As the NHL season winds down, we get closer to the playoff push. Here is my prediction for the seeding in the East of the playoffs. Who’s in and who’s out.

Eastern Conference:

1.) Pittsburgh Penguins: They are just that good right now. With the addition of Crosby back into the line-up they should easily catch the Rangers. The Penguins are winning at the right time.

2.) Boston Bruins: This team knows how to win late in games. and the one person who is always prepared Tim Thomas. When your goalie is the hottest player on your team, your in good shape to make a playoff push.

3.) Florida Panthers: While this team hasn’t played great as of late, they have a good schedule to finish out the season on a high note. Some may think the Capitals grab this spot, but with Columbus, Minnesota and Winnipeg on tap for the Panthers, they stay right here.

4.) New York Rangers: Its hard to imagine a team with over 100 wins not winning their division but that just shows you how competitive the Atlantic Division has become. The Rangers will manage there rest of the schedule but that’s it, limping into playoff action.

5.) Philadelphia Flyers: Some may thing the Flyers can still make a run at the title. They could but it wont happen. I like the flyers to finish with 102 points to lock up the number 4 spot.

6.) New Jersey Devils: They have just enough to keep in the hunt. A tough loss to divisional rival Rangers hurt there chances to move up. They ride it out as the 6 seed.

7.) Ottawa Senators: They can score, but their goaltending is inconsistent. This is why they wont catch the Devils, but will stay in that 7th spot.

8.) Buffalo Sabers: Sorry Capitals fans, not playoffs this year. The Sabers get the four wins they need to edge the Capitals and take home that 8th playoff spot. Deserving because they are better then the Capitals.

Kobe Bryant has had his fair share of game winning baskets and last minute rallies. He is a player that you want on the floor in those tight situations. But in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, he was neither. Bryant visibly frustrated by his teams play late in the game was benched by head coach Mike Brown. Kobe insisted after the game that he was angry with the decision but refused to elaborate on the decision. Below are my three reason Kobe may have been benched:

1.) keeping your head level: Kobe was pissed when his team stated the quarter down by a deficit. He slammed his elbow against the sideline chairs in frustration. As a coach seeing this action you are alarmed, especially from someone who is usually the one to keep your team calm. In hopes to cool down Bryant and keep him from making a rash decision in game Brown decided to sit his star player.

2.) Keeping him fresh: Brown even admitted to not wanting to run up Kobe’s minutes in the game. considering they play again the following night in a game against the Warriors. The bench for the Lakers is deep, so the ability to make this move is warranted. Its a safe move. Brown would sub in Metta World Peace for Bryant.

3.) Getting peace in a war zone: The Grizz were hot, and they were starting to pick up momentum. Metta World Peace was not playing well, and the game of basketball is all about momentum. Brown may have figured that by putting him in the game, he might be able to get a vital peace of the Lakers team going. While in the mean time keeping his star fresh and countering with his prowess late in the game.

While this benching has become the talk of the NBA as of late. Its not something I believe that was done for any other reason, but for a pure basketball decision. Was it the best choice? We will never know, but as stated before Kobe late in the game absolutely will make your team just that much better.

While the Phillies have made strides over the years, they have downgraded in the categories that mean the most. Over the years we have seen this team pull talent of the streets with ease. Teams offer better contracts, but players still choose Philly because of its sports lure. While its hard to believe a team that had 102 wins last year would need to upgrade, it’s not so farfetched. This is the year the Phillies must win it all, the roster is aging. It’s now or never. Below is a comparison of the Phillies regular season win total and how their play in the playoffs has decreased every season since 08.

2008 Won World Series- ended season with 92 wins
2009 Lost World Series- ended season with 93 wins
2010 Lost NLCS- ended season with 97 wins
2011 Lost NLDS- ended season with 102 wins

Brown University has decided to take a step in a new direction.  They announced the termination of a contract with head men’s basketball coach Jesse Agel. This move was the right one, over the years the Ivy League conference has become extremely competitive.  With the likes of Princeton and Havard proving dominance over the years Brown has become not existent. Brown has had good players over the past few years such as Sean McGonagill last years Rookie of the Year and Matt Sullivan who was third team CoSIDA Academic All American, but it just wasn’t the right fit for Agel.  Mason has had the opportunity to play Brown twice since my four years at Mason, both times we came out victorious.  Both times Brown was completely overmatched.  With the emergence of Penn this year, it adds a third powerhouse to the Ivy League.  Brown needs to act quickly, and make a decision that will help produce future success for a program that hasn’t seen an NCAA berth since 1986.

I had the chance to interview Coach Agel this year before he was let go and prior to his game with Mason.  Take a listen

The running quarterback is beginning to become an imporatnt part of the NFL game. On Sunday we say two of the most prized quarterback draftees take their turn at the 40 yard dash. Robert Griffin III clocked in with a time of 4.41 and Andrew Luck scampered across the line at 4.67. Versatility in the NFL is so important as the ability to avoid the defensive onslaughts can keep your team in a game. Below is a list of starting quarterbacks in the league that show a running presence in their game and the 40 time they ran. Is this the future of any of these new qb draftees, you decide?

