Pittsburgh Penguins 2009 Schedule
By Dagger | July 17, 2008
The NHL released their schedule today.
1. Pens season kicks off with 2 games in Stockholm, Sweden. “guys trip” anyone?
2. Only two 10:00pm games……..Oct 28th vs. Sharks - 10:30 PM and Oct 30th vs. Phoenix
3. Eight Straight Home Games…….March 14- April 1
Sat., October 4th @ Ottawa, 2:30 PM (Sweden)
Sun., October 5th vs. Ottawa, 2:30 PM (Sweden)
Sat., October 11th vs. New Jersey, 7:30 PM
Tue., October 14th vs. Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Thur., October 16th vs. Washington, 7:30 PM
Sat., October 18th vs. Toronto, 7:00 PM
Mon., October 20th @ Boston, 7:00 PM
Thur., October 23rd vs. Carolina, 7:30 PM
Sat., October 25th @ New York Rangers, 7:00 PM
Tue., October 28th @ San Jose, 10:30 PM
Thur., October 30th @ Phoenix, 10:00 PM
Sat., November 1st @ St. Louis, 8:30 PM
Thur., November 6th vs. Edmonton, 7:30 PM
Sat., November 8th @ New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
Tue., November 11th @ Detroit, 7:00 PM
Thur., November 13th vs. Philadelphia, 7:30 PM
Sat., November 15th vs. Buffalo, 7:30 PM
Tue., November 18th vs. Minnesota, 7:00 PM
Thur., November 20th @ Atlanta, 7:00 PM
Sat., November 22nd vs. Vancouver, 1:00 PM
Wed., November 26th @ New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
Fri., November 28th @ Buffalo, 7:30 PM
Sat., November 29th vs. New Jersey, 7:30 PM
Wed., December 3rd @ New York Rangers, 7:00 PM
Thur., December 4th @ Carolina, 7:00 PM
Sat., December 6th @ Ottawa, 7:00 PM
Mon., December 8th vs. Buffalo, 7:30 PM
Wed., December 10th @ New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Thur., December 11th vs. New York Islanders, 7:30 PM
Sat., December 13th @ Philadelphia, 1:00 PM
Thur., December 18th @ Atlanta, 7:00 PM
Sat., December 20th vs. Toronto, 7:00 PM
Mon., December 22nd @ Buffalo, 7:00 PM
Tue., December 23rd vs. Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Fri., December 26th @ New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Sat., December 27th vs. Montreal, 7:00 PM
Tue., December 30th vs. Boston, 7:30 PM
Thur., January 1st @ Boston, 7:00 PM
Sat., January 3rd vs. Florida, 1:00 PM
Mon., January 5th @ New York Rangers, 7:00 PM
Tue., January 6th vs. Atlanta, 7:30 PM
Thur., January 8th @ Nashville, 8:00 PM
Sat., January 10th @ Colorado, 3:00 PM
Tue., January 13th @ Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Wed., January 14th vs. Washington, 7:30 PM
Fri., January 16th vs. Anaheim, 7:30 PM
Sun., January 18th vs. New York Rangers, 3:00 PM
Tue., January 20th vs. Carolina, 7:30 PM
Wed., January 28th vs. New York Rangers, 7:30 PM
Fri., January 30th @ New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Sat., January 31st @ Toronto, 7:00 PM
Tue., February 3rd @ Montreal, 7:30 PM
Wed., February 4th vs. Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Fri., February 6th vs. Columbus, 7:30 PM
Sun., February 8th vs. Detroit, 3:00 PM
Wed., February 11th vs. San Jose, 7:30 PM
Sat., February 14th @ Toronto, 7:00 PM
Mon., February 16th @ New York Islanders, 2:00 PM
Thur., February 19th vs. Montreal, 7:00 PM
Sat., February 21st @ Philadelphia, 1:00 PM
Sun., February 22nd @ Washington, 3:00 PM
Wed., February 25th vs. New York Islanders, 7:30 PM
Fri., February 27th @ Chicago, 8:30 PM
Sun., March 1st @ Dallas, 3:00 PM
Tue., March 3rd @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Thur., March 5th @ Florida, 7:30 PM
Sun., March 8th @ Washington, 3:00 PM
Tue., March 10th vs. Florida, 7:30 PM
Thur., March 12th @ Columbus, 7:00 PM
Sat., March 14th vs. Ottawa, 3:00 PM
Sun., March 15th vs. Boston, 3:00 PM
Tue., March 17th vs. Atlanta, 7:30 PM
Fri., March 20th vs. Los Angeles, 7:30 PM
Sun., March 22nd vs. Philadelphia, 3:00 PM
Wed., March 25th vs. Calgary, 7:30 PM
Sat., March 28th vs. New York Rangers, 1:00 PM
Wed., April 1st vs. New Jersey, 7:30 PM
Sat., April 4th @ Carolina, 7:00 PM
Sun., April 5th @ Florida, 5:00 PM
Tue., April 7th @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Thur., April 9th vs. New York Islanders, 7:30 PM
Sat., April 11th @ Montreal, 7:00 PM
Topics: NHL, Pittsburgh Penguins | No Comments »
Steelers off-season training in Orlando, FL
By Dagger | July 16, 2008
Santonio Holmes, Ike Taylor, James Farrior, Bryant McFadden, and others train with Tom Shaw at Disney.
