This is some fight between Goonblog favorite, Trevor Gillies and Jon Mirasty. This is round two for these guys, and it came after a questionable hit. Reason number 84 million why fighting should not be outlwaed in this game. As an aside, Mirasty was on a PTO with Lowell a few years ago, and played one game. I never got to see him, and that makes me sad. Enjoy this one boys.

Why does everyone have their panties in a bunch about the Bruins and whether or not they will make the playoffs this season? As I watch them battle the Leafs tonight, at best they could finish in 6th place but more realistically in 7th or 8th. Great, so they make the playoffs and lose in the first round probably via a sweep. So what the fuck does that do for the franchise? Not much. I’ll keep watching because I am a total suck bag but seriously they are not a good team so keep your expectations low.

Now the rest of this article will be another helpful travel tip to all you loyal Goonblog readers. Hopefully, many of you have read my post titled “This has Nothing to do With Hockey”. Well so does this. Last week, I was fortunate enough to spend Monday – Friday night in The City of Sin. Part of it was work that I won’t talk about but there sure was some fun!

I arrived in town on St. Paddy’s day afternoon after a joyous flight. You would think by now, with my history on Delta, they would stock up on vodka before I board. Sure as shit, this was the third trip in the past few years that I have single handedly cleaned out the vodka on a flight. So as Chris and the rest of my Irish booze bag friends were falling down drunk that day, I was 37,000’ above smashed up like crash test dummy. As we took a cab to the hotel, we passed an Irish bar with 2 chicks passed out on the sidewalk wearing mini skirts with their roast beef curtains hanging out. I looked at the cab driver and said “Vegas Baby! Vegas!

I had work events Monday night ending Thursday at lunch time. I survived that and even ended up + $$$ on the tables. Beginning Thursday at 9:20 a.m. PST was the NCAA division 1 hoops tourney. The Ref offered up a great piece last week and I hope you get a chance to read it. I’m not a huge hoops fan but anything that gets you out of work early, allows many people to gamble together and involves drinking, I am all for it!

I spent most of the time watching games at several sports books including The Wynn’s, The Venetian’s and the Mirage’s. The entire city was jammed with party goers and hoops fans from all over. Stepping off the elevator Friday morning and walking into a packed sports book full of people boozing it up was awesome. With bets being made on individual games as well as parlay’s, every contest was closely watched by all. I personally would like to thank Clemson for totally fucking me in the ass with their loss to Villanova.

I headed home Friday night on a red eye with blurry eyes and a pocket full of Benjamin’s. I wish I could have stayed through the weekend but duty called with MBH and the Million Dollar Babies. If you ever plan a weekend to Vegas, make sure you do it around the first weekend of March Madness. Or, as my buddy Red Dog who lives in Vegas told me, come here for Rodeo weekend as it is the most popular and craziest weekend of the year. If you have any questions about Vegas contact me, I would be happy to share my experiences after multiple trips to the belly of the beast.

With a tip of the cap to the Ref, and a hearty thanks for the top ten basketball games ever, I wanted to share why this is a great time of the year for us pick heads. The NCAA tournament pairings are up, and I was delaying my decision on going out to Worcester until I saw the pairings. Now that they are up, I must say, I am in. Check out the entire bracket here. I am psyched there will be three teams not seen here often, and the chance to see The U seals it for me. College hockey is a great take, and I suggest getting to any of these games if you are close.

I spent the entire weekend watching the WCHA, CCHA, and Hockey East Tournaments. MOL is making cookies right now and I am scared to eat them. Chances of her poisoning me are high. I guess she really doesn’t care how good I think TJ Oshie is, or that I think Vermont’s pro style game frustrates a lot of teams, and I know she doesn’t care that Denver’s 7 National Titles puts them in a two way tie for second all time with Michigan. I will definitely be watching a lot of chick flicks this week, which is great because she just signed us up for Netflix. This is my favorite time of the hockey season. The NCAA’s are getting going, and the NHL, and AHL playoff races are coming into shape. Great day’s boys. Hopefully the cookies I am about to eat are chocolate chip, and not chocolate arsenic so I can enjoy the weeks ahead!

