I’m guessing Mario Balotelli scored a goal. Why else would this guy lose his shit? It’s one thing to get excited about a goal but this is a bit much.

Hey, if I were Jagr, I would call myself my favorite player as well. The dude was a stud back in the day. Heck, he’s still a stud at 41. The guy is still playing at relatively high level all things considered.

Storyline: The B’s return home where they’ll play the next two games. Boston took home ice in the series after winning game two, 2-1 in overtime. The Bruins have been very good at home in this post-season going 7-2 at TD Garden. The barn will be rocking tonight as the Bruins look to take a 2-1 series lead.

Three Keys For The Bruins:
1. Play Aggressive In All Zones: The Bruins were very passive in the first period on Saturday night. When Claude Julien opened things up and allowed the defenseman to jump into the rush, they played much better in the second and third periods. Boston will need to come out and be more aggressive out of the gate tonight.

2. Keep Paille, Kelly and Seguin Together: Claude Julien may have stumbled onto something good with this line. He needs to keep them together as his third line. Rich Peverley is a good enough player to play on the fourth line.

3. Special Teams: The Bruins PK has been fabulous in these playoffs. They need to keep putting pressure on the Chicago power play. Boston also needs to take advantage of the power play when they get their chances. It’s been awful thus far but that could change now.

Bottom Line: The Bruins have a golden opportunity to take control of this series with a win tonight. If they do, they can put all the pressure on Chicago. This Hawks has been in pressure packed games before so they’ll come out flying. Boston needs to match that intensity and then some! If they do, they’ll be in the drivers seat moving forward.

I don’t like Johnny Manziel. I don’t like his attitude and I certainly don’t like the way he presents himself. It’s all about him. I think he’s a primadonna! I don’t know him personally, but I’ve been around football for over twenty years at three different levels. I know a primo when I see one.

Manziel is a terrific college football player. He had a season for the ages in 2012. No one will dispute his talent despite some size and arm strength concerns. My issue with him is his attitude. When you come out and say that you can’t wait to leave College Station, you’re making it about you. But then again, it’s always about Johnny Manziel. Just ask him. I’m sure he’ll tell you the same.

There is no question Manziel has NFL potential. Personally, I’m split on him. Part of me feels that he’ll be another Tim Tebow but if he can improve as a passer and learn to play from within the pocket, he has a chance to be a solid starting quarterback. The problem NFL coaches are going to deal with is his persona. The kid’s ego might just be a little too inflated. There is no question Manziel has the tools to succeed at the next level. I question whether or not he can lead a team in the NFL. He can handle the game from a physical and mental standpoint. The problem is going to be bringing him back down to earth and dealing with the media attention that will come with drafting him.

I like watching Johnny Manziel play football. He’s a great player and highly entertaining. I’m sure it’s difficult dealing with the media scrutiny and spotlight on a daily basis. The kid probably doesn’t want any of this but just like Tebow, it’s a product of his play on the field. He’s good and when you’re good, people want to talk about you and write about you. If Manziel is going to transition to the next level, he’s going to have to learn to deal with the attention. Tim Tebow certainly has.

Quaterback is the ultimate glamour position. When things are going great, you’re the man. When things are going bad, you’re the scapegoat! Lets see how Johnny Manziel handles being the scapegoat. I have a feeling it might be a struggle.

Somebody contact the Audubon society! Jose Fernandez loves birds and he’s willing to save them! Good for him. He’s not just a young stud pitcher. He’s also a bird lover.

True: Putin definitely stole Kraft’s ring. The guy is a bad ass MFer! He liked the ring and decided to take it. That’s how Putin rolls. He’s a Communist, what did you expect? He doesn’t care that its Kraft’s ring. He’s used to getting what he wants. He wanted the ring and decided to take it.

I feel bad for Kraft but he should have known better. You never trust a Russian, especially a Communist! Bobby K learned a valuable lesson. Now Putin has a Patriots Super Bowl ring and Kraft is lamenting its loss.

Lets just hope this incident doesn’t impact American, Russian relations. They’re already strained because of Syria and other issues. The last thing we need is a Patriots Super Bowl ring to create further distance between the two super powers.

Meet your Hero of the Day Bruins fans

1. The Bruins played like crap the first twenty minutes last night and still won a Stanley Cup playoff game.

2. Last nights win proved that if a team wants to win the cup, they need a collective effort. Your stars have to play big but sometimes it’s your third and fourth liners that make the difference.