Topics: Steelers | No Comments »
Interview with Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley
By Dagger | July 15, 2008
Not a whole lot of info/substance here but ProAthleteTV gives you a little “behind the scenes look” at Woodley.
Topics: Steelers | No Comments »
Somebody has to win the AFC North
By Dagger | July 15, 2008
It seems as if every time you get excited for football season to get started somebody comes around and reminds you the Steelers (on paper) have the hardest schedule in the history of the NFL. Fun, fun, fun.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com and SportingNews fame puts a silver lining on the doom and gloom cloud and reminds us that SOMEBODY has to win the AFC North….even if they do so at a horrid sub .500 record.
Each of the AFC North teams — Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers — will play each of the teams of the AFC South, which sent three teams (Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans) to the 2007 playoffs. And each of the AFC North teams will play all the teams of the NFC East, which sent three teams (Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and New York Giants) to the playoffs last season as well.
That’s half the entire schedule — and emerging from those eight games with a 4-4 record figures to be the best outcome possible for any of the AFC North teams.
The Steelers won’t give up their title quietly, but they haven’t done much in the offseason to improve. Their offensive line is going to be a major problem. And if the Steelers can’t score or win the field position tug of war, more stress will be placed on an aging defense.
The kicker in the AFC North could be the two remaining games on the schedule:
• The Steelers, by virtue of winning the division, will play the Patriots (16-0 last year) and Chargers (11-5). Ouch.
• The Browns get the Bills (7-9) and Broncos (7-9).
• The Bengals play the Jets (4-12) and Chiefs (4-12).
• And the Ravens face the Dolphins (1-15) and Raiders (4-12).Whether the Steelers, Browns, Bengals or Ravens can get to .500 comes back to those eight games against the AFC South and NFC East. A uniform failure by the AFC North’s squads in those eight games could lead to the first 7-9 division winner in league history. And if the AFC North champion finishes 8-8, it’ll be only the second time that a .500 team has won a division. (It happened in 1985, when the Browns won the old AFC Central.)
Regardless of who wins the division, don’t expect to see double-digit wins. And, for the three runners-up, don’t be surprised to see each have double-digit losses.
check out the full article here….
Topics: Steelers | No Comments »
RB Kevin Jones to join Steelers or Bears today
By Dagger | July 15, 2008
RB Kevin Jones is going to sign with either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Chicago Bears today. Not sure why he would pick the Steelers since our RB depth chart is loaded, but whatever.
Topics: Steelers | No Comments »
Snag a photo of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s new twins and get yourself $20 million
By Dagger | July 14, 2008
Dollars recently paid for photos of celebrity babies. Wow.
1. Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt…..Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline…..$11-$20 mil (estimated value)
2. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Antony…..Emme and Max…..$6 mil (People)
3. Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt…..Shiloh Nouvel…..$4.1 mil (People)
4. Camila Alves and Matthew McConaughey…..Levi Alves…..$3 mil (OK!)
5. Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman…..Max Liron…..$2 mil (People)
5. Angeline Jolie & Brad Pitt…..Pax Thien….. $2 mil (People)
6. Anna Nicole Smith & Larry Birkhead…..Dannielynn…..$2 mil (OK!)
7. Jessica Alba and Cash Warren…..Honor Marie…..$1.5 mil (OK)
8. Jamie Lynn Spears and Casey Aldridge…..Maddie Briann…..$1 mil (OK!)
8. Nicole Richie and Joel Madden…..Harlow Winter Kate…..$1 mil (People)
9. Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale…..Kingston…..$1 mil (OK!)
10. Marcia Cross and Tom Mahoney…..Eden and Savannah…..$600K (People)
Topics: Celebrities | No Comments »
Miss USA: Unacceptable
By Dagger | July 14, 2008
Our self-imposed 1.5 week summer hiatus is over. We welcome ourselves back with another embarrassing moment from Miss USA in the Miss Universe pageant.
Look familiar? Indeed….the same thing happened to Miss USA in 2007.
And of course the Miss Teen South Carolina video is always fun to re-watch.
Topics: Random Musings | No Comments »
Tyson Homosexual…..errrr….Tyson Gay…..whoops
By Dagger | July 2, 2008
Having an “auto-replace” filter seemed like a good notion at the time to folks at the conservative American Family Association’s OneNewsNow.com Web site. There were certain words that would pop up from time to time in the Associated Press stories that moved onto the site that were a bit salacious, or unacceptable to post.
“We don’t have the staff to monitor all the Hollywood stories,” news director Fred Jackson said yesterday, “so we wanted an automated function.” He said they put up the filter about a month or so ago.
One word they wanted to filter was “gay.” The site felt that the term put the matter of homosexuality “in a positive light,” Jackson said, when the evangelical Christian organization was much opposed. So when a wire story referred to gay marriage, for example, the phrase would automatically appear as “homosexual marriage.”
