Well, I wasn’t really sure what I was going to feature today but there on my YouTube page suggested a great live version of one of my favorite Oasis songs, “Wonderwall.”

While it’s true I’ve featured the awesome rocking British group before, they just have such a great rock n’ roll sound. So distinct is Liam Gallagher’s voice along with the musical instruments of electric guitars blaring solos with the perfect drums and piano blending for awe inspiring stuff.

You just can’t go wrong with them. No wonder I’m hoping to score tickets for an MSG show in mid-December. What a night that would be. I should say will cause I’d be willing to bet the ranch I’m there for it. Anytime you give me a good concert to go to, I’m game!

I’ll even take it over tonight’s Rangers vs Devils game we’re headed to later in our customary 411 seats. And believe me. Rangers-Devils is as good as it gets with hockey. I love my Blueshirts. So, hopefully they’ll make it five-for-five in 2008-09 against an improved New Jersey team hell bent on seeking revenge for last year’s first round ouster.

Unless it’s the Rangers playing for the Cup in a Game Seven scenario, most of the time I’m going to take the concert. There’s just something special about seeing an artist/band live. It’s got a whole different feel. And the best aspect is usually they don’t let their fans down like sports teams can breaking your heart. Just ask a Mets or Jets fan.

So, Oasis it is today on tap. Here’s a few which I hope to catch in a couple of months in what will be winter. Uh. Wow.

Oasis: “Wonderwall“-Live at Wembley

this is a truly great rendition where everything sounds tip top with Liam’s outstanding pipes even being helped out by the crowd during the familiar chorus. My favorite aspect is the last minute with the electric amping it up and the piano solo for the dramatic conclusion.

Oasis: “Supersonic“-Live at Wembley

I like this song as it’s very sweet sounding. But really the best part of this live version is the amazing venue at Wembley with a packed house rocking and rolling. God. There are some great shots giving you some perspective of what it’d be like to be there. It’s kinda inspiring. I also love the background color coordination. That’s an underrated aspect of live performances. Most of Weezer’s was a cool kind of blue with some red and green mixed in. You can’t get that in some studio cut. Part of the concert going experience.

Oasis: “Roll With It“-Live at Wembley

this has always been an underrated song which has grown on me recently. This one’s all about the banter between Liam and older brother Noel before they start it up referencing a British gal in the audience:

Noel: “What the f*** are you doing all the way down there? Hey listen! Now if she starts getting out of line, give her a - smack.”

Liam: “Better pass her over very nicely. Otherwise, you stare at the -“

Noel: “This one’s for all the posh birds down the front then. No! Not you. Not you, You’re not posh, you only act posh.“

Noel: “I bet you wish you weren’t down there now, do ya?!?!?!?!?!”

The end is classic too where Liam basically gets a cutie to take her shirt off exposing her breasts. This must’ve been some show to be at! The dialogue is comical.

Oasis: “Morning Glory“-Live at Wembley

this sounds freaking phenomenal. Everything is tremendous from the Liam’s voice to the drumming, piano and moaning guitar which gives this such a cool sound. It’s just an absolute winner. Great up close shots too of the band performing.

Oasis: “Champagne Supernova“-Live at Wembley

This is their best song because it’s so utterly complete and trippy. Nice to see they worked in some cool effects much like the video. The lyrics are to die for and with such emotion behind them. I can tell. Everything is pure energy which is how it should be with a rock band. There’s something about the ending with the guitar almost echoing like seagulls which gives that extra burst. It don’t get much better.

Oasis: “Don’t Look Back In Anger“-Live at Wembley

it’s all about the beginning dedication. Haha.

Another NHL season is finally upon us. And while the Rangers, Lightning, Penguins and Senators kicked off 2008-09 overseas in Prague and Stockholm, the rest of the league gets going beginning tonight with eight teams in action including the defending champion Red Wings raising their banner in an Original Six match-up versus the Maple Leafs on Versus Network.

The Devils host the Islanders tomorrow night at The Prudential Center while the Rangers return to MSG for their home opener against Original Six Chicago where Chris Drury will officially be introduced as the 25th captain in franchise history. A game myself and the family will be at up in 411.

So, who looks to be the top Cup contenders this season? Can anyone stop Detroit with supreme addition Marian Hossa from repeating? Figure the talented Stars with Sean Avery to have plenty of say along with Pacific rivals San Jose and Anaheim in a loaded West.

The Flyers appear to be the class of the East but are in arguably the best division featuring the defending Conference champion Pens, bolstered Devils and revamped Rangers making it ultra competitive.

Who will come out on top and be there in the end next June? Please check out our season preview over at Battle of NY.

It should be an exciting season full of twists and turns. Find out where your club stacks up!

-Watching the Cubs emulate dead people in their embarrassing sweep at the hands of Joe Torre’s Dodgers reminded me a little of how flat the former Yankee skipper’s team was in losing the last two in Detroit a couple of years ago. Lou Piniella’s ballclub who had the second best record winning 97 games didn’t even compete. It was like once James Loney hit that slam off Ryan Dempster, they panicked and started thinking about all the October ghosts which have haunted Wrigley for 100 years. The defense in Game 2 when Carlos Zambrano actually gave a good account of himself was pathetic. So bad it was as if they’d never played organized baseball before.

