Goose's official Super Bowl Prediction

Junior Seau gets a ring.

Well I have to officially put a prediction down on paper. Since tomorrow is Friday I figured I'd better get my prediction out of the way.

I will be rooting for the G-men, the Underdog. The team from the NFC....however my prediction is as follows

The Patriots win 51-17. The game will be 20-14 at Halftime before the Big Red/White and Blue Machine rolls during the 3rd quarter. Tom Brady will be the MVP, cementing his shrine in Canton (DAMN you CANTON. Put Art Monk in.)

Some side Predictions for the game.
1) There will be a John McCain Sighting at the game
2) Elis Hobbs will return a kickoff for a TD
3) Junior Seau will be crying after the game
4) Larry Csonka will be crying after the game
5) Payton will give Eli a wet willy after the game and tell him it will be "ok"
6) Joe will call from Cali....and we will let his call go to voicemail due to his "Assness"
7) Brady's statline 26-27 366yds and 5TDs. Moss 4-111 1td. Welker 11-120 1TD
8) Eli 20-37 229yds 1TD 2INT. Plax 5-88. Brandon Jacobs 22-121yds 1td (Only 30yds in the second half)


See you all at the MOASBP VIII. The Grub will be good, even though the game might suck.

All Star '08

As I am sitting here watching the ECHL all-star game, and just finished watching the 2008 All Star all skills competition, I thought I'd get you all caught up on all things hockey at the half way point.

First Leaders: Scoring (goals and assists) Daniel Alfredsson from the Ottawa Senators has 67 points. Goals leader is Alexander Ovechkin w/ 39. Assists leader is Joe Thorton of the Sharks.

Your divisional leaders are Flyers, Senators, and Hurricane in the East. In the West it's Detroit, Minnesota, and San Jose.

By far the most dominate team is the Detroit Red Wings. They have 78 points and have only 10 regular season losses in regulation. They also have a +64 in goal differential.

Firings: Leafs GM John Ferguson, Coaches for both the Atlanta Thrashers and Washington Capitals. Both replacements have been been a help for both teams. As both teams have improved in their divisional standings.
Surprises: After a terrible start, the Washington Capitals are just a point out of the top spot in the SE division. It is also great to see the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins being competitive and representing the Original Six.

Disappointments: The Rangers. With them spending a ton in the free agent market and having the future Hall of Famer, Jaromir Jagr. Disappointment #2 is the Tampa Bay. With two talented stars in Lacavalier and St. Louis, the defense has continued to be a terrible disappointment and last in the SE Division.


The Skills night was retooled this year. There were number of events including a new event which was slam dunk like which players were judged on their creativity in a shootout against a goalie. The young stars game was a three on three match which featured young star Blackhawk Pat Kane. Overall and enjoyable Saturday All-Star for the NHL.

The All-Star game will feature these superstars.
Complete rosters for the 56th NHL All-Star Game on Sunday in Atlanta (x -- voted starter; y -- will not play; z -- added to roster; c -- named captain):


Eastern Conference
Forwards
x,y-Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh, x,c-Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay
Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa, Scott Gomez, New York Rangers, y-Dany Heatley, Ottawa,
Marian Hossa, Atlanta, Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta, z-Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh,
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington, Mike Richards, Philadelphia, Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Jason Spezza, Ottawa, Eric Staal, Carolina, z-Marc Savard, Boston


Defensemen
x-Andrei Markov, Montreal, x-Zdeno Chara, Boston, Brian Campbell, Buffalo,
Sergei Gonchar, Pittsburgh, Tomas Kaberle, Toronto, Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia


Goaltenders
x,y-Martin Brodeur, New Jersey, Rick DiPietro, New York Islanders, z-Tim Thomas, Boston, Tomas Vokoun, Florida


Coaching staff
Head coach: John Paddock, Ottawa
Assistant coach: Don Waddell, Atlanta (replaces New Jersey's Brent Sutter)


Western Conference
Forwards
x,c-Jarome Iginla, Calgary, x-Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit, x,y-Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit,
Jason Arnott, Nashville, Marian Gaborik, Minnesota, Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim, Shawn Horcoff, Edmonton, Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles, Rick Nash, Columbus, z-Corey Perry, Anaheim, y-Mike Ribeiro, Dallas, Henrik Sedin, Vancouver, y-Paul Stastny, Colorado,
Joe Thornton, San Jose


