Super Bowl Prop Bet Bonanza!

I feel great about each and every one of these picks.  Jump aboard the money train...

GAME RELATED PICKS!

• Seahawks (+3)
• Under 48 points
• MVP - Russell Wilson (15/4)
• Player to score the first TD: Doug Baldwin (16/1)
• Russell Wilson OVER 210.5 passing yards
• Russell Wilson OVER 1.5 TD passes
• Russell Wilson OVER 12.5 yards on longest rush
• Marshawn Lynch UNDER 21.5 carries
• Marshawn Lynch UNDER 90.5 rushing yards
• Marshawn Lynch UNDER 19.5 yards on longest rush
• Robert Turbin UNDER 3 carries
• Golden Tate OVER 19.5 yards on longest reception
• Percy Harvin UNDER 45.5 receiving yards
• Percy Harvin UNDER 20.5 yards on longest reception
• Peyton Manning UNDER 290.5 passing yards
• Peyton Manning UNDER 2.5 TD passes
• Peyton Manning OVER .5 INTs
• Wes Welker UNDER 57.5 receiving yards

***UPDATED RESULTS:  11-7***

OTHER PICKS!

• Renee Fleming OVER 2 minutes 25 seconds on National Anthem
• Eli Manning OVER 1.5 times shown on TV
• UNDER 2 times "12th Man" is said on air
• YES Percy Harvin will get hurt during the game (+300)
• Russell Wilson MORE completions than Jeff Green points vs. Orlando

***UPDATED RESULTS: 3-2***

NBA All-Star Reserves

The NBA announced their All-Star subs tonight, here they are...

Eastern Conference:

Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers
Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
John Wall, Washington Wizards
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
Joe Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
Chris Bosh, Miami Heat

Starters:
Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers
Dwyane Wade, Heat
LeBron James, Heat
Carmelo Anthony, Knicks
Paul George, Pacers



Western Conference:

Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
James Harden, Houston Rockets


Starters:
Kobe Bryant (injured), Lakers
Stephen Curry, Warriors
Kevin Durant, Thunder
Blake Griffin, Clippers
Kevin Love, Timberwolves


Joe Johnson?  What the hell.

Biggest snubs:

East: Andre Drummond, Lance Stephenson, Arron Afflalo, Kyle Lowry, Brandon Jennings

West: Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Goran Dragic, Mike Conley, Tim Duncan

Rising Stars aka Rookie-Sophomore Game Player Pool

The old Rookie-Sophomore game is now the Rising Stars Challenge (Ok.)  Here are the 18 players who were selected to play.

Sophomores:
Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Hornets
Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
Terrence Jones, Houston Rockets
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Jared Sullinger, Boston Celtics
Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto Raptors
Dion Waiters, Cleveland Cavaliers

Rookies:
Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Pero Antic, Atlanta Hawks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Trey Burke, Utah Jazz
Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
Tim Hardaway Jr., New York Knicks
Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics
Mason Plumlee, Brooklyn Nets


Wow, how bad is this rookie class?  Only 2 of the Top 10 picks from this draft were invited to play in this thing (Oladipo, 2 and Burke 9).  #1 pick Anthony Bennett?  He just scored in double-figures for the first time all season last night.  So, good for him.   Awful, awful draft.

The Good and Bad from the Royal Rumble

First WWE PPV of the year took place last night and there was plenty to like and perhaps even more not to like.  

Good:

Bray Wyatt vs Daniel Bryan was not good. It was great.  Seriously one of the best matches I've seen in awhile.  The great Pittsburgh crowd chanted "This Is Awesome" a few times and even "Holy Shit."

I love Bray and the world loves Bryan.  Their match was high paced and extremely entertaining. 

New Age Outlaws beat the Rhodes Brothers.  Let's see where this goes.  

Dean Ambose tried to eliminate Roman Reigns, who in turn bounced both Ambrose and Seth Rollins.   It was inevitable.  Also interested to see where this goes.   

Reigns sets a record by eliminating 12 dudes from the Rumble.  Finished 2nd. 

Brock Lesnar picked up the Big Show and hit him with a chair 188,755,992 times.   What did you expect from this one?  I'll take it. 

Kevin Nash was a surprise entrant. 

Wyatt Family interrupts Orton-Cena. 

Antonio Cesaro did that spin thing a few times.  Don't hate it. 

Bad:

John Cena vs Randy Orton, snore.  NO ONE CARES!

Rey Mysterio at #30 was anti-climatic to put it nicely.  