They could’ve fought valiantly on the road like Mike Scioscia’s Angels did getting outstanding relief pitching before edging the Red Sox 5-4 at Fenway to take Game 3 extending the series. Instead, they couldn’t do anything with Dodgers’ third starter Hiroki Kuroda making life easy for a nine-game winner. Sure. He’s not bad but come on. You’re telling me they couldn’t string together one good inning before  Cory Wade and Jonathan Broxton closed the door? Not buying it.

Alfonso Soriano was again dreadful finishing with just one hit in 14 at bats with four strikeouts including the series ender on three pitches. Pathetic! You can’t win when your leadoff hitter doesn’t reach base. The former Yankee hasn’t performed in October since that big swing connected off Curt Schilling as a rookie in 2001 Game Seven of the World Series versus Arizona. It was a lot easier to point to his struggles versus the Marlins in 2003 WS when he was 27. At 32, he’s still showing the same holes in his swing which make the All-Star too easy an out around this time of year. Worst of all, he looked like a beaten man. That shouldn’t be the case for the kind of dough the Cubs are paying. Just call him Sorryano.

Key contributors Aramis Ramirez and Geovany Soto weren’t much better and Kosuke Fukudome was God awful even leaving a cranky Sweet Lou speechless.

You could name the Cubs who competed on one hand. Derrek Lee, Mark DeRosa even with his costly error in Game 2 along with Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot were three who tried their best as did Zambrano who deserved better. Even Rich Harden disappointed not even getting through the fifth allowing three earned with his team’s season on the line.

This was a total collapse for a team equipped to go far and reach their first World Series in over half a century. I still don’t get why Piniella didn’t load up and pitch his top two Harden and Zambrano in the first couple of games. I understand that Dempster had a great regular season home record going 14-3. However, October baseball is entirely a different animal. It would’ve been wiser to have Harden go in Game 1. And if he wanted to comeback with Dempster in Game 2 with Zambrano for Game 3 in LA, fine.

He definitely takes a hit here too with the Cubs losing three straight in the first round a second straight year. Last year, they got back and weren’t expected to do much against the Diamondbacks. But this year was supposed to have a different feel. Instead, the lovable Cubbies did what they do best. Folding up faster than a cheap deck of cards under Piniella’s watch.

-On the opposite end, you have Torre with his new team and money superstar Manny Ramirez, who doesn’t disappear in big moments finishing 5-for-10 with two homers, three RBI’s, five runs scored and four walks. Say what you will about Manny being Manny and his childish antics which got him traded out of Boston but the 36 year-old former George Washington High School star never seems fazed by pressure instead shining under the spotlight. Cause for all his flaws, the wacky dude with the dreadlocks donning a symbolic No.99 in royal Dodger blue is so calm under pressure. Nothing bothers him.

Does it make him perfect? Far from it as his silent media treatment and bizarre behavior would explain. However, all one has to do is take a look at the guy’s approach when he comes up. Sometimes, you can tell plenty from a player’s body language. He’s so loose up there and is going to put his best swing on the ball if it’s in his zone and let it all hang out. Not every star can block all the distractions out and step up.

It’s even more amazing the difference one player can make lifting Torre’s club to the NL West title. And while they only won 83 in a paltry division, that didn’t matter cause they entered playing great ball with a much improved lineup. Just ask Loney, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp what kinda impact Manny’s had. Not that Jeff Kent would ever tell you. The second baseman should be a lock for Cooperstown but what a baby. Wonder when he gets inducted, which hat he wears? I’d say the Giants because that’s where the former Met’s career really changed.

-Torre improved to 3-0 vs Piniella in the postseason.

-WFAN’s Chris Carlin on Oct.6 says the Giants after blowing the doors off the Seahawks 44-6 improving to 4-0 despite foolish NY papers who actually took the Seahawks are “going all the way” again. The Continent might be proven right. It’s true Tom Coughlin’s team is clicking on all cylinders with a very balanced attack and excellent D which makes life miserable on opposing QBs. However, it’s a little premature to say they’re going to repeat with a tougher schedule ahead including three straight games against the Steelers, Cowboys and Eagles. If you’re asking me though about this team, I got a lot of faith in what they can do on both sides of the field. There aren’t many quarterbacks I’d take over Eli Manning with a game up for grabs late. Only so much can be said about how well they’re playing.

-The Phillies were a good team and this time are out to prove they can do more than be the team to beat in the NL East. Now, they get a great challenge from Torre’s surprising Dodgers in the NLCS which starts up this Thursday. If you’re a Met or Yankee fan, the next couple of weeks won’t be much fun.

-I called the Dolphins’ upset over the overrated Chargers, who still should pull it together and win their division. But you gotta be impressed with how Miami Chad has played the last two weeks evening the Fins’ record at 2-2. Think the Vikings couldn’t have used him?

-I don’t just want to toot my own horn because co-host Rob “Kraze” Davis had one even better nailing the Falcons’ upset of the suddenly reeling Packers, who are now finding out life after Brett Favre isn’t so easy.

-Who else had the Redskins winning back-to-back on the road against very tough NFC East rivals Dallas and Philadelphia to win four straight after how poorly they played versus Big Blue in Week 1?

-I like Jerry Manuel and think the Mets made the right call bringing back the personable manager who knows he’s got a lot more work to do. And best of all, he doesn’t believe in individualistic stats but in doing whatever it takes to win which is what the Amazin’s have lacked the past two years.

