Synchronizing YNTs Vital to Klinsmann Success

- Ben McCormick

Juergen Klinsmann came to the US National Team with some big ideas. He preached patience, saying he was going to need time to experiment with several different kinds of lineups, formations and tactics. If given time, he justified, he would find the right combination of players to play an attacking style of soccer that was uniquely American.

Then what?s all this ?we don?t want to shake up the core structure of the team too much? crap?

Three matches into his USMNT managerial tenure, Klinsi has already found the core of his squad. Through five matches, Klinsmann has capped a total of 26 players with only Danny Williams earning his first ever cap for the US national team. Bob Bradley capped 37 different players in just his first four matches.

For someone who seemed to be preaching sweeping changes, a lot seems to be staying the same. While we continue to see many of the same old faces, young guns like Mix Diskerud, and Josh Gatt can?t even get a sniff of camp.

Logically, all three fit the Klinsmann call-up criteria: starting every week for their clubs at a respectable level. Josh Gatt is first XI for the soon-to-be Norwegian champions and Diskerud has amassed 75 appearances for Stabek in Norway since his first team career started in 2008, becoming one of Stabek?s most important cogs. Diskerud and Gatt also are rumored to have clubs in the very best European leagues after them

So what gives, Juergen? These players play at positions with anything but certainty when it comes to the USMNT, so why aren?t they getting their chance?

At first instinct, you might say Klinsmann doesn?t value youth. Not true. To the contrary, Klinsmann loves youth in his squads. 11 of Klinsmann?s German 23 man roster for the 2006  World Cup were age 25 or younger.  Also, on his scouting trip to Germany last month, he took time out to observe and talk to Joe Gyau and Charles Renken, two American youth players at Hoffenheim. Simply, he certainly does not shy away from young players.

When Klisnmann was hired, he said he would establish a new soccer culture. He?s European-ized things about the national team like assigning the starters numbers 1-11 or putting his initials on his coaching clothing. Aside from the fashion changes, though, the biggest change Klinsmann is trying to hard wire into the new American soccer culture is the vitality of the youth national team system.

It?s no secret Klinsmann spearheaded the effort to streamline and invest in the German youth national teams during his time as the German manager. Such efforts on his part resulted in players like Thomas Muller making near-seamless transitions into the full national team. Based on these successes, I pose he?s making a similar effort in the United States.

Skeptical? Wondering why he would spend so much time on the youth teams when the senior team is reeling? You?re in good company. Here?s my best attempt at justifying investing in youth.

The obvious first question to ask is, ?why is investing in the youth system important to the full national team?? Let?s take Spain for example. Within 14 months, Spain won the World Cup, the U-21 EURO and U-19 EURO tournaments.  Needless to say, they?re a shining example of what a youth program should be about.

Having said all that, try and guess how many members of Spain?s World Cup winning squad never made an appearance for a youth national team. Go on, guess.

I give up. Zero. Not a single member of their World Cup winning squad went without making an appearance for a youth national team. In fact, the average number of youth national team levels represented by a player on Spain?s World Cup team was 3.5.  Andres Iniesta represented a team-high seven levels followed by Iker Casillas and Fernando Torres with six. Gerard Pique, Xavi Hernandez, Juan Mata and David Silva follow up with 5 and three others have represented four levels.

What?s the largest number of levels a 2010 US World Cup player represented? Three. Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Jonathan Spector and Jozy Altidore played at the U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels. A quarter of the US roster never appeared for any youth national team. Putting that in perspective, only a quarter of Spain?s World Cup roster appeared at less than three youth levels. Four players represented one level and two represented two levels.

There are many excuses for this disparity. The size of the United States makes identifying top talent at the U-15 and U-17 levels extremely difficult. Additionally, Spain has eight total youth levels players can represent whereas the US only has five. It?s unreasonable to expect Klinsmann to establish new youth national team levels, but he can do our YNT system a big favor by synchronizing those levels. This means, ideally, once a player ages out of or becomes too talented for one level, they can transfer into the next level seamlessly.

All of Spain?s youth teams play a similar style, making that transition easier for players. This concept is severely lacking in the US. Since Bob Bradley was hired as national team manger (and arguably before that during the Bruce Arena era), the United States have played a defensive 4-4-2 style with the full national team, attempted Dutch total football at the U-20 level and played a Latin-American 4-3-3 style at the U-17 level, all at the same time.

Given Klinsmann?s sweeping changes to the playing style of the full national team, it?s easy to understand the attraction of calling up a young player who has already gone through the growing pains his new system rather than bringing in a new player who is entirely unfamiliar with it, making a synchronized youth system all the more alluring.

On that same note, the common denominator between the 2010 Spain and US World Cup rosters is the players who represented the most YNT levels appear to be among the best the national team has to offer. Sure, some players are late bloomers (Maurice Edu) or come out of nowhere (Jay DeMerit). Heck, David Villa played at just one level of the Spanish YNT system, but the point remains largely the same, exposure to the same system from an early age produces the best players. Remember, Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta lead Spain in levels represented and Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore and DaMarcus Beasley lead the US.

With the rumors of Caleb Porter?s hiring as the U-23 manager and Tab Ramos as the U-20 manager with a possible U-18 appointment still on the way, Klinsmann appears to be starting the process of synchronizing the US Soccer system. Like Klinsmann, Ramos and Porter favor attacking styles with emphasis on possession.

Guys like Diskerud and Gatt may not be snubbed by Klinsmann at the full national team level because of lack of skill or whatever other excuse there is, but rather he wants talent at his youth levels. Give Gatt and Diskerud two or three camps at the U-23 level and watch them transition into the full national team like they?d been there the entire time.

With the full national team, Klinsmann is trying to teach an old dog new tricks, and he knows it. Trying to get players already in their mid-20s or early 30s to play a style unfamiliar to them is like pulling teeth. Where Klinsmann is likely to leave his indelible mark on US Soccer is in introducing the new system to players as early as possible in their careers through the youth national teams.

So instead of lumping Gatt and Diskerud in with the old guard, Klinsmann may well be saving them to learn the new system along with the other young, promising and talented Americans. Don?t be surprised to see guys like Juan Agudelo or in some cases Tim Chandler, Jozy Altidore and Brek Shea go to U-23 camps when there is a full national team camp going on. This way, he can bring the youth through all at once after the Olympics, all entrenched in the system and ready to contribute to his style.

All of this requires a tremendous amount of the patience Klinsmann asked for when he was named manager of the USMNT. Given the track record of success for those countries who commit to the youth national team system, I?ll grant him that patience.

--

Westchester Flames

Four Things We've Learned so Far from New York Giants OTAs

We're told time and again not to read much into what's said and what's done during organized team activities, but we never tried to pretend we could help ourselves.

