It’s been a crazy day. Especially if you’re a big time baseball fan. Finally, the Roger Clemens versus Brian McNamee circus took their act to the nation’s capital to plead their cases in front of Congress.

Just from what I gathered listening to testimony given by both the Rocket and his former trainer as they were peppered with questions by Senators who should have been more preoccupied with much more important issues instead of wasting their time, it became clear that both Clemens and McNamee were caught in blatant lies. Even my brother Justin could be heard laughing at how pathetic these two clowns came off.

It’s hard to comprehend how poorly each of the former best buddies a decade prior looked during a lengthy process which made it feel like kindergarten. It was just flat out embarrassing.

Listening to politicians work over the pathetic duo didn’t help much. Here were Democrats going very hard at Clemens attacking his lack of consistency in his deposition and what he told Mike Wallace in a 60 Minutes interview about meeting former Senator George Mitchell to help clear his name from the notable Mitchell Report. What was the real truth here? Roger didn’t know that his name came up or the terrible legal advice he got.

Meanwhile, Republicans went after McNamee basically making the former trainer admit under oath lie after lie. How the heck was that supposed to help their case against Clemens? They didn’t give any preferential treatment to the former seven-time Cy Young winner nor McNamee.

Editor’s Note: It felt like a real court room. Something I’m actually familiar with as I once had the high duty of announcing a verdict on some very serious charges two and a half years ago. In case you’re wondering, we found the defendant not guilty of everything and that’s as far as it goes.

I also didn’t understand why Clemens felt compelled to explain his upbringing. Come on Roger! Nobody cares what you did as a kid and how you were raised. Even if he was trying to win over the court room, it wasn’t time for an autobiography.

One thing which troubles me is the evidence Mr. McNamee submitted. Let’s be frank. Who the heck keeps old needles, etc dating back 9-10 years?!?!?!?!?! That is a joke. That evidence just won’t hold up in court as I know all too well from experience.

You can freaking cut yourself and then take the blood from a cotton ball and submit it as physical evidence. Do you know how moronic that sounds?

Unless there’s legitimate proof, it’s all speculation. When McNamee basically admitted as such about whether he injected Clemens with Human Growth Hormone (HGH) or B12, it weakened their case. Unless it’s proven fact and not general opinion, there’s reasonable doubt.

What’s particularly damaging to Clemens is that former buddy and Yankee teammate Andy Pettite testified during a deposition that they used performance enhancers. Former Yankee second baseman Chuck Knoblauch also supported that claim.

When Roger said that Pettite “misheard or misremembers,” it didn’t strengthen his case.

One other disturbing thing from this mockery. How can McNamee answer that he didn’t have a deal on the side for testifying under oath about what he knew regarding steroids? That’s the biggest load of crap IMHO. Sure you didn’t.

What’s easy to conclude from this drawn out process is that both Clemens and McNamee are liars and should face the consequences.

I really don’t know what more to think. It’s just a very sad situation. I realize the Player’s Association (MLBPA) has taken some well deserved criticism for how uncooperative they were when it came to instituting a stiffer anti-drug policy during the Juiced Era Error but that doesn’t explain how Major League Baseball (MLB) basically turned a blind eye to what was going on. The same media who are so critical now never uttered a word either. Record attendances were set and home run records were smashed.

You can’t just pin this on the players. It’s kind of like how you couldn’t just blame the union for the record NHL lockout a few years back with the cancellation of the 2004-05 season. We all know how that’s turned out with owners handing out insane long-term record deals and raising ticket prices.

It’s all about the mighty buck. The sooner you realize that, the better off you’ll fully grasp everything which is wrong with sports.

I love following sports. Especially baseball. But I got to be honest about something. I get more enjoyment out of covering first and second year pros out here in Staten Island during the summer. There’s plenty of reason$. Plus the players who are just drafted are very receptive when it comes to interviews, features, etc. It’s the same reason I love these high school games I score. Because you can see the enthusiasm and joy on all the players and coaches’ faces. Somewhere, that gets lost.

To myself, baseball has been ruined. I highly doubt it will ever be the same no matter what rules they have in place. That has nothing to do with steroids and everything to do with the cost. I remember a time when it was fun to go to a Yankee game and be able to spend a reasonable amount of money while enjoying the game with real fans.

Unfortunately, we’re not who they’re targeting these days when it comes to filling up stadiums or arenas.