Show of hands - who wants a little break from hockey? I didn’t think so. I wrote this article recently for another project and I thought that some of the goons here might get a kick out of it. ‘Tis the season for March Madness, after all. If the NCAA isn’t your bag, baby, then please skip on to the next article and don’t throw anything at my head that weighs over 3 pounds. Deal? Then I’ll begin.

It’s that time of year again and across the USA March Madness is erupting on basketball courts, sports bars, living room couches and just about anywhere else you can plug in a television. Heading into its 69th year, the NCAA Final Four has seen its share of memorable moments. Never a disappointment the wealth of glorious victories, incredible upsets and nail-biting finales have ensured this annual tournament as one of America’s most beloved. To celebrate and prepare for the 2008 NCAA Final Four in San Antonio, we present the top ten bench-clearing buzzer-beaters in March Madness history.

10. Mike Miller: Florida vs. Butler - 2000

Number 10 on the NCAA Top Buzzer Beaters list goes to Mike Miller, then with the Florida Gators. With mere seconds remaining in what had been a very close game, Miller hit a runner in the lane as time expired. Guaranteeing the Gators win, Miller sank one right as the buzzer sounded and lifted the Gators over Butler, 69-68, in overtime. The first-round win sparked Florida to a 2000 NCAA Championship game appearance where they eventually lost to Michigan State. This was the beginning of Miller’s evolution into a top NBA player. Miller, currently with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, has gained the reputation as one of the best in the league for his ability to hit the clutch three-pointer. He was selected 5th overall in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic and nabbed himself the 2001 Schick Rookie of the Year Award. Still going strong Miller earned himself the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award for the 2006 NBA season.

9. Drew Nicholas: Maryland vs. UNCW - 2003

UNCW was close to the win until Nicholas, like a man possessed, kept Maryland’s title-defense dreams alive when he took an inbound pass spanning the entire length of the court. Drew then weaved his way through multiple defenders before swishing a running, fade-away three-pointer at the buzzer with 2 defenders still draped all over him. The miracle basket gave the sixth-seeded Terrapins a 75-73 first-round win over No.11 UNC Wilmington. Following the huge win, Nicholas was selected in the 2003 USBL Draft by the Texas Rim Rockers. Nicholas most recently played guard for Efes Pilsen SK in Turkey. He was released by the team for following security warnings from the American Embassy and refusing to travel to Serbia for a Euroleague Top 16 game in Belgrade.

8. Danny Ainge: BYU vs. Notre Dame - 1981

It’s difficult to pick the most memorable moment from Danny Ainge’s long and amazing sports career, but this game is definitely in the running. Ainge went the entire length of the court and lofted in an unlikely finger roll at the buzzer to upset No. 2 Notre Dame and shock the packed house. After playing for the Blue Jays in the MLB, Ainge ended up drafted by the Boston Celtics who bought him out of his Blue Jays contract. With the Celtics, he quickly gained a reputation of angering his opponents with his brash style. After winning the NBA title in 1984 and 1986, he went on to play with the Kings, Trail Blazers, and Suns. During this period he twice lost to the Michael Jordan led Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals, once with Portland and the year following with the Phoenix Suns. He is currently GM for the Boston Celtics.

7. Tate George: UConn vs. Clemson - 1990

Clemson practically had the champagne bottles already popping after they scored a 3-pointer with just 1.6 seconds left in the game. That was until Tate George brough a harsh end to their premature party. George caught a full-court pass, landed, turned and then drilled a fall-away jumper to send the UConn Huskies to a 71-70 win over Clemson in the East Regional semifinals. Clemson was left stunned and UConn fans went absolutely out of their minds. Tate George was drafted 22nd overall in 1990 by the New Jersey Nets. He played 4 years in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.

