarnqvist
Ht./wt.: 6-2, 196
Born: April 15, 1979, Umea, Sweden
2006-07 salary: $450,000
2005-06 stats: 2 goals, 4 assists (+4)
By the break: He will have either pushed his way into the lineup or he'll have a ton of healthy scratches.
All-Star moment: "Growing up, I just loved watching guys like [Wayne] Gretzky and [Mario] Lemieux. You couldn't see them much over there, so the All- Star Game was always a chance to watch them play."
No. 36 Jussi Jokinen
Ht./wt.: 5-11, 190
Born: April 1, 1983, Kalajoki, Finland
2006-07 salary: $700,000
2005-06 stats: 17 goals, 38 assists (+2)
By the break: He could be one of the top scorers on the team. Remember, he averaged only 13:34 in ice time last season. Look for him to step it up with Mike Modano.
All-Star moment: "Jaromir Jagr was one of my all-time favorite guys, and it was great watching him in All-Star games, because it was so open and he could do so much."
No. 20 Antti Miettinen
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 190
Born: July 3, 1980, Hameenlinna, Finland
2006-07 salary: $450,000
2005-06 stats: 11 goals, 20 assists (E)
By the break: He could be this year's version of Jussi Jokinen. Miettinen is getting moved up from the third line to the second line, and that means he not only will play with more offensive-minded players, he will also get time on the power play.
All-Star moment: Miettinen has never played in an All-Star Game. When asked if it was a dream this year, he said, "Of course. With the game here, this would be a good year to play."
No. 26 Jere Lehtinen
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 192
Born: June 24, 1973, Espoo, Finland
2006-07 salary: $2.77 million
2005-06 stats: 33 goals, 19 assists (+9)
By the break: He will probably be chugging along on pace for 30 goals and 60 points. Lehtinen is a model of consistency. At 33, he's still in the prime of his career.
All-Star moment: In his first All-Star Game, in 1998 in Vancouver, he played in a rotation with three other Finns – Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu and Jari Kurri – and the quartet combined for four goals and 10 points.
No. 77 Matthew Barnaby
Ht./wt.: 6-1, 191
Born: May 4, 1973, Ottawa
2006-07 salary: $625,000
2005-06 stats: 8 goals, 20 assists (-11)
By the break: He will probably have half of the entries on the Stars' highlight reel. How many involve goals is up for debate. He is a nice addition as a fighter and an instigator.
All-Star moment: His most memorable performance came at the junior hockey level when he represented Quebec against Ontario. "We were big rivals, so I spent the whole game chasing people around and trying to get into fights."
DEFENSEMEN
No. 3 Stephane Robidas
Ht./wt.: 5-11, 190
Born: March 3, 1977, Sherbrooke, Quebec
2006-07 salary: $550,000
2005-06 stats: 5 goals, 15 assists (+15)
By the break: He'll either be a fixture and play almost every game or he'll be the odd man out in the seven-man defensive shuffle. He has made himself a tough scratch, though.
All-Star moment: As a member of the Shawinigan Cataractes, Robidas collected 79 points in 65 games and earned a spot in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League All-Star Game. He tallied two assists.
No. 5 Darryl Sydor
Ht./wt.: 6-1, 211
Born: May 13, 1972, Edmonton, Alberta
2006-07 salary: $2.128 million
2005-06 stats: 4 goals, 19 assists (-18)
By the break: He could be Sergei Zubov's constant companion or an important part of a defensive plan. Either way, Sydor should be a very important part of the team's leadership.
All-Star moment: Sydor qualified for his first NHL All-Star Game in 1998 in Vancouver. Just walking into a dressing room with Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier was memorable.
No. 6 Trevor Daley
Ht./wt.: 5-11, 207
Born: Oct. 9, 1983, Toronto
2006-07 salary: $775,000
2005-06 stats: 3 goals, 11 assists (-3)
By the break: He could be getting important power play time and taking the next step in his advancement as a skilled defenseman, or he could be one of the team's top penalty killers and a solid third-pair guy.
All-Star moment: In his last year of junior hockey, Daley made the Ontario Hockey League All-Star Game in Kitchener, Ontario, and saw a bunch of old friends he played hockey with in his youth.
No. 42 Jon Klemm
Ht./wt.: 6-2, 200
Born: Jan. 8, 1970, Cranbrook, B.C.