Even though they wrestled earlier not having Daniel Bryan, Bray Wyatt, John Cena, Brock Lesnar in the Rumble is a missed opportunity.  

Everything after Bryan-Bray looked like it was in slow-motion.  

Batista

Batista winning would have been "ok" if he was a surprise entrant.  He was awful.  And if its Batista vs Orton at Mania I have no use.   (It can't be.)

Sheamus is back, don't care.  

Top 10 Favorite Boston Athletes

1. Paul Pierce

2. Ty Law

3. Randy Moss

4. Ellis Burks

5. Dee Brown

6. Lawyer Milloy

7. Manny Ramirez

8. Bill Guerin

9. Carl Everett 

10. Shea Hillenbrand

NBA All-Star Starters

The NBA announced the starters for next month's All-Star game down in New Orleans.

Eastern Conference:
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
LeBron James, Miami Heat

Western Conference:
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves


Nice job by the fans getting Kobe in there.  Great 6 games he's played this year.

Reserves will be announced next week.  This will be the first time no Celtics make the team since the 2006-2007 season.

Team USA Basketball Roster Invitees

28 players have been selected for Team USA and from this group they will choose who represents the country at the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.  Here is the group.

• LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
• Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
• Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
• Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks
• DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
• Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
• Anthony Davis, New Orleans Hornets
• Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
• Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
• Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets
• Paul George, Indiana Pacers
• Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
• James Harden, Houston Rockets
• Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
• Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
• Andre Iguodala, Golden State Warriors
• Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
• LeBron James, Miami Heat
• Kyle Korver, Atlanta Hawks
• David Lee, Golden State Warriors
• Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
• Damian Lilliard, Portland Trail Blazers
• Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
• Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
• Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
• Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
• Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
• Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets

Grady Sizemore to the Red Sox

The Red Sox are reportedly set to sign OF Grady Sizemore to a big-league deal.  Sizemore is a 3-time All-Star, who has a 30-30 year on his resume and a pair of Gold Gloves. 

He also has not played in a major league baseball game since September 22, 2011.  So there's that. 

Really I posted this for two reasons.  I used to love Sizemore, awesome player from 2005-2008.  And I actually own this bobblehead.  Sweet piece of memorabilia from a game in Cleveland.  It's Surfin Sizemore!

The RKP's NBA Draft Lottery Big Board (1/21/14)

1. Jabari Parker (Duke, SF, freshmen, 6-8)
2. Joel Embiid (Kansas, C, freshmen, 7-0)
3. Andrew Wiggins (Kansas, SF, freshmen, 6-8)
4. Julius Randle (Kentucky, PF, freshmen, 6-9)
5. Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State, PG, sophomore, 6-4)
6. Dante Exum (Austrailia, G, 6-4)
7. Aaron Gordon (Arizona, PF, freshmen, 6-8)
8. Rodney Hood (Duke, SF, sophomore, 6-8)
9. Noah Vonleh (Indiana, PF, freshmen, 6-10)
10. Gary Harris (Michigan State, SG, sophomore, 6-4)
11. James Young (Kentucky, SF, freshmen, 6-7)
12. Jerami Grant (Syracuse, SF, sophomore, 6-8)
13. Dario Saric (Croatia, PF, 6-10)
14. T.J. Warren (N.C. State, SF, sophomore, 6-8)

RKP Upcoming Showtimes

Rich Keefe will be hosting The Adam Jones Show; Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week from 6-11pm on 98.5 The Sports Hub. 

Monday - 6-11pm (full ass program)

Tuesday - 6-7, Celtics-Heat, post game til 11. 

Wednesday - 6-6:30, Celtics-Wizards, post game til 11. 

How Soon Can I Get One Of These?

I'd waive my "don't wear a jersey of someone younger than you" rule for this guy. 

Championship Weekend Props Results

7-3-1... that's nothing to sneeze at. 

Less than 2 weeks from the greatest prop bet day of the year.  

NFL Conference Championship Games Picks and Props

Let's make a buck.  

Patriots (+4) vs. Broncos

Seahawks (-3) vs. Seahawks

OVER 56 (Pats-Broncos)

UNDER 40 (49ers-Seahawks)

OVER 72.5 rushing yards for BLOUNT

UNDER 62.5 receiving yards for WELKER

OVER 269.5 passing yards for BRADY

OVER 69.5 receiving yards for EDELMAN

OVER 82.5 receiving yards for D.Thomas

UNDER 2 false start penalties on 49ERS

Pats passing yards -99.5 vs Pats rushing yards

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

You Know What They Say About Big Helmets

Safety first.  You all saw Wes Welker's new look last week as he tries to protect his brain going forward.  It was an interesting look and we all expect him to wear that bad boy again this weekend against the Patriots.  If you missed it, check it out below.  But who pulls off the big boy helmet the best?

