pln 3 2-8-10

PLN 3

Reading and watching the continued coverage of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti is overwhelming. It is difficult to imagine that this type of destruction and immediate need for aid would be necessary in 2010. It seems as if the country of Haiti was transported back to a time thousands of years ago when there were no accepted ways of construction or an organized social structure that has become so common place today. It is heartbreaking to learn of entire families killed in one catastrophic event that lasted only a few seconds. The outpouring of support and donations is amazing – but it seems like it will not be enough to help all the people in desperate need. There are over 1,000,000 people that are homeless. How can one country deal with such a tragedy? There is good that can come out of a tragedy such as this; a unifying of nations to bring relief to Haiti and a chance to rebuild a nation that was considered one of the poorest in the world. Sadly it seems like the earthquake is quickly fading from the mind of the public. Our attention span as Americans continues to get shorter and shorter. Let’s hope this does not diminish the opportunity to make our world better through such a tragic event.

pln 26

There is a good chance that the 2009-2010 season will be the last in New York for the New York Islanders hockey club. With a dismal record, poor attendance, an outdated coliseum and a devalued organization, the time is ripe for this storied franchise to relocate to another city. There are many options including Kansas City, which has recently completed a state-of-the-art arena to attract an NHL team like the Islanders. Several cities in Canada, including Quebec City are trying to recapture an NHL team since the departure of several teams in the 1990’s. Although it makes sense on several levels to move the Islanders, it would be a sad day in hockey. The Islanders are one of only four teams in professional sports to ever win four consecutive championships. Their dynasty in the 1980’s generated tremendous interest in hockey throughout the United States. Here’s hoping that this once great franchise can quickly turn around a bad situation and remain in New York for years to come.

pln 25

Could there be a worse team in professional sports than the New Jersey Nets? With an 0-18 record, they just set an NBA record for the worst start in the history of the league. Although they have won two games since their awful start, they are on pace to break the NBA season record for futility, which is held by the 1972-1973 Philadelphia 76ers who won a total of nine games. Although it is not kind to root for a team to lose, it would be fun to see the New Jersey Nets break this infamous record.

pln 24

There are now two undefeated teams in the National Football League; the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. This is the first time in the history of the NFL that there have been two undefeated NFL teams through twelve weeks of play. If both teams remain undefeated in the regular season and are able to reach the Super Bowl, this would become the greatest storyline in the history of the NFL. The interest in a Super Bowl pitting two undefeated teams would be at an all time high. This would generate incredible interest all over the world. It would make advertising a premium, which would make the commercials even better than usual. True fans of the NFL are rooting for this epic battle to happen in Super Bowl 44.

pln 23

When people talk about the top NHL goaltenders, they think of Martin Brodeur, Miikka Kiprusoff and Roberto Luongo. This year, another goaltender should be added to that list; Craig Anderson of the Colorado Avalanche. Craig Anderson has started the season on a tear, leading the league in shots faced and near the top in save percentage and goals-against average. The best news is that the Avalanche was able to sign Craig Anderson as a free agent, not costing the team any draft picks or players. As any hockey fan knows, a great goaltender is essential if your team wants to compete for a Stanley Cup. The addition of Craig Anderson makes the Avalanche a team to watch closely as they make a run towards the playoffs.

pln 21

Today I woke up and read the very depressing news that the top goal scorer for the Colorado Avalanche, David Jones tore his ACL. He will miss the remainder of the 2009-2010 NHL season. This is a huge loss for an Avalanche team that is making a run at another Stanley Cup. In order for the Avalanche to continue as one of the best teams in hockey, many young players, including rookies like Matt Duschene and Ryan O’Reilly will need to step in to fill the void left by David Jones injury. If they can make the difficult transition to the fast pace and hard hitting of the NHL, the Avalanche will be a strong contender for the Stanley Cup in 2010.

pln 20

The Colorado Avalanche have jumped out to an incredible start to the 2009-2010 NHL season. They have set three new team records including the best record to start the season. The previous record for best start was held by the 1995-1996 Avalanche team that won the Stanley Cup in a four game sweep of the Florida Panthers. This is a great sign for the Avalanche who have not won a Stanley Cup since 2001. The great start has more people excited about professional hockey in Denver and hoping for another Stanley Cup.