Worked fine until Sunday, when the AP reported that “Tyson Homosexual easily won his semifinal for the 100 meters at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials.” The story was headlined “Homosexual eases into 100 final at Olympic trials.”
“On Saturday,” the story said, “Homosexual misjudged the finish in his opening heat . . .”
That’s world champion sprinter Tyson Gay, of course.
Topics: Sports | No Comments »
NHL Free Agency: Day 1
By Dagger | July 1, 2008
*The Penguins have resigned oft-injured defenseman Mark Eaton for 2 years….$1.0 million per year. This is a great deal for the Penguins considering (when healthy) Eaton was the Pens best defenseman and we’re bringing him back at a lower salary than we was making last year due to his injury-plagued season.
*Tampa Bay has signed Penguin UFA Adam Hall.
*Orpik and Hossa are getting some pretty big offers from around the league and it’s not clear if the Pens are going to be willing to offer these 2 players more money or years on their current contract offers.
*Rumor this morning was that the Pens were looking to trade Daryl Sydor and Ryan Whitney.
*Penguins have shown interest in a bunch of big-name Free Agents today including Brian Rolston, Darcy Tucker (signed with Colorado), Corey Stillman (signed with FLA), Sean Avery, Todd Bertuzzi, and others…..
*NHL buzz is that Malkin has agreed to a 5 year extension worth $8.5 million per year. Huge “hometown discount” that will allow the Pens to keep a well-rounded team for the upcoming years. Malkin is home in Russia and as soon as he can officially sign the new extension, the deal will officially be announced to the public.
*Pens have a 2 year offer on the table to Ruutu and Marcus Naslund (2 years $7.5 million). Ruutu will allow the Penguins to match any offer that comes his way.
*The Penguins have offered Jaromir Jagr a 1 year contract for $5 million per season with incentives that could earn him an extra $2.5 million over the course of the season.
*Pittsburgh re-signed Pascal Dupuis for 3 years….$1.4 million per year moments before he became a Free Agent at noon today. Great signing, great value. Most “experts” predicted Dupuis could get $2 million per year on the open market.
*Georges Laraque looks to be headed out of town as the Pens just signed an enforcer (Eric Godard) to take his spot. Laraque wanted $1.5-2 million per year and the Pens don’t seem willing to give him that much. Godard will be making $550k.
A quick word on the Godard vs Laraque debate that is sure to arise. I like Laraque….HOWEVER….Godard is the type of enforcer that other teams fear. Laraque is the “heavyweight champ” but he’s not the type of enforcer that scares people. Guys like Godard that will “fly off the handle” and just ATTACK SOMEBODY are more feared.
So we might lose the Champ but we are gaining a guy that teams will really think twice before attacking Sid/Geno because on their next shift they might get a stick in the face or an elbow in the nose or a just plain “attacked” with fists, rather than a Gentle Giant that lives by “the code”.
Here is a video of your newest Penguin:
Topics: NHL, Pittsburgh Penguins | No Comments »
James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace
By Sombrero | June 30, 2008
Trailer Premiere
(James Bond 007 Quantum Solace trailer)
Topics: Movies | No Comments »
Paralyzed 14 year old spends a day with Ben Roethlisberger
By Dagger | June 29, 2008
Topics: Sports, Steelers | No Comments »
Schedule of Events: Netherlands vs Romania & Italy vs France
By admin | June 27, 2008
Now that Group A (Portugal and Czech Republic) and Group B (Germany and Austria ) have two teams each that are advancing, we move on to the final 2 groups. Just to let you know, when we move to ROUND TWO each team will only be allowed to carry 3 players on their roster. No longer will each game be decided by a montage or full fledged gallery of ladies. We’re formulating our All-State travel squads and we only have room for the big guns. As you have seen from Portugal and Germany some teams are absolutely “stacked” and will really have to put some time and thought into trimming their rosters.
On to the action…
GROUP C: GAMES 1 and 2
GAME 1—–Netherlands vs Romania
(Team Netherlands)
Wow. This is like taking the opening kickoff back for a Touchdown. (sorry for the American Football reference).
Fantastic start for the Dutch. Don’t really get shots of fans like this at Heinz Field for Steelers games. Hmmmm…….
Don’t drink the celebratory champagne just yet my friend…..
So the Dutch get on the board early but don’t make a whole lot of noise after that. A few scoring chances but nothing mindblowing here. A little disappointed. The Netherlands, Amsterdam, and Dutch girls have a soft spot in the hearts of just about all of the members of the PGH crew but if the team doesn’t produce on the field on gameday they can get eliminated just like anybody else. We don’t play favorites here.
(Team Romania)
We actually know a HOT Romanian or two so we’re expecting big things. Can the ladies from Bucharest handle the pressure?
Upset City baby with a Capital U. Neither team is knocking our socks off but Romania’s depth chart is pretty impressive in these last 3 pics. The Dutch didn’t field the team that they’re capable of fielding when they’re 100% but thems the breaks. The Dutch brought ONE superstar to the pitch today and the Romanians brought ONE as well but they got some nice secondary scoring from sunglass girl and miss blonde facepainter. That’s why the play the games folks.