3. The Red Sox were able to snap their brief two game losing streak thanks to some dumb base running by the Orioles.

4. As I said yesterday, I would tell the Clippers to pound sand if they don’t want to include Eric Bledsoe in the purposed Doc, Garnett deal.

5. The Spurs need to hold serve at home tonight. If they lose, this series is over!

6. Barring a miracle, Tiger Woods will have to wait to win another major. He played like crap yesterday and it cost him a chance at winning the U.S Open.

7. Lets cross our fingers and pray for Rays pitcher Alex Cobb. That was tough to watch.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of yahoo.com, the Celtics and Clippers are engaged in serious talks regarding Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers. The Clippers are interested in bringing the veteran power forward and coach to Los Angeles. In return, the Celtics could potentially get point guard Eric Bledsoe, center DeAndre Jordan and two first round picks. The deal however is a long way from being done. The Clippers don’t want to include Bledsoe and they don’t want to part with two first rounders.

If I’m Danny Ainge, the only way I make this deal is if Jordan and Bledsoe are in the package. Maybe I throw in Paul Pierce to balance it out. If the Clippers relent, I would tell them to go for a walk! I would never make this deal unless Bledsoe is in the package back.

The Celtics need to make this trade but they can’t give away their two best players and coach for a subpar package in return. Worst case scenario, they bring back Rivers, Garnett and Pierce for “one more run”

I’m ready for the Celtics to rebuild. If they can make this deal, they should! As much as I would hate to see Doc leave, I think he should if he doesn’t want to coach a rebuilding team. Besides, there are still some quality coaching candidates available (Lionel Hollins, Brian Shaw) for the Celtics to hire.

I think talks between the two teams have come too far for nothing to happen. It’s just a matter of who blinks first. Hopefully it’s not Danny. The Celtics need to get the best possible deal. If they don’t get what they want in this package, then move on. Either way, Boston needs to rebuild and this rumored deal is a good starting point.

C.B Bucknor is one of the most reviled umps in all of baseball and bone head moves like this don’t help his reputation.

Storyline: The Bruins lost a heartbreaker on Wednesday night, losing 4-3 in triple overtime. They’ll look to bounce back tonight and even things up in game two.

Three Keys for the Bruins:
1. Force the Extra Pass: The Bruins cannot give Chicago open looks from the point. They need to aggressively forecheck the point man and force the extra pass. Chicago got too many open looks in Game one.

2. Defensive Net Front Presence: The Bruins cannot allow the second and third man to crash the net! They need to play the body and keep the crease clean for Tuukka.

3.Give A Three Period: Chicago is 9-1 at home in these playoffs. If the Bruins are going to even things up, they need to play a complete game not just a great first period.

Bottom Line: The Bruins know they can play with Chicago and beat them at home. I think you’ll see a more complete effort tonight and a Bruins win. They’ll even things up and capture home ice in the process.

(courtesy of the New York Times)

I’m sure the good guy in Bob Kraft wants Tim Tebow to make the Patriots but does the football guy in Bob Kraft really believe Tebow can help his team?

Aside from the fact that Tebow is a good person and a high character guy, does he really bring anything else to the table? Lets face it, he’s not going to play a major role on this football team. Is he going to take snaps away from Tom Brady? No. Is he going to play tight end over the five guys currently on the roster? Probably not. At most he plays on special teams or gadget situations. I’m not even sure the Patriots would use him in a short yardage direct snap package.

Honestly, I don’t know why the Patriots signed Tebow. For that matter, I’m not sure why Kraft would want him to make the team? All I know is he’s signed through the 2014 season and will be a major story in training camp. Who knows if he’ll make the team but he will make them an interesting team to watch in training camp.

It’s too bad the Patriots didn’t agree to do Hard Knocks. That’s the only thing missing from this Summer of Tebow.

I don’t know about you, but I like this Tebowie song better than the first one. I know the first one was more original but this one isn’t as creepy and its funnier, especially given the circumstances.

Storyline: The Red Sox took two of three from the Rays and they’ll look to continue their winning ways as they open a four games series against the Orioles tonight. Baltimore took two of three from the slumping Angels and will look to make up some ground against the division leading Red Sox. Expect a lot of fireworks in what should be a fun series.

