tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607520462125768032024-03-13T16:48:06.933-04:00KG's DistrictKG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-6664918825830670982013-01-14T17:30:00.001-05:002013-01-14T18:57:52.443-05:00D.C. Sports Dish: 1/14/13This is a new weekly segment I'm trying out. Hope you enjoy!<br />
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KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-85886507392036378652013-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-11T08:00:11.687-05:00DC Diggs: Caps Gear Up, Fletcher Talks Future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.speculativesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/london-fletcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.speculativesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/london-fletcher.jpg" /></a></div>
-It wouldn't really feel like the Washington Redskins if London Fletcher wasn't there, but the linebacker will take some time to consider his football future. <b><a href="http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Fletcher-Will-Take-Time-To-Consider-Future/1cd8f044-3816-4c63-813d-349b8387d674?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">[Redskins]</a></b><br />
<br />
-And because you can't get enough #RGKnee, the NFLPA is close to deciding whether or not to open an investigation into the injury. WHY IS THE WHITE HOUSE SO SILENT ON THIS MATTER?! DODGING THE IMPORTANT ISSUES?! ...can you tell I'm over it? <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2013/01/10/nflpa-nears-decision-on-demanding-investigation-of-robert-griffin-iiis-injury/" target="_blank">[The Insider]</a></b><br />
<br />
-Brooks Laich is one of the few in the NHL actually addressing how the lockout hurt the growth of the game. <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2013/01/10/brooks-laich-on-lockout-we-just-punched-our-sport-in-the-face/" target="_blank">[Caps Insider]</a></b><br />
<br />
-And the fun has officially started, since Alex Ovechkin has a new Gillette commercial out. <b><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/DXuq/~3/b6t8ng6_4Kw/new-ovechkins-gillette-commercial.html" target="_blank">[Alex Ovetjkin]</a></b><br />
<br />
-Don't look now, but the Wizards are getting healthy. <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2013/01/10/washington-wizards-getting-healthier-by-the-day/" target="_blank">[Wizards Insider]</a></b><br />
<br />
-That health (and play style) could be what the team needs to turn the corner the fan base has been waiting for since John Wall came aboard. <b><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TruthAboutIt/~3/3QUErPZFwYo/the-return-of-fun-and-unbridled-optimism-are-the-wizards-ready.html" target="_blank">[Truth About It]</a></b><br />
<br />
-We look at Bryce Harper's INTENSE campaign to get on the cover of MLB The Show. <b><a href="http://t.co/KB93vio1" target="_blank">[KG's District]</a></b><br />
<br />
-The Nats are also spending more than they ever have before. Will it pay off? <b><a href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/10/nationals-payroll-to-rise-above-100-million-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank">[Hardball Talk]</a></b>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-51174533438043827262013-01-10T12:21:00.001-05:002013-01-10T12:21:11.517-05:00Bryce Harper Really REALLY Wants the Cover<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BAQuW-RCIAAmd1N.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BAQuW-RCIAAmd1N.jpg:large" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A preview of what the cover will <br />look like with Harper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In case you haven't heard, Bryce Harper is up for the cover of the video game MLB Th Show 2013. There is an open vote to see who gets the cover, and one way you can vote is through Twitter. <br />
<br />
Remember, there was a time when Bryce Harper went off Twitter for fear of saying something actually interesting and therefore detrimental to his brand and career. But he is back on social media and making a strong push for his candidacy for the cover.<br />
<br />
Harper has been campaigning hard. Nearly every tweet he has sent since it was announced January 6 contains the hashtag "mlb13harper," which is what fans can use to vote for Harper to make the cover. How bad does he want it, exactly? He's tweeted the hashtag 145 times in three days. Yeah, 145 times.<br />
<br />
Here are some of <a href="https://twitter.com/Bharper3407" target="_blank">examples</a>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
@Bharper3407: Are we trending yet!? Let's get it all day! #mlb13harper</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
@Bharper3407: I'm probably really annoying right now, but that's okay! I won't tweet for a while after this is over!hah #mlb13harper</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a name='more'></a>@Bharper3407: It's so easy to click the RETWEET! #mlb13harper </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
@Bharper3407: Ill sleep when I die! #mlb13harper </blockquote>
<br />
It's not just the numbers that are impressive. Harper has been getting creative. He's been prosing giveaways to those who help join the effort:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
@Bharper3407: Signed ball for a fan in the next 30 mins! Get it! As many retweets as we can! #mlb13harper</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
@Bharper3407: Who wants the first ever signed dont be a clown shirt? Get me to a couple 1,000 retweets on this and you'll get it! #mlb13harper #trend</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
@Bharper3407: If I win this I will personally deliver the 2 ps3's and the 2 games to each person and sign both! Let's go! #mlb13harper </blockquote>
Be sure to follow the rest of the saga on Harper's twitter. It's getting pretty entertaining.KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-76594335497712385082013-01-09T10:14:00.000-05:002013-01-09T10:14:17.886-05:00DC Diggs: RGKnee, Caps Trickling In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sinfl.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/robert-griffin-iii-out.jpg?w=223&h=300" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://sinfl.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/robert-griffin-iii-out.jpg?w=223&h=300" /></a></div>
-In case you were curious, everything bad that's ever happened has to do with the Redskins' name. <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/whats-in-a-name-the-redskins-bad-karma/2013/01/08/a6ab8bb4-59da-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html?hpid=z2" target="_blank">[Wash Post]</a></b><br />
<br />
-There has been lots of discussion about RGIII's recovery time from the surgery he is having this morning to repair his ACL and LCL. Really, that's only because random people with no knowledge of the case keep weighing in. <b><a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/09/mixed-reports-on-length-of-griffins-rehab/" target="_blank">[Pro Football Talk]</a></b><br />
<br />
-Nicklas Backstrom may have come back from Russia with a souvenir injury that could affect his season. <b><a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/hockey-washington-capitals/talk/backstrom-sits-out-informal-skate" target="_blank">[CSN Washington]</a></b><br />
<br />
