Beantown Rundown

WARNING! Do not read if you are anti Boston (or from NY. ) By now most of you know that I grew up in the burbs, South Shore, and have a bias for Beantown and even though this blog is national in scope as the official blog of National Ticket Agency, I’m going to allow myself to bask in the glory of our time for no one knows what tomorrow may bring, right now I feel like a king.

I must admit that I have been so caught up in the Beantown mania that it’s effecting my work , my marriage , my lawn etc. It’s the greatest of times for all who hail from New England. The Sox, Pats, Celts , Bruins and BC Eagles are all riding high at once. I have incredible satsfaction in the Boston College Eagles success, being currently solidly entrenched (well at least till next saturday, lol) in the number 2 slot in all the national rankings for NCAA Division 1A football. They have always been good and do indeed  produce great offensive lineman like Penn State produces linebackers but now they are great. We all remember the magic of Flutie and it looks more and more especially after Thursday’s  come from behind win at VT that Matt Ryan has an inside shot now at the Heisman trophy and that if the Eagles run the ACC table they could be in line for a National Championship. WOW! My next source of elation is the Boston Red Sox, who after drubbing the Colorado Rockies last night in Colorado are but one game away from sweeping their way to a  second World Championship in 4 years. As a longtime sufferer, someone who took the green line to Kenmore on those days of twi-night doubleheaders to be able to sit behind the Sox dugout for 5 or 6 innings, hoping to get a glance from Hawk Harrelson or Yaz or Rico,  I am so proud to be a member of Red Sox Nation. See baseball is special to New England kids who stare out the window at the snow and dreamed of the green grass of early spring and first days we could play catch without a heavy jacket on. Praise and glory to Theo Epstein the boy wonder from Brookline who learned his math well and knows that to work a count deep gives you the chance to see a good fat pitch to hit and also runs up the pitch count getting you into the opponents bullpen earlier in the game. Theo couldn’t hit a lick but he knows his sh_ t and he  took the heat when Pedroia didn’t hit and Lugo didn’t hit and Drew looked like a bust and Manny a clown and Lowell past his prime. He rolled the dice with Matsuzaka effectionatly know as Dice K and stay chill with Schill who pitches now on guts alone , had faith in Lester who battled cancer, and Ellsbury who injected speed. And my thanks to Coco for being cool, Big Papi for raking the yaaad with creaky knees and to Varitek the captain who steers the ship. Lest we forget the Okie from Muskogee , Japan Okijima who was practically perfect and to Papilbon for putting out the lights and putting the opposition to sleep. This isn’t quite the impossible dream but this is truly a great team. Ok so get out the brooms it looks like a sweep and if not then it will be a street paarty when they wrap it up in Kenmore square.

Let’s give some credit here to the Boston Bruins whom I have lambasted with regularity for many years I mean how to you bring a kid ( Joe Thornton) up at 17, wait for him to mature into an AllStar center and then just trade him and about 10 other screwups but heck Tim Thomas has been lights out in the net and Phil Kessel is a snifty as it gets. Keep up the good job boy’s and maybe someday another flag will fly from the rafters. i should live to see the day!

Not to forget the New England Patriots, I mean how could we that’s all anyone anywhere is talking about. Today the try and mow down the Washington Redskins. The Pats have firepower the Redskins have toy bow and arrows Patriots 28- Skins 10, they beat the spread yet again.

Finally we get to the Celtics, the new and improved Boston Celtics that is with the big 3,  of Allen, Pierce and KG. Garnet is showing why he is a perenial all star of the finest magnitude, he’s a monster on the boards and a natural shot blocker and possibly the finest passing big man in the game with 20 foot jumper range. Last week I said they would win 60 and I was scoffed at but I stick to that as I see now that Glen Davis aka Big Baby is a valuable board banging inside scorer and Posey looks goods and Rondo is kicking it around. This team has depth and plays team ball like the Celtics we all remember. The season starts this week and I need to give you the rest of the league briefs but thats on hold till tomorrow as I must run to ABC’s and grab a bottle of champaign glee to pop the top on that baby when Paps sets them down tonight 1, 2, 3.