ROMANIA WINS
Game Two—– FRANCE vs ITALY
(Team Italia)
Wow.
Speechless….
(Team France) ……(as if they have a FREAKING PRAYER)
Terrified.
Dear God.
“STOP THE DAMN FIGHT!!”
France brought a knife to a gun fight. End result…..total and utter domination. No other word to describe what we’ve seen today.
ITALY WINS
Updated Bracket:
GROUP A
Portugal——ADVANCES TO RD.2
Turkey
Czech Republic——ADVANCES TO RD.2
Switzerland
GROUP B
Croatia
Germany—ADVANCES TO RD.2
Austria—ADVANCES TO RD.2
Poland
GROUP C
Netherlands
Romania—ADVANCES TO RD.2
Italy—ADVANCES TO RD.2
France
GROUP D
Spain
Sweden
Russia
Greece
Group D is up next…..and we all know what that means…..Team Sweden revealed. Don’t sleep on the Russians or the Spanish though.
Topics: euro 2008, Soccer | No Comments »
Euro 2008 Girls: Tourney continues…..
By admin | June 27, 2008
GROUP A
Portugal——ADVANCES TO RD.2
Turkey
Czech Republic——ADVANCES TO RD.2
Switzerland
GROUP B
Croatia
Germany—ADVANCES TO RD.2
Austria
Poland
GROUP C
Netherlands
Romania
Italy
France
GROUP D
Spain
Sweden
Russia
Greece
POLAND vs AUSTRIA
We’ll get right to it and fire up Game 2 for Group B. Home team Austria takes on a Poland squad that can’t possibly win this game…. can they? Not sure if I’ve ever heard of or seen a REAL hot Polish chick.
(TEAM POLAND)
Really not a bad effort from the Poles. I’m a bit surprised as I had no expectations from this group.
(TEAM AUSTRIA)
Man. Tough call here guys. A lackluster game from Team Austria but the last girl on the depth chart here might be a “One Man Army” type deal and carry the day for Austria. Can this one Austrian girl (pictured above) beat an entire team of decent Poles? Yes. Feel free to disagree if you want. Take the bucket/fisherman’s hat off the Polish girl up top and it might remove some of the mystique/mystery. The girl with the POLSKA banner seems to have a nice body and a good face but is she bald? I can’t imagine she’s bald but we just can’t tell from this picture. Austrian girl in the last pic here is perhaps “Model-caliber” so we don’t feel like we’re screwing Team Polska too much. Prime time players make big plays in big games and she stepped up in the clutch and drained a 3 at the buzzer. Game over.
Austria Wins
Topics: euro 2008, Soccer | No Comments »
Euro Girls 2008……GROUP B: Game 1
By admin | June 23, 2008
Rather than take you through the regular play-by-play we’ll give you the ESPN Sportcenter highlight package for this GROUP.
Portugal and the Czech Republic have already advanced to Round 2. So, who will advance from the second group? Let’s find out….
GAME 1: Croatia vs Germany
(Team Germany)
The Germans come out of the gates STORMING…
Not Bad. +1 and a -1
If this was a fight they’d stop it….and we haven’t even seen the other team yet.
Wow. Insanely strong effort from Team Deutschland.
(Team Croatia)
A nice effort all around from the Croats. We expected a decent showing from the Balkan girls and we got one. Booty shorts makes a nice effort but I’m sorry….Team Germany is LOADED. They are the new favorite in this tournament and methinks they have Team Sweden’s attention. Germany Wins. They will face the Austria/Poland winner in the next round.
GROUP A
Portugal——ADVANCES TO RD.2
Turkey
Czech Republic——ADVANCES TO RD.2
Switzerland
GROUP B
Croatia
Germany—ADVANCES TO RD.2
Austria
Poland
GROUP C
Netherlands
Romania
Italy
France
GROUP D
Spain
Sweden
Russia
Greece
Game 2 of GROUP B will be up in a bit.
Topics: euro 2008 | 2 Comments »
AFI: Top 10 Movies of All Time (separated by genre)
By Dagger | June 18, 2008
The American Film Institute has posted its Top 10 Films of 10 different genres. Check it out.
http://www.afi.com/10TOP10/
Animation
1. Snow White
2. Pinnochio
3. Bambi
4. Lion King
5. Fantasia
6. Toy Story
7. Beauty & The Beast
8. Shrek
9. Cinderella
10. Finding Nemo
Romantic Comedies
1. City Lights
2. Annie Hall
3. It happened one night
4. Roman Holiday
5. The Philadelphia Story
6. When HArry Met Sally
7. Adam’s Rib
8. Moonstruck
9. Harold and Maude
10. Sleepless in Seattle
Westerns
1. The Searchers
2. High Noon
3. Shane
4. Unforgiven
5. Red River
6. The Wild Bunch
7. Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid
8. Mccabe & Mrs Miller
9. Stagecoach
10. Cat Ballau
Sports
1. Raging Bull
2. Rocky
3. The Pride of the Yankees
4. Hoosiers
5. Bill Durham
6. The Hustler
7. Caddyshack
8. Breaking Away
9. National Velvet
10. Jerry McGuire
Etc etc….
