Sunday, February 28, 2010

It is time for MY Super Bowl!

I have two Diet Dr. Peppers in the freezer, and many more in the fridge.

My bowl of Cheetoes is tasting mighty fine.

Buffalo Chicken warms up after the first period.

3 loads of laundry to fold, with two more coming before the end of the game.

My text book is laying out for intermission studying fun.

LET'S DO THIS!!!

Good thing we got all that nasty Quest for Gold business out of the way first. Silver, meh. Bronze, who cares. IT IS ALL ABOUT THE GOLD!!! Right Ben??? GO USA!

------------------------------

Don Cherry looking mighty fine in his Happy Valentines Day costume. I am glad he went with the velvet instead of the diaper, wings, and arrows of love.

The battle of the masks. Johnny Canuck versus sleeve rolling Uncle Sam. I have to go with the legendary Lumberjack here. Especially since Luongo plays for Vancouver. Besides, what did Ryan Miller think was going to happen when he put "Miller Time" on his mask? This is the OLYMPICS, not the beer league, literally.

JAMIE!!! As Don Cherry would say about a Canadian kid, "That is one fine Minnesota kid right there." May be the most "Average Joe" hockey player I have ever met. My first question ever to a hockey player in a mass interview was to Jamie. Class act all the way, and totally deserves to be a team captain.

I AM OVER 30, and I have NO CLUE where I was for the Miracle on Ice. My parents do, but I was 2.5 years old. Oh wait, Doc has no idea what he is talking about, just like always.

Milbury, when explaining the United States forecheck to those who do not watch hockey, you may want to explain what a forecheck is. Using Jargon to explain Jargon is pointless.

---------------------------------------
First Period
---------------------------------------

Canada playing tough again already. Canada's problem through this tournament has been playing with bigboy arrogance. They hit tough, but neglect the puck. Nothing different here. The US is playing the puck an avoiding playing hard ball.

Remember that "sweet spot" on the boards with the big bounce USA.

Canada is playing so slow and cocky, while USA is using lots of hockey sense. Very different styles. Canada's entitlement attitude is almost funny.

HUGE WALL IN GOAL FOR CANADA! How many skaters failed to make it through???

USA is the home team in Canada?!?!?!?!?

Slam Dunk Canada! 1-zip. I am a bit deflated -- DANG -- on to the penalty kill. I hope we don't have to come back from 2 goals. It might just be too tough.

GO IN -- dang -- end of the 1st.

Not too much to adjust. USA is playing about as good as they can for the first, just not finishing. The only way they will score is off a wacky bounce or a break away -- see the last game. You have to make your chances count. They had 4-5 in the first. They are only going to hit 1 out of every 10. So -- quit screwing them up!!

----------------------

Second period

----------------------

GET OUT OF THE CREASE USA!!!

More penalties are a bad idea. Love the automatic penalties for a hit to the head. NHL really needs to look at this, automatic icing, and of course the 3 point regulation win.

Diet Dr. Pepper number 2, and a few Do-si-dos. SOMEBODY GET THAT PUCK! That penalty needs to en...YEAH PP FOR USA!!! Let's get back in this one boys.

Dang it Nasher -- quit clearing the puck. That was a LOT of clear time wasted on the power play. Get up Miller. FUDGE!!! Zoe says she is for Canada now "Yeah!!" 2-zip. Miller had no clue where he was in front of that goal. This thing may be over pretty quick. Canada has their swagger back. The heavy checking is a good way to get a momentum shift.


Okay, US PP again. "What does the US need to do that they didn't do on the last power play?" Doc, that is simple. Score. THIS IS WHAT WE NEED. A scrum in front of the net with the puck no where near.


Momentum shift ON. But, don't pass to a double covered Langenbrunner when you have an open shot at the end of the power play.


YEAH - WHOOHOOO!!!!! 2-1 on the 2 on 2 break away. Honestly, at the half way point, this is exactly where I expected a matchup between these two to be from even before the Olympics.


I'll be happy to see this period end. I thought the Staal breakaway would be an ender -- whew.


-----------------------------


Period Three


-----------------------------


Diet Dr. Pepper three. laundry done, Canada, you did not score. Quit thinking you did. When it is all said and done, Canada fans will go ahead and count that one. Oh, and that one that hit the post too. Official score to the world -- 2-1. To Canada -- 4-2. You disillusioned goofballs.