-Is there a worse team than the Lions?

-As a big Canes fan, remember when The U vs Florida State used to be the best college football Saturday in town? They made a great comeback but it would’ve been nice if they’d won. Just saying.

-I know he ran out of gas in the Game 2 loss to the Phillies but there need to be more starters like C.C. Sabathia who are willing to do whatever it takes to win.

-You know what we have discovered. That Soriano and A-Rod have plenty in common and we’re not just talking about them being traded for each other.

-This Just In…Brian Cashman claims that as a kid, he had a hand in the Yanks’ returning to glory winning back-to-back world titles.

-If the Giants are this good without a suspended Plaxico Burress, just how good can they be?

-I’ve seen a lot of headlines about O.J. Simpson finally being found guilty and facing life in prison but hell-o McFly! It’s still not justice for what he got away with against Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. What it comes down to is he’s just an idiot. Plain and simple.

-He’s lost a lot of respect from me but pretty soon, Stephon Marbury’s going to get blamed for the gas prices.

-Any so-called “expert” who concluded that Sarah Palin won that debate against Joe Biden needs to take off the rose colored red glasses just cause she survived. Seriously. How many questions did John McCain’s running mate really answer without changing the topic?

-The Giant offense really misses Jeremy Shockey. Don’t they?!?!?!?!?!

-I thought he did a great job concentrating to save his team’s season last night with them loaded by getting Jed Lowrie to line out to right but anyone who’s watched Francisco Rodriguez in the postseason the past couple of years can’t be too confident that he’s going to be worth every penny on the free market. And that’s even if K-Rod does fill the vacant closer role at Citi Field.

-They might not have won last night but when you watch the way the Red Sox approach their ABs, it reminds you of how patient and relaxed Torre’s championship Yankee teams looked. The vibe you get is that they feel they’re gonna win.

-Body language is something that’s not in any overanalyzed statistics. But if you watched how the Cubs looked in that dugout not even standing up, that was all you really needed to know about their chances of coming back. By comparison, even down two, Scioscia’s club was on their feet into it. Having the right mentality is a big part of winning.

-If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve guessed that Sage Rosenfels was wearing a Colt uniform those last four minutes.

-Isn’t it great to see Kerry Collins still having so much success in Tennessee?

-You see how the Rays win their games? There aren’t any big hitters and only a couple of power threats like Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. Instead, they win by doing the fundamentals well getting runners over, playing aggressive along with solid D and pitching. That’s how the old Yankees used to do it. Maybe someone ought a relay that message to Hank Steinbrennerwhiner.

-The new look Rangers played well in sweeping the two game series at Prague with a very nice scene and reward for Czech fans even if Jaromir Jagr wasn’t there. Hockey’s become a global game and European fans deserve to see some of their own comeback home and play. My question is will the NHL ever seriously consider a European division? Only time shall tell.

-And so, the New York baseball season is over and it really does feel weird that both the Mets and Yankees won’t be playing meaningful baseball as October gets ready to hit. I just can’t remember what this felt like. Sure. The two teams both finished with identical records winning 89 games which meant they didn’t stink by any stretch but when you have the kind of payrolls they do, so many expectations come with it for this spoiled city which makes it all the more disappointing.

In the end, both teams despite big names proved to be flawed which was why they fell short in their postseason bids. Injuries aside, the Yankees didn’t have enough pitching or timely hitting. For some reason, they never hit the way they could’ve and too often couldn’t deliver in the clutch. That along with being a very streaky team which sometimes lacked energy kept them from putting together that run with their best ball coming way too late when the season was already lost.

The Mets also had their share of injuries but severely underperformed the first 10 weeks getting Willie Randolph axed before waking up under Jerry Manuel to get back in the race. Despite no pen to speak of, they persevered and once again were in great position to win their division before it all came crashing down in the final couple of weeks though not as badly as last year. While the pen could never be trusted and cost them a ton of games, what was most baffling was the offense which at times disappeared. How do you explain getting shutout 1-0 against the majors’ worst team the Nats? And what about scoring only five runs in the do or die weekend series against the same Marlins who danced on their field eliminating them last year? Questions will continue to linger about David Wright and Jose Reyes until they stop disappearing and carry this team back to October and beyond.

Now, it will be a long offseason for Omar Minaya with plenty of angry customers wondering why next year will be different at Citi Field. Getting a real second baseman while unloading Luis Castillo along with revamping the bullpen are just a couple of topics he must address with new record closer Francisco Rodriguez at the top of the list. It’s also likely Pedro Martinez pitched his final game as a Met after struggling mightily. And then there’s Oliver Perez, who will be seeking a deal in the neighborhood of $12-16 million per year under greedy agent Scott Boras$. Is he really worth that kind of money longterm? I say no. He’s just too unpredictable to get to that next level. What about Carlos Delgado? Do they pick up the $12 million option rewarding him for his brilliant second half or do they try to get younger going for better defense? If they let him go, it won’t be easy to replace his big bat.

