Showdown

USA n' Canada today 3 oclock outside......ice rink.


USA
Uncle Sam

Penn State Phryday

Yinzers,

There was a small ray of sunshine in the torrential downpour of losses in the Penn State Nittany Lion basketball season. Like I stated last post, the Nittwits got their first Big-10 win against Northwestern a little over a week ago. This past Saturday, the Penn State up-ed their win streak to an astonishing 2 games. They defeated Michigan 55-51 in Ann Arbor, giving them their second win in Big-10 play. Taylor Battle led the way with 14 points and Andrew Jones added 10 of his own. It looked like the Nittany Lions were actually playing basketball these days.


That was short-lived, however. Wednesday night, the Buckeyes of Ohio State rolled into the Beej Center with their #9 ranking. Funny story about that game: the athletics department was giving tickets away...that is what this season has come down to, giving tickets away. In the HUB, there was a station to "shoot for tickets." It was a Playskool basketball hoop set up approximately 6 feet from a line. Once they realized no one wanted to shoot for tickets, they just began handing them out to whoever would take them. The game itself ended up predictable with the Buckeyes beating up on the Nittany Lions 75-67. Taylor Battle had another 22 and David Jackson had 13 of his own. Penn State is now 10-17 (2-13). The Nittany Lions' next game is Sunday at home against Northwestern.


The Penn State Icers hockey team also has their last home series of the season this weekend. Tonight at 9:00 and tomorrow at 3:30. The #1 Icers will take on the club squad from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. The Colonials have a rising NCAA division I team, but they also have a NCHA division I hockey team. Hopefully the Icers can cruise through this weekend and make it back to the club frozen four, and maybe not choke in the semifinals this year.


Other big news this weekend, as it is State Patrick's Day tomorrow. For those of you who do not know about State Patty's day, it was started in 2007 when the holiday of Saint Patrick's Day fell over Spring break. A ton of PSU students got a few local bars to open up at 8:00am for some day drinkin' specials. It was a prosperous relationship in 2008 and 2009. It all came to a screeching halt this year however. Only a few bars are opening at all tomorrow and they are only opening for either normal or shortened hours and there will be no bar specials. The PSU community as a whole is upset and skeptical. These bars claim they are looking out for the safety of the students this year, but everybody knows they are just brown-nosing to the PSU administration and the State College borough. The borough has been against the event from the beginning since this one day showcases the "college" part of State College. The administration is upset in response to the death of a Penn State student in the fall semester due to a drunken stagger over a wall and down a staircase, leading to the student's death. The administration began cracking down on the fraternities (since that is where the kid got his alcohol), limiting their parties. Now since the fraternities can't have their fun, they do not want anyone to have fun. It was reported in the Daily Collegian that the Inter-fraternity Council is siding with the borough and PSU administration to end State Patty's Day. In the end, it just leaves me pissed off because once again, one kid ruined it for everyone and it just made the fraternities more pissy and moany than they already were. The problem would be solved if morons were executed.

Happy State Patty's Day,
B Brog

Thursday Olympiad

Americans,

As it was on Common Man Monday, there are a ton of games to cover today on the Thursday Olympiad. Today would be equivalent to day 3 of the 5 day festival of Zeus Olympios in the time of ancient Greece. Since it is 2010 A.D., we have another week of games as opposed to the 5 total days in 776 B.C. I will try and keep it in chronological order once again:

Monday, February 22

12:00 PM, PST (3:00 PM, EST: Women’s hockey, Sweden v. United States

No contest here. The United States blows by Sweden 9-1 on the way to the gold medal game. The gold medal game will be played today at 3:30 PM, PST (6:30 PM, EST).

5:00 PM, PST (8:00 PM, EST): Women’s hockey, Finland v. Canada

Once again, no contest here. The Canadian women pounded Finland to the tune of 5-0 to advance to the gold medal game against the United States. Said game will be the only true test for either the United States or Canada. These two teams are the only teams worth watching in women’s hockey.

In consolation games, China upset Slovakia 3-1 and Switzerland beat Russia 2-1. The bronze medal game will be today at 11:00 AM, PST (2:00 PM, EST) between Finland and Sweden. It should be a good game between Big Sister and Little Sister.

