Shockwave180

Definitely saw empty seats in the lower bowl on TV, but the place sure sounded louder (even on TV) than I've heard it in quite a while. Nice to see (and hear).

Celtic-Rangers and Newcastle United-Sunderland. ManU-Liverpool was going to be the third, but I ran out of space, time, and energy. Plus, their rivalry really is not quite as historically deep and is more of a media creation than the other two (although it does still have its own historical and cultural roots as well). I'm handing the paper in next Wednesday. I'll post it on here after that.

Relax. He's been here longer than you, he's generally a very intelligent and respectful poster, and he knows the drill. That kind of stuff isn't necessary. Anyhow, I agree wholeheartedly with the Pro-Nashville contingent. I'd far prefer them over Calgary. For the third straight year, I was fervently hoping for a Wings-Avs first round series, but Colorado continues to be useless in every way. Oh well.

Yes, the mighty Rangers (heh) defeat Celtic 1-0 to go six points clear with a game in hand. It's doubly funny because Rangers are not terribly good and Celtic have spent a lot more money this year. But Gordon Strachan just can't quite figure out Walter Smith. Still a ways to go, and we still have to go to Celtic Park twice. Combined with the number of games we're going to have to squeeze into the last month and a half of the season, this race still isn't over.

It has a lot to do with the fact that many regions have a much deeper and longer history than we do here in America, and soccer had traditionally been tied to other social and political animosities. Although, with the increasing globalization and commercialization of the game, those identities are getting watered down. I'm a History major, and I'm actually writing my Senior thesis on the historical roots of the two biggest football (soccer) rivalries in Great Britain. It'll be done in less than a month. I'd be happy to post it or send it to anyone who's interested.

Rangers upset Werder Bremen to advance to the last 8 of the EUFA Cup, then win the League Cup on penalties today! 1 trophy down, at least 2 to go. The dream of a quadruple is still alive (although still highly unlikely). Arsenal's league campaign falling apart. Disappointing. But we still have a great shot at the European Cup.

If it involved Arsenal, sure. But this "39th Game" crap is awful, and would really upset the fairness of the league championship. It's a moot point, anyway. Everyone has come out against this proposal (the FA, FIFA, and the confederations of almost every country that would stage the games). It's not gonna happen.

Somebody reads FireJoeMorgan, I think. Which is a good thing.

I know they're powerful. But I've never seen a teacher's union own a majority share in a sports franchise. Power to them for seizing the opportunity. I've just never seen anything like that before.

The biggest surprise in this story to me is that a teacher's union owns 58% of Maple Leaf Sports. I wasn't aware of that. Does that strike anyone else as incredibly odd?

The "competing for 60 minutes" aspect is what impresses me the most about this team. It's such a cliche, yet it's incredibly hard to do. This year's team has done it better and more consistently than any I've seen over the first half of the season. Based on last year's improved playoff showing and the attitude and hunger that this team has exuded over the first half, I'm cautiously optimistic for the playoffs. Of course, you still need to have the breaks (and health) go your way. But we've got a great shot. I'm excited. Edit: Just read Mickeyism's post, and I wholeheartedly second it. Despite some disappointing playoff exits, the consistency that this organization has created and maintained is stunning, and should be appreciated.

Back in the day when Colorado was our biggest rival, one of the many things that made them so distasteful was their announcer's "Oh, Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!" call whenever they scored a big goal. I think he went to St. Louis a couple years ago. Just one of the ways the Avs have become far less despicable in recent years.

Funny stuff. I guess the "Feats of Strength" ritual was last night's game.

That's a hell of a milestone. (Prepares to leave)

Great news. I have to tip my hat to Kenny Holland; he continues to do an outstanding job in the new salary-cap era. Now for Hank, please!

Great job, Matt. It's a bit of a shock after all these years of the old format, but everything looks great. Thanks to you and Trey for all the hard work.

This team is just on automatic right now. I have a feeling this road trip might bring a bit of adversity, but we'll see. Great performance tonight.

In fairness, Izzy, it is the holidays.

What happened to the DWPAKASAPA club that was so popular a year ago? I notice those sigs seem to have disappeared for now.

Congrats to Ozzie. He's really playing well. I still don't care who starts as long as we win, but Ozzie really deserves credit so far.

Heh. Surprise!

Get your mind out of the gutter. Osgood. Yes.

Hope the boys can keep the hot streak going. My prediction: Hockey will be played. Goals will be scored. Hits will be administered. By hockey players. Thank you.

There's nothing wrong with this in a free-market economy, but I agree that it isn't smart for a franchise struggling to establish itself and bring in fans. It's just not good PR, and PR is often more valuable in the long term perspective than the short term gain in revenue for one game.

Didn't see the game, but I'm glad we won, and it's nice to see everybody so enthused about the team. I hope the last decade-and-a-half hasn't numbed everybody to how good this team is right now. Long way to go, and all that, but wow.