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Mother’s Day 2019

Embed from Getty Images “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” Isaiah 66:13

It is Mother’s Day, a day to reflect on the goodness, teachings, punishments, kindness the mom’s everywhere have passed out and down in our lives. Mother’s are God’s way of making us all part of the team.

Let us take a closer look, mom’s goodness is better than any championship that can be won. It takes us to a place that no matter the words that have been spoken against us, meet us and cheer us up. What a great cheer-leader mom’s can be.

Thank God my mom taught me that sometimes, life can hit hard. You can either get up or get a 10 count. My mom taught me it is better to stand and fight and come against things that hamper myself, family or someone else. Mom’s generally have a big picture view of all aspects of life.

Sometimes, the worse punishment was getting “the mom look.” You know the one I am talking about. You have done or said something that probably sides on the side of stupid or inappropriate. Then harder than any linebacker can hit she shoots you this death glare that you hope is directed at someone else, until you realize there is no one in the room but you and her. But, I am grateful for the punishment I was handed out. It helped me refocus, so mom’s can be great coaches.

Above all, a mom’s kindness is greater than any post-game handshake. Her kindness is part love, forgiveness and teaching. Without that the game is lost.

The mom’s in my life are all extraordinary ladies. They all let the light of God flow into the lives of their families, weather they know it or not. On Mother’s Day, it is important to give mom breathing space, after all she has earned it. Maybe take in a baseball game and reflect how mom’s teach us how to be good sports and good teammates.

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The Detroit Lions have one really big need to fill

Embed from Getty Images T.J. Land, Detroit Lions right guard retired. Leaving a rather big hole to fill on the offensive line. Kenny Wiggins is the assumed starter. One problem, Wiggins has struggled when he has been on the field.

If the Detroit Lions kicked of the 2019 season today Kenny Wiggins would be the right guard by default. Even as poorly as he played last season. Right guard is a dire need for the Detroit Lions at this time.

It seems it would be a total disaster to put Wiggins in a starters role. Last season the Detroit Lions ranked 18th in adjusted line yards up the middle and an awful 30th at right tackle last season.

Lions general manager Bob Quinn did sign free agents Oday Aboushi and Andrew Donnal. They were both not much betterthan Wiggins last season. In the 2019 NFL draft the Detroit Lions did not draft a single offensive lineman.

Leaving two thoughts. Either the Lions believe in Kenny Wiggins more than any media member or fan, or the team has simply chosen to take a loss at right guard this season. What ever is the case, Detroit will struggle again on the right side of the offensive line once again this upcoming season.

It will hurt the Lions in terms of play-calling. To have true balance in any offense. Plays must be run to the left, middle and right side regularly throughout the course of a game. With one side of the line weakened it severely hamper the offense from reaching their full potential.

Right guard needs to be addressed by the Detroit Lions during offseason workouts and fall training camp. To head into the season as is would not end well.

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A few players who could make an impact for Michigan State football

Embed from Getty Images Some players have been in the program, some players have not even  taken a class yet.  Michigan State football has a few players who could make an impact at key positions of need this fall. That is good news for the Spartans.

Strong Safety, Xavier Henderson: as a freshman Henderson  played all 13 games. He was the third down nickelback, Xavier will be the most significant new starter on the Spartans’ top-10 defense that returns nearly intact. Henderson will need to show early on he can improve his tackling and coverage. Something Spartan coaches full expect from the second year player.

Running Back, Anthony Williams: an  early enrollee on the Michigan State campus, Williams really stood out during spring practices and is coming for  LJ Scott’s starting job.

Tight End, Trenton Gillison: last seasons tight ends Matt Sokol and Chase Gianacakos have graduated leaving a spot up for grabs.  Gillison played 14 snaps in two 2018 games against Penn State and Maryland.  Choosing to focus on football and a chance to become a contributor in the revamped passing game, the Spartans need Gillison to take the next step.

