All is right with the world.
Roger Federer is the winningest tennis champion of all time.
But it wasn't an easy road for Roger. After his heartbreaking fifth set loss to Rafael Nadal in the finals at Wimbledon last year, some speculated that he might never win at the All England Club again.
But luck was on his side.
After winning the French Open, Federer had the chance to pass Pete Sampras for the most major tournament wins in tennis history.
But there was still the problem of Rafael Nadal, the world's #1 seeded player.
That is, until the Spanish phenom was forced to pull out of Wimbledon with knee problems. It was as if the stars had aligned for Federer.
But Andy Roddick came out to Centre Court in his Sunday best, ready to play the spoiler.
And he very nearly did.
The two players split the first four sets, Federer winning both of his on tiebreaks.
In the fifth set, the two would set another record, playing a marathon 30 games, the longest fifth set in Wimbledon history.
But at the end of it all, it was Roger pulling out a dramatic 16-14 victory, a testament to his will, and stamina.
Roddick threw everything he had at Federer, playing arguably the best tennis match of his life. But he once again fell just short of capturing the title, allowing Roger to bask in the glory of his record setting 15th major tournament victory.
A toast to Roger Federer, the best tennis player the world has ever seen.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
More and more and more...
Sorry for delayed posting. Having some internet connection problems!
Gionta has signed in Montreal for $5 million per year for 5 years.
John Madden signs in Chicago.
Jason Labarbera signs in Phoenix.
Chris Neil re-signs with Senators.
Sjostrom signs with Flames.
Oilers management are meeting with Dany Heatley in person this evening to try and convince him to waive.
Also, great tweet that I had to share.
@GrossMisconduct Sather and Gainey are in a knife fight to see who can out-stupid the other.
I can't disagree on that one. With the Gaborik contract and the stupid money the Habs have been throwing around, both of those teams are destined for epic failure.
Gionta has signed in Montreal for $5 million per year for 5 years.
John Madden signs in Chicago.
Jason Labarbera signs in Phoenix.
Chris Neil re-signs with Senators.
Sjostrom signs with Flames.
Oilers management are meeting with Dany Heatley in person this evening to try and convince him to waive.
Also, great tweet that I had to share.
@GrossMisconduct Sather and Gainey are in a knife fight to see who can out-stupid the other.
I can't disagree on that one. With the Gaborik contract and the stupid money the Habs have been throwing around, both of those teams are destined for epic failure.
Slowing down now...
Back about an hour and a half after my swim (which was lovely btw) and there's only been a few minor signings to report. The real drama will play out later this evening when we find out where Dany Heatley goes (if anywhere.)
Fiddler to Hamilton...err...Phoenix
Steve Sullivan re-signs in Nashville.
Blue Jackets pick up Sami Pahlsson. Very good pick up for the Blue Jackets in a division that will now be even tougher with the addition of Marian Hossa.
Mathieu Garon signs in Columbus as well.
Jason Strudwick re-ups with Edmonton.
Will post later this evening with any new developments and my overall opinion of the day.
Thanks for reading!
Remember to check back often and add me on facebook or follow me on twitter!
Also check out Farhan Devji's website on the right side bar. A very strong up and coming journalist and a good friend.
Cheers!
Fiddler to Hamilton...err...Phoenix
Steve Sullivan re-signs in Nashville.
Blue Jackets pick up Sami Pahlsson. Very good pick up for the Blue Jackets in a division that will now be even tougher with the addition of Marian Hossa.
Mathieu Garon signs in Columbus as well.
Jason Strudwick re-ups with Edmonton.
Will post later this evening with any new developments and my overall opinion of the day.
Thanks for reading!
Remember to check back often and add me on facebook or follow me on twitter!
Also check out Farhan Devji's website on the right side bar. A very strong up and coming journalist and a good friend.
Cheers!
One more...
Byron Bitz re-signs with Boston.