2006-07 salary: $950,000
2005-06 stats: 4 goals, 7 assists (-3)
By the break: Klemm is also on that bubble of being a great contributor or playing someplace else. If they suit him up, they could get another 76 solid games out of him.
All-Star moment: Playing for Spokane in the WHL All-Star Game in 1991, Klemm had a hat trick of a strange kind. "My team won, I had an assist and Syd was my roommate," Syd would be current teammate Darryl Sydor, who was then playing for Kamloops.
No. 43 Philippe Boucher
Ht./wt.: 6-3, 218
Born: May 24, 1973, Ste-Apollinaire, Quebec
2006-07 salary: $2.5 million
2005-06 stats: 16 goals, 27 assists (+28)
By the break: If you look at what he accomplished in only 66 games last season, you'll see he can be among the best in the league.
All-Star moment: Boucher made the AHL All-Star Game during the 1994 lockout. "I had to go through a two-a- day practice in Buffalo, then get on a plane and fly to Providence. I made it about two minutes before the game started."
No. 44 Jaroslav Modry
Ht./wt.: 6-2, 220
Born: May 27, 1971, Ceske-Budejovice, Czech Republic
2006-07 salary: $1.9 million
2005-06 stats: 7 goals, 31 assists (-9)
By the break: He could be Doug Armstrong's best move of the summer. While Modry has the reputation of being slow defensively, he has looked terrific in the preseason.
All-Star moment: Modry took his dad to the NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles. "My dad got to go and be a part of the activities, and it was just so great. He cried tears of joy."
No. 56 Sergei Zubov
Ht./wt.: 6-1, 200 Born: July 27, 1970, Moscow
2006-07 salary: $4 million
2005-06 stats: 13 goals, 58 assists (+20)
By the break: Zubov was a finalist for the Norris Trophy last season. He is still considered one of the top defensemen in the league, even at age 36.
All-Star moment: Hefaced Dominik Hasek in practice at the 2003 NHL All-Star Game. "We went through a shootout session and practice, 30-35 minutes probably, and he allowed one goal. One!"
CENTERS
No. 9 Mike Modano
Ht./wt.: 6-3, 210
Born: June 7, 1970, Livonia, Mich.
2006-07 salary: $4.25 million
2005-06 stats: 27 goals, 50 assists (+23)
By the break: He could be working on a 90-point season. If he takes full advantage of the chance to be an offensive- minded player, Modano could have a career year.
All-Star moment: Getting beat out for the All-Star MVP trophy in 1999 by Wayne Gretz- ky. Modano had a goal and three assists, but Gretzky was playing in his final All-Star Game and won the vote.
No. 88 Eric Lindros
Ht./wt.: 6-4, 240
Born: Feb. 28, 1973, London, Ontario
2006-07 salary: $1.55-2.5 million
2005-06 stats: 11 goals, 11 assists (-3)
By the break: He could be the team's leading scorer or pondering the end of his career. He has battled eight reported concussions.
All-Star moment: NHL officials named him the replacement for starter Steve Yzerman in 1999, but he handed the honor to Wayne Gretzky for his final appearance.
No. 11 Jeff Halpern
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 203
Born: May 3, 1976, Potomac, Md.
2006-07 salary: $2 million
2005-06 stats: 11 goals, 33 assists (-8)
By the break: A tenacious checker with decent skill, Halpern could play a huge role in freeing up Mike Modano.
All-Star moment: Halpern's best memory came in a baseball game when he was 10. "It was the first time I ever faced curveballs, and I struck out on three pitches."
No. 14 Stu Barnes
Ht./wt.: 5-11, 182
Born: Dec. 25, 1970, Spruce Grove, Alberta
2006-07 salary: $1.14 million
2005-06 stats: 15 goals, 21 assists (+9)
By the break: He could be filling the second-line center role if Eric Lindros is hurt or helping Jeff Halpern out as a wing on the checking line.
All-Star moment: "I was playing for Tri-City and Mike [Modano] was playing for Prince Albert [in 1988]. Mike broke his hand in the game. I just remember what a terrible thing for him, in an All-Star Game."
No. 27 Patrik Stefan
Ht./wt.: 6-2, 205
Born: Sept. 16, 1980, Pribham, Czech Rep.