Offensive lineman, Devontae Dobbs:  he is a  sturdy 6′ 3″, 295-pound and very aggressive play at the point of attack could force immediate playing time. Dobbs can help the offensive line  group that struggled in run blocking the past two seasons.

The Michigan State Spartans are looking to get back to their run first roots. Use the run to set up the pass. It worked once. The question is with the elite teams that use speed in space can the clunky semi-outdated run first-ball control offense do enough in today’s college football landscape to produce more wins?

Michigan State is willing to find out.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets ousted from the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Embed from Getty Images It was a dream come true for long suffering fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team swept the might Tampa Bay Lightning in round one of the playoffs. Round two saw the Jackets matched up against the Boston Bruins. The Blue Jackets lost the series.

There is a lot to unpack here. Let’s start with the goalies, Boston’s Tuukka Rask and Blue Jackets  Sergei Bobrovsky two heavyweight goal tenders going head to head. Bobrovksy finished the series with a .921 save percentage and should not be catching too much blame, even if he recorded a .901 save percentage over the final three games. Meanwhile, Rask had a vary strong finish to the series, compiling a .948 save percentage over the six games. He had a shutout performance in Game 6 and it should be noted that he deserved a shutout in Game 4 as well .

Boston kept firing the puck at the Columbus until they broke through. Columbus looked lost at times in the offensive end of the ice leading to bad shots and not grabbing enough rebounds to keep pace with the Bruins.

The Columbus Blue Jackets did an excellent job of shutting down Boston’s stars through the first half of the series and it was the biggest reason why Columbus was able to jump out to a 2-1 lead.  The series started to shift when Pastrnak scored two huge goals in a pivotal Game 5. Boston’s stars heated up. Columbus’ stars cooled off.

Over the final three games, the Blue Jackets managed just one goal from the collection of Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene, Cam Atkinson, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Nick Folignoup front. The lone goal came from Panarin in Game 4. The three previous games saw a handful of guys who accounted for five goals and were a big reason why Columbus claimed a series lead.

Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella guaranteed the series was going to go seven games. Boston seemed driven to make the coach eat crow. So once again, Columbus Blue Jackets fans stood and cheered their team after the game six loss.

Perhaps, when fans stop cheering losses, the team will respond with more wins.

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Tarik Skubal, maybe the steal of 2018 draft for the Detroit Tigers

Embed from Getty Images For the Detroit Tigers the 2018 MLB draft, most of the focus has been on Casey Mize, the first-overall selection. For good reason. Other players from the draft class have generated headlines and buzz: outfielder Parker Meadows (second round), second baseman Kody Clemens (third round) and outfielder Brock Deatherage (10th round).

It is starting to look like the Tigers found a gem in the ninth round.  A pitcher who keeps turning heads: Tarik Skubal, a left-handed pitcher, whose fastball touches 95 m.p.h.

Skubal has 41 strikeouts for Single-A Lakeland, that not only leads the Florida State League but ranks 10th in all of minor league baseball. Skubal was a 2015 College Baseball Freshman All American at Seattle University. Skubal redshirted in 2017 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He came back and regained his velocity, recording 106 strikeouts in 80 innings but fought and struggled with his command, walking 56. Those walks might have scared off other teams, but the Detroit Tigers scouts saw enough in the left handed pitcher and took him in the ninth round.

Since  joining the Tigers,Tarik Skubal  has had no control issues. He bounced through three levels of the minor leagues last year, dominating along the way. If Tarik continues to develop, at his current rate it will be an all out draft pick steal for the Tigers organization.

It is not often players selected ninth round turn out in the major leagues. This is different. Tarik Skubal is starting to look like the Tigers found a gem.

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Steve Yzerman has hired Pat Verbeek as an assistant general manager for the Detroit Red Wings

Embed from Getty Images In  latest in what has been a series of front office shakeups that include Ken Holland accepting the general manager position in Edmonton, Detroit Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman has brought his right hand man from Tampa Bay with him. In what is a very good move for the Red Wings organization.

