All-Star Sunday

It was a busy Sunday for the production crew of NBC, because of two events: the NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa, and the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii. The 'Peacock Network' aired the Pro Bowl on primetime, while its cable-exclusive relative NBC Sports Network aired the NHL All-Star Game in the late afternoon. 

In the NHL All-Star Game, Team Chara had the last laugh. After Team Alfredsson won the SuperSkills Competition the other day, Team Chara returned the favor with a 12-9 victory at Scotiabank Place. New York Rangers forward Marian Gaborik was named MVP of the All-Star Game, scoring two goals off teammate Henrik Lundqvist, and then finished with a hat-trick and and assist. Tim Thomas earned a win in his fourth straight All-Star Game, while Brian Elliott earned the loss. 

Marian Gaborik with the All-Star Game MVP trophy in the
2012 NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa.

In the NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu's Aloha Stadium, the AFC defeated the NFC 59-41, in one of the highest-scoring Pro Bowls ever. The absence of the Patriots and Giants (who made their way to Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI) didn't affect the game's quality. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall was named the game's MVP, with four touchdown catches during the game. The AFC set a new Pro Bowl record for most points by one team in a game.

Brandon Marshall with the Pro Bowl MVP trophy in the
2012 NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii.

The NBA All-Star Game is almost a month from now. Have you voted? Today is the last day of voting for your favorite NBA superstars. Log on to NBA.com to vote. 

Z, I Did It Again

At the NHL SuperSkills Competition held at the Scotiabank Place in the Canadian capital of Ottawa, ex-Senator and now Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara did it again. The 6'9'' defenseman has been the Hardest Shot champion for four straight years, and in his fifth appearance, he once again broke his own record, clocking in 108.8 mph on his slapshot, easily besting the 105.9 he set at Raleigh's RBC Center last year. 

Zdeno Chara's record-breaking slapshot in the NHL Hardest Shot
competition at the Scotiabank Place, Ottawa on January 28, 2012.

Though Daniel Alfredsson's team won on points, Team Chara still made it a meaningful evening for them, when Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane won the Breakaway Challenge with a nod to Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, using the Superman cape to win the fan's votes. With Alexander Ovechkin not participating at his request, the Breakaway Challenge saw a new champion crowned after Ovi won the first three editions.

Patrick Kane with his Superman cape and Clark Kent glasses
that won him the Breakaway Challenge.

Team Alfredsson's victories came at the Fastest Skater challenge (Carl Hagelin), the Skills Challenge Relay, and the Elimination Shootout (Steven Stamkos). Team Chara's other victory was courtesy of the Accuracy Shootout (Jamie Benn).

The NHL All-Star Game is later today at 4:00 p.m. EST on the NBC Sports Network. Despite the absences of Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, there is indeed enough star power to make this All-Star Game a meaningful one.

Oldies But Goodies: The Oldest American Stadiums

In recent years, aging American stadiums have been replaced by newer, modern ones, equipped with plush seating, luxury boxes and club seats, as well as modern conveniences such as wifi connection, elevators and escalators, and digital ad placements. However, there are still the granddaddies of them all: the classic stadiums that have stood the test of time.

We look at some of America's old stadiums that are still going strong despite their age.

Fenway Park - Opened 1912

Boston's most cherished sports venue is entering its 100th year. Despite efforts to replace the ballpark, loyal and traditional Red Sox fans refuse to leave Fenway Park behind. Thanks to the efforts of owners John Henry and Tom Werner, the park was gradually modernized to keep up with the changing times. Seats were added at the infamous Green Monster, new HD scoreboard were placed, luxury boxes and club seats were introduced, and some aging wooden seats were replaced by more comfortable padded foam seats. The most traditional reminder is that the manual scoreboard is still operational. The Red Sox won six World Series titles while playing at Fenway, and has endured 'The Curse of the Bambino', among others. Home games at the park has been sold out consistently since 2003.

Wrigley Field - Opened 1914

The oldest National League ballpark, Wrigley Field has yet to witness a World Series championship. The Cubs have been afflicted with a curse that doesn't seem to go away, having been without a World Series title since 1908. Wrigley is known for its ivy-filled walls that cushion the impact of players catching fly balls while colliding to this wall. Like Fenway Park, Wrigley Field's scoreboard is operated manually. Other features include rooftop seats, the classic red marquee on the entrance, and the advantage of winds which may affect either pitching or hitting.