I've been sitting in my hotel room in Kelowna all day looking out at the beautiful Okanagan Lake and wishing I could swim in it, which I am now going to do.
Back in a bit with more if it happens.
I've been sitting in my hotel room in Kelowna all day looking out at the beautiful Okanagan Lake and wishing I could swim in it, which I am now going to do.
Back in a bit with more if it happens.
Burkey
I'm a huge fan of the moves Brian Burke has made today.
Picking up a players like Colton Orr, Garnet Exelby and Mike Komisarek goes a long way to making Toronto a much tougher and stronger team.
If it keeps up like this I may actually have to start cheering for the Leafs. God forbid.
Look for Kaberle be moved soon.
Picking up a players like Colton Orr, Garnet Exelby and Mike Komisarek goes a long way to making Toronto a much tougher and stronger team.
If it keeps up like this I may actually have to start cheering for the Leafs. God forbid.
Look for Kaberle be moved soon.
Kubina Deal Done
To Toronto:
Garnet Exelby
Colin Stuart
To Atlanta:
Pavel Kubina
The right to Tim Stapleton
Garnet Exelby
Colin Stuart
To Atlanta:
Pavel Kubina
The right to Tim Stapleton
Kubina out, Komisarek In?
Apparently the Leafs, who are about to send out Kubina to the Thrashers, have made a very strong offer for Komisarek.
You can't deny that he's a Brian Burke type of player.
You can't deny that he's a Brian Burke type of player.
Taken from Sportsnet.ca
"The Montreal Canadiens have signed free agent centre Mike Cammalleri to a five-year, $30 million contract, sources tell Sportsnet."
Cammalleri Gone?
Sportsnet is reporting Mike Cammaleri has signed with the Habs.
Awaiting more confirmation. I don't trust anything until I hear it from TSN.
Awaiting more confirmation. I don't trust anything until I hear it from TSN.
Cammalleri to Habs?
Reports say the Habs are about to put the finishing touches on this signing.
Could this mean Kovalev moves? He might fit in well with the Sedins.
Could this mean Kovalev moves? He might fit in well with the Sedins.
Cory Schneider
The young Canuck prospect could be in play on the trade markey according to Farhan Lalji on TSN.
Since the Canucks only have about $10.5 million in cap space, the trade market makes the most sense.
Since the Canucks only have about $10.5 million in cap space, the trade market makes the most sense.
BIG SIGNING!
MIKE RUPP GOES TO THE PENGUINS!
...yeah it's really slow, still waiting for Komisarek, Cammalleri, Gaborik, Havlat, and Kovalev.
...yeah it's really slow, still waiting for Komisarek, Cammalleri, Gaborik, Havlat, and Kovalev.
Wow
I go to take a 10 minute shower and a bunch of things happen!
Emery officially signs with Philly.
Clemmensen and Koistinen sign with Panthers.
Laperierre to Flyers.
"The Gillionaire" Hall Gill signs with the Habs. With Spacek and Gill in Montreal, it looks like Komisarek could move.
My prediction is the Islanders, but apparently the Canucks, Rangers and Leafs have also showed interest.
Emery officially signs with Philly.
Clemmensen and Koistinen sign with Panthers.
Laperierre to Flyers.
"The Gillionaire" Hall Gill signs with the Habs. With Spacek and Gill in Montreal, it looks like Komisarek could move.
My prediction is the Islanders, but apparently the Canucks, Rangers and Leafs have also showed interest.
Luongo Deal?
Botchford says the pending Luongo deal is a 5 years in length Having the Sedins and Luongo long term will be a great thing for the Canucks.
Gaborik?
I'm kind of surprised a signing involved Marian Gaborik hasn't been announced yet.
From the connection with the Jason Botchford story about Gaborik buying a house in Vancouver, I'm surprised Gillis hasn't signed him yet.