A.) Former Buffalo Bills S Mark Kelso

B.) New York Mets 3B David Wright

C.) Lord Dark Helmet

D.) The Great Gazoo

E.) Denver Broncos WR Wes Welker

All great choices.   It's a Who Wore It Better? (Giant Helmet Edition).  There really are no losers here.  I feel like John Olerud should be involved.   

Hockey Olympians by NHL Team

Anaheim Ducks (7):
Cam Fowler, D, USA
Ryan Getzlaf, F, Canada
Jonas Hiller, G, Switzerland
Corey Perry, F, Canada
Teemu Selanne, F, Finland
Jakob Silfervberg, F, Sweden
Sami Vatanen, D, Finland

Boston Bruins (5):
Zdeno Chara, D, Slovakia
Patrice Bergeron, F, Canada
Tuukka Rask, G, Finland
David Krejci, F, Czech Republic
Loui Eriksson, F, Sweden

Buffalo Sabres (4):
Ryan Miller, G, USA
Jhonas Enroth, G, Sweden
Zemgus Girgensons, F, Latvia
Henrik Tallinder, F, Sweden

Calgary Flames (2):
Reto Berra, G, Switzerland
Ladislav Smid, D, Czech Republic

Carolina Hurricanes (3):
Justin Faulk, D, USA
Tuomo Ruutu, F, Finland
Andrej Sekera, D, Slovakia

Chicago Blackhawks (10):
Patrick Kane, F, USA
Jonathan Toews, F, Canada
Patrick Sharp, F, Canada
Duncan Keith, D, Canada
Michal Handzus, F, Slovakia
Niklas Hjalmarsson, D, Sweden
Marian Hossa, F, Slovakia
Marcus Kruger, F, Sweden
Johnny Oduya, D, Sweden
Michal Rozsival, D, Czech Republic

Colorado Avalanche (4):
Paul Stastny, F, USA
Matt Duchene, F, Canada
Gabriel Landeskog, F, Sweden
Semyon Varlamov, G, Russia

Columbus Blue Jackets (5):
Artem Anisimov, F, Russia
Sergei Brobrovsky, G, Russia
Marian Gaborik, F, Slovakia
Nikita Nikiten, D, Russia
Fedor Tyutin, D, Russia

Dallas Stars (3):
Jamie Benn, F, Canada
Kari Lehtonen, G, Finland
Valeri Nichushkin, F, Russia

Detroit Red Wings (10):
Daniel Alfredsson, F, Sweden
Pavel Datsyuk, F, Russia
Johnathan Ericsson, D, Sweden
Johan Franzen, F, Sweden
Jonas Gustavsson, G, Sweden
Jimmy Howard, G, USA
Niklas Kronwall, D, Sweden
Tomas Tatar, F, Slovakia
Tomas Jurco, F, Slovakia
Henrik Zetterberg, F, Sweden

Edmonton Oilers (3):
Ales Hemsky, F, Czech Republic
Anton Belov, D, Russia
Martin Marincin, D, Slovakia

Florida Panthers (2):
Aleksander Barkov, F, Finland
Tomas Kopecky, F, Slovakia

Los Angeles Kings (6):
Dustin Brown, F, USA
Jeff Carter, F, Canada
Drew Doughty, D, Canada
Jonathan Quick, G, USA
Anze Kopitar, C, Slovenia
Slava Voynov, D, Russia

Minnesota Wild (5):
Zach Parise, F, USA
Ryan Suter, D, USA
Nino Niederreiter, F, Switzerland
Mikko Koivu, F, Finland
Mikeal Granlund, F, Finland

Montreal Canadiens (8):
Max Pacioretty, F, USA
Carey Price, G, Canada
P.K. Subban, D, Canada
Tomas Plekanic, F, Czech Republic
Andrei Markov, D, Russia
Alexei Emelin, D, Russia
Raphael Diaz, D, Switzerland
Peter Budaj, G, Slovakia

Nashville Predators (2):
Shea Weber, D, Canada
Roman Josi, D, Switzerland

New Jersey Devils (4):
Jaromir Jagr, F, Czech Republic
Patrick Elias, F, Czech Republic
Damien Brunner, F, Switzerland
Marek Zidlicky, D, Czech Republic

New York Islanders (4):
John Tavares, F, Canada
Thomas Vanek, F, Austria
Michael Grabner, F, Austria
Lubomir Visnovsky, D, Slovakia