The New York Giants are in the midst of their fourth OTA practice, with five still to go before a three-day minicamp in June. Here are four things we've learned from the G-men thus far.

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San Jose Frogs

USMNT to use Brazil as measuring stick before qualifying

Photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com By FRANCO PANIZO LANDOVER, Md. -- The U.S. men's national team has had 10 months to fine-tune things under head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, and now they will get to see just how far they have come along. The United States will take on five-time World Cup champions Brazil on Wednesday night at FedEx Field in a high-profile friendly that the Americans are using as to gauge where they stand before World Cup qualifying begins next weekend. The Americans are coming off a big 5-1 win after defeating Scotland in their first summer friendly on Saturday, and...

New Jersey Ironmen

Stephen Gionta leads Devils in Game 5 triumph over the New York Rangers

Full disclosure: This entire post is just an excuse to show you this unbelievable photo by Bruce Bennett.

The New York Rangers controlled Game 5 for 40 minutes, limiting the New Jersey Devils to just 10 shots during that stretch and outscoring them, 3-0.

Unfortunately, these 40 minutes were bookended on either side by 10 minutes that they did not control. During those 20 minutes, the Devils scored 5 times on 7 shots, and that was all the offence they'd need in a�5-3 win.

It was a strange Game 5 -- "An adventure," according to Devils coach Peter DeBoer -- with all sorts of unexpected offense and strange bounces. The Devils came out flying, beating Henrik Lundqvist twice in the first five minutes. Stephen Gionta opened the scoring after finding himself alone with a rebound in front of Henrik Lundqvist.�Then, just two minutes later, Patrik Elias doubled the lead when an Adam Henrique point shot pinballed around like it was teaching children how to count to 12 before deflecting off the back of his leg and in.

Five minutes later, Travis Zajac stunned the Madison Square crowd when he extended the lead with a perfectly-placed wrister off the rush.

This put the Rangers in a tough spot. They had only reached four goals in a game once this poststeason -- in the playoff opener versus the Ottawa Senators in April 12. But they were undeterred by the daunting task, and they put their game into overdrive.

Also they got some luck.

Brandon Prust put the Rangers on the board before the first period had ended, fighting off the check of Marek Zidlicky to muscle a puck toward the goal, where Marty Brodeur misplayed it, missing on a pokecheck and watching it slide underneath him.

Then, just 30 seconds into the second, Ryan Callahan matched Patrik Elias's good fortune from the period prior when he had a puck go in off his leg (although he helped it along a little).

And finally, the Devils' lead was erased just 17 seconds in the third period when the trapezoid finally got Marty Brodeur:

A routine play of the puck turned into an adventure for Brodeur when it hopped over his stick and into the no-zone. With Marian Gaborik bearing down on him, Brodeur retreated back into the goal, but not before Gaborik threw the puck into his feet. It eventually found its way in.

Then it was the Devils turn to shrug off an unfortunate string of events, and they did it.

Again, it was Stephen Gionta getting the ball rolling, as he made a beautiful pass to Ryan Carter in front of Henrik Lundqvist.

Carter made no mistake, putting the Devils ahead for good.

Peter DeBoer would praise Gionta's whole line for their performance Wednesay:

Our whole fourth line, I thought they were the story�tonight," he said. "Gionta gets a goal, Carter gets a goal, Bernie gave us some big�minutes.�They really have given us momentum throughout the playoffs. And�that's playoff hockey. �There's always unsung heroes and guys that step up�this time of year, and we've got a bunch of them."

Now, the Devils head back to the Prudential Center with a chance to close out the series and head to the Stanley Cup Final, and if that isn't enough motivation, they've got some history to correct as well.

The two teams were in this exact position in 1994, with the Devils heading home up 3-2 when Rangers' Captain Mark Messier guaranteed a Game 6 win and delivered, sending the series back to Madison Square Garden for Game 7 and Stephane Matteau's double overtime series winner.

But these aren't the 1994 Devils; and if the 3-man forecheck with under two minutes to go and a one-goal lead didn't convince you, they'll be looking to make it official in Game 6 in Newark on Friday.

Ottawa Fury

7 Dynamic Rookies Who Could Impress NFL Fans and Coaches in OTAs

Organized team activities, also known as OTAs, are a chance for rookies to impress fans and coaches in their first real activity with the team.

Unfortunately, front-seven players won't get a chance to shine at OTAs, as the inability to hit really hampers their chance to make a big impression.

That means that skill-position players will get their chance to shine.

A few major names will undoubtedly impress with athletic plays, but a few under-the-radar players will also show their stuff throughout OTAs.

Here are seven rookies who will be sure to make an impression.

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Colorado Rapids

A tribute to the Phoenix Coyotes? abundant talent

Although their postseason ended with a Game 5 Western Conference overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings, the Phoenix Coyotes deserve attention for this mammoth effort.

It was said they wouldn't show up big in the Stanley Cup Playoffs ? yet they clearly did. No one believed they'd round into form ? yet they clearly did. It was said they didn't have the assets ? yet they clearly did.

Alas, they bounced last night, despite becoming a trending topic in Canada. They will be missed. Congrats again to the Phoenix Coyotes and Coach Dave Tippett, who apparently can be seen somewhere in this image.

As the Canadian songstress Sarah McLachlan once sang: "I will remember you ... weep not for the mammaries."

Ottawa Fury

Coyotes, Kings Game 5 preview; Claude Giroux has fun; PK Subban on the ladies (Puck Headlines)

Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

? Claude Giroux's beer pong adventures are rightfully getting attention on this lovely Tuesday, but it's the double-casted topless cornholing that we're sure a segment of our readership is more interested in. Playoffs leading scorer indeed. [Crossing Broad]

? In case you missed it, the Los Angeles Kings' snarky infographic about being confused with the Sacramento Kings was hilarious. [Kings]

? PK and Malcolm Subban talk race and hockey with Complex. And also, the ladies. Who "pulls the most ladies" in the Subban family? PK says: "Wow, well definitely me. I'm the oldest, I have the most experience, and I'm the best looking. I've been told that on numerous occasions, numerous. Now that doesn't take anything away from my brothers, Malcolm is good looking and Jordan's a good looking guy, too. I mean they are related to me so they get a little bit of the looks. But right now I have to say I have the most experience. I'm a veteran when it comes to that, they're still learning. They have lots of potential. They're like first-round picks right now in the game, they still have to develop." [Complex]

? Coach Bob Hartley's Zurich Lions are ready to bid him adieu as he returns to the NHL. [Swiss Habs]

? Speaking of the Lions, that's where Ryan Shannon of the Tampa Bay Lightning will be for the next three years. [SB Nation]