I thought Ron Wilson was a Bus Driver. Huh?


It is starting to look like Bubble Hockey out there. Lots of shots. No where near the goal. All USA the past 8 minutes.

Rafalski's effort was the strongest of the period.

MORE GOALS FOR CANADA! Keep blowing that horn. Canada will count those too.

The Crosbobble the puck on the break away.

I love the drawing up plays during a time out in hockey. Ron Wilson "If we get the puck, score, if we don't, don't let them score." Awesome!

DEAR MARY MOTHER OF GOD!!! WE SCORE!!! WHAT THE FRAZZLE DAZZLE!!!!

This is now one of the top 5 moments in HOCKEY HISTORY!!!!

Remember where you were!!!

I was being stared at by Lucy who was saying, "why are you yelling at me. I am a lazy dog that likes to sleep!"

-------------------------

Overtime

-------------------------

Had to be Crosby! Haters -- recognize! Great job Canada.

While waiting for the game --

Enjoy the FAKE Ryan Miller prank interview.

MSNBC does a great job of recovery!

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/vancouver/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/MSNBC-gets-pranked-by-fake-Ryan-Miller-offers-o;_ylt=ArrIUVx2i8wcZVWvpitoZBhotLV_?urn=oly,224640

Minnesota Miracle WINS!

The Quack Attack! is better than ALL OF YOU!


Division-Five may be back Jack, but this Quack Attack is a first time on the podium!

I am going to go ahead and myself for taking the little brother to so many Dallas Stars games while he was in middle school and keeping him out until 11pm and destroying any chance to pay attention in school. This led to his ability to stay up late for those late west coast games and learn the finer points of this great game.

SO, if ever an honorable mention were necessary, I gladly accept! Thank you all. This has been a hard journey! I am so proud to finally get recognition in one of these sports pick'um events. Even though it is a self produced and promoted, it in no way tarnishes the satisfaction this recognition has given me!

For your viewing pleasure --- check out 4:00 - 5:50 for some great -- now defunct -- Camp Snoopy footage and of course the source of Ben's team name!





Saturday, February 27, 2010

Coverage of the gold medal fame will be coming to you LIVE....

From Jeff's couch.

This is not coverage you can find on NBC, CTV, or any other media outlet.

This is one of the most anticipated game between the greatest talent of all time.

I would argue that the weight, buzz, and closeness of these two teams is leaps above the 2002 gold medal game where USA was barely expected to show up, and the really didn't outside of goalie Mike Richter.

This will be a once a generation event that is not to be missed.

I think my eyes are starting to water up at the prospect of the greatness of this event. And guess what, I am not ashamed (or ashamed of starting a sentence with the word "and")

After All These Years....

Ben is finally guaranteed some hardware in one of these competitions. Congratulations Ben, but you must have made mistakes somewhere as you were making your picks, and they just happened to work out. Can't wait to see your picks in March Madness and the Stanley Cup. UNT, San Jose, etc.

Way to go!

C.J.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Rematch -- Rematch -- Rematch!

YOU CAN CHECK THE OFFICIAL POINTS PAGE HERE

It all comes down to Sunday.
Will Canada come out as rabid bloodthirsty dogs like they did against Russia?
Will the authorities have to make an appearance?

Will the US put Canada in their place?
Tune in and find out!
Sunday.
3pm EST.

30 years ago -- this was won.



Why not go for another, eh?

Greatest period in US Hockey history!

6-0 after one!

Holy Cow!

Put Kipper back in Finland!

------------------------------

Final 6-1.

Congrats to Finland on the late goal. The only opponent I don't mind not shutting out.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Good to see we are all on the same page...

Not a single person wanted to be associated with cheering for the same team as this guy:






Good instinct on NOT selecting Finland you Questers for Gold!


After what we have seen the past week, I know I cannot wait four more years to wear one of these though.



Great job Swiss!

2014 cannot come soon enough!

See you in Russia Comrads!

LATE GAMES:

This picture says it all:



More importantly, 5 days til Jay Leno! Yippie!!!!!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

It is a shame that we will not see 2:30 seconds of absolute disappointment

On team Russia's face as they collect the silver or bronze during another country's national anthem. All this, just before they throw their medals in the trash following the medal ceremony.