New York Rangers (7):
Ryan Callahan, F, USA
Ryan McDonugh, D, USA
Henrik Lundqvist, G, Sweden
Rick Nash, F, Canada
Derek Stepan, F, USA
Carl Hagelin, F, Sweden
Mats Zuccarello, F, Norway

Ottawa Senators (2):
Milan Michalek, F, Czech Republic
Erik Karlsson, D, Sweden

Philadelphia Flyers (5):
Kimmon Timonen, D, Finland
Michael Raffl, F, Austria
Andrej Meszaros, D, Slovakia
Mark Streit, D, Switzerland
Jakub Voracek, F, Czech Republic

Phoenix Coyotes (5):
Mike Smith, G, Canada
Martin Hanzal, F, Czech Republic
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Sweden
Lauri Korpikoski, F, Finland
Zbynek Michalek, D, Czech Republic

Pittsburgh Penguins (7):
Sidney Crosby, F, Canada
Evgeni Malkin, F, Russia
Chris Kunitz, F, Canada
Paul Martin, D, USA
Brooks Orpik, D, USA
Jussi Jokinen, F, Finland
Olli Maatta, D, Finland

San Jose Sharks (4):
Patrick Marleau, F, Canada
Joe Pavelski, F, USA
Antti Niemi, G, Finland
Marc Edouard-Vlasic, D, Canada

St. Louis Blues (10):
David Backus, F, USA
T.J. Oshie, F, USA
Kevin Shattenkirk, D, USA
Alexander Steen, F, Sweden
Vladimir Tarasenko, F, Russia
Vladimir Sobotka, F, Czech Republic
Patrik Berglund, F, Sweden
Jay Bouwmeester, D, Canada
Jaroslav Halak, G, Slovakia
Alex Pietrangelo, D, Canada

Tampa Bay Lightning (6):
Steven Stamkos, F, Canada
Sami Salo, D, Finland
Richard Panik, F, Slovakia
Ondrej Palat, F, Czech Republic
Radko Gudas, F, Czech Republic
Valtteri Filppula, F, Finland

Toronto Maple Leafs (3):
Phil Kessel, F, USA
James van Riemsdyk, F, USA
Nikolai Kulemin, F, Russia

Vancouver Canucks (7):
Henrik Sedin, F, Sweden
Daniel Sedin, F, Sweden
Ryan Kesler, F, USA
Roberto Luongo, G, Canada
Yannick Weber, D, Switzerland
Dan Hamhuis, D, Canada
Alexander Edler, D, Sweden

Washington Capitals (3):
Alexander Ovechkin, F, Russia
Nicklas Backstrom, F, Sweden
John Carlson, D, USA

Winnipeg Jets (4):
Blake Wheeler, F, USA
Ondrej Pavelec, G, Czech Republic
Olli Jokinen, C, Finland
Michael Frolik, F, Czech Republic

Clark the Cub (via Deadspin)

The Chicago Cubs decided they needed a mascot after 1,000 losing seasons.  Something to really get the morale back. Clark the Cub was introduced and the folks at Deadspin wasted little time.  The picture above is all them.   I laugh every single time.  

I think it's the face that really does it for me, that or the hairy genitals. 

But apparently Deadspin readers weren't the only ones enjoying the picture.  Here's CSN's take...

http://youtu.be/fe6ExUFoCsk

Game of Thrones Season 4 Preview

Let's get these dragons going! I need more dragons, fire-breathing, high-flying dragons. The rest of the show is all well and good, but dragons, who listen to the hot queen, fantastic. Less than four months until Season 4.

Current Odds to Win Super Bowl

Seattle Seahawks (+190)

Denver Broncos (+200)

San Francisco 49ers (+300)

New England Patriots (+450)

Some good prices there.  The only team I don't see winning is the Broncos (so that alone gives them a good chance.)

NFC Championship is going to be a battle and a half.  If you feel strongly one way or another jump on that team this week, cause you won't get them + anything to win the Super Bowl. 

NFL Divisional Round Picks

Spread Picks:

Seahawks (-8)

Colts (+7.5)

49ers (-3)

Chargers (+9)

Straight Winners:

Seahawks over Saints

Patriots over Colts

49ers over Panthers

Chargers over Broncos

Football Hall of Fame Finalists

There are 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2014.  Here they are:

Morten Andersen 
Jerome Bettis 
Derrick Brooks 
Tim Brown 
Edward DeBartolo 
Tony Dungy 
Kevin Greene 
Charles Haley 
Marvin Harrison 
Walter Jones 
John Lynch 
Andre Reed 
Will Shields 
Michael Strahan 
Aeneas Williams

Brooks, Harrison, Jones, and Dungy are first-year eligible.  