? What kind of grade would Ville Leino receive for his effort with the Buffalo Sabres? [Die By The Blade]

? In which Shane Doan compares the Phoenix Coyotes' plight to Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. [Arizona Sports]

? This is so strange: An entire column written about embellishment in the playoffs and how it needs to stop, without a single mention of Mike Smith's flopping. Oh, Arizona Republic you say? Well then. [AZCentral]

? Look, we don't like to judge, but embezzling $144,000 from a Youth Hockey Association is a sort of [expletived] up. [Cap Times]

? We have our first schedule for Penn State hockey. Huzzah! [CHN]

? Carolina Hurricanes AHL goalie Mike Murphy leaves for the KHL. In a related story, there's a new frontrunner for the KHL's Vezina Trophy. [Hurricanes]

? The Pittsburgh Penguins are giving away 5,000 free tickets to the 2012 NHL draft. [Pens]

? In praise of the Los Angeles Kings' third line, which is clearly no longer the worst in hockey. [Globe & Mail]

? In which Shawn Thornton impresses the heck out of an Esquire political writer with his candor. [Esquire]

? Bobby Holik on the Devils and Rangers: "The Rangers should be much better. Can Devils repeat tonight's effort at MSG or can they improve on it? It will take nothing less than that for them to succeed. We are starting a new best of three series and Rangers have the home ice advantage, if there is such a thing between two teams playing six miles apart. It's more of a question who has the more comfortable bus going to the games." [Holik on Hockey]

? Daniel Wagner vs. John Tortorella's star benchings. [Backhand Shelf]

? Breaking down what Jason Chimera meant to the Washington Capitals. [Japers]

? What can Sam Gagner do that will please Edmonton Oilers fans? [Copper and Blue]

? Allan Muir on Game 5: "Sure, Game 4 might have just been an aberration. Nothing to worry about. After all, the Kings come to Glendale having not yet lost on the road in these playoffs. Only twice have they allowed an opponent to score consecutive goals. Maybe a little smack in the mouth was exactly what they needed to regain the determination that defined their now-scuttled eight-game winning streak. They'll have to hope so. Another effort like that and the Kings will be bringing company with them on their return trip to L.A." [SI]

? Finally, here's Barry Melrose doing that thing that Barry Melrose does.

Rochester Rhinos

Bill Stewart: 1952-2012

John Woolard is a veteran journalist and sports radio talk show host based in Los Angeles. He spent much of his childhood in West Virginia and is a contributor to West Virginia Illustrated. He wrote this column on the late...

New Jersey Ironmen

French Open 2012: Players Who Will Give Rafael Nadal a Run for the Title

Rafael Nadal is the clear favorite going into the 2012 French Open.  There are some players who can give the Spaniard a run for his money.  Nadal is chasing his seventh Grand Slam, which will be the best of all time. 

Nadal and Bjorn Borg are considered the two best ever on the clay surface.  Only a handful of players have defeated Rafa on clay.  Nadal has only lost to Robin Soderling in the last five years at Roland Garros. 

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San Jose Earthquakes

brand new

A BEHIND THE SCENES ORAL HISTORY OF SOCCER IN KANSAS CITY
On November 18, 2010, a Major League Soccer team changed its name. One minute they were the Kansas City Wizards. The next, they were Sporting KC. Of course it?s never that simple.
This is that story.
Greg Cotton
Chief Operating Officer, Sporting Kansas City
I hate the word ‘brand’ [...]

Real Salt Lake

Adam Henrique sends New Jersey Devils to Stanley Cup Final with OT goal vs. Rangers (VIDEO)

The New Jersey Devils jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Then a player born in the Soviet Union, Ruslan Fedotenko, scored. Then the New York Rangers captain, Ryan Callahan, scored. The ghosts of the 1994 Eastern Conference Final Game 6 appeared to be haunting the barn in New Jersey, 18 years after Alexei Kovalev and Mark Messier rallied the Rangers to an eventual series win.

That is, until rookie Adam Henrique scored this goal 1:03 into overtime to give his team a 3-2 win and send the New Jersey Devils to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2003:

"That one was like Christmas," said Henrique on NBC, as his team celebrated its fifth conference title since 1995. "[Alexei Ponikarovsky] and [Ilya Kovalchuk] jarred it loose, it fell through his pads, and I'll take it."

It was Henrique's second overtime game winner of the 2012 playoffs, as his double-OT goal eliminated the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the opening round.

[Nicholas J. Cotsonika: New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur writes another special chapter in storybook career]

It also game in the same game as this rather uncomfortable moment for Henrique earlier in Game 6:

The joy and pain of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Game 1 of the Final begins on Wednesday in Newark.

Other popular content on Yahoo! Sports:
? Video: Benches clear in boston as Red Sox-Tampa Bay Rays rivalry heats up
? Former prep football star exonerated after five years in prison
? Kyle Reifers hits monster golf shot with club that broke

New England Revolution

The John Tortorella origin story, including ground balls to the face

Think about the most cynical cynic in your life, or the curmudgeonliest curmudgeon. What percentage of their personality is an act? What percentage is authentic? Where does this worldview develop?

When you watch New York Rangers Coach John Tortorella and his natural comportment ? short, intimidating answers with the media, screaming down the bench at players or opposing coaches ? you can't help but wonder what influenced it. Did Tortorella emerge from the womb complaining about the doctors' treatment, sneering at an orderly who looked like Larry Brooks?

Craig Wolff of the Star-Ledger attempted to answer this with an origin story on John Tortorella that's rather terrific ? speaking with his father, his former coaches and teammates back in high school and college.

On authenticity, Wolfe writes:

Posturing is not his thing, old coaches, friends, family and former teammates say. The fiery coach with darts for eyes, especially on display in the storm of the Stanley Cup playoff season in news conferences and behind the bench, is not contrived, they say.

But it was Tortorella's behavior in baseball and hockey as a young athlete that really gives you a sense of how demanding he is as an NHL coach.

From the Star-Ledger, speaking with Brent Clark, Concord-Carlisle High School baseball coach, for whom Tortorella was a captain:

"If he couldn't reach a ground ball, if it meant getting an out, he blocked ground balls with his face," said Brent Clark, the school's baseball coach back then. "This was not a once-in-a-while occurrence."

Clark said he came to appreciate Tortorella's intolerance for teammates whom, he thought, had not given a full effort, even if it meant fists flying in the locker room, often between him and his brother, Jim. "Some of the kids who played with John were afraid of him," Clark said. "He was into sending a message."

Play by play man Gary Thorne called University of Maine games when Tortorella was there, and told the Ledger:

"He played in the net with the goaltender," Thorne said. "He was black and blue after every game, but he would not be moved."