Lambeau Field - Opened 1957

Now why not Soldier Field? Chicago's football stadium opened in 1924, but the Bears didn't make it their home until 1971. Lambeau, on the other hand, has been the Green Bay Packers' fortress since it opened in 1957. The field has been unique because it was constructed and later renovated using only the taxes that the citizens of Green Bay have been paying. The field is also known by the nickname 'Titletown USA', after the Packers' four Super Bowl victories. The field has also been said to be advantageous for the Packers during winter playoff games, in which the snowy turf mixed with mud would prove to be a hindrance for opponents.

Madison Square Garden - Opened 1968

The 'World's Most Famous Arena' is the fourth incarnation of MSG, which first opened in 1879. The oldest active arena in both the NHL and NBA, the Garden has become one of the most iconic buildings in New York City, due to its storied history of holding the most memorable sports events, concerts, and political and religious conventions. The Garden is currently being renovated and modernized to keep up with the evolving modernization of sports arenas, which is expected to finish by 2014. 

These storied icons have become a part of American sports culture. If you think they should be replaced, think again. As long as they continue to fill the cravings of a sports-crazy American, then they'll be standing tall for years to come. 

Father Meets Son

In honor of the recent signing of Prince Fielder to his father Cecil's former team, the Detroit Tigers, we look back at father-and-son combos who were employed for the same team, whether together or in different periods.

Baseball

Bobby and Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants

Felipe and Moises Alou, San Francisco Giants

Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr., Seattle Mariners

Cal Ripken Jr. and Cal Ripken Sr., Baltimore Orioles

Tony Gwynn Sr. and Tony Gwynn Jr., San Diego Padres

Basketball

Rick and Jon Barry, Golden State Warriors

Rick, Jon and Brent Barry, Houston Rockets

Henry and Mike Bibby, New York Knicks

Ron and Ronnie Brewer, Chicago Bulls

John Lucas II and John Lucas III, Houston Rockets

Mike Dunleavy Sr. and Mike Dunleavy Jr., Milwaukee Bucks

Ice Hockey

Mark, Gordie and Marty Howe, Hartford Whalers

Emile and Pierre Bouchard, Montreal Canadiens

Scotty and Stan Bowman, Chicago Blackhawks

Bill and Kevin Dineen, Philadelphia Flyers

Ken Hodge Sr. and Ken Hodge Jr., Boston Bruins

Peter and Paul Stastny, Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise

A son following the footsteps of a father is a good thing, but playing for one of his father's former teams is quite honorary and distinctive. For Prince Fielder, equaling, if not surpassing, his father Cecil's accomplishments in Detroit is a challenge that is hard to resist. Winning a World Series title is an even bigger task. Oh well, good luck for Prince and his Detroit career. 

Concussion City

A concussion epidemic has been spreading like a virus in the NHL, and Philadelphia seems to be the most affected by the storm. Seven of their players have been diagnosed with concussions, which is uncharacteristic for a team valued for its physical ferocity since the 1970s Broad Street Bullies era. 

The concussion awareness alert started with Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby. At the 2011 Winter Classic in Pittsburgh's Heinz Field, Crosby took a hit in the head by then-Capital David Steckel. On January 5, he was hit again, this time by Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman, ruling him out for the season. He made it back on the ice 10 months later, only to not suit up again after eight games. Crosby's on-ice popularity has raised awareness towards the concussion, which also hit numerous other NHL players. And no one was hit the hardest than the Flyers.

Seven players in the orange and black sweater have been diagnosed with a concussion: Chris Pronger, James van Riemsdyk, Claude Giroux, Matt Read, Ian Laperriere, and Brayden Schenn. Pronger has yet to play this season, but the captain has been ruled out for good. Even before that, the Flyers have been embroiled in a controversy involving former player Eric Lindros, whose tenure with the Flyers abruptly ended not only by a series of concussions, but also in a word war with then-GM Bobby Clarke. 