2006-07 salary: $900,000
2005-06 stats: 10 goals, 14 assists (+3)
By the break: Stefan is hoping to get a fresh start in Dallas, but the Stars seem to have better options at every center position.
All-Star moment: "I was with Long Beach in 1999, and I had been selected to play in the IHL All-Star Game. But a couple of games before, I got a con- cussion and couldn't go."
No. 29 Steve Ott
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 193
Born: Aug. 19, 1992, Summerside, P.E.I.
2006-07 salary: $775,000
2005-06 stats: 5 goals, 17 assists (+1)
By the break: is hoping to up his point totals, but it will be difficult on a team this deep in forwards.
All-Star moment: In the 2001 OHL All-Star Game, Ott received a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct penalty. "But we were playing guys from the other league," he said.
No. 71 Mike Ribeiro
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 175
Born: Feb. 10, 1980, Montreal
2006-07 salary: $1.9 million
2005-06 stats: 16 goals, 35 assists (-6)
By the break: It will be interesting to see if the Stars want to keep Ribeiro and build with the talented young playmaker or trade him for a winger.
All-Star moment: Ribeiro had a goal and three assists in the 2002 YoungStars game in Los Angeles. He fed Brenden Morrow for one of his assists.
GOALIES
No. 35 Marty Turco
Ht./wt.: 5-11, 185
Born: Aug. 13, 1975, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
2006-07 salary: $6 million
2005-06 stats: 41-19-5, 2.55 GAA, .898 save
By the break: He should be among the top 10 goalies in the NHL. That's what Turco has been pretty much every season of his five-year career, with a 2.08 GAA in that span.
All-Star moment: Turco played the third period of the 2003 NHL All-Star Game and won the game in a shootout. Of course, if you want to throw in the fact he started the 2004 game in Minnesota, that's also a pretty good memory.
No. 41 Mike Smith
Ht./wt.: 6-3, 211
Born: March 22, 1982, Kingston, Ontario
2006-07 salary: $495,000
2005-06 stats: 25-19-6, 2.50, .917 (Iowa, AHL)
By the break: He'll either be a solid NHL backup or playing goalie in Iowa. Smith is 24 and appears ready to handle the step up.
All-Star moment: Smith played in the 2003 East Coast Hockey League All-Star Game on the strength of one memorable game: He scored a goal and posted a shutout in a 2-0 win over Dayton in October of that season.
COACH
Dave Tippett
Born: Aug. 25, 1961, Moosomin, Sask.
Last season: 53-23-6
Career record: 140-71-33
Key stat: Has best winning percentage (.641) among active NHL coaches.
By the break: He'll be on top of the world or ready to pop a vein in his forehead. Tippett appears to have turned up the pressure on everyone this year, including himself.
All-Star moment When he was an assistant coach with the Kings in 2002, Tippett was asked to play as a member of the NHL alumni against the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team.
Here's Mike Heika's analysis of this year's Stars roster.
WINGERS
No. 10 Brenden Morrow
Ht./wt: 5-11, 205
Born: Jan. 16, 1979, Carlyle, Saskatchewan
2006-07 salary: $2.2 million
2005-06 stats: 23 goals, 42 assists (+30)
By the break: He could be an All-Star. A gritty scorer who has earned the respect of Team Canada officials in their selections, he could be in for a career year.
All-Star moment: In the 1999 World Juniors, Morrow had a goal and six assists in Canada's 12-2 win over Kazakhstan. "It was one point short of Mario Lemieux's record, so that was probably my best memory."
No. 15 Niklas Hagman
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 205
Born: Dec. 5, 1979, Espoo, Finland
2006-07 salary: $675,000
2005-06 stats: 8 goals, 13 assists (-10)
By the break: He should have established himself as an important part of the checking line and possibly even matched his scoring totals from last season.
All-Star moment: Hagman participated in the YoungStars game as a rookie member of the Florida Panthers in 2003. "It was kind of all over the place, because it wasn't a real game," he said.
No. 17 Mathias Tjarnqvist
Ht./wt.: 6-2, 196
Born: April 15, 1979, Umea, Sweden
2006-07 salary: $450,000
2005-06 stats: 2 goals, 4 assists (+4)
By the break: He will have either pushed his way into the lineup or he'll have a ton of healthy scratches.