As for the Yankees, they will need to decide on center field moving forward along with what they intend to do with Joba Chamberlain. If they make him a starter, then they must continue to shore up their pen. Bringing back 20-game winner Mike Mussina should be at the top of Brian Cashman’s list. Figure Andy Pettite to either retire or go elsewhere following a dismal second half. The Yanks of course need a real ace and should be in the running for C.C. Sabathia, John Lackey or A.J. Burnett with him expected to opt out of Toronto. There’s also the first base situation where they could be competing with the Angels and Mets for Mark Teixeira. Figure Jason Giambi to go elsewhere after a productive season proving he can still be a valuable DH somewhere. As for Bobby Abreu, he’s a solid run producer who gets on base but leaves something to be desired for in right which is why we see Xavier Nady shifting.

Whatever transpires over the next three months, New York baseball fans know full well their rosters won’t look the same following a quiet October.

Get ready for chaos.

-Just in case we forgot, there’s still one more regular season game to be played later today when the Twins visit the Windy City against the White Sox, who earned the one-game home playoff by getting a grand slam from overlooked rookie second baseman Alexei Ramirez in an 8-2 win over the Tigers in a makeup game Monday. They get the game despite winning their first in six thanks to the Twins dropping two of three to the Royals despite sweeping three from Ozzie Guillen’s club to pull half a game up. It’ll be John Danks going on three days rest against Nick Blackburn to decide the AL Central for the final playoff berth.

One team will advance to play the Tampa Bay Rays in the Division Series while Boston travels to California to meet the 100-win Angels.

The NL of course is all set with the Cubs taking on the Dodgers while the Phillies host the Brewers, who are in their first postseason in 26 years.

We’ll have more playoff stuff later on.

-It’s hard to choose one between each but our pick for NL MVP would be Ryan Howard for how he carried the Phillies the final month having one of the best Septembers eerily similar to when he clubbed 58 home runs and knocking in 149 to win the award two years ago. I’ve always been a huge fan of Manny Ramirez and he sure stepped up carrying the Dodgers in the final two months impacting their lineup while coming back to win the NL West. But it’s hard to pick him over Howard with how well the first base slugger finished leading his team to a 13-3 record over the final 16 pressure packed games in a very tight race.

-The same could be said for the NL Cy Young where worthy candidates like Johan Santana, Brandon Webb and Tim Lincecum all are in the running against Milwaukee rental Sabathia, who tossed a remarkable seven complete games pacing the league while turning in a money performance following Santana’s gem to get the Brewers in. For that, we’ll give the nod to Sabathia over Lincecum with Santana third and Webb fourth.

-AL MVP is a little easier and could depend on if the Twins win with Justin Morneau once again in the running against Boston tandem Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis. It’s hard to ignore Carlos Quentin’s impact with the White Sox, who haven’t been the same since he went down. To be honest, he would’ve been a lock had he not broken his wrist. If the Twins get in, Morneau should win his second MVP in three years this time edging another do everything infielder Pedroia, who resembles a young Derek Jeter. If not, give the award to Pedroia because he’s been his team’s best player since the Manny trade.

-As for AL Cy Young, Cliff Lee should get the nod handily edging out K-Rod, Dice-K and Roy Halladay. I know he won’t get a lot of consideration but Moose deserves a few votes for how well he pitched in the Bronx this year.

-What else can Joe Girardi be two-faced about and purposely hide from the media?

-It’s nice to see Brett Favre finally be allowed to open it up and get on the same page with Laveranues Coles, who caught three touchdowns for the first time in his career- half of Favre’s career high six in the Jets’ 56-35 win over Kurt Warner and the Cards. I just wonder if Gang Green fans can be pleased about their D turning a 34-0 halftime cushion into a game by allowing three straight TDs in the third quarter before Favre and the Jet offense put it away.

-Did anyone ever think the Bills and Titans would both be the only remaining unbeatens in the AFC looking like playoff locks?

-How come Terrell Owens always blames Dallas defeats on not getting him involved enough when it was about as believable as anything Sarah Palin says? Can’t he ever give credit to the opponent because the Redskins played a heck of a game and have certainly turned things around since the NFL Opener defeat to the Giants? But hey. T-Ho will always be a selfserving primadona who doesn’t care about the team concept despite his talent which is why I’d never take him on my team.

-I could do a better job than Scott Linehan did with the Rams.

-It sure took long enough for the Lions to realize Matt Millen wasn’t a good Team President. I wonder what keyed them in on that.

-When someone takes shots at the Yanks and Mets for not qualifying, just remember you could be the Tigers who gave up the world for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, who now looks like a serious rebuilding project. Tell ya one thing. Cameron Maybin sure looks good in center for the Marlins. And if Andrew Miller pans out, that’s gonna be one heck of a rotation in 2009. The Mets and Phillies might have some competition for the NL East.

-Just how ridiculous is Jim Dolan? Idiotic enough to continue bringing back Allan Houston while refusing to payoff Stephon Marbury to get him off the Knicks roster. That’s why no matter who’s running it, they’ll always be the same laughingstock.

-Now would be a good time to tell the Rangers that the NHL regular season begins in a few days over in Europe cause they have looked really bad so far. I wonder what Glen Sather thinks now of investing six years and six and a half per on Wade Redden. Just wait till the season starts up. You ain’t seen nothing yet.

-What I like about the Giant organization is they stick to their rules disciplining Plaxico Burress for missing two straight days of practice even if it was due to a personal family matter. The wideout still should’ve communicated better this way he wouldn’t be fined and have to sit out next week’s home game versus Seattle. However, there aren’t any excuses and no exceptions under Coach Coughlin which is why I believe this team can repeat. They get it!

