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An Insane Golden Knights Ticket Offer I Couldn’t Refuse, But Did

By
Derek Stafford
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Thirty-five hundred dollars. Three thousand, five hundred. Cash. That is what I gave up to go to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Through a friend of a friend, I purchased lower bowl seats, five rows off the glass, for Game 1 of the Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals. My cost — $1,050.

Ticket prices have been an issue in Vegas since the Knights really took off. While early season prices hovered around $40-60 on the Gametime app we all use frequently when getting tickets, the prices skyrocketed. Once the Knights surged in popularity and the hesitant fans really bought in, it became the hottest ticket in town. They jumped to $125-$200 per seat, a massive markup from the early part of the season.

Playoff tickets became an even bigger issue when the team offered a “Knights Vow” option. Full season members in good standing under their member agreements continued to enjoy the unique “Cheer Now, Pay Later” arrangement whereby members will attend the games first and make their payment at the conclusion of the round for the games played.

When compared to the rest of the prices, I could say $535 per ticket wasn’t bad. Hell, I was willing to pay $1,000 for a World Series ticket in Chicago in 2016 (we enjoyed the festive provisions Wrigleyville had to offer instead) I was more than happy to pay premium for such a special moment. I purchased my seats three days before the game.

My wife and I were super excited — happier than Ralphie getting a Red Ryder on Christmas morning. Yes, that happy, and I hoped none of us would lose an eye as a result since a BB to the face hurts far less than a puck. My wife and I attended two dozen regular season games this year, and we’ve attended six playoff games, but this is the STANLEY CUP FINAL! We were ready to “create history.”

Game day arrived and we headed down to the T-Mobile arena. We revelled in all the pregame excitement. Beers, tattoos, Lil’ John, NHL network, corn hole, the Knight Line, all of it. What a scene! What a day! Wrigleyville during Game 1 of Chicago’s first World Series in a lifetime was a shit show. What transpired at T-Mobile was just insane.

At 3:37 p.m., as we headed over to enter the stadium, I got a text.

It read: HEY BRO, MY NAME IS DAN, YOU SOLD ME TICKETS TO THE KINGS GAME BACK IN NOVEMBER. I’M DESPERATE FOR TICKETS FOR THIS GAME. CAN U HELP? PLZ.

I texted him back: “No extras, just my own. Section 1. Should be a blast 2nite. Go Knights Go!”
One minute later? “WOULD YOU TAKE $4500?”

I almost dropped my phone, gathered myself, then showed my wife the text. My wife emphatically said: SELL ‘EM!

And so an internal debate began: I could net $3,500 profit and go watch the game at home, at a bar, outside with 10,000 crazed fans, or even at one the fine dining options Vegas has to offer. I could sell my tickets, then try to find cheaper tickets and still probably make decent profit. Or, I could ignore the devil on my shoulder (i.e. my wife), and just go inside the T-Mobile for what I figured would be one of the most memorable “knights” of my life.

Thirty-five hundred dollars isn’t chump change to a guy who makes his living in education and has three young kids at home (our daycare bill alone is $1380 a month). Thirty-five hundred smackers could buy a very decent car on Craigslist (or countless other services). It could also pay for me and my wife to travel to Europe for a week.

More important, though, it could also pay for one of my season tickets for the entire 2018-19 Golden Knights season. Thirty-five hundred dollars is nothing to squawk at for most middle-class citizens. Hell, that’s three months rent for the average American.

This decision was not to be taken lightly.

So, as I sat there in the afternoon sun with my beautiful wife and a healthy buzz from a few Sierra Nevada Torpedos while the excitement and energy of history continued to build to a crescendo, I had to make a decision. I looked at my wife, I looked at my phone, I looked at the stadium, I looked at my wife again, then texted Dan:

SORRY BRO, I APPRECIATE THE OFFER, BUT I CAN’T MISS THIS GAME.

I took my saint-of-a-wife’s hand and we made our way to the gates and, as the storybooks always say, the rest is history.

The Troubling Tomas Tatar

By
Kevin Volcic
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Healthy Scratch: Those are the two words that come to mind when I think of Vegas Golden Knights left winger, Tomas Tatar.  As the Vegas Golden Knights prepare for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, it’s more than likely head coach Gerard Gallant will stay with the status quo and keep Tatar inactive.  