All-Star moment: "Growing up, I just loved watching guys like [Wayne] Gretzky and [Mario] Lemieux. You couldn't see them much over there, so the All- Star Game was always a chance to watch them play."
No. 36 Jussi Jokinen
Ht./wt.: 5-11, 190
Born: April 1, 1983, Kalajoki, Finland
2006-07 salary: $700,000
2005-06 stats: 17 goals, 38 assists (+2)
By the break: He could be one of the top scorers on the team. Remember, he averaged only 13:34 in ice time last season. Look for him to step it up with Mike Modano.
All-Star moment: "Jaromir Jagr was one of my all-time favorite guys, and it was great watching him in All-Star games, because it was so open and he could do so much."
No. 20 Antti Miettinen
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 190
Born: July 3, 1980, Hameenlinna, Finland
2006-07 salary: $450,000
2005-06 stats: 11 goals, 20 assists (E)
By the break: He could be this year's version of Jussi Jokinen. Miettinen is getting moved up from the third line to the second line, and that means he not only will play with more offensive-minded players, he will also get time on the power play.
All-Star moment: Miettinen has never played in an All-Star Game. When asked if it was a dream this year, he said, "Of course. With the game here, this would be a good year to play."
No. 26 Jere Lehtinen
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 192
Born: June 24, 1973, Espoo, Finland
2006-07 salary: $2.77 million
2005-06 stats: 33 goals, 19 assists (+9)
By the break: He will probably be chugging along on pace for 30 goals and 60 points. Lehtinen is a model of consistency. At 33, he's still in the prime of his career.
All-Star moment: In his first All-Star Game, in 1998 in Vancouver, he played in a rotation with three other Finns – Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu and Jari Kurri – and the quartet combined for four goals and 10 points.
No. 77 Matthew Barnaby
Ht./wt.: 6-1, 191
Born: May 4, 1973, Ottawa
2006-07 salary: $625,000
2005-06 stats: 8 goals, 20 assists (-11)
By the break: He will probably have half of the entries on the Stars' highlight reel. How many involve goals is up for debate. He is a nice addition as a fighter and an instigator.
All-Star moment: His most memorable performance came at the junior hockey level when he represented Quebec against Ontario. "We were big rivals, so I spent the whole game chasing people around and trying to get into fights."
DEFENSEMEN
No. 3 Stephane Robidas
Ht./wt.: 5-11, 190
Born: March 3, 1977, Sherbrooke, Quebec
2006-07 salary: $550,000
2005-06 stats: 5 goals, 15 assists (+15)
By the break: He'll either be a fixture and play almost every game or he'll be the odd man out in the seven-man defensive shuffle. He has made himself a tough scratch, though.
All-Star moment: As a member of the Shawinigan Cataractes, Robidas collected 79 points in 65 games and earned a spot in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League All-Star Game. He tallied two assists.
No. 5 Darryl Sydor
Ht./wt.: 6-1, 211
Born: May 13, 1972, Edmonton, Alberta
2006-07 salary: $2.128 million
2005-06 stats: 4 goals, 19 assists (-18)
By the break: He could be Sergei Zubov's constant companion or an important part of a defensive plan. Either way, Sydor should be a very important part of the team's leadership.
All-Star moment: Sydor qualified for his first NHL All-Star Game in 1998 in Vancouver. Just walking into a dressing room with Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier was memorable.
No. 6 Trevor Daley
Ht./wt.: 5-11, 207
Born: Oct. 9, 1983, Toronto
2006-07 salary: $775,000
2005-06 stats: 3 goals, 11 assists (-3)
By the break: He could be getting important power play time and taking the next step in his advancement as a skilled defenseman, or he could be one of the team's top penalty killers and a solid third-pair guy.
All-Star moment: In his last year of junior hockey, Daley made the Ontario Hockey League All-Star Game in Kitchener, Ontario, and saw a bunch of old friends he played hockey with in his youth.
No. 42 Jon Klemm
Ht./wt.: 6-2, 200
Born: Jan. 8, 1970, Cranbrook, B.C.
2006-07 salary: $950,000
2005-06 stats: 4 goals, 7 assists (-3)
By the break: Klemm is also on that bubble of being a great contributor or playing someplace else. If they suit him up, they could get another 76 solid games out of him.