Topics: Movies | 2 Comments »
GROUP A GAME 2
By admin | June 17, 2008
Tournament introduction and Game 1 can be found here.
Group A Scouting Report: Portugal vs Switzerland and Czech Republic vs Turkey
……Expect a solid tournament from the Czechs. Anyone who has been to Prague would probably put their mortgage down on the Czechs sweeping the floor with this group. In fact, most of the crew here at PGH.com would probably be in favor of giving all teams/girls from Eastern Europe a first round bye, but we just can’t do that. Wouldn’t be fair. No clue what to expect from the Swiss. Toss France, Germany, and Italy into a blender and out pop the ladies from Switzerland. Sounds like a formula for success; we shall see. Let’s not forget that team Switzerland will be enjoying home field advantage throughout the tourney.
……Don’t sleep on the Portuguese. You like Brazilian girls don’t you? We’ll the ladies from Portugal are the Diet Pepsi to Brazil’s Pepsi. I thought Turkey was part of Asia, so I’m not even sure they should be allowed into the tournament.
A reminder that Portugal defeated Switzerland in an landslide yesterday. Portugal will get the winner of today’s game.
——GAME 2: Czech Republic vs Turkey——
Welcome to Game 2. We don’t have a real big crowd on hand today as it seems most fans are expecting a blowout victory for the Czech team. A few loyal Turkey supporters sprinkled around the stadium here and there but the atmosphere in the arena today is nothing like it was just a mere 24 hours ago.
(FIRST HALF)
As both teams walk out onto the pitch the initial reaction from all on-lookers is one of shock. The Czechs have seemingly sent out thier JV squad for today’s game. Seriously, this looks like their minor league affiliate. As for the Turks….well….to quote Dennis Green after losing to the Bears……”THEY WERE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!”
Things get underway like a Big Ten football game. Run, Run, Punt, Run, Run, Punt. Crowd snoozes. This Czech team came in with some serious hype and we’re not seeing any of the skill we were promised when we tuned in to today’s game.
More of the same. It’s 1 step forward 2 steps back it seems. Girl on left is heading in the right direction but our friend with the double facial piercings can’t finish the job. If she had a lip ring maybe she trickles one in past the goalkeeper.
Unfortunatley for the viewers at home team Turkey isn’t much better.
It’s Bad News Bears out there. Television ratings are plummeting. The first half was a total waste of time.
(SECOND HALF)
The Czech coach must have ripped his team a new one in the lockerroom because Team CZE actually comes out with a little life to start the second half. Real life Czech soccer player Jan Koller’s wife shows up and generates a little offense. Her energy seems to have woken up her team a bit and she generates a few nice scoring chances with white shades girl on the Right. Close, but no cigar.
We have a substitution.
DEAR LORD! Ladies and Gentlemen the Czech VARSITY team has arrived. Woooow. Checking into the game are Daniela Pestova, Petra Nemcova, and Veronica Verekova.
Team Turkey is completely shocked. They were in this game and were making it a mucking, grinding, ugly game of soccer but suddenly the Czechs have brought out the big guns. The Turkish coach is going berzerk on the sidelines over what he deems “illegal participation”. The mere presence of the 3 SuperModels has had a domino effect on the rest of the Czech team. After controlling play for the better part of 20 minutes Nemcova lobs a cross into the box…..GOOOOOAAAALLLLL!!!!!!! GOOOOALLLL!! GOOOAAALLLL!!
None other than the Czech’s elder statesmen, the grizzled vet. Pushes aside the annoying mustached stalker trying to hit on her and she fires a shot past the goaltender. The Czechs are rolling.
Team Turkey is mentally defeated. They simply can’t compete with the Czechs newfound firepower. Nemcova, Pestova, and Verekova are running circles around these ladies and they pile on three late goals before the end of regulation. The crowd, so dissapointed in Turkey’s effort this afternoon begin pelting the ladies with pennies and various debris as they scramble off the field and make their way towards the lockerroom. A formal complaint is sure to be filed by Team Turkey after the dust settles on this one. Speculation is that these Czech models were not actually in attendance or officially team members and that they were brought in as ringers. {editors note: I might file my own formal complaint to remove team Turkey and their fans from all International Competition. Their effort today was sub-standard}
Final Score: Czech Republic 4 vs Turkey 0
———————————-
Disclaimer: PGH apologizes for the truly underwhelming quality of girls in this match. We’re not the NBA or the WWF, we don’t fix matches and we don’t make these teams up. We play the hand we’re dealt.
Look for GROUP B competition to be up on Tuesday. PGH.com got a sneak peek at Team Deutschland yesterday in practice and BELIEVE ME when I tell you….you don’t want to miss their game. Check out the candid photo we snapped with our iPhone as the Germans were walking off the practice field. Good god.