-Someone might want to tell Jerry Jones that this isn’t the 50’s anymore when he last played organized football. He doesn’t belong on the sideline.

-Boomer and Carton are a fun listen on WFAN in the morning because they work well and have solid chemistry. Listening to them rant over the Mets’ latest disappointment was good radio. Loved Carton’s nickname for Wright for failing to deliver in the clutch: “D-Rod.” A reference to Alex Rodriguez.

-I feel bad for diehard Met fans like Steve Somers, Tony Paige, Evan Roberts and Joe Benigno, who live and die with their team all year long. You can feel the emotion and terrible bitterness in their voices. Particularly Somers, who last week coming back from a great Weezer concert sounded heartbroken over a costly extra inning defeat to the Cubs. You could really tell how badly he wanted to see them get in and reverse last year.

They all did and showed so much. Maybe if the Mets had played with as much energy as they brought to the WFAN airwaves, they wouldn’t be sitting home instead getting ready for Lou Piniella’s Cubs. They might get paid to talk sports but they wear the Mets’ logo as a badge of honor as did outstanding play-by-play man Howie Rose.

Nobody ever likes to get their hearts broken. Especially by their favorite sports team which is what can make following sports so crazy. One minute, you’re as high as the sky and the next you feel like burying yourself under the sand.

It’s the real diehards who never abandon ship who shall always get my sorrows. Cause it takes a lot sometimes to stay with a team that constantly gives you heartache.

The summer is a time for metropolitan hockey fans to regroup and see what changes their respective teams make. For each organization, they reevaluate things and decide what the best plan going ahead is in preparation of the upcoming Fall.

Amazingly, training camp is approximately seven weeks away. It will be here before you know it. The question is how have the Devils, Islanders and Rangers done in upgrading their rosters this offseason? Let’s take a quick glance at each thus far:

Devils- added veteran centers Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik and re-signed Jay Pandolfo, Bryce Salvador and David Clarkson while Karel Rachunek and mainstay Sergei Brylin left for Russia.

Analysis: The additions of former first Cup members Rolston and the battle tested Holik are smart moves by Lou Lamoriello as that should greatly improve the Devils up the middle. Rolston’s addition will provide offensive balance while Holik should be an upgrade on the fourth line. We’re not crazy about giving Salvador four years though. Still, the Devs should be vastly improved.

Grade: B+

Islanders- added defenseman Mark Streit along with veteran pivot Doug Weight while re-signing forwards Sean Bergenheim and Jeff Tambellini. Forwards Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan left for Pittsburgh and backup goalie Wade Dubielewicz went overseas to Russia. Still looking to replace Ted Nolan behind the bench due to philosophical differences.

Analysis: While Garth Snow made out alright overpaying power play QB Streit, he hasn’t really done anything else that makes you believe the Islanders won’t finish in the Atlantic cellar. The coaching change was predictable as Nolan rubbed people the wrong way even though he did an admirable job. The question is who will replace him? Bob Hartley, Paul Maurice and John Tortorella are all available. The team wants to rebuild. So figure it will be someone patient.

Grade: C+

Rangers- added forwards Markus Naslund, Aaron Voros, Patrick Rissmiller and acquired forwards Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche for defensemen Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman. Overpaid severely for former Ottawa D Wade Redden while re-signing Michal Rozsival and Paul Mara. Also added former Sabre Dmitri Kalinin and re-signed backup Stephen Valiquette and F Nigel Dawes. Traded Ryan Hollweg to Toronto for a 2009 fifth round pick. Lost star forward Jaromir Jagr to OMSK-Avangard and  Sean Avery to Dallas.

Analysis: Welcome to the world of the Rangers where much has changed. No longer will the team be relying on Jagr, who in the end decided to go back to Russia for megabucks. The entire look of the roster has changed due to this and it looks like Brendan Shanahan will not return either due to limited cap room. Instead, Glen Sather’s banking on Russian enigma Zherdev to fulfill potential and Naslund to be rejuvenated after playing a boring style in Vancouver. But unless Redden rediscovers his game, the Blueshirts aren’t better.

Grade: C

It’s been a while since I talked puck on this blog. That’s mostly cause I do most of my hockey stuff over at Battle of NY. It’s run by yours truly along with the help of some outstanding bloggers including Hasan who covers the Devils, Lenny who takes the Rangers and occasionally Steve Lepore who chips in with media insights.

Honestly, I hadn’t been too into this Stanley Cup Final mostly cause of the media’s fascination with Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. Granted. Sid the Kid’s a great player but the coverage can be a little much. Especially for a diehard pucker like myself. Maybe if he wasn’t such a whiny bitch always working the refs, I’d have more respect for him. Instead, No.87 can be seen doing whatever it takes to get calls. Even if that means flopping to the ice like a fish or picking his chin up like a boxer being punched.

So naturally, you can understand my exasperation at what lengths Crosby will sometimes go to help his team win. As Jaromir Jagr put it just from reading lips during the second round series between the Rangers and Pens, ‘Stay on your feet.’

If this league wasn’t so catered to the superstar, I might not have as much disdain. How come guys like Jagr can take more punishment without suddenly falling to the ice but never get the calls? Precisely what’s wrong with our sport.