All-Star moment: Playing for Spokane in the WHL All-Star Game in 1991, Klemm had a hat trick of a strange kind. "My team won, I had an assist and Syd was my roommate," Syd would be current teammate Darryl Sydor, who was then playing for Kamloops.
No. 43 Philippe Boucher
Ht./wt.: 6-3, 218
Born: May 24, 1973, Ste-Apollinaire, Quebec
2006-07 salary: $2.5 million
2005-06 stats: 16 goals, 27 assists (+28)
By the break: If you look at what he accomplished in only 66 games last season, you'll see he can be among the best in the league.
All-Star moment: Boucher made the AHL All-Star Game during the 1994 lockout. "I had to go through a two-a- day practice in Buffalo, then get on a plane and fly to Providence. I made it about two minutes before the game started."
No. 44 Jaroslav Modry
Ht./wt.: 6-2, 220
Born: May 27, 1971, Ceske-Budejovice, Czech Republic
2006-07 salary: $1.9 million
2005-06 stats: 7 goals, 31 assists (-9)
By the break: He could be Doug Armstrong's best move of the summer. While Modry has the reputation of being slow defensively, he has looked terrific in the preseason.
All-Star moment: Modry took his dad to the NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles. "My dad got to go and be a part of the activities, and it was just so great. He cried tears of joy."
No. 56 Sergei Zubov
Ht./wt.: 6-1, 200 Born: July 27, 1970, Moscow
2006-07 salary: $4 million
2005-06 stats: 13 goals, 58 assists (+20)
By the break: Zubov was a finalist for the Norris Trophy last season. He is still considered one of the top defensemen in the league, even at age 36.
All-Star moment: Hefaced Dominik Hasek in practice at the 2003 NHL All-Star Game. "We went through a shootout session and practice, 30-35 minutes probably, and he allowed one goal. One!"
CENTERS
No. 9 Mike Modano
Ht./wt.: 6-3, 210
Born: June 7, 1970, Livonia, Mich.
2006-07 salary: $4.25 million
2005-06 stats: 27 goals, 50 assists (+23)
By the break: He could be working on a 90-point season. If he takes full advantage of the chance to be an offensive- minded player, Modano could have a career year.
All-Star moment: Getting beat out for the All-Star MVP trophy in 1999 by Wayne Gretz- ky. Modano had a goal and three assists, but Gretzky was playing in his final All-Star Game and won the vote.
No. 88 Eric Lindros
Ht./wt.: 6-4, 240
Born: Feb. 28, 1973, London, Ontario
2006-07 salary: $1.55-2.5 million
2005-06 stats: 11 goals, 11 assists (-3)
By the break: He could be the team's leading scorer or pondering the end of his career. He has battled eight reported concussions.
All-Star moment: NHL officials named him the replacement for starter Steve Yzerman in 1999, but he handed the honor to Wayne Gretzky for his final appearance.
No. 11 Jeff Halpern
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 203
Born: May 3, 1976, Potomac, Md.
2006-07 salary: $2 million
2005-06 stats: 11 goals, 33 assists (-8)
By the break: A tenacious checker with decent skill, Halpern could play a huge role in freeing up Mike Modano.
All-Star moment: Halpern's best memory came in a baseball game when he was 10. "It was the first time I ever faced curveballs, and I struck out on three pitches."
No. 14 Stu Barnes
Ht./wt.: 5-11, 182
Born: Dec. 25, 1970, Spruce Grove, Alberta
2006-07 salary: $1.14 million
2005-06 stats: 15 goals, 21 assists (+9)
By the break: He could be filling the second-line center role if Eric Lindros is hurt or helping Jeff Halpern out as a wing on the checking line.
All-Star moment: "I was playing for Tri-City and Mike [Modano] was playing for Prince Albert [in 1988]. Mike broke his hand in the game. I just remember what a terrible thing for him, in an All-Star Game."
No. 27 Patrik Stefan
Ht./wt.: 6-2, 205
Born: Sept. 16, 1980, Pribham, Czech Rep.
2006-07 salary: $900,000
2005-06 stats: 10 goals, 14 assists (+3)
By the break: Stefan is hoping to get a fresh start in Dallas, but the Stars seem to have better options at every center position.