-Alex Ovechkin showed up in a pretty fantastic shirt. <b><a href="http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/c/34656/f/636561/s/2751a8cd/l/0L0Swashingtonpost0N0Cblogs0Cdc0Esports0Ebog0Cpost0Calex0Eovechkins0Et0Eshirt0Egame0Eremains0Estrong0C20A130C0A10C0A80C5355661e0E59cc0E11e20Eb8b20E0Ad18a64c8dfa0Iblog0Bhtml0Dwprss0Frss0Idc0Esports0Ebog/story01.htm" target="_blank">[DC Sports Bog]</a></b><br />
<br />
-Looking at how free agents for the Wizards have delivered. <b><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/1/9/3852068/nba-free-agent-review-2012-martell-webster" target="_blank">[Bullets Forever]</a></b><br />
<br />
-Bradley Beal has been gaining confidence in his rookie season. That's usually what a game-winning shot with 0.3 secs left against the best team in the league will do for you. <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2013/01/09/bradley-beal-gaining-confidence-in-the-clutch/" target="_blank">[Wizards Insider]</a></b><br />
<br />
-From us yesterday, the Nats have signed Adam LaRoche on for two more years. <b><a href="http://t.co/wezv8aVw" target="_blank">[KG's District]</a></b><br />
<br />
-With the signing of LaRoche and Michael Morse's probably move, he does NOT was to be a DH. Because, you know, he's an actual baseball player. <b><a href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/08/michael-morse-strong-opposes-being-a-designated-hitter/" target="_blank">[Hardball Talk]</a></b>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-80560563899810321902013-01-08T15:05:00.000-05:002013-01-08T15:05:04.972-05:00Nats Ink LaRoche for 2 More Years; Trade for Morse?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nesncom.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/adam-laroche.jpg?w=300" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://nesncom.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/adam-laroche.jpg?w=300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LaRoche will be in D.C. 2 more years. (NESN)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Nationals made another big move of the offseason, locking up first baseman Adam LaRoche for two more years. The Golden Glove and Sliver Slugger winner hit 33 home runs and had a .271 batting average last season.<br />
<br />
Last year, LaRoche was responding to a 2011 season that saw him produce very little before being shut down for the year with a shoulder injury. In 2012, he bounced back to show Nats fans why the team signed him to such a hefty contract in the first place. LaRoche was a major part of the Nats playoff run this past fall.<br />
<br />
Talks had been slow, but LaRoche is happy to be staying in the District.<br />
<br />
LaRoche told the Washington Times' <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDMQFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Facomak&ei=jnjsUOq5NKi30gHanoAo&usg=AFQjCNH81wL2QeNdd1Xb_B7WyUvfJSdJag&bvm=bv.1357316858,d.dmQ">Amanda Comak</a>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"You know me, I wasn't stressing a lot. But I'm glad it's with Washington and not somewhere else."</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a name='more'></a>...</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I was prepared to leave if I had to, but I was really trying to do everything I could to get back there."</blockquote>
While keeping LaRoche is good for the Nats, it likely means they won't be able to re-sign big bat Michael Morse. Morse will certain attract some trade attention, hitting 18 home runs last season. He added 62 RBIs with a .291 batting average. He'll be of interest to several teams looking for a dependable hitter who can also play several different positions effectively.<br />
<br />
The best part is that LaRoche's son Drake is "fired up." That's all that really counts, right?KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-14969394813481754302013-01-08T10:00:00.000-05:002013-01-08T10:08:08.501-05:00DC Digs: Wiz Beat OKC, RGIII Knee Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1qSWUWm63tY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
-Bradley Beal knocked Kevin Durant and the Thunder with this buzzer-beater. The Wizards are now 5-28 <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDAQ-AsoAjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fsports%2Fwizards%2Fwizards-vs-thunder-bradley-beal-hits-game-winner-as-washington-upsets-oklahoma-city%2F2013%2F01%2F07%2F77b1007c-593b-11e2-b8b2-0d18a64c8dfa_story.html&ei=RDDsUKHMMsTx0gGUhYHADg&usg=AFQjCNHdYoGtSuRoNFjSNR8l4FonEa7ijQ&bvm=bv.1357316858,d.dmQ">[Wash Post]</a></b><br />
<br />
-All those rumors about RGIII's knee? ALL FRED SMOOT'S FAULT. <b><a href="http://deadspin.com/5973905/fred-smoot-is-the-one-spreading-all-those-rumors-about-robert-griffin-iiis-shredded-knee">[Deadspin]</a></b><br />
<br />
-The official non-Fred Smoot diagnosis right now is partial ACL and LCL tears, but a second opinion is scheduled. <b><a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/07/rgiii-headed-for-more-tests-on-knee/">[Pro Football Talk]</a></b><br />
<br />
-Ovi's back (and more photos of the players returning) <b><a href="http://washingtoncapitals.tumblr.com/">[Caps Overtime]</a></b><br />
<br />
-Giving Jordan Zimmermann some much-deserved credit. <b><a href="http://www.federalbaseball.com/2013/1/8/3849254/washington-nationals-starter-jordan-zimmermann-auburndale-wisconsins">[Federal Baseball]</a></b><br />
<br />
-Bryce Harper is up for being on the cover of MLB Showdown. <b><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/TheNationalsEnquirer/~3/pRFCzaI3Gk8/the-bryce-harper-mlb-13-cover-showdown-video.html">[Nats Enquirer]</a></b><br />
<br />
-From the way-back file, everyone remember Caps defenseman Tom Poti? He is hoping to be healthy and ready to go for training camp. <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=9&cad=rja&ved=0CFoQqQIoADAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtontimes.com%2Fblog%2Fcapitals-watch%2F2013%2Fjan%2F7%2Ftom-poti-expects-take-part-capitals-training-camp%2F&ei=BTTsUIwG5IfRAdP5gOgI&usg=AFQjCNGJnzQK_kskGuY6r6j0ESs5t4C4zw">[Wash Times]</a></b><br />
<br />
From us...<br />
<br />
-Finding <a href="http://kgsdistrict.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-morning-after-seahawks-eliminate.html">blame</a> for the Redskins loss to the Seahawks.<br />
<br />
-A reminder of what the Caps did last <a href="http://kgsdistrict.blogspot.com/2013/01/nhl-lockout-is-over-in-case-you-forgot.html">offseason</a>.KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-89686023902270929142013-01-07T15:30:00.000-05:002013-01-07T15:30:00.658-05:00NHL Lockout is Over, In Case You Forgot What the Caps Did...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogimages.thescore.com/nhl/files/2012/01/Ovechkin-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://blogimages.thescore.com/nhl/files/2012/01/Ovechkin-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex Ovechkin will be in his 4th season as captain <br />of the Capitals. (Backhand Shelf/The Score)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Early yesterday morning, the NHL and NHLPA agreed to a framework for their a new CBA after nearly 4 months of a lockout. It's been about six months since hockey's offseason, and the sports world has kept on turning. That's six months of little to no hockey news outside of the CBA negotiations. <br />
<br />