Don’t forget to support your favorite ticket supplier Joe Ticket the man behind the goalie mask at National Ticket Agency who promises you personal service and vows to get you the best seats at the best price. Let me do all the dirty work of sorting the seats and compairing the prices as I am an All Pro at this. (Or is that Old Pro.) Call me at 877-222-3940 and I’ll hook you up with good seats and hot tickets to every concert and sporting event in the country. And folks if your not from New England, don’t sweat it, your day will come too – I don’t know when but heck we’re all friends and we all love live music and watching sporting events in person because that’s the best! Remember , National Ticket Agency has you covered!

NHL RUNDOWN PT 2

This very early season rundown consists of the NHL Western Conference. The NHL season has actually started and I have taken that into consideration with my rankings. The Detriot Red Wings are  starting off well as are the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators but looking over at the East, Ottawa is 5-0 and Tampa Bay and Washington are also undefeated. I’ll check back in a few weeks and update the rankings as clubs settle in and the action heats up. 

NHL Western Conference Central Division

Detriot Red Wings The Red Wings once again sport a dominant team. 5 time Norris trophy winner Niklas Lidstrom anchors the backline along with “old timer” Chris Chelios. Dominik Hasek at 42, still is a top goalie. They should run away with their division. Good tickets are like gold in Detriot and we have them here. > Detriot Red Wings tickets.

Nashville Predators The Predators lost Paul Kariya and Peter Fosberg to free agency and traded Vokoun the goalie. Theres questions whether this franchise is going to make it in Nashville, so many don’t. They still have some punch though and just might sneak into the playoffs while your not watching. They’ve started the year strong! > Nashville Predators tickets.  

St. Louis Blues The Blues missed the playoffs for the first time in 26 seasons last year. They went out and signed Paul Kariya and Keith Tkachuk to bolster a week offense. They should be back on track and improved and you will want to see them compete in this historically competetive division. > St Louis Blues tickets.

Chicago Blackhawks The Blackhawks were  awful last year ranking last in power play goals and second to last in goals scored. Goalie Nikolai Khabilbulin should see lots of rubber coming his way again. Chicago has a rich hockey history, the ghost of Bobby Hull’s slapshot still rings around the rink. Check out top pick Patrick Kane who’s destined to lead this franchise back to glory. > Chicago Blackhawks tickets.

Columbus Blue Jackets The Blue Jackets, and somehow that just still doesn’t sound right, (what’s a Blue Jacket? ) ranked  28th in scoring last year. This year should be no diference, aging star Sergei Federov and Rick Nash are the only two names you’ll know. It’s still big league hockey and they are starting off the season well at 2-1 and in sports you just never know, so go out and see the show!  > Columbus Blue Jackets tickets.

NHL Western Conference Northwest Division

Minnesota Wild The Wild are led by defense minded coach Jacques LeMaire. Last year they recorded 104 points but were bounced out in the first round by Anaheim. Look for them to be winners again this year and to go deeper into the playoffs. Marion Gaborik had 57 pts in just 48 games last year this year if he stays healthy he should top 100. > Minnesots Wild tickets.

Colorado Avalanche The Avalanche missed the playoffs last season for the first time in 12 years. Joe Sakic has Ryan Smyth and a couple other newcomers to help him lead the Avalanche back. I see them making the playoffs but bowing out early to one of the stronger clubs. Good fans rock the house though all season long. > Colorado Avalanche tickets.

Calgary Flames The Flames are led by journeyman coach Mike Keenan making his 8th NHL stop. His expertise might just be  enough to get the Flames into the post season. Led by forward Jarome Iginia and goalie Miikka Kiprusoff they are capable of beating anyone on a given night. On your swing through Canada this winter warm up with a Flames game. > Calgary Flames tickets.

Vancouver Canucks The Canucks have the leagues best goalie arguably in Roberto Luongo but not much else. Twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin led the team in scoring last year and figure to do so again. Luongo can stonewall anyone any night but not every night, still his acrobatic stops are a treat to be seen. > Vancouver Canucks tickets.

Edmonton Oilers The Oilers are probably the worst team in the league. Slightly improved with the addition of Dustin Penner a 29 goal scorer last year they hope to score a few more points. Last year they were shutout 10 times and their best offensive player was a defensman Sheldon Souray, what’s that tell ya.. > Edmonton Oilers tickets.