If you’ll recall back in late February when the trade rumors were swirling about the possibility of certain Knights veterans being shopped around, many fans were irate the organization would even think about changing the continuity of the current roster. On February 26, Knights general manager George McPhee didn’t subtract from the roster, but instead added to it by trading  in exchange for a first-round pick in 2018, a second-round pick in 2019, and a third-round pick in 2021 to Detroit in exchange for Tatar.  

The speedy left winger even notched a goal against Winnipeg in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final to give the Knights their first lead of the entire series, a series they went on to win 4-1.

Some would say McPhee gave up a big chunk of the future to make the current roster much deeper.  After further review it looks like McPhee traded a big chunk of the future for a player that doesn’t currently contribute.

Tatar is 27 years old and is making a cool $5.3 million a year with the Golden Knights. The only player on the current roster that makes more money than Tatar is Marc-Andre Fleury at $5.75 million.  On top of his salary, Tatar is the only current Golden Knight with a true (non-modified) no trade clause. So, the idea of possibly trading Tatar in the offseason is highly unlikely.

To say that Tatar has underperformed when it comes to his salary is an understatement. In the 20 regular season games that Tatar played in for the Golden Knights he had a +/- of -11. The Stanley Cup Playoffs haven’t been any kinder to Tatar. Out of the 16 postseason games the Golden Knights have participated in, Tatar has only played in six of them. In those six games he has a +/- of 0.

Honestly, I feel for Tomas Tatar.  He was dropped into a difficult situation with a team that was firing on all cylinders when he arrived in late February. Gallant tried experimenting with Tatar on the first three lines, but just couldn’t find any continuity. Tatar has now been regulated to stay game ready incase another player gets injured.  

So, what does the future hold for Tomas Tatar?  Well, everybody has their own varying opinions. Maybe Tatar will have a big role on this team in 2018-19 either on the second or third line. He is a fantastic skater with quick feet and can handle the puck with the best of them.  Big things could be in Tatar’s future as a Vegas Golden Knight…just don’t see that happening in the remaining games of the Stanley Cup Final.

Matt Nagy Dropped Loads of Good News After Final Open OTA

By
Erik Lambert
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matt nagy

Training camp is getting closer for the Chicago Bears and thus far things have gone according to plan. To put it another way? They haven’t suffered any catastrophic setbacks. Not yet anyway. All they can do is hope that their luck continues to hold. Until then it’s on the players and coaches to keep working hard. That said, Matt Nagy seemed like he was in a chipper mood following the teams’ latest OTA practice.

Turns out he had a few reasons why that is. The team got a few pieces of good news all at the same time. Here are a few of the highlights that he ended up sharing with the media in no particular order.

Allen Robinson is officially active in Bears practices

One of the notable absentees at Bears practice thus far was their prized free agent signing, wide receiver Allen Robinson. He was still rehabbing from the torn ACL he suffered a year ago. The team wasn’t going to rush him though he was reportedly chomping at the bit to get back. Reports surfaced he was pain-free yesterday and sure enough he made his first appearance on the field. Nagy said it was “really good” to see him out there. There’s still no hurry. Plans are to stick with the timetable in hopes he’s 100% for training camp.

Leonard Floyd is on course to be full-go at training camp

Everybody knows that the Bears pass rush is in a state of unknown. Their only proven talent at this point is Leonard Floyd and, like Robinson, he’s recovering from a season-ending knee injury. Has he suffered any setback? Not according to Nagy who revealed the linebacker did some 7-on-7 work during team drills. In fact, he’s ahead of Robinson in recovery and is expected to be ready to roll when the training camp practices begin next month. If he can stay healthy in 2018 the pass rush should be okay.

Kevin White is running the full route tree of the new offense

After the huge rush of new receivers, the Bears added this offseason, it was easy for people to forget about Kevin White. The former first round pick hasn’t done much to warrant preferential treatment anymore. Not after missing all but five games with injury the past three years. If he wanted to rescue his ailing spot in Chicago, he’d have to work for it. Nagy confirmed he’s been doing just that. Already he seems to have a grasp of the route running concepts and is putting in time before and after practice. “He’s committed. He’s dedicated.”

Jordan Howard fits well in the offense

The trade rumors around Jordan Howard died long ago but Nagy seemed willing to make sure he kept them in the grave for good. He couldn’t offer much opinion on Howard to this point because running backs are difficult to evaluate in shorts. However, he made no mistake. Regardless of the concerns about running routes or catching the football, Howard has a valuable role to play that this team can take advantage of. “He fits well in this offense.” That should settle people down on the issue at last.