In case you forgot what the Caps did, here's a refresher...<br />
<br />
<b>New Man at the Helm</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Despite a two round-deep playoff run, Dale Hunter will not be back to coach the Capitals. The organization is now in the hands of another Caps alum: Adam Oates. Oates came as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils. This will be his first season as a head coach.<br />
<br />
The players who have spoken with him (including Alex Ovechkin) have said that he has a more offensive mentality, something the Caps have missed since Bruce Boudreau was fired. No one knows quite what to expect, but Oates has been preparing for his debut by serving as co-head coach of the AHL's Hershey Bears (the Caps affiliate).<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Oates will be taking the reins looking to earn the team's 5th division title in 6 years and to make a deep playoff run.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>No More Semin</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The Capitals decided to not re-sign silky smooth right-winger Alexander Semin for the 2012-2013 (now I guess just 2013) season. The organization let the 28 year-old hit unrestricted free agency after six seasons of often inconsistent and injury-riddled play with the team. Semin has never played a full 82 game season, playing a career-high 77 in both 2006-2007 and 2011-2012.<br />
<br />
Semin's offensive production peaked in the 2009-2010 season when he scored 40 goals and 84 points. Last season was his lowest goal-production ever, lighting the lamp just 21 times and accumulating 54 points under the defense-first system of head coach Dale Hunter. <br />
<br />
He signed a 1-year, $7 million deal with the division-rival Carolina Hurricanes last July.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Search for 2nd Line Center Over?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
At the end of June, the Capitals made a major push to fill a hole in their lineup, sending blue-chip prospect Cody Eakin and a 2nd round draft pick in 2012 to Dallas in exchange for veteran center Mike Ribeiro. Ribeiro had 18 goals and 63 points for the Stars last season.<br />
<br />
The Caps have been looking for a solid 2nd line center since Sergei Fedorov left the team in 2009. The position has been a revolving door ever since, with Tomas Fleischmann and Eric Belanger among those with a shot at the role. No one has produced enough to nail it down permanently.<br />
<br />
Ribeiro is a 12-year veteran who can productively play 20 mins a night. His experience will be valuable, and the Caps hope that he can find the 2nd line chemistry they've been looking for for so long.<br />
<br />
Ribeiro has one year left on his contract. He will earn $5 million this season before becoming an unrestricted free agent.<br />
<br />
<b>Building the Wings</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The Capitals were relatively quiet in free agency, but they did make a late pickup in winger Wojtek Wolski. The 26 year-old had 4 goals and 12 points in 31 games last season, but has scored 20 goals twice in his career. He could fit on the second line, though he wouldn't exactly serve as a replacement for Semin. <br />
<br />
Not quite as fine-tuned as Semin, Wolski fell out of favor with coach John Tortorella last season, leading him to often be a healthy scratch. However, he was productive the previous two seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes and the Colorado Avalanche. He'll be looking to bring back his 23 goal, 63 point production from the 2009-2010 season.<br />
<br />
Wolski was signed to a one-year, $600,000 contract.<br />
<br />
<b>Adding Grit</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In a move that surprised some, the Capitals signed Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joey Crabb on July 1 to a one-year deal. The 29 year-old role player was brought in to likely be a 4th-line energy guy. We'll see whether or not he actually makes a difference, but it can't hurt to have more depth.<br />
<br />
Crabb will make $950,000 this season, and will be an unrestricted free agent July 1.<br />
<br />
<br />
Training camps are set to open this Saturday. It's been a long time coming, but we will finally be able to see if these offseason moves will push the Caps over the Stanley Cup edge.KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-51618887706543113112013-01-07T10:48:00.001-05:002013-01-07T10:48:39.591-05:00The Morning After: Seahawks Eliminate Redskins<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dy.snimg.com/story-image/5/6/4448911/137511-330-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://dy.snimg.com/story-image/5/6/4448911/137511-330-0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RGIII's 4th quarter injury took him out of the <br />game for good. (Sporting News/AP photo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We all needed a night to let it sink in. After the Washington Redskins jumped out to a quick 14-0 start, Robert Griffin III tweaked his injured knee in the second quarter. He would try to play the rest of the game to no avail, unable to score as the Seattle Seahawks crept back before halftime. The defense was able to hold on to a 14-13 lead until the fourth quarter, when the Seahawks finally pulled away, followed closely by RGIII being taken out of the game for good after re-injuring his knee again. The final score was 24-14.<br />
<br />
That's what you can get from the newspapers. Reactions last night were a mix of disappointment from the game and RGIII's injury and gratitude for this unexpectedly successful season. In true Day 2 fashion, today will be about one thing: blame.<br />
<br />
Blame will be fairly equally distributed:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>RGIII's injury</li>
<li>Mike Shanahan for not taking him out of the game sooner</li>
<li>RGIII for not taking himself out of the game</li>
<li>Blown calls against the Seahawks</li>
<li>Kirk Cousins for not scoring 10 points in the final 6 minutes</li>
<li>Redskins receivers for missed catches throughout the second half</li>
</ul>
<a name='more'></a>That's what the next day is for: deconstruction. With a loss, that unfortunately means blame. Amidst the negativity surrounding today (whether deserved or not) there are two important things to keep in mind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>The Redskins did much better this season than anyone anticipated</li>
<li>Both RGIII and Alfred Morris are rookies, meaning they are key pieces the Redskins will be able to build around for years to come.</li>
</ol>
This was never supposed to be the Redskins' year. RGIII's insane talent tricked everyone out of that mindset. When Shanahan said that he was going to take the rest of this season to see what his players were made of going into Week 10, everyone jumped down his throat saying that he had given up. To the contrary, he found out exactly what his players were made of. And now there is an entire offseason to continue to build the team.<br />