All-Star moment: "I was with Long Beach in 1999, and I had been selected to play in the IHL All-Star Game. But a couple of games before, I got a con- cussion and couldn't go."
No. 29 Steve Ott
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 193
Born: Aug. 19, 1992, Summerside, P.E.I.
2006-07 salary: $775,000
2005-06 stats: 5 goals, 17 assists (+1)
By the break: is hoping to up his point totals, but it will be difficult on a team this deep in forwards.
All-Star moment: In the 2001 OHL All-Star Game, Ott received a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct penalty. "But we were playing guys from the other league," he said.
No. 71 Mike Ribeiro
Ht./wt.: 6-0, 175
Born: Feb. 10, 1980, Montreal
2006-07 salary: $1.9 million
2005-06 stats: 16 goals, 35 assists (-6)
By the break: It will be interesting to see if the Stars want to keep Ribeiro and build with the talented young playmaker or trade him for a winger.
All-Star moment: Ribeiro had a goal and three assists in the 2002 YoungStars game in Los Angeles. He fed Brenden Morrow for one of his assists.
GOALIES
No. 35 Marty Turco
Ht./wt.: 5-11, 185
Born: Aug. 13, 1975, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
2006-07 salary: $6 million
2005-06 stats: 41-19-5, 2.55 GAA, .898 save
By the break: He should be among the top 10 goalies in the NHL. That's what Turco has been pretty much every season of his five-year career, with a 2.08 GAA in that span.
All-Star moment: Turco played the third period of the 2003 NHL All-Star Game and won the game in a shootout. Of course, if you want to throw in the fact he started the 2004 game in Minnesota, that's also a pretty good memory.
No. 41 Mike Smith
Ht./wt.: 6-3, 211
Born: March 22, 1982, Kingston, Ontario
2006-07 salary: $495,000
2005-06 stats: 25-19-6, 2.50, .917 (Iowa, AHL)
By the break: He'll either be a solid NHL backup or playing goalie in Iowa. Smith is 24 and appears ready to handle the step up.
All-Star moment: Smith played in the 2003 East Coast Hockey League All-Star Game on the strength of one memorable game: He scored a goal and posted a shutout in a 2-0 win over Dayton in October of that season.
COACH
Dave Tippett
Born: Aug. 25, 1961, Moosomin, Sask.
Last season: 53-23-6
Career record: 140-71-33
Key stat: Has best winning percentage (.641) among active NHL coaches.
By the break: He'll be on top of the world or ready to pop a vein in his forehead. Tippett appears to have turned up the pressure on everyone this year, including himself.
All-Star moment When he was an assistant coach with the Kings in 2002, Tippett was asked to play as a member of the NHL alumni against the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team.
random musings
Southlake Carroll had little trouble dismissing Keller Central on Friday, 57-7. All starters were removed from the game after the defense sacked Keller QB Rodge Macy causing a fumble that Carroll LB Kyle Russo recovered for a touchdown to put the Dragons up 51-0.
For those who watch the MTV show Two A Days, Hoover (Ala.) lost to John Curtis (La.), 28-14 on Friday. Hoover's football team, the basis for the MTV show, has been ranked as the nations #1 high school team since the start of the season. Many had suspected though that they we're just a tad over-rated, which seems to be the case after last Friday. Comparing Alabama high school football to that of Texas, only about 5 or 6 schools in Alabama would even make the playoffs in Texas... which begs the question, who is voting for this team as #1?
The Tigers we're swept over the weekend by the Royals... yes, those last place, worst team in the majors Kansas City Royals. The Royals completed their first three-game sweep in Detroit since 1980. The Tigers needed just one win to clinch the AL Central. Instead now they are the wild card and go on the road to play the Yankees. Way to choke Detroit.
The Tigers were the 18th team since 1900 to fall out of first place on the final day of the regular season. Detroit was the first to so by losing a game in which it led by more than three runs (the Tigers led the Royals, 6-0) and the second to do so by losing to a last-place team. The other was the 1944 Tigers, who were defeated by the last-place Senators on the final day of the season and overtaken for the American League pennant by the St. Louis Browns.
unnecessary roughness?
Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth stomps on Dallas center Andre Gurode's head not once, but twice after he yanked his helmet off. Gurode required 30 stiches.