After practices were over, Thorne said, Tortorella ritually did 50 extra pushups, 25 sprints and took 25 shots from the blue line, then skated to the bench completely spent. "He went further than his body could take, throw up, then leave," Thorne said.

Check out the full story from Wolfe, including an anecdote about Tortorella wearing his baseball uniform under his graduation gown in high school. For all the digital ink spilled about Torts this postseason, this is a nice curveball.

Game 6 between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers is Friday night, and it's a defining moment for Tortorella's tenure in New York. His opponent, Peter DeBoer, has outmaneuvered him in this series. His team has been called fatigued, because of their style of play and Tortorella's own demanding nature.

After falling behind 3-0, the Rangers gave Tortorella their best effort of the series. Maybe desperation brings out their best, as it did in the previous two rounds.

It's time for the Rangers to do whatever it takes. And there's no better coach than the black-and-blue kid who used to block ground balls with his face to get it out of them.

Liverpool

Arsenal Transfer News: Why the Gunners Must Keep Robin Van Persie at All Costs

Arsenal football has certainly hit some speed bumps over the last year, and it will be a crunching blow if they let go of Dutch sensation Robin Van Persie.

Van Persie has been the epitome of Arsenal since he began playing in Emirates Stadium eight years ago. He stuck around through the disastrous 2010-2011 season that culminated with the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.

Arsenal rewarded him by naming him captain, the title formerly held by Fabregas. He took responsibility for that honorable title too, as he led Arsenal past a slow start to the 2011-2012 season and willed them to a top-four finish in the Premier League.

I guess it's worth noting that he netted 28 goals on the season, seven more than any other player in the EPL.

Van Persie told Arsenal last week that he would begin listening to other teams if both sides refuse to make any progress on a new deal. There's still one year left in his current contract, but he's made it clear that he wants more. 

Arsenal said Wednesday to Goal.com that they would not be allowing RVP to leave this summer or speak to other clubs, even if the Netherlands star wants to.

Taking away what could be Van Persie's most lethal weapon in the negotiating process could kill his loyalty to the club. I understand that he's the most valuable player and he can't be replaced, but if that's so, then I'm sure you can muster up the euros to pay this guy. 

The Premier League has been noted for its level competition, as it's unlikely to see the same player top the score sheet every year. What RVP has done in the league despite not winning the title once is outstanding.

The league is only getting harder to win, as giants Manchester City and Manchester United only seem to be getting better and forces like Tottenham and Chelsea are still making their presence known. The league isn't as winnable as it once was, and players like RVP are incredibly hard to come by. 

Van Persie showed his loyalty to Arsenal by sticking through a rough patch and not letting it affect his play. In fact, he let the situation in North London make him better, as he had a career year in 2011-12.

Now, it's time for Arsenal to reward him for doing so. Or spend years suffering the consequences. 

San Jose Frogs

Dodger Stadium Winter Classic; 10 worst NHL fans; ?While The Men Watch? debate (Puck Headlines)

Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

? Viggo Mortensen is a huge Montreal Canadiens fan. What better way to remind the world of this fact than by wrapping Kirsten Dunst in a Habs flag at Cannes, continuing an odd red carpet tradition for Aragorn. [OMG Yahoo!, via Martin Leroux]

? Marty Brodeur on the Mark Messier guarantee ghosts of 1994 haunting the New Jersey Devils in Game 6: "I know if you guys look at it, it looks the same, but it's different teams and a different way of playing the game and it's 18 years ago and that's a long time. I know I'm feeling a lot different. I'm feeling a lot more appreciative of what's going on." [Fire & Ice]

? Bruce Driver on 1994: "I ended up going to New York and played with Mark, a tremendous leader and one of the best captains of all time. In 1994 against us, Mark did what he did, backed it up and scored three goals. But from our standpoint, the way we looked at it, we blew the game." [NYT]

? Great piece on the friendship between Devils fans and Rangers fans, unnatural that it is. [WNYC, via Michael Raphael]

? No structural damage in Michal Rozsival's knee after that Dustin Brown hit. [Sportsnet]

? Mirtle with poll on fighting that finds hardcore fans love it, non-fans loathe it. [Globe & Mail, and see graphic]

? Earl Sleek sees a lot of the 2003 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the 2012 Los Angeles Kings. Say, are those the Devils on the other side of the bracket? [Battle of Cali]

? Los Angeles Dodgers President Stan Kasten wants to pursue a Winter Classic at Dodger Stadium. Read this and other stories in our new book "[Expletive] No One Would Be Saying If The Kings Weren't In The Cup Final." [LA Times]

? Rich Hammond on the matter: "Gary Bettman has sneered (literally) at any suggestion that a Winter Classic could be played in a warm-weather environment. And while the Kings would love to host an outdoor game ? Luc Robitaille is a particularly big proponent ? AEG is also in the planning stages of a new downtown football stadium, which would probably be a more likely location in the event that Bettman stops sneering." [LA Kings Insider]

? The 10 most annoying hockey fans. Including you, Guy Trying To Get on TV. [THW]

? In praise of Lou Lamoriello: "The backbone of the team, though, are the ordinary grunts. In the early 2000s, players like Jay Pandolfo, John Madden, Grant Marshall and Sergei Brylin did the defensive slogging in the trenches and chipped in with important goals in the playoffs when stars like Jason Arnott, Patrick Elias and Brian Gionta had trouble scoring thanks to the increased checking." [Globe & Mail]

? The Photoshop on this Devils/Rangers wrap up was priceless. [WhatsUpYaSieve]

? Great piece by Dellow on Wednesday on shot blocking in the NHL: "The Rangers shouldn't be praised for their shot blocking, which was a little bit more significant for them than it is for most teams in the regular season. They should be criticized for not being interesting to watch. You can't choose to win the Stanley Cup. You can choose not to play a passive sort of game that sees you block a bunch of shots and isn't all that interesting to watch." [MC79Hockey]

? Mini-Doc by Bleacher Report on the Playoff Beard.