Pat Verbeek arrives in Detroit as assistant general manager. Verbeek, 54, brings 13 years of experience to the Red Wings’ front office, he returns to Detroit after starting his post playing days as a professional scout for the Red Wings, working four seasons in the position from 2006-10.

Pat Verbeek joined the Lightning shortly after Yzerman was hired in Tampa Bay. During his time with the Lightning organization Pat was in charge of player recruiting and contract negotiations and overall support to Tampa Bay’s hockey operations department and general manager.

“Pat Verbeek is one of the brightest minds and hardest workers in the game and has been a trusted and valued resource to me throughout my management career,” said Steve Yzerman. “He played a pivotal role in helping build the Lightning into a Stanley Cup contender throughout his tenure with the organization. I’m very excited to have Pat on board in Detroit and look forward to continuing to work alongside him.”

Upon his Detroit Red Wings general manager press conference Yzerman said he like to surround himself with good strong people. This is an absolute home run hire for both Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings. Verbeek has made a name for himself and should get a general managers job for himself very soon.

“I’m very excited to return to the Red Wings,” said Verbeek. “I want to thank the Ilitch family.” Pat said in a statement.  “I believe there is an exciting young core here in Detroit, and I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the hockey operations staff to get this team back into contention.” The statment concluded.

Pat Verbeek played 1,424 games in his NHL career, totaling 1,063 points (521 goals, 541 assists), and 2,095 penalty minutes, helping him earn the nickname “Little Ball of Hate.” His playing career included two seasons with the Red Wings, where he collected 78 points (37 goals) from 1999-2001.

 

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Report: Detroit Red Wings Ken Holland to become the GM of the Edmonton Oilers

Embed from Getty Images A report broke Sunday morning that former Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland appears to be headed to the Edmonton Oilers. Promoted to senior vice president last month when the Red Wings tabbed Steve Yzerman to be their general manager. Holland leaves good and bad in Detroit.

Ken Holland could be introduced as early as Tuesday in Edmonton. Holland has spent 36 years in Detroit with the Red Wings organization. The last 22 as general manager. Ken put together three Stanley Cup Championship teams, 10 division titles and four Presidents’ Trophies during his tenure.

No one in the Red Wings or Oilers organization was available  for comment. The deal is reportedly five years at $5 million per year. Edmonton has missed the NHL playoffs 12 of the last 13 seasons. The Oilers have a generational player in Connor McDavid who is being wasted by the Oilers lack of ability to surround him with a good supporting cast.

For all the good things Ken Holland did, he also did a good amount of damage in Motown. Handing out bad contracts and driving the salary cap for an owner who demanded it.

Steve Yzerman inherits a team with a solid young core and top prospects to complete the teams rebuild. His first order of business may be to purge the Red Wings roster of older players on bad contracts while infusing young players and top free agents.

Holland, meanwhile has his work cut out for him in Edmonton. For all the flack Red Wings fans have given him, Holland did brings championships to Detroit. He played a large part in Keeping the Wings 25 year playoff streak alive. That should not be forgotten by Detroit hockey fans.

Fans who in the end get what they wanted most. Moving from one good general manager to a great general manager.

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Detroit Red Wings Hall of Fame defenseman Red Kelly dies

Embed from Getty Images In February, 91 years old Detroit Red Wings legend had his number 4 raised to the rafters in Little Caesars Arena. A 1969 NHL Hall of Fame inductee Kelly spent 13 of his 20 season in Detroit. The rest would be played with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Red Kelly was the 1954 winner of the Norris Trophy as the best defensive player. Kelly was a very accomplished player and had a tremendous impact on the game of hockey.

Red Kelly became the eighth player in Red Wings history to have his number retired. Kelly was an eight time Stanley Cup champion, as well as numerous league awards.

Red Kelly joins his former teammates Sid Able, Alex Delvecchio, Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup winners in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1955 to have their number retired. Kelly would serve as captin of the Red Wings from 1956-58.