WATCH: Ryne Sandberg Auditioned For The Cubs Bullpen and Failed Miserably

By
Gus
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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past two baseball seasons, you’ve undoubtedly witnessed a new Cubs tradition that fans have fallen in love with.

The dancing bullpen.

Members of the bullpen bust out their best dance moves after a Cubs player hits a home run during a big spot in a game. CJ Edwards is the undisputed leader of the dancing bullpen and now he has to deal with outside members wanting to join.

First in line is the 58-year-old Cubs Hall of Famer, Ryne Sandberg.

Sandberg “auditioned” to join the Cubs bullpen earlier today by breaking out the most popular dance of 2018, the floss dance.

Let me tell you, Ryno looked just like the one Uncle that everyone has who gets drunk at the family BBQ and tries to dance with the younger kids.

For some perspective, here’s what it’s SUPPOSED to look like.

Good thing Ryno is a Hall of Famer because he sure as shit can’t dance to save his life.

Blackhawks’ 2018 NHL Draft: Quinn Hughes Is The Future

By
Tony Gianares
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The Blackhawks were absolutely horrible last season and I am sure most fans are eager to put it behind them. Honestly, I cannot blame them for feeling this way. It was a very long 82 game season, filled with injuries and underachievers. Luckily, since there are tons of holes to fill on the roster, it will be very hard for the Blackhawks to make the wrong choice with their draft picks. Chicago has eight picks total in the 2018 NHL Draft, including two picks in the 1st Round, 8th and 27th (via Nashville), and four picks in the first three rounds.

Plan of Attack in the 2018 NHL Draft

The Blackhawks have a couple different routes to go in regards to the 1st Round of the draft.

Plan A: Sticking with the 8th and 27th picks in the 1st Round and taking 2 top tier players is the Blackhawks’ safest bet. With the 8th pick, I believe the Blackhawks will take the best available player. The 2018 NHL Draft class is loaded with elite scorers and solid two-way defensemen, especially at the top of the draft. Any way you look at it, the team will be adding an instant upgrade to the roster. Drafting as many game changers and playmakers as you can is never frowned upon. It is the quickest way to rebuild a roster and the best way to save your team some cap space.

Plan B: Make a package deal to move up from 8th overall to draft a no-doubter type of superstar talent. A player in the likes of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, etc. In order to move up to acquire a player of this caliber, you would most likely have to include the 27th overall pick, a player, and possibly the 8th overall pick as well, depending on how high they move up. When deciding on who to throw into this deal, the Blackhawks have to weigh all options.

Money and years remaining on contracts will be huge factors in who would be included in the deal. Players like Artem Anisimov and Brent Seabrook would be prime candidates. They make the most sense and both have been linked to trade rumors this offseason.

Anisimov was nonexistent for the Blackhawks last season and does not seem to fit the team’s style of play anymore. Seabrook is nearing the end of his career and owed $6.875 million every season, until 2024, which puts a stranglehold on the Blackhawks’ salary cap. To further complicate things, he has a No Movement Clause through the 2022 season, and then, transitions into a Modified No Trade Clause. Seabrook would submit a list of 5 teams that he would like to be traded to, and then, it switches to a 10-team list in 2023.

My Top Target for the Blackhawks

Even though last season was a lost cause, the Blackhawks are actually in great shape for a rebound year in the 2018-19 season. There are a few franchise-changing players in this year’s draft class on offense and defense, and to be honest, the Blackhawks could use some help on both ends. For the sake of being practical, we will go with Plan A that I described above, stick with the 8th and 27th picks. Let’s start off with my top target.

Quinn Hughes (D) – Univ. of Michigan

Quinn Hughes is my favorite prospect at number 8 for the Blackhawks, and assuming that nobody falls too far, Hughes is the most logical pick here. The Blackhawks gave up 256 goals this season, which was the 8th worst rate in the 2017-18 season. They desperately need some help on defense.

Hughes is often praised for his skating and puckhandling abilities. In my opinion, the best thing about Quinn Hughes is his consistent two-way play. He can also create for his teammates in the offensive zone. The way Hughes moves with the puck is incredible. When he is in the offensive zone, Hughes reminds me of Patrick Kane with the way he can move the puck so effortlessly. His offensive awareness makes it easy to generate scoring chances for himself and his teammates. Hughes even has the trademark Kaner Spin-O-Rama in his repertoire (seen in video at 4:45-4:56).