I'd vote for...

Jerome Bettis

Derrick Brooks

Marvin Harrison

Walter Jones

John Lynch

Michael Strahan

Figuring out the voting here is a tricky endeavor.  Harrison is going to be a fascinating one, I'd put him in but I doubt he makes it, least this year.  

Mad Dog, Glavine, and The Big Hurt Headed to Hall

Three players will be in the Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2014. 

Greg Maddux

Tom Glavine

Frank Thomas

Craig Biggio received 74.8% of the vote, he needed 75%. 

Jack Morris missed on his last shot and Rafael Palmeiro was under 5% so he's off the ballot. 

The roid guys were not close. 

My (fake) ballot:

Greg Maddux

Barry Bonds

Roger Clemens

Tom Glavine

Frank Thomas

Jeff Bagwell

Sammy Sosa

Tim Raines

Mike Piazza

Curt Schilling

2014 Olympics: Russia Hockey Roster

Goalies:
Sergei Bobrovski, Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Alexander Yeryomenko, Dynamo Moscow (RUS)

Defensemen:
Anton Belov, Edmonton Oilers (NHL)
Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
Yevgeni Medvedev, Ak Bars Kazan (RUS)
Nikita Nikitin, Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Ilya Nikulin, Ak Bars Kazan (RUS)
Fyodor Tyutin, Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Vyacheslav Voinov, Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
Alexei Yemelin, Montreal Canadiens (NHL)

Forwards:
Artyom Anisimov, Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Denis Kokarev, Dynamo Moscow (RUS)
Ilya Kovalchuk, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS)
Nikolai Kulyomin, Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
Yevgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
Valeri Nichushkin, Dallas Stars (NHL)
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (NHL)
Andrei Popov, Avangard Omsk (RUS)
Alexander Radulov, CSKA Moscow (RUS)
Sergei Soin, Dynamo Moscow (RUS)
Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Alexei Tereshenko, Ak Bars Kazan (RUS)
Viktor Tikhonov, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS)

2014 Olympics: Canada Hockey Roster

Goalies:
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks
Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes

Defensemen:
Jay Bouwmeester, St. Louis Blues
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
Dan Hamhuis, Vancouver Canucks
Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks
Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues
P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens
Marc-Édouard Vlasic, San Jose Sharks
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

Forwards:
Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
***Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins***
Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche
Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
Chris Kunitz, Pittsburgh Penguins
Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Rick Nash, New York Rangers
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks
Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
John Tavares, New York Islanders
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

2014 Olympics: Slovakia Hockey Roster

Goalies:

Peter Budaj, Montreal Canadiens (NHL)

Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis Blues (NHL)

Jan Laco, Donbass Donetsk (UKR/KHL)

Defensemen:

Ivan Baranka, Avangard Omsk (RUS)

Dominik Granak, Dynamo Moscow (RUS)

***Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins (NHL)***

Martin Marincin, Edmonton Oilers (NHL)

Andrej Meszaros, Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)

Andrej Sekera, Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)

Michal Sersen, Slovan Bratislava (SVK/KHL)

Lubomir Visnovsky, New York Islanders (NHL)

 

Forwards:

Milan Bartovic, Slovan Bratislava (SVK/KHL)

Marian Gaborik, Columbus Bluejackets (NHL)

Michal Handzus, Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

Marcel Hossa, Dinamo Riga (LAT/KHL)

Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

Tomas Jurco, Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

Tomas Kopecky, Florida Panthers (NHL)

Tomas Marcinko, HC Kosice (SVK)

Michel Miklik, Slovan Bratislava (SVK/KHL)

Peter Ölvecky, Slovan Bratislava (SVK/KHL)

Richard Panik, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

Tomas Surovy, Dynamo Minsk (BLR/KHL)

Tomas Tatar, Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

Zaborsky, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (RUS)

2014 Olympics: Finland Hockey Roster

Goalies:
Kari Lehtonen, Dallas Stars
Antti Niemi, San Jose Sharks
***Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins***

Defensemen:

Lasse Kukkonen, Kärpät Oulu (FIN)
Juuso Hietanen, Torpedo Nizhni Novgorod (RUS)
Sami Lepistö, Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (RUS)
Olli Määttä, Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
Sami Salo, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
Ossi Väänänen, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)
Sami Vatanen, Anaheim Ducks (NHL)

Forwards:

Juhamatti Aaltonen, Kärpät Oulu (FIN)
Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers (NHL)
Valtteri Filppula, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Mikael Granlund, Minnesota Wild (NHL)
Jussi Jokinen, Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
Olli Jokinen, Winnipeg Jets (NHL)
Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild (NHL)
Leo Komarov, Dynamo Moscow (RUS)
Petri Kontiola, Traktor Chelyabinsk (RUS)
Lauri Korpikoski, Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)
Jori Lehterä, Sibir Novosibirsk (RUS)
Antti Pihlström, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (RUS)
Tuomo Ruutu, Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
Teemu Selänne, Anaheim Ducks (NHL) 

2014 Olympics: Austria, Norway & Latvia Hockey Rosters

Austria:

Goalies:

Bernhard Starkbaum, Brynäs Gävle (SWE)

René Swette, KAC Klagenfurt (AUT)

Fabian Weinhandl, KAC Klagenfurt (AUT)

 

Defensemen:

Mario Altmann, VSV Villach (AUT)

Florian Iberer, KAC Klagenfurt (AUT)

Andre Lakos, Vienna Capitals (AUT)

Robert Lukas, EHC Linz (AUT)

Thomas Pöck, KAC Klagenfurt (AUT)

Matthias Trattnig, Red Bull Salzburg (AUT)

Stefan Ulmer, HC Lugano (SUI)

Gerhard Unterluggauer, VSV Villach (AUT)

 

Forwards:

Michael Grabner, New York Islanders (NHL)

Raphael Herburger, EHC Biel (SUI)

Thomas Hundertpfund, Timrå IK (SWE)

Matthias Iberer, EHC Linz (AUT)

Thomas Koch, KAC Klagenfurt (AUT)

Andreas Kristler, Red Bull Salzburg (AUT)

Manuel Latusa, Red Bull Salzburg (AUT)

Brian Lebler, EHC Linz (AUT)

Daniel Oberkofler, EHC Linz (AUT)

Michael Raffl, Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)

Thomas Raffl, Red Bull Salzburg (AUT)

Oliver Setzinger, Lausanne HC (SUI)

Thomas Vanek, New York Islanders (NHL)

Daniel Welser, Red Bull Salzburg (AUT)

Norway:

Goalies:
Lars Haugen, Dinamo Minsk (BLR/KHL)

Lars Volden, Espoo Blues (FIN)

Steffen Søberg, Vålerenga Oslo (NOR)

 

Defensemen:

Alexander Bonsaksen, Vålerenga Oslo (NOR)

Jonas Holøs, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (RUS)

Henrik Solberg, Stavanger Oilers (NOR)

Daniel Sørvik, Vålerenga Oslo (NOR)

Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE)

Mats Trygg, Lørenskog (NOR)

Henrik Ødegaard, Missouri Mavericks (CHL)

 

Forwards:

Morten Ask, Vålerenga Oslo (NOR)

Anders Bastiansen, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE)

Robin Dahlstrøm, Örebro HK (SWE)

Kristian Forsberg, MODO Örnsköldsvik (SWE)

Mads Hansen, Storhamar Dragons (NOR)

Marius Holtet, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE)

Sondre Olden, Vålerenga Oslo (NOR)

Ken Andre Olimb, DEG Düsseldorf (GER)

Mathis Olimb, Frölunda Gothenburg (SWE)

Mats Rosseli Olsen, Frölunda Gothenburg (SWE)

Niklas Roest, BIK Karlskoga (SWE-2)

Martin Røymark, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE)

Per-Åge Skrøder, MODO Örnsköldsvik (SWE)

Patrick Thoresen, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS)

Mats Zuccarello, New York Rangers (NHL)

Latvia:

Goalies:

Kristers Gudlevskis, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
Edgars Masalskis, no club team Ervins Mustukovs, Esbjerg IK (DEN)

Defensemen:

Oskars Bartulis, Donbass Donetsk (UKR/KHL)
Ralfs Freibergs, Bowling Green State University (NCAA)
Arturs Kulda, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (RUS)
Sandis Ozolinsh, Dinamo Riga (LAT/KHL)
Georgijs Pujacs, Dinamo Riga (LAT/KHL)
Krisjanis Redlihs, Dinamo Riga (LAT/KHL)
Arvids Rekis, Dinamo Riga (LAT/KHL)
Kristaps Sotnieks, Dinamo Riga (LAT/KHL)

Forwards:

Armands Berzins, Beibarys Atyrau (KAZ)
Martins Cipulis, Dinamo Riga (LAT/KHL)
Lauris Darzins, no club team
Kaspars Daugavins, Genève-Servette HC (SUI)
Zemgus Girgensons, Bufalo Sabres (NHL)
Miks Indrasis, Dinamo Riga (LAT/KHL)
Koba Jass, Bili Tygri Liberec (CZE)
Martins Karsums, Dynamo Moscow (RUS)
Ronalds Kenins, ZSC Lions Zurich (SUI)
Vitalijs Pavlovs, Dinamo Riga (LAT/KHL)
Mikelis Redlihs, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (RUS)
Janis Sprukts, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (RUS)
Juris Stals, HK Poprad (SVK)
Herberts Vasiljevs, Krefeld Pinguine (GER)

2014 Olympics: Sweden Hockey Roster

Goalies:

Jhonas Enroth, Buffalo Sabres

Jonas Gustavsson, Detroit Red Wings

Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

 

Defensemen:

Alexander Edler, Vancouver Canucks

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Phoenix Coyotes

Jonathan Ericsson, Detroit Red Wings

Niklas Hjalmarsson, Chicago Blackhawks 

Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators

Niklas Kronwall, Detroit Red Wings

Johnny Oduya, Chicago Blackhawks

Henrik Tallinder, Buffalo Sabres

 

Forwards:

Daniel Alfredsson, Detroit Red Wings

Nicklas Bäckström, Washington Capitals 

Patrik Berglund, St. Louis Blues

Jimmie Ericsson, Skellefteå AIK (SWE)

***Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins***

Johan Franzén, Detroit Red Wings

Carl Hagelin, New York Rangers

Marcus Krüger, Chicago Blackhawks

Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche

Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

Jakob Silfverberg, Anaheim Ducks

Alexander Steen, St. Louis Blues

Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings

2014 Olympics: Slovenia & Switzerland Hockey Rosters

SLOVENIA:

Goalies:
Luka Gracnar, Red Bull Salzburg (AUT)
Andrej Hocevar, Epinal Dauphins (FRA)
Robert Kristan, HK Nitra (SVK)

Defensemen:
Blaz Gregorc, HC Pardubice (CZE)
Sabahudin Kovacevic, Sary-Arka Karaganda (KAZ/RUS2)
Ales Kranjc, Kölner Haie (GER)
Ziga Pavlin, IF Troja-Ljungby (SWE2)
Matic Podlipnik, Dukla Jihlava (CZE2)
Klemen Pretnar, VSV Villach (AUT)
Mitja Robar, Krefeld Pinguine (GER)
Andrelj Tavzelj, Rouen Dragons (FRA)

Forwards
Bostjan Golicic, Briançon Diables Rouges (FRA)
Ziga Jeglic, ERC Ingolstadt (GER)
Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
Anze Kuralt, Epinal Dauphins (FRA)
Jan Mursak, CSKA Moscow (RUS)
Ales Music, Olimpija Ljubljana (SLO)
Ziga Pance, Bolzano Foxes (ITA)
Tomaz Razingar, IF Troja-Ljungby (SWE2)
David Rodman, IK Oskarshamn (SWE2)
Marcel Rodman, Schwenninger ERC (GER)
Robert Sabolic, ERC Ingolstadt
Rok Ticar, Kölner Haie (GER)
Jan Urbas, Red Bull München (GER)
Miha Verlic, Olimpija Ljubljana (SLO)


SWITZERLAND:

Goalies:
Reto Berra Calgary Flames (NHL)
Jonas Hiller, Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Tobias Stephan, Genève-Servette HC (SUI)

Defensemen:
Severin Blindenbacher, ZSC Lions Zurich (SUI)
Rafael Diaz, Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
Philippe Furrer, SC Bern (SUI)
Roman Josi, Nashville Predators (NHL)
Mathias Seger, ZSC Lions Zurich (SUI)
Mark Streit, Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
Julien Vauclair, HC Lugano (SUI)
Yannick Weber, Vancouver Canucks (NHL)

Forwards:
Andres Ambühl, HC Davos (SUI)
Matthias Bieber, Kloten Flyers (SUI)
Simon Bodenmann, Kloten Flyers (SUI)
Damien Brunner, New Jersey Devils (NHL)
Luca Cunti, ZSC Lions Zurich (SUI)
Ryan Gardner, SC Bern (SUI)
Denis Hollenstein, Genève-Servette HC (SUI)
Simon Moser, Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)
Nino Niederreiter, Minnesota Wild (NHL)
Martin Plüss, SC Bern (SUI)
Kevin Romy, Genève-Servette HC (SUI)
Reto Suri, EV Zug (SUI)
Morris Trachsler, ZSC Lions Zurich (SUI)
Roman Wick, ZSC Lions Zurich (SUI)