Tuesday, February 23: “Fight For Your Right to Medal” Day

12:00 PM, PST (3:00 PM, EST): Belarus v. Switzerland

This game was for the right to square off against the United States in the quarterfinals. This, as with most of the Olympic hockey this year, was also a very entertaining game. You could see the desire and fire to move on in the eyes of both squads. Alexei Kalyuzhny opened up the scoring for the Belarussians (yes, that is what it is) :59 seconds into the game and Belarus seemed to control the first half of the first period until Julien Sprunger tickled the twine for the Swiss at 12:25. From then on, this was a gritty game. Minnesota Wild’s Hnat Domenichelli put one home for Switzerland and St. Louis Blues’ Konstantin Zakharov answered for the Belarussians in the second period. No goals were scored in the third, so we go to overtime. Still tied after overtime, these two teams were headed to the shoot out. Thomas Deruns opened the shoot out up with a goal for the Swiss, beating Alexei Mezin. Swiss goaltender, Anaheim Ducks’ Jonas Hiller stopped Belarus’ Oleg Antonenko. The Swiss put another one home off the stick of Romano Lemm. Belarus answered with a goal from Dmitry Meleshko when he beat Jonas Hiller. Both final shooters were shut down by the goaltenders, giving Switzerland the advantage 2-1, the overall victory 3-2 and a date with the United States in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 12:00 PM, PST (3:00 PM, EST).

4:30 PM, PST (7:30 PM, EST): Germany v. Canada

This game would decide the right to play Russia in the quarterfinals. I hate to say it again, but thanks for showing up, Germany. However, Germany did not disappoint me during this Olympics. They played very technically sound, but they were simply overpowered by the usual powerhouses. They have their own league in Germany (die Deutschland Eishockey Liga) so look for them to start making noise in Olympics to come. This game, however, Canada breezed through 8-2. Canada got goals from Calgary Flames’ Jarome Iginla (2), Philthadelphia Flyers’ Mike Richards, San Jose Sharks’ Joe Thornton, Anaheim Ducks’ Scott Niedermayer, Nashville Predators’ Shea Weber, Columbus Blue Jackets’ Rich “Nashty” Nash and your own Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby. Deutschland hat Toren von Nashville Predators’ Marcel Goc und Kassel Huskies‘ Manuel Klinge bekommen. Sid versus Geno will be Wednesday at 4:30 PM, PST (7:30 PM, EST).

7:00 PM, PST (10:00 PM, EST): Latvia v. Czech Republic

First off, Bill McCreary reared his ugly head to referee this game…not a good sign. This game would decide the right to play Finland in the quarterfinals. The Czech Republic came out on top 3-2, but it took overtime with the Latvians to decide it. The Czechs jumped out to a two goal lead in the first period with tallies from Tomas Rolinek and Washington Capitals’ Tomas Fleischmann. The Czechs seemed to have the game in hand until the third period when Latvia answered with two goals from Martins Cipulis and Mikelis Redlihs. The deal-breaker came at 5:10 in overtime from Boston Bruins’ David Krejci, pushing the Czechs into the quarters against Finland. That game is scheduled for Wednesday at 4:00 PM, PST (7:00 PM, EST).

9:00 PM, PST (12:00 AM, EST) Norway v. Slovakia

This game was for the right to play Sweden in the quarterfinals. Another entertaining game was at hand, mostly due to some sloppy play by Slovakia. Slovakia pulled through 4-3, however. Goals for Slovakia came from L.A. Kings’ Michal Handzus, New York Rangers’ Marian Gaborik, Richard Zednik and the game winner was from former Penguin Miroslav Satan. Norway got goals from Mats Zuccarello Aasen, Tore Vikingstad and Anders Bastiansen. Slovakia plays Sweden on Wednesday at 9:00 PM, PST (12:00 AM, EST).

Wednesday, February 24: Quarterfinals

12:00 PM, PST (3:30 PM, EST): Switzerland v. United States

This game was defined by one man: Jonas Hiller. The Anaheim Ducks’ goaltender played the game of his life for his home Switzerland and hats off to the man. If you did not watch the game, the United States won 2-0, but Jonas Hiller turned away a staggering 42/43 shots. At the other end of the ice, Buffalo Sabres’ Ryan Miller simply did his job by stopping all 19 shots the Swiss threw at him. The United States played stifling team defense, holding the Swiss to just four shots in each of the first two periods, while in the same time, peppering Jonas Hiller with 32 shots over two periods. Both teams played amazing on the penalty kill as well. Through four power plays (2 by each team), there were NO power play shots. The stars and bars managed to hit the post a couple of times, but the crazy events began at the end of the second period. At the end of the second period, USA’s Ryan Kesler took a shot in the waning seconds that rolled over the right shoulder of Jonas Hiller at the buzzer. After further review, the horn sounded without the puck fully across the goal line. The score remained 0-0 after two periods of play. Finally at 2:08 in the third period, the United States gets a goal on the power play off a tipped shot by New Jersey Devils’ Zach Parise. The shot from Detroit Red Wings’ Brian Rafalski was low and hard, but Parise lifted it into the chest of Hiller, but the puck seemed to grow legs and crawl in to the bottom corner, just out of Hiller’s reach. 1-0 United States. Later in the third, a crazy event took place. Switzerland seemed to answer on a bad-angle shot from Switzerland’s Sandy Jeannin that hit off the far post behind USA netminder Ryan Miller, the goal light went on, but the referee signaled ‘no goal’ and play continued. Doc Emerick, Mike Milbury and Jeremy Roenick all thought it was a goal…hell, all of us in the Gentlemen’s Loft thought it was a goal. Capitan then says what everyone is thinking, “Now what happens if we score?” Sure enough, as soon as those words roll off his tongue, Ryan Suter buried a wrist shot from the point. The Suter shot was called off for an interference call on Ryan Kesler and then play was stopped for review of the Swiss “goal.” After further review, the puck never crossed the goal line. No goals either way. Play would continue at 1-0 until Zach Parise added his second, an empty netter with 12 seconds to go. The USA moves on to play the winner of Finland and the Czech Republic tomorrow at 12:00 PM, PST (3:00 PM, EST).