Pitching Probables:
Thursday: LHP Felix Doubront (4-3, 4.84) vs. RHP Kevin Gausman (0-3, 8.84)

Friday: RHP Ryan Dempster (4-6, 4.40) vs. RHP Chris Tillman (6-2, 3.89)

Saturday: RHP John Lackey (3-5, 3.14) vs. RHP Freddy Garcia (3-3, 4.47)

Sunday: TBA vs. RHP Miguel Gonzalez (4-2, 3.71)

Three Keys For The Red Sox:
1. Bust Their Left Handed Hitters Inside: The Orioles left handed hitters can really hit the ball especially when it’s left over the plate or outside. Red Sox starters need to bust them inside and limit their ability to pull the ball.

2. Plate Discipline: The Red Sox need to grind out at bats against an Orioles rotation that has good stuff but tends to struggle, especially when they fall behind in the count.

3. Get At Least A Split: The Sox need to gain at least a split this weekend. They currently lead the Yankees by three games and the O’s by three and a half. They should want to leave town with at least a two and a half game lead. If they do that, they’ll be in good shape heading into the end of the month.

Bottom Line: I know it’s still early but this is a big divisional series. If the Sox can take it, they’ll create some separation between themselves and the pesky Orioles.

I can’t believe the Brooklyn Nets hired Jason Kidd as their new basketball coach! The guy just retired from the NBA on June 3rd and he already has a coaching job. How could you hire someone who’s never coached a second in the NBA? I don’t care how great a career he had! He hasn’t cut his teeth in the coaching ranks yet!

I’m beginning to think that Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov (AKA Lenin) is more interested in making a splash than winning basketball games. Kidd must have had one hell of interview to impress GM Billy King and Prokhorov. That’s the only thing I could think of. Why else would they hire him?

Don’t get me wrong, Kidd was a great player. There is no question he has the potential to be a great coach. Let’s not forget, what he did for the Nets franchise. He took them to two NBA Finals appearances (02-03) Obviously he has a great history with the franchise, but to hire him over a qualified candidate like Brian Shaw makes zero sense.

I know the Nets are hoping that he turns into the next Mark Jackson. That very well could happen, unfortunately there will be some bumps in the road before that happens. He needs to learn how to deal with players from a leadership standpoint and how to coach. When you fancy yourself as a title contender, you don’t have time for a coach to learn on the job. Apparently the Nets were O.K with that.

Imagine how weird it’ll be for Deron Williams. Last season he had to compete against Kidd. This season he’ll be taking direction from him. Only in the NBA!

1. The Bruins lost a heartbreaker last night in game one of the Stanley Cup Finals losing 4-3 in triple OT. The discouraging thing for Bruins fans has to be the fact that they blew a 3-1 lead in the process. It was a very “Un-Bruin” like loss especially when you consider how well they’ve played in tight games in these playoffs.

2. If Nathan Horton ends up missing extended time because of an apparent shoulder injury, the Bruins are in big trouble. Horton has seven goals in these playoffs thus far and he’s part of the league’s most productive scoring line thus  along with David Krejci and Milan Lucic.

3. Speaking of Lucic, he had two goals last night in the loss. He is finally materializing into a consistent scoring threat, something we haven’t always seen from him.

4. How about Ace Aceves giving the Red Sox a quality start on short notice? Aceves started in place of Clay Buchholz and pitched six strong innings last night in Boston’s 2-1 win over the Rays. The Sox continued their mastery of Tampa Bay this season taking two of three in this series.

5. Lebron “The Dork” James is really going to have elevate his game if the Heat are going to win tonight and get back in their series against the Spurs.

6. If Tony Parker misses tonight’s game because of a hamstring strain, the Spurs are screwed. His game is predicated on speed and if he’s not 100%, he won’t be as effective.

7. Eagles LT Jason Peters was arrested for drag racing yesterday morning. What is he in high school? Drag racing? Really? Come on dude!

8. UCLA offered Texas eighth grader Lindell Stone a scholarship. Stone is a 6-2 190 quarterback. Several other eighth graders have been offered scholarships by other schools recently as well. I have a real problem with this. Why are schools offering eighth graders scholarships? What if the kid blows out a knee or something in high school and isn’t the same player? Will the scholarship offer be pulled from the table? I would imagine it will. Nothing is official until the kid arrives on campus and signs the paperwork.

Doc Rivers is right, sometimes change is good and in the case of the Celtics, it’s time for a change. It’s time the Celtics faced reality and rebuilt this team. If that notion doesn’t sit well with Rivers, then he needs to move on.

I know Doc and Danny are close, but the fact of the matter is, the Celtics aren’t a contender anymore. Even if Pierce and Garnett return along with a healthy Rajon Rondo, this team is not contending for a championship. If Doc Rivers is going to coach in 2013, he needs to move onto a team that’s got a shot at winning a title, not one that floundering in mediocrity.