Sunday, October 1, 2006
good thing he catches better than he sings
Washington Redskins WR Brandon Lloyd working on a career as a rap singer in his off time..
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Modano relieved of captain's role
Stars' Left Wing Morrow earns Captain's 'C'- By MIKE HEIKA / The Dallas Morning News
FRISCO – Stars officials said naming Brenden Morrow captain Friday was all about "passing the torch," not about lighting a torch under the team
Morrow, 27, receives the honor after bypassing free agency next year to sign a six-year contract extension that will keep him in Dallas through the 2012-13 season. Former captain Mike Modano, 36, loses the designation with three years remaining on his contract.
Modano, who will serve as an alternate captain with Sergei Zubov, said he was asked to step down. He said he did so because he felt it was best for the team and the organization. He admitted he's disappointed but is ready to move forward.
"They approached me over the course of the summer and said it had been in the back of their mind, and we finally settled on something the other day," Modano said. "It's a changing-of-the-guard kind of thing. It's the future for [Morrow] and the future for a lot of the guys who are going to be around here."
General manager Doug Armstrong and coach Dave Tippett said the move was not a reflection on Modano, who Armstrong said is still the face of the franchise. It simply was the perfect time to elevate Morrow.
"If we only had him for the one year, we wouldn't have done this," Armstrong said of Morrow. "With Brenden's age and the commitment he's made to this organization, he's going to be able to pull this team together for a number of years moving forward."
Tippett acknowledged concern for how Modano will react to this. He said that they've talked for months and will continue to do so.
"I know that he is passionate about this team and adamant in demanding the best out of it and himself," Tippett said. "Mike is still a very important leader for us."
Hockey people have projected Morrow as an NHL captain for years. He was captain of his junior team and quickly elevated himself to alternate captain on the Stars.
"He exemplifies some of the things we want to be known for," Armstrong said. "He's a hard-nosed player. He competes every night. He just has leadership qualities. People gravitate to him, and we think his teammates are going to follow him."
Armstrong added this isn't just a move to energize the team after another first-round playoff loss.
"This isn't based on one season. It's based on the long-term direction of where we want to go," he said. "One of the positives is he's going to have Mike and Sergei around him for the foreseeable future."
Armstrong said the move is also aimed at putting more responsibility on players such as Steve Ott, Jussi Jokinen and Trevor Daley.
"The younger generation has to step up and take their share of the responsibility," Armstrong said. "They can't just continually wait on Mike and Sergei and Jere [Lehtinen] to do it all."
Tippett said the captaincy is a bigger deal in hockey than in other sports, but he added that one person can't lead the team.
"Ultimately at the end of the day, it's about the group together," Tippett said. "One guy might have a 'C' on, but it's how well does the group co-exist together."
Morrow said he will lean heavily on Modano and other team leaders but admitted the promotion is a big deal to him.
"For a farm boy from Saskatchewan ... it's a real honor and privilege," he said.
Friday, September 29, 2006
college football's longest winning streak...
...no longer resides in Texas. BYU ended No. 17 TCU's 13-game win streak in dominate fashion, 31-17. Ohio State and West Virginia both have won 11 games in a row, now the best in I-A. The NCAA's longest streak is 17 by Division II Grand Valley State.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
mark cuban... just living the dream
Another reason to like Mavs owner Mark Cuban: He's the only billionaire you might stumble across in an Indiana bar and just end up getting blasted with all evening. The folks at We Are The Postmen ended up at a Bloomington bar with Cuban last week, and he bought everybody booze and pretty much eradicated his brain through the demon liquid.
At one point, no one was saying much, and just about everyone there was blasted beyond smalltalk. Then, out of the silence, Mark jolts up, turns his head around, and blurts, to absolutely no one in particular: "It feels....FANTASTIC!"
Read the whole encounter here.
t.o. rushed to the e.r.
Local Dallas news is reporting the T.O. has been taken by ambulence to the Baylor Medical Center emergency room . Initial speculation is that he has had a reaction to some medication he was taking.
Monday, September 25, 2006
spotlight on new orleans
Way too much hoopla before the start of this game... Green Day, U2, pre-game celebrations... just a bit of over-kill.
The game, btw, is a snooze-fest.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
scarlet knights crack top 25
Rutgers is ranked in Top 25 for first time since '76.