Here is a little taste of what Quinn Hughes can do. Keep your eyes on number 6 for Team USA.

Other Targets That Make Sense for Blackhawks

Evan Bouchard (D) – London Knights (OHL)

Evan Bouchard is not a sexy player, but he is a smart player with great instincts and solid two-way play. He was the Captain of the London Knights last season and his poise is on another level. Bouchard always opts for the high percentage play and is seemingly always in the right spot. His passes are always placed perfectly and his shot is very deceptive, as he racked up 87 points (25G, 62A) in 67 games in the 2017-18 OHL season. Here, you can see the elite skills that Bouchard brings to the table. As you watch, make sure to keep your eyes on number 2.

Noah Dobson (D) – Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)

Noah Dobson is another great choice for the Blackhawks. Dobson is a solid two-way defenseman. He is always in the right spot in the offensive zone and knows how to set up his teammates. He also has a slap shot that strikes fear into goalies everywhere. In my opinion, the thing that knocks Dobson down one peg below Hughes and Bouchard is the fact that he will need to work on his gap-closing abilities in the defensive zone. Nonetheless, he is a great player. Keep your eyes on number 53 in this video.

Oliver Wahlstrom (Wing) – U.S. National Development Team (USNDT)

Oliver Wahlstrom could quite possibly be the best pure scorer in the draft. If Wahlstrom falls to the Blackhawks at the number 8 spot, I would take this kid without hesitation. All he does is score and it is absolutely ridiculous. Wahlstrom put up 94 points (48G, 46A) in 62 games with the U.S. National U18 Team last season. Any time Wahlstrom is on the ice, he is a threat to score. If I were to compare Oliver Wahlstrom to someone, his shooting motion and accuracy reminds me of Alex Ovechkin. Check out this highlight reel and you will see just how unstoppable Wahlstrom is. Watch out for number 18!

Ty Smith (D) – Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Ty Smith could be a sneaky good pick right here for the Blackhawks because he displays great awareness on both ends of the ice and has great hands. Smith also has a quick release that often catches goalies off-guard. As far as defensemen go, Ty Smith’s upside is not far off from Quinn Hughes and Evan Bouchard. He definitely passes the eye test for me. See if number 24 passes yours.

Since this video was not as long as the others, here is Ty Smith’s career stats to show how good he really is.

2018 NHL Draft

The 2018 NHL Draft will be held June 22-23 in Dallas, Texas. The possibility of drafting an elite playmaker like Quinn Hughes, or any of the players mentioned above, should make Blackhawks fans buzz with excitement. It does not make up for the forgettable 2017-18 NHL season, but it is a huge step in the right direction.

Chicago Bears Pegged as Part of Super Bowl Dream Matchup

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears
SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: The Vince Lombardi Trophy is seen after the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

A Chicago Bears Super Bowl run is something fans have dreamed ceaselessly about for 33 years. It’s a dream that has only deepened after their tragic defeat in 2006 at the hands of Indianapolis. Now they’re trying to dig themselves out of one of the worst holes in franchise history. One that hasn’t seen them post a winning record in six years or make the playoffs in eight.

So why would anything think this team should be talking about the Super Bowl? Namely, because it’s the time of year where optimism reigns. Also because this team looks so improved from where it was this time in 2017. Their roster is deeper, younger, faster and boasting leaders at several positions. Their coaching staff is now stacked with several forward-thinking men on offense.

Above all, they have a young quarterback in Mitch Trubisky who looks like the real deal. Not only that but he finally has weapons to actually do something. Why can’t they think about the Super Bowl? It’s not like teams haven’t gotten there after a losing season the year before right?

Ask the 2017 Eagles, 2003 Panthers, 2001 Patriots, 1999 Rams, 1988 Bengals, and so on. The point is the NFL is not a league that lives in the past. It seems one person is taking that to heart with the Bears.

Chicago Bears Super Bowl dream matchup involves date with Jacksonville

Adam Rank of NFL.com was asked to be part of a panel that listed their dream Super Bowl matchup for 2018. Most analysts went with several obvious choices like the Packers and Rams. Ranks didn’t follow the trend. Instead, he went unconventional with just a sprinkle of personal bias.