In any event, I have caught the majority of the last couple of games. The Red Wings earned a 2-1 road win in Game Four thanks to a great third which saw Jiri Hudler notch the winner to pull within one win of their fourth Stanley Cup in 11 years. Pretty amazing stuff. Sure. They haven’t won in six years but if they pull this off, it’s about as great a run as a team could have in hockey these days.

Last night, they went for the Cup and made a solid comeback from two down scoring three straight goals but the Pens who were severely outplayed managed to tie it with Marc-Andre Fleury on the bench for an extra attacker. Max Talbot’s goal with 34 and change left kept their Cup dreams alive.

Despite being outshot by a wide margin (58-32) and outplayed most of the sudden death, the Pens prevailed when Hudler of all people got caught for a high stick earning a double minor. Petr Sykora made the young Detroit pivot pay burying a shot past Chris Osgood to force Game Six at 9:57 of the third OT.

Without the goaltending of Fleury (55 saves including 24 in OT), the Pens never see Game Six which is back at Mellon Arena tomorrow night. Instead, the young Pitt netminder came up large making several highlight reel glove stops with the Cup in the balance to keep his team alive.

Quite frankly, his performance was heroic and arguably the best he’s ever played. Especially when one considers the circumstances. Allow one and your team’s season is done and the opponent lifts the Cup and celebrates. Fleury was magnificent and wouldn’t allow it. Kudos to him on getting the job done.

Now it sets up Game Six back in the Steel City. I still feel the Red Wings can rebound and win there and wrap this up. The last thing they want is for this to go the distance in a winner take all Game Seven cause even if it’s in their barn, anything can happen. They’re an experienced group who’s been there before. So, I fully expect them to come out ready to play tomorrow night. And you know the Pens will be flying.

It should make for an enticing sixth game.

Catch it if you can!

In our first segment, I reviewed my top five stories thus far during this baseball season. However, there are plenty of others worthy of mentioning. Let’s swing away!

6.Nate McLouth’s meteoric rise to stardom. Now you might ask who the heck is Nate McLouth? Only one of the most productive center fielders this season. The fourth-year Pirate has gone from obscurity to front and center exploding for 13 homers and 41 runs knocked in along with over a .300 average. Before this season, the 26 year-old from Michigan had totaled 25 homers and 66 RBI’s in his first 284 games. He’s already matched the amount of long balls he hit last year and established a new career best in RBI’s, three better than 2007. Not bad for a former 2000 25th round pick. It helps explain why the Pirates are scoring more this season with McLouth headlining a lineup which includes NL All-Star Jason Bay and slugging right fielder/first baseman Xavier Nady.

7.Cliff Lee’s amazing turnaround. A year ago, the Cleveland southpaw struggled so badly with injuries that he was sent down to Triple-A Rochester. In 2008, here he is leading the AL in wins (8) and ERA (1.87) while walking just 10 in 72 innings with opponents batting .225. Just remember. He came over as part of the Bartolo Colon trade to the then Expos orchestrated by current Mets GM Omar Minaya. Also included in it were center fielder Grady Sizemore and current Reds star second baseman Brandon Phillips.

8.If Josh Hamilton’s rise has been fun to watch, what of the pitcher he was dealt for who’s suddenly the best starter this season? Ex-Ranger product Edinson Volquez has been brilliant thus far posting a major league best 1.46 ERA while winning seven of 11 starts and fanning an NL-leading 83 in 68 frames. Opponents hit just .197 against the 24 year-old from Santo Domingo. Awesome trade for both teams.

9.Carlos Quentin went from crowded Arizona to the White Sox and now is performing up to capability leading the charge offensively for Ozzie Guillen’s first place club. Consider that the former Diamondbacks’ 2003 first rounder had 14 combined homers the last two seasons. Yet already in 54 games entering yesterday he had the same amount which up till Hamilton’s solo blast Sunday was tied for the AL lead. He also had 48 RBI’s trailing just the Texas center fielder. So far, that deal has worked out extremely well for Ken Williams, who dealt away first base prospect Christopher Carter.

10.The Marlins have dropped consecutive series losing two of three to both the Mets and Phillies to fall a half game out of first. However, their surprising play which still has them seven over .500 can’t be overstated. Even after unloading Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to underachieving Detroit, the majors lowest payroll is playing solid ball. Led by shortstop Hanley Ramirez and certain second base All-Star Dan Uggla whose 16 dingers rank third behind Chase Utley and Houston slugger Lance Berkman, the Marlins are winning their share of games. Ex-Met Mike Jacobs’ improvement (13 HR, 33 RBI’s) has bolstered the lineup as has Cody Ross’ power surge (10 homers). Scott Olsen has bounced back to anchor the staff and Kevin Gregg has done an admirable job closing games. Can they stay up in the mix with the Phils, resurgent Mets and maybe the Braves? We’ll have a better idea come mid-July.

The baseball season is two months old and there are many intriguing stories. What are some of the best? Let’s find out:

1.Josh Hamilton continues to rise from former failed No.1 overall substance abuse addict to the AL’s best player. In his first year with the Rangers since coming over from the Reds in the Edinson Volquez trade, the ex-Tampa 1999 first overall draft pick has built on a solid rookie season by stinging junior circuit pitchers with great numbers across the board ranking second in batting average (.326), tied for first in home runs (14) and first by a bunch in RBI’s (61) entering Sunday. With a couple of more hits including a solo shot in a 13-8 home loss to Oakland, he continues to rip it up. With nobody tearing it up like the NL, can Hamilton win the triple crown? Crazy thought but one which might be in reach if he continues his surge.