Thanks for breaking my bracket Russia. Enjoy the week off.



37 points for you Kanda lovers, eh!

The Great White North can now relax

and enjoy the two late games tonight.

Nobody ever listens to me -- OR THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!

That US game was CLOSE!
31 points to the winners!



Points are stacking MUCH more quickly now!

YOU CAN CHECK THE OFFICIAL POINTS PAGE HERE
As far as instructions are concerned -- I do not know how the goals scored in the opening rounds can be taken away, but for some reason, way too many goal total tie breakers calculate negative goals for the rest of the tournament! As much as I wish no more Canadian goals count, they surely do not count negatively.
On the other hand -- some WAY overestimate!

Germany kept it interesting for 10 minutes.....

Until Canada decided to start playing.

Next up, Russia! The gold medal may be decided in this game.

I do not expect the winner to not take home hardware. Did I use the right number of negatives to convey my message? Who knows?


Team USA better not take the Swiss lightly though. They still must prove that they are not the number 3 or 4 team in this tournement.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

And then there were 20!

Our field for the second round is set.

We have 20 teams that carried over.

Picks will be updated whenever I can break free of the shackles of gainful employment for the evening.

You SUCKERS and your Team USA gold picks.

Let's see what happens when they play a skilled Euro team, mkay!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Round Two!

DING DING!



HERE IS THE LINK FOR THE SECOND ROUND!

Picks must be made by Noon PST Tuesday.


YOU CAN CHECK THE OFFICIAL POINTS PAGE HERE

Here is a link to the bracket for reference when you make your picks:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tP3NI1cfSi0ge_7xMRe3dCg&single=true&gid=0&output=html

Friday, February 19, 2010

"Spare me" Saturday --

Enjoy watching the sparedom spectacular by yourselves.

At least Ice Dancing gets the night off too.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Shootout=Tie

Since we didn't do our homework, and since shootout make the games pointless, a shootout= a tie.

That is all.

Yeah, USA won, but it is now time to eat my crow!

YOU CAN CHECK THE OFFICIAL POINTS PAGE HERE

15 points for winners, assist for goalie Ryan Miller, but the most important point of the game was the realization that I will have seconds and maybe thirds of this:




Here is why. I made one of these:


...of myself and would like to apologize to The Quack Attack!

As you can clearly see:


...Forsberg does play for Team Norway, and may have been a total non-factor on Tuesday.
So, once again, the little brother gets to spend eternity with another Trump Card over big brother.
I can only ask forgiveness and will let my previous idiotic statments stand on this site for all to continue to see what a total TOOL that I was over the past 24 hours.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

FINNtastic showing for 14 points!

VIEW ALL PICKS

Former Dallas Star Niklas Hagman leads Finland to their 5-1 win today over the significantly less talented Belarus. Teemu Selanne has pulled into a tie for the highest scoring hockey Olympian of all time with 20 goals and 36 points.





Sweden and Germany are about to drop the puck!



The Quack Attack! (today via text): "I was nice to see forsberg as a non factor last night"


Um...Quacker...too bad FORSBERG plays for SWEDEN! He is on the stamp, ya know.



Czechs are as disinterested as the Americans in blowing out opponents!

Another 14 pointer for some, but many were fooled as seperation begins in the standings.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

A Team USA win is worth 12 points!

VIEW ALL PICKS




Congrats to nearly everybody WITH the Team USA picks.

All players have points except...

Let's Go Buffalo
The Puck Stops Here
PINK FLAMINGO
The Village Idiots
TheConservativeKooks

Let's Go Buffalo: "I don't really care about hockey anyways

Canada musta been hungry, they 8 Norway!

The 8-0 whoopin' pads most players stats with an additional 18 points.

EXCEPT -
THE IGLOO
Let's Go Buffalo
PINK FLAMINGO
Team Kevin
PINK FLAMINGO: "......" (it's a plastic bird, whaddaya expect???)

Russia likes to win. 8-2 = 16 points!

The top players all currently have 46 points!

There are a bunch. The Czech game will split the field. Finns and Swedes should be just fine.


YOU CAN CHECK THE OFFICIAL POINTS PAGE HERE

Who is playing?

Please feel free to introduce yourself and where you are from in the comments section.