“My dream matchup for Super Bowl LIII is your Chicago Bears and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Let it be done. I remember how thrilled my dad was when the Bears finally broke through to win Super Bowl XX. I didn’t understand it much then, but I get it now. And I would love to see the Bears get there again. Mostly because I feel like a celebration at Grant Park would make the Cubs’ World Series celebration look pedestrian, like an ’80s glam-metal band headlining a country fair.

And I also want to see the Jags get there, for many reasons. First. Myles Jack was not down. Second, the Jaguars fans are the most unnecessarily maligned fan base in sports history, which is troubling because they legit have great fans.

So there you have it. Bears vs. Jaguars. Let it be done.”

If nothing else, his choice is a fascinating one.

Chicago vs. Jacksonville is hardly what one would call a rivalry. They hardly play each other and don’t have much of a history. However, the game would offer a fascinating series of subplots. New Bears receiver Allen Robinson would have a chance to go against the team that cast him aside this offseason. The revenge factor alone would be palpable.

Both teams also boast top 10 defenses so it would make for a game where every scoring opportunity would be huge. Then there are the competing philosophies. The ground-and-pound approach of the Jaguars against the spread concepts the Bears are expected to employ. Jordan Howard vs. Leonard Fournette. Mitch Trubisky (#2 pick) against Blake Bortles (#3 pick).

It’s not a bad idea. It would certainly be different and after years of seeing the Patriots involved, it would be a welcome change with two teams that don’t see that stage often.

Harry Hiestand Reveals a Huge Reason Bears Targeted James Daniels

By
Erik Lambert
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james daniels

There were plenty of reasons the Chicago Bears drafted James Daniels in the second round. First and most important, he’s a good football player. At just 20-years old he crafted a solid reputation at Iowa as one of the top centers in college football. A driving force behind their strong running game and steady presence when protecting their quarterbacks.

However, pure physical ability can’t be the only factor in drafting a player. Especially when it’s that high in the second round. The Bears needed a few more assurances that they were getting themselves not just a good talent, but a reliable one. That’s why they leaned on their new offensive line coach Harry Hiestand.

His expertise was a vital component to this move, and it turns out his own personal evaluation wasn’t the biggest selling point for him. There was another factor in play, one that several Bears fans might be surprised to learn.

James Daniels pick came from Hiestand’s connection to Iowa coaches

Hiestand spoke with Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic about the current state of the Bears offensive line. He reiterated multiple times that his true evaluations can’t begin on them until the pads go on in training camp. However, that didn’t stop him from dropping some surprise information when it came to their new rookie.

When asked why Daniels was a target, Hiestand explained a big reason was the man who helped coach him in Iowa. Men the Bears coached alongside at one point in his career.

“No. 1, how well-coached he is. He understands how to block. You put on the film and you know exactly what you’re getting. That jumped out. I’ve known Kirk Ferentz and his son for a long time. Kirk’s very involved with the line. Those guys were taught very similar to how I teach.

Joe Moore was a big influence over Kirk Ferentz, and when I was at Illinois, Joe would spend a week with me and then go to Iowa for a week. He’d fix all my knucklehead, dumb things I was doing as a coach and then go yell at Ferentz for a week, then come back the next spring. It was an awesome thing. Late 90s, early 2000s.

When we spoke, we were always teaching the same thing and speaking the same language. For [Daniels], the way we teach leverage, running guys off the ball, accelerating on contact, all the little details that come from Joe, James does, and he does right now. He’s a tremendous athlete that knows how to block.”

Trusting Kirk Ferentz with offensive linemen has been a wise policy among NFL teams for almost 40 years. He was their line coach from 1981 to 1989 during which time he produced three Pro Bowlers including 1985 Bears guard Mark Bortz. He then ventured to the NFL where he crafted future stud left tackles, Tony Jones and Jonathan Ogden. Then in 1999, he became head coach at Iowa.

The legacy speaks for itself

Iowa produced two more Pro Bowlers under his watch in Marshal Yanda and Brandon Scherff. This also includes three other first round picks in Robert Gallery, Bryan Bulaga, and Riley Reiff. The consistency with which he’s put quality blockers into the NFL is almost unmatched by any other program. Hiestand doesn’t seem the least bit surprised, which would explain his utter lack of concern when the Bears pulled the trigger on Daniels.