NHL Western Conference Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks The Ducks are hurting a bit this year starting off slowly and I doubt that they can repeat their championship run to the Cup of last year. Detriot was the last to do that in 97 and 98. 48 goal scorer Teemu Salanne is gone and free agent aqusition Mathieu Schneider is hurt. Still they are very good and will compete. > Anaheim Ducks tickets.

San Jose Sharks The Sharks have some bite this year and talented Joe Thorton leads the Sharks attack. Look for right winger Jonathan Cheechoo to score more than the 37 goals he had last year and for the Sharks to challenge the Ducks for the division lead. Thornton has a great passing touch for a big man and racks up assists. > San Jose Sharks tickets.

Dallas Stars The Stars basically stood still this off season and return the same lineup that won 50 games last year. One noticable absence is forward Darrly Sydor lost to free agency. Marty Turco is a great goalie and Sergei Zubov is a terrific point man on the power play. > Dallas Stars tickets.

Los Angeles Kings The Kings bring in 2 new defensmen Tom Preissing and Brad Stuart to go along with 3 young studs up front in Alexander Frolov, Anze Kopitar, and Michael Cammalleri. They should easily top last years win total of 27 but will it be enough to propell them into the playoffs we’ll have to wait and see.. >  Los Angeles Kings tickets.

Phoenix Coyotes The Coyotes are coached by superstar legend Wayne Gretzky and he probably even at his age would outskate anyone on this nondiscript team. They were last in the Western Conference last year and there is no reason to suspect anything more for this year. You just can’t skate on dry ice in the desert. > Phoenix Coyotes tickets.

National Hockey League Team by Team Rundown

 Hockey NHL style, is arguably the fastest, most intense, physically demanding sport. Requiring lightning fast reflexes with a toughness equaled only by football , australian that is you have to see it live to really feel it! Oh to pass the puck and put it right on the stick for a one timer. Being from the burbs of Boston, I learned to skate on the ponds of my little town and watched as the big bad Bruins of yesteryear led by the incomparable numba 4 , Bobby Orr whirled around and skated the length of the ice in magical displays of skating skills combined with hockey finess. I idolized the Bruins of old. Those were the golden years of Espo and Hodge, Cashman, Stanfield, Bucyk, Awrey, McKenzie and the turk Derek Sanderson and Cheevers in goal , then came Vadnais and Park from the Rangers and Terry ORieilly and then Cam Neely and then.. well nothing… It’s been nothing for a very long time. C’mon Bruins get it in gear! 

Please allow me now to completely rundown all the teams in the NHL and let you know in all sincerity that hockey is one game that  “better” tickets do matter. You can hear the players call to each other , you can hear the ice being sprayed when they stop, the puck banging off the boards, bodies rattling into the boards,  and even the ring of a slapshot off the crossbar. I recommend sitting near center ice about 20 rows back, that’s where it’s at and National Ticket Agency can make it happenn. Check out the link associated with your team and secure your tickets early to avoid being shutout. Teams listed by the order that I think they will finish in each division…..Today we look at the Atlantic,  Northeast and Southeast divisions.

NHL Eastern Conference Atlantic Division

 Pittsburgh Penguins  The Penguins are locked and loaded to win the Stanley Cup this year. They feature MVP Sidney Crosby and All Stars Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staahl . They added Petr Sykora and Darryl Sydor. You have to see Crosby live to believe how good he is at such a young age. Get tickets here > Pittsburg Penguins tickets.

New York Rangers The Rangers picked up Chris Drury and Scott Gomez which should add some firepower. Drury who had 37 goals last year is slated to play on a line with Jaromir Jagr. They will cruise into the playoffs exciting the fans and making Madison Square Garden a place to be unlike the hapless Knicks in B Ball. Get tickets for the Rangers early as the good ones tend to disapear quickly. > New York Rangers tickets.