See the rest of the Top 25 here.
The Detroit Tigers clinched their first playoff berth since 1987.
No. 1 Carroll routs Rockwell 47-7. More on the Dragons victory here.
SLC QB Riley Dodge
Justin Pardon
Tre Newton
Riley Dodge
Blake Cantu
See the rest of the Top 25 here.
The Detroit Tigers clinched their first playoff berth since 1987.
No. 1 Carroll routs Rockwell 47-7. More on the Dragons victory here.
SLC QB Riley DodgeJustin PardonTre NewtonRiley DodgeBlake Cantu
johnny damon's dna
Kim Jones knowingly refers to Johnny Damon's DNA being left in center field because of using his hand so much... say what?
nice catch for iowa state wr
Janna Skrabanek, Houston Texans cheerleader and girlfriend of Iowa State receiver Austin Flynn.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
random baseball
And the Rangers didn't want this guy who's now 11-5 with a 3.50 ERA... lower than any Rangers starter... by almost a full run.
'Zero' chance Girardi manages '07 Marlins. Pretty sad when Girardi has taken a team most thought would be the worst in the NL and has them in playoff contention.
'Zero' chance Girardi manages '07 Marlins. Pretty sad when Girardi has taken a team most thought would be the worst in the NL and has them in playoff contention.
Friday, September 22, 2006
buckeyes
irish
volunteers
more poor irishThursday, September 21, 2006
cowboys
eagles
chargersi think she liked it...
Mets reporter Julie Donaldson gets doused by Mets after they had clinched the NL East title... something no Rangers reported has to worry about any time soon.
why does everyone hate arod?
Despite his extraordinary numbers, New York fans are quick to discount his contributions. And when things go wrong for A-Rod, even his teammates find him hard to motivate and harder to understand. Read Tom Verducci's SI story here.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
time for ou to just shut up already
Video highlights from the end of the OU/Oregon game.
Yet another take on the controversial calls...
Yet another take on the controversial calls...
Monday, September 18, 2006
are you freakin kidding me...
University of Oklahoma president David Boren sent a letter to Big 12 Commissioner Kevin Weiberg on Monday, asking him to push for the Sooners' game against Oregon to be eliminated from the record books and have the Pac-10 officials involved in the game suspended for the remainder of the season. Read the rest of this ridiculous story here.
Terrell Owens will have a plate inserted into his broken finger... glad he's not on my fantasy team.
Bet of the day... take Jacksonville +2.5 over Pittsburgh
Randomness from the A&M/Army game:
• A&M attempted 11 passes Saturday, the fewest since the Aggies threw eight times in a 28-21 win over Nebraska in 1998.
• A&M leads the nation in pass defense for the second straight week (allowing 93.7 yards per game).
• RB Jorvorskie Lane ranks second in the country in scoring with 48 points (eight touchdowns). Purdue RB Kory Sheets is No. 1 with 60 points (10 TDs). The school record for rushing touchdowns in a season is 19 set by Joel Hunt in 1927.
• WR Chad Schroeder has five career touchdown catches of 40-plus yards.
Terrell Owens will have a plate inserted into his broken finger... glad he's not on my fantasy team.
Bet of the day... take Jacksonville +2.5 over Pittsburgh
Randomness from the A&M/Army game:
• A&M attempted 11 passes Saturday, the fewest since the Aggies threw eight times in a 28-21 win over Nebraska in 1998.
• A&M leads the nation in pass defense for the second straight week (allowing 93.7 yards per game).
• RB Jorvorskie Lane ranks second in the country in scoring with 48 points (eight touchdowns). Purdue RB Kory Sheets is No. 1 with 60 points (10 TDs). The school record for rushing touchdowns in a season is 19 set by Joel Hunt in 1927.
• WR Chad Schroeder has five career touchdown catches of 40-plus yards.
Friday, September 15, 2006
random sports musings
Lucky cover of the night... Toledo -4 over Kansas, thanks to a late INT by Kansas in double OT.
Some video from the Southlake Carroll vs Evangel Christian game.
Michelle Wie needs to stop wasting sponsor exemptions on the PGA Tour.
Some video from the Southlake Carroll vs Evangel Christian game.
Michelle Wie needs to stop wasting sponsor exemptions on the PGA Tour.
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