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In Redskins World, this is brightest time for the franchise in years.KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-68406003522103018292013-01-06T13:44:00.001-05:002013-01-06T13:44:49.959-05:00Annnnnnd We're Back!Hey there guys! So, it's been a little while. I got caught up writing for other websites and responsibilities. But lucky for you all, I am back in business! News and commentary about the DC sports scene is on the way in full force, with more multimedia elements than ever before. Get ready to get back to work! I look forward to hearing from all of you and moving forward with each and every reader. Enjoy!KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-24798612892484438562011-04-11T16:35:00.001-04:002011-04-11T17:38:09.774-04:00Playoff Predictions Round 1: Western ConferenceHere are my picks for the West's first round. Who do you guys have?<br />
Be sure to check out my <a href="http://kgsdistrict.blogspot.com/2011/04/playoff-predictions-round-1-eastern.html">Eastern Conference Predictions</a> too!<br />
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<center><object height="390" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O2Wwm6JnytQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O2Wwm6JnytQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="390"></embed></object></center>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-14244089353028320362011-04-11T14:31:00.000-04:002013-01-04T15:23:46.555-05:00Playoff Predictions Round 1: Eastern ConferenceHere are my picks for 1st round winners in the East, who do you guys have?<br />
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<center><object height="390" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vjmucOVC9iM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vjmucOVC9iM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="390"></embed></object></center>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-53413284813161984112011-03-26T15:26:00.000-04:002011-03-26T15:26:39.238-04:00Win Your Kid a Day with the Cup!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.proactimage.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/stanley_cup_trophy_hhof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.proactimage.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/stanley_cup_trophy_hhof.jpg" /></a></div>Every hockey player’s dream is to hoist the Stanley Cup. It’s what you play for in pickup as children, what you doodle in class, and what you make replicas of while you cheer on your favorite team. <br />
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For the first time ever, Discover is offering a chance for one player aged 13 or younger to spend a day with the Stanley Cup. Yes, the real Stanley Cup. The NHL has never done anything like this before, allowed exclusive access to youth hockey players.<br />
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Here’s how to enter: send in a short video of your child’s most memorable hockey moment to facebook.com/doscover before April 13th. Between April 15 and April 21, the videos will be online for viewing and rating by fans. The three videos receiving the highest number of votes will be the finalists, and those videos will be submitted to a panel of judges who will decide the winner. The judges will decide the winner based on enthusiasm, appropriateness of theme, originality, creativity, and sincerity.<br />
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The winner get a surprise breakfast with the Cup in his or her home. The lucky child will also be able to share the Cup with their team and community as if they had really won the Stanley Cup. Videos may only be submitted by the parent or legal guardian of the child, and if there are any other children in the video, you will be contacted to get the permission to use the other child’s face from their parents.<br />
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For more information on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, click <a href="http://www.facebook.com/discover?sk=app_197636233590179">here</a>.<br />
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I think this is great for the NHL. Hockey may not be the most popular sport in the country, but the Stanley Cup is one of (if not the most) recognizable trophies in the world. Giving young fans the opportunity to realize a dream is going to go a long way for building hype around the league.<br />
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So parents, send in your videos! Let's make this so great that both Discover and the NHL want to do it every year!KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-13491982476788183122011-03-08T00:14:00.001-05:002013-01-04T15:23:46.551-05:00Neuvirth Epitome of Problem with Head Injuries<div class="MsoNormal">Hits to the head have been a hot topic in both the NHL and NFL for some time now. Everyone has seen the research and potential effects. NFLer, for example, have an average life expectancy of just 55 years old (and 52 for linemen). The problem isn’t that life-or-death for most NHLers yet, but new studies are coming out implying fighters have the same kind of brain damage as NFL linemen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The problem in both sports isn’t a judicial one. Rules don’t necessarily need to be changed or suspensions handed down. It needs to begin and end with respect, and it has to begin and end with the players themselves. Part of the problem was evidenced tonight with Washington Capitals goaltender Michal Neuvirth.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Early in the first period in the Caps game against the Lightning, Neuvirth took a puck to the facemask. The force of the puck sent his mask flying, and Neuvirth needed to go to his backup. He continued playing like everything was fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, when the second period began, we didn’t see Michal Neuvirth between the pipes. Instead we saw AHL call-up Braden Holtby. When VERSUS asked Bruce Boudreau during the second period whether or not Neuvirth’s absence had to do with the shot he took to the head, Boudreau had a one-word answer, “Yes.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">The response on Twitter was immediate and swift. Everyone was praising Neuvirth, applauding his courage and toughness, saying things like “Way to tough I out.” This is the excepted hockey culture. And this is why Sidney Crosby has yet to play a full game since the Winter Classic.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Neuvirth shouldn’t have toughed it out. He shouldn’t have tried to power through and shouldn’t have tried to be “courageous.” The minute he felt a little off, he should have removed himself from the game. No questions asked, no hesitations; straight to the locker room.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Playing through head injuries is one of the worst possible things one can do. When caught soon enough, the rest and recovery time can be cut down significantly if the player doesn’t return to action. The flip side is you have a situation like Crosby’s, where he thought he could play through it, figured out too late he couldn’t, and he hasn’t done anything but extremely light workouts in two months.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This “I’m tough enough to play through this” mentality in both sports is what is really doing the damage. They need to stop thinking its ok. Fans need to stop encouraging it. The players think they can play because they play a little dazed all the time after numerous hits. What they either don’t comprehend or don’t care about it that every time they are dazed, there is damage done to their brain. The next time they get hit, it’s more damage done to their brain. Decades later, you have a retired alcoholic, depressed NFLer with early onset Alzheimer’s and we all say “What a sad story.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not enough. Saying it’s a sad situation after the fact isn’t enough. Fans and media must not glorify the heroes. If they are genuine in their claim that they want to see fewer injuries, they must stop praising players for playing through pain. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It must begin and end with the players and their respect for themselves. Until that culture changes, we will continue to see stupidity (falsely labeled as courage) and we will continue to see very preventable head injuries. The puck (and ball) is in your court.<br />