Philadelphia Flyers The Flyers are a completely revamped team from last years horror show when they recorded a mere 56 points, an NHL worst. Daniel Briere aquired from Buffalo had 95 pts last season and along with  9 other newcomers should make a diference. Philly fans deserve something, don’t they? It’s a good hockey town get your tickets to the big games now. >Philadelphia Flyers tickets.

New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils have a hell of a time scoring goals but with stellar goalie Martin Brodeur manning the net they are always in the game. Newcomer Danius Zubrus should help out up front. When hot and mind you he had 12 shutouts last year Brodeur is worth the price of admission. > New Jersey Devels tickets.

New York Islanders The Islanders lost 4 of their top 6 scorers from last year and added only Bill Guerin a top notch left winger but that won’t be enough to keep this team out of the cellar. If you combined the 2 NY teams you might have a shot! Loyal fans though that you are get top notch tickets to all the games here. > New York Islander tickets. 

NHL Eastern Division Northeast Division

Ottawa Senators The Senators will go with mostly the same lineup that reached the Stanley Cup finals last year. Dany Heatly shoots for his third straight 50 goal season. They should challenge for the Cup again and you will want to see this dynamic team when they come to your town or go to Ottawa for a weekend it’s a cool city in the winter. > Ottawa Senators tickets.

Buffalo Sabres The Sabres will have to fill the boots of two top scorers who left via fee agancy but Thomas Vanek is an All Star and this team did tie Detriot for most points in the league last year at 113. They’re still very good and it’s always a  good take. The New years day outdoor game in the football stadium should be a blast! > Buffalo Sabres tickets. 

Toronto Maple Leafs The Maple Leafs were oh so close to making the playoffs last year missing out on the seasons last day. They have added Jason Blake a 40 goal scorer and and a top defensive forward Mark Bell and have pretty good goaltending so look for the Leafs to sneak in this year for sure and for my buddy Matt’s sake go all the way. And as he would say, Go Leafs!  Good tickets available > Toronto Maple Leafs tickets.

Montreal Canadiens The Canadiens led the league in power play goals and in shorthanded goals last year but missed the playoffs. They added a solid player in Bryan Smolinski. The Habs look to rebound and return to some semblance of the glory. It’s always exciting to go to a Canadiens game for in Canada hockey is king! > Montreal Canadiens tickets.

Boston Bruins The Bruins hope that a new coach and a new goalie will bring new results: winning,  but this ain’t the big bad Bruins of yesteryear. Oh numba 4 Bob Orr where art though? There are so many holes in this team that it would take a miracle to make the playoffs. Still the fans in Beantown love their hockey and a good time is had by all. As a side note the Beanpot college tournament is a fantastic take.  Boston Bruins tickets.

NHL Eastern Conference Southeast Division

Carolina Hurricanes The Hurricanes won the cup in 05-06 and then missed the playoffs last year , go figure. Goalie Cam Ward should be better in his second year and forward Matt Cullen is back after a year with the Panthers. Look for this team to rebound and have a strong season. > Carolina Hurricanes tickets.

Tampa Bay Lightning The Lightning have a terrific foursome in forwards Vincent Lacavalier, Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards, and defenseman Dan Boyle. If they get decent goaltending they should top 100 points again this year and contend for the cup. They are an exciting team that can light it up offensively and a good take live. > Tampa Bay Lightning tickets.

Florida Panthers The Panthers should be right on the Lightnings tail. New goalie Tomas Vokoun is rated very highly and together with top gun Olie Jokinen and young stars Nathan Horton and Stephen Weis this team is one to watch. South Florida has many transplants from up north added to a fine fan base. Cool off in the rink and check these guys out! > Florida Panthers tickets.

 Atlanta Thrashers The Thrashers lost 5 players to free agency and Scott Mellanby retired still they have 3 big time forwards in Illya Kovalchuk, Slava Kozlov, and Marian Hossa so look for them to make a run at the playoffs again. Get your center ice seats now and be all set for the season. Atlanta Thrashers tickets.

Washington Capitols The Capitols are led by one of the most exciting players in the NHL, Alex Ovechkin and Michael Nylander returns after a stint with the Rangers. Goalie Olaf Kolzig is solid but it may not be enough to boost this club into the playoffs this season. Check out Ovechkin though as he is really a dominant player. Washington Capitols tickets.