2.Chipper Jones is hitting over .400 on the first day of June. Sure. The switch hitting third baseman probably will cool down but his remarkable start has been awesome. The 36 year-old career Brave shows no signs of slowing down entering today with a gaudy .413 average, 12 dingers, 35 RBI’s and 40 runs scored. He’s just two homers shy of 400 for what’s been a brilliant 14-year career which is Cooperstown bound. Chipper’s always been one of the most consistent performers who could hit for average, power and drive in runs. A perennial winner.

3.Amazing how Tampa Bay is now just called the Rays and are suddenly boast the AL’s best record. They have a budding star in center fielder B.J. Upton along with former 2006 first round pick Evan Longoria manning the hot corner. The lineup is plenty potent including the likes of Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford but hitting was never the issue when it came to all the losing down in Tampa. They always lacked enough pitching to compete seriously. However, by swapping outfielder Delmon Young for Matt Garza combined with the continued emergence of ace Scott Kazmir and reliable No.2 James Shields, the Rays finally have a staff which can pitch deep into games. Even ex-Dodger farmhand Edwin Jackson has chipped in. Troy Percival’s addition to the pen closing games has been a blessing allowing J.P. Howell, Al Reyes and Dan Wheeler to setup. Suddenly, Tampa is no longer a laughingstock. So, can they stay near the top? Who knows? They’re a young up and coming ballclub. We won’t really know the answer until August.

4.With another win today, the Cubs now own the majors best record at 36-21. Must really be a century later. Lou Piniella’s balanced lineup which features stars Alfonso Soriano and Derrek Lee can supply plenty of offense. Third baseman Aramis Ramirez continues to rake and even veteran center field pickup Jim Edmonds is contributing. Japanese import Kosuke Fukudome has been a solid addition and veteran middle infielders Mark DeRosa and Ryan Theriot find their way on base. Rookie backstop Geovany Soto continues to slug giving the Cubbies a lethal middle order. The staff is anchored by Carlos Zambrano with former closer Ryan Dempster surprising as a seven-game winner who’s K-ing almost a batter an inning. Carlos Marmol is arguably baseball’s most dominant setup man throwing gas to pave the way for converted closer Kerry Wood. So far, so good. Maybe the century long wait could really be over come October.

5.Can anyone get out Chase Utley? The Phillies’ second baseman slugged his MLB-leading 20th dinger in a 7-5 win over the Marlins to lift the defending NL East champs back into first. Last year, he was our pick for NL MVP. Had he not missed time, Utley very well could’ve won the award over shortstop teammate Jimmy Rollins. Perhaps this is the year he takes it.

Normally, I list a whole bunch of random stuff floating around my brain. But being that it’s kind of late here in Shaolin, NYC and I need some rest, I did have this one random musing which I felt like issuing:

-This isn’t something I feel totally comfortable saying but it must be stated anyway. This blog represents a lot of things. I’ll never beat around the bush on any issue. I’m always game for pretty much anything. Especially revolving around sports. Lately, the Mets have been getting plenty of press both negative and positive for finally responding to management backing Willie Randolph. They had reeled off three in a row including a fascinating extra inning comeback win over the Marlins which was reminiscent of 2006. Then David Wright bashed the ball jacking a couple out off favorite Met target Brad Penny. They finally were back to .500 and starting to play the kind of winning baseball most had expected. Then came last night where resurgent reliever Aaron Heilman imploded. Given a one-run lead to protect, he permitted four straight hits allowing the Dodgers to score five in the eighth on their way to a 9-5 win evening the four-game series headed into the weekend. As usual, the customary boos were back at Shea from disgruntled fans who expect their team to win every game. Since when is that even plausible?!?!?!?!?! Let’s face it. New York sports fans are spoiled rotten. When our teams don’t perform on a given night, the majority of us including yours truly act like it’s the end of the world. When did it become this way? I don’t know. But it just seems common these days to have a sky is falling mentality. I’ll readily admit to bashing the Rangers even writing them off last February when they looked deader than Hillary Clinton’s Presidential campaign. Then they played to capability finishing fifth in the East and derailing the rival Devils in five before losing in identical fashion to the Pens the next round. As someone who’s been very critical of the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants and of recent Yankee teams which got off to miserable starts only to make October again, I have developed a more patient approach. These days, I’m not so caught up in how many games the Yanks are trailing Boston by or the wildcard. Baseball is an extremely long season and there’s still over 100 games to go. It just seems to me that our town has become lame. You read the papers and nerds like Kevin Kernan are psychoanalyzing everything like it really matters. Oh really?!?!?!?!?! Last I checked it was May 31st with four entire months left in the season. Does winning games now help teams down the road? Absolutely. It’s one less win they’ll need down the stretch. However, it’s far from life and death the way people in this town have made it become. Listening to the WFAN airwaves has become tedious. How many more recycled debates could they have? It’s just dull. How about covering other sports? The NBA Finals should be darn good and the Stanley Cup even if Sidney Crosby’s mug makes me want to vomit is at least watchable with the Pens trying to square their series tonight against the very gifted Red Wings. I just am fed up with how we handle stuff. There’s so much more out there. It truly is the best city in the world. My advice to those using bags to breath in and out on their beloved teams is get some air and suck it in. Live a little! It will pay off in the end.