That’s the harsh reality. So, go ahead and get excited if you want over the new Citi Field and new Yankee Stadium. Just don’t expect to be able to get out to too many games.

-As the circus rolls into D.C. as my good pal Chris Wassel noted of the upcoming showdown in front of Congress between Roger Clemens and former trainer Brian McNamee later today, I just wanted to comment on another very good college hoops game I caught the last few minutes of.

-Unlike the sad controversial endings which took place in Volunteer Country and ironically the nation’s capital, the game between the fifth ranked Tar Heels and one-win in the ACC underachieving Cavaliers was a barn burner. It’s amazing to think that a team which features pro prospect Sean Singletary could be off to its worst start in the league since 1976-77 when they also began 1-9.

A few nights removed from being blown out by 31 at home by Clemson who recently lost to UNC in double overtime, Virginia played up to the level of competition looking to break a six-game losing streak. Unfortunately, they couldn’t come up with the big plays late negating a terrific performance from Singletary, who finished with a game-high 27 along with seven assists, six rebounds and three steals.

He didn’t get much help as only long-range bomber Calvin Baker reached double figures with his last bucket coming on a trey from the right wing setup by Singletary to pull his team within a bucket with under a minute to play.

The Heels went to their All-American Tyler Hansbrough, who converted a difficult eight foot fadeaway which put them up two possessions with 21 ticks to go. He paced the ACC’s second best team with 23 points on an efficient 10-of-15 from the floor with seven boards and two blocked shots. Though Hansbrough only got six in the second half, he made them count late to improve UNC to 8-2 in the ACC and 23-2 overall.

Singletary connected on a long trey from the left wing to slice it to one with eight seconds left. Problem was his team didn’t do a good enough job picking up man-to-man and fouling right away allowing the Heels to run down the clock to 2.8 when Wayne Ellington was fouled. Even though he missed the front end of a one-on-one, the ball was tipped a couple of different times allowing the clock to expire giving his team the hard earned ‘W.’

So, what was the key sequence in this one for the Cavaliers? It had to be when they trailed 71-68 with two and change to play where a wild sequence unfolded giving them three good chances to either tie it with a trifecta or pull within a point.

The Cavs got to offensive rebounds at least twice and then setup long three’s which wouldn’t go down. Then, when it appeared the Heels would score in transition, a hustling Singletary got back to pick the pocket of a UNC player giving his teammates another opportunity. With the fans excited looking for that big shot, it never came as they again forced a three which didn’t connect.

I like the three but sometimes, teams can get a little trigger happy. With still two-plus remaining, why not take the ball hard to the basket and maybe get an easier basket or possibly a three-point play?!?!?!?!?! That sequence demonstrated why the Cavs are now one game under .500 instead of playing up to capability.

HB Analysis: You have to know when is the right time to dial up from long distance. This is something I see a lot of in games I score as well. Not to be critical because I like and respect the players I get to see but it’s all about smart decision making. When they get into the lane and draw defenders, that’s when good things usually happen. You could say that for any basketball game that you’re either at or catching on the tube.

The best teams are unselfish and know how to utilize all their talent and get the most out of it on the court.

I think I’ve said enough about one game. Don’t you?

Till later I guess.

So I was just chilling here the night before looking for some oldschool Mobb Deep classic stuff. Oh. I found exactly what I was looking for. Infamous had some freaking great oldschool stuff. Queensbridge represent in full effect yo!

So if you’re not down, peace. Well, I highly doubt Havoc or Prodigy would’ve said it quite that way back in the day if you catch my drift. That was back when the East vs West rivalry was in full swing. Unfortunately, the end result was two of the all-time best rappers Biggie and 2Pac not around with us for better than a decade.

Mobb Deep’s The Infamous is one of the best rap albums IMHO. It captivated the inner city youth struggles in a poor Queensbridge neighborhood influencing the East Coast hip hop scene.

Hits such as “Survival of The Fittest,” “An Eye For An Eye,” “Temperature’s Rising“ and “Shook Ones Pt. II” are what made this album so popular climbing as high as No.3 on the hip hop charts back in 1995.

The lyrics are delivered very strongly by the dynamic duo. That said, here are a few videos on my favorite list:

Mobb Deep: “Shook Ones Pt. II-Rare Live Prodigy BB Kings performance”

Just a freaking classic in every sense. Great footage too.