6. Richard Hamilton: UConn vs. Washington - 1998

Shortly after Washington finally managed to gain the lead, Richard Hamilton sank a desperate wild basket and gave UConn the win in a dramatic fashion. The Huskies missed three put-back attempts - the ball bounced out to Hamilton who missed his first attempt, then with his second he tripped backwards and fell while sinking a jaw-dropping 15-footer which cemented the win. Now nicknamed ‘Rip,’ and playing with the Detroit Pistons, Richard was the 1999 NBA Lottery pick of the Washington Wizards. He won the 2004 NBA Championship with the Pistons and was the team’s leading scorer.

5. Tyus Edney: UCLA vs. Missouri - 1995

UCLA was trailing by 1 with just 4.8 seconds left on the clock. Edney took an inbound pass, sped coast-to-coast and dribbled behind his back before tossing up a layup off the glass to beat the Tigers at the buzzer, giving the Bruins a 75-74 win over Missouri in a second-rounder. Later in the tournament against UConn, Edney had another full court run and drained a 25-foot 3-pointer en route to a 102-96 victory which led UCLA to win the title. Drafted in 1995 in the second round by the Sacramento Kings, he has bounced around the NBA and European professional leagues ever since.

4. Bryce Drew: Valparaiso vs. Ole Miss- 1998

Straight out of a Hollywood sports flick, Valparaiso’s head Coach, Homer Drew, watched in agony as his own son Bryce missed a potential game-winning basket with just 4.5 seconds to remaining. After a foul, Ole Miss ends up missing 2 free-throw attempts. With just a couple seconds left on the clock Valpo ran the hook-and-ladder and executed the last-second play to precision as Bryce drilled a three-pointer at the horn for a 70-69 first-round victory. Drew, arguably the best player in Valpo school history, was a first Round pick for the Houston Rockets in 1998. The first ever first round pick from Valparaiso, Bryce played 6 years in the NBA and 1 in Europe before returning to his Alma mater to serve as his father’s assistant coach.

3. Lorenzo Charles: N.C. State vs. Houston - 1983

Tied 52-52 against much favored Houston with time running down in the NCAA title game, point guard Derek Whittenburg heaved up a last ditch 30-footer from 3-point range. Lorenzo Charles caught the air ball and dunked it at the buzzer, ally-oop style, and pandemonium erupted on the court. A team that included NBA perennial All-Stars Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon and the rest of Phi Slama Jama had been defeated. Charles later played for the NBA Atlanta Hawks, a number of European teams and the USBL’s Raleigh Cougars.

2. Keith Smart: Indiana vs. Syracuse - 1987

With time running out Smart dribbled to the baseline and nailed a 12-footer that gave the Hoosiers a 74-73 win over the Syracuse Orangemen. Smart, who scored 12 of his team’s final 15 points that game, never made much of an impact in the NBA where he played 2 games for the Spurs. He spent the rest of his career in the CBA for 6 seasons and also had stops in the World Basketball League and the Philippines. He is currently an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors.

1. Christian Laettner: Duke vs. Kentucky - 1992

Who can forget this gem of a Final Four moment? With just 2.1 seconds remaining in overtime Duke trailed Kentucky 103-102. Grant Hill threw a beautiful pass the length of the court to Christian Laettner who dribbled once, turned, and hit a jumper as time expired for the 104-103 win. It was the end of a heart-breaking game for Rick Pitino’s Wildcats who had managed to come back from a double-digit deficit only to watch their dreams crash and burn due to one miracle shot. Laettner is considered one of the greatest college players of all time, largely due to his outstanding play in 4 consecutive Final Fours. He went on to play 13 seasons in the NBA beginning with the Minnesota Timberwolves as the 3rd pick in the 1992 draft.