4:30 PM, PST (7:30 PM, EST) Russia v. Canada

There was a lot of bad blood in this one. My personal highlight of this game was how Doc Emerick, Jeremy Roenick and Mike Milbury could not believe that Alexander Ovechkin was getting beat to pucks and beat into the defensive zone. Do none of them watch NHL games? Ovechkin only hustles into the offensive end. He does not back check and he does not over exert effort to get to loose pucks, except when he can catch an opponent with his head down. That being said, Russia showed its true colors, the same as that of a Pac-10 team: all offense, no defense. Canada wins this one in decisive fashion 7-3, out shooting Russia 42-28. Ovechkin was kept off the score sheet, but some Penguins did make it. The highlight of this game was the lack of class by mostly Washington Capitals’ players in the third period. Alexander Semin delivered a dirty hit on San Jose Sharks’ Dan Boyle, but Boyle retaliated with a slew foot, so neither showed class. Goals for Canada came from Anaheim Ducks’ Ryan Getzlaf, San Jose Sharks’ Dan Boyle, Columbus Blue Jackets’ Rick Nash, Dallas Stars’ Brenden Morrow, Anaheim Ducks’ Corey Perry (2) and Nashville Predators’ Shea Weber. Russia got contributions from Phoenix Coyotes’ Dmitri Kalinin, Atlanta Thrashers’ Maxim Afinogenov and your Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sergei Gonchar, with an assist from Geno Malkin. Canada moves on to the semifinals to play the winner of Sweden and Slovakia tomorrow at 6:30 PM, PST (9:30 PM, EST).

7:00 PM, PST (10:00 PM, EST) Finland v. Czech Republic

This was another of the great defensive battles that this year’s Olympics. Not too much to talk about other than the great goaltending performances by the Czech Republic’s Tomas Vokoun and Finland’s Miikka Kiprusoff. Vokoun turned away 29/30 and Kiprusoff turned away 31/31. The Finns came out on top 2-0. The only goals in this game were scored by Finland late in the third period off the stick of Calgary Flames’ Niklas Hagman at 13:34. Detroit Red Wings’ Valtteri Filppula added an empty netter with 1:35 to go in the game. Finland moves on to the semifinals to face the United States tomorrow at 12:00 PM, PST (3:00 PM, EST).

9:00 PM, PST (12:00 AM, EST): Slovakia v. Sweden

Upset alert. This year will be the third Olympics in a row that the defending gold medal team loses in the quarterfinals. That’s right; Slovakia pulls the small upset by beating defending champ Sweden 4-3. A slow start would be the demise of Sweden, who to this point had only given up two goals throughout the tournament. Scoring did not open up until the second period when Slovakia put two past New York Rangers’ Henrik Lundqvist off the sticks of fellow Ranger Marian Gaborik and Buffalo Sabres’ Andrej Sekera. Sweden did answer back in the second with goals from Nashville Predators’ Patric Hornqvist and Detroit Red Wings’ Henrik Zetterberg to tie the game at 2-2. However, with under a minute to go in the second period, hometown Vancouver Canucks’ Pavol Demitra gave the Slovaks a 3-2 lead with a power play goal. About half way through the third period, Chicago Blackhawks’ Tomas Kopecky added another tally for Slovakia. A mere 38 seconds later, Ottawa Senators’ Daniel Alfredsson answered for Sweden, making the game 4-3 and seeming to take away the momentum from the Slovaks. But to no avail. Both goaltenders held strong for the rest of the third. A fairly low-shooting game in a sense, but Henrik Lundqvist turned away 10/14 and Monteal Canadiens’ Jaroslav Halak turned away 26/29 for Slovakia. The Slovaks move on to play Canada tomorrow at 6:30 PM, PST (9:30 PM, EST).