2014 Olympics: Czech Republic Hockey Roster

Goalies
Jakub Kovar, Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (RUS)
Ondrej Pavelec, Winnipeg Jets (NHL)
Alexander Salak, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS)

Defensemen:
Michal Barinka, Vitkovice Ostrava (CZE)
Radko Gudas, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Tomas Kaberle, Rytiri Kladno (CZE)
Lukas Krajicek, Dynamo Minsk (BLR/KHL)
Zbynek Michalek, Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)
Michal Rozsival, Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Ladislav Smid, Calgary Flames (NHL)

Forwards:
Roman Cervenka, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS)
Patrik Elias, New Jersey Devils (NHL)
Michael Frolik, Winnipeg Jets (NHL)
Martin Hanzal, Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)
Ales Hemsky, Edmonton Oilers (NHL)
Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils (NHL)
***David Krejci, Boston Bruins (NHL)***
Milan Michalek, Ottawa Senators (NHL)
Petr Nedved, Bili Tygri Liberec (CZE)
Jiri Novotny, Lev Prague (CZE/KHL)
Ondrej Palat, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
Vladimir Sobotka, St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)

NFL Divisional Round Guide

Mini-Helmet Guide

Away Team on Left

Home Team on Right

From Left (kickoffs): 

Sat. 4:30, Sat. 8:00, Sun. 1:00, Sun. 4:30

Wild Card Weekend Picks

Chiefs

Eagles

Bengals

49ers 

Better late than never. 

2014 Olympics: Team USA Hockey Roster

Goalies:

Ryan Miller - Buffalo Sabres

Jonathan Quick - Los Angeles Kings

Jimmy Howard - Detroit Red Wings

Defensemen:

John Carlson - Washington Capitals

Justin Faulk - Carolina Hurricanes

Cam Fowler - Anaheim Ducks

Paul Martin - Pittsburgh Penguins

Ryan McDonagh - New York Rangers

Brooks Orpik - Pittsburgh Penguins

Kevin Shattenkirk - St. Louis Blues

Ryan Suter - Minnesota Wild

Forwards:

David Backes - St. Louis Blues

Dustin Brown - Los Angeles Kings

Ryan Callahan - New York Rangers

Patrick Kane - Chicago Blackhawks

Ryan Kesler - Vancouver Canucks

Phil Kessel - Toronto Maple Leafs

T.J. Oshie - St. Louis Blues

Max Pacioretty - Montreal Canadiens

Zach Parise - Minnesota Wild

Joe Pavelski - San Jose Sharks

Paul Stastny - Colorado Avalanche

Derek Stepan - New York Rangers

James van Riemsdyk - Toronto Maple Leafs

Blake Wheeler - Winnipeg Jets

Omissions/ Possible Injury Replacements:

Bobby Ryan

Jack Johnson

Keith Yandle

Brandon Saad

Jason Pommenville

The Ideal 30-Man Lineup For This Month's Royal Rumble

Looks like John Cena and Randy Orton will be squaring off for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the Royal Rumble (Sunday, January 26).   It doesn't mean they can't be in the Rumble, but for the purposes here I am going to keep them out.

One of the best parts of the Rumble every year is the old dudes they trot back out there.  (Diesel and Booker T got the loudest ovations a few year's back when I was at the event in Boston.)  So, I throw in a couple of old-school guys with the current-school (?) guys and see if we can get the 30 most deserving/ entertaining wrestlers going... This is my wish list, as of now.  And not the order they'd enter, I don't care who comes in when...

1. CM Punk
2. Daniel Bryan
3. Bray Wyatt
4. Luke Harper
5. Erick Rowan
6. Dean Ambrose
7. Seth Rollins
8. Roman Reigns
9. Goldust
10. Cody Rhodes
11. Dolph Ziggler
12. Big E Langston
13. Damien Sandow
14. Big Show
15. Ryback
16. Mark Henry
17. Rey Mysterio
18. Kofi Kingston
19. Brodus Clay
20. Antonio Cesaro
21. Kane
22. Batista
23. Brock Lesnar
24. Triple H
25. Chris Jericho
26. Sheamus
27. Alberto Del Rio
28. Bo Dallas
29. Shawn Michaels
30. Vince McMahon

Boom. Best 30-man Rumble money could pay for.  No need to trot out the likes of The Miz, Jack Swagger, Wade Barrett, or Curtis Axel.  I'll pass on those scrubs.