Wilson Reigns Supreme as the NHL’s Dirtiest (with a ‘Capital’ D)

By
Kevin Fiddler
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After last night’s blindside, potential intent-to-injure, near-no call on Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault, there seems to be little doubt, since he rolled into the league five years ago, Tom Wilson has been the NHL’s equivalent to NFL Miami defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh. Maybe he’s not as big as Suh (nor is Suh as nimble as Wilson), but — make no mistake about it — Wilson has arguably been the league’s dirtiest player since 2013.

This is pattern behavior, not some freak hit in a consistently physical game. There was intent to injure the Golden Knights’ leading postseason scorer in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals. It’s like going after Tom Brady’s knees, or LeBron James’s fluctuating forehead. In these moments, you play hard but you play it right, not like Carl Racki injuring Derek Sutton (aka Patrick Swayze) in Rob Lowe’s “Youngblood.”

According to The Sporting News, “No player in the NHL has been penalized more since Wilson entered the league in 2013. Of his 255 penalties (regular-season only) during that span, roughly 20 percent have been majors (58). They add up to 806 minutes, including 11 misconducts and a match penalty. Only two other players (Antoine Roussel and Cody McLeod at 707) have more than 600 penalty minutes. Again, these figures don’t even include his postseason misbehavior.”

But he’s only been suspended twice in his career and fined just once. Now, before you jump into your “whataboutisms” regarding Ryan Reaves or the physical aspect of the NHL itself, you can shove those in your trophy case for another day. We aren’t talking about anything Reaves has done. We aren’t talking about part of the game. You know, the tough parts Major League Baseball has erased from existence with plays at the plate and the NFL has minimized in the backfield anywhere near Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, or the aforementioned Brady.

We’re talking about sizing up a defenseless opponent with his head and eyes away from you, as you stride at least two more times while lowering your shoulder, instigating the contact. Look at this frame! This is after two full strides from Wilson.

Maybe I’m being soft, as some have said on Twitter. “Welcome to the NHL!” they say. Honestly, they may be right. Perhaps dirty play is encouraged in the NHL and this is the landscape it exists in. I can’t imagine the NBA being as popular as it has been had it been that easy to open a series. Same with the NFL or MLB (I’ll leave the rough-and-tumble world of Roller Derby alone, for now).

Imagine this scenario: “Here are THE KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR the Golden State Warriors IN the NBA Finals: Take out LeBron James’s knee in Game 1. Win the series in Games 2, 3, 4, and 5, while your henchman doesn’t miss but two minutes of actual game play.”

Experts and fans are split on the debate.

Perhaps the NHL missed this one. Perhaps it didn’t. Perhaps it was totally a “legal hit” by Wilson, as he claims, and maybe March even told him it was a good hit (which sounds like a load of bantha poodoo, considering March was quoted as saying the opposite).

“I saw the hit. I remember everything,” Marchessault said after the game, according to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan. “It was a late hit. I don’t really need to talk more about it. I think the league will take care of it. We know what type of player he is out there. You gotta keep your head up and try to make the play. I didn’t make the play, I was a little late, but whatever.”

Wilson’s douchey response was even more stereotypical of the wannabe Disney cartoon thug.

“I haven’t obviously slowed it down and looked at it but I think he’d probably say he shouldn’t have admired his pass and I’m just finishing my check,” the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder said, according to the Washington Post. He went on to say, “He might have been a little bit surprised by it, but it wasn’t an aggressive hit. He looked fine at the end when he was yelling at me from the bench.”

Spoken like a true bag of deutche.

Look, this has been a pattern of behavior all season with this guy. He’s been suspended THREE times this season, the biggest being a three-game suspension in Round 2 of the postseason, for a cheap headshot on Pittsburgh’s Zach Aston-Reese, which broke the forward’s jaw and gave him a concussion.

It started in the preseason, when he was forced to the bench for two games after a big hit on St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas and then another four games to open the regular season for his illegal hit on St. Louis forward Sammy Blais. None of this includes Wilson’s hit on Brian Dumoulin in Game 2 of the Penguins series, which knocked the Pittsburgh defenseman out of the game but didn’t result in any punishment from the league. 

Shocking.

Wilson may be the NHL’s toughest bad boy, but he better be careful while in Las Vegas. We already have one bad boy, and he’ll tear your arms off and beat you to death with them like Chewbacca, if you don’t lay off our Golden Misfits. Don’t think so? Feel free to take it up with him: Las Vegas Aces head coach Bill Laimbeer.