-Nice response by the Mets this weekend in Arizona taking two of three. Ya don’t think Billy Wagner had something to do with it? Jose Reyes had a real good series going 5-for-11 with three extra base hits including two triples, three runs scored, two RBI’s and a  stolen base in each game. It’s the first time all season he’s had steals in three straight.

-Ryan Church continues to impress with four hits and his fourth homer in the series opening 7-2 win. The 29 year-old right fielder who was acquired with catcher Brian Schneider from the Nationals for Lastings Milledge is looking like a steal. He leads the team in hitting with a .318 average, four home runs, 22 RBI’s and 23 runs. Church also boasts a respectable .382 on-base percentage and has played solid defense which included a key toss out of Chris Burke, who was trying for third in a tie game with nobody out in the eighth Sunday. It was Church’s fourth assist of the season.

-How about Melky Cabrera’s sudden power boost. With a two-run dinger in yesterday’s 8-2 Yankee win over Seattle to complete their first three-game sweep of 2008, the 23 year-old center fielder now has six homers in 103 at bats. Last season, the Melk Man hit only eight in 545 ABs. The switch hitter had a very good Spring Training and has carried it over so far. You just wonder if it’s legit. In this day and age, that’s what it’s come to sadly.

-The Yanks also have to be pretty happy with Darrell Rasner’s first start. He went six strong permitting only a two-run Adrian Beltre homer in the first while scattering five hits and striking out four to pickup his first win. Most importantly, he didn’t issue a walk.  Just maybe the 27 year-old from Nevada can give the staff a boost. 

-Roger Clemens is sorry because his personal life is in ruins and there’s virtually no way to recover that no matter what statements he makes.

-It’s amazing how well Oakland is playing. Despite retooling by unloading stars Dan Haren and Nick Swisher, here they are playing solid ball winning 19 of their first 33 games with the third best record in the American League. I criticized him but it turns out that GM Billy Beane does know what he’s doing. Greg Smith, who was one of the players acquired in the Haren deal from Arizona is off to a 2-1 start with a 2.54 ERA allowing 27 hits in 39 innings with 13 walks and 31 strikeouts. As evidenced by their 18 homers, the A’s don’t hit for much power which is why reclaiming veteran slugger Frank Thomas could be a wise move. He’s had success there before.

-Even with some questionable calls and non ones, the younger Pens were the better team. They just had too much speed, size and skill for the Rangers even if Jaromir Jagr turned back the clock with 15 points (5-10-15) in only 10 postseason games. If this was the last of him in the NHL, he’ll be sorely missed. No.68 truly is one of the most fun players to watch. He never complained about how many times he was hacked and didn’t take Oscar Award winning dives to draw calls unlike a certain superstar. He just played the game which is how it’s supposed to be. Too bad the NHL doesn’t seem to think so.

-Evgeni Malkin was the best player in the series and dominated the puck. The no-look backhander he scored on to beat Henrik Lundqvist was ridiculous. It’s the 21 year-old Russian who deserves all the accolades along with some endorsements. Though his slewfoot of Paul Mara was uncalled for. Pull that in the next series against a tougher Flyer team and he could pay the price.

-Has anyone ever complained more than Michel Therrien despite winning the series in five games? Apparently, he learned well how things are done on his club.

-He doesn’t always do the right things on the ice but we’re wishing Ranger Sean Avery the very best as he recovers from a lacerated spleen. The NHL needs more Averys in the game who are willing to mix it up. They’ve become a bland league with boring intermission segments and blah quotes from even their best players. That doesn’t get ratings. They need more colorful analysts who will speak their mind instead of being afraid of their shadows like the hypocritical league. Sucking up to stars doesn’t work. Neither does being serious all the time. We suggest they watch TNT’s NBA coverage cause it doesn’t get much better.

-He can say whatever he wants but until Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal in the best three-of-five at Roland Garros, the No.1 ranked Swiss player isn’t as good on the red surface.

-Anyone who doesn’t watch Spurs/Hornets will be missing a great series. Even if Bruce Bowen bitches about every call against him. Tony Parker against Chris Paul is worth every penny. And could someone please explain to me why the Spurs are boring? Why? Cause they execute in the halfcourt and play solid D unlike teams such as the Nuggets and Suns. Parker and Manu Ginobili are fun players to watch. Tim Duncan might not show a lot of emotion emulating a robot but he’s one of the game’s greatest players.

-Unless he performs up to expectations against the Pistons, Dwight Howard doesn’t deserve to be tossed around with the Duncans, LeBron’s and Kobe’s.

-It’s okay now to tell the Avalanche to cover Detroit’s Johan Franzen. Oops. Too late!

-Ditto the Canadiens and finding the Flyers’ R.J. Umberger. After the way Carey Price performed, maybe Canada really is jinxed.

-That four overtime epic between San Jose and Dallas was as good as it got. You talk about great hockey and awesome goaltending from Evgeni Nabokov and Marty Turco, it was the kind of game which anyone could enjoy featuring great skating, hitting and awe inspiring battles. So much for that magic 33 theory. Maybe next round!