U-S-A,

B Brog

Half way home

Yinzers,

So the Olympics are half way done. It has been awesome to watch Hockey at this level. But in a more serious note the NHL players are back to practice with their clubs today as they start looking for that second half and final push toward Lord Stanley's cup. News writers keep bringing up this 20 game sprint to the playoffs, all I am concerned about is that Pittsburgh gets home ice and everyone returns home from the Olympics hurt' free.

One last thing about the Olympics is the interview with J. Jagr is going to give me nightmares forever. ( sheep rapist)

Yeah you can shovel my driveway, yard, state hell just shovel.........

Wade

Pittsburgh Hospitality

This past weekend I was in Charleston for work - My company had a booth set up for the Charleston Home Show. As exciting as that was, I do have one story for you. On Saturday morning, the second day of the show, a man walked through with an Alabama shirt on. After telling him about my company I said "Roll Tide." He grunted and I asked him where he was from - some small town outside of Huntsville. I then offered the information that I was from Montgomery and he looked like he could care less. Whatever jerk - just trying to be friendly.

On Saturday afternoon as the show was wrapping up for the day, an older couple came by. The husband was probably in his mid 70s and he had a steeler visor on. After I did my spiel about what my company is, I said "Go Steelers!" He looked at me and told me I was wise beyond my years. He of course asked if I was from Pittsburgh and I told him I could only wish. Ok, not really - my boss was standing there, so unfortunately, I had to tell him I was from Alabama. He told me he is from Collinsworth - or something like that - 50 miles southeast or southwest of Pittsburgh. We small talked for a few more minutes and I got the story on how he and his wife met, very sweet story.

Anyways the whole point to this story is that all the people that I have met from the Pittsburgh area are kind and friendly people - and believe me, after living with Matt and Wade for a few months, I had met quite a few Pittsburghers. People talk about southern hospitality, and it does exist to some degree, but its nothing like Pittsburgh Hospitality.

Also from this weekend, I had dinner with a friend in downtown Summerville - which is right outside of Charleson. I came across this store and had to take a picture. I'm sure Guerin isn't that obscure of a name, but Billy G is the only Guerin I know of. These are just signs that we will one day be together.

I know its hard to see, but it does say Guerin's Pharmacy!

Oh yeah, and GO USA!!!

Till next Tuesday,
Truck

Common Man Monday

Americans,

Tons of hockey was played this past weekend and I will do my best to bring you up to speed, in chronological order

The day was Friday, February 19 and there were three games to be played:

Game 1: Sweden v. Belarus
The defending gold medalists controlled this game from the start and when the Swedes are in control, there are few teams that can hang with them. When it was all said and done, Sweden came out on top 4-2 to move to 2-0-0-0 with 6 points and a possible #1 seed going into the final tournament. Goals for Sweden came from the Ottawa Senators' Daniel Alfredsson (2), hometown Vancouver Canucks' Daniel Sedin and Detroit Red Wings' Johan Franzen. Goals for Belarus came from Dmitry Meleshko (2). Sweden now looks on to Sunday's rivalry and gold medal rematch with Finland.


Game 2: Latvia v. Czech Republic
No contest here. The Czech team buried Latvia to the tune of 5-2, showing that they deserve the #4 seed coming into the Olympics. The Czechs moved to 1-1-0-0 with a total of 3 points and are hoping for a first round bye to the quarter finals. Goals for the Czech Republic came from Montreal Canadiens' Tomas Plekanec, Toronto Maple Leafs' Tomas Kaberle, New Jersey Devils' Patrik Elias, Boston Bruins' David Krejci and the non-folically challenged Jaromir Jagr. Goals for Latvia came from Kristaps Sotnieks and Girts Ankipans.

Game 3: Germany v. Finland
Thanks for showing up Deutschbag. Finland pounds Germany 5-0, 'nuff said. This brings Finland to 1-1-0-0 with 3 points looking forward to their bout with big brother Sweden on Sunday. Goals for Finland came from Carolina Hurricanes' Tuomo Ruutu and Joni Pitkanen, Ottawa Senators' Jarkko Ruutu and Philthadelphia Flyers' Kimo Timonen (2).

Saturday February 20

Game 1: Switzerland v. Norway
The "Passive-Agressive Cup" between two so-called "neutral" countries went to overtime. If you did not watch this game, it was a pretty hard fought contest between the blue lines. I was peering over the top of a 6 lb. cheeseburger from Denny's Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield, PA as I watched this game. Not a bad game...the Swiss prevailed 5-4 in OT, stealing a point from Norway. Goals for Switzerland came from a bunch of cheese (no NHLers), Julien Sprunger, Roman Wick, Raffaele Sannitz, Severin Blindenbacher and Romano Lemm. Norway got contributions from Tore Vikingstad (3) and Mads Hansen.