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UPDATE: It appears as though Neuvirth was removed from the game not because of a head injury, but because a piece of plastic from his helmet got caught in his eye. I've decided this is irrelevant and it still supports my point, but in the interest of full disclosure, there it is.</div>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-5996449816044405362011-03-07T16:27:00.001-05:002011-03-07T16:29:22.519-05:00Cornell Women take Second-Straight ECAC Title<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_90963125"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://cmsimg.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=CB&Date=20110302&Category=SPORTS03&ArtNo=103020342&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20110302/SPORTS03/103020342/Cornell-women-s-hockey-team-can-t-expect-coast">Photo by: Robyn Wishna/the Ithaca Journal</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">The Cornell women captured the ECAC Championship on Saturday with a 3-0 shutout victory over Dartmouth. Dartmouth had been the only team to beat the Big Red in ECAC play this season, but this time Cornell played a grinding game and gave up zero opportunities, ensuring their second straight title.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">“They didn’t make many mistakes,” said senior Dartmouth defenseman Katie Horner. “We’ve been the kind of team that capitalizes on another team’s mistakes. When you play a team like that, that doesn’t mess up often, there isn’t too much you can capitalize on.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dartmouth’s win over Cornell came with a lot of help from their power play, but Cornell had clearly been studying tape as they shut down all six extra-man advantages. Cornell scored a goal in each period, with the first two coming from tournament MVP Chelsea Karpenko. Hayley Hughes scored the lone goal in the third period.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">The refs told the players they were going to let them play, and they stuck to their word. It was a very physical game, with a total of 6 penalties called for either boarding or body-checking. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“The referees said before that they were going to let it be fairly physical,” said Cornell head coach Doug Derraugh. “And it’s gotten more physical as the season’s gone on. I feel like the games are getting more and more physical down the stretch here, and that’s usually the way it is in the playoffs. It’s usually a more physical brand of hockey.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite the lopsided score, Dartmouth freshman goalie Lindsay Holdcroft played incredibly with 25 saves, earning her ECAC All-Tournament honors. But she was no match for the team defense of Cornell, who stifled nearly every chance Dartmouth had.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“To have a shutout in the championship game like that is unbelievable,” said Cornell sophomore defenseman Laura Fortino. “It says a lot about our team and how much pride we take in our D-zone.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cornell goalie Amanda Mazzotta earned a shutout in just her second game back after taking three months off. After allowing three goals against Quinnipiac in Cornell’s semi-final win, Mazzotta buckled down and made several key saves for the Big Red on the penalty kill to get the shutout.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oddly enough, these two teams will get another crack at each other on Saturday…in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Dartmouth received an at-large bid and will return to Lynah Rink in Ithaca to face off against Cornell. This time, the stakes will be elimination.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It promises to be another thriller this weekend as Cornell continues to push for their second straight national championship appearance. Expect the physicality and intensity to be back in action. That puck drops at 2 p.m. on Saturday.</div>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-51870283046990805472011-02-24T15:01:00.001-05:002011-02-24T15:43:28.377-05:00Wall Steps up, Calls Out Wizards Teammates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2010/writers/richard_deitsch/10/15/john.wall/john-wall-is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2010/writers/richard_deitsch/10/15/john.wall/john-wall-is.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last night, the Wizards were beat bad. This isn’t was really qualifies as “news,” but a couple of things made last night’s game notable. One was that the loss came at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers, not exactly what one would call a powerhouse. They remain at one road win for the entire season. And it’s almost March.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The other thing that made this game special is John Wall. Not necessarily on the court, during the game, but his comments in the locker room after. He did something rookies rarely do: he called out his veteran teammates on their lack of heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I will admit it does seem hypocritical that after I was <a href="http://kgsdistrict.blogspot.com/2010/12/earning-respect-pk-subban-case.html">critical of P.K. Subban</a> for not knowing his place, I am now praising John Wall for an essentially similar thing. Here is the difference; the instances I was referencing with Subban and Dallas Cowboys rookie Dez Bryant were incases in which they were being cocky, undeservedly flashy, and entitled. Wall was being honest.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">The Wizards have lost their heart. It has been gone since the Gilbert Arenas shenanigans, perhaps even before that. None of the veterans are stepping up, and you can hear the frustration in Wall’s voice. They have all accepted defeat, and he has never been on a team that loses like this one.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The <a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/pages/videoembed?PID=26aAeBRQgIUMfEw5KdPMAzT2h0_ClHNn">video</a> on CSNWashington.com shows a player annoyed at his teammates. He said that in order to win, the team needs to be able to put five guys out on the floor who are going to battle hard the entire game, and he seemed to question whether or not the team actually had those five guys.