For all of his decorated achievements Red Kelly often said his greatest joy was his family. Not the 846 games he played in or the Stanley Cup championships or the four Lady Byng trophies he won for sportsmanship in 1951, 1953, 1954 and 1961.

The hockey world mourns the loss of one of the games giants. A family mourns the loss of someone much more than a player in a game.

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Michigan State’s Aaron Henry could be a rising star for the basketball team

Embed from Getty Images At 6 foot 6 Aaron Henry started 22 games as a freshman, for the Spartans averaging 6.1 points and 3.8 rebounds, and was a solid defender for the Spartans who won the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles and reached the Final Four.

“Henry is potential is soaring machine , he should flourish next to Cassius Winston and a healthy Joshua Langford next season. Aaron showed plenty during the NCAA tournament, scoring 20 in the win over LSU in the Sweet 16. His defense should continue to improve, his ceiling will be shattered by his ability to make shots, get to the rim and elevate above the defense in the open floor.

Arron Henry averaged 10.4 points and 5.2 rebounds during the NCAA Tournament while shooting 58 percent from the floor — all better than his season averages. gives the Spartans a talented core that is returning next season a core that includes the aforementioned starters Winston and Langford, as well as forwards Xavier Tillman and Kyle Ahrens, who also cracked the starting lineup at times.

The Michigan State basketball team should enter next season as both Big Ten favorites and NCAA favorites. They are deep and athletic. Yet it was Henry who ran into a very upset Tom Izzo in the Big Ten tournament. Izzo walked out on the court screaming at Henry.

After a  few defensive lapses which lead to the tongue-lashing from the Spartans head coach, Aaron Henry recovered, he did some things that you can not do as a starter on a top-5 team at the end of your freshman year. And they were effort-related. He picked up his effort.

Aaron Henry can be a very good player on a very good team. That schould scare the rest of the Big Ten conference.

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Former Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk pondering a return to the NHL

Embed from Getty Images Pavel Datsyuk, who turns 41 on July 31, left the Detroit Red Wings in 2016 with one year remaining on his contract.  agent Dan Milstein, said “He would never under any circumstances consider any other club but the Detroit Red Wings. He was very clear about that when he was leaving (Detroit) and through the conversations, it would be Detroit or nothing.”

Datsyuk, or as Detroit Red Wings fans call him “magic man.” When Datsyuk began his NHL career for the Red Wings, his mentors including Soviet stars Igor Larionov and Sergei Fedorov, as well as Detroit captain Steve Yzerman .

Pavel, was a goal and points machine as well as playing outstanding defense.  On 14 February 2016, Datsyuk became the sixth Red Wing player to reach the 900 point milestone, and the fifth Russian player to do so.

On 18 June 2016, Datsyuk announced that he was leaving the Red Wings to play in Russia, ending his 14-year career with the Detroit Red Wings. He left the Red Wings having won two Stanley Cups (In 2002 and 2008), four consecutive Lady Byng trophies (2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009), 953 games played, and 918 points. Datsyuk, upon leaving, was also the last remaining member of the Detroit Red Wings 2002 Stanley Cup Championship team.

On 8 July 2016, Datsyuk signed a two-year contract with SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL. With that contract set to expire in July, Datsyuk is eyeing a return to both the NHL and the Detroit Red Wings. At 40 years old he is still a point per game player.

It is unclear at this time  if new Red Wings  general manager Steve Yzerman is interested, but he wouldn’t be allowed to comment publicly. With Thomas Vanek a free agent in July and a player who does not figure in the Red Wings plans, perhaps Yzerman would bring in Datsyuk on a two year deal to be the team veteran as far as the forwards go.

Pavel Datsyuk’s agent took it a step further saying “Pavel obviously respects (Yzerman) so much, “He was one of the first guys to ask me to send him a note on his behalf to congratulate him after he got the job in Detroit, but I haven’t had any business conversations since Steve took over the Detroit Red Wings.

It will be interesting to monitor this heading into the summer.