Mobb Deep: “Shook Ones” This is the video which really is shot great. Some very interesting imagery.  

Mobb Deep: “Survival of the Fittest“  There’s a war goin’ on outside no man is safe from

Mobb Deep: “Got It Twisted” It’s played all the freaking time at the games. Why? Cause it totally kicks ass!

It’s interesting reading some of the fan reaction to this as opposed to what they were known for. I can’t say I disagree one bit but it’s still a winner:

Listen to Shook Ones part 1 and 2, and then listen to this song…..I can’t believe its even Havoc and Prodigy!! I don’t care about 50, he has always been a phony….but Mobb Deep, this is not them!

Mobb Deep: “Quiet Storm”

I really like this one. It’s definitely one of their best.

-If you caught either Villanova/Georgetown on ESPN or Rutgers/Tennessee on ESPN2, then you saw highway robbery commited in both games courtesy of some disorganized officials who in each game ruled in the home team’s favor.

Now I’m not one to normally point that out as in the conclusion of each of these competitive men’s and women’s Division I games, it just so happened that a crucial call went in the home school’s favor. Ironically enough, the endings came less than a few minutes apart making for a disappointed scene back at the studio up in Bristol.

In the No.6 ranked Hoyas’ case, they went down to the wire with Jay Wright’s Wildcats. ‘Nova leading scorer Scottie Reynolds had helped his desperate Big East team rally from 12 down tying the game with a nice driving lay-up for the last of his game-high 24. Following a Georgetown timeout, the Wildcats got a stop and then called time to setup a final play with 30 seconds left.

As that timeout was taking place, a bigger controversy was unfolding in Volunteer country where the three referees couldn’t seem to decide if Nicky Anosike was fouled by Lady Scarlet Knight Kia Vaughn before time ran out. The confused trio huddled together and then went to the scorer’s table to discuss why there was still 0.2 on the clock when it probably should’ve ran off before Vaughn grabbed Anosike.

While they decided to reward Anosike with two free throws, I flipped back to see how the Wildcats made out on their final possession. I caught it just in time to see a livid Wright on the sideline in utter disbelief at a ridiculous touch foul called on Villanova’s Corey Stokes with 0.1 on the clock 75 feet from the basket. During their possession, a driving Reynolds lost the ball on a double team allowing Georgetown to come away with it. That’s when Jonathan Wallace dribbled to try to get off a desperation heave when the silly stripes blew their whistle for essentially nothing even leaving the ESPN broadcast team stunned by such an atrocious call.

With the game knotted at 53, Wallace calmly drained both free throws leaving ‘Nova unable to even get a shot, which dropped them to 4-7 in the conference. A loss which could prove costly if they are to qualify for the Big East Tournament. The top 12 get in. The Wildcats will play St. John’s this Saturday in what now amounts to a big game. Especially with Norm Roberts’ club reeling off three in a row after a humiliating blowout home defeat at the hands of these same Hoyas who benefited from such a weak call.

While that awful injustice concluded, I got to see Anosike with her No.2 ranked team down one sink both free throws forcing a noticeably upset Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer call for time to setup one final desperation shot with 0.2 still on the clock. Amazingly, as it was inbounded to an RU player who mishandled the ball out of bounds, the same 0.2 never elapsed forcing the officials to blow their whistles signaling the end of this controversial game between last year’s national championship participants which Pat Summitt’s Lady Vols also won.

One game should’ve been in overtime while the other should’ve given the Lady Scarlet Knights a measure of revenge finally getting the better of Tennessee away from home for the first time in school history. Instead of celebrating like they were when they figured they’d pulled the upset, the No.7 ranked Knights swallowed hard and showed good sportsmanship not protesting while congratulating their fortunate opponents.

These two officiating mishaps were disgraceful. That they could each take place in such big games is even more embarrassing. I don’t know what was up with the Tennessee scoreboard but what happened in Georgetown was just brutal. Especially when Villanova needed the game for seeding position. You can’t ever decide a game on such a call.

I saw some not so good officiating today over at the Berkeley Carroll gym in Park Slope but it paled in comparison to what happened during these two Div.I games. I definitely feel for the players and coaches who deserved a better fate. Who knows if ‘Nova beats the Hoyas in OT? It’s a flip of the coin. Only thing is they had all the momentum.

The Lady Scarlet Knights should’ve won. They clearly were robbed. Hopefully, they’ll get another crack at the Lady Vols in March.