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Why this is so important is that for a long time now, the Wizards have just been getting along. They’ve been going through the motions, accepted their position in the league, and just let things continue to crumble. There has been no accountability (which in my opinion is a coaching problem), and without accountability, you can’t expect players to give their all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If the coach won’t do it (which Flip Saunders won’t, it seems) it is up to the players. The vets aren’t stepping up, so John Wall is. Criticism and motivation means so much more coming from your peers than it does coming from authority, and I hope Wall’s post-game comments don’t go unnoticed.</div>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-14111282054268967492011-02-23T14:06:00.000-05:002011-02-23T14:06:39.030-05:00Caps Dev Camp Invitee and Miami Forward Miele Frontrunner for Hobey Baker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cnati.com/blogs/miami-hockey/Miele%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cnati.com/blogs/miami-hockey/Miele%207.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>It’s hard to argue that the Caps don’t have a good eye for prospects. They have been able to find good players late in the draft and late in rounds, where their position has been the last few seasons. Now their eye is being complemented by another player: Andy Miele.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Though Miele isn’t a Capitals prospect, he was invited to the Caps Development Camp last July. He was certainly one of the stand-out players, which is saying something considering he was playing among kids like Evgeny Kuznetsov, Marcus Johansson, and Stanislav Galiev.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He is drawing a lot of attention this season in his senior year with Miami University (OH). In just 32 games this season, he has set career bests in goals with 17, assists with 39, and points with 56. Miele currently leads the nation in scoring, and is just the second RedHawk to have a 50-point season in 14 years.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He is fast with smooth hands, a combination that certainly never hurt anyone. Miele told <a href="http://rockthered.net/2010-articles/july/exclusive-interview-with-development-camp-invitee-andy-miele.html">Rock the Red</a> over the summer that that player he models himself after is Pavel Datsyuk. Given his defensive role, particularly on the penalty kill, and his leadership (he is an alternate captain for the RedHawks this year), that’s not a completely absurd comparison.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Miele’s fans have even taken his Hobey Baker campaign viral. Hard to argue his ability with this evidence.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Come season’s end, it may be time for Miele to hook up with a former Hobey Baker winner: George McPhee. Miele impressed at development camp this summer (making Boudreau’s “all-camp” team), and while he wanted to finish out his collegiate career with Miami, Miele went through two different entry drafts without being selected.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is likely due to his size (5’8, 175 lbs) in a league where players seem to constantly be getting bigger, faster, stronger. His undrafted status makes him a free agent, and he can sign with an NHL team whenever he chooses.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s hard to imagine that Miele’s performance this season wouldn’t certainly earn him a contract in the pros. He’ll generate a lot of attention, and though some teams will be scared away because of his size, he’s going to be in the power position of being able to choose which organization he plays with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It seemed the Caps spotted something special when they invited Miele to camp in July. Perhaps their shallowest position in the organization is wing, and Miele could be a perfect fit. He got rave reviews from both McPhee and Boudreau, and he may be the newest Cap come April.</div>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-25709529843269648402011-02-08T12:23:00.002-05:002013-01-04T15:23:46.582-05:00Sharks @ Capitals Preview 2/8/11Tonight the best in each conference get reacquainted at Verizon Center<br />
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<center><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y9tMDPRrqs0?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y9tMDPRrqs0?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-21254810122460906762011-02-06T23:12:00.000-05:002011-02-06T23:12:34.138-05:00The "Super" BowlToday was Super Bowl Sunday. In America, that's pretty much all you need to know. Here is my explanation for why it is the most important sports day in America, and why its also possibly the biggest national event in the country.<br />
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Why do you guys think the Super Bowl is important? Or do you think its important at all?KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-61106481910286804122011-02-04T16:39:00.000-05:002011-02-04T16:39:15.270-05:00The Judgement of Women in Sport...by Women<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Fair warning: if you don’t like controversy or strong opinions, check it at the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an opinion that is apparently a somewhat unpopular one among women, and it confuses me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For all of the rights women have fought for in this country, there is still one that continues to be stifled to this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in fact hampered more so by women than it is by men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is freedom of expression.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been implied everywhere on the internet in various sports circles that people like Erin Andrews and Ines Sainz don’t deserve to be respected as sports journalists because of the way they dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, I’m the only one who sees a problem with that, and that scares me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Granted, I grew up in a very liberal DC suburb and now reside in Ithaca, N.Y. where there are communes and 60 year-old naked men sunbathing by the gorges without a second thought. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consider my self extremely socially liberal, and that means believing that anyone should be able to express themselves in any way they want without being ridiculed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some view the problem with women’s equality being women’s who are willing to “sell” themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They believe that it causes women to categorically be judged as “sluts” who shouldn’t be taken seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may be right and that may be true, but why are other women supporting this notion that men use to try and keep women as non-threateningly as possible?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The problem isn’t so much with men, its with other women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other women who categorically judge attractive women as people with nothing else to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other women who, frankly, let their jealousy get in the way of what should be female strength to be celebrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most women seem to not want to believe that women can be both attractive and smart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find this often comes from women who are maybe less attractive, but very smart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are jealous of people who have the whole package, and they’d rather see the demise of these women at the hands of men for their own schadenfreude than band together.