The defending champion Boston Bruins weren't spared either. Marc Savard suffered a concussion on March 5, 2010 when Penguins player Matt Cooke hit him hard on the boards. Savard did return in the playoffs, scoring a game-winning OT goal in Game 1 of the semifinals against the Flyers. He played another 25 games in the 2010-11 season before suffering another concussion at Denver on January 22. Savard has never played since, missing out on the team's Stanley Cup title run in 2011. Nathan Horton suffered a concussion of his own after a hit by the Canucks' Aaron Rome in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Horton ultimately survived this episode.

Several other players have been hit by concussions before, and despite the NHL's best efforts to revise the rules involving hits to the head, the concussion epidemic may continue for a long while. For now, the league needs to review even further, and hope they raise further awareness regarding the situation. 

Enter the Dragon

As the Chinese calendar turns from rabbit to dragon on January 23, why don't we look at some of the my favorite dragons in pop culture.

Dragon Tales, a children's TV program.

Dratini, Dragonair and Dragonite from the Pokemon series.
I didn't include Charizard for he's more of a flying lizard than a dragon.

Sheron, an eternal wishing dragon from the Dragon Ball manga.

Stuff the Magic Dragon of the NBA's Orlando Magic

Dungeons and Dragons role playing game, featuring various dragons.

On January 23, the Chinese people all over the world will turn their calendar from rabbit to dragon. 2012 will be known as the 'Year of the Water Dragon', and if you're lucky to be born in the Year of the Dragon, all signs point to prosperity and promise for the future. 

Kung Hei Fat Choi, everyone!!! Happy Chinese New Year. 

The Road to Indianapolis

The NFL playoffs has reached the conference championship, with the AFC and NFC champions facing off in Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium in two weeks' time. But before all the fireworks, we look at the four teams participating in their respective conference championships.

AFC Championship

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

The Patriots have owned the Ravens all-time (6-1), but their lone playoff meeting saw the Ravens win 33-14 in the 2009 Wild Card playoff at Gillette Stadium. This time, the stakes are higher with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Once again, the Patriots will rely on their experienced QB Tom Brady and improving tight end combination of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. However, they are about to face one of the NFL'S stingiest defenses led by Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. At the other end, Joe Flacco is hoping to take advantage of the porous Patriot defense and find receivers such as Ray Rice, while Matt Light, Rob Ninkovich and Vince Wilfork are hoping to stop Flacco and Rice's every move.

NFC Championship

New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

Not since Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Bill Walsh's glory days has 49ers fans see a lot of heightened playoff excitement in Candlestick Park. The Giants and 49ers are meeting for the eighth time in the playoffs, with the 49ers leading 4-3 all-time. And rightfully so, having toppled two of the NFL's most prolific offenses and the past two Super Bowl champions in the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints, respectively. Again this will be an offense-defense matchup. The Giants will rely offensively on Eli Manning, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, and defensively on Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck, while the 49ers will play their offensive cards on Alex Smith, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, while the defense will rely on Carlos Rogers and Justin Smith.

A lot of storylines will occur in the upcoming Super Bowl XLVI. Will it be a 'Harbaugh Bowl', a Super Bowl XLII rematch, or the first Super Bowl meetings between the Patriots and 49ers or the Ravens and Giants? We'll find out as kickoff dawns this Sunday, with the Super Bowl trip on the line.

The Harbaugh Bowl

This year's NFL postseason features two coaching brothers leading their teams deep into the playoffs. John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Orioles, and his younger brother Jim of the San Francisco 49ers, have led their teams to their respective conference championships, which envisions the possibility of the first Super Bowl involving two brothers in the coaching ranks.

Jim Harbaugh, left, and brother John, right, before a game between the
49ers and Ravens at M&T Bank Park on November 24, 2011

The elder Harbaugh has been the coach of the Ravens since 2008, and have led the team to the playoffs in all of his four seasons. The younger Harbaugh is in his first season with the 49ers, and is credited to turning the team's fortunes around as well as sticking through embattled quarterback Alex Smith. This year, both brothers made the playoffs, earning first-round byes in the process. 

On November 24, the Harbaughs faced off for the first time when the 49ers visited the Ravens at M&T Bank Park on Thanksgiving. The Ravens won, 16-6, in a low-scoring game that demonstrated the coaches' defensive-minded approach.