Defensemen
x-Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit, x-Dion Phaneuf, Calgary, Ed Jovanovski, Phoenix, Duncan Keith, Chicago, z-Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim, Chris Pronger, Anaheim, y-Sergei Zubov, Dallas


Goaltenders
x,y-Roberto Luongo, Vancouver, Manny Legace, St. Louis, Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose,
Chris Osgood, Detroit


Coaching staff
Head coach: Mike Babcock, Detroit
Assistant coach: Ron Wilson, San Jose

A couple of players to watch. Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin, two foreigners with tons of capability, fast on the ice and very creative. Jimbo, your boy Iginla will captain the West (perhaps he might be as good as you said he is). The cat from Los Angeles (Kopitar) is a great prospect and Jovanoski from Phoenix is a hidden gem in the desert. Luongo and Sedin are representing Van-town. The East lost some of its buzz when Sidney Crosby when down injured . The East has several repeat offenders on the All-Star team. The fans should be seen as a fast pace and exciting event, even though the game will take place in Atlanta. The fans there will definately see a more exciting game than the fans usually see in Hot-lanta. Game is on at 3:30 on both Versus and CBC. I hope some watch or at least see the hightlights. Enjoy!

On a side note, this is the best goal of the year is by All-Star Rick Nash. Nash had a penalty that cost his team of their lead and here is his answer.

The All-Star game was a great back and forth game. The East went up 5-2 and the West came back and took a 7-6 lead, but it was all for not. The East scored the go ahead goal with 20 seconds left, winning 8-7. Goals for the West, Rick Nash (3), Dion Phaneuf, Scott Niedermayer, Ryan Getzlaf, Marian Gaborik. East Goals: Eric Staal (2) [MVP], Ovechkin (2), Marc Savard (GW), Brian Cambell, Marian Hossa, and Andre Markov.

A side note. Rick Nash scored the fastest goal in All-Star history with 12 seconds into the game. Overall the young stars shined and it was a great game, even if you didn't know the players.

Under the Radar...Ed Donatell

*********ITS OFFICIAL************

Buried under all the Super Bowl Hype was the offer made to Ed Donatell to stop the bleeding for the Purple and Gold Defense.

Donatell is an interesting choice and a solid DC. I didnt realize that he was a Don James disciple...branching from the Dawgfather back in 81-82. You might have remembered him as the Packers defensive coordinator who was fired because his team gave up a 4th and 26 play to Philly in the Playoffs.

This is a coach who for many years has the reputation as being an aggressive, blitzing coach. He has a Super bowl Ring with Denver, and his last coaching job was with Atlanta, (With Jim Mora) where he moved their defensive ranking from 32nd....to 15th, then was fired alongside Mora.

This potential hire doesn't hold alot of glitz or flash...but its solid. This is a coach that has something to prove, and a team that needs a fresh outlook.

The Mother of All Super bowl Parties VIII...(The official invite)

Back in 1982... the Redskins made the Super Bowl, and Goose's Mom hosted her 1st Super Bowl party... We had all of our Redskin friends over, decorated the house and mom made a Big pot of Spaghetti and Meatballs using the old family recipe.

A young Goose noticed something... after the initial meal was eaten all the guys went back to the kitchen...grabbed a big roll and filled it with Meatballs, thus creating the 1st Super Bowl Meatball Sandwich...

Flash forward. It's now 2008, and it is now time for the Gooses 8th annual Mother of all Super Bowl Parties.

It started with Brian Billick and the 2000 Ravens, lasted through the NE Dynasty, the Tampa Bay rout, the Rain game of 2007 and yes... even a Hose Job by the Steelers.

I need RSVP's on who is coming. Please comment if you are planning on attending.

Again as always all food is provided, however things you can bring.

Bring your own Beer... I always have some, but there is always room for more.

If you would like we are always accepting donations for the Nest Bar....Last year was a Banner year for Tequilas, this year could be a great wild card year.

Sunday Feb 3rd
Pregame Festivities start at 1:00pm

See you all there.

Remember these things Lodge

Are you telling me that 200 of our men against your boy is a no-win situation for us?...You send that many, don't forget one thing...What?...A good supply of body bags.

You don't seem to want to accept the fact you're dealing with an expert in guerrilla warfare, with a man who's the best, with guns, with knives, with his bare hands. A man who's been trained to ignore pain, ignore weather, to live off the land, to eat things that would make a billy goat puke. In Vietnam his job was to dispose of enemy personnel. To kill! Period! Win by attrition. Well Rambo was the best.