Bears QB Coach Sought Expert Advice on Elevating Mitch Trubisky

By
Erik Lambert
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bears quarterbacks coach

One of the bigger surprises this offseason was not so much the coaches hired by the Chicago Bears, but more one they decided to keep. Dave Ragone, the Bears quarterbacks coach seemed like an obvious choice to get the boot back in January. Matt Nagy was reforming the entire offensive staff. One would think he and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich had designs on that position.

Instead, they surprisingly chose to keep him, apparently at the request of quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Ragone is still somewhat of an unknown. He was a journeyman QB himself for a short time in the early and mid-2000s. Then he transitioned to coaching. He was a quarterbacks coach in Canada as well as Tennessee for a short period before taking a quality control position in Washington.

He didn’t exactly bring glowing credentials with him to Chicago. One would think the passing game ranking 32nd in 2017 didn’t do much for his job security. He should be grateful the team took Trubisky’s opinion into account. Now the 38-year old is even more intent on finish what he started. That’s making the Bears QB a success.

The question is how?

Bears quarterbacks coach sought help from an old friend out west

Ragone sat down to talk with Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune about the progress of Trubisky and the new offense. He’s quite impressed with how the young quarterback has been able to assimilate the scheme so quickly and how fast he learned to correct his mistakes from last year. Even so, the goal remains to keep improving.

To this end, Ragone confirmed that he sought advice from an old friend and colleague. One who is already well-versed in turning a young, unpolished QB into a star. None other than Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams.

“Yeah. Just like a lot of the coaches in this league who are tremendous coaches, Sean is nothing short of that. Obviously it was (Goff’s) second year in the league, gaining confidence from not being the first time out there, guys around him playing as well as he was playing. It’s one thing to have guys around you, but you still need to play well. It seemed like Goff played pretty well, and Sean was in tune to that in terms of how he was calling games.

I know Mitchell knows Jared. It’s one thing to talk to whoever. It’s another thing to go out each day — and I’m sure this is what happened in L.A. — and work their fundamentals and grind it and continue to try to be as successful as they could on each play. That’s kind of the same mantra with Mitchell — repeatable, consistency.”

The work McVay did in 2017 speaks for itself

Going into that year, Rams quarterback Jared Goff was coming off a miserable season. He completed just 54.6% of his passes for 1,089 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions in seven starts. He was also sacked a whopping 26 times in those seven games. The kid was beat up and dispirited. McVay was hired to change all that.

Boy did he ever. After revamping the scheme and the surrounding personnel, Goff was a new man. In 14 games he completed 62.1% of his passes for 3,804 yards, 28 touchdown, and seven interceptions. He also was sacked just 25 times. One time fewer than the previous year despite playing double the games. McVay earned Coach of the Year honors for his work.

Ragone is familiar with his work, having spent time with McVay in the same building during their run in Washington. There is nothing wrong with picking the brain of somebody who’s done exactly what the Bears are trying to do. It can only help in the efforts to make Trubisky better.

New Nike Michael Jordan Jersey Will Cost You A Small Car Payment

By
Marc-Louis Paprzyca
-

There isn’t a more iconic jersey in sports than that of Michael Jordan’s Bulls jersey. That’s probably why Nike believes the newest release of it should come with a hefty price tag. $400 to be exact.

This isn’t a complete surprise considering notable throwback company Mitchell and Ness has been selling Jordan’s jerseys at $300 for years. Their jerseys are at least period appropriate and look like what he actually wore from 1984-1998.

Well, except for that weird period from 1993-1995.

Nike’s version will feature the modern cut, truncated arm piping and Bulls logo on the neck to name a few differences. It isn’t even close to what the GOAT actually wore on court.

What it will feature is NikeConnect capabilities that will give you access to exclusive offers and content from Nike. This can include highlights, experiences, 2K18 boosts and even access to exclusive gear. NikeConnect has given access to exclusive shoes so you might be able to pick up a pair rare Jordan’s at some point.

I wear and collect his shoes but for years I’ve personally held back on buying a Jordan jersey because of the price. So, I don’t think I’ll be buying the Nike jersey for $400 even with all those features. It’s just not worth the price for me.

If it is to you…can I rent it from you? Kidding aside, you can pick it up June 1st at nike.com

Follow @Pappy_Hour on Twitter for Chicago sports musings.

 

 

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