-We hockey fans all know how dangerous the sport can be. Let’s just thank goodness that Panthers’ forward Richard Zednik is still alive after having successful emergency carotid artery surgery to repair an area which lost five pints of blood due to teammate Olli Jokinen’s skate blade accidentally slicing the right side of his throat during Sunday night’s road game in Buffalo. Doctors never considered his life in jeopardy. Thankfully, they were proven right because Jokinen’s blade just missed cutting the jugular vein.

I can’t imagine what the Florida team captain must’ve been feeling like as they stopped the game for 15 minutes before deciding to complete it. Such a freak accident can happen when you talk about this sport. Especially with sharp blades as well as dangerous pucks which travel at very fast speeds and sticks which sometimes can catch players in bad areas. We saw something freaky like this occur neartly 19 years ago with former Sabre goalie Clint Malarchuk when his jugular vein was sliced open by St. Louis’ Steve Tuttle during a scrum. This infamous disgusting incident can be found on YouTube. I just don’t feel like linking it because it is every bit as gruesome as it sounds. I am glad I didn’t see what happened to Zednik but even happier that like Malarchuk, the Slovak will live to tell about it.

Sometimes, you got to thank your lucky stars.

-How is Congress supposed to be taken seriously when so much of their Mitchell Report steroids case won’t be forced to talk Wednesday in Washington? Andy Pettite, Chuck Knoblauch and former Met trainer Kirk Radomski should all have to testify. What I never grasped was why they seemed to be targeting select people while ignoring plenty of other names who there seemed to be even more evidence against.

This process just doesn’t make any sense. No matter what some obsessed sports columnists tell you.

-Now that the Knicks snapped their eight-game skid by hanging on by the skin of their teeth at Milwaukee, does Lord Isiah still actually believe his team has a run in them?

-Shaq sure said a lot at that introductory press conference for a guy who still hasn’t even debuted for the Suns. I still can’t help but like the Big Aristotle because he’s got so much personality and can back up his big words. You just wonder how much the soon to be 36 year-old four-time NBA champion has left.

-Losing Inside The NFL to another richer network is just another sad reality check for pigskin fans. For 31 years, HBO covered the game of football better than any other network including those know it alls up in Bristol, Connecticut. Though I sure do miss Prime Time.

What separated Inside The NFL from other shows was how much they were able to give you on the inside. From the huddles to the sidelines to postgame locker room stuff, this is where it originated. So, when you see what you do on other networks, where do you think they came up with it? From one very in depth cable network which does an outstanding job covering sports in between all the movies and sitcoms they air.

-Is Sidney Crosby still the NHL’s IT star player when teammate Evgeni Malkin is carrying the same team on his back with Sid The Kid out? Just saying.

-Make me care about the Grammys.

-Pitchers and catchers might be here but wake me up in say six weeks when it really starts to matter.

-My Stanford buddy John Giagnorio was all excited about Tyrus Thomas’ big game in a Chicago road win at Golden State. But what I’m wondering is what the heck happened to Tyrus in the Bulls’ next game? A 13-point loss at Utah. You can have good games in the NBA but doing it on a consistent basis is what separates the men from the boys.

-Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore to the Senators for Patrick Eaves and Joe Corvo is about as nifty a move as Ottawa GM Bryan Murray could make adding championship proven players to a roster which fell three games short of a Stanley Cup a year ago.

-By the time the Rangers play again, it will be St. Patty’s Day. At least that’s what Irish sources are telling me.

-Imagine if Alexander Ovechkin was Canadian and Crosby was Russian. Who do you think would be receiving all the attention? It’s Canada’s game.

Today’s dates back about 12 years to a time when The Fugees were owning the rap world producing such hits as “Ready Or Not” and “Killing Me Softly.”

I actually still have that album somewhere buried in my room. It’s excellent.

Many love the couple of above tracks mentioned but my fave from The Score album which also featured a nice cover of Bob Marley’s classic, “No Woman No Cry” is “(Translator Crew) Nappy Heads.”

This is fronted by the infamous Wyclef Jean with Lauryn Hill backing up and Pras Michel mixing in solid vocals as well. If the terrific trio had stayed together instead of moving onto successful solo careers, who knows how big they could’ve been?

Such is the nature of hip hop though where not much lasts forever.

Fugees: “Nappy Heads (Translator Crew)”

Very solid sounding and strong lyrics much like most of their songs.