Welcome back John Rambo...

Rumblings from the 253

So I thought on this fine hump day I'd toss down a few random thoughts about Television, Football and whatnot.

Its interesting to see how the writers strike has changed the face of Television this year. No Golden Globes for Joe to blog about, getting all the Lodge Wives to chime in. Plus so many extra doses of Reality TV, and Reruns that Im forced to watch shows I haven't seen just to avoid watch the same episode of CSI Las Vegas for the third time from last season.

I have discovered a show (mind you it has only 3 episodes thus far) but I even figured that MCP and I could discuss. Terminator, The Sarah Connor Chronicles has not only caught my eye but has quickly developed into a regular DVR event. Im amazed that show is not only entertaining, but well written and follows the lines of the Movies pretty well. MCP...you thoughts?

Im still somewhat of a Food TV Junkie only because well its food, they have a new show called Diners Drive ins and Dives. The point is simple. Take a guy that could easily be 2.0's next draft pick, give him a camero and let him go around the US visiting hole in the wall "Joints" that serve up amazing grub. You'd be amazed at some of the places he can find. Yeah I know too much foodTV can cause borderline people to begin blogging the Golden Globes, but like I said TV is at a standstill right now and Im trying to get my entertainment when I can.

So on to Super Bowl 42. The game that no one expected. Pats/Boys or Favre/Brady was the choice. Instead you get Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs and Michael Strahan versus the ManCrush. I'll add more super bowl stuff next week but I figured we should at least acknowledge that the game is taking place. Now that my trip is cancelled, will everyone be able to make the MOASBP VIII? We are adding a new wrinkle as you must come dressed as your favorite Football Coach. Im going as Dennis Green, Im just going to scream at everyone and then leave the house. Just kidding. No dressing up.

Side note. Does Eli Manning look like the kid who never got picked in school and was beaten up for lunch money. I think he should get the nickname "Aw Shucks" Manning

How is Duke and the new Little Dukette??

Anyway, I figured we needed something to discuss, however props to the Train of Death - Which rode in a snatched Heath Ledger as its second victim after Eddie Hilliary. Who's Next? Im worried about Jack Nicholson...1st Cesar Romero then Heath...Is it the curse of the Joker?

Train of Death Special Edition: Dark Knight now has Crow-esque hype x 10

This is not my regular post, but I it did come as a little bit of a shock that Heath Ledger and a bottle of sleeping pills were found this afternoon in a NY hotel room. I'll save my typical cynisism for later, and just mention that I was a fan of his work and that it is better to fade away than to burn out.

Bros before Benjamins.....

MOASBP VIII is back on and in full force!!!!

Prepare your trek to the 253

details to follow next week

Train of Death

The Lodge has lost an honorary member. We salute Sir Edmund Hillary and his climb up the world’s highest peak.

Sir Hillary's recollection of standing on the pinnacle: "The whole world around us lay spread out like a giant relief map. I am a lucky man. I have had a dream and it has come true, and that is not a thing that happens often to men."

July 20th 1919 to January 11th 2008

The Press conference will start

Gooses agent Donald Duck Dunn

1st and foremost as Gooses agent I'm going to dispel some rumors that are going around.

1) Goose supports the Seattle Storm however rumors that he is the 1/10th owner are untrue
2) Goose is committed to coaching his 6-2 Semi final JV Team next season and will be again patrolling
the sidelines for the Knights. Rumors of him going to High School defeat his primary goals in coaching because high schools dont teach fundamentals.
3) Rumors that there is another Gossling on the way are not only bogus, but currently medically impossible
4) Goose will not go to the podium, say "Joe's an Ass" and step down. He does want to state for the record that he does believe Joe is a complete and total Ass, however this is not the time or the place to get into that discussion.
5) Goose will not retire completely from the Lodge if the Cowboys win the Super Bowl. (Although this rumor carries the most weight).
Also as a side rumor Goose and Brett Favre will not be a Tandem retirement.





Now on to our announcement.

Due to factors beyond his control for both Business and Personal Reasons the Mother of all
Super Bowl Parties VIII will be cancelled this year. There is a good possibility that he may not be in town and therefore we need
to give everyone the time to arrange their own activities.