It seems that Kovalev, Havlat, Cammalleri, and Gaborik are all highly sought after. I would bet that when the first of those 4 is signed, the other 3 will follow soon after.
From the connection with the Jason Botchford story about Gaborik buying a house in Vancouver, I'm surprised Gillis hasn't signed him yet.
It seems that Kovalev, Havlat, Cammalleri, and Gaborik are all highly sought after. I would bet that when the first of those 4 is signed, the other 3 will follow soon after.
Oilers Get Their Goalie
Nikolai Khabibulin has signed with the Edmonton Oilers.
This is the news Oiler fans have wanted to hear. If they get Heatley too, it will be a successful day in Free Agency for the Oilers.
This is the news Oiler fans have wanted to hear. If they get Heatley too, it will be a successful day in Free Agency for the Oilers.
SPACEK!
TO THE HABS! BIGGEST NEWS OF THE DAY!!!
...yeah it's slowing down a little.
Erik Cole is staying in Carolina.
...yeah it's slowing down a little.
Erik Cole is staying in Carolina.
Trades up in the air...
Kaberle for Kessel deal is still being discussed. Could happen.
Same with Heatley deal.
Same with Heatley deal.
More stuff...
Blue Jackets have offered Mathieu Garon a contract.
Ward re-signs in Nashville.
Krajicek re-signs in Tampa.
Flyers sign Brian Boucher. This is a weird signing what with the Ray Emery situation...
Ward re-signs in Nashville.
Krajicek re-signs in Tampa.
Flyers sign Brian Boucher. This is a weird signing what with the Ray Emery situation...
Canuck News
Canucks have reportedly signed defenseman Aaron Rome. If you don't know him, don't worry. He played 25 games over the past 2 seasons for the Columbus Blue Jackets putting up 3 points and 33 penalty minutes over those 25 games. This is likely a replacement signing for Rob Davison.
Also, Scott Niedermayer has re-signed in Anaheim, crushing the dreams of Canucks fans everywhere. Farhan Devji suggests that maybe Matt Hunwick in Boston would be a good option for the Canucks as an RFA? Doesn't sound like a bad idea to me.
Other News and Notes:
Kovalev deal not done. Could be a King.
Knuble to Caps.
Brashear to Rangers.
Heatley deal still not done. The waiting around is leaving the Senators on the sidelines while all the UFAs are signed.
Also, Scott Niedermayer has re-signed in Anaheim, crushing the dreams of Canucks fans everywhere. Farhan Devji suggests that maybe Matt Hunwick in Boston would be a good option for the Canucks as an RFA? Doesn't sound like a bad idea to me.
Other News and Notes:
Kovalev deal not done. Could be a King.
Knuble to Caps.
Brashear to Rangers.
Heatley deal still not done. The waiting around is leaving the Senators on the sidelines while all the UFAs are signed.
Kubina Deal Not Done
Interested to find out who is supposed to be going to Toronto though. Will they move Kaberle too?
Cammalleri
Canucks are making a pitch for him. He'd fit in nicely on the 2nd line with Demitra and Gaborik...this assuming that Gaborik signs.
Kings are going hard after Gaborik and/or Havlat.
Kings are going hard after Gaborik and/or Havlat.
Hawks Raid Red Wings
Kopecky has also joined the Hawks. Good signing for them this kid is a great player and he'll get to show it more in Chicago.
Tampa Beefing Up Defence
Lightning have signed Matt Walker from Chicago.
Lightning are look more like the team we thought they would be last year.
Lightning are look more like the team we thought they would be last year.
Chicago becomes scary
The Blackhawks are officially my pick to win the Stanley Cup next season.
After adding Hossa to their already star studded offensive lineup, and the rumors circulating that they will trade Cristobal Huet in favour of re-signing Nikolai Khabibulin, the Hawks look to be one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference.
Still awaiting more moves from the Canucks. Jason Botchford of The Province says he expects them to pursue Gaborik and Scott Niedermayer today. Here's hoping Gillis can land a big fish.