Maybe the Mavs forgot to show up. Or maybe the Nets just decided they felt like playing basketball earlier tonight. Whatever the reason or combo for better term, the East’s eighth best team cruised past one of the West’s elite on their home floor by posting a 101-82 victory.

The Nets turned an 11-point second quarter deficit into a six-point halftime lead as Vince Carter returned from taking a hard elbow to the head by playing some of his most inspired ball of a disappointing season- netting 25 of a game best 29 after coming back from the locker room.

“This is the performance we want,” a pleased Vincesanity expressed to the Associated Press after the Nets’ second straight win.

“I still think we can do it. We definitely think we’re capable. It’s great to have this kind of performance against a team like that to reassure ourselves that we’re a pretty good team. Hopefully we can build off this and continue to do the job each and every night.“

When Carter collided with Mavs’ forward Brandon Bass, he stayed down on the floor for a couple of minutes before being helped back to the bench by Net trainer Tim Walsh.

“I saw stars, stripes, everything,” Carter acknowledged. “It’s one of those things you see coming but you can’t move fast enough. When he hit me, I was just trying to hold on and not hit the floor too hard. I was a little dizzy and tried to take my time getting up. I was a little sore but I just wanted to clear my head and go back out there.”

Maybe it woke him up because he helped ignite the Nets on a 20-4 run to end the half which included a nifty reverse lay-in. The Mavs never recovered allowing a resurgent Lawrence Frank club to run off 21 unanswered falling behind by as many as 19.

“That’s the NBA,” said the much rumored Jason Kidd, who followed up his league-leading 12th triple double with a solid 13-point, 14 assist, six rebound performance.

“Anybody can be beaten on any give night, no matter what your record is. We beat a very good in Dallas and we lost to the worst team. You just work to get better every time you take the floor.“

The Nets also got more encouraging news as starting center Nenad Krstic finished with eight points and eight boards in 17+ minutes for his most productive game since returning at the start of the month.

Rookie big man Sean Williams came off the bench chipping in 15 on six-of-eight from the floor with seven rebounds and two blocks.

At 22-29, the Nets are now a game better than both the 76ers and Pacers for the final playoff berth with 31 games remaining. The growing question is will they still have Kidd after the trade deadline passes? He could wind up with his first team, the Mavs or elsewhere if he gets his wish.

The Nets should have a much better record given what they have in Kidd, Carter and Richard Jefferson (19 pts, seven rebs, four assists). Can this team win with this trio intact? It’s already been proven that they can’t. So why retain Kidd? They may as well get what they can and begin the rebuilding process.

I just wonder if that’s in Rod Thorn’s vocabulary. Either way, we’re about to find out what the organization’s plan will be.

Nets look to go Wolf Hunting: The Nets host Minnesota Tuesday night looking to exact some revenge for a brutal three-point road loss in which they allowed the final 10 points, blowing a seven-point lead in the game’s final 75 seconds. They’ll also visit the Raptors Wednesday night before the All-Star Break. … Dirk Nowitzki paced the Mavs with 21 points, eight boards and four assists. … Dallas (34-16) fell to just 12-13 on the road as compared to their 22-3 home record.

There’s less than two months left in the NHL regular season. Playoff races are intensifying. Which players are stepping to the forefront and trying to carry their teams in?

Let’s break it all down:

HART TROPHY

1.Alexander Ovechkin, Wsh (47-29-76 in 57 GP): The league’s leading goalscorer and point getter continued his remarkable play by factoring in on all three Caps’ goals in a big 3-2 overtime home win over the Rangers today. The admirable 22 year-old Russian can’t be stopped right now. If the league leader in power play goals (16) and game-winners (8) gets this Washington team into the playoffs, the league MVP is his.

2.Evgeni Malkin, Pit (31-42-73 in 56 GP): If Ovechkin is the super finisher who plays like a freight train locomotive, then the silky smooth Malkin is the superb playmaker who is a factor in every zone. Since Sidney Crosby went down, all the 21 year-old two-way pivot has done is play possessed carrying the Pens to a 6-2-2 record which included a huge 4-3 home win this afternoon in which he netted his 31st goal and three helpers to climb within three points of his Russian comrade. Geno now has eight goals and 13 assists in those 10 games, propelling the Pens to first in the Atlantic. If he continues this frenetic pace, Malkin could sneak away with his first Hart to go with last season’s Calder.