? Good gripe from Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press on playoff hockey: "Hand passes are allowed by the defensive team in its own end. Falling on the puck continues to be given the green light, too. Not shooting the puck over the glass, though. So which is it, NHL GMs? Do you want more offence or less? The 30 men who are 'guardians' of the game worry me deeply when they can't make up their minds on these items, and even more when they have the power to make head contact illegal but simply won't." [Free Press, via Kukla]

? Ryan Kesler's agent does not take kindly to Alain Vigneault's assertion that Kes' injury didn't factor into his lack of production. Said Kurt Overhardt: "I am not a doctor, I'm a lawyer, but after having conversations with the player and with the club, anyone who thinks this injury did not affect his play must have fallen off a turnip truck." [Province]

? Cassie McClellan on "While The Men Watch": "Now, I'm not outraged here. Hockey is trying to reach out; they really are. But they're not asking what female fans want first, or are even seemingly interested in their feedback. They're just making their best guess and hope it makes the majority of female fans happy. It's classic of at least NHL marketing - do something, then throw it at the wall and see if it sticks. Has no one ever heard of focus groups?" [Raw Charge]

? Here's Heather over on Pension Plan Puppets on WTMW: "Yes, there is a problem with the fact that the CBC felt the need to pick up this blog ahead of fostering female talent in commentary, but focusing on the fact that what these women are writing about is not 'right' or 'good' fandom ties into the greater problem of being a sports fan who is female - that you are female first, and that this fact apparently makes others think it's ok to judge how you watch hockey or if you're truly a 'real' fan at all." [PPP]

? Daniel Wagner on WTMW: "The issue of stereotyping is a tough one, but the fact is that anything that has a 'target audience' is stereotyping to some degree. If the target market is 18-24-year-old males, certain assumptions are going to be made. If the target market is middle-aged housewives, different assumptions are going to be made. And if the target market is people who don't normally watch hockey but whose significant others do, they're going to make other assumptions about what those people would rather be talking about and listening to. This is simply a reality of marketing: any assumption of a broad swath of people will involve stereotypes. The hardcore female hockey fans that are upset about While the Men Watch are not the show's demographic. They don't fit the stereotype that CBC is aiming for with their target audience for the show." [Backhand Shelf]

? Jesse Rogers on the Chicago Blackhawks: "It would be difficult to replace the skill of Kane or the two-way prowess of Hossa or the sharp-shooting of Sharp. But there is one player who could be considered redundant on the Hawks roster. Dave Bolland." [ESPN Chicago]

? Ryan Russell gets a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. [CP]

? Finally, congrats to the Florida Everblades for winning the ECHL Kelly Cup on Wednesday. The local news coverage was adorable:

Seattle Sounders FC

From Bethlehem Steel to Aegean Hawks, U.S. Open Cup simmers with unique flavor

I have a confession. I like the U.S. Open Cup. There, I said it.

Yes, I know: The tournament is ridiculed by fans, dismissed by many MLS clubs and ignored by TV outlets. It?s not very well organized or executed. The financial responsibility can be burdensome. The matches are often wedged into tight windows between league matches. Heck, if some MLS teams could send an under-16 academy squad to represent them, they probably would.

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Michigan Bucks

Devils put away the microscope after Game 3 loss to Lundqvist

NEWARK, NJ ? The New Jersey Devils attempted 65 shots against Henrik Lundqvist in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final, with 36 of them finding the net.

"There's no way New Jersey can play like that for 60 minutes," said Lundqvist.

"As a goalie, you know sooner or later it's gonna turn. It's gonna turn in our favor. We're going to get a chance. We're going to get a break. That's the feeling I had."

The Rangers got their break on a Dan Girardi power-play goal, and a Chris Kreider deflection goal 1:57 later, to open the third period. Lundqvist did the rest, posting his second shutout against the Devils and third of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"Their power play was better than ours. That was the difference in the game," said Ilya Kovalchuk.

"The goalie was the difference. I thought we created some real good looks, but your goaltender's the best penalty killer," said Coach Pete DeBoer.

They were both right.

The Devils went 0-for-5 on the man advantage, and are 1-for-12 in the series. The Rangers, meanwhile, scored their fourth power-play goal of the series, as the top penalty killing unit in the regular season continued to struggle in the postseason.

Lundqvist made eight saves on the kill, giving the Rangers the type of dominating, confident performance they needed after the Devils broke through for three goals in Game 2.

"We didn't panic, and that's the big thing. We've had moments during the year when we've gotten into some tough minutes," said Lundqvist.

He was especially good against Kovalchuk, who beat him cleanly in Game 2 on the power play. Kovalchuk led the Devils with six shots, including a breakaway chance that Lundqvist snuffed out with his glove.

"He had a couple of big chances. I was lucky tonight on a couple of chances where I made the first move, and ended up making a save," said Lundqvist.

"I beat him and he just put his arm there. I should have put it up," said Kovalchuk.

Are the Devils frustrated? Zach Parise didn't speak to the media after the game ? for perhaps the first time as Devils captain ? as he has one goal and three points in his last seven playoff games. (Some recent reporting involving his father linking Parise up with the Rangers this summer probably played a part in the radio silence.)

Kovalchuk showed visible frustration during the game on missed opportunities.

"What are you going to do? It's a lot of hockey left," said Kovalchuk. "We can't change our game or get frustrated."

Deboer agreed, saying that they last thing the Devils needed was too much introspection.

"When you lose a game like this, where you out-chance and outplay another team for long stretches, it's easy to look at it under a microscope and say, 'Oh boy, they played two great shifts here and that was the difference in the game.' We strung together six or seven great shifts. We didn't capitalize on it. That's the story of the game," DeBoer said.

"You can't feel sorry for yourself."

Brodeur called the loss a "copy of Game 1" ? and not just because Dan Girardi and Chris Kreider scored the first two goals of the game in the third period of both losses. It was because this is the second time Lundqvist has been the difference between victory and defeat.

"When he's playing well, it's always a challenge for the team. But we know how to score goals on him," Brodeur (19 saves) said.

"I think if he throw as many pucks as we did, as many chances, hopefully he'll have an off night eventually and we'll score a few goals."

The battle between 40-year-old Brodeur and Lundqvist, 10 years his junior, has been the most compelling matchup of the series. Again, both had stellar saves and solid play throughout Game 3, thrilling a crowd that tipped heavily to Devils fans.

But at the end of the game, after Ryan Callahan scored into an empty net to make it 3-0, the Rangers faithful remaining at The Rock joined in the sing-song Brodeur taunt heard at MSG:

"Maarrrtyyyyy ?"

"It's [our] momentum that dictates how our crowd will be in our building, because there are a lot of Rangers fans. I guess with the money [they have], they sit beside us too," joked Brodeur. "We just have to give [our fans] a reason to cheer for us."

The next chance comes in Game 4 on Monday. But if his performance on Saturday afternoon was any indication, Lundqvist could very well deny it.

"Today was a good day," said the Rangers netminder.

Eastern Conference

10 Bold Predictions for Manny Ramirez's Season in Oakland

It came as a shock to many this offseason when the A's announced they were going to officially sign Manny Ramirez.  There were always rumors that Oakland may be a potential destination for Ramirez, but the signing came on the heels of the A's inking Yoenis Cespedes to quite a hefty contract.

Naturally, questions arose regarding Manny.  Would he be a distraction, where were his at-bats going to come from, where's his place in the lineup?  Well finally the time has come for these questions, or should I say issues, to be settled.