Do not forget to smack talk!

51 Pick-um is locked and loaded!





Huge thanks to Amber who got in just under the radar to give us 51 players!



DO NOT FORGET TO COME BACK NEXT MONDAY TO MAKE ROUND 2 SELECTIONS!
WE DID NOT COLLECT EMAILS SO THERE WILL BE NO FORMAL REMINDER!



Scores will be updated throughout the day thanks to Mother Nature's grace in giving me another snow day here in Columbus, OH!


Any questions can be directed to questforgold2010@yahoo.com


Interesting irrelevant side note going into the first game -- The Swiss currently lead Team USA in gold medals 3 to 2.


Monday, February 15, 2010

Picks due by MIDNIGHT PST

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP --

An updated players list will posted after the midnight deadline, including all the fantastically cool team names.

The action starts tomorrow.

The wait is almost over.

Awesome!

The full Scoring and Schedule is below.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Don't forget to support your country Friday!


Remember, we are less than 48 hours away from the opening ceremony in Vancouver Friday night.

There is no shame in wearing your Reds, Whites, or even Blues (unless it is a Blues jersey) in tribute to this great nation come Friday.


As Sam the Eagle would say, let it be "a salute to all countries, but mostly America!"

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Wecome to the Quest for Gold 2010!

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS RIGHT NOW!

You have been chosen to participate in an elite competition.

This will be no easy task.

Your mission, should you choose to accept, is to not just watch the 2010 Olympics, nor is it to enjoy the olympics, it is to passionately pursue perfection in and achieve GOLD!




Your Men's Hockey picks will be posted here Monday night, February 15, and scores updated throughout the tournament.

Round-Robin scoring:

Win = 10 points
Tie = 5 points
Loss = 0 points

1 bonus point for every goal your pick wins by.

Round 2 scoring:

Win = 20 points
Loss = 0 points

2 bonus points for every goal your pick wins by.

Round 3 scoring:

Win = 25 points
Loss = 0 points

3 bonus points for every goal your pick wins by.

Round 4 scoring:

Win = 30 points
Loss = 0 points

4 bonus points for every goal your pick wins by.

Bronze Medal scoring:

Win = 50 points
Loss = 0 points

No bonus points.

Gold Medal scoring:

Win = 75 points
Loss = 0 points

No bonus points.

ROUND 1

Tues Feb 16
ICE HOCKEY
12:00–14:30
USA - SUI
16:30–19:00
CAN - NOR
21:00–23:30
RUS - LAT

Wed Feb 17
ICE HOCKEY
12:00–14:30
FIN - BLR
16:30–19:00
SWE - GER
21:00–23:30
CZE - SVK

Thurs Feb 18
ICE HOCKEY
12:00–14:30
USA - NOR
16:30–19:00
SUI - CAN
21:00–23:30
SVK - RUS

Fri Feb 19
ICE HOCKEY
12:00–14:30
BLR - SWE
16:30–19:00
CZE - LAT
21:00–23:30
FIN - GER

Sat Feb 20
ICE HOCKEY
12:00–14:30
NOR - SUI
16:30–19:00
LAT - SVK
21:00–23:30
GER - BLR

Sun Feb 21
ICE HOCKEY
12:00–14:30
RUS - CZE
16:40–19:10
CAN - USA
21:00–23:30
SWE - FIN

ROUND 2

Tues Feb 23
ICE HOCKEY
Qual. Playoffs
12:00–14:30
QP1
16:30–19:00
QP2
19:00–21:30
QP3
21:00–23:30
QP4

ROUND 3

Wed Feb 24
Quarter-finals
12:00–14:30
QF1
16:30–19:00
QF2
19:00–21:30
QF3
21:00–23:30
QF4

ROUND 4

Fri Feb 26
Semifinals
12:00–14:30
SF1
18:30–21:00
SF2

ROUND 5

Sat Feb 27
Bronze Medal
19:00–21:30

Sun Feb 28
Gold Medal
12:15–14:45


Before you decide to take the easy way out and pick entirely pro-USA for your selections, THE IGLOO has already started up the Cold War. Stationed in America's heartland, Columbus Ohio, THE IGLOO's hate for Canada can only be topped by its hate for the former USSR!




THE IGLOO also HATES flamingos.

Good luck, we are all counting on you!