3.Daniel Alfredsson, Ott (34-39-73 in 49 GP): It’s tough to distinguish between the Ottawa team captain and very gifted linemates Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley. However, it’s Alfie who is the leader of the Sens and is putting together his best season. Despite missing time due to a hip injury, he’s still tied for second with Malkin in scoring. How solid a player is the 35 year-old Swede? Nine of his 34 goals have come via the man-advantage. Nineteen have been at even strength and he’s notched six shorthanded which places him second behind only Chicago’s Patrick Sharp (seven SHG). Due to this balance, Alfredsson gets the nod over either linemate, Calgary’s Jarome Iginla, Detroit’s Henrik Zetterberg and Nicklas Lidstrom.

NORRIS TROPHY

1.Nicklas Lidstrom, Det (7-47-54 in 57 GP): Has there ever been a more consistent defenseman than the ageless 37 year-old from Sweden who the Red Wings stole back in 1989 in the third round? Ray Bourque was great but I think Lidstrom just might be better. They both have won five Norris Trophies but that seems destined to change by June as the 16-year career Red Wing should take home his third consecutive Norris and sixth in the last eight years with only Scott Niedermayer winning one in between. Lidstrom has two more Cups than Bourque. His remarkable plus-43 rating paces the league and his 47 assists placed fifth entering Sunday’s games. He’s still logging over 27 minutes of ice and leading an Original Six with the best record.

2.Dion Phaneuf, Cgy (10-27-37 in 56 GP): The 22 year-old out of Edmonton has helped the other side of the Alberta rivalry become a very tough team to play against. He combines physical attributes with solid skating and a rocket of a shot which opposing goalies must watch out for. In his three-year NHL career, Phaneuf’s hit double digits every season and already has 47 goals along with 89 helpers for 136 points in 217 games. The former Calgary 2003 first rounder is never afraid to mix it up as evidenced by his 111 penalty minutes which included a scrap in a win over the Oilers last night. There should be a few Norrises coming his way in the future.

3.Andrei Markov, Mtl (12-28-40 in 56 GP): It’s pretty safe to say that the Canadiens made the right choice locking up the more steady and younger 29 year-old Russian blueliner while letting injury prone vet Sheldon Souray walk to Edmonton for greener pastures. He might not have the toughness of a Phaneuf or be very flashy but Markov’s evolved into one of the NHL’s most efficient defensemen. It’s hard not to take notice of how well the Habs have played surprising many this season. His 12 goals rank third best among D while the 40 points placed him fourth in defense scoring. What has to be admired is that he rarely ever winds up in the box (28 PIM). Instead, he’s out logging big minutes anchoring one of the more overlooked bluelines in the league. It’s no wonder this Hab team could finally make some noise come Spring.

VEZINA TROPHY

1.Roberto Luongo, Van (23 Wins, 2.21 GAA, .922 Save Pct, 6 SHO): Every season, the former Islander gets better and better. This season’s been no exception as he’s sixth in GAA and save percentage while his six shutouts are tied for third best in the league. Is this the year he finally captures a first Vezina?

2.Martin Brodeur, NJ (29 Wins, 2.19 GAA, .917 Save Pct, 4 SHO): Every year, the cynics doubt whether the model of consistency in net can keep up his very high level. He got off to another slow start this season as did the team in front of him but once again, the 35 year-old Montreal native has played brilliantly keeping the Devils in games and in position for an 11th consecutive postseason. His 29 wins rank second while his 2.19 GAA place fifth best. There’s also the matter of his continued pursuit of Terry Sawchuk’s NHL record 103 shutouts. With four so far in 2007-08, Marty has 96 for his brilliant career- needing seven more to match Sawchuk. He might not get it this year but definitely should sometime next season. 

3.Evgeni Nabokov, SJ (31 Wins, 2.16 GAA, .911 Save Pct, 6 SHO): While Brodeur and Luongo get all the accolades, the 32 year-old Russian netminder for the Sharks quietly goes about his business pacing the league in wins. Remarkably, his 31 victories account for every San Jose win because they basically have no backup. All the minutes (3,224) along with impressive numbers across the board deserve recognition. It’s why he gets the nod here over Columbus’ Pascal Leclaire, whose eight shutouts lead the league.