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The biggest problem in women not being taken seriously in sports journalism is in fact other women who are threatened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People shouldn’t be judged on their appearance, and that should extend to both extremes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women who have it all should be celebrated, not ridiculed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is ridiculous to insist that a woman dress like a nun in order to be taken seriously in the sports industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though that is somewhat the case now, it isn’t going to change if women continue to knock each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way it will change is with a thousand voices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The female voices remaining quiet only strengthen those stereotypes we are trying to break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set aside your ego and cheer on the women who aren’t afraid to look that way.</div><!--EndFragment-->KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-62282321441765728162011-01-31T14:53:00.001-05:002011-01-31T14:56:25.913-05:00Cornell Women Sweep Weekend, Remain Undefeated in League Play<div class="MsoNormal">The Cornell women’s ice hockey team continued their dominance over the rest of the league this past weekend with shutout wins over both <a href="http://kgsdistrict.blogspot.com/2011/01/cornell-women-rout-union-8-0-extend.html">Union College</a> and RPI, winning by a combined score of 14-0. Freshman goaltender Lauren Slebodnick got a nine-save shutout Saturday night against RPI to equal Katie Wilson’s job the night before.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I’ve definitely had more shots in a game, but it’s a hard game to stay focused in,” said Slebodnick, “You kind of find your mind drifting, so you have to make sure you’re still in the game.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday night was time for Hayley Hughes and Brianne Jenner to shine, each recording two goals in the team’s 6-0 victory. It took a penalty kill to get the scoring going, when Jenner opened the game with a shorthanded goal off a 3-on-1 rush for the Big Red. Cornell went on to score three more goals within two minutes of each other to bury RPI before the first intermission.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">“It was kind of embarrassing, the whole arena was quiet,” a laughing Hughes said of her second goal, which seemed to slip in without anyone noticing, “It was good though.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><a name='more'></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">The penalty kill was excellent on Saturday. Not only did it score a short-handed goal, but the unit snuffed all three RPI power plays, but they killed over a minute of 5-on-3 time with under 4 minutes to go in the first that was RPI’s best chance to get back in the game with some momentum.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I thought we played pretty solid throughout, from start to finish tonight,” head coach Doug Derraugh said after the win, “Great effort from everybody I thought. One of our more complete efforts of the season I thought.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When a team is this good and dominates the competition so much, the issue of being accused of “running up the score” definitely comes into question. Cornell’s game is an aggressive one, and coach Derraugh is wary of the implications and possible consequences of “backing off.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“You have to be careful with [backing off],” said Derraugh, “You want your team to keep playing hard and keep playing the right way.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“One of the main things is to stay strong defensively,” added Hughes, “If we’re up 6-0, we can’t be giving away 2-on-1s and uneven chances.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">No one really seemed to know who Cornell would follow-up its success from last year. Everyone seemed to sense this team was good, but they didn’t expect to be this dominant. The players didn’t let those expectations get to their heads, either.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Not really,” said Hughes when asked if she expected Cornell to be undefeated in league play this late in the season, “We just thought ‘It’s a new year and we’re going to start fresh.’ We had a lot of talented players coming in so we knew we were going to be a tough competitor in the league, but that didn’t stop us from putting out everything every game. That’s just what we’ve done from the beginning.”</div>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-27859193949935174712011-01-30T20:17:00.000-05:002011-01-30T20:17:10.864-05:00All-Star Weekend in ReviewMy take on the new All-Star format and what stood out the most.<br />
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<center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hm6IpGvPeEM?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hm6IpGvPeEM?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-18215723091989792742011-01-29T00:07:00.003-05:002011-01-29T00:23:01.803-05:00Cornell Women Rout Union 8-0, Extend Streak to 17<div class="MsoNormal">After a lethargic first period, the <a href="http://cornellbigred.com/index.aspx?tab=icehockey2&path=whockey">Cornell</a> women’s ice hockey team was explosive in the second en route to an 8-0 rout of <a href="http://www.unionathletics.com/index.aspx?path=whockey">Union</a>. <a href="http://cornellbigred.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=13758">Katie Wilson</a> had a nine save shutout and Canadian Olympic Gold-Medalist <a href="http://cornellsun.com/section/sports/content/2010/03/04/catching-olympic-gold-medalist-rebecca-johnston-12">Rebecca Johnston</a> added a hat trick to power the Big Red to a win.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While nine saves may seem like an easy night, it wasn’t in the first period for Wilson. Cornell gave up several odd-man rushes, and Wilson had to be sharp from the start. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“We talk about with the goalies is its not necessarily how many saves you make, but when you make them,” said head coach <a href="http://www.ecachockey.com/women/members/cornell/20102603_DerraughNatlCoachYear">Doug Derraugh</a> “and that was huge for us to keep us in the game there early on, and then we got our feet under us and started rolling.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Despite a few defensive lapses, Cornell tallied two goals 41 seconds apart in the first period to take a lead they would not relinquish. Johnston scored her first of three goals, followed closely by a goal from <a href="http://cornellbigred.