Also waiting to find out who is heading to Toronto in return for Kubina.
Ty Conklin has also gone to the Blues.
After adding Hossa to their already star studded offensive lineup, and the rumors circulating that they will trade Cristobal Huet in favour of re-signing Nikolai Khabibulin, the Hawks look to be one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference.
Still awaiting more moves from the Canucks. Jason Botchford of The Province says he expects them to pursue Gaborik and Scott Niedermayer today. Here's hoping Gillis can land a big fish.
Also waiting to find out who is heading to Toronto in return for Kubina.
Ty Conklin has also gone to the Blues.
Tidbits
Hossa has signed in Chicago.
Kubina dealt to Thrashers.
Colton Orr signed with Leafs.
Craig Anderson to Colorado.
Kubina dealt to Thrashers.
Colton Orr signed with Leafs.
Craig Anderson to Colorado.
It's only just begun!
July 1st is underway and the biggest news of the day is the extension of the Sedin Twins in Vancouver to duplicate 5 year $6.1 million deals.
I think Mike Gillis deserves huge credit on this one for sticking to his guns and not signing them for 12 years like the Sedins had requested.
This was also a necessary signing for the Canucks with the Flames acquiring Jay Bouwmeester yesterday and the
I think Mike Gillis deserves huge credit on this one for sticking to his guns and not signing them for 12 years like the Sedins had requested.
This was also a necessary signing for the Canucks with the Flames acquiring Jay Bouwmeester yesterday and the
My UFA Picks!
Here are my official 2009 NHL UFA Picks! I didn't do every single UFA since that would take forever, but here are the notable ones and my predictions for where they will sign!
| Sedin Twins | Toronto |
| Hossa | Detroit |
| Cammalleri | Vancouver |
| Gaborik | Vancouver |
| Havlat | New York Islanders |
| Koivu | New York Rangers |
| Kovalev | L.A |
| Tanguay | Minnesota |
| Gionta | Chicago |
| Antropov | Washington |
| Sundin | Vancouver |
| Afinogenov | Washington |
| Bertuzzi | Toronto |
| Niedermayer | Anaheim |
| Komisarek | New York Islanders |
| Ohlund | New Jersey |
| Zubov | Washington |
| Cole | Carolina |
| Beauchemin | Vancouver |
| Knuble | Buffalo |
| Khabibulin | L.A |
| Roloson | Colorado |
| Biron | Ottawa |
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Big Catch
July 1st in the hockey world, is like the first day of fishing season.
It's the day when players whose contracts have expired are released like salmon from a hatchery into the open stream that is the NHL Free Agency market.
The players swim quickly out of the hatchery and down the stream with dreams of dollar signs and Stanley Cups dancing through their heads.
Awaiting them on the shores of the river ahead are fisherman (NHL General Managers) who have their lines cast into the open water hoping to get a bite.
While some fishermen are looking to land the newest, shiniest, biggest fish in the river, others are looking to recapture their own fish who they have accidentally let out into the water.
The latter is a perfect example of Vancouver Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis, and the potential situation ahead of him if Swedish Twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin decide to jump out of Gillis' bucket on the shore, and into the cool, clear, and open waters of free agency.
On the far shore from Gillis, sitting in the shade in his camping chair with a fishing hat pulled down over his eyes and a constant scowl on his face, is Leafs Head Fisherman Brian Burke. Burke falls into the former category of a GM trying to make a "splash" with his latest catch from the river.
As Burke looks across the river at Gillis, whose sweaty brow and red face indicate that his fish are about to jump, a very very very small smile appears at the corners of Burke's mouth.
Burke quickly steps out into the sunlight, revealing himself from the shade, at the exact same moment that Henrik-Fish and Daniel-Fish make their move, leaping from Gillis' shoreside fish bucket.