CALDER TROPHY

1.Nicklas Backstrom, Wsh (9-36-45 in 57 GP): The former Caps’ 2006 fourth overall selection is an impressive playmaking pivot who makes linemates better. With veteran Michael Nylander out the rest of the season, it’s been the play of the 20 year-old Swede which has Bruce Boudreau’s club with a realistic chance of qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in five years. He ranks second among rookies in points with his 36 helpers pacing all freshmen.

2.Patrick Kane, Chi (12-34-46 in 54 GP): The 19 year-old American who the Blackhawks took first overall last summer is a wondeful skater who battles extremely hard every shift. The Buffalo native possesses great hockey instincts and it’s easy to see why many were very high on him. Trying to turn around a dead Original Six isn’t easy but with Kane and linemate Jonathan Toews formind a solid chemistry, they’ll be back in the playoffs soon. His 46 points lead all rookies and is good enough for most on the Hawks.     

3.Peter Mueller, Phx (19-19-38 in 54 GP): The 19 year-old out of Bloomington Minnesota is one of the game’s rising stars. After a slow start, the former 2006 Coyotes’ sixth overall selection has howled making plenty of noise up the rookie scoring list. With 14 points in 14 games during last month, Mueller was tabbed NHL Rookie of the Month for January. He helped lead the surprising ‘Yotes to a 9-4-1 record. They trail eighth place Nashville by only two points with Vancouver also a point ahead. Mueller’s 38 points rank third best on Wayne Gretzky’s club.  

JACK ADAMS TROPHY

1.Bruce Boudreau, Capitals: What the new Washington coach has been able to accomplish since taking over for Glen Hanlon is remarkable. Turning around a young team is never easy. Especially one who most figured were a year or two away from cracking the East’s top eight. Instead, here they are competing for the Southeast Division and playing very inspired hockey. 

2.Claude Julien, Bruins: It’s amazing what a difference a year makes for Julien. Last year, he was unfairly fired by task master Lou Lamoriello before the playoffs. Justice was served as the Devs quietly bowed out to Ottawa in the second round. Julien has done sound job with the B’s getting them to play his disciplined system instead of looking like they never played hockey before under former coach Dave Lewis. Even without Patrice Bergeron (concussion) and other key players missing significant time, he has the Bruins poised to make the postseason for the first time since before the lockout.

3.Mike Babcock, Red Wings: His team might’ve fallen for the third consecutive time just now to the Ducks thanks to a dreadful call which negated a tying Lidstrom goal in the final minute but it’s hard to ignore how well Babcock’s Wings have played this season. Their 87 points are still 14 better than Dallas and 15 more than Ottawa, placing them in position to win The President’s Trophy and earn home ice for the entire playoffs. All this team does is win every season when most keep expecting them to take a fall. Sure. They have great players. But it takes a lot of good coaching to win as consistently as they do.

Erik Bedard is finally a Mariner. The 28 year-old former Orioles’ ace passed a Seattle team physical to complete a five-for-one deal agreed upon last month between the two AL teams.

In return for their ex-southpaw anchor, the Birds got back five players including top outfield prospect Adam Jones along with lefty reliever George Sherrill. Seattle also parted with three other pitching prospects including 19 year-old Chris Tillman, who was the organization’s minor league pitcher of 2007. Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio were also sent to Baltimore to complete the deal.

HB Analysis: Seattle acquires a young starter to anchor a rotation which also boasts young righty Felix Hernandez along with vets Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista and recent free agent pickup Carlos Silva. On paper, the top three in particular look pretty solid and should bolster the Mariners’ playoff chances.

Coming off a solid 2006 in which he achieved personal bests in games started (33), wins (15), innings (196.1), strikeouts (171) and ERA (3.76), the Navan Canadian native followed it up by posting a 13-5 record in 28 starts, lowering his ERA to a career best 3.16 and setting a new Baltimore team record with 221 K’s in 182 innings. Opponents hit just .212 against him which helps explain a league-low 6.97 hits per nine innings average last year.

Now come much bigger expectatons for Bedard, who won 28 of his 40 career victories the past two seasons on bad Oriole teams. The lefty was never going to stay put as the rebuilding O’s were shopping him all winter looking to maximize his value rather than go to arbitration and try to lock up their best hurler long-term.

“That’s the big thing. With Baltimore, it seemed like we were always going backward,” he admitted to the AP yesterday.

“When I first got there it was fun, because we were signing a lot of guys and were looking forward to competing with Boston and New York. It all went downhill from there.”