Game 2: Slovakia v. Latvia
Just Lat them go home already. Slovakia trounced Latvia 6-0, bringing their record to 1-1-1-0 with 5 points. Goals for Slovakia came from Edmonton Oilers' Lubomir Visnovsky, Richard Zednik, Florida Panthers' Jozef Stumpel, Chicago Blackhawks' Marian Hossa, L.A. Kings' Michal Handzus and Ivan Baranka.

Game 3: Belarus v. Germany
Krauts are not intended to be frozen. Belarus slid past Germany 5-3 on Saturday, improving their record to 1-2-0-0 with 3 points, leaving Germany with 0 points on the tournament. Goals for Belarus came from Alexei Ugarov, Alexei Kaliuzhny (2), Montreal Canadiens' Sergei Kostitsyn and Colorado Avalanche's Ruslan Salei. Goals for Germany came from Florida Panthers' Dennis Seidenberg, John Tripp and Nashville Predators' Marcel Goc.

In the women's games, Switzerland defeated China 6-0 and Russia beat Slovakia 4-2.

Sunday "Day of Reckoning" February 21

Game 1: Czech Republic v. Russia
This was a rough and tumble game, mostly on the part of Washington Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin, who as usual was looking for people skating with their heads down. He found Jaromir Jagr. When this game came to a close, the Czechs could not match the Russian firepower and Russia came out the victor 4-2. Russia moved to 2-0-0-1 with 7 points and the Czech Republic moved to 2-1-0-0 with 6 points. Goals for Russia were from your Pittsburgh Penguin Evgeni Malkin (2), Washington Capitals' Viktor Kozlov and Detroit Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk. The Czech Republic got contributions from Tomas Plekanec and Ottawa Senators' Milan Michalek.


Game 2: the Heavy Weight Bout - USA v. Canada
If you had MSNBC and did not watch this game...SHAME ON YOU FOR 4 YEARS. This was by far one of the most exciting hockey games that I have ever watched in my life. In a game that had 3 break-aways on 3 straight possessions, all watching were constantly on the edge of their seats. Canada was the favorite, but the young, upstart Americans would prove that taking advantage of opportunities is how you win hockey games. Canada out-shot the USA 45-23, but Ryan Miller played arguably the best game of his life to shut the door on 42 of those shots. Martin Brodeur perhaps was a little overzealous in his play and made a few mistakes on which the USA capitalized. The entire game featured heavy hitting and face washing, and even Brooks Orpik dropping Sidney Crosby behind the net on one occasion. For anyone who says "they don't hit in the Olympics," think again. The outcome of this one would be a stunning 5-3 victory for the United States, the benching of Martin Brodeur and about 15,000 angry Canadians in attendance. Goals for the United States came from Detroit Red Wings' Brian Rafalski (2), New York Rangers' Chris Drury, New Jersey Devils' Jamie Langenbrunner and Vancouver Canucks' Ryan Kesler (which was one of the most impressive empty-net goals ever). Canada got contributions from Carolina Hurricanes' Eric Staal, San Jose Sharks' Dany Heatley and your Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby. The USA clinched a bye to the quarterfinals and the #1 seed with their 3-0-0-0 record and 9 points. Canada will play Germany tomorrow at 7:30 pm. If you missed this game, I highly suggest you find someone who TVo-ed it and pyrate that shizz.

Game 3: "Brother Battle" Finland v. Sweden
Big brother Sweden proved to be too much for little brother Finland in the gold medal rematch from Torino. The second language of Finland is Swedish, but the second place in the pool goes to Finland. Sweden comes out with a 3-0 win and a 3-0-0-0 record with 9 points to grab the #2 seed. Finland moved to 2-1-0-0 with 6 points. Goals for Sweden came from Dallas Stars' Loui Eriksson (2) and Washington Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom.

The end result from the weekend's games are the seeds for the medal tournament and they are as follows:
1. USA
2. Sweden
3 Russia
4 Finland
Canada plays Germany for the right to play Russia, Belarus and Switzerland play for the right to play the USA, Latvia plays the Czech Republic for the right to play Finland and Norway plays Slovakia for the right to play Sweden.

If you love hockey, then you're loving the Olympics as much as I am.

and the home of the brave,
B Brog

It's a Burgh Thing

Hola Yinz,

I was thinking about my favorite thing about Pittsburgh...(so many I had a hard time picking one), but in the end I did.

My favorite Pittsburgh thing is...

none other than a good ol' Primanti Brothers sandwich!