Notice the German Flag “eyeblack” on the right cheek. Girl came to play, people. Not sure if she has “GER” scribbled across her BreathRight strip.
GROUP A
Portugal——ADVANCES TO RD.2
Turkey
Czech Republic——ADVANCES TO RD.2
Switzerland
GROUP B
Croatia
Germany
Austria
Poland
GROUP C
Netherlands
Romania
Italy
France
GROUP D
Spain
Sweden
Russia
Greece
Topics: euro 2008, Soccer, Sports | No Comments »
Euro 2008: Battle of the Babes
By admin | June 16, 2008
In case you haven’t noticed, and we’re in America so I’m going to assume most of you haven’t, Euro 2008 is in full swing across the pond in Switzerland and Austria. Reader participation is highly encouraged via the comments section or emailing us pictures/links at our “contact us” page. We can handle the first round of play on our own but when we get into the “super group” of top 8 teams/girls we’ll take your input. This competition would be much more diverse if this were the World Cup and we we had solid entries from nation’s that are not in Europe or the Euro Cup 2008, but hey, we’ll make do with what we have.
The “real” tournament is set up as follows:
GROUP A
Portugal
Turkey
Czech Republic
Switzerland
GROUP B
Croatia
Germany
Austria
Poland
GROUP C
Netherlands
Romania
Italy
France
GROUP D
Spain
Sweden
Russia
Greece
The current “real life” standings….as if we care….are as follows, should be interesting to see how the teams on the field pitch compare to our results. Maybe there is some weird correlation between fan “hotness” and team/country success:
We’ll follow the same grouping format for our “Battle of the Euro Babes”. We’ll take the top 2 teams from each division and then create another “super group” of 8 teams. From those 8 we will choose a winner. We currently have a decent stockpile of images available from all over the internet but we’re sure to have missed something. If we have, please let us know. A last minute knockout entry could easily tip the scales in favor of one country or another.
Let’s get to the images, shall we? FYI: This will be/is safe for work.
Group A Scouting Report: Portugal vs Switzerland and Czech Republic vs Turkey
……Expect a solid tournament from the Czechs. Anyone who has been to Prague would probably put their mortgage down on the Czechs sweeping the floor with this group. In fact, most of the crew here at PGH.com would probably be in favor of giving all teams/girls from Eastern Europe a first round bye, but we just can’t do that. Wouldn’t be fair. No clue what to expect from the Swiss. Toss France, Germany, and Italy into a blender and out pop the ladies from Switzerland. Sounds like a formula for success; we shall see. Let’s not forget that team Switzerland will be enjoying home field advantage throughout the tourney.
……Don’t sleep on the Portuguese. You like Brazilian girls don’t you? We’ll the ladies from Portugal are the Diet Pepsi to Brazil’s Pepsi. I thought Turkey was part of Asia, so I’m not even sure they should be allowed into the tournament.
x
x
x
x
x
x
————GROUP A GAME 1 (Portugal vs Switzerland)————
(FIRST HALF)
Portugal comes out STORMING. Pure domination over the first few minutes of gameplay and they get on the board with an early 1-0 lead.
Girl in white generates some nice offense with pink girl in white capri’s but they come up a bit short. Teammate with crumpled Portugal flag was offsides and their scoring chance was all for naught.
Team Switzerland finally wakes up and puts a few nice passes together. We think we may have a shot on net but this girl turns around and indeed, she is a butterface. At least the Swiss got a little offense going. Maybe they can build on this momentum.
Team Switzerland has been awarded a corner kick. The ball is drilled toward the penalty area….tall blonde rocking the “yodeling cowgirl gimmick” leaps into the air for the header. GOOOAAALLLL. The Swiss are on the board. Crowd goes wild. Team Portugal is stunned. The swiss have all the momentum in the world going into the last few minutes before halftime.
The Swiss continue to control play and generate chance after chance but they can’t find the back of the net. Portugal is letting this game get away from them and their fans are booing like crazy. The Swiss were completely getting outplayed for the first part of the game and now they are dominating. The tide has turned and it’s only a matter of time before they get on the scoreboard once again.
Oh no. Are those pajamas?
A RED CARD!!! A few Swiss librarians managed to get themselves onto the playing field. Momentum halted.
Reinvigorated with a new lease on life, the Portuguese see that Team Switzerland is vulnerable and they STRIKE. Belly-shirt Portuguese babe straight up roofs a laser top shelf. The “Guese” are back on top 2-1. We arrive at halftime and the Portuguese coach absolutely rips his team. Playing down to the competition in the opening game of this tournament is inexcusable. Inside the Swiss lockerroom the mood is much different. They feel like they had a glorious opportunity to put Portugal away while they had all the momentum and support from the home crowd, but the play of their nerds/librarians over the last few minutes before halftime just killed them.
(SECOND HALF)
Portugal begins with some early pressure. Not their best soccer but they look confident and in control of the game.
We have a scoring chance. Girl on left rings a shot off the goalpost….scramble around the net…girl on right in the right place at the right time….GOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL. 3-1 Portugal. The Swiss have absolutely no answers for the relentless Portuguese attack.
