MafiaMan

Yes, a rousing success in 2010...so much so that he was given an extension...then a couple of bad losses a year later, he's canned.

Sea Devils...Centurions...Claymores... Monarchs...Admirals...Dragons... NFL Europe names...

On this day (or close to it, if you know your history), the United States declared its independence from tyranny. Our nation's Founding Fathers and the men and women who dared to believe in this new country were indeed incredible people. We have endured multiple wars on our own soil since then, including one amongst our own citizens. We witnessed Pearl Harbor and a good chunk of our naval fleet destroyed - and our resolve was tested to its limits. We watched the rise of the abomination of Naziism and America's greatest generation, together with its allies, did nothing less than save the world. We have seen our leaders assassinated, most recently in the 1960's, and we sadly carried on. We survived the Cold War and 9/11/2001. We were - and we continue to be - the United States of America. May God bless our country and may God bless the men and women, those deceased and those still living, who have served her proudly since the day she was born, July 4th, 1776.

Wild...Hurricanes...Avalanche...Lightning...

2010: 1 win, 2 draws, 1 loss record. Eliminated in round of 16. Coach fired. 2014: 1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses record. Eliminated in round of 16. National heroes. Go figure.

There is a better chance of Toews bringing a Cup to Faribault MN than there is of him bringing one to Grand Forks.

I didn't have a problem with Hiller's comments at all - he is excited about going to a city where the fans are passionate about hockey as opposed to it being the 5th or 6th team in town (Lakers, Dodgers, Angels, Clippers, Kings) and somewhat of an afterthought in terms of media coverage. Good for him, I say!

Jonas Hiller signs with Calgary...and he's awfully excited about going to play for a team with a large and rabid following - as opposed to playing in Anaheim.

I don't know if I would go THAT far...Belgium completely dominated play for about 110 of the 120 minutes of play.

If ever I find myself in a North Korean prison, I will capitulate and admit anything they want the moment they pop in a DVD showing endless hours of soccer.

I just don't get it...

#17 Origi for Belgium is all over the field...quite stunning given his near-fatal injury in the first half...

The 3-button polo shirt "jerseys" that Team USA is wearing look as ridiculous as sleeved jerseys in the NBA.

It started in the early 1990's with MLB, NFL, and NBA expansion - the Marlins, Rockies, Panthers, Jaguars, Timberwolves, Heat...and it's been all downhill from there...

I'm trying to stay awake here... ESPN's 30 for 30 on Hillsborough was good though...

51:16 USA flop...followed by a second player flopping at 51:18...2 seconds later.

Here's a prediction: 0-0 final and penalty kicks to decide the winner.

That short video of Gino and the crowd was hard to watch...

#17 from Belgium Kyle Rau's it at the 12:42 mark...hands on his face...writing around in total pain...helped off the field...then miraculously is running without any help once the ball is back in play.

Which clearly explains why they would trade him away, then promptly make a trade to bring him back. WTF, Toronto? Too bad all those folks sold their Maple Leaf Frattin jerseys...they're suddenly back in style.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2676830/Hockey-star-gets-dying-wish-hundreds-gather-outside-hospital-room-hear-fans-chanting-one-time.html Sad article on a former NHL'er who probably won't be around for the start of the 2014-2015 season...

I'm sure the WNBAization of sports nicknames will continue...Shock, Silver Stars, Liberty, Sky, Dream...

Stasny a big loss for Colorado...Ryan Miller reportedly signs with the Canucks...speaking of teams lacking a plan...

What exactly is Toronto's organizational plan?

Don't stare too long at that Milan Lucic poster on your walll...you might start feeling funny.