The Mariners will get Bedard signed to an extension and hope he has what it takes to get them back to the postseason for the first time in seven years.

For the Orioles, they now have added 10 players for former All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada and Bedard. Trading away Tejada to Houston was addition by subtraction as he’s on the downside of his career and probably juiced. 

Trading away Bedard is different because he was their best pitcher. Former 2002 first round pick Adam Loewen and Jeremy Guthrie are still around as is the unpredictable Daniel Cabrera. Such is how zany owner Peter Angelos operates. Where he can overpay free agents but won’t retain a home grown player who probably gives his team the best chance to compete in the AL East.

Credit new executive Andy MacPhail for being able to land such a hefty return.

“We agreed to three names fairly quickly,” MacPhail explained back in Baltimore. “But getting the fourth and fifth out of him was like getting water out of a stone.

“We traded one of the game’s best young left-handed pitchers, but in exchange we think we improved the long-term outlook for the Baltimore Orioles. There aren’t too many 5-for-1 trades anymore. We are delighted to have all five in the system.“

If Jones untaps his potential and Sherrill shores up their pen, this could turn into a very good deal for the O’s. Especially if Tillman or the other two pitchers in the trade develop well.

One team got much better for the present while the other continues to rebuild their farm system for the future. If you’re an Oriole fan, you have to ask when exactly does this team finally start trying to win now? It’s been a decade since their last October. Granted, you’re going up against the Red Sox and Yankees but does Angelos have the fans in mind when deals like this come down? Come on.

Editor’s Note: I’ve been to Camden Yards and that’s one of the nicest ballparks. It’s ashame that you rarely see it filled with the usual exception being when the Yanks or Sahhhxxx make the trip down.

I shouldn’t say this but it’s probably the truth. Angelos needs to die already much like former Blackhawks’ owner Bill Wirtz, who screwed his own fans royally when it came to just seeing that Original Six franchise on TV.

I’ll probably catch some flak for what I said but sometimes, the damn truth hurts. The Orioles need a new ownership with a better direction with the fans in mind. Until that happens, they’ll continue to tread water.

So I’m told that I’m some sort of special lyrical freestylist. It appears my fanclub approves of my random utter bs that I continuously throw out there.

How did this become exactly? Ask my once close friend Adam Padilla. He was the original rap mastah. I once saw the now Nets’ employee out-freestyle everyone at a competition. It was just siiiiiiccck.

So, am I good? That’s for you to decide. From time to time, I will recite lines and jot them down for no apparent reason. Interestingly enough, I got a poem up for the grand prize in some contest. If I actually won, we’re talking 10 grand.

So if you come across this entry, please make it your business to check out “It’s Been A While” and vote for me. Much thanks

What’s tonight’s going to be about? I got something fresh on my mind. So let’s just see how it plays out. No drafts. Just putting the thoughts in this cool space:

“Saw Your Face”

Saw your face once again

And realized how long it’s been

Never thought we’d see eye to eye

Bringing back all those lost summer nights in the sky

Where it all seemed so true

It’s as if we always knew

Your smiling face lighting up the night

As I stared politely back amazed by your sight

Was conflicted full of emotions by how I really felt

Much like the icecream my heart began to melt

Never completely recovered from those days

It’s as if I was in an utter drunken daze

You never realized how much control you had

It’s as if I was completely motionless and sad

Frozen on your every move

So badly wanting to catch that groove

Now here we are in this strange place

And I can’t take the foolish grin off my face 

Cause you always had a way

Making me wonder what to say

You completely froze me like ice

You always were extremely nice

Heart’s pounding faster and faster

Want to take this chance and become your master

But you’re different than ever before

With quite a few opening and shutting your bedroom door

No longer starry eyed with that killer smile

Just someone who lives in the moment for a while

If only you recognized me just this time

I’d go get on my knees and make ya mine

You’d become powerless in my sweet rhyme game

Finally driving ya mad insane

Never realized what a sweet girl like you could do

But here I am once again without a clue

It’s how you can completely screw with one’s mind

Cause no matter what you’ll always be one of a kind

I glance back one final time to see your pretty face

Just as a reminder that this actually took place

There’s that picture perfect smile I always appreciated

It’s one in a million which could never ever be hated

Knowing full well I’ll see ya around

When it’s all going down

I’ll never look at you the same way

But you’ll leave me breathless some other day