Somewhat of a Kate(Evangeline Lilly)—from LOST—look-alike attempts to get on the board late to at least make the score not look so bad, but unfortunately she’s turned away by the goalkeeper. Time slowly bleeds off the clock and the outcome the soccer world expected to see has come to fruition. There is no disputing it, the better team won. Portugal Girls advance.
FINAL SCORE: Portugal 3 vs Switzerland 1
Memo from league officials: Goals and no-Goals can be disputed and overturned as they are subject to video review should there be enough of an outcry over a specific girl, goal, or game.
————GAME 2 (Czech Republic vs Turkey)————
Game 2 will be played this afternoon. Tune in later.
Topics: euro 2008, Soccer, Sports | 3 Comments »
Pittsburgh Penguins Offseason Outlook
By Dagger | June 14, 2008
-Speculation right now around NHL insiders is that Ryan Malone is asking for 5 million per year. Penguins weren’t willing to pay him $3 million per year when GM Shero and Malone’s agent talked contract in February so I can’t imagine any scenario in the world where Malone comes back next year. He’s gone.
-Malone’s leadership and size will be tough to replace but let’s not forget that it was only 9-12 months ago that the Penguins were putting him up on the trade block because he had been a bit of a disappointment. Remember the rumors? Malone to the Rangers for Petr Prucha (who was often a healthy scratch in New York). Malone to Montreal for Ryder (who was often a healthy scratch there as well). There are games when he is great, and there are other games when he doesn’t use his size/toughness and struggles to get on the scoreboard. Sure he’d be great to have on the team next year, but at $5 million per season over 4, 5, or 6 years…that’s just way too much for a guy who has only had 1.5 good seasons in the league.
-He doesn’t seem to be willing to give the Pens a huge hometown discount either. Look for Pittsburgh to trade his rights to the Columbus Blue Jackets before the draft, with perhaps a high draft pick or player coming our way in return. This would be a great deal if indeed GM Ray Shero can pull it off….to snag a much needed draft choice and a roster player for somebody you’re about to lose anyway.
-Brooks Orpik seemed to be a longshot to return to the Pens for next season but since the Stanley Cup Finals a few rumors have surfaced that Orpik would like to return to Pittsburgh. He has often been in head coach MT’s doghouse, he doesn’t like that the Pens system doesn’t allow him to “headhunt” like Kronwall was doing in the Detroit series, and was even banished to winger at times this season but he seemingly wants to return and is willing to give the Pens a reasonable hometown discount if the Penguins give him a 5 year deal in the range of 3.5-4 million per season.
-Removing Orpik’s physicality from the team would be a huge loss in my opinion and if he’s willing to re-sign for 3.5-4 million you sign him right now. Big, tough, mean, physical defensemen don’t grow on trees and the Penguins blueline at the NHL and AHL level are filled with finesse offensive-minded defensemen.
-If you lose a guy like Orpik it very well could be YEARS before you find another blueline bruiser who can actually play the game. Penguin fans will remember that when Bob Boughner and Darius Kasparaitis left the team almost a decade ago, we suddenly had to endure a few seasons of having the “softest defense in the league”…..you could go weeks without seeing a devastating bodycheck from the backline.
The Penguins have made an initial offer to Marian Hossa for 7 years at around $6.5 million per year. Hossa loves Pittsburgh. He loves the team, the city, the fans, everything. He has said on a number of occasions that he will take less money to stay with the Penguins and that playing on a good team with a bright future is more important to him than making a few $100k more per year.
-If Hossa does indeed sign a deal for $6.5 to $7 million per season he would actually be earning equal pay or even LESS than he currently made this past season ($7 million). It seems his main focus is on the length of the contract, not necessarily getting the Pens to give him a raise. Pens fans couldn’t be happier.
-Much like Orpik, if Pittsburgh lets Hossa get away they will be searching for another Hossa-clone for the next 5 years. Every single offseason, every single trade deadline, every single draft. It will be an endless cycle of trying to find that missing puzzle piece that we let get away.
-Pens owner Mario Lemieux practically forced GM Ray Shero to acquire Hossa at the deadline and Sidney Crosby took less money than he could have received on his last contract so the Penguins could have more money to sign his teammates and build a deep team. Letting Hossa go would really be a slap in the face. If you haven’t watched Hossa for any length of time, you have no idea how good he is. He was EASILY the best Penguin on the roster this postseason and is a beast at both ends of the ice.
-Evgeni Malkin was recently quoted as saying that the rumors floating around that he wants a new contract that will pay him $10 or $11 million per season are a complete joke.
-He told media at the NHL awards ceremony a few days ago that he is seeking a 4 or 5 year deal that would pay him anywhere from $7-9 million per season.
