NFL Draft Recap: Day 2 and 3

The Commissioner really enjoying those bear-hugs...

Recapping the Day 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft this past weekend. Now, after an entertaining Round 1 on last Thursday night in which their were multiple trades from teams either trading back or trading up, day 2 and 3 provides you with guys that were successful in college, but games might have a weakness or two for the transition into the NFL. Usually Round 2-7, you are drafting for need (of position) and trying to find the best value in that position. Some of these guys in the later rounds could range from becoming a steal to being on the teams practice squad. If you won't one of the 253 players drafted, you have the opportunity to become a "undrafted free agent" and sign with any of the 32 teams in the NFL, that's if they want you. So lets take a look at some notable draft picks from Rounds 2 thru 7 and some UFA players.

Kiper's 2012 Draft Grades

NHL Playoffs Week #4: "The Hockey Games"

May the odds ever be in your favor...

This week continues the early to mid round games of the Conference Semi-Finals in the East and West.  While it's too early to write off anyone at this point, here's a look at the current standings:

In the East:
#1 NY Rangers lead the #7 Capitals 1-0
The Rangers seemed to take game 1 with ease at 3-1.  Caps goalie Holtby seem bothered by the dim lighting at Madison Square Garden.  Game 2 is tonight as the Rangers look to close the door as soon as possible.  Is Alex Ovechkin relevant anymore?

#5 Flyers lead #6 Devils 1-0
After a week off, the Flyers came out with 0 shots in the first 10 minutes.  Bryzgalov, while winning, still gives up some soft goals.  If he clamps down, the Flyers breeze through this series.  If not, like game 1, we may see some more overtime games in which Marty Brodeur will whine.

SUMMARY - These series could be over quick if the Caps don't find their offensive prowess of year's past and the Flyers get above average goaltending from their netminder.

In the West:
#2 Blues trail #8 Kings 1-0
The Kings stole one here.  Jon Quick, even though I praised him constantly, can't win this series by himself...or can he?!  Like the Canucks before them, the Blues don't want to lose both at home.  Game 2 is also tonight.  The Blues need to score and stay out of the penalty box.

#3 Coyotes lead #4 Predators 2-0
The only series to have played two games thus far has been the biggest surprise.  Phoenix is the upper seed but Nashville had nearly 10 more points in the regular season.  Preds goalie Pekka Rinne has already given up more goals in 2 games than he did all first round!  Phoenix is the Cinderella team of the playoffs thus far...

SUMMARY - The Blues better be careful of going down 2-0 at home whereas the Predators need to take care of business at home to make sure they don't fall down 3-0.

The 118th Penn Relays

The Penn Relays is the oldest and longest running track & field competition in the U.S.  It has been held annually since 1895!  Over the course of the 3 day meet, attendance usually tops over 100,000 and on Saturday, it's been known, especially in the last couple years, to top 50,000 spectators.

This year the crowd was not disappointed.  Even though the forecast Saturday was kind of dreary and a bit chilly, the 6 USA vs. The World events, 4x100 (Men and Women), 4x400 (Men and Women), Sprint Medley (Women) and Distance Medley (Men) all were championed by the red, white, and blue.

As the first outdoor preview for many of our runners, it was a great start to hopefully a great finish in London.  In fact, the USA Track team has set a goal of 30 medals to attain in London.  As stud sprinter Lashawn Merritt  said,

"London, here we come."

Highlights included meet records set by the women's 4x1 and 4x4 squads as well as a homestretch finish that saw Merritt take down the Bahamas in the final leg of the 4x400.

Boomer's NBA Slam Dunk Playoff Preview

Win or Go Home

Aww, yes the time of year we cheer for any team, other than the one down in South Beach (BEAT THE HEAT!). What some people like to call the "2nd season", the NBA Playoffs have arrived, and beginning this weekend to MID-JUNE, this years edition of the NBA playoffs has the makings of being one of the best of all-time. Some storylines to keep an eye on, whats the status of Derek Rose's health, will the Heat be able to finish the job this time, are the Spurs and Celtics down to their final run with their current rosters, will the Mavs repeat, are the Thunder ready for the "bright lights", can Melo and the Knicks shock the world, and does Kobe will the Lakers to another NBA championship and win his 6th ring (tying him with Michael Jordan). All in all, it should be a great couple of months, after we had such a rapid pace 66-game season since Christmas, what do the playoffs have in story for basketball fans all over the world?

The Columbus Blue Jackets All-Star Logo and the IIHF World Championships

Today at noon, the Columbus Blue Jackets unveiled the 2013 NHL All-Star Game logo for next year's game.  

Initial reaction?