Gooses statement is as follows

"It is with great regret that the MOASBP VIII will not take place. This has been a tradition since Baltimore won the Super Bowl in 2000
I feel a little like "Proud to be your Bud" Selig cancelling the 94 world series. Once you interrupt tradition, its hard to gain back.
My hope is to regain the proud tradition next year, however it is unfair to hold people to an event that may not happen.
Thank you for your support and go _______________ (Whoever plays the Cowboys)


Questions?

Press Conference, tomorrow 1/9 2:30pm PST

"Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner, but he knew it wouldn't last...

From one of my favorite records and songs from the L'pool foursome come the first post of the New Year. I’d say I’m about ready after spending the last three of so months on constant slack (thank you for all your cards and messages) that doesn’t look to be letting up in the near future.

It’s hard to find content for a post when your life revolves around what soccer games are on mid-week and finding the right livefooty link. Despite that, I still have time to browse the local paper and Google news for real news stories and then choose more Lodge-centric newsworthy events. So regardless of my uninteresting real life, I'm prepared to comment on the somewhat interesting lives of others. here we go….

Housekeeping note:

“No one shall be called out for a lack of posting”

Posting is not easy…it takes time to make one quality, if a member chooses not to post for two weeks or two months that’s their business. Everyone on the roster should remain active and comment when they can, and if we never get another post from MCP that’s fine, we can all collaborate on a “Ten things I loathe about Serenity and comic books” post without any objections.

The Lodge is for all intents and purposes a local Seattle Sports blog, if certain members have nothing to add, then they have nothing to add. I feel responsible for not bringing more to the table for the last two months, but hopefully the New Year will change that…yeah I know.

However, members should still be called out for being a jackass, regardless of their activity or location.

Noteworthy:

1st on top of this list is the extremely sad news that a landmark of Seattle culture is shutting down in the middle of April. Yes, two years after Leilani Lanes, Sunset Bowl will make way for the underserved Condominium population in Seattle.

There are now unofficially three or so lanes left in the Seattle area, and please do not count the Garage. There will be an official Lodge outing to Sunset in the very near future, however a date is not yet confirmed (don’t worry 2.0 we’ll mail you an empty Bowling Pin Budweiser bottle).

Commentary/High Horse section:

Weeks after the announcement of the closure of the Crocodile Café, we get this news. I’m not sure were the finger is supposed to be pointed, but the constant Flinstonian backdrop of every inch of civic landscape is starting to turn me into Andy Rooney. On a recent trip to the Rose City, I lost count of the Best Buy/Target/Indian Casino, etc tally somewhere between 15 and 20.

I don’t know what the plan is for the Sunset Bowl, but what I do know is it isn’t going to be a 24 hour bowling alley. In the not too distant future the only landmarks left to residents of this fair city will be the original Fred Meyer store, or first drive thru Jack in the Box. The end is quite possibly here.

2nd order of the day is the news from Mother Goose’s Mecca that Grandpa Gibbs is going back into retirement and will continue acting in an advisory roll for the once proud franchise from our nation’s capital. Joseph White explains all the details here, and on a personal note I would give major props to Grandpa Gibbs for not changing hat styles throughout both tenures, something every man should strive for.

I know this is the part where I take a dig about senility and the game passing him by, but I’ll resist and leave that to Jim Rome. I’m just curious, which coach chooses to walk into the current NFL coach death trap next, word is that Gregg Williams is next dead man walking, and just to get you excited ‘Skin fans, .354, that was his winning percentage in three years at Buffalo. Enjoy.


Other notes:

· Congrats to the Bayou Bengals last night for their home win over the Buckeyes. I’m just glad I live in a country where University of Miami, LSU, ASU and USC/UCLA all are eligible for home game in the biggest games of the year. Whose bank account do we have to line in order to get a M’Fn’ playoff up in here?

· Apparently Mike Martz is going to prove once and for all how bad Alex Smith is next year.

· Finally, props to the original “Goose” for making Cooperstown, however I’m not sure if the man himself is making the hall or just “the stache”

Is it okay to love a Cougar?

That is the question I'm debating after Marcus Trufant played his little Wazzu-loving heart out today for your Seattle Seahawks in the 1st Round of the NFL Playoffs at Qwest Field earlier today. Yes, I know the post says SUNDAY... but check the time-stamp, yep, it's the AM.

I'm up not sleeping and watching YouTube clips and came across this classic that I'm passing along to Goose as a peace-offering after his Redskins lost and their season of tragedy now comes to an end. Goose, at least you have the TB at 75-1... and this:

Sad effort by the Lodges 12th Men this week