Last Saturday, Jim's 49ers overcame two late-game deficits against the New Orleans Saints to win 36-32, highlighted by Alex Smith's game winning touchdown pass to Vernon Davis, in what was later dubbed in San Francisco sports lore as 'The Grab.' John's Ravens played the next day against the Houston Texans, with Baltimore winning 20-13. It was the brothers' first NFL playoff wins as coaches, though Jim won it in his first playoff game; John won in his fourth. 

While the Harbaughs have made their mark as coaches, Jim actually has a more extensive NFL experience than John, having played 14 seasons as an NFL quarterback with the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers, earning All-Pro honors in 1995. John began his odyssey as a college football assistant for various universities before being hired by the Philadelphia Eagles to be their special teams coordinator and later defensive backs coach, roles he held from 1998-2007. Jim also served as a college football assistant with Western Kentucky University under his father Jack during his final seven NFL seasons, before briefly serving as a quarterback coach for the Oakland Raiders from 2002-03.  He then coached the University of San Diego for three seasons, then at Stanford for four seasons, before landing his first NFL head coaching gig with the 49ers. 

Their biggest test as coaches will come next week, as they face two Super Bowl-winning veterans in Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin, respectively. The Harbaugh family will be in Foxboro and San Francisco, respectively, to cheer for the NFL's coaching brothers. If both prevail, then we may as well rename Super Bowl XLVI into the 'Harbaugh Bowl.' 

Animals in Pro Sports (Part 2)

Every professional sports team has a monicker to identify with. So I decided to do teams with animal names first because they seem to be easily identifiable.

6. Underwater Animals

San Jose Sharks

Miami Dolphins

Miami Marlins

Tampa Bay Rays

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks' logo since 1997 has been a whale coming out of a 'C' hence its inclusion. These creatures' distinct features include gills (except for dolphins and whales), fins and tails used for swimming. Such characteristics enable them to live underwater their entire lives, hence the 'cool colors' featured in each of these logos such as teal, green and blue. 

7. Beasts of Burden

Chicago Bulls

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Sabres

St. Louis Rams

Milwaukee Bucks

Dallas Mavericks

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

In the case of the Mavericks and Texans, their representations of a horse and a bull, respectively, are meant to be synonymous with Texas's ranching industry. These animals, whether wild or domestic, are the only ones with hooves which aids them in either walking, running or even climbing in some species. In the case of the Rams, Bucks, Bulls, Bills, Sabres and Texans, a horn/antler signifies defense and protection against opponents, which is also an intimidation factor to say the least.

8. Reptiles

Arizona Diamondbacks

Toronto Raptors

The reptiles first evolved from fish during the Mesozoic period, most of them as gigantic creatures known as dinosaurs. They became extinct towards the end, but some smaller species remain. Their characteristics include rough scales and cold-blooded demeanor. 

9. Insects

New Orleans Hornets

The only team represented with an insect is the New Orleans Hornets. Insects have three distinct body parts: the head, thorax and abdomen. Some also have stinging mechanisms, antennae, scaly wings and compound eyes.

In our next installment, we look at teams with a patriotic theme.

Animals in Pro Sports (Part 1)

Every professional sports team has a monicker to identify with. So I decided to do teams with animal names first because they seem to be easily identifiable.

1. Bears

Chicago Bears

Chicago Cubs

Boston Bruins

Memphis Grizzlies

Menacing and fierce, the bear roams the North American forests and mountains. When cornered, they will attack without warning. Bears also hold mythical significance in fairy tales and in children's stories. In sports, however, a team named after a bear signifies intimidation and fear to others, although you may ask the Cubs' 108-year World Series drought or the Bears' only Super Bowl win in 1985, in which you may say, 'they're big, but slow.'

2. Wild Cats

Detroit Lions

Detroit Tigers

Carolina Panthers

Florida Panthers

Jacksonville Jaguars

Charlotte Bobcats

Minnesota Wild

Cincinnati Bengals

Nashville Predators

A cat has nine lives, hence the nine teams named after cats. In the case of the Predators and Wild, they don't necessarily belong here, but because their logo evokes the shape of a cat's head, they belong in the discussion. Dangerous and intimidating, these wild cats are hunters whose eyes spell danger to other animals. These animals have whiskers that are excellent prey detectors, and their strong teeth aid themselves in hunting prey.