Maybe I'm just hungry, but I love this monster! A scrumptious combination of meat, cheese, slaw, and french fries between two pieces of thick bread, how could you not love this huge stack of artery clogging goodness. Personally, my favorite location is in Oakland, but there is much love to the original in the Strip District. This true taste of Pittsburgh has been around since the 1930s, and if you haven't tried one you definitely haven't lived or at least you've never been to the Burgh!

On a non-foodie note, The US Men take on the Canadian Men in Ice Hockey tomorrow at 4:40 PST. (Finally, my time zone!) So, who are you going to root for??? USA, USA, USA

Almost Famous, I'll take the number 2 best seller!

Labuda on the Left Coast

Penn State Phryday

Yinzers,

There have been two games for the Nittwits since last week's blog. We'll just go ahead and take them one at a time, shall we? Last Saturday, Kalin Lucas and the #10 ranked Michigan State Spartans rolled into the Beej Center and shouted "THIS IS SPARTA!" Leonidas, whose part would be played by Kalin Lucas, was Sparty's top performer with 24 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Taylor Battle had another solid performance, however. Battle put up 30 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. This would prove to be 56% of the Nittany Lions' points in this 65-54 loss. That game brought the Nittany Lions to a record of 8-16 and 0-12 in the Big-10. BUT...

The monkey is now off the back. The Nittany Lions rolled into Evanston, IL on Wednesday night carrying a 560 lb. gorilla on their back. It took the shape of 12 straight Big-10 losses. To the dismay of the Wildcat fans, that gorilla came off the backs of the Nittwits. This game was one that the Nittany Lions desperately needed, to beat a struggling program like Northwestern. Had the Nittany Lions lost to Northwestern, there would be chaos within the athletic department. At any rate, all 5 Nittany Lion starters were in double digits for points...what does that tell you about Northwestern? David Jackson: 20 points; Andrew Jones: 10 points; Taylor Battle: 10 points; Jeff Brooks: 12 points; Chris Babb: 20 points. The final tally was 81-70 in favor of the Nittany Lions. All that matters: we did not get white washed in Big-10 play. Penn State is now 9-16 with a 1-12 Big-10 record.

Penn State's next game is tomorrow night at 6:00pm, which Trey Wingo confirms is "dinner time," in Ann Arbor, MI.

For the Glory,
B Brog

Thursday Olympiad

Yinzers,

Let me start off by saying yours truly does not like to miss class. However, this morning I hit 'dismiss' rather than 'snooze' on my alarm clock and ended up sleeping through my 8:00am class. Believe it or not, a first in my four year scholastic career. What bites the most? It is a gym class that I enjoy...it's not like a mindless, pointless gen ed class. So I am a little frustrated this morning. Enough about that, there was some hockey played recently, wasn't there?

First off, this Olympiad's men's hockey tournament will be one of the toughest in years. History shows that the best teams are always Canada, Russia and Finland. This year, however, expect big things from other teams such as USA, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The depth of the field is amazing this year, although Canada is still by far the team to beat and is the most well-rounded crew. The most talented offensive team will be Russia with its finesse; the most talented defensive team will be the USA with their fisticuffs style play; the most technically sound team will be Finland with their stone-cold discipline; the dark horse will either be Sweden behind the goal tending of King Henrik Lundqvist or Czech/Slovakia due to a shock factor.


The tournament opened on Tuesday with a game between your team USA, including Pen's defenseman Brooks Orpik, and team Switzerland. Switzerland played surprisingly well compared to years past. On the whole, the Swiss did not play like cheese, but played very good team defense and got help from their goal tender Jonas Hiller of the Anaheim Ducks. Bobby Ryan, also of the Anaheim Ducks opened the scoring late in the first when he rifled a shot by his NHL team mate off a Swiss turnover. The second period was all USA. The stars and bars put two home in the second off the sticks of St. Louis' David Backes, who just undressed Jonas Hiller after blowing by the Swiss defense, and a power play goal from Pittsburgher andTampa Bay Lightning Ryan Malone on the power play with an assist to the Nashville Predators' Ryan Suter. Switzerland did put one home at 9:45 in the third period from Roman Wick on the power play with assists from Hnat Domenichelli and the New York Islanders' Mark Streit. The big difference in the play of the teams was the physical presence of the young team USA. Team democracy was throwing their weight around, especially our boy Brooks Orpik. If they can keep it up and keep out of the box, they may have a good chance to medal this year. Final for this one 3-1 USA. USA's next games are today at 3:00pm eastern time against Norway and Sunday at 7:30pm eastern against Canada.