The Celtics need to be re-tooled and if that has to start with revamping the roster and a new coach, then so be it. If Rivers isn’t willing to honor the last three years remaining on his contract, then he shouldn’t be here. He should quit, take next year off and come back in 2014-2015 rejuvenated with a new team.

Look, I love Doc. I think the guy is the man! He helped bring a championship back to Boston. We will all be forever grateful to him and that 08 team. Sadly however, it’s time for him to move on. Nothing lasts forever anymore, especially in the coaching profession. He needs to go somewhere where he can win again and Celtics need to hit the reset button.

It’ll be a tough decision for both Ainge and Rivers but in the end, it’ll be the best thing for both sides. Sadly, the only loser in all this is us the fans. We’ll be stuck watching a bad team with a new coach. I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but thats pro sports. The good times only last so long.

I love this! I think it’s freakin hysterical! This why Chael Sonnen is the man! He doesn’t give two shits what anyone thinks of him! He tells it like it is! He can be obnoxious, but sometimes he’s dead on. In this instance, he’s right. Lebron is a dork!

I love NMA TV. Anytime you have a major American sports story, they produce a goofy animated video that spoofs the event. This video is no different. It captures the essence of the Patriots, Jets rivalry while at the same time portraying Tebow as this goodie, goodie. Another solid production by my favorite Taiwanese production company.

Here’s further proof that the Patriots and Jets operate completely different. Rex Ryan answers the questions honestly and tries to engage the reporter. Belichick on the other hand does what he always does. He dodges the question by giving the same team oriented response.

Ryan’s honesty regarding Tebow created a circus in New York. Belichick’s “honesty” in New England will make Tebow a non-story.

PREVIOUS VIDEO WAS REMOVED SO WE SUBSTITUTED IT WITH BILL BELICHICK’S PRESS CONFERENCE.

Storyline: It’s hard to believe that this is the first time that the Bruins and Blackhawks are meeting in the Stanley Cup Finals. You would think that two of the original members of the league would have met in a cup final before. The NHL has to be ecstatic about this match-up. You have two major markets in Boston and Chicago as well as two of the best teams in the league squaring off. Both teams took similar paths to the Stanley Cup Finals. Boston absolutely dominated Pittsburgh in a sweep while Chicago ousted the defending champs, the L.A Kings in five. It should be a great series. I think it has the potential to go at least six if not seven.

Three Keys For The Bruins:
1. Keep Playing Within The Structure: The Bruins played within their system and absolutely dominated Pittsburgh. It’s more of the same against a Blackhawks team that is deep and can score. The Bruins will once again need to take more chances offensively and play well in all three zones.

2. Rask Needs to Be Great Again: Tuukka Rask can steal the Cup for the Bruins. He was absolutely dominate against the Penguins and if he’s half as good in this series, the B’s will bring the cup back to Boston.

3. Bergeron vs. Toews: Patrice Bergeron shut down Sidney Crosby and he’ll be tasked with doing the same to Jonathan Toews. Toews is bigger than Crosby but he’s not as fast. Both guys are excellent forecheckers and both can get into open space and score. They may negate each other in this series.

Three Keys For The Blackhawks:
1. Match Their Physicality: The Blackhawks can play a physical brand of hockey and they’ll need to against the big bad Bruins. Boston looks to wear teams down with their size and their ability to cycle the puck. The Hawks have to play the body and make sure they clear out the front if the net.

2. Compete At The Face-Off Circle: The Bruins owned Pittsburgh in the face-off circle, especially Patrice Bergeron. Chicago has to compete at the dot and find somebody who can compete with Bergeron. Toews is Chicago’s best face-off man so he may end matching up against Bergeron again.

3. Crawford Needs to Match Rask: The Blackhawks have no chance in this series if Corey Crawford doesn’t match Tuukka Rask. That’ll be hard to do considering Rask had a series for the ages against the Penguins. Crawford has been very good for the Hawks in these playoffs but he’ll need to be even better for them to win the cup.

Prediction: Bruins in Six
The Bruins are a team of destiny. They have that same feeling as last year’s Kings. They can win on the road and at home. Just like the Kings, they’re built to win in the playoffs. Chicago was the best team in the NHL during the regular season but the Stanley Cup Finals are all about who’s playing the best in the playoffs and right now, it’s the Bruins. They’ll win this series in six.