The A's find themselves surprisingly ahead of the Angels and Mariners at this point in the season, and a presence like Manny entering at this stage in the season could very well be a gamble.  He may come in and be the force in the middle of the A's lineup that they desperately need, or he may just add unneeded and unwanted complications to a team that finds itself in the playoff hunt right now.

If the Manny experiment is going to work in Oakland, then a high level of production isn't even needed.  All Manny has to do is focus on the rest of the team and not makes things about himself, but does that really sound like Manny Ramirez to you? 

These are ten bold predictions for Manny's time in the green and gold this year.

Begin Slideshow

Charlotte Eagles

Rafael Nadal: 3 Opponents Poised to Give Rafa Trouble at French Open

Rafael Nadal has long dominated the French Open, but he will need to survive a gamut of eager challengers if he wants to win at Roland Garros again.

Nadal's clay court dominance is unquestioned. He has won the French Open in six of the past seven years, and remains the odds-on favorite to win it once again. However, these players have the chops and/or momentum to give Nadal a run for his money.

 

Roger Federer

Perhaps the most obvious choice to give Nadal some trouble is his long-time rival Roger Federer. Nadal owns an 18-10 record against Federer on all surfaces and an even more impressive 12-2 record on clay, so even Federer struggles to find wins against Nadal.

That being said, a 12-2 record against Nadal on clay is better than most. He was also the last player not named Nadal to win the French Open, taking the title home in 2009.

Federer and Nadal have had some great matchups in the past. If their paths cross at Roland Garros, it could be Nadal's toughest test of the tournament.

 

Novak Djokovic

In a slightly more modern and competitive rivalry, Novak Djokovic has been Nadal's kryptonite of late. The two have squared off in singles matches 32 times. Nadal owns an 18-14 record against Djokovic.

However, Nadal has been the dominant one on the clay, taking 11 of the 13 matches that the two have contested on the surface.

Nadal has the advantage of clay, but Djokovic comes in with an incredible amount of momentum after besting the Spaniard in three straight majors. He beat him at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open. It will be interesting to see if Djokovic can keep his streak alive or if Nadal's clay court dominance will prevail.

 

Nicolas Almagro

It's not likely that Nadal gets upset on his way to the French Open final, but if he finds himself paired up against Nicolas Almagro, he may have to sweat it out.

Almagro is one of the world's best players on clay and could give his countryman a run for his money. Almagro has been to 16 finals in his professional tennis career and all 16 of them have been on clay. His aggressive style should be enough to challenge Nadal and at the very least make him work for his win.

Almagro has yet to make a deep run at Roland Garros, but at 26 years old, the time is now for him to make his presence known. A win over Nadal would do just that.

Eastern Conference

Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: Tortorella vs. DeBoer; Katie Strang of ESPN; Game 5 preview

It's a Tuesday edition of Marek vs. Wyshynski beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, and we're talking about the following and more:

Special Guest Stars: Katie Strang of ESPN New York looks at Game 4 of the Devils/Rangers and a series that's getting nasty.

? In which Marek and Wysh discuss John Tortorella vs. Pete DeBoer.

? The Kings and Coyotes prepare for Game 5.

? Puck Headlines and Talking Points

Question of the Day: Who wins a barn fight between Tortorella and DeBoer and why?

Email your answers to puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or tweet them with the hashtag #MvsW to either @jeffmarek or @wyshynski.

Click here for the Sportsnet live stream or click the play button above! Click here to download podcasts from the show each day Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes or Feedburner.

Chicago Fire

Preakness 2012: Pimlico Win Ensures I'll Have Another Will Take Triple Crown

I'll Have Another might as well be given the title of Triple Crown winner at this point.

The 2012 Preakness Stakes was the leg of this year's Triple Crown that determined whether the horse could pull the hat trick of horse racing.

After winning in Kentucky, I'll Have Another still wasn't the favorite at Pimlico over Bodemeister. Well, jockey Mario Gutierrez rode to stardom and all that remains is the Belmont Stakes.

To that end, let's see why I'll Have Another will take the first Triple Crown since 1978.

 

Lack of Competition

 

Looking at the current list of potential Belmont Stakes competitors, Bodemeister and Creative Cause are absent. Those two were I'll Have Another's biggest competition at Churchill Downs and the Preakness, as each finished in the top five behind him.

Optimizer remains (at least right now) as a racer from the first two legs, but finished eleventh at Churchill Downs and sixth at Pimlico. So despite being a familiar face, Optimizer hasn't been a challenge to I'll Have Another at this stage.

Now, there are multiple horses that raced in Kentucky who were not at the Preakness but are on that Belmont list. Dullahan, Union Rags and Rousing Sermon finished third, seventh and eighth respectively at the derby so they are the toughest of contenders.

Still, none of these mentioned horses are on the level of Bodemeister. Therefore, if I'll Have Another fails to complete the cycle it will be an extreme disappointment.

Momentum

 

Jockey Mario Gutierrez and I'll Have Another have been holding strong onto this amount of momentum since early February.

Before leg one of the Triple Crown, the duo entered with two victories at Santa Anita, one of which was a Grade I race (Santa Anita Derby). Then the Kentucky Derby happened and I'll Have Another stole the show from Bodemeister to position himself as the next potential Triple Crown winner.

The shorter track at Pimlico was quite the challenge as it limited the catch up time and length down the final stretch. Fortunately for Gutierrez and I'll Have Another, another comeback win over Bodemeister gave them a fourth straight victory and third at the Grade I level.

Track Length

 

Speaking of the track length at Pimlico, Belmont is not only longer than the Preakness but also longer than the Kentucky Derby.

So, every horse and jockey has work cut out to win but I'll Have Another has the edge. The stunning catch of Bodemeister at Pimlico displayed the horse's acceleration and top speed toward a race's finish.

I'll Have Another won at Churchill Downs by a little more over Bodemeister than at the Preakness. Belmont is two furlongs longer than the Derby, so it's just more distance for Gutierrez to ride and get the horse to coast, wait to make a move, catch up and then pull away down the stretch.

I'll Have Another has excellent closing speed, so don't expect anyone to keep pace after the final turn.

 

John Rozum on Twitter.

FC Dallas

Looking ahead to the MLS All-Stars v Chelsea game on 25 July 2012

The MLS has another chance to show its pedigree and monitor its progress when the division?s best take on English Premier League powerhouses Chelsea in the All-Star game on July 25.

This free bet site backs the west London outfit as favourites to show their class and win the fixture at PPL Park, however the hosts will look to take inspiration from their 1-0 victory over the Stamford Bridge club six years ago, and win oncemore.