At the same moment, Burke casts his line right out into the middle of the stream, with a tantalizing worm dangling from the end of his hook, drawing Daniel-Fish and Henrik-Fish to it.
Gillis watches helplessly from the opposite shore as all sorts of thoughts run through his head.
"If only I had fed those fish just a little more, maybe they wouldn't have left my bucket."
Gillis is at a loss, his two prize fish have departed for more open waters, and his big shiny fish that he had hoped to land was stolen from the hatchery by his nemesis Darryl Sutter just a day before!
Just as Gillis turns glumly to the shore, his head hanging dejectedly, he catches some movement in the water below out of the corner of his eye.
One lone fish comes slowly down the stream, swimming away from the rest of the group.
He is beleagured by a broken left fin, but is swimming as hard as he can, determined to be caught by a fisherman.
Gillis looks down on this sad site in front of him and feels pity in his heart.
"Oh it's okay Marian Gaborik-Fish, i'll catch you. In fact, maybe you can replace Henrik and Daniel-Fish!"
As Gillis turns towards the shore, his new catch swimming happily in his bucket, he hears a low chuckle from across the river in the shade.
"Good luck catching Roberto-Fish next year if the only thing you bring home to your tank is that pathetic excuse of a catch, that is if you're still a fisherman by then. I'll be waiting in the same place at the same time next year."
It's the day when players whose contracts have expired are released like salmon from a hatchery into the open stream that is the NHL Free Agency market.
The players swim quickly out of the hatchery and down the stream with dreams of dollar signs and Stanley Cups dancing through their heads.
Awaiting them on the shores of the river ahead are fisherman (NHL General Managers) who have their lines cast into the open water hoping to get a bite.
While some fishermen are looking to land the newest, shiniest, biggest fish in the river, others are looking to recapture their own fish who they have accidentally let out into the water.
The latter is a perfect example of Vancouver Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis, and the potential situation ahead of him if Swedish Twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin decide to jump out of Gillis' bucket on the shore, and into the cool, clear, and open waters of free agency.
On the far shore from Gillis, sitting in the shade in his camping chair with a fishing hat pulled down over his eyes and a constant scowl on his face, is Leafs Head Fisherman Brian Burke. Burke falls into the former category of a GM trying to make a "splash" with his latest catch from the river.
As Burke looks across the river at Gillis, whose sweaty brow and red face indicate that his fish are about to jump, a very very very small smile appears at the corners of Burke's mouth.
Burke quickly steps out into the sunlight, revealing himself from the shade, at the exact same moment that Henrik-Fish and Daniel-Fish make their move, leaping from Gillis' shoreside fish bucket.
At the same moment, Burke casts his line right out into the middle of the stream, with a tantalizing worm dangling from the end of his hook, drawing Daniel-Fish and Henrik-Fish to it.
Gillis watches helplessly from the opposite shore as all sorts of thoughts run through his head.
"If only I had fed those fish just a little more, maybe they wouldn't have left my bucket."
Gillis is at a loss, his two prize fish have departed for more open waters, and his big shiny fish that he had hoped to land was stolen from the hatchery by his nemesis Darryl Sutter just a day before!
Just as Gillis turns glumly to the shore, his head hanging dejectedly, he catches some movement in the water below out of the corner of his eye.
One lone fish comes slowly down the stream, swimming away from the rest of the group.
He is beleagured by a broken left fin, but is swimming as hard as he can, determined to be caught by a fisherman.
Gillis looks down on this sad site in front of him and feels pity in his heart.
"Oh it's okay Marian Gaborik-Fish, i'll catch you. In fact, maybe you can replace Henrik and Daniel-Fish!"
As Gillis turns towards the shore, his new catch swimming happily in his bucket, he hears a low chuckle from across the river in the shade.
"Good luck catching Roberto-Fish next year if the only thing you bring home to your tank is that pathetic excuse of a catch, that is if you're still a fisherman by then. I'll be waiting in the same place at the same time next year."
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