Team Canada, a.k.a. team Cannonade, also took the ice on Tuesday. This one was fun to watch and "thanks for showing up Norway." Although there was no scoring in the first period, this game was all Canada. Canada's entire roster is NHL players, the only team that can say so in this tournament. Canada's second period goals: Calgary Flames' Jarome Iginla from Penguins' Sidney Crosby and the LA Kings' Drew Doughty; San Jose Sharks' Dany Heatley from Philthadelphia Flyers' Chris Pronger and fellow Shark Joe Thornton; Philthadelphia Flyers' Mike Richards from Boston Bruins' Patrice Bergeron and Nashville Predators' Shea Weber. The third period was no better for the Norwegians. Canada's third period goals: Anaheim Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf from fellow Duck Scott Niedermayer and Chicago Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews; Dany Heatley (2nd of the game) on the power play from fellow Sharks Patrick Marleau and Dan Boyle; Jarome Iginla (2nd of the game) from Columbus Blue Jackets' Rich "Nashty" Nash and your Sidney Crosby; Anaheim Ducks' Corey Perry from Carolina Hurricanes' Eric Staal and San Jose Sharks' Dan Boyle; Jarome Iginla (hat trick) from Rick Nash and Sidney Crosby. When this game was all said and done, the final score was 8-0 with 15 different Canadians registering points. They are THAT good. Big controversy in net, however. Marty Brodeur wants to start every game, but time will be split between Vancouver Canucks' Roberto Luongo, Penguins' Marc-Andre Fleury and the Devils' Marty Brodeur. We'll see how that all plays out. Canada's next games are today at 7:30pm eastern time against Switzerland and Sunday at 7:30pm eastern time against USA.

This is an awkward picture, but get used to it for the next couple weeks. Russia opened up the tournament with the night cap against Latvia. Russia, the tourney's most entertaining offensive team, started early at 2:35 with a goal from Danis Zaripov from Washington Capitals' Sergei Fedorov and Atlanta Thrashers' Ilya Nikulin. Also scoring in the first: Nashville Predators' Alexander Radulov from Sergei Fedorov and Phoenix Coyotes' Dmitri Kalinin; Washington Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin from fellow Capital Alexander Semin. The only goal in the second period came off the stick of your Pengins' Evgeni Malkin on the power play with assists from Atlanta Thrashers' Maxim Afinogenov and New Jersey Devils' Ilya Kovalchuk. Third period goals: Latvia's Herberts Vasiljevis from Aleksandrs Nizivijs and Martins Cipulis; Alexander Ovechkin (2nd) from Detroit Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk; Danis Zaripov (2nd) from Sergei Zinoviev; Ilya Kovalchuk from your Evgeni Malkin and Columbus Blue Jackets' Fedor Tyutin; Latvia's Girts Ankipans from Janis Sprukts and Martins Karsums; Former Penguin Alexei Morozov from Montreal Canadiens' Andrei Markov. All said and done, Russia comes out on top 8-2. Russia's next games are tonight at midnight against Slovakia and Sunday at 3:00pm eastern time against the Czech Republic.


In other games, Finland topped Belarus 5-1. Goals for the game: FIN-Calgary Flames' Niklas Hagman (2), New York Rangers' Olli Jokinen, Ottawa Senators' Jarkko Ruutu, Detroit Red Wings' Valtteri Filppula; BLR-Montreal Canadiens' Sergei Kostitsyn.
Sweden defeated Germany 2-0. Goals came from Tampa Bay Lightning's Mattias Ohlund, Dallas Stars' Loui Eriksson.
Civil unrest as the Czech Republic beat Slovakia 3-1. Goals: CZK-New Jersey Devils' Patrik Elias, Jaromir "Jagoff" Jagr, Montreal Canadiens' Tomas Plekanec; SLV-New York Rangers' Marion Gaborik.


On the women's side, the USA and Canada just kill teams. That's all there is to say. I would love to go in depth, but it would take too long. Therefore, I'll just report scores. Robert Morris University's Brianne Mclaughlin is the netminder for the USA. So far in two games, team USA is 2-0 with a 12-1 win over China and a 13-0 win over Russia. Like I said, Canada is also rolling in women's hockey with two wins of their own. Canada opened up a can on Slovakia 18-0 with shots 64-9 in favor of the Canadians and a second win 10-1 over Switzerland. USA and Canada will no doubt be the gold medal game.
The ladies start their final tournament tomorrow, games TBA.

There's your hockey fix kids.

U-S-A,
B Brog

US and of A

Yinzers,

So Yesterday Kicked off the Hockey and Curling portion of the Winter Olympics for 2010. I have to admit that while watching the Women's Curling last night ( in a Defeat to japan 7-6) My roommate pointed out that the women were pretty good looking. To top it off It really got me when they all spoke with Wisconsin, Minnesota and way up Nort' accents.