-When asked if he feels he needs/wants to make more than Crosby (who makes $8.7 million per year) Malkin flat out said, “No”. This is great news for Penguin fans. In the last week we have heard from 2 Superstars that are willing to take less than what they can get on the open market just to stay with this franchise. If the Hossa rumors are true…he is basically giving the Penguins a discount of about $1 million dollars per season. Malkin can be a restricted free agent next year and somebody would give their right eye to steal him from Pittsburgh. If Geno is willing to sign an extension this offseason his $8 or $9 million dollar contract wouldn’t hurt the teams salary cap THAT much.
-Fan favorites Jarkko Ruutu and Georges Laraque are in tough situations right now. The last time Ruutu was a free agent (2 years ago) there were 13 NHL teams knocking on his door looking to sign him. As a Penguin fan this scares you because he is a UFA right now and he could sign with anybody. Guys like him are always in high demand and he will become a fan favorite/cult hero no matter who he signs with.
-The good news here is that Ruutu is on record saying he wants to return to Pittsburgh and he will take less $$ to stay. You rarely hear players tipping their hands like this in the offseason but Ruutu, Malkin, and Hossa have all publicly stated that they’d love nothing more than to sign with this organization long-term and are willing to take less money to do so.
-Laraque is making a pretty big salary considering his role on the team. Enforcers are a dying breed these days and he would be wise to take whatever the Penguins front office offers him. Nowhere else is the NHL he going to find the playing time and role that he has here. Having said that, his salary may force GM Ray Shero’s hand and Rocky may not get a contract offer at all. Why pay Laraque $2 or $2.5 million per season when they can get some goon from the AHL to ride the bench and only costs you $750k?
-Ruutu may be my favorite Penguin so I want him back. He brings an element that nobody else on the club can. Laraque (love him or hate him) has successfully protected Crosby over the past 1.5 seasons and can also play a regular 5-on-5 shift. Sure he’s not “mean enough” or “dirty enough” to really punish people for running Malkin/Hossa/Crosby/Staal etc….but he IS the heavyweight champion of the NHL and ever since he came to the team the spears to Crosby’s gut, the cheapshots, taking runs at Fleury, etc…have all stopped.
My Predictions:
—–Penguins sign:—–
Hossa–a winger like this to play with Crosby won’t come around again for a LONG LONG time. Sid takes less money for ownership to build a strong team and they reward him with an All-Star winger to play with for the next 7 years.
Orpik–unless Brooks leaves to join his brother on the Buffalo Sabres I have a funny feeling he’ll be back. The Penguins can cut some salary by dumping Daryl Sydor’s $2.5 million dollar contract via trade and free up some money to resign Orpik. His is by far the most physical blueliner available in free agency so some team might come calling with an astronomical offer that the Pens just won’t match. If the Pens contract offer is close….he’ll resign.
Ruutu–he loves it here. Loves his role, the team, the city, the fans, etc…..He won’t command too much $$$ and he wants to stay. How can he not be brought back?
—–Penguins lose:—–
Dupuis–pleasant surprise, gives 100% on every. single. shift. but his role can be filled by somebody younger and cheaper.
Laraque–makes too much money and is getting slower. Penguins will fill his role with a free agent enforcer.
Malone–his asking price is WAY too high and somebody is going to overpay for him. Whoever gives him a huge deal is going to regret it in a few years.
Hall–he was injured most of the season but had a few great playoff games. Unfortunately, somebody younger and cheaper can fill his role.
Roberts–he has hinted at playing one more season but at $2.5 million per year and with his injury issues, he’s not going to be in a Pens jersey ever again.
My Worst Case Scenario:
I’m so confident that Pittsburgh is going to resign Hossa that I’m not even going to put him in this equation. My worst case scenario is that the Penguins become the softest team in the league. Imagine the following: Ruutu leaves, Laraque leaves, Malone leaves, Orpik leaves, Dupuis leaves, Roberts leaves, and Hall leaves. All of a sudden you’ve taken the most physical, meanest, strongest, tallest, biggest players (and fan favorites) out of your lineup. When GM Ray Shero took over his duties his FIRST order of business on the job was making the Penguins “tougher to play against”. He immediately went out and signed a handful of guys who’s ONLY job at the NHL level was to hit, fight, agitate, and annoy. This mix of skill and grit lead the Penguins through a grueling 82 game regular season and a long playoff run. I can’t imagine how the Penguins would survive a full regular season without “tough guys” on their roster. If the Pens allow these guys to leave and their roster spots aren’t filled properly we could see a lot of teams trying to attack the Penguins young stars. There are a large number of guys in the AHL and on the fringe of the NHL that look to make names for themselves during the season by running stars, fighting, playing nasty, and doing whatever they can to fill the “agitator/enforcer” role on their respective teams. The Pens would do well to make sure their youngsters are protected.
Topics: NHL | 3 Comments »
Battle at Kruger
By Dagger | June 10, 2008
amazing. This has been around for a while but I never checked it out until today.
Topics: Random Musings | No Comments »
NCAA Football 09: Complete ratings and rosters for top 25 teams
By Dagger | June 6, 2008
Here is an NCAA Football 09 excel file released by EA Sports today. Check out the individual ratings for every player on each of the Top 25 teams in the country.
Topics: College Football | No Comments »