Hopefully this list of the Top 10 supremely amazing game endings in the history of the NCAA Final Four has left you quivering in anticipation for this year’s tournament and already scrambling for NCAA tickets to next year’s big show. Regardless of what happens in the future the incredible legacy of players like Tate George, Mike Miller, Danny Ainge, Richard Hamilton, Christian Laettner and other NCAA miracle makers will remain in the March Madness history books for all time.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Goons and Goonettes! MOL and I are celebrating by doing Irish Car Bombs, and calling each other boy-o, and laddie. I shall call her Sully for the rest of the evening, demanding she call me Fitzy. I think now might be the time to say, we don’t get out much.

I hope my favorite Lowell Devil is able to hoist a cold one or two tonight. Pierre-Luc LeBlond took one of the hardest left hands to the mind I have ever seen Friday night. It was delivered in a cool third jersey by Worcester Shark, Brad Staubitz. LeBlond had asked him no less than 5 times to go, but Staubitz wanted nothing to do with him. Worcester was killing Lowell, and Staubitz was having a super game. In fact, he earned himself second star. Finally near the end of the game, LeBlond finally got Staubitz to oblige his request to have a go, and I am thinking he may be sorry #6 said yes.

The fight started OK with a little wrestling, and the boys trading a few punches. Nothing too heavy, but they weren’t pillow punches either. Then LeBlond got Staubitz bent over to his right, as it looked like he was going for the takedown. Brad Staubitz, who is as strong as an ox, pulled himself upright, and allowed him to regain his balance. As he got his balance, he got his left arm free and cocked. He then proceeded to lower the boom on PLL, and it was lights out from there. LeBlond went down like a man that has just been punched very fucking hard in the face. I think he may have hit his head on the ice as well. It was one of those punches you could see coming, and I could hear the impact from my seat a few rows away. LeBlond was clearly woozy on his way to the bench, and in fact fell through the door. He was helped up, and never returned. Hopefully he’s back soon, as he is the only interesting thing about Lowell Devils games this season. Off for another car bomb! Please try to behave yourselves tonight boys.

P.S. Here is a good tilt between Kip Brennan, and Pierre-Luc LeBlond

The first annual Hockey Week in Acton is over. I did four games in four nights, and watched another three on television. The highlight was obviously Saturday’s tilt against Washington. MOL, my brother and I were there for the old time hockey showing in Boston. I actually called it in Halftime Pizza that they would go right off the hop, and damn I am glad I was right. Lucic is now officially a God in Boston. Some other highlights and low lights of the week.

-The woman in Ray Bourque’s entourage in Lowell last Wednesday. I don’t know if it was Chris’s girlfriend, or his daughter, or who the hell she was, but she was easily one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Jaw droppingly hot.

-Seeing Trevor Gillies wearing the Captain “C” in Worcester Friday night. I don’t think anyone wanted a piece of him. Tom Rowe loves him, and it was cool to see.

-I still can’t get over how disrespectful the Toronto fans were during the National Anthem Thursday.

-Speaking of Thursday. That was the worst game of the week. Here they are in order. Worst to first.
Bruins vs. Toronto
Bruins vs. Washington (Monday)
Bruins vs. Florida
Bruins vs. New York
Albany vs. Worcester
Lowell vs. Hershey
Bruins vs. Washington (Saturday)
Bruins have a lot of games upcoming, and they look out of gas. If they make the playoffs, it’ll be one and done I feel. I am looking forward to the tilt Saturday against Philly. I’d give a lot to be there. Anyone that can hook me up, I’d give them a free Goonblog T-shirt? No?

Hey gang. MOL and I just got back from the Bruins game. I am not as offended by the Bruins play as I am by the Toronto fans behind us. The Leafs KILLED Boston. I have only a slight problem with that. The Bruins’ game has gone to shit at the worst possible time. I wish that was my biggest problem.

When I go to the Bruins, or any event for that matter, I make sure I am there for the National Anthem. Sometimes when it is two American based teams I can maybe stand still in the aisle when Rene belts out The Star Spangled Banner. I always remove my hat, and I do not move until the singer stops the drawn out braaaaaaaaave. It’s what you are supposed to do as a good American. I love our anthem and I love being an American.