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=13748">Haley Hughes</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cornell got rolling in the second, and that is when this team’s explosive offense came to life. There were six goals from five different scorers during the middle frame, putting the game out of reach for Union. Goaltender <a href="http://www.unionathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3962">Kate Gallagher</a>, who made several great saves throughout the game, was finally pulled after Cornell’s sixth goal in favor of <a href="http://www.unionathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3969">Alana Marcinko</a>, who allowed the final two tallies. They were in complete control, and it showed on the scoreboard.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I thought we moved the puck a lot better in the second period,” said Derraugh, “We really stressed between periods that we wanted them to get their feet moving and just move the puck and increase the tempo. I thought they did a really good job of that in the second period.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The night clearly belonged the Johnston and Wilson for their contributions, but there were several players with great games. Defenseman <a href="http://www.cornellbigred.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=13746&path=whockey">Laura Fortino</a> and center <a href="http://cornellbigred.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=13764">Brianne Jenner</a> each had four assists while Johnston, Fortino, Jenner, and defenseman Lauriane Rougeau were all a team-high plus-5.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The speed, skill, and pure power of Cornell was too much for Union to handle. It was somewhat expected since Cornell is undefeated in conference play while Union has yet to win in the ECAC, but the result is a good one: confidence going into tomorrow’s game against <a href="http://www.rpiathletics.com/schedule.aspx?path=whock">RPI</a>. It will be a tougher opponent as Cornell looks to extend its school-record 17-game winning streak and remain number 1 in national polling.</div>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-56675258916430341222011-01-25T15:39:00.000-05:002011-01-25T15:39:36.244-05:00What's Really Wrong with the Wizards?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.tbd.com/sports/1116-sports-wizards-wallarenas-ap_606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://images.tbd.com/sports/1116-sports-wizards-wallarenas-ap_606.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I’ll be the first to admit that I do not keep close tabs on the NBA. I love basketball, played my entire life, but something about the NBA turns me off. This in turn means that I don’t follow our beloved Washington Wizards all that closely either. However, I’ve watched their last few games to see what all of the criticism is about, and to see if it is warranted. For those unsure, the answer is this: yes.<br />
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There are several problems with this team that stand in the way of that ever elusive first road win (or really, any win), the least of which being a lack of talent. Outside of John Wall (and possibly Andray Blatche and Nick Young when they want to be), this is not a talented basketball team. They don’t have the skills to go one-on-one against just about anyone in the league.<br />
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This wouldn’t be as big of a problem if they accepted this fact and adjusted their style to fit their lesser skill set. However, they don’t. They play as five individuals. When they go on runs during games, they are playing as one unit. As soon as they are put under pressure, they resort back to individuality. You can still win games like that with a team of superstars, like the Lakers, but the Wizards simply aren’t good enough to win that way.<br />
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The other main part of their problem is mentality. This is not a mentally tough team, as evidenced by its inability to bury teams in the second half. They regularly self-implode and lose games they should have a handle on. This is the deeper problem, for it strikes at the heart of confidence.<br />
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It is rather simple to change a game plan or implement a new system, but heart is something you can’t teach. It is much harder to change the core of a person’s head, and the Wizards clearly have it in their head that they are going to lose. You can tell when they first sulk onto the court. Their body language says it all. Once a team makes a push to come back on them, their faces read “Here we go again,” and that’s exactly what happens.<br />
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They give up. They flat out give up playing basketball. Their legs stop moving, they start passing into nothingness, and throw up any awkward shot because they don’t know what else to do.<br />
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When the problem is this widespread and this settled into the team’s mindset, there really is only one thing an organization can do: fire the coach. None of this should be blamed on Flip Saunders, but there really is not other option. Coaches before him had the same problem, but unfortunately in sports, you can’t fire the whole team (though they should). They need a coach to reach them, and Saunders is clearly not doing that. They don’t seem to listen to him. He calls them out night after night, criticizing their play night after night, and nothing changes. He may have to be the unfortunate sacrifice needed to at least bring this team to respectability.<br />
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With Ted Leonsis now with the reins, I do think things will turn around. Leonsis has always made it clear with the Capitals that he is willing to spend for talent, and with a couple of strategically placed free-agent signings, things will change. The organization is now in a similar position to the Nationals in that they have to overpay to bring in free agents, but Leonsis has always appeared willing if not eager to do what is necessary to improve his teams. The Wizards can be fixed, but they likely have to be blown up before they can end up back in the middle of the pack of the NBA.KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-82922665114022046102011-01-24T12:53:00.002-05:002013-01-04T15:23:46.654-05:00Rangers @ Capitals Preview (Video) 1/24/11The Capitals look for a bit of redemption tonight as they take on the New York Rangers at Verizon Center.<br />
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<center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bBNkfzsf9rI?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bBNkfzsf9rI?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460752046212576803.post-46117511242962536082011-01-20T14:25:00.000-05:002013-01-04T15:23:46.615-05:00Capitals @ Islanders Preview (Video) 1/20/11A look at tonight's game between the Washington Capitals and the New York Islanders. This is the second of four meetings between the Eastern Conference teams this season, with the Capitals taking the first game 2-1.<br />
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</center><center>As always, email kgsdistrict@gmail.com for any questions, comments, or suggestions!</center>KG Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10705289799685389653noreply@blogger.com0