3. Wild Dogs

Minnesota Timberwolves

Phoenix Coyotes

Only a few species of wild dogs exists around the world, hence the lack of professional dog teams in the U.S. and Canada. A dog, when cornered, signals a bark or a howl as a means of protections. They have a keen sense of smell, and in the case of wild dogs, are fierce hunters in groups. 

4. Birds of Prey

Philadelphia Eagles

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Falcons

Seattle Seahawks

These birds are capable of hunting, thanks to their strong talons and bills that are specific to the job. I did not include the Chicago Blackhawks because the team was named after a Native American named Chief Black Hawk, hence the Native American head logo.

5. Other Birds

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Orioles

Pittsburgh Penguins

Arizona Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals

Toronto Blue Jays

Anaheim Ducks

They may not be as intimidating as the birds of prey, but they surely don't lack in fighting spirit. They are either a source of local or national pride, or a source of curiosity. The Ducks were named after a 90s sports movie, while the Penguins were named after their former arena the Civic Arena, which is nicknamed The Igloo. The Cardinals of Arizona and St. Louis formerly belonged to the same owner back in the 1920s.

We look at other teams with animal names in the next installment. 

The Quarterback Wars

The NFL playoffs reach a boiling point, as the top two teams in the NFC and AFC will finally see action in the divisional playoffs. The focus of attention will be the quarterback wars, wherein three playoff-tested vets face off against three rising quarterbacks with something to prove, and, in the case of Texans and Ravens, two young QBs with a chance to enhance their reputations.

Aaron Rodgers vs. Eli Manning

Packers vs. Giants

Both have won Super Bowl rings and MVP honors, and have two Pro Bowl selections on their belt. Manning has started seven playoff games for the Giants, while Rodgers has started five. While Manning played more games than Rodgers, he has never been named to the All-Pro team, something that Rodgers had earned this year. Rodgers is also the league leader in passer rating, which makes him difficult to intercept or sack, and also led the league in TD passes. Manning also has the tendency to throw long passes; his favorite targets include Victor Cruz, DJ Ware and Brandon Jacobs, and is known for game-winning drives and comebacks. Their reputations may well be enhanced with a win.

Tom Brady vs. Tim Tebow

Patriots vs. Broncos

Tebowmania caught fire around the world in 2011, thanks to Tebow's comeback wins and a pose that has grown into a fad. In Tebow's playoff debut he did it again, leading the Broncos to a comeback win over the Steelers in the AFC wildcard playoffs. But in this matchup experience will be the key, as Brady, already three Super Bowl rings richer and two MVPs to boot, has shown a quiet but effective job of leading the Patriots to consistent wins. Plus he has logged a lot of playoff minutes, passing yards and touchdowns. It will take a miracle for Tebow to beat Brady and the AFC top seed Patriots in their divisional playoff series.

Joe Flacco vs. T.J. Yates

Ravens vs. Texans

Both are young quarterbacks with something to prove. Flacco has appeared in seven playoff games for the Ravens, while Yates, a late-bloomer due to injuries to Matt Leinart and Matt Schaub, has only one game logged. The Texans as a team have something to prove as well, that their playoff debuting victory over the Bengals is no fluke. But they face the Ravens who have been playoff regulars the last three years, and have a deeply experienced roster to boot. Flacco now has a chance to extend his own streak of winning a playoff game in each of his appearances, while Yates seek to lead the Texans to unchartered waters. 

Alex Smith vs. Drew Brees

49ers vs. Saints

Again this will be a matchup of experience against youth. Smith is making his playoff debut, while Brees has been a Super Bowl winner with the Saints. Both teams end up 13-3 at the end of the season, but the 49ers finished with a first-round bye based on the conference record. Smith had been a struggling QB prior to the hiring of Jim Harbaugh, but his ascension to an elite QB has helped the 49ers. But in the playoffs he may have a hard time leading the defense-focused 49ers to victory over the offensive attack of the Saints, with which they set numerous offensive records during the season. 

The divisional playoffs get underway this weekend, and the winners of each series advance to the conference championship games, where the winners will then advance to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5.