The All-Star game has appeal for a number of reasons, and this season's fixture could be the best yet. The fact that the best homegrown and foreign players in the top division of soccer in the United States can form one team is certainly an appeal. Put together Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane, David Beckham and a raft of other stars that currently delight MLS crowds coast to coast, and you have a fantastic team full of experience and talent, that can go toe-to-toe with some of the world's best.

Secondly, the game should be a testament to the quality and continued progression of the sport in the United States, and the ability of the players playing in the MLS. For some of the younger homegrown players it will be an opportunity to test themselves against the likes of Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard, and hopefully a pinnacle of their sporting careers by recording a victory.

The MLS is keen to attract big-name players to the competition, and a high-profile fixture like this could very well convince players playing in the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga to swap Europe's best for the new challenge of the MLS. Similarly, for young American teenagers weighing up whether to play soccer or one of the other sports, seeing the likes of Fernando Torres and the rest of the Chelsea superstars up close on American soil could well persuade them to put all their athletic effort into the beautiful game.

This season's opponents have had an up-and-down season, but will be raring to go and eager to claim victory in July. Despite an ill-fated tenure in the Stamford Bridge hot-seat for Andre Villas-Boas, the club have been rejuvenated under Roberto Di Matteo and are now fighting for honours this season. A 1-0 win over European champions Barcelona on Wednesday will have been viewed by the MLS players as a real test for July, and the Blues have every chance of reaching the Champions League final now.

Domestically a 5-1 hammering of London rivals Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-finals gives the club the chance to pick up silverware, as they face Liverpool in the final in May. In the Premier League the Blues take on Arsenal this weekend and will look to keep a good run of form going to finish in the top four. There is no doubt that Chelsea are one of the form sides in Europe currently, and will provide the sternest of test for the MLS All-Stars on July 25th.

San Jose Frogs

Ryan Getzlaf?s controversial kneeing major leads to Slovakia?s elimination of Canada at Worlds (VIDEO)

Team Canada made history at the IIHF World Championships on Thursday.

Really, really lousy history: For the first time, the Canadians have been eliminated in the tournament quarterfinals in three consecutive years.

In the previous two years, the culprit was Russia. In 2012, it was Slovakia pulling the first-round upset with a 4-3 victory, on Michal Handzus's goal with 2:32 left in regulation.

It was a power-play goal, scored five seconds into Ryan Getzlaf's 5-minute major for kneeing Slovak forward Juraj Mikus.

Which, by the looks of it, probably shouldn't have been a major:

Said Getzlaf, via the IIHF and Andre Podnieks:

"He jumped inside on me," Getzlaf explained. "He's a smaller guy. All I tried to do was get a piece of him with my shoulder, which I did. It's a sick way to lose; it's a tough pill to swallow.�It hurts. It hurts like hell right now. To lose in that fashion is not easy to swallow. The guys worked way too hard to be delivered something like that."

Now comes the suddenly annual debate about why the Canadians didn't advance past the first round.

Over on Yahoo! Sports Canada's The Eh Game, Neate Sager analyzed Canada's latest tournament shortfall:

Before anyone goes into a panic about what this means for Canada's chances at the Olympics in two years, presuming the NHLers play in Sochi, some perspective needs to be shared. The same goes for the position that this really doesn't matter, that's it's just one of those upsets. Ryan Getzlaf took a major penalty in the final three minutes, Slovakia scored off the ensuing faceoff; move along, nothing to see here.

It is tough to buy the latter argument, though, when you look at the bigger picture. Three consecutive years without making the medal round is glaring for a country that claims to be the best at the sport.

More to the point, the result validates questions of why Hockey Canada turned the team over to executives of the perpetually rebuilding Edmonton Oilers. Well before the event, hockey bloggers such as Tyler Dellow argued that if Canada was serious about winning, Team Canada GM and Oilers president Kevin Lowe would not have put 18-year-old NHL draft prospect Ryan Murray on the roster ahead of a seasoned NHLer. Murray made for a good story, but normally only smaller nations with a lack of depth have to use a junior-aged player in the worlds.

More from Neate here.

Cincinnati Kings

The 10 best Sports Illustrated Stanley Cup Playoff covers

The National Hockey League has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated ? either the main mag or on a commemorative issue ? 114 times, according to the SI Vault archive. Sometimes, it was a quick mention on a cover story dedicated to Tiger Woods another sports story. Other times, hockey was given the spotlight.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs have been featured around 35 times, including Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers on a striking cover from April 2012. While some weren't exactly iconic, they all had their charms.

Here are the 10 best Sports Illustrated Stanley Cup Playoff covers.

Check out our year-by-year coverage of how SI treated different Cup champs. And here ? we ? go.

10. Montreal Canadiens vs. Los Angeles Kings (6/14/93)

"In the Stanley Cup" indicates the editor thinks it's like the World Cup, but that's OK. This cover is notable for having the most Canadian of Canadian teams ? the Montreal Canadiens ? given the spotlight over Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan; and also for featuring Tomas Sandstrom with that face, in which he looks like someone hit his how-do-you-do with a Taser. (Buy Reprint Here)

9. Henrik Lundqvist (4/15/12)

An image from all the way back in the NHL Premiere series game in Stockholm, but one hell of an image. Hank giving an intense look to the puck as it approaches him, as if he's worried the rubber disc may attempt to use his conditioner. Loses some points for depicting a shot that actually reaches Lundqvist, which has yet to happen in the 2012 Playoffs. (Buy Reprint)

8. Chicago Blackhawks, Cup Champions (6/20/10)

This was the regional cover for the Blackhawks' drought-ending Cup victory, as Stephen Strasburg was given the national cover. Any cover featuring Jonathan Toews' playoff foliage is a good one, but "AT LAST! BLACKHAWKS" is about as memorable as the befuddled goal calls when Patrick Kane ended the series. (Buy Reprint)

7. Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5/24/76)

The best sports photos tell a story, and Larry Robinson bruising his way through a Flyers' face is all you need to know about the Sweep of '76. (Buy Reprint)

6. Boston Bruins, Cup Champs� (6/17/11)

A commemorative edition for the good people of Boston, with the Conn Smythe winner featured at the center (instead of the far right). Very solid celebration shot that earned a few extra points for the incredible Bro-hug happening around Patrice Bergeron, right before what we imagine was a slow dance to a Lionel Richie song playing in their heads. (Buy Reprint)

5. Bobby Clarke (5/6/74)

Mayhem on the ice! How can you not love that? This SI cover perfectly captures the Broad Street Bullies aesthetic, as Bobby Clarke puts his stick on Pete Stemkowski's taint and offers a Jack O'Lantern smile in the process. (Buy Reprint)

4. Ray Bourque (6/18/2001)

One of the NHL's most compelling Stanley Cup Final storylines gets its due, as Raymond Bourque face shows elation and relief in finally capturing the Cup. A great image, although the Mission 16W book from the Sporting News might have it beat.� (Buy Reprint)