When a team from north of the border is in town, I make sure I am in my seat for the anthem. I think the Canadian National Anthem is one of the most beautiful songs. While not Canadian, I sing along to every word, and I do so out of respect. Before the tilt tonight, all the Leafs fans behind us emplored us to stand up and be respectful. They all sang loudly, and proudly as Rene did their Anthem and Country proud. I sang along quietly as I do and had my usual smile on my face as I love the song, and I knew my favorite song was next.

As Rene started into my anthem, the Toronto fans behind me proceeded to talk about the game upcoming through our entire song. I am a well disciplined Marine, so I stood at attention hand over heart and stewed as it kept going on throughout the whole song. Red Thunder can attest to not “Squaring Away” someone being disrespectful to our anthem while standing at attention. MOL was even slightly bothered, and she lives with me so you know it takes her a lot to get going. The song ended and I said, so they could hear me, “What the fuck? We were quiet through their song.” Some ass face said something rude, and I settled in to watch the Bruins get lambasted. There was zero point in saying anything to them, and I was with my wife and her lovely friend, so there was also no point in pressing the issue.

The Goonsquad prides themselves on being Ameridan. We love all hockey playing nations, especially Canada and America. I hear stories about the “Ugly Americans” around the world, and I do not want to turn this into a political blog, but tonight, I was seated with some “Ugly Canadians”. If you guys are on the road in America remember there are two anthems to be played. Try to show some respect for both.

As an aside. The current tally for Hockey Week in Acton is below. I may scrap this event due to poor showing.

Bruins: 0-3. Outscored 19-4. 2 fights (although the Chara Brash fight really wasn’t much)
Devils: 1-0. They won 4-1 after two VERY boring periods last night. 0 fights.

Overall record: 1-3. I’ll be in Worcester tomorrow to see Albany take on the Sharks. I have no rooting interest in this game other than I want to see Trevor Gillies go nuts on someone. You’ll recognize me as the fat kid that didn’t move during our national anthem.

This may very well be the last week I am a married man. MOL is going to be put to the test for hockey week. I think moving forward I will designate the first week in March “Hockey Week.” Canada has Hockey Day, I’m going one better with a whole week. Check the schedule this week. It’s perfect.

Tonight starts the week off with the surging Bruins taking on the new look Washington Capitals. My favorite Capital of all time? Tom Rowe. Followed closely by Randy “Stumpy” Burridge.

Tomorrow the Bruins return home to face the Florida Panthers. Let me just say this about the Panthers. Nathan Horton would look awesome in the Black and Gold. MOL is working until 11. I am unsupervised. I think I may eat a shit load of wings, and do a running diary for you guys.

Wednesday I will be in Lowell as the Devils take on the Hershey Bears. Maybe Ray Bourque will be there, and I can give him a Goonblog shirt. Or, maybe he’ll back his ass into me again.

Thursday MOL and I are going to Boston for the Bruins and Leafs. I love going to Leafs games because all the transplants come out of the woodwork, and it makes me think of the time Janet wondered aloud during a game, “Hey, shouldn’t it be the leaves”? Classic.

Friday will find me in Worcester as the Albany River Rats come to town. I haven’t seen our old pal Trevor Gillies nearly enough this year, so this is a perfect fit. I hope he goes ape shit on someone.

Saturday my brother is coming up for the 1 O’clock tilt against the Capitals. I take him to a Bruins game every year for his birthday. MOL is coming as well. My favorite quote about this game so far.

Me: So, the game is at 1.
Brother: (after a long pause.) 1 huh? Jeez. That’s means I’ll have to leave at like 7 to get to The Fours for 11.

Good times will be had by all.

Sunday the Bruins take on the Rangers, and I see myself unable to sustain verticality with a cold one in Acton. That’s most likely when MOL is going to snap, so please, does anyone have a couch I can watch the rest of the game on? Enjoy your week boys. I know I’ll enjoy mine!