1. Michael Vick: Since joining the Eagles Vick has proven he can still be a starter in this league. In 2011 he rushed for over 550 yards to bring his all time career total to 5,219 total yards on the ground. His ability to elude defenders makes him a difficult player to maintain on defense and adds unpredictability to the game.

40 yard dash: 4.33

2. Tim Tebow: Heck I’d be lying if I wasn’t “tebowing” while writing this, talk about a player that is on his way to changing the modern NFL. Tebow helped his team to a playoff appearance in 2011 while rushing for 660 yards and 6 TDS. His big body makes his hard to take down in the open field, if you’re looking for a QB that would rather take the hit then be hit, this is the guy.

40 yard dash: 4.7

3. Cam Newton: If you had to build a quarterback that had every quality you need, all would have to do if look at Cam Newton. He has the height at 6 feet 5 inches, and the weight at just under 250 pounds. Let’s not forget the arm power, as he threw for over 4,000 yards in 2011. But how about his running ability, I’d say over 700 yards and 14 TDs isn’t too bad.

40 yard dash: 4.59

4. Aaron Rodgers: Not known for his ability to run, Rodgers did his fair share of moving in 2011 as he rushed for 257 yards and 3 TDs. He isn’t a brilliant runner, but an intelligent quarterback that knows when it’s time to get out of the pocket.

40 yard dash: 4.71

The NBA All Star Saturday night has been a staple of fan appreciation ever since it became a yearly event. But while All Star weekend is supposed to show case the best talents in the league, it has become a stage for flashy popularity. This year we witnessed four main events the dunk contest, three-point shootout, shooting stars competition and skills challenge. Below is my take on the each event and its overall grade:

Haier Shooting Stars Competition: Over the years I have heard talk about stopping this event. But honestly it hasn’t disappointed over the years. It’s the one time we can see a current NBA player, old NBA Player and a WNBA player come together on one court. This year we had the chance to witness the return of Allan Houston to the court, and he didn’t disappoint. As he carried his New York team to victory sinking two three-pointers and a half court bomb.

GRADE: C

Taco Bell Skills Challenge: This is what an event is supposed to be like, chalk full of superstars. The storyline was there as well, a defending champ of the event, some old schoolers and some fresh new talent. The outcome was not what people expected. Most assumed the speed of players like John Wall and Kyrie Irving would prove to be too much in a competition bent on speed. But it was the older skilled players that prevailed as Tony Parker took home the trophy.

GRADE: A

Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout: This event had the perfect amount of star power mixed with those run of the mill three point specialists. But the best part may be that we had the chance to see one of the greatest players in the current NBA shoot the ball in Kevin Durant. But it was the power forward, not known to shoot the three ball in today’s NBA system, taking center stage and the trophy. Kevin Love showed big men can shoot.

GRADE: B-

Sprite Slam Dunk Competition: This is the event that everyone looks forward to. Remember the times when we saw the Michael Jordan’s and Dominique Wilkins throw it down. How about a Vince Carter 360 or a Jason Richardson between the legs slamma jamma? This competition is no longer of the caliber it once was and may never return to that level. We are now forced to watch no name mediocre dunkers try to put on a show. You know it’s bad when the trophy winner is booed.

GRADE: F

As the month of Febraury comes to a close, sports fans prepare themselves for a month of pure sports enjoyment.  Im talking about March Madness, the time of year were underdogs are the victors and last second shots come in bunches.  This past week I had the chance to live a sports fans dream, the chance to sit down with ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi.  Lunardi is the guru of college basketball, and when it comes to March Madness selection time lets just say he knows his stuff. During our converstaion I had to ask about George Mason’s chances of making the tournament.  Joe resonded “they are the weakest team of the three CAA teams that have a chance to make the tournament.”  The news struck me hard, and as a Mason fan I couldnt bare to watch another missed year or an NIT first round loss. So while Joe is an established analyst with great knowledge in the subject of college basketball, here is me just bieing a fan.  My reasons why Mason will make the NCAA tournament:

1.) Consideration: Most people dont realize that the selection comitte takes everything into consideration.  While George Mason hasnt won games agaisnt big opponents this year, they are peaking at the right time.  A big win over VCU last week, will absolutely have the comitte on the edge of thier seats.  Beating VCU again on their homecourt, might just slip our foot in the door.  Dont forget Mason started the season without thier starting gaurd for almost the entire first half of the season, thats needs to be considered as well.

2.) Drexel will lose: With just two games left to play at home and on the road, Drexel will come out 1-1.  This team is dominate at home, and they beat George Mason because the crowd gave them a boost.  I think the game agasint JMU at home will be a Drexel blowout, fans will be tasting the March Madness stew.  But an away matchup agaisnt Old Dominion will have a much bitter taste.  Drexel loses 65-60.