3. Sidney Crosby (6/21/09)

Love him or hate him, just an iconic cover for Sidney Crosby after winning the Cup in 2009. The Kid looks smaller than the Cup thanks to the perspective in the photo, underscoring the enormity of the achievement. Plus, Michael Farber gets top billing, and this is never a bad thing. (Buy Reprint)

2. NHL Hot, NBA Not (6/20/1994)

One of the most significant moments for NHL fans in the early 1990s was this endorsement from SI after the New York Rangers' Cup win. My god, it was like the hottest cheerleader in the school asking you to prom. That was the impact. If you read the stories, it wasn't exactly "the NHL is surpassing the NBA in popularity!" as the cover might have teased. But it remains our Roswell Crash of 1990s sportswriting ? we want to believe.� (Buy Reprint)

1. Detroit Red Wings (6/14/08)

Just awesome. All the smiling faces, the enthusiasm, Kris Draper's playoff beard ? just that perfect moment in time when a team comes together to celebrate an accomplishment. Sadly lacking a Mike Babcock death stare to balance it all out, or a Red Wing popping Chipper Jones' bubble with his finger. (Buy Reprint)

NHL

Marty Brodeur?s ?own goal? in Game 2 vs. Rangers (VIDEO)

It's bad enough for Martin Brodeur that the fans inside of Madison Square Garden are doing all they can to disrupt him, with sing-song chants of "MARRRTY!" In Game 2 against the New York Rangers on Wednesday night, the New Jersey Devils netminder was undermined by the rink itself in the second period:

Marc Staal's shot from the right circle deflected off of Bryce Salvador and hit the bottom of the end boards. The puck flew back at Brodeur, whose left pad knocked the puck in under his outstretched glove to tie the game 1-1 at 2:23 of the second period. In the words of Sam Rosen, it was a power play goal.

Brodeur has been notorious for fluky goals in the postseason for years, but had cut down on the unfortunate tradition in the 2012 Devils' playoff run. This one, no doubt, he'd like back. Of course, earlier in the period, he made an amazing skate save. Such is Marty.

Other popular content on Yahoo! Sports:
? PNC Park security guard loses finger in struggle with fan during Pirates game
? Andrew Luck isn't dawdling on his work toward a Colts turnaround
? Dan Wetzel: Big Ten's misguided love affair turns it against its own playoff interests

Toronto Lynx

Will Mike Green return to the Washington Capitals?

With Coach Dale Hunter leaving and with offensive dynamo Alex Semin apparently headed to free agency ? even if he denies that's a done deal ? the next significant decision for Washington Capitals GM George McPhee could be the future of defenseman Mike Green.

Green is an RFA this summer, and has been part of the Capitals' core since the lockout. (Not to mention his time modeling for Club Scarlett). He's 26 but injury prone. He's taken hits for his playoff production, but stepped up with four points in a contract postseason during 2012.

Green wants to come back to the Caps, and told Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington that he believes "we're going to win a Cup here." But as far as staying with the Caps, Gormley writes:

Under the terms of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, to retain his rights the Capitals are required to make Green a qualifying offer equal to his 2011-12 salary of $5 million. [...]

After four seasons of playing no fewer than 68 games, Green has missed 83 games the past two seasons and that could impact the term and value of his next contract. In all likelihood Green will accept only a one-year deal that will take him into unrestricted free agency at the age of 27 next year. If the Caps cannot come to an agreement with Green, they likely would receive a first-, second- and third-round draft pick, dependent on his 2012-13 salary and the rules of a new CBA.

The Capitals other RFAs include defenseman John Carlson, who is coming off his rookie deal; as well as forwards Matthieu Parreault and Jay Beagle. Along with Semin, the most significant UFA is defenseman Dennis Wideman, who stepped up into Green's role as top offensive defenseman during the regular season (23:54 TOI) but saw that time reduced during the playoffs (20:44) as Green's increased.

I've run hot and cold on Green during his time with the Capitals, but like so many of his teammates there's no question he stepped up his game in that Hunter Hockey playoff run. Unless the Capitals seek to jettison him from the core, a one-year deal seems like it's in the cards, giving him and the remaining young guns a chance at some unfinished business.

Thunder Bay Chill

Davis & DuBois: Free on a Bosman II

- Jason Davis

Jared and I are back, with Free on a Bosman, our interim show while we build up to our new show, for which details will be released slowly over the next couple of weeks. Still with me?

Good.

In this edition, we talk 9/11 (hafta), Bobby Rhine (again, hafta), the US loss to Belgium and the state of the team at the moment, the MLS playoff picture, and more. Apparently Gooch played this weekend for Sporting Lisbon. We talk about that, too.

Please remember that the show doesn't have a regular iTunes feed while we're in the interim phases. You can, however, get the show at a long forgotten iTunes feed under the Match Fit USA banner (hey! old logo guy!) at this link right here.

Other ways to listen can be found below. Here's a half spoiler: we drop the date of our upcoming new show's debut. Woohoo.

Help spread the word on the new show by sharing this episode of the interim show via the handy sharing buttons below. You can follow both Jared and me on Twitter for further updates as events warrant.

Jason (@mfusa) on Twitter

Jared (@jrodius) on Twitter

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Colorado Avalanch

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Vancouver Whitecaps

Soler: Agudelo pushed for trade

BY DAVE MARTINEZ When the time came to pull a trigger on a trade sending away Juan Agudelo, the ultimate push to make a trade happen came from none other than Agudelo himself. That is the contention of team General Manager Erik Soler as he discussed the details of the young striker?s trade to Chivas USA for defender Heath Pearce, allocation money and future considerations. ?First and foremost, I think it?s important to state that the initiative for this trade was not in our hands,? Soler told reporters. ?We had conversations with Juan for a long period of time about...

Los Angeles Galaxy

Soler: Agudelo pushed for trade

BY DAVE MARTINEZ When the time came to pull a trigger on a trade sending away Juan Agudelo, the ultimate push to make a trade happen came from none other than Agudelo himself. That is the contention of team General Manager Erik Soler as he discussed the details of the young striker?s trade to Chivas USA for defender Heath Pearce, allocation money and future considerations. ?First and foremost, I think it?s important to state that the initiative for this trade was not in our hands,? Soler told reporters. ?We had conversations with Juan for a long period of time about...

Indiana Invaders

D.C. United news & notes

Just two days before the next match, D.C. United?s practice session Monday looked like a weekend pick-up game.

Between mounting injuries and players in need of rest following Saturday?s match in Houston, Coach Ben Olsen put 14 players through workouts at the RFK Stadium training grounds.

Read full article >>

Liverpool