Recap From Yesterday :

Men's H0ckey won

Women's Hockey Murdered

Men's Curling 0-2 blanked

Womens Curling

Finally I have to ask what is up with the Mascots for this years olympics? If any one knows keep it yourself!( the one has a tat)

USA, USA

Wade

As Brian mentioned yesterday, the Olympics are in full swing and since we only get to see this glorious event every two years, we might as well watch it, talk about it, and enjoy it! Where else do you get to see(most of) the world cooperate with each other?


As you know, the Pens have so many players participating in the Olympics, but sadly only Brooks Orpik is representing the USA. This brings me to another point – Why in the world did my boyfriend not make the team? I mean seriously - Everyone loves Billy G!

Anyways, the Pens also have Gonchar and Geno representing Russia and Flower and Sid representing Canada. Clearly we want to see the USA win the gold (not likely) but as Pens supports we also need to support the other Pens players. (When they are not playing the US).

Another local Pittsburghian(?) is Matt Antoine – a skeleton competitor who is enrolled at CalU. There are other Olympians from the state of Pennsylvania, but who cares about anyone who isn’t from Pittsburgh? (But if you do care, here is the list http://www.nbcolympics.com/wpxi/photos/galleryid=389956.html)

In other news, today is Fat Tuesday. Most people think New Orleans when Mardi Gras is mentioned, and yes, New Orleans does have the largest Mardi Gras celebration, but this is not where Mardi Gras began in the US. Being an Alabamian, I know the true start of Mardi Gras – Mobile, Alabama. (Side note – Mobile is not pronounced like Mobile Home, more like Mo-Beel) Anywho, The idea of Mardi Gras started in Europe way back during the time of the ancient Rome, but the first US celebration was in 1703 in Mobile. This smaller city still celebrates Mardi Gras each year, but it is much more "family friendly" (i.e. my parents took me there when I was in grade school).

So I hope yinz have a great Fat Tuesday and really over induldge yourselves. and make sure you tune into mens hockey and curling tonight! Oh and if you have any down time this week, go watch Miracle.

Till next Tuesday,
Truck

Monday Igloo Update

Yinzers,

I typed in a search term of "Martin Erat" from the Nashville Predators and this is one of the images that showed up...I had to post it. Anyway, this weekend posted a couple of heart-breaking defeats for the Pens. Both games went to overtime, one went to a shootout, therefore the Pens did manage to squeeze 2 points out of the weekend, but it was still a heart-breaker.


On Friday, the Pens "welcomed" Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers to town for a Friday night fight dahntahn. 17,132 were on hand to watch this Atlantic Division bout. Sidney Crosby continued his point streak with 2 goals on the night: his first at 6:42 in the first from Billy Guerin and Geno Malkin and his second coming as the equalizer at 3:53 in the third period from Sergei Gonchar on the power play. The meat of the goal samich was two slices of Ranger goals in the second period. Brandon Dubinsky and Vaclav Prospal added their 13th each. The second period was also highlighted by a fight between the Cookie monster and Chris Drury. With the game tied at the end of regulation, we head to OT. Olli Jokinen ended the overtime period at 1:02 when he put one past Brent Johnson, thus stealing a point from the Pens.


Yesterday, the Pens played their last game before the Winter Olympic break. The Nashville Predators rolled into Pittsburgh to play their fourth Atlantic Division opponent in as many games. Coming off of a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, the Predators were out for prey. I must say, this game was one of the most entertaining games of the year, thus far. The action was end-to-end all game. Scoring opened up at 14:43 by none other than Sidney Crosby on the power play. Nashville put their first goal home at 0:34 in the second period off of the stick of Martin Erat. Matt "Cookie Monster" Cooke then answered at 2:09 with his 12th of the season. The Predators answered 12 seconds later from an unlikely source: 4th liner Jordin Tootoo, with just his third of the season. The third period saw an answer from the Penguins unlikely source: Brooks "Free Candy" Orpik caught goal fever for the first time in over 100 games. The Predators then answered at 12:17 from Shea Weber to tie it up and force OT. The overtime period was all Penguins as they had a power play for most of the OT period. It was the most exciting, frustrating, sphincter-tightening two minutes of the game with chances just trickling wide. The shootout then commenced. Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby failed to score in the shootout and Cal O'Reilly and Martin Erat banked one each, stealing the extra point away from the Pens.

The Pens will not play again until after Winter Olympic break. Therefore, your new Monday and Thursday updates will be for the common man...the Olympics.


To begin, the biggest news in Olympic hockey this weekend was Canada versus Slovakia. Canada, arguably the best team in women's hockey besides the United States, slaughtered Slovakia to the tune of 18-0 putting up 68 shots on goal to the Slovak 9. It was just unfair.

The mens games begin on Tuesday afternoon, so there will be blogs.

Lets go World,
B Brog