* This is the first matchup between the two teams this year, ODU is 2-1 in the last three matchups.

3.) Mason will win out: Except for two blemishes in the last 18 games, Mason would no question be the front runner candidate from the CAA.  But instead Mason is 16-2 in those games.  With two away games left on the radar, Mason will get the job done.  Mason is 7-4 away from the Patriot Center this year, they take on Northeastern ( 6-5 at home) and VCU (ha

Anyone can say that an object heading at 108 mph is life threatening, especially if its made of pure solid rubber. In this year’s NHL Skills Challenge is was Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins showing fans that pucks really do move that fast.  Yes, he did get a strong wind up and a running start, but who’s to say it hasn’t happened in a game. 

So lets thinks for a second, a puck traveling that fast obviously could do some damage.  If you don’t believe me then try standing in front of a baseball going 100 mph, that’s going to hurt.  So the real question is if Chara gets off a 105 mph slapper in a game, can it lead to fatality.

For this we take a look at the equipment used by hockey players.  You have three well protected regions that include:

Head: protected by helmet, neck guard and optional face mask.  Most helmets are made out of nitrile foam which absorbs impact and disperses it around a larger area.

Body: protected by shoulder pads, elbow pads and some good old fashion muscle.  Shoulders pads and elbow pads are made of cloth with some plastic.

Legs: protected by a garter belt, shin pads, hockey pants and heavy socks.  The layered hockey pants help protect your lower legs and the shin pads are made of polyurethane which keeps you covered.

So where would Chara have to hit to be deadly.  In my eyes a player who attempts to block Chara’s blow by laying down potentially gets struck in the side near the back right under the shoulder pad. A player struck in this region would experience immediate internal bleeding, in the cavity where the kidney is located.  Organs and back muscle would be crushed.  The chances of survival all depend on how quickly the hemorrhage can be stopped.

So yes, there are weapons and then there is Zdeno Chara’s slap shot.

If you asked sports sensation Brock Lesnar about his early life, he would tell you he wasn’t always first in fact he was also last. Lesnar finishing last in his class knew that his future was in sports. Lesnar became a member of the WWE in 2005. He was dominating, winning numerous awards and events. A few years later he decided to join the NFL, playing the Minnesota Vikings for a few preseason games. His final venture came at the hands of the UFC.

Lesnar has showed all the great abilities of a true athlete; speed, strength and power. He has rejuvinted two sports with his abilities. But I ask Lesnar, why not one more sport?

Over the year’s boxing has lost its viewers to the likes of the UFC and other fighting sports. Once a sport marked by names like Ali and Foreman, it’s the few greats left that are carrying the torch.

Put it this way Lesnar will enter as a heavy weight (the neediest group of all) and he will rejuvenate boxing?

Yes Lesnar has the abilities to be great, but his biggest attribute is his ability to be a catalyst for improvement for both himself and wherever he plays.

The NBA is surrounded by talent. Just take a look at the Miami Heat who has South Beach the talk of the town parading all-stars like confetti at the Super Bowl. Players like Lebron James, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant have been the face of the NBA for years. But as this short NBA season draws closer to the midway point, we can’t help but see this League is all about the underdog story. How so? Well take a look at my three reasons why we are seeing a different NBA.

1.) Sixers- Talk about a team without a superstar, their best player is coming off the bench. They have multiple players that can drop double digits on any team. Their team play is so inspiring; it has teams like the Bulls, Hawks and Magic wondering what happened when the Sixers come to town. It’s this team that has set the tone for the new NBA, they are proving just how good a team can be without a perennial all-star. Nobody had the Sixers in their top 5 this year, I would estimate to say not even in their top 15.

2.) Jeremy Lin: The Knicks were far from an underdog story, when you start Melo, Chandler, Stoudemire on a daily basis it’s not hard to see why. But it was obvious from the start this fire power wasn’t getting the job done. A team that was estimated to be a top 5 contender was reeling, and the fans just didn’t understand. In steps Jeremy Lin and the underdog story erupts? In Lin’s five starts he is averaging just under 27 ppg, and has his team on a 5 game win streak. This coming form a kid who played college basketball at Harvard, a D1 school where they don’t even offer an athletic scholarship. He was on three different NBA teams upon being drafted, and each year if he wasn’t riding the bench he was playing in the Developmental League. Don’t forget he is Asian-American, there hasn’t been a player this good of that ethnic background in a long time. This is the story of an underdog showing stars how to win basketball games.

3.) Lockout: Nobody expected we would be playing basketball this year after waiting over 150 days to hear some sort of resolution. The losses in money and pride for the NBA were immense, and it just didn’t seem like the black hole was getting any smaller. Players wanted more money and the owners wanted more as well. But on December 1st, the unthinkable happened and the NBA was back in action. It was the start of the underdog